You guys have been printed this out, but you >> these are the things that I wear with me. So, >> let's see. Do they have good Well, those don't look very um >> But I know I have them on, so I know how to be careful. Yeah. >> I also don't like that, you know, when I
get into my car and then I say, "Oh, I have to." I don't feel >> Yeah. It's hard to drive and and the Yakra >> driving shoes used to be a thing, you know. >> Yeah. >> When Clerk Youth Center, >> I know who that is. >> Hasn't he finished that book yet? He's
always >> I actually started reading a book yesterday. I'm reading a very good book. >> I'm trying to do something on electronics at least one day. >> Yeah, that's a good idea. >> Not easy.
>> We have a lot of minutes. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Some of them will brief. >> All right. Since it's five o'clock, I'll call this to order. let my computer figure itself out. Um, so we'll call the select board meeting to order for
January 20th, 2026. Um, and to review the agenda. Um we have first public comment and then next we have review the minutes of the
6th at 4, the 6th at 5, the 7th, the 12th and 9:30, and the 12th at 10. All in January, we have the poll hearing uh for National Grid and the Verizon poll. review and approve the volunteer
liability waiver policy and volunteer handbook. Highway Department check-in and plow. We're going to skip over Dave has been out plowing um and we'll just
skip over that and take it off our agenda along with discussing plowing priorities for town buildings. Um, so those two are being skipped over. I guess >> that will be done at a later >> later date. Yeah. Yep. >> Um,
>> discuss AI Gemini use in town for town email accounts. Approve the appointment of Christopher O'Neal to library custodian. Approve the appointment of Eduardo Reyes to the recycling and solid waste committee. Uh, accept fire
department. The motion of Ridge Trumbull to Deputy Chief sign and retail sign review and sign retail liquor license renewal annual report for the ABC and
the Chesbury Athletic Club. Um, review and sign FY2.6 six rule development fund standard contract form contract authorizations signatory listing and then town administrator report. >> Um
there anything else we should add? >> Any unanticipated? >> Yes, we um we were able to come to terms with the contract for the police chief. So if it's amendable to folks, I would like to add that so that we can get that settled in.
I'm I'm okay with that. >> That's good. That's fine. >> All right. So, we can do that. Um >> I don't know. I say we might want to do that early so Deon wants as much as he's probably
>> um how about if we do that uh either right before the pull hearing or right after the pull hearing. Does select board have a >> It's just or we just do it. Yeah. >> Okay. All right. >> Fine. So public comment
>> first for the public comment. Okay. >> Anyone here in the room or online had a public comment? Please both raise your raise hand feature. Uh Mary Lou I see you. >> Hi good afternoon. My name is Mary Lou
Kanka. Um and I live on Wendell Road. I have a couple of questions about the agenda. Um, you have written down JO pulls and I have no idea what that means. Also, um, the AI Gemini, which is
I guess some kind what you're trying to get set up for email communication within the town. And my question about that is would the public then have to have AI Gemini in order to communicate
with the town? That's two. And the third um the new maintenance person for the library. I wondered if that position opened and what the candidate pool may
have been. Thank you. Susie's for National Grid. If we're going to call petitions, JO just means jointly owned between National Grid and Verizon. >> Thank you. I appreciate that. Um, did you hear that, Mary Lou? J means jointly
owned. >> Thank you. Yes. >> Um, and as far as the other one, um, if you want to hang on, we can discuss those two things when those agenda items pop up. Public comment is usually for
comments that are not pertaining to agenda items. So, if you want to hang on with us, Mary Lou, as we get to those other topics, we can hopefully answer those questions for you. >> Very good. Thank you. >> Uh, anybody else have a public comment?
Meno? Yeah, I don't know if the if um Donna brought it to your attention already or not, but the attorney general's office issu has been issuing a bunch of rulings on the um bylaws and so they recently
approved the um data center moratorum uh zoning bylaw amendment that came out today and uh already approved the safe communities bylaw and um Lake Wyola uh speed and safety bylaw. So just want to
bring that >> much appreciated M. Thank you. Um okay, anybody have further public comments? Right. Um as Haley said um we did reach an agreement with um Dean Plet here, our
newly appointed police chief um contract. So, um, as we need to, that's done in executive session, but we always return to open session to sign the contract. So, um, do I hear a motion to
execute the contract with Devon Pelleters, our police chief? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Carol, I stuck. I >> make Pet. I can't. >> Congratulations. >> Would you like to start us off?
>> Yes. Three copies last page. Thank you. Take that out. refilling that date there. >> Oh, yes. Today is the what? 20th. >> 20th. Sorry. >> That's right. >> Yes, I will do that. This is a nice one.
Pensley pets. Oh yes name. >> Thank you very much. >> Congratulations. >> Yes. >> All right.
>> All right. >> Okay. All right. Moving along. Um so we approve the It's um >> January second. >> Yes. Do we want to take them all in one lump vote or do we want to take them
individually? >> Second individually. >> Individually. Okay. Do I hear a motion to approve January 6, 2020 uh January 6, 2026 4pm minutes for the select board? >> So moved. >> Okay. Um >> second. >> All right. Were there any edits or
clarifications? No, I was good. Good. So, it was nice. All right. >> Some change on something. I don't know which one they I couldn't. My printer was gone through so I couldn't >> I don't know which one it is actually. My mistake. Not that one though. I know those. >> Okay. Not this one. >> No.
>> So, all those in favor of approving >> I Dr. I. Um do I hear a motion to approve the January 6, 2026 5:00 p.m. um meeting minutes? >> So moved.
>> Second. Okay. Uh any clarifications or um >> that was okay. >> All right. Um all those in favor I >> thank you sir Neil I. Do I hear a motion for January 7th meeting minutes?
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Any edits or clarifications? >> Are those the ones about the uh I just can't remember. Are they the ones about the um when we were in interviewing uh Devon?
>> No, those were the sixth. >> This was a contract. >> Okay, that's okay. >> The sixth I actually was something. Wait, I should change that. But that's okay. We'll get >> I guess we want to go back to that. >> Um all those in favor of the approving the
seven >> Carol I. >> Stalker I >> do you want to make an amendment or do you want to make a motion again? Yeah, the six. There's two things. One, um, these are really minor changes. >> The 400 p.m. or the 5mm. >> The 5:00 p.m. Um, and I I can't remember what number it is, but it has what one
of those BC and all that. There's a whole bunch of changes and one of them mentions AIC and there should be the word has been. >> Oops. >> And the other thing is in and that was in B section B. And then section E was
um it says the town administrator is a it's the extension the the select board is an extension of the town administrator and I think it's the other way >> other way around. Yes. >> Yes. Not too big of here but
>> no you're right. You're right. Um >> I think I think it just get picked up put in backwards. >> Okay. Um, so do I have a motion to revote the approval of minutes for January 6? >> So move. Okay. Second. >> All in favor of revoting.
>> Barl I. >> Stucker. I >> make peace. So O'Neal I. Um, so do I have a motion to approve the minutes as amended for January 6, 2026, 5:00 p.m.? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor?
>> Carol. I >> make peer. Um, do I hear a motion to approve the minutes of January 12th, uh, 2026 at 9:30 a.m.? >> So moved. >> Second. >> All those um, any edits or, uh,
clarifications? >> No. >> All in favor? >> Carol. I, >> stuck. I, >> Mike Pil. And, lastly, do I hear a motion to approve the January 12th, 2026 10 a.m. minutes? So moved. >> Second.
>> Um, any edits or clarifications? All those in favor, >> Harl I. >> Stalker I >> make peace of Neil I. >> Perfect. Thank you Brennan for preparing all of those and Haley for that as well.
Um all right. So next we are moving on to the National Grid um and Verizon poll hearing for Pratt Corner Road for the installation of nine jointly owned poles with relocation of eight jointly owned
poles. So I will open the hearing for that. Um if and I didn't catch your name. >> Steve >> Steve Susie is here as well as Ahmad Incer. >> He's the contract.
>> Perfect. Perfect. Um so I'd like to open that up now. Um Steve, would you like to give us a rund down? of square restriction uh beginning at a point9 ft west of the center line of crack corner road and road which would be installing
new 1-50. Um, we're petitioning to install uh new minst poles 1-50, 5-50, 6-50, 7-50, 9-50, 10-50, 12-50, 14-50, 16-50,
and relocate eight poles, poll 2, 3-50, poll 4, 8-50, poll 9, pole 12, poll 13, and poll 15. Um the reason for this is starting u there is a new solar farm co-generation
farm. So starting from there we're upgrading the wires to heavier um size wires and spacer cabling. So uh that way from the substation on pract road all the way up to lever road you'll have updated lines and spacer cable connected
to everything. >> Okay. All right. Um, so do >> when you say we don't question when you said there's a new solar installation, I mean there's there's a solar installation that's been there for a number of years. Well, yes, it takes a
while for me to get some of these plans to get to another place, but yes, as of um this was in my work that I for sent to Mohamad or the other some uh
external designers that we had, but it was there. I I can look up to see when this solo go. Yes, it might be two or three years ago that that was installed. uh maybe more but then it's just that now we're upgrading all the wires um and
it takes a while and we just upgraded you know 11 road this year and all through you know all the way up to window anyway so that that was done now we can do this section of upgrading up to the new updated wires on leak
>> well it has the diamond wires that Wendle has >> yeah this is upgrading it from uh just on crossons to the diamond shape which is spacer cable. Um and we have to split these spans because there's a lot more tension and then with the upgraded wires
there'll be a lot more heavier wires. So uh which would increase um the electric load capacity of the wires and we put on a spacer cable just the shape of it the tension that really itself cuts down and outages holes like fall off the wire a
lot more easily. So, one question is whether or not um have you spoken with either our town's conservation commission about this yet or or do you have to do that or >> we do any any training job, not just this one. Uh we do go through
environmental checklist. Uh the only thing that I could find when I reviewed it is there's a there's a stream up near Crack Corner Road and Lever World that's already existing going under the road, right? Uh and so something like that we do environmental
um you know checklist for and say yeah here's a new pole but it's poles are being set within 10 ft of an existing road within the street right away. Usually we have an exemption for that but the there is an environmental review anyway sent to our environmental
consultants that work with us and they will check with uh the town of the conservation board if we need to get a permit of any kind. So, it's up to you to decide to get the permit, not the No, you don't. >> No, the environmental consultant will
contact the town and they'll discuss it. >> Right. Right. >> That's still pending just because you wait until Okay, we approve the poll locations and then if there's anything, it will go to there's any questions to the town conservation commission.
>> I know you don't make the rules, but doesn't those rules seem to backwards? But why would the select board approve those those polls if the conservation commission might have to look at them and approve them disapproved later? A
lot of them too it it depends on what needs to be trimmed. So there might be some trees that they'll talk about can we cut it down completely or we just trim it. So and then they'll they'll discuss
that. There is on here there's several trees that have been noted um that will be trimmed or would need be but then they'll discuss it with the town office the conservation commission and then the negotiation with that
>> and the other question is I I hate to be p I'm just sort of all things but one thing that happens is and I know what happened um on the that first project you mentioned down road um The town incurs a lot of costs when bowls are
changed because we have to ret take take our we own the broadband network in the town. The town broadband has to change from one set of balls to a new set of PS obviously. Is there any um reimbursement from the town for that or could there be or is there any
precedent for a reimbursement on that? Do you know about that? >> Um when we put the polls in and someone has a space they transfer over. Um, a lot of times people will request our holes be upgraded to put in new sets of wires. Then there's a cost. Um, but
that's that would all be done with like the billing and agreement between if the town owns the cable with the with that cable company, that would already be set for the condition of service and the okay to attach to the
poles. There's an agreement in the contract and whatever that contract says. I don't know. But that's all contractions. >> But Gail has a question. She is um part of our broadband. Gail. >> Yeah. Hi Gail Hendris uh South Laurel uh
MLP manager. So just want to want to clarify that. Yes. Every time a an infrastructure upgrade happens from the utility companies that the license that we have and the contract with them transfers to the new polls. So we don't have to go through a new make ready process. We don't have to reapply for
their polls. However, there is a cost associated that where we have to move our uh fiber network from the old pole to the new pole. This is standard. We're a third-party attacher for for national grid. So the problem comes or the
challenge comes when for example the 7 mi of um Levert Road and Locks Pond and and going all the way down to Lake Wyola was upgraded in the last couple years. It cost us nearly $200,000 about $188,000
uh to move on our entire network to the new poles. So I think what Eric is is understandably asking here is is there any precedent when a utility company upgrades these poles um to uh you know
kind of give money back to the town for the cost that we will incur for the upgrade. >> That's all like postd design post construction. Um that's you know um
someone from the town liaison could look at your contract and con contact you back but that's something that goes like I said that's on a contract and what whatever is in the contract I don't know uh you would know that more than me but
that's these things happen all the time we upgrade lines you know communication companies transfer um and whatever the cost that is that's all in the contracts in tariffs with the state because the state approves that and I don't know the
answer to that. I will have someone look into that and contact you back, but I don't have the answer other than it's somewhere in the DAR, I'm sure. >> Yes, it's not it's not in our current contract. I think the real question is,
is there any precedent for this? Um, I would love the name of the uh liaison for the town with uh National Grid and and Verizon so that I can reach out to them. Yeah, I we will get that information. I
don't know because I know it just recently changed so I don't have it off the top of my head, but I will get that and um send it to the town administrator and and you Gail just writing down. >> Yeah, just send it to Haley. We're in
touch. >> I I had a question for Gail. Um yeah, what is the nature of that contract um that we have? So we have a contract now with National Grid to use their
poles. Is that is that the deal? >> Correct. So uh we have a contract both with National Grid and Verizon, separate contracts with either company. The reason there's two companies is because of that JO question uh that Mary Lou asked. They're jointly owned. So, we
have to have a contract with with both of those entities. Um, it is an evergreen contract. So, it it it it lives through the life of their presence in town. Um, and and where however long that they have polls
in the town that it um uh say it renews it. It's not a it's not a term contract. Um, I can share it with anybody who wants public record. Um, and um, it is
it specifies us as a third-party attacher. So, essentially what we're doing is we're renting space on the poles that they own. Um, we need to provide proof of insurance and we pay a rental fee every year for those poles.
So, and it it's nothing nefarious there. It makes sense, right? they're paying for the upkeep and if a pole breaks they have to fix it. All that's true. The unexpected costs come for some of these upgrades and we've had an unusual number
of them in in shoots and um so it you know it has had a negative impact on that. Um I do want to point out that infrastructure upgrades um are also benefit the network in the way that the
poles are sturdier. Right? These are these are newer, better, often larger poles. So, um it's not that we're we're we get nothing for an upgrade like this. Um but it is costly >> and because it's a municipality, it's a
little bit different than a Verizon paying for um for the use of the pole. I mean, it's we're a municipal light power company. >> Correct. Correct. It is it is a strange arrangement that we would never be
having this conversation because if we were say Comcast, right, and and renting the space from Verizon National Grid on on these it's it's they're coming to the poll hearing, but also we have equipment on the polls. That's that's not kind of
normal, but it is something that that affects a lot of towns in in Massachusetts. Um, have I tried to get municipal municipalities reclassified as not a third-party attacher and a different kind of attacher? You bet I
have. And uh they threw a hundred lawyers at us and it didn't work. But there it is. >> Okay. Yeah. Good. Thank you. >> We appreciate the attempt to skill. >> The town also get to to be fair, the town also, I believe, gets more tax revenue from the upgraded towns, the
upgraded polls. That that's correct, isn't it? That's my understanding as well that um every one of these utility pole upgrades means that uh we get tax money because
there's a presence of um uh a a kind of it's not property but a thing of value that's happening in this town. >> Yeah. Increased value. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. And it was it was not insignificant with that seven uh mile stretch. Um, I want to say it was in the
hundreds of thousands of dollars in in tax revenue that came from that. >> Yeah. I see Mary Lou has a question, but before I open it to the public, was there any more questions with the select for? >> Yeah. The other question I have is going back to for one second to the uh
question of >> so that people can hear. I'm afraid if you're talking that way, can you hear Eric? I >> can they hear me? I would think so. For the first time anyone ever said they couldn't hear,
but uh my question was whether or not um I lost my translator. >> Sorry. >> That's what I was trying to do. >> Yeah. Oh, I know. If if if there's somebody in town, and I know there is somebody in town who has concerns about the vernal ponds and so forth and pools
and that they'll the polls might be near them. What would they contact our conservation commission or how do they how do they proceed? So they're >> uh that would be it. Um have them uh contact the conservation commission. Uh if there is for an active
job like this um like I said we we when we check and even designers there's mass mapper um there's the mass DOP wetlands map and then we click on those to say oh here it is here's where all this stuff
is. So, like I said, I didn't see anything on here on this particular job except for a screen that's already under the existing road. Uh, if there is and there's an issue, um, then the environmental consultant takes up with
that. And if it's, um, bigger enough, then they take they, you know, if we design it, it goes off to them. they'll contact them, get somewhat approval or approval ahead of okay, here's the post
edition here. And a lot of times if I if we or any of the designers know like whoops we're really near you know a protected property or um some in you know an environmental sensitive area then we know enough to say okay contact
someone ahead of time and conservation commission and say hey we want to plan to put something here. Um but yeah, they call them and if it's in then they'll get to the designers and to you know someone from National Grid the environmental consultants and the job
owners customer or business connection reps and then you know go through the proper chance. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Um a question too before I open it to the public. When was the um when was it
supposed to start? When were you starting to replace them? Well, we get this and then it'll go into scheduling that, you know, >> it could be months. Yeah. >> Okay. Just um Mary Lou, >> hi. I have a few questions. The
gentleman sitting I'm not sure where he's from. Um but you used a phrase co-generation and I wonder if you could explain that. Also, why does the town of Shutzer need nine new of these jointlyowned poles and
is it has to do any relation to solar fields? And my third um concern is and Eric kind of touched on it that I I if I were sitting at the select board
there, I think tonight you're going to make a vote and I don't I would not vote until consultation with the um conservation commission. The gentleman sitting said something
that they you have your own environmental consultant, you know, which is probably a private company that you all hired and personally I would be suspicious of
their outcome. I would be more trusting of the outcome of our own conservation commission. And I say that because we're on groundwater and I know these poles have to go deep into the earth.
So that's my lay person um questions and concerns. Thank you. >> Solar code generational to solar fields. You know there's power plants that go through the lines and whether someone is a personal on their house on the roof it's co-generation. and it back feeds
back onto our lines and it co-generates along with the power plant. Um, and you know, upgrading stuff take a while to get through. Um, but I'm sure this upgrade is due to a solar generation
solar faron that's needs to be upgraded where it's it begins right at the entrance of the solar. So, I'm sure that is the reason for this. Um usually for anything we do have an exemption because
if if there's a road uh within 10 ft of road we put our poles and you know try the the guy wires as well um like I said and there's really didn't have any environmental sensitive areas um streams
or wetlands or anything u priority habitats are real um protected species adds on mass mapper Um, and so we do put our poles in, but it's 6 feet in the ground. >> Excuse me. You did mention an
underground stream. So I can only figure that you all have found some underground stream that you have found >> that goes underneath the road. That's >> it's a covert already. It's a It goes
under the road already. There's a covert there. >> It's not an underground street. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's It's above ground and it's and it has a covert already underneath the road. >> Okay. Uh any other questions?
>> Oh, wait a minute. I'm sorry, Melissa. Could we know who the environmental consultant people are that are going to work with um that company? Steve, do you know who that is?
>> Uh, not off the top of my head. Usually a lot of the someone in our environment told us depending on what's there, they'll go through with it and if they find nothing, then it doesn't go to >> the next house. Um, you know, there have
been instances where you go and there is protected hearing and someone built the house smack dab in the middle of it and then, you know, a full environmental review has to be done. But those are different people depending on it's wetlands depending if it's you know some
hazardous waste site which I'm assuming u share doesn't have many of those uh but in other areas like athol or wood um so it all depends on what specific issue there is >> and that will the appropriate
subcontractor >> Melissa are you voting this evening you all um while the We have to talk about that as a select board. We hadn't prior um we were having a poll hearing I believe to
vote on that but um the three of us have to talk about that when we get to the end of the poll hearing. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Yes. I got a question for Gail. Um, so Gail, um, I just want to confirm that it
was from your vantage point and the MLP having updated polls is a positive thing. Is that >> Huh? That is that is a good question. Um, >> um, and I I I would say I can't answer
that with any real data. our network was working fine on old falling apart poles. It works fine now. You know, it's like it comes to the test when you get this huge ice storm or, you know, or something like that. So, it it hasn't really really been been been tested yet.
Um, and I also want to make it clear that our current contractual obligation means that the uh utility companies can make these upgrades and and we pay for them. You know what I mean? like we move our we move our our equipment to the new poles. This is our contractual
agreement. So nothing bad or or like wrong is happening there. This is how the system works in terms of of um uh sem we'll call it semi-public utilities right of of you know these other companies along with our um along with
our network. >> So I I can ask to jump in. It's not specific to broadband, but it is specific to the poles that have already been updated in town, Leverett and Wendell. Um, I live on a place that doesn't have those upgraded lines, and
West Palmer loses their electricity far more now than Wendle loses their electricity. Um, it has to do probably with the cut back of those lines too when they put the poles in their they're trimming as well, but they're also stronger. Right. Right. There's a different type of cable. So
from a personal experience level, um I think there is a benefit to upgrading the lines to something that is more stable. >> Yeah. >> And bowls last about 70 years or so. A lot. Um so they're
going to be all set and in good condition for decades now. So >> I didn't realize they lasted that long. It's worth mentioning too, electric use is not necessarily going down, particularly people have like EVs at
home like that. So, you need there's >> any other questions before we ourselves. What does the select board feel like? Do you feel like I mean you were suggesting that do we want to have any consultation? We haven't heard anything
from the conservation commission. >> No, we haven't. Um and I I guess I believe the system is as Steve suggesting and I think I think it it is sort of backwards in a sense where if they don't see any problems then the
conservation commission isn't contacted because they think everything's cool. And it's kind of like a weird way to do it to me, but I feel that's the way it is. >> I mean, we we could hold off and then give the Conservation Commission an
opportunity to to weigh in if they wanted us to consider and then vote at the next >> next meeting >> meeting on the full hearing. If that's >> that's okay with me. I I just I mean, yeah. I mean, we I know we have residents in town who think that the
there are issues with the vernal pool and so forth and >> well, one thing on here too is this is gave people notice to come with any concerns, right? >> So, no one that includes any and all members of the conservation commission,
right? >> So, if they saw this and and they and they can look at what's in town, too. Um I'm assume you I would assume that they looked at it because they're the conservation commission briefly and said, "Yeah, there's nothing here.
There's no sensitive area." Um like I said, if someone has a specific area they're talking about other than Well, let's verify. I >> I can't I look up the I can forward you
the email. Um but >> um I was just looking to see if maybe Kong talked about it on their last meeting. >> Matt made up a comment about that. >> Yeah. >> Um so the conservation commission did reach out uh to this project. Um I
contacted them on December 18th to sort of clarify that you know the utility exception doesn't apply if there is a poll that is within 10 ft of a resource area. and we had received a comment from in a butter to the project stating that there is a certified vernal pool uh
within 10 ft of one of the poles. And so I sent an email reminding the project that they needed to apply to the conservation commission for the appropriate permits if that was the case and letting them know that if they were not sure if it was the case, they could set up a site visit with the commission.
Um, and they confirmed that they received the email and that was the that's where it ended. There was never any uh request to set up a site visit with the commission and there was never any uh letter or application sent to the commission about this project as opposed
to the poll on Monigu Road um where let's see there was a notification of utility maintenance activities uh for a pole project there that was addressed at the January concoming >> it was so no one gave specifically a
specific address, a specific poll number for this. >> I'm just trying to say if it's just a concern in general and it doesn't apply. >> No, this was there's there is a the the contact person the this the resident who complained did give their address um and
indicated that there's a um a certified vernal pool on the property within 10 ft of of where this pole is going. Um, and that's why for the conservation commission, I reached out to the project to ask for uh
clarification and to offer a site visit. Um, and we never heard back. So, that's where it ended. >> What's Yeah, I I would say you should wait. That's that's >> Yeah, I think um I mean a long time get
back in touch with the conservation commission say we want to hear from you. >> I mean on that particular Okay. All right. So, we will keep the believe we keep the hearing open until the next meeting. We don't close it tonight. Um
and then Haley, will you reach out to the conservation commission asking that question? Yep. >> Um so, we'll put this on our agenda also for uh February. There >> um
perfect. Okay, sounds good. Right. Um, sorry Stephen and Muhammad, we couldn't decide tonight until we hear the conservation commission on that. Um,
Hilly, can you forward Steve the address of that poll? >> So, do we need a vote to leave it open or are we just leaving it open? >> I think we we have to vote to close it and then vote um >> okay approve it. We're not voting to a close. >> We're not closing. Leave it open until
>> table >> table. Yeah. Okay. >> Continuing it. >> Continuing it. So, I'm going to make a motion that we continue the hearing that >> um until >> I'll second that >> until after you've had an opportunity to consult with the conservation commission.
>> Okay. Second. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> Carol. I >> perfect. Right. So, you'll check in with them then. Okay. Awesome. All right. Thank you everybody. Um Oh, second. >> Thanks, Steve.
>> Um moving on to review and approve the volunteer liability waiver policy uh and the volunteer handbook. >> Yeah. >> Take it away, Bailey. >> Yes. So, um this spurred by a discussion between Maryanne and I about, you know,
when should volunteers have to sign a waiver? Um you know, basically what's our our risk of liability? So, I've just drafted something pretty straightforward. You know, anytime a volunteer is going to be doing any kind of physical labor, if they're in a, you know, a sensitive environment like say
the fire department or place outdoors, um, whenever they're operating town equipment, if they're traveling on behalf of the town, if they work with vulnerable populations like seniors or students, and like one-time events, um, you know, then we can just have all the
waiverss signed. um and recorded and that part is pretty I think pretty straightforward. And then so I also created a release form based off of something that Donna had sent me earlier and just jazzed it up a
little bit so it'll be um pretty clear to the volunteers what is expected and why. And then finally, based on our new personnel policy, I just went in and kind of cleaned it up so that it would be more suitable to a volunteer position. You know, we don't
need all the legal ease required in that. We just want volunteers to understand basics like confidentiality, um, you know, ethics, conflicts of interest, you know, you can't use a a town position to lobby or do any kind of political partying. um you know what we
expect about harassment, using up of town resources, health and safety and you know and so on. So it's pretty straightforward. Um I've done things like this you know on Ammer and Bernerson we worked with a lot of volunteers at the senior center and it's
just always good to have people sign something that says you're going to we expect you to act a certain way um and to reduce our liability. self became >> so they aren't necessarily people like let's say the library is moving and leaving from one point to another and
there are 50 people moving books around someone hits hurts their back or slips on the ice or whatever is it I mean do they have to >> for me I would say like if I was coordinating that activity yeah I would probably just have everybody sign the
waiver go over it I wouldn't necessarily maybe go over the handbook so much if it's a one-time event but then once you have the waiver you can, you know, they're set for however long we want to go until we redo it. Um, so I personally would, especially for something like
that because if somebody did say, "Oh, I I, you know, I hurt my back or um, you know, unfortunately we're very ligious nowadays." So, it's always good to cover yourself, but I think it also for me the value of things like this is the liability covering, but it's also
setting an expectation that like we expect you to kind of work like this as a job. You know, um sometimes when you get volunteer help, you know, it's like, well, I'll show up when I want to or, you know, I'm going to Florida for the next four weeks and so I can't do my
volunteer shift anymore. And this I think kind of sets a good expectation that like we're relying on you and that's a two-way street. >> So this would apply to anybody on a committee. I mean right whole
>> we have a separate thing for committees. This to me volunteers means like someone helping at the library. It means someone um you know volunteering with seniors if they were doing like a program. Um, >> say you had an ice and you needed volunteers or something.
>> A painting project would be something like this. So, not necessarily that same like >> political category that a committee member has, but more of like a a help >> because when you're on a committee, you're considered to be a municipal
employee, a special municipality, right? >> Which has slightly different. So I I think it would be good because it is a little bit making that distinction but just saying if it's a volunteer um that
>> defining a volunteer right so it's not this does not include special municipal municipal employees >> or elected officials >> or elected are actually employees right that we fall under employee part
>> but it's just make yeah making That distinction is okay. Um >> I agree with that. >> So who else have besides then it is basically people working for the library? >> Well, we have people who volunteered to
come in here to paint this weekend. >> That's true. >> So but um just with the conflict of interest. So we all um take the course and we all have to sign you know that we've taken the
conflict of interest course but I don't you know saying volunteers must comply with the state ethics law. I mean that seems to me how are we we must avoid situations where your volunteer service results in personal
gain for yourself or a relative. I mean that that can happen. It depends. I mean, so you're going to be working with volunteers mostly in like your community based programs like your social departments, you know, like a school like public health, like senior centers.
Um, you know, sometimes it is the case that somebody volunteers and then they think that that entitles them to special treatment because they're a volunteer, so they should get first priority and whatever the case may be. Um, I think I could soften the language though to your point. I I definitely
>> I guess it's just what is what is the application and if we say they if they have to comply are they then >> out there maybe define it a little bit with some bullets if we want to list it >> our conflict of interest policy which would easier to do than I think and less
jargony than the state and it's a more modified version. >> Yeah. >> The town. Yeah. The town's because ours is based on the state. Do >> you have another copy of that thing there? you. >> Um I I make copies. >> Well, no, I mean I make copies for
myself, so you can take that one. >> Oh, actually that was my copy, but that's okay. >> I have it on my computer. >> Oh, you have it. I don't have it. >> Trying to keep my bag light. Yes. Um yeah,
>> they make it sound like programmatic. >> Yes, they wish people already. >> Yes. Yeah. rather than an ongoing >> mentor kind of >> like a little pocket of group a group of things.
>> I appreciate that. >> No, I think it's good. It's good to have the the safe. So, >> yeah, I feel like >> Yeah. And Maryanne did I mean because the library does use volunteers, did she review this? I mean, did she >> No, not yet. I thought I'd just clarify you guys and see if there's a consensus on
>> doing it. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. No, I think I think it's >> the risk that we have the risk management hat, right? That's part of our job. So, um I think this is um this falls under that nicely.
>> So, I say not vote on it tonight. It's like give you any other comments directly to you since if you didn't have a chance to take a look at it. Um and then um maybe run it by Miriam. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Just because she would be the
>> I'm trying to think. Did the um school well the school >> schools they have their own >> they have their own separate >> I'm trying to think of who else would have volunteers maybe the COA. No they wouldn't. They're a committee. >> Yeah. That kind of depends like if
they're if they're doing more programs then they would want to for sure and because you'd have to be Corey check too to be volunteering with seniors >> I think is anyone think she does the main number volunteers only things I can
think of is you know during an ice storm or something we may ask volunteers to help out the fire >> and anybody working with the fire department is an employee right so yeah Okay. All right. I think that's good.
So, any other comments? We just get back to you and then you'll check with um >> check with Maryanne and then we'll have that. >> I do see Penny's hand. Penny. >> I'm sorry, my dog is barking. It's hard for me to hear.
>> I think you recognized me. Mrs. P. >> Yes, I did. I'm sorry. Yes. Um, how does this work for the crew that Sorry, she thinks my husband's coming home. Um, hold on just a sec
here. >> Um, how does this work for the garden volunteers? Well, are you they're volunteers, but it's not operated through like a town department, right? So, I would say it doesn't necessarily fall within this. This is my thoughts like more for a town
department or a town >> turkey trap. >> Yeah. If you're a private group of citizens, you know, you wouldn't have, you know, I don't that's a lot of more paperwork. >> On the other hand, >> however, they are on top property. There's a group of a dozen people that
have been um caring for the town gardens for 15 years now. I mean, >> yes, we're >> they might apply, >> but it's not really under the opaces of anybody. >> I mean, we don't
>> But if a volunteer got I mean, I I'm only thinking of this because you're talking about liability and um litigation. I don't know. I don't want to cause a problem, but you know, we stand out on the road in front of the Burman.
>> Might be a good idea to put them. >> I think we should ask Donna. >> Yeah. Yeah, that's a good question for >> because it's not it's again, it's not a um it's not a town sanctioned activity, but I understand we're on town property. >> Yeah. I mean, you do run the risk, it
seems to me, of like at least a little bit to me. So, this is this like a little bit. Really? you're gonna like you want me to take these books from the library to there and you want me to sign a piece of paper that's six pages long. It's like, you know, part of me just goes, "Wait a minute."
>> Right. Yeah. You know, right after this, the ice storm of the one uh the big one we had 2008. Um the the one thing we didn't have and the one thing that Walter had to and the emergency management had to was turn
away people. Um because there was no uh form or you know like a like a waiver, right? >> Um the store might have turned out better on our end if we had had been able to use the people in town that have the
tree experience, but we weren't able to. So um it is important to have something if you're going to be doing something, >> right? um that may be a very specific one based on those sort of things, but it was just an example of where we had like we couldn't we had to wait National
Guard had to come in and do the stuff that maybe people in town could have could have gotten a head start on. So, um I think it's it's important to have some sort of a way of, you know, being the risk managers we are. >> I mean, it's a good good start. Good
good questions. >> I have one more comment. When you let people vet it, it might be worthwhile to let a couple volunteers look at it. >> Oh, that's a good idea. >> Okay. Are you volunteering then? >> A volunteer is volunteering. Oh my goodness. >> Volunteer. I would volunteer, but you
know, it's um >> she has to sign it before she does it. >> It's good to hear from the people that are being affected by what you're implementing to make sure >> it all makes sense. >> Exactly. and that the tone is right because you know the idea is not to make
it sound so draconian that you don't want to work but >> Right. Right. but appropriately so so everyone's safe. >> So they feel safe. Exactly. Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. So we'll um put this on our next
one to check in if you know. Okay. >> All right. >> Continue this one. >> Continue this one. >> All right. So what did we say those next? Those are third. Right. Two. Three. Okay. Um now going to uh discussing the AI Gemini use in the
town's um female accounts. >> Want to come up? >> Yeah, come up because it's very hard. You know, we really have to project because people have about us not so that's why likeing and talking behind us is >> just bring people. We should have
brought Steve table. >> Yeah. >> Um I brought this up. There was a the Forbes article was broadcast through CPR and it's poses the threat but doesn't detail
what it is and I don't know enough about the back end of security and stuff but what it raised in me immediately is what is how secure is our website how secure is our organizational emails
particularly where it says that AI is capable of copying any document that is in an email sent through the Gmail which you know right away I'm thinking account administrator fincom
um treasurer you know how perilous are we put out the um you use it a lot >> um and I wonder if you could use other things instead of Gemini I mean AI is all over the place. What I fear is the
invasiveness or the pos possibility of invasiveness and I don't know enough about that to know if that's a real technical threat or not. >> Mhm. >> And if the town is willing to take the risk and keep it there. It can be t I
the Gemini can be turned off globally on the back end of the organizational emails. Um, but that means that anybody's in a Gmail who wants to use it is denied access to it. >> So, a AI Gemini is part just for those
of us who are not kind of part of this world, it's it's a it's Google's >> Yes. >> artificial intelligence way of collecting information, right? Yes, I mean at the end stuff but mostly the collection part is what >> and so we don't so the the question is
is there any um jeopardy where let's say let's say we had I mean we have we have exchanges with our town council >> right through email um that's confidential
so could somebody you know through the artificial intelligence be pulling that information out and we would never know. I mean, we don't know how >> and it could be disseminated. It could be broadcast then. And that is my sense
of threat. Yeah. >> I wonder I mean Gail, you are our uh resident. Is she still here? >> I ran away when you asked that question.
Um so so so this is way outside my area of expertise for for not this job but my day job. Um the AI is just completely um bananas right now in terms of its infiltration into just about every
discipline out there. And so I do not unfortunately have any uh special in information about this. Everything is moving so fast, right? And and I think it's great that you're asking these questions, but I'm I'm afraid I can't I I can't give any guidance. I have no
idea. I I I I wish Yeah, I I I wish I I knew more. >> Um and I I I guess I would only just say like uh be conservative. Hang in there. Um as this changes and evolves, we're going to we're going to keep learning more about it. And um things are going
to happen >> and they're not all going to be good. Um and and and uh you can't I don't don't make yourselves nuts trying to solve for all these things because again it's happening too fast um to kind of keep up with it and to prevent all the worries.
>> Gail, do you have some way to direct us towards someone who might be able to assess our vulnerability in the Gmail system that's being used for the organization here? Um,
>> it's not just it's not just a web software issue or it's not just a >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And >> yeah, the the one that comes to to mind is KP Law. >> Are you guys familiar with them? >> They're they're they're they're like Massachusetts premier municipal law
firm. Um, I I have a feeling they probably um are tracking this pretty closely. That would be my only recommendation. >> Yeah, that's a good suggestion. And you know I was thinking about what you know what have other municipalities >> done. Yeah. I see it as a municipal problem.
>> Yeah. And >> it is it is a municipal problem. >> Yeah. Um and there's others too like there's co-pilot for outlook and there's um >> chat GBT >> chat >> GBT all those ones do this do do similar things >> right but that's not our
>> the no no I understand well if you have Microsoft office you have a pilot on your computer it's in those programs too >> right but our Gmail our organizational Gmail does not use that
>> correct because we Google and Microsoft are separate but but if you don't use Gemini Microsoft has their own co-pilot and so you could you know and um >> and just the fact of using Google does open you up even if Gemini is not there to
>> to document um harvesting. So can I ask um Haley how you would do could you give us an example of how you might use it just so >> a lot of examples um so I would agree I mean AI Google any tech company they
want your data because that's how they make profit so yes to your point there there is some risk in that but I don't know necessarily that it's a greater risk than someone clicking on a bad link you know or someone getting an invoice and then saying oh I I forgot to pay
this and putting in when it's fraudulent. I don't necessarily know that it's any greater risk than those things. And I would say based on some folks tech skills, that's that's a likely possibility. Um, but the things that I like about AI and in particularly
uh Gemini is, you know, obviously we have the Google suite, so everything's integrated. And what I might use it for is um you know I might upload the mass municipal uh open open meeting law and I can upload the entire open meeting law
and instead of having to go line by line you could say well what does the open meeting law say about this situation you know in this case do I have to you know post this meeting or not and it'll skim through the document and it'll tell you um I could say to AI um you know gee I
I'm working on a volunteer policy and here's my here's a PDF of my actual employee handbook but I need to simplify this so that it's suitable for a volunteer and then it'll spit something out and then I might say oh you know I don't really like that or I don't like how this sounds um so let
me just change it and I'll add my own flare or I might get an email from someone and I think oh gosh this person again um an AI can help you kind of you know make sure that that email sounds the the right way you want it you know,
can can you take out my tone? I don't, you know, I want to make sure that I'm being as neutral as possible in this email. So, can you can you help me take that out? >> So, in that case, it works like spell check or grammar check. >> Yeah. Right. Yeah. True. >> And then outside of that, so say I take our FY26 budget and I want to say, well,
you know, I need like a rough estimate. What can I expect expenses to be next year? It'll run a financial forecast for you. Or I can take the expense report that the accountant gives me all the expenses year-to- date and I can say uh give me the percentage of this budget or
what are some trends that are in this budget how many accounts are at 100%. Or at 0%. So it I mean so much and there's other platforms too like um Google also has a Google notebook LM. So, I can take, you know, say you need me to
research, I don't know, something about conservation. I can take a bunch of resources from the town, from outside. I can put it all into my notebook and it'll spit out, you know, a timeline of all the events. It'll make a a video for
me. If I don't want to read all the information, it'll make me a video. It'll make me um, you know, some an audio clip that I can just listen to. It'll sum up all the information, you know. So there's it's it's endless and it saves a lot of time because the one thing that I have definitely found is
that you know when I come in and I'm like oh great it's Monday morning and then it's like and then then there's like the the 50 emails so from over the weekend that I have to through and to be able to say well I don't have to spend as much time
on that because I know I can just cut some of it out. Um I kind of liken it to a calculator. you know, you wouldn't think twice about putting in two plus two and hitting enter. You don't necessarily need to think twice about saying, well, you know, how long, you
know, if I just search a Gemini, how long do I have to keep personal records in the state of Massachusetts? And it'll just tell me. >> As a tool, I can see that. Yeah. What I'm concerned about though is the invasive quality of that's >> So you're concerned about someone again
of Donna like we we Haley sends an email to Donna and that email is intercepted by somebody. How what do you what what do you >> that's what I don't know >> that's that's your question and and isn't anything we put out there accessible for AI? I mean the reason
that you can get these quick answers is that it has reaches into everything. So you could say okay I would like to know what is uh legal liability in Shsbury over the >> and it'll tell you. >> Yeah. >> And you know there's there's different programs too like one thing I do like about Gemini is it'll show like if you
ask it to do like a deep research project for you it'll show you its thinking. It'll tell you well I'm going to do X Y and Z. I'm going to look at these sources then I'm going to cross reference. So you can actually go in and say, "Well, I want to change I I don't want you to look at Sheets's website cuz
I don't want that, you know, I want you to look at like Beluretown's website." So you can be very specific with it. >> But like I said, I mean companies like Google, I mean, they have all our info anyway. >> It's I don't I don't necessarily know
>> Google so much. It's the people who Well, I see Jessica's up there. We've had this ongoing problem of somebody trying to log in to the COA account >> in New York and New Jersey. >> See, but I don't know. That's that's
kind of like a user thing though. That's not necessarily a Gemini security. >> That's note. >> And honestly, I think people would if we could get maybe like a cyber security grant. They do have training opportunities or I think there's a fitting one. >> That's been an issue I've been bringing up how many years now? >> Yeah.
No, cyber security is but it's >> I mean in texting and so forth a lot of things are encrypted you know like so in theory >> nobody knows nobody can get at it I don't know if it's true or not but >> and I mean you know it can be scary I'm not going to lie like you could we could have a fake image right now of anything
to do with all of us and AI can just spit that out you know there's a lot if you're not >> that's happened yeah you know um >> we've been there before >> yeah there are there are people who routinely get scammed because people are very good at, you know. Yeah. Like it's
it's insane how it can be used for really bad things, but I don't I think the crux of the issue is still the user error component. And it sounds like honestly we should probably deactivate that COA email and just get a new one. >> Tried that.
>> You tried that. It's still working. >> Oh, we've had one since. Okay. So, let me let me make my plea this way that you follow up with this outfit and see what the the legal and see >> uh KP law >> what the risk what the real risk is to
us as a municipality to have Geminy in our organizational emails and I'll make another plea to get us some cyber security. >> Yeah. >> Somewhere somehow. >> Yeah. And maybe some cyber security um
>> well they'll have to do the the ethics stuff. So they're one hour you sit through them you do individual I'm just talking about some people like you know cyber security training. >> Yeah. >> Not just the not just about cyber security platform.
>> I think what I'm looking for is some assessment of the vulnerability of the towns. >> Yeah. Mhm. >> Well, I'm talking about on that, but also the the security part because there's human element. >> Treasury was was breached what, eight, nine years ago. >> Yeah. Well, back. >> Yeah.
>> You know, and towns certainly like we'll pay fraudulent invoices. We we all seen our neighbors fall victim to that. Um, I think what you're asking for is likely something we'll need to write a grant for because I would think that to have a consultant come in and do that kind of work,
>> doing this assessment and how might >> but some kind of an ongoing maintenance to assure some of >> but I think in the short term either we can get a trainer or I mean even if we just talked about some very basics like
do do people know like click click the sender button so that it expands and you can actually see what the person's email is. >> So, one Okay, so that that might be um so an outreach education for all of the
users of the >> itspray.org >> and and in each account individually can have Gemini turned off. >> There's that choice. There's that option within each account. So, if they don't even want to mess with it, they can >> Yeah. You don't have to turn like I have
every time I send an email Gmail email it says do you want to join Gemini say no >> so you can turn it off >> but but you can't turn it off. >> Yeah. >> I don't Google in my personal life. >> Yeah. >> Nothing is connected to Google for me. >> But >> so that might be a third thing then
>> a little different a totally different subject but one that is related is like what about backups? Are we backed up sufficiently? Everything backed up or no? I mean, I I keep my stuff on a hard drive that I back up on to like a thumb drive. I can't say the same for every
employee. Um >> because that was one of the issues with the uh the >> the treasury >> with the treasury thing was that >> there was no place to go. Yeah. >> Yeah. There was no place for them to go to go back to figure out where, you know, whatever. It wasn't backed up. >> Yeah. I think it's certainly very
feasible to get some backup hard drives and that >> at the very least if not like >> the only issue I think well that can be cumbersome it's not really even an issue but it's cumbersome is to take any if you have it all in the cloud you have to download everything and then you have to sort that into files
>> so like on my computer I've been trying to actually do more things on the computer and then I have it all arranged but >> right we don't have a we don't have a network per say we don't have like the the treasure is not connected to you to the van underneath.
>> It's very sided. So >> well be one of my pet peeves advantage of that. I think yeah, >> there used to be when the computers weren't tied together because you're like, "Oh, well, if one computer gets hacked, the rest don't, but you also
there's safety and numbers in a uh cloud system where you're paying someone to be able to to do that for you. Um, but you also have the ability of Haley can have a folder up there and she wants to select board to see certain things, she
can give us permission to see it." So, there's some shared filing that can happen in that way. U but it's also a backup as well. So um >> have backups and backups of your backups and >> I would just say if we're going to have a consult we're going to talk about consulting
wider >> have a wider open the open that question too the backup question. Yep. >> Yeah. And that would be part of the cyber security. >> Yeah. Right. Yeah. Right. >> With all of this, we're not alone. >> Oh, no. Absolutely. >> So, I just, you know, I don't think we
need to we're not going to solve problem. >> Right. Right. And so, um, you know, I think we should be we should talk to the people at Furcohog if if they in MMA and AP Law and just and and see because I
mean, maybe no m maybe nobody in in our little >> Franklin County community is is addressing this and thinking about it. But I find it hard to believe that if we didn't go a little bit further a field that would fine at the MMA
But last year when I went they had a presentation on AI in municipality and they had I think it was Foxboro or something like central mass where he had used chatbt to create a schedule of vehicle maintenance for the town. So uploading all the vehicles information
and then having it cross reference what the best way to maintain those vehicles and what schedule you should be on and that's how he did that. >> And so that was an example, right? So there they're advantages, but again my point is that we can do a lot but but we
should be talking to other people. So >> I did ask Furcog several years ago um since they do county and regional. >> Did they have any other towns that had for which they would have some kind of a security? Could we get a team? Could we
be part of membership? and she said that the the need of every town is so different >> that they were unable to even draw a profile of what that service would look like. And she suggested that for >> I could do that for the
>> I think times have changed. I think you know I think it's it's worth getting an updated Yeah. having an updated conversation about it. message. >> Which public input are we? >> Um, >> hi.
>> I thought you were looking at hands raised. Not yet. Melissa, you told me to hold on. I just have a general question. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, first of all, all this talk about AI. Um again as a lay person I
only understand it as artificial intelligence. But my question is who who do we know like the exact people who are behind this AI Gemini that that yeah that's a
big question. >> Well you know Google's behind it but who's behind Google? >> I'm not trying to be comical. I'm sorry. My second >> I know no I know it's just it's just Wicked. It's wicked. >> If only Maryl only we knew. It's a lot
we don't know. >> Where did this cup of water? >> Oh wow. You don't know. But come from >> you're going to work with the company that you don't know who they are. But that to me is too risky. Number one. Okay. So then we as ordinary residents,
ordinary citizens here, you know, you have a lot of information on me in your folders every which way. Am I at risk? Are we at risk with this AI who we don't know who owns it people?
>> Well, Marylu, the the AI will only work on prompts that you give it. So, you know, there's, you know, you personally, you might interact with it that way. I think for the most part, no. Like there's not
really a risk associated. I'm you know I'm not going to look I can't even think of an instance where it would have to be that individualized. It's broader questions more of like you know what do our neighboring communities do for AI policies. I'd probably search AI for
that. Um you know that's the kind of broad stroke that we're we're really talking about. >> I'm I'm I'm not speaking about me particularly as an individual. I'm saying the record >> somebody to recommend for her membership.
>> The records that you all hold, Haley, would you ever be like having these in front of you and questioning AI about them and then voila, AI has >> Right. So, so again, it's only going to
work off what you give it. If you don't upload it, it doesn't have it. >> Right. >> Right. I think Mary Lou, we we're not experts. I think we need to do more research. I think we could go on about this, but we really we we have a lot of investigation
um to do. So, I appreciate your questions, but I think we Merryill's anxious >> question and we don't know that we'll ever understand it. Yeah. 100%. >> Sorry. It's complicated. >> It is complicated. >> Thank you for recognizing me. I I just
wanted to reinforce the fact that Haley said she's going to be at Mass Municipal at the conference and that's an excellent place even if they're not having presentations on this issue to talk with your colleagues about it and I
think KP Law and some of the other legal teams issue white papers on topics. So, I would check all that stuff out closely and talk to as many people as you can and you'll probably get a lot of good information that's that way >> and free some free information.
>> Yes, >> it's it's all free. So, that's the way to do it. >> We like >> what's that? >> Thank you. Good point. >> Yeah, you're welcome. When is the MMA? >> It's um starts this Thursday. >> Oh, well.
All right. Was there anything else to discuss on um on that particular issue? >> Seems like it's ongoing. So um thank you Gail. Um well we'll step and touch on
that maybe part of your reform. >> Okay. So the next uh is to approve the appointment of Christopher O'Neal to the uh library custodian. I can answer historical questions. I cannot talk to this subject because full disclosure,
this is my husband and I so listen. >> Yes. But I can answer questions on how it came apart about if anyone asks. >> Do you have >> I have the letter. Um it's to be signed by our vice chair, Mr. Stalker. Um so I
didn't >> Did the AI write it? >> Yeah, I did not want to write this one. Although I think it was copy and pasted. the old AI. >> Um, so essentially, uh, the position is library custodian. It's involves typical
custodian things with the new building, bathrooms, touch surfaces, entryways. Um, it also includes some snow removal duties. It is only um the position, not it, sorry, Chris, would only be scheduled for four hours a week. Um and
you know a lot of the snow removal would have to be dependent on if he was available. Um but yeah >> so what was um was he working in the in the MN spear building? >> Yes I think so. Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> So for four hours a week? >> I don't think it was four. >> Okay. >> So this is the these are additional hours for the custodian. >> Yes. to be paid from a different line.
Well, actually, no, sorry, let me backtrack there. It's the same custodian line. >> Okay. Um, so this is just an expansion or I guess I don't know that the MNPER position was really solidified in the same way. So, this kind of addresses that gap.
>> Um, so was it included in this year's budget? Yes, the the this we're just doing an we're just assigning but it's already in the budget the hours were accounted for in this current year.
>> Yeah, >> appointment. >> Okay. And and the custodian line shows up where >> say >> I think it's under town hall. Yeah, it's right where that cluster of like office
supplies is. It's in that section and I could pull it up. >> That question >> I just I just >> on the It's its own line on the budget. >> It's it's online. Okay. >> I I was just trying to you know figure
out sort of why we are doing why we have to do a separate appointment. I don't know. That's >> um Well, I I think as I understood it is, you know, if for some reason we ever wanted to split the two or if Chris said, you know, you know, I can't do
these extra hours, you would have the option of going in and looking for >> I see >> a unique position. >> Okay. All right. I'm I'm fine. So, I'm going to make a motion that we appoint um Christopher O'Neal as the library
custodian for four hours per week. I'll second that. But I do have a question about the snow removal part of it, but that we can get back later, I guess. >> That could be part of the discussion. >> Okay. That could be part of the disc. >> Yeah, you're the you're the vice chair. >> I am the vice before I sign this the
Yeah. >> Right. >> So, I mean I I seems to me there's a little vagueness about the whole snow removal policy in general in the town like in the where in this in this building and just everywhere. >> Yes. Yes, except maybe the high the
highway department plows the roads. We know that. >> We do know that. >> What do we know about this general topic? >> So, we did postpone >> that topic for another day. I would say, you know, I think primarily what the core difference is that I understand it
is when you're a highway operator and you're plowing, you're in your vehicle, right? >> If you're doing custodian type snow removal, you're outside, you're on the sidewalks, you're doing all like the entryways, right? I think that to me is kind of how I wrap my head around what the difference between the two roles is. One person's not really getting out of
their vehicle, one person's not in any vehicle. Um, but I don't know if that answers your question. >> Well, I guess my question, let's just an example. What happens if it snows now and it's on a time when Chris can't be there? I'm not speaking against Chris,
obviously. I'm just sort of saying >> what I'm just asking the question is get or you know how does the front walk get shoveled here at the >> here at this >> um Brennan will do it Devon will do it. >> I don't usually do it. I asked Brennon to or Devon. >> I've done it a couple of times.
>> She has done it. Um I would say that that really is a question for the librarian. You know, when I worked at the senior center, if our maintenance guy wasn't around, I had to shovel the walk and we actually had the wheelchair ramp was not covered. We had to do this like crazy ramp. But um yeah, when it I
can just relate it to my own experience as a department head. If the weather was bad or I didn't want people to come out, I would cancel programs and I had to be prepared to do it myself or have another staff person do it. >> So that and that was Bernardston. >> Bernon. Yeah. Because Ammerston has obviously a full-time maintenance
department. I I think it sort of you know there's a larger question and it and it came up in in previous winters particularly with this building here because people were you know staff was coming in and um they were having to
shovel. So I I think we need to look at sort of what are what are all the needs and now we've had a really bad winter so far with lots of little storms. Um and lots of need to to remove the snow because ice there's a lot of ice buildup
and it's really treacherous and yeah talk about people falling. I mean that's >> so I I think we need to have some plan for how we're addressing now we have this new library we have you know we
have sidewalks there but you know we still have this area we we need to have some plan for how we're going to deal with shoveling and if that's a if that's a separate contract or whatever I I don't know the answer to that but the
the way it's being done. >> The way it's being done now um is not it's not working. So, um yeah. So, we need to we need to talk about it.
>> Yes. >> Yes. No. Lot on that February 3rd. >> So, in the meantime, I think we should sign this, right? >> Yes. Thank you. Yeah. So I I standing up second. Do we vote? You
needed to get us to vote. So I made a motion. You Okay. And then you say, "Well, okay." >> Eric, >> all in favor, >> Barl. I >> Oh, stalker. I Sorry. I'm trying to think at once. You want me to sign stuff
and talk at the same time? I can't do that. This trip over time for Still right >> here. How about how about >> No, you have to before I eat them all.
>> Okay. Uh the next uh one is to appoint a meant of Eduardo Reyes to the recycling installing waste committee. Um had showed interest in wanting that position. Uh Merryill still here.
Merryill, did you want to um give any information about Eduardo that you would like us and the public to hear before we appoint him? >> Sure. He helped out when we had the event on the town common. Um we had a table where
we were doing uh games for uh a recycling quiz for people and some other engaging activities regarding recycling in town and he was very interested and knowledgeable and ready to help and we're always welcoming welcoming that on
our committee. So, uh, I would definitely enjoy having him join us and, um, seems like he's ready to do some work, which is all we ask. >> All right. >> Okay. I will make a motion to appoint Eduardo Ray to the recycling and solid
waste committee. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Mel I. >> I. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thanks, Mel. >> Thank you. >> Okay. The next one is uh to accept the fire department's promotion of Rachel
Trimble to stick as deputy chief. I don't see Lenny here. Um we got that email from Lenny where that he had intended to appoint or promote Rude um sorry
Richard Treble to the deputy chief position. Um, so >> has he been on I don't I'm not >> he's been on the >> He's been on the fire department. >> Would you like to? >> Yeah, I can read the letter. Um, since joining the Shootsberry Fire Department in May 20 20
2017, um, Richard has been an exceptional asset. Despite arriving with no prior fire or medical background, his strong mechanical skills allowed him to become an advanced firefighter more quickly than any other member I have ever worked with. He maintains high attendance for both fire calls and
weekly drills and has completed outside departmental training including fire officer advanced tactics and strategies course. Following his promotion to lieutenant in November 2022, Richard has consistently exceeded the expectations
of that role. He is highly respected by his peers for his experience and technical abilities. He even ensures I am notified of his availability when running errands out of town to maintain optimal coverage for the town. While Richard has the skills to manage emergency scenes in my absence, his
current rank as lieutenant can present challenges during largecale multi uh mutual aid events involving other departments. Proper command and control are essential during chaotic events, and a deputy chief title will provide him with the necessary authority to communicate effectively with outside
fire departments. I'm confident he's the right person to take on these responsibilities. >> Great. >> I will make a motion then to um approve the promotion of Richard Trimble to deputy pirate chief. >> Second. >> All those in favor?
>> Harl I. >> Stalker I >> do we have to sign for that or no? Do we find his role as strong chief? Okay. Um, now to review and sign the liquor
license for the renewal of sorry, retail liquor license renewal annual report for the alcohol beverages control commission for the Shootsbury AC Club. >> The letter. >> Sure. Um, so this is this is we do this
every year. What this does is it just lets um the ABCC, Alcohol Beverages Control Commission, know that we haven't had um know that we've um we've said that it was okay for them to have their license and that we have no violations
of their for 2025 or the year prior. And um then Brennan sends this in and we go from there. So, no violations on their current liquor license. >> On their current one, right? From the
one from the past year. Um, and or theou that we have with them. So, >> okay. >> Yep. So, um, so do I hear a motion to sign the lettering the alcohol alcohol beverages control commission know that there's no violations on the club's part
for 2025 calendar year. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Great. All those in favor? >> Frell I. stock. So, I'm just going to take a second to sign this whole places. So, this will conclude this and then um
once they Oh, we all three have to sign that one. Do we all three have to sign this one? First letter then three of the sign here. This one goes between that and that one. Brennan for keeping track of all that
stuff. It was very very helpful >> very smoothly. So much appreciated and to the AC for their participation. >> Um and then next is sign and review and sign FY16 rural development fund standards plan form contra signatory
listing. Yes, this is the rural development funds that we awarded the 81,000. That's a state contract. >> Uh do I hear a motion to execute
the contract for the rural development? >> Yes. And it's not the it's not the dam and seaw wall grant. So they're they're two separate grants. >> So this one was storm water. >> Storm water. Right. Okay. Um, I will, uh, make a motion that we, um, sign the
FY26 Rural Development Fund Standard Contract Form and contractor authorized signatory. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> Barl I. >> Stalker. I >> piece O'Neal. I >> You could make the box a little larger.
>> Yeah, >> I know. I love these love forms that are design >> and it's funny because a lot of >> Ruby like this little space like this here. >> It's also I thought they were doing mostly electronic so I'm surprised they're still sending this yes kind of
contracts. >> Yeah, I um I also agree. >> Yes, because actually the dam and seaw wall grant that was Yeah. Wasn't that Yeah. Yeah, >> they all have to be different. >> Slower in some ways or
Okay, now on to the main events of tonight. The time administrative report. >> If Brennan can host the image, I did do another uh snapshot for us to take a peek at for expenses through December.
>> He's there. >> I don't think so. I know having dinner. >> Oh, no. >> Oh, okay. He heard me. >> I made that name. Um, so this is just a quick look at our expenses through the
end of December. So, almost halfway through the budget. That's pretty typical for this point in time. Um but what's not so typical is if you look at our equipment maintenance and our supplies um we're running very high and um so
both with the highway and with the fire department. Um so part of that is due to our highway equipment being I would say almost constantly in and out of the shop. Um, not only does that have the impact of taking time and money away, but it also
has the impact of slowing down normal operating procedures. You can't grade a road if the grader is in the shop. Um, regional school, elementary school, um, I think the region does salaries on a quarterly basis. I might be wrong on that and that's why it's only at 36%
compared to the region. Um, employee benefits though, that's pretty normal for this way through the year. the snow and ice. Actually, I um you're going to see a big difference between this report and next month because we have ex we've expended our uh snow and ice. So, I
think there's some I think when I spoke to Gail, you have to declare like a snow emergency to let the deficit. So, um they can put that on the agenda for next time. But um you know other than that we in this budget cycle you see a lot of
front-loaded expenses. So the contracts um you know the dog officer the emergency phone system unemployment benefits all those happen at the beginning of the year and again high maintenance demands. Um,
you know, we really need to look at, and I know that the capital planning and fincom are aware of this, but looking at long range maintenance needs. Um, and Dave did apply for a grant to um, have funds to put towards a new grader. So hopefully, um, that would be a huge
help. And then if you just scroll back down to the bottom, please. Um, so looking ahead, you know, getting getting all the necessary bodies together to really come up with a master plan for repair and maintenance. Um, you know, we
don't want to be in a position where everything is going at once. And there are certain things that we can predict. Um, you know, even I I hesitate to paint this as cosmetic because I don't think it is, but like having the town hall powerwashed or repainted, you know,
those are the kind of things that make an impact, you know? So, how do we plan for that so that it's happening regularly? How do we fix the highway roof? Um, you know, all those kind of things. So, I would I would definitely going to try to put together some more joint meetings of the various boards
because I think everyone needs a seat at that table. Can I ask a question? What's it what's highway maintenance versus equipment maintenance? I mean, it's only >> what is what is it? What is the difference between those two?
>> So, I think it's I mean they is is that the um is that the sand and salt and >> No, that's all out of snow snow removal. So, >> I think it's just a
I wish actually Dave was here. So I I can I can sorry a guest. So the equipment maintenance you may have the police in there with the >> Yeah, you should have I would think, >> right? So with highway
>> with highway No. Okay. Um so with the highway stuff, it's it's the roads are hard on the equipment. Um and he has had tire I know there's been tires. There's been um the tractor has
had issues. The there's been a few other things. Uh the grater has been I think the biggest >> biggest part of it is the grater um has been down at Ammeris Welding multiple times. So um >> but we could we can ask him when he
comes >> when he does his review. We can ask him what the the thing is. Uh, but I do think some of it, some of it is equipment, some of it is the bigger equipment, some of it is the smaller equipment on the >> I think you're right. Things of that >> and that might be like you said a
grouping of other departments. >> It could have grouped it up for you. >> I think it did. >> But yeah, I mean the between >> and the fire significant. Yeah, the fire one, which I think there were some predictable costs in there. Um, like certain bills that come due at the
beginning of every year, but for the maintenance to be and it's higher now, >> um, you know, we're not even into spring mud season or, you know, the summer. >> So, I think Dave already has on the docket to put enough income transfer
request to cover those costs. And then obviously supplies um you know everything is more expensive. Dave said that the sand and salt are much more expensive and it's harder to find. There's some shortages too. Um all those little things.
>> So what um when are we scheduled to meet? I mean typically we meet with the finance committee at some point just to go through um if we work backwards. So, town meeting is May 2nd Saturday. Is it
that the 9th or whatever? >> I'll pull it up. >> I mean, there's not a lot of time. >> Yeah. So, yeah. I mean, we really need to schedule um at least >> Yeah. May not, >> you know, an initial meeting with um
with the finance committee in in February. Do you want to include capital planning because all those requests are due February 3rd and it might be a good idea to have that >> see what's on the thing. So >> there's somebody meeting after that. >> Um third
would be >> the 17th >> 17th >> is that is that um >> that sounds right. >> Yeah know the 14th. that it's the say after President's Day >> and sometimes people are away that it's
school vacation school. >> It's a it's maybe it's a when we do a oneoff special meeting, not in our normal schedule. >> I don't know. Why don't we check with the finance committee because I know it's often been hard because uh a couple at least a couple of finance committee
members have kids in school and they're off. >> Why don't we be the flexible ones? I guess maybe, you know, rather than doing it on our normal schedule or maybe if it's their normal schedule. >> Yeah, because they'll >> they'll meet the week before. >> Yeah, they'll meet the week before and the week after. I don't they they may
still be doing >> previewing budgets. Yeah. Um but >> yeah, >> I'll ask them. >> Uh so that was that >> for that chart. Yeah. >> Um, >> that bug design. So, I zoom out a
little, but the the math Yeah, I had help. >> Um, >> exhibit A. >> Exhibit AI. Exhibit AI. >> Um, so there there hasn't been a lot of u movement on the dam repair. So, we but we did get the contract in. Did all the
pre- bidding is in. I had a meeting with GZA last Friday. um they're going to send me some contractors and then we can make a selection on that. So then that'll obviously we'll know more about the next steps after that. Um >> so GCA will maintain their role as sort
of the >> I guess the whatever they are the overseer, the engineers, this >> yeah like a project manager. >> Project manager. Okay. >> Um >> construction. >> So they'll be doing that. Um Donna has a title examiner looking at the um the
abuing property. So, just so that we can get a complete understanding and I did get in touch with them just to let them know um since that person's on vacation, we're likely not going to be able to meet until early February, but I sent that out to them so that they know that. Um
just a reminder that uh we had to change the staff meeting date to January 27th. Um and then just one quick thing is Life Path has um community grants open. So, I put in an application for $3,000 for a town newsletter, thinking that we could
save some of the money from this fiscal year if we get the grant and it lasts for a year and we could do like three issues. Um, we'd have to put together like a newsletter committee, but that's that's easy. That's doable. Um, >> yeah, appreciate that. Um, oh, and I can
also say that they are going to have another meeting of the age and dementia friendly um, council here at the Shootsbury Public Library on March 27th. March 25th. So, we get to show off the new library.
>> Nice. And um, and we have volunteers to come and paint. I should just talk about that. >> We did get an offer >> and um, from the serious community. They were looking for a volunteer opportunity
and I suggested that we continue. We finished painting had this room painting painted that we talked about doing the hallway. >> Yep. >> Bathrooms. >> Anything anything we can slap paint on.
>> Yeah. So, um but if if they're gonna they're it's this weekend. It's Saturday. So, one of us has to be willing to open up. and I think help set up um I can get the additional paint. I can
just go to Kohl's and get um >> Yeah, the same >> what we need. Yeah. Can we just continue that? >> But um are you around Melissa or I mean I can do one of the >> Hang on. Let me just >> I'm actually I'm not around Saturday. No. >> Yes, I'm around Saturday.
>> Okay. So I think um um Brennan said is he still here? Um, Brandon, what time were they going to uh be available on Saturday? >> Um, they said Saturday from 9 to 1. >> 9 to 1. Okay.
>> Okay. >> Um, >> so I can I can get the the paint and have it here um Thursday or Friday. >> And yeah. >> Yeah. So, this this is a case where
we're going to have them. They really there really should be some supervision. I'm willing to come and stay. >> I don't mind. I mean, if you want to split the difference. >> Okay. Why don't we do that? >> So, you for part of the time and I'll I'm here part of the time. Okay.
>> Um and like to do you want to do are you morning or afternoon? I could I'm >> I can do either one. Whatever. just to make it um uh why don't you come why don't you
do the first and I'll do the second part um only because then you'll open up and then you can just show me because I' I've never had luck >> if I can um >> opening and close >> the the taller ladder is in the custodial closet so >> okay to grab it >> okay all right that would be great um
and then uh I just order someone take down all the uh >> I was just thinking that we should get Yeah, we should get there that are um and were there drop claws or do I need to get more drop claws? >> Probably check and see what's here.
>> Yes, we should look and see what's >> Okay. All right. I'll do an assessment and make sure that we have everything that we need to do. >> Okay, great. So, you'll come. You'll be here for 9. >> So, so Brennan, did you hear that? Melissa's going to be We'll meet the
painters at 9:00 on Saturday. Okay. Um Gail has her hand up. Yeah. You referred earlier to possibility of grant for cyber security. What does that mean? Anytime we go again. >> Oh um I think the application portal
comes out this summer. But they do have cyber security grants that the state offers. So yeah, we can definitely pursue that. >> I think it was in July last that it opened up. >> Thank you. Yeah. >> Okay. So, we're all set for Saturday.
>> Yep. I'll just bring my laptop and just >> Okay. >> Have laptop time. >> Good. >> As opposed to all the other days of your life. >> Well, but but but wouldn't you distracted when you're >> Well, we could have TV and show movie. >> That's true.
>> Watch TV. >> Okay. So, is there any anything else? >> No. I'll make a motion to adjurnn. >> Okay. >> Second. All right. All those in favor? >> Daryl. I >> ster I >> make me some new. >> Okay. >> Thank you.
>> Thank you.