This government meeting is brought to you by Eastworks and our local cable subscribers. Okay. So, let me call to order the meeting of the Southampton Select Board for uh April 24th, 2025 at about 6:02 p.m.
And uh let us attempt to say the pledge of allegiance in some level of unison. It never happens, but let's try. Okay. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands.
which stands one nation one nation under God indivisible indivisible with liberty liberty for all not bad not bad okay good uh do we have anybody here for open time citizen speak
um uh Ian are you just observing or do you need No I'm just observing just observing okay all right good all right so with that uh our main attempt tonight, our main focus tonight rather,
is the uh looking at all the articles on the warrant for the annual town meeting. And uh we've had a a draft before us, but I know Scott, you've had some a few edits during the afternoon. So, um I just suggest that we kind of go through these, you know, page by page so that we
know what they are. Um some of them are new to us, I think, the way we've presented things. So, I want to be sure that we're clear on them. Uh so, let us let you walk through them. Um, so table of contents will probably be the last thing. So, excuse the uh the blank.
Um, the first one is the annual operating budget and you could make it just a little bit bigger, Scott. Maybe that's good. Perfect. Yep. Uh, so the board uh voted I did the option one from
the DLS. Um everything is relatively the same. There's there's two columns. Uh one with budget A the non-contingent appropriation and budget B with contingent appropriations. So A is without the override and B is with the override.
And really the focus is on is on Norris school. So I I highlighted that as the first one with the different percentages in the previous fiscal year. Um everything else uh there's just a few minor changes I had to make. Um
with just some typing errors, but everything should be all set. I'm going to have Bradley review it tomorrow just to make sure. But um you have budget A and budget B. And it goes through the uh different uh pling uh different boards.
And I did post it online. Let me just uh show you the budget moment. share my screen now. Um, so there's two budgets, the budget A and budget B. And I'll be printing these out and giving them to a town meeting as well. Um, so
that they can actually see. I've labeled uh budget A. This is the general overview of all the different um costs. Then I did put north first um just in the same format. And then we have debt service that
service principal employee benefits shared expenses maintenance um information technology and then that those are all the um all the departments that impact all the different departments. We just had a department spotlight.
Uh these are some of the things that submit that Joanna and uh Kate submitted. I don't want them I didn't want them go go to waste to be honest with you. So uh give them some credit for doing it. Um then we have the psych board budget and each departmental budget going through
uh board and town administrator is first and then goes in alphabetical order. Um and then the last part is uh the budget revenues. So this is all the offsets to to the budget. Y big one is obviously
the prop two and a half. So this is the budget a so it doesn't have that as the nor offsets the uh all the other ear marks stabilization things. So okay John's got a question. Just Scott what did you use? Did you did you make any changes on the revenues? Are you still I
haven't looked at it. Are we still in the governor's numbers or did you update it with what came out of the Senate? Uh, still in the governor's. Okay. Yeah. I think, you know, they it's still got to go to the other the other half and then conference committee and we may as well just use the governor's budget for now
and No, I I I agree because traditionally that's the number we've used. Yeah. Yeah. Right. Yep. Okay. So, this is pretty pretty pretty detailed. People will never have seen something like this before. So, uh,
if people really want to dig into the budget, they've got time to sit back and look at it. So, I know. So, it's what is it 86 pages? I I assume, which I love the transparency and the detail, but I'm assuming this is going to be
double-sided, black and white, right? It's not going to cost us 10 grand to create 300 of these. Okay. Right. Oh, well, you know, again, how many do we really need to print out? I mean, do we think we really need to, you know, I mean, I don't know. I'm
gonna offer a Yes, we need a large We need a large board with a QR code so people can download it onto their device. That's a good idea, too. So simple. So simple. Or or provide the
onepage handout with the QR code, right? when they're coming in, they register and they get all their stuff. Mhm. You can have some paper copies. Hey, do you want a paper copy or would you rather download so you have the permanent copies? I think we could have some paper copies, but I don't think we need to go overboard on that. Um, yeah. Yeah,
that's a good idea. Or see them. Yep. Good. Yeah. Know the QR code people are getting more and more familiar with using it, I think. So, that's probably a good idea. Yep. Good. So, everything looks like it balances, Scott. I know you've been working on it. You and Bradley have been
working at it every day here. So, yeah, at this point it's just making sure all there there's no errors and just clerical typing stuff. So, right. Super. Okay. And so then back to the um the article
itself just to clarify. So once we vote on this, this is um if the way the the mo the wording is just go up to the wording of the motion. I just wanted to see that again. Sorry. Thank you. Okay.
So, this clarified I think John was is part of your point that we have usually done about how much comes out of taxes. Um that's what we've usually outlined in our narrative before taxes and then how much from ambulance stabilization bonds, etc., ambulance fees. So, that's all
there. Whoops. Sorry. I just have to update the amount. Oh, okay. I was gonna say, "What did you just do?" Before I forget, okay, or highlight it or something so you don't lose track of
it. I never I never because I think that's a that's a key point, Chris. I mean, the total budget's 22 million and change, right? And it's not a small number, but only 16 million is coming from general tax receipts, which, you know, obviously we want that as small as
possible, but Sure. Yeah. So, okay. All right. And so, you've got the motion here to look at the recommended non-contingent appropriation budget and further move to
raise and appropriate from taxation the additional sum. So, this is the first time that we will be combining this, right, to have a a one vote. So, just refresh my brain. Once this goes
through, if if we have a yes vote, then the override passes. If we have a no vote, it does not. Is that right? We have no budget. Well, if it if it passes at town meeting, budget A is approved, and that's the budget we're working on.
Budget B goes to the polls. And if budget B passes in this particular case, Norris gets the additional money. But if it fails at the polls, we default back to budget A as our budget. Okay. But then as as people vote on on
at the town meeting and if so suppose they they voted on budget A and not budget B, then what happens at the polls? Well, well, and this is where I was saying I don't think the moderator should divide this. It's this is the question. Mhm. You know, he could ask I don't know
what Robert's going to do. He could ask, "Does anybody want to speak to a specific line item before we take a yes or no vote, right?" Yeah. Um because often times we we do go through it by section and it's just a matter of three
minutes to cast all the yes votes. Yeah. Okay. In case it does fail, I'm gonna I'll have a um a motion all typed out ready to go to represent or to reconsider um the budget a so I can get that to Robert in case
for the the last part of town meeting in case it does fail. Everything fails. It's not going to happen. Positive energy there, Scott, because but it's it's good to be prepared. I know. I'm I'm hoping for positive
energy, too. Yeah, it is the right thing to do. Yeah. My fear is that there'll be other parties. I mean, okay, so if this fails, it's going to be this. So, let's get our other motions prepared where we think we can go in and take the hacksaw to budget A. And it only takes
two to get them to call the question. So, we don't want to go down that road. Yeah. But we really have no no way of knowing how this is going to come out, what the turnout will be and what people's mood is. So anyway, so this will be new. This will be I mean it in
itself will be new for for people to do this. I think that's going to be a question when people see this, they're going to ask the question I just did. It's like if we vote no, what does that mean? I I would expect that to be a question from the audience even before we voted. I don't know. I'll answer it.
Okay. We did ask uh town council to be present for um for Thursday night or Tuesday night, May 6, just to be safe. So either Brian or Michelle will be there. Okay, good. Okay. Well, let's move on to the next article then if there's no questions on
this one. Have have have you discuss the town council with the moderator? Uh I did have initial discussions with Michelle about it. It's a little bit I have to get a little bit more detail what's happened in the past and what
Robert might plan. Um, generally yes, he can separate things out in the question, but there's also limitations on what exactly can do. Moderator. Okay. But Robert is aware that you're
looking to town council to be present. Uh, I was going to tell him u go over everything. I'm meeting with them at 7 for the reading. So yeah. Yep. Okay. I I think in general just past practice with Robert, he he he he always hears
everybody out and again if town council is going to be there and if they if they caution him that not sure this is right, he'll he'll value their opinion. So Right. Yeah. Yeah. I don't want Okay, that's good. I don't want it to be a conflict between the two authorities.
Right. Right. Yeah. Yeah. No, that's fine. Understood. Okay, let's go to article two. Got Okay, article two, there there'll be two motions uh attached to it. The first one would be for the town clerk and the second would be for the treasur collector salaries.
Um and that'll be set according to our our new pay scale pay schedule and it's in the budget um at that amount for both of those positions. So So the wording is not here, right? That's what you just said. There'll be two. But when when you do do the
wording, it will be very black and white. This is expiring wage, new wage, up or down, whatever it is. Clearly, the people will know the difference. Yes. I'm going to make very simple. Yep. For
for each of the positions. Now, is that is the amount actually going to be in the It'll be in the motion, not in the article, though. Right. The article stays the way it is. Right. Right. for each one, right? But it'll be it'll be in the details. Yep. Right. I think that's
where a lot of these, especially on some of these as we get into the trust funds and all those things, I think our summary needs to be really really clear. I think we've got some new, you know, just some new things coming along that I think we have to be very explicit on so people don't go on a sidetrack thinking
that, you know, we're using a certain pot of money for something or other. So I think that note about you know these are the these are the amounts you know budgeted you know and we we need to vote on them because these are elected officials um you know and you guys get
to set the salary. So okay in the past it was always Yes. And also to remind people who the elected officials are right only two that get paid. Yeah. Right. Yeah. Yeah. To just remind them of the the roles of those people. Yeah.
You were saying Scott. Sorry. Yeah. Um I forgot. I'm sorry. Okay. No, I think in the past we haven't I I don't recall. We've kind of voted out as part of the overall budget. We haven't separated this out as an article to my
memory. Um it's been part of the the budget package itself. Um so we haven't sort of pulled this out before. So I think we just need to be clear on the on the summary section of that as well as the motion. Okay. Yeah. And if
the question if the question comes up I mean this is the perfect year with the budget book. We're just trying to add as much transparency as possible. Mhm. You know exactly much detail and as much transparency. Yes. And if you need to expand on the
mass general law that would be perhaps helpful. Mhm. Yep. Good. Okay. All right. Water enterprise fund. Uh, yep. So, this is from the uh water
water department. Um, and then we also have the similar with the transfer station. So, they have to approve the um operating costs each year for the enterprise fund separately. So, both of these you're going to add the wording for the motion. Yeah. Okay.
Yeah. And so unlike unlike the water fund, the transfer station enterprise fund uh does not have any retained earnings that they're pulling from. Is that right? Uh or or it does. I'll double check with Randall, but I don't think there's anything left. I think they've been in the
the negative for a while. So I'll double check with Randall. Yeah, let's check that for sure. Yeah. Okay. Go ahead. Five. Uh, fine. We have a transfer free cash uh for the snow
removal. Um, our free cash, sorry, Scott, while you're looking for that, so this is also new, right? Because normally this would have been done as part of the cherry sheet. I mean, I'm sorry, as part of the free cash certification, this debt would have been canceled out. But now we I guess my
question is why why are we doing it differently? Is it a timing issue that we or that we neglected to back it out? Uh I mean most towns will will cover their so removal excess from free cashache but we don't
but but Southampton doesn't. So that that's why I'm asking the question. So, one one of the things is instead of pulling from different line items that's always already been budgeted, this kind of shows people, you know, exactly how much we've spent on snow move out outside of what's been budgeted for
previously. So, I know generally there's been other wrangles had to take a little bit from one fund, a little bit from another fund to put it all together. Um so that it's a detriment to to the highway department because we we'll be budgeting for you know maintenance cost or other things and then a lot of that
will go for snow removal you know by transing it into it. This this actually shows how much it is and it leaves really the the other budgets alone. So this is this is this year snow removal what we've just gone through. Yeah. Yeah. So so this is so there's this is a
double hit this year that won't repeat itself. And I say that because this is fiscical year 25 that we're in right now. So fiscical year 24 shortfall hit the free cash. In addition to to that, in order
to get the free cash certification, those accounts had to be zeroed, right? They had to be brought up out of the negative. In addition to that, we're hitting free cash this year or 24's free cash certification. We're hitting it for 25 actual expenditures
prior to the end of the year. Just to be clear, it's going to be a one-time double hit and then the system will reset under this new method. Maybe I'm not follow because last year Randall had deficit and and to Scott's point, he had to find
it within and that was that 55,000 whatever was in there that was covered there. So that that money was spent. It didn't come out to free cash to fall to the bottom line. Oh, I see. Zero. So, this year's money that we legitimately overspent is hitting last year's free
cash certification. So, in theory, when we go to close the books this year, there should be no deficit related to snow removal and there should be a surplus at the highway department unless he goes on a spending spree in the last six weeks. Right. Yeah. because this
this amount should cover all the overtime over the all the winter expenses for the current winter that we've just gone through, right? Yeah. And and so to be clear, I'm okay with this as long as from this year forward, this is how we do it, right? We're we're changing the method. We're being
transparent and this is how we're going to roll it out. So, we're taking the one time double hit, per se. Okay. But again, I I think, you know, going to the point of, you know, just trying to show people what the actual cost is of running certain certain parts of the
town. I mean, I think this is, you know, I think this is helpful to to understand what it really does cost to get us through the winter. So, okay. Right. Madam Chair. Yes, sir. Y um a question to John.
Is your concern that we're paying 2025 expenses out of 2024 revenues or assets? Well, only to the point of how we traditionally have done it. We wouldn't
be paying this bill now. We'd wait until 25's free cash got certified. So in theory, if we stayed the course, this 118,000 would actually go into stabilization and in theory be invested over a period of
time, you know, so we're losing a year worth of interest, but it's a one-time reset. Are you comfortable with this arrangement going forward? Yeah, I am. I just think someone's going to ask the question, so we need to be
prepared to answer it. And then the followup question, again, if I was sitting in the audience, the follow-up question would be is dear select board, why did you short fund the highway department 118,000? Because that's what we know as that question, right? Okay. Right. But that's
that's not what really happened. It has to do with Mass General Law and all this stuff. We just need to be prepared to talk to it, that's all. Okay. Yep. Yes, Scott. Go ahead. Um, so the next
three relate to uh free cash. Um, everything's been submitted. We're just waiting for um the state to get back to us. There was a few questions that Bradley had to answer. Uh, but we hope to have it probably, you know, the next one or two working days hopefully. Um so
so far after all of our obligations the which include the uh the 700,000 uh summer payroll issue that left us with about $649,000. Uh if you take out the winter road expenses um and then the central office and I
just put in a placeholder of $200,000 um pending uh you know an agreement with the school. Um that would leave us with the following three cash amounts based on our uh previous percentages.
So that's that's one of my I thought I thought our percentage to OPED was only 10%. Um I can double check but I yeah I the the recommendation because it's not really a policy it's it's the we've select we've opt or accepted a
recommendation which only allocates 75% of free cash going in and then there was 25 that was held out and your numbers come up to an even 100 and and again I'm not opposed to it. It's just if it's going to be different, we have someone's going to ask the
question the percent looking for the budget from last year. Yeah, it's under the select board one. Oh, sorry. Recatch. Yeah, there you go. 353010. So, this uses up the entire 100%. Is
that it? Yes. because only 75% of it gets restricted. We could then do a separate vote to restrict the additional 25 because we're at the end of the year and we don't have anything to put it anywhere. But I think if we do that it should be four
questions follow the 10 35 30 and then do a separate question for the 25 wherever the board thinks it should go whether it's capitalization oper operations whatever but just for consistency purposes.
So how much of each of these percentages in there Scott do you know? Uh, no. I mean, did you have that broken out? Okay. Yeah. 13, 40, and 47. 13 being the OPED, correct?
So like the OPED case, right? Traditionally that's 10 going to 13 makes all the logical financial wisdom of the world to do it. But it'll be a change that the people aren't used to seeing. Yeah. But that would that one's
relatively minor. But the um the other two they're up in the 40%. So that would be a real big change. Although we do need to build up our capital fund, but yeah. So I I would recommend the first three questions. We do it the way it is. 35 to capital, 30
stabilization, 10 to OPED, and then hopefully a joint recommendation from both finance and the select board to put the remaining 25 into capital or stabilization. You know, pick pick the account, but do a separate vote.
What usually has happened with the other 25%, John? We don't encumber it. It we we don't allocate it. So, it sits there and then it becomes part of next year's free cash certification. Next year's free cash, right? Carries carries forward. Yep.
Right. Scott, what do you think? Uh, honestly, I I would I I'm just I'm just pessimistic about the next couple years. Um so I I want to put as much into operational stabilization as possible. That's just
my my thoughts. We're only we're only at 5%. You know, if we could get into a million plus, I think that would help out. Um it's not where we need to be, but it's at least, you know, it's a step in the right direction. So, but you know, I I would
sacrifice the OPED percentage and I would rather do capital and operation than OPED. OPED is a much bigger thing that we're not going to fund this year anyways. So, what what if article the fourth article here, right? Because the first one's being the 35 30 10 what if the
fourth article 25% we vote we recommend that it be split evenly between capital and operations. That's one option. Or Scott, you were you were leaning toward all in operational. No, I just I would I would probably reduce the OPED and put it that
into capital for operations. I think we have to do the temp. So, you don't even want to do the 10% for OPED. I I have so many other needs right now. If we can afford to
not Well, if we can fund it to the minimum, I think that we should I mean, if our I think if we're going to be I'm sorry, Chris, to cut you off. I think if we're going to be going to um bond council for bond ratings,
I think we the practice has been 10% has been this 353010 has been our so I think that needs to be our floor. So I think I think we shouldn't not put in 10% for OPIB. I think we I think we should put in the minimum per our policy. Otherwise, we'll get dinged on
something else about not following our policy. Right. So I'd say we we vote to put 35 in capital, vote to put 30 in operations, vote to put 10 in OP, and then vote to put the remaining 25 either in capital or ops or divide it equally amongst the
two. Yeah. Well, and actually the way the way the policy is worded there, it says at least 35%. And at least 30%, so we might not even really need a fourth. Could we just increase that percentage, though? I mean, we're So, let's play out this
scenario. What if question one fails? This would be an opportunity to at least allocate 162 to next year's Norris budget because you already know the override's off the table. Mhm. And it's a standalone question if you if
you I mean you could put them in both like increase the percentages but then it's written amendments amendments. Right. Right. Well Scott what's what's possible to do in the time that you've got to get it to to Robert for his uh presentation
tonight as well as getting it posted. So, I mean, if if article one does fail, we'd be probably be looking at readressing the budget in September at the special town meeting anyways. We could move some of that out. We'd have enough money to get us through to then.
So, you want to stick with the three questions? Uh, I think it' probably be easier, but reduce the percentages back to the policy or what? Yeah, I I could I mean, I think that would be good. I can split the the 162 between capital and
operation. But does that need the fourth question that John is talking about because that's the other 25%, right? Uh, no. I would just um when I go back and do it with the with this, I would just change the highlighted amount to to reflect
that one time being split between the two. I don't think we need a fourth question. Does anybody else think, Dan, Stephen, anybody? Yeah, I mean, I think splitting it evenly makes sense to me.
And I like being direct, excuse me, and upfront with our policy. And I support the recommendation from Scott. So essentially, we'd be putting in a higher percentage for capital and
operational stabilizations than we're required to and reducing our oped down to 10%. Is that right? Mhm. Which is which is what our policy says. Maintain it. Yeah. Right. Reducing it from what we have in the budget right now, but back to the what the policy
says. Yes. Exactly. 12 and a half% on both of those. Yeah. And so so basically though for the for the first time in a while at least in recent years, we would actually allocate the 100 100% of free cash rather than
keeping 25% aside. That's the big change, right? Yes. Okay. Everybody okay with that? Okay. All right. Anybody? No.
I'm mostly okay with that given where we are and given the explanation that we've heard from Scott. So yes, um with some trepidation Now, does finance need to weigh in on this too, Scott?
Um, they voted on what was the the draft already. Um, okay. Voted favorably on everything except for um article one. It was 2 to one, but they voted favorably. So, I can send this back out to uh with the updated uh
numbers to uh for finance. Okay. These are these are really going to be uh we're just treating these as placeholders anyways for the last couple days, right? Until we get the free cash number, right?
Okay. And then on the article 9 then for the school, this is a portion of the payment that we owe back to central office that had not previously been build, right? So, we're hoping to do this in two or three tranches. Is that right? Two or three payments. Yeah. I I
did talk to Michelle and she said we would need a uh an authorization to pay previous year's bills one because we didn't receive the bill technically and we'll be entering into a new agreement with the schools to pay them. So we could just do a one payment for each
year. Do you want to make that the full p the full page on the screen there Scott? So we still need a written agreement with the school. However, yes, the 200,000 sub placeholders right now.
Okay. John, did you have any other idea what I think you had talked about a a two was it a two pay a two uh payment system? I saw one that was three payment and I don't know who initiated it originally, but uh well, if you went with three payments, there is a portion
of the Hampshire Regional School Committee that wants an additional $25,000 penalty payment attached for holding their money. Um, so I said I was fine with two years and if they want their money all in one year, I'm fine with that, too. Whether we can actually do it is a different story. And if uh if
they want it in one year and we can't do it, they're free to exercise their right to intercept our charity sheet money. So, I don't know. I haven't seen any wording. I don't believe they voted on a final version yet. So, yeah, we're making a good faith effort and it is
what it is. Yep. Okay. All the more reason why we need to fill those two empty seats from Southampton on Hampshire Regional School Committee to get some people out there. Exactly. Okay. All right. Scott, go ahead. Article 10. Yep. Uh, so article 10 was
just approved and I just update the uh the capital request. So everything was approved um except for I'll actually bring it up with a second. You just had a capital meeting tonight right before this, right? Mhm. Um so the
things that we are going to hold off on was the uh there's a carpet in Nor school for $100,000 and um we have to do a bigger capital plan for the highway equipment. So, we kind of knew that wasn't going to move
forward anyways. And that was I think you want to zero out the highway department. The 175 104 225. Oh, yeah. Sorry. Y there you go.
Mhm. Okay. That that can't be capturing everybody. There you go. So, Chris, the thought was that that 367 is pretty much the money that's in there, that 350. So, whatever we just allocated to go in there will all be in
there for next year. Mhm. And then the committee also made a motion to recommend that the select board and finance committee put forward a plan to the voters to um do a capital raise not to exceed a million dollars to address the deferred maintenance of the highway
department as a whole and put that before the voters in a special town meeting or something. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But it's too big of an issue for to be addressed through these means here. But we can't continue to
not let the citizens decide whether or not they want to make that investment. Right. Okay. So, if I'm looking at this, we've got two two police cars. Is that right? Yeah, we didn't buy one last year. When did we buy your the uh the truck?
Was that two years ago already? Year before, but we took delivery last year. Oh, that's why. I was thinking we it was recent. Okay. Yep. Mhm. So, we've got some gym doors and shop door at Where's the shop door? At uh
that's at Norris. Okay. Bar door at the library. Okay. Compressor. And the compressor. We're going to make sure the compressor is portable. That can go to the new facility. Yeah. Yeah. That's for all their oxygen tanks. Yeah. Yeah.
Okay. Kindergarten carpets. All right. and pickup truck for fire department. Yep. So, okay. Yep. That's for the old pickup truck that had. Is that right? Yeah. They use it
for the plowing, but now they also need it for the trailer. That we got with the ATV. Yeah. And why is it highlighted? Oh, we uh that was when we were in our talks. That was like the the last one.
But then when we we put software back in there, that was just how we ranked the priority of public safety need. Yeah. Got it. Got it. And and then we we approved this we approved the software for um cemetery, but the committee felt
strongly that that was a perfect candidate for CPA funds under historical preservation. So authorized it, but that need that route needs to be exhausted first. Mhm. Okay, sounds good. Okay, good. Well, I'm glad we've been able to do some of this at
least, you know, a couple of vehicles will be a big a big chunk, which is good. At least get a couple of the departments moving forward. So, we'll come back around the highway afterwards. Exactly. All right. Number 11.
Um, so this is a lot of the the cleanup. I'm not sure, you know, some of these were used and some of these weren't. And you know, some of these are remaining funds, which I I have to talk to council and get some advice on that. But I'm pretty sure if there's a remaining fund for capital that wasn't used, it should just automatically go back. That's more
of a a Bradley discussion I got to have with them. Um, but this would just help kind of put down the list a little bit and just look for some of the older ones that haven't been touched in four, five, six years. So, looking at the couple bottom ones for the the wing sander truck and the
dump truck, I mean, that's obviously just a balance left out of what had been appropriated, right? But I guess I'm curious on the highway plow, the 35,000, did we not obviously not do it? Um,
Randle left a note for it. Okay. Uh, close account. Uh, purchase complete. Part purchase complete. So, hey, we got it on sale. We must have. How How do we have 35,000 left over?
That's amazing. Chris Chris, I I've learned with central office of the high school. Don't question the numbers. They're there. If the auditor certified it, just let it go. There we go. The bigger question is where's that cash? Yeah. So, it looks like it was around 260,000
originally. Okay. Huh. Interesting. All right. Well, good. Well, that'll be good. So, all of this money then can go back into where? This goes back into capital. Uh, it should clear up the balance sheet.
Okay, great. Okay. Mhm. We have next we just resend unused from the Norris Elementary ban from two years ago, one or two years ago. Um
the next one's article 134. This is the um board of trustees uh for our trust funds that John had mentioned uh last last annual town meeting and actually special town meeting a couple weeks ago. um just we just timing we were able to
make it onto the article but this is uh two parts of the first one establishes the trust and then the second one um takes care of the appointment part by the select order Jyn's aware of it and she's okay with it
okay so this is one too in our in our explanation we're going to have to explain what this what this responsibility is all about in terms of the commissioners of the trust funds and you know so people don't get confused that we're using general fund money and all that kind of stuff, right? Yeah. I
I'm happy to talk on 13 and 14 if you want. Okay, great. And I'll I'll um I'll do up my talking points and run it by Jen ahead of time so she's not surprised at anything. Yeah. And I think I think maybe just even letting people know what the trust what are the names of some of
the trust funds. They I'm people don't have a clue. I'm pretty sure you know what what are the trust funds. So um I think that little background would be great. Yeah. Perfect. Okay. Yes. Agreed. So, there's two parts of that. Okay.
Right. Because the first one calls for the election and knowing how we have difficulty sometimes getting people to run. I I I didn't talk to any of you, but when Scott and I talked about I put in that second piece to make an appointment of the select board. Yeah.
Okay. I think so. It's easier than trying to do an election of officers on these things. Yeah. At this point. Yep. 15. Mhm. Uh 15 just a request on water department for transfer of retained earnings.
Sorry, Scott. I'm sorry. And I'm going to be a nitpicker. Are we select board in one word? We're not the board of selectmen. I know that for sure. So we've been using it as
two words. Yeah, there is some editing ne needed, but I prefer two words. Select board. You've got it up in the in the in the title of the article. Yep. Yep. Sorry. Yeah. Just really down in
the weeds, but No, no, that's good. Consistency is good. Yep. Okay. So, 15 is Yeah. Or just double check that. Yep. I got one. I missed that one.
Very good. So, this is uh just for maintenance of the Glendale well, is that it? So, yeah, this is the one that um I think Brian had talked about uh last meeting. No, it was the borrowing from last meeting. Sorry.
Okay. So, article 16 that is is that a um a debt exclusion? No. Um, that'll just be regular borrowing. Won't be a debt exclusion. I had Jyn run the number. So, it won't hit till next year's budget, but it'll
be about $40,000 a year. If we can um somehow take it out of um stabilization or free cash in the fall, I think that would be a way to do it as well. But we need that's something that we need to kind of get addressed um ASAP.
So, all right. see if the $190,000 purchase. Yeah, but we're only looking to borrow $46,000. Oh, all right. Not true. Okay. All right. Okay. There we go. Yeah.
Okay. Okay. Uh the next one is the water man replacement for college highway. That's not and then we have one request for unpaid uh fire prior fiscal years for um
$1281 um that kind of just slipped through the cracks. Yeah. And just back on Brett's borrowing that that too that's going to be coming from their enterprise fund, right? So, it's not Yeah, it's the last sentence, right? Okay, there we go. Um,
repayment shall be raised through water use or fees and shall not affect the tax levy for the town. Right. Okay, good. Yep. So, again, I think and and hopefully some of these people that have got items on the warrant will be there at town meeting to speak to this as
well. I mean, I'm hoping Brett and Randall and everybody will will be there to speak to their borrowing issues. No, I I made a requirement of all departments. We have town meetings. Okay. So, they should be there. Great. Okay.
So, our little $18. Good. Next. Uh the next one is just language to allow uh town meeting to allow the select board to enter into a pilot agreement with the solar farm that's going over in uh Bashistas. So, this is just to allow the
select board to negotiate on the town's behalf. Okay. Yeah. And just a typo there, Scott. Agravoltaic. I I Yes. Is it volcriic? Yes.
Yeah, spellch check doesn't like it for some reason, but that's okay. Oh, okay. There you go. Close enough. Yep. Okay. Swimming pool safety. Yes. Do you have the pictures here for the
latch and all that? No, but there's So, here's the definition I got from Ron. So, hopefully this is okay. Yeah. Okay. And then uh basically I think at the very end uh the one right before
the enforcement sorry just pop up. Um take effect on July 1. The one above it Scott. Yeah. Any constructor permit prior to that date. Yeah. So, anybody that's intending to do one, they need to get their permit pulled before July 1.
But, okay. So, these bylaws shall take effect July 1st, 2025. Any swimming pool constructed or permitted prior to this date shall be exempt. I I would argue that if a swimming pool was constructed
but not properly permitted, this they should not be exempt. So, this is saying even if you put a pool in illegally without a permit, you're okay. You don't have to fix it. Uh, John. Yep. I read it differently
that if you are permitted but not yet installed, you fall under the older regulation. Right. So, John, you're talking about somebody who never pulled the permit.
Yeah. So after No, no, no. John is Yes. Yeah. I am I am because it's any swimming pool constructed. So it's been built or permitted prior to this date. So there could be swimming pools constructed that
were not permitted because it's the word or any swimming pool constructed and permitted prior to this date. Yes. You're grandfathered. Oh, I see. Okay, I I got you. Okay, you can make that small change. Well, I'm I'm not an attorney. I'm just Yeah, see
how I interpret that. And reverse the verbs between the conjunction. Permanent and and constructive. Constructed. Yes. Yeah. Yeah. Put Okay, that's that's good change. Yep. We'll put the the cart before the horse here.
Yep. Thank you. That sounds good. Team, what's Robert say? Teamwork makes it work. There we go. Exactly. So hopefully this one will not cause any more angst as we get going.
Really? Scott, go ahead. Can't hear you. Sorry. Um just reading it would have to be any swimming pool permitted and construction prior to the date. So if you just are permitted but not constructed, you'd still be under the new rules.
Well, there you go. I gotta get it done. Well, people No, I think Ron was just talking about people got to pull their permits. He wasn't expecting that people if they pulled a permit, you know, in June that they would have it all constructed by July 1. I don't think he was trying to be that
tight about it. Yeah. So, you could you could say any swimming pool permitted prior to this date shall be exempt. So, as long as you have a permit prior to July 1st, whether existing or under construction, that happens, you know,
July 5th, you're good. Oh, I didn't know that's what you meant. Well, I'll go along. I'll go along. But we have to get grandfathered out of there because there's some better word that I'm not hip to.
shall be I think that legally non-conforming. Yeah. Non. Yeah. Just leave it just the way that is. Yes, that's technically correct. Yeah. Well, but and yeah, I see where he was going though with permitted or
constructed, but I you know, anyway, I think this should be okay. Yep. So then the wetlands one has got it's a long bylaw. Dan worked on this one way back when when we first put it through and it's going down to some place where
there's three or four highlighted places right about there. One is the uh it's even maybe above that where there's still a quorum issue. Oh sorry right here. Uh a right down here. Uh currently in office more than half the members of the commission currently in office must
be present. So, um, if they don't have a full committee, um, if they've got, you know, only five in place, at least three of them have to be there. That's the way I interpret that. So, I think these were a couple of changes that Concom wanted.
And there's a couple more further down. Uh, one was adding in a um the possibility of doing a wide wild wildlife habitat study. Uh just uh I just got to run give uh Robert's copy of the Okay.
Sorry. Yep. I'm good with the quorum issue because this commission needs that. Yeah. No, I think so. Go forward. if Dan is the appointed, you know, I
I don't know how we staff up the concom, but um I do have expertise in conservation. So, um just consider that. I think that as we evolve, um,
I might better apply my expertise in the housing area. Mhm. Got it. Yep. Yeah. No, I think we need to figure out how we can still recruit more people for concom for sure. Um, oh my god. Yes. A
good recruiting strategy. That's our problem. I mean, it's for, you know, various committees and boards. It's it's remarkable what quality we have given how few it is. It is. We do have some good people on there. Yep. Absolutely. So, a lot of this has not
changed. There's some very tiny things. So, the RDA applications will be treated as public hearings. Not quite sure what the issue was around that, but George, I have asked and George said he was planning to be at the town meeting. So, um, and then I think
this under B here, um, 2B, um, so this would allow the agent or commission members to review, um, the orders of all conditions, apparently. Uh, I guess the
pre-construction site visits, they used to happen very regularly. I gather not as regular now with members of the commission. It may just be George doing it. I don't know. Yep. That's I mean there used to be Saturday mornings there were at least two or three people from concom that went out on site visits
routine expectation it depending on who's the chair they could choose to do that or not but this gives a little more flexibility for those chairs that do not require site visits. Yeah. Okay. So again uh not too many. There's down
toward uh I think section 11 is where he told me he was putting in uh oh there's something else here. Yeah. Yeah. This was something uh he wanted to cross out provided the work conforms to performance standards and design specs adopted by the commission. And his
response to me was the commission hadn't adopted any performance standards or design specifications. So they wanted to take this out. though at this point in time I guess um I think it was maybe in 10 or 11 where they
put in the uh Oh, this is the other one. Yeah, I don't know. I was of a questioning mind on this one, but apparently Concom would like to do this to to have the enforcement action. I I gather there could be a situation where something is
needs to happen very quickly and there isn't a meeting coming up. So this would allow the agent to go ahead and start enforcement actions, but it's still got to be ratified by the meeting at the next meeting or something like that. So isn't that the purpose of emergency meetings? Well, one would think. I guess
I don't know if they've tried to do those, but yeah. And then I mean honestly I haven't I I haven't read this but I would just say that I think an employee of a commission may may be able to have some of this latitude but they should never be able
to do it independently without calling the chair and at least having the chair no it's no different than our town administrator there that person has certain limitabilities but they can call the chair of the select board this is what's going on I need to do this now
and at least the commission has been informed. Again, I haven't read this to see whether or not that's in there. I'm just going off what you just said. No, not not in any real detail like that. Um, we might be able to tweak this language right here. I don't know. What do you
think, Dan? Um Um, begin enforcement action. If we change it, does that have to go back to the conservation commission? What's the rule? Uh, in consultation with the chair of the commission. Yeah. So is authorized
to begin enforcement action maybe in consultation with the chair of the commission. That would be the the least intrusive be the easiest fix probably
enforcement action in consultation. You know I'm fundamentally uncomfortable with this at this time. I I just put my cards on the table. Yeah. Well, I was not on on bylaw committee. I was not terribly excited about it either, but um you know, we're just bringing forward
what Concom has requested. So, I gather they voted on this at some point in time. Yep. So, just pop up a little bit above that so we can see what precedes that, Scott. Just a little bit. Um so, the filing.
Yeah, this is the broad police action enforcing the wetland protection act. Yeah. And non-resident part-time employee may be very well versed in law and so on,
but may not reflect the values of our community and our commission. No, it's a valid question. Mhm. Can we change this here? It it's now I think we could. I mean, this this only came from concom to bylaw. So, we're just putting in, you
know, what the bylaw, you know, the bylaw committee made the revisions that concom. So, why don't we just strike that one and if they want to do it again next time, they want to bring it back, they can. Another change. Yep. Okay. Here. Here. I I I don't disagree with Dan. I
think the it's a communication, right? It's being struck because the the it's felt that the commission was potentially removed. So in consultation with the chair and all that stuff, this may be feasible, but in the form that it came forward, yeah, the select board didn't
feel there was enough check and balance. I I agree. Yep. Okay. Um, we'll have a new position available and that might change things having a person on on full-time serving the conservation
commission. So, might be good to maybe wait until that position is filled. Yeah. Okay. Then let's let's go ahead and strike that unless anybody objects to that. I mean, it was one that Milo's committee questioned to, but we didn't feel like we had anything we could say
about it. Um, I didn't hear Scott's uh response, but I would say in recruiting such a professional in the future, keep that in your pocket because that language subject to
meet the approval with the select board. Yeah. So I think here Scott uh where the wild wildlife habitat study I think that probably needs to be bolded that whole paragraph that was the new part that George had asked for.
So, and this I think uh yeah, he was just directing me as to where he wanted it put basically, but he said he's had inquiries from various people over time that he's been
here about wildlife issues. And so this gives them the authority to have a consultant do a wildlife study, maybe a beaver, you know, remediation study or something if they needed to do something like that. I guess that's the impression I
got. Um, anybody have a problem with that? Yeah, I mean I think what Chris said is right. I mean this just gives the the ability to request such a study if it's needed. Yeah.
I mean George I asked George if this is something we just we sorry Stephen I asked George if this was a new requirement or something or something that had been overlooked maybe when we had done the bylaw a few years ago. And he just responded saying this is new in
quotes and the current bylaw does does allow the commission to retain outside consultants. He's just trying to make it clear that this type of study can be used. Um, so based on his research and interactions he's had with residents concerning beavers and other wildlife.
So that was his response back to me on that. Go ahead, Stephen. Sorry. Anything? Well, I was just trying to understand the context and yeah, I think
this is appropriate. um sounds expensive but you know um I think it's um in the interest of enforcing the act so I'm I'm supporting Okay. All right. I think that might have
been it. I don't know on that one. Uh Mr. Anymore? I think uh there were very few changes really. Um I think that was it. Yep. So that's all there is for general bylaws. Uh yeah, good. 22. Nice. The um
assessor's requests, right? Uh so article 22 and 23. This would the first one would raise the exemption amount um and tie it to the CPI uh moving forward. And then the second one
would raise the asset limit and then tie that to the uh CPI moving forward. So we're uh I don't have the exact numbers, but we're behind what the state allows as a ceiling for exemptions for these classes of citizens. So senior citizens,
surviving spouses, minors. Um that's it. So this would just allow it to be moved up a little bit and then tie it to the CPI so you don't have to see this every year. Yeah. So this would be adjusted every year kind of automatically. Is that the idea?
Okay. So again, hopefully Dave or somebody's going to be there from the assessors to sit down and explain this. Yep. Okay. Zoning. We'll have the exact the actual
amount. I'm going to I'll put that in the explanation. Yeah. Great. Okay. Couple of zoning articles here. These are long ones, right? A couple of them. Uh, the first one is the ADU
amendment. Yeah. And Scott, you might want to go back. Sorry. This is chapter 75. So, you might want to have that in the title, too. I don't know. Just, you know, zoning chapter 75. 275. This one may be a lightning rod based on
what I perceived at the community workshop about zero college highway. Well, I mean I think the intention is just to bring us in line with the new state regulations. So understood and support it totally. Um we
have limited septic capability and um the educational issues around this are important because while we want to be of course in compliance and
furthering housing options y how does this change the definition? Does that change? It it it it has a very negligible impact in Southampton because we don't have sewer.
Mhm. Okay. Does a definition change much of what the ADUs are though in terms of attached and nonattached and all that stuff? That's mostly by the state, right? But in our in our bylaw, that's not a change that we're making. I mean,
what are their they're replacing something? They're getting rid of repeal it in its entirety and replace it with a new unit. So, I was just curious what isn't this I I thought Paul the way Paul explained this to me is this is
would allow the granny units or the ADU units as standalone on property. Yep. Right. They no longer have to be attached. Yeah. And there's a size there's something about sizing someone here like is it 750 square ft or half the size of the main dwelling unit? um
which is in line with the state. So I I agree with all that. I just think that the consequences have been exaggerated by opponent. Yeah. So there it is. 900 square f feet. Yeah. Or smaller. Whichever's smaller
line eight. Yeah. Okay. I see that. Yep. I mean, I think it's it's really important to have this because it it puts Southampton's um bylaw around accessory dwelling units where that have been allowed by the state. So, by by having this, it helps
to frame what Southampton um how we want to tailor it tailor that the the law from the state. So, I think either way you're going to have accessory dwelling units. Um, this just gives Southampton the opportunity to to put it in in in something that works
best for our town. Mhm. Oops. Well said. Scott, this has been reviewed by town council. Um, I have an email waiting for me from Michelle.
Yeah, because it's long and detailed, but um the goal I totally support. Thank you, Dan. And then that leads the um the two sight plan review uh approval amendments. Yeah. So again, I don't know if the
article 10 is that or article 9 is that part of the um this is also chapter 275. See, I think all of all of the zoning bylaws, I think, are numbered 275 and then there's a subn number for each of the topics. If I'm not mistaken, your general bylaws
has got a number for each one, but zoning is all 275 and then there's a a subsection. So, if you got that from Paul, that must be right, I guess. Yeah. Okay. I think the issue is above in the second line of text under the
title. You've referred to it as chapter 275 and then amending subsection 275. Yes. So you're deleting it or it's is it it's
my dictionary failing me? No, it's it's got a point. Yeah. Replace the new entitled type of view. Right. So in the very first line we refer to it as Southampton zoning bylaw
chapter 275 the code blah blah by amending something that um seems to be in u supporting detail of the first
statement but it is repetitive. Hang on. I'm going to see if I can just find the find it clearly here. Hold on. There must be a Well, was very top of what Scott is sharing.
Mhm. Chap. Yeah. chapter is usually a capital C section is a small S or the symbol from wherever Greek or something and this might be right but I think that
it's unclear or repetitive just take a look on the on the zoning bylaws on e-code on on the website just see just double check it yeah whatever the convention is we'll just Yeah. No, because a great deal of thought and
money Yeah. uh has been spent on getting this thing unrinkled because over the decades or it was fairly confused. So if you have that up on the left, Scott, yeah, it's very small. Can't see.
So site plan is number nine. Okay. So it's article 9. So that is how it would be used there. Okay. And then the ADU. Did that have an article for that one? Go down to we can leave this to Scott
and town council to smooth out because it's all 275 is all the all the zoning is 275. It is the right chapter legal formatting. All right. So there site plan review. You've got the Greek symbol 275-
9.1. I I have no idea what the rate, you know, protocol is. Just working it out. I mean, the the essential thing is they're taking taking that whole bylaw and they're replacing it with a whole new thing here. So I'm okay with that.
You know, this this may end up being bolded, Scott. I don't know. Depending. Um, but I think you can just double check the numbers under zoning because all these sections are what's on e-code right now. So, it's just in the in the very top part. Uh, just the intro section like Stephen was saying. It just
need to be clear what it is. But, okay, maybe me, but it looked like it was saying two different things and that's all. So, whatever the convention is, just go with that. I don't I don't
want a micro. Yep. No, this is this is whatever's on our website already. So, that should be what was okayed. So, I don't know if the um just check it for the ADU12 when you get back afterwards.
So, and then there's one more Uh oh, there's something new. Okay. A lot of these are title changes. Okay. Or consistency. All right. Okay.
All right. Solar. So, new definitions mostly or Yeah, mostly. I think the the big one is it it increases the size of the solar um projects in terms of the what we consider small, medium and large. The original solar bylaw was in
many years ago. So what what a standard size uh installation what is being required for review in our town is is kind of uh we have to review a lot more than other towns because of those the limitations or the values that were set before. So, okay.
So, this kind of brings things up to modern day requirements. Okay. Yeah. So, a lot of these I don't know how we do this. I mean, usually when we've, you know, replaced everything, we
I guess it's got to be just clear and bold. Yeah. It's a long one. Okay. Next, a lot of pages. Yeah. So, this is CPA's usual budget
presentation, how they divide up their monies. Okay. And then match and grant for the green white. Could you go back up a little bit, please?
All right. Reserves. Budgeted reserves are undesated as compared to the following three. Yeah. Okay, I'm good. Thank you. No worries. I got it.
Okay. Revolving funds. None of the limits have changed on those from last year, right? Uh just Well, we didn't include the health department one, right? Yeah. Okay. Otherwise, this is all the
same thing that we usually do. Okay. That's it. Is that the last one? Really? Good. Yep. Excuse me. Um, I don't know if I could grab some signatures tomorrow. If I can run around
wherever you are, uh, to get the sign, I can have Jared post it tomorrow. I'll be home tomorrow. Yeah, I'm around. We have construction going on in the front foyer. So,
Chris Christie, you need a motion to approve it and finalize. Yes, I think we should do that. Yep. So, with these changes and corrections. All right. All those in favor? Second. All right. Lumber lumber. I
Johnson. Lavali. I Paul's eye. Okay. Very good. Thank you guys. Yep. Yes. Scott, I think it may be be easier for you to find us maybe. I don't know. It depends. Stephen, John, where are you at tomorrow? I will be on my front lawn
raking and seating before the rainstorm on Saturday. So, just come on up the driveway. All right. I might be able to make it down to town building. Yeah. Okay, I'll get there. All right, sounds good. All right, good.
So, that takes care of the warrant. I think uh the next thing we've got one tiny thing here to um I just lost it. Hang on. Um we have to appoint a clerk at least temporarily to get us through the fiscal year because Cindy used to be
our clerk. Um, and so this she's one that signs the minutes of our regular meetings and then takes notes during executive. So we need a motion to appoint somebody amongst us to be the select board clerk for the next couple of months until we get through
the fiscal year or at least until we get through the election. Any volunteers? Any volunteers? I know somebody who's done it before. [Laughter] I didn't do it well. Um, actually I like that. Stephen, does
it have to be a select board member? Can it be the town administrator? Who could then delegate? I mean, especially Well, especially on the executive session ones. I wouldn't be surprised if Ed used to do a lot of that. I don't remember. We we actually did those ourselves, but the the regular
minutes, you got to have somebody We We did that. We did that very erratically. Yeah, I think it kind of moved around. I mean, I I'll I'll volunteer if there anybody
that doesn't see a conflict of interest of any kind or anything for the next two months, but I definitely don't want to take it on forever. Well, it's a good way for new members to learn. It could very well be. I I would be open to taking it on,
Chris, if you took my spot on QPP. Your fault. Yeah. No, that's okay. No, it's fine. I mean, this won't be we'll only have two or three meetings before the end of the fiscal year, so it won't be that ownorous, and it's usually more the executive sessions that get a little bit complicated. And I only know
of maybe one or two topics that we have to tackle regarding the police union. Second Chris's self nomination. Okay. All those in Ill.
All right. Well, I I will take care of it. Thank you. Any other business that we have before the Say what? Thank you. Oh, well, you're here. Glutton glutton for punishment. What can I say? Um, so any other business that can't wait until
our next meeting, our regular meeting, which is on the 29th, which is Tuesday. I'm not believing there's anything that needs to come before us. We will just be sure that we do all these. We're meeting fairly frequently. But let me just toss in that um um Chris to your um
particular interest, there are at least three parcels that are competing for a land grant. And maybe it would be a a you know a
rollup of three different properties. But um it is rapidly evolving and you know one of them and so um that conversation is evolving with Kestrel
and you know all all hands on deck to figure out what's feasible within the time frame and Kestrel can help us with the proposal. Okay, sounds good. We will pick that up
next week again because there there is a just so you know Stephen the land grant has an information session on May 7th I believe a Zoom session right yeah I signed up to attend just to hear it and see what they're talking about
but um anybody else can as well so good all right so other that that would be awesome yeah and sounds good we'll pick that back up uh as that keeps moving here. We we do need
to yes keep on top of that. Um so we have uh select board meeting on the 29th, May 13th and May 13th and May 27th. Is that right? Guess so. According to my calendar here, we have the annual town meeting on the 6th
and the election on the 20th. So I think that's all we have at the moment. Um, so we will endeavor to get signatures on the warrant so Scott can do his thing tomorrow. Um, with that I think I'll take a motion to adjurnn. So moved. So moved. All right. All those
in favor? Lumber I Johnson I Eye. Okay. We are adjourned at 7:24. This government meeting is brought to you by Eastworks and our local cable subscribers.