Good evening everyone and welcome a select board meeting for sun or sun April 28th 2025 six feet in the land use room meeting is being held in hybrid fashion if anyone is recording please let um Mr. Mo
know right um and present assess this after this evening is myself chair Jason Pearl vice chair Diane Gale Mr. Doug Molden, our clerk and assistant CEO Magnoi.
So, uh, first, um, for those that didn't know, we lost, um, Ellen Miles this week. Um, she was a long time and dedicated volunteer, very heavily involved in the Rotary Cultural Council, and, um, she's a very great, welcoming
lady. when I first came on, she was very welcoming to me. Um, and I just ask we all have a moment of silence for her. Thank you. I want the pledge of allegiance. force to the flag
of the stands. One nation, indivisible, justice for all. We got a 605 start. We're going to join in with the the finance committees here with us. So, I've got a couple minutes
here to um is there anyone that's interested in the audience making some public comments? Ma'am Kimberly Barry 27 Kimberly Lar 27 Grand. So, I just received my water and
sewer bill. I was forced to sign on in 2006 for $9,000 or $6,000 if they passed by my lot or any build of a lot. So I paid that which if I had invested it up until recently I
would be rich in the stock market and I am very upset. They just recently voted which is good but well I don't have one but it's still good for those but I feel I was added to add to the
population of individuals who the cost would be divided by since I live road miles from the lake. This is a list of things that we pay for those few of us who are on the sewer. EPW special assistant salary, maintenance salaries,
overtime, clerical, longevity, supervisor of sewer salary, sewage flow fees, stock piles, telephone monitoring, tests, pump stations, uniform, contracted equipment, office supplies, sewer maintenance, odor control, vehicle repair, physicals,
health insurance, grinder pump maintenance, and I feel that since the whole time of Southwick is benefiting as I got a better betterment. The whole town of Southwick has a betterment by the cleanliness of the lakes. We have
access to the town beach on South Pond. The town beach on middle pond is no longer being used. There are two boat launches as well as the fishing pier and then there's also North Lake where you could stand and observe the beauty. So since the whole town is as a betterment,
I want as as a I want respectfully, but as as a citizen, I demand that you folks on the the select board go over
and figure out a way to stop the cost of the sewer maintenance to be continually added to my and others who are only on the sewer. and place it on the onus of the whole town because the whole town is better by
the use of the clean lakes. And I would prefer to have this done sooner than later. And I certainly will be checking to see if this is even attempted because I feel it's egregious for me to continue. In the first place, my water
bill was doubled and now my sewer fees are more than doubled. So originally it was what comes in goes out. Now what comes in is one thing and what goes out is even more. So again I want to reiterate that everyone is bettered by it and I should have to stop being the
only one paying for this service when the whole town benefits from it. Also I'd like to mention that not everyone on the lake is hooked up. Meanwhile I have been since 2006. Another unfair situation in my opinion. Thank you.
Thank you. We have now hit 605. Um so we're going to move on from public comment for now. Maybe we'll come back to it at the end. But um so for new business, we have our joint meeting with the finance committee for the fiscal year 26 budget approval.
How are you today? Good. Yourself? Good. I need a motion to open our side of the meeting. Second. All those in favor? I need to do my eye. Excuse me. Sherry Nolan David. [Music]
So what we have up first is some clear fun transcripts. Do you guys like to go over those? See where we're at and how we got there. I'm second if they decide to pass them tonight. First up, we have a looks like it's a
sprinkler head pipe that's been leaking for a while. Um, it was in next year's budget. The young man that runs our maintenance department has some money in certain council. So, it's in front of us tonight because the funds are available. We're
just not in the right account. So, that's what that is at. The quot is in there. Um it's like it's 15,000 he's requesting the dandy. Yeah. So that's the data is coming from. Okay. Um second
up is the the cruiser maintenance. So when we and me and you met, we went over our H checks. Um I don't want to sound off a little bit, but we did agree on mostly
everything. That wasn't an issue. The issue was we have no money. We had money, but the numbers were so high, we looked at what we could cut to try to get ourselves down. We basically decided we should probably put a motor in that truck. Yes. Now, I've been informed
since then that, you know, and and they're right. It isn't the best truck in the world to haul their boat, but it's the truck they have to work with for now. Um, and in two years, will they be back for the right vehicle? Probably. So, um, but if that can get us all further down the road, that gets us a little further down the road. And then
last is Christie. Uh, we're looking to town clerk town hall codification updates and they're looking for 25,000 for that. That's been talked about for
the last few months. Another thing I was in for next year's town meeting um that they would love to see we get that started sooner than later. So those are the three things that are up. Any discussion on our side? Yeah. Um do we
know why the truck engine failed? Y uh had a um so that that version of the truck apparently and and if the chief wants to do when he can basically started with a small knot um got worse
and then the motor kind of seized up. Oil been changed on time. Maintenance has been done all the way through there. Somewhat say there's a problem with that block design at one point in its life. Is it better with a new block? I don't know. You know what I mean? I don't know
if they fixed the problem internally as far as factory blocks go. So, it wasn't under warranty. It was wellmaintained. It wasn't trying to haul a load that was wasn't was coming back from a classroom was I don't Yeah.
Well, that may well be it. It's I thought it was unusual. I didn't read any I looked it up. I didn't read anything about that particular 2017 semis block or ending. Apparently, Cameron lifters go first. You'll get a little rattle on the top end. If if you understand what
you're hearing, you hurry up and get cam lifters done and that'll save the bottom end. I don't think they heard it or it was it wasn't as loud as maybe it should have been and then it went to the bottom end of the truck. Thank you. Yeah. Anyone else?
I agree with what you've done. We're not happy about it, but No. Yeah. the numbers we were looking at. You know, that's where we're at. Well, it's 30. Yeah, it saves us 30 or 30, right? Well, that and you know, the budget is what the budget is here. So,
it's not where we wanted to be. Not thrilled about it. I think that it's you're throwing good money after bad on that truck that they're definitely going to be back in front of you, if not next year, the year after for a truck that's more appropriate for the mission. you know, the new boat, you know, you can
read the news stories about the uh was I think it was in Switzerland where they bought a plane and the plane doesn't fit their hanger, right? Maybe read somewhere, not in our town where, you know, the fire department buys a new fire engine and it doesn't fit in there. Well, our boat fits in the garage, but
to pull that boat around, that's not the right vehicle for that. So, they're going to be back in front of you. I I'd prefer to to do something else. Um, I I saw some notes on this. I was drumming around in my head if there's a potential compromise of maybe you do fix the truck. Maybe that's an alternative for
the DPW guy because it is a fairly low mile truck and department goes right gets an appropriate truck for that. They, you know, we spend the money to put a motor in the truck and give that DPW guy, I don't know what the condition of the body is and rust and so
on and so forth, but to throw another 20 something,000 at that truck for its mission, I don't think it's the best use of the town's funds, but you know, we're coming up against it on the date, so I don't know what's the right course of action, but Right. And of course, that wasn't ever the mission of that truck when it was No, I mean, it was I mean,
that was that truck was acquired three chiefs ago, right? So, um, and I believe it was, you know, it was acquired with with forfeite money at the time and, um, I'm not quite sure of all the circumstance. It predates myself on the board, but, um, I'm not familiar with
all the circumstance of how that truck came to be and how they picked that particular one. Um, but that that's just my thought on it. Well, can I get clarification where they had a budget of 33? Was that is all of
this for a new vehicle? Which the 15,000? Well, I'm trying to It's They're looking for 15,000. They're looking for requested 15,000. I'm sorry.
20,000. So, they had 33. Why did they have 33 if they had a truck at that time? At that time when they put the 33 in, did they have a They didn't put 33. Under cruiser maintenance line item, there's 33,000.
Okay. I think is what that is. Correct. Correct. Correct. And they've expended 22,000 out of that line item, which paying somebody $783 or balance incumbent sitting out there. So right now they have 10,000 in the account. All right. So the 20 asking
for 20. Yes. Oh, so I guess I was confused. Are you guys meaning foring the 20 for a new engine or do they No, that's what this is for is this reserve fund transfer is to do the new engine. Yep. Okay. The original the
original budget analysis was to put a crew to buy a cruiser, one cruiser and one truck and then we would surplus that truck and recover whatever we got out of it rather than than spend money on it. Given the current budget situation, the proposal is
to buy a motor for the truck and and repair it and also purchase one cruiser. That's still the cruiser is still in the budget. The proposal was not to invest anymore in in this older truck or the six-year-old. Yeah. With one thought. That's why we're here
today. I don't know. Now that you said that we're still going to buy iter, what is the condition of the cruiser? Should we be not buying the cruiser and buying the truck and putting a cruiser off for a year? Yeah, there's just we once you put yourself behind the
eightball and cruiser replacement, you really put yourself behind the eightball. Plus, there's a there's an officer in the budget as well. So, that's going to from a fleet standpoint, I think you're going to be you're going to need that cruiser. Um,
so they normally buy two cruisers a year. So, we were going to forgo one this year and buy the truck. And rough math was that the truck is roughly equivalent to a fully outfitted cruiser. So, that was where we were coming from
on that. But then once we started putting the the numbers into the model, there wasn't really enough. They had to find someplace to cut. So, that was one thing that they're looking at is should we spend $20,000 instead of 60 60ish on the truck to save for it. And
the icing on the cake, at least our discussion was if we can get it into if we can get it in earlier under the reserve fund transfer, they can get the truck running instead of waiting till after July 1st and then they're budgeted that dollar amount and then the summer's going to be over before the truck gets
moved. So, that's why it's in front of us tonight to get them moving forward on that on that truck. So they could actually use it this year or this spring, I should say. So that's why it's here. Yeah. Because they instead of a regular Yeah. They're going to be using it a little bit more regularly right
now. We we me and Jason thought that was a compromise of something for them and getting it, you know, fast forward versus waiting till July 1st in the regular annual budget or flat out saying no.
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, we got offers of five, six, 7,000 for the truck. Four. Was it four? Four. Yeah, I got more than that. Four, but so I think we're at six. But either way, it's still six grand. It's not doesn't buy any vehicle by any means.
So, all right. So, up first is the maintenance department for lease that we've talked about in the past. I came up with Dr. Dor a while ago. there money in my account. It
basically didn't get past me. I said, "No, they have money. Do it when it's low when you look at it. For some reason, it just didn't get done. Um, and they've done other work where that money would have went." So, another item that was budgeted for next year, if we can do it now, he has money
in different accounts that we can grab from. So, that's what I've said. Looking for a motion for the maintenance department, 15,000 for the sprinkler. So both there's a second all those in favor
we'll start with me chair I me I shar project welcome thank you after that we're back to liquor so we're showing 20,000 is what the liquid zer fun was any interest in doing it I was so
much ask Why was the statement made that you think if we put a new engine in the truck, we'll be back shortly thereafter? Well, because the So, the truck was bought to haul cones and um barriers, right? The the wooden barriers back 10
years ago, eight years ago, right? And had a little towing edge on it and it worked great. Right. We had a hurricane come through. That truck was was went out. It did a wonderful thing. Then they needed for schooling taking one guy somewhere. Why take a cruiser? They took the truck. Truck's been a
great little truck. As you all know, we purchased a boat. Boat's a little heavier and a little bigger than the last boat. So eventually that truck, as much as it can tow it to Cong for us, is probably underrated for what it's doing.
It can do it, right? And it will do it, but we should know exactly if it's rated or not because I'm sure it can tow it. I'm sure it can tow it. Will it be happy about it? No. What does it have to right? Exactly. But at the end of the
day, yes, an F250 would be much a much better piece to tow that trailer and the other trailers that we have over in the police department and and so on and so on. Just to say that motion made a motion. Thank you. Is there second? Thank you. All those in
favor Joe D. I for sure I project and guys if we had money it wouldn't be in front of us but we spent four hours five hours that day and and weren't
happy when we were done invest well most of us don't buy our kids our first car new right I mean it's the same thing that she's she's got little miles on it she's in good condition and whoever was going to buy it be another police department was going to put a
motor in it and they were going to run it. So they're not wrong. All right. The third thing in front of us right now is the updates for the town clerk town hall and that is $25,000. So anyone have any questions on that? I think the young lady is on the
phone if you can answer them. I see no questions. What does that even mean? Could you give us a discussion on this? The 25,000 cover updates of the town code book which have not been updated for the last couple of
town meetings. Um it is behind and it's causing some issues in other departments and boards. Um this is all for refining which is supposed to be done every at least every four years and the last time it was done was 1994. So um this is to
bring the code to make basically making it um checking it to make sure it's legally enforced. Um and in the long run it'll you know save the town money you know so no get sued for anything. Thank you. Thank you Kristen. I need a
motion to take the motion. Thank you. Those in favor Joe DD David. Thank you. Thank you. By the way, do we have to spend 20 roughly 20 or $25,000 every year for
gratification? No, we skipped a couple years. It's recommended every 20 years. Yeah, ups are usually a couple thousand. depends on how many bylaws got the community. But I thought you said we only missed it for the last couple years of community.
So this is the two-part project. So there's a supplement which we do we're supposed to do after every time and that's a couple thousand to have that updated. Um and then the codification is a whole the whole they go through the entire code um with a legal analyst. Um
and then we that's the incentive part that we do every year. Motion accept the reserve fund transfer. Any questions? Recommended. No, I do as to do those individually. Okay. list. So I would looking for a
motion to approve the reserve fund transfer of $20,000 for the repair 2017 Dodge Ram engine. We'll make that motion. You're going to have
seconded. We'll call Jason. I I would also be looking for a motion to approve the sprinkler valve replacement of for reserve fund transer of 15 which actually it's $15,000. Make that motion. Doug Moin will second
the motion. Roll call vote. Jason Pon I Doug Min. Yes. Slate A would be looking for a motion to approve the reserve fund transfer of $25,000 for the code updates to current town meeting and complete recotification of the town of South Code. Motion made.
Doug Mo. Roll call vote. Jason P. I Doug Morgan. Yes. All right. So phone transfers. out. Are we moving back? Well, we're moving back to So, that Laura, can we just give
everybody the update as to what's going on, where we're at right now? So, where we are at? Um, as in the general, just the general what the gist of everything is.
Um so we worked with um all of you and then we met with Jason and Joe and we went through the budget and we had to you know make some cuts in order [Music] to make the balance or make the budget
work. Um unfortunately there's were some increases to the school assessment um out of we were hit with an out of school or out of district um student um
assessment and um our budgets over you know our assessments to our retirement veterans pioneer valley those went up $130,000 the general fund funds as it stands right now um had an increase of
$250,000. The sewer budget went up $58,000. EMS went down by 28,000 and the water budget went up by 20 almost $30,000. That's kind of where so in order to look at that um and
in this model we have to use you know three a little over $3 million of our free cash in order to make fiscal work. Go ahead. What you got for me?
Going to be some people that are not happy if we can discuss some of this stuff. Um, some of the things I'm going to just go over the cuts right now. Um, and like Laura said, unfortunately, when we took this school
situation on, you know, we were looking for some savings and it hasn't turned out that way. Um, and then of course the assessment for the school's gone up and everything's gone up and we've we're also in a position of uh, you know, market volatility right now. So that's
all over the place as well. So can I interrupt here real quick? So the school assessment is 865,000 and then school district is 737,000 and change. So you're at a million6 just right there.
Increase clear. Yeah. race 11.83%. And that's you know that's a big not a big problem but that's a big problem. So that takes away from the town's the rest of the town's funding operate you know operations and everything gets shrunk. The thing that
me and Nicole I mean I know the schools are are limited with there not be unfunded mandates but unfortunately it's becoming to the point where something's going to happen and I'm I'm going to say some of the things I've already looked into and people aren't going to like to hear this. I've already started
researching how to to disband the district. Personally, I think we need to look at every option um for down the road and look at the what's going to save the town of South money. I I I don't want to do anything like that and I'm not, as everybody knows, I'm not
going to be here, but I am going to be out there and I'm going to be looking still for reason ways to save this town money and keep the residents happy and keep the residents here. And unfortunately, the schools have become like unsustainable everywhere. Um it's
pretty sad when we could throw $750 million at um federal migrant crisis, but the regional school districts have asked for $60 million and we get 60. So um it's a bos it's obviously a Boston issue that needs to be fought a little bit
harder. Um but there's only so much we can do with it. So, so let's see. The first hit on my list is going to be unfortunately the pull pads. We had to take those off the left this for
this time. Which documents are we looking at? Um, I have my budget for the one what we went over with Laura. I don't know if you guys have that being in our old stuff, guys. Yeah, I think you're going through capital
items. Yeah, this is pretty much capital side. Okay, let's just let's just he's looking on the capital for now. Yeah, um so I did get some answers, Mr. Bey, just from the chief right now. So
contracts um is everything IMC um tasers all the upkeep on computers everything like that. So we got that straightened out dues chief did we get an answer okay um the community the conference travel chief of do that's
everything combined including fist everybody um and community police program uh all the community police based programs have been rolled into one for that big number. So a lot of this stuff is should be combined. So you going to
stick that together? I'm going to for next year maybe you going to do it that way. I do that going forward. Yeah. Okay. Yeah. All right. So, so as we talked about set of the two cruisers, uh the truck and the cruiser, we're doing the pler and fixing the
truck. Again, it's not something we wanted to do. Um but right now, and we still don't have any Laura, we don't have solid numbers yet, right? I guess that's your best
I I'm not doing anything now. So capital item chief inflatable vault not this year. DPW supervisor truck is off for now and the next one that's off for
now is the roll off. But you did get an extension for a year. As far as we did get the I I inquired with Nicole about what we could do with this, but right now with the budget with nothing solid, um
we're at that point and I, you know, I agree with you on where they're going with it. And I talked to them guys and I know they need it, but um I know we need the compact a little bit more right now. you know, that thing's been broken down a couple times, but hopefully things will change. You know,
in this hit this year, a lot of it comes um the schools insurance, the school of surgeon alone went up a quarter million dollars with the increase in all the rates. I know me personally, my personal insurance up there is been 23%. Um the insurance is a big killer this year. Um
and then you know the other big thing was the the switch with the out of district vote and all that stuff that we've that's a number that won't jump as high next year and we'll actually be getting some of that. We'll be getting some Yeah. next year. So we don't have
that number yet, but we don't have it because we just started over everything's a year behind as far as that goes. So So those two big things are off right now. Uh, we did get there's quite a few trash boxes up there, so I think we're pretty good there. So, we took the trash box
off for right now. We did go down on the grinder pump maintenance equipment. I know Randy said he has some standing by. you know, at some point we need them, we can get them, but I don't think spend, you know, we thought taking the 17 and putting it
back into the budget would be a a better idea for right now rather than just having them on standby. Let's see. Uh, we also cut the hydrant replacements down a little bit to 15.
Which one was that? For the uh capital for the water division, the item in place since we we took a little bit off of those level fun. I think we ended up filling in with 15. We ended up with 15. I have mine written down, but I don't
remember if we agree with your 5year decrease or excl. Okay. Yeah. So, that's where we decided I think on 15. So, we took a little bit off of that and those are the big capital items. That's where the biggest savings
I guess you have to savings if you want to call that that were but um so if you look at this paper here we have everyone see that does it say fiscal 2026 2026
annot based on our FY 2025 shots That pretty much has a breakdown of where things are and how we got here. this one. We don't hit the tax levy. [Music] Um, we got a little bit of room there,
but we don't have a lot. So, with this budget, we're at 16. It's always about 30 million of it. Yep. And these are rough numbers. I mean, I think they're close. Mr. Chairman. Yes. Go ahead, sir. Uh, under
police, I believe there been a change in circumstance. I thought we were going to give the department heads some ability to move some money around within their their line items, but I think this is capital. Uh I'd like to suggest maybe the chief can weigh in
that I heard that the fingerprint machine will live to fight another year and therefore that might give him the opportunity for you a little less than that to to handle that procedures update process that he was looking to undertake.
All right, I did get that email. I'm going to put the chief on the spot here. Chief, why are you not writing your own policies and procedures? Uh because it's going to take a or sending an offer to this full-time.
So, you're talking not 20,000, you're talking probably 100,000. So, it's a cost effective way to do it. This is where I'm going to stick my other hat in and say where we do it, we do it. You know, if we don't do them all
at once, we just we do them, but we don't farm them out. Um I mean, we just hired a new lieutenant. I mean, what's exactly? You have more personnel than we do. We're down six. Well, I I'm not saying that. Do you also have an attorney on staff in
West? Yes, we don't. I'm just going by what I think. Well, here here's what I'm going to say. This is the chief's department. Don't take this the wrong way, chief. He should be writing his own policies and procedures. That's just the way I feel.
That's the way I reached out to several departments in the area and ask them about this today. And this is that the recommendation I got was rather than doing it all at once, you know,
do it. But I'm going to be and I'm going to go back here. I believe how much you love that. But we're still doing them here. And there, you know, we're slowly updating that. Um, that's just the way I feel. Um, I'm not a fan of hiring an
outside service to come in and write our policies. So, that's where I stand on it. That's just that's all I'm just going to say. But I'm only one man. What was that cost, Chief? Uh, it was $20,000 year
one, $20,000 here to I trust you can give me that list of chiefs who write their own policies. I can't. I'll be looking for it. It was You had $10,000. I'm sorry. 10 and 10. 10 and 10. So, I
misspoke. Why? So, same same cost of the fingerprint machine roughly. Well, no, the fingerprint was 217. So that so but if you're going to split this over two years so you can uh I put forth the thought to we can
recover $10,000 out of the budget but but put put forth a motion to to change that to $10,000 for this year for the police policy instead of the fingerprint machine at 21 be 10 but no you're on the hook for another 10 next year. It's not
the finger machine's got something else that goes with it then for five or 6,000. What was that? That's a defibrillator. Hopefully you don't need that right next to the fingerprint machine. I don't need um although you're talking well it can happen but no I think that from what I understand that
was repaired now right and it's operational. So the fingerprint machine we followed about it last leg. Actually, IMC, which is our CAD system, was able to get a representative from IDMIA, who's the one who actually So, they're able to get somebody from to
come out in person the other day. They had to completely reboot and wipe the machine a couple of times to make it work. Now, it does work with the exception of the back to IMC, which they are still working on. But when I was told if it does not completely work out, Idemia is probably going to replace the
machine at no cost. Okay. So I'm told I have a different question but related. Um, in sewer, water and EMS, we have a salary
and reserve line. And I thought we had no contrast during negotiation. Is are those funds support available? that department heads which live in
multiple buckets are for my understand and that is not the general salary reserve no but the portion of their salaries that get come out of there get put in those enterprise
account then we can't save it there is that there Okay. Does the uh fire department have do they maintain their own policies and standards, policies and procedures?
We do. They're based on um universal models if you would arrest specific as the fire as the police department would be, but we do make um ours again ours on the relation side.
Sure. And and why is it two years? Is that just how long it's going to take the That's basically all companies coming in are going to assess what we have potentially create new policies or modify the policies that we have. That's their time frame. It's a year to
basically wind up everything. And you have to be trained in everything beyond that. Prior to everything taking shape and being rolled out, you have to train on them. If you don't train on them, then you're left with the liability. Um what's the volume of the policies and
procedures? Uh if I can show you basically physically the book is about that value. I exact policies are in there but there's policies on every little chief. Does the company I'm assuming the
company specializes in this. They carry insurance policies for like errors and emissions and legal backing to make sure that these are cuz you're you're dealing with litigation and stuff like that. That would be my concern about homegrown
law enforcement policies to be honest with you. And then the training too on that. So do the company does do they guarantee their their work, their oversight? They have on-site attorneys, all of that stuff. or is it just a consultant that's doing
this in their spare time? It's an actual company. The one we're looking at, there's I think three that we looked at. Uh this one actually specializes in Massachusetts accreditation as well. Okay. Or one of the other companies we looked at would guarantee that. Yeah. So, you don't have
to be accredited, but this would line us up to do it if the council wanted us to. Mhm. Well, as far as the litigation, the on-site attorneys and stuff, I can get you that answer. So, I'll make a motion for from the select board to amend that. uh I don't
know if it's going to come out of free cash or how it's going to be funded, but to to to modify the police capital budget to remove 21745 for the fingerprint machine and instead replace that with uh policy and
procedure update for $10,000 in the upcoming fiscal year. Second roll call vote. Jason Peron abstain. Dang. I Doug Morgan. Yes. Interesting.
Um, so if we're going to do that, we don't have the admia. We want to give what we want to do with the remainder of it. Remainder of the 15,000. Yeah. Well, they're what? 21 21, right? So 10 goes to that. You still
got a little bit hanging around till you want to put it back into budget. I don't know. They'll take the 11,000 and put it back toward the tax rate, right? I don't know what you do with it. You know, what piece to get. It's not like it's coming out of those, you know, all
the expense line items where we were giving them the authority to move money. Right. Yeah. Right. Going to get the better motor for the truck. Just kidding. So yeah, that that would just put 11,000 back toward the tax rate. Do you guys need to be unanimous to pass
that? Okay, they faster. Y need to your thoughts, guys? I'm with Alita on this and you know, you don't want miss anything when you're going like that kind of overall. So the
current state Understood. A lot of things have changed in the past few years in the state. So, I'm sure we need to things. Yeah. And we have some newbies. Want to make sure that they're up to date. So, then our motion will be to put 10 towards them. The rest goes back towards the general
fun. Motion. Sec. All those in favor? Joe D. I lead Maria. I Sheri David. He said thank you. Thank me. Guarantee back.
Yes. 11 more. Oh yeah. Oh. So, you're looking at the the numbers. So, the only other thing I know that happened is the uh which we won't we don't have to deal with, but the track 100 grand went towards the track. So, they're going to have to adjust
those numbers on the Tom 84 as far as the school goes. I believe 200 was in there for the track 192, but I think it's got to pass CBC vote first before they can adjust their numbers anyway. Well, yeah. I would. So they're going to
affect us here. Well, it's in their capital budget, right? Yes. So if they haven't filed said budget, right? So they should take that out and roll the dice rather than put it in there and then have that roll
into END puts another $100,000 or $83,000 back against the tax rate. Right. I don't know if they were going to borrow it or what they were do with it, right? But that's $83,000 whatever the percentage is for us out of that 100. Y
and kudos to Mr. chairman for doing the leg work to get that in front of CPC to get uh the half of it because uh I think a few years ago that would have been looked at strictly as maintenance and to look at it and that's actually that actually changed in 2012 which on on
another note while I've got everybody here included in the way they changed it that park and w stuff that's going to be needed can also be covered under C 100% can be found right on our CPC even though it's covered doesn't mean they have to vote
Oh, no. Yeah, no. I was hope I was hopeful that it would be the whole 192. Absolutely. We We got 100. How did it become not maintenance? It's reconstructed. It's a It's a
restoration. Restoration. That's a better word. Thank you. It It will act prolong the um useful life of the tread. the I had a stack of stuff because if there hadn't been any motions then I was gonna stand up and start stomping my
feet. But um the actual active life of those tracks are supposed to be between 20 and 30 years. There are also some underlying drainage issues that I I was unaware of that are also detrimental to the track. So that that's kind of how the 100,000 went
through was more towards maintaining that cuz there were some people that felt along the same lines. Well, that's maintenance. And I like the analogy that someone gave. If you're ch doing your tires, you're doing your brakes, that's regular maintenance. Your engine
blows, that's not regular. That's not a recurring thing. And the way it's written, it's recurring regular maintenance. So, and and it lit literally lists like a capital such such as resurfacing. Like I said, I I
dug. So, and I'll still be digging. So, okay. Anyone have any questions on this model that's in front of us? How much do we actually have to cut from what we did? What we've got half million
million dollar out of our thing out of the capital side. Yeah. No. Yeah. Just out of I mean the big items was the the big truck, the little jam, right? Those really were the big ticket items. Um, you know, trash box was 14 and so on and
so on. So, incentive part. Yeah. Yep. 30. So, we're all Were all the cuts out of capital? Did you go back and touch anybody's budget? There was some We trickled some of the budget. Yeah. Little small things. Small things.
We took a good knife to the operating budget the first time we all went around it. And there's a few budgets that weren't finalized yet. Police, EMS, maybe fire, right? We didn't have everything. So, we had it all. And we sat down and went through there and where we could cut 5%.
We definitely did. The budget as a whole went down on this on the operation side, but you have, you know, you have control, you have more employees, you have, you know, we're a little topheavy in my eyes, but it's what it is. It's all part of the growing. Insurance,
benefits, salaries, that stuff. Right. Benefits, benefits, benefits. And we keep cutting operations all these on. Yeah, you're right. I paid paving. Yes. In that model in this in this year, there's a million per payment which will be financed. So
that's 25 150,000 125,000 principal and I know a million. You can stop me later. It's a bandaid. I don't I get it. Yeah. But Fing Hills Road was done. That was a big piece. Absolutely. And if you
take the wrong right or left, you find a road that has that that's desperately needed and so on and so on. And you know, some of you from other sides of Westfield and you take those roads every day, right? If I didn't own property the other side of town, I wouldn't know where I was, you know? So, yeah. No, but
it's true. You guys, we all get our patterns, right? Fire Chief Co, he takes the same load every day. I could get them on radar at the same time every morning. But it is what it is. So there is still road to be a lot of work in this town and a million dollars is a joke. Yeah. Um I think next year you
have to look at that real number. Yeah. Um we're going to get through the, you know, we have uh the internet this year. We have other things that are coming in front of us for for big dollars and and big gains either way. And next year, you know, we got to roll the dice, right? So it's a so 125,000 for a million is is
what we're going to pay. So do your 40 million. Yeah. Right. doing 125,000 a million and that's what we're looking at right over five years bonded you know because we're not going to do 20 million in one year it's all right I hate to say it but it's almost well it's the
same yeah 100% and if you take a look through this because I I've been doing this as we're talking here and I think I saw a more concise version of it I think the total government increase Laura correct me but I think there was a net $200,000 increase to general
government over the budget year over year, right? Yeah. 250 1.87%. So less than 2% increase to general government, right? The school is 11 11 13 Sorry. Yeah. What was that increase again?
11.83. Yeah. With uh 11.83%. Right. Right. And um you know that's the big number that's that's Oh, that's correct. So just so yeah, cards on the table, there's a lot of pages here, but when you boil it all down, you know, our total the total budget
um 20 28 and change and the school budget is just about over. Yeah, close enough for half, right?
Half. So and and that's that half of the budget went up 12%. Okay. So with the cuts and everything else that were done to general government, you know, i.e. the other half, that's where it is. And by the way, just for those, there was a comment
made in public comment. I saw it right here. So just to catch it while we're here, under sewer, uh revenue is about a million dollars. retain earnings applied to to that's going to be about 60,000 on the tax rate
is about $300,000 already. So we increased that from last year that's up from last year. So um we struggled with this last year. Schools struggle with it every year but just just in answering the question that
was has to be added because it's the onus belongs on the town not small number of user because the town benefits from the sewers and that was the original intent of the sewers and
that's what that 300 represents. Correct. Correct. It's my portion because I don't have Soore and it's coming from my tax bill going to Soore 300,000. Do you use the leg? Nope. I can't lie. I'm sorry.
Sorry, Mr. Lamar. Marsh, we're not going to get into a back and forth with the audience. Sorry. We just can't do that. Thank you. We just can't. Um, so, so the the bottom
line is that you made many additional cut cuts since we last met by total million. Capital. Thank you guys for your your efforts and and we're but so we made those cuts and then we're dipping into
the reserve of four million. Right. Right. So every year we have to recap. Right. Could be two $3 million. Um our model for years has been you take about a million of that and you put it towards the tax base. Okay. Which we do at actually do at town meeting. You know
I had a lot say when we do that I should do it at town meeting. We vote on it. I probably don't speaking about it. Yeah. So a million goes towards that number which helps right then we look at the free cash number look at our capital projects how much can we pay for at our special when we had the special before
that's we paid for a lot of things and math out of that free cash number right so this year we're about 3.1 of free cash roughly we're down we're using about 3.1 we have it's during the bound
meeting yeah so we would put 3.1 towards it including the capital items that we're looking at will go that route and we've always left about a million in free cash in the account that would roll over for the following year. Um the past folks in charge would you know would say
Mr. Dy leave around 900 please. We don't want to go much below that and we are probably a little below that now. Yeah. 8:44 is 8:44. 844 with the two items for the special town meeting which is snow and ice and the oped.
Yeah. So maybe I'm Danny is with the stabilization. Yeah. Is that what we call the stabilization? We got to touch on the stabilization, right? Yep. That is different. The stabilization fund as
of right now has 2.99 million received quarterly December. So 2.99 million is what's in there. Our free cash number that's certified is 4.23 23 and our reserve fund account right now is 121, but that's not legit
because of everything we voted on tonight. Okay. So, so you could tap your stabilization fund. Yeah. Sorry. You could tap your stabilization fund. Yeah. But when it's gone, it's gone. And my understanding, and I am not the smartest
one in this room, um they'd like to see around 2 million in that stabilization. It helps with our accreditation. It helps with our our rat names and and so on. So there is something you could possibly take out. That day is coming because as we
sit here tonight and say, "Oh, we put 3 million towards our tax base in one form or another." Next year's free cash certified numbers. We don't know yet. I promise you it's not going to be 4.23 million. It's just not. As we cut the budget, we cut our free cash, right?
some accounts at the end of the year it rolls back all different cash to get certified. So the more we tighten things up the less we're going to have right coming from our own budget. Yep. You know and the growth in this town as we all can look at and see housing is our
growth effort. I believe the golf course projects are just about done and sold. Um the salt marsh gentleman up that site I think he's pretty much out. They're all gone. Lots are gone. Well, there's one, but it's So, you have a condo project over here with new growth. There's not a shovel in the ground yet.
So, you know, hypothetically, in a year from now, if they had one condo built, yay, it's the model that they're going to sell off of, but there's no there's no general there's no money coming in off. There's no move in more binding projects, right? So, there you go. We're going to slow down as far as new growth
goes. Yeah. And and automatic two-year extensions on permits. I can't off the top of my head. Anyways, right. So, so there's stuff happening. Um, if if we lose any kind of value on the housing side, we're we're
done and we're done. We're we're done for next year. We don't I don't I don't see three million next year. You're not going to see this this saying, "Oh, we got three million towards the tax base." Oh, and also we this is the second year in a row if I'm not mistaken if if not three that we've asked the
department heads to go 5% reduction. No, last year we we pretty much level funded. Yeah, this is the first year of that and and it was hindsight, right? We sat down here, I was hellbent at 5% cut because I just the numbers weren't adding up. And that
just, you know, that's coffee shop numbers, right? That's our local coffee shop where real things happen in this town, right? And they couldn't come up with real numbers. So, as as we move forward in our in our our roles in this town, the numbers didn't work. So, we So, this year we said, "Let's put minus
5 back on." Last year it was. It was level funded. But even level funded is hard when inflation's going. Oh, absolutely. Inflation's going on. Right. So, we So, and and I got to tell you, most departments were fine with the minus five. They get it. You know, they see it too. But I'm scared for next year
to be honest with you because I don't we're not going to have we the school assessment we never did a proposition two and a half on right when we built the schools. We had talked about it but we never Yeah, we did it today. We're still paying it. We're paying it but we never passed that
on. We we never went back and added that as far as our taxes. Right. Right. Right. Right. What's that properly called? A dead prop two and a half override. Right. So we never did that for the schools when we did that. So we've ate that and it's fine, right? But all this stuff is slowly
coming to roost. And whether we got to do two and a half next year, I don't know. We're 30 36 cents. Yeah, we're 36 cents away from it now. And this isn't rock solid. This is It's close. Yeah.
You know what we need is how many residents we have? 8,000. 9500 or something march on Beacon Hill for the schools. That's what they keep load up buses and get down. And I
think they actually do it quite a bit. Y um they have been Yeah. But Massachusetts ends at Worcester. Sure. Yeah. At the bottom here it says the mill rate was or currently 1557, right? So, are we
going to town meeting to say it's going to go from that to 1636? 1636 is the legal limit. If you look below that, you're roughly around 16. Okay. And I don't know how real that is. We'll know more when we get those
finals. when we get the numbers from the state, you know, everything. This is just a really rough estimates until your values come in. Local aid y are finalized. Those are all just estimated numbers.
Yeah, they're estimated numbers. It's probably within 10 or 15 cents, I'm sure. Yeah. You know, it was built, you know, we from every rock over that I know of um to get where we are now. Unfortunately, it's getting to the point where you're going to have to do the two and a half every year. If you again, I'm
going to point to the north. They're in the situation they are because they put off raising the values for too long. Um the the the state has told them, "Nope, you're not short money. You need to raise the property values in your town.
The money's there. You're just not tapping it." Easy for the state to say. Well, the state does that. The state does. Well, oh, I get that. But but but you you know you can only offset that for so long before you're you hear Pete Ro and Peter to pay for but it's just
algebra right? Yeah. So I'm sure I've said this before but it's just algebra right you send your budget the state sends your property values by the you know they come in and tell you what that is. Your tax rate is the divisor of
those two. If you if the valuations go up, the tax rates go down, no matter, you know, if your budget stays the same, right? It's just algebra. So, we have to do our due diligence even if when property values go up because you've got to keep the tax rate in check, right?
So, our our problem is and in my opinion, the problem is is is mostly around the schools and the assessment from the schools. And I know for at least the last seven or eight years, we've been going to the budgets and we've told them the first year that they passed it that the Educational
Opportunity Act is going to destroy every other town but the nine that benefit. They took the pie. They have not enlarged the pie of educational funding, just changed how they cut the slices up into real nine really nice slices and everyone else gets the crumbs
that are left and it's been ratcheting in, ratcheting in and ratcheting it in. And even though we're a whole harmless community via the population decreases we're seeing as a whole, the educational funding hasn't kept pace with the overall cost. Every school district
except for the the famous nine. Boom. and we're going to have to figure out a way to to do it and and you know Joe's right the stabilization did come about as I'm told it was you know predates me but um did come about some of the cash that's in stabilization came from the
regionalization process right so kind of like a loan but we also have to think even further down the road as this continues there's only what sixish million in there um in stabilization right Yeah, 2 point there's only three
million there. How long that doesn't buy you a lot of years. We're not going to have this kind of free cash next year. So, and you really do need to have the stabilization for the bond rating. And also, you may have an event that requires you to use stabilization. Hell, we've had one in the last 10 or so that
we needed to to incur costs against stabilization until we got paid back for the federal government from the storm. I guess it was more than 10 years ago, October 11 storm, right? Mhm. We laid out about a million bucks which we borrowed and then took out a stabilization until we got reimbursed by
FEMA and everyone else. Um there could be any other event that would cause you to do that. That's why you have it. It's the whole point of it. Um so we we've got to really figure that out, you know, and we've got to be very careful as we add, you know, we add additional headcount and resources in town hall and
town government, you know, outside of public safety. You got to really take a long hard look at that to make sure that we're being prudent because you've got to fund the school. School drives the tax rate, right? It's it's it's a vicious cycle. So, how
come we changed the way we accounted for students being sent out of district? Yes. And the presentation last year was that it was going to save us like a half a million dollars this year. It did not save us a half million. It increased by
over $700,000. So that's a $1.2 million though. That bucket was a savings there. Just like Okay, I just want to make sure. Just like we have uncontrollable expenses here, so do they
that offset that. It's a net effect. Okay. So would have been worse. So they did, right? They did see the half million dollar savings, but they just had other expenses. Now we have a $99,000 bus route that we have to pay
for. We didn't save anything, right? What's that? The bus route is going to cost $99,000. Yeah, we wouldn't have been running anyway. That would have been under this. We have to pay for the busing of those students now.
Well, we we we will recover some of it under next year. You'll get some of it, but and next year it's going to be better. Per 70 money 70ap town is going to get chapter 70 money. And I asked three times if this could actually possibly be true because
you wouldn't think the state would allow a town like Southwick to have a loophole like this. But because we're a whole harmless community, when you pulled ex students out of the district, the district did not lose chapter 70 funding for those students. But now the town could actually apply for chapter 70
funding for those same heads. So technically the town's getting chapter 70 money,000 twice for those students. Well, it that times quote unquote safe there, but
right. But that's and that was part of the math. So we this would have been worse. Yeah. If we got something but correct if we had done what we had done. Unfortunately I think the like I said the the health insurance alone eight it was it was
originally I think it was $300,000 was coming back but that your health insurance 267,000. What did health insurance go up on our side? A significant amount. I think we go. It It's It's just the perfect storm
happened this year, unfortunately. I don't think it's going away. That perfect storm. Uh, no. The storm might not be as bad. What's that? Yeah. You won't have a 20% health insurance decrease next year. I assure you. Well, I will say if the GLP ones are,
you're not going to be able to get those for ways. And I did find that out from the health insurance company. Now, the way health insurance, um, dental insurance, all these insuranceances work, does each town
negotiate their own policies or do towns go in as a group and negotiate? You can negotiate as a town. Right now, we're we're a member of the Hampshire County Regional Trust. There's a number of other towns in a group.
That's what I was getting at is the larger you are, the more power you have to negotiate. And I'm in the banking industry and that's what a lot of the the banks do. They join state trust. It wasn't just our our group. It was No,
they told us conference in the same place. Yeah. Do they belong to like a consortium type? They do. They went a different avenue and and my understanding is their rates are going up and higher than these rates that we're dealing with in our town. Yeah.
The CEOs still get their big races. Well, that's their budget, not ours. Oh, but it is ours. No, but it is ours because it affects the prices so they can collect money. Um, so can I make I just want to say something. So, we've done maybe like
what about a half a million an hour worth of cuts or take or something. On the on the other hand, we sit here and we're going to spend $250,000 for a water park. CPC money, you know, that doesn't matter
irregardless. It's still our money. That's money spent. I paid into that. Absolutely. And my point was was I asked questions at the finance meeting. Um is like and so everybody said, "Oh no, it's free money. We're doing this that and the other thing." That's not good. They
told me how much it's going to cost me over the next five years for the pickle ball court. Have no idea. How much for the water park? I have no idea. So we're sitting here cutting everybody and we're cutting bonafide needs that these people need and we're approving stuff and we
have no idea where it's going to cost us down the line. So you're you're you're So now what are we going to do next year in our finance release? What if they come in and go, "Uh, hey, we need $100,000 because we had problems over to the water park. Who's going to pay for it? We would shut the water park down."
Well, but that's Well, my point being is that this that stuff goes through and we don't know the cost. You're sitting here and we're not cutting luxury items out. These are these are Yeah. But regardless, you know, they're frustrated. We're cutting bonafide items
that these people need and you're sitting there and giving answer down the line to the next budget and then they're going to say to you, "Well, I need this." Well, I asked you that question last year and you couldn't tell me, right? And the voters voted and Paul
when you're right, they got voted on. But hey, you know, I will relate an anecdote if you will. Right. When that track came in, that was one of the first CPC projects we did. Right. Okay. And I worked with Mr. Atinson and Dr. Barry, I believe it was the time as
superintendent, right? And part of the project was we went in with an O and M manual and said, "Okay, it's going to be X dollars. We need hundred and something,000 for you for the track and we went right to the school budget hearing right after and said, "Guys, this is going to be yours." And at the
time, it was going to be 80 grand in 10 years. guys better budget $8,000 a year for the next 10 or be prepared for 80 and 10 to resurface said trap. Well, here we are how many years? 14 years
later and it's $200,000. Thank you. Inflation to to you know uh I don't want to use the right word here, repair the track, right? But I think you know from a from and this goes
beyond the budget but CPC as part of their mission should take a look at that right and part of their prerequisite for vetting a project is not just how much it costs to buy it but what is it going to cost to own for
a period of time and you know for the boards that are appointed by this board I think that's a conversation to have with your appointees cuz they appoint someone to CPC And for those you're at town meeting and everyone gets a vote. Part of CPC is elected. Make that a
question to ask of those that are running for those boards and commissions or for that board. How are you going, you know, what do you do that? Because you really can't turn a blind eye to it. You're right. The ongoing maintenance becomes an issue for for the entire tax base. Absolutely. Well, I mean, look at
North Pine. I mean, there was millions of dollars spent over there. Um, glad you brought that up. Okay. I mean, you know, does everybody feel good? Good. So, now when stuff happens, right? If that's what you wanted to vote for. So, and then this is what you end up at. And
that's why we can never it never seems to work out, you know, we just like throw money away then. So, oh my god, you know, here we are. Yeah. You know, so hey, we needed this. um you know 6 months down the line something's going to happen to a vehicle
or something we maybe should have replaced we might be on the hook for 30 $40,000 repair bill what are you going to do you got to pay it got to have you know so and it just we're we're just never getting ahead of the ball here you know just like with the roads I mean you can you can keep kicking that can down
the roads the roads are getting eventually you're going to spend 20 $40 million you know nobody wants to do it I understand that but I don't want But, you know, it's just you have to come up with some kind of a plan. You can't just keep sitting here and coming in at going, "Well, we're going to cut this."
I know you got to cut it, but it's, you know, somebody's got to come up with a plan. I don't care if they come up with a 10-year plan for the road. At least walk in with a plan and go, I need $3 million a year. Okay, we've got that. But, but we're not seeming to get that.
Well, I respectfully, I think Randy has a plan and he can come back to you. You you ask him tomorrow for a $40 million plan. He could have it in 20 minutes because we get the list every year. God told me% is where are we going to find the money to finance 40 million another $40
million billion for the schools. I understand but and unfortunately you know for that you know the roads and other things they don't bring in direct revenue. You can't tie direct revenue to the roads and say, "Okay, that's going to you know, and
then next year the school's going to come in for two new boilers." Absolutely. So that is So you know what? So when he comes in next year and asks for two new cruisers, can't have them because we got to heat the school for the kids. Sorry. Okay. That's what's
going to happen. You know, we got to come up with a bigger picture plan here. Just there's a lot of stuff coming down the pipe. We're sitting here with a little basket. The loaf is coming down as it is what it is. Yeah. You know, I get it. This is all
stuff coming down the line. So, it's nice to sit here and be frugal and kids. I got bad news where somewhere down the line your taxes are going to go up or down. They're going to go up here. You have any choice, right? It is what it is, right? I'm not I do not.
I I just know next year we got to finish this process up a little earlier. Yeah. Now, if you could just We lost a couple of weeks here and there. Go through and vote. Can But does this change? If that will change by the 11
11,000, right? 1145 under public safety. under public safety it goes down 11 and I Mr. Chairman Mr. for finance committee chairman. Uh on that list I I think we got to pick. Are we
going to just spend that money right out of So this says free cash used toward fiscal year 26 plugged in. Uh is that the plan then to take care of that all of these items? I don't at the
special. I guess maybe it's it's kind of a question for the for the room, but are we going to take care of these right at the special so that if you do that you've spent or do you put them into the budget and you vote to move free cash against the the tax rate or any of these
things? You know, we did a couple things tonight which will reconcile from free cash at the your reserve fund transfers will get reconciled at the schedule, but these are actually going to get baked into the budget now. Correct. They're already in the built into the budget.
Correct. That's I'm just making sure that we're all everyone here is on the same page for that. Right. But question on the recash uh see like channel 15 $8,000. Is that is that just an accounting thing or I
mean they're selfunded, right? So it's really just a transfer like how we how we cover them, right? Was an error. It was well on this list for the free cash because it's really self-funded. Okay. Right. And that
Comcast deal if you don't spend it, it goes back to Comcast. Go back to the It go doesn't go back to Comcast. It goes back to the um channel 15. Yeah. So the public safety a take 11 correct? Yeah. So it's
Yeah. It's 4 million. Yeah. 80,000 1080. Okay. Thank you. So you guys okay with what you see in front of you? No, but yeah, nothing further to debate. Thank you.
All right. So, on our side, we have to um go through and approve ser department. So, we're take two minutes and do that. Is that okay? All right. So, for total guys, for total total of general government budget, it is [Music]
3,13,129. I need a a motion to approve that. motion. Okay, you're seconded, Dr. Okay, we got that motion made. Motion seconded.
All those in favor? Joe D. I Sharon. I Robert Conley. I All right. Next up is total public safety budget. Right now it's $4,80,18. [Music] Motion second. So the doctor made the
motion this time finally second. All those in favor Joe Di Maria I Sharon I David M. Robert. Thank you. Up next is total of public
votes budget 2,87,749. Second. Dr. made a motion. Paul second that. All those in favor? Yes. I shared David Matthew. Thank you. Next up total other
environmental budget $300. Second. Got that. All those in favor? Joe. I shar. David Karen. Robert. All kindly I thank you. Total human service budget
$412,341. Motion second. Good. All right. All those in favor? Joe. I sure. Robert. Thank you. Total culture and recreation budget
$736,44 motion. Second second. All those in favor Joe Le. I Sharon I Robert Conley.
Total debt interest and insurance budget 3,184,586 pardon me 68 568 I'm sorry 3,184,568 second. Thank you for catching that. All those in favor Joe De I
Sher I David Paul Connley I a total total grand total of general government budget was 13 million sorry what it's we have to adjust the bottom
line for the 11,745 so it's Yep. Oh yeah yeah yeah yeah 13 million Yep. $64,599. Thank you. Let's redo that. Total grand total general government budget
13,64,599. Motion second. All those in favor? Jody. I I shar Robert Conley. Okay. Total sewer budget 1,396,526. Next
in favor. Joe I shar. Robert Patrick. I thank you. Total water budget for water 1,575,736 second. All those in favor cho I Maria I
shar I Robert. All right grand total EMS budget 1,592,272. All those in favor Joe De Iita Sharon
Robert I that work for you. That works. I mean look forward to the same thing. I don't know. We can probably just vote in total as
was just read with the change to capital for that. Yep. So this total amendments very separate pieces. All
right. We'll be looking for a motion to accept the budget as read by the finance committee for total the general budget 13,64,599 for the total government budget and that includes the change to
the police capital. Make that motion. Second roll call vote Jason I go I Doug Mo I and be looking for a motion including accept the total sewer budget of 1,396,000 $396,526 motion second roll call Jason
I motion to accept the total larger budget of1 million575,736 $6. Motion made. Second. Roll call. Vote. Jason Corron. I got I Doug Moin. Yes. And we'll be looking for a motion to accept the grand total EMS budget of
1,592,72. Motion made. Doug Mo. Second. Roll call. Vote. Jason Coron. I Doug Mo. Yes. Finally, the only thing I have left is the um you all got that for the good
report. Yeah, you guys motion to approve the time report. Thank you. Are they going to take our picture? I'm sorry. Are they going to take our picture? Oh god.
No money this year for the No. Anything else for us? Well, we mean we're good. Okay. Anything else? Thank you. All those in favor? I sure enough tonight.
Thank you guys. Have a great night. Thanks for coming. Mr. Chairman, what's the second thing on our agenda tonight? Well, we're actually kind of going to pass the second. We did public comment kind of. We did our new
uh new business. This was part of it. Oh, you got 4 A and B. Yeah, we got 4 A, B. Now we're on the floor. The interview and appointment for Al Planner Economic Development. Normally, it had to come up.
Why don't you go ahead and sit next to Miss County? You could do that. Way down there. Hold on. How's that? Huh? Yeah. That's right. There's only one way out,
sir. That way. Fire exits over there. Plenty of firemen around. We're in good shape. Good evening, Mr. Al. Welcome. Yes. Thank you. Trial by fire. Very
well. Everything happened. Yeah. somewhere. I don't think Joe's going to be here to enjoy it enough. All right. So, um this is a I know this is something we've been talking about for a long time, myself, Miss Gail, and I know when I first came
on the select board my first year, I spoke with Mr. Steinhart about an economic development director. Um and we've had a plan at the town planner for a while. Um, and I'm excited to hear, you know, what you what what wants what
makes you want to come to Southwick and what you can do for us. I've I've read your resume. I can't say you've got all the credentials that I would want to see. Um, thank you. You know, and I'm sure you heard some revenue intimate board members. My name is Alvin
Allen. um applied for the town manager at the economic development director position. Um I've worked for the city of Springfield 17 plus years in the planning and economic development uh division. This um the new city of Springfield. I've worked as a um planner
um dealing with zoning. I've dealt with matters of um uh uh site plan review in regards to like special permits. I've dealt with uh subdivision um uh plan review. I've dealt with uh design guidelines for new
housing on city- owned lots. I've dealt with um uh historic preservation. Uh dealt with um uh GIS computer mapping. I've dealt with um matters pertaining well with new
housing. Uh I've had to deal with other um city uh departments regards to building department. um uh DPW engineering or um our conservation commission when it comes to wetland matters. Um I've dealt with not just u
conservation commission but also uh Springfield City Council, Springfield uh planning board and um and the Springfield Historical Commission for you know various projects. I've u brought in funding in regards to um like
our historic preservation program. We I created a um uh I received 200,000 of CPA funds to allocate towards um again our historic homes preservation program uh to fix uh windows and doors
as well as uh cost of paint. I've uh received funds from Mass DOT for um our Valley bike program in the city of Springfield to for the expansion of the program. I've received uh funding from
Mass uh DACE um uh Mass um Department of Community uh community development and housing for like a streamlining program to for Mcnite uh district for the um activation of space sort of like what we
have on on Main Street and Worthington Street. Um so um and uh again you know I've I've applied to South Lake you know mainly just for uh looking for sort of upward
mobility in in in my profession. So u opportunity came and uh it it was promising to me and it keeps me in the Springfield area and um this is my home. The valley is my home. So I grew up uh ra uh born and raised. I went locally to
Westfield State University, graduated 2005 uh in in the geography and regional planning uh program. Um sort of my background, I don't know if you have further questions, not so much on your background. Um, did
you hear anything tonight that um sparked your curiosity as far as um development type or business opportunities? Did it discourage you? No, didn't discourage me, but I
certainly understand I've uh got to find some funding. Uh sounds uh like the big thing. Um so um funding for you know uh whatever you know different types of programs whether it be storefront programs or whatever it may be to to or
or beautifification programs to try to bring in more residents more uh folks from the business community into the town of South for more growth and more more that's a good thing to pick up from tonight's conversations I've, you know, I I've known Na Deen and
and has vetted you. Uh there's some interviews and stuff that were done and [Music] um I really don't have anything other to really ask. I mean, yeah, you pretty much said what you you know, you what draw you drew you to Southwick. You've got to listen to some of the challenges
that are ahead. And if you're up for that challenge, uh you know, me personally, I'd love to have you. And um you know, I've been a big proponent of economic development. Like I said, when I walked in here, the first thing I
said to Mr. Steinhart is, you know, how do we sell the town? And um I know um some opinions differ in some ways, but um I and I still want to whether I'm on this board or not, I'm still going to be pushing for more business,
more you know, this town needs revenue. Obviously, every town needs revenue. Yes. Especially with the way the the the cost of everything has gone up. The property values have gone crazy. Um cost of living hasn't quite kept the pace with that. Um so, whatever we can do to
bring in that revenue into the town is something I want to see. So, I'm I'm excited to to have a year in front of us. So, thank you. I don't really have anything else to ask. Did you have a chance to take in a planning board meeting or two in our
town? I did. What' you think? I um trying to think the the the meeting that I uh took a look at. I think they were they're addressing actually so um accessory dwelling units. So that's a you know big thing across the state of
Massachusetts, even Springfield. Uh so uh and it's something that I'm I'm you know coming to to learn and you know um something uh you know interesting to say the least very very interesting. So um that that particular I think that
took up the majority of that particular meeting. So, uh definitely look into some other uh meetings and um you know to obviously review the zoning ordinance here and get an understanding and see sort of uh the dynamics of of Southwick,
understand the dynamics of Southwick and um again uh looking into how how to you know grow uh smart growth. You've driven through and seen the landscape that correct and some of the business areas
as well. Yes. So, I've gone I to prior to my last interview, I did take a tour through the town just to understand sort of the commercial corridors, understand sort of uh the residential areas and um and you know, just trying to just
really just trying to understand the lay of the land and um I know I know there's two larger industrial areas and sort of I guess what what that means for the town and sort of review it'll be up to me to review the code and understand you
know there are some larger uh industrial um um sort of uses to come into town to to understand, you know, what that means for for uh the community. Have you had some practical experience
with bylaw updates and revisions under zoning in Springfield? Yes. So, uh, I I came into, uh, when I when I came on board with the city of Springfield 2008, they were in the the middle of the process of create re, uh, modernizing their their zoning ordinance. So, I I've
sort of dealt with that on the tail end. um other outside of just the zoning ordinance, we will also I I um was a part of the uh modernization of our our um historic preservation codes and um uh
and and revamping that to um to get a handle on sort of when I first started we had six historic districts in the city. Um upon my you know exit had 20 uh districts. So, we've created four new district, I'm sorry, 14 new districts.
Um, and I've had to go before um city council and and sort of propose each one of these districts and it kind of got to the point where we have one of these districts. U but that came up because we have the CPA program which you know funds these
historic um um homes and you know it was their u stipulation that you know under their program that you know if they're going to receive funds they have to um create a district. So um street development officer wasn't a great fan
of that. So we had to sort of figure out how to revise the uh the ordinance behind historic preservation. You have had situations with you have neighborhood councils. Is that what they are? Yes, we have neighborhood council where you've had conflicts with their
ideas versus the city's ideas. Yes. So have you been involved in that? So, um, particular matter I can think of is our the Viper site on State Street, uh, right across from, uh, Mass Mutual,
uh, campus. So, we've we've had matters where, you know, the the community wants to see one what So, basically, the the property was uh it's vacant. Um the the entity um left the
the there's two structures on the lot, two large structures, and um the city was looking to acquire the structure so they can sort of uh control the um the development of of the property, control the use. Um and the neighborhood just
fine point neighborhood they were not in favor of new housing um for you know for you know various reasons but um so and and state street is majority a commercial corridor so um
but you know there's there's a housing shortage so you know I guess their concern is that there's going to be um new housing going in we we've had um new housing go in lower street more the downtown core uh but not so much um on
the upper on the hill in Mcnite and well actually have had new housing in Mcnite um and in Mason Square um but Pinepoint um it's it's something that they were sort of concerned about um and particularly you know when there's new housing especially they have to get you
know a lot of these developers get um um like tax credits um for for new housing and so as part of receiving the tax there's a stipulation that you have to do, you know, some, you know, like lowinccome or moderate income housing. And I think that was concern of the
community. But, you know, uh so I was charged with essentially um conveying before the the neighborhood uh council um what the city's intentions were and then, you know, trying to resone the property. Um the reasoning of the property would still allow for
residential housing, but there were an expansion of, you know, more commercial uses. So the original zoning of the property was residency which is um more of a a large scale um residential
housing zoning. Uh we reclassified it to uh business A which would also allow the the same parameters of resident C but it would also allow more more commercial uses. So, um, you know, I convey that to the neighborhood that, hey, you know, this is,
um, what we're looking to do because again, they're concerned about the use of of this particular structure in their neighborhood. So, um, so maybe not just hous them, but maybe their other concerns, but I just, you know, try to put an analysis together and give them a list of, okay, this is what you could
potentially see on this site without, you know, actually telling them who the new developer and and, you know, can't, you know, give out pertinent information, but at least so they can understand what um, what the potential of the site. Is that something that is still in process or has that been done?
It's still in Well, the the zone change is done, but um as far as finding the developer, that's still in process. Yes. Okay. Thank you. What do you think are our three biggest challenges in South Lake right now from a zoning and planning perspective?
Well, again, it sounds like the town is growing. Um sort of h new housing um and and residential growth is sort of um it's an issue. I mean it's it's a good issue um but you know managing growth uh
could be you know sort of an issue um and and how how to deal with managing growth um in regards to um commercial I mean I know I I uh read in the news some years ago that uh there was a carvana coming
to we don't use that word in this room the reference to the differences of opinion Yeah. Some differences of opinion. Yeah. So, yeah, I know see how different of opinion. So, sort of um again with the
the large industrial sites, you know, again, how to um you know, what what's what's the best fits for for particular areas or how to um just
uh just understanding and and and dealing with those those issues. Um but then also conveying to um the public again there I know there's a mass a town master plan so sort of trying to follow the the town master plan and and and and
uh understanding what what the community wants and trying to deliver um for the you know the understanding of the master plan. Thank you. I've been
um can we ask please? Yes. Planning to I was going to get to that next. I mean I think I certainly would appreciate and if um the planning board chair is in the room if she had any questions she could certainly lob
them over the fence here. Chair. Yeah. You're both here. Uh good evening. Nice to meet you. Um I don't really have any questions. I read through your cover letter and resume and was both impressed by the press of your practical work experience as well as your education.
Thank you. Um I appreciate taking a look at a completely different community from the one that you are used to dealing with and understanding that um the challenges are many but they'll vary from which you're currently working
with. Uh we definitely have some work to do with utilizing our master plan as well as updating our entire bylaw which we are going to contract PVPC. So I'm very much looking forward to your expertise in that and um you know so long as this evening's meeting didn't
scare you off from us the planning board. I was thinking I didn't want to say it. I was ready to run out the door myself. Um, I I I really appreciate um your interest and you know the playing board. We have a lot of heavy lifting to do and so I
think your experience and navigating a community with just as many if not a lot more challenges in different areas and square miles to have to deal with to um bring that farreaching viewpoint that you have and help us really kind of move
stuff forward here. throughout the community. So, I thank you for your time and your interest. Thank you. Thank you for having me. Okay. I'm Greg, the uh chair chair of the EDC here, and I would be very
excited to have someone with your resources um to help us with our goals. We have a a nine member, well, we're down to eight members now of an EDC. And and a lot of what I've been trying to steer toward is
a stable growth that gets the highest value from our limited land that we have to develop and and through analysis of property tax and all. So I would love to be able to have someone to bounce that
kind of thing off of and you know help steer us toward our you know a stable growth future that would address the the budget challenges we're going to have. It's so I'm I'm impressed with with the
background you have 17 years. Thank you. Looking forward to working with you. It's just okay for Thank you. anything else? No, I think that's good. I mean, he's he
came in the door with um the knowledge that we were looking for. I think he's there's a lot to learn about our community, but um a lot of very happy that the practical work experience is not something that we're going to need
Mr. Allen to catch up on if he were to come on board. So, we could we have a lot of work to do. We have a lot of stuff that um is ready to come through. We were just waiting on the right personnel both in staff and on the board
itself. So be very happy to have you as a team member on that. Thank you. We also did have our current quai town planner um meet with Mr. Allen as well and and
drilled him thoroughly. He had Mr. Goddard's okay. I'm content. Like I said, I was This is something I've been supportive of from the beginning and Mr. Allen's credentials speak for themselves. Um, so at this point I would be open for a
motion for Mr. Melon the position of planning town planner and economic development coordinator. Are you ready to do that or do you want to think about it through the rest of the meeting? Are you where are you?
Um I think you can come back to under old business or sub to the chair. Do you want Are you chewing on us some more? No. Um I would prefer to um take care of this right now.
Sorry. Very well. Go ahead. Then I'll make a motion to appoint Alvin Allen as our town planner economic development director subject to
Corey check background checks physicals etc. Yeah. Yes. That was my motion. I will second that motion. Roll call vote. Jason prone. I get eye. moment will abstain.
Thank you, Mr. Thank you all. Appreciate it. Thanks for coming back in again. And what's the third thing on our actually it's still item four, but now it's C or D, I'm sorry. Lieutenant International Fire Department chief.
So, good evening everybody. Um tonight we have a unique opportunity uh to appoint our first career fire officer uh for the fire department. Um that is uh lieutenant level. So, just a little bit
on the process. Um, about four weeks ago now, um, three candidates, Steven Bachmann, Josh Gerard, and Ian Hurley went through an assessment center, um, put together the fire department that included a fire scenario, a interaction with the public, uh, an employee matter,
a panel interview, and they were required to do a written assignment as well to to submit a standard operating guideline um, for an emergency response for the fire department. All those were graded by a panel of four that were part of the assessment center. That did not include myself or deputy bishop. Um
although we did witness uh the process. Um we have three candidates for us tonight. So our first candidate is Steven Bachman who's on his way there and they stuff it out. Yeah. Hopefully they're still here. Hopefully they didn't kill each other. They were in that room down there
we'll have a list of questions. We'll just go round table. I guess I'm not going to ask. Oh, wasn't asked wasn't as to submit questions for this. We didn't uh the chief offered. She left us a chief. I have them and I read them.
I was surprised that we weren't asked. Do you want to pick someone or you're not going to? This is an assessment center. I'm this is something I've believe strongly in and I'm just going to
go to matter. That's all I'm going to say. I'll ask a few questions. We're chatting about this because as you know we can't do that prior to sitting down here. So, I'm just going to start off with the
proposed questions that were put in front of us. Can you list three leadership qualities you possess? Tell us how they will help you in the role as the first career fire officer. I would say three leadership attributes that I would give myself would
be decision- making, adaptability, and courage. I would say I mean, I think that I think I'm the type of person that can adapt to many different types of situations as they arise. And that kind
of goes hand inhand with the quick decision- making. So I think that as situations arise, I believe that I can make really quick decisions um and adapt to the ever changing situations in front of me. Oh, thank you.
Thank you. We just go around then. The uh yes, like it's one of these probably that stuff anything in there was the key. I don't know before we're just going to
go. So tell us about a recent emergency where you were the incident commander or team leader and whether you're not whether or not you achieved your desired outcomes with your decision-m adaptability and courage. Sure. H I think of a good one to use. So
obviously we go on plenty a day that um so I would say that I'll use a medical call as a situation. Um, recently we went on a medical call where the patient was very sick and needed a lot of care quickly and it was a very everchanging
situation. What we were dispatched for was not what we arrived to and we arrived with just two people in the ambulance like we normally do. And so I quickly had to call for more resources, get more people there and I was in command because I was the only paramedic
on scene. So, I was using the adaptability and um many other different things in order to kind of get everyone there that I needed there, but also communicate with them to tell them what I needed while I was also trying to care
for the patient. Did you achieve your desired outcome? Yes. Work smoothly. Yep. We got the pat Yeah, we got the patient hospital where they needed to be and we did it as quickly as possible. Okay,
Stephen, what types of decisions are the most difficult for you to make and why? The most difficult decisions to make are personal decisions. Um because everyone wants to do something different, but you have to be the one to
step in and take control and you have to go against what other people might not want to do or go against something that they don't think is right. But you're in charge at the time and you have to make the decision that you think is the best outcome for the citizens, the other team
members, the department and the town. Cool. Back to me again. Stephen, what do you see as the most important challenge facing South Lake Fire or fire service in general and what kind of plan do you have to address that concern? So, I mean on the fire service as a whole, I would say the biggest
challenge that we're facing is staffing and qualified staffing. Um, a lot of departments, especially ours, we have a ton of applicants that aren't as fully qualified as we might like them to be, but we need to get the people that we
can get in there, that are going to stay there, that are going to help the department grow. Um, but South Fire faces that same problem that many other departments in the area, the state, and the country are facing, and that's, you know, staffing issues. uh we can't
get you know we can't get a enough people at the times that we need them. Thank you. If appointed, what would be your immediate and three-year goals as lieutenant? So my immediately immediate
goal if appointed would be to try to get all the members to come together and figure out what we can do to continue to make Selvic a more desirable department. I think that we do a very good job with that right now. But I think that our goal in the future in the
next year at least is to get as many people excited to be here as we can and to keep making forward strides that we've made in the past two or three years. Um, a three-year goal would be to try to build the foundation, continue to
build the foundation that we already have laid and to continue continue to build on the foundation. Um, I think that right now, especially the last six, seven years that I've been here, mixed between predium and full-time, we've really got a really good foundation laid, but we need to continue to build
up. And that's with um training, with morale, with many things. That'll always kind of be a long-term goal, though. You have to continue to build at all times. Can we skip around? Sure.
Go ahead. Do you feel today's do you feel the assessment is a good measure of your abilities as a potential lieutenant for the Southwood fire? And if not, why? I think that yeah, overall I do believe that it's a good measure. Um because I think
that it was very difficult for the assessment center that was given to truly make an assessment that was going to be based around an entry- level officer's position. And to give you an example of that, um they could have come in and they could have given us the most extreme scenario that they could have thought of. But in reality, that's not
what we're going to be dealing with on a day-to-day, right? If they presented us with an extreme personnel decision, that's not what the entry- level tenants's going to do on a day-to-day, right? if if a an extreme personnel decision got brought to me, my job as lieutenant would be to
immediately bring that to the deputy, the chief, or whoever it may be. So, I think that the scenarios that were presented um I think were a good measurement of something that I would do on a dayto-day. Next one. Back to
tough one. If you could change one thing at the South Fire Department, what would that be? That's a great question. If I could change one thing, I would push harder to uh strengthen our mutual aid ties. I
think that we do a really good job already with that. Um, but as we grow, I feel like that we could start providing more to the towns around us that have provided a ton for us in the years past. Um, so with our increase in staffing that we've seen and our increase to
training and um, call volume and such, I believe that we could be strengthening those ties with the surrounding communities to provide to them what they provided to us and they continue to provide to us. Isn't that a conflict with your call
force? You have difficulties getting call force members to cover. How could you extend coverage to other towns and still rely on the manpower? Well, because we we already do it now.
So, like we we do Granville currently. We go to awm a lot and what we're doing now is we are strengthening those ties with the surrounding communities. Um the call department is hit or miss sometimes with us but they do a lot for us. Um
especially at night um even a lot of our members that are allowed to go to calls during the day and they still do respond quite often. Okay. Um that was a followup to that question. Yeah. Uh just what support do you feel
would be necessary for both you and the department to being jointly successful in this? So for me personally the support that I would need is obviously from the chief and the deputy chief. Um you know I want to make positive changes
through the department if I was to be given this position. And so I need to be supported through that decision and have the ability to make decisions obviously under their power with their discretion. Um but my goal would be that if I was to
get this position that I wouldn't just continue my role like I am now as a OIC on my shift. Like I would hope that it would give me the ability to have more of a seat at the table that I already have to try to um promote those changes. um from the department aspect. I mean
their support comes directly from you guys. It comes from the citizens, the town, the finance committee and everything like that. Um they have a very, you know, from what we've seen and what we've heard over the years, they have very big plans. Speaking of the chief and the deputy, um for this
department and their goal is to make this department the best that it can be. So as much support as we can get from the town, the select board, the citizens, it only helps. I don't like that other question. Anything you'd like to pull out? You have You're on a different list, but Oh,
yeah. If you'd like to pull one more out or No, I'm good. I I I I think that um I'll save it for the summation because I think that this is this is a good process. I think that there's um you know the the pre- panel and the
assessment were very um very thorough in getting to this point. Um and I'll agree with the chairman to to some extent that the assessment panel and and the process to get here. Um but that being said, I think that
part of our role is, you know, we we've sat through enough interviews where um there can be and and you're the first, so we got two more to go. pressure. Um, you know, where we see something in the interview that tells us something more about their
that person's character or ability than than might have been brought out in an assessment center. Um, so for some of these, and I was scrolling through because I was looking to see how long Mr. Bachman had been here, hence why I'm on the wrong page now. Seven years already. Um,
expecting the fiveyear question. No, I I really I I mean I think that so that's kind of getting to where I'm going is where do you see yourself, you know, thank you. Um you know, where do you see you know the department and yourself going by 10 years out for Steen back? I
mean, so it's funny I plan for the question. Um and the answer is I'm technically four years and 51 weeks ago you asked me that exact question because next week is my five years full-time here. So, I mean, I I hope that maybe
not sitting here in an interview per se, but I I hope that I'm still a part of the Selvic Fire Department in 5 years. And I hope that we continue to grow. You know, I mean, that's always the goal. And there's growth happens every day there. Even as the small as it can be,
we have growth every single day. That's why it's a fun department to be a part of. I'm good. Me, too. [Music] Um, thank you for your your other information there. It it it's kind of a combination, Jason. I I get it. You
know, this is this is this was tough for me when I saw this. This obviously came to mind the discussions we've had in the past. Well, and and to your point, there's another person sitting in the room that we all agreed that the interview
that was the cell was was the cell was I wasn't going to leave her, but um yeah, that that was the determining factor for yourself, right, at that interview. And so I I think that there's a lot that you learn because this is this is not easy. Absolutely. I'm not
certain that's the end all be all, but it's just No, I get it. But it's a combination of everything and it's kind of how you waited and that that's kind of part and parcel. So, I'm good. I have one more question. What makes you the one for the role? I think
that speaking frankly, I think that I've shown in five years how committed I am to the South Fire Department. I go out as often as I can. I train. I get as many certifications as I can. I take all the classes that I can. Um, this town truly does remind me of the town that I
grew up in. And that's I've said that in every single interview I've ever had. Um, I'm not from here. Uh, but I do love the town of Southwick and I feel like I show up to work every day and I do my job and hopefully my peers would agree that I do my job well and that's why I
think that I should be the next lieutenant. Thank you. The first. Yeah. The first, right? Yeah. Okay. first of the from what what do we call first career first firefighter lieutenant
I'm good thank you so that's what it has to do I don't I don't think you unplug that other one. I don't think you can. I tried. Oh, because they're because we added the setup for that. Oh, well, I
didn't just move it to the table. I'm afraid to go. I knew it after I thought you had I don't have them anymore. It gets me under little vestage.
here somewhere. It's all good. There you go. Now I know smoking. So you know smoke at this day we are so not on our packet that my children
How you guys doing? Now it's blinking. Now they're both blinking. Yeah, you stop. This one's blinking. Oh, we have mute. Is that my link? No doubt.
Yeah, it's tough when you go to look something up on the website. So I upgraded because I was going to talk about the [Music] during my time. Yeah.
[Music] I know things, you I know. Far far back. Got to go. I didn't I didn't see Mr. Moven mixed in a dark color. I was waiting for you to come back. I just
didn't see you. Oh, sorry. So, again, we have three candidates. Our second candidate is Josh Rick. Yes. How are you? Good. How are you? Good. Good evening. Thank you for waiting.
I know. I know. All right. So, we put the we have a little list of stuff that we were giving here for some sales questions. So, I'm going to throw the first one at you. Can you list three leadership qualities you possess and tell us how they will help
you in the role as the first career fire officer? uh three that did I for this uh patience uh determination and compassion um I'm a very compassionate person
that's why I like medical calls you know I think um most of my patients would agree that you know I convey that when I you know my patient care and how I treat them and everything um I'm determined like I started That was a Coleman. I've
worked my way up. I worked full-time hours as a in a part-time job. I went to the fire academy. I put myself through med school. You know, I I got hired here full-time. Um I think that drive, determination kind of will play a great
role if I get this position. Um and just patience. I I think I do have a really like nothing phases me. I deal with new hires all the time and I think they all say the same thing like I'm very patient
with them and I let people work at their own pace and I, you know, I'm willing to, you know, let people progress and take as much time and and work through the things as they need. Josh, you tell us about a recent
emergency where you were the incident commander or team leader and whether or not you achieved your desired outcomes. Uh, so as the med like currently it's the only medic on my shift. Every medical call I'm I'm the team lead. So I just worked to 48 this past weekend. Um,
I went on a bunch of medicals. You know, it's always high stress when there's no one but you and your partner. So, I think, you know, we ended up we had to chest start somebody from the track. I think we did a really good job taking care of that person. Um, they ended up
having like a collapsed lung that we ended up trying to fix. And I think just, you know, being the calm and the chaos that is EMS, I think I did a pretty good job of getting us through each step and making sure that the person got exactly what they
needed. Okay. Good. I'm back on the right page here. What types of decisions are the most difficult for you to make and why? Um, decisions that are the most difficult for me to make. I'd
say anything where obviously there's going to be gray area where it's, you know, it's not black and white. I think anytime you have to obtain as much information as possible, there are always going to be decisions that are hard. You know, you you want to go with your gut in the moment and you know,
emotions are always high in these situations, but I think you have to be able to um keep a level head, get as much information about it as possible to make the right decision. I think in my case like sometimes I I you know I have in
the past been gut feeling right you right from the go and you end up kind of not necessarily making the wrong decision but you end up having to kind of backtrack and and go down a different path. So I think that was typically
where I I I gotta work on and and be more not instinctual just more you know information gathering. Yes sir. Diane. Yep. Um, what do you see as the most important challenge facing the South
Fire or the fire service in general and what do you have as a plan to address that concern? Biggest problem that fire service faces. Uh, right now I think it is manpower. I think everybody's facing the there's a
very limited pool of candidates and it's not like it was when I was a Coleman and I think you can ask anyone retired that it's not the same way it was when they were a Coleman. That's public safety across the board. Yeah, I
think it's public safety. I think my graduating class of medics in the entire the entire country, we were 497 of us graduated to be medics that year. That's not a lot of people to pick from. That's not a lot
of, you know, there's thousands of jobs and you only have 500 candidates. You have thousands of jobs and you, you know, you don't have the replenishment. I think people have to work more jobs now to make ends meet, though. So, you're not getting the call back from
people. Um, I the way you handle it, I guess, is it's tough because it's not just like a morale issue. You're going to have to get buy in from people. You're going to have to kind of make people feel, you know, you can't it's
where South Fire, we've been here for 70 plus years. That's where, you know, we're always going to be here. You got to get people to buy in to that. like we don't we don't change the standards to fit some people. They have to come in and kind of become part of the system.
And that's where I think we don't that's where our biggest challenge is is like getting people to come in and and and being part of the team and being part of the fire department and just getting the buy in and and making having people make the commitments even though it is tough with life. So I think that
would be where I would make a change like or add to what we do now is trying to get that buy in. If appointed, what would be your immediate and threeyear goals as a lieutenant?
My immediate goals would just be to meet with as many people in the fire department as possible and see how I can help them and what their opinion like what they would like to see changed in the fire department and just see get like as much information
about why people don't come back, what what draws people to Southwick, what you know what we can change to make or how we can make people come back so we don't have to, you know, rely on mutual aid for a lot of things. Three years, I
think I would love to see more full-time people. I'd love to see us staffing two ambulances and relying less on mutual aid to come for second medicals. And whatever I can do to help the department get that way
is what I will do. Can you tell us about a successful change you led and how you did it? Successful change that I've led. Um it's tough cuz there's a lot of things that you do and you work in
conjunction with people that change whether it's small things like you know um what is it like just the arrangement of trucks or how you handle a shift
dayto day rotations on a on a shift. Um, I think a change that I've led or ch like helped with is just getting people to um be
more responsible I guess would be a word where with certain uh personnel issues like just have reminding people that they have a certain responsibility when they see or hear things or just getting people to
follow SOGS and SOPs. I think I've done a pretty good job of changing people's mindset of like this is the way we need to do things. This is the responsibilities we have as an OIC or a career member or just a member of the fire department. Whether that's
interacting with the public or not or dealing with a personnel issue, I think it's just getting people to buy in to that our responsibilities. I think I've done a pretty good job. Thank you. Who or what has been most influential in
your fire career and why? Uh that would be my stepfather. Uh Russ Anderson was the former fire chief. I think he and my mother inspired me to join the fire service. You know, I think as an 18-year-old kid, you don't want anything
to do with what your parents do. So, you kind of like they want you to join the fire service and you go, "No, I'm going to go to college." And then you find out college sucks and it's not as fun as you thought it would be or interesting. And then you go, "Maybe maybe they were on to something." And I think, you know,
they never pushed me into it. They kind of cookieced me into it, I guess you could say. Just peppering me every now and then, being like, "They think they would like it." And then, you know, I think, you know, just seeing how professionally Russ is as a chief and
and what he's doing now, I think has inspired me to be definitely has inspired me to apply for this position. You know, I've watched my whole life as he's turned departments around and inspired people and the amount of people who reach out to him now, even though he's retired,
asking for advice. I think um he's been a huge influence on my life. And my mother's the same way where she watching her do every job under the sun, whether it's the fire department or a police officer or the cemetery or the COA. I
think just watching, you know, being around people who are public servant has inspired me and really influenced my career. Thank you. So, are you saying they were right? Yeah, I I'll admit that on camera now. Like they were definitely right.
If you could change one thing at the South Fire Department, what would that be? H I think I would I would have more if I there's one thing I could change. I think it would just be the staffing. I think we are
hitting a point where we don't have enough people whether it's call people, career people where the am we're going to I can say we we've go to awam quite a bit now and we weren't in the past when I started. We're starting to go to Westfield now
and we weren't when I started and it's a lot of the time people might not know but like the ambulances are gone and there's no one at the station other than Brian or the deputy or the chief or on the weekends it's it's nobody and it's they're relying on a lot of things. I
think if there's one thing I could change, it would just be having enough people to provide the services that the town needs now that I don't think they're aware of where, you know, we can A1 can be up in Granville and A2 can be
in Awam and everybody, you know, they don't know that there's no one there. And luckily we have a really dedicated call force and a dedicated career staff that we've managed to along with management like the administration like managed [Music]
to hold the you know the boat afloat but it's only a matter of time before the call volume as it goes up every year that we just we just can't manage it. Okay. Yeah, I'm thinking
I I think part of our um part of our success has been the combination department. Oh, absolutely. How how do you how would you as a lieutenant contribute to that continued success? I would try to encourage and
create an environment that makes the call force guys want to be around. You know, I I loved when, you know, we have a couple people now who are there who come in just to be with us like during the day and hang around and they'll go on calls and they'll just that
environment just trying to get that back to where like people come and spend time whether it's doing dinner or just wanting to be around the group of people who are on. I think that's I that would be my focus, just getting that environment back where people want to be there just to be there. Not necessarily
because they're being paid or there's a call, but it's just because we all enjoy each other's company and want to be there and life's not in the way. Thank good questions as everybody else. Um, I'll ask you the same one. What
makes you the guy? Uh, I think it's just a combination of, you know, my career and and where I'm at. And, you know, every the other two guys are great. I I enjoy working with them. And I think
just my experience, my mentorship through Russ and I think just everything adds up where I I I think I'm just the right person at the right time. Okay. You got a five and 10 year plan?
Five years. Uh probably just trying to make sure that I'm doing the best I can at this job. 10 years if chief is retired maybe deputy as when she moves up and then I'll go
for that job. They already given it to her the chief job. I hope so. She does a good job now. I think I think 10 years from now hopefully I'm in front of you guys interviewing for the deputy job.
You never know. Okay. Thank you very much. Thank you. the church. Thank you. Oh, we did. Oh, half the desk there. Nicole's not there. Over here, huh?
Well, you like I said, that left hand thing. You need to go to Catholics. It's only a matter. It's only a matter of expectation sit at work all day. Come here and sit at work all sit here all
day. So our third candidate is Ian Hurley. How you on you. Okay. How are you? Good. See if I can reach that far. That's the first step. You're lucky I
can't reach that [Music] shoulder. Still questions. She went out in front of me. All right. So, we're just going to start with a list and we'll start off at the top. Um, can you list three leadership qualities you possess and tell us how
they will help you in your in the role as the first career fire officer? Uh, let's see. Sure. Um, I hold myself to a a very high standard when I'm at work and out of work. Um, I, um, I take
it upon myself to go to as many trainings as I can get my hands on, uh, to make sure that I'm as ready as I can be for whatever the job may throw at us. Um, I am punctual. I'm always on time for work. It drives me crazy if I'm ever
late to anything. Um, so I think that, you know, having not just the punctuality, but the the time management skills of, you know, knowing when you need to be somewhere and how to make sure you have enough time to do what you need to do is uh very
important. And um just I would say just respect for people in general. Um you I have a great deal of respect for all my co-workers. Um, obviously knowing what we go through on a day-to-day, um, and I
just have respect for anyone I come across, I I try to never presume that I know someone what someone has been through or what they're currently going through. Um, and I think that that is also an important attribute.
Thank you. Can you tell us about a recent emergency where you were the incident commander or team leader and whether or not you achieved your desired outcomes? A little tricky because I've been out with a sprained ankle for two months.
Uh yeah, not not quite so recent, but um I mean everything kind of blends together at some point, but um I mean there's been a a number of times where we've been on um carbon
monoxide incidents where there's actually been carbon monoxide and um you know, just being able to kind of manage everything that's going on and talk to the the homeowner or the resident to make sure they know what their next steps are and um you know
make sure that we're leaving everything as as safe as we can um is is a fairly common one I would say that you know we're usually handling just kind of with the smaller group and not having to uh having to get the chief
involved. Um, and yeah, I mean, we we were always able to uh achieve those goals of, you know, getting people back into their their homes and, you know, making sure they knew what they needed to do next to uh get it fixed.
Thank you. We're allowed to jump around. You said we have been. Can you tell us about a successful change that you led and how you did it? A successful change that I led. Um
well when I joined the uh department um there there were quite a number of people who were kind of um I would say sick of it but the the antique fire engine that
we had had just been sitting for quite a while. And as someone who likes old mechanical things, cuz I was a mechanic, I kind of took it upon myself to get it back to where it needed to be to try to get it out more. And um as it's been
getting out more to like car shows and things, um it's um I think it's helped our our PR a little bit because we're getting out there and being seen not at emergencies. And it also within the department has kind of garnered more interest from people now that it's back
up and running again and you know has a a more of a positive outlook on the future as opposed to something that just sits in the station all the time. What's that Mr. Yes sir. What do you see as the most important challenge facing South Lake Fire or the
fire service in general? And do you have a plan to address that concern? Um, I would say probably recruitment and retention are the two kind of they kind of go hand in hand, but they're the two biggest things for most fire departments
nowadays. Um, particularly uh volunteer or combination departments. Um, but it is also becoming more of a problem on the full-time side as well. Um, I mean there's a lot of different facets to the
problem. Um, I think there's some things we can do in the short term that will help, but I think ultimately it's going to be um just an ongoing battle as society kind of shifts the way it thinks
about work. um and and other things. I mean, you know, uh particularly on the on the call department side, you know, you have these people who have something else as their full-time job that takes 40 plus hours a week, whatever. Um you know, then you want you got to
factor in family time as well. So now you're asking them to come into a job that you're expecting them to at least some of the time come in during what should be your family time. And that's a that's a big ask of people. Um, you know, particularly as a lot of people,
their full-time jobs aren't necessarily close to where they live anymore. Um, you know, when when I was growing up and when my father was on the call department in the uh the town I grew up in, like, you know, he worked in town, so it wasn't there. You didn't also have
to factor in, oh, well, I have an hour commute to and from work every day, so it's just even more time going to that in a lot of cases. Um, but as far as some shorter term things that can help, um, I mean, we've already been doing
some of these things in Southwick where we've been, um, you know, helping people with some of the steps, not just expecting them to come do it all on their own. So, like if someone comes in on the call department and they want to become an EMT, you
know, we've helped them facilitate that in um, in a lot of cases. and uh uh so stuff like that that we're already working on in Southwick is is definitely beneficial. Um and then you know moving forward just
I think the one of the best things we can do is just ask you know the the newer people on the department both full-time and on the call side what can we do to to help you know what would what would make this more attractive to
you or make you more willing to give us a little bit more of your time than you already are and see what people say and you know try implement those things uh as realistically as we can. I'm going to follow up with that one since you just
said it. Um have you already done that and what have you been hearing is the drawbacks or what's keeping people? Um I haven't really done that much yet. Um so I I can't really say.
Just figured I'd ask. Thank you. What types of decisions are the most difficult for you to make and why? I would say things that affect my family like in a big way. Um like moving moving
down here for this job was that was a big uh big impact on our my family. Um you know we're moving over an hour away from most of our family and friends that we already had. So that was it was a big decision that we you know we spent a lot
of time talking about it and going over the pros and cons and making sure that we thought it was the the right move for all of us and obviously I'm here so obviously we agreed that it was you good. Yep. So, who has been the most influential in your fire career and
flying? Um, probably my older brother. Um, he is a captain for the air fire department. Um, so, you know, I've always kind of there was a brief period where I was a teenager and I didn't look up to him because I wanted to, you know, be my own
person. But um since since I thought you were going to say you wanted to have a brother I wasn't going to say because of your brothers but uh I didn't have a brother. But uh yeah I mean ever ever since we you know reached adulthood and we kind of got past all the teenage
nonsense. I've I've looked up to him. Um he joined the air fire department literally on his 18th birthday as a call firefighter. Um you know he always knew that that was what he wanted to do. And once I got sick of being a mechanic for a variety of reasons, I kind of looked
at him and was like, "This seems like a pretty sweet gig. What do you what do you think about me doing this?" He's like, "Yeah, I mean, you know, he was very open to me about what some of the drawbacks can be, obviously." But um you know and watching him progress through his career, you know, he was a a he started full-time as a provisional
firefighter when somebody was deployed for the military and he got hired as a troop full-time, I guess I'll say, uh shortly after that person came in from their deployment and worked his way up to lieutenant and now captain. And uh
you know I just I I hope to have uh you know similar trajectory and and do good things down here in Templake. That's right. Was that you me? No, that was you. Okay. Um if you could change
one thing at South Fire Department, what would that be? Um that one. No change. It would be if you want to change two things of the south. Um I guess I would
say the training. Not that we do a bad job with training, but we need to and this goes back to asking people what what would make it easier for them. And we we have tried in the past as well. I'll say that. But um
trying to get more engagement from the department when we do trainings. Um you know, a lot of times there's not a lot of people that show up. like everyone shows up but not all on the same nights.
So trying to get more people to show up more regularly I think would be a great benefit to everyone. Food. [Laughter] Yeah. But you can't stuff your face full of pizza and
then train hard. What support do you feel would be necessary for both you and the department to be successful in the position of lieutenant? Um
um I mean I think the chiefs already do a pretty good job of supporting us with what we have. So I think that they're going to continue with that mindset moving forward. And I would assume that they're going to work with whoever ends
up as the lieutenant to kind of just check in and see like, you know, what do we need? Do we need to tweak anything? Do do you need anything from us to help you in that position? Um, as far as the department overall,
um, I mean, I think I'm I'm sure it's it's probably a question of finances more than anything, but I think down the road moving to having more than one officer. Um, and I I again I'm assuming
on this part, but I I believe that the intent would be eventually to have one on every shift, which is kind of the typical makeup of of a smaller department, you know, one officer on each shift. Um, so I think that once we get to a point where there's more than
one lieutenant, the, you know, you'll be able to kind of bounce ideas off of each other as that, you know, same same uh position. Okay. I think I'm good except for a five and 10 year plan.
Uh, I mean, I don't plan on moving anywhere anytime, so I think you're stuck with me. Um, I mean, hope hopefully within five years, uh, even if I don't become the first lieutenant, I would hope that within five years, we would have more. And I hope to be one of
those lieutenants, if not the first. And then 10 years, who knows? Maybe we'll have captains. Maybe we'll still just have lieutenants. I don't know. What makes you the right guy for the first one?
Um well I have a lot of experience from several different departments. Um my prior full-time employment was very busy firewise. So I have uh a lot of experience of working at
structure fires which is you know arguably the most dangerous but also least often thing that we do. Um, so I think that helps and and also just having that a broader picture of how
other places do things as well. So knowing that just because we've done something in Southwick a particular way doesn't mean it's the only way. and having seen how other departments do things could help um you know ease into ease into the role
because I've been in departments that have full-time officers. I'm good. All right. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you. You reach your pass again. Thank
you. Thank you. Chief. Yes. Any input? So I think you have a very difficult decision in front of you. Yes. Um we had three very good candidates. Part of the assessment process is to give them an opportunity to pull their strengths out
and even identify some of their weaknesses as well. Um my plan um is not a secret. We will need future officers and I think that all three of these are very strong candidates. Um we're still a young department so we still have ways
to go. Um but given the assessment center that we had, um given the strength of character, the interviews that happened here, the interviews that we sat through, um the performance at the job, um I think right now if I were to rank the candidates, um personally, I
would have Steven Bachmann as number one, Josh Shard is number two, and Ian Harley is number three. I would actually say the assessment center is going to make this easier on us. I think um because they were for all three different re, you know, different
aspects. They all came off very very well. Um they all have different experiences, different opinions and all of them were good. I didn't see a lot of the ums and the a's and they took their time and answered very well and thoroughly. And you know, this is the
one time that, you know, I'm glad I have this to lean on this time. Um, and again, like as Mr. Mullen said, it doesn't mean it's the end all be all, but I just think and especially in a case like this. Um, I know I'm I'm probably going to
listen to your recommendation and I've looked at the assessment centers. I've been sitting here going back and forth while I'm listening to all the different they all are highly qualified and numerous different trainings. Um, I can't say anything more.
I agree with everything you said. It's difficult. I'm I got to look at the rankings on each of their interactions as well and it follows what your recommendation is
and I would want to go with your recommendation for the first lieutenant as well. You work with them, right? I would agree. I think one of the things I'm very proud
to see in all this is that you have a pretty good candidate list here, but also that the fire department is now turning the corner in a positive way, kind of like how the police department was, right? And so a recruit can come
into Southwick Fire and now have a career path within the fire service itself, right? Um, and you know, I've had conversations over the years with several members of the department just kind of about that. That that was kind of a, you know, a
vision, a shared vision to to get there. And, you know, we're we're kind of getting there. Um, and I'm I'm darn glad to see it that we can bring in excellent uh candidates have, you know, and and they have a real chance at moving up through the department and making an
entire career out of if they choose to do so. Um, so you know, I'm kind of excited for what you guys are doing and and you know, kudos to you guys for what you guys have done and and I say kudos across the board, chief. You've done an excellent job, Deputy Chief, but also
don't forget the call guys, right? They are the backbone of of what keeps everything together when things aren't together. And um I you know I I've talked about it till I'm blue in the face of how important that component of of our department is to to maintain that
that the combination department and the attitude of we're all in it together. Um and I'm so glad to see you know I work with these two gentlemen as well. But um you know I'm I'm so excited to see that those guys are as committed to the department and and you know coming here and sitting through the interviews and
sitting through what we're doing tonight and everything else. part that you don't see, sir, is that back at the station there's another uh mixed group between call and career watching on Zoom. I'm I'm even more excited now. I mean, I'm just I'm just really excited about what's going on over there. And you
know, last year we added what the three three firefighters and, you know, we're going to get to the point where we're able to staff that second ambulance. And you know it is kind of a side effect where we are seeing to what one of the candidates talked about tonight where the ambulance is going mutually to two
other towns right and um it's also interesting to me that there's um fire goes south and east and medics go north and go northeast right so for mutual aid u but uh I think that's an area personally I think that's an area to
look at too is for medics side too is for for mutual aid too is to work that cross border issue better. But here that's not that. Um, is someone going to make a motion? Um, I would be looking for
I'll make a motion to motion appoint Bachmann as the first lieutenant physician to the southwest fire department. I'll gladly second that motion. Roll call vote. Jason Peron I. Dang I.
Doug Boglin. Yes. Very good. Thank you all very much. Thank you. Working with us all the way through this process and again seeing the vision and knowing which direction we're headed and having that support makes our life a lot
easier. It also helps when we have a successful process like this to get people involved and excited about what the future holds and the opportunities as well. That's the biggest part and kind of echo what you said. It gives them more options in the department, you
know, and that will help us with recruitment. You say that with recruitment, then they'll see that. You saw a very good sampling today of what that future looks like when we get to that officer per ship, which you know does need to happen. And and I think
it's probably encouraging for you to see the quality that was in front of you today to know that they're there and they're ready when when that opportunity arises together. It's a pretty good team. The bench as we like to call it.
If we didn't have your recommendation for the first one, we'd be struggling over which one. So, good choices. Very good. Good choices. Thank you. Awesome. Congrats to all of you. Yeah. Yes.
Please. Can you send Mr. Backman up when when uh before he was if he has it left here, we'll send it again. is probably well we're waiting back so we can continue Mr. Chief. We will uh go with
four four E we're going to acknowledge and approve the $650 donation from Andrew and Diane Gail to be deposited from the K9 gift account. I'll make that our largest thanks. We'll call vote. I will second it. Jason
Barone I Maldin. Thank you very much. You're welcome. Our pleasure. Item F4F, acknowledge and approve the $30 donation from Jaclyn Lavoy to be deposited in the police gift account. Can you make that
motion? Second. Roll call vote. Jason Brown. I got I move on. Yes. Item G is vote to approve annual grant award of $1,300 for the purpose of education and
proper disposal of prescription drugs for South Police Department. That is an annual grant. I'll make that motion. Second roll call vote. Jason Peron. I go I Doug Mo.
Acknowledge and approve the $20 cash donation to be deposited into the libraryies gift account. Motion to accept the $20 cash library gift. Second. Roll call vote. Jason Pone I. Rangel I. Thank Melvin. Yes.
Item four I is to discuss. I didn't move that tonight. Um Bed one day electric license application for the South Lake Rotary Club Concert Series. I believe we have to is it the rule of uh necessity
on this one? Do we You do have to invoke the rule of necessity, Mr. Chairman, because we are uh corporate members of the Rotary. We are. So, so we invoke the rule of necessity. Um, and we've got the one-day liquor license request here for the
Rotary Club concert series. If anybody is online that isn't familiar with that, they do a concert series every year. Um, it looks like when does it start here? So 79, 79, 716, 7:23, 7:30, 86, 8:13,
8:20, and 8:27. live entertainment. Um, it will be from 6 pm to 900 pm. Food trucks, I believe the chief has signed off on this. Yay. Yep. Everything look good?
Um, I would be looking for a motion to accept the one day liquor license request for the dates as read for the Rotary Concert, Rotary Club Concert Series. Make that motion. Second. Roll
call vote. Jason Poron I have no yes. Item J is to discuss and vote the library trustees request for the summer page position. So this is already in her budget that we just approved. She just would like to
start recruiting prior to town meeting. I would not have a problem with that at all. I believe she does this. She's already here in here. Yeah. So, I would be looking for a motion to vote to
approve Miss Blair to move forward with finding her summer page. Motion made. Second. Roll call vote. Jason Peron. I D I Doug Moin. Yes. All right. So, item K is going to come back to an evil word
that we all don't like, the local options tax. Um, in light of what we're seeing with the budget issues, and I and I know I've brought this up in the past, and I know my fellow members, you know, have their opinions on this. I think
with everything that's going on, I think the town needs to start looking at all sources of revenue. I'm not a fan of any tax Um but again uh I have the numbers. I wrote them down. Miss Parker gave them to me. These came directly from the
state. As of today, we are leaving between 125,000 and 165,000 in local meals tax options sitting on the table. And that is revenue that I think this town de desperately is going to need as
things progress, especially when we have a a school budget that we don't know what's going to happen with it, the way things are going. Um, you know, I'm going to argue this point again, and I I'm sure I'll get lambasted by people that I know that aren't fan fan of it,
but it's I'm not going to say it's the cup of coffee a day that we always talk about, but it's the $100 meal bill. You're paying 75 cents. The way I want to put this is, you know, to the folks that are going to be maybe thinking about this down the road are voting on it if it ever gets to that
point that that's money that we don't have to put on the back of our taxpayers. And to me, that's what I'm looking at. I hate to call it this, but it's if it's you're going out, it's in my opinion, it's disposable of income.
Not in a disposable way. Uh, and by no means do I want to do anything like this, but we need to look at every option in my opinion of bringing in revenue. So, that's where I am with that. I just wanted everybody to know on that. If you guys would like to discuss
this more or not, that's up to you folks. It's not something that we'd be really looking to do anything with because we'd have to do some more discussing and it's we're bearing down on our town Warren anyways. Um, so I just wanted to get that out
there. This is something that I brought up to Nicole again and I asked her to do the research and like I said, in light of what we're looking at for a budget, you know, I really, again, I'm not going to be around in a couple weeks, but you know, I'm going to still be, you know, you
want me to stay involved and I'm going to be involved. Um I wanted I I had asked for um additional information on that 125 or 135,000. Was
that restaurant receipts? Was that I can get this thing to come up. I do have the answer. I don't think she had it yet. So So I was I don't know. Did you get that same one I got today? I didn't get anything, but we discussed it.
math. Just reverse it, right? What? Take the total and divide it by 3/4 of 1%. Figure out the restaurant. I want to know what the basis is. Is what is it? Is it grocery stores and restaurants? How do they
know? That was my question. I I think the answer is in there. If I can get this. Oh, meals tax. Yes. Oh. Um, if I may, Mr. Yes, only because I had ran into this while researching another issue for
shipping product to a customer and a sales tax exemption for stuff that was never entering the country because it was going to a port. But there's all kinds of case law on grocery stores and prepared foods and what constitutes a meal and where it's
consumed. Oh, so the rotisserie chickens are subject to a meals tax in in a lot of instances, especially if they're consumed in the store, but you can go buy chicken and cold and then it's not it's there's a ton of it. Correct. So
there's a I don't know the answer to is that just restaurant receipts. I don't know if that specific number is how do they know, right? So it's not just all topline like the grocery receipts at Big Y total cruise. I wish I taxable under the meals thing. They have
we're going to tell taxpayers that it's 130 grand. I want to be able to tell them where it comes from. Absolutely. Absolutely. Then and I didn't have that answer yet. So I just think it's a it's a it's not something I want to talk about, but we're not going to decide it
tonight. So I think it's worth, you know, since it's been brought up. I think that was my big question. I still and if I find that answer I will send it out to Miss Parker or actually I'll have Miss Parker send it to two of you because I know if she's not listening I'll send you that article on the the
the grocery store. I've read it thoroughly. And I understand the concern because because even with that affects even our small local retailers. Correct. Prepared foods. Correct. Um but again I know
we're you know we've had this discussion in the past. Yep. You know, threequarters of a cent to me if it's going to take that you're the residents of South are going to have to pay it somewhere. Correct. So, so the answer will be forthcoming. Yes. Well, there's
that. I see we have Mr. Bachman back in here. Yeah. We just wanted to welcome you in and congratulate you, sir. Thank you. What happened to other time you got rid of it as soon as you could there? There's that work life balance.
Thank you. Thank you. We have a quick photo. It's tie. Yeah. Okay. He looks like a firefighter now. Nostalgia. This is not good. Nine's trying to Are you supposed to be in the picture
there? Chief, chief. Yeah. All right. There we go. Okay. and black. Hey, you can switch it up a little bit if you want. They all don't look the same.
Nice. Think we're good. Thank you very much. [Music] Pretty good. I like that you had that. Did you just figure that out by like one of those things you have to look I know
I actually knew it because the date's a little one of those ones that's kind of like the different date each place. So it's I maybe I already hit the five years. That might be next week. Make it the month. It's April month item five.
We bring up other new business. I don't think I have any off the top of my head. I have started the appointment process. I have been in sync with
Christie and Naen on this got a spreadsheet going and once Christie confirms that I will then teach Margaret what we're doing and we will have a solid list and process including
contacting chairs and members and posting vacancies very soon. Very good, Mr. Molin. No new business. So, nine. All right. Old business. Um,
public nuisance, park bylaws, discussions, I guess. Um, you got mine. I got your answers, your responses back. Mr. Mlin had his in. I am okay with the changes as written. I would like to, if you guys
are good with it, get that if Nicole hasn't already had town council start to go over that um with your changes incorporated. I would like to get that set up so we could possibly have that on the town warrant. Um as far as mine, I don't if there's any further discussion
on it, that's fine. I made my changes that were of concern to me. Okay, Mr. Oakland. Uh, I just had I put some notes in there for for I like your your quote about common sense, but like you said, if there was common
sense, we wouldn't need laws. We probably wouldn't need half the laws we have. Yeah. Yeah. But all right. Um, and now we're Oh, I think Are we still on to your North P? Uh, yes. So, you need to So, do we need to say yes, go ahead and
send this or um I was not involved in the discussion. I I did pay attention to a little bit of it. Um I I don't know where Mr. Mogul sits on this. I'm still Which one are we talking about? Yours. Yours. Cut yours. Do we need to say yes,
go ahead and send it on or just do that? Um we know it's going on the warrant. Why don't we make a motion? You know, we will make a motion. I'll be looking for a motion to have that sent out and, you know, contingent on approval from town
council to have it added to the I'll make that motion, sir. Roll call. Jason Pronai. Doug. Yes. All right. On to same place in mine. I sent it back to Beglane again being endorses the
changes that were made. We added another subject to in one of the enforcement sections. um and and really has no further rewriting of the
document as far as he's concerned. He'll give this one more pass and say it's ready for the warrant. Okay. Was there any feedback from the changes that were reviewed? Was it our last meeting?
I I did twist from the community meeting. I said I did twist those to their approval to legal counsel's approval. Um you had a question on maintenance issues on poisoning, but
that's not poisoning the animals. That's lawn maintenance and uh area maintenance. Um you wanted to delete one section entirely. The firearms in the parks and
beach everywhere. Beglane says EIT. The banish says EIT. Um, yeah, I did hear some discussion. I watched, like I said, I watched the meeting. There was some concern about the Fourth Amendment issues with the search and seizure. I do have I didn't
get there yet. Hold on. Hold on. Hold on. I'm just letting you That's the only thing I really that stuck out to me. Um the trespass you had a question on if it was basically redundant. Um Chief Banish says no. It gives him
further options [Music] sooner for that. Um Chief, we did delete. Yeah, I threw up the missile. Your input on that one. What what's your what do you mean by
more options sooner? Each one we talked about trespass the redundancy I guess there was an issue. I just because I know when Mrs. Gail and I talked we talked about that specifically and right now our enforcement option is basically you know you've got your signage down
there so you're going to be going criminal to do it. I don't I wouldn't say it's redundancy. It's an additional option where we could hand out a bylaw citation instead of having What about a just a typical trespass order?
You hand it out till they come back again and you're still Oh, yeah. Okay. So, this isn't this isn't this is this is an enforcement option. So, it's a secondary option. Yes. Okay. Cuz obviously, you know, I know where like you and I probably think get out, come back. You know, that's the easiest way.
Come back. It's cut and dry. as he explained it to me with this bylaw, then he could write a citation right then and there. Oh, absolutely. Yeah. So, a civil citation. Yes. It obviously does make it easier for us. Yeah. To be able to get it
on. That's a different process because as the managing party of the the property, as you know, you can boot them anytime you want for any reason you want. I want you to follow the rules of this. Yep. You
asked to strike the tobacco and cannabis products usage. I did. Um the Sergeant Caesar uh this is where Beglane said to insert subject to
reasonable cause and then what's written reasonable cause or probable cause? reasonable suspicion. You said reasonable cause. I believe that we need to you change
that to reasonable suspicion. I'll ask him to check that you you suggest what reasonable suspicion. Yes. The other thing in that one, you know, I know you'd probably get some push back
on that. you chief, you know, I mean, should it what's your as far as a check in a bag or a cooler or something? Yeah, I you know, is it my thought on that is all right, you may be search open to search and seizure. You don't want to submit. Goodbye. You leave. Yeah, pretty
much. Pretty much like when you go to a sporting event, walk up and like we want to see it all. You're not seeing not see what's in your leave. Okay, I'm leaving. Okay. Okay. and uh restricting access activities etc.
you he suggested we change the word we can we can ask individuals to stop any behavior he said cease so we'll replace the word cease and that was his final and and I addressed your questions
with him on from our last discussion this is already on the warrant well we know it is we just need the final final we already voted to put it on the warrant we did we did we did thank you for the update
And I'll just skip the final find it. Can I mention something real quick? Yeah. So, the property is obviously open again. The parking lot has been um rearranged down to four regular spots and one handicap spot. There are
additional areas in that parking lot where you can stick a car. There is no signage currently. They didn't move that emergency gate forward, did they? Yes, it is forward. There's there's actually two gates there now. There's the original one and there's one up closer at the end of the
uh wooden fencing. Now, it's not locked. The other one is, but Oh, that that other second gate is supposed to go in the other corner where Yeah. Well, it is the trespasser is. I had to take a peek. So, so we still have to move one. It's open. Any issues so
far? No problem so far. Like I said, I mean, it hasn't really been warm, so we just need the signs now. Down there, obviously. some uh and Miss Gil already knew it, but during my research, I did find that the CPAC funds can be used for putting up signs and the equipment that
we might need out there as well. So, new signs as long as they're new signs. Yes. Like I said, there's probably an additional five areas where they get access in addition four parking spots. I'm sure we'll be chasing them out or towing them out, one or the other. And
although we're up on Are those spots properly marked? Is there a way we can I mean that's what we saying they're not marked right now. Cuz you know some permanent signage. Yeah. Once we get some markings, you know, then you can clearly post, you know,
towway zone. I mean, we could screw some temporary signage up there now, but it's rather ugly. So, why don't you try there too long? Why don't you do that for parking in it? That's that's probably the best thing right now. Something along the
lines that says parking in you know park no parking zone like that be done tomorrow. Thank you. Um so we're at that point and 6 A 6B. Well, we got the
update on the community preservation committee track update. Um, I want to thank John Wall-E for making the motion to bring that forward. Um, I was a little concerned, like I said, at that meeting that, um, we weren't going to get the support. Um, but we did. Um, I
would have liked to seen the whole thing. Um, but we didn't get it, but 100,000 better. I I wish they would have reviewed the contract better and determined how much was
really surface replacement versus restoration. There was probably a bigger amount they could have approved. My guess I wish there were, you know, I just say there was there was some very differing opinions. I know. Um, and I
was I like I said, I was ready to stand up and start stomping my feet because I researched the hell out of that and it that amendment was put in. They were specifically talking about resurfacing a track and and the analogy that was
presented and thank you Mr. Spina. Yeah, it was Dave that stood up and said it this isn't regular reoccurring maintenance and and it's not, you know, Like I said, I I dug out I had all the stats. 20 to 30 years. We got 14 years
out of it and then the additional drainage. I guess I didn't even know about the additional drainage issues other than the you know I knew about the research. You think there could have been the ex you know the excavation is going to be pricey. Oh yeah. I mean I'm
I I'm cheap and I know I wouldn't be cheap that cheap. Yeah. So but uh again I want to thank Mr. Wally and and I want to thank the rest of the board for for at least approving that amount. Um but this is where it's tough for me
because I heard what Mr. Connley said, you know, we're approving all these other things. You know, I would like to see a little bit more of it used for the necessities rather than the nicities, the needs rather than the wants. And but
we, you know, we got somewhere with it. uh conservation commission elected member bill status. Have you gotten anything back on that? I have not. I know Nicole, it's not heard back from Representative Bulga. I was going to send something out myself to him and Mr.
Mark. Um and other old [Music] business. I do not have any other old business at the moment. Miss Nope. Mr.
Um, one, just FYI, May 12th, I will not be in attendance if we are going to meet. You going to be in Vegas again? Huh? Vegas again? New? No. Uh, Pittsburgh. Oh. May 14th, Whip City
Fiber has is going to have a community meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the town hall auditorium. going to be facilitated by by Whip City Private Whip City. Okay. Are are they doing the same presentation? No, it's
their presentation. So, I'm not privy to all of what they're talking about, but I think it's you know I there was a um well, the the mass party folks hired a band of I forgot. I hadn't heard anything. What did anybody go? Oh, well, I didn't get that. So that they did hire
a bunch of folks to canvas the town and hand out leaflets at every at a bunch of residences including my own. Um, fortunately I was for them. Unfortunately for them I was not home. Uh, but uh they did uh they also held a
uh a I should share the picture a quote unquote town meeting at the upstairs at the Southwick Inn. Um, and that was not very well attended from what I heard. I heard seven or so people. So, um I got there after I had to go to the deal
thing. I know you had a prior commitment. Um so I was there. I I I did stop over after and it was just about over. So I I I met with Joe Mitchell for a minute and that was it. So it's all I know. Okay. How is this
being communicated? Whip City Fiber will be sending out another mailing. Yeah, they are going to work with the postmaster to make sure that ones for uh they made a request for information to get some information so that we can
get ad thank you that they'll get addresses for folks that have PO boxes because what they did last time was basically the street addresses of where the installations would go. So that didn't reflect who had a PO box. They're also going to focus most more um they're
going to focus also on registered voters because the object here is town meeting. Yeah. So, um they're going to focus there and there's also going to be a banner in front of town hall and there will be one at the transfer station. I believe those were delivered this
afternoon. Will we see the postcard in advance so we can put it on the website? Yes, I just got it. Okay. Go ahead. There it is. So, yes. I
see. Oh, nice. Yeah, they I saw a note from that. All right. And uh lastly, um I just wanted to weigh in on this because I I think it's worth the the note.
Um I abstained from the vote on the planner because of my um my long-standing opposition for the actual need for an economic development director. Um, I think the candidate that we met tonight was eminently qualified and I'm confident that he'll do a great
job as uh the town planner. Um, I would suggest that in future employment searches that especially for the town planner when you're dealing with an elected board,
they should have met and or interviewed that person. and it and I frankly I don't think it should have been the current town planner to interview a future town planner. I just don't think that that's that's the right way to go about it. Um I I made my um my thoughts known to
Miss Parker prior. Um but I think that that that to me that was slightly concerning. Um, and you know, I I appreciated the fact that the chair of of the planning board was here and the chair of uh economic development were here as well, but um I think they
probably should have had a meeting with that candidate prior to us deciding to extend an offer of employment to that person in the future. So for future searches, that would just be a process improvement that we should undertake. I I've relayed some
stuff in this part myself too. So, um, that's all I folks entered. All right. So, item eight, miscellaneous, Xfinity update. So, um, they're writing to share the updated information. Uh, cable
television franchise their notice. They are committed to keeping our customers informed about changes to their services. Um, please note the following changes. On May 22nd, 2025, the adult channels 435 through 459 will be upgraded. On May 22nd, 2025, Hits
channel 1880 and 1881 will no longer be available. These networks will continue to be available on other channel locations. Hits channels 3421 1817 and hits two channels 3431818. The back of this letter also related to emergency trouble reporting
procedures for municipal buildings. This is really stuff that we could just put out there. I think it's in the bill. We get those every month. Yeah. Yep. But just figured I'd throw that out there so people know they're channels are changing
and warrants. We need if unless anybody's got anything else. Nope. Um, need to acknowledge payables warrant 2526B dated 4152025 in the amount of
$465,860.38. Need to acknowledge payroll warrant number 2522 dated 4225 in the amount of 301,000 $31,71.13. Then we need to acknowledge and approve the open session meeting
minutes from April 7th, 2025 and April 14th, 2025. The 14th everybody reviewed. I abstained from the 14th that was up there. I know 12. I don't recall if I reviewed
them. Do we have executive session minutes? We don't. Okay, we will those. Well, you've got item B is acknowledge and approve executive session. We don't have any. We don't have them. Yes. Nobody's raising their hand
on that. Okay. Go ahead. I did say we might go back to public comments. So, I'll since we've got someone raised their hand, I have the we can get them to speak. Go ahead. It's much sweeter.
Do you have something to say? Is there a reason your hand is up? She could put on she put in the chat. May I speak? Yes, I did say we would possibly come back to public comment. So, go ahead. Yes. I just wanted to say that I was at
that meeting at the Southwick Inn. I spoke there. It wasn't well attended. It was put on by a lobbyist, but there was no lies told there. And again, I was disappointed that none of our select board was
there. And I'm also glad that the Whip City Fiber is having anotherformational meeting. at all. Kimberly and also I'd like to know if who will fund channel 15 is Whip City Fiber going to have an
account for channel 15. Um that's what channel 15 is through the peg through which is through the TV. Uh Mr. Mobile, do you remember the specific sources of revenue? I believe it's it's a tacked on to your bill. Yeah, it's 3%
on your on your exfinity on your cable bill. So, um, if Whip City, if Whip City Fiber is approved, how will it be funded? They're not doing cable. They're not doing cable television entertainment.
So, that would re you would retain that if you wanted that. Thank you. Sorry. I just wasn't sure. Okay. Thank you, Kimberly. And if there's not anyone else, we do have Yes, we do. Oh, we do. Okay.
Okay. Well, I guess we will be going to an executive session pursuant to Mass General Law. Chapter 3A section 21s 2 and 3. Chapter 214 section 1B labor council litigation matters strategy for selective bargaining with police union coalition
chair AFF DPW non-UN staff and clerk union upscu executive session regarding manage general law chapter 3A section 212 and 3 chapter 214 section 1B and move to go into executive session to conduct
collective sessions with non-union personnel and to not reconvene in open session move to executive concession to conduct contract negotiations with non-UN personnel and not reconvene. Declare that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining
position of the body and to not reconvene in open session. Exception number three, move to go into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining and chair move to go into executive session to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-unit personnel and to not
reconvene in open session. We move to go in executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation. That the chair declare that an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating possession of the body and not reconvene. Chapter regarding chapter 214 section 1B. A person shall have a right
against unreasonable, substantial or serious interference with their privacy. The superior court shall have jurisdiction and equity to enforce such right and in connection therewith to award damages. I need a motion. Motion made second. Roll call vote. Jason Pronai. Thank you. They're going. Yes.