Good afternoon evening everyone. Welcome to the town of South Left Board meeting for March 23rd, 2026 at 6 PM. We are in the land use hearing room at town hall and remotely via Zoom as well as on channel 15. This open meeting is being recorded except for any executive session. If anyone else is recording,
please advise us. Sir, >> Boring Virtually Road audio and video. >> Thank you. >> Cliff Clark with the Westfield News audio and video. Thank you. >> You're welcome.
>> And let's start with attendance. Nicole Parker, Diane Gail, >> Doug Mowglin, >> Russ Anderson, >> and I pledge to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands,
one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Then we'll go to public comment. If there's anyone in the room with public comment, please raise your hand, state your name and address, please.
>> Pretty sure Ro. Um, I know we all would like to have more turnout for the town meeting and the voting. So, I'm wondering if we could reinstate what was done a while ago, which are postcards sent to people within the town to remind
them to vote and to give them the different dates for the town meeting and voting. I'd like you to consider that. Thank you. Anyone else in the room? Nope. Anybody online for public comment?
None. Okay, let's head into new business. Uh, we're going to review some sewer rates. Rich, >> good evening. >> Rich out of DPW.
So that's much in regards to the sewer rates. So I was able to do analysis of the rates and what we are foreseeing coming in the for in the
future. Uh Westfield obvious they have a we have a contract with Westfield and they are to go up 8% for the next two years unknown after 2029 I believe there was so this year 27 28
8%. So in my right in the study I was able to we have a sul loan that is coming off the books and for debt and interest and with the rates projected that we take in
currently I believe we will we will have a u a revenue of about 26,000 >> her revenue of about 26,000 but we'll still need to be offset by the town subsidy. So, I wanted to
show you guys I've put together a latent finance template with uh scenarios. I'm going to talk to you guys about what you want to do. >> This is these are the Is that audio?
>> Yeah, I'll turn it up a little bit. >> I'll have turn up. >> Thank you. >> I made enough copies for everybody. >> It's okay. Make sure the board gets it. Um >> so your color just so your colored sheet
uh this is his 20 fiscal 27 budget that we reviewed Saturday with projected revenues at the current rates and again with that debt falling off that's 80 about $80,000 coming off
um the betterments continue to dissipate with payoffs as well. And the rate adjustment debt we put in I don't know 20 24 for 25 and six that has
put us into a slight surplus because of the debt coming off. >> Correct. >> If not for that we would still be in the same position. And you have 28 and 29 on the recap sheet as well.
>> What was the idea of the scenarios? Just different percentages, >> correct? >> Across the board, no change, two and a half increase and so forth. And I did some tier increases as previous was done just to show different avenues.
So Russ, for your benefit, back in 2024, we had a joint meeting with Ben Pom and the Sue from Inflation Committee as it was then um to look at the the town subsidy that is part of
this um financing here >> because the rates don't cover the total operating costs and debt. So at that point, we said we were going to
cap it at 303,000 and review it periodically with an effort to reduce the subsidy over time if possible. So the surplus of 26 that we have that
goes into retained earnings and um can be used for next year as well. How does how does that work? I know in your presentation Saturday, you had pump coming up and that money go towards
that. >> I don't believe the the budget has enough money to fund those. I know it does right now, but I'm just saying can that be applied to that or to go back to >> I was going to recommend
that it be taken out of the um you have a capital line >> yeah that's exactly not below seven yeah forecasting >> you have a sewer cap capital account that you're carrying 23 in your budget here every year. >> Mhm.
>> But the numbers we got were higher than that. So I'm not sure if we're just using part of that or not >> as revenue. I believe it's used and we're still short. That's why we need a subsidy.
But I think you have more in that capital than what you're what you're putting in as revenue every year. >> I can double check on that. >> What's the debt that's coming off? >> I believe it was just the one I saw was sewer loan. >> Sorry,
>> sewer loan 30. Why it was named that I don't know. But it was um the amount >> it was >> which segment it is is >> but 78,000 >> part of the construction of it was
$78,000 in in interest >> interest. So the total payment yeah it's coming off. So there's that. But it was from it. I I can only assume it's the beginning for the construction of it, >> but there's no more coming off
>> years out. >> These 2039s on the they all pretty much come up. >> So this is a crazy question, but I don't understand it. I'm new to it. >> Me, too. We talked about we talked about um 100 condo units coming in down the
road whenever that happens, >> right? >> Does that work against your deficit? Does it add to the the income or does it actually create more deficit because we're always behind it? >> I'm hoping it creates more income slightly, but just >> I know there's costs, too. So,
>> yeah, but I think the costs are going to be put on the contractor or the >> right who's building it. And then we'll we will gain revenue off the bills. But there's that part that we don't give Westfield enough. So, we're paying for more. >> Well, we we give Westfield enough. The problem is is the infrastructure cost
that we have in town. The cost of the debt and the interest and the operations of the sewers besides the part we're paying Westfield. We pass the Westfield part along. It's just that you run a deficity. >> It's Oh, yeah. We have plenty of capacity. No problem. The problem is
it's almost like a fix first. It's almost like what we're seeing with the schools, right? Mhm. >> We can't close off a chunk of the sewer. We have to have it all of it. And so you've got it this fixed cost that you on day one. So we have plenty of capacity to put more flow into that pipe
and the parallel interceptor to Westfield. >> We need infrastructure to get it there that we did. >> The developers got to connect do all that connection. All of our infrastructure is in place. They've got to come and connect to our pipe. But then there's those 100 people, 100 apartments >> are going to get a sewer bill, right?
>> And they're going to pay >> at an average of >> 400 or something. Yes. >> A year. >> Yep. >> But our our our fixed costs, they will increase >> a tiny bit because whatever that it's going to put more wear on a pump station
or what have you because of additional flows. But in the in the bigger picture that the existing capacity of the sewer is not affected by this won't even come close. >> But there is some existing costs we got coming up with the pumps
over the next 10 years. >> Correct. That we need to plan >> routine maintenance. Yeah. I mean it's they're like a >> correct 25 year old and you're just right maintenance of them running all day every day out. >> I get it. They just >> and that's just trying to upkeep with that just
>> build the bank as much best we can for those >> correct >> and bond those and put those but the question is you still even with 100 >> becomes an operating expense >> 100%. But it goes under this budget right thankfully and with the the the
subsidy at 300,000 and we're trying not to have it go >> higher than that. You know how much was the pump station? >> Oh, five75 $600,000, right? >> Six something.
>> That was what before CO or just after >> right after. So, it was a little it but okay. Say they came back down and now with the prices of where they are. That number is actually probably right again. >> Right. Right around that push tariff. >> Yeah. But you're going to have to
figure that out within the confines of this. So what do you So you started at 2 and a half% increase what you got and then five seven and a half 10 >> 12 and 15 and then I did go into um a 20
25 and tier increases where I just spread out the increases through the tiers different scenarios to try to gain I mean we can go any >> starting at number nine >> correct >> where the heavier users get
>> a little bit more >> heavier rate >> and then like I said I mean scenario 15 is basically taking away the subsidy as So that's what rates would would need to jump >> to get to a zero roughly right right
around those percentages which yikes. And like I said, we know another 8% in 28 and after 29 um I don't know yet. I'll have to talk to Westfield. So the
we know there was a class classification error where the rate was applied a little differently. that needs to be corrected that's reflected in here. The way I read this is that
for this year I don't think we need to change the rates with those corrections. 2020 looking forward 2028 should break even and if we get additional users
>> adding to that it should provide a little bit of retained earnings again the way I see it until you go and bond the bond the pump station and then you blow it out. No pun intended,
>> but we'll have to cross that when we get to it, >> which is in what what year were we >> probably 28 29th, >> right? couple years ago years. >> I mean, we can anticipate for that >> but to at least keep it there for that
>> and that would be leaving that subsidy at 303 for the time being as well. >> Yeah. >> And then it >> and that's what >> all else the same it appears. >> Yeah. Back in 24. That's what it was
capped at. It's a 303. >> And with everything else the same, it appears that in 2028, and we're not setting a rate for 2028, but it looks like that could be, you know, under five if nothing else >> blows up.
>> Well, that's just it. >> There's nothing there. In the end, something happens. >> You can't predict that. It's really suggested to raise them each year and in effect with the expense of the
debt and interest in effect we've raised them. We've had relief that way >> to me. >> Say that again. With the debt coming off that gives relief. >> That was my recommendation.
>> 70,000ish or that came off. >> Yeah. 78 >> 70 79.6 debt and interest. Principal and interest. which would be more so is it equal to
roughly seven to 8% eightish% >> scenario three >> 63 >> roughly yeah scenario over there. And those revenues are not exactly what
you know what the flow rate is as a percentage of the average person's bill. >> That's so like you know the flow rate goes up 8%. But the your sewer bill doesn't go up 8% because the flow is just one part of your bill.
>> I think the flow is as tight. I don't think we measure the flow. >> Tight to the water, isn't it? >> Water. We'd have to see the water. >> No, but that would be an interesting number to figure out, right? Like >> your sewer bill, >> if we increase rates 1% or two and a
half percent or something like that, >> I do. >> That would help you to build towards like pump station and and to start to build retained earnings towards capital, right? >> But also, it would be good to figure out what the impact on the flow rate charge
is on the average user's bill because >> it's not going to be one for one because you've got other costs in your bill that some are fixed and some are variable, but and that's but one part. >> Yep. So you'd have to figure out the percentage of your bill that is your actual flow and then back into the
number on the total. >> Yeah, because I just don't I don't want anyone to think that, you know, if yes, the the new DPW guy in Westfield is coming after us. No, I'm just kidding. He's a good egg, right? 8%. You know, but that doesn't mean everyone's sewer
bill suddenly we're 8% behind the ball or everyone's rates are going up 8%. >> Seriously. It's a very good point. >> Theoretically, it is 8%. It's 8.6, right? If this is the total expense,
which is the total build to cover that 116 of the million3 is 8.6%. 8. Last year it was 8.4. It's odd that it's the 8% is 8%. >> Yeah, that
>> kind of lucky, I guess. But yeah. Oh, math is math. And if that's the case, that's the case. But if it went up 9%, it wouldn't drive that to 9%, right? Correct. It shouldn't anyway. >> Correct. >> It just so happens that it's also about the >> Yeah. Yep.
Because if this is if that holds true because the fiscal year 27 has the 8% rate increase in it right >> for flow but it went from 8.4 to 8.6% as a percentage of the total >> because the debt went down.
>> Correct. So you'd have to almost plug that into the not even that's not 8% though. We'll take that offline because I I want to play with that math to understand it better. >> Sure is. I think you got to go up a little bit
just to start to increase retained earnings. You can't get rid of the subsidy, but you have to go up a little bit so that you can start banking for capital to capture the costing, at least some of the costing of the infrastructure across the user base. Then the subsidy
is still going to be there to help you with that. Even as you get more users, you're still not going to have enough to do three pump stations. you're still going to need this subsidy until and there no day even outward future where this becomes fully self-sufficient like
the water >> I don't think so >> n >> not at the cost of construction of capacity right >> I don't think you know >> right >> so when I don't know a year five years from now when you need a new pump >> what and you need to spend 600,000 does
is entire town you bond that the entire town pays for that based on tax rate or is it based on sewer? >> It comes off of sewer retain earnings or andor the subsidy >> which is from the taxpayers. all the tax >> well this 303,000 is from is on the tax rate that's from all the taxpayers are
paying it to supplement the sewer >> because there is a um >> without going into all of it but there is a general good that comes from the having the sewers right >> just like we carry part of the transfer station and other pieces on the tax rate
>> but I think that it's probably prudent to not fall behind by doing zeros and then all of a sudden you got to go up a because you have this other thing if you stay on a a nice steady, >> you know, kind of a pace and then it
lets you bank. Um, and it's also it's always been interesting too, um, when you do a sewer bonding or a water bonding, and I know they're not truly enterprise funds under the law
because of how it's set up, but every everyone votes on the water issue, a water bonding issue, even though you may not have town water, you may not be a customer of Southic Water Department because the bonds are backed by the full faith and credit of the town of out.
That's why the whole of town meeting votes on those articles. Same thing for sewer. >> So, I think there's like a I don't know if you have it on here. There's almost like a a scenario one a >> where I hate to add one more to your six
piece sub 60 scenarios here but it's almost where you do two and a half and you leave the subsidy because that lets you build your retained earnings so that you're able to capitalize. >> Okay, >> the bonding when you and pay the bonds on a a pump station and then when you
get going further along then you'll have to do another one. You've got how many do we have total? >> We have seven. Five, four, five. Five pumping stations. >> So that's $3 million if they're roughly equal, which they're not.
>> Mhm. But six. >> And Rich, these columns, what do they represent? Usage, >> the revenue tier. >> Yeah. The 14 and 20. >> That's the rates >> per 15,000. >> Different tiers. >> Yeah. The first one is six levels. Correct.
>> 15 30 and then anything extra excess on here. >> 15. >> So just the first like the 1410 is totally residential versus the 2316 is probably commercial. >> Higher user.
>> Yeah. >> Oh no. There's plenty of residential up there. >> Is there? >> Right. I think we have a sing. We have a commercial rate structure here. >> No. >> No. It's a singular rate structure too. So it but it what it does is it if you use X to Z to 15,000 gallons is this. 15
to 30,000 gallons is this. 30,000 plus is this. >> Thank you. Yeah. And given that it's a little bit If you're looking to be conservative here on on this is and you know you've got a senior a senior rate a senior
rate. It's a senior exemption from the minimum. >> Thank you. Senior exemption from the minimum. If you wanted even to do a you could do zero, two and a half, two and a half. That still was going to build your revenue >> to where you want to be or get closer to
where you want to be. >> Scenario nine was a zero with a two and a half and a five. Okay. So 9A. >> Yeah, you can make any kind of scenario for sure. That's why there's so many, right? Absolutely. >> You can, but that was just to give a
good idea. So, what do we have? A zero across the board. >> I'm thinking >> that's what I'm thinking about here. >> Still thinking I'm thinking how many this is, >> how many this would affect the 881.
>> There's probably I'd guess 600 all make it to tier two probably >> or as >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> 30 or less. >> Mhm.
>> And a good 200 residentials are in the highest tier. >> Yeah. What I've been wondering in front of me, but >> just having played in that shade for very long.
Yeah, there's numbers. >> So, the conservative users are not as impacted. So, >> I mean, I guess that satisfies me enough. Number nine. And what year did you say that capital
project was scheduled for? 202 been 2930, but it's just >> you got six to do. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That was the one that be most affected by the new construction because that
would be correct. >> The one powder mill would be the most affected. >> Correct. >> But that's a bigger size pump for >> correct >> everything leaving Priy Park however is just our our problem child I guess and has >> So how does that work on the condos? Is
it a 100 apartments? So, it's a large build to the apartment or is it individual apartments? >> That's >> that are below the 15. >> Depends on the construction. >> Yes. I say that's going to be depending on how it's set up. It could go either
way. >> Not even sure how they >> deter or they determine ownership yet, right? Or how they're going to charge because that's going to drive a lot of it. But that's all their controls. It could be 100 new bills or 101 if there's one for their their office or whatever
>> or one bill >> or one. >> My guess that the trend has been to do individuals so that people don't think the water's free and it it drives usage. >> And do we provide a 100 new grinder
pumps? >> That is gravity right into the main. >> Oh, that's a good thing. Okay. Yeah, the grinder about the hell. Yeah. Try to get away from grinder. >> All right. Well, that's a savings. >> That was only on the phase one, two,
where the town own. >> Mhm. >> Phase two, they we do not own those pumps. >> Okay. >> Right. >> Uh that's the understanding. I still have to look for it if it's actually written. I don't sure >> I'm almost positive. Okay. >> I think there were not a lot of them though. >> There isn't.
>> No, there wasn't as many. Phase one had a lot more of them and look based on the research I did because I've seen it in a lot of other places. Every town makes the same mistake or it's it's the the compromise to get the project over the goal line is they buy
the and own them forever. >> Russ, what are your thoughts? >> Do you need more time to absorb this? No, I mean I get what I get what you're saying. You're saying um obviously no one wants to raise anything, but the reality is costs are going up. I think
I'd lean towards scenario 9. It was the 025. I would do a 022 just to because you're going to you're building on retained earnings. you're not really looking to get at the >> we're kind of stuck with this subsidy for now until we can
>> for the foreseeable future. So I was okay call it 9A I was at 022 >> and I would just go two and a half two and a half if it were me. Zero, two and a half, two and a half. >> Two and a half. >> Say no more.
>> That's fine. >> Motion. >> Motion second. >> Roll call vote for tier one at zero, tier two at 2 and a half% and tier three at 2 and a2%. >> Diane Gil, hi >> Doug Mo.
>> Rose Anderson. Yes. >> Okay. all about um using sewer return earnings for some of the pumps or with the ones that need to be replaced this year. >> Well, he said that's what I was saying. He's got in his
>> and instead of carrying the line item, you mean that we're that >> No, the retained earnings isn't in the expenses or I'm sorry, in the revenue, but it's at zero. I we'll have to check with Laura
>> to confirm that because here they carry $60,000 on the budget household get >> the only budget. So we do have we do have to use that. >> I don't know. We need clarification. Do you want >> Yeah, let's do that. Yeah. So, this side
discussion, I'm sorry, is is we're going to check what the actual retained earnings is um >> because that is not included in your revenue and if we can do that first investment in those new pumps you need out of the retained earnings,
>> there's that >> provided that number is correct. >> What's that? >> Is that going forward every year? >> No. To because you wanted to do an initial investment in the new models. We're going. Yes. >> And I'm suggesting perhaps you can do
that from that retained earnings >> just a one time forget. But I still I'm going to need that increase every year >> going forward. Yep. >> Yeah. Every year just because it's >> unless we're building retained earnings. >> I still think the budget's a budget where the income for it comes from or
where you take it out of to pay for it. You still your budget didn't change at all just then. just where they're going to take the money to put >> Well, that's why I didn't know if we when we go to buy them that if there in fact is $190,000 in there,
>> but unless also Laura may be using it as a regular revenue like >> but that would be in the Warren article for the for that particular article when they read the budget and they they say to raise an appropriate from here there everywhere then that would come up in
that article. And >> okay, >> and you can verify that or how it's being used. >> Okay. Did we have anything else from you tonight? >> Believe. >> Oh, and then well, we're going to talk about storm reports.
>> Yeah. >> Um, you want to just add on that? Oh, so we're done with that one. Let's just talk about the storm reports from February 22nd. Here's the quick recap. 60,48810.
That was 8 in of snow. February 25th, 22,95641. That was 3 in of snow and two salings. March 3rd, 1357049 for an inch and a half of snow and two salings. March 4th, 19,96179
for one inch of snow, sleet, and rain. just to cap off the year >> and year to date. Yeah, year to date that was $47370 and80 >> and I think that
>> you need to replenish. I know I you need to replenish salt now. >> Yes, the shortage finally got caught to us. We finally got our last uh loads of salt today, but I want to help figure out if we do the salt shed. I got
to make sure there's still room to fix the roof. So, I need to worry on that >> timing before you fill it up. >> Before I Yes, correct. So, that'll be a timing thing. >> Do they need to maneuver inside the salt shed to do that? The first quote I got
said they need ruon around the walls to be able to fix adhere it back to the walls the metal framing and then they probably do a lot outside go over >> but >> just level it all off. They won't need a ladder. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Right. It's been done in for years
and years. Tarps have a rainy day. >> Oh to move out and then Yeah. So >> yeah. Okay. Great job on the um snow plowing and >> thanking >> workers, the DPW, thank the contractors
can do it on them and it was a good winter. >> One of snowier winners we had in a while. >> Yeah. >> And it was all in three months. >> Hopefully. >> Real quick. >> Hopefully. >> Yeah. So many different kind of storms, too. They're not easy ones and a little
bit here and there. >> Excellent. >> Well, you got through your first one. Okay. So, thank you. >> Thank you. All right, then moving on. Uh, discuss and vote on the 2026 boat ramp attendant
maintenance pay rates. Lake management committee is recommending keeping the part-time ramp attendant rate at 1650 for the 2026 season. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call vote. Diane Gail I. >> Doug Moin, yes. >> Russ Anderson, yes.
and discuss the vote on the library summer page position. Lynn Blair, the library director, is seeking approval to advertise an interview for the regular summer page position. Uh so she can do this before her leave of absence uh with
the actual hiring to occur after town meeting the budget approval. So she would just like to get a head start on the interview process on that. So move Second, with a caveat that the
advertising says based on available funding. So I think you need to say that and add possibly not be funded. Great to get the applicants, but it might not be funded. >> Okay, roll call vote. Diane,
>> Doug, yes. Sanderson, yes. And then we have to discuss and vote on an elderly rate application for sewer at 23 Bonny View Road. And I want to
correct that again. It is an exemption from the minimum charge at 23 Bonnie View Road, which has been reviewed and approved by the water department for their purposes. Say that again. >> Water department has already reviewed
this for eligibility. >> Oh, that's the smiley face. >> Yes. >> So moved. >> Yes. >> Roll call vote. Dang. I >> Doug Moin. Yes. >> Sanders. >> All right. And then discuss the dangerous dog report. You have something to
>> Well, um, yes. So, we had a request to hold a dangerous dog hearing and um waiting for uh the victim to come forward and hasn't and won't and we don't really have a
case if we don't have a victim. Um so, I would just recommend that you take no action at this point. I've spoken to the chief already. It's >> fine. Yeah, >> I don't think we've got nothing to go after. So,
>> so there's is there a need for even a vote? >> No, I just mean just bring it back in front of you so you can say no, we're not going to hold the hearing >> for the most part. Yeah. >> Okay. And then discuss the right of first refusal for 177 Claus Anderson
Road. This is just the first notification from one of the uh boards and commissions or other parties that have reviewed it and decided to take no action um with their right of first refusal.
>> Have not heard from any of the others back yet because they're still meeting this week and next week. So, >> but there's a 120day window on that which Nicole is following very closely. And then other new business. I have
none. >> Um I just have one that I want to bring up and I see a couple folks in the audience are have an interest in this. And um uh Mrs. Gale, I don't know if you want to sit for this or not, but so when I
start talking about it, you can decide. >> I will just recuse if if it's not a problem. I can sit here and silent recuse myself. >> It's all I I just wanted to give you a heads up. I didn't um So, the folks at Shaker Farm uh golf course over in our
neighbor to the north own signific a significant piece of land in Southwick that is subject to an earth excavation permit. and they've been utilizing a right of way or or a lease agreement with the owner
of the property uh south of them to access the Southwick piece and they have some data that they're going to present in short order um and some maps and I'm also scheduling
a meeting with um with Goddard and the DPW director ctor to look at what is a road called I think it's Pawn Hollow. Did I get it wrong again? Oh, I finally got it right. First time in a week. Pawn Hollow Road that exists. And if you look
at the piece of property on off Hudson, it kind of carries Sam West in a sideways C-shaped where Sam West becomes Pawn Hollow Road to the city of Westfield and then interacts with Hudson Drive and it almost makes it like a tea
intersection. I had until two weeks ago, I'd never heard the word Pon Hollow Road in in any formal thing, but looking at the map and looking at the layout of that lot has some merit to it. So, we have we have to do some research around
what's going on there um and how does that play into the future redevelopment of that land to the north. And um it if that it also has implications there's another uh couple of properties along
that other parcel not the West Springfield pieces but there's actually a a person by the name of Shaker no relation um that essentially now has a landlocked piece of land in in the town that they won't have access to their own land because there's no there's no
apparent access to it. So we got to dig into that. I just want to bring it to the board's attention. >> We'd be happy to help you inform you a little bit if you'd like. >> If you don't mind, >> if that's okay with the board >> to take a moment
>> and you could drag those chairs back over. We just hate blocking people's view. >> Dan and Nancy Todd with Visioners of Shaker Farms. Um, we are directly a butters of the Silicon
property obviously and when we purchased the property back in 2011, we were quite concerned or we one of our reasons for doing the excavation too was to join up here with um Sam West Road.
These are maps that we've we've um we've uh obtained from um from different sources. And when we um uh purchased when we purchased the property and we went for the activities, the special permit for
for the sand excavation, um >> they required us >> they required us to um list in our um legal documents this um continuation of Sam West Road
coming through through splitting right through the Tilcon property and and coming out over here uh onto our property where it um turns into Pond Hollow Road. Um
>> I don't know if you guys want to see this, but this is this is what we had uh covered and we we had um understood to be >> microphone. >> This is north. Yeah, that's that's the
way it sits, right? Like that. >> And this is that dog leg piece that I was referring to, >> right? And this is our property here. This is our property here. And that Sam West road continues from
over here from where it comes off of the across the u the ra the rail trail comes this way. And this was part of our um proposal to obtain the special permit because we had to come up with a
>> uh an exit plan for the property too is what we would do later on down the road as far as you know um >> re um reurposing the property. an overall view of the the golf course itself and just tried to give you some
of the idea of where this is and how it how it would affect us. And >> even back then when we were talking with uh we had spoken with John Goddard and John Goddard expressed the had you know informally informed us that you know the
this town of South was considering in possibly joining up Sam West with Shaker Road. Well, no, Sam West to Shaker Road and it was going to be through this this area here in Pond Hollow that comes out here.
Now, that basically that basically come out. This is um this is Shaker Road right here. Okay, this is Shaker Road. And actually, where you see this last point on this on this map, it's approximately right here.
right up in here, right at the top of this. And that Pond Hollow Road would would come out this way all the way to Shaker Road. And that's uh that's sort of, you know, what we had anticipated eventually. And
this would this would really give us access to our piece of property that's been, you know, somewhat landlocked in in the past. And um can you point out where Eileen Shaker's parcel is? >> Well, Eene Shaker's property would be
right in right here. >> And it's funny that Eileen Shaker has no relationship with Shaker Farms. I always thought >> that would be their property line right here. Eene Shake, that would be this piece of property right here. >> So they're completely random. >> So they're completely random. I think I
believe this belongs to Sha uh to the town of West Springfield. >> Yes. So, so the purpose of this is this for this is yours, right? >> Yeah, that's we have to get a copy of this. I did take a quick photo of this is where it was recorded, but I want to send this over to
>> I want to meet with with Goddard >> um and Rich and kind of see what documents they have and what and what's what. This is probably more of a planning board issue in the end, but I want to get it over to town council to review and then figure out who who should take
ownership of this to make sure that we we follow through what we need to follow through. >> But I I was talking to Rich. Is he still live? >> I was talking to Rich before the meeting that we're going to get together either Thursday or Friday. And >> do you want copies of this?
>> Sure. And >> you have a copy of that? >> Yeah. You sure? Yep. >> Okay. I can get I can get that. >> And if you could if it would be possible to get a copy of that, >> that' be great. >> Electronic, too. >> Even better than paper
>> paper. >> No, thank you. >> We've been trying to do this in quite >> Yeah. We've been We've been kind of kind of talking with Mr. Goddard about it for the last few years. >> Yeah. For a long time. >> Yeah. Well, for a long time. I wanted to get out of >> but more so since the since the grant
had become available from the state to do some planning >> and we went to the conservation meeting on that and I think they more or less tabled it for a while if I'm not mistaken because they weren't quite sure how the two roads were going to come together anyway since
>> exactly thank you glad you made it back to Nick thank Anything else to >> uh I think it's I'm not sure if it's old business. I'll bring it up now. Um, we
had talked in a meeting, I think, um, about the town hall boiler as part of the budget process, whether we had by a vote of the select board, we could reallocate the funds that were left over from the
the bonding proceeds from the HVAC project. >> I have to call Rick Mand. >> Okay. So, we're not at a point where we should vote on that. Okay. So, then it's old business now. I know. >> It wasn't before. It is now. I literally was just texting with Carl to ask him like where's the documentation because as far as I'm concerned with mass
general law I'll go back to town meeting and maybe some of it does because they can appropriate some for the boiler alike project but that's not all the money so we're going to reallocate it to something else as far as I know we go back to meeting but I'll call Rick tomorrow see if he's got the documents
like the old emails of files or anything like that >> perfect you know Carl did tell me when I was here that he had permission to use it But I don't know if >> he said from our >> new auditor. >> Yeah.
>> Scanner. >> Um council. >> Hold on. Um Russ, do you have anything new? Um not really old, I guess. The only thing that I wanted to bring up
is that every week we have old business and we have new other new business and other old business. And I think that if we know and and I have um talked already to Diane about this when he has given me
a solution, but I think that when if you know that you're going to have this old business or new business before we post the agenda, it should be an agenda item. But it's so it's only like you just found out about this issue over the weekend. So that's fine. Um but you know I think that if we know about these
things beforehand then they should be an agenda item. So we're going to send out a reminder on Wednesdays. So if you have any new business or old business then we'll put them on as an agenda item. >> Good idea. N you also >> also >> and then
uh old business for real channel 15 policies uh job description and policy included here now which I think are as we had discussed in the past. Yeah, maybe cleaned up a little bit of it.
Think it's good to go. >> I thought it was pretty complete. Pretty good. Very full. >> Uh, we just need you to decide on a phone number evidently. >> Yeah, >> it's XXX still. No, >> we do need that
>> 555. >> And mail or hand deliver to for the bulletin board is XXX on page 30. >> Where that is >> on page six of your document.
>> So other than that, I saw >> make a motion to accept. Second >> roll call Dian Gale I. >> Doug Moin. Yes. >> Russa Anderson. Yes. >> Good job on that. And then um other old business
um budget scheduling. um finance committee is going to meet on the 31st to hash out their recommendations and they expect to submit that to Nicole.
Um when are you available to do the same? Do you want to call a Thursday meeting, a Friday meeting? Do you want to go through it during our regular Monday meeting next week?
What are your thoughts on that? two two questions on that. Um, so I know during the meeting you mentioned that you guys voted on changing the cruisers, truck and all that, but you didn't say where it was voted on
and it's never came before us. So I don't >> we didn't vote but we kind of there was kind of an agreement in principle. It's in the budget. It really doesn't move the dollars around. So it's within the basically becomes a department heads thing. what department head's discretion
within the budget because it's like a vehicular >> right >> line item but what what we had discussed >> who's the we >> so it was a capital expenditures and then um I had talked to the chief and shared with um uh the CEO we haven't as
a board we certainly have an opportunity to do that was the the kind of the thought is to move the existing police vehicle over to DPW W then the police would buy one cruiser and one pickup truck or somewhat larger
truck to tow the boat. >> No, I that that's fine. And then coming out of capital and I read the capital and there's supposed to be a report to the board from the Capcom which I haven't seen anything and now you're asking it >> more uh
>> do like last week. >> We didn't do it. >> No, because I'm I'm waiting for the numbers. That's what we we had talked about that at the budget hearing on Saturday that I I have we have the list of what people want but I have zero idea how much they cost and then it needs to
be discussed through this board I believe right with Vincom on the priority right of it what's going to be funded >> well >> it's not everything is going to be >> but the capital so capital expenditure
is non-binding right so >> an opinion% And I uh there we voted on essentially voted on the minutes at the end of that meeting and we even voted on the minutes from the last meeting of last year because it's always tricky when you have a board that meets and
then it doesn't meet again for a year. Last year I thought we had actually taken a a vote to kind of accept the video and the as the minutes in principle to send to the to the board. Um, but we went ahead and did it again
this year from the meeting from the last board. Um, if there's supposed to be I don't know if we got draft minutes or whatever to to send forward. I I mean I can tell you that the dollar amounts were in the in the artic in the items in
front of Capcom and every article that was present or every item that was presented by them were approved by Capcom. >> So that doesn't mean they're funded. Like I said, it's a non-binding recommendation, right? >> So
>> I'll make sure that's due by Monday. >> I mean, if they're all approved, they're all approved. by they have no idea what to include in the budget for us to review and decide on. >> Yeah. So, I was I guess I'm I'm used to present to Capcom and Capcom whittleles
down the wish list that then goes forward in the budget. I'm kind of a surprise that everything goes forward. Um so, and then the items that are off the table are off the table. They don't come before the rest of the boards for review. So if everything goes through,
but I mean I'm just looking at rough numbers and I don't know it was like3 or$4 million or million dollars of wish list stuff. >> We don't you know we don't have any money. >> So when we look at the insurance challenges we look at all that and even the operating budgets. I I don't know
where we're going to pull some of this stuff from. So >> two things. Don't give Cliff wish lists. I hate that term. I called him on it actually this past week because it it there is. >> Wow. Okay, there you go, Cliff. Um, but
I think that that's our job at that point. If Capcom, typically, I've only seen them vote no two or three times in years on stuff. Um, because they're not looking at the whole budget. They don't even have a
world view of that. They if you they only have a view of these things as presented by the boards and they decide on their merit. if they're they have merit doesn't mean there's money to do it that they have merit. >> So, you know, whether it's the the
cruisers and and a truck or the fire engine or, you know, a multitude of other things that came in front of there's they they approved $4 million for roads, too. >> And it's a standard request and they almost always approve it. Um well, on
its merit, there's plenty of work to be done for $4 million worth of road work. Can we afford it this year? I don't know. Right. But same thing on the fire the fire truck. We they just decide on the merit and then you know the the board is going to have to decide whether
we can we should do a a a bond authorization for that for this that or the other or fund it elsewhere to put the whole budget together >> from there. But what is Capcom revealing what's coming off of bonding? It now is
a good time to buy a dump truck or not buy a dump trucker. Is >> you know I I actually mentioned it during the meeting. I took a much stricter view of it and don't look at that worldview. That's not their worldview. I didn't think that that's
within the purview under the law that we have for that. They're looking at the merit of the project, not with a worldview of, oh, we got bond money coming available or the firetruck needs to be replaced. >> That's true. That would not be as objective.
>> I just think they're saying on its face, $4 million in roads, absolutely. Firet truck, absolutely. Cruiser and a truck, absolutely. You know, and I think that's why I don't view them as wish list because they if if they maybe if they got rejected there, then it would be a wish list item
maybe. But I just now it's up to the select board and the finance committee to come up with a budget that takes into account the revenue and the expenses and what we can afford to do from that worldview. Like I said during
the meeting cuz I was looking over cuz you know there was a um you know it's an interesting >> interesting board there and I didn't I I saw a couple people make >> there was some commentary around other things that I thought were not central to the the purpose of Capcom. And so
under the law it's very specific as to what you're supposed to look at and what you're supposed to do. And I I think the the broader their view got you start to come out of the swim lane of that that committee. >> So with that said,
how do we refine the budget? And I'm just kind of asking about the process. >> Sure. Um because it's really hard without revenue and knowing what you got to prioritize any >> well opinion
>> Nicole blames uh by 46 so not next Monday the following Monday we will have the semifinal drafts including the revenues >> minus capital are you >> well that will be in that will be in
>> it into the operating budget but it'll But it'll be >> we don't even know if we have enough money for the operating end. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> That's where we start. >> But correct by 46 we should have >> in the code there's a capital there's a capital budget policy and the capcom meets we should do be doing fiveyear but
we'll definitely be better at that next year. And uh and then the chief administrative officer Boris Sleman finance committee with input from the boards identify potential funding. Um then the chief administrative
officer, town accountant and treasure collector will identify the optimum mix of financing. >> So it comes down to you know the staff after it's how this is funded. We borrow in in my time here we did we went through it
>> line by line or operational department by department um reviewed it. Was it tight? Could we ask for adjustment? But I think you are already going back and asking them if they can adjust. Correct.
>> Their operating budgets. >> Okay. So she is doing so what we get 46 will not be what's in our books. >> Right. Okay. >> It it will already have been a second pass by the departments. This is different than in the past. So there will already be a second pass by the
departments. >> The way I look at it is whatever the operating budget is. I mean, you you ask for level minus five and and then the request to >> the numbers don't line up. Well, you already know what category you're swimming in. >> Yeah.
>> So, and if we if we can't reach sore, then we got to cut again. >> But I'm not a fan of all right, they don't need a file cabinet and these guys do >> they figure it out. let the department >> and we've done a very I think we've done a better job of that in the last few
years too was you know even last year I think using the police as an example right we started we started to talk about micromanaging a little bit and we all backed off and said look you need to take $10,000 out of your budget you figure it out 100% so I think we're doing a better job of that
piece >> um and then the other thing at the Capcom you know they there was a sidebar discussion started to happen about well what if we do this. I'm like, dude, that's not for us to decide. That's that part there where the treasurer and bond council and the select forward and in
crafting the budget decide, oh, we're going to bond for this or we're going to use free cash or we're going to use cash or whatever we're going to do for it. That's where that discussion should come from, not from Capcom. Capcom is really just looking at that big thing and go, "Yeah, I think we do need it based on
what was presented to us or it's a, you know, a worthy expense and whether it can or can't be done." The realism hits with this board, >> right? >> So, we went through it, the three of us. Bincom goes through it, the seven or eight or nine or whatever they are, and
then we get together with here's what you guys thought, here's what we thought. Are we the same or do we need to push somewhere and come to the best agreement we can? >> Okay,
>> so by 46 we will have the second pass. Do we want to do it during that 46 meeting which will be the first time we're looking at it? Potentially we just get it then. Well, you'll get it way before then, right?
But >> I'm hoping to give you what what I look at every single day when I'm looking at budget. That's what I want you to see. I want you to see a balanced budget. >> So, your goal is to bring us a balanced
budget with some of those capital items. >> Capital items on the side, the budget here. >> And then your decision and fin. Do you use free cash? Do you use do you borrow >> to make you know are we going to use free cash for operating? Are we going to
keep that aside? You know, we have to we have to balance the budget first. >> Right. >> Um and now tonight, who knows what the school committee has done. They came out with they might be saving. I don't know. >> They could go up. They could go down. Who knows? >> Or up. They could maybe Yeah. I don't
know. And you know, we have some some um just unsure accounts too still. So although you know, we know we need it by by town meeting, it's always, you know, Aprilish when the numbers are really there.
>> Some towns can do it because and most towns could do it before the last few years because you're always going to have some you're always going to have leftover money and it's just not the case lately. We needed what? 14 days before the time meeting just when the market gets.
>> Yes, 14 days. That's right. I mean, again, it will be way before then, but now >> it just does come quick. >> Yeah, >> it's nice to build the budget when you don't need to worry about what your revenues are.
>> Kind of bad for household finance. >> It is bad for households, but it's good for regional schools. So, shall we plan on 46 during our regular Monday meeting to go through that? >> I think some of it I think I I would be
thinking we should schedule a an off meeting Thursday is probably appropriate if possible because it's agenda like that >> prior to having that passed after it's already 7:00 and we got another hour to go probably. So, to start rolling into the budget at 8:00 at night
is >> I was going to say and then policy for Thursday probably. No one will get anything cuz we want to go home. No, just kidding. But you you want to come in and just have a a singular meeting. >> I can't make it on the 9th, but if you guys can do that. >> Oh, that would be the nights. Okay. Yeah, the nights.
>> And just by general, and I don't know where this tradition started, there's never meetings on Friday. Don't know why they'd rather have them on Saturdays. I don't know why. >> Friday or Saturday. Either, but I'm just saying. Huh. Can we do Wednesday the 8th if we start at 5
>> or even even Tuesday the 7th or whatever that is? >> Is that okay? >> Either one >> I can >> I'm asking I should probably make sure >> this room available though it's not going to be this room. >> We can meet anywhere. >> Yeah, we can meet in any of the rooms. Um you know it has to be open to the
public obviously. >> Uh sure. 47 Uh, you have a citizen academy on the 8th anyway? >> Yeah, we're up. >> We both the eight. All right. So, 46 and 47 we shall plan on.
>> Okay. Budget. I mean, meeting. >> Yeah. >> And at six o'clock. >> Yeah. Okay. All right. And then we'll figure out when to meet jointly with FCOM after that. Okay.
>> Do you want to coordinate a second one with them? >> I'd love to. >> Can you do that? Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. Uh any other old business updates? >> None for me. U beta's trying to I told him we need to do that sooner than later. He was trying
to get his interior internal stuff together and then back with John >> with the chief >> with the analysis. >> Yeah. >> Doug, did you have something to add >> updates? Anything else update? Anything else update?
>> Perfect. Then we can move into acknowledging and approving the open session minutes from March 9th which I think were on the table was March 9th. Yes. Um which only had a minor change. >> So move second.
>> Roll call. >> Doug Morgan. Yes. >> Sanders. And then acknowledge payables warrant number 2622B dated March 16, 2026 in the amount of $62253.14. And then
we ready to adjourn. >> Okay. Roll vote. Dang. I >> move. Absolutely. And then we're going to go into executive session. And I need a motion to go into executive session pursuant to Mass General Law Chapter 3A section 21 number three to discuss
strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the public body and the chair so declares and not to reconvene in open session.
>> Motion please. Motion to go into executive motion. Second roll call. Yes.