Good afternoon. Welcome to the Town of Catholic Select Board meeting for December 15, 2025. It is 5:30 p.m. and we are in the land use hearing room at town hall and also remotely via Zoom and on channel 15. This open meeting is being recorded. If anyone else is
recording, please advise Russ Anderson. We'll start with roll call for attendance. The Colber Diane Gale >> Doug Molvin Anderson. >> Hey Dean McN. And we have Margaret McCarthy here with us in case we need help today. And we'll go to the pledge
of allegiance. I pledge allegiance 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. Is there anyone in the room with public
comment today? None. Anybody online? >> Any visitors today? >> True. >> Okay. Well, we're rolling right into new business then. Um, we need to discuss
and vote on Mass General Law Chapter 138 section 12D on premise beer, wine, and malt beverage conversion to involve alcohol. >> So, uh, this isn't a vote. This has to go to town meeting. I mean, you voted to go to town meeting, but
>> um, this is just to convert beer and wine on premises to all alcohol if you don't have if you're even if you're at your quota. Um, but that would be for town meeting. I don't know if some >> I would agree. I have a question on that. Does that conversion is only for
pouring establishments only? Right. So it's not if you have a a store that has a beer and wine that doesn't automatically >> which is section 15 is package or section 12 is on premise. >> That changes everybody. >> Anyone who has beer and wine
>> can they can pour alcohol mix. >> I think we had a list right on the on the list. There's one. There's only one, correct? >> One launch. >> Correct. >> And we have We're not at our quota anyway. So, >> do we have any?
>> We do. Right. We have We have >> I went through the renewals last year. We were still renewing for Zantos. That was still on the count and that's not open. So, we do have an open one now. >> I thought that went back to the state. >> I saw I had a renewal for them this year. I had to send it back the next year that that business wasn't with them. I don't think they would take it
back >> because we were one over like what we're supposed to have. So >> I didn't get into it that much. Um but Zantos I guess is the one and then we have even another one that's not renewing. So >> Right. >> So we'll we won't be pay quota.
>> Okay. >> So are you looking for a motion to send that to town meeting then to put it on a future warrant >> for the annual? >> For the annual. Absolutely. To be clear. >> Yes. if if you want to do that now or we can do it later when we >> No, I'd make a motion to put that on on
the annual town meeting warrant. >> Second, >> we'll call vote J. >> Doug Mlin. Yes. Rose Sanders. >> Okay. Um and then >> do they have to do it if >> say go through the town meeting? Can they choose to be peer and wine and just
stay there? >> Yeah. >> Yes. >> Yes. And there was a kind of wonky stipulation >> that say whatever business decides to convert and get the all alcohol license, say they close and the license goes back to town, it doesn't stay in all alcohol.
Whoever applies for the new one has to apply for the wine and beer and then apply for the conversion after. That's just by the NBCC >> and on an annual basis thereafter. >> No, I don't about the annual. I don't believe so. I believe it's a onetime conversion. >> Okay.
>> I'll look into Okay. section 51 of chapter chapter 9 in the act of 2025. So it's the FY26 seat budget bill I can look into as well. >> Okay. And then the January 13th, 2026
special town meeting. We want to close that warrant today if you all agree. >> That was the draft we saw. >> It's definitely still in draft form. I don't have all the language, but >> it seemed a little late. We did take um the prior year bill out because we
figured out a way there was some encumbered money that was for the roads that I mean that was for the sewer that um is the bill. So the only bill so Laura um asked me to remove it. So just go through these. Article one
would be the employee health insurance split. Article two would be the dispatch communication towers that need some >> copper >> copper replacement issues. The
other article would be the bylaw modification that DPW brought forward for storm water to include >> peer review >> outside consultants and peer review in chapter 183 as well as 185
and the other would be the planning boards largecale photovoltaic and a pertinent structures including battery storage >> should they decide. Correct. >> Correct. Yeah. They're not vinyl. These
are what we are going to close >> and if they pull it, they pull it. >> So, article one stays. Article two, article three is one. >> Correct. Article four. And then article
the last article. So there'll be four in total. >> And do we we vote to close that and move those forward or how do what do we have to do? >> Vote to close that and move each of those forward.
>> You just vote to close other close the warrant. Okay. >> So moved. Second. >> Roll call vote. Diane Gale. I Doug Mo. Yeah. Rose Anderson. Yes. Okay. Um 2026 permits and licenses. We have
lifer renewal licenses. >> You want to give us the rundown on the liquor renewals then? Sure. Um the list that I gave you this evening on the left are your on premise ones. The only ones that are highlighted uh do not have their safety inspections done our
building inspectors at sick. So those have all been rescheduled for the 22nd >> inspection. >> Yes. >> And then the right hand side are your um offremise like your package and we do not require those inspections.
read the list or just refer to it. >> I have never voted. >> Do we read these out? >> Yes, >> that's what I thought. Okay, so the on premise to be renewed are 5Bs LLC doing business as the
Blackboard Congam American Legion 338. Brass Rail LLC doing business as the Brass Rail Management doing business as Crepes Tea House. Kdub doing business as the Southwick Inn. Manoli Pizza doing business as Village Pizza. Point Grove
LLC doing business as Hilltop Cafe. Randpat Inc. doing business as Rail Trail Ale House. Roma FMM doing business as Roma Restaurant. Stateline Station Inc. Sterling Catering LLC doing
business as the launch. The Bar Shop. The Old Farm Golf Club doing business as the Ranch Golf Club. Tucker's Restaurant Inc. Westfield River Brewing LLC. Those are the on premise.
The off- premise 208 Southwick Inc. doing business as Milliey's Country Store. AMV Corp. doing business as Lucky Stop. DVKK doing business as Oak and Keg. Shabelli's Mobile Inc. Southwick
Package. Sunmmart LLC doing business as Sunny's Convenience. There any concerns? Are there any missing from this list that were that were on this list last year that are not obviously closed for? >> A few people who are still missing
things here and there that I'm hoping to get done before the end of the year. >> Okay. >> But there I think his question there who's not renewing. Is there anybody that renewed last year that's not renewing this year? >> Yeah, that's kind of the question. I
think I got what she's saying but >> so maybe I misunderstood. So there's a few people who haven't turned in like tips and insurance that haven't been put on the agenda for renewal. There is one business who has submitted nothing but do not anticipate to renew at all which is Lake View. >> Yep.
>> Yeah. >> So So just so they were missing things so you didn't put them on the agenda. Is that correct? So you put them on the list? Well, we could I mean we can conditionally approve it pending the receipt of the documents. I just they
are >> first list that would have been in your packets. That would be the full list. >> What do I have here? Maybe I could get >> that be easier. >> Or so this is full list here with my notes down there. I think if I need a click to
please I I just because if something came up and we didn't meet on the 29th they wouldn't have a license. >> Yep. >> So I think >> so the only one really >> frankly so like are the ones who I do not have
complete paperwork for. Franklin and Lake View >> and Saers package >> but not we're looking at the onrem. >> You're not going to do Lake View but Franklin House and Saunders I think conditionally. Yeah, if he submits the things he has to submit
>> Saunders is an off premise though. >> No, that's you got one on the left, one on the right. >> Correct. Off. >> Saunders is off. >> Franklin's on. and I have to go through my standard annual disclosure, right? So, for one of
the applicants on there, the ownership of one of those applicants is also um potentially an officer of the company that I work for. So, if anyone's uncomfortable with me voting on these licenses or I can either abstain from that one license and or stand aside from
all of it, you're at at your discretion or anyone else's discretion. >> I have no problem with you voting. >> Thank you. >> So, looking for a motion to issue these licenses. I'll make a motion to list the
um make a mo to approve the licenses as listed including the Franklin house pending complete inspections >> for the on premise >> on premise >> second roll call vote Dan Gale I >> Doug Moan yes >> Sanderson yes
>> and then a motion for the offremise >> motion for the off premise including is it Saunders package the other one y >> um again pending Conditional approval. >> Yep. >> Second. >> Call vote. Dan Gale. I
>> Doug Mo. Yes. >> Russell Henderson. Yes. >> And just editorial. That's a good way to do it, right? Because whether it's taxes, whether it's fire, whether it's building, everybody's got their swim lane. Everybody stays in their lane. We did our job. They get
their permit when they've done all those other things and all those other things happen. But our piece of it done. If we wait for something and then they're waiting for us and whatever happens, this is the smoother way to do it. >> As long as we don't give them out without them. >> Oh, yeah. >> Right.
>> Right. Right. >> Wasn't always the case. >> Yes. >> Okay. Then we're going to go on to class one, two, and three. Dealer license. These are auto dealer licenses. >> Same disclosure. >> Uh, yep. Okay. No problem with you
voting on this one either. >> One of course. These will include A&Z Auto, Country Auto, Easy Solutions, Massus Uused Auto, Grismill Motors, Interstate Coach Builders, JD's Auto
Care, Waltz Garage, KKQB, Massused Auto Parts, Mlan and Grant/Best Auto Sales, Sila, Inc., Saunders Auto, Sheridan's ProTek Auto, Silk Road Motorc
Cars, South Motors, and on this one, Allen's affordable is not listed. They haven't submitted anything to you yet. If they do, we'll just do it as they come through and doesn't impact this today's vote.
>> They will put him on there. If he gets all his stuff in, he can have his license. If he doesn't, he doesn't. Just like anything else, right? >> We'll just wait until he does. >> Right. Right. >> Or we can just wait until he does. >> Not not an annual. I mean, it's annual, but only in the town. It doesn't have to
do with the state. But you can do that in any given time. But his license will expire on December 31st if he wants to go down to the salvage or or what is it? Auction. >> He won't be able to he wouldn't be able to get it until he sends in all the information. >> And and he's been reminded a number of
times. I guess >> I haven't called an email if he does. So I mean if he does he does and when he does we'll do it >> do that. Second roll call vote and Gale I >> Doug Mglin yes
>> and then common victualers include Big Y number eight DJ's Hash House first milk cafe King Yen 2 LPJ Donuts Duncan Lorie Donuts Duncan McDonald's
Mrs. Murphy's Donuts New Main Moon Pride Stores Inc. Sunny's Convenience, Subway, Summerhouse, The Cottages at Southwick Village. >> Yeah. >> The Daily Grind, the Southwick Range, the Notch Travel Center, Fancy Bagels,
Column A and B are all the same, right? >> Uh, so nope. The second column is different businesses, >> but all of the same class. >> Yes, they're all the same. American Legion number 338, Grapes Tea House, Edgewood Golf Course, Hilltop Cafe,
Lucky Stop, Milliey's Country Store, Oaken Keg, Railrail Ale House, Roma Restaurant, Saunders Package, Shabelli's Mobile, Southwick Inn, Southwick Package, Stateline Station, The Brass Rail, Franklin House, The Launch,
Tucker, Village Pizza, and Westfield River Brewing Company. So move. >> I have a question. Um, did you say Blossoming Acres? Because I have a different list for some reason. Blossom. >> I did not say Blossoming Acres. >> Um, there's two different list. So you
may have one of all the businesses, but they have not renewed. There's a couple of them that have not submitted permits. >> Okay. Because I have most of them, but there's just a >> We want to make those condition. >> If you'd like to. Sure. >> Those are another one, too. Like we just do those in house. Those don't get
submitted to the state. So the other >> those are Blossoming Acres, JMBB Concessions, Kettlebred Deli, Pastitia Italia, Southwick Nutrition. >> So what is the process in that related
to the permit versus the inspections that various departments do? human vix are just a a really old English license that I don't know with >> but is the license and the inspection have
>> no anything not with the common vic >> but if they don't renew it then they really can't sell food >> if they don't pass their inspection they can't still they have a license >> so the liquor license and that's what I said to Diane is you know about safety so fire and and building are go in to
make sure people can go in safely. >> Um, you know, border healthy, the milk, bread, food, all of that is separate from us. And common Vic is just a license to actually do commerce in the state of Massachusetts. >> So, the two aren't tied together. >> Like, okay.
>> No. >> Is there a second I needed? >> Did Did you you did >> Yeah. Yeah. Second. >> Roll call vote. Diane Gail. I >> Doug Min. Yes. Anderson, >> just for clarity, did that include these as conditional or are we going to wait for them to submit and address them when
they do? >> I'm fine with leaving them as conditional. >> There you go. >> Yeah. >> I haven't. >> Okay, that concludes that one. 2026 calendar. Have you all had a chance to look at it through May? Are there any
conflicts? >> Um, one February February 23rd. I'm not I may be able to do Zoom. Um, but that's the other one I
>> not on premise. May be able to remote. >> Yeah. >> Need a common Vic for that or >> Oh, it was approved. No, he just needs the password. Uh, okay. >> When is when is the annual?
>> Um, I believe it's 519. >> So then So we wouldn't meet the 18th then. >> We would always do we would meet on the 9th. >> Correct. Yep. >> Unless there was something before that. Well, actually, no, there wouldn't. Right. >> Okay.
So, no, the conflicts. No, >> not at this time. No, >> the air, right? >> There's five meetings in March. I mean, >> there's what? >> No holidays. >> We'll get a lot done.
>> Okay, >> we'll pick one out of that one. >> Get a by week in there. Yeah. >> Okay. Uh, transfers nation holiday hours. Um >> I believe this is as normal. Is that
correct? Um normal only half days for the for the union contract for the transportation added DBW and then the only difference is Tuesday the 30th the week after
Christmas open four hours early on that Tuesday >> you'll have a really long day on that Tuesday the last day >> that's normal. No, because it's holiday. They're just >> being generous and considerate and opening early.
>> Did you go through the Did you go through the union? >> Yeah, >> it wasn't holiday to have no effect on you think just opening the transfer station. >> Yep, that's right. >> Yeah, not like the other. >> Yeah, the other one was the holiday. That was the difference. Yep. Okay.
>> Thank you. >> Okay. Any concerns with that? Any >> motion? >> So move. Second. >> Roll call. Vote. Dian Gai. >> Doug Min. Yes. Rose Sanders. Yes. >> All right. And then discuss and vote the
designation of funds for Hillside Road and South Lumis Paving. Um you want to give a little recap on that? This is just um >> yeah the meeting over >> votes
annual for paving and then you determine which projects go forward and then there's some money left over in in some of the projects and they'd like to consolidate it in for these two specific for Hillside and South Lumis. So these are danglers
from other prioritizations we made and gave directions on in the past. >> So did did Hillside and South Lumis come in way over what we had budgeted for?
>> No, that's still the amount. It's actually just allocating the funds towards that amount that was never it was a task that didn't get complete. >> Cleaning up some of the old dangers money come from. >> Gotcha. just didn't get the okay.
>> So, you were planning on this money, >> right? Just to you guys, but >> was it legal? So, >> what's your pleasure? >> You want to read them off or just say as as requested by the director? >> As written.
>> Make a motion to reallocate the money as as recommended by the director. in his letter dated December 11th. >> Second. >> That was just how I was going to say it. Roll call vote. Dan Gale. I >> Doug Mglin. Yes. >> Sand Anderson. Yes.
>> All right. Um and then discussion and a vote on the division of capital asset management and maintenance for 99 point growth for 2026. This is for the
boat launch parking area. It's another one-year renewal. Danos has validated it is the same as prior. >> That was a long read. >> It was. And he would also like us to
uh if we agree send a letter to Representative Buligga and Senator Mark to ask them to also support the long-term renewing reissuing the long-term 10-year one. >> It needs their support. I understand.
So, >> yeah, we should definitely especially with all the work that we do over there and the improvements that have been made. I think we should negotiate for a longer term lease or whatever it's called. Is it a license or a lease? License. >> There's a license.
>> It's a license. Right. So, >> I'll make a motion to approve the one year. And who's the signator? Take me 10 minutes to scroll there. >> Guess that would be me. It's one. >> Yeah. So motion for the chair to sign
for the one-year license as proposed. >> Roll call vote. I >> Doug Moan. Yes. >> Anderson. Yes. >> And if you can have a letter prepared to the other guys to ask them to push that forward >> be great. And then we're going to acknowledge and
approve a $150 donation to be deposited into library's gift account from James Wong and Andrea Bugby and Timothy and Brenda Ryan for the books on the go delivery program and book box program in memory of Alberta Hayden.
>> So moved with our thanks. >> Second. >> Roll call vote. Diane Gail. I >> Doug Mlin. Yes. >> Rose Sanders. Um, okay. In to is there any other new business? >> I just have one thing. Kaen came down
from board of health and she just wants you to know that she's got high priorities for some inspections just because they haven't been done in a while. And this is nothing that you issue. No per no issue or licenses or permits, but >> just FYI. Just an FYI too.
>> And some of them are kind of old. >> The right columns when the last time they were done. >> Yeah. >> And some of them don't have a file. So >> Okay. Uh I have no other new business. >> Uh no me either
was promoted here supervisor to place. >> Sorry for was promoted to supervisor at DBW. >> Excellent. That's it. >> I think that's
>> that's all the good news you got >> today. For today. Yeah. >> Follow on question for that. Do we have an um >> agreements coming for the two new directors? >> Um we're just doing at will, right?
>> Yeah. Yeah, we're just doing at will. No contracts. >> Or they have they usually have an LOA, right? Or LO, whatever you want to call them. >> I don't I don't I don't know why. It's just the same as the at will
salary. >> Yeah. But usually the MOA or whatever you want to call it. There's all kinds of letters you can use for these things. >> It's a salary, vacations, any other stipens or allowances or whatever are in that agreement. And it usually is a term
agreement. Three yearsish. We didn't do we didn't do we were getting away from that. >> Okay. >> Um which two what are you saying? Because Rich has been here so he has his Yes. What's
>> But it's his role changed. So now he's a department head. So and then same thing with board of health if she's going to be hired. I believe she has been hired as a health director, right? >> Interimm health director >> taking it. So, okay. I mean, we can I we
can write one up with whatever you agree to. >> I I mean, it's just Nicole said she wanted to get away from them, so I will be doing them. I I'm happy to do them. Um >> I did want to get away from them. >> Well, there's no additional terms or
anything in them. It's >> No. And you can put >> the people that have contracts have contracts and then everybody else is an at will employee. as a matter of understanding of their benefits though
>> which are standard as everybody else's >> but you you can what I have been doing is putting those things on the payroll change notice when their salary gets upgraded if there were things that we agreed to um I just put it on the
payroll change notes >> okay >> so they're documented Mhm. Um, we can discuss board liaison at another time if
you like with a little more thought in preparation. Um, including the open space perhaps change of structure of their members. Um, if that's okay, we can defer that discussion.
>> Do you know if they met with conservation? >> I do not. They are meeting tonight. I think it was on their agenda >> tonight.
Um and then we did get some a copy of the two the prior um insurance proposal that was here as well. She talked about the terms or was that just in the packet? That was packet.
Here's the packet. Um so South is ending the second year rate guarantee for FY26 in which you would not see more than two and a half increase at the 26 renewal. There was a decrease of 2.9%. If for some reason the average loss
ratio would go massively above 60% we would revert to a normal renewal but since it's been favorable they've been giving the discounts. I forwarded you guys that email. Yeah. So to understand that correctly, should we have a huge loss, it goes to the
original plus 2.5% of them. >> Is that what they're saying? >> It would get rid of the discount basically. >> And you'd be rated based on the going forward on that, >> right? But this contract, the two-year contract would go back to
everything minus the 2%. >> I think so. Yeah, that's what it that's how I >> that's how I read it was it it go back you wouldn't get the discount. >> Correct. Correct. >> So there's no harm in signing that there's no
unless unless we've been doing better again. And when we want it rated at actual >> Oh, I see what you mean. Yeah. Um, >> do we gain more points, right? What do we gain from? >> I don't know. >> Because that last year was better.
>> Yeah. >> Have we had any losses this year? >> I don't know. I don't think so. Maybe just that switch. >> Oh, yeah. That claim. >> Well, it's risk. It's about risk. >> I had my uh in my last son, I had two
floods where they had to redo the entire town hall twice. Right. When the f right when the first one was done and the carpets were getting put in, it happened again. >> Oh god. >> And our her our premium didn't go up because of the pool. You know, it's in a pool with a bunch of
other talent. So >> I think um you know, again, I don't think there's any harm in signing it. And then we just keep an eye. Obviously, we don't want any big losses, but that's what we have insurance for. >> I'd make a motion for the chair to sign
as >> second for that agreement. >> Roll call vote Doug. >> Move on. Yes. >> Russ Anderson. >> Yes. Um, and you did not have an update to discuss on the digital sign that the RA >> No, I gave Margaret the stuff. She'll
distribute it to you all. >> Okay. >> It's very straightforward. >> All right. Any other old I have no other old business. Anybody else? Anybody else? Okay. Then can we acknowledge and approve open
session minutes from December 1st, 2025 with one minor correction to uh the senior lunchon at Tuckers, not town hall as it was written. >> So move. Okay. >> Roll call vote D.
>> Doug Mo. Yes. >> Russ Anderson. Yes. >> And we're going to acknowledge payables warrant. number 2615B dated December 8th 2025 in the amount of 1,36173682 cents
and if there's nothing else we'll take a motion to adjourn >> we're now meeting next week right >> correct >> wish everybody a very merry Christmas and we'll get one more meeting in before the end of the year right >> yep >> yes it sure was
Thank you everybody.