Okay, welcome again to Southwork Select Board meeting for March 9th, 2026. >> Run season. >> It is 6 PM and we're in the land use hearing room at town hall and remote via Zoom and on channel 15. This open meeting is being recorded except for any executive session. If anyone else is
recording, please advise Russ Anderson. >> Brad Gorey Birwood audio and video. >> Thank you. >> Cliff Clark with the Westfield News. >> Thank you, sir. and attendance. Nicole Parker of Dian Gale,
>> Doug Maldin, Russ Anderson to the pledge of >> I of the Republic for it stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all.
on my chair. >> All right. Is there anyone in the room for public comment time? Anybody online? No hands. Okay. Moving on. New business. Um, Citizens Leadership Academy. Nicole,
you have some update on that. >> Um, the the uh this Wait, I'm sorry. Let me get tickets to the agenda. You're going to back it. Um, so I just we just had our department head meeting last week and we asked them to finalize
presentations to see how long they're going to take so we can do a final um schedule and date for you to approve. So I don't have that yet but we are very near maybe the next two weeks with the a request to come to you guys for um the formal approval of the entire program
and the dates. >> Wonderful. And obviously the select board will be the first presentation. >> Wonderful. Okay. And we're going to discuss and approve reimbursement request for rural development fund regarding Slabbrook
Hannery Road Hulbert replacement. This is a reimbursement for $26,000 paid through December 31st. It's for design hydraologic evaluation, the notice of intent to the conservation commission and planning board
uh drawings for new signs up. Is that me? You >> that would be um you know the authorization for me to sign for the reimbursement. >> So move. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vote. Dang. I >> Doug Mo. Yeah. >> Russ Anderson. Yes.
>> And then we're going to review and approve a request from the Open Space Land Management Committee to apply for a PBPC assistance grant and and authorize the chair to sign that application. This is a $25,000
land conservation grant assist in updating the open space and recreation report. Um Martha Kaine will be doing the application and I believe you would be the project manager for purposes of the
>> I mean most certainly be assisting with them because they're not familiar with any of it >> and I think I think she can't be or isn't advised to be the grant manager. Someone else should be. >> Yeah, I'm sure it's the town. Um yeah,
so it would be me hopefully. Um hopefully conservation will assist them. It is a land management conservation grant. So we'll make we well hopefully they get it and then they can update that plan.
>> Okay. And did you actually review the grants? >> I didn't review the grants. I I got all of the >> um material for them to review. So I just sent them over everything everything that I could find. They asked
if there was any assistance for this. >> So this is part of the OSRP. >> Yes. >> So this is requesting a assistance from PBPC for saying >> the grant for assistance, >> right? >> So you need a motion for that. >> Yes, we do.
>> So moved. >> Second. >> Roll call vote. Dian Gail. I >> Doug Mglin. Yes. >> Russ Anderson. Yes. and discuss and vote on the Western Hamden District Veteran Service Intermunicipal Agreement and authorize
the chair to sign that agreement and this is we actually had no documentation of those services before. Is that correct? >> Yeah, we didn't really have a formal agreement. It was just always in place. So last year we discussed it and it was really about liability and you know how I always am like what fault it's going
to be and where's the document and what you know what do we go back to? So this is, you know, really solidifying that it's an AWAM employee and that, you know, we have we just have these intermunicipal agreements and we have assessments just like other inter intermunicipal agreements. It's just
formally put in place. However, this when this was sent out, which I had given some edits and uh Mayor Johnson had already changed them, but they wanted to wait and see if other towns have some edits. So, they're going to come back to us by the end of the month
to make sure that there are no other edits and then we'll bring it back for a formal signature. >> Okay. And we'll bring it back up then. >> And these cost sharings are what they were. >> Yeah. They just go up is if you can see in the agreement, it comes with a percentage of what our population or our
valuation is of the town. Uh, so we're the second largest and our share this year is I believe 66,500. >> What's the number that they show in here?
Million5. >> That's a billion five of valuation. I'm I'm not at it right now, but I think that's what you're looking at. Yeah. >> Um, >> should take that number. That's better than the valuation that we had from the map.
that we just booked in was a 1.8. >> Yeah. Well, we will take >> You're right. Exactly. >> Correct. >> Yeah. So, you want to We'll wait on that. >> We'll just wait um until that final. >> Yeah, it was on and then the chief of
staff said, "Can we just hold off just in case anybody else has any edits?" >> Okay. Then we have three reserve fund transfer requests that were already approved by the finance committee. Lake management,
$1,300 for two NOX boxes. Those are the secure lock boxes. Um, I'll take these one at a time. >> Yeah, might as well. So, >> I wondered why they can't use lock boxes
like we put on houses. >> Give the combination to police and fire for like 80 bucks. >> This This basically brings those buildings up to every building has an Xbox on it from the town. So you only have to carry one key. So that's that's
what we do for all businesses. That's what we do. Every town building has a knockbox. He's really the only one that doesn't. >> Yep. It was definitely recommended by the fire chief to have the official Nox boxes. >> Otherwise, you're chasing a lot of keys all the time. >> But the key is held in one place. So you
got a delay to go get the key >> on the engine. >> It's on the engine. >> That's why it's controlled. And that when this is really up your alley because it's past experience, but I I had experience with this at two buildings that were constructed in town. You buy the Knox box. A fire department
actually comes and installs the the outer door. You put your keys in it and they lock it and take away the key and it's on the engine. It opens. They have the master key that opens any of them to get to those keys. Yeah, they're not cheap. It's a racket, but
>> it is. It works just the same as the combination lock and you just give the lock to the engine then works for every resident that has one. >> Yeah. But you got to carry multiple combinations, multiple keys, multiple for every This is one key for every
building that you put one on and it allows you to like the schools one box gets us in every every classroom through through a master or set of a master's. Um >> so you have one master coming. We don't need to debate it. I already did it. But
you have one master combination then. You have one master key. You have one master combination >> for every building. >> That's you have one master key. What's the difference? A code or a key? >> Because it it would be different for every business then. Now what are you going to do for business? >> No, I'm talking about for the town.
>> This is everything in town. >> Talking about for the town buildings that all have these boxes. But anyway, >> by the time I tell you what, by the time you got those and keyed them all the same, you're in the same financial ballpark. That's for sure. >> If you if you bought this, you know, a
standard box and then had them rekey so that they're all 10 of them are the same, you're in the same place. >> My thing was I think we can get them off of Amazon cheap because not for nothing, but what is in these buildings are relatively inexpensive. Not that they're not important to keep safe, but that
maybe we don't necessarily need this big heavy duty box. And the fire chief said it's just we just need it to be the same. So that's where it came to come to the finance committee for a reserve fund transfer. >> I think that's also why they went from
two to three because they decided, I think on one of those buildings that by the time they got there with the key to the Knox, there'd be nothing left but the Knox box on the ground. So we'll just let that one go. >> But >> three to two, you mean you? >> Yeah, I'm sorry. Three to two, right?
>> So >> Okay. So motion to approve. >> Second. >> I'm looking for a motion. >> Sure. So move. >> Roll call to angel. >> Doug Mglin. Sure. Rose. Sure.
>> Lake management is looking for a $600 transfer for excess electricity. There a motion to approve. >> So So one question. I know the next one's the libraryies for electricity as well. Why do some departments have an
electricity line item and others don't? >> I asked that question and it was just the way it's always been because I want to see it centralized. I would like to see like it under building and grounds or even under us because then we are able to control and see when these um
contracts run out whether third party suppliers or our own MUNAG. I just feel like you know the departments are just pay pay. They don't know what if they're we were doing the green energy grants. We had to get all that information and it was like pulling teeth. It was like
all over the place. So, >> well, it's a goal for next year to get it all under one someone. >> Yeah. I think >> Well, do they buy their own electricity contracts? >> No. No. I mean, that's just where they put it. >> That is So, doesn't the county approve those?
>> County approves them all. And that's again where they they're not looking specifically. And I guess it's not we don't look specifically at every single contract. I mean, we do, but as far as energy goes, accounting just pays it. They look at it, they account for it, they put in a spreadsheet, and they pay
the bill. And then I go back and I make sure that our third parties aren't running out and that if we're buying solar from somebody that that's appropriate. And so that's why I think that you know whether it would be in building and grounds or in select board I think it should be centralized where somebody can keep an eye on it. So no I
don't think that library should have one. I don't think the police and fire do. I think building grounds takes care of that or maybe accounting. >> So in in police and fire there's a public safety building >> account where it's under whereas it's
not the fire or the police paying it. It's under town. town again I think I would like to see like well a lot of things uh central central purchasing so central purchasing whole budget for whatever whether it's tele >> insurance whatever
>> insurance electricity like you know it stays centralized into management >> probably in library because they need it for their formula >> possibly >> yeah that's part of it and also it's one of those cyclical things like every
decade that will move It's kind of between town management and buildings and grounds. Used to be they had like electricity and it was and then they would break out library and this that and the other. Then they decided to move everything the library and now they have an electrical liner. See subtle
difference but different enough. >> Yeah. So to your point, it's still managed by buildings and grounds and but buildings and grounds does this part of the budget for the library and and so it just shows up under library versus you have buildings
and grounds and you have library and public safety and town hall and etc. It's just where they show up under those accounts in the budget. >> Lynn actually pays it. >> Yeah, >> she pays her electric bill. Correct. That's what got me. Like there's this
third party that that expired and then the rate jumped like crazy and that's where you know she's not looking back to see what rate is what for the kilowatts where it can double or triple like >> No, I'm not I'm not in opposition to how you want to structure it at all here. I
just there's a it's gone around a few times >> that I can and it will again, right? Yeah. >> So, >> yeah. >> But, yeah, if we have an opportunity to consolidate purchasing for something like this that we could buy for the town, that's a a good practice.
>> Yeah. >> There a motion to approve lake management 600 electricity? >> So, second >> Diane Gall. >> Doug Moin. Yes. Ros Anderson. Yes. and the library 12,500 for electricity.
>> How much is that over? I mean, it's >> they're they're about out. >> It should say it on there. >> They had 22 in their budget. They've expended 194 and they've got another 2600 >> estimated for the end of the year. >> Yeah. So, they need 12,000 to get to
July. We're also redoing that because they do have a third party supplier that we just discontinued with. So hopefully that will change and it won't be as much but it's still going to go over. It'll
definitely still go over the now but >> so move second I >> Doug Mogan. Yes. >> Russ Anderson. Yes. We need to reappoint Shirley May Morris to the board of
registars for the term of April 1st, 2026 to March 31st, 2029. Board of registars are on a March 31st and um >> roll call vote. Dian Gale I >> Doug Mulan. Yes. >> Le Anderson. Yes.
>> Is there anyone else up or is that just the one? >> Just that one. Can we please acknowledge and approve a $100 donation from Andrea Bugby and James Wong to be deposited into the library gift?
>> So move second vote Daniel Morgan. Yes. >> Rose Anderson. Yes. >> Okay. Some other new business. Um, just to confirm the South at Fall and Granville Regional School District School budget hearing is 3:18 at Powen
Mill School starting at 5:30. And a reminder of I could make it for the joint meeting on the 21st. I assume we all are good. Okay. >> What time does this start on the 18th? >> 5:30.
and 8 a.m. on that Saturday. >> Well, I did ask if we'd go a little later since we're not going to be ground. >> Someone want to do 8:00? >> Oh, start earlier. I mean later on the Saturday >> like knowing maybe I mean it doesn't >> I don't have we'll wait to coordinate
that with um finance and and whoever's coming in the department's coming in. >> Yeah. Okay. And then other um we received notification that the town is scheduled to receive $620,190
in chapter 90 aortionment for fiscal 27. Um fiscal 26 we received $615,000. In the 10 years prior to that, I looked back, it was an average of 362. So that's two years of a a decent bump just
in the chapter 90. Uh, one of the select board goals that we reviewed last week was the process for notification of chapter 61 classification changes. And we authorized the CEO, Nicole, to review
the letter of intent packet for completeness and notify all parties. And that happened last week right after we issued the first annual memo to remind parties um of the process. So we we got that in for 177 Claus Anderson
Road and um Nicole is going to be reviewing that and getting that right out to everybody. Uh, one other notification we got was Eversource has notified us that they will be selectively applying herbicide treatments along their right of way from the Goose Pond area northwest across
College Highway, crossing Mort Vining and Vining Hill Roads and over Sodom Mountain into Granville. That work should begin between April 10th and October 16th. And I was
curious, is that on notice that we would post on the town website for people to see >> for communication just for public awareness of it? >> They do it every year. >> There reason that stuff isn't on the agenda. >> What stuff? >> It's in the mail. >> Correspondence packet. I think it was
too big cuz I just looked to saw it was in the mail. >> I saw it in the mail. I just thought >> I just agenda. I just pulled out things of interest to under new business. It's good to communicate. Um, is there any other new business?
>> Okay. On to old business. >> No, I'm going to do that under old business, right? Because it's old. >> Yeah. Right. >> Okay. Um, discuss and approve the Pioneer Valley Trading Company.
um host community agreements. I sent you the draft of that. Um just one thing to mention on the draft you received the three boxes were not checked and that would be for marijuana cultivator
indoor marijuana cultivator outdoor and marijuana product manufacturer. And I inserted I don't remember if I told you this. I inserted the applicable things from the last one that is approved by the CCC into this one. So
should be acceptable to them as well. But the version that uh Margaret has does have three boxes checked. >> I have a question. >> Yes. H on the third box. Does that jive with our zoning for manufacturing
in a residential zone under under our cannabis zoning bylaw? Clearly the the indoor and outdoor grow clear to me clearly comply, right? It's it's a strictly allowed use in the zone.
I just want to make sure that the manufacturing piece is as >> in regards to the oils. >> Yeah, they were going to make stuff there and I don't know that that is >> I didn't really look that hard until you just brought it up that those three boxes are going to be checked.
>> Um, give me one second. >> R40. >> Yeah, it's definitely an R40 piece. to this room. >> Yeah. >> Can I like really with two M's?
>> Yeah. C N A B I S. >> Anybody from the planning board online today? Yeah. A marijuana cultivator may be permitted in AC industrial and industrial zones. Cultivator may be permitted in residential R40 and residential R20 on a
minimum track of 5 acres. Courier, delivery, research, transporter, retailer. They don't really call out manufacturer anywhere. Marijuana MTC may be permitted
in the I and IR. >> So, they have to get planning board approval anyway before they can move forward. So >> I don't know that we it again I didn't >> just looking at this now and I read it a few times not in this
>> context >> I don't know that it's permitted under I thought they had it retailer research facility establishment micro business testing library retailer transporter delivery research facility
re social consumption establishment or any other type of licensed marijuana related business except an MTC. So that would be an establishment cultivator courier under the definitions.
So I don't know that they actually in our bylaw define it and I don't know if they could do that at they plan to supply more than one retailer establishment
trying to stay within the def retailer. So a retailer is an entity licensed to purchase, repackage, white label and transport or marijuana product from marijuana establishments and transfer otherwise transfer this project to
establishments and to sell to consumers. Dell boy >> I don't medical marijuana treatment center >> that would be polander planning anyways in the next process into the license right they'd have but I don't want to >> approve it
>> but I don't know if we want to enter into a an agreement with them even in till we understand the answer to that question it it might it because it almost is implies that we're
entering into an MOA or whatever that's called for that. Um, and I don't know that we can if it's not allowed and you it's certainly in planning's perview to grant this permits as necessary. I just was reading this and I didn't know where they would get
get that manufacturing piece. And we've also been very vocal about this with in other not with cannabis but with other uses in a residential zone. Um and we've gone through it with customary home occupation and a bunch of other things. And we've got to be
careful as to what we start doing in residential zones before we start really confusing zoning. And they're in the middle of their zoning overhaul anyway. So perhaps this is something they should take care of in in that update as well.
Because this is specifically for which company >> this or Pioneer Valley Trading. >> Yeah. >> Inc. >> I think the HDA is really the first step. >> Correct. And then the select board, you know, if it's allowed, if these X's are
allowed in these zones, >> then it will go through planning and be allowed. And if not, then I think that it just would be amended. I don't think that just trying to think of all the other HCAs. I don't think it was necessarily um
you know even sight specific or whether or not we needed to get into the zoning issue of it when approving HCAS >> the marijuana cultivating is approved where permitted where >> in in all of those zones >> in AC
>> AC R 20 R40 >> actually you can do it anywhere >> so in R40 >> y >> permitted use is anything allowed in AC >> correct Correct. >> So if it's allowed in AC, it's allowed in >> I don't see it in the cannabis where it's allowed period. Manufacturing,
manufacturing certainly not allowed in AC, AC is agricultural plus a single family home by special permit and then they build, right? So then R40 is anything you can do in AC plus single family homes. R20 is that plus um lower,
you know, higher density. And then you've got IIIR, which is like everything you can do in those except single family homes. and you add the businesses in and IR special permit BBR same thing. So I don't know >> but that's a swim lane for the planning board
>> I think. So I just I don't want to I don't want to I don't want to overstep and allow I don't think we should I don't know that there's any harm in it but we should that's why I wanted to talk about it here is should should we do an HCA for something that it's not
even permitted under our zoning the way you know again definitely a swim lane thing that's the planning board's decision um Uh probably >> there is >> because they already have one, right?
They have an HCA. This exact entity has one for um >> retail. >> For retail, right? and treatment center I believe. >> Thought that was Haven. >> I think they both do.
>> They both do. >> Pretty sure. >> Yes. >> Plus sounds like a lawyer world to me. >> It's I mean going to get flushed out no matter what.
>> It sounds like a what? lawyer comment or lawyer it's going to be flushed out in the process if it we approve something and it gets to planning board and they reject something and >> but this is between us and the trip and the applicant not the planning board
planning board's going to have to evaluate the special permit they got to have it's like they all compete with each other you got to have this to go and get your special permit and file that with the triple C then the triple C wants to see this before you have that.
So we we this is our swim lane is we have to do the HCA with the applicant. >> Mhm. >> Once they have that then they make an application to the triple C for the actual permit and then they have to get a special permit for the I believe it's
special permit from the planning board. Um >> so are you suggesting we defer this? see Alvin Allen, have him research it and bring it back. >> Is there any harm in waiting one week to
get that answer? I if not, I I'll I have no problem to move it forward. I just I see it being problematic for us to put forth this this document, an HCA, for something that we may not be empowered
to for the applicant to be empowered to do under our current zoning. And maybe it's just an oversight in the zoning because we had a couple cracks at this. >> There may just be an oversight in the zoning. But I think you have to look at it. If you go up a little bit, and this
is in the planning board's perview, um, you know, what you allow in a residential zone is much more impactful, if you will, then, you know, if this is an egg use, because now remember years ago, this was not an A
use. This was truly an industrial use. Now it's an a use clearly. So if you have an a use in an R40, it's clearly allowed. But manufacturing such as it's defined by in here is not allowed in the in in the residential
zone period that belongs in BB B actually IIR. And I don't want to mislead the applicant at any point in along the way here and you know and have them go through a process if they don't if they can't do
it. So I think we should ask >> okay >> ask and then come right back. >> Russ agree. >> Yeah. I mean the only other option would be approve it with contingent upon Elvin's >> and they can't really take it to the CCC until that has been confirmed. Then
though you could also interpret greenhouse commercial greenhouse as manufacturing that's what you would manufacture in the greenhouse. Sarah would it be subject to interpretation anyway? I think >> I just wonder what is our what is the
definition of manufacturing in the zoning? I think that's in no >> under cannabis or under >> I think under >> or under >> because there's no definitions in Maryland. >> Right. >> Right.
>> Yeah. Exactly like you said. What are redoing? We're putting out being bold exclamation marks on either side. So if if you get to the I I zone, permitted uses,
processing of milk, manufacturer and processing of food products, including candy, storage and distribution of lumber and building materials, manufacturer or processing of mill work or other wood products, manufacturer, processing of metal products, dry cleaning, So no actual definition of
manufacturing. >> Manufacturer processing of stone. Yeah. No, not really. Right. Um an accessory uses incident to any use permitted herein. >> Oh. Oh, >> that's I >> No, that's I. >> That's right. So, and they all they
build on each other. So, and it says prohibited uses no racetracks. Um and then IR is the same as I except for printing, engraving and bookbinding and then everything else by special permit.
>> Okay. So the only delay is of course the growing season. So okay. that we will once we talk to Alvin we need to know we want to talk to Alvin >> Oh yeah sure sure >> I was just looking at the definition of
manufacturing >> all right we'll come back to that next week I guess um and then local tax options for meals tax and shortterm rental perhaps.
Um, we have talked about this a few times in the past with um growing costs that are out of control. We can't control many of them. I think it's time to
adopt the meals tax at a minimum. the short-term rental is small. Um, nonetheless, if it's happening and it helps legitimize those services,
I would institute that one as well. >> I did ask Greg. >> I think Greg is on. >> Yeah. From economic development. I know he's done a lot of research on it. I don't know if you want to hear it. >> Well, you want to What are your thoughts? Um, >> I understand what you're saying. I mean,
I guess my no one likes adding taxes to anything, >> but with that said, the state's not exactly going to help us out and taking money from us versus um anything else. And I would I would say that if you if you're looking at
meal tax, um I frequent quite a few of the facilities, you know, restaurants or whatever in town and more and more is people that you don't recognize. And I would guess that 75% is uneducated
guess, but I would think 75% of people that are coming to Romas or coming to the Blackboard are not from town. >> Correct. Um, so if if that's helping us, you know, on one hand you're saying you're a recreation community and you're becoming a destination, whether it's
said the old Grabby Joe's, the Blackboard, the launch, wherever. Pick a pick a place. Um, so we're putting wear and tear on our roads to become a destination. >> Yep. >> But yet we don't. >> It's a visitor tax to me. >> Correct. Um
I you know I wish there was a way you could separate it for residents but there is I would be in favor of this for that reason. Now with that said you probably can't do this but I'm wondering if should we allocate it should we do it should we allocate it to road maintenance or do you put it in general
fund or do you you know is there is there a way to pigeon hole it for something that's returnable? I in my mind it was general fund because we the big thing the big things are the roads, the insuranceances and the utilities,
>> right? >> And all of them are moving. We don't know. Yeah. No, I get it. >> Those are the ones we can't control. We can't budget. We can't shave those off. >> No, I agree. >> No one's in favor of of adding a tax
>> except you two. So, I I'm not and I you know, I will be a solid no vote on a meals tax or I just don't think the short-term rental tax there's enough of them to be even consequential. Just doing the paperwork will cost more than we'd bring in. Um,
so I I'm still a no on the meal stacks. >> Greg, did you have anything you wanted to add? Yes, I would add that people are not in favor of new taxes, but really what increases their tax, their total tax is
the spending because we take our budget and spread it out and determine what the property tax rate is. So, I would be in favor of adding the meals tax if we don't pigeon hole it, if we don't use it
as a reason to increase spending, but that it goes to the general fund and in a sense it goes to offset what would otherwise be increases to the property tax. >> Greg, could you just state your name and in the committee?
>> Yes. Greg Greg Dialy 10 Salem Road also chair of EDC >> and you had done some forecasting right Craig? Well, I >> loose forecast. >> There was there was not an exact number and I actually ended since I couldn't
find it on the state websites. I even went to an AI engine and they said that just isn't published for Southwick, but they did some other estimating and said might be between 125,000 150,000 a year.
>> I think that's what you had >> I got from a while back, right? Mhm. >> That was a year and a half ago or two a year and a half ago whenever you got here, right? >> Yeah. So that would only increase. >> And and we also know that every other
adjacent town has this meal tax option. Westfield, West Springfield, you know, Awam. So we're not, in fact, every other town our size and larger has opted into this. So we are
the only one leaving it on the table. >> Thanks. >> Thank you. >> Maybe that's why people are coming here. >> Yeah. Right. >> To avoid it. Sure. >> Pizza's seven cents cheaper. >> Yeah. But they're going to pay more for gas here. So they're >> Yeah, that's true.
>> So, um I brought it back. >> If I could just really say quickly. Yeah. >> That um you know, as far as the restaurants go themselves, they collect it. It goes to the state. It's just like the state meals tax. They do it's they still collect that here. It's not like we're not giving any meals tax. The
state is collecting theirs. We have the opportunity to collect 3/4 of a percent. And on every um um on all of the uh software that the restaurants use, it's simply button. There was a there was one business that
was collecting it that I had gone down to and I said, "There is no local option here." And she's like, "I didn't even know that." like just hit it and shut it off. And I don't know where that money is going to go collected. But uh but you know, it's so it's not difficult for
them to do. And I don't you know, the threequarters of a percent my spiel is always if you're going to spend $100 and we ask for 75 cents extra, you know, would that be such a burden? and and to give 120 150 even more uh in revenue
each year. I think >> I think our residents would appreciate it. >> And what I why I brought it up again to ask this board to put it on the town meeting and let the residents decide >> which has to happen anyways
>> to adopt it. I mean I if you're looking for a motion I'll make a motion to so we'll put that in >> Tom >> and I will second that roll call vote Dian Gale I
>> Doug Mlin no Russ Anderson yes >> and that would be for the meals tax short-term rental probably which they mature still but >> yeah that there's like you're right there's not enough places to >> not until we can actually track them and and get a hold >> we got another problem for that Yeah.
>> So, that was for the meals tax to go to town meeting. >> I I would just like to say that obviously nobody likes adding >> Yep. >> anything, but it's either that or we're going to start losing services because we're we're at the wall here statewide.
>> State's not going to help us. >> So, which which pick what you want. Less schools, less fire, less police, less plows. It's going to be something. Okay. All right. Um, other old business
Russ community television policy and job description. Anything further to add on that? Do you want to >> I um I was working on it Friday and got sidetracked. I did complete the job description, but I didn't bring it and I'll finish the I'll finish the booklet and bring it back. >> Okay.
>> All right. So, we'll do that next. Okay. Um, we have last week I asked you to review the select board um,
master plan completion items which you did. I brought those to the master plan implementation committee. They approved all of the justifications and signed that and you authorized me to sign that. These are chief
administrative officer, facilities and services, developing an engaging newsletter um to be published on the town website, social media, etc. which she has done completed. South Police Department
had secure a grant for license plate readers, which they did, and the conservation commission, open space and natural resources, establish a permanent open space committee to focus on land preservation, passive recreation, and
sustainability, and to ensure implementation of priority actions in the 2020 open space and recreation plan. All of those have been completed. The master plan implementation committee reviewed their justifications. It met the criteria. It
is complete as far as they are concerned. The next step is to come to the select board for the select board to approve and then the planning board to approve. So I'm asking you to approve those three things as complete. >> Sure. I'll move. >> Okay. Roll call vote. Dang. I
>> Doug Maldin. Yes. >> And Sanderson. >> All right. That's nine master plan items completed in the first >> 36 more to go. >> Don't worry, they'll add more. >> Right. >> So, so I have one that was I believe on
our master plan slash select board goals was modernization for um some of our systems, paperwork, be it billing, time sheets, all that stuff.
We're seems like we're failing on that. Is that hasn't been talked about since 6 n months. Haven't seen much heard much. Where are we? >> Well, that's really in in your >> Yeah. >> bag.
>> So, we've been trying to implement new processes and streamlining and some modernization um >> like the budget. So, you know, as we develop a a policy or like a
process, uh, this is where it'll start or this is the form that I want you to use and then it comes back in a few weeks and goes back and then okay, let's implement this form and everybody keeps using the old forms. So, I think you're right. We have failed at really
modernizing what our intentions were, which was to absolutely be efficient, save time, save resources, and uh you know, ultimately save the taxpayer dollar because we're working more efficiently. So, I will work more
diligently on enforcing the processes that we brought forward and continuing to bring more. We are looking into the payroll, >> possibly outsourcing. >> Um, you know, >> that include doing it as well, not
having to fill out a time sheet and hand it in. >> Well, I mean, you'd still we'd still have to give them some indication of whether it was regular time or sick time or bridgement time. The employee can enter that and and it goes to the manager to approve it. >> Yes, that's what we we and they need to
be trained on it, right? So then I have to contact our finance software and then I have to schedule some training which has been done has been done twice um and then the you know the finance staff goes for the training and then we have to train the department heads and it's
trickling down but it's definitely not going as fast as it should be. Um but yeah there are out there are absolute outsources you know I have to figure out um where the balance is and where the savings are. So um >> is there
anyone I don't know company consultant peers that could come in and look at our systems and give us kind of like what we're doing with loads you know give us a give us a path of what our cost to invest what our opportunities are what
you know where can we take this as opposed to just oh we're going to add that module to our to our immun system or whatever you know I it seems like someone needs to look at the business of how we run business >> so DLS is you know They did our financial overlook overview and I have a
meeting with her with the um individual from local services this week to go over it. So they do h they did look over they did interview everyone and they have some recommendations on what we should do for our processes and moving forward
and modernizing um in could we pay a consultant to come in? >> That was that was free service they provide. >> Yes, that's free service. Yeah. >> Right. So, you know, do we try to implement those and make those work well and and then, you know, maybe call somebody in and see if there's something
else we can do. I mean, I think already off the bat, we know there's some improvements that we can make, >> right? It just seems like we need a facilitator to take us there. >> It's true. I definitely prioritize >> the the biggest areas that need
improvement, right? I mean, we all have our thoughts on where >> No, there's just a lot of lot of I don't know what to call it, non-automation that >> yes, >> this day and age is >> yes, >> typically not seen. >> It is and it's not. And you know, I was
just in Agam last week and they everything is automated. Everything. And they don't even see each other really like everything just goes back and forth. But they have a much they have much bigger resources than we do. I mean we're one a very small community very
limited resource and um you know yes we need to modernize I do we automatically make everything you know immediately I don't even think that we could do that >> I I think that we're small enough >> it's great it's a great idea >> we're small enough that we can be more
nimble >> than AAM who has more people and bigger resources I think we're small enough we should be able to adapt if we want to and some of it is people don't want to. Change is hard for people. >> Yeah. Yeah. So,
>> but um I will make that you know a priority to go back and and see what we can do to really implement that much faster than we have been. >> Okay. Because even our time sheets were, you know, automated going through munis department heads putting it in and some still are, but some of it kind of fell
back by the wayside or it goes in automatic automated and then the department that gets it prints it out and does some things with it with the paper. So, you know, I think everybody has to be on board. That's the bottom line is everybody has to be on board to do something like that.
>> I think you have to pick your battle and crawl, walk, run, right? It would be great if everything was suddenly we did some huge modernization project but haven't been involved in a few of them that they go down in flames because they just go over on themselves because
they're so ginorm pick one thing like priority but even if we can't all agree on it pick one right >> we could all weigh in and each have our own and then you you could be the deciding vote on that say we're going to do payroll we're going to do this
whatever it is and then learn from that lesson of how it goes and you know if if we did a process and it starts to fall back reinforce it this is how we do it now you know you don't get paid if it's not done right or you know you don't get
your expense check if it's not done right etc you know and and um I remember predating yourself in employee here was you we had talked about payroll is it's a pain point right um as to how it's done. It's almost comical sometimes as
how it was being done. Um, it's right. It's great. Everyone gets paid. So, in the end, that's the important thing, but there's anor there was an enor amount of manual work that that should be resolved. And, you know, having lived through that transition outside of here, it gets better as if you stick to it
long enough and you work out the kinks in it, it gets better. And so there's plenty of processes that there's opportunity to deal with. >> I think you need a department head input too. You know what what affects them the most? >> What are they >> wasting time on?
>> Yeah. What what consumes them? >> We definitely have had many of those conversations during department. >> Yeah, you could probably review those for the repeat topic. Mhm. >> But I think this would be good for, you know, in discussion with peers to your
point or DLS, right? Cuz I I always heard a lot of when we talked about some of this stuff way in the past was kind of like, oh, master general law this or open meeting this or this document retention this or you know required. obviously isn't the
case a 100% of the time or there's a way to replicate or uh comply with the law with this type of system because Agam's doing it, Westfield's doing it. I'm sure that those those folks wouldn't mind spending an hour or two with somebody from town
to go and say, "Hey, this is what this is what we're doing for this particular thing and how we do it and how do you take that and you know make it smaller or you know more apppropo to the town of Southick." But I don't think our needs are all that different than say AWAM or Westfield. It's yes, we have to be more
nimble because we're smaller and we don't have the resources that they have. But with all of the automation that's available, >> um, never mind the coming wave of all this AI stuff that's going to be coming in, there's opportunity. And, you know,
perhaps it could create savings even greater than a meals tax. >> Perhaps. >> Perhaps. Okay. You had >> I sent you this afternoon from Mike Gerard just a special permit application to do and we just need
>> um I just need you to approve the chair to sign as signature of property owner. Um I'm not sure about applicant. It's on water. It's the water permission but it's really the town of Southwick.
So, if you just approve these signatures and then I'll get clarification. >> I would and I read I read that today and I would make the motion for the town for the chair to sign the application on behalf of the town and to further seek that the water department consents in
writing to the application that they can file it. But they should and supply to the planning board their consent to locate this tower on it's town property but it's under the jurisdiction of the water. I would have them consent.
>> So them signing as applicant is consent. >> Oh >> that'd be fine with me but I it's the town is the applicant not the water department. Right. >> Yeah. So, but I obviously would want their consent as the they the town holds the land, but it's controlled by them. They're out there all the time. They
have the water facility infrastructure there. I want them on board >> and their radios are on it. So, >> I'll go true. Yeah, they have an interest in it, too. So, yeah, but I'll make that motion. >> Second. >> Roll call. Vote. Dang. I
>> Doug Mun. Yes. >> Russ Anderson. Yes. Um, any other old business? >> Nope. >> Nope. >> Okay. Can we acknowledge and approve the
March 2nd executive session minute? >> March or February? Which one does March? >> Says March. >> There's two. >> There's two, right? The one that was that was tabled >> and then it says from February 2nd and March 2nd. I'm sorry. Both of them.
Well, whichever one you want first. I guess you could >> you get March 2nd. They're fresh in our minds. >> Yeah. No, February 2nd on top. >> Yeah, >> I got March 2nd. >> Yeah. >> Two March 2nds.
>> Oh, sorry. February. I'm sorry. Yes. I'll make a motion for the executive session minutes of February 2nd and March 2nd. Second. We'll call vote
yet. >> And then we will acknowledge payables warrant 261B dated March 2nd, 2026 in the amount of $522,71525. And if there's no other business, we will
seek a motion to adjourn. >> No. Exactly. >> And we do have executive. >> We do. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. So, we're going to go into executive session. Need a motion to go into executive session pursuant to mass
general law chapter 3A section 21 number three. could 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 not to
reconvene in open session. Doug Moin. Yes. >> Russell Anderson. Yes. >> Roll eyes.