Okay, good evening. This is the select board meeting for Thursday, August 14th, 2025. It is 60:02 p.m. We're in the land use hearing room. This meeting is being recorded. If anyone else is recording, please let
Russ know. And let's start with attendance. Nicole Parker, CEO, >> Diane Gail, >> Doug Mglin, Russ Anderson, >> and we'll go right into the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance 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 public comment. >> Public comment board 40 Bertwood Road.
I'm going to bring up something very briefly um that is going to be no surprise to anybody here. Um and it involves the transfer station. Um I think there needs to be a lot of
room for improvement out there. It's like I'm not going to go through the numbers. You all know what the numbers are. But it's like every time you go out there, no stickers, trucks overloaded, dumping, uh, contractors
dumping whatever. They can't even unload the bags. They're like dragging the bags off the trucks. And it's a real and and it's not the people who work there.
They're doing a great job. I don't think they can confront people, which they shouldn't because you don't know who you're dealing with. The guy could have a bad day. You don't know what's going to happen. Just shut your mouth and let it,
you know, do something and report it somewhere else. And I'm saying that for the worker because you're not going to stick your neck out for that ain't going to happen. It should. But like the other day I was up there, there was a contractor name was on the
truck and he backed then he was unloading all these cardboard boxes and uh it looked like cabinet like maybe he redid cabinets in a bathroom or a kitchen or whatever. And they all they they go like when it's very very bus uh
when there's nobody around like noon time no one's around. They're probably eating. The people who are up there, I believe, are working. You don't see them a lot of times. I don't think they're goofing off in the trailer. They're doing something else.
And they don't have eyes to look at everybody. There are uh I've seen cars up there with out of state plates, which okay, they have property here. So, they buy a sticker here. Maybe I was up there the other day. Two cars around me. Not
even a sticker. not even last year's sticker or you see them laying on the U dashboard. But the problem is like I I know you know Diane had proposed last year of raising sticker prices and item prices
and all which is fine. It helps offset whatever we need to pay for and that solves some of the problem. And the the problem is it's not the legal people, it's the illegal people who are
going in and just dumping in five minutes and getting out of there. That's the real issue. If you get somebody in there who's got bags and bags and bags of trash that add a a
serious amount of weight, we're paying for that. It's not the homework. Although I believe you have landlords that probably rent property and they're not going to buy a dumpster. So every whatever day it is, they cruise around,
pick up the bags from their renters off to the dump. I do believe that. I don't know what you're going to do, but I know on on on the green papers that we all get when we get a sticker, big bold
letters, vehicles will not be allowed in the facility without the sticker attached to the visible as per which is on the windshield. He'll rarely sit down. So, I don't know what you guys want to do, but the tonnage is going up
and it's not the legal people that are doing the tonnage. It maybe a suggestion is like some other towns. Put a contractor area in there. Put a rollway where contractor charge them 500 bucks a sticker. Who knows? I mean it for them
it's still cheaper than a dumpster and maybe we can recoup some money from them. I don't know what the answer is but I do know the costs are going up and we're not collecting a lot of revenue
for what they wanted a 300 something dollar truck rolloff truck. We can't afford that. You know that you guys cut it. I think they wanted uh 305,000 80,000 for the compressor motor, $22,000 for new boxes.
All legitimate, but we don't have the money. So, we we have to crack down on these illegal people cuz the legal ones are buying stickers like I do. And, you know, I I don't know. I just
wanted to put it out there that every time I go up there, even if it's your 10 minute, you'll spot somebody in that 10 minutes illegal. So that's all I have to say. I mean, I just wanted to bring it on. So that's
it. >> I do want to add something if I may. I do know that in the um treasurer's office they are taking some grief as well for cracking down on it and
requiring >> u documentation for the stickers even for the senior stickers and they are catching grief for it but I know they are doing a darn good job. >> Oh I I don't doubt that >> on on legalizing it from that end. >> I don't doubt that. Um and we do have an
item on our goals and objectives that we it has come up a few times on um some kind of video pass key or >> improvements of some >> so we'll be actually we'll be talking >> sure we talk about that. >> So
>> I do know that they are doing their job. I do believe that the DPW is doing their job. I just don't know how you're going to stop it from entering because once they get in they're dumping and running. I think we did police this year, did we? >> Yeah.
>> What's that? >> We used to do a police detail and I don't think that's happened yet this year. >> Well, we're halfway through August. I mean, >> okay. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Okay. Anybody online? >> Nope. Okay,
then let's jump into goals and objectives. And this is a an accumulating list that um has started like before my time I think some of these items and just carried and
some of them have updates or I saw could be uh considered complete and I guess we'll just go down the list and talk about what it is and does it stay on and then somehow we'll try to
prioritize these things or uh assigned someone. All right. Sidewalk system, safe route to school. >> Um >> isn't that being worked on with the one
of the phases that Randy >> for Powder Mill Road? Y >> Yep. >> So that's just a an ongoing I guess it's part of that whole street development and nothing really I I just asked for an update at one point. I don't remember when that was. Uh but I think that is
all part of that. >> Yeah, it is. >> Yeah. >> And number two, sidewalks, deep powder mill. That's all encompassing in the same project. So could really combine those. I guess shorten the list. >> Economic. I I would just I would add I
don't disagree with that that I what I would do though is maybe clarify number two what that particular one is because there there's overall other sidewalk initiatives that are going to come in front of this board at
some point. So I don't think we carry sidewalks as just sidewalks like this says depot or powder mill e you know easement and funds approve at I think those are done right we did all we wanted to do I thought we did all we
wanted to do there until because there is a project for >> for depot >> for depot south >> well there was another one even further west they were going to there was talk of realigning depot. So, that sidewalk set pretty far away from the road on
purpose in case they decide to widen or move depot. Um, and don't forget you have the condo project. So, we didn't want to put a sidewalk, a new sidewalk in front of that for them to tear it right up. >> Um, there was one put in at the new condo project and then we connected, I
think, from the corner up to that past Malone's place and stuff. Um, so I think we should maybe just clarify that so we it that way we're in two years you're not looking at going what is this all about again
but it I think it's one sidewalk discussion and similar to the roads let's prioritize sidewalks sure along with the road projects and I thought there was one further >> in here regarding sidewalks, but we'll come to
it if it is um economic development. We This was an old one in addition to number 13, which says master plan priorities.
I don't know what that has to do with that. Number 13. Yes. >> Close out number three. We've hire you we've hired the person. >> Correct. >> So you can close it out. >> Correct. Not sure what it had to do with number 13. Oh, because it was in the master plan go bowls, I guess. So that
one is considered done. Fiber is ongoing. >> Yeah. >> And channel 15 network is an ongoing project. And I know Russ has some thoughts on >> Yeah, I just thought it as well
>> hand out a little bit of kind of where I see it eventually. I mean, looking at other other community channels, when I when I say, you know, reestablishing stuff, um, you know, I look today and we're we're still advertising Father's Day on Strawberry
Supper for the for the church and some other things that are really we're still selling stickers for the transfer station after hours, which ended, you know. Um, >> yeah. But I to me to have the right structure you need a producer, a content director, technicians, town volunteers,
students involved in the schools on content. You know, there's a list of South Southwick news school events, meetings, a webcam from Southwick. I think we really need to we want to sell Southwick and it it's just it's not making it right now. Um, and then when
you see the equipment, the facilities, uh, Southwick studio, a school studio to help do that. And the actually I talking to the schools the schools already have a studio green green screen and stuff and they're actively doing morning announcements via video now through the
through the schools and again like the school committee meetings we don't see those any so they were very excited to kind of pursue this somehow um and take advantage because they feel they need to tell their story as well too whether it
be sports or a school committee meeting their challenges uh there's there's as much going on in the school system as there probably is in the town. So, um to me this this gives us the structure as a goal where to aim for whether the schools are involved or independent help
working with the schools or >> um just kind of how it should be set up for future discussion. >> We have a lot of great equipment. I know we did get that inventory. Um there's there's great equipment. We don't necessarily have access to it. If
somebody wanted us a student wanted to come do something. Uh that's we we don't get the best of the best. We I don't think we have a place to edit anything in the in here. Uh probably has to go to the school to do that if they wanted. But there there's some hurdles to go to.
But I think it's a tool we need. Spins off to economic development. It spins off to the quality of Southwick. There's a lot of there's a lot of positive that I think this could could run. take a little bit to get up. >> Sounds like a subcommittee >> could be >> to explore how to get it done. And
>> there's been people come forward to ask, hey, you're going to do I like to help out, but I don't know what to do, you know. So that maybe there if we throw it out there, there is some people that would like to get involved. Um I don't Food for the thought.
Do we plan to identify things like that tonight or are we just going through this and walking through what they mean and we'll revisit this? What do you what do you think? Are we in a place to decide? Yeah, that's a good set. >> Well, I think it's I mean this was something that and this is kind of
languished on here. Um, I think we should, you know, probably maybe it's under old business on a regular select board meeting is, you know, you pick a couple from the goals and objectives each week to kind of revisit and kind of status and push. So,
>> we don't go through this and you know, whenever we do it and then Yeah. and or you know you get to this and then six months later you go oh we really should revisit goals and objectives and oh you know and it also helps as all the stuff that comes in if it's not on that list
yet okay we've got other things on the list we have to work this doesn't just something new comes in and it goes to the absolute top of the pile and you work it but like you know this is something that's been on this list probably as long as as I can remember and it we do certain things and we get
better at certain things but we we got continue to get better. I agree. I think we used to have an editing station, but that was probably 10 years ago. It's probably I mean I'm totally useless now. Those are the week >> that's like a twoyear or threeyear purchase, right? Um and now with all the
AI tools and stuff that what you need for that type of equipment and where you would put it, I don't know. And >> that there's a lot to be determined, but you know, I was it was intriguing at the schools, they're doing their own podcasts. they're doing their own, you know, on different topics and stuff. So,
they're kind of doing the same thing. Um, and they're excited. They they needed to wait till school starts, but they were needed excited to get involved if that's something we so choose, >> you know, and and and certain things start to tie together, too, right? When um
when you have the MUN fiber now, you it doesn't matter if you're at the school or if you're at town hall or if you're at the fire station, right? you'll be able to work on that stuff seamlessly um done correctly. But you know, so and I
and there was a side conversation in there too that I think was really important and maybe it needs to get added, but absolutely the school committee meetings should be added to the Southwick YouTube channel that we publish that's that's constantly updated. like the day after a
meeting, Jim or whoever is putting those meetings on YouTube. That's tremendously helpful to anyone out there who wants to see a meeting that they couldn't attend live either in person or on Zoom, but you have the recording from Zoom. The school committee one should absolutely be on there. So whether
>> school's a huge market, >> school committee has their own channel. >> I and and but >> but I agree it should be on channel 15. >> Absolutely. Or or it should even be put into ours as well. let people not every >> easy to find. >> I'll be honest with you. I don't think I've looked twice in a while as as to go
looking for the South School to get their meetings, right? I know they have their own Zoom account and all this other, but why wouldn't we just put it there as well? It does it's not going to hurt anybody and and play it on channel 15, too. And I don't know if we're playing Are we playing our any of our
Zoom meetings on channel 15 or is it >> just just the select board meeting? >> Yeah, >> it's out on tonight. Well, no. Tonight's not the regular schedule, >> but I mean that's live and then it goes off. But does it it doesn't repeat the recording of the meeting, right? >> Um
>> the select board meeting. >> I think it does. >> Okay, good. >> I I think that might do the select. That's the only one though, >> right? >> You know, it should be all of them. >> Yeah, yeah, there's no harm in especially if if there's a lack of content. Well, there's a meeting in town hall just about every night. We would
>> I think I counted 11 at one time. And I I really do like the idea of the I don't know that would some kind of webcam like that's kind of a good idea, right? >> I was thinking of the uh when they do the radio system on the tower, get it up there, >> especially we have fiber going to it for
the radio system. >> Oh, sorry. I might as well. This is super important and we've been trying to get >> students to do this and we never really get an appetite. It turns out they >> forged their own path. Maybe we can work together. need someone from the school to lead. That's the point.
>> Well, to find do you know and if we can find out who that person is and with that >> they were mentioning it but I don't >> and and give credit. >> Yeah. and I >> academic credit for >> there's different kinds of options but >> and you know we had talked before you know one of the ideas would you know
with the peg money or whatever you know you could buy a deluxe camera or whatever so that it maybe would be a draw for a student that they could get a piece of >> we have many cameras we have drones we got everything >> and and the and also these things now
are they're pretty good right they're really really good you know you don't have to have the hub of deluxe $10,000 >> no >> shoulder mount camera anymore, right? You can what you can do with this stuff for >> the um GoPros and all that other stuff is amazing.
>> All right. >> All right. Volunteers for other um committees, commissions, etc. It's a challenge. Um as noted the processes have been updated
um created the protocols for boards and commissions handbook which is being given to every new member. Um, this year we're actually documenting the procedures and a timeline so whether
it's Margaret or whoever else comes along after has a schedule to follow early enough so it's not a scramble. Um, I'm using social media as much as I can to promote openings.
It's just not a lot of takers with time available when we need them. They think you're always, you know, you're always recruiting, right? It doesn't matter where you are or what you're doing. Yep. >> You know, if you meet someone, Huh. >> changes by you, you meet someone and they say, you know, hey, you know, you
really should consider this or consider that. And doesn't matter where or when, just always put a plug in for that. If you're doing something in an official capacity, I always mention it. Mhm. >> So I guess that's just an ongoing uh process improvement on that
>> and communication transportation services for COA. >> Well, that's pretty much complete. We have a second bus now and a second driver and then the grant was approved for PBTA to have a stop eventually like
in the fall or winter. Um that's going to be a route, you know, a fixed route. These are on demand 8 to4. There's two buses now. So, if one fills up, there's a second one. They're just learning about the training and training about uh scheduling for two different buses and
just getting that um kind of done. But we've got the we've got the bus and we got the driver. >> So, that's the FRTA bus and and the COA van. >> Two two FRTA. >> Yeah, two two FA buses. >> Oh, two Fert bus. >> Yeah, we have a brand new Fert Bus and a new driver.
>> Does that include Granville and Tolland? Is that what's that? >> So it is including Granville and Talent at the moment and um it's sort of like a pilot maybe to to almost have a regional senior center. Um I haven't reached out to Grand to you know a Matt Streer yet
or Tallland but um you know if it if it really picks up then we would really need to have a discussion about having an actual regional um agreement with them or our senior center. It be you know and regionalization is always you know
>> and this is this is free for the users. >> No it's like a quarter >> they 75 some some nominal >> yeah fee >> yeah.75 cents maybe a dollar >> for the bus >> for the bus >> take it to work if you want
>> and that's just for the seniors >> that is just for the senior >> you're not old enough yet. Sorry. >> Um but the PVTA bus will be for anybody. It's 16. >> Where does PBTA bus come in? >> To further buses,
>> right? And the PVTA is the fixed route with a stop in town that goes to the regional >> probably go to Westfield, right? >> Westfield, Springfield Hospital. >> Westfield, things like that, >> bus stop in center there. >> And what's where is that in process?
>> Um, well, the the grant was approved and so PVTA is working on it now. And he said probably towards late fall, early winter. >> Okay. >> And no no covered anything. It's just going to be a small sign says bus stop.
>> There's no nothing. No structure. >> Where is it? You know, >> it'll be a town hall. >> Okay. Because it's the easiest way to go go in and out without getting traffic. >> Yeah. better than the top of the hill across from the summer house in the traffic, right?
>> I don't know. Well, I I agree on on that, but I do I'm assuming that >> Paul's pretty busy sometimes, too. >> It sure is. >> That's part of it. It's also that and and it may be in Congress to think that people are going to come and bring a car and leave their car and take their bus,
which we have a birth of parking at town hall right now. And I I would be if I were EVDA, I would be doing a survey of customers of the service to where they're going in
Southwick that makes it appealing. Maybe it's not across from the Summerhouse, but maybe it's the >> the Napa parking lot. I was trying to put without naming a company, but yeah,
one of the, you know, by the by the dollar general there or dollar tree, whatever the dollar store is right there, that dollar store, that parking lot would be and that's more central >> than coming south to town hall. >> It nothing's written in stone by any means at all.
>> We I could definitely talk to PBTA about exploring other ideas. It's just that >> the library to PBTA. Exactly. >> And and then post signs. >> Yeah. >> No long-term parking. Yeah. Well, yeah. I mean, or library parking. >> I I couldn't imagine people parking the
car to take the bus to Westfield. >> Well, they So, >> no, I know. But even if you're getting dropped off by someone else. >> Yeah. >> Cuz I mean, we have 70 something miles of road in the town of Southwick. So people could be coming from far away to get set
bus whether it's on foot or on bicycle or or more than likely someone's dropping them off at the bus to go where they're going to go. Um or they're coming from out of town to get into Southwick and then it would be more relevant as to where that stop is
too. That's why I said, you know, ask the users and when they start the service, you know, where are you going or where you coming from or, you know, where are you going to in Southwick or coming from in Southwick and try to aim for the middle of that survey for where your bus
stop is, provided you could logistically do it. I would not be a fan of having it at the summer house. Getting in and out there would be no good. Correct. But I get your point. That's true. >> Okay. Number eight, rules signage for open
space parcels. Um, obviously in the North Pond task force recommendations, the signs are ordered finally. And just today, we put up some uh small signs outside of that. I just
contributed signs not on that order that uh tell visitors that are subject to surveillance. and half of those went up today. Um, and I had the chief agree this is where they belong. So, we got those up. Um,
and then outside of the north pond, um, this is on here, but the are we in charge of signage for open space? Isn't that conservation the open space committee? >> It I was this shouldn't even be on here at this point. or how I got on here, but
>> or this was just information update. I'm not sure. >> Delete, >> but o open space. I mean, we've got no, like I said, outside of the task force issues. >> Um, and I don't know who added this
either. So, I think this is not us. So, >> green energy pro. Yes. Okay, good. Green energy program. This is sort of ongoing. Um, the fire station controls and the
street lamps were submitted and there was 20 or 21,000 left. That was earmarked for the front lobby doors, closing the half inch gap airspace on
them. Um, but then >> was it >> what was the grant? >> I think the initial green ones. I know I I think I emailed somebody. I It's got to be two years ago when we were >> doing something in town hall and someone
called it to my attention. I know I emailed it off. I didn't know it turned into a whole grant project. I thought it was going to be just weather. I thought it was going to be weather stripping. >> It It did. It was weather stripping. So, I'm not quite We did fix them at one point when I was here, but I'm not sure what happened unless the expansion and
is is massive, but I thought it was going to get addressed in the facade. uh project as well. So, um I'm not sure. >> I don't recall that being in the facade. That was masonry.
>> But I thought the windows may have been involved on some of them or the glazing of the windows. >> The windows, right? >> I'm talking about the door. >> No, I understand that. But I'm thinking the glazing of the doors, weather stripping is kind of all >> I don't know. I'd have to go.
>> All right. Well, that's so so direct. that was earmarked for that, but we've had a change of personnel and that didn't move forward. >> But I called Guardian and told them that we want, you know, pricing for that. >> Okay.
>> You know, to either replace the doors or do something about >> I guess we should also look and see if there's something in there for the doors in the masonry in the >> other um >> I I didn't recall that being part of that one. So what I remember about the
green energy programs too was that we had to spend the first money which we pretty much have. >> Oh, this is the rest of it, >> right? But then if I remember right, the second next phase was competitive grants. >> Correct. >> Um and did we we didn't have anything highlighted for that yet. Right. I know we were talking about the police
station. We're talking about the library. I don't know if those >> um estimates ever came in. I can chase them if you want. I don't know if Dan got them or where they all stand. So, because the same company that was doing the fire station um controls was doing
us a a redo of the the heating system for the police department under green energy >> quote under on that. >> Yeah. So, it was supposed to be a little bit more practical than the previous one we got. >> So, I'll find out where that >> for the competitive route. Correct. >> Okay. >> I'd make a suggestion here is probably
carry that as green energy and then on the right side is have what the projects are. >> Yeah. what's done and what's it just >> because we're going to have green energy year over year it's going to roll through but then you could have over on the right hand side >> and what's still open up
>> yeah what the project is of dour right and then you can add more or take away when it's done you know like even this FFD controls project you know maybe you know we're not going to really manage the the bunk room project that was put into the budget we funded it it's through the process now they're just
going through it so that probably I think the controls is part that, but it's part of the green energy thing. So maybe just carry green energy and have over there the two or three projects that you're working on and that'll keep >> first of all it'll keep your goals and objectives a little bit more manageable. >> Yep.
>> And also if if they're all done then then they can come off the list. You've you've accomplished a goal. >> So you want to follow up on all those needs? >> I I can check too >> Sure. vendor. I think it was Northstar
nor something or other whoever did the controls. >> Okay. >> Uh budget fiscal year 27 of course uh that's ongoing every year and um I'm sure Nicole will have some suggestions
for improvement on that as well as as I will. Uh we have fire association building. It's gone. So that's crossed off. electric charging stations. Again, this wasn't suitable for the green energy
grant. We didn't have any townowned uh locations or commuter properties that that would facilitate. >> I think the market's telling us some things about that, too. I know Valvaline just installed a couple. For those that
want to go and charge up their electric vehicle, they're free to do it. If a business wanted to offer that as an amenity to customers, they're free to do so and and they're free to pursue any and all grants they want. >> They would get all the perks >> and they get all the the customer on
site for 20 40 60 minutes while they're charging. Great. You know, and if we were to do it in on a municipal property, >> one, we I mentioned the dirt of parking here at town hall. Secondly is, you know, and it actually came up
anecdotally in in um outside of here for me was there was a construction project and someone said, "Are you going to put uh electric car chargers in?" And they go, "Yeah, right after we put in the gas pumps. We don't pay for employees fuel. We
shouldn't be fronting the electricity cost of charging people's cars either." >> Correct. So, >> I'm all for businesses doing it if they choose to do it or if they want to offer it for commercially as a a venture like Valvaline's doing or if you know someone
like a Big Y or Napa or Village Pizza wants to put them in as an amenity for customers, I'm all for it, but I don't think we should be carrying it on this as a goal and objective of the of the T. >> Agreed. >> Yep. >> Master plan priorities. I gave you the
select board lists. Um the implementation committee was formed. So that one actually comes off. That was 13. But we will have to add as we go through our action items, add those to this.
We >> I I would say similar to what we just talked about though is we're going to have to bite these off as we bite them off. So maybe you carry master plan >> select board lead items or something like that and carry them on the right side.
>> Yep. Makes sense. >> Treasure collectors done uh town and school regional school melding of opportunities considering buildings and grounds. General liability insurance.
>> Bless you. larger group or pool with Southwest Granville, Tallland employees or workers comp and medical insurance. And this is where we're talking about the medical insurance evaluating how to it's it's really a mix of things working
with building a bigger pool and evaluating different ways to structure >> um our insurance. I think that's I don't know if that's one goal or two. um >> about 400,
>> you know, whether it's buildings and grounds and then insurance, you know, trying to buildings and grounds, DPW equipment and school buildings and grounds. Is that one? And then all the insurance is another and is the school
system even willing to collaborate on those or the other towns? So I I would leave >> school is Maya for insurance, right? >> Was that >> school is Maya? >> That's Maya. >> Yeah. >> And we've had some discussions with the
schools over the years. I I've had discussions with the the chair of the school committee. So far we've agreed to disagree, but I think there's opportunities on buildings and grounds. You know, they're look,
they're staring down the barrel of a massive construction project to redo athletic fields. We have a beautiful park in town. There seems like there's some something that should should or could be worked out there rather than
investing millions more dollars in on that campus. Can we you better utilize Wally Park and other fields in town without have you know and you know granted the you know the district is the regional district and
everything else and but it makes no difference the games are still being played in Southwick and we have this facility and it it seems like it's a natural opportunity whether we do an exchange of you know use for services or
use for this. I'm not looking to suddenly capitalize Wall-E Park to build a schools for all of the costs of carrying Wall-E Park. What I'm looking to do is not have to make great expenditures to put in say a baseball, you know, another baseball field at
at the regional school when you have Wall Park right there. How can we better do that? You know, there's other opportunities, too. And how the Channel 15 thing we just talked about is another opportunity, too. So, I I would like to put that on there and maybe kind of carry those off to the right as a couple
things. And instead of being very general, maybe we start getting very specific to target things to try first. >> Makes sense. >> Okay. And then solar energy opportunities. um that didn't qualify by the time we
got to the green energy. >> So So was this like solar going on town property or was this the solar fields within the town >> solar going in our roofs? >> Okay. >> And I think we had something else again
that we may come to but um but yes this or maybe I'm think now I'm going into the master plan things. So in the we talk about the master plan too. There was a an action item in the master plan about looking for solar opportunities
for arrays and battery storage and something or other. And we may have all ranked that differently once we saw the words battery storage and said absolutely no but I ranked it high for all the other elements not the battery storage. Um, so when I'm looking at
solar energy opportunities, I'm looking at arrays that and and you were saying they don't really contribute a lot >> as much as they have touted in in the beginning >> in the beginning and I don't know how
old that was, but has it changed? >> If anything, the tax code went the other way, right? >> Yes. It was really popular and now it's it's gone the other way because it was too cumbersome and it was timeconuming and cost prohibitive to be honest
>> even for folks that want to rent a roof. >> Um you know we were do we mine were all ground mounted so I don't you know the smaller kilowatts versus megawatts on a roof um >> on town property >> town property. No. Uh I I mean I don't
know any that has done any in the last seven or eight years. So, but I can look into it for sure and see if other towns have and what the incentives are and you know what the cost savings are because you do have to manage that too. Somebody does. It's a it's a several hours a week
to manage that. >> The the installation. No >> data >> the well and and the um you know making sure that the co the the cost is right that the savings are appropriate and that they're accurate. There's a lot of
things you know the solar companies are just willy-nilly and >> I I've looked into it my own numerous times for my own house and I finally went to a group that you buy it from. It's none of the credit stuff and all the fuzzy math. And he says, "You just
have to look at it clear and simple. It's a it's you're going to put out an investment of x amount of dollars and you're going to have a 10% return in about 15 20 years. If that's what you want to do, it's it makes sense. >> It's not a real big number. Um, so I I
don't know if it's changed or not, but didn't make sense for >> You can't lease it. You have to buy it." >> Well, there's all kinds of Yeah, there's all kinds of >> But they merged the tax credit. So, who's getting them? And I don't know in a municipality how that even works. >> Yeah. Buy solar. You can buy energy from
a solar field that's halfway across the state, >> right? >> Doesn't have to be in your town. But yeah, that was >> the but savings. If you're saving 10 to 20% but you're paying an employee that your savings are nothing, then it's really not worth it >> when somebody has to deal with those
companies out of New York or out of, >> you know, and they all get bought and bought and bought until there's three of them just like any other bank. It's not solar, it's a bank. >> It always has been, right? All of it's been a financial scheme. But, you know, I think and the town was in involved in
one that we had bought the power coming from I think it was in might have been in Dalton. It wasn't near here and then the one here was being sold to some other city or town. It it's all electrons, right? It doesn't matter.
I don't I'd prefer not to participate in ones that continue to cover good farmland with solar panels. I'd much rather see roof mounted >> or structure-mounted solar. love to see,
you know, other businesses in town or or you know what, put solar on large roofs or build structures over their parking facility. You're not making any more impervious. You're actually preserving, you know, less of a heat map and everything else by moving it above
ground. But so hence, you know, we have a pretty significant roof here. This pretty significant roof at the fire department that's brand new. It would be interesting to see if anybody would ever be interested to I don't want to even call it rent that space to use that for power generation. Even if we don't
benefit directly from the electricity, we just collect say a rent from that. Maybe that simplifies it somewhat. I don't know. But um I don't think this should probably stay on here for as a goal and objective of the of the select board.
>> I agree. If something comes up, it comes out. >> Yeah. Well, how will we know if we don't keep it on here and look? We probably do. >> It'll come to us or you know, next time you're at >> there are grants available for municipalities. I had given Quarl a
source on those some time ago. Um there are grants that cover it for municipalities or roof mounted or ground mounted or structure mounted. But if we take it off here, how will we even continue to check it out?
We won't know if the opportunity changes. We don't know what the opportunities are today. How will we know if they change? If we take it off until some other technology comes along, I think it needs to be
reviewed periodically. >> It's not the hill I die on. Well, let's put it on Nicole's Bulls and objectives, not the select boards. >> No, I we can leave it on there. And and I said this next time you're at, you
know, next time someone's at Mass Municipal, there's 15 solar guys over there. Ask them, say, "You guys renting roofs these days, or how how would a town hall do it?" And if they say, "Oh, you spend $3 million and you get to pat yourself on the back that you're doing that feels good." That's Yeah, that's
not the right approach. I >> my personal experience with my roof is very different than than that. >> And I don't know what I did different, but my payback wasn't wasn't 10 or 15
years. It was pretty darn quick. >> So, it's different. >> And I don't know if a municipality is different than the private sector as far as how that goes. Just again jumping back to the master plan which I'm familiar with all of these items is the
solar or green energy is another I'm not sure if it's one of our in facilities one of ours. So I mean we can just keep it under >> just combine it with green energy. We're always looking you know anything that comes forward. >> There's there like 70 items on here.
We're going to take every meeting to review our status. We won't get anything done. No, we won't be we won't be doing that. >> This used to be one sheet. >> It might have been too. >> Didn't accomplish very much, did you? >> Nope.
>> All right. Document review system. >> All in on that one. and kind of combined with the next two. My thoughts on this were, you know, I'd like to eliminate paper even though I walked in with a bunch of paper today.
Um it is to have a electronic reporting system that everyone uh who has an interest in that particular project or department or area can access it or gets notifications when
there's a change to a status on something. So if you're interested, you go look. You can't say I didn't know. And the same kind of things should be like a subscription basis for residents and taxpayers. if something is triggered
in the AD assessor's department, they're they might be interested in that and get a notification and be able to see documents that we allow to be published as public documents. >> Um, and that I think that would help throughout the building
>> is a ton. Is this including upgrading like the u all our accounting paperwork and how we do purchasing and uh you know as for the department heads to manage their expenses or time sheets and and all those things. >> It may or may not it could be
>> it could be just scanning your documents and putting them into this document system and and you might have subsystems that you're upgrading but still you're just going to scan that document. you're going to save it to a PDF and and upload it and trigger notifications.
It could be totally independent of of other upgrades. Um, so that's my thought on that. And then Doug, you're more versed on the town website platform and I don't know where that stands these days.
>> I don't either. You've been doing some of it. I mean, we had talked about moving to a WordPress platform. We had I I'll I'll shut up in a minute. I swear we we're on a Drupal platform now. The Drupal platform that we're on was way
out of uh life cycle and they the the company that maintained that was sunsetting that version of Drupal. So we needed to migrate to a newer version of Drupal. Um, it's still not the most
uh friendly system to use as a user or consumer of the website content or as a creator putting stuff on the website. 90 something% and I'm probably exaggerating, it's probably high 80s, is WordPressbased these days.
This company does have a WordPressbased content management system that they offer to municipalities. It's probably worth looking into it, but I I caution everyone. It's not a oh, you just run it through an upgrader and you're done. It
is redoing your website. So there it's it is >> a person for a transition doing it. Yeah. >> Worth it probably. I mean you especially if you're going to start doing things like that which are are admirable and
worthy. I don't think it's going to be it would be possible under the current system. Is that the company? >> Yeah, that's who we used and like they they cover a good chunk of the >> possible. >> There's nothing saying you couldn't just hire, you know, a marketing firm to do a
town website. There's plenty of them that have done other towns have gone in a different direction. Um, and I I don't think we leverage all that much of and may or maybe we do and we just don't even realize it. I mean the calendaring and the scheduling
that's really nice but that's available on WordPress plugins from anywhere. So probably a better discussion for you know a maybe a smaller group or a group to try to figure out how you know what's the best way to >> folks smarter than than myself that have
more experience with >> those types of CMSs or maybe we drag two or three guys in here and talk to them about it like we're doing with the road AI stuff. Get >> do we know how many people visit the site? Will we ever get stats? >> There's there it's there. I don't know
what it is. Jim does. It is being upgraded right now by Civic Plus, >> but it's going to look when they're done. It's going to look largely the same. Correct. >> Um we sort of mirrored it off of Carlile Mass, which is also Civic Plus, which is
again most municipalities are use Civic Plus or Gub Office. Um, I don't think it train it's going to change drastically. It's not going to be like a whole new site, but there'll be a lot more features. And again, we aren't
ADA compliant at the moment. So, but I mean, they're not that responsive. There's nothing to say that we can't just jump out and go somewhere else. >> But you're but you're evaluating that as this transition's going as as this upgrades.
>> Well, Jim is. Okay. and he's, you know, just said they're stalled once again. So, I could see if we can um call somebody else and just get out of it, get out of their upgrade.
>> I know again the treasures department is is utilizing more function. They're experimenting and playing with more functions in >> the system now. And yeah. Oh, Munis. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. answer. Yeah, that's what we need to be doing and that's why they had the
trainings and we have an evaluation coming and they're going to send the evaluation >> on what we should be doing as is DLS, right, for streamlining things. Okay, we have the
that one's 19 and that was related to something we already talked about the boards and committees handbook. There is an outstanding thing that bothers me is the landing pages for certain boards and committees
don't say anything or they say not quite what they might um what they do what they're responsible for. bring me up. >> Oh, try
let me try. >> Excuse me. >> I have a list someplace there. There's a few that are pretty vague. Um, so it doesn't need to be on here, but if if you don't mind, I had offered
to do this myself last time as part of the handbook thing is to meet with some of these people and try to get those stiffed up a little bit. >> I think it's a good idea. I know when we were um and I probably have to start revisiting it again, but when we first
started doing hybrid meetings and we were the board had taken the position at the time that we would encourage boards to to do that. We you don't mandate it, you encourage it. So I went board to board
to board to just kind of say, "Hey, you know, this is how you do it. We'll give you the support you need. Here's the technology. It's pretty easy. I can give you the housing authority has meeting dates that are not >> sure >> correct at all. They don't even meet on >> you know and so and we got most of the boards and commissions on board as far
as that goes. We and we did we did it by encouragement rather than by fiat. >> Yep. So if you don't care I will try to help them spiff up their pages >> by all means >> and and make them more accurate. So we can take that off of here and I'll just
keep going on that. Point Grove Road parking area >> is the vote. >> I'm not sure. I don't know what this >> I believe this was the property >> adjoining or nearby the rail trail ale house
>> that they were trying to make >> emergency entrance. >> Uh I think the goal was to actually create another parking area for the rail for the rail trail. >> Status unknown is still status unknown. I hadn't heard anything on that in a couple of years, I think,
cuz I know they did a project to do an emergency access way to them. >> Correct. And it didn't happen. >> They cleared the thing in the slope and then the rail trail owners put the trap rock down so the bikers and walkers
could come up and down. So now it's a it's a walk path that that they are maintaining themselves, but the vehicle access never happened. So all right. So I guess we'll let Nicole follow up on that. >> I would I would take this off the list.
I would send an email over to PNR and say, "Hey, is this still on your goals and objectives that we can can and can we support you in it? Okay, sort of along the next one, town owned properties. Um,
taking a look at the list of those properties. Um, four, rail trail access, perhaps housing projects, um, other municipal office space or
storage if we need it, perhaps public event venues that are town park and wreck operated, or just sell some of them and put them on back on the tax rolls if there's no
functional need for us to own Um, when do we ever evaluate town-owned bits and pieces of land? >> I don't recall doing it for a while. >> It's easy enough to get the list from the assessors.
>> I have one, but it's not current. Okay. >> We haven't bought any. >> Not yet. Hey, there's talk. Municipal aggregation for electricity. That we can probably take off because we gave Nicole authorization to sign that when the time
is right. >> Yeah. >> Uh simplifying the E360. >> What is that? >> That's the town bylaws. >> Oh, >> chapter of our website. >> I would update that because I think you
have two different projects there. There there is a project and we funded it and budgeted for it to recodify our town code. >> And then uh the other thing now that and there's also a zoning bylaw project going on
right now. >> Mhm. >> Um the other the other thing that's on here is if you want to do this check here, here, and here that that's a big project because that Yep. >> You don't want to miss anything because
you could potentially mislead someone with Dr. Mueller. How are you? You guys are down one flight and out that door straight ahead. Good to see you, sir. >> Yes, that is a big project, but it is how we verbally direct people
when they're standing at a window. And if we are trying to make it self serve, we should document those things and prove them inside and out and then do that little flowchart checklist
for users. So I don't know if that is a that I don't know if that's a select board goal or objective, but that should be it and working with >> it. It's economic development. There's a lot of people involved in that
>> working with each party that has those. >> I also see that they and I don't want to convolute everything worse than I already have, but when you start digging into an updated website and you end up with a little chat guy at the corner and you've already fed that the town code
into it and you just type in the question and it answers it for you, right? You don't have to develop a flowchart and you ask the question. I want to put up a sign and it the little guy pops up and gives you
>> no definitely and or clippy but but yeah you could just do it that way and and have those that answer for you you know and it gives you that answer. >> I mean there's more than one way to skin that >> need the check but we can have our own Southwick AI that guides through it. >> Yep.
>> But but I guess that's an IT project not a select board >> project. Well, technically it is under the CEO, so technically it is we didn't assign you too much stuff
while you were gone. You're in good shape. >> But again, that's >> number four >> website the um zoning bylaws. >> But again, that be the website development committee subcommittee. >> Yeah. >> And I think that could be very helpful for that. Yeah, absolutely.
So, I guess we can we can have someone go through and consolidate like projects now after we've discussed them. >> American Legion lease. Anybody know the status of that? >> I I owe a call I had a put a call in to Ben last week and he called me back.
We've been playing phone tag. We got to finish that. >> Yeah. We got a weird square of land that's in the middle of nowhere >> that uh do we do need to have that at a town meeting? >> No, we got approval. We had that
approved that we don't need to go to town meeting that we can enter into a long-term license agreement. >> Okay. So, we're just waiting for the agreement to be drafted. Correct. >> And I own that.
>> Okay. Parking lot expansion town hall. I guess that's um >> the thing is too that people don't use this side. It's too far to walk for people. So there's a lot of spaces over here that aren't getting
>> Oh. Sometimes it's really full >> during the day. >> Yeah. I >> don't really need that often, but >> during the days there are some days it is totally f I come through and go around a second time. >> My gosh. >> Yeah. >> Um
I mean I don't know about where the pickle ball court is. >> It's not every day >> that's going to be a driver. >> Yeah. >> Part of some parking. >> Yeah. >> Um >> so I guess we have to see how the pickle ball goes once it ramps up. I had talked to Carl all the way back
>> about across from pickle ball just putting millings down and going up the driveway for employee parking and get the town cars out of out of there. Um you know then there was discuss about if the pickle ball is successful do we need the basketball court um because it's
tough shape anyways. So there's some options out there but you have to be careful. When I talked to John Goddard in regards to how close you are to wetlands, it seemed like we were pretty good. Um, and pros and cons whether to use the surface that absorbs or absor
surface that doesn't. >> That's a John question, but um, we did get the pickle ball proof for that. This side of the driveway got a little closer if they went deeper. Um, but seems to me like we could get employee cars and town
cars out of the way somewhere. It would definitely help a lot. >> But I agree sometimes it's packed. >> There was some aversion to digging up the grass. >> Yeah. >> But I mean, if we need parking to get people
in and out of town hall and to the park facilities, we need parking, >> right? >> I agree. So, I guess we'll see what happens with pickle ball. And >> that was the discussion at one time >> connecting. >> Yeah.
>> Oh, Wally >> at one time, but it never went anywhere. I I don't know where it is today. >> Yeah. But this is a pretty big piece that's got a house here. And there was a talk about doing something right here. Yeah. >> But again, it puts the parking pretty
far away from the building and the park. I'm all for the health and wellness of our employees. >> Walking. >> Absolutely. >> Okay. >> And visitors and guests. It's not that far. But we we're going to have to
continue to look at it. I mean, we've added staff at town hall and and the senior centers very well used. Um so again if this you know we talking about website both the website development that allows
more interaction then it takes takes the reason to be here >> away too. So that helps minimize some of the parking if people can pay bills online do whatever >> they can do that now >> some of it some of it you can't
>> or can't you pay I >> I'm not sure. Um, >> there will always be people who want to come in and pay and avoid the fee. They want to come in and pay, >> right? >> But there is fees for use. >> I even the e- permitting. I just learned
I didn't have to come in to get a a permit for farm day. I can do it online. Yeah, I think if you have to show documents, I mean I I shouldn't speak because I don't know, but I thought if you had to show like your license or you had to show something for you have to
come in, you can't you can't. >> Yeah, I could be wrong. >> And that it's also part of the things like at I think the parking is still always going to be a concern when you have an event that's going to be at the in the auditorium, the art show, you know,
maybe we just need some way to >> glass, whatever. Yeah, that's going to be a draw. Or, you know, a contentious agricultural committee meeting, you know, that's going to draw three 400 people down here. No idea. >> You just got to keep an eye place. It It does get tight during the day, sometimes
in the evening. It gets tight. >> Okay. Now, we're not numbered anymore, so follow along. DEI policy and protocol. This was added by Jason Peron. Um, I don't know where we all felt about it.
He was adamant about putting that on there and working on that. Um, I personally didn't feel we needed >> doesn't HR >> a new policy. I think we had it covered in many different in our ethics
policies. I think we had things >> pretty well covered. housing production plan. Um, we have one. It was part of the master plan. It's also in our action items. It was added to ours. It
was under the housing authority. Um, they rejected it because that is not a housing authority um responsibility. So, it got shifted to the select board. So, it'll come up under that and we can address it then if you want, not today. But we do have a housing production
plan. It was submitted to the state and I'm not sure what the status is if we got any approval. >> Why would that not be under more under planning than the select board? >> It is to actually implement housing
>> add to the town's low to moderate. Wouldn't our housing authority be driving that? >> No, the housing authority manages existing public housing. >> Mhm. >> Um
to the extent that they have them and working with them and talking to people at the state, they really are not housing authorities are not adding new properties. >> Oh, I was going to say so we would have to build it then give it to them. then
they would >> or what is proposed somewhere else is perhaps developing a municipal housing trust that maintains an inventory of housing and then contracts with the housing
authority to manage it. I'd prefer to see that a I don't think this should be either as a master plan goal of ours or um I think the market should do that if zoning wants to if planning wants to go in
front of town meeting to promote with support of the select board if it's warranted but wants to go in front of town to create a zone that somehow would help and aid in in housing production whether you're talking small homes,
small lots, mixed use, etc., etc., to promote that. I mean, talking to a lot of the employees in town. One of the number one things, okay, number two things that is top of mind right now is I there's not an affordable
home for me in the town of South Lake as a a policeman, a fireman, a DPW, you name it. Anyone working in town hall, let's I'd love to find a cure for that. And and I think that starts with zoning and it starts with um you know how you
uh the housing stocks you have. You know, I know out east they've um uh trying to use the right term. I was going to swear. You know, they've rammed that stuff around transit oriented development and and you have to have a certain that the the towns have to create certain districts for transit
oriented if you're within, you know, x miles of a T-top or a light rail stop. We're not in that boat. I don't believe bringing the PVPC uh PVTA I get those confused. PVTA bus to town puts us in that in that category. So I'd prefer to see the you
know as part of an analysis of zoning as to how you would create economic empowerment zones that would enable that type of thing whether it's mixed use or or something like that to drive. It also is the responsibility of a housing
authority to do that. And I know my husband is the realtor for our housing authority and they buy and sell all the time. Um so it's really I think driven by who is on the housing authority. Um and the municipality is definitely not shouldn't be in the market for being
landlords >> or owning homes and having that liability. I don't even know if we could if we wanted to, but um I I I think that there are avenues for that. Uh the municipality
either can't or shouldn't uh be driving that. The housing authority absolutely. And then like you said, if you do some overlay zoning or something, um but for the for the town to purchase land or build homes or build apartments,
it's way too much liability. I don't even know if we would be insured. So, should we take that off? And but should we add a can we add a a note or >> Well, it's on our lean master plan act. >> Can it come off of here and maybe and
we'll address it here? >> Maybe in the early fall is have a joint meeting with the housing authority, >> have them come in and let's have that discussion or >> or someone from the state >> even from the state >> to lay out the option. But if and you know that's an elected board, right?
Partially elected, partially appointed. There's a state appointment >> and and and you know >> Oh, I went to them with the housing plan >> as because it was originally the h it was originally the housing authority in the master plan.
>> They really handed it right back across the table to me and said that's not ours. Maybe the executive director that retired. There's Is there a new one now who maybe has little housing? >> Yeah, it's the same.
>> He was retired to one from Westfield. >> Oh, no. He's on for another year. >> It's just like that those >> He's the one who handed it back to me. >> Well, you know, and that's unfortunate. That really is their job um is to
administer affordable housing for the town. Well, there needs to be further discussion because then they drove me to contact some people at the state and >> they told me it's really not a housing authority. So, I'm not sure who it
really is that is responsible for what the state wants you to do. >> So, perhaps we need to get someone from the state to come and give >> Well, that's another thing is it was really about MBTA communities, right? Dr. Really statewide push, right?
495, >> right? >> Until maybe we're still we're still supposed to have 10% of our housing stock, >> low to moderate income, and we don't >> we don't and 99% of communities don't. I mean, I'm not saying that we shouldn't, but you know, to lofty goals, but
sometimes they're just not really achievable in a short term. I I think there are other avenues for our first responders personally, but so yes, we can take it off of here, but leave it on the master plan for now. >> I have no objection. I think it's good,
but it's a good discussion to have, too. And and I think there's multiple ways to skin the cat >> to enable it. And there the market tells you a lot of it, too. I mean, you looked at even uh
not rails, the Greens in South when they were first talking about what they were going to do there. There was an unachievable number based on the economic reality of land development both from the state ownus of you know what you have to do around you
know when you when you're filing in front of a planning board and the conservation commission and the state and everybody else you it's not impossible. And then the cost of construction have gone up and the cost to build a you know X square foot house or you know X 1.5 size house which you
can commands more money. That's what they built. That's what a builder builds. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Explore the impact of adopting residential tax exemption under Mass General Law Chapter 59 section 5C.
Um, this is explore what that might look like, which allows you to shift the portion of the residential from disabled and veterans to um other higher valued homes. That's explore that impact.
Is that something we want to explore? I haven't read Mass General Law chapter 59. So, I'll take that as homework. >> Okay. >> And um also related to first responders and perhaps school teachers that live in our community who want to live here and
can't. There might be some avenues there where we could give some tax ex incentives. uh to to those groups of people and it might be under that chapter.
>> So that's just an exploration. um with number three above which was way back oh that was with the new um planner EDC. So, um, don't know if this falls under the
select board or the CAO. I guess because economic development now falls under you with that position, some kind of marketing campaign with the economic development commission. I don't know if that's from you. >> We definitely
>> down or EDC up. >> We definitely want to work on that. We have to work together on that. So, but that's a you more than than us, I think. Agreed. Nicole, deal with that. Town Hall exterior. We said that was in
process and you were going to get some updates on that. >> Yes, I do have an architect that we are talking to right now that deals with historic restoration. Okay. Develop a department grant reporting
something. Departments periodically report grant sourcing efforts. Oh, that's what that was. Oh, um, as part of like your monthly reports, I was suggesting that's what that was long time ago. um that in
their monthly reports that they indicate these are the grants we went after. These are what came through. This is how much money and that might be something worthy of town report um inclusion just lets taxpayers know how much we did get through grants.
>> Okay. >> How about a tab on the new website? >> There's grant activity or something. >> We got high hopes for that new website, don't we? >> No, but that's that's a good idea, too. Yeah, develop challenge to department heads,
boards, and commissions. Identify at least two services or duties that they provide or perform and submit a plan to identify specific ways to improve or reduce the cost to deliver those services. Um, and then a second challenge, one process
that you can eliminate as outdated or redundant to somebody else's. And again, this would be a this would be a you challenge to people, not the select board. And I don't know if that's a goal or objective for you, more than a suggestion.
>> So, so you I take it this means you're going to reach out to department heads to come forward with one or two things. All right, this is crazy. you're still doing it and >> or we're still doing we're still doing some process by paper and note cards and why are we doing that and do we even need to do it or are we just doing it
because we do it. >> Okay. >> And and taking that look at are we doing it because it's what we do. >> Y that's good. >> And another >> I think that would fall under the CEO not >> that's what I said. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I agree. >> Yep. uh and so does the next one.
Evaluate and plan for succession and gaps in key positions. Um I think we have more retirements coming up in certain areas um that we react to more than plan for and
should probably try to identify some of those key ones and come up with a plan ahead of time. Developing staff underneath them as we like to >> Yeah. And that's >> promote. I would put that in there and you can tie that into
one is the ACO, right? And hopefully if they come up with I know somewhere down further on this list is discussion around uh payroll management, but part of payroll management is it's a little bit of HR management in there too. You have the
org chart, you have terms of service, start dates. So, you can start to look at that stuff. >> It more, you know, almost um like a dashboard. >> Yeah. >> And say, "Oh, okay. Which employees are are going to be
leaving, you know, might be leaving us in the next three to four years or two years." And it it kind of gives you that information >> and start counseling them on their retirement transitions and things like that proactively. that too. That too.
>> Um, evaluation of townwide trash and recycling. Um, >> Fred's got that covered. >> Did some cost analysis, I don't know, a year ago or so with Randy.
Um, it also is one of the action items in somebody's facilities and it might be ours. I know it's not a popular topic. Um, but should be reviewed periodically.
We can not put it on the goals and objectives, but it should be reviewed periodically. take it off or do you want to >> I agree it should be reviewed but we're under certain contracts, right? There's there's better times to look at it than others.
>> Um their annual fee renewals. >> No, but I thought the our trash um contract with our vendor where our stuff goes to was under a three or fiveyear contractors. So, if you're going to change it, there's certain times that it might be a
priority or the doors open, so to speak. >> I don't know that those don't have a cancellation on them. >> Well, they probably do, but >> they they give us, you know, proposed rates for the next two, three, four years, but I don't know. I haven't seen it. I don't know if there's cancellation clause in them either. I don't know. >> I know there's always a question a
single stream versus non-S single stream >> but again it is it is somebody's I know it is a a task for somebody to evaluate in the master plan as well if >> DPW would probably be >> it's probably under that.
So what do you want to do with it on this list? >> I don't think we're going to get to it this year with the DPW transition and everything else. We looked last year, we did take a peek at different options around that and I
don't think it got a lot of traction. Um, not and and I know I looked at it when I first came on the board and said, "Well, that'd be a great idea." And then the math doesn't doesn't math as good on
paper as it did in my head. So, we I I let it go. I think that you know the transfer station and we're going to talk about that some more in a minute here too is it's a relative bargain for the residents of town >> that use it
>> that use it and we carry a substantial amount of the cost of it on the tax rate >> and I pay for you to go to the transfer station. Yep. >> And I thank you. But it's it's also it's a health issue. I mean it really is at the end of the day. Um, and unless if we
started to get into the, you know, you start talking about having a municipal trash collection or whatever, if there are private services in town that for people that want to avail themselves of it, um, we need to do a better job of enforcement of the rules at the transfer
station. Mr. Gore is 100% correct. >> Um, I just I just don't see us getting completely out of that and and then closing it. And I but and I I just don't I don't see that in the near term us doing >> I don't either and I agree better enforcement. Let's see what better
enforcement does to manage the tonnage >> before saying you know putting stamping my feet and saying we've got to review this again. >> Okay. >> Again a new new DPW director might have fresh fresh eyes on it.
>> You bet. That's why I think we're not going to get to it this year by the time someone comes on. >> And then $20 million road bond possibilities. We're working on the beta to evaluate that. Um are we getting any
other information from them on that or another party or what was the status on that >> on what the beta? >> The beta or someone else. What did we say about that? So the beta we got um I couldn't find a group that did both
technology review and consulting in the same package. They might exist. I don't know. My personal feeling is we, you know, we've been kind of kicking this down the road for a month or so. >> We should be getting on board and getting that done so the new DTPW
director will have the tools. >> Yep. But I don't know that we've actually said out loud we're >> we're going to go with beta or do we need to get additional >> we have the quote it's >> you just have to pay for it >> from beta right
>> for beta >> and so that could come out of road money that was approved right and or other state money. >> Well I it would have to come out of the bond I don't know if you could spend chapter 90 money on that. >> I don't think so. So it would have to
come out of the bonding that we which we have authorization to do and >> already got some of our road history. So that to me that's why it's >> right >> beneficial and if it's a professional service I don't think you have to bid it. Um I think we can get >> we don't have to bid it. >> You don't have >> Okay, that was one of the questions.
>> I I think it's wise money. >> Everybody got the >> I do too. So the question is which plan because they had two plans. Are we deciding that tonight or are we just kicking that down the road to next? >> I'd rather
>> so think about So for next week, I guess >> I personally I would go for the more involved plan. So we have a great set of plans. The the more expensive one. >> It doesn't give you any really different plans. It's just equalization >> inepth sensitivity I think is more but
he would come in and do a presentation if we so choose to and ask him these questions. I found the baseline one and I researched what's the difference between a light ar versus the whatever the other one
>> photographic blah blah blah was um and the baseline one was certainly suitable for most municipal >> we need so my my suggestion is and I put them on the next agenda or next
eating have give him an appointment. >> Give him a half hour. >> I give him a go. >> Yeah. Thank >> Are you I know you had some reservations on a presentation. Is that you're good? >> Yeah. >> Oh, >> I I I don't know what I just did, guys.
So, >> it's all good. >> I think >> we're still there. >> We're not really there. Everybody's everywhere. >> Look at everybody's It's not We're not pinned. We're still recording. Oh yeah.
>> Go to view and you should have a What's that top little? >> Go way up. >> See that blue little square right there? Move over to the left. >> It's the select board meeting featuring Cliff Clark. Good for you. >> Yes.
>> Like that. >> Oh my gosh. Oh, I look normal online. Okay, that's fine. Andrew says we're >> Thank you. >> All right. Town hall annual open house. Um, you had some thoughts on this too. You want to? >> So, I've done it before. We had a citizen leadership academy and I can't
believe it's already almost September. Um, but the thing is like if you have an open house and people come in, you're going to have your first of all only department heads because you can't have the staff stay. Um, but repeating themselves over and over and over and maybe somebody comes in the
middle of the conversation and then you repeat it again. So, I think it's a great idea to have this leadership academy, citizen leadership academy where they sign up, they come in, uh, we schedule the nights and you have two or three departments a night, you know, for 6:00 to 8:30 or something like that
where they come and do their presentation and depending on which department depending on, you know, depends on how in-depth it is and then the people come in and then they get a little certificate at the end and we really I did it years ago and I did it for we didn't have enough participation,
right? we didn't have enough volunteers. So I thought, well, maybe once people understand what each department does, you know, maybe they'll get maybe somebody would want to become an assessor, maybe, you know, maybe somebody would want to become in the planning board, etc. Um, so that was really successful and a lot of people do
it now. Um, but it's it's a little bit of planning. It's absolutely something we can do and and Margaret's great at that kind of thing, but we really want to get um, you know, the word out so people can sign up. did it with a fire assistance fire academy back in the day, but worked out
great. You know, you get you. >> So, I think it's better than an open house night just because again, like I said, it's just going to be somebody >> No, I structured, but I I would also like to see the boards and commissions represented so that we can get
volunteers. This is really what they do and these are, you know, these are some of the people that are on this and they can talk about the things they do that they're responsible for. >> Right. Exactly. That's exactly >> and if they're not interested in what you know DPW is doing, maybe that intrigues somebody to step up in
>> Absolutely right. So, yeah, the boards, the commissions, the departments and um and then, you know, it was really important that people were here in person because they make that effort to come here and to learn and to in in in um interact.
>> Needs food. Well, maybe, but um you know, it's it's uh I think it's important not to have it online. Maybe it could be reported later, but only Yeah. Report it would be >> report it and then, you know, >> the interaction is what made it
>> It really is. And that's where we, you know, the goal really is to to get people to come in and and learn about everything and not necessarily just either watch it or halfwatch it, but
>> um so is that a CAO goal? >> Sure. Yeah. >> Not not really us. >> I think it would be I think it would be a good thing for us to be an active participant. Of course. >> Yeah. You still need facilitator. >> Yeah.
>> Yeah. >> But but but they'll recognize it. >> Yeah. >> But I think it's part of being transparent and it's, you know, >> either one. I I think it would it wouldn't be bad to leave that on the select board goals and objectives.
>> Okay. um suggestion of a I know it's an added expense, but a postcard mailing prior to town meetings with um you know kind of a brief these are the topics, these are the key articles, things like that, a
reminder, it's this date, this time. Um, and uh, I think that might be a little more engaging and get people showing up. My hopes are that it would get people more engaged and showing up for town meetings.
>> We used to have it. We had it as a bylaw when it was repealed um, under a decade ago. >> It was a bylaw that we would do a mailing. >> Yep. >> And it was repealed. >> Cut the budget or >> No, it would it was looked at by the select board at time. I I'm pretty sure
it was before I was on it. It was still on planning. So maybe it's more than 10 years ago now. But it used to be a bylaw that you had to part of warning the inhabitants was we actually had to mail we mailed a postcard and it was repealed. Am I right, Fred? Do you
remember that? >> You are right. >> Yeah. Could you say that louder for those in the back? >> Thank you. >> And what was his name? >> Son of a but yeah. Uh, no. And we repealed it >> because it was felt it wasn't effective.
>> Well, now we have the robocall. You have the town website. You have the town crier. We could have an airplane pulling a thing over the beach. You could do all those things now that you couldn't do back then. Um, but I would I don't think
I don't think it's a necessary expense. A lot of people are going to get and and you know, mailings can be >> You're looking at 2,000. Yeah, it's a couple thousand bucks. And then and and by the way, by the time you have the agenda finalized when you know we've got
a you know that's part of for for this year as well, but you don't necessarily can get the whole gist of the agenda in a postcard. We had what did we how many articles did we have on there this past year? 30 some articles. So it' be like come vote on
fiber this that pickle ball and and who's going to decide what that is? I' I'd leave it alone. I think maybe part of I hate to pile it into our website thing, but you know that's kind of more of a thing and then we need a better way to get people
to go to our website. >> Well, I think you know what a couple things coming out of that and and I've talked to the moderator numerous times about that. She's awesome and she's had some really good ideas around,
you know, some of it's communication like we got to communicate better with the schools just earlier. I know that the second, you know, the second or third, sorry, third Tuesday in May is always town meeting. Guys, don't schedule the big away game that night, right? That's 20, 30, 40 people that are
not going to be at town meeting because they're at a ball game. Don't work with Maya to to schedule that appropriately. um or work with the rec center that they don't have um ball games that night so people can get
out and get to where they go. Maybe we need to have child care at town meeting. Um those types of things. I I'm I'm not in favor of having a postcard for a mailing. >> Okay. I I do think though that through other
media outlets with whether it be 15 or whatever that spins off into >> 100% >> improvements on all of those >> and there's also some internal mailing lists. I don't know if the clerk's office gets email do they collect their emails that they you talk with people. I know I know like Lisa has a a senior
citizen emailing list for the for the newsletters. Again, it's a avenue we could probably use at no cost. We do have on the subscriptions town moderator, town news and announcements
that maybe we could flood those with more town meeting information. >> I think all departments need to try to capture as every email they can though through the through the year. Well, this is through subscription so that you actively want that information
>> rather than forcing >> what people view as junk mail. >> But maybe we could put a category town meeting information instead of moderator. And that follows the next one. Improve communications to
residents and taxpayers. Increasing engagement through modern communication channels. We got to keep thinking of good ways to do that. They complain about code red. No matter what you put on there. >> There's no complaint. You call me too
much. >> Yeah. >> Fine line. Why are they calling me? Because the tree went down. >> Yeah. >> So, the road's blocked. You didn't tell me the road was blocked. >> I can't get home. >> How to get back?
>> Uh, my suggestion, record the budget reconciliation meetings and keep minutes. Um, not sure it's part of the budget process. I'm not sure why that isn't uh kept for the record.
and believe it should be at least so we all know what happens and why. >> So you're saying when when the select for chair and the finance committee chair meet to reconcile the last three or four items that are left.
>> Yep. Why isn't that recorded? >> It doesn't constitute a meeting of either board. Doesn't mean it shouldn't be recorded, but it doesn't constitute a meeting of either board. So I don't know where >> I think it really needs to happen. >> Huh? I don't really think it needs to happen. >> What the reconciliation? >> I think it should just happen during the
budget year and it's done. >> There just always seems there always seems to be two or three things left that are hanging in the in the balance and to schedule another meeting unless you call an emergency meeting of both boards. >> Well, the one that we had last year, we didn't implement any of their
suggestions because I wasn't even in the meeting. So, I didn't even put anything. I didn't change anything unless I'm involved and I can absolutely have my >> The budget documents were not updated coming out of that meeting. >> No, they were not.
>> Cool. >> We can definitely talk about that and and that's part of it. >> I mean, that's one of those process process. >> Yeah, true. Um because you know I've gone through it a couple of times with you guys now and what we all agreed on
in our joint meeting after two people rejiggered some things things that we all agreed on didn't happen without explanation without coming back to us and saying even though we all agreed we took that out to make this happen. I
don't feel those were the items subject to discussion when we left them with three or four items to resolve. Not at the mercy of something we all agreed on. And that's not recorded and we don't know what happened, what
transpired, but that'll be in the budget improvement process. >> From from someone on the other side of the table, the whole process is crazy. It's it's you're arguing about crazy things to reduce $150, $200, whatever.
My feeling is if if the numbers aren't where they should be, you tell the department head you need to cut 5%, go figure it out, come back to me. >> We'll we'll re we can absolutely streamline this process. >> Yeah. I I I think it's bizarre that we
put out budget documents and say, "Give me five five down or flat when we don't even know what the revenue number is that we're shooting for." >> Exactly. You don't know what you >> That just floored me. How do you know it's maybe we can go up too? >> So, in another community that I might
work in, you make you present the town admin administrator with your budget. He goes through or she goes through every, you know, one-on-one with you. And then there's a Capcom that you have to meet with for anything over 25,000. And then there's a finance committee meeting that
talks in general terms of something you might have a forecast for. I need staffing. I I'm going to need a fire engine in 5 years or whatever. It's a lot more broad general. And that the town administrator develops the the budget period and he either tells you, "Yeah, you got it or no, you don't." And
that's the way you move forward. There's none of these hundred meetings. And >> well, and the thing is it's not and I wouldn't it wouldn't be I don't know how to say this. This is how I did it in every single town, right? City or town. That's how it went. It's the select board's budget that I administer daily
and that um we develop with the you know with conjunction again with the advisory committee. Um but it wouldn't be up to me to say no you can't have this or no you can't have that. Right? So, um, it's all about the bottom line and the budget
and what how we need to reduce it. So, I wouldn't want to because it does seem like you're targeting when you say to this department you can't have that, but that department you can't have this. So, it's all down the line. >> It did go to the select. >> Yeah. And then and then it goes to the selectman ultimately for the approval. >> And and a department had always got a
selectman meeting to champion whatever they need to do. >> A big department usually. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I think >> I don't know what that did you hear that Bill. That's just me. That's >> Don't get nervous. >> Green. >> I can't shut it down. >> Um I you know I think it's I mean
obviously the the budget is the policy, right? I till I'm blue in the face, right? When people vote on the budget, they're voting on policy. So if the fire department we're going to add three heads over there, you don't just vote to add three people in the fire department. you vote on the budget which contains
those salary amounts and insurance and uniforms and all the other ancillary things that go with an employer in the fire department or if you're going to eliminate a position you don't vote to eliminate a position you zero that line item in the budget and that position is
eliminated on July 1st of next year. So I think it's important as this board that's we are the policy setting board for the town and you know the budget and so on and so forth. Um what I think one thing that we have done the last few years that I think we should continue to
trend on the revenue forecasting is an important piece but the other piece is if you do need to make an alteration to the budget that you give the department head the discretion. In other words, you don't go to the the the you know the budget the
department head and say you can't have your copier paper this year. you go 15 grand's coming out of your budget. Figure it out. So to your point, it's not >> we're not, you know, we started to get into that and finally I said, you know, and it was this year especially, but it
it had happened in years past and we had gotten better at it was like, oh, we're not going to, you know, I think it was the police chief was a good example where we started micromanaging this records thing and this that, you know, I'm like, look, you got to find 50 grand in here. Just find the 50 grand and come
back to us. So >> yeah, my first I think we should continue worked with the fire chief on his and and did that with him and with PB >> and last year we used their numbers to shave down things. No, but he needed
that one. He needed that line. >> I get it. So that's exactly why we give it to the department head, you know, and all around for a lot of things that I've been saying for a year that we we have a department head for a reason and they have to be able to manage their department. When they can't, that's when
we get involved, but we have to trust that they'll manage their department and their budget appropriately. Okay. Beginning planning for any town sponsored event celebrating 2026 250th anniversary of this great United States
of America. Are we going to plan any townwide events with or without other organizations or government bodies? >> I think we should.
>> I would love to. And I think there could be a collaborative event. There could be a lot of things in play with AGCOM, other civic groups that have things going on, other any other group that wants to get in on this >> veteran organization.
>> 100%. And we had done um I'd hate to pick up the phone and dial a friend, but I'd love to have a chat with Mr. Putnham because he did a lot of work on the on the >> South. >> Yeah. This the 250. um and
kind of get some ideas from him on how we could do that. I don't think it needs to be as ornate and as as uh as formal as the Southwick 250 was, but it's still this is a ginormous occasion. >> Yeah. >> Um
we should figure it out. >> Committee, >> huh? >> Maybe a committee. >> Yeah. And we had we had a 250 committee. um it it was actually pretty large and they actually had a they actually had a significant budget as well um built around that from donations. They
actually got a grant, not a grant, they got money from the state um in the state budget that was a um >> ear. That's the word. Thank you. >> That'll be hard to get because everybody will want that for >> I I get it. >> 2026. So it'll have to be kind of
grassroots, I would think. But um so would you like to speak with Mr. Putin and see if he would maybe kind of spearhead some >> Well, I I don't I want to rope him into that. He's probably going to watch us and call me tomorrow. But I want you I would like to just pick his brain on what you know some of the things that were very successful.
>> And by the way, they had to navigate not only did they navigate having the 250 and all that, they managed to do a lot of it during co >> Yeah. >> which was amazing. >> Yeah. that they were, you know, we had the parade the year after or a year and a half after, but uh >> they still managed to pull off a lot of
the good stuff in in that >> co put it off a year, right? >> Yeah. Well, we did some of it, but we had that um one night they had like restaurant night and everybody ordered from the local restaurants and then we did something on channel 15 that was broadcast at 7 o'clock so everybody
could watch it at the same time. It was kind of it was considering the challenge it was it was pretty good. Okay. So, you can uh speak with Mr. Putnham on that. Initiate out of office unavailable messaging for all town representatives email. Um
I I think for did you initiate that with employees? >> Yeah, they have to ask for time off. >> No, I mean if they're out of office reply. Yeah. >> On that and their voicemail as well. >> Well, hopefully there the office is staffed still.
>> Yes. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Is that >> widespread or >> could be? We have definitely implemented that. >> Okay. >> We've talked about making the website more user friendly. That's pretty
global. Improve payroll process and financial services. We've kind of talked about that as well with upgrading systems. >> So, so Munas is coming back with suggestions. >> Yes. Sam West to Hudson Drive rail trail crossing.
Um I guess that's I don't know why that's on here. That's kind of DPW. Uh they've got the road work design. >> I think it's in front of people. And I
know you're talking about the crossing. >> Well, I think it there's going to be multiple groups involved in that. There's the RA there's park and wreck involved. There's DPW involved. There's the planning boards involved. Um, economic development should absolutely be involved
um because it's it's going to be a key driver of the redevelopment of that area. Part of the land use decision around those quaries and whatnot is a redevelopment plan that was supposed to be done with the original permits, but
it can be done at the end of those. They're probably going to be developing that into some kind of subdivision of land to sell off those lots. That connection from Hudson Drive back to Sam West is going to be a key driver in all of that. I believe and I just ever since
I heard the first word of it and there's utilities involved, too, by the way. The intersection of Sam West and the rail trail is fine how it is right now because there is no traffic of consequence at the end of Sam West. When you change that picture, that's a big
deal. And you cannot have I don't believe or you should not have the in interaction of vehicular and pedestrian traffic at the rail trail and what you're definitely laying out for trucks crossing that rail. Put the rail trail
under it. Put it over it. I don't care because I know there's utilities, there gas, and stuff. We got to do that. So, but who's going to, you know, who's going to be the grant champion for that? who's going to be the design champion for that. I I'd like to keep it as a um and I think that that connection is an
economic driver for the town. We've had a lot of discussions around budget and tax revenue and how we're going to expand the tax base that is an ideal place for it in the industrial park um and whether whatever the uses that can go there because it is over the
wellhead. Um, >> I think I think it's DPW and planner focus. >> Sure. >> I know. I know. I worked on it with, you know, when talked to Randy and worked on that when I was on the planning board.
We've talked about it over the years while he was on DPW and I was on the select board. So, it's up to, you know, up to the board. it whether it's a goal and objective or whatever but we need to keep we do not want to lose sight of that and suddenly
have them come in with a 80% design complete with not you know the rail trail crossing over Sam West where it is right now the configured the way it is right now >> I I just don't know how we're going to what we're going to facilitate being
>> we're road commissioners as well by the Okay. So, I think that that's kind of a key that's our that's our role to play in it. Okay. And then roads and maintenance again uh
under subdivisions making sure those roads are accepted. and you just circulated an updated list of road statuses. So >> now that is a planning board led activity but we are the the select board
accepts the ways right. >> Yeah. >> Oh we uh we name the ways the town meeting actually accepts the ways but it's super duper important and to get those done. I don't know that it needs to be a select board. Was that on there forever as roads and maintenance
>> finished subdivision? Work with planning work with planning board to make sure that >> older subdivision roads that were not accepted. So I just want to make sure we're continuing down that path. >> We've had transition in planning now DPW and um I want to make sure we continue on
that because there are still are some older subdivisions out there. >> Sure. >> Some that'll never get done. >> Correct. call. There's ones that the roads were not built to when those subdivisions went in that we didn't have road standards and they're never going to be taken. But there are some other ones
that I was surprised on that list that there was two or three that I thought were done that they're not. We should go get those while the people are still alive that drew them. >> Not kidding. >> All right. So, transfer station, beach, other areas, automated readers or
streamlined attendant processes. Um, I think we were all pretty much in agreement. That was a great idea. Um, expanding it to the North Pond parking area perhaps if necessary.
Um, were you looking at some >> I would like to get buy in from the rest of the select board that that's a worthy activity and then work with those to do it. >> Definitely. Thanks. >> Um, >> okay. Then I will I will take that on because I I you know I know some folks that do it and then I'll I'll bring it
back to you for you know obviously the rest of it. I just know some folks in that space. Y >> but um >> and it's not without peril right at the transfer station and I I also want to look into it at the ramps too and how we can get better there.
>> Is the transfer station open tomorrow >> right? Yeah. >> Yes. >> I'm going town. >> Oh maybe you won't get let in. >> Yeah. You you have a sticker. >> I shouldn't. >> That's right. >> Let me >> see if you got a bag. Throw it in. >> I don't know why we have people down
there. That's what's happening. Well, you >> and you >> friend made a good point. >> You stand there at the entrance and you go like this and you look at everybody and you wear red boots. >> All right. Cannabis retail establishment followup. Um
the second one just had their planning board public hearing open their planning board public hearing. So that's all in process. >> So continued today. >> The other one opened, of course. Yes. And it was continued. Yep. Um so those
are moving along. >> And can we leave that on there as a a lower priority item and this is a brand new thing for the town of South Lake. Let's see how we're doing in a year. >> What's the plus? What's the minus? What's the revenue?
>> And what are we going to do about it? >> I don't know. It's a bylaw that >> feedback. That's all. >> You go back to town meeting with an updated bylaw if it's a real problem. If we need to fix anything. We're proposing we do. The place has been open for five minutes. I I would just like to see how
it goes. >> The bus stop's going to be a nice turnaround. Actually, either one of those. >> You know what? I hit them both. >> Good point. we'll get rid of it.
>> In our proposals or everything, we did not request any feedback after a year period or anything from the parties, right? >> Nope. >> There's nothing saying you can't. I mean, there someone's trying to repeal
I I heard there was a statewide petition. And I don't know if it's going to make it, but there's a statewide petition to >> recriminalize it >> or or eliminate retail sales. >> Correct. And also we eliminate uh community tax as well. There was another
one that the communities get nothing. >> Okay. >> Employment process can come off. You've got that well covered up above. We've got that in a Yep. >> I spelled N >> Oh, I did spell it right. I thought I spelled it wrong. NPCA. Um, we have to
come back and figure that out from from town meeting if there's anything we need to do more, better, different. So far, not the >> I know that that's going to be continuous monitoring. Oh, and I did say
there are five I don't know if I said it. There are five cameras out there >> as well. Um, and now with some warnings on camera, hopefully some of the stuff will stop microtransit service options for non
senior residents. We talked about that with the PBTA and uh, good. Whatever. 18 C. Oh, digitizing current records. Oh, that's what I was talking about in
uh uploading things in a trigger system to notify users that uh I talked about it earlier that a document has been updated. uh space planning study that came up in
some budget meetings actually and then was an added item for somebody in the master plan. I'm not sure who um to do some space planning 5 10 years out um and see if we're going to outgrow our
space >> within town hall with the various groups >> all of the town facilities DPW are we going to outgrow DPW if we add more roads? Do we need another truck? Do we have space for it?
>> Not just the life of the building but space requirements. I know I had that right. >> Um I would like to see a continuous five and 10 year capital plan. Um I don't know that that's updated at all and some
stuff comes through in the budget process and I go why where was that on a five-year plan? All of a sudden it shows up. >> Well, they're at the end. Yeah, they're there. Maybe we don't amalgamate it, but they I know fire and police usually have a five and 10 year >> items. They do
>> and others have some of them and I'm sure some of them creep in on you but it's probably a good idea to part of the budgeting process is to consolidate that. >> Yeah. >> So that document >> the capital committee should probably meet more than just once or twice before the budget too. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> But I mean like from the budget process, right? Every year you give out a budget packet and you ask people to put on their one, two, three, four, five. Maybe that should be prepopulated that something was on the five, now it's four. Yeah. >> Right. Or if you voted say, "Hey, kick
that can down the the road two years." Then okay, then it's back in year five again. >> Yeah. All right. Explore regionalizing IT support and maintenance. Again, another
maybe school regional school district opportunity to consolidate all IT services and equipment support. That's correct. >> The only thing with that is that if we do that with the schools then we also
then uh Ting and Granville will also have to do it. >> Correct. >> So that's that. >> Correct. >> And I don't know how we >> Yeah. It would just be more of an our obsessment I guess instead of >> But is it a cost savings? Do we get a
service benefit from it? I don't know. I guess that's a you not a select board is is explore that a little. Uh this sort of goes to the open house or the citizen academy, a listening
session with the community or perhaps an online poll suggestion portal. What are the community's goals? Here we are setting select board goals, but does the community agree with us, disagree with us? Do they have something we haven't thought of?
Where do we ever get that input? >> Should >> about every day I >> Well, you know, as the elected board, you are out in the community talking to the community and getting their input. It's really what it is >> that are really complaining about today,
not the future, but tax bills and dog licenses. And >> I get a lot of I I I agree with Miss Parker. I get a lot of people come up to me all the time and we talk just longer range. have you thought of are you what
are you doing about this or and sometimes yes it's dog licenses and my property taxes are too high and my road is crappy and we can all agree on all of those >> but I I think that's part of our job as as being elected is to to
get that and whether you have office hours or you you you do certain things out in the community that where you have the opportunity to sit and meet with people that's that's where you get that feedback Should we investigate further adopting a meals
tax and or a short-term rental tax? And I know the short-term rental is a hot topic, too. Um, and I don't know where that stands with >> it come from economic >> the issues we had on that. What's that? >> Wouldn't it come from economic
development to push that forward? St. It's revenue for the town, so I'm all for it. >> Well, I know economic development talked about it at one point, so it's it kind of already started with them with the background, the whether they bring it here and we move forward with
it or or whatever. I know that um economic development had looked into it, had numbers. Um I don't know if it ever came to the border. >> I don't believe so. Do you? I don't recall that.
No, I I know the previous member of the previous administration was uh viferously for it and I was probably just about as much against it. I I don't >> we are two we are two or three years
away from COVID but we had just come out of COVID and it was prop proposed and uh you know those guys had been through hell and back through those couple three years with not being able to have people in their restaurant and trying to pivot to to go and all this other
stuff and to pile on. There are a lot of um a lot of restaurants in our town that and I think it's a tough business I think especially in this economic climate of late. I mean look at what's happening out in other cities and towns that are travel destinations that are
way down you know and anything you do that would cause someone to not go out and partake in one of in a restaurant is not a strong move at this at this juncture. and um you know others in cities and towns do have it. We don't
have a ton of options for restaurants. I prefer to think that or I do think that a lot of our local restaurants in town are visited primarily um by Southic residents. So we're already taxing those people. Um and you
know other places where you can tax where you're a guest and they they beat they they abuse the privilege sometimes. And I just think when you have uh an additional meals tax especially in you know I other than I don't want to name any restaurants but I I don't think we
have a lot of restaurants where people come from afar to come here. So most of the people buying in our restaurants in our town are from our town um or that work right in our town. So I I just I I don't see the the direct benefit of it and that that and that the amount of
revenue that it would generate would be significant enough to make it worth the heartache to do it. I guess >> short-term rental I guess we could have a discussion >> that's really small but >> well when we get there but that and then again that becomes diminishing
>> just a little bit on that is um you know so for the restaurants they have the point of sale system so the money is already going to the state they're already getting there 6.25 25, right? We're getting threequarters of a percent. And every single person I ask, if I say, "You're going to go out to the
restaurant, spend $100. Would you mind giving the town of Southwood 75?" That's not per that's not preventing anybody from going out to eat. And when I went to do and I asked them what we were leaving on the table by not it was well over $100,000. So, and that was that was
two years ago when CO was just around and we have these we have these restaurants around the lake. I feel like we have a lot of destination people coming here. I do too for all >> bike riding. I have friends from Connecticut in and all that are always
here >> coming to the Congaban coffee coming doing all of those things. And so I think >> when you go in the restaurants and you don't recognize anybody, it's kind of one of those >> I think it's kind of I mean and it's and I it's really nothing for the restaurant owners. I mean it's literally just one
more step that's automatically done. they don't have to calculate what what they send out to the state. Um that you know and the state is never going to not take their local tax their their meals tax. So they're going to pay that 6.25% anyway. I mean so if you're saying that
people aren't going to go to the restaurant to pay the 3/4 of a percent but they're okay with paying the 6.25% to let you know our administration up on Beacon Hill spend whatever they want. I you know I I just I think that I think
that it's um very uh advantageous to think about adopting something like this. Again, it has to go to town meeting, but I think it could be presented in a way that shows how beneficial it is to the town. I think we need all the revenue we can get. And if you're going if you're looking at all of
your goals and objectives here, everything you want to do is a lot of money. >> Correct. And we didn't get to the insurance yet. We haven't even got >> we haven't bought the medical insurance yet. Oh, actually I don't even above but we talked about it up above a little bit but
>> but you know so I think um you know the unfortunate part I guess from my point of view as >> we're not going to get it from the state >> well is is that you know we need to generate revenue that is one of my main driver goals is to generate revenue for
the town so we can spend it on our trucks to plow and on you know making sure the schools have what they need and making sure the general government has what needs. Um, >> I didn't like it either, but we need that revenue and that's why I threw it back on here at least to reconsider it
and and get some current estimated numbers and and I think we need to let voters decide. >> It has to go to town meeting to adopt it. >> Yeah. So, I think um if you want to at some point gather some numbers and see what
that looks like and >> short-term rental is a really small number because we don't have many registering. >> Well, that's the problem, too, is that they're just doing it without registering. >> Yeah. >> And to have somebody, you know, we have staff, but we don't have an abundance of staff to be able to
sit there and spend three hours a day looking on every single website to see who's got a short-term rental. And I would say there's there's a lot more than we could even imagine because of the lakes and because of the recreation around here. So that's unfortunate, but you know, I I don't see why not. We
wouldn't do that either. I use Airbnbs all the time. Not here, not in Southwick. Uh and there there's your base fee and then there are so many other taxes on top of it. It is what it is. It's what you pay for the convenience of having a home away from home. I mean, if we have five
registered, >> right? >> If they own properties in other towns, they're probably paying that fee in the other towns. And let's get our five on. And then as we get more to pony up and do it right, it'll grow.
So, I I would entertain both of those to pursue. At least see what the meals tax would look like and let the voters decide that. uh housing initiatives committee or the
housing trust. We said we'll explore that a little further, get some more input from the state maybe. So, I guess we would refine this or um eliminate it or shift it to someone else
with a question mark. Uh CIO, this is another one again thinking about the revenues. I >> was asking that we review all of the license fees, permits, um, application
rates, inspection fees, including ambulance and transport fees that the fire department is charging, and let's make sure we're maximizing those. Um, all of our wetlands protection applications, are we maximizing those at
least to cover? They're supposed to cover their costs, are they? Um, and I think maybe a comprehensive review of that is probably worth every 10 years or so. >> Do we want to consider the storm water,
you call it the rain fee or something? The storm water management sir charge sooner than later. >> We're already spending money to comply.
um and report and monitor regularly. I hate to say it's another sir charge on a water um but it is a reality and and not going away with the state. >> No, they're just pushing forward with it
harder. Do we want to consider that and what would it be and how do we determine that? >> That's a DPW. >> That's a DPW. >> Yeah, it certainly is. Yeah. >> Uh, water commissioners, right? And DPW, I guess, right?
>> But does it stay on here? I don't know. >> What do you think? Does it stay on this list for now? And >> we can leave it on there. I don't I don't have I don't think we're at the point that we need to be implementing an a rain tax yet. >> How do we know?
>> H >> how do we know? How will we know when it is time? How do we know what we've spent already that we're not recovering? >> Well, Goddard's got the numbers on what we spent already. and Randy used to present some doomsday scenario type
numbers of what we were looking at as far as you know 20-year construction numbers around um some of the outfall management because the state what what the state was talking about if I recall they were talking about
altering some of the catch basin designs that you were already in the ground you know and going with deep sumps and all this other stuff that you had to do and then get on a a process by which He would he would have to go around and clean said sumps on a regular, you know, very regular basis and enforce
compliance on private property to make sure that those that put in deep sumps at the town's um suggestion and assistance were actually being maintained in accordance with their their BMP. And we were lucky. We're not one of
those, you know, systems that have a combined system. And that was, you know, like the the Springfields and Holios that >> and other cities that had huge costs of separating their sewer system and their uh drainage systems.
>> So, I I know that our assistant DPW, acting DPW director is literally swamped right now. Um, but I think that's something to when we get a new person on that they need to evaluate where that is.
Destination grant opportunities. This is an economic development. Um, so I don't know if that would really fall under you and Alvin on that, but what are our options opportunities there? Uh,
is there something that the town could do with the Pioneer Dairy Site as a town facility? It is >> that would have to be >> it is meeting. >> It is kind of a historic
site. I don't know if it qualifies as a real historic site, but it is certainly the town's history. And you know, possibilities here are a youth or a teen center or an arts venue, a daycare. Is it a
some other community center? Could it be? Because we could get brownfield grants. >> Is it brownfield >> to deal with that? Oh, it's got some asbestos issues. Well, it could be a super fund site and then we would really be in for it.
>> A who? >> Super fund. >> Contaminated ground. You don't want anything to do with that. I don't know. And we don't I don't want to even say that word again. There was one in Palmer and it was disastrous. It was near the river um and extremely expensive. So, I
don't know. I don't know what I don't know what they call those. Um I know what they call them in some other states. They usually have a number and E. You do you do a 21E or a 97E or whatever the hell it is. >> Well, they go and they they they pilot
hole around the site and you get a clean bill of health or not >> before you buy anything, right? >> Yeah. >> That's just what was 21E, but anyway, >> it's listed its pricing is listed as priced for to allow for abatement.
>> I mean, there's this in the Pioneer Dairy. That's fine. you can abate that stuff in the ground. That's a whole different problem. And I don't know that there's anything there. I don't want to mislead anyone. I have no idea. >> I I just think
frankly with the traffic counts and the increasing traffic counts coming in and out of town there, I think eventually the price is going to meet either the the seller is going to lower the price to meet someone's demand uh you know, supply is going to meet demand on that on price to make that a
developable site. It's going to have a decent traffic count. There's a bunch of uses that could go there. Problem is it's not served by how they say that preferred. Yeah, they >> that's what the sign says, right? >> Said that, right? If you drive by it enough, it shall be true.
>> Sorry. Banks are closing facilities, >> but but there is no sewer there. So, that's a huge minus. Somebody had wanted at one point looked at it to build uh it was going to be anchored by a restaurant and a small set of shops. doesn't work. It didn't work for them without the the
sewer that the tenant that they had in mind for the restaurant. Um, so that's a and there's no sewer really close. So it would be a ginormous project. You'd have to come down to the rail trail to get it or whichever way you want to get to the
rail trail to get to it. Um, not easy. So, and so any of those would become problematic for whatever you're going to put there. Um I for me it breaks my heart to see the the condition that that site's in every time I drive by it. Um
>> and it's certainly beyond repair. There's that that's the place has got to go. The garage in the back fell down >> this last snowstorm. >> Um >> but it it it needs to be cleaned up and brought to code, but the the current
owner has not sold it yet. They're paying the taxes on it. There's they've got it fenced off. I know the fire department has like a no-go instructions on it if you know don't want anything to happen there, but if it ever went on fire, they're all going to watch it,
right? Make sure it doesn't spread anywhere else. And um so that, you know, our personnel aren't putting their their lives at risk because there's nothing there. Um, but I I >> if >> there's other places in town I would go
first if you were going to if you needed space to construct stuff. You know, I still think there's adequate space within Town Hall to do certain things. There's, you know, then there's other property for sale that's newer and and frankly useless to anyone else because
of its zoning. Unless you want to go and try to get a zone change for a building that's on residential property that was on a do amendment used before. Now it's not. You can't market it as a commercial property. It's not. Um
that would be my first look if we needed something greater. We with our our budget pressures and our financial pressures, I don't see us acquiring anything or building anything um now. And the only thing I would see in the future >> grants.
>> Yeah. But even then just the over you know >> just with all the projects we do and and that go on is one of the things you have to take into account is the ongoing operational cost. You get a grant to buy the whole thing. Here you go. Here's your building. You still got to heat it. You got to plow it. You got to rebuild
it. You've got to put a new roof on it. You've got to staff it. You have to light it. All that stuff. >> Okay. >> Uh this is an old request. I'm not sure if it's >> really a goal and a Huh. >> We'll get it done.
>> The tax cards. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> It will absolutely get done. >> Um budgeted for two years in a row and not done yet. We talked about modernizing the payroll system. Trans. Oh, this is a repeat transfer
statement. >> Is some of this stuff repeating or I don't know. might >> review and >> written a little differently. I think it just probably came back in the new year or something. >> Yeah. So, but maybe we'll take some time or I'll take some time after and kind of consolidate this. Yeah, >> cuz that I think I used the term easy
pass or something, right? Yeah. Like >> on this. Yeah, you updated twice I think. >> And then review update boat ramp operations. So that's tied in with the thing above where I want to there's got to be a a
>> maybe there's not but I think there has to be a better way to run that >> for in-n-out or paying for whatever you want to do with it. >> I don't I haven't seen any yet. Not even at the oceans. >> I haven't seen anything more modern than
somebody sitting there in a golf cart and taking your money. So but maybe we could be the first. I kind of think of like the kiosk they have in a lot of cities now. They have >> parking kiosks. You scan the QR code >> where you put in your thing, you put in your license plate, you're good for four
hours. Well, ours is good for a day. >> And then you a person comes through and they read the license plates and if they're not in the system, they write a ticket and move on. >> But then what if they leave, >> right? What if they leave? Now you have the space available. How do you know? >> They come in and pay, right? It's just
it's all it's all good. Same thing happens in downtown Cincinnati, right? You leave, another person comes and parks, they pay. They don't know that that someone else paid for that spot. It's not like the old with the meter with the red flag that would ding up, right? Um, but you
benefit, you know, the and you know, I I need to meet with late management. It's been a while, but you know, part of the metering of boats on Congam there is a concern that we're overpop populated, is that the parking spots at the ramp are
supposed to self-meter that. So, if people are coming, dropping a boat, and leaving and parking elsewhere, that's a problem because now you you get another vehicle that can come in. That's two boats for one spot or three boats in one spot. >> Visitor boats. What about all the books
that live >> 100%. But we're making it even worseer. >> So, but you know, I also think, you know, we've had trouble staffing the ramp attendance and all this other stuff. Maybe there's ways and maybe we'll learn something out of out of the other exercise for the transfer station
on ways to to do it. Plenty of folks at MMA too, South Park and stuff. >> And then lastly, >> I added three more while we were talking. >> All right. review and evaluate the CAO ACA ACAO performance,
>> right? That's kind of our job. >> Yes, it is. >> So, we haven't we have not done it for years. >> Correct. >> So, we need to do that. And I also added one more. Maybe it's tied into that. I would like to see with the department
head reports kind of a CEO report. >> Yeah. and say, "Hey, this week I it doesn't have to be I had lunch at 2 o'clock." It's not that, but kind of just, "Hey, this is what I'm working on. This is where my priorities lie." >> Always have done that. And it's just >> been a lot of
not babysitting, but a lot of like >> hiring so much. And so when there's not somebody in that department, guess who's there? >> But I I No excuse. >> Tomorrow you'll be at the transfer station. Just kidding. So, but yeah, I
think I like you know, but I think we need to get on that. It's a good cadence for everyone because >> well once so I've thought that you know the department heads need evaluations too but when I'm not evaluated I'm going to go and evaluate. I just you know so I've absolutely this is >> but and it's good I think it's good for
the select board. It's good for the CEO. You know where you stand. We know where you stand. You know where so you got a good and if there's things we need to work on great. If there's things you're doing great >> both both ways. I think it's a good idea by road. Uh, and I did add health insurance. I
was certain I add that like this should be numero uno on our list of things. Well, this roads and the budget are probably top three. Everything else is is gravy, but this health insurance issue is um, >> yeah, it's going up 20% as of September
1. And I am getting I mean it's shatter right now other than a couple of firm people who have said I'm actively looking or I actively have um interviews and it's directly correlated with our health insurance costs and it's going up
$320,000 as of >> September. >> Well no that's all the costs and we share it 50% with the resident with the employees. >> So 160 for but it's still $320,000 but I think 600 total to
>> but if you look at total comp I mean >> to me part of it is it's total comp right and I know we've >> you have to get there one way or another right I don't care if we pay 10% of our of everyone's insurance if we paid enough that they would be able to pay the other 90 right
>> well but that's the nine made these for us this is historical >> in our new paperless society >> yes >> here have one >> so it just shows how the rates have gone up and we are act we are absolutely looking and going to you know consider a
broker and and go out to the open market. We we need some things first. We need a lot of information before we can do that and so we're waiting for from our own insurance company. >> Um and so you know it's it's definitely a big big driver for our staff.
It's very unfortunate that um you know, I know you say the compensation, but when when somebody's paying almost $1,500 a month out of their pocket for their health insurance portion. >> No, I understand. >> A ton of people are like, "This is more
than my mortgage. This is this is the >> 100%." And if and if we were able to pay everybody $150,000 a year, it would be everything would be fine. We can't. We know that. >> You know, and but it so we have we have to see what we can what can be done. every and you know we talked last week
you know from some other stuff that's going on outside uh you know some other experience around this and and what what we should be looking at and other ways to to to approach this you know I know that um you know the our current insurer
is taking some steps around limiting access to certain drugs and stuff like that that they feel are drivers of that and I know we were kibson walking out of here last week I'm like okay where's the savings from all these people that now don't have heart trouble and diabetes and this and that and the others from
>> well yeah from the GLPs right but >> but this you know and and everyone took a big uh increase a lot of folks took a big increase at the beginning of this year >> it's true the only difference is that most towns pay 75 so >> correct >> the the employees you know didn't feel
that hit as much as the employers had >> so I mean I was talking to some towns I know East Long Meadow is bigger than us, but they're like $10 million for their health insurance that they they're portion. >> It's a lot, but you know, again, the
cost of having employees, >> but this has to go to town meeting >> and if we don't have the employees, they have no services. Yeah, we really have to think about how we how we treat our employees and how we
>> compensate them and appreciate them >> and um you know and that's a big part of it. No, even if you love it, people say, "I love it here. I love it here." I just can't do it. >> So, >> yeah, >> we have to figure something out. I was hoping to find a way to absorb the
entire amount of 320,000 um and not put it on the employees, keep our the 50 the 18% that went up already in the beginning of the year. Um, and I think we could do it, but I don't have firm numbers for you right now to where
we could get it from and where I see historically that you know, even in our health insurance line, there has been a good amount that has been um, you know, sort of in the reserve because you don't know. You know, we
have to we have to be able to plan. So we have to keep that there but to be able to um you know absorb it just now for the for these employees but hopefully maybe at the meeting next week. >> We didn't have 320 in this year's >> we didn't I didn't put 320. I we didn't have 320. No.
>> Right. >> Right. >> No. >> Okay. So you'll be coming back to us. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Any you wanted to add? >> Yeah. I I need to double check this. I added it on there because we started talking about other facilities where we
are on the bonding payout on the the current turnkey operation that is our DPW facility. >> That's how we s that's how it was sold at town meeting when we bought the former Suburban Chevrolet. >> Turn key.
>> Technically, you do turn the key. Oh, but it is the the building study said that that facility is at the end of its >> uh well beyond its expiry date and we're not to spend one penny to improve said building beyond dimminimous ma
maintenance. Um, but obviously if we I don't know where we are in the bonding for that payout, but we need to start thinking about as we bring on a new DPW director. Um, we need to start thinking about where that operation's going to be in 20
years. And it's not it's not a today thing. It's not a tomorrow thing, but this is a it is a big deal. Where you site it? Do you site it where the current one is? Do you buy another piece of property? Do you leverage another piece of town owned property? And then what does that look like? We all have ideas about it, but I want to put it on
there because I think it's going to be something that's going to be all the other buildings that we own. The building uh we had a blue ribbon panel study done of everything. It's this big and they have a McGill list of this things you need to do to all these
buildings and facade here and everything else. The one for the DPW building blank. They're like, "Yeah, this thing's all done." >> Wow. >> I I would start with a second opinion on that. >> Yeah. rehab is >> I was just going to say Russ found Russ
found a lot of savings from that plan. >> So there So I put on there. So it still works. Future DPW facility planning. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. There needs it needs something needs to be addressed. That's for sure. >> Yeah. >> But I can I can tell you in other communities you're looking 20 to $30
million for a DPW that are going on right now. >> And you know >> if you could rehab for 10. >> Sure. And I know I had some conversations a couple of years ago, it's probably worth revisiting too, was um and I think the city the town of
Sfield tried to do it. I don't know if they actually did do it was >> uh almost a design by >> somebody built it and the board system. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So instead of the town getting involved with construction again,
>> Yep. They just have someone else build it >> and lease it back >> and either lease it back or they outright buy it, but it was kind of built to spec. I don't want to, you know, you're not subverting all the contracting law, but it's just it's a good way to it might be a way to >> to do it less expensively. I don't know,
but it would be something to look into. I know I'd started talking to it with Carl a couple of years ago and then it with everything else that was going on, it kind of got lost in the weeds, but it needs to be something to look at. Okay, I think that's the end of the list. Unless you have anything to add. >> I don't think so. Did you have anything
else to add >> to this list? >> Yes. No. >> Did you have anything else to add >> today? Enough. Nothing >> today. >> All right. So, I would encourage you to take a look at your master plan item lists in your free time
>> and and see how things may merge. >> Yeah. >> Or or change on the master plan items to what we have here. And I think you see some of it already reflected in here. But I think you're right. You know, you're absolutely right. >> Yep. And then we have to then take this
and present this to the master plan committee on the things that we're going to accomplish in the first year in the first year started July 1st, 25. um what we're going to try to accomplish the first year, second year, third year
of the goals we're going to charge forward with. So, we'll come back and do that as well on a regular agenda. Okay. Anything else? >> Uh I just have one brief thing. Uh
yesterday I I was unfortunately out of town, but apparently we had a pretty bad day in the west end of town. >> You bet. >> Yesterday. So, I want to commend uh public safety, fire, police, DPW, everybody that was out there all night last night getting everything back open. Thank goodness I haven't heard any
reports of any private property damage or injuries or anything like that. But, uh, kudos to those guys. I I took a ride around. I was out last night till pretty late, but I I went out this morning and DPW was out there bright and early cleaning up
South Lumis and a couple other places taking some pretty big piece of tree. And um I I'm not, you know, don't often get a chance to say this, but kudos to Eversource. They had like 40 trucks in our town. >> Apparently, nobody else had a
>> micro and thank goodness that, you know, no one else was >> a us period. It was and literally over the west end of town they still had the Rotary concert at Wall-E Park like nothing was going on. God bless them. >> So >> I had five inches of rain on my um meter
>> at your house. Well I and I called my wife and I said everything okay. She goes, "Why are you calling me?" So >> that happens no storm too here. >> Right. So, but kudos to everybody and you know, thanks to Eversource and the MBI guys that were out there waiting to fix the fiber and everything else that
that supports the Hilltowns that got um bent in half. Um, and yeah, I guess we were lucky that lucky in quotes that we were the only town affected and all of Eversource was in South >> available. Um, >> but it's funny because like even my my
cousin's husband is works for Eversource out of Talent and he didn't even get for stay forced. It was not really a big deal. >> I I was >> a lot of times if there's going to be storms, they're all forced to stay. >> One of the one of the officers on detail says and he's been doing it a while. He goes, "I've never seen that." He goes,
"Granville Road, they had trucks like 10 deep, three wide across Granville Road ready to work." And you know, when it was ver and even ver you know, Verizon was there too because they're their poles. So you're waiting on all the the stuff to happen and the tree guy and this but once they got going, they got
going. So kudos to everybody and I'm glad everybody's safe. >> Just a followup to that too, Ian reached out to me and uh kind of like what do I do during this, you know, and uh >> so we're going to have a a meeting next week um police, fire, dispatch, just try to
>> put some future processes in place and kind of right, >> you know, who goes where and what. >> Yep. >> That because there was a couple bumps I heard here and there, but all in all it went well. So >> good. >> Awesome. >> Good. >> We haven't had anything for two years for those. Oh, I lose a hurricane coming both ways.
>> I'll be out of town that day. >> Hey, come on. Farm day is s is Sunday. We need good weather for that one. Any other new business or old business? >> That's right. We get another plugin for farm day. Make sure you visit those Southwick places that are participating in farm day. >> I have nothing.
>> Motion to adjourn. >> So moved. Second. >> We'll call vote. Yellow out. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. Thank you so much.