a funny story. >> Okay. >> Good evening everyone and welcome to the November 5th select board meeting. Uh we are being recorded and if you wouldn't mind rising for the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> We're not going to go through this again, are we? >> Are we doing this again tonight?
>> Yes. So, the vice the principal has beat me to the uh next announcement, which is we are in the school building and they are having open house. So, we will be pre periodically hearing the um the announcements go off. Um there were some
technical upgrades being made to the senior center which is why we are not there tonight. So, and we appreciate the school moved things around so that we could have this room. So, appreciate that. Thank you. Um we will start with the town administrators report. >> Good evening. >> Good evening.
>> Um first I wanted to highlight something that was talked about a little bit at the last meeting that was uh that happened today. Uh Anthony Athenus and his family and the team hosted seniors from the housing authority today uh at the restaurant and we wanted to thank them for their generosity and the commitment to the community. I know um
the housing authority was represented there as well as uh quite a few residents. So we really appreciate that. Um I've got a quick round of news that I wanted to update as well and then I'll get into a few more specific updates. Um Governor Healey's office released eararks. Uh there were two in particular
that are coming to the community. One is for new equipment in the kitchen at the senior center. The other one is um approximately 35,000 towards the high school track which we anticipate will be used in the planning andor design depending on what goes next. I think
that in talking to Max and Gino, it is not necessarily enough to make spot improvements. So, we're going to put it to good use to plan for future investment most likely. Um I also wanted to thank Jody Watson, the team with the the War Memorial Scholarship Committee. um they've been selling sponsored bricks
that has ra that have raised approximately $7,000 for the scholarship fund. So that's something that we are also very proud of. Um since we last met, we also received word that the park grant that community development had sought for the avid playground was awarded. Uh that is related to one of
the articles that we'll be talking about on the draft warrant tonight. Um but we were very excited to hear from them as well. Um and then I also wanted to personally thank Heidi and the team at the senior center. I was the uh fortunate or unfortunate center of the lunch and learn the other day. Uh there
were a lot of great questions. I'm not sure that everyone loved all of my answers, but it was a great meal and I enjoyed going uh and sort of working the room and talking to folks at each table in addition to answering the Q&A. So, I wanted to thank them for having me. Um to get in some of the highlights from
the TA report. Um from the HR side, it's been a busy couple of weeks. We first want to welcome Crystal who has joined our customer service team. She is actually working right now with Patrick uh at town hall. Uh we're very excited to have her coming on board. She's coming from a background in banking. She
fantastic in the interview process. Was very excited to join and wanted to welcome her. >> Sorry, what was the role there? >> Uh customer service. >> Oh, okay. >> It's a customer service rep. One of our reps is moving to the building commissioner's office as a full-time admin there, and this was the back bill for that. So, we're excited to have her.
Um in addition with between police and fire for fire we had have extended four conditional offers. One is a lateral the other three are all new. Uh the they were great interviews. Uh in addition the police have extended two conditional offers for new uh police officers. They
literally accepted them on the spot. They were fantastic in both the police and fire cases. Everyone is really committed to the community in the region and is very excited to be coming here uh to Swampscott. So, we're looking forward to having them. Uh, I know both chiefs are working really hard to get through
the the the background process and other pieces to to get them intomies as soon as possible for both police and fire. Um, again, they were very excited to be coming to Swamp Scott and so we're we're really looking forward to having them.
Uh, in addition, we posted the town clerk and finance director position since we were last here. We discussed the [clears throat] finance director and the assessor uh position was one that has been posted. We have not had a lot of great candidates [clears throat] yet. Um but we are reposting with MMA to see if we might attract some other
candidates. We have not yet adjusted the salary if anything like that were to come forward. Uh I would come to you all to sort of discuss what the thinking is around that. The board of assessors have sent a memo to me and I've spoken to Paul a little bit about ways that we might be able to look at either
reorganizing or staffing differently. So, I would anticipate I will come back to you in the future, but for today I just wanted to let you know that it's it's been reposted. Um, in addition with the police department, they were recognized and awarded uh full accreditation from the Massachusetts Police Accreditation
Commission. You may have seen that in the len item. Um, but it was a lot of hard work from leadership and um and officers. So, we we're very thankful for that. Um, on capital planning, Patrick's been leading the review of the capital spend for this year as well as new requests. We will be almost complete
with that uh by tomorrow because we had anticipated that tomorrow is going to be the first of the financial summits. Uh so that'll give us a little more time to digest. Um but we've been going through and really getting it's helped me get a real sense for where we are and uh what the requests are on the horizon. Um as
sort of a background on community meetings that I've been having in addition uh the last two me two weeks uh we had a couple of great sessions related to both the Kings Beach UV project uh as well as the community space in Hadley. And I think in both of those cases the town staff certainly
left with a better understanding of what the community had for concerns. Um and it will put us in a better position. Speaking specifically on the Kings Beach project, I do want to highlight that Gino is working to schedule them to come into our next meeting to speak to you all about both the report that was
completed and there's been discussion around a potential future project in in conjunction with Lynn. Um that again we had not only said at the town hall, but I've also communicated since then we need Fleefelder to be in front of you all before we're in a position to move
forward uh in any way with any potential scope for future project. So, that's what we're hoping to do at the next meeting to get you up to speed on where we currently stand. And and with that, I would be more than happy to answer any questions you may have based on your packets uh or if you have anything else for me.
>> Questions for Nick? >> I'm a has this um has has the Kleenfeld report gone in front of the water sewer commission? >> I believe they met last week. Gino attended that meeting. >> Did they review the report? I believe
they did. And I think the goal that Gina had talked about both before and after with me was the idea that the uh and I don't want to speak too far for him if they're going to be in in two weeks, but the idea was to make sure that the the committee was focused on the charge that they have before them in addition to
reviewing that >> [snorts] >> um that report so that we can understand from a technical level in addition to whatever town staff came up [snorts] with that if they had questions they would be raised as well. >> Sounds good. >> So is Uh is the plan then to have them join us in that conversation?
>> We can I don't >> or just >> as of today I've only talked to Gino about scheduling Kleinfelder but we'll we can absolutely make sure that they get the invite and certainly hope to have them here. If it means that we have to wait two more weeks to get the right people in the room then we can also do
that. >> Go ahead. Sorry. >> No, I was going to change topics >> please. >> Um ju small but not a small thing. uh health department uh this four-part series on mindful parenting and stress reduction. Uh terrific um
[clears throat] and uh two little is this does anyone is this from the ARPA funding? We did a lot of mental health funding. >> Judging by the vigorous nodding, I would say yes it is. >> It's all through the ARPA funding.
>> Yeah. Okay, great. And then um this is like in the morning on a Friday which I know for some parents would work terrific. Um >> parents it could be very stressful. >> It for other parents could be add some stress right or it could it be time off
work. I don't know but is I haven't taken note of the four parts and whether or not we're scheduling some on the weekends and that type of thing. So minor minor point but um >> I'll make sure to talk to Jeff. I do not know when the other ones are scheduled for. >> They're all on Friday. >> They're on Fridays. [snorts]
at different times or >> No, I think it's the same time. 9:45 to 11:30 Friday on four Fridays. >> All right. >> It's a note we can share with Jeff for future programming. >> Great. [snorts] >> Danielle, you good? >> I'm good.
>> Okay. Thank you, Nick, for the update. We will move to public comment. Um, as always, public comment will be limited to three minutes. I will keep time. It's not personal. It's just in order to keep time. And um please state your name and
your address, please. >> Hi. >> Hi. >> Uh Deb Newman, Bonstable Street. Um I believe that you your understanding is that you'll be considering um the
proposed roadic side bylaw for the spring warrant. But um just in case you would consider it for the upcoming warrant, um I'd be happy about it. I have slightly amended it and left some
copies and I'll send some to Diane also um later on. Uh just so you know, there's less of the um concern about being inhumane. It does contain
um alternatives to the anti-coagulant rodenticides that nobody wants. And I know that we're not using them in Swampscott, which is fabulous. So um but there are other things and of course there's integrated pest management which
would maybe we wouldn't have to use uh the koliciferol and CO2 um and the corn gluten which are you know poisons and make the rodents suffer also but uh those are in there as
emergency types of management but with an emphasis on um more humane methods uh snap traps and the contraception which is happening at the fire station right now and going great. So if you'll
consider putting it on this upcoming warrant that would be great. Thanks. >> Thank you. We have a hand raised online so if you don't mind we'll go there next. [clears throat] Hi, Bill. You should be able to unmute,
Mr. Deto. >> Now, I've been able to do it. It's Bill Dementoto Pre Precinct 610008 Paradise Road. Uh, this afternoon is seeing a notice there's going to be an auction at the Hawthon.
uh was sent to me. Um I had the thought that I better read the lease and the purchase and sale agreement that I happen to have had. And I'm wondering when you're going to public that the
heat's going off and the purchase and sale agreement and the lease agreement don't refer anything that I can see. I know I'm old and tired and all that stuff, but if there's some provision in there, they
can take the ovens and turn them and have the building so it's no heat in it. I can't find it. And uh I'm hoping that I was hoping that when this meeting started, you'd inform the public about what on earth is going on. Uh, are we
facing a winter where that building's going to freeze up because all the ovens and everything else that is labeled? What's going on? That's my question. I don't And I know you don't answer uh questions from public comment,
which is always a shame. Uh, in New York City, they answer the questions as of today. But that's my comment. Thank you for the time. >> Thank you, Mr. Dementoto. Um, >> stay tuned. Maybe maybe the answers will be forthcoming >> perhaps.
>> Now you got me excited. [laughter] >> Always our aim. Mr. Patios, please. >> Hi, Charlie Pas, Atlantic AV Swamp Squad. Um, I'm also a member of the board of assessors and I'm glad to hear that Nick had mentioned that the job's been reposted, but I urge that the board
consider something really important. We run this town because we receive tax revenue. The tax revenue is a result of what the select board sets as a tax rate and it sets the tax rate based on what the board of assessors or the assessor himself she or he submits to the state
and the state approves and then you get to set the tax rate with a part-time assessor. That job is is going on very slowly. We cannot we cannot we cannot do the work that's necessary. And the Department of Revenue has informed the town not once, not twice, but repeatedly
that we need a full-time assessor. You've advertised a job at roughly 88 $85,000. Grossly inadequate. You posted a recreation director at that number and you've realized how low that was and you gave a 25% increase over that. The most
important job that we are not only underfunding but haven't filled is a full-time assessor. And the state agrees with me and I agree with the state. We need a full-time assessor that's properly funded so that the tax rate is based on true market value of the homes
and not an adjustment to the tax rate because that's the only mechanism that the select board so far has used. I would say to the best of their ability, but it's inadequate. So, I urge that the select board carefully think about properly funding a full-time assessor at
a market value so that we can get the job done properly. Thank you. >> Thank you, Mr. Patios. Please, Miss Laauo. >> Oh, maybe not. >> Thank you.
>> Hi, Joe Green, the UV pilot nemesis guy. So, I have >> just don't mind seeing your address. >> It's 10 Ocean Street in Lynn. Uh, I have two uh public records requests that are passed due. One from October 15th and
one from October 30th that I've received no response from uh this the town clerk after repeated um questions about what was going on with it. So, I need that um
information produced. Uh the first request was a $600 fee to uh get that produced. I haven't seen anything. So, need to know what's going on and um need to have those documents produced. Thank you.
>> Thank you. Good evening folks. Mara Laauo at L Road. Um just uh same old kind of thing. But here I go. So um I'd love to see a walk through Hadley School uh for the
community. uh it should have and and still should happen for the reasons of a community event and as a reminder of history so that so many adults and children um to enjoy a look back would uh we would all you know
appreciate that and like that. Um, I feel that this should be a walkth through simply because we'd like to highlight the current to the current community that the town ignored basic maintenance and upkeep for a solid half century. The building was a continually
operating school for 113 years. And we should recognize and be aware of the decrepit conditions that our students, our youngest town community members, our teachers, our support staff and administration navigated in a building that was largely ignored, missing
significant upkeep milestones for decade after decade. past inactions we as a town should not repeat. However, our teachers made it a wonderful place to learn and I certainly appreciated their heroic efforts to keep teaching
and learning in the forefront of each day. Um, teachers do make a difference. Um [snorts] I know that repeatedly it has been said that uh the public has switching now to the the new piece public um has been
said that have input that the process uh that will be followed but already just a year into the signing of the LDA the process of informing public the public has been poor the schematics were presented at a select board meeting then
at a public Hadley skelect a schematics meeting. Then the schematics were presented at a planning board meeting and then this past Monday at the Hadley schematics meeting um with Mr. Mallalerie. The first public meeting was the only one of those meetings that was
advertised well and sufficiently um the other was others were just not or at all. The more neighborhood eyes that we can get on this project obviously the more successfully it will land. Um, as I have stated so many times, this town has
a process and a communication problem um that we'd [clears throat] really like to see resolved. Questions raised at these meetings that I know will continue to be covered. Um, I'm mentioning a few of them here. >> 20 seconds. Mora,
>> I'm working on it. [laughter] Uh, taxes. It would be really terrific if pilot could be explained to um the town members here. Um you know describing what was signed in the LDA
that has been been entirely um presented and it would have been great if there was a select board member at one of those meetings to explain the finances to the town. >> We've reached three [snorts] minutes. >> Okay, two more quick points. Um, the lining up of the entrance of the parking
lot at Blay is a really important point. >> If you wouldn't mind emailing your point. >> Uh, so what I'm going to say is if Diane can turn this all in. I have it all printed for her. >> Perfect. That would Thank you very much. >> Just trying to keep it fair. >> Um,
please. [snorts] >> Katie Arrington, 40 Roy Street. I seed my time Marow. >> Okay. >> We don't do that. >> That's how it works. We don't do how it works. >> I mean, we don't can't be how this works. >> We can't be what? Sorry. >> That can't be. It doesn't work like
that. >> We can't do that. I'm being told we cannot do that. I appreciate the effort and we will still take Miss Lao's comments. >> So much of these things have been covered and I will pass on. >> Thank you. >> We have additional public comment.
Seeing none, we will move on to new and old business. Uh oh. >> Sorry, we're just taking a moment for the announcement. [snorts]
>> We have AP civics happening in B129. I don't know about AP. [laughter] [snorts] >> Um, okay. At the request of Mr. Dementoto, uh, we are talking about the Hawthorne restaurant site. That's just a joke. Um, this was on the agenda. Anyways, um, take it away, Nick.
>> Sure. So, I I wanted to pro provide an update um, based on the timeline starting with the last meeting, which was October [snorts] 22nd. Um, I will go through the notes I have here, then happy to try to answer any questions that you all may have, but ultimately it's going to open up to discussion for
you all. So, just to start the timeline, the 22nd was the last meeting we had. On the 23rd, we received notice uh from the Athenist family and their attorney that they would not be continuing to operate past the agreement that they currently have with the community. The authorization for that expires on
December 31st. Uh I believe their agreement is a little earlier in the month um just based on when it was signed. So that left us with the uh the idea that we would you know spend a little more time on the staff staff side looking at what the options and what
could happen. Uh that was on the 23rd. that following weekend uh which I guess would have been the 24th 25th. Um we also found out that there had been an auction posted for some of the items that are currently personal property
within the building. And from there I asked staff and others uh KP Law and others to help prepare for a number of different options that would provide you all with as much flexibility and as much information as possible to make informed decisions. Um, starting on uh October
30th, we had a call with Anthony and his attorney that included staff uh and Mary Ellen representing the board. Uh, in that call, we requested they considered uh the possibility of staying open beyond the currently signed agreement and they took that under consideration getting back to us at the beginning of
this week. Uh, that that was not something they were able to do, but they, you know, we were gracious that they took the time over the weekend to sit down as a family and discuss. Uh, so we appreciated that information. In addition, in light of the fact that the reuse committee um for the property is still ongoing, we asked about the
possibility that equipment may be able to be left in place and sort of a delay of the auction. Uh not knowing what the final outcome or what the final use of the property or the building would be. Uh that was a request that we asked them to consider as as well. Uh with the idea that if the building is staying or if
there is a delay before the demo, we would not want the building if possible to be vacant for an extended period of time. uh and perhaps we would go before town meeting to ask for authorization for another uh to give you all the authorization again to to seek another tenant on the on a shortterm basis or
depending on the work of the reuse committee something beyond that. Um they are generally open to hearing what we would what we intend that request to mean. The the framework is that we would come to some idea tonight of how the town would like to move forward. uh what
may be on the town meeting warrant and then we would communicate that with uh Mr. Peterson the attorney and again it would be an informed discussion on the family side to to figure out what might work for them and what may not. Um it was requested that this plan would um
you know give them a a sense of the of the schedule and in talking to KP Law where we are uh what was suggested on our end is that we would consider the idea of going back to town meeting whether in a special town meeting or as a an article for December 1st. Um that
would give you all the ability to extend the agreement either for a short or longer term tenant or also an agreement that is not occupancy in use, but something that allows them to leave um the equipment in there while the town figures out what that next step is. And any decision on a short or long-term
occupant could be made at a special town meeting uh following the conclusion of the reuse committee's work and following our December town meeting. Again, it's a a timing issue that we're looking for some guidance to understand from you all what you would like us to do. Um, from
here I've also requested KP uh just gather up information about RFPs or other types of requests where again if the board and the community decides that we want to move forward with seeking a tenant uh that we are not starting from scratch but that we will receive some of that information from KP in advance so
that we can be taking a look at it. We also another piece that I wanted to highlight in here is that and I think um the public comment alluded to this in looking at the items listed we KP uh Marzy's team and u the building commissioner all had a few questions
probably a dozen items or so that we're uncertain if they should be left with the building when vacated or not and we've prepared and shared that list with the attorneys on the Athenis family side so that they can give uh their feedback to those questions as well. Again, I would guess it's in the 12 to 15 range
of all those items. I could be a little off there, but it wasn't a a huge number, but it was certainly items that we want to make sure everyone has an open discussion about uh between the family and our attorneys. So, uh we shared that today. We expect feedback later in the week from them as well on sort of what their position is on any of
those questions. Um so, from here where we are is I would love to have an understanding from you all of how you would like us to proceed. Uh, we do have a draft article. Should we decide to consider that this evening, that would be under that agenda item, which I think believe is number six on the agenda. We
wouldn't get into that now. That would be part of that discussion. That is just a draft with placeholder language that does not have an expiration date. So, it basically says authorizing the board to enter into an agreement with a tenant until and there's no date. And so, that would be where we would decide as a
short long-term how we want to proceed with that. It could also be something that we put before town meeting or on the warrant for town meeting as a placeholder to allow the reuse committee to have the full array of options in front of them and then if needed it can be removed, postponed, withdrawn, you
know, whatever vehicle we choose if it if it just isn't appropriate to be acted on at the time. Uh so that's how we tried to attack multiple angles all at once. Um, but I think where we are right now, both in the discussions with the Athenas family, their attorneys, and on the staff side, is trying to get a
really full understanding of where you would like us to move forward so that we can narrow down that scope and begin to execute there. [snorts] >> With that, I would open it to questions. >> I have a preliminary comment. Please >> just thank you very much, Nick, for, you
know, taking the ball from where it was and doing all that anticipatory preparatory work to kind of lay out all the different permutations of what could happen. It certainly is extremely
facilitating of our work here. So, thank you. >> And I thank you particularly to Mars Marzy's team, but also the building commissioner and KP were very responsive as we've been trying to track down these individual questions and comments. But Marzy's relationship uh with uh the at
the attorney for the Athenus family and the fact that we've been working closely with them over time, I think is really allowed us to to do this and to be very uh you know, honest and direct with them saying we need direction from you, but here's what we're thinking. and uh it's been a really good conversation and it's a credit to the community development
team. >> All right. Um so I guess if you wouldn't mind saying Nick the sort of you mapped out a lot of plans, right? So there's a couple of avenues we have available to us given this information. again. Um I
guess now might be a good time to talk about an avenue Nick didn't bring up, which is that um we, as the public knows, we have been in conversations related to the adjacent parcel, um the church parking lot, we'll call it, for lack of a better
terminology. Um we as a board voted to support an LOI going forward um to negotiate a per a purchase of a portion of that parcel, not the full parcel, a portion of that. And obviously that's contingent upon
um town meeting vote. It's a non-binding LOI that we would be putting forward. um it's a shape to be determined um because of some um constraints on the um church's part and um so I just want to
put that forward because it does really shape the conversation as we move forward and that's a bit of information obviously that we have spoken about in executive session we would like to make public so that when we talk about some of the Hawthorne pieces they sort of fall a little bit more into the puzzle.
Um so I wanted to mention that um you >> add to that >> please. >> Um [clears throat] just for everyone's understanding uh this is we have had conversations with the man on senior. >> Yes.
>> Um there's not an LOI signed. It's in the drafting stage. There have been conversations. uh there's uh you know a high level verbal understanding but many many details still to be worked out which may
not get worked out and the arch dascese is actually the owner. Yeah. >> Um so this is there's many many steps uh before anything would happen. >> Right. And and that's a great point like that's why it you don't see it on the
warrant for December because there's a lot of steps that need to be flushed out before we even get to that. Um if we even get to that, you know, >> could I could I just underscore that the important distinction is that it's a letter of intent to continue the discuss,
>> right? It's a letter of intent to continue the discussion and it is not an offer to purchase which would be binding if they were to just sign or we were to sign you know it is it is really a it's a framework that we're agreeing to to continue the conversation. >> Yep. Yes. Thank you Nick.
>> And this is this is the second letter that we have had with the arch dasis. The first letter was expired in December and so we're just keeping the ball going >> and it would be the first letter was
with the church not the architect this way just to be super clear this one would be the same. >> Yes. Yep. >> Um, okay. So, having said that, then sort of creating the full framework of the Hawthorne conversation,
um, if you could just sort of give us the choices again. Okay. Sort of. >> So, the one choice is to the opposite of the public comment, which would be leave it vacant and let the town decide what's going to happen. But, we're carrying a more expensive building. We're worrying
about what's going on in there. Um and you know there could be further deterioration. The the ideas that we have discussed is a long an agreement that would allow them to leave the property in the building until the spring. Sort of a delay of the um the
auction which we would need an authorization of some sort for. The goal with that would be that in tandem there would be either a short or long-term tenency so that that equipment is there as a potential benefit um for both the family
that's selling it and for a future potential tenant that they [snorts] would have an opportunity to negotiate directly prior to uh any other sale. The other option is a long-term look for an RFI process. All both these the
short-term and the long-term require an RF an RFI or an RFP process where we are going through um you know a 30B process to make sure that it is a legal open and fair solicitation and we're able to get the best value to the community. Um, but
it's it's a question of timing in in terms of do you want it to be a 12-month, 36-month, or many years, you know. So, it's a it's a question from a policy standpoint that I think is that would definitely need to be informed by the work of the reuse committee and your future consideration
of uh the recommendations that they bring before you. >> So, you know, in terms of an article, there's an authorization to work with the Athenas family to leave the property. uh behind for a short time. And then there's what we would like to
do with an RFP and a longer term tenant if that is [snorts] a short or long-term tenant if that's what the community would like to do while we plan for future development, demolition, keeping whatever the final sort of recommendation and decision that's made.
>> Can you remind us when demo when we've slated demo >> in the capital plan? It's 28. >> Okay. 2028. That's the plan that was presented last year. >> Okay. >> So, go ahead. I was just going to say, so in actuality, as much as we would
have loved the Athenas family to stay, they're not interested. It it worked for us for a period of time, it worked for them also. It's no longer that's not no longer the case. So, obviously, uh, to Mr. Demeno's point, like we don't want I mean, I don't want a vacant building.
It's more expensive. It's it's dangerous. it's, you know, um, more expensive to ensure. We have to carry the cost of heating and and electricity. And so, obviously, I'm I much prefer a building that is
the heart and vibrant [snorts] in that area and, you know, causing people to come and enjoy that building. Um, so I guess I don't know how other people feel, but if we're talking about on the capital until 2028, we're not even if
the reuse committee says the end use is X and it doesn't involve that building anymore, we're talking at least 2028 that it is still standing. So, >> well, so my opinion is a couple things. One is um we don't we don't want a
building just sitting >> and we want to be able to have the option of having at a minimum a short-term tenant tenant come in if that's viable short-term tenant come in and have a facility going there. Um
having those options I think is is is vital. As far as having a recommendation from the reuse committee, the the charge of the reuse committee was to give us recommendations on what to do if we had a single lot. And I think that the reuse
committee is almost finished with that charge. And I think at that point we should be moving on from that and then see what happens with the final negotiations and then make a decision from make a decision from there. Um, I
don't I don't see this as super complicated. I'd like to see an RFP put out ASAP like tomorrow morning and just get somebody in there so that we have [snorts] opportunity to keep that
keep the heat on and keep a a function type of a center. I think it could be really be could be great. And if the Athenistes are willing to leave the equipment and you know >> they're open to the discussion. They wanted to hear what our timeline was after 10. Yeah. Yeah. I just want to
>> right >> make sure I wasn't misstating. >> Great. So that's that's my feelings on that. >> I I agree with all that. Uh especially the ASAP part. No. Um, so no. Um, uh,
yeah, basically ditto. And, um, do we feel as though that's a realistic possibility of them holding off on the, um, auction? >> And if if and the main question you've
asked that we haven't really answered is the length of time that we would want to extend for. And I would uh is there any drawback to making that? Um well, there's there's two pieces. When
[clears throat] when they would do an auction or not, >> and then how much longer we want a town meeting authorization for some other potential >> uh tenant to be able to stay for, >> right? And it's going to be, I would
think, very difficult, more difficult for someone to make the effort to to to inhabit that if it's a very short period of time, >> right? It's not, to your point, it's not realistic. It was realistic for the Athenists to go year to year because they were there. >> They were already there, right?
>> How realistic is it for us to find a tenant for a year there with potentially without equipment? hopefully with equipment. But >> so I mean I would you know I don't you know we haven't really really kind of focused on this. So it's
hard to be very specific but I I think it should be like a year or or more um if we're really not planning on demolishing it. I mean theoretically could do it sooner. I mean that's just the plan where we have it planned in 2028. But I think there's a lot of
there's a lot of things in motion. We don't want to lock ourselves in too long. Uh if we get if we come to a plan and we want to start moving on it and now we've got someone in there that's got lease for three years, that's not great. Um but we
have to kind of find a balance there. So maybe we should be looking for an authorization from town meeting that's I don't know a year 18 months uh up to that period of time to give us the flexibility to you know see where things are at by
the time um we go through all these discussions and an RFP and we try to kind of thread the needle here of having someone there at the right period of time keep the building inhabited get some revenue um but not interf interfere with our longer
term plans, >> right? >> Well, I think it's kind of a catch 22 because while we don't want to commit to an extensive lease, right, in terms of two years, three years, we're also faced with finding a tenant that wants to just
go in there for a year, right? And who really is going to want to do that depending, you know, the condition of the inside, what the condition is of the equipment they want to leave, all of that. So, it's kind of like trying to find the sweet spot of what time period's going to work. I would probably
say my gut is 18 months to two years if we're not scheduling to demo if we end up demoing until 2028. >> Right. >> That gives you, you know, kind of satisfies both sides. Um, but I mean, it's really a no-brainer that that we even have to debate whether or not we
would consider just leaving this vacant and sitting there without potentially equipment. I mean, it's it's I don't even think that's worth consideration. Could I just answer the one question that might be useful that I didn't get a chance the the discussion with the Athenist family and Marzie feel free to
correct me was the idea that it would be delayed until spring of ne next calendar year >> for the auction >> that would be yeah and it's >> so it's just really six months >> it's a delay to get back into >> we can have a conversation >> I guess the idea is >> or that's the starting point >> there's two separate things though
>> the assuming everything works out in a way that lines up with what we're discussing ing it would be a delay in the auction and a future short-term tenant would have an opportunity >> to negot >> to purchase >> right >> equipment directly. >> It it is not a delay that's indefinite.
It's it would it would really be something that they are doing to our benefit not necessarily to theirs >> uh to to delay it because in their discussions I believe with their vendor it was sort of right now is the the last good time to be doing it um before you
get into Christmas and New Year's and then it would be spring again. Um so the idea would be um you know it's a brief delay for them that gives us an opportunity to try to get some of these ducks in a row. The one thing on the RFP
ASAP is having an idea of what we're what we're asking. >> So, is it 18 months? Is it three years? Is it five? You know, [snorts] >> that will obviously impact what the results are, but also when we draft it,
we >> sound the fine arts and music Alternatively, some budget decisions. Have fun. [laughter] >> It would impact how we draft it and how we score the responses knowing we need
to set the parameters that we want and that will impact who's responsive to us. >> Right? There's a little chicken and egg in terms of >> how you release that before [clears throat] town meeting without having had the authorization. >> What? I think without the authorization that's >> depending on pending authorization
>> that that needle is easier to thread than knowing what we're asking timeline >> dependent yeah >> I I think we could say we will award pending authorization >> right >> the idea that we're not giving them any sense of timeline will will inhibit the number of responses that we get
>> respond yeah I mean I think we need to be >> yeah understood >> try to be as specific as possible to give them a idea of what they're getting into it's uh the sort of uh potential option of equipment, but it
only being an option, an opportunity to review and and then a conversation between the equipment owner. Like, we're just we're the middleman in that conversation, and we're literally just asking the Athena family to allow us to find them a buyer potentially, >> someone to negotiate with us, to
negotiate with. Yeah. Yeah. Um, so I mean it's uh grateful that they would even consider it. Um, so that's nice. >> And are they doing this um what is it that they would want in return if anything have they said from the town or
consideration? >> We haven't talked about consideration. It was the idea that it would no longer be occupancy and use. It would be some sort of >> Okay. not storage but a license to leave the you know it's yeah >> it's leaving equipment behind as opposed to operating a going concern
>> okay >> I mean for me I would say the RFP scope would be at at least till the end of 2028 um because I would want the flexibility to be able to utilize um if if capital came to play on the 20 in
2028 and the decision was made to reduce the building then that that would be the longest you would want an occupant there, >> right? >> We don't even know if that I mean as most capital is as we go forward, it's like a best guess estimate. So, and
that's really was a placeholder we put in related to conversations that were had before the reuse committee um and now post the conversation with reuse. What is that how does that affect things and what does that look like? >> Right? That was just as presented last
year at town meeting >> and that didn't contemplate >> the church lot or part of the church lot. And so now that that's being contemplated, >> what is that what does that change for us? >> No, please. >> No, >> I I believe you that we will like it,
but I we I just want to try to keep the >> keep the value of the equipment. market value because it was established you can rent it to someone else building
later. >> Thank you. >> Thank you Charlie. Um I think you know going down these roads you get into more complex situations where like we are not restaurant tours. We are not we're not in the business. We're not
even developers guys and we are acting like it in some regard in some instances. So it becomes a sort of a slippery slope when we start to go down these paths of where you sort of draw the line and say that's just my two cents of it. But
>> I think the goal should be the three years because you know it's much easier to go shorter than to go longer. The goal is three years up to three years and then find out what flexibility we can get with them and what we can do and and
>> up to three years subject to town meeting authorization. Right. Right. and then work within work within their parameters to try to give them a really good deal and facilitate holding on to their equipment and then letting that flip for them.
>> And so would we need a warrant article for this warrant related to the potential storage or lack of a better term of the equipment if the Athenist family so allowed? >> We believe so in talking with KP.
>> Okay. Okay. >> So then um and you said you guys have >> because you're so good you've already looked into that or >> so yeah the the ability to license a permit a revocable agreement a a revocable license permit is something
that the town has a right under chapter 40 section 3 >> of state law that's the select board under the charter it's actually designated to my position. Oh, >> however, in this case, because the community has very clearly given
direction at town meeting, AP's recommendation is that we continue for this particular parcel and in this particular case, we should continue down that road. Uh because it has already been established in this case that this is how we would like to do it. >> Okay. And it was something that I had multiple conversations with Tom about to
figure out um you know what the what the normal [clears throat] authorization process could be and what this should be and his recommendation is that this should go before town meeting. >> So to be clear, we didn't have to ask town meeting to allow us to keep the Athenus family
there from the beginning. >> Correct. >> Okay. However, >> but we've set it now >> and it was it was also part of the purchase, I believe, which is something that made it more complex than a a town own non occupied school building is what I have the ability in my role given
through you um to allow for a license or permit. And so this is outside of that because it was all part of sort of one transaction where they withheld rights to be able to continue to operate. >> Okay, then yep, that makes sense. So that means we we would then do an
extended lease or we would just be doing a license. >> So you >> it's easier just to do a license. >> I don't represent the town. However, >> right, >> I would think that there are rights, privileges, and obligations under the lease agreement that would no longer be applicable. So it would make sense to
allow that agreement to terminate and to facilitate a license agreement that would just relate to the all the coming forward. the property rights that they have >> specific property rights related >> would terminate at the end of >> our agreement that should not carry over if they're just storing for this short
period of time. >> Okay. >> It's rights and obligations just to be clear. It's not that >> it it's for both us and them that it should expire. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I'm I'm not sure this is going to make my colleagues really really
excited, but normally when we do have topics like this, do have time for people to comment about it. >> Okay. >> So, I think we probably, especially since we've kind of started down that path, we kind of need to
>> Yeah. >> continue. >> Let's do that. Great suggestion. Or can I just ask is your deliberation substantially complete before we turn it over to that so that >> there's topics that you all haven't yet discussed that you know you have I just don't want you to withhold something and
wait before we turn just to give it some >> concluded okay >> just to give it some order going forward you know >> yeah and in the >> in the um vein of order I will um limit comment to three minutes just so that we are able to continue and everybody can speak um if you don't mind
Who would like to speak? Brian, please. Why don't you come to the microphone so folks at home can hear? >> Yeah. >> And then introduce yourself. Although we know you, not everybody does. >> Um Brian Watson. Um in in listening to
uh ideas about schedule 2026, 2027, 2028. It is really hard to figure out what the what the date what the end date of a lease should be say for example or something else if if we as a town and a select board don't know what the final plan is um sitting there my thought
would be if the select board could identify what the final plan will be then that then that allows the select board to fill in what has to happen between now and then. Um and so our committee, the Horththon committee has
completed its analysis of the of the single lot site and a week from tomorrow we'll make it official with a vote. But we have decided we have recommended a plan for the single site. We have drawn four or five or six plans for the double
lot although they include the entire church lot, not a portion. I heard you say tonight possibly it's a portion. So our plans show the whole second site, but it would seem to me because uh we've gone through the process with a single site. So we've established a bunch of
principles. So I think the second site will go a lot faster. I think our committee even though it's very diverse, I think our committee will coalesce around a recommend. It's only a recommendation, but I think we'll coales around a recommendation for the second site maybe in three months. So bear the
select board having that in mind, it's just one more piece. It's recommendation only, but it would be one more piece that the select board could look at and say, you know, and think about if that became the ultimate goal. And let's say it involved demolition of the
restaurant, you the select board could then easily fill in how long it will take to get to that plan as quickly as possible. I guess I guess part of what I'm saying is we want to get to the ultimate plan as quickly as possible. So the idea of renting it for a year, maybe
that's fine. the idea of three years, you know, just seat of the pants seems excessively long because if unless that's the ultimate plan that it's always going to be a tenanted restaurant, but if if if we think there's a pretty good chance it may come down, then you want it to be as short a
time as possible and and I think the select board could could have that ability to make a decision given given the pieces of information. Um like I said, you know, the the the Orthon committee sort of feels a sense of
urgency uh because we know that this is underway. So we we sort of have, you know, two paths that are both working simultaneously, but at some point they need to relate to each other and and help inform each other. So uh I I just
thought I'd put that in because I got I did it does sound really long. Three years sounds really long if that's not the ultimate plan. we it would simply wouldn't be necessary, you know. Oh. Oh, one last thought. Uh >> hurry up, Brian. >> Yeah, one last thought. One last thought. There are different our
committee has gone through this and and we're in agreement that >> over three minutes. So, >> yeah, there are there are a number of options if if the restaurant were to be demolished. Uh the town could the town for example could split the site. >> Brian, >> if if if the back half is park and the
front half is developed. >> Thank you, Brian. >> A developer can do it. Just keep in mind that a developer a developer could tear down the restaurant. >> Yep. Thank you. >> So, >> thank you. >> Understood. >> Um,
additional public comment >> online. No. Okay. Oh, more is coming up. Sorry. >> No, my apologies. Uh so just real quick since you're thinking is is the capital component just to pay for tear down? Is
that what what you're talking about? The capital component of it is is literally just for the building to get >> demolition for demolition. >> That's correct. >> Okay. >> Yeah. So it was posted in capital for 2028. The demolition of the Hawthorne restaurant >> as a placeholder during the initial
conversation post purchase of the lot. Okay. And so there's nothing else in capital in terms of buildout of the space or anything. And how much was put in capital for that? >> I believe it's 2 million. >> So it's an outy year in the capital plan. So it's presented at town meeting.
The only ones that you're actually voting on each year are is the current >> current. Yeah. Right. So it's also like a long term. >> It's like a placeholder. >> Just a wish. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> You know, so town meeting they present the plan. So you have a context to your vote, but it's only that one year that you vote on each town meeting. >> Okay. While we're thinking about
capital, I know that that you guys have circled back with just follow up on capital. You know, just kind of follow the projects is is great and I know just comes to mind because we're speaking about capital. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Marty.
Um here comes Mr. Patio. Here he is. >> Charlie Patzio again. All of your ideas so far have been that >> to be able to negotiate with the Athenases to keep the facility open. But what I haven't heard is is the nuclear
option, which is if they decide not to stay, you really need to have that fire drill exercise. What are you going to do if they decide to leave? And they're not going to >> They are leaving. They are leaving. >> They are definitely leaving. >> There's no question. >> They are not staying. The only thing
that would stay, to be clear, is the conversation about the equipment. And the only reason that conversation I think is being had is to put forth multiple avenues of potential solutions for a nonvagant building. >> I was just hoping that maybe you get them to stay with the equipment.
>> We [clears throat] we have asked that I think three times now. We we did not want the nuclear option for sure. We were asking them to stay. They had a a one-year lease with a one-year option I believe is what they had. So, they have
already stayed into that extension period and they are no longer interested in staying and that was a conversation had by the entire family. Marielle asked again when we talked to them about the equipment. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> They gave it a few days consideration. It wasn't an immediate answer from their
attorney or from Anthony. >> Um, okay. So, I um >> Anybody else? Just in thinking about the length of time being up to three years and that feeling like a long amount of time, what was sort of my first thought
when I heard, you know, in an ideal world, we would already have the recommendation from Hawthorne. We would already have a secondary recommendation about the second site from Hawthorne, we're talking about potentially if we if Hawthorne comes forward with a vote, then they're going to present to us, then we're going to have deliberation.
So, we're talking months away. and those months are winter months of a vacant building. So I think unfortunately we just don't have the luxury um to wait and that we have to ask at least for something to fill the gap up to a certain period of time. I understand the
criticism and we may face I I mean personally I think three years is not that long because you're asking somebody to invest significantly in that restaurant and >> it's a very large building and it's not in pristine condition. It's served this
community very well, but for a very long period of time. And so I think it's just the ask on the table needs to be realistic to what the facility warrants. Um, and I to be honest, I don't even know who we would find at a three-year ask. I'm hopeful, but I don't I don't
I'm not in the restaurant business. I don't know if that's even a realistic ask. So, >> and and there are there are different levels to this, right? I mean to me I'm just starting with three years for the authorization from town meeting to have a lease up to three years.
>> Correct. >> As we move through the process >> with the church with the reuse committee with the RFP we may have a better sense what maybe we start with maybe someone's willing to sign one for 18 months plus a
one-year option or something. We'll see where we're at at that moment. >> Yeah. [snorts] Um, all right. So, um, do we want to take a vote so that the Hawthorne reuse
committee at least has a very clear, um, sort of thoughtfulness about the time frame at least of what we're thinking. I just they're coming they it's already been stated that they're going to come to vote on like one site of a project. Um, >> right. They're in >> so
>> yeah they're in the they're in the process of finalizing their project. I don't I don't see how this >> plays a role in what they're doing right now. So I would I think that's totally separate. I think what we should do right now is just give >> our final session go to our final
session with us. It's been a long day. We love having you staff. Thank you so much for all your time. Families and Prospective students, if you haven't yet had a chance to see our library inviting
you as part of your day that we manage here again for our last session. Thank you again. >> I say I I think we should just give Nick a clear path. Yep. >> on
>> how to carry on. Would you like to propose a clear path? >> Um, you know, I just think the path would be what you know what you've already started just finding out what all the options are with um I think we have to
put something in the warrant. >> You know, >> we could talk about the warrant piece in the warrant. >> Correct. >> So that's okay. So then >> so I think from us, Nick, do you need a vote to authorize you to do X? >> I think the plan as I hear it is that we will draft an RFP that would be up to 36
months. >> Yes, >> please. >> With subject to authorization by by the town meeting obviously, right? Um so the closing will be at >> I think ideally we're going to have to make the closing >> the first week of de after town meeting like we'll have it posted for a month
and or hopefully close to a month. And >> Marzy, what's standard? >> Do you think this >> what's the standard for put out an RFP? You can do it >> 30 days and within less than 30 days, but I would imagine that somebody would probably want to come and do a site visit if that's something else.
>> So, let us put together the schedule >> knowing that it's going to be after town meeting, but it will be posted saying here's the timeline. Here's the closing date. Closing date would be post town meeting. All these proposals and any action we take is subject to authorization of town meeting. >> Yep.
>> And we can prepare it with KP Community Development, make sure it's in line with procurement law. we'll report back to you. And then um ideally it would be that if if we're in line with that those general terms that we can post it even if we're able to complete this in the
next two weeks and I'll report back what's posted. >> Okay. >> We can always make edits to it if we would like. But rather than slowing it down where we draft, wait two weeks for a vote and move forward. Our goal should be that we'll complete the work on it in that time and get it posted and I'll report back. >> Great. >> The next meeting,
>> right? And then meet with meet with um Anthony We're gonna we already have a call scheduled for tomorrow with the attorney to explain what our timeline looks like and this will be part of that. >> And also could we get authorization to negotiate on the use or extension of the
ability to leave the equipment? >> Correct. >> Yes. So that would be part of the warrant conversation. We need to go we need to put a warrant article forth to >> but we're asking for the same idea that subject to approval of town meeting that we can have that conversation.
>> Oh, right. >> Right. Yeah. Don't Don't let them take the stuff, Nick. [laughter] >> They they have been very willing to have conversations with us. >> How's that for direction, Mark? >> Okay. [laughter] >> Good. Thank you. >> Thanks for setting the bar so low. >> They've been very They've been very good
about having open conversations with us. So, hopefully we will be able to come to an agreement. >> Yeah. I'm hopeful that since we've come up with some clear [clears throat] time now, you can feel confident and they can feel confident that we have uh plan B because plan A was they stay. And so now
we're moving [clears throat] on to plan B. >> Um, >> so you don't need a vote or you're good. >> I think if you guys are good with that, we have all discussed it. >> I think it's very clear in detail. So, yep. >> Okay, great. Um, so we will then close out item number one and move on to item
number two, discussion, and update on repairs to the fish pier. >> So, I'm happy to provide you a quick update. I'm sorry, Deino was not able to be here this evening um to talk about the the planned rehab of the Fish Pierre. Um as you know, I staff the um
Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee. Uh thank you Danielle for continuing to be a leazison to the committee. Thank you. Um the committee is an advisory committee to the select board. Um, so we wanted to update you though, the committee I should say, I'm sorry, wanted to update you on some of the work
that's been ongoing, including the planned rehabilitation of the fish pier. Um, last year town meeting allocated $150,000 to make improvements to the pier. Uh, we uh had end up um we received a copy of a uh report and
analysis of the condition of the pier from Smith Marine and that was done last year. um Harbor Waterfront Advisory Committee was able to uh review the proposal and uh work with uh myself and um our staff including Gino and Natalie
on the procurement or the bid for the project. Um unfortunately the um original, as I stated, the original estimate was $150,000. We had used $10,000 to make improvements to the camera repairs and that was done by facilities with Max and the
facilities department. So, we had $140,000 in remaining. Uh we held a bid opening in August and there was only one bidder from um White Marine and the bid price was $195,000 $750. Uh so, as you can see, we had a
shortage of approximately $56,000. Uh Gino has been in contact with the lowest bidder uh to find out if we could just take several of the agenda item or several of the scope of work and really try to address uh those repairs this uh
construction season or sort of you know off boating season off beach season. So it would be during the the winter months that the work would be done or during this the show the meetings. Uh so the discussion is ongoing. We hope to hear from the contractor by the end of this
week whether or not uh we can reach an agreement with them to do the work. Uh so that was just something that again as part of a committee that provides um you know information or uh reports to you. We wanted to give you that report. I'm happy to address any questions if you have any. >> Could I just add to that as well? Gino
included this in the list assuming that this would move forward included the ask for additional funds in future capital years with the meeting we had with Patrick understanding that we just we have a shortfall and if we're able to do some that means we will necessarily be coming back to complete the work.
>> So I just wanted you to know that it's not that we took off that part of the scope and I forgot about it. Gina's already included it in future requests. >> So there's not a request for a vote on anything else. We just wanted this is just an update. >> Can you just say like how extensive are
these repairs? Like what is the >> So none of it is really critical, right? So there are some I think they're categorized by color, right? We didn't have any real red critical items. It was more orange yellow type of thing. Um so there's the possibility that some of them can be put off and we can just
utilize that 140,000 that's left and do the things that are really like critical. It wasn't anything there wasn't anything glaring and the committee went through this and I was there for a couple of the meetings um where it was like in need of urgent repair, right? So, a lot of it is stuff that we have a little bit of time. If if
worst comes to worse, we can go ahead and just use the 140 that's left to address what they really critically need. There's nothing urgent. Um it's not going to collapse. It's nothing of that nature. And some of them are safety, you know, some some decking repairs, uh, repairs to support the the
piles, uh, bracing some of the birds, um, >> the ladder, >> again, decking the lad ladder, um, some fuel line repairs unlike others. So, they're, >> as Danielle had mentioned, they're not >> that critical, but repairs that, you know, maybe there was some deferred
maintenance that it should be done, and now that we have the funds that we wanted to try to address them. So it definitely seems then that you could reduce the scope and fit it into the >> I think so. That's what I feel. That's my gut. And >> what about um grants from the harbor seapport? Um
>> well so that's something else that as you know we always look out for any kind of funding available. Um unfortunately this year we didn't have anything that we could we could match. As you recall, the last grant that we received was for the uh the fish pier for the design of the new pier and that was something that
was not very well received by the community as a whole. So I think that now uh the committee and I would imagine um the finance team as well is taking another look to see if you know could we make some of the repairs as the uh fisherman alliance and some of the uh
the individuals who use the pair they think that it meets the needs of the community but if we can kind of take care of the the regular maintenance and look at the items that should be repaired. So therefore there isn't like that deterioration because of um uh
defaults in you know regular maintenance. >> So really I think you know a lot of time so much time was devoted into this new pier idea that we kind of just forgot about the regular maintenance that maintenance that needed to be done. So this, you know, 140,000 or 150,000
allocated is really stuff that's been, you know, the past couple of years that you've needed, right? And it kind of got put on the back burner because we had this kind of grandiose idea of this, you know, 510 million pair that ultimately we we found wasn't going to be something successful with the community. So I
think it's, you know, time to definitely actually get those repairs made, right, and put that maintenance work in that we needed. But, you know, to your point, Doug, it's not I don't think anything that um there's nothing glaring there that says you must put in 200,000 plus right now or it's going to fall apart.
Um we're not in that type of situation, but we do want to do some maintenance. >> Yeah. I mean, I hate to use this euphemism, but you know, like when you have a used car, it's like how much money do you put into it before you go out and get a new car, >> right? Um, so I know that the scope of
the pier as planned was not well received by the community, but we've heard from >> um resiliency, we've heard from climate action that that our pier will be underwater in the notistant future. >> Absolutely. and it will face potential
storm surges in the next 10 years that could potentially de demolish it or create it put it in such disrepair that we're looking towards >> new pier anyways and that that's not keep deferring it is just to say
>> scale down a bit >> what is is there a >> process going forward where we're thinking about either how to modify this pier in order to prevent some of that I think we're in prepare. When do we get to be >> proactive? >> I want to say proactive, but I know that's we're probably not even close to
that, but >> no. >> How do we take that next step given the sort of overall defeat, the community defeat of the >> So, allow me to take the opportunity to go back to the to the Harbor Water Advisory Committee. uh maybe try to schedule a um a meeting with uh climate
action committee and just really have a thorough discussion and and maybe together identified the next step because as you know um the fisherman's alliance was um really not supportive of of the of the new project but at the same time let's figure out like how do
we address rising sea levels and also the needs of the fishing community um as well as the recreational fishermen who used up here right now. Yeah, I I just have to say I guess my my remembrance of that situation is a little different
than the way it's uh you guys are presenting it. I um I'm not really sure we ever brought it to like any kind of community vote or anything like that. And you know there may not be any perfect solution but I do think that uh we do have a Kleinfelder study underway
right now right about the entire shoreline and resilience efforts and what's going to need to happen and so I think in my mind the larger pier project had to be paused because we need to understand the overall solution for the
fish house for the pier for the entire coast there >> and then the pier has to fit into that. So, it was more of the order of things was out of order. >> Well, I'm not so sure that's that's completely accurate, but that's your view of it. I mean, I think,
>> you know, I remember attending a community meeting where there were no fewer than 50 people there who were adamantly opposed to looking or this town considering a pier of 7 to million, 7 to10 million in that range. And I think that was pretty I mean I heard it
loud and clear that way but maybe that's just my interpretation. But that's not to say that that we don't need to do something and certainly look at a peer. We definitely need that. That's and that's you know certainly Kleinfelder Kleinfelder will come in to play. Um but I think the bigger concern then was how
could we afford this? What else do we have on the dock? I mean there was a lot of stuff I think >> um brewing at that point. And I think too the the fish house itself is often overlooked and completely ignored in terms of what that place needs for you
know as a historic building. You know we just have it doesn't exist. It's not a consideration and it really needs to be right. So it's not just the pier, but that whole spot that whole area to your point um from a resiliency perspective really needs attention
>> and that will be that is part of the study that Kleinfelder is doing right now just as a reminder to all of us that you know I think Marcy within a few months right we should have uh the results from that and they'll be you know presenting very specific solutions
to how we address those things and then we'll have to go through a significant community process that the update ated report that they're doing that we used ARPA money for. Correct. >> And where are we? Have they at least sent you a first draft or has a resiliency committee seen a first draft? >> We have members of the resilience
committee on the on the core team that's working with >> CLI. Great. >> I I think Doug, just to expand on what you're saying, I think your uh recollection is true. And I feel like uh I did I was at a meeting that Danielle was talking about where it sort of felt
like similar to Hawthorne that the conversation was being had around the community and not with the community and that members of the community who utilized the pier the greatest or even just community members were not feeling like the peer represented what the
direction they necessarily wanted to go in or that or it was mis a misunder understanding of how we got to the point that we were at. And so I think that it was tabled and it should be picked back up after the Kleinfelder Kleinfelder conversation. And I think that we just
need sort of like a more realistic I don't know if it's like uh either phased approach to the peer support or um even sort of like this is I'm going to go back to the cars the Camry the you know like multiple options related to the
pier. It sort of felt like when we saw the option that came forward it was like lots of bells and whistle whistles. We weren't really sure why. is sort of like the width of it and the turnaround and all like it it didn't all sort of make >> um sense to all the parties. So
>> I think a more collaborative >> conversation is probably in process and then we'll have some data to back it up. So at the very least we should be looking at the Kleinfelder report to say okay >> this is the timeline for what needs to be done to the pier. This is the least we have to do to the peer. the least. If
we're going to be doing something to the pier, we're already there doing construction. What can we do to um give it a glow up that it m that it needs within reason? >> That was a glow up. >> A glow up. Yeah. You know, do you know that term, Doug?
>> No. I just want to make sure people caught the G. >> A glow up, not a blowup. Yes. A glow up. Um All right. >> Okay. If there's if there's no further discussion of glow-ups, we will move on to item number three, discussion of
puzzle vote to approve and sign the final set of schematic design documents for the redevelopment of the Hadley School, 24 Readington Street. Um, okay, Marzy, is this you too? >> Yep, absolutely. So, thank you. Um, including in your package, uh, hopefully
you have a copy of the schematics plans as well as some of the comments that we had received today. Um at our last meeting, the chair of the planning board provided to you uh with comments from the planning board and again um they dealt with lighting um bicycle parking,
some architectural alignments from stairs, uh roof massing, um sort of internal access to the lobby for better flow or um client experience. Um they also made recommendations or discussed uh configuration of the um elevators and
bathrooms on the the rooftop as well as um some consolidation or um review or reanalysis and redesign potentially of the lobby and some of the um administrative spaces. Um again the
these are comments from the planning board. Uh they did talk about lighting um in particular um dark dark sky compliant lighting and that was for the parking lot as well as the entrance points as well as the uh the struct the entire um site plan for it. U the
lighting continues to be a theme across all comments that we have received today. Uh uh those comments were also included from the open space and recreation planning committee um as well as voiced um at both of the public meetings that we have had to date. Um
additional comments um was also to look at um um streetscape and then landscaping. Um also looking at um historic design integration to asssure that the buildings would be in line of the the architectural um [snorts] sort
of um theme of the of the structure of the building. Um open space um talked about native species, the need for um for landscaping and again uh green infrastructure, lighting. Again, I as I
had mentioned, um talked about that perhaps um looking at paving materials that might try to decrease heat island effect um as well as the need for uh newly landscaped and planting beds in areas that we could and again native
species. Uh the residents comments focused on uh the need for community space and what that could look like. Uh concerns about again lighting um as well [snorts] as noise impact um rodent and
um traffic flows within the area. Um as well as >> uh fencing [snorts] or shrubs um that would create some privacy for the um for the residents in the rear of the property. Uh relocation of play equipment. Um uh I think I mentioned
noise. um the concern about parking and traffic flow as well as idling off cars. Uh some resident expressed the need for sorry for res >> I'm sorry to interrupt you. I lost I was following you in terms of where you were referencing and then I just seem to have lost you. You went through the planning
board stuff and then you went through open space >> and then are you on to >> I'm on to the I'm not sure if you have that in front of >> you don't I don't know >> we don't have in your packet the comments she's talking about about from
the public meeting I just looked through are not in here >> I apologize for that we could talk is there a committee these are coming from I'm sorry I miss those two public meetings >> public meetings sorry these are these are resumulative >> yes okay thank you >> I'm happy to go back. I feel if if you
have any questions for planning from the comments of planning board or open space and I think you should have in your package uh probably community space and the requests that were made. So again, I'm happy to walk through those um that the space should accommodate uh groups
um of individuals for residents. Um um there was a um um a request for potentially up to 25 individuals um space that um can work for meetings arrangements um that um could be uh
closed off for sounds for for to to for to for the meetings to be um have some privacy or the ability uh not to impact the hotel guest. uh the request that uh the hotel provide tables and chairs for the use of the uh community groups using
the space including wifi uh Wi-Fi accommodation um and the reasonable access to um schedule the the uh the space up to four times per month [clears throat] at least
as well as um reasonable reasonable advanced uh reserving of the space for at least you So um >> can I just ask this Hadley community space who this is coming from? >> Is this just a compilation of the comments from >> this was based on the community meeting
we had and feedback that we've gotten over time. Okay. All of this is cumulative people putting out people everything she's referencing is the result of different groups that have put an effort together. I wouldn't assign anything to any one person necessarily. Um I think in the case of the community
space you know we met with folks to try to understand the intent and the exact the desire right >> based on the language that was inserted at the end of the article >> which is you know a sentence or two that right >> gives direction but we wanted to make sure that the conversations we were having were informed and
>> we we had that meeting and then spoke to Dixon earlier today actually both Marzy and I and it was certainly a productive dialogue because in the past we've been saying we want community space >> what is that but haven't really defined it >> he's been asking what you it's just been two ships in the night kind of but
>> uh so he was asking you know what is it that you're looking for what is the type of thing that would work >> and I think his feedback is that they will you know there's a commitment to trying to come to an agreement on this there was a productive discussion um he wanted to highlight that there is a
balance that needs to be struck for them which I think is fair between >> both the community and the the business that will be running there and >> you know he highlighted that there may be different vendors that operate like the restaurant and ballroom as an example as opposed to the owner of the
rest like they could bring in a contract like someone to do that for them. Um, so these were things that he highlighted for us that they need to continue to to balance. But we outlined sort of this framework that it's a space that fits, you know, 25ish people. Um, that there's
a schedule in advance, but I think it's fair to say that we would want to balance revenue generating for them and our community use. Um but you know there was certainly the commitment to an open and honest dialogue and discussion about what could and could not work. But having this meat on the bones from uh
the folks in the community that are most interested really allowed us to move it from the conversations that have been going on at least with him since the first time the schematic designs came to like here's a concept now he said I want to go back and talk to the team a little bit and figure out >> where we are. So
>> I don't know that we'll get everything here. I don't know that everything he gives us next time will be what we want to settle on either, but it it certainly will start >> starting. How does how does it work? We have a signed LDA, >> right? We have a signed LDA >> and
my understanding of community space was that it wasn't just private to the hotel. That community space was anyone from the community could go in and enjoy that section of the hotel. >> [snorts] >> I never thought that it was like we're going to have a room there, >> right?
>> You know, and I I'm concerned about putting any type of pressure, right, >> on the developer >> on a developer, you know, on the proprietor. And I think that's that's where that's where my concerns are. I
don't want to get into, you know, hey, that's our room and we get this, we get that, and the PTO is here and the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are here. >> You know, it's I think we need to have real clarity on what does community what does that mean to this board?
>> Well, thank you. I just want to take the opportunity to say thank you again to all of our students volunteering and speaking to students and families. Thank you staff for being here. >> We really appreciate all your time and energy and we're excited to have all of
our new students join high school. Thank you again so much. See you soon. I think to their credit, they did not say, "No, we're not having this conversation. This is shut down. We're not interested in this. This is not what we thought community space was." They're willing [snorts] to engage in a healthy
dialogue about, >> you know, sort of what that looks like. >> And so, I think we go forward in that vein being the same, you mirroring their >> Right. Well, that's what it's been like dealing with them. They're very
>> They're very easy to deal with. Yeah. Um, so I think >> I agree. We don't, you know, I don't want to sit here and ask for cheese and crackers three times a year, right? That's not what the goal is. It's it's to define what community space is, right? And just know that there is some in in some form we're going to have that
for for the people in this town. But I think Nick kind of understands, you know, what vein we're going in, right? We're not >> it has to be accommodating, you know, x number of people. We have to have tables and chair like, you know, we're not going to hold their feet to the fire in that respect, right? where it would jeopardize, you know, the whole deal,
right? That's not what we're trying to do. >> Yeah. I mean, okay. I mean, but we've got I mean, to me, this page on community space gives a lot more definition and it seems very reasonable. It's not like a dedicated room for the town's use forever and always and no one
else should walk in that room or anything like that. It's >> right >> very flexible. >> I think that's what Nick's saying. they they saw that and so they're now it's sort of figuring out how we paper that and how that comes to fruition and just [snorts] because >> it's an awkward ask or whatever doesn't
mean we shouldn't ask it. It was part of the Warren article and we should [snorts] >> Yeah. >> Uh we should be, >> you know, asking for >> the things we feel like we've committed to. To your uh I think the definition of
community space spans a big gap. And so let's see where we go. Let's see where we get. >> I trust Nick to handle this one. I think he's on the right track. Again, credit to the community development team for the without the relationship that they've built, we wouldn't be able to have these conversations with either of
these parties. So, >> credit to Marzy and her team. >> Um, I was trying to pull up the email, but I received an email from a neighbor. I reached out to that neighbor. >> Did you all get that email? >> We all got one. Okay, great. So, >> I I have to That was an excellent email. and and I responded back to the
individual to let them know the concern is the driveway pull out and if it faces a particular home, what sort of light pollution that will put in that home and how that may be a detriment to that home. >> Um I I uh
think that from what I heard, Mr. Mallerie was very quick to say, "We will immediately look at that." The entrance right now faces Had one of the exits face Hadley the I mean, I'm sorry, Blaney Street. >> Um, and it is not direct facing to a
residence and that the hope is that that that will continue. Correct. >> Yes. So, we we definitely have to take a look at it um to also make sure that it would not impact the resident on the other side of of Blany and um and Readington, too.
>> Okay. So they um um Nick and I had a call with with Dixon today and he said that they're definitely looking at it to to look what the alignment could potentially look like and what the traffic pattern could be. >> Okay. >> You know, the the other issue was the letter that we received. They felt that
there was not adequate um >> notice >> notice on the meeting and they I think they said that the first meeting they felt was adequate and I I do agree with them. We have to we just have to do everything we can to give you
know a ridiculous amount of notice and to actually get the phone numbers or or email addresses of every person that's touches that area so that they should feel like oh I'm listening I another notice from Marzy you that's what they should be concerned about I
>> so so we're definitely you know we acknowledge them we have have to figure out a better way to uh figure out how we post a meeting because I think that there's some um education or outreach that we all need to do. As you notice, some of the meetings are posted as events, some are posted as as meetings,
some are just posted on the sidebar of of a town of the website. Um we are consistent in working with the town clerk that we always post all of our meetings are posted on the notification board between town hall and um and uh
the library. We also post them on the town um town website. Uh we are working with uh Diane, she's been amazing to work with us on social media and um trying to reach a population that way as well. uh at the end of uh the meeting
Monday night, I started to collect some email contact information to residents and asked them to that told them that we will definitely reach out to try to obtain a better uh mailing list or better notification so that in the future we'll be able to directly send them an email blast in addition to
sending out postcard and not notifications about the meetings. >> I think that'll be great. Um, yeah, this project. I also wanted to just to let you know, I think that maybe some individuals in in in attendance thought that, okay, well, the select is voting on this this coming up Wednesday. This is it. The project is done. So, we just
want to make sure to really restate the fact that per the LDA and our process to date, there are still going to be meeting. The select board still needs to approve the the final approvals for the design. We still have to work with all
of our regulatory boards. Um, you know, we had concerns about lighting and the design. You know, we work with the planning board for them to review and submit comments to us. We will work with the board of health on rodent management plans and um and others. So, there's
still an opportunity to comment at all along the process. Um, so, you know, I just wanted to convey that and assure that our residents that this is a, you know, like a lengthy process. this we're just beginning of of the process and right now it's just a um a starting
point that the developer has updated their schematic or the design that they submitted as part of the that request of proposal. So now you see that this is a little bit more defined and then there'll be additional meetings that you will see um you know further plans that
really uh show us the the materials that will be used maybe even the color pallets and like others and obviously have a clear um you know um traffic patterns as well as you know like the entryways uh as and a landscaping plan
identifying the native species or the type of plants and shrubs that will be planted. in there. >> So to that those points, is there a uh timeline on the town website about this process?
>> I don't think that we have um I mean >> as an exhibit to the LDA, there is a timeline and should be there should be an amended timeline based on the last amendment to the LDA, but I know that's not what you're saying, but I just want to say it's there, >> right? So I think that would go if if we
had a timeline on there and we gave some explanation because even though I've been sitting through these meetings, I don't literally know okay what things you know are kind of firm after schematic uh and what things can still be changed or altered all the way up
until you know final drawings that we have to come back and approve later. And if we had some just examples there to give a sense of like don't don't worry it's it's not the end of the world right now. You know these 11 categories of
things still can be altered or commented on even six months from now when the select board has to approve it again and it's also going to go through the planning board and you'll be able to comment there. I think that would just give you know reduce the anxiety. People would understand kind of what's
happening. Well, I think to that point in in bigger picture, the website and our communication through the website has been a constant bone of contention for a lot of people in town, right? It's it's difficult to navigate. We're really it's not really it doesn't give you a
true picture of every meeting that's happening at every so we in to make to be short, we need to work on that, right? We need to work on the website and how it better relates and informs residents because we're doing a subpar job and that's putting it nicely. Just
to be clear on notification on the website, they are posted there. The problem is the interface. >> Right. Right. >> And so there's and I actually talked about this at the senior center because it came out like >> there's meetings and there's events and the meaningful distinction from civics plus standpoint is that meetings are
government meetings. Events are non >> right >> not not by a regulatory board or an elected appointed board. So it was a meeting and this was pointed out to us by citizens and residents. It was a meeting for this review of the Hadley thing, the Hadley uh schematic design
because it was not before you and it was not before um the planning board. So how we share that information and that interface is the first step and I literally talked about this yesterday. >> Y >> um because again it's meaningful in the way they organize information. It's not
meaningful to someone that's searching for the information. Right. >> A meeting and an event is the same thing to someone that just wants to know what's happening. >> Totally. So that's among the many things. And >> it would be great if we could just do away with that distinction. What did you say? >> I said it would be great if we could just do away with that distinction and
have it all in one calendar. >> It it is on a calendar right now. >> You choose the drop down all events. >> Yes. I'm saying that's what the user interface that we have is what we have to work within. And so there is a way right now to look at the calendar. >> The question is can we make that the default that everything shows
>> and not even list them just have the mini default calendar that you click on to pop up and that'll go >> the week or the day or the month. >> Yep. >> I don't know if that can be done with what we have. And as with everything, if we really get into it, it costs money. >> Money. >> Yeah. >> Right. I think we just have to be really
cognizant of, you know, our failure to to inform people about how to look things up in that manner. It it's leading people to think that we're trying to u backdoor things or hide things or be, you know, >> nefarious or deceptive. And that's really not the case. It's really a
matter of it. We don't have the tools to make it show up the right way or we haven't in the past, but we will work on changing that. Right. >> And I only made the point that it was posted because the team at town hall does get the things up. >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. >> It we have to find a better way for
either Civics Plus to do it or go to >> and especially on issues that we know have, you know, considerable, you know, it it they're personal issues for a lot of the residents in town. It's almost better if we overcommunicate, right? Instead of under. So if it's not just
the website, it should be emails to a butters, you know, mail to a butter. However, we need to inundate people. I'd rather have people say, "Oh, you send me too much." as opposed to, >> you know, you're trying to hide something. Because that's >> Yeah. I think we went through this a little bit with um Veterans Crossing and
setting up like having a um QR code and setting up a mailing list and then having that sort of be a way to also facilitate information >> like maybe we should just be doing that for all of our >> construction related projects that have a butter conversations happening so that
neighbors feel like there's a place to go and be heard. Um, >> and just to say Doug, to to put a point to your question, um, the exhibit, the milestone schedule to the LDA, which we should pull forward and put in some fashion on the Hadley page as a separate document so people know where to look
when once it's updated and because it's all relative to the end of the due diligence period. Marzy, we should write >> some dates on here because otherwise it's not meaningful to people looking at it. But there's the schematic design commentary which is happening now. And
then they have to submit construction drawings and specifications within six months of the end of the due diligence period. Then they have 15 months from the end of the due diligence. So nine months thereafter to obtain all of their permits and then they have they during
that same period they're obtaining their financing. And then because they are trying to obtain a lot of grant financing and financing through the state, I think some of these um I'm sorry, I was confusing it with them. I
was thinking about veterans because they're obtaining this financing. It it's I think it behooves us to have these conversations for the developer earlier when we see glaring issues like hey we don't want the exit to be facing a house because if we get too far down
this line they're going to say well that costs us too much we should have talked about that earlier. So that's why to Marz's credit she has taken a compilation of a lot of folks feedback. Um, and it's important that we give it all the developer and not every box is
going to be checked, but it's important that we prioritize the things that are sort of like non-starters. Like we need these things solved >> and we feel like now is early enough for you to find a way to solve them. >> Sure.
So, uh, a little bit to my point, uh, for myself right now in terms of all these comments in terms of like a vote tonight and what we need to incorporate and make
a condition of approval of the schematics. Uh I I guess I guess I would you know I'm left feeling like you know all these comments should be included as conditions because I don't have a I
don't have any distillation of what is critical now versus can be addressed later >> um inclus inclusive of you know the one that we don't have written but the you know the email about the light
>> the the Um, and then Marcy, you were reading some Were you reading some other community comments, too, that we don't have written down? >> Um, no, I was just kind of giving you an update from my notes from the the public meetings. >> Well, that's what I mean. I mean, is
that of any substance here that we should also be including in these conditions of approval? >> Um, so I shared those with uh with the developer as well as all of these documents were shared with them. Um, and I just wanted to touch upon some of the major sort of themes that came out of
out of the meetings. And again, you know, the lighting was an issue, noise levels, decibb, um, neighborhood parking because concern for parking, the landscaping, loss of privacy, fencing, um, you know, continued access through from, um, Elwood Road through the
project because there's a fencing right there. The need to keep the trees on the Lindscott Park side. um relocation of the play equipment. Um pest control was another big uh topic of conver conversation that came out. Um as well
as um the obviously community space that we talked about. >> Could 10 or 12 things. >> Are we saying a a condition of approval or information you would like us to convey with the notice that you voted for to approve the schematic design? >> Because a condition is very different
than we're sharing the information. >> I understand. But condition seems I'm left in a position where I feel like I I need to go to a condition because >> okay >> if I just say hey I'd really love for you to look at this stuff. Well they can come back and say yeah well we looked at
it but you know well for this reason that reason we're not going to do anything about it. >> I mean I'm more personally concerned with anything that's going to affect um any resident's enjoyment of their home in life. To me that's lighting right. Um I'm not as concerned noise,
>> right? Um those things are one or things that would warrant conditional approval in my mind. Specifically this lighting issue. I mean that's a that's a um >> the coming out of the parking lot issue. >> Absolutely. So that's a yeah the traffic >> traffic. Yeah. >> And circulation design. It's not the
lighting of like the static lighting of the parking car. >> Right. As it affects this particular spot on Right. the static lighting in the parking lot is is a >> is an is is an issue too >> and it was raised by the planning board and would be I believe addressed during
site plan approval and others. This is the comment I was trying to make post Doug which is yes the the things that come before another board it doesn't behoove the developer to ignore them because when they come before that board the first piece of paper they're going to pull out is there comments from the schematic design and say okay did you
did you take into account the parking lot lighting yes or no did you take into is there bic bicycle parking look at the architectural alignment did they make a so I mean yes condition might be too strong of a word but this is not their first rodeo and they understand the
business of the business and if they come before the planning board for review, I it's not going to behoove them to ignore any of these comments because they're just going to make them again. >> True. But if they're just general in nature in terms of lighting, right, and they're not specifically focused on the
lighting as it affects the people that live on Blay Street, I don't want that to get lost in the weeds. Right. >> Well, that the planning board might be looking at it big picture, not looking at specific houses and how it affects, you know, people that are right there. I agree and that's why I think some of
these things need to be prioritized. But the things that are like we're to me it doesn't make sense to say the schematic design is conditioned conditioned upon the items listed in the planning board review. It should say heavy emphasis should be brought forward considering you will be going before the planning board and these are the things that
they've brought forward. Um but I do think that uh schemat in my opinion the schematic design should be conditioned upon that egress >> and the enjoyment of people's residential houses in that area and making sure that that is an in
alignment. >> Okay. Well the next phase not to jump bey jumping ahead they are they will have to submit uh construction drawings and specifications. Yeah. and then to go through each of the separate boards like phototric plan will be required that's something else that the planning board
does look at and and wants to see as part of their package and I think that at the same time you know we have an opportunity to do like a peer review of the traffic analysis because you know what is the design the best too and and obviously the developer knows that this is a concern right now right and then
how will they address it in the final you know the construction drawings and specifications >> so you're saying that we still have we still have leverage during the this is just our first pass. >> This is our first bite of the apple, not our last, >> right? So why why can't we just say to
make every effort to accommodate >> all the things >> all the things that are mentioned here with an emphasis on the enjoyment of people's homes in the homes in the immediate area >> lighting >> and resolution of the community space. >> Resolution resolution of the light. What
did you say? >> The community space. Resolution on the conversation related to community space. I don't want to delay though, right? I'm not >> We don't have under the LD. Right. >> We've we've asked for an extension. They've granted it to us. I mean, the the only other ask is that we would go
We have to answer them >> soon. >> Yes. We have a little bit of time, but not Yeah. So, at this point, I think entertaining a motion to have Marzy go forward and put forth an answer to the schematic designs is what I would be
looking for. >> Okay. >> From the board. >> So, I'll make that motion. >> Second. And Marzy, are you clear about sort of the direction of we're saying to take into account all of the items that were were listed, but most importantly
the egress the community space and that we will be looking for those things going forward. >> Do you have a Marcy? Sorry. >> Do you have a copy of that email? >> I certainly that resident >> I think I flipped it. So >> can I expand a little bit? You said just the egress. Can we just say lighting in
general impingement >> as it relates to res surrounding residents >> and noise? I mean, I'm not really sure how that would directly >> Yeah. I don't know how you say how do you say that you know the focus has got to be on the quality of life >> of the neighbors in that area. >> The light pollution or
>> Yeah. >> Thank you. >> That's part of the bylaw. So, it's already part of the the bylaw. So, down lighting is required. Yep. Um, thank you. >> Thank you. All right. So, that is the motion. We will uh do we have a second?
Second. >> Do you second? Okay, great. Um, all in favor? >> I I >> Sorry, I'm so used to taking a roll call because we're never all here together. So, um Okay, great. So, moving on to the next item on the agenda, which is review
of Falltown meeting warrant for December 1st, including review, discussion of votes on articles for inclusion in the warrant. Um, because we are so bad at communicating, have we um made sure you've been in
communication with the U moderator, correct? >> Oh, please tell me. >> I've been on the email. Diane has um >> and I reached out to him. He was away until this week where I just want to make sure that you we schedule time to meet with the moderator to discuss the
warrant and then also um I understand like the packages will go out but it the town meeting has been posted on the calendar and we have a space and all that's worked out >> the space. I don't >> I'll have to talk to Mike Bryson. He's the one who does the postings.
>> Okay. Let's just make sure we >> considering we're starting the holiday season, let's make sure we give as much notice as possible. If you're not watching this meeting, >> then you might not know December 1st is the annual fall town, >> which is I think is it not still called
this a special town meeting, but it hasn't been >> It's a special town. Okay. >> Okay. So, sorry. >> That's okay. >> All right. Go ahead, please. Nick, if you'd like the floor or you want >> Do you want to go Patrick? Do you want to walk? Patrick has put this together. I'm happy to jump in at different
points. >> Yeah, I can step. >> Is that all right? >> That's fine. And then just jump in. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, Patrick. >> So, I'll do the page turn. Um, article number one is approval of bills from prior fiscal years. And there are a
couple new ones that came in since we last looked at this. They were added to the bottom of the table. I think it's the last three. Thank you, Diane. Um, so this is a recurring article. We typically have some of these each year. I don't know. >> Patrick, how come aren't how come these
aren't out on purchase orders? >> Um, >> I can see registry of deeds and ought to be on there, but >> y >> fire equipment. >> Yep. So, uh, that's a good question. Typically, we want to have the purchase orders in before goods are ordered. Um,
in this these instances, we didn't have a purchase order open for these these bills. Um, oftentimes these are received after the end of the fiscal year if we didn't anticipate them. There's no purchase order in. So to answer your question, there should have been. Um, so these are exceptions,
>> you know, one from 2023. >> Yep. >> Two from 2023. >> Big one. >> That was brought up by a vendor. [snorts] >> Okay. >> About these July 4th trophies for the select board. >> Well, it's coming from our department.
They weren't given to us, Doug, because unless you have one, I don't. [laughter] >> That was given to our former town accountant to be paid and she didn't. So, >> I personally gave it to her. >> Okay. >> So, that's article one. >> That's article [laughter] one. No other
questions. I'm going to move on. Article two is to amend appropriation for fiscal 26. >> Sorry. Can I just go back? It's Is this sponsored by >> Okay, so we should try and address that. So typically this would be sponsored by town administrator or select board. So I
don't know >> well everything should be it should it should really be the select board or the finance committee. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> So and I would think it's the finance committee. It's >> because it's financial. >> Yep. We could do that. >> Have they voted on all these?
>> They have not. >> Have they seen all these? >> No. I would think they normally >> they haven't had a meeting to discuss this. How do we vote with the I mean >> they're usually reviewing >> the warrant >> after so
>> right you went through this last year too we generally take so what we typically do is we vote after the finance committee so >> right so tonight you're voting on the warrant you're not voting on individual articles and what your position is >> like to support or not to support we
don't have to >> so it's a single vote at the end of the warrant to close with with everything in the as drafted basically. >> Okay. >> But then we come back to say whether we favor it or not. >> Got it. Yeah. >> Mhm. And you'll note on each article it says select board will report at town
meeting and finance committee will report at town meeting >> because Yeah. Because we won't have voted now. >> Correct. >> I guess this is the opportunity to vote now and since we haven't heard from fincom then we will >> vote. So we're going to hold off on we'll hold off on voting. >> So this is sponsored by finance
committee. Okay. >> Okay. >> Okay. That's settled. Article two is amending appropriation for fiscal 26 operating budget. Um these are two transfers that are needed within the budget itself. Um one to fund interim
consulting services for town accountant and another to cover um property casualty premiums that came above uh budget estimates and workers comp would be the funding source because that came below estimates. and we were expecting that but didn't have final numbers
uh at the before Maytown meeting. So those are minor adjustments. The bottom line change is zero. >> Okay. >> That'll be sponsored by finance committee too. >> The bottom recommended a wait a second. >> Recommended amend it's just >> we're moving between lines. >> You're just so why why don't we just do
a shuffle at the end of the year? Why are we doing this now? >> Well, we know about these things now. >> So just get it seems more pertinent to just do it now. Yes. >> Got it. It's an early shuffle. >> Okay. >> Seems more financially responsible to acknowledge if it's happening now than to wait.
>> I think so. >> Um, article three, amend appropriation for fiscal 26 operating budget uh collective bargaining agreement. So, this was a placeholder to fund uh costs for any settled CBAs. >> I do not anticipate that there will be
any settled CBAs by then. >> No chance. >> I said anticipate. say no chance, but I wouldn't bet your house on it. >> Um, >> yeah, you better not. [laughter] >> So, is the preference that we remove it? >> I would for right now, I would prefer that it stay in and we can
>> Okay. >> remove it or withdraw it, postpone it >> indefinitely. >> Excuse me. >> At the last minute, >> correct? Exactly. >> Never know. >> Yeah, we can be optimistic. >> This would be sponsored by us though, correct?
>> Yeah. Okay. Um, article four is to transfer free cash for homeless and foster care transportation costs. This is a recurring article we have each year. We get funding from the state based on the expenses that the school department
submits for this. And um, historically we've transferred that into the school department's budget to offset the costs. >> And historically, who has sponsored it? Do we know? >> Um, I would I don't know. I would say >> select board. >> Select board
>> is fine. Okay. >> Article five and article six kind of go hand in hand. So article five is to resend an appropriation from free cash that was made at the Maytown meeting. This was to put $400,000 into the
special education reserve fund. And this was brought to us at the recommendation of the school administration team. Um there's a statute that um sets a sets a limit on how much can be in that fund, state statute, and this transfer
combined with our year-end balance would put the account over that. So, we're looking to resend that vote in article five. And then article six would transfer the unexpended portion of the school's FY25 budget into the special
education reserve in the amount of $94,000. Um, and that keeps their balance at a level that and that's in conjunction with an MOA between the town administrator and the superintendent. Um, that's in place.
And so that that was brought to us from the school administration and keeps their funding at a level they feel adequate in that account, but also keeps us compliant with state law. >> What was the dollar amount that did not transfer in 2025?
There's uh 400,000 uh $400,000 that was voted at the May uh 2025 town meeting from free cash. >> And why didn't it make its way to >> it's counted? >> It did. >> It did. >> It they they cannot exceed 2% of the
total school budget and the reserve fund. >> Oh, so this is not that it didn't move. This is it moved and it exceeded their limit. this as it moved and Cheryl noticed that they had exceeded or would be exceeding and wants it similar to making sure that we're doing the right
thing with um moving things around in the quote unquote early shuffle. This is something where she did not want to be in a situation where we find out at a later date that >> there's a penalty for having exceeded the 2% limit that's laid out in the special act of >> 2016 I think it was that created the
ability for communities to have the reserve fund for special education. >> Okay. So, do we have $400,000 extra dollars in free cash? >> So, if this article passes, the money will be returned to free cash and that would be reflected not that wouldn't be available this year, but next time we
get certified, it would be included in that figure. So, >> can you just >> I really don't understand what this is. The special education reserve fund. So, we had put in the 400,000 in the special education reserve fund a couple years
ago. >> Yeah. Just again >> and we just >> I thought we just added another 200,000. >> You're saying we added another 400,000? >> Four at the Midtown meeting. Yes. >> Okay. So, we added 400 into there >> which made it over 2%. >> So, now we got to give it back
>> which means we're going to take four back but we're going to give them back their almost hundred that they had in excess of their budget at the end of this school year. So instead of 400, they're getting >> I think we need to have I think we need to have some pretty big conversations
here. I think this stuff should stay in the warrant, but I think we need to have some bigger conversations >> specifically about >> What does that mean? >> Well, I think we need to have a better understanding. I watched the school committee meeting and apparently they
have $574,000 that was not used in the nant the nant tuition that they are they have now a revolving fund. They're they call it quote a cushion. >> Okay. >> Um so I think we have to have a
conversation about the cushion $574,000. I think we also have to have a conversation about where we really are with electricity fund. Um, so those are the two funds that I think we have to get real clarity on, >> but neither one have anything to do with this one that we're talking about,
right? >> Yeah. So, I'm saying these two stay here, but as far as the overall finances and what there is what there is out there, we have to have conversations about it. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Who would these be sponsored by?
>> It's a good question. >> We can go with finance committee. It was at the request of the school administration. I will finalize that. I think in fairness to this whole process of closing tonight, we will likely need to do a team zoom meeting at some point early next week
>> because of the discussion around. We have a draft article for [snorts] um Hawthorne that I think we have printouts that I can share with you all. But with that, we it's a single article for indeterminant time. We would put that up to three years. I think we actually
would need two different articles. One is for the occupancy and use up to three years. The other one is for the sort of storage >> and storage. >> So, you know, we can adjust that language here, but I would want those both reviewed to make sure they're accurate and reflect what we need.
>> So, the closing tonight is not as critical and we can make sure that we dial in the sponsored by prior to the closing. This one we can say fin. >> Okay. And then six would also be >> right >> in theory if I was correct.
>> Um so moving on then to article seven or are there additional questions? Okay. Um article seven. Yep. This is transfer of free cash uh to adjust the tax rate. This is a recurring article we typically
have at our fall town meeting. So, when we get through the tax rate uh recap, typically in the past, we've considered using one-time funds to reduce that tax rate. This would be the opportunity to consider that again at the December 1st town meeting.
>> So, that will be on the next agenda. >> Yes. >> Okay. [snorts] >> This is the full tax rate discussion. >> Yes. >> Yeah. And this is like in the neighborhood of the million dollars type of thing that we do here
>> that we've done in the past. >> In the past, yeah, I think last year we applied 850,000. >> We showed a whole variety of scenarios. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think um and that's for the next agenda. >> Just from a timing perspective that
maybe um we typically review something once and then come back and vote on it. And I don't think that is going to work for >> the tax item for December 1st. So just to keep that in mind going forward like maybe that is something that we should
have thought about putting on this agenda. >> Saying that for myself too um because it would have afforded my colleagues the ability to sort of digest it and then vote on it in the next meeting. So apologies. And I'll just I'll just caveat to the tax
classification hearing is one thing, right? And then there could be second bite of the apple to actually decide the free cash piece that doesn't have to be decided in the same meeting. So if you have a meeting prior to town meeting, that's when that decision can be made and has been in the past.
>> We've done that before. >> Right now we don't have another meeting on the books, right? So but yes, to your point, we can absolutely do that. >> Yeah. >> Thank you. Do we want this one to be sponsored by select board finance committee? >> Yep. Yeah. >> Yeah. And I would just make sure for any
of these suggested sponsors by we just look back at last fall town meeting and make sure they're in >> consistent. Yeah. >> Yep. Consistent. >> Okay. Okay. Article eight is approved transfer of free cash for conservation commission. Um this was an article that
was requested by conservation commission. They had a conservation fund set up um by town meeting a few years ago and they have a desire to move interest that was earned on notice of
intent filing fees which are kept in a special account. The interest on those fees gets credited to the general fund. So, they're looking to um transfer free cash um into this conservation fund so that they can actually access the interest and use
it for conservation purposes. I hope I'm capturing that. Marzy's nodding. >> Can this be sponsored by conservation or does it have to be sponsored by >> I believe that it can be. That would be subject to review by KP.
>> Yeah. Um, >> how why are we why would we do this? This is interesting. Like why do we do this for any other >> No, I this is what kind of precedence does this set? >> Yeah. >> And how much money are we talking about interest here? >> And to be honest, I don't really even want to talk about how much it is
because the precedent alone it shouldn't I mean maybe >> I mean I really don't want this on there. I mean um this is not against conservation but this is just the I mean historic is talking about setting up their own account but if they >> want to keep tailings or
>> this online >> yeah she has her hand up >> you want to speak to her >> we can speak to her if she could keep it to three minutes that would be great Tony we appreciate you >> Tony you should be Hi. Yes. Um, just to go through there is
a special conservation fund which is different from the fund that the conservation commission has where the fees go. The regular fee fund I'll just call it is has to only be used for
administering the wetlands protection act. The conservation fund which is set up by the wetlands protection act is the money that can be used for other purposes such as fixing up conservation
land. Um, we had in the past, I think there was a warrant article to put the the interest from the fees into this conservation fund so we could use it for these
conservation purposes. Somehow that money didn't get transferred into a special conservation fund. This is a special fund that is set up by law. So, it's not like something similar to what
other uh committees might want to do. Um, so I [laughter] I don't know, Patrick, if you can explain a little what happened in the past warrant article and why the money didn't somehow ended up in the general
fund and not in the conservation fund. Sure. I can comment really quick. There was a warrant article in the past that we had found because I had been working with Tony and Marzy on this um that did pass to appropriate amount from free cash. I
think it was $16,000. But the way the warrant was written, the money ended up getting credited to their operating budget rather than the separate fund and it wasn't expended and it fell back to free cash. So it was kind of like a big nothing happened with it. >> Okay. Um, so that's why it's being
brought up again to um actually appropriate the money into a separate fund that the conservation can access for the purposes she stated. >> Okay. But this is an ask. So that warrant article was specific to a dollar amount >> and it was specific although it didn't
end up in the right place. Mhm. >> Um, I think I would be more likely to consider a a specific dollar amount reflective of what the original intent of that warrant article was for. >> Rather than more of a cart blanch, even
though it is specific to a statemandated um, account with specific purpose. >> Um, I I get that there's a distinction made between that and historic, for example, that I just brought up. Um >> yeah, I just worry about
>> why if if we if warrant article was passed, >> right, >> and the money was allocated to the operating budget, not used, fell to free cash, why don't we just now fulfill what the original warrant article said to do?
>> Because the language didn't accomplish what it was intended to do. That's why it was I I mean this was years ago I looked back at it. >> So the way it was booked in is based on the way the language was written in the motion.
>> So it was flawed I would say. So I think this would be another bite of the apple to you know pass the correct language to accomplish the intent of the work. >> But now this feels like a different thing about >> right. >> Didn't we talk about interest? >> Yeah. >> Well it feels more broad than >> donations in any interest.
>> Just could could I think >> just to clarify just to clarify. So, it's a special fund that's called the conservation fund that's set up under the wetlands protection act. And the money from the interest of the fees,
remember the conservation commission charges a fee for processing the permits and that money goes into a special account, a separate account that the commission uses to administer the weapons protection act when people come
for permits. But the interest from those fees can go into a special conservation fund which is used for um conservation purposes like trail work, whatever, fixing up conservation land. Um, so I
don't know how it happened, but the intent of the original uh warrant article was to take the money, the the interest from the fees and put it into this conservation fund so we could use it for uh nonadministrative
purposes under the wetlands protection act. And somehow it it ended up in the wrong um conservation fund. uh probably just our general money that we get under the budget. I'm not
sure. U Patrick would know better. And since it wasn't used, it went back into the general fund. It did not go into a special conservation fund which the conservation commission would like to have set up. Um so we have that uh fund
and other monies can go into it as may be appropriate. But I guess >> so when is this from? When when when did this happen that this money was appropriated? >> This is not recent. >> This was I think it was five, six years ago. >> Okay. So I think we need
>> a little bit more understanding of what the warrant article was and I think KP would probably have to weigh in here. >> Oh my god. Are are we comfortable with and this is for you all pushing this to the spring so that we can [snorts] >> Yeah, I think there's a lot >> this out and understand if it's
something that language that needs to be adopted annually to move interest and in addition to that understanding if something went to the wrong place >> previously that at the end of the year we can fix that number right >> and I understand it's a delay for Tony and the team in conservation but
>> get everything right and then also figure out what the path would be going forward if that interest isn't supposed to be going somewhere that that has no has not previously been appropriated on an annual basis. >> Yes, >> I think >> yes, I think it's important that we
understand what was original was the original intention of the original warrant article, right? >> And then in that vein, how this modifies that going forward. >> Um, yes, I think that that is the confusion and we need those answers. >> We need all of that back. Tony, could
you and I and Patrick speak like the end of this week, beginning of next to get it started, but understanding that it's going to be a Mtown meeting? >> Uh, yes, that's fine. Um I I will send you in the meantime a summary of what
the three there's actually three different funds that the conservation commission okay >> has so you can understand and see what we were trying to do with the original Warren article which was to set up finally a conservation fund but I'll I'm
happy to work with you great >> on that Patrick and I >> Patrick and I will be in touch and we'll make sure that we draft something with KP for the spring. I think we're gonna have to consider setting up an accounting fee for the conservation >> commission. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, Tony.
>> Um, moving on to article nine. >> So, this I can speak to. This was one that um the the library is mobilized right now to be doing the work in the front. Um, this is the side entrance that has been discussed for quite a while. We have pursued a grant that's a
reimbursement grant for $250,000. It has not yet been awarded. None of them have been awarded. So, it's not that we don't know if we No one knows if they got it yet. I talked to Jonathan. It is everyone's understanding that if that grant is not awarded, this will not go anywhere. Um, but this is an
appropriation because it that award is supposed to be happening in the fall. So, we wanted to get this lined up so that in the single mobilization on the front of the building, we could do all of the work um and be able to move forward. I believe there's some savings in the original request that they had
for that $100,000 delta that would still remain. Um, so it may not be that the ultimate cost is a full 100,000. It's it's combining it with the front project and getting reimbursement, but the request is for 350 250 of which would be reimbured and hopefully some of that
remaining 100 would come from savings on the rest of the project which will impact it. What does that do, Patrick, to our debt schedule for this year? >> So, for this particular project, there there was a placeholder on the
schedule in an outer year for this this portion, this alternate on the children's entrance to the library um because we knew we were going to do the front entrance that's been >> been talking about that a lot. So, this cost is uh well below, I believe, what the placeholder was put in an out year.
So although we're advancing the borrowing probably sooner to do this work obviously okay it's it's a pretty good savings um in the next you know couple years when we were anticipating a larger cost >> so I think we're okay
>> because I I can't I'm never a supporter of adding capital projects into into special town meeting but I think in a situation like this where one it would be really good for the library it would make a a big difference in there as far
as making a better entrance because it would bring the the strollers could come right around. People could get right into the the children's side. I think this was definitely a good idea. >> And this is Max and Jonathan together. It's not simply a library hoping to get there. Max also sees the opportunity and
the single mobilization being a benefit. >> Yeah. And I think when they presented the front entrance, they presented the design of the side entrance. So, we knew that this was forthcoming, although we had anticipated it to be a little bit further out. If we could >> if there is no grant, it would remain
further out. >> So, and it'll remain further out and it will be as discussed. So, >> I think we talked about this last time. Has CIC weighed in on this? >> No, >> I think as an outyear project, but let me confirm that for you with Ryan >> because they would be sponsoring
>> finance committee would sponsor it. >> Finance even though it's capital. >> Yeah. So the capital improvement committee gives a recommendation as to whether or not but the finance committee is the one that makes the vote.
>> All right. U moving on to article 10 unless there are okay. >> Okay. Article 10 is appropriation for a park grant. I don't know Marzy if you want to I don't want to put you on the spot but that's your article. >> Happy to update you on that. And as Nick
has mentioned earlier, uh we did receive the park ranch that will provide funding to replace the uh safety surfacing at Abbott Park. Um that's part of a a phase two improvement to the park. So we're very excited um to be able to fix the um
the surfacing at um at Abbott Park. Happy to take any questions, answer any questions. >> So would we call this the last phase of um Abbott until we have to go back to the first phase again? I think so. Right. Yes. Yeah. So, as you noticed, u
you probably have noticed we've improved the the sort of tot lot closer to Paradise. We had new equipment in there and a new safety surfacing. We did replace the uh basketball court. Our hope is to fence that in. So, then this way the balls don't go flying into the
court. So, that would be something else that we'll be seeking funding for. And uh uh this time this plan improvement will be for the safety surfacing. The play equipment is still in good condition. So, we're keeping that. Uh, we're planning to do some sort of uh street furniture, maybe some nice
benches, a couple additional trees, uh, better gates in there, too, because the the gates not working right now. >> Um, as well as just some minor landscaping. >> Very good. >> What's the dollar amount? >> Um, [clears throat] it's two 215,000 I think.
>> 205 >> 205, and 810. Sorry. >> Thank you. and zero cent. >> Wait, so what's the >> what's the match? >> The grant is um the grant is for
$100,000 and the remaining will come from the funding. [clears throat] >> No. Are you sure? This says no funds shall be expended. Oh, until the town. Sorry. Sorry. Okay, got it. Um, so if the grant were not awarded, this is similar to Jonathan's project. We would
not expend the funds. So it's just to make our money go further. >> Okay. Um, [snorts] this is not really relevant, but you brought up fencing in the basketball courts. If we can consider some lighting because I think Wreck would love to have a men's outdoor men's league maybe or
women's league playing basketball on that court. Maybe some lights would help. >> Open space recreation committee was hoping that we can So, you're looking at doing both of them? >> No, they're looking at Phillips first.
>> Okay. >> And then the >> And then >> the draft I just put in front of you is what KP had put together. It's over to your far left there. >> Yep. Yeah, I got it. That's the draft for the authorization to go before town meeting. Understanding
now where we are tonight, we're be we're asking for two different things. Um this would be the one that would be up to 36 months. >> Mhm. and I would like to work with KP and if we could get our near schedule to do a closing team remote meeting uh we
would have a draft of one that also is a license permit whatever the appropriate language would be after talking both with KP and um the Athens's attorney to try to extend um their ability to leave the equipment in place
>> if they're open to postponing the the auction. So, >> okay, >> this one is just you all being able to enter into that up to 36-month agreement. So, I will fill in the dates that I wanted to put in front of you tonight. And then the idea would be that
Diane and I can work with you all to schedule a remote meeting. I apologize for that to close this all. >> Should be good. >> Okay. >> Can we do it right before the financial summit? >> Oh. Um, >> it would be ideal if we could do it earlier in the week next week, but if if
we have to, that I think is that might be actually the last day we wanted to to close. So, we'll see what works for everyone. >> Okay. >> And that will include updating sponsored by refining language where we talked about tonight. And >> that would be sponsored by
>> these final >> that would be sponsored by us. >> Correct. >> Both of those. >> Yes. >> Um, >> we won't put finum on that. And the park grant one um would be sponsored by >> Marcy
>> Marzy [laughter] sponsored by Marcy. >> Um fin or >> I I will finalize all that but yes. >> Okay. Um so we are not going to entertain a vote to close the warrant because we have some matters left to attend to and um so then we will close
this section of new and old business and u move to the consent agenda. So I will give a little primer on the consent agenda because I am happy to report that we would like to seat the poet laurette selection committee. Um
Diane has done yman's work to get applications in and um we are going to offer um seats to all those who applied. So, we had three applicants, so we're able to have them all um participate.
And I hope that you will support us in this endeavor so that we can get this off the ground. And then they will work with Jonathan at the library in conjunction with Jonathan at the library um to facilitate an annual poet laurette
of Stormc. >> Great. Great. >> So, I'll take a motion to approve the consent agenda. So move second. >> All in favor? >> I >> I Okay, very good.
>> Moving on to select board time. Um, very quickly. Oh, and I I just uh I I will start select time. That way I won't be um going backwards too much. But um I think that you all were supportive of me
entering in as the uh select board representative for the poet laurette committee. So if you're not, speak now. Um and then there is a school representative vacancy still. So if anybody has any um people who are itching to get on with us, please let
Diane know because we still have um still have to fill that seat. And then uh as part of select board time, I would just like to say that we had intended to hold the first uh financial mini financial summit
tomorrow related to capital due to some scheduling issues with CIT. We are moving it to the 13th, a week from tomorrow. I apologize in advance. This was all came to be in the last 24 hours. Um, and we are committed to keeping a a
close schedule on this because the next conversation is really about budget philosophy and guardrails and hopefully and so we don't want to have that conversation too far into the budget season and for um those of you who don't know this will be a joint meeting this
particular meeting on next Thursday will be um capital select board school committee and um fine Vincomecom and um just from uh your
chair to you, it is only going to be a two-hour meeting and it has a concise agenda and because it is the first of what we hope to be many um I think the uh philosophy I'm sort of going to put put forward is that we maybe have a
running future items list and as things come up that are not pertinent to the agenda but still topics that we would like to discuss as a group, we add it to the future topics list and that we don't go too far down rabbit holes because we only have two hours and there's a big group of us and it's difficult to get us
all scheduled at the same time. So, we want to be wise with our time. So, um I just ask that we try to stick to the agenda and if you have topics that you would like to see upcoming um send them to me and I will discuss them with tri
chair. >> Do we have an agenda? >> We do have an agenda. It was posted for tomorrow. Um maybe Diane can send it out to us. >> I can do that. Yeah, >> if you wouldn't mind. >> Thank you. >> So now it will be the 13th and it will be for at 6:30 rather than 6 because I
think that's an easier start time for some people who Danielle's point. Do you happen to remember what the agenda is just in >> the >> Is there anything that we should like >> there's a prepared for in advance or >> um >> actually should be in your team's
meeting link. Did you guys get your team meeting? >> So >> So I know the parts that the staff side Doug are responsible for. It's the >> we'll have that I'm responsible. know the staff was responsible for >> um Max Gino and myself will be
presenting on capital at sort of a high level. We were thinking things above 100,000 as a starting point. We'll see where that cut off is to make sure there's not so many topics to run through that it could overwhelm a meeting of that length. We'd obviously be willing to talk about folk talk to
folks separately about um anything below that. But that would be a discussion and I believe um it was discussed that Ryan I think would give a general or broad overview of the the goal behind a 10-year plan knowing that even with a five-year capital plan year one is
funded two is the priority and then three four and five become aspirational at some point. Uh, and I think Ryan is going to talk about their process where they're also looking back to see what's gone well and what hasn't, what we can be doing differently, but also how the tenure works to help socialize pro projects that might be out there and
better inform voters as they make capital decisions in the near term. >> Okay. >> So, the scope of it is really capital, right? It >> Yeah. So, I think in tri chair we discussed um like it's hard to have a conversation about future financial policies if we're not talking about capital on the horizon. So the idea is
to discuss the five-year plan to you know understand sort of how the 10-year plan is ruminating and where things lie and then then help let that help educate us for our financial policy discussion next.
Um, >> when do we have um multi-year revenue and expense projections? >> November 15th >> or a charter. >> I think revenue I don't think revenue
expense are the same date if unless I am misremembering the charter. >> I think it's revenue. >> I think it's revenue first and expenses come I think December 12th or 15th. somewhere in there, but it's revenue first, expenses second. It might even be earlier in December,
but I know in December we're preparing that for you, sharing it with you, and then that's the point at which the select board provides priorities to myself and the finance team to better inform the work that we're doing and putting it together. >> And is that part of the many meetings
you've referenced? Um, uh, just being fully transparent and vulnerable. We have only talked about the first two and it's sort of like I don't want to put the cart before the horse and put too many ideas because I'd rather it be a community conversation that okay, we had
this conversation and now it seems like this is the direction this board or would like to go in. And so really the really strong two takeaways were capital which also includes a sub conversation about Clark
>> and then financial guidelines and then we were sort of like okay let's reconvene and see where that takes us going forward. And I haven't had as much of a discussion as you guys I'm sure did at tri chair but it seems to me I've been in favor of the capital first
for sure only thinking about it for a minute or two here it does feel as though get the capital on the table you get the multi-year on the table and that could really help to frame any modifications
you want to make to the the financial policies. Yeah. And I think just from a timing perspective, there's no way we're going to have another mini summit before those conversations happen before the select board because it's already the 13th of November. And he's saying the
sort of the end of November conversation about revenue, the middle of December conversation. So maybe then >> Oh, yeah. No, it's okay if we have it. I'm just saying, you know, if we're going to keep trying to have collective conversations, >> um, >> that's just two cents about >> Yeah. And there's a
It's chicken and egg to that a little bit because the policies lay out how they want the projections to be done like new growth is x percentage of past growth. You know, it's so there's it's a little bit we can say like this is where we are under the current guidelines and
policies >> and then you can >> there's some sense >> twist the levers you know twist not twist the lever pull the levers after >> to say based on what we see coming for revenue and or expenses we need to lower
this raise that leave it where it is for this year and that's something to take back and have further discussion for. So, it can work in both directions depending on how you want to look at it. >> Yeah. And I think there's an effort to have a um
the cadence of these be sort of once a quarter once we're on a roll, but maybe they'll be a little bit more frequent to start because we have to get sort of aligned on a lot of topics that have been lagging. But then going forward, you know, like it would be like once a quarter we would be having these joint
meetings to sort of talk about these kinds of topics as they come up. Yeah. Okay. I guess Okay. I was had an assumption in terms of what you were saying. I realized now that you said that um that if we have one in November, I was kind of thinking
might have another one in December, another one in January because >> if we're heading towards a March 1st >> budget >> budget. Yep. >> That we'd want to have these things kind of have discussed ahead of >> that. I think that may be true for this year, but I'm just saying that's not that maybe is not true going forward.
How does the timing on the CPA stuff come in to play here? >> That's a fully separate track uh I mean yes in the broad scheme of things you could think about things coming through CPAs instead of capital. That's where
you're going but uh you know CPAs were just I guess >> seating the committee. >> Yeah, we're just seating the committee for I guess my sharing for uh select board time. Um Diane is enthusiastically gathering people into getting the
committee members have all been appointed and uh they're being seated and um uh getting a first meeting set up with the support of the community preservation coalition. The statewide organization provides a lot of support getting the committee off the ground and um they're going to have to go through
their process of getting set up and they have to do a needs assessment. Um Nick was pointing out earlier today that uh established committees are already in the process of recommending projects uh working through the vetting of them so
that they're ready for proposal at town meetings in May. >> Um so our committee is going to be >> need to move along. >> Um I have to really look at the the requirements literally as people may recall. Um,
>> it's a good thing we have that gentleman who's already has >> I know. Yes. Yes. Our appointee, right? Yes. As experienced uh person. [clears throat] Um, and I I think that it would they would still
be required to make recommendations by Maytown meeting for the minimum of the 10% in each of the three domains of housing, historic preservation, and open space. >> Is that for this town meeting this May? No, for May I I believe because we're live.
>> That's what I mean. This this May this coming May, not meeting that we're talking about tonight. May >> So this tell me Yeah, this is this is going to be a special town meeting. I'm talking about for the town our town meeting in May. So >> you have to confirm that that we would be required to do that 10%. I assume so.
We're we're live. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So there was potentially a million dollars on the table in May. Yeah, I don't you know, again, the state match part wouldn't be probably there by
that point. Um, so 750 or so. [snorts] Yeah. >> Okay, >> great. Anything else for your sophomore time? >> Feel like that's plenty. >> Yeah, >> thank you. >> Danielle, have anything? Well, I just
want to give uh kudos to Nick and his team for really being ahead of the game with how we're going to approach this Hawthorne situation and uh it's clear you put a lot of work and research in. So, I appreciate that. So, thank you, Marzy. Also, um
last night was the recreation commission meeting and I am just astounded at the number of programs and plans um that the recreation department has. lofty goals, but they are right on track and I'm really impressed to see all that, um,
Charlotte is creating in this town. So, uh, kudos to Charlotte and the recreation department. Good things happening. Um, the Italian festival is great. >> There you go. Says the Irish woman in the in the room. [laughter] >> I had all my Italian flags out. I had my
Italian employees there, too. So, >> there you go. Thank you. You know, we're very happy that. But um the lines I I want you to know that the lines for the food >> never slowed down. Of course, >> people really had a great time. So I I just think the recreation commission did a really great job.
>> Yeah, absolutely. Great. And kudos to the whole committee because they really are um you know, we've got a few new members on there and they're really working their butts off to do some great stuff. So um thank you for that. That's all I have. >> Okay, Mary on. Um, so I want to say
thank you to Nathan Kent and Nate Bashim for uh putting on the the meeting tonight. And I also I just wanted to um I wanted just to remind the select board we received an email asking to do the
rodenticide bylaw. I'm not in support of doing it for special town meeting, but I am in support of making sure that this is on for the fall. This has to do with, you know, when birds prey are scooping down and picking
up mice that ate the rodenticides. This will this will help, you know, save save their lives, things like that. So, I I know that um Deb Newman said that she would put something in as a citizen petition, but I really don't want to see
a citizen petition. I just want to see this is common sense. And I know that people from um the conservancy and things like that, they've had meetings about this stuff. So, I'd like to see that get supported. And just want to remind everybody that we do have a pumpkin toss
>> coming up. Just >> it's this weekend and I don't know the exact time, but it is on the website. It is on the website really big. >> So, it's taking up the whole website. So, um >> what I have to work with,
>> right? And then um as the liaison to the retirement committee, the retirement committee has an issue with a coding coding issue. I think I emailed you from the actual meeting. So, I just want to make sure I want to make sure the select
board knows that um when apparently when uh members of the police department were paying into their retirement, there was part of the retirement that didn't shouldn't have counted towards retirement or something like that. So, there's a code there's a code issue. It's not the first time there's been a
code issue. So in my time as the liaison, every year we there's one or two people that come in and and they've put in large amounts of money into retirement or they've received money from retirement that they shouldn't have. And that this coding issue
continues to be a problem. So over the last couple years, I'm constantly told, "Oh, it's taken care of. It's all right." And then at the last one, it just seemed like this is enough. And we really have to find a way to go in and either do our own audit and double check and find out how to fix this because
it's just not fair to town employees to have to either give back large sums of money or come up with large sums of money. And the retirement um committee, they work they work real hard um and they try to get everything done. And at
the last meeting, this uh this did not go over really well. So, we just need some kind of help. But I I really appreciate your help on that. >> Yes, absolutely. >> And Pat Patrick was in the meeting, too. >> Um, just to give the details on the pumpkin toss, it's Sunday, November 8th.
It's put on by Sorry, I I'm reading nine and I'm saying eight. Um, it's put on by Swack, Solid Waste Advisory. It's from 10 to 1 at Phillips Park. Please note, the pumpkins must be free from decorations, paint, and candles because they end up going to compost. So,
>> you cannot throw them at your select board member. They have to be to the trucks. >> If you want to make a donation to your uh to the anchor food pantry, you can throw pumpkins at me if you want. [laughter] >> Um I also do want to acknowledge um the mobilization in town that has happened
related to um the loss of SNAP benefits. Um I have seen and been a part of like many conversations related to community coming together to support members of our community who rely on SNAP benefits. um just appreciate that that is
occurring and um I know from the PTO's to anchor to uh businesses are donating um gift certificates and you know funds from their own profits in order to make sure that our neighbors are not um going hungry and that um is why we live in a
community. So, thank you. >> And to your point, just to uh this is a parent plug, but um my daughter is lucky enough to uh be in Becky Grathius's classroom. She runs the Goodwill Gang Club after school, and they are doing a
food drive um for Anchor Food Pantry, and I will happily send you a list of items to donate if you like. Um but, uh kudos to Mrs. G for really like taking this on and in and getting a group of elementary kids to understand the importance of giving back to community.
So um they are doing they are also doing a food drive. >> Awesome. >> To benefit Anchor. >> Yeah. And in case you don't know, there are a thousand families in Swampscott who rely on SNAP benefits. So it's affecting every community including ours. So,
>> we also have um the employees at town hall collect items at town hall and then a member of um Diane O'Brien actually >> comes by and picks up stuff. So, >> I don't think for anchor. >> Yeah, I >> think it goes straight to anchor now. >> Yeah, >> I don't think town hall is collecting.
>> They're doing every Saturday too. >> Um I spoke to Diane O'Brien >> about a week ago. So, we are they are still collecting. >> Fantastic. >> That we made a little change and >> Okay, good. And so we are still collecting in there. >> Diane's working overtime. Really, she's
>> so valuable to this town. >> And um I just I forgot I just want to also thank the Athenuses for putting on a lunch today. That was >> you know that was really above and beyond. >> Thank you for mentioning. Um do we know
when the last day they'll be open by chance? >> Only because I've gotten lots of emails about when the last time people can get those numbers. So >> yeah. No, I that is >> call >> not part of the discussion. >> Not part >> Yep. >> All right. Thank you very much. I will entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> Motion to adjurnn. Second.
>> All in favor? Hi. Thanks everyone.