Good afternoon everyone. Uh, seems like spring out, so that's a good sign. I'd like to call the meeting to order of the select board on this Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 at 4:05 p.m.
Could I have a roll call, please? Veronica, present. >> Such present. And Laura Shiffren, present. Join me in the pledge of allegiance, please. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands. One under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I'd like to thank all of our veterans as well as all of our military serving here and abroad, our first responders here in
town, our staff, our elected and appointed officials here, as well as their families. We thank you all. This meeting is being recorded and will be uploaded to YouTube. Is there anyone else recording the meeting?
>> Yep. >> Thank you, Cindy. I do not have any chairman's additions or deletions. >> Nor do I. >> Okay. And I got the nod that it's no. Uh 1.5. Is there a motion? >> I Gooditch. Move to approve the meeting
minutes for February 24th, 2026 and March 3rd, 2026. Veronica second. >> Any discussion? >> I want one correction that I think put in there. So, >> okay. And I just had a couple edits, but
nothing. I added a few. >> Okay. Um, and the 24th is here again because of a thing mentioned and uh that's been eliminated. Okay. All righty. Roll call vote, please. Veronica
and Laura Shiff. I see that uh Bob Garite is here and he is remind me what number >> he is 410. >> 410 on the agenda. If it pleases the board, may I take 410 out of order?
Absolutely. Okay. Good afternoon, Bob. >> Hi. How are you? >> Good. How are you? >> Good. If I'd be better if I was outside, so this should be the shortest select board meeting ever. >> We're trying. >> Don't Don't jinx me.
>> Do you want me to kick off, Bob, or do you want me to >> Yeah, I just I got it. I got it, Karen. I'm sorry. So, obviously the 4.10 10 is um we have a admin the building administrative assistant Janet Levit is retiring
um she's retiring on March 27th 2026 will be her last day I'm sorry will be her technically her last day she is retiring from office on March 12th
um Janet has put 27 years into the town a remarkable career um basically served the citizens, the contractors, and the town of Townsen uh for the last 27 years, which is a feat. I'm about 5 years into it, and I don't know how I'm going to get the next 22, but she's way
ahead of me. Way ahead of me. So, um you know, we'd like to thank Janet for her service and I think what we wanted to talk about also um is what we're going to do in the building department because, you know, it's just me and her and what what we think we can do moving
forward. Okay. >> Yeah. Bob had a couple ideas. I think he's um you know checked with some other local TAs and town managers in terms of you know paths forward. Um we noted that
there's you know some some flexibility within the budget um for Bob to sort of see you know how to you know move forward but also being you financially aware. Um and he sort of touched on an idea this afternoon about perhaps having
him come in for some more office hours um or being present in the office more and then sort of offsetting it with um you know other inspectors that we've worked with in the past to go do the site inspections. Um, you know, I think with the longevity and the sort of the
tenure that Janet had, it's tough to fill those shoes right off the bat. And it really ought to be something we be thoughtful about um over time and not rush in to hire any one person, but perhaps backfill for a little while now in in honor of the budget um as well as, you know, giving Bob some time to sort
of shake out as a department head where to go from here. Um Bob, does that sound about accurate? >> That that is accurate. But I mean, my understanding is, let's face it, that we all know where the budget situation is. We have a little money left uh from Janet's pay. It's up to the select board
and the town manager whether you guys want to fill that position. My understanding there's a hiring freeze on until we all until this all settles out. Um so, you know, we could do several things. There's a short-term goal and there might be a long-term goal. It all
depends on how you want to look at it. Um, we have there'll be some monies left over in the budget to get through fiscal year 26, which will be a remaining I count it as a remaining 16 weeks. The 16 weeks starts next Monday. Janet leaves
on Thursday. I understand she might be getting paid vacation or whatever the case may be. But but the fact of the matter is the staffing of the building department has to start next Monday. Um, so there's several ways we can attack it for the fiscal year 26 or even the
fiscal year 27 and, you know, give it a time trial and play it out. It it it's it's up to how you guys want to approach it. Um, we could certainly put in another inspector. Part of my time, I know I'm in the office, but the time of my time is out
doing inspections also half of that time. So, having an inspector, we have uh Dana Barnes on the books. He's he's one of the he's the alternate here. There are several others that we we can get. It's not a problem. Having an inspector just come in and do the
inspections would allow me to sit in the office a little longer. Although it would be cut down hours. Let's let's all make sure we're clear about that. Um it would still allow me some more time in the office. Um another option would be, you know, bringing in a part-time
administrator for now. um you know whatever the case may be 5 10 15 hours a week uh I would still remain and do my thing and we should be able to cover that expense um there's also options obviously the option is replacing it full replacing it
30 for 30 as it is now um maybe in the future splitting some admin or or uh sharing some admin with another town might be an idea I don't think it's something we can get up and running in the next two days uh but that might something for fiscal year 27 we talk
about or we think about uh regionalizing you know an administrator or administrative assistant that comes in a couple days a week and covers the office. So, you know, again, the short term I'm trying to get through from next Monday to July on July 1st, uh, with the
money we have, we we can certainly roll it into 27 if it works, it may be extended through 27 and in the fall or give it 90 days and if it just doesn't work, it doesn't work and, you know, we can adjust. So, I'm open for suggestions. I'm open for, hey, let's
try to pursue this for 90 days. I'm just trying to I just want to make sure Monday come Monday. Let Let me make sure. I'm sorry. I'm clear about that. I have I have access to all the voicemails. I have access to all emails. I have access to all permits. So, even
remotely, I watch what's going on. So, no one's going to uh nothing is going to slip through the cracks computer-wise. Now, the people coming into the office, yep, there might be a couple who knock on the door that that aren't going to get the service. So, starting Monday,
you know, will be more remote than ever, I guess. So, I guess the question is how we want to uh address that the gap, the Janet gap, for lack of a better analogy. >> So, it's really down to four options. Option one would be Bob, you know, um,
spends more time in an office, but it's slightly reduced hours, and he uses someone like a Dana Barnes as your alternate to go out to sites. Um, and with that caveat, we would have some increased signage both down at the door level as well as on Facebook town website about what the hours are that
Bob would be present. And >> excuse me, Karen, I'm sorry. I do have my cell phone so we can post a cell phone. They can call me as they need me. Yeah, that's a huge advantage. >> Yeah. Option two is um a part-time, you know, kind of a fractional employee to
to offset some of the hours and um you know, be you know, rolled into the town payroll and such. Um option three is rehiring someone at the similar role of the building admin and option four is looking for an intermunicipal regency
regent type agreement with a graten ail and ashby you know whoever may have. Not immediate. >> Yeah. >> So, I mean, Bob, I just want to thank you first because I think you're like our first case study and what the next year is going to be like with the hiring freeze where we where we need to take
time to think through all these things for the future. >> So, I'm sorry you're like I'm sorry to guinea p >> but I I mean I'm whatever Bob feels best but I mean see how it goes for a little bit.
I like option one with an eye towards option four >> for next fiscal year. >> That's what I like. I I think that to get anybody up to speed and option two and option three will be more >> more you know
>> especially with the budget still and I think the reason for the hiring freeze we have to keep reminding ourselves why it's there is to explore all these things and see if we can have a slightly different still a high quality service but just a slightly different arrangement >> and I think it you know we are going to sort of ramp into a busier season with
you know potential buildings and renovations and such so I think having Bob present you know, for hours that are really on a set schedule and his accessibility via cell phone and his access to the permy links and online database, which we've been working with Guardian on will help continuity there.
Um, and then twofold is you have someone like Dana Barnes, who's a pretty experienced home inspector in the area, um, to go out and do some of the site work. Um, and I think that gives us sort of a pause and lets us really sort of ascertain where to go from here, you know, and then get feedback from Bob. So
like you said in 90 days he may say hey guys this is not working >> and then we know and then we could sort of you know check out other scenarios at the same time. So >> um I think Bob can do this pretty seamlessly um without a lot of interference or he doesn't need a lot of coaching from me. So he's pretty
autonomous when it comes to the stuff. >> We've been doing it we've been doing it for a year a year and a half Janet and I. So I mean as far as the kind of remote situation. So, it's the least it's the least damaging to the town, I guess, for the lack of a better word. You know, you can't cut the
clerk and throw the, you know, shut the clerk down right now. The assessors, the treasurer, the building, I've been remote for a year. They know who I am. They have my cell phone. You know, not that they haven't called you in it, but the fact is is the electrical and plumbing inspector basically run their
own game. Uh they make their own appointments. They do their own thing. So this I think would be the the smoothest and most seamless for the town and for the people of the town. >> I agree. >> I think we all agree. >> So we've identified that as option one I
guess for a motion would be you know approve option one you know Bob to reset hours and then bring you know continue the alternate inspector >> um with review in 90 days. Let's say something. I make a motion for the
building inspector to reset the hours according to his needs >> and to work with alternative building inspectors and to review that plan in 90 days. >> All right. >> Okay. Any further discussion?
I agree with all the statements made that God knows his office best >> and um again we we are sorry that you're going through this but >> no you're not >> that you know what you're doing. Um so
with that roll call vote please >> I la. >> Thank you very much. Have a great day. >> Thank you. I appreciate it. You have yourself a great night. Get out in the sun. >> Yes sir. I see that Seline is on and she's on for 4.9.
Should we go there or it's up to you, Karen? >> I will defer to your chair. I don't have much to say about 4.9. >> I know there's a few things in there that I'll bring up on the screen, but >> do you want to jump to 49, too? >> Uh Selena, would you like us to take you
next? >> Well, it's me. It's me. >> Yeah, she's outside, so >> Yeah, if you wouldn't mind. Um, I have to go pick up my son in a little bit, so that would be helpful. >> Okay. >> Um, we can do that.
>> So, I guess the first 4.9. >> Yeah. The first thing to do is to put up um the deed, I think. >> Let's see. Let me make sure I got the right one here. >> Um, so I'll just get started. Um, let me see what you're doing.
>> Yeah, that's the guy. Um so uh the CR committee is something that we put in place what about a year ago. >> Um and uh we have been looking at Squan Cookook Meadows with an eye towards the expansion that Tesa wants to use on the
fields. So we are now at the point where um we're ready to act on this as best we can. Um, and so I just wanted to update the committee and uh get a vote of
support. So the property is Squan Cookook Meadows. Everybody knows where that is, right? Tastes of Fields and the surrounding open space. This was the open space for the Horseshoe Drive development. And um this is the deed. It's in the
SharePoint. So it was um the open space intended use um was for a future well site and that's if you read through that it's uh parcel B3A
on the plan also uh as a um the remaining parts of parcel B3 B1 and B2 shall be known as Holly's playground and um part of that at least is what is used by TESSA for the fields that they
are hoping to expand. >> So, um if if it were today and that property um was either held um by the owner or deed to the town and it is deed to the town,
it's town and property. Um there there is a potential for a conservation restriction to be placed on it. A large part of that parcel is um priority habitat.
>> Um and uh it is also the headwaters of the Squam Cook River. So I guess the next one I want is the plan. >> Um and so that would be no not those the Misa CR. So, we have a we the town um
have a lease with Squano with Tesa. Um and no, not that one. That's the one I saw. That's a >> uh Did I point to the wrong one? I want the map.
Let me see what this comes up. Yes, that's it. >> I'll zoom in a wee bit here. Um so um the town has a lease with us with Tesa and in the special town meeting
next week um Tesa has requested a 50-year lease and um main purpose for that is so that for doing the expansion they hope to do um they can get grants more easily. Keep it there. We'll talk
about Okay. So, one of the uses in the deed is the water site. And you can see on this map that the access for the water site is on Horseshoe Drive and um and there's a the water department had
given us um the footprint of the site for a building in the future. So, that's the one one of the uses on the property. And then if you go down to where the expansion is, that's the part that is
not shaded. And that's where Tesa uh will be um uh updating and expanding their use of that area for the town soccer fields and um so that is part of
the property. Selena, do you want to say anything else? Um, let me just say that the red hashed piece, that's the remainder of the property and that um is uh all of it
really is priority habitat except a little piece of where the additional parking is going to go, but that's the part that will be under the permit for the species that's out there. So, um, we the committee have been
working on a CR and we're at the point where to get the MISA permit, the CR, um, has really become real, we have to start the process of having it reviewed by um, NHSP and then EOA
the and then once it's reviewed by them and our town council, it will come back to um the town ready for local signatures which is the select board signatures. So that's kind of the status
in the SharePoint is where we are with the >> with the CR. >> Um >> very lengthy. >> They always are. They are incredibly detailed especially when you consider >> I would want them to be. >> Yeah. Layers of you know recreation um >> habitat
>> habitat especially for it is the turtles. I love turtles. um it is you know really highlighting areas of explicit preservation for those critters and conservation for those critters. So um I think it's a real it's a really
nice use of the recreation space but also ensuring some guard rails for preservations of turtle habitat. Um so kind of a win-win in my opinion. and question. >> The let me just yeah the CR will be held by North County Land Trust. The property
is still owned by the town. Um and uh the the thing about a CR is North County um will be taking on the responsibility of making sure that the uses on that property is exactly
um the same as the uses that are on the deed for when the property was transferred to the town. >> Yeah. So the deed will marry up with the conservation restriction and it takes the town out of it is my understanding for us to supervise. it's the North County Land Trust, which is an even
doubly so win, if I'm understanding it correctly, is that it's less pressure on our conservation office and, you know, your your office to have to oversee what's going on up here. You know, it's it's North County Land Trust working with the folks from Tesa or whoever for
Holly's Playground to sort of carry forward. So, >> and and for notifying the town if there's any encouragement or any other use. So Selena, at this point, is there anything else that you would like to add?
>> Um, I think you covered it pretty well. So um, the TEASA soccer complex, the part that's not in the red hash, isn't um, part of the CR as it's currently written. Um, that is set aside for use
um, as playing fields. So yeah, so the CR if you look at it, it it's on those parcels with the soccer complex or it's it's referred to as Holly's playground in the D separate, you know, it's outside of the
monitor. So they'll monitor the edge, but not what's happening in the soccer fields. that's governed by the lease >> that the select board have with TEASA. I guess what caught my eye
in reviewing the red lines of that was the verbiage and I'm not an attorney but just caught my eye since it it it is for recreation was that it was crossed out
um which to me looked like you couldn't be wheelchair bound or on a electric scooter That caught my eye. Um, and I wondered why they took that out of it.
>> I think it was they said no motorized except for >> Yes. >> No, I I I thought I read it three times, please. >> Yeah, it is except for the um >> I I believe so. We discussed this last.
>> I mean, I would understand except for um I don't know why I wasn't is a big document. So, >> um, let me think where it is. That would be, >> but it caught my eye as >> why why would we do that?
>> Internet's very slow. >> Like it was there, but it was crossed out. >> It's the next one down. >> Yeah. >> Am I imagining? >> And except for motorized equipment. So they crossed out wheelchairs and
scooters and put equipment. So >> so that all the I mean in the future there might not be a wheelchair or there might be some other device and we didn't want it to be >> saying just these and then you couldn't have some other device that gets
invented handicapped access. >> Well I think like I know as a soccer player like I >> wrecked my ankle once and then they I had the little scooter but I know they mechanized those now. So sometimes it could be like a mechanized screw or whatever, you know, those little like cart things. They got all sorts of >> devices.
>> So it's except for motorized equipment used by physically challenged parties. >> So you you can't go out there in a snowmobile, but you can use any sort of motorized equipment used by >> physically challenged by ADA, you know,
criteria. >> Exactly. Um my one question in terms of our conservation group and everything is is because that we still govern the taste of part of the lease is there restrictions on what can be used on those fields because the conservation is around it in other words
>> no I mean their access if you look at >> No I mean like in terms of what they can use on those fields for materials chemicals and stuff is that all affected by >> that's part in of the lease if you read or lease with them it it's >> it regulates theides
and whatever >> and that and that is still on the our conservation not north county or is it >> No, it's not conservation at all. It's a select board. >> Okay. >> Who who is the lease, >> right? But who's who's governing that?
They use you know chemical 123 rather than chemical 999 for like >> select board. >> Select board. Okay. >> Yes. Just like we do for the um >> uh past stuff. that's used that's governed by the SL.
>> So, and my only I would just want guidance from the county people if that's the case because I don't think we should if that's right. I mean, maybe not, but >> so wouldn't they would guiding as far as if someone comes in there and displays
the whole taste of fields. I'm assuming North County is going to be like, "What the heck's going on?" No, it's not. will be the whoever's sitting at this table >> because I know sometimes the budding conservation restrictions that's what I was asking. >> No, it's just like the pesticide thing
the board of health is who brought that to us. Wouldn't conservation bring that to us? >> It's it's in the lease. So when the lease was written, yes, conservation was consulted on that >> at that point or they you know it wasn't
done in a vacuum when the lease was done. It was there was a group of people that worked on that lease including >> trust James. Yeah. >> Well, James was >> part of that as was um the permit holder
for the species. So, there's a permit holder in town with NHGSP for monitoring the species that are out there. So, that all goes into that and that was part of um what's in the lease. So
um >> so before you guys you have a motion to approve the conservation restriction concept for Squanopic Meadows as presented. >> I valich move to approve the conservation restriction concept for Squanoquick Meadows as presented. Is
there a second? >> Veronica second. >> Any further discussion? Um I I just want to say that the CR that you have that's the template that Nissa or NHSP provides we use that template and all the strike
arts are there because um it's it's just about ready for review with them. Um and the uh strikeouts are because they requested that the things that we strike out were things that they would normally >> it was in their template.
>> Okay. And so we adjusted based on that. So just know that that's all. >> Sounds good. >> Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Should I vote or should I abstain? I'm on the committee. So I should abstain. >> You should abstain. >> Yeah, I will abstain then.
>> You're going to. >> Thank you very much. >> Thanks, Selena. Thank you, Selena. >> Thank you. >> Have a good one. You too. Cool. All right, we jumped ahead there. >> We're going backwards. >> Kind of excited. Keep people on their
toes. >> At the beginning 4.1 >> um just because maybe I missed it. We had no appointments. We had no hearings. We had no official personnel. So yeah, just good. Okay. 4.1.
This was the designation of um our affordable housing trust trustees to be named as special municipal employees. I don't have a lot of background on this other than we brought this up um with these groups because it's um
my member is blanking. Shouldn't othered officials and employees be municipal employees? >> What makes them not? >> Okay, so on this one, this came about from all the looking at who are and who
isn't special municipal employees. >> And the affordable housing trust trustees are not on that list. And so if you read the bylaw um >> that's the bylaw >> you can they are eligible to be
municipal special municipal employees but they have to be named as such by the select board. So um so it's more for futures who knows who the trustees are um is the positions that are special
municipal employees and so um the board voted at our last meeting. >> The affordable housing trust board voted at our last meeting to ask that um the trustees of the affordable housing trust
be named as such. Is there a motion? Um I value move to add affordable housing trust trustees as special municipal place. >> Is there a second? Veronica second. Any further discussion?
>> None. Vote. >> You should abstain again because you're on that committee. >> I am on that committee, but I'm appointed by this board to be on that committee. So I will abstain. Veronica, >> Laura, thank you. >> Thank you. >> I'd forgotten about that one. I was
like, "Oh crap, I didn't have anything in my head." Oh crap. It's >> okay. Everything's a good start. Believe me. >> 4.2. >> Uh 4.2 is going to be the order of operations for town election and town meeting with town council. Adam was not available tonight to join us, so we will
do that on 3:17. Um >> Okay. >> As a whole, and we'll I know we'll touch on this down the road. Um there's only going to be two ballot questions currently. Um they're not due till 3:23. So, if you had one that you were feeling particularly passionate about, um 3:17
would be the time to let me know. Um you know, we do have our warrant articles sort of >> has to be placed by the 23rd, >> correct? >> For the ballot >> for the ballot. um for the I won't get too much into uh warrant articles, but I will again chat
with the moderator well before town meeting and sort of get a lay of the land and order of operations from um him in terms of working together with the moderator. Um I'm also going to do that the end of this week or early next week for special town meeting on 319. Um but we're looking like we're in pretty good
shape. So um more to come on 317 as I try to corral Adam to be uh available for us. >> Okay. Um 4.3 >> uh 4.3 is a mandatory referral notice from our planning board to the SVER road
extension three lot uh definitive subdivision and storm water management permit. I'll see if I have any documents for this. >> They're all there. >> Beautiful. Okay. >> Yeah. >> Um what I don't see is the referral form. Did I miss it?
Um, the one that we Oh, yeah. Referral notice. >> I noticed Ty had a comment on there, too. So, >> I'm sorry. What? >> I noticed Ty had a comment on there, too. >> I didn't see that. >> I didn't see Highway's comment.
>> Am I imagining things? James Smith signature. The comment about >> No. >> Yeah, >> you you you probably saw it, but I'm just saying I didn't. >> I didn't see James Smith's comment. Oh my goodness. One more. Why? Um I go to
where in the packet is now. You got to make me find it. >> Planning board filing packet. Let me see. >> I went through all these last night. >> 77 pages. >> We don't typically see the referrals from the other department. >> That's why board. That's why I noted it.
>> Oh, this is going on a while. Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. Got to >> Oh, yeah. No, >> I would like to see his because that was this is a different plan than what came in.
>> Um there there were it was probably 2018 2019. Um unless it's in this packet, but I wouldn't expect that. >> I know you sounded familiar. I was on planning board. >> You were? So was I when this came in and I I really
>> um maybe I shouldn't say but >> here it is right here. >> And this is >> Thank you. >> It is um the last last attachment. It's one of two >> road planning board. >> It's the bottom one. Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. James Smith said, "I would
request that the HMA binder course be no less than 2 and 12 in of Buminous concrete and the HMA service course be no less than 1.5 in of Buminous concrete when constructing the roadway. I would like copies of all the paving slips for the roadway during construction and
would like to be notified when gravel is being installed as well as paving for road inspections." Thank you, Mr. Jim Smith. 32206. I will share this on the screen. I still can't find it. >> That was my only comment was just to make sure highway was involved.
>> Oh yeah, that was the only one I saw in there. So as needed >> um >> I just hadn't seen those in previous or >> it's transferred ownership since it was in planning. >> And it's this is the header document
here. >> I it's it's up to you guys. I would make my same statement. I trust the planning board and and our department. >> Get involved in everybody's business here. >> Yes. And our department heads and their input, >> right? >> That was what I was going to add. >> As long as they have all that
>> as long as all the departments that need to be involved have had chance to have their input. >> And there's probably going to have to be a public hearing on this >> storm order. Uh yeah, Monday tenatively Monday, April 20th or May 11th at 0000
p.m. >> This is not a deferral notice. Yes. So there will be a hearing. >> Um my guess is it isn't posted yet, but I don't know. >> Yeah. >> So yes, I would trust the planning board on this one.
>> That's for the >> Yeah, that's from the Colbert. That's 4.5 on the agenda. We haven't gotten there yet. >> Oh, 4.3. I don't know why this all got messed up together. >> Should we make a motion? >> Oh, no. You don't need a motion. Sorry. You just need to comment.
>> Yeah. >> Oh, well, is that the agreed consensus? >> Yeah. >> I don't see this the um comment form in here either. >> It It's the second to the last one. The last one is is uh highways. The second
to the last one has the blank on it. It's called referral notice super extension. >> Yeah, because so it looks just like that, but it's blank in there. The one above it. The one above it.
That's the one in back. Right. >> Yep. That's 4.3. >> And this is ours. Yeah. Or we just >> That's ours to write on. >> That's the one that Sabrina had the sign
here for. >> Okay. Um, we trust the planning board to make the correct decision. >> We can put from department heads. I just noticed that. I can make that clear
because I think they're working with oil and tanner right now with storm water management for the peer review. So there's some interest they're following. So it's >> really strange. This was like So many meetings. >> Yeah. >> From way back. It was a completely
different plan. Completely different. >> So, um >> cuz there's a guy in Lunberg whose address is Sever Road in Townsen and his driveway is through there. >> Yes. And our post office delivers there.
>> And our post office delivers to him. But he but he actually lives in >> in Lunenburgg. >> And so his mail is delivered to the end of that street, but they would not give permission for development there.
It was >> It was Well, there's a lot of wetlands there. >> Yeah. >> A lot. And so this is I like this plan. I do. >> Yeah. There was a a neighbor a neighbor's son stopped by yesterday
looking for the plan. So, he was asking about it. >> Said, "Sure." Yeah. >> Want to know what it is? >> I'm adding public safety >> to that comment of uh department heads. Is that okay? Whatever you want.
>> To the post office. >> Check the mailbox. My mailbox is still up. >> There's that one. Okay. All right. That's That was 4.3. So, we'll go to 4.4.
4.4 is the senior center. Um they know we're in a hire and freeze. Um they're looking to hire a senior center van driver. This cost is paid for by the LOL Regional Transit Authority um or LRTA.
Um, but they did want to just ask for be okay from us. I'm very appreciative of that. You know, just as we are being um, fiscally responsible. There isn't a cost to the town, but just more for you to be aware of that this is someone that will be enrolling the town and one of your
okay to allow them to do this. So, >> sure. Um, >> no cost covered by the LRTA. Yeah. >> I get moved to approve the hire of or posting first, right? Not a hire. Yeah. >> Yeah. I think Yeah, I think posting
>> I thought they could move to approve the posting for the for for a senior center van driver contingent upon approval by the finance committee. Are they do they have it on? >> Why? No. >> No. Because >> which finance committee >> has nothing to do with the finance committee?
>> No, but all we when we had that hiring freeze, all things were supposed to be run through fin to make a recommendation >> and then up in that case. So it is contingent upon them saying >> the recommendation >> recommendation. >> Let me redo that entire motion. Start from scratch.
>> Not approval but their recommendation. >> I value Gooditch move to approve the posting for a senior center van driver to be paid through LRTA contingent upon recommendation by the finance committee. Is that better?
>> Okay. Any further discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. Garlic line and Laura Fernai 4.5 >> 4.5 is from me. So it is my asking the
select board for um okay to have me send these letters of support off to MVP as well as CRMA. I'll get make sure I explain the acronym um out correctly. Um it's the Culvert Replacement Municipal
Assistance Grant for fiscal year 27. Um, we're essentially applying for as many covert replacement type grants as we can for the town. Um, I'm working with uh colleagues at Weston and Samson. They are excellent at compiling all the information and they said, "Hey,
sometimes a letter of support from your select board. Um, conservation planning really goes a long way to garner more support." Um, so I haven't baked out the full copies of these um yet, but um it'd be something that I would send along to
you to confirm out of session really. It's pretty boilerplate. You know, they're not >> we're not promising them in the world. It's really that the select board feels passionately about trying >> replacement and trying to get grant design work because it's so expensive. Um so really it's um I would probably
send these to you to be signed out of session. So, we already applied for >> two of them already, but we found a couple others to apply. We're going to apply for every single one. >> Oh, okay. Were we denied? >> We haven't heard back yet? >> Oh, we haven't heard back. Okay. >> Um, working with Wesson and Samson, they
said, "Hey, let's keep applying." >> Okay. >> And are they viewing everything around town? >> Yeah. Some of these are nature-based solutions. Some are full on Highland Street Culver replacements. And then if we get the positive read on that, it may lead to a small bridge replacement as
well. Um, so we're really trying to strike and hit hit on some of these grants. So, do >> you want a motion? >> Yeah. Motion approval. >> I Valerie, sorry. I Valerie Goodrich move to approve the town administrator
draft a letter of support as presented for two grant projects for culver replacement to be signed out of session. >> Second. >> Thank you very much. >> And any further discussion? No. Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica.
Got to get a check. Laura Bernay. Thank you. 4.6. >> Uh 4.6 is Earth Day for Select Boy. >> And um an annual program that happens at North Middle Sex Regional High School.
April 25th, 2026. I'll put this beautiful image up on Zoom here. It's a rockus good time. >> I think we did la we did last year did have a booth last year. Of course, last year we were talking about the
override at the booth. Um, >> what would you like? >> I can go and talk about covert replacement if you want. >> I I don't have a problem standing there. If you want someone to stand there, >> I um >> and feel free to go. We've used it in
the past for anything any or answering questions the budget or anything >> as long as we're not talking to each other. >> Warrants all good. >> We walk around >> the other booth. >> Sounds good.
>> Well, we don't deliberate. I mean, we can talk to each other. >> No, that's not what it discussing. Um and that is just before the annual and before the ballot questions the ballot
vote and right. So >> and I did ask for I did run through Karen to ask for get specifications on how that ballot vote would roll through if we got five members what the timing would be. >> So we should have that before then.
>> What's that? I did ask for clarification on how the ballot the second ballot first or second the five member board would roll out. So I passed that to council through um Kieran just like in terms of how that would if if five member board is voted in how it would >> I thought we were going to meet with
town council about that. So I hope to have that by this so if people ask we can say oh this is what will happen afterwards if it gets approved. >> Yeah we'll present that well before then too. >> Okay. Yeah, cuz it Earth Day is not intended to be what happens.
>> No, no, no. It's just for questions that you can answer because people have already asked me that question. What happens if we get that photo? >> And you're welcome to talk about >> Yeah. And are they all ready to take out papers? >> They're asking you questions. >> All right. >> Okay. >> Um,
>> vote. >> Um, >> yes. I got a good move to reserve the spot for Earth Day for the SL. Any further discussion? >> Who's making the ask? Do you want me to make the ask or do one of you want to ask? >> Who is um
>> for what? It's >> to email them and reserve the spot. Okay. I just want to make sure. I didn't want to like dump duplicate the work in case. >> No. >> So, who's doing it? >> Awesome. >> Excellent. Okay. >> Fine with me. I just didn't want like if you sent one and you're like, "Oh, I I paid the 35 bucks and then I paid the 35
bucks and we're, you know, like I just want to make sure it's one person making me ask." >> Yeah. >> Otherwise, they're going to get 35 bucks from >> They may They may like that one. Yeah. >> And request locations. >> Oh. Um,
>> see, now I'm glad we're debating this. How >> you can look at the >> Oh, Nelson did that last year >> and we Well, >> we This is the time to discuss. We're here. We can deliver. >> I would want to be on the end, not the
far end, but more towards where the go in and out. >> Yeah, >> that would be appropriate. And then if nobody's looking for us, we're right there. >> Yeah. >> Right. We're not hiding. We want to be transparent.
I'd like to see everybody that day. >> That's the buzz word of the year. >> All 9,132 people come that day. Uh what else? Good. That's it. >> You need the vote. >> Yeah. Roll call vote. Ron
>> Laura for nine. >> Excellent. >> Can't wait. Um 4.7 >> uh 4.7 is a contract with our friend Mr. Solomon who is the attorney to assist us with the TCAM um negotiation
processes if you will. Um myself and Lori had a nice chat with him on Friday which feels like an eternity with all the warm weather since then right? Doesn't it feel like forever? Um, but you know, I suspect this is a pretty boilerplate contract for us to work with
attorney uh Bill Solomon um in terms of reviewing the agreement with TAM. Um, >> they look the same. >> Very similar. Yeah. >> Except for the dates. We had the meeting. He explained what the when you're looking at the contract at those
that are like fill in the blank parts like the date and the how much per hour or that kind of thing is all in there. Yeah, it was fine with the fact that we are okay signing it now. We can go on
to TCAM and I I'll give a report on the TCAM meeting. Uh >> can I ask >> where this comes out for funding? >> Where this comes out of budget, >> legal fees? Yeah. >> Town council.
>> Um so here is the question number five. Tell me about number five in this contract. >> So >> that was the only question I had on >> Yeah, there's there's a world that we um invite. It was Dresser Dresser Media
Communications I think was there. >> Um it's a gentleman who runs an organization down on the Southshore. And really um with all the great work that TCAM's doing and they're just bringing on some new board members, it might be an opportunity for them to kind of work
with someone who has some sort of new age ideas and new ways to integrate the program to be available um and just really enhance what's going on. So, I think that would be a really nice item to incorporate using like an outside
consultant to deepen the um >> he he did not recommend that we pay for it. >> So, well, read the second sentence then, please. >> It's that TCAM. Secondarily, if needed an absentee cam directly retaining such
a consultant, the town may decide after further discussions with the attorney to re directly retain such peg access consult. >> Yeah. If TCAM doesn't, but it's it's only an if. The option is there. It doesn't say we will.
>> So, I'm good with the first sentence. I'm not good with the second sentence. Part of the agreement with TCAM would be we're going to part of our agreement with them would be you need to work with XYZ consultant. If that's a deal breaker
then it sort of resets everything here. Maybe I maybe I should comment now in reference to TCAM >> because TCAM has met. TAM now has a full working board who I I met with them and facilitated with uh Dave as the director
and it was um Mary Roberts who is the treasurer, Lisa Luand who is the vice president. the president is vacant. He's just left. And uh Yasmir Santiago was
appointed by um or voted in by Lisa and >> Mary. Uh and this was I'm losing my days. Monday, >> yesterday. >> Yesterday. >> Um
so um that that meeting went really well in that they organized themselves. Um vice president, treasurer are the same and uh Yasmir is now the clerk and she actually started taking the minutes
yesterday. During that, I told them about the meeting with Bill Solomon and the Oh, I sent you the agenda that I ended up sending which had the information on Eric Dresser there
>> plus that the two links that he had sent to us u meaning Kieran myself and Bill Solomon >> uh for them to see the work that he's done. He actually runs this type of
system himself plus he also serves municipally himself and he does help other municipalities make their presentation to the towns. Um no fee there was no money discussed so that
would have to come between them. >> Yeah. between TCAM and >> I I have no problem with with even writing into the contract that they need to I don't know anything about this Eric dresser because we haven't been provided that information.
>> However, I I don't think the town should be directly retaining that consultant and that's what I read here. So I if you strike that second sentence I'm good with it. Um, I mean, I'm even good with you
commanding that they, you know, putting it in the contract that they have to do that >> or we don't sign it. >> Yeah. I have the >> But I that's not the way this reads to me is what it comes down to.
>> And we we give all that funding, the PEG access funding to TCAN. So unless >> we have the money to do it >> unless we are going to keep back funds from the PEG access part
>> to cover this. I I am opposed to that second sentence. That's all. Other than that, I'm good. >> You're opposed to the secondarily if needed and absent >> in secondarily if needed and absent TAM directly retaining such a consultant.
The town may decide. >> That's right. under the may >> after further discussions with the attorney to retain such peg access consultant >> right so maybe you won't but maybe you will and then it's a question of so how is it being paid for um and so I would
just strike that I mean if you want to make the words different so that um you know or using peg access funds that are not transferred to that would be okay who would
>> it's supposed to come as much as we know where it's coming from. But that's not what that second sentence says. >> So maybe we'll give that feedback to Bill >> to attorney Solomon and say this is what we're feeling. Can we rework this sentence just so that the town is not responsible in the event? >> Okay.
>> Um that or that you find some other way to make it inclusive. A PEG access fund is going to cover this in the event that TP is not. So >> yeah, >> because that was the intent. >> I'm good with this. It's just that sentence just
>> a motion with that correction. >> Um I value move to approve the legal services agreement with attorney Glenn Salman for TCAM um with revisions as discussed for section 5 and authorize the interim town administrator Kieran
Mian to sign out of session on the select board's behalf. I'm deciding if I want to second that or if I want the motion to specifically state what was discussed. >> Would you rather it come back on 317?
>> I would rather it come back on 317. Yes. So >> would you >> unless you I can be specific >> or or be specific. >> I'll be I'll be specific. All right. Then we don't have to do it again. >> Please because I'm >> I again on Monday. >> Okay. and we're meeting with him on
Friday. >> I I have it in my calendar that we're meeting with Solomon on Friday. >> Okay. >> And and TAM has a word to be in that meeting. >> I value Val Gooditch move to approve the legal services agreement with the Tony William Solomon for TCAM with the
following edit. >> Removal of the last sentence of section five or is that fine? of or modifying the last
section of section five to provide a funding source should the town choose to retain the PEG access consultant. >> Unless you just want to say it's TCAM's funding source. It's going to come from TAM. >> No, go with my motion.
>> Yeah, it's fine. >> So that and authorize the interim town administrator Kieran to sign out of session on the select board's behalf. Veronica Cal second. Oh, sorry. >> Any further discussion?
>> Thank you. Uh, roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal I get a >> and Laura for an eye. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Uh, 4.8 is review and discuss special town meeting uh, for March 19th, which is quickly approaching next week. Um we
are going to have the signs put up for um folks to see as they drive. What's even better is there's sun out so the solar batteries hopefully will retain a charge next week >> and everyone can see those um more nimly. Let me see what I have some documents to bring up for this. That was
48. Um I do. So I have draft motions here. Um, I believe I printed those out for Lori and I'll bring them up on the screen here for those um to see. We have track changes on too, so it might be a little
>> I am a 4.8 right here. >> Yes, ma'am. Um, so, you know, Adam gave me his feedback. Um, and then also the, you know, comments you'll see on the right hand side, um, from him. you know, he just sort of cleaned up my wording more than
anything else. But, um, as we you look at these articles, you know, the first one is, you know, the town reviewing, you know, the potential acquisition of clear gov, you know, for, uh, just around 40 just under $42,000
um, and utilizing free cash to, um, on board and then have the first year of subscription for that tool. Um there wasn't a lot of wording changing wording change there. Second article was the OPED study for using free cash for
$4,750 for actuarial services to conduct a retirey health insurance liability study for the town. Um fire away on questions as you see fit. >> Okay. Instead of free cash, is it possible to use the fund from the
property transfer? >> We do not believe so. That is for infrastructure related items >> and this is not infrastructure. >> It is not. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> Um there is an argument having thought about this this afternoon that were you asking about the OPED study about
article one? >> Yes. Article two. >> Yeah. There's a world that article one is considered talent infrastructure because it's a software. It's a prov it's a tool. >> Art article one is free cash. I'm good with that. But you could use >> Oh, you could
>> for article one, I think. >> Well, then let's find out about that. >> So, I got to check with Adam. >> And this is related to our budget discussion later too also, correct? Article one. So, you want to bring that up later or now? >> Later. Okay. >> Um, yeah, we'll focus on the motions for now.
>> Um, so food for thought there. Article two is truly a free cash. It's it's not a lot of money. It's it's a well >> well you know discovered study for us to use um legal uh article three for legal services or stabilization fund um Adam
Adam just cleaned up the wording a bit here um there is some commentary on the right there um and his notes are while appropriations to and from a special stabilization fund require only a majority vote the establishment of the fund itself and any subsequent
alteration of its purpose is a twothirds vote Um he notes that there's you know you do have the question and if it's deemed acceptable um by the moderator you would do a voting twice on article 3. One vote creation >> and then the second on transferring
monies into said fund. Um >> okay. So do we need two motions for that? I mean if we're doing two votes don't we need two motions? >> It's a good question. I haven't gone back to him yet. >> It's easier enough to split up though. like I'm the town vote to establish this
prox the town vote to transfer from pre-cash. Right. It's >> easy enough to if he says it's okay, >> then we should do two >> two motions individually. So, it' be like, you know, motion three, then 3B, >> you know, just for legal statements. I'll put that in there.
>> Um, article four is your police union fiscal year 26. Um, you know, categories are using ARPA funding for, um, a one-year, you know, agreement with the town's police bargaining unit. Um I'll get into this later when we touch on um
my PowerPoint for how I sort of came up with an idea to depict this. Um similar with article five, you know, this is now the number has been whittleled down to $197,000. Initially it was 327 for an override um
for the taxpayers to decide both at this special town meeting then as a ballot question for your annual town election um to exceed the levy limit. Um and we can I'll break out how those costs go. Article six relates to the Squanic
Meadows Holly's Playground discussion earlier. um authorizing the select board to enter into a new 50-year lease agreement to align with the conservation restriction language that's been set forth by the deed already. Um and we're acknowledging that there are, you know,
existing water resources there already. Um and hopefully the town um allows us to set the terms and conditions via the select board with um the lease holder Tesa Towns and Ashby Youth Soccer Association. So, so this is for the
lease just for the area that was not in the hash marks on the map that we saw before. >> Okay. >> Um, article 7 was previously a board of health article. They had after submission they decided please do not take any action. So, we just have a
motion that says um I move to take no action on article 7. Um, you know, the the next articles are related to the town clerk. um you codifying the role of the town clerk. Um special town meeting account replen
account replenishment. Um Adam didn't make a lot of changes here. Um you know he says you know if the select board does not support article 8 who's sort of making the motion um and I was going to chat with the moderator on that for how we sort of want that vehicle to go um
from that side of things. Um >> usually the motion >> that's my suspicions. I'll I'll chat with the moderator to say, you know, do you want the town do you want the town clerk to bring this forward? Because they sort of authored the the motion. It's their motion, >> but it wasn't a citizen petitioned
article, was it? >> No. >> No. >> Elected official. >> Elected. Yeah. Um, articles 10 and 11 are technical code corrections. >> What about article 9? Article 9 is the
$20,000 from free cash to replenish the special elections um account. There's about 8,000 or so dollars in there right now. >> Does the same thing apply like what type of account did we figure that out? >> Yeah. I mean I I thought that he is it
the same as the legal fees account like is it does it need >> to stabilization account is on that? >> I guess that's that's the question. >> Yeah. TBD. >> Yeah, I would TBD that and I would likely ask the town clerk on town meeting floor to share some background
on that. I think that would be >> better described by their because they own the article. Um not trying to table it on you, but >> it's it's the town clerk's article. I don't want to misrepresent it for you. So, >> good idea. >> Yeah. I mean they're very you know he's
very diligent so you know he may have a great explanation for what he's seeing in his you know um >> and town council will be at our meeting >> correct and town council will be present um uh article 10 is us and our references to board of selectmen uh to
be corrected to two words select >> two words >> two words that's the way it's written um so we have we have a variety of places to change this >> all of our letterhead is one word >> yeah I know like Sabrina's been slowly triaging them point by point. Even if you look at the Zoom right now, it says
talking select word, one word. So, we'll uh we'll get there. Um, article 11 is just a, you know, code correction for some of the wording. Um, not much has changed there. That was my quick run through of the
motions. Um, not a lot of corrections from Adam there, which was nice. So, um I don't know if you have a motion per se here. >> I think we >> I just want to >> next week we just have to divide them up. >> Mhm. >> Easy enough. >> Yeah. Um
>> are we good with that discussion? >> Yeah. >> So, we'll have a brief discussion of that next week, too, just to see who's doing what. >> Yes. Uh yes, sounds good to me. And we'll talk about tagging next week when we do next the
meeting announcements. >> Do you want me to present the police PowerPoint now just because we just touched on that? Would that be helpful? >> Yep. >> Sure. >> Just a special time. Yeah, I won't belabor it too long, but um
let's see here. Um so we have some wonderful new logo images for the town which is great. Thanks Val. Um I like our bald eagle and >> I started this for Nelson a long time ago and then when caring came I like oh someone who likes PowerPoint might as well give it to you. So, you know, this
I think is a I don't know if I printed this out. I did not for you, Lori. I'm sorry. That's right. >> Um, but you know, sort of what we're doing here is, you know, we're discussing the Towns and Police Department and contract fiscal presentation. Um, again, I'll take any feedback on wording and anything like
that along the way. Um, you know, Townsen and the Town Towns Police Unit um have been out of contract with the officers since fiscal year 25. Um, essentially I'm going to share with you um some background on the marketplace
for officers, both patrolman and sergeants. Um, the Colin Center study references that. Um, article four is an expense and utilization of ARPA funding. Um, article five is the totality of a budget ask and a breakdown of expense buckets impacted by passing a town
meeting vote in subsequent ballot vote. That's important to remember. There's a ballot vote after this town meeting vote. Um so you know patrol officer salary by department you know we picked on grten a or Harvard pilenberg Ashraham Ashby um
Lancaster and Littleton important to note with Littleton this is from their fiscal year 25 or 24 numbers um so they're just out of date for quite some time um but you can sort of highlight here where towns and falls um compared to other marketplace Collins center
study numbers that were shared with I have not verified these numbers, but I received them from the police chief and I'm feeling very confident um in his numbers. You know, we're near the bottom of the barrel here. >> The bargaining unit also provided those
numbers. So, bargaining unit and >> yeah, and this is the average. It's not a median. It's an average of where we fall for patrol um officer salaries by department. Something I'll mention on the town meeting floor, especially as I shift to the next slide here. Um on
average it cost us about $125,000 to train and get someone on board um for year one. We're at a place now where we're we're losing officers frequently after a handful of years because you know they're they're going to a place
where they're going to make 20k more and and their drive might be the same. Um, so I think with some of these adjustments for our police officers, it will truly retain officers, be more competitive, and you really solidify the department for years to come. Um, as you know,
we're we're, you know, they're an exception to our hiring freeze right now because of you, regularly losing officers. Um, there's a chance we might lose another by month end. So, you know, we're just in a tough spot. You know, again, salaries by
sergeants were at the bottom. You know, tough uh warrant article four. This is using ARPA funds. Um so, article 4 asked towns in to fund a singular year agreement with the police bargaining unit. Um this
covers July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. Um officers are currently working without an agreement but continue service to the town while negotiations have been ongoing. We are asking the town's people to pay back wages and then update the wage rates for the remainder of the
year. We've asked for $53,500. Um I think I got to take out this this right here, but um the math is a little bit different and I'll say this on town meeting four because of the timing. So timing we're a month behind where we thought we were going to be
>> because of the delay. So the numbers have shifted a little bit. Um there's a world that it comes in under because again we lost two officers along the way. So we're going to kind of hold the number at 535 and then I'll work with the police chief for making up any
ground plus or minus along the way. Um and I'm happy to share that with towns people. They say, "Oh, the math doesn't line up." You're right. It doesn't. But we're a month behind where we were supposed to be. And you know, there's been shifts in enrollment, shifts in overtime, things like that have changed. Um so it it's not a perfect dollar
fordoll. Um here um warrant article 5 relates to fiscal year 27 new wage rates and impact to police budget. Um this is a significant jump. This is really the corrective action being taken by town residents to
say we want our police department to have competitive wages in the marketplace. Um you see the jumps. Um it's just a smidge under $197,000. Um this was after some sharpening of the pencil with regards to the patrolman and
sergeants, the SRO, overtime, holiday pay. Um and really it's fiscal year 27 is a is a corrective measure being taken by this agreement to bring our officers up to a competitive marketplace. Again, the math is not perfect.
um it's still balanced on shifting from 15 officers and if do we have 15 officers, we've lost a couple officers. You know, it's it's never going to be perfect math for us here. Um and it's really once, you know, the the rubber meets the road with officers and who's
working for us at a given time. Um so just important to, you know, be be aware of that in case anybody asks you why it isn't exactly dollar for dollar. Um the next is what the impact of $197,000 override is to the you know assessed
value the taxpayers in town. Um you know if your house is worth an assessed value of $450,000 with $197,000 override your tax bill goes up annually annually $54. So, if we do the back of the napkin
math, what's that? >> $1350 or so. Um, you know what? I'm never going to tell people how to spend their money. Um, but I think it's a worthy investment for residents to ensure you have great first responders
and we don't train them and then lose them. Like, that's not a sustainable practice. it's so much more expensive to keep losing people than it is to, you know, retain them at a better rate. Um, so, and you start to see some other I just picked, you know, three values.
These are the ones I've been routinely using in presentations. 450, 650, and 850. You know, you're less than $20 a quarter, you know, at a home that's worth $650,000. >> I think the average cost in town is
around $450 to$470. Yeah, it's in that ballpark. >> Yeah. >> So, most people would see that most. >> Yeah. Um, you know, I did try to illustrate sort of the process here, which is if approved at um if you approve article 4 at special time
meeting, receive back wages and a 4% wage increase for this current fiscal year. The approval of article 4 means article 5 is eligible to be reviewed. And if that's approved, then you go to the override ballot at the town meeting
at the town election. >> If that passes, that new wage rate begins July 1st, 2026. In fiscal year 28, the agreement is a 2% wage increase. >> So it'll be covered by our normal budgeting. >> Correct. >> Um >> I think that's really important question
like, no, that's not part of the override. It's just for one year. Just for one year. >> Yeah. Um and maybe I can, you know, share that more on the town meeting floor. I can sort of retool and again open the feedback here if you want me to >> you know um connect in any finer points
here. Um and then you last but not least is in the event we don't pass um you know if we don't pass you residents don't you know authorize placing article 5 on the annual election ballot um we'd go back to the table with the town and
the police um to work on a revised agreement. Um, if you pass just article 4, they would receive their back back wages plus the 4% and they would carry that forward. And again, we go back to the table to keep trying to figure out
an agreement with that group. Um, again, I can I'll email this out to folks in case there's questions. I think I shared it with uh Chief Sartell um and maybe Veronica because she had been working with me on some of the numbers, too. Um, but I'll forward it along to everyone. um
>> to take a look at it and poke all holes in it that we can. >> Yeah, I mean I this this is the time now to poke holes in it rather than um have me get um drawn and reported on the town meeting floor. So >> can I just say something budget related more more not really to this but that
fir that first point that we would go back to the bargaining table. Do we need two budgets to present on Saturday? One if the override passes, which is what we've
been working with, and another one if it doesn't. >> Is that is that part of the budget discussion? >> Um perhaps. I haven't thought about that really. I've been really optimistic that
um the overarch would pass. Yeah, I hadn't I hadn't thought of that either. Um >> I wonder if finance has >> I I think >> they may >> it I think maybe it might be worth preparing it. We won't know until the 27th of April
>> whe whether or not the budget that we're working on >> we will need to know it option B before I have some thoughts too. So I think >> it's really three budgets then because if article 4 doesn't pass >> well that we wouldn't Yeah.
>> Yeah. That's a whole different ball game. Um because then we're back we have to have FY25 salaries >> and the values in there. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Yeah. Um, yeah, that would add some other wrinkles to it. And >> yeah, I hadn't really thought about that. >> There was a rumor that with I'll get to this later on in old business, but we do technically have a balanced budget. So, I was trying to
bail on having a budget summit and I think one of the FinCon members was receptive to that idea to not having it, >> but I'm going to try to catch them at their meeting tonight >> before I agree to that. Um, just I think that >> Okay. >> Yeah. last year's budget. Sorry.
>> Yeah. Um so that's that's how that presentation will look um that night. Again, feel I'll email this out. So then send me back any feedback and um we'll try to collaborate on that. Um I'll have the we'll print out these slides and
bring these maybe we'll print 75 copies because it's a couple pages. We're not killing the printer. Just doublesided. >> Yeah. Just so materials are available for folks if they want to sit there and say, "What are you talking about?" So, you're printing them as slides. >> I would probably put three on a page. >> Yeah, that's what I usually do
>> just because I think it would be more sensitive to printing and then someone could take notes along the way if they have a question. >> Okay. >> Um, >> sounds good. >> Yeah. >> Last year, um, the presentations were really hard to see. So, hopefully this is better cuz bolder colors and
brighter. We'll see when we get there. >> Yeah. >> And I think and I think last year was just so small too. So, that looks better. >> Yeah. To me like a slide should have less information and be more >> speak more >> talk to it >> less less on the slides more talking >> presentation and stuff. >> Um
>> oh my college professor's place >> less on your slides more talking. >> So that was that were in old business. >> So you can be heard. >> Okay. >> Sometimes it's fun like a soccer coach voice just yell out into the crowd and go from there >> if you could.
>> Yeah. Oh. We might let you practice. >> When I yell at the dog, you get scared. >> Last year, my family said, "Why are you singing a microphone, Mom? Use your use your voice." I was like, "Oh, what does that mean?" >> Um, so 5.1, if you're ready for me to jump ahead. >> Yeah.
>> And let's see here. >> We're in business. We need to get these clocks changed. >> Oh yeah, that is so good. >> Um I currently only have two draft ballot questions and I
>> poached um the you know adding a new going from three to five members that came from town council and the town clerk >> and the second is the override for police. I think that's the thing I went to. >> That is all I have right now.
>> There's specific wording for that override. It was in that um document I sent the exact >> Yeah. >> there when you get there. >> Um copy and pasted. >> Yeah. This isn't to say that we won't, you know, again, depending how the budget review goes with fin and select
board >> and the school budget votes tonight. >> Yeah. I mean, this doesn't mean we won't have an override question for other things. Um, but currently, you know, my ask from Sabrina said, "Hey, make sure you get the review and discussion of the current ballot questions in front of
folks." Um, so that's where we are currently. >> So, more to come, I think. So, >> yeah. >> Um, I don't have an update for you yet on 5.2 just because I'm holding numbers
sort of static since we last touched on it. So I don't have an update in regards to annual town meeting warrant articles at this time. 3:17 I expect that more information for you if that's okay. >> Okay. >> Um in 5.3
was a Valerie topic before. >> Okay. So I threw a bunch of stuff in there for y'all. >> Yeah. So um I reached out to four different recruiters and I received two pretty prompt responses.
um one with kind of uh one fee which is about $15,000 and the other one with a range of fees from five which is like a little bit of help to 20,000 which is a lot of help. So, obviously
I I stuck in there my I'm not going to pay $5,000 for a brochure example because I made one in about an hour if that's what people are looking for. So, um I guess the question is do I I haven't heard anything back from the
other two um recruiters yet. How does the select bird feel about I mean I I'm I'm really we're looking at 15 to $20,000. >> Yes, we are. Um >> and so the one thing about this too is
is the timelines definitely stretch out. If we add a recruiter into the picture, we're looking like four months probably. >> I think that's okay. I think it's important to have a recruiter.
I do. Um where is that's my own opinion. Um well we can do what Townsson always does. Um we have a professional services line in the budget. I don't know where
it stands right now but I would do that and do a municipal transfer at the end. >> And there's not a ton of money there but you could >> wiggle around at the end if you had to. >> That I'm okay with. I know that there are monies in the housing um that
haven't been spent >> so that that could cover some of it. I don't have the BDA up. >> Yeah. >> But um we could look there and see. But I think that it is important to have um >> this is one example of a site just for
those who are looking at home. MRI. >> Y I think was on your list. So the two that I received responses back from were sorry let me just make sure I got MRI and Collins >> that I saw. Um,
and I think it's important for them to vet the candidates to pull in the >> This is what I would want for them to pull in the um the resumes to um vet them
um to uh bring them to the committee to um you know they could do a preliminary interview even >> let the committee So those those all those services are different costs. Correct. >> Under MRI.
>> They are under Collins. It looked like it was more one size fits all. >> Um I don't remember it being >> um that one. Yeah, that was a 15. We've had a lot of um services with
comments in the past. This is this is not coming up well on thing. Um we did here. >> So, I saw it as 15,000, you know, 7500 when you start, 7500
at the end, basically. Um, and so I would want pretty much the tasks that Colin said, but I'm good with MRI, too. >> I mean, I don't have a hard and fast. It must be this consultant or that. And I would probably wait another week for the
two. maybe send them a poke and say are you you know if they're not then they not but you know we would like to have them by >> the end of the week to discuss next week Tuesday >> are you good >> um I would also like them to
>> I yeah go ahead >> to um check references >> MRIs was really pretty robust in the reference checking thing if I remember right >> so that would probably if it's not in there it'll be an additional
>> I know like as a as a select board member in my town we had we had good luck with MRI um the person who's actually lives in the town so he made sure it was a good person we got we ended up with Jason so that was
pretty you know pretty >> remember how much that cost you at that time >> it was about $15,000 >> probably 20 now I guess if you look at the MRI one it kind of had to have two price ranges just is it sorry
>> this one right here. >> Yeah, >> it is worth um I think I would also encourage the committee to sit with MRI via Zoom or in person and say this is what we really
hope for in a >> TA. And I think they need to hear that because that may roll into a more thorough job description or, you know, >> things of that nature. >> Relates to the one thing I would say is
is like when I was going through this is right off the bat, like I said, I was like, I'm we're not doing the $5,000 thing because I literally could we could do that ourselves if it was like a brochure and a nice thing. It was it's about um I looked through when we last
posted versus what other towns are posting now and we have to change the way we post it. It was three pages of job descriptions details details details. We have to change our approach to posting in the vacancy announcement. I think
>> that would be the consultant. >> Yeah, it would be that. So, the thing I took away from it is if we decided not to go with the consultant, we still had to change that because it was just too nobody's going to read through it all. You can link to the full job description. And the other part, too, I I kind of indicated in there and this is
something that if we're going to go with a consultant, I'd want to realize the fact that our budget is changing and the TA is literally also going to be responsible for things that removing from the budget. >> Yes. Like personnel. Um,
>> and so I mean my little like mockup thing, I put that in there because that's >> so my question is is do we have this wiggle room in the budget? >> It's tough to come up with 20K. >> Yeah.
>> Um, when we get to the budget topic, there's about $34,000 in unspent free cash currently, but that was me not advocating for Clear Gov this year. >> Yep. So, and I don't know the answer on clear gov for is it a resource of
infrastructure that we could use. >> And like if we look at the BVAS, we're probably I think we're pretty we're spending down. >> Yeah, we're >> we're not going to have a lot left over. >> Tight line, but I can get that update and you don't have to make a declaration now maybe for 317. I can get you an
updated report so you can >> I'd like to look I I need to look to that before I vote to spend 15 or $20,000 because I I >> my my reason for doing this is the past two TA searches have not resulted in a
TAS I have I completely if I you know >> I I think we'd be making a mistake in my opinion not to do that this time around. >> I completely agree with the rationale. I just want to make sure we actually know where we're going to get the funds from.
That's my problem. >> So, is it Can we get it from the um same place we could get from >> infrastructure? >> I don't think this could be an infrastructure. >> That's a stretch. >> Yeah,
>> that's this is a hiring >> stretch in the structure. >> Yeah, >> especially because it's a thing we Yeah. Um, >> I would almost I mean I'm not trying to delay this on you. I know there's a there's a timeline involved. That
committee should sit and decide what they want. >> Yeah. >> So, we're group that was the next part of my conversation with >> you already said who the committee was. >> So, our first meeting is Friday at 2 p.m. >> It's just a basic meeting. We're going to go through policies and procedures
from legal and um we have some mandatory forms we have to sign and describe what those are for everybody watching. kind of really looking for some guidance on our next steps. If you want us to be involved with this, I think that's fine >> because I think that group should help
you because if you don't go with the inclusive MRI experience and you go with Collins, it might be more work for that committee. So, they should sort of set the table in terms of what they what you're willing to put into it and what you're hoping the outcome is. Well, I
guess for me and my direction to the committee and we need a vote on this is that I would want a consultant >> who posts to the specifications of what the town wants in a TA, which is what you're
talking about, that the consultant pulls in the interviews and does a pre >> screening. um that they provide the people that they think would be a good fit. >> So there's a couple things that it's going to be a little bit bit different
than what your exact request is. Like usually the committee still sees most of the resumes like it's not like we don't want them to automatically filter out them necessarily the way it was described to me. like unless unless it's like an extreme outlier like you know.
>> Well, we got the ones from Kansas City who could only be a remote um TA. >> Yeah. So, do you want that one? >> No. No. No. Of course not. Of course not. But that's >> so when I would want you guys to look at
viable candidates. That's what I would want. Mhm. >> Um and and then I would want um once you've decided, you know, maybe you get, I don't know, 10, eight or 10 to look at once you go through and
decide, okay, this is our set that we're going to talk to and then you know how you're calling it down and then give it to them to do um you know, a a further Um,
>> I just need to know where money's coming from before I can agree to it. That's all. I have to figure that out. >> Well, we're going to keep it on the agenda till you have someone. >> No, no. So, we are meeting Friday just to get so we have the committee to have we know who's on it, who's going to be setting agendas and all that type of stuff.
>> So, I guess my motion would be to use a company and I'm okay with the >> deciding what that company is. >> Um, contingent on us figuring out where in the budget it's funded. That would be
my motion. >> Do you want to just do that next Tuesday? >> Well, if they are meeting um >> I mean that's not a that's >> I mean she can still pass that message along. I mean I I served on the last two and I would recommend
that you not do what was done before. Well, I looked through and like the questions were wow. Some of them sometimes I think I think it was really I think it can be more efficient. That that was my take more precise >> meet Friday and then cycle back feedback
>> for 317 and then a marching order for MRI Collins >> and I'll align with you to sort of see you know we have >> potentially there's some funding here you know not to exceed you know 20k whatever you know >> to work it out that way. I I think we
can do that. >> Yeah. >> I think it's I think to get a candidate that's gonna stay a while. I I almost think we have to >> and I'll and I'll talk to I just took their initial proposals. I'll reach out to both of them and actually have an
inerson conversation with them just to get future because the landscape is Okay, never mind. I'm going to remain optimistic. It's Yeah, I'm optimistic. Wow, we you can always go Kansas City remote
>> 5.3 is on for 317 5.4 >> uh 5.4 before we discussed with JJ Energy Solutions um last week and this is just um your approval of the proposal um for me to sign the agreement with
Earth Light EV charging um for the senior center library parking lot um and authorized me to sign that session. you have 5.5 which is also an article for the EV charging station here at the town hall. Um
and sort of carry that forward. Um as a total that would be $1,000 for each to investigate the next steps of the project and um you getting us into the grant line and determining, you know, the suitability of of each space and what the next steps could be for the
town to get um these EV charging stations set up. >> Is there a motion? Do you guys want one? >> We did discuss this. >> Yeah. No, no, no. Just want to make sure everybody had gotten a chance to review the more information part of things. >> I would do them each in two individual motions for each space.
>> Um I value Gooditch move to approve the proposal for Earthlight EV charging station at the senior center library parking lot and authorize interim town administrator Kieran mean to sign out of session on the select board's behalf. >> Is there a second? Any further discussion?
hearing none. Roll call vote I >> vali 5.5 >> I Vich move to approve the proposal for the earthlike EV charging station for the town hall parking lot and authorize the interim town administrator Kieran mean to sign out of session on the
select board's behalf second >> any discussion >> the one you wanted more info on right >> this is the one you wanted more information on >> yeah and I went through the proposal So I wanted to see the proposal that was similar to So this one is in the
>> 1500 range. I don't have the thing up here. The one in at the uh library is 5500. >> That's because of the run of the work. >> Yes. The the closeness of the electricity. Um, so I think it would be
if in fact the the grant for 50k for each one 50k for the one 50k for the other I think it's well worth doing this. >> Now is this infrastructure or is this equipment? >> This is infrastructure. Ha. Okay. Then
then in that case, I think it's worth having one at the library where you have access to the library and the trails right around there and one here where you have access to the um rail trail >> and a potentially future fitness court.
So you could be working out while you're >> um is uh if we take it from that fund, does it require >> town meeting? It does. Yeah. >> Just want to discuss that. Mhm. >> Yeah. >> And is there room for that on the incoming board?
>> If we put a special town meeting in the annual town meeting, >> loves a town meeting. >> There could be >> just an infinite loop of town meeting. >> Well, the advantage to doing special town meeting is you can access the funds immediately in this fiscal year.
>> Um, and that's why we always did the free cash articles in that special town meeting. >> Yeah. Well, I think and I think it's good actually because I think I don't think we talked about that sale of properties fund enough as relations to the budget. So, it's probably good that we have that possibility. >> So, I I just think it's a good idea.
>> Okie dokie. >> So, um is there a motion? >> There is. And did I second that? >> You did. >> You did. And we discussed just now. Okay. >> We're just moving along. You're not used to >> the light outside. We're doing good. All
right. Um, Veronica I >> and Laura Sheriff I Okay, so you got those to sign and you'll work you'll let us know next week about the special within this. >> Yes, special within a special. Yeah, special within an annual. Yeah,
>> special within the annual. >> Yeah, because I bet there's a timing and posting and such. So, >> yeah, >> we can we can do that. >> I may have an empty warrant article on the >> Yeah, I thought they told them. Yeah, I >> thought there was a place >> couple placeholders.
>> I can think of some uses for that. >> So anyway, okay. >> Moving on. So I mean, can you just update that? Those weren't things for us for next week. >> Roll it in. Yeah. >> Share next. >> And
>> All right. So that was unanimous. Um >> 5.5 5.6. >> So do you um This one might Yeah, I'll do this one. This is your budget. Um, do you want to do it? >> Do you want to do the other two first? >> That's what I was thinking. I was trying
to figure out a phrase that >> if Yeah, that's okay with you, Lori. >> It's fine with me. Which one do you want to do first? >> 5.7. going to do all three >> is just a um >> it's our fire union decided to rescend
their initial ask of a previous >> um and this is just a letter that highlights their >> recision I guess is the word I've never used that word before so yeah um my English teacher von will be mad at me >> but um I'll share this on the screen just so folks can take a peek but really
it's just a motion for you guys to >> accept >> accept Make a motion. >> Yeah. >> I Valerie Goodrich move to acknowledge the proposed by local F sorry 4926U precision.
>> Is there a second ground second? Okay. >> Any discussion? And that is uh 5.6. No, it's 5.7. >> I thought they were great to chat with um and I look forward to chatting with them
>> um hopefully down the road. Yeah, >> I thought they were just they're passionate and it's a really important thing they're trying to do. Um, so I think I give them their flowers as they're going to catch a term these days uh for the hard work they're doing over there. So appreciate that. >> Actually very informative that when they
came >> Thank you guys. >> Roll call vote I >> get and Laura Shernai. Um, next is 5.8 which is a discuss towns and first
policy. >> Um, yeah, I asked for that the towns and first policy and Veronica, you'll know more than I because you were on the board when it was voted in and signed the policy >> and we've talked about it since then
here. Um it's my understanding that we use towns and businesses. If if equal >> if all else is equal. Yes. >> If all else is equal, we use the towns and business over and again that would
be if all if all is equal. In other words, services were good or whatever um experiences were good. And I just wanted to make sure that that is what we still believe and that it is not something
where a department head could say to somebody um no I'm not I'm not following the policy >> that was the intent. >> Yeah. So I think no matter what because of certain procurement guidelines you know obviously there's thresholds that
we have to abide by within Mass General law first and foremost. Um, so I think that's important. But with all, you know, everything else being considered the same, you know, the policy is, you know, been I haven't had it had to be used in, you know, in my time like two
months with you guys so far. >> But >> I think the important is the first sentence of the policy too, which says all state and federal law, >> right, but is primary. >> Yeah. >> So you first of all have to follow state and federal law and then >> Yes. So it's after that. So that is to
handle the procurement piece that you were mentioning. >> Okay. >> Rage and all the stuff that you have to >> and and it is still in I mean this was 2022 so it is still in effect. >> Okay. So I I just wanted to reiterate
that to our community that we are towns and first and in following with that our little towns and first sign downstairs and in are wanting to welcome businesses into our town and leave their business
cards in that place that we have for them downstairs so they can promote their businesses to the residents of towns and whoever else might come in. >> Okay. So, right now you're not seeing I I saw one today as I walked in. Um I
didn't read it to see who it was cuz I was rushing in here, but um we'd like to see that filled up with towns and businesses. So, that's >> we do want to promote them to the left. Right as you come in the door, >> when you walk in the door, it's on the
right. We have a business card holder. You can put it on both sides, but what you what you're seeing on the left hand side now is dog licenses and and towns in first, but also department putting their flyers up
there. I think Earth Day might be >> perfect example board of health had, you know, sign up for trash, one of the services, >> that kind of thing. So that catches people's eye when they come in. But the one on the right is actually a business card holder.
>> And we encourage the businesses in town to, you know, anybody doing business in town as a business as one of our ways of helping to promote our economic growth. I know it sounds simple, but if enough people see it and pick up the cards,
you're going to help businesses in town. And there's not the support that select board like supporting or not supporting any particular business. Just to specify that also we don't >> we don't make any assessments of the businesses that are up there. >> No, we're not warranting the card that
you pick up if that's what you mean. >> We're not but we're offering the opportunity for people with towns and businesses to put their card there. We're not really inviting Lunberg, Pep Roll, Ashb, and everybody else. That is
a towns and first board, but we can't obviously guarantee their services. That would be going without saying. >> Yeah, I would say it's worthwhile for the town administrator to maybe audit that those placeholders once a year. I'd
say maybe, you know, the the turn of the fiscal year or the turn of Christmas, you know, Christmas time, if you will, like I think it might be worth clearing the board. >> I don't know. I'm just trying to think of like, you know, some since we just got our first.
>> Yeah. I just worry like if it gets stagnant, you know, if you have Joe Schmo's, you know, lawn cutting service and Joe is a kid from college >> to look at the board, >> you know, >> and it would have to be all or none because you don't want to be selected. >> Well, I'm like I I did that before. I I
cleared everything out and um you know, one of our employees had put up, you know, an activity that he was advocating for and I was like, I'm sorry. I go I just kind of clean swept the the board and he's like, oh, well, that's this coming few days. But I was like, well, you can put it back up if you want to. Um, so >> it was on the other side.
>> It was on the bulletin board side. Yeah, it wasn't the card side. >> Um, >> so it's just another way of like paying attention and seeing if it works. >> And it's it's helpful. I mean, like you walk into some place, you may need a plumber. You're at the building department to ask a question. Maybe you
need a plumber, maybe electrician. Yeah. They're hard to find these days. So, you never know. >> Yeah. >> It's really nice to have. >> So, and we do want to support those in town. So that's their opportunity to prove themselves >> to the community.
So that was my I just wanted to reiterate all of that um to the public. So that's 5.8. And thank you for allowing me to speak. Um and do you want to do the 5.6 now?
>> Yeah. Let's um So >> that's the last of our until we get to work session, right? >> Correct. Yeah. Um, do you want me to jump right into the recap sheet? Is that the best way to do this? >> Um, so I will bring this up on the the
big screen here. Um, for those listening at home, um, you know, I know the last time I went through this, we were looking at about a $400,000 um, deficit. Um the school committee
based on a a great conversation with the school committee member um said the school number is likely to come in under what the previous ask was. >> And when that occurred it reduced our school assessments,
you know, almost a net of um by $260,000ish dollars. >> Um so that took that $400,000 deficit and essentially made it 140. Um that in itself uh was tremendously helpful to
this town. Um we were looking at a pretty >> dire situation that we didn't have a lot of ways out of um other than you know potential staff reductions and things of that nature that were really um were alarming and um would be really frustrating without them.
>> The vote is tonight. So tonight Okay. >> Yeah. Um, so with all that being said, you know, I'm very appreciative of that conversation I have with that school committee member. Um, I'm really hopeful that it comes to fruition and that
they're able to um sort of uh work with the town and work with some of the all the budget combines every town is expecting right now. Um so as we back into the recap sheet which again highlights our expenses, you know, appropriations and then also our revenue
side. Um I've made some adjustments um along the way. Um if I guess it's large enough, right? Too small. >> Sure. >> Um it's a little wonky to try to zoom in more. Um in general, you know, again, here we are
with this 115. Um, and this is, you know, our operating expenses as a town. School assessments. This is the new numbers here. Um, for a budget just around $28.7 million. Um, which is about a 4.1% increase for the town, almost 4.2. Um,
TCAM remains static. You know, they're going to share with us their number and then we're going to back into that. That comes from the PEG cable access fund um based on subscribers with Comcast. Elizabeth, I know it evens out. Doesn't Elizabeth provide that number? The
amount that's in that account, the accountant, >> she will. Yeah. So, okay. >> The catch there is, and again, this is something we're going to catch up with with TCAM is what's the expenses? When was the last time you like we need to go through some of the Comcast quarterly reports to make sure everything adds up there.
>> They have been asking Melissa and Elizabeth and have not gotten an answer >> from Comcast, right? from >> from TAMP or >> for our account in town >> meaning Melissa and the accountant where
do they stand how how much money has come in they don't know they don't have that report >> TAM yeah >> so something so we'll we that's why that one's in green I'm going to be going back to that >> green doesn't need confirmed anymore but
Um, you know, looking down overlay is pretty static. Snow and ice have at 350 right now. >> Um, I'm hopeful that's a little high. Um, >> when every single year has been more than that.
>> Well, but you know, if you look at it like we've had a whole lot more snow than we've had before. So maybe it's going to be different this year, you know, where we don't get back in loaded with snow. >> Just trying to be hopeful. Okay. Me too.
>> I'll be positive. >> Five years worth. >> Yeah. >> At four something a year. >> So average. >> Um you know then also looking here in capital stabilization of about 46,000 almost $47,000 that will cover this last payment on the
cat loader of $31,100. >> Um we'll be almost capital stabilization will be quite low at that point for what it's worth. Um, so for those folks that are volunteering for that group, something to be aware of. Um, you know, again, these numbers are we're
going to we're working on these as estimates here for the cherry sheets. Uh, the fun part, um, our revenues, you know, because we are working with cherry sheets, these look pretty good. Indirects for water, sorry.
And then uh local estimated receipts, we were previously at 9%. Because of the change in the school number, >> I brought I brought that down. I know. It's like stuck in my throat. >> Take a minute.
>> Skittles might help. >> I know, right? >> Um so I did bring that number down. 9% is too high. it because in the event you come up short next year, you're really up against it. So, I brought that number
down to six and a half. Um, town accountant agreed and she said that's a more cautious approach to take. Uh, 9% is too aggressive. I know Starbucks is coming. I know we are anticipating some more local receipts, but >> wait and see.
>> Let's be cautious. Wait and see. >> Um, >> you know, rather than overshooting and coming up short. >> Yeah. Um, >> I agree with that. >> You know, local receipts are ambulance receipts, 700K. Um, I know there was a note that capital planning was
suggesting potentially using that 700K to buy bunker gear. I'm hopeful that that does not check out. >> I think on the final report that >> did it change. Okay. >> Does bunker gear classify as >> does not >> infrastructure? No,
>> does not. >> But good try. >> Yep. Um, you know, these numbers again, this this has to balance out with the the peg access up top. >> This is, you know, pretty standard. >> Well, they're gonna have to get it from somewhere. If it doesn't come out of their receipts, where do you think it's
going to come from? Let's figure it out. >> Yeah. Um, again, snow and ice. >> This evens out from up above. This is if your override passes your SRO. Um, here's the the outlier. This is 100k of
free cash to balance your budget. Last year you used around 400k. So this is about 75% less than last year's budget. This would be breaking something I was focusing on which was your 2017 budget policy. Um I think you considered it
going cold turkey. It's really hard to go cold turkey um in such a foul in in such a a full swoop here for the town. I I think that I think it's a trend in the right direction. >> I I would like to see that at zero for
free from free cash. That's just me. Yep. >> I would too. >> Um >> and then we're just looking at the other things. Um this is coming confirmed. So that's in good shape. >> So here in this situation, you are have a surplus of $2,667.
>> That is wonderful. >> This is a balanced budget. >> It's not negative. Correct. Again, I can't give enough credit to the school folks for really truly sharpening their pencil. Um, I don't know what it does to their budgets down the road, but I'm
just focused on towns and towns and town hall first. >> There's a there's a huge school committee with many many members from all the towns, so we have to trust them in their numbers. >> Yep. Um, so again, fingers crossed that that vote um of confidence in the budget reduction comes true. Um, you know, as I
scroll down here, I started to think of, well, what happens if, um, we need other reductions? I started to look over here. Um, you know, I I I've already reduced FINCOM on the Omnibus budget from 30 from 40,000 to 30. Um,
>> 20 >> I I sort of moved it around a little bit more again. Um, and that was based on the last five years of spending. They have only spent over $20,000. um a couple times they average about $18,000 a year in spending. Um
>> so that would make them 25 in the budget in the omnibus when we look at it. >> Correct. >> Um I haven't brokered this topic with them yet. They may not be happy about it. I did say to their chair and he wasn't thrilled. Um so they might draw
on to me. So that's fine. Um you know I also looked at other things like the trust staff. This is sort of self cannibalizing. So, if I'm not your TA and you have someone else in the corner office there and I go back to being your trust and grant person, um, I will have
taken that out. Um, >> you may be able to, we'll look at the BVA next, but you may be able to take out that whole section if in fact the property that we got the RFP for sells >> and that would make it closer to the
8,000 range, which might be a good thing. >> Correct. Um, you know, you could also reduce town council code. So, if you pass that free cash article for 50k, I would take the $90,000 I put on the omnibus budget for town council and they
get 85 because you will be marrying the 85 plus the 50. So, you'd be at 135 that way. You you're at 825 for them and you're going to spend all of that this year. But again, we're trying to solve the budget situation here. Um the tree
warden, you know, I think I would work with that gentleman to say, "Hey, you know, we only have half the funding. I've not talked to him at all. I've only talked to him once about budget submission." Um so I apologize in advance that this is alarming news to them. Um but we're we're trying to figure out ways to be fiscally
responsible. Um you'll see on the on the omnibus in a moment, I did increase your snow and ice budget substantially. You know, again, if you were trying to leverage one year against the other, you could again do what you're doing this year and having a huge snow and ice number to be bailed out by free cash in
fiscal year 28. >> The problem with that is is we're going to be even tighter because of all the little tiny areas that we're cutting. >> So, it's hard not to keep that in. >> You know, we do have an individual retiring, so there may be some insurance savings. Um perhaps we think of ways to
incentivize folks to peel off our insurance. Perhaps an employee falls off, you know, perhaps there's some savings there. Um, you know, just trying to figure out any any stone that could be turned to help save some dollars for the town. Um, over to
the right, you were looking at our pre-cash, and these were my personal notes. Um, in terms of things that I think were likely expenses, OPED study, elections, town council trust, 350 for snow and
ice, 100k for free cash. That leaves you with a balance of about $34,000. Um, not enough for clear gov, not enough for the bunker gear. >> But clear gov could come out of the land transfer fund.
And I would I think again that's another thing that I think is very important especially if we're going into a year >> um that's going to be tight again >> and um where you know it there is a potential
for an override um depending on what happens with negotiations >> um and >> you're talking about next year. >> We're talking about next year. So, I think that getting clear gov, getting it set up and having it for the year would
be a a wonderful thing. >> Mhm. >> I do. So, if we have a um a special town meeting with the annual and if it's okay to take it out of the sale buildings. >> Do you agree though that we probably
should table it next week for free cash? >> Not necessarily necessarily. >> No. Um, I'd rather see some of those things on the left there come to fruition and reduce that 100k free cash
and put the 42 up there. >> If we find out u between now and special town meeting that you could use the sale of buildings fund for it, you can change the motion on the floor for where the how it's >> where it comes from >> where it's funded from. So right now it's currently motion of free cash. You
could say sale of buildings, water department, how you know, sale of water department, building, however it's worded with Adam, >> or land transfer funds or whatever. >> Um because we did lose 80,000 just last
fiscal year by not having something a better piece of software. >> Y >> um to keep track of our budget and and it will allow us to look out. It would give us time before the end of this fiscal year to get it um populated so
that it's usable. And where Bador has budgeting, it's really really clunky. >> And I don't see people spending a lot of time. You're going to have to spend time to learn any new software, >> but this is set up for exactly what the
town needs it for. Badar, I'm not so sure. >> Betar is just kind of like an old school FileMaker tool. It's >> it's great if you know it really well, but if you don't, I think would take some time to really get on board. And I I think Clear Gov is more intuitive,
but it comes with a cost and in a a subscription that costs around 20ish $22,000 a year with 6% increase in the cost every year. So the way I look at using 100 K and free cash because I've thought a lot about this is is that it
gives us that it's a huge step in the right direction. There's I mean you look at what we've done and we can see >> we are we are going there and it gives us that flexibility to implement changes
brought about by our higher increase just like we started today. It gives us that time to say, hey, is there places that we can make things more efficient? Is there places that there are, you know, intermunicipal solutions? And it gives us that year to really every
position that comes up, we evaluate it. Town administrator works to the department head. Is this necessary? It gives us that flexibility. That's the way I'm looking at that 100K. Well, I will tell you that the earlier stuff, the heavy use, a lot of that was um
uh money spent to um buy out people. Essentially, those were payouts that were in contracts during the years where serious payouts were in a lot of contract. >> Oh, yeah. I'm just I'm I'm less
concerned about the why as the trend. Well, the >> I know it's related positive, but I would I would really like to do it without if we can and we're so close that we may be able to. >> Mhm.
>> So, I I've thought about it a lot too. And if we can explore places, I mean, just getting a balanced budget with this, thank you to the schools. I mean, really a big thank you to the schools. without that and it's not voted
yet. >> Yeah. >> Um so >> I think it's important to note that if you as a select board say you know to your TA your interim TA like I don't want you to use free cash then the next step in that philosophy is
likely some personnel reductions. I want to be crystal clear about it. So that's um you know again I I I I agree that maybe I think I said this I don't know who I wrote this in an email to but in the event that you use some free cash this
year the 100k let's say you know as of July 2026 you would be starting an override committee July 2nd to say this we're going to start this now to build momentum positive momentum to get you to
spring of 27 And it would be an all hands- on deck. It would be a school person. It would be a fin person, a select board, a TA, maybe a treasure collector account, everybody sort of coming up with ideas and then implementing them and checking with every village and every neighborhood in
town to say, "Will you support an override, a truly operational override to, you know, um solidify staff in the buildings, solidify your police, your fire, your schools, you know, every department so that there's continuity
and it's a longer term plan. It's not just one year of a band-aid. Um, it's sort of how it goes. So, I think that would be my charge um to you guys is to just um you think really
long term about it's one year and then getting to a finish line that helps you know for a big plan and looking at next year's budget as certainly much tighter, but with an opportunity for momentum and how refreshing it might be to a resident
that you're not coming to him for an operational override. right? Like after the storm of last year, >> it is really kudos to you guys and the schools to say >> we figured it out this year >> with the exception of police. >> But but police there
>> that's really easy to point to, you know, and you know they were out of contract. So then you're >> No, I understand. I'm not I'm not I'm just >> go back down to that free cash thing because that 200,000 of free cash that we took out and I went one up above
where you were comparing the years. Um yeah, there that 200k is what came out in March last year. That wouldn't have been there if not for that. And that put us 200k in the hole to start the year.
Um and and so 100k in free cash flowing into the budget, it puts us in the hole that much next year. And the budget has been cut so much. I mean, we cut all the expense side last year to be able to
budget for this year and it's even further cuts. We haven't looked at the on the bus yet. >> It's e even further cuts this year to get there. So if there is any way, even if it means looking at staff,
I am okay looking at that in order to not be in the hole next year because at least you know that you can do it with 2% for personnel for the next year if you have
to. It's not ideal because the omnibus budget, yeah, it's balanced, but it is not ideal, >> right? Um, >> I don't think anybody around here has an ideal budget municipally this year. >> Well, it's so cut. It's so
>> And the again, the only reason I've come around on 100K is because I do think if we you have a hiring freeze in place, you can you can I think you get that 100K over the course of the year in your in the hard discussions of someone's not
here. How is this working out? But the thing is it's cut so tightly that we need not only that 100k but that 350 snow and ice above it which we are not going to have in free cash unless we have a mass exodus of
um personnel. >> Yeah, that might be a good time for me to jump into um your omnibus budget here. Um, again, this was discussed >> and this is not, if I may, not necessarily people that you want leaving
that are leaving >> potentially. Yeah. So, looking at this budget, you know, you you guys made the ask of the salary of 180. You know, I put in the notes here contract 2 and a half%. Um otherwise for all staff I did
2% for their wages. And again you you start to see here where the nipping and tucking begins. Um you know I can look at auto allowance went away for TA. Um you know all sorts of different departments here that we just sort of
cut back on your professional services line. um everywhere. Um web master um you know it goes on and on. Um you know here's your fin number. Um
you know 2% for accounting. See this contract. Um and you can tell me to go fast or slow but um you know 2% here. And I've I I've sent this to staff to say it's 2%. And you
know, I know we have agreements and unions to consider, but this is where the budget's at right now. And um because it's so lean, I think you're probably looking at anyone who says, "I I need 4%." You know, I I kind of half jokingly say,
"Well, then the next department head meeting, let me know who isn't going to be here at the following department head meeting." it it's that tight to your point about the budget in terms of what it looks like for the town. >> And that's a really mean, you know, not that's not a nice way to phrase it, but I think it's a
really honest way. It's very transparent for these folks to decide >> how they already know that. >> It's not a secret. >> Yeah. Um again, we, you know, we looked everywhere. Um, you know, Jason from, uh, you know, fellow TA helped me with some of these things. So, he, you really
sharpened his pencil and he's here too to watch me and tell me what I'm doing wrong along the way here. So, um, but this is not what other, you know, similar to Val's point, other communities are also going through this like they are. >> Yeah, we know >> it's it's bleak. Um, so I'll keep
scrolling down. the the mega points are really um you know this town council you saw a $7,500 increase um you know this jump may not be as necessary when you consider $50,000 via trust but you know
with several union negotiations to take care of police isn't done yet you know I think having >> pretty much all of them >> yeah and then we know that fires the following year after we're going to begin those discussions and I think >> in FY26 Yeah, it's critically important to have labor council involved from day
one in all of those steps because I think um there's some things that even a a seasoned um select board may not think of that a good labor council will um >> she was involved all of last year.
>> Um you know again 2% across the board here. town clerk is um you know does have three mandatory elections this year. So we may find that that 20 20k is necessary to help offset some of those election costs. Um
>> can they get grant money from the state >> mandatory almost like an unfunded mandate >> which I think is a little for >> yeah a little unfortunate. >> Um you know I was penny pinching with the town clerk. I said, you know, do you
need this 5K for street listing or 5200? Um he said, actually that's the census work that the town does. So he's like, well, make it five. I said, okay, that $200 matters. Like that's where we are in the budget, you know. Um again, just sort of scrolling through NIP and tucked
in all these different line items for training, supplies, mileage, um dues, and membership. MRPC is usually goes up about 2 and a half%. So I did keep that at 2 and a half% number. >> Well, we more than get that back. >> We do and they they
>> definitely a investment. >> Yeah. Um you will hear us see some of my own reductions um reduce the land use coordinator. That's an unfilled role currently. Um you do have an ad an employee taking some of those hours. Um
but this would sort of be tightening that budget there. Um you know reduction of the grant administrator. Um though it does help you know gain things for the town. Again we're trying to do a really lean budget here. So um you can sort of see how that
comes together. I did remove this land use administrative assistant. Um it was just a fractional employee. I think that was me at one point. Um >> but you know and sort of speaking to the the leanness and then what the free cash
looks like next year. you're probably beginning to realize the picture is tight. Um, you know, similar things here nipped and tucked in different facilities areas. Um, you know, he he won't be happy, but um, you know, this is sort of a collective
budget. You reduce the electricity cost though the rates are through the roof right now. You know, some of the rates that National Grid's putting on its customers, >> we got a 25% reduction from UNL. So they're giving you that reduction, but then you're going to pay it in the off
months. It's a just such a ruse. If you watch if you watch smoking mirrors, >> if you watch more of presentation, it was a good effort, but I mean, right, am I wrong? I see my colleague nodding his head. I mean, I wish it was better. Um, you know, we did cut back significantly
in professional services. Um, just said, you're going to have to tighten the belt here. Um but the increase is truly more or less the utility increases. Um police was pretty static um in terms of it's dependent upon that override question.
Um our police chief's contract is up. So I kind of took an average of the areas um in terms of what we're supposed that was supposed to be on tonight's agenda. That's what it was. I missed that one. Um >> all right. >> Sure. Um so next week
>> Yeah. um we need to discuss his contract um you know again here's his override number with you know 15 officers um in in sort of the increases you'll see there um there was some nipping and tucking along the way based on his
spending um you'll see that in a few different departments both police fire um as well as highway areas that based on a few years worth of historical reporting they haven't spent in perhaps That was part of the end of year transfer dance that it sounds like
Townsen likes to do. Um but you know try to make a balanced budget without those allocations for fiscal year 27. Um this is you know recognizing your police or your fire chief um is coming off
contract next year. Um so you going to look at that you know for 32 hours a week, $55 an hour, 2% for the three years. Um, I think that's a pretty fair rate considering there's no assistant fire chief in that department. Um, other
obligations here are 2%. Um, this group runs a really tight budget. Um, and and they're, you know, pretty responsive in terms of, um, our ambulance receipts, so not a lot of poking up the holes here. Um, but we still did reduce in a few different areas.
Um, these are all pretty much the same. Um, Veronica pointed out to me that this is our communication center. This is our Patriot costs here. So, that's something that I just wasn't aware of before in terms of what it looked like.
>> When you scope that back up, so um the amounts above it, have you looked at the BBA to see those three lines? >> I haven't. Yeah. >> I mean, I think that's equipment that we have. >> Um, but it it might be worth looking at that.
>> Yeah. um you know, building inspector um you know, was quite generous in terms of before had offered back to to give money back in order to make things work for his department and the town. Um you
know, with the retirement of their admin, um you know, some things loosen up there and I, you know, he commented on that earlier in terms of how the budget comes together. Um, you know, I kind of put the support staff number at about 10K is my guess. Um, but we're
sort of gonna test the waters a little bit here over the next 90 days to sort of get there. Um, and so see what that looks like. You know, in general, we end up kind of net positive here. We get a savings. Um, you know, with the retirement of a long-term staff member,
>> I do think that each of the department heads is going to have to look monthly to see where they are as far as their budget goes. >> Yeah. I didn't didn't delve much into animal inspection. I just sort of kept those flat. Um
maybe I should put a 2% number in there, but I I can get to that. Um tree warden again, I think that's Mr. Mazuko if I remember correctly. Um kept that number here, but that's one of those plan B options if
you needed me to go there. Um burial agent, you know, things like this are pretty standard. um school assessment. Here's your math here. This should check. Um nice to know that these are some of our exemp exempt debt numbers. Um those are important because
that helps us at the bottom line. Um highway, you know, they're getting an additional employee. They're having mechanic or the equipment mechanic. Um still short staffed, but um you some of that straining costs and such. Um we did go through his budget and you
know I sort of touched base with him on overtime. I said we took some of that back. Um he's like well I need that. I said you know I'm kind of up against it here. Um so I did pull back there. Um just hasn't always been spent. Um so if
you don't spend it we're going to take it back. Sweep it back into the bucket. So, >> he had overtime that wasn't spent >> or not snow and ice related, but for like >> generic. >> So, like if Yeah. If like a tree fell down on a Sunday night and they had to
send a guy out to saw it up, >> thunderstorms in July. >> Thunderstorms in July. If you get one of those micro bursts, you know. >> So, the question is then this is goes to the tree warden. Is that the tree warden's responsibility or is the highway's responsibility? >> All the above. >> So
>> in one of the examples he gave, the water department was actually the one that ended up clearing the building that had fallen. >> I think it's all >> but he still had to pay that highway guy for showing up. >> Yeah. Anyone depends on the scenario and
you trust that they're going to figure it out. >> Yeah. This is Yeah. Trust in the department head. Um, again, tightened. He requested, you know, cut off $680 here. You start to see this trend in a variety of places. Um, the fun part, snow and ice. Um, you
were at 252 last year. I increased it almost $67,000 on you. Um, the real notable areas are the private plows for the town are identified under equipment rental. We are like $20 less than the competition in the area. We're like $80
an hour, let's say, and it's a $100 an hour is what Ashby's paying. They're 1099 plow people. We're losing plow resources because of that. >> Yeah. >> So, um, >> but we also have more plow guys than
Ashby does because Ashby doesn't have much of a highway department if I remember correctly. >> And so, they have to pay premium to get anybody to plow. >> Pils more, Graten pays more. um we're low priority when it comes to plowing
for private plow guys. You know, he did say this is a big point of contention. I said, "Okay, >> I think that's the minimum we have to pay them." >> Yeah, we're at the bottom of the barrel. Yeah. Um >> I mean by law >> I think we've had so many
uh locals that have been very good to the town knowing that it's their town. >> They wouldn't go and plow out of town for more money. Now we have an aging population. >> Mhm. >> And the younger folks want more money
and so they're going to go out of town. they don't have the same kind of you know feeling or allegiance to >> uh the town as their own >> and people vote with their feet. So >> it's kind of a reverse test first policy then we needed to fly temper.
>> Well, we had a lot of people that felt that way. >> You know, notably >> tough for them now. >> Yeah, I did increase the salt orders by 1.5 um just to try to catch up a little bit here. Um >> I think and have some on stock.
>> Well, it's just the number the numbers there because you figure it's about two to three loads a year. you know, the 95 $96,000 is one order. If we're at least getting some coverage on the second order, it helps. It means that snow and ice ask at the end of the year is less.
>> Yeah, I get that. >> Or if it's a really good year and it's not much snow, we can offset it in other ways. >> Do they stock up in the summer when it's cheaper or do they wait? >> I think it's probably based on manufacturers. I don't really know how all those mechanisms work.
>> Looking at Jason, maybe depends on if you have money to buy them. >> Yeah. Last year we got one at the end of the year. >> I mean it would make more sense. >> Um so you know it's another $67,000 more dollars than last year's budget in
there. It's not it's not enough, but it's a move in the right direction. You could take that other $34,000 in free cash and you could say, "All right, let's increase it to two orders." So then you you are covering yourself in that in that version.
>> It's it's just another free cash sort of safety net if you will. So um >> so again you running through it here um most of these numbers are pretty static from solid waste. Um cemetery and parks
2%. Um not a lot of surprises in here. I think Roger made a little change to admin in there. >> He did. Yeah, that was he's a department head and I think he brokered that with them. So, um I did flatline. He had
given themselves 4% raises. I think I made it 2%. >> Um because of the union status of the employee. So, um you know, housing authority. Again, I reduce this um as someone who is your
housing authority agent, if you will. um just to save a few dollars for the town. Similar with the trust and you know there's a world that the trust costs are covered if the sale of property for that um group occurs. Um board of health 2%
um you know that professional services I I nipped back if you will board of health I can't fight that but that's a pretty substantial increase almost 30%. Um, landfill engineering is a contract with Weston and Samson. So that's
static. Council on Aging um gets a lot of great funding um from some private organizations, but still does have direct costs to the town. Um 2% here. Veterans Agent. I I don't have a contract from her, so I'm going to have to catch up with her um in terms of what
it looks like for her side of things. Um we brought some of the benefits in line to what the historical spending's been. So, um, library has their own, um, has has a funding source privately through the library trustees. Um, so I left it
to their department heads. Um, I know there's been some questions about some maintenance and custodial things over there. So, I did try to help out with some of their custodial questions and such. Um, it's also a number that gets us to their matching. Um, and Valerie
knows the word. >> If they remain certified and we don't have to apply for um a waiver this year, cuz if we didn't get the waiver, there'd be $35,000 less coming in. >> Yeah. >> So, that prevents us from having to risk
that $35,000. The um there's it's a very early process, so I don't want to say a lot about it yet, but there's a chance, too, that the endowment's going to possibly look at cleaning that facility and bumping that in. So that would free up some >> Yeah. I mean I had that number that 457
412 is >> that was the exact number. So not any more than what they need the minimum they need to remain certified this year. >> Yeah. >> And if you got it we can apply for the exception but there's no guarantee. So then you might >> actually lose more than you gain. >> Yeah. >> It's not I think it's not that
>> recreation 2%. Um >> why do we have a dollar for staff? They put that in their budget. Um I guess they believe like keeping the position in there. I can let um the recreation
>> seems silly. >> Yeah. Um you know, I regrettably went into our, you know, bands and concerts group um to sort of pull back some funds there. Um, I know that's not fun, but again, it, you know, trying to be
collective um in in terms of not asking residents for an override and um >> one ban content. >> What did you pull it back to? >> So, it's it was >> nothing. >> Well, it's at 15. Yeah. 15855.
Uh, last year was 17107. So, about what's the math for your math teacher? $1,400. >> Yep. Something like that. So, one concert concert. I think it's one. >> And where's Memorial Day or that's together? >> It's all together. Yeah. >> Memorial Day looks like it's still
there. >> Memorial Day was $200. Um, band services was what's that? $650. Um, so >> and it was, you know, there was no no
department didn't get a cut. >> And I think that's the message I'm going to share with staff. Um, flag expenses, I brought that down to 1300. Um, you know, things like the debt here isn't isn't really changing. Not
>> Yeah, not much I can do there. It is worth noting this will eventually go up to the treasure collector's line. This is really a treasure collector expense um and we'll move out of this section of the budget and will go up to the treasure collector bucket. >> Um
and then if you're looking at retirement um unemployment um went up a wee bit. Um health insurance town share um you know is 1369. That's your 12.9%. you know, in the event that there's um
someone retires, maybe there's a savings, just kind of have as a placeholder. Um but to keep it at the 12.9% for the town. Um life insurance stayed the same. Medicare um went up a little bit and our property and casualty
um police, fire, and work comp did go up pretty substantially um from 390 to 4435. >> Um which was a bummer. Um, so then you're again you're at that $28.7 million $28 million uh dollar budget and
subtracting the schools you're at 115. >> Question. >> So that Medicare number did go up a little bit. I don't recall the exact number, but that's that number is given to us from the state. >> Okay. I don't know why it's been the
same each year. Was it the same each year? But anyway, it that number is different. Not not significantly, but I'll get you that number. >> Great. >> So, that could be lower than 100,000 if the trends are the same. Although Medicare
>> number might be about right. >> Yeah. >> Um, so again, this is where you can sort of see the budgets coming together. um in terms of what it looks like for the temp question.
>> Okay. And that may change >> the school number will if it gets firmed up tonight, we'll be in good, you know, hopefully optimistic shape. Um I don't know if you need a budget summit to discuss this. It was really supposed to happen in the
fall based on your um >> No, that's a preliminary in the fall. The budget summit is always in March >> based on the town charter and the p bylaws positive. Read it this morning with Sabrina. She's like, well, all right. >> Why did they make us do it last March
10th? >> Yeah, it's a good question. >> We've had it every March. >> And that's true, too. >> It's been a charter. >> I won't find it now, but um I don't like what's the purpose of the summit? It's usually for department heads to defend
their budget, >> but in this case there's not much change from last year. >> Last year there's only two department heads. >> Well, they they came throughout the >> Yeah. weeks. >> Yeah. So, hasn't finance been doing that with the department heads?
>> No, but they don't have this. They haven't had this. So, it's been hard for them to >> That's not true. I've sent it to him twice now. >> Well, yeah. >> Without any response. Um, but so I guess I guess my question is is you need direction from us on this.
>> I do. And I mean I started off this budget process being like you know you know I think I sent you that 2017 policy and I was like >> you did >> this is what I'm but I have I've in talking to you know even in the talking
with Jason and the other TAs doing the interim like the TA job search thing and everything spending 100,000 in pre-cash is not bad to balance a budget this year >> on a $28 million budget.
is really not a bad and it's as I said >> well I get water so >> it's it's definitely >> like significantly better than previous years.
>> Yeah. But that 100,000 or even 200,000 or all the lines there that they took out of the town budget was not the $28 million budget. It was the $11 million budget that it was taken out of. It was not taken out of the school at any point
in time. >> Well, I think the school has been they've been doing a lot of work over there this past year to get their to get to to the number we have that >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Can I ask a question? So if you were to put more of that free cash in snow and ice say I mean as somewhat of a safeguard so it can't be used for something else and then you didn't use it for snow and ice could you put it back in general fund
>> it stays it stays in free cash >> goes back into >> what >> it would go back to you took if you took some free cash and put more of that into snow and ice and then you did overestimate didn't use all of that But the meantime is sort of protected by
this umbrella, right? So you can't use it for something else. Can you transfer that money back into general fund >> in the next, if I'm understanding you right, in the next fiscal year, if you didn't spend what was in the omnibus budget in snow and ice,
>> it would roll into free cash the next year. >> Okay. Um, so it gives you the um, well, we've always spent free cash. We the town have always
spent free cash for snow and ice and we've always lowered that number to in the omnibus in order to balance the budget. It's been a tool, >> but we have never been, at least since
2020, a little bit before, that tight in the expenses line as we are now, >> right? >> That it is so tight. >> Um, that that there isn't any any give. Um, and I to me it's a little bit too
tight, but it does balance the budget. It avoid it avoids an override for this year. And for me the number one is to avoid an override for this year. Um my second thing would be to not use three
cash to so as not to the people next year. >> Um so that would be my second thing. And because it's only 100,000 and Kieran has identified places that we could pull it
over, I think we could almost make it without using 100,000 of free cash >> whatever they want. >> Yeah, >> that's what I think. >> If we get rid of 100,000, we're looking at production >> two to three. Correct.
>> I think we're all just a little gunshy based on our experience and free cash being pirate. >> Well, it's a policy not to use um free cash for recurring expenses. It's a policy.
Um, and although we used a lot of free cash early on, it wasn't for recurring expenses. It was for contract payouts because the all of the personal services contracts had about
150 a year of payouts um for each of those contracts, not totally. And so there were payouts and and a lot of that free cash was not for recurring expenses. It was a lot spent, but it it
wasn't for that. So, um I mean I think this puts us in a good place because then we also do have to make the sidebar for police with what's going to happen otherwise. >> Mhm.
>> Yeah, I do think we have to look at that. So, but I think I think this is a good place to start from um because we have because we've put the override funds in there. We have not
accounted in the balance budget for the increase that well or unless we just keep it flat. Nothing. >> It would be flat. >> It would be flat. >> It wouldn't change. um which means that it's zero and that's a really bad place
to be. Um and although we're giving 2% to everybody else, the police contract isn't written that way. Um >> but they don't get anything. >> They don't get anything. Right. >> So it's an it's a fiscal year 28 problem. >> No, it's a positive.
>> Yeah. You actually come out ahead. >> Yeah. I I just think we need to look at that. >> Yeah. It's 40% though. If article four passes, >> if it passes. >> Yeah. >> Are you saying the union agreed that if the override doesn't go through that they don't get an increase?
>> No, we back. >> No, no, they it means that we're back >> or it just means we're back to negotiations. The bargain table. >> So, >> I mean, >> I think this I think we still have work that we need to do and this is a good place to start from.
So, then I would I would make a motion as to such, but I mean, we'll know. I So, it's kind of twofold. So, it's >> you need school. >> We're contingent upon the school number tonight shortly. And then
you're also, you know, dependent upon police override, you know, but I if I'm advocating for you guys to go with this budget as you have before you because I think it's the most sensible budget
a I'll build it, so of course I'm going to advocate for it, but I think looking at past year's spending, this is the right place to get you to July first and then like I said July 2nd the override concept you know um
>> well it would be the outside groups advocating for it but we present the information >> outside groups and then you know you're working with um your unions then you're working with um staff to you know understand what everyone's job descriptions things like that you're really working through all the the
gritty work um for a full year up until that point rather than having you know Some like myself try to put the fire out right now. But that that you guys hired me for a job, so I will do whatever your marketing orders are. You are the executives of the town. This is your
decision. >> I would vote for going forward with a balanced budget without an override. I I agree with that completely. But I I want to see u I want to see the budget a
little differently down around the free cash line. Um and >> the catch there is how are you going to spend it? So if you if you don't use that 100k, where does it go? >> It's not nice.
>> Okay. >> It's the catch 22. >> Leave it or don't touch it. I would not touch it. >> You don't have to touch it. Yeah. >> Um and then look at what pops up next year >> that needs funded that I mean what if
equipment breaks you know the >> although it's under that's a pretty new copy infrastructure >> and it's under you know but >> what if something happens um that needs we haven't anticipated. I think that the
whole next year where every single thing is on under a microscope. That's I think I think you enter next year and every single thing that happens it's long budget year. It's like the whole year of budgeting. >> It is >> and it gives you that chance to look at I think you I think you'll wind up out
of a whole year of going through this methodically with more than 100,000. >> It can change at fall in the fall too fall time. It's just I >> like any sort of restructuring and reorganizing needs six months minimum to because we have to
bring it to special timing in the fall to get it approved before we can implement it. >> I just think this with the timeline given is a >> we could also revisit this next week and say we have the school number. I assumed
we were going to vote it on Saturday, but I'm good with voting it on Tuesday if we're not doing a Saturday budget summit. >> I just not to be disrespectful to it, but I just I don't I don't see the point. >> And your staff are
>> I'm going to advocate for staff here. They're grumpy enough and it's going to cost us a day of comp time for them to come here on a Saturday. >> And really, like we're only giving them 2%. shouldn't be asking for them to come here on a on a Saturday to be perfectly
blunt with you. Like it's >> I agree. >> It's a tall it's it's also unfair to you guys. You guys have lives. You do you want to come here on a Saturday? >> Like I'm just saying like and I mean I can I can make it happen in my schedule. I just think it's I I've
sent this to staff. I've only had one staff member call and say, "Hey, that's all I'm looking at." I'm like, "Yeah." They're like, "Okay, thanks for doing it. Because the alternative is >> more reductions. >> More reductions. >> I don't want to vote on a budget before we have all this information. So I want
to know can we use the building fund the >> forget >> land funds for for what exactly? Mhm. >> Um I want to know that. Um the the housing funds, I would like to meet with the
housing trust and see about giving that up, but that would I mean because I'm good with that. I mean, who knows? We might not even have a housing trust >> if the land doesn't sell. Yeah. >> If the land doesn't sell, I we're dead in the water pretty much. >> Um
and uh there's a few other things in that list on the left. I don't think they're um sused out enough right now. Not that you haven't been working on it, you know, but you know what I mean. >> Um and and so it's it's I think it's almost
there. >> Yeah. >> 16K that you're not using free cash >> and and who knows if maybe the schools will come in with 50k more. >> Um and that could be really helpful.
That would be very helpful. Um, and do we have a final water number? Uh, those sorts of things. I and I really thought that so my goal for voting on a budget was Saturday. But I am perfectly fine
with voting. However, those little details get sorted out >> with saying that I vote that the the we have a a budget that's balanced without um an override. I'm comfortable with
that. >> This this budget makes me comfortable with that. >> That's all. I don't want to make it more difficult for people next year. I I think that it's going to be a difficult year and with we don't we have Karen but
we don't have a TA and without a TA who's on board and um you know experienced enough to understand what's going on. You can talk all you want about an override and it may never happen all your discussions
and meetings but >> I think that it's not just an override. You're also restructuring for not having one. That's what you're doing. >> With restructuring after last year's budget and nothing happened, we have a whole different TA sitting here now
doing this and I never would have anticipated that in July last year. >> Correct. So because well it just it was a goal we set and we're trying to get better previous >> and there's a chance you have someone different come July again
>> for because you're you're not reoping but then there's also a new member but and potentially more >> maybe three new members. >> So it's almost like you're kind of you're you're parlaying to let a bigger group make a decision as a as a representatives of the town,
>> right? So my philosophy, >> I just want to see exactly what we're doing here. And I think we need final numbers from the school. That's why we moved the budget summit from last week's Saturday to next week's Saturday. I'm not advocating for the budget summit on
Saturday, but I'm I'm good with waiting until Tuesday. >> Um >> yeah, I can go depending on our timing check on that with our conference, too. So >> Okay. Okay. hour. So, is it legal for us to say we're not going to have a summit
on Saturday? >> So, from what I understand, and I can correct this, >> you guys, whatever you say, but we've always done that. >> Oh, comes meeting with RC first. We actually have time. >> Then comes meeting with RC first and joints. We actually have time. >> Um I believe and I'll pull this up. It's
it's a policy. Oh, internet's slow. It's a policy and not in the charter or the bylaw. It is a select board finance policy. >> Right. So select board can decide not to have it. >> Well, it's select board and fin. So fin
has to be involved in that situ. At least I would think. >> But fin can have one if they want. >> Here it is right here. >> It should not. It's in the document, right? 2017. >> Just read it. Yes. Screen share it. It's the same document that I
but it's not charter or bylaw. >> Um this information is presented to the board of selectment finance committee and the town's representatives on the north middle sex regional school districts committee regional school district committee at a financial summit in early November.
>> Yes, that's the one where you meet with. So if you read the above part that is different from the this years. It's we did do that >> um my first two maybe three years and we met with all those and it was this is
what we think the anticipated receipts are going to be. This is what we think and and it was more of a recap look than an omnibus budget look. It was a this is the state of the town. So look at the next. So during the the board's two
regularly scheduled meetings in February, joint joint budget hearings are held with finance committee. >> The board of selectman deliberates. The town administrator makes changes. By the first day of March, the town administrator submits the proposed budget inclusive of a budget message is supporting documents to the board of select and finance committee. >> That's it. >> That's it.
>> Yeah, it's been a nice to have. >> I've already sent the budget. I've I've given a message to the chair of that group to say it's really tight. We're using 100k free cash. I'm good with the motion. >> This is your 2017 policy >> on Saturday.
>> I'm good with that. >> I'm good with not meeting on Saturday. Trust me. >> Something they can up. >> Well, and I want Well, it's also important to let the staff know that they're not obligated to be here. >> Obligated, right? >> Correct.
>> They were not all here last year. >> I know, but >> they're not obligated. >> Yeah. It's a better story for me to say, "Hey, you got a Saturday back." >> Yay. It means something to me, right? Like if you're a staff person and you hear you don't need a motion for that or are we good
with just saying there is no summit on Saturday? >> You don't read anything else further in here, right? Like I'm just making sure and I can >> just want to make sure. >> Yeah. And I can go fall on the sword down at hey >> see it was this by the first day of March the town administrator submitted
the proposed budget. That's when we looked >> I think it was just it was easy >> together with the fin. >> Um >> and we've had joint meetings with the fincom two of them reference to your budget. >> Yeah. And I've sent it to Don. So everything that the staff got
>> the staff got the same exact budget that Don got the omnibus budget and the recap >> that you have in >> that I just presented. He got both of them last week. >> Yeah. I make a motion to not have the budget summit on March 13th. Is there a second?
>> Oh, the 14th. >> Saturday the 14th. >> I'll second that. >> Okay. Is there any further discussion? >> Hearing none. >> Okay. Well, let let me further discuss just one minute. >> The FINCOM has to it has to be
contingent on the FINCOM agreement. >> And are we meeting with the FINCOM at all or are they just going to because this budget in my mind is not final. >> I would say correct. It's not. Yeah, I would look to have them come and meet with us on the 17th. >> Okay.
>> Why don't we have a nice and the only agenda item on the 17th other than >> the annual town meeting warrants and then I know >> that afterwards though probably could. >> Yep. So, we could do that, >> but we could do >> we may have there's not a rush on that. >> We may have an executive we have an
executive session for you to find out about that early >> but that's the only thing we talk about is here's the budget. We go line by line with them and I'll answer all their questions. I >> have a hard stop. at 7:45 that night. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> I would rather do that than do it on Saturday. >> Okay. Me too.
>> So as So I would make the motion. Let >> me revise my motion. I make a motion to um revise the the time of the budget summit from Saturday the 14th and request income to do a joint meeting on 17th. >> Second.
>> Any further discussion? Just work on the timing for that and we'll talk about that after. Uh, roll call vote. Veronica Kell and Laura. Thank you very much. And thank you. >> That covers 6.12 by the way.
>> Um, >> yes, it's 6.1. That covers 6.1. Yes. >> Okay. >> Gotcha on that one. >> Okay. But you'll have to tell us after talking to Finn. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So, we can >> organize all that.
>> 6.2 too. I don't get too excited and schedule lots of things for Saturday. Go ahead. >> I don't have anything for 6.2. >> I don't have anything. >> Okay. I do. Um, so I gave you the TCAN report already. I will report again next
Tuesday. Okay. After our meeting. And also I have a full ad hoc committee with two members from the housing trust. >> Oh, who? >> Yes. David Worland and Cindy Bounty.
>> And uh no response from the authority. Well, >> no positive response from the authority. Okay. So, I'm good. If you guys are good, we now have all the positions that we discussed. I have to put point those last two people.
>> Yes, I would like that cuz we had the other names in the other motion. >> We should make that an appointment on the 17th. Yeah. >> Appointment. >> Yeah. Okay. >> And Cindy. Yep. >> Um the plan is and they all know this is that we're going to meet you for the
25th for our first meeting to plan. >> Okay. >> What steps and all that. Okay. So, thank you very much on that. um announcements and volunteer responses. And uh also says, "I had asked for a
list of open positions that were not where nobody pulled papers or submitted papers." And >> there's still writing that would might happen and all that
type of stuff. So, we can't say who's and >> town was verifying the signup sheets for folks today. I talked to Jack. He's like, I'm still verifying that, you know, if Kieran got 10 signatures that all 10 were residents covered. He said, so you know, we're just
>> he's report back to you later on this week. So, probably >> we probably should wait until agenda because >> 37, >> but don't forget two people can pull their names off still. >> Mhm. >> So, they have until the 24th. Someone could have submitted their paperwork. I was closed last year, y'all. And they could decide to pull their name off, so
I wouldn't say until the ballots >> been filed. You can submit your paperwork and then at the very right up until the last day of pulling your papers. I can get >> I mean, you know, taking them back. >> It's right before when everything's due.
>> I can give you the exact date. >> Something like that. It's right around that that time. >> 22nd maybe. Yeah. >> So, we don't there's no way to know until the ballot's ready. >> Okay. Then, I would just say to everyone out there, if anyone is interested in
volunteering or interested in writing in for a certain position that you check our website or the town clerk site and see what's still available. >> There are some still open. Um, you know,
again, checks are being checked. Um, and you know, in the event we have a couple contested races, I'll work with the moderator for a candidate. So, I think that's an exciting opportunity for folks to get to know people, whether it be in person or on >> even if there's just one contested one. I think everybody should have an
opportunity to speak. >> I believe the >> we did it virtual last year is arranging. I think there's something already being arranged. >> Who's arranging? >> I'm not sure. Let me get back to you before I say anything. Okay. >> Next week. I I'm not going to say because I don't know. I heard because
it's not >> for me it was the moderator. I heard um Mr. >> and organizing >> he usually does that. >> Yeah. So >> but other times it's been other people who have run it too. It hasn't always been the moderator. >> We Yeah. Well,
>> yeah. Used to be the newspaper >> which is private. >> TBA I think did it once. >> That's but they don't run it. It was run by that once and I it never happened again. We can't I mean anybody can have a
candidate that wants to tech >> I tried but I fa >> I would say revisit that for next meeting the 24th. >> Okay. >> Otherwise you guys have payroll. >> I thought good to make a motion to um
review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. >> Is there a second? Second Veronica. >> Uh, any discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. Veronica. >> Your name is
>> Laura and I. And the next meeting is on the 17th. >> Actually, that was before the payroll thing, but okay. Um, and a time to be determined.
>> Okay. And then the 19th is the meeting at the high school at 7 p.m. >> Are we We're not meeting before that, right? We're going to come. >> No, the 17th. >> On the 17th. That's good. >> And >> drink your gate right before. >> Okay. Uh 7.1 executive session.
Um >> I have to apologize to the police chief. I was supposed to put him in here, but I will send you out his draft comments on contract. So we are fully prepared. >> Thank you. >> I owe him that. I forgot about that. So
>> Okay. Would that come up next week? >> Next week. >> Okay. >> Yes, definitely. >> But I can read this motion. >> Yes, ma'am. I, Laura Shiffer, move to enter into and adjourn from executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30A section
21 A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting law may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and I as chair or shifo declares
and that is ask me local 93 three clerical union supervisors union highway water union is there a second okay any discussion hearing none >> I'll say that we will have Mr. Jason
Silva here as consultant um TA to the town. You will remain with us in executive session. >> Okay. And I will allow that. >> Um roll call vote. Veronica I and Laura and I. Thank you all very much.
>> Thank you TKam. We will not be returning. Have a nice night.