Okay. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Laura Shiffren and I will call the meeting to order of the select board on February 3rd at 2:31 p.m. Roll call, please. Veronica present
>> and worship and present. Would you please join me in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> I'm so sorry. >> No, that is a good reminder for us all to turn to silence. So rude. I would also like to thank at this time all of our veterans and all of those who are currently
serving here and abroad as well as our emergency response individuals here in our community and actually everywhere. Um all of our staff as well as our elected and appointed officials and their families. Thank you
all so much. The meeting is being recorded and will be uploaded to YouTube. Is there anyone else recording the meeting? Hearing none. Um, chairman's additions or deletions.
None to my knowledge. Is there? >> Not that I've heard of. No. Okay. We appreciate. >> Thank you. Uh 1.5 review approve the meeting minutes of January 6th and January 20th. Is there a motion? >> Well, I have a question. Could we move I
know we had the 20th meeting minutes, but I haven't reviewed them. >> So, can we move that to next week? >> Yeah, that's fine. >> The sixth I'm good with. >> I reviewed them and changed the things I saw on the 20th. >> Yeah, that's fine. But I just haven't. So,
>> yeah, push them to next week. I I mean I appreciate the fact that they were there and I did read the sixth, but I didn't have time for the >> Do you want to make a motion? >> I make a motion to approve the meeting minutes for January 6th, 2026. >> Veronica kel second.
>> Okay. Any further discussion on January 6th hearing? None. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Keel. I >> and Lisha for Sabrina put 120 on the 210 meeting agenda. >> Thank you. Thank you.
Um, do we have a time? Okay, we have 5:00 for the 2.1 and 6:00 for 2.2. Um, maybe go to 3.1 and start with the appointments. >> Do we want to do those now?
>> I know we have some folks joining us at a specific time. Oh. >> Um, and I know we're waiting for Adam to join us, but perhaps um for the executive session, um, I think we were kicking that off at about 2:30. Um, but we know we're waiting on town council, >> right? We don't have that. So, can we do
anything before town council comes in? >> Let's take a look question on the agenda here. >> I know that uh, Santiago's here. 3.4. >> She's on. >> Do you want to sort of pick and choose because uh, Santiago's here? >> That's fine. Yeah, if you want to point
3.4 or if you want to u visit 3.4, you could do that. Um >> 3.3. She's 3.3. >> Sorry. >> And 3.4 maybe. She's got two appointments today. Okay. >> Oh, he's here, too.
>> Yeah. If they're here, we can do it. >> Yeah. If you got a couple of them, cherry pick them. And >> was that the people that are here? I think I think >> those were the two that Cindy said were intending to come. So, >> okay.
Um I don't think Susan will be here, but if you want to skip it, that's fine. >> I mean, I think the rest of them I just knew that Yasmir, sorry if I'm pronouncing that right. >> And Kelly were going to be here, so and they're both here. >> And Harrison's here, too, so we could do him.
>> Okay. Yeah, I'd say point those folks. Why don't we do them individually because it's special for them. Um can you just go to 3.3 first move to appear appoint Yasmir Santiago
to the commission on disability effective February 3rd 2026 until June 30th 2029 second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Not on this one. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
Yes. Mayor, do you want to come on camera or no? >> Hi. >> Thank you so much uh for the opportunity. Um and thank you for appointing me um for the Commission on Disability. Hope I can help as much as I can.
>> Okay. Thank you, Yor. We appreciate it. >> Might as well stay on 3.4. >> We have to vote. >> Oh, I don't think we voted. >> Yes, we do. Roll call vote, please. Veronica. I >> Valerie, >> and Laura Sha. Thank you. Um, thank you.
>> That was three. 34 while you're still on. >> I Valerie Giddage move to appoint Yasmir Santiago to the Agricultural Commission effective February 3rd, 2026 until June 30th, 2029. >> Veronica Kell second. Any further
discussion? >> Yeah, I have a question about this. Okay. And it's to us and to Yasmir um for the agricultural commission. Um, I didn't see any sort of agricultural background, Jasmine, on your um,
volunteer response form, but I guess the question for the board is, are we looking for someone with a agricultural experience or we appointed Cindy last time uh, because she's keeping bees, I
was told. Um, so are we looking for that or are we just looking for people who are willing to serve the community? That's my question. >> Well, I think both, but uh Yasmir, do you want to speak to that about your
>> background that you may have? Uh she's um retired military as well. >> I saw that one. >> So, and in the Air Force. So, go ahead. >> Yeah. So, um the I don't have a uh educational background on agriculture.
Um but I do have in um when I was studying architecture, we did have special programs part of the architecture program that we did have a lot on um agriculture in general, landscaping, urbanism. Um but also as
myself as a resident and a homeowner here in Townsen, um I also had a mini farm of my own and always tried to um keep up with uh all the regulations that we needed to have uh knowledge on. Um so
I guess hey I'm I'm willing to learn where I need to uh the whatever I need to learn. Um and uh and yeah, I'm just uh available to help as much as I can where I can. Um so I hope I can be part
of uh the committee and um if I need to learn a little bit more and get a little bit more knowledgeable um on the agriculture side, then I will definitely do that. >> That's perfect. >> That sounds great. Well done.
Thank you. >> No worries. Thank you. >> Ready to vote. >> A Veronica Kell I Gish >> and Laura Shiffren I thank you so much and also thank you for your service to our country. Appreciate it. >> Thank you. Um I know I know that Adam
has come in but while Harrison's here so >> Harrison is 36 for the audit committee. >> Hopefully I got the right number. >> I need my glasses
>> a couple below. Uh yes. >> Yes it is 3.6. Hi Harrison. Um is there a motion please? 3.6. I valich move to report Harrisette to the audit committee effective February 3rd 2026 until December 31st 2026
second. Okay. Any discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote for Kell. I sai >> and Laura Shernai. Thank you as well. Absolutely >> again for volunteering. >> Appreciate it. >> Anytime. >> And you do have Kelly Burke on here when
the moment suits you. >> And she is 3.8. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. 3.8. Kelly. Hi. Is there a motion? >> Yep. Um, I move to appoint Kelly Burke to the Commission on Disability effective February 3rd, 2026 until June
30th, 2029. >> Veronica Ke second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Kelly, do you want to tell us a little bit about yourself? >> Sure. I um I went to Assumption University, graduated with a BA in
psychology and social and rehabilitation services. uh then went on to uh work in human services and uh spent 21 years as a municipal employee for the towns of Sterling and uh Northbrook. Actually, I
had worked for about 18 months at the Towns and Council on Aging when it was over in the old Radio Shack building with Chris Kush. And so, uh, that's how I I stepped into, um, older adult services and, um, you know, had a great
career and now I work for the Massachusetts Councils on Aging, which is a membership organization for the 350 Councils on Aging across the state. So, we do training and support. >> Perfect. Great. Any other questions? >> No.
>> Well, thank you. Um, we'll call vote Veronica Kell. >> Very good. and Laura Renee. Thank you very much, Kelly, for volunteering for this position. We appreciate your efforts. >> Thank you. I'm looking forward to it. >> Great.
>> I think we have a commission on disability. >> Yeah. Now we have for the first time ever. >> That's great. >> Yeah. Go get sworn in and go from there. >> Yes. Uh be sure to get sworn in >> down in the town clerk's office. Okay. As soon as possible. And then um I'm
sure that Cindy King will get a hold of you to get a first meeting going. >> Maybe Sabrina is one that should be organizing that just similar to capital because there isn't a there isn't >> there isn't one. No, there's nothing yet. They have to organize. >> Yeah.
>> So, um anyway, somebody will get a hold of you, but please come into town hall town clerk's office and be sworn in. >> Okay. Thank you and have a great day. >> Thank you. Yeah, we're going to shift to executive session. So, as much as we'd love to have you stay with us, um we may
we may kick you off if that's okay. >> That's okay. I I understand. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Hi, Adam. >> Um okay, let me see. We are going to go to
Are we doing 7.1 first or >> uh 7.3? >> 7.3. >> Okay. >> Yes, please. >> Um Okay. I'm going to move to enter into executive session at
2:43 p.m. >> And we will be returning after executive session. >> Correct. Pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to litigation namely RFS
corporation with town of towns and middle sex superior court docket number 258 1v 02381 where an open meeting law may have a detrimental effect on the litigating
position of the board and the chair so declared My lordship do declare. >> Is there a second? >> Second Veronica ke second. >> Okay. Any discussion? Hearing none. >> Are we just doing one and coming back? Are we doing the other two at all
afterwards? >> Do I read another one? >> I think you could probably read >> 7.1. >> 7.1. Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. Uh also
I declare uh pursuant to open meeting law chapter 38A section 21A3 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 do so
declare I Lor Shiffren do declare it is for the ask me local 93 clerical supervisors union highway water union for a second. >> Are we good now? >> Good to go.
>> Okay. Um and so roll call vote Veronica I chai >> and Laura I >> thank you all very much >> for our friends at Tcam we are going to come back so we will be pausing for now
you can do what you need to do and maybe I'll come down just as we're finishing up to reactivate Hi Tam, can you hear us? >> Don't think anybody but me. >> All right, we're I think we're back if TK can hear us. Okay,
>> we can hear you. >> Thank you, sir. Um, for those that joined us, we had kicked off a little earlier for an executive session and we are back to the agenda. >> Okay, so we are reconvening at 4:45 p.m.
They have a roll call for the reconvening of the meeting. Veronica present. So we are going right to 3 appointments of officials and personnel
some of which have already been appointed uh when we first began the meeting. So and I don't see anybody of the remaining that are here. Go ahead. If it's okay with the board, I'm going to move to
appoint multiple people if like in one motion. >> Okay, go for it. >> No objection. >> The ones that we have not done yet. >> Um I Valerie Gooditch move to appoint the following individuals. Susan Gerkin to the recycling committee effective
February 3rd, 2026 until June 30th, 2026. Sandra Lord as the conservation commission representative to the community preservation committee effective February 3rd, 2026 to June 30th, 2027.
Sorry. Robert Jusula as a at large member to the community preservation committee effective February 3rd until June 30th, 2029. Maria Milin as historic district commission representative to the community preservation committee
effective February 3rd, 2026 until June 30th, 2027. Sally Kovu as the recycling committee by setting the term oh to correct the appointment of Sally Kila to the recycling committee by setting the term
expiration to June 30th, 2026. Natalie call as veteran service officer, veterans agent effective February 7th, 2026 until February 7th, 2026. >> 2029 >> 29 >> 2029, sorry.
and to appoint firefire paramedic Clayton Landry to the fire EMS department with effective start date March 2nd, 2026 until June 30th, 2036 with an applicable probationary period contingent upon successful completion of all employee requirements.
>> Is there a second? Veronica Kelson. Okay. Any further discussion? Just to clarify, the other appointments on the agenda we did before the executive session and those individuals were present during those appointments and we did them individually. >> There was a second.
>> There was a second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. >> Veronica roll. >> Veronica I vote I >> and Laura Shiffren I and thank you to all those who have volunteered today. We
were very happy to make all those appointments. Okay. 4.1, did you want to speak to that? >> Um, yeah. So my interest in putting this on the agenda is not necessarily
to question you know any one individual but more as a statement of I think this board has not been necessarily acting as efficiently as we could have and with the goals that we set in mind for the past since this
summer. And I don't fault anyone individual, but I think you can see it in how long our meetings are taking at times, six, seven hours. And um we kind of are getting into the nitty-gritty details of some things and not going
back to those goals that we set. And those seem to be getting lost to me and I'm not sure the right course of action to take and if we can remedy that or start to steer the ship in a more precise direction. That makes any sense.
And this is in no way um a statement on anybody's efforts. You guys all work so hard. We all work hard and not a commitment to this board. It's just a question of this is the best way to ask you guys if there's a way we can get
a clearer direction from the board and maybe a little bit more efficient progress if that makes sense. And feel free to ask me for details or specifics. Well, I agree that we have really long meetings and they have continued even though we have a new town administrator,
but I do think that there are efforts underway. Um, as far as the goals go, we haven't gotten back to the goals since Nelson turned in his resignation at the beginning of December. >> So, I've kind of abandoned the goals and I am the short-timer here. I'm here only
for three more months. So, um I I guess I would like to give Kieran more time. I mean, just an example being that just doing what we just did with appointments. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> Uh eliminates a lot of time. So, I think
there are time-saving things and things that we can work with our interim town administrator on to make things um more efficient when we come to the table. I mean, you you you guys could both take this as kind of a call to action from me
and that as the newest member of this board. It's I I just it seems chaotic and I hope we can all work together to get it back on track a little bit and I know a lot of that had to do with not enough leadership from the corner office. But I think how are we going to
attract other members of this life board when we have six, seven hour meetings? I don't think we can. Well, the time before here just I mean there are some things that we can't anticipate like um lawsuits and >> things like that.
>> Executive session meetings. >> Yeah. >> And executive sessions have been a lot of the reason that we've had long long meetings >> problems. And and I think if we each get a um well Kieran had sent out an email
about agenda items. I think if we a lot of the thing is getting the agenda set and set sooner and getting the information into it. >> Um you know just in the past couple weeks we've gotten better at that. I think that can also help to eliminate
the time if we've all had time to review before we come to the table. >> Yeah. And I and I bring this up acknowledging that everything changes in May and I and like this isn't me attempting to get any position or do anything like that. It's just having the discussion of how this board is running
so that we can work together to make it better. That's what this is about. >> Which is why I agreed to the organiz the um discussion on the organization of the board. But I think I'm laying it all on you Kieran. I think that there's a lot that can be done
in setting up the meetings. It's not that I want you to spend all your time setting up the meetings because God knows there's so much to be done. But at the same time, I think that just having knowing that this is the process that we're using to get the meeting agenda
going. >> That if we have questions, we can ask about them individually. um and um trusting Kieran to have the wisdom that we need as a board
to I I mean I'm really laying on so that's fine. That's that's the synchronous relationship that we need to work on and get feedback on and that's that's a very >> our only opportunity to talk the three of us is when we're sitting here. >> Yeah. Exactly. And if there hasn't been
any >> um interaction or oration you are proactive at sending stuff out to us >> which was not >> helpful. >> It's been very helpful. There are a lot of things that are changing
>> now that might have helped with that in the past. >> Yeah. >> So I I mean and I'll take like I said this was not a a that anybody's doing something wrong. It was this is the only way we could talk about this how the things are going >> and that's fine with me.
>> Is there anything I can do for your board to like I know we have like a 48 hour goal to have items in in the shared folder. Um I haven't been the best at that in the last three meetings, but I'll continue to work with, you know, my
office to keep that. It's It's never happened the whole time that I've been here. >> It's work to get that done. It is a lot of work to get that done because you don't always have it, especially when you're having weekly meetings. >> Yeah. >> Do you think 24 hours is better?
>> It is. I mean, I was writing the interimm TA report last night at like midnight. So, >> I'm fine with 24 hours, >> but um as long as >> I I would like it there by Monday morning. Um because it used to be that Sunday night, this is my own personal
thing, Sunday nights I would at after dinner I would sit down and and prepare for Monday. That gave me Tuesday to get anything that I didn't have, to ask any questions I had and then to, you know, be ready for the meeting. >> Um that's just how I work. I I can move
that to make it Monday night if if that helps. That's probably more like more appropriate to be frank about because we are I mean myself and you know catch I'm still putting out some fires that were torch you know blazing before um while
also you know working with um you know Sabrina and her role to get documents in and sometimes we're we're working >> as guilty as >> yeah sometimes we're working with other boards to get information too and they may they may have a Monday night meeting if it's planning or conservation or
whoever um so you I I guess I'll fall on the sword a bit there to you get those things in um you know to hopefully expedite things for your group is I'm I'm hoping we can sort of wean out some of the agenda items sort of out of
session some things you know that aren't appropriate maybe for the >> I guess that was kind of my question to Lori was is like are you okay with some like some like if I'm sitting there and I'm looking for something and I say something like do we have to do these now or can they wait till the
Like I just might pass that on and be like, "Is that okay?" So that like >> is that okay? Just >> that can happen prior to the meeting. >> Yeah. I can just pull that off the agenda. So I like the idea of getting the agenda out to you guys and you know just I'll always do BCC or just say
reply to me individually and say Kieran that's July you know something like that or you know not ready for this because you're a liazison to you know audit committee and you just haven't worthy to talk about it. I think that's >> if that helps.
>> Does that make sense? >> Can I say something? >> Of course. >> Um, it would take around two and a half days to do an agenda >> between all the back and forths and that I would be involved in with every
back and forth. And one of the things that I've said the whole time is, do the other select board members want something on the agenda? I have never said no to anything that was asked to be put on the agenda. Never. Because I feel
like we each have one vote and we each should have a part of the agenda. if that has not happened. And I can tell you I didn't always feel like that was happening, but I couldn't do anything about it because I'd have to say, "Are
you sure you tell me everything?" you know, well, it it was it's not a great position to be in to think that you're not being told the truth all the time or that you're not being told something that you should be told as a chair, especially when I want when I want to be
fair to the rest of the team and I consider it a team. And I have said this many times before that we all have different strengths. We all come from different backgrounds and we all allow each other to talk. I've I've said the words before, >> of course. Okay. So, that's where I'm
coming from. We should be a team. It doesn't matter what position we're in. Um, the meetings being as long as they've been, I don't think have had anything to do with any one of us, but what has been thrown to the town
administrator and then given to us. I'm I don't like to talk for a long period of time. I like to get things done, you know. So that's all I can say and hopefully it's better going forward. >> And I don't I've never held back on
things I want on the agenda. If anything sometimes I think sometimes I want to ask like do we have to do that? That's kind of but I don't >> and maybe I'll just shoot those thoughts the way from TA. And again this is it's not a question of you at all hearing us.
I think you've always heard us. >> The agenda, believe it or not, has not been mine. It's been everybody else's and whatever the town administrator at the time has given me >> because I rarely give anything for the agenda except maybe one thing, one or
two things here and there. >> You can attest to that. Um >> Oh, yeah. >> I have to send you agenda requests, right? >> I I send them every week to meetings, >> but I don't necessarily know everything that should be on the agenda. Well,
that's >> I have sent Nelson agenda requests every week. I've sent Karen agenda requests every week. The difference is responds to me. >> Um, that's the difference. The the rest
of it was guesswork and I assumed that those >> do I get to know that? >> Do I get to know other requests for the agenda or is it the TA that makes the decision? >> Well, I assume the TA shared it with you. Well, I'm told by everybody in town
that I'm the chair and I make the agenda. >> You do? >> It's in the select moons, policies, embassies. >> Well, I'm telling you that those agendas have not been mine. >> So, we usually collect the items and then populate the agenda and then you and I have reviewed it
>> usually with Sabrina here too in terms of like, all right, what's >> Well, that was Nelson, me and Sabrina. >> Yeah. >> But that doesn't mean I know what everybody else is. But you may not like you can't necessarily debate like Valerie putting an item on there, you know, like >> and I don't. >> Right.
>> So I guess I don't understand what the like but that that's your that's your time to review the agenda. >> What I'm saying is when you see things on the agenda, they're not for me. >> So if you saw things that you think could wait till the summer or another point in time, it was the TA. And I
don't mean you. >> And no. And so that that I always took it and this is how I thought the chair of the board brings the agenda forward to the select. >> No, it's a TA. It has been all year.
>> The the final agenda. >> Yes, they asked me for my >> is made by the chair. >> The final agenda comes from >> asking for the approval and I have not denied anyone. So
I have no problem having anybody discuss whatever at the table. It should be questionc you when I send my agenda request to >> I ICC when I send an agenda request usually >> because it's an agenda item and that's
fair game under the open. >> I did I think for a recent one I put I asked I have put on because that is you can you can send denied. >> No, of course not. I wasn't I wasn't saying you were denying any agenda items ever. It was actually the opposite kind of which was a I felt like we were
allowing everything. >> You know, you're damned if you do, you're damned if you don't. So, >> and like I said, this was a direct old things. My parents >> usually they're they're much wiser than we ever were, right? >> You could have easily said the agenda
item was airing dirty laundry. >> All right. Uh uh are you here for your appointment? >> You were appointed, but you're here for housing. >> I'm here for housing. >> Yep. We're waiting for Jack to >> Yeah. >> to jump on
five. >> That's at five. Okay. So, I mean, >> so I think there was like no action taken. We cashed it out. Let's roll. >> We're all good. We're all good. >> We're good. We're all good. Okay.
>> Um, uh, 2.1 2.1 5:00. >> Yeah, >> we're having joint meetings. But are you the only one on? >> Yeah, we are waiting for Jack >> Mor >> to join us. >> Yeah. >> And
>> then we can't join yet. >> Can't join till he just emailed he emailed said he was going to join us. So I'm hoping he does that in a moment or two. >> Yeah, except a meeting at 6. We did we did appoint you as VSO. So that's good to go. There's Mr. Moran
right there. So >> we can do it. >> I will encourage our housing authority >> once Jack can hear us to call to order. >> Yeah, >> let's do it. >> I'm going to make sure he can hear us. Okay. And he gives me a thumbs up.
>> Let me call the order first for us. Yeah, it's probably while he's getting his sound organized. >> Yeah, he might as well. >> Okay, so 2.1 I'll call the joint meeting to order of the select board portion with the towns and housing authority at
5:04 p.m. Roll >> call >> and Maria from present. Now you Natalie call housing present. If you want to call your joint meeting to get on. >> All right. I have to call the housing authority joint meeting starting at
5:05. >> If I may, may I have a roll call, please? >> Jack Moran present. >> Call present. So we have the two. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> So now we have that and >> so the housing authority has to um
>> make a motion. >> Yeah. Has a motion for a new member. Um you guys approved it. So, I'll let you read that motion to >> Well, I make a motion that we have I um Irene Conan, >> correct? >> To the housing authority. >> Secondive date
>> effective date um February 3rd, 2026 through the annual town election on April 27th, 2026. >> Okay, Jack seconded. >> Okay, >> Jack seconded. So, roll call vote. has authority.
>> Did Jack second with a roll call? Did he >> Jack? >> Jack, do you want to say second roll call vote? >> Uh, I second roll call vote. >> Thank you, sir. Vote for it. >> Now you have to vote. >> Now call yes.
>> Jack Moran, yes. >> Veronica Cal, yes. Good. Oh, do we make our own motion? I I think it was just the motion. We're in a joint meeting. >> Yes. >> And Laura, yes. >> All right.
>> So, thank you to Irene, but then you have another motion. >> Vote to approve. I'm sorry. >> That's okay. So, I >> move to recommend Irene Congen to the community preservation committee at the housing authority representative effective February 3rd, 2026 to June
30th, 2029. Jack, >> I second that. >> Jack second. Okay. >> Moran second. Okay. >> Roll call. Um, was it >> roll call vote? Sorry. Nie call. Yes.
>> Jack Moran, yes. >> Veronica Cow, yes. >> Kylie Gish, yes. >> And Laura, yes. Okay. So, thank you all very much. >> Thank you so much. >> And thank you to Irene Carvin for those positions. >> I need to get >> welcome Irene. Thanks.
>> Thank you, Jack. >> Cheers. >> Have a good night. >> So, we now have a full community preservation committee >> as well to my knowledge. >> So, too CPC is full. >> So many appointments today. >> Housing authority is full >> and housing housing authority.
>> Oh, no. They still need a quorum. Sorry. >> Yeah, they have a quorum now. >> Okay. Um Okay. The next one is at six. So can we go to 4.2 reassignment of select board liaison
assignments? This was also brought for discuss this. I did bring this. >> Okay, >> I brought this one. >> So I just want to say I do not want to change my assignments with three months left. >> No. >> Okay, >> I'm good. But >> I want the discussion.
>> Yeah, sure. >> Okay. And I want the discussion because there are when we run for the position of selectman and this will be and you know soon it's going to be five um
>> maybe whatever. Um then even more so if it's not um and just like we don't have to do things the way we used to do them because this has been ongoing for who knows how long. um you don't when you you don't know
what liaison positions you're going to be holding until you're already elected. So when you run you may or may not be comfortable with what you're going to end up being liaison to. >> Yeah.
>> And so and also why does it have to be called general government public safety and elective boards and commissions? Why can't it be by the chair, the vice chair, the clerk, and in the future maybe the members? Okay. And I feel like
each year when the board is new that they should be able to discuss what positions they might be more comfortable representing. Maybe they know more about certain ones. I don't want Veronica to change hers. I want her to do all the
union negotiations and and still do public safety. I don't want that. I'm not comfortable with that. And there's other positions that I'm no longer comfortable with. So that's why I have this. And if you don't want to do anything about this now, I understand. I
don't man mind adding things but I don't want to subtract things except for audit committee which I will happily send to this cuz just looking at this I'm no longer the approved the assigned person to that committee.
>> So there's already things I don't want to do. I'm not comfortable doing any any longer. >> Okay. >> Okay. And that's why I wanted to have a discussion. If you're uncomfortable with something you you like to talk about being uncomfortable with it, right? Well, that's how I feel. Um, I want to
be able to be liaison to those that I feel like I have enough knowledge with and that I can help. Um, not something where I'm going to be butting heads with somebody or anything like that. So, if you look
at the list right now, there are 16 to 19 positions that we each have. Mhm. >> Maybe three or so of them. I I gave this to Karen. I shared it with him
>> and and my thoughts. You didn't get them because they were not piest. >> What are they? What are you >> I didn't get your thoughts, but I have the assignments up and >> Oh. Oh. Oh. >> I haven't heard. >> I sent this to you before I left. >> I may not have read it.
>> It's okay. >> Just discuss away. >> It was just my name on it. Well, let's just go through it. Let's just go through these starting up at the top and go through it and um if someone wants to send one away or take one on, we can do
that. I'm I'm good. >> Okay. So, let's let's do that. The first one I'll just take a few minutes because I know I don't want to belabor this meeting, but I do want to get something done. >> Um so, I'll do it quick. >> Abraham French Fund is in limbo. It there's nothing to do there. Okay,
that's under what you have now. Amanda Dwight Entertainment Fund. I wouldn't mind doing that. Um, Conservation Agent Commission. I have no I don't want to do that. Um, Council on Aging. I'd love to
do that. I'm there. I should I should be with them all the time. Um, the Cultural Council, no. Energy Committee? No. Finance Committee? No. Flag Committee? Yes. I'd love to do that. Kids country playground. No. Library trustees. No.
But all of these are ones that you would have or and that I don't necessarily want. Memorial Day band. Yes. I've worked with them a lot. Uh North Middle School Committee. No. Recreation Commission? No. Small town Collaborate?
No. Um Town County Town Accountant? Yes. I'd like to do that. Treasure Collector? No. Veterans Agent. Yes, I'd like to work with them. Um, West Towns and reading room is should be in the town properties thing. It's
really not anything that should be on anybody's list right now. Public safety. I don't want that. Um, let me see. Under public safety, I have nothing except I don't know why I put yes to inspectional services. Probably the
electrical, plumbing, and whatnot. with that. Fine. Um, elected boards and commissions, board of assessors, no. Uh, board of health, yes, I work with them. Fine. Cemeterian. >> Okay. So, let's look at the ones that you're a no on. This is your list. Board
of assessors, you're a no. So, we need someone to take that. >> I can take that short if you want to go with. >> Okay. Um, board of health. Uh the next one that I have is no is facilities maintenance. Uh
I can do that but I said no because when I when I did this I think that everybody should be getting like the same amount on here because even when you go to the Okay, let's just keep going and we'll get to the next page. Um
where was I? Facilities. Um, highway department, I have no. Uh, historic district commission, I yes, I'm on it. Uh, Nishoba Valley Tech, I have no. Um, and then my next no is town clerk.
Um, and then tree boarding, yes. Board commissioner, yes. Agricultural commission, I have no. Uh, rural rural towns check-in, which I have no idea what that is. >> I go to that. Okay. From time to time
she does. It's like a Wednesday morning thing. There's a >> um >> I see the email. >> I have attended a lot of them. Some depending on the topic cuz she >> I can take that one. The >> council transportation. I used to do
that all the time, but I have not had time to do that now. And then when we go to the assignments that Veronica has, um, take me off audit. >> Yeah. So, audit goes under salary.
>> Um, >> do you have to do a letter of resignation and then reappoint? >> We already appointed me to add it. I just took my downstairs. >> Got it. >> I'm sure we'll keep them all in line if something has to be done here. hearing
>> uh RCC regional coordinating council. I don't even know what that is. >> I do because I attended that once and it was really meant for um someone from like uh the senior center to attend and there's nobody who
>> it really should be an employee. >> It it really should be an employee that attends. So I went once. >> Okay. >> Um just because I wanted to make sure that the town stayed on the distribution for that. Could I also maybe put a little call out? It seems like maybe that could be someone from the
disability commission too. >> That could be that would work as well. So that might be something we want to transfer. They have regular meetings. >> Um and they had a document coming anyway. >> Yeah, there's a lot of potential there. It's just too much. >> Yeah, it's one board to take.
>> Right. Okay. >> Mart advisory board. I do attend that. >> Okay. Um so those are all under yours. And then are you making notes? >> I am. Okay. Um, >> I'll take agriculture. >> Okay. >> You want me to? >> I'll take assessors.
>> Sure. Thank you. Uh, and committee assignments. Uh, the MRPC alternate. Uh, you you have that. And JT. Okay. >> And commission on disability. I I'd like to do that.
>> Yeah, that's fine. >> Um, and then what's under me? Cable advisory is uh dissolved. Mo I can do if you want and town properties I'm a yes. Um or somebody else can take it. >> Well, so I guess I have this question
for you with regard to MRPC and MJTC. You seem to know the most about those. >> I do. So if you want me to take properties and you take those that's probably and I'll take agriculture and >> that would be great. >> So you take those two. I'll take town
properties. >> Okay. Um, and then I think you said you didn't want agriculture and >> I I haven't no on that right. >> And what was the other ones under your elected boards and officials? >> Assessors. I grab >> assessor. She got
Okay. >> Highway and facilities. >> Highway facilities. That's That's fine. Okay. Um, and then >> you ladies coordinator. >> That's what happened.
it's NA, you know, so some of that's what that's why some of these things don't have to be on and why they should change yearly >> really so that everybody is the best talents that they have are being utilized and I with the new list
which I'm thankful for to my board I would like that to be changed to chair, vice chair and clerk. Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Instead of the >> And then you don't It can be mixed however you want to do. >> That makes sense.
>> And then I'd like the new uh the interm administrator's name put on the list instead of the old one. >> And I think those were all my >> No. Did you say the clerk too, Lori? >> For housing authority. You should be the
one. She's taking someone else. Yeah. >> Taking the 10 clerk. >> You're taking 10. That's fine. And you're going to take council on aging. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I really appreciate that. >> And there's a couple other You said the
flag committee, did you say? >> Yeah, I'll take that. >> Flag committee and >> Memorial Day. >> Memorial Day. >> I'll take that. And then um if you want to after you make the adjustments send that around to everybody and then we can
>> u if there's any changes we can do that with him directly that he may not have clutened >> because I'll watch the video again. I don't have that pink version. I have the actual list. I'll give you my notes and please my hand.
>> I'll end up scanning it to both of us so we haven't got >> I already have it on the computer that I sent you. >> I never got it. I got the latest list. I didn't get that version. >> Oh well then I apologize. I might have been so nuts before I left. >> That's vacation Lori. I like that
version too. >> I know. We need Do we need a motion to change those type of lazy assignments? I just discussed. Go ahead. I make a motion to change the select road and assignments discussed at the February 2nd meeting to be approved
to be reviewed >> February. The February 10th meeting. >> Oh, to be reviewed at the time. Okay. >> And I'll send it out in advance of that so everyone has a copy and BCC New York send me back like, "Oh, you missed one Ken." >> Okay. >> Back. So,
>> and Valerie, was that uh Veronica, was that a second? >> Yes, it was. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none, I just want to thank you very much for listening to me because I did spend a lot of time on it. So, I'm glad we're have it done.
Uh, roll call vote. If you count and thank you. 4.3. We have time. We have time. Let's go. >> We're doing great. >> MRPC's 2026 call for proposals for technical assistance.
Kieran, you want to continue? >> Yeah. So, uh, MRPC each year, you know, works with its communities to see what type of consulting, engineering, design work for specific types of grants that we're looking at. Um, our planning board has reviewed several. Um, there's three
different items that they I think felt were worthy from um, Beth, planning board leaison. Um, they were in the shared folder. Um, I can briefly touch on each item or what's best for you guys in terms of um review.
>> I looked through them all. >> I I did too. I I know which ones I want. So, let Valerie go and then I'll say I do want to clarify. Is that for 11319 intersection or is that route 1319? >> It's the intersection right out here. So, that's
>> so that's 1319. Yeah, >> that was what I wanted clarification on. >> Mhm. Yeah. >> Okay. So, go ahead, Valerie. Your picks. I have my picks. I just want to say these are my picks. Go ahead. Go ahead.
>> And then I assume that the um that the planning board is going to write it up. >> Correct. >> Correct. >> It's it's sometimes the land use coordinator who has written it up. >> Correct. That's a lot of that. >> Yeah. Um, so I absolutely because I am
the select board person on the affordable housing trust, I absolutely want the inclusionary housing um bylaw. We had started that last year. >> Um Aaron had done it. So it was before you were here. >> Correct. >> And we had put a version out that um
needed more work. We had wanted it on the annual town meeting last year, but I think having it reviewed and looking at it, spending more time with it is important >> and I think it's important for the town. I know that all that people say, "Oh, all the housing in town is affordable."
But that's not really the case. the intent. >> Um yeah. So, uh I I would absolutely like that to be on the um one of the projects put forward for DTA. >> I would suggest ranking them each.
>> Okay. >> So, Veronica ranked that as inclusionary housing as one for her. What >> for me? Um my my second one would be the 13119 intersection because and my reason for putting the HMP third is because I
think we can maybe get that um through grant funding uh get that a different funding source for that. >> Okay. >> So that's my reasoning. So those are my one two threes. So maybe we should all do that.
So just for I know you don't I know acronyms are always tricky. It's the hazardous mitigation plan which the town had that has now since expired. It's a very useful tool for you know hazardous management um and emergency responses and things like that. So that's what HMP
sort of exemplifies. Um again the housing is for something the trust had began and then got sidetracked and 13 the 1319 study is for out here and the thought is that it would prepare the town for a tip project and it's work
that had already been done before in the past. >> Tip is >> transportation >> yeah transportation improvement plan >> because I used to go to the MTC. So, whoever is up next. >> No, can I ask a question with regards to the HMP
>> the availability of other funds for that? >> There are other grants out there that could potentially cover it. Um, we did have Bernie Cahill was here and he I think it was he was meeting with Beth and they had touched on it and he's like, "Oh, that one that's one that's
pretty boilerplate." Yeah. >> And we had done a lot of leg work on it already, but it does involve some public engagement. Um, and it was it expired just this past December. >> So, you're right. It may be one that we can reactivate through other channels. >> Okay. >> So,
>> so that was that was my question when I reviewed them all was that one seems to me the one to be most likely to be kind of separated. Not that I want to. the environment just to like that to be first. But I'm going to actually go with the 13119 first as someone who's experienced some
hazardous biking incidents at that intersection and almost died once. It was fun. And then the uh inclusionary housing second and then the HMP third. >> And that's my >> So seems like
>> like I'm I'm 50/50 on the one and two. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So I just press >> I think they both in bumped me that one. >> Well, I work there. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. >> So tell me why you seen me on my bike there. You see it every day. >> Is this the grant that they do two rounds on? If I remember right, um from
planning days, they did a first round >> of the DTA and then and they they award and then if there are more funds they do a second round. >> Yes, that's true. >> They do um they >> NRPC that's how that works. >> Yeah. They felt in conversation. There's
only about seven to eight communities that are going to get DT DTA projects funded through them this year due to just sort of >> because they probably have less than what they normally get. >> Yeah, there's some constraining resources in that organization. So,
>> they used to have a ton. Well, we used to get two or three. >> Yeah. >> I don't know if we ever got three, but I know we've gotten two. >> Yeah. There was a time period where we never applied for them >> right >> before I opened my mouth and said why aren't we doing
>> why aren't we participating at the table and so then they nominated me to go there because you open your mouth >> when you open your mouth you get the role >> but yeah we've gotten a lot in the last decade >> so the the sort of democ democratic vote
there is the 13119 projects number Number two is the inclusionary zoning housing project. Number three, >> um but still important is HMP. Yeah. >> And I will relay this to Beth and encourage her to >> any other possible sources of funding.
>> Um the MVP uh grant will that um help with MV because we did those documents together. We did with HM >> they don't they're it's MIMA and it's its own organization now. Okay. And that agency is now closed.
>> I applied for it back in November in >> Yeah. Okay. All right. >> Do you want to make an official vote on that? I think that's a voting type item. >> I think Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um I would make a motion to approve um
the following prioritization for MRPC's 2026 call for proposals. Number one, um, investigate design grant for 13119 intersection via federal tip funding opportunities. Number two, work with DTA to review inclusionary housing via town
and affordable housing trust. And number three, work with MRPC to reactivate the hazardous mitigation plan via land use or other grant opportunities. >> Thank you. >> Second. Second, Veronica. Second. Any further
discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica ke I gay and Laura shipper I >> excellent. >> We already had a DLCA review or was it
UPWP for the uh walkability of this? >> Yep. >> part of town. >> I actually applied for a AARP walking study grant too to help with that but haven't heard back yet. So >> try it on a bike. >> DBD. >> Yeah. If I ever don't come to a meeting,
just find me out there in the end. And I try to avoid it, but sometimes I have to. Okay. 4.4 mandatory referral zoning court of appeals
board makes comments on three wheel. >> That was the CDA one, right? >> Correct. Yes. Appeals commence. Um I it looked to me if I was reading this
correctly that they are applying to remove less and to keep a barn on the property that they are were originally going to um remove. I'm reading if I'm reading that correctly. That's what I saw when I went
through it. >> Not missing anything. >> And I am good with that. If it's uh uh reducing almost pretty much in half the amount of gravel coming off that lot, it looks like a modification to a
special permit for gravel removal. >> Mhm. Um and uh and it looks to me like they are asking it to be modified so that they can keep the building that was there and maybe modify that building somewhat and remove lesser gravel.
That's what I got. >> And and um if that's the case, I am happy to go with whatever the CBA decides. >> Yeah. This is probably a moment where it's Thank you for letting us know take no action. Y
>> go from there cuz it's it's really a ZBA's matter >> before that. >> Um >> and we usually say we're confident in the zoning board's ability to make the right decision. Yep. >> That's why they're there. >> It's the same topic for planning board.
If that's all it is, if it isn't on um if it isn't removing um uh vegetation along to >> seemed like there was more for planning. >> Yeah, I thought so too. Um if if it I
would want to make sure that the vegetation plan that was put in place when the solar um farm was instated and and I I would I know I was on the planning board when that came in originally. Mhm.
>> I would want to make sure that that was um maintained that the in or in order to protect the people along the that above the solar farm. That's all. >> Yeah. So the the planning board side had
a storm water management modification that's in the share drive. Um so I think there was just some modifying language that the planning board will you know either looking for comment or will be taking action on to review um as a group.
Usually the storm water plan gets reviewed outside by the planning board, doesn't it? Not >> by the planning board. >> The planning board hire. >> The Right. The planning board hires an outside consultant. Typically,
>> they're going to be hiring a peer. So, it's a peer review. >> Exactly. >> And they will pass that fee along to the applicant. >> Correct. >> Um, so I think that notification will be going out um in the near future. Um I believe they're going to use H oily and Tanner um who's sort of a really
prominently known resource in the area for these such peer reviews. Um and then they'll report back to the planning board with determinations. So >> my question making sure y >> so as long as that >> that process has to happen place I I am
good. >> Yeah. >> So same comment confidence in the planning board decision. >> Exactly. Okay. I think this is the one. >> The next one was a change in the vegetation.
>> Mhm. It was basically just from what I understand it was saying it didn't have to be there an annual review anymore. >> Yeah, this is the West Meadow Road. Um the original permit was ground mounted
solar um also known as Lock Brook Solar um within a you know aquaer protection overlay and you know Towns and Planning Board wants to hold a hearing to review that and part of the mandatory referral notice. and you know changes involve removal of
vegetative screening along that west metal road. So again they have certain standards to >> they still have to keep vegetation. and we're just not going to screen that. They're doing it every year is what they're asking for basically. >> It they it could be I don't know the exact >> that's how I read it, but
>> yeah. Um but >> I I guess my point on this is I would like to make sure that the residents are um visually protected. We we did a lot I was on the committee that did the solar
bylaw and we did a lot of discussion on viewshed and that you don't want to um I mean if you're living in towns and and you have had a view of a farm field you want to make sure that your view of that farm
field doesn't change even though the farm field is no longer a farm field. Mhm. >> And so, um, I would want to make sure that the planning board does everything possible to ensure that.
>> That's all. >> Do you want to comment on that? >> Well, I do, of course, but you guys >> I mean, I'm fine with the plane board as long as the original intention of this is still in place. If that makes sense. If that's kind of what you're saying,
Veronica. The original intention of that request was for that purpose. So >> does that make sense? >> Yes. >> As long as original intent is in place. >> Yeah. >> Excellent.
>> And next >> is 53 West Meadow. >> Correct. And this one is for a storm water regulations um hearing and uh they're going to be doing land disturbance of 46,000 almost 46,000
um yeah included 40 land disturbance of 46,000 ft including 7,800 ft of steep slopes. Um, and this will be proposed and is above the threshold requiring a major storm water management permit and
it came to the towns and planning board. >> Are they going to have that same review? >> I are they going to have that same review? Okay, >> they have to. >> Yeah, just making sure. >> Um, well, it looks like they're asking to be exempt from a storm major storm
water management. Yeah, this is for a new single family home. >> I highly doubt they're going to do that. I don't think planning will let that happen. I'll trust them to go through what they need to.
>> I don't know the lot or the location, so it sounds like it's pretty pretty challenging, right? There's a um God who used to be the um he's gone was it the conservation region or maybe land use
um I forget his name that was here when we first started this and there's two categories if it's well obviously this one's going to be major because they're having a public hearing because if it was minor
it would be just in house. Correct. So this is um obviously I haven't walked the site so I have no idea. Um but I would want to make sure that um
the land owner and the abutters are protected from whatever. Um >> I I trust planning will do that. >> I trust planning is going to do that. >> You want to do you want to note like
I I just haven't gone through the documents soup the nuts in terms of are they getting a peer review or not? But it sounds like this one may if it's part of that world deserve it. Is that >> if it's not minor, they're going to get a review. >> Okay. >> Because they won't give a decision.
Planning won't give a decision without it. >> Okay. >> So, how do you want me to word this? >> Um respect plan decision um pending review as necessary as
>> they're going to do it. They have to have a peer review and the applicant pays this request for inection. >> Yeah. Like Stampsky printed out where the house is going to go and everything. So on their plan, the septic plan too drainage.
>> That's >> um make sure it's reviewed. I guess that's all I want to say. >> Say what you said again. I'm going to tell them make sure they have peer review. >> Yeah. Just
>> please require peer review as necessary. >> Yeah. As required by >> storm water management plans or by major >> excavate or whatever the phrase is. Just not sure if we do. This looks like a major.
>> There's like some way to phrase it. I can't think of like >> usually I'm pretty >> So what' you write so far? I'm >> trying to like >> undertaking. >> Yes. Good.
>> Reaper comes out >> whenever you needed the >> I don't know where it comes from, but yeah. Okay. 4.8. >> Yeah, that was my request. Thank you, Lord. >> Yeah.
>> You want to go? You want me to go? >> You go. Okay. Um so this is brought to my attention and I think some of you might understand this also is so when the interim time minister came to us initially we were negotiating there was a rate in the contract and it was hourly
and you can correct me if I'm wrong Karen any point in this conversation but what happened was we added on the grant administrator responsibilities to the TA position correct initially we had thought we'd do oh 32 hours as TA eight hours of grant administrator
But I No, it doesn't. And I thought that So, I'm surprised that we need to make this adjustment because it was intended to be in his job is this. >> Yes. >> It it's part of his written at this rate. >> So, but that's not how it
>> So, what happened was the rate was adjusted. >> So, that was in the grant administrator. Correct. >> That's where it happened. >> Yes. So when when that was calculated had I been paying enough attention again crazy means like I would have seen that
but when we when we changed it from an hourly to a weekly we didn't catch that that rate had been changed >> and it's not a separation it was adding of responsibilities that's what we did >> it's not two separate jobs >> so we took we took the town administrator position we added
responsibilities on top >> correct >> and so I don't think that means that we should be paying less for the town administrator position. I agree. >> You're welcome to not do this if you don't want to. >> I mean, I I honor the contracts I signed. >> This was this was not advocated to me by
the interim TA. This was when I came where this I was kind of mortified that I hadn't caught it because >> is there a motion? >> Yeah, sure. I move to accept theou for a salary adjustment for the interim town administrator and the EAF change as
presented which would be second. And it's not important. >> Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica ke. >> Thank you.
>> I don't think putting my dog in doggy daycare overnight on Tuesday nights. A little bit more affordable. That's what I did for him. >> Probably a good idea. You never know. Yeah. >> Yeah. Literally. Maggie was like, "I'm not around." And I'm like, "Oh, he's going to donkey daycare." >> Yeah.
>> Overnight >> with friends. >> Thank you. >> I'm like writing a grand 11:45 at night. >> Okay. >> Go to do that because I want to go into the 5.1
business. >> We have to do something. uh 6 p.m. >> at 6 PM is the joint meeting with our finan friends and police chief's going to present to us as well as fin >> this day of
>> February 4.9. This is a very pleasant one. >> No, it's a happy thing. >> I know. >> I like happiness. >> Let's make the motion. I love them all. Um, can I make just one comment? Is these all the pictures that are going to be used in the entire
>> They fit in. >> Okay. If they fit in and additional ones could be used also. We're not saying just these ones. >> Well, this is what we have. Okay. >> The these have been given to us, >> of course. Yeah. >> So, we're accepting these. >> What I was saying is we could add other
ones. We're just adding these to the pile >> because it seems there seems to be kind of centered to one thing. not laying the No, there's other things. >> Okay. Just making sure >> other departments, other whatever and >> that's fine. >> I I do get to work on this thing. Okay.
So, when it comes through, >> I may have some decisions as to where they go in the book. >> That's about it. >> The irony of it is like when I got the file, I thought I had to pick one and I was like, "Oh man, like this is not
good. I don't want this responsibility." I was like, So then like I saw there was one that's beautiful and I was like I see the American flag. I see like the nice like st I was like that's pretty sharp. It's like I feel like America and I'm like it looks good but I'm like is this the only like I don't want this pressure.
>> Oh no no no. I no I asked I said I can use all these right. I don't have to pick one do I? >> No. So it's for all of them. Um I move to approve the donation of 19 pictures for the annual town report 2025 by Norman. >> Um Veronica second. Okay. Any further
discussion only that there can be other pictures. >> Yes. That was all I wanted. >> Make sure. >> Okay. Roll call vote. Veronica >> and for nine 5.1 first reading public record policy
revised. Why don't we move this to 310? >> 310 or 210? >> Oh, 210. Sorry. Sorry. >> 310. >> 210. >> That's fine. >> I'm just thinking um
>> there's a few moving parts on this one. Um we did have some staff ask for it, so I shared it with them in its draft format. Um >> well, do we want to do it? I have not received feedback on it yet, but I shared the document. >> Would you like to wait for feedback? It's up to you.
>> I could. It was our town clerk's office. They they wanted to review it and get a glance at it. Um I haven't I haven't heard back yet. >> Okay, sounds good. February 10th. I I think we >> 5.2. I'm trying to move this along.
>> I like it, Lori. >> Good convers. Uh 5.2 um was looped in with Miss Kell. Um she had been working with the town council office on this last I knew. You're up front.
>> Um was the lease in there? Did it get put in there? I didn't look at this one because I hadn't. >> So you were >> reviewing edits with town council. >> I don't have anything on this. >> So we may not have any action on this would be my guess. So, let's move this to next week. And if you haven't gotten
this, I'll put it in there. >> I was I h I asked my question in the email that I wanted um to be certain that we had and the answer was positive. I thought >> Okay,
>> maybe we should talk this. We should move uh I I would like to move this to next week. >> 210 >> to 210. >> 210. >> And that will give you and I time to talk and that will give us time to um send it to >> share with the team.
>> Yeah. And with you guys. So all right. Was it in here? >> Nope. >> And uh Okay. >> No, it's not. >> No. >> So that's being moved on to 5.3. Um the weekly dates.
Um first of all, we're not meeting on the 17th. That was school vacation. That was a long discussion we had. >> So I have 210. No. 217. And then 224 would be the next meeting after that.
>> Correct. >> Okay. And then special time meeting 225. Correct. So So what are we doing here? Did Did you guys think we were meeting on the 17th? I'm fine either way. >> I thought we were I thought that we were meeting with Fincom today and the 17th.
I thought >> those first two meetings in February is the policy. So that would be today and next week. >> Did they agree to that? >> Yes, >> they did. So it's >> okay. So that's >> So it's 23 and 210. >> That's what I thought. >> Uh because >> So then my question was is that if we
have the budget summit on the 7th, >> do we really need that day? Which day? >> Which day? The 17th. >> Yeah. And I guess I would defer to the inter >> I think it would be useful to have some time.
>> So maybe not a meeting and then like just give myself to keep working with the mentor and like come up with some really good ideas. So I would appreciate more time. >> That's fine. And then we'd also give you guys a chance to >> and then if at any point in time you need us to get together in there, you
just let us know and we can >> I will say on 29 I just want to know if there'll be a quorum at the school budget hearing. >> What what is the time on that? I have it online >> 6 p.m. and I can bring this up more in the administration for meeting purposes
>> from way back but I it's 6 pm. I'll be there >> at Sam School Maison. So I'll be there. You can do it hybrid, you can do it virtually, or you can go there in person. They've asked who's coming in person, so I just want to make sure I respond. I'm going to go in person. >> Where is it? >> It's at the high school room.
>> So then we have to post meeting, right? >> Correct. >> But you can also do Zoom. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Last year the call and the SLE would zoom. >> So we'll post Yeah, we'll post >> for that meeting and we post it. >> That's what we did. We didn't attend.
>> I answered you on that one because there's no there's no meetings that night. >> Yeah. You said like no meetings. >> It's the following week. >> That planning has the meeting, right? Okay. All right. Um, so we'll get >> the 23rd. >> Okay. So, I'll be in person. So, we should post. >> Okay.
>> So, not the 17th. >> No. 17 >> unless >> unless >> you feel that we need a work session on the budget or something, >> we can we can discuss that. Yeah. >> Um, okay. I'm not taking it out yet, but
Do you want to go through the rest of those? Is that why they're here? The ones in red? Are we supposed to approve these? I thought the reds were the ones that were certain. And nobody said anything about this. And the and the blacks were
things that were maybe. That's the way I read this. But I put everything in. So, um just because if I don't Yep. >> Yeah. >> So, um we can um we can update it next
week, too. >> Okay. >> Something at least I mean I'm fine I'm fine with giving it a motion right now. >> I'm fine with giving our first and third and adding as needed. >> That's fine with me generally speaking. >> Well, but that's not exactly what we're
doing here because we just crossed out. >> Oh, other than February. Okay, February is different. All right, >> next thing is the warrant articles and we don't have enough time to go through that. >> You probably do not have enough time >> before the joint. >> Yeah. >> Um, we'll have to do that after. We do
need to do that today. >> Yeah. >> No, we will. We have to do that today. >> All right. >> And >> do you want to take a quick peek at the snow and ice spending so far? >> Yeah, >> I shared >> 5.5. >> Correct. Uh 5.5. you know, we are at a
number of 326145 right now. So that's a negative deficit balance of about $85,000 um from the allocation of 241. Um it's only February 3rd, so just something to be
>> Okay. So we're dropping into free cash at this point, >> correct? This is where we're starting the free cash allocation. And just the clarification of free cash we think is going to be >> she said it's use 500k as the placeholder. >> Just wanted public knowledge on that one.
>> I don't have the hard number yet. >> No, that's fine. I just wanted a general >> 500k >> everybody to hear the number that we're dealing with for >> allow. So um that's the expense summary thus far. Um, I hope it stops snowing.
>> Well, the the cost is typically the salt. That's the line that last year bumped us up. And I thought he >> he just got a shipment of salt, >> right? And he did one at the end of last year. >> That's why we're as low as we are here because he did do that.
>> But if we have to do another shipment of salt, that'll kill us. >> So if we get to the end of the year, I wouldn't restock. until next year. Just saying. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. And they are there's one truck
that got dinged. So that's another issue for I mean you maintenance and repair. So folks, >> do we have insurance? >> I've asked waiting for an answer. >> We're going to take a few minutes before we do fin.
Yes, we'll take a 7 minute recess for our TAM friends who are listening and we'll be back in just a few minutes. Sam is late. >> All right. Good time everybody. >> All right. T Cam, we're we're back. We
have a couple meetings to call to order if that's okay. >> All set. All right, we have a joint meeting tonight with uh towns and select board and towns and fincom. So I'll let the powers that be rolling.
all kinds of stuff. >> Okay. Hey, good evening everyone and I will call the joint meeting of the select board and income to order at 6:02 p.m. I'll have a roll call of the select board please for
lordship and present in y and I will call the house and finance committee meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. and roll call attendance, please. >> Gerald Bazik is here. >> Kathleen Sparkford here. Carol House is
here. >> Mary Jane Churchill here. >> David Walker here. Sam Dan Grant here. He's present. We have our full whole full finance committee. Excellent. >> And Madam Chair, can I just say something before we begin? There's also
a quorum of the capital plan here. Um, so as long as we don't talk about capital planning, I believe that we are good. But if we do, I will be the one to recuse myself because I'm new and I probably have the less the least amount
to contribute to it. So if that's >> Thank you for the disclosure. >> Okay. >> Well, thanks to all the boards coming out tonight. Um, I'm going to a couple things for you guys and then hand it off to the police chief. Um, because his
budget is much grander than I can ever imagine. Um, and he's much better at presenting than I. So, I will quickly give you sort of a towns in fiscal year 2027 topics to cover. Um, you should have a copy of that presentation. I can also email it out after the fact um to
everyone that would like a copy or I'll send it to Don and he can um distribute to his team. um in general and I haven't shared this with the select board though I think they've sort of known what's um been driving budget discussions for me um as I work for you guys to sort of um
get through things um you know expenses based on the department requests the largest drivers of that budget um revenue estimates which again are very estimate estimated rates right now um reminding us of our budget policy that
you guys set back in 2017 and then some ideas for budget controls that hopefully you guys will see motions there to empower me to move forward with um as I work with departments that are making requests and trying to rein in some spending that we may not have
um as a whole. You know, your expenses and department requests sort of break out into these different categories. You know, education, no surprise to anyone, is the largest um consumer of the budget, if you will, of the taxpayer dollars for the town. Um, you know, other ones that stick out
to to me, you know, public safety as a bucket, you know, is about 15% to 15 and a.5%. Um, human services, culture, recreation, you know, you you end up in a ballpark number. Again, this is based on department requests of that 29
million six. um in terms of how things look in towns and right now um with the requests we have to date um this should align pretty closely with the omnibus budget that you have in hand
um based on department requests. It's the maths changed a little bit since I last presented that to you guys last week. Um you know a couple other numbers have come in um so that's sort of where we're working from right now. Um, so again, asterisk is these are requests
right now. Um, they've shifted a little bit since your last discussion. Um, any questions here? I know it's I'm not trying to race through it, but I'm just trying to >> just when you talk about the differences, um, you sent out a while ago a link to a file on share drive.
>> Um, those numbers were the same as a week or so ago. >> Yep. is is it being modified someplace different? >> So, I'm working on my own, but you're going to see at the end of this presentation what I hope you empower me to do for you guys with department
heads. you know, when you look at your largest budget drivers based on fiscal year 26 based on the requests on certain departments right now and then the percentage increase um you'll see where again based on department requests the change in
percentage um it's it's not perfect math but this really gives you an understanding of some of the largest drivers that are causing um significant increases in the town Um, you know, one that comes to mind that I
learned a little later on today, um, was you guys had a town meeting vote for some pavement manager programs. >> I realized that late today that the town is also going to receive $900,000 in chapter 90 money. So, I don't think that
250 is locked in stone, per se. It might be a soft spot thinking budget and trying to avoid overrides and loss of you know folks and such like that. So >> can I say something about that? >> That was a bylaw that was put in place
around 2018 I think it was 2018 2019 and um it was Andrea Wood from the finance committee who put in a caveat saying only if we had the money to do it. >> Yeah. And so I think we have maybe twice
in the past eight years or so since it came into play funded it at all. >> Mhm. >> We just haven't had the money. >> Yeah. >> And there is an increase in chapter 90 like you said. >> Yeah. Substantial. It's almost 2x chapter 90. Last year was about 400k. This year towns in about 900k which is a
tremendous amount for your nearly I think it's 90 or so miles of roads in town if I'm guessing correctly. Um but again just wanted to bring illustration to it for the driving factor of what's happening in your budget. Um you know some other departments you know I sort of went to bat for the town
administrator salary. Um so that you know is a delta of almost 35% increase. Um and I know I met with you guys and and shared with you you know why I felt so strongly about it. Um you know elections has a pretty substantial jump. I think that has to do with the amount
of elections we have incoming. um you know sort of working through that that challenge. Um you know other wage increases. Nshoboa board of health um is was really faced with a challenge in all the communities it serves where they went up quite a bit. Um you know 30%
hike for anoba board of health which does some of your nursing program but also some of your you know board of health septic design such like that. You know I think a lot of communities the one that I'm a part of is having a real tough time swallowing that pill. Are they itemizing it so we know what what
the charges are for? >> They're referencing insurance increases and retirement increases and just the cost of services um in lie of the hospital being closed. >> Oh, but I would encourage folks to uh
investigate that because we are in my community because we're faced with a similar cost increase. Wasn't there a letter sent out or something that said, you know, basically mandating >> these increases? You really didn't have a choice?
>> Well, the choice is the contract. >> Okay. >> That's where you come in, Carol. >> Okay. I mean, right. If you don't sign the contract, you find a, you know, plan >> more expensive. >> Are there plan B's out there that are realistic? >> Um, like Dunstable and Graten are
talking about bringing the board of health agent under one umbrella. Uh so it's that person would serve both towns. Um I don't know the workload involved in towns in for what the board of health agent does for us. It might be something to check with Prol Ashb or other
communities that they serve to see if they're also experiencing that hardship with cost increase and then trying to blend them together. >> Is that Carla? >> Carla, it's Rick. >> Rick. Oh, >> Rick Metaf represents us and he's here 2
days a week, 1 hour, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Uh, well, or two 12 to 2 and then he does whatever this area needs for inspections on those days. >> Does he represent other towns too?
>> Yeah, in Yeah, quite a few. Quite a few towns. So, >> Oh, yeah. >> Um, but again, it's it's you know, you've got insurance like our health insurance. I you know Maya said the estimate is like 2.3 to 144 >> 14. Yeah. So hopefully the average is like 89.
>> Yeah. So I put us on the high end there. Um but you know we know health insurance. >> Do you have an official number yet from our agent? >> Not yet. Still waiting. >> I thought they would have gotten it to us last week. >> So would I but I'm going to chat with Cali to see if she heard or who are the other contacts for that.
>> Is that based on um 2020 FY26 headcount or FY27 headcount? I would be on the previous year because can't predict what 27 is going to look like. So >> I don't think the percentage changes based on headcount, right? It's based on usage, >> usage and medical needs, you know,
things of that nature. Sort of the nitty-gritty stuff. >> I'm hoping it'll be a little less based on the estimates that we saw at MMA. >> I hope so. Um, but I'd rather plan cautiously and be that they said the high end's 14.4. That's what we're going to use until we know the certainty that
it's less than. um >> veterans agent 45%. >> I have to chat with Natalie in terms of what that change is because I don't know what it is. Um so I have to ask >> or or is that the veterans benefits in that area going back to where it was
previous >> it could be based on the department request and I think she was up significantly higher than what her allocation was this past year. So >> because it was cut pretty significantly for the FY26 budget over FY25. So it looks like similar to some of the others
that are trying to get back to FY25 levels increases >> and you see that within like facilities personnel and highway personnel. >> Yeah. >> Um you know highway as part of um sort of the budget constraints last year did not add a person even though it was
initially approved. Um they sort of made do with what they had. um facilities also experienced a reduction in staff from you know I think two u part-time custodian folks down to one um and I think it even shifted back to part-time wages now um but you know the the
buildings and facilities have experienced some you know deferred maintenance and loss of cleanliness and you know public experience has been reduced um you know as in lie of that um the upside is you know retirement didn't go up substantially
um you know so I think that's a good sign. Um you know land use it's a it's a small increase a large budget in percentage increase but a smaller um wage if you will. Um but again just wanted to bring this to illustration
based on department requests. So I'm trying to be really hammer that away like this is you know the the goals that each department head had with us. So, >> so we can ask the department heads the questions when they come in. >> Yeah. Or you can ask me and I can, you
know, relay it to to Don the team. So, >> I mean, if they're coming in. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Where when you have land use personnel, where where are we finding is that right? I mean, where are we finding KSCOM and planning board?
>> Yep. >> Am I missing that? >> So, the land use personnel was for just the land use coordinator. >> Correct. And my suggestion of having a consultant type be someone like a a H oil and tanner to help them with the really
>> technical projects that come before them. Um like the ones we were visiting earlier on the ZPA referral. So have someone >> more technical be available for um that department. the fun part. Um revenue estimates.
Again, these are estimates. Um looking at last year's numbers, um you know, these are, you know, areas that we've we've done pretty well with. Um you know, enterprise direct cost goes up a wee bit. Um local estimated receipts is
a really aggressive number at 9% increase. Um the person I was working with on this suggested bringing that estimate down um as he felt that's a rather unsustainable growth. >> I think last year that happened to him
and it was not as high as we expected. >> Correct. Um the the parting TA um Nelson had had said this is the number he was working with. I'm uncomfortable with that. Not not because of him but just because of the percentage increase. Yeah. Is that the job licenses and that
sort of thing? >> Yeah. Just your >> Is it excise tax? >> It's everything. Yeah. All those estimated taxes that come in. >> I just think that's high. >> The number of 2020 for FY26. Is that what we expect to come in for
FY26? Because it's not it's not an actual yet. Correct. So, I would rather just keep it flat to be perfectly honest with you. Um, but I wanted to at least share it with the board in terms of what the estimates are that we're working with now. >> Um, but this is sort of where we're at.
So, >> and the ambulance receipts didn't go that's not going up. >> Not based on the current situation. >> I'm sorry. I didn't hear your question. >> I'm sorry. that the ambulance um receipts are not going up.
>> Well, isn't that what he gives to the town, right? >> Right. >> Yeah. >> Not. >> But isn't it based on how many people going >> I have an error on the spreadsheet, too. So, >> at the bottom, this is what he just >> Oh, he picks I Oh, I see. Okay. I don't
know how >> it doesn't have anything to do with how many runs of the ambulance. Okay. >> No, not necessarily. It's the collections afterwards. Um but you can't estimate more than what's in in the budget or in in that enterprise
fund. >> I I requested that you can request those from the town account in the current so you can see what's in there and the projected value. >> It's a coastal report. That's the standard in the industry, right? >> Um in question with write offs for it, are we current with the write offs in
that account so that we know where >> we do a big I think we did a big thing on that last year last year, >> right? Yeah. So it's kind of like that is something we continue on >> collectibles, >> right? I I understand it's kind of like usually that's something you don't want.
>> Why do I remember that >> because I think we did >> um two things that total revenues I copied that seller by accident so ignore that. And then Veronica made the point of transfer from reading room of $5,000.
That's in the event that we're continuing to rent out the reading room. There is strong discussion and I'll be visiting with our towns and properties committee about dispersing of that parcel and selling it. >> Um because it needs a new septic system.
The exterior facade though historic needs about $100,000 in renovation type work. >> A meeting room work. >> The reading room build a new one. So, uh, that the building's um facilities said, you know, exploratory
work for that septic system is about 5K. And he goes, who knows what we're going to find. You can't use it during the winter. >> There's some pest management issues going on over there. And the siding in the building in general is pretty tough shape. Um, so I'm going to
meet with Towns and Property Committee to discuss selling that. So that 5,000 probably goes away. Check the deed. >> I have the right to sell it. >> So, we do I have the deed. You have you sell it, but it's with the historic
caveat. So, that the outside has to remain historic. >> Yeah. >> And or match the, you know, the window trim or the rock or however >> it's in historic district. >> Yes, ma'am. Yeah. The west west town's in historic district. >> So, you know, other things in there is you'll see, and I'll reiterate this on
another slide, that the free cash is not a part of this solution for the uh budget. Um, so that'll be a good segue for me to shift to um, estimates and I see my math error. So I was building off one cell to the other. So I
won't hammer on this too much. So um, budget policy. Um, so this is sort of my something I wanted to remind our table here of. Um, the town will not balance the budget by using one time or other
non-reoccurring revenues to fund ongoing expenditures. Uh, >> your rule, right? >> It sure is. It is your policy. Section one, page four from 2017. >> Um, >> you just want to make us sensitive to that, huh? Well, I I do and I want to
also really illustrate sort of the story and how we ended up here. I mean, look at your free cash spending at 23, >> 24, 25, 26. This isn't an effective use of free cash.
>> Can we tell tell me that? But that's that's why that's why last year when we were why we could only go up 0.5%. Right? >> We couldn't go up 2.5% last year because of all those one-time uses.
>> Um so you know the other notes there are that in fiscal year um 26 another 2916 was used to cover the snow and ice deficit which we're going to see again this year. Um in 25 you used almost 280k in ARPA onetime funds for balancing the
budget and for you know reoccurring expenses. Um it's it's led you to the scenario you're in now. um which is my >> income >> which is my next slide which is
basically um here are the five things I would be suggesting the select board and the fincom make a motion on and take a vote on for for the town administrator's office to try to keep the lights on. Um,
I would be suggesting hiring a hiring or freeze hiring freeze effective February 11th after the next select board meeting. I would be directing departments to submit level spending fiscal year 2027. Level spending means no increase from
the prior year irregardless of contractual obligations from anything. >> Well, how does that work then? Because that that's what we're told all the time. It's about the contracts. So >> the contracts say they're going to go the unions. >> Yeah. So again, this is for department
heads to do to build their budget. >> Yeah. >> So if the department has $100 and they see that their wages are going to go up 2%. They can take the $100 and pay Mary Jane, you know, her two and a half%. >> But then that may mean you don't have
any office supplies. And can you make do without office supplies? >> Yeah. But can they do that with a union contract? If >> it's it's within if if it honors their agreement, the wage increase, then something else gets taken. >> Okay. But if it's the wage increase is
in the contract, they have to give the wage increase >> unless you get to the table where it's we don't have any money. >> Bottom line will remain the same. What they do with it in >> how you spend it's up to you. >> We tried to do that last year. That's
right. That didn't work. it. But it's the as a as a select board in fincom and I'm putting you guys on the spot and my select board colleagues haven't heard me say this. It's it's really your groups that have to set that line and never waver.
>> You you have to be like this is it. >> Well, you know, Karen, I think that's a very important issue because we get a lot of wavering. We get a lot of we don't want to hurt people's feelings. a lot of and I understand financing unit tightens
things are going to get hurt not necessarily people but things everything supplies insurance this but um I I think that we have to do this together >> right >> and board and we can't
>> like you said waver on it >> so tell me let's just say we cave again how long can you cave before what capex. >> I don't think your budget's in a scenario this year that you don't even there there's no option out right now, right? >> No, >> I mean look at your free cash spending.
Sorry, Don. But like >> you've you've been leveraging one year against the other >> and this is the bottom. >> Look at the bottom. >> We've been on a committee right the right time. >> Well, I mean >> the board fell out.
>> Yeah, it's I mean I'm not I know now I feel bad for the police chief. he's got to go after me. So, he's going to he's going to strangle me and bring me out back. Um, but it's an important effort that your department heads and some of them are very tenured and very wise to go through this and it's not just an
exercise now like now seeing the requests and these revenue estimates. It's the rubber meets the road here. Like this is you can't increase because >> school I can't control school for you. I can go back to them and
beg for money, but they've closed Ashb Elementary and that's not reopening. And that 4.65% increase is probably not changing. Like that is the number. >> Health insurance, which you know is however you feel about it, like it's
going up. You know, debt numbers, I can't get you out of that because that's years past. Here we are. Um, so again, just to illustrate budget controls, yes, is level spending. No,
it's not level services. There's often confusion in terms of, oh, level services. I'm like, no, no, level services accounts for COLA, inflation contracts. We're not we're not at that point. Um, and then third is this would be a joint select board finance committee
directive. Um, and I would ask the the folks in charge of their budgets um to bring that back to me by February 26th. And then anyone that can't do that, you know, give me a paragraph or so so I can revisit with your teams to say this is
why um town administrator's office just couldn't couldn't flex. You know, Kieran doesn't know what he's doing. you know, something to that effect or like it's, you know, we're experiencing such personnel turnover that we can't fill the seat. Um, and then that's when I
would build the omnibus budget for you guys. >> So, question. So, if we do this and we're strong about it and we stand united, does this put us this just keeps us out of the drowning? This does not put us on
a track to regain fight. Yeah. Okay. And even at even with level spending, you're still in a deficit scenario. >> Okay. >> So, and and that's where that actually empowers the town, the municipal side of
the town to go to the school and say, "We're out of we're out of resources. We've got nothing." or it or it invigorates your citizens to say we need more than just one day a week, you know, in the town clerk's office or the town administrator's
office opened every week because that's sort of the reality. Your your reduction in services, I don't think your citizens have experienced that yet where it's there's only one day the building's open. >> Do we have anybody who's monitoring that? Like for example, is the clerk's office saying 53 people came in today
and here's what they wanted. Dog license, marriage license, chitchat? >> No, but I mean even if >> it won't matter. >> It won't m Yeah, a week. They'll have to come that day of week. >> Well, I understand it matter.
>> How people don't experience hard like in in u interference or disappointment until they get here and the door's locked. You're talking about the people, but I'm talking about the office itself. How many people do they serve? >> I mean, is it 100?
>> It doesn't really matter. I'm not trying to be rude, but it just doesn't really matter. >> They'll still service the same number of people, just >> take longer. >> And it's it's library, it's senior center, it's everything like >> band concerts, committees, like when
you're >> or we can handle that. when you're looking at like $400,000 deficit, it's >> it's anything that's left that >> you know isn't one day a week. It's all right, what can you do? >> So that that's where you the budget's
really going to be built out of. So >> and and I'm thinking more of it's how many hours to do the required work. There are many offices that have to do a set amount of work for different things. Whether I think a town clerk, they have
to file with the state with a lot of things. They have to be open. The treasurer has to be there to collect money. So there's going to be a certain number of hours. And now with CPA, we have hours. Again, the CPA is going to bring in revenue. And I think it's up to 5% of that can be spent on
administrative. So, how how are we going to monitor the number of hours we're spending on CPA work? >> One of the cuz I've had two employees approach me about, you know, what happens if we have to cut and I say, you get done what you can get done. >> That's that's the reality of the
situation. >> Some things have to be done, >> right? >> But you do those first. >> Yeah. So, if we can't like how am I going to get this work done if I'm not if I'm the employees and they might like >> which comes first? If we can't pay you,
you have to prioritize and do less. And there's nothing, we're not saying which of those things you do or don't do. We're just saying this is all we can give you for funds. >> Yeah. I mean, and you the corner office there, the town administrator is one of the ones to fall in that. You'd say,
well, we will just hire a part-time guy for eight hours a week and and pay them $60 an hour and that's it. because it they're literally just keeping the lights on to make sure the building functions for the one day it's open, you know, Wednesday every week and that
>> but I know like for the town clerk's office and I can only speak for that office because I know it but when we have um early voting in person, it has to be open a certain amount of >> Is it required or recommended?
>> I know weekends it's six hours on a weekend. It can be six hours on Saturday or Sunday or three and three. >> So then the person >> required and I believe I don't know about the rest. It's office hours, >> right? So it would be Wednesdays and
Saturdays and whatever. >> Yeah. >> And that's it. >> So do we need a motion? >> Yeah. I mean, I guess I would the boards can deliberate or you can tell me to be quiet or you can make a motion because I
in order for this to really to come to fruition, it needs to come from both boards. um you know hiring freeze any posting that's on the board or on MMA's got to come down on the 11th because I think you
you could make the mo you don't have to make the motion tonight per se but at the next meeting there has to be a vote by each board >> let's just do it tonight >> so this is a hiring freeze for any open positions not new positions you're talking any open positions
>> open or new I think you think it's open or new or new. Okay. I just wanted to make sure it was for both and not just new. >> Yeah. And that that gives hardship to the police department cuz they have they've lost a couple. >> Yeah. We have 20% vacancies. >> Yeah. >> 20% of my forces vacant.
>> Yeah. >> Three openings. I have to start now. And I have a I have a lag of about nine months. If you tell me now that I'm good to hire, it takes me nine months to get to identify a person that is now ready to join us and get on the field. So, it's like a tail wagging the dog a
little bit. Last year when I was told at the very end of the year about this time to freezing position, we had people in the pipe in order to get those people back in the pipe is about a six-month process. And then getting through them through a six-month academy and then a three-month period of training. You
know, you're looking at a significant lag for a decision like this in in its in its outcrop for me. So, I would have to meet with them and kind of put down a timeline as to what that looks like for my vacancies. Again, 20%. the issue that I think you run into in my uh specific
situation, Mary Jeene touched on it, which is we do have a contract for minimum manning. So, it is virtually impossible for me to make good on a contract we have with our employees relative to how many people will be working with the staffing level that we are currently at without hiring. Uh that
would be impossible. Um you you'd work your guys to death to do it and I'm not even sure even then mandatory overtime you would even get it done. I don't know how I would be able to do that. So, I think we have some contractual legal things to talk about relative to it from my specific situation anyway.
>> Yeah, >> I think a lot of departments are going to be in that situation. >> And there's going to be trade-offs where we lose some state funding if we do this. And we have to look at that and say where do we do we spend here because we're going to lose more if we don't. >> So, maybe we should talk about the police contracts then and the warrant
articles because that makes a difference as far as the police department goes. But um so you're saying before you vote for that commotion is that related to the overall thing is that >> well I I guess my question for the chief is if if we put a freeze in place now
um that would be lifted if the um votes pass a town meeting special town meeting and the other could you be doing behind the scenes work to bring someone on on July 1st if everything came out
positively. >> Yeah. So, a couple things. I think I think we I insulate you from that kind of liability with my hires just because we have additional office of employment and as one of those conditions are approval by the course and a funding
source. So, that you you giving me the lifting need the hiring free and saying yeah, go ahead and hire there still is always that safety net that exists which is there's going to be a date and time where I say I'm ready to bring the guy on. you look at it then and higher. So our conditional offers to employer last
for a long time because of that long hiring practice. So you could pull the pin any time. You have to think about what that means to a prospective applicant. Um you know we we are tough. We are not easy to get hired at. Um that is uh that is perks. Hire hard,
supervise easy. Hire easy, supervise hard. That's my mo motto. I think it bears out um in our performance over the last five years. I don't think anybody here would argue that. So, keeping those standards that high and you're attracting the best or I figure the best is out there. Um, knowing that that job
could be yanked out from underneath them any time, is that the best thing to put on a recruiting poster? There is those considerations to make. Um, you know, there are those considerations to make, but suffice to say, anybody that I give a conditional offer of employment for, and quite honestly, you could tell me that you have five guys now to go ahead
and do it. None of those guys are going to hit ground before this fiscal year anyway. Even if I put that on a rocket docket, it's just not possible. We have a very thorough background investigation and a very thorough hiring process. I invite anybody here to come to the station. I'd be happy to explain it to you more in detail, but it's pretty
significant. So, if you list the hiring freeze for me, I guess what I'm saying is there's always the safety valve that we have that we enter in with people that we hire that has to be contingent on funding and approval from the board. >> And that was so I thought of police because I knew he was presenting
tonight. He probably again wishes he presented. No, no. Um, but we as a select board have a meeting on the 10th. We're supposed to have a joint meeting with FinCom that night. So, >> the 10th of February again. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, and I know we're meeting in
executive session with labor council that night because this is going to become an issue and the thought is I want some of my marching orders for how to work with folks in union, you know, sides from that point on. Um, you know, that's that's sort of my goal. That's
why I put the 11th on there, thinking it gave us a a week to have some more conversation about it. People will probably drop by the intern office and yell at me and scream at me, which is fine. I just don't know what to do or how to help you guys. Like, this is this
is what towns go through. >> Well, I really appreciate your honesty and I really appreciate the in-depth work that you did because truthfully, we haven't seen this at home or at least not since >> we've been here. we've been here. >> Yeah. I I'm very appreciative of his hard work
>> and it's you know I am some of the fun math organization was um the gentleman who's helping me as the intern TA and he he and I spent several hours trying to go through this and he's like you got to flip every rock right now. Like this is
that that it's really that 800k and 23 is you're paying the the impact of that's what's going on. And that was because we didn't pass no ride. And Pepper and Ashby both passed the school budget. So we had to
lost trash because to pay that money, >> the only place to get it without an override was from the trash contract. >> And that's why we wound up with purple bags. >> And so that's the way it is. And nobody wants to believe that apparently, but
that is the fact. Um, so where I would make a motion is for number two in order to give departments time to look at what they and I'm not necessarily thinking about the police department or >> there's a lot of departments that also have to work with their boards in order
to come back >> you know conser you know whatever the board might be they do have to work with their colleagues especially elected boards they they catch up with their their folks. So, so my motion today would be for level funding for um
>> level spending >> level spending >> the funding is different that works itself out. >> So, and that that includes for um salaries, not just expenses. >> Yeah. Like you said, you got $100, chop
it up any way you see fit, but if you run out of copier supplies, you better open a computer. And and I will say that I think most of our departments are working on >> not they have already cut most of those things. So they're going to have to look elsewhere. >> Yeah. It's going to have a lot of them
have zero >> salary lines. It's going to have to come from >> the expense lines were decimated last year >> in order to make our budget work. >> So anyway, if you want that motion, I will make that motion. I was going to say little more discussion on because
right now I would say an open position is a town administrator position. >> So if we're talking about doing a freeze on the 11th, are we talking about freezing it and continuing with interm? Are we >> before we >> This wasn't self- serving. So
>> yeah, you guys July it's sale. >> So we have till July 10th with the current contract. So I would say for now this is what it is >> and it is across I don't think if we start making exceptions >> well it it's not again it gets to
>> you know what's the search for town administrator take it's kind of like so we freeze on February 11th do we have to revisit it sometime in April so that >> I mean the select board could take a vote on that at any point in time yeah >> as the hiring authority technically >> right >> so why don't we want to make the motion
for one and two just two not one >> so one, if I'm catching the synopsis correctly, is we we do have some collective bargaining folks we have to check with and I do think it would be it's going to help me a little bit. I didn't really think one would be voted
on tonight. Maybe I just more I think about it with you know >> Chief Sartell here and other groups I think >> if I could add one thing about that the increase in addition to the collective bargaining mandates that we have we also earned gun for some statewide mandates
and law and legal and regulatory compliance mandates that some of these administrative positions are obligated and and I don't mean that in the sense of that's their job. I mean they are legally obligated to provide certain information. I get records requests. I get court mandates. ificant discovery requests, you know, Freedom of
Information Act, public records request, cold case records request, those types of things that I cannot sit on. And I and not having someone do that. I don't know what the sanctions would look like. I don't know where they would come from. I'd like not to see that to be honest because I think that equals legal bills.
And at $250 an hour, I think that that would pile up real fast. And I can tell you in no uncertain terms, my records position, for instance, we would run into that really fast. I have certification issues. uh you know we have insurance we we have all kinds of mandates regulatory mandates to me um
and that may not be something that I can tell you I have a contract other than we had a big meeting and it's called Massachusetts general law that's telling me that that is what it is so there is that consideration so if I was to make a recommendation or suggestion it would be to meet with the department heads and
find out what that looks like >> you know what does it look like what do those open positions look like and look to get frank honesty from your people relative to is that something you can pass We had this discussion last year with with our 15th position. I can tell you from experience and I think that's the same kind of discussion you should have
this year. >> I think the intent is very clear and I think it's unambiguous >> but I do think it's complex. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. Everything is complex here. Unfortunately, I think she starts I think you're the most openings right now >> board. So,
>> so I don't know if that answered the question, but maybe it's I work with I notify every budget of level spending and we revisit this on 210 in terms of um hiring freeze and >> gives me you know tomorrow and Thursday
to catch up with some department heads >> and sort of share the news if you will. I have another question. So, if it's to remove all vacant positions, that means nobody's in it right now. I'm not going to talk about the police because I I understand that's different. But for the vacant positions from online and
building postings, so if they're not there, are they necessary? Are we getting along without them right now? And we're doing >> Well, if you along with the exception, >> yeah, if you looked on the board on like I just caught it caught my eye earlier, like town accountant was up there and
I'd gotten a resume. I think it was late last week for it. It's like we're not in a position to hire, but I think we touched on it at the >> conf. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But but but we have an accountant. >> We have not being done because we have Okay. Right. >> So like >> So the job's getting done,
>> correct? >> So I I would just leave it alone. I would I would pull that down for now and just keep on on the contract. Maybe we should should would it be in our best interest to know what those positions are that that are >> I think I think it's a slippery slope
though once you >> Yeah. I don't want to cherry pick per se. >> I'm not saying to cherry just to say just to get an idea of what the government would look like. >> Well, I guess it is looking like right now if those positions are not filled. But you just told me the accountant is filled
>> because it's through a contract. Correct. But there may be there may be certain positions that there isn't a contract. >> Well, I think it's not getting done. >> That would be up to the department head to be like, "All right, you know, maybe I don't need, you know, Kieran, the town administrator, the select board may say, you know, we don't really need Kieran.
We're going to do it on our own. >> That that's up to the department head. They are the department." >> So, the department head again has a $100. They've got to decide how they're going to live within that budget. So what about number two? >> Number one, we hold off till next week.
>> Yep. So number two would just be a motion from select board and then fin directing me to require that all department heads build a budget that is level spending. >> All right. Um >> you can say so moved. >> I have a question. >> So moved.
>> Seconded. Oh, somebody has a question. But are we realistically even going to have enough income for level spending? >> Oh, there you go. >> Probably not. >> Start there, right? >> But I got to start somewhere.
>> All right. We have to tell them it's going to be less than that because we don't have it. So then with that in in mind once they they've shared the level spending budget it's like in order to meet the deficit that we have can you live with being
open one day a week >> but it may not it could be three days a week >> right I mean depending on what it is >> it truly depends on the role >> right oh the role >> I mean again the town administrator can be here one day a week when the building's open and then you'd only pay
somebody for one day a And that would save you a significant amount. >> What about those contract people that those union people >> do you need? >> Do they get paid X whether they're working or not? >> I think that's why we're having meetings next week to figure out how those logistics work. >> That's next.
>> Yeah. >> But if you're still going to have a deficit, so if you tell everybody that they got to come with a level spending, but it's that's not real because you're saying there's a deficit. So why don't we just go in with the real
number and say you got to cut not do level spending you got to cut everything by 1% or 2% or whatever >> whatever whatever whatever the real what the reality is. Yeah, you do have to have a process and you do have to involve your collective bargaining
agreements at some point and you need to work with them to say what are you going to do? What are you going to bring to the table? >> Okay. >> And you'd say that to school as well. You'd say school, you know, school district, we're 400 in the hole. Is there any wiggle room on your 4.65%
budget increase? Can you make it human resources? >> Yeah. I mean that that's up to them to say is there any reality that you could constrain. >> I also would say that this puts the power in the department heads because none of us know how to run a highway
department or a police department or any of those other departments and this puts that back in their hands. >> Which makes a good point because highways going to be out there if there's snow. They have to be out there >> or maybe not. We may say that we don't pile unless there's 5 in of snow on the ground. Well, good luck to the police
department and the fire department then because that's going to jack up what it is. If >> the amount of snow is less than 2 in, you don't plow until 7 a.m. But that's the amount of money we're giving to
a question. It's gnarly. like it's not >> I've been asking that question about why are we plowing a quarter inch of snow u since I moved here what upwards of oh over 15 16 that's a long time um and you
know I came up from Pennsylvania and yeah maybe if u you know the main highway like 119 here but 13 were were plowed
But Old City and Tyler, they got cloud later. >> Yeah, I hear you. >> You know, so I know I was very I've always been very amazed to the point of me a little upset uh that my tax money is going to pay to these guys. I do know
there is I wouldn't and nobody else would other of our contractors go out for you know you know a one hour job. It's there's got to be a certain minimum length of time if I'm going to get in that truck and drive.
>> Uh, and I know all about that stuff, but it's about when do you get into that truck in the first place. Yeah. >> I also know that the the new I assume he's still using the will be a half dozen year old uh or more um pre-saltting on the road or pre-treating
the roads. Uh I assume they're still doing that at the highway department. >> I'll let you ask the department head at the next meeting. That's okay. He's really trying. >> We do have a motion like the floor back.
This is >> We don't get to vote this one, >> right? We We >> We're in joint. >> No, I get it. But we're not voting. You are right now. And then we can vote our own >> and then we'll get the police and then we'll get the >> holding hostage
that's on the floor. >> That's all right. Are you good? >> Okay. >> All right. I thought there was a question. Um, so, >> all right. Is the select board ready to vote on the motion that's been made and seconded?
>> Chances to uh direct the department to submit level spending FY2027 budget. Second, and it's seconded. >> Okay. Any further discussion from the select board? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica, yes. probably yes and yes.
>> Okay. Now they I will entertain the motion for the select board to for the same. >> I make a motion that we recommend level spending no increase for prior year for 20 FY202.
>> Thank you Dave. Any further discussion or questions from finance committee? >> None. Shouldn't there be a caveat, you know, level funding may be less than level? >> Level spending is different than funding. >> Yeah, level spending. Yeah.
>> But what if we still don't have the funds? >> This is just the discussion. >> Okay. I just thought that's the part. >> Well, then it will give you an idea of where they're at, >> right? They got to go where they were last
week, whatever last but this year, >> but we may have to go lower. I think we may have to go lower to be part of the recommendation. >> But that's part of the discussion I think Karen is going to have with the department heads as they go, but it it needs to start with
>> Okay. Are we voting? >> Okay. >> Okay. Ready to vote. Damn. Yes. Dave Walker. Yes. >> Mary Jane Churchville. Yes. Carol. Yes. Spark. Yes. Yes. Yes. Unanimous.
>> Oh, you took it. You took it down. Why did you take it down? Oh, that's right. >> It's Yeah. On the left. >> I just really like it. can't read this. >> It's a little difficult. I got to take my glasses off to read it.
>> I can read it, but >> now I can take my glasses off to read it. Then I can then I can see it. >> It's right there. That that first one. >> Do you read it? Do you want to read it to you?
>> No, I got it. Okay. Can you actually >> screen? >> Okay. You sure you want to go through with this now? >> Sure. Yeah. No, it's perfect timing. Perfect timing. So, yeah. When you folks are ready, I'll uh I can get started. Um so so first things first um presented with a really um an interesting
scenarios here and I got to give you the cautionary tale that we are going to about to take a drink out of a fire hydrant. There's a lot of information here. I'm going to I'm going to kind of read the read the room and kind of figure out what you want from me. I do have a very quick eight or nine slide PowerPoint that I can give you my macro
view of things but suffice to say the budget memo contains all the information for my budget from STEM to Stern. There are three scenarios that I was asked to account for in submitting by budget. Scenario one is very close to what Kieran had just advanced which is a ve a
very basic budget assuming no raises and no movement at all with collective bargaining. Scenario two is that negotiated wages for 26 passes at special town meeting and we move forward with that. And scenario three is if the
override passes in year years two and three kick in uh for our collective bargaining contract that we just or negotiations that we just wrapped up. So those are the three budget scenarios that I have. Um for just to sorry
>> quick when you said um um I hear what you said about the overpass >> override >> override >> did you say your override or did you say town override >> I I'm not involved in the decision as to
what gets an override but or what's put into the override but it's >> Are you going for an override just for the >> for the police or you going for an override for the town? >> You would have to ask the board. We there is a >> it's one of the warrant articles for um
the special town meeting in February. Actually, there are two articles and this was from negotiations with the police union. The police are out of contract. Their contract ended in June of 26.
So, um the first one is to uh bring them up 4%. the same 4% incre increase that all the other departments got for FY um 26. Thank you. And um that will be
covered using ARPA funds, the the ARPA funds that we have remaining for general government and that is a one-year memorandum of understanding. The second warrant article is asking for
an override of um 370,000 >> 27,000 >> $327,000 >> for the police department to fund fiscal year 28
and 27 and 28. um based on the terms in the contract. >> So that rep that is why there are these three scenarios. Scenario one is nothing passes. Scenario two is that one year contract for 4% passes and scenario
three is the override passes and we get all the antelot the whole thing. So it's a pretty significant um sign passes. Does that have to go to a townwide vote as well? >> Yes. So we have to put the article on
the February 25th and then we'll vote it at the annual election. >> Okay, >> the town election election. >> So those are the three budgets that you will find worksheets attached to this memo on. Not asking you to look at those now. I'll I will explain the rationale.
But just continuing this packet so you can use this later when I'm not here. The second uh document in there is our um our staffing matrix. It'll give you an idea of exactly what the amount of positions we have and whether or not they're filled or whether or not they're
vacant, whether or not they're um authorized or approved, that type of thing. The third one is a a organizational chart so you can understand how the department um operates from an organizational standpoint. And then it's just I I it also included a section where it
actually has the people's names associated with the positions and exactly which ones are vacant. Then there is for the math geeks in the room, there is the numbers. Uh that memo summary and explanation details you the the numbers. It really crunches the data
in between these three and you will be able to come up with that 327,000 figure by comparing these various budgets if that makes sense to you. Again, not asking you to consume that now, but that is there for you. And then then there are the three wage worksheets for budget
worksheets for you. What I will do is they are all predicated on leveled expenses. So I went in and the same expenses apply for all three budgets. The only thing driving this ship other than that is these wages and what goes before town meeting for wages and for
union. So what I would do is I'm going to hand you out that level budget or that fiscal 27 budget with nothing passes that meeting at all. So if we had no um the collective bargaining agreements all
go down. I think I have 10. So >> is it the FY25 272? >> Good to go. >> Oops. >> Here you go. I got it. >> I had real quick.
>> So this is if we are frozen at 25 wages and the expenses at the bottom. I'll kind of give you an overview. We'll do this in a second. If I can draw your attention to the uh to the overhead, I'll give you an idea of where I'm getting my uh my math. That represents
my salaries um to personal services through expenses. As you can see, we only have 16% of our budget is anything but salaries. Moving on and looking at what that looks like when you break it down, uh the blue is their salaries. Everything else is overtime, their
incentives and stipens, which is Quinnville stuff. And that little tiny little slice of 1% is training wages. Uh that has been under assault for the last few years. And that's a major concern of ours because we have some legal mandates now uh due to post uh in police reform that happened a few years back and I'll
explain that a little bit more as we go. So for inside that personal services, you can see I only we can only operate in that 13% area unless we lay off. That 13% area is my overtime wages and my
training wages. That blue is frozen the day that those guys sign up and come to work. Them coming to work, going on vacation, that that is frozen. We can look at tinkering around with that orange one if we want, but that that is all we have for discretionary spending in that if you want to call it
discretionary spending. This is our overtime since I started the budget. The highs and the lows are pretty easy to explain. That low one is fully staffed. The high one is when I've got multiple o multiple openings. I venture a guess given my monthly review that our 26th
one is probably going to be not quite that uh what is that 19 number but pretty darn close to it because of those vacancies. So if we want to live in this area here which I think is our goal is to live somewhere in the 150 to 200 which I say is like 175 is footing the
baby um I think that that mandates that we maintain a consistent staffing level. the volatility that this slide does not show is what it takes us to get back up to uh staffing levels and how that's throwing good money after bad. And what I mean by that is if every year we're
going back to the kitty every year to spend tens of thousands of dollars to rehire people rather than give it to the people that we have on the street now, um we're throwing good money after bad. Retaining our employees is our number one cost control measure that we have.
Not doing that. We spend more money here in overtime and we also spend it downstream in hiring people. Hiring people is incredibly expensive. The resources that go into that, psychological exams, physical exams, background examinations, the overtime I spent to make that happen. It's a very
significant thing. Um, and again, it's not just this line that's affected by openings. There are a number of other ones that are equally affected. There are countless studies that hammer this theory that it's so much more expensive to lose somebody else. Yeah. Um so much more expensive to
lose someone and retrain them up than it is the other way around. >> All right, there we go. Uh so here is the equipment expenses uh the police expenses and the uh yeah the expenses. I broke it up this way just to kind of show the same type of idea. Um that
equipment in capital that is kind of frozen. I mean I have body cameras, we have tasers, we have weapon systems, we have, you know, motor vehicle radars, we have all these things that are in that 48% kind of deal. The facilities and utilities, um we've had deferred
maintenance for years in our building. I I take pride in the building. I encourage you to come by. Um I feel as though we do the best we can with what we have. I feel as though you let your children leave their coats on the table, the next thing the lunchbox is there, the next thing the table's broken. That's the same principle at the police
station as well. If I don't maintain um an air of OB of discipline, uh the place falls apart. I mean, it's as simple as that. Really, it really is that simple. Not to mention, we are under mandates for our facility. We have in cell inspections on quarterly. Uh we have to
have the water at a certain temperature. The air has to be at a separate temperature. We have to have certain cells. They have to be equipped a certain way. I could go on and on about that. So, that's a little bit frozen as well. Then the vehicle in fleet, that's the gasoline. That's the that keeps our motor running. Again, it's fixed. Those
of you that have been around with me for the ride know we have leveled that. We really have done a great job in leveling the cost of our fleet so that we're not riding around junk and constantly repairing crappy vehicles and throwing that money around um and using it there. We use it where we have half of our
fleet is replaced every three years which is really maintained a level as far as our spending goes in that area but again not a flexible area to spend. >> Can I ask a question? >> Sure. >> In that 12% vehicle and fleet does that include the leases for the
>> does. Yep it does. I think a little bit of both. It's in a little bit in capital in this for this particular slide I used and a little bit in the vehicle in the fleet. So blue and orange for that. So, it leaves us with really that 13 and 11. Um, and the training and professional services is the stuff that I just talked
about about bringing new people on. Those costs are are are high and and I have to pay a psychologist to meet with my guy to send tests and to have him conduct the test and then go do a one-on-one. We have to send them in for physicals. There's drug testing and
there's a whole slew of things that happen in that area. Um, and then I ask you about the risk that we have right now. Now, we have three men driving around this community right now with tasers, a metal bar on their on their belt, and a firearm, you know, with 50 rounds of ammunition, driving a car
around in this weather. There's a lot of liability there. You are all taking a gamble that I am training them to drive a vehicle under those extreme conditions. Did we do that? You're all hoping I did that. Right. Right. Right. Um, their annual firearms
qualifications are annual taser qualifications. If they tase somebody that has a pacemaker and they pass away, we'll be on the front page of the Herald in no time quick. So, you're hoping that I am doing that and I can you can rest assured I am. You pay me hands to do that and I'm happy to do that. We run into danger when we start slicing and
dicing without those considerations in place in my own opinion. Um, and the and then the other operating expenses are everything else that that we need to make our our our station go around. >> There you go. So, I'll I'll draw your attention to that worksheet that I handed out with my little thought
bubbles. Um, for to to make good on Kieran's exercise, if we were to do that tonight, for me, what I would do is I would remove $64,000 from the line in the first thought bubble. That's that frozen position, suspended position, uh, that I
did not fund for fiscal 26 that's in here. So, if I take that out, you can see that that $64,000 brings you to right around that $815 mark. I'd probably be pretty darn close to level. Um, so that's how I would make good on that in this in this in this situation,
but that's what's driving that 8%. Um, the training mandate, I think I just made a case for that. We do have some state mandates that I have to keep in mind. I'm required to train our guys a certain level, and quite frankly, those levels are less than what I feel as though manages risk for this community
properly. I think this the training levels are always set low. Um, there is that that's what's driving that $25,000 figure. I would I would hazard a guess if you look over to the left, you'll see what the real expenses are for that. And I can tell you in no uncertain terms that that doesn't cover it. I'm eating a
lot of our overtime in those in those trainings as well. So, we're blowing that double. Um and I can tell you that that's not coming near to where we need to make sure we're doing that to a level where we're protecting our community from um lawsuits, not to mention nuisance lawsuits. Move down and you'll
find the um the energy expenses. That's a that's a sticky wicket, but I want to talk about it. We do have the solar canopy. Um, we got word again this week from Select that they want us to move the box and move stuff around and they're not very cooperative getting that thing up and running. Uh, for sure
and that means the electric company. They're they're not very easy to work with, but they are here. Um, I don't know when that's going online. I have no idea. I can tell you that I can't we cannot sustain the energy based on the figures that I have budgeted for 26. I can tell you that. So you're not getting
any solar power from >> as of today? Nothing because it hasn't been turned on and induced. Um again, we are in the queue for the final sign off by the state or by I mean by the electric company they come now. They want us to move where we have stuff. So we're in the process of kind of
understanding that and what that works on. It's it's been a long process. Suffice to say, when that comes in, if this was our company and we weren't talk, if this was just you and me talking and we had a twoman firm, I would tell you we we fund it like we didn't have the thing until we can take some data in and determine what this
thing is really going to save us before we go cutting. I have to heat that building clearly. Um, so heat the building, keep the lights on. I mean, we have to all those. So, so that $25,000 figure we put in there last year does not um does not reflect what we're going to spend. It doesn't. I asked for 28. I
still think that that's a little dicey. I can tell you if we turn it on and that happy accident happens and we spend 14 of the 28. Outstanding. Great. Goes back in the general fun, we start over again, right? But coming to you halfway through the year, threequarters of the way through the year, I I don't think that's
what you expect me to do as far as being the steward for this budget for me. >> U moving on, I think the next two uh big areas, which are um repairing, maintaining the building and equipment, there's some deferred maintenance costs here. Um Mary Jane had brought this up last year when we were talking about
that and she pointed out very rightfully if you're not spending that every year chief what why would we fund it again. Well the reason we're not spending is because we were told in the third quarter not to spend anymore. So any of my ammo purchases or any maintenance that we had planned was deferred to the
next year. Doesn't mean it went away. Doesn't mean those concerns went away. Doesn't mean that went away. All it meant is we're going to do it next year. And if next year you reduce my funding, we're going to get into this vicious circle and the bill is going to fall down around our ears. You'll see the West Towns and Reading Room, but at 70 Brookline Road. That's how it works. I
mean, that's that's the reality, right? I mean, >> deferred. >> So, and they're both modest increases. They're only, you know, a th000 or $2,000 each one. Um, and then the last thought bubble is the one I told you about of increase hiring expenses. It's more expensive to send someone to a
shrink. It's more expensive to put them through all the testing that we're required to put them through. Uh that just is the reality of it. The total overall increase from 26 to 27 is $10,300, which is less than one half of 1% of my total budget.
So other than that, Mrs. Lincoln, how would you like to play? I mean, I I I mean, so I encourage you to look at the three budgets that were submitted. You have all of the information. You've got some there's there's a lot of data
in there. I explain the rationale for it. I explain what we do. I have worked with many of you in the room here. So, you know, we zero base our budget every year. I go through every single one of our monthly bills. We track them. If they need to be reduced, they're reduced. Um if they need to be up, they're up. That's the way we do it
there. We have ledgers for each of these lines and we pay real close attention to it. Um that is what you pay our administrative staff to do. Um, and I think we do a darn good job at I think we've come under budget every year since I've been in charge of the budget, which I think this is my eighth or ninth or maybe even ninth one maybe or something.
Um, so I think we we have a proven track record that we we will do what you ask us to do within the resources that are provided. As a non-resident and all you folks volunteer your time, this is a moment where I would have taken the chief's
information as a resident and really chatted with my colleagues in my neighborhood to be like, "What do you think about voting a little extra out of your pocket to help ensure safety, building maintenance, quality first responders?" It's really an inflection point for
different departments and different committees of volunteers to decide how do you want your town to handle crisis that nobody else wants to do. >> Like it's not fun being the first police officer to the scene of a crime when something is, you know, breaking and entering or someone snapped their ankle
playing soccer. These guys do it and so do your fire and so do other folks in your town. So, it's it's important to bring this information that he shared with you back to your own little burrows and your little neighborhoods and and really decide as a town what you want the makeup to look like.
>> Put a little meat on the bones as far as what Kieran's saying is I did submit my annual report to the town um on Friday. I know they're in the process of aggregating. I would encourage you to read that. We have a very vibrant department. There's a lot going on. I encourage you to follow us on social media. We have a ton going on. We have,
excuse me, made some significant advancements in the way that we do things. Um, our record keeping, our releasing of records, our outreach and with news, uh, our general outreach in the community in general is very, very good. We sponsor a number of community events a year. That stuff is all
documented. I think we do a a decent job by all measure. When I look at that, I do look at it from stem to stern and I figure if it does not serve our our primary p purpose, which is prevent crime and disorder, I I throw it under the microscope. Then why are we doing it at all? Uh that's the way that we have
to run this department given these lean times. We are not impro increasing services. We're doing the best we can with what we have. We have added programs. Uh we added a K9 program uh to no cost to the taxpayers. We have added programs and when we do that, we do it through grant funding. We have done a
significant job in grant funding in in our department. I think Veronica would attest to that. I can't remember at this point what that total would be since I've been there, but it's probably approaching half a million dollars or something along them lines. We've got an accredititation grant that we have happening right now where we're going through our entire policies and
procedures of our organization including on-site site inspections to maintain best practices and to ensure that hopefully looking down the road that our risk management people look at that and say geeesh we're less likely to get sued because they're doing things to best practices not just cooking this up in
the back room uh between all them deciding what their taser policy is or what their use of force policy is or again I can't underscore this enough we have serious ious incidents going on. We have uses of force um on a fairly regular basis due to the work nature of our work. They are reviewed on a on a
case-byase basis as is normal. We have complaints that come in. We have we have things going on. It's not as sleepy as a town as a lot of people believe that it is. Um my town report I think I I I articulate that as best I can. But I do encourage you to be uh to to follow our
social media and to be uh uh to be inquisitive about that stuff. I'm more than happy to sit down with anybody here and I have with many of you. Anyways, that that door is always open. Coffee is always open. >> Any questions for the chief?
>> Did when when you had the solar um canopy put in? Did they give you an estimate of how much they thought that would save you when it when it was online? >> Oh boy. Yes. But I think it was super optimistic because they're looking to sell it. Um right. I mean that so I have
to wait for that to come back and kind of look at that. It's not your stereotypical agreement that most people have come to realize that we then juice the system. We they agree to sell us electricity from that solar panel at a decreased rate
>> and at least cover at least x amount. >> So I can estimate very roughly what that will give us if it meets their minimum standards. But again, it is all subjective to what the actually produces when it goes online. >> So, I mean, I'm more than happy to work with you offline and give you more of
that information, but we'll get wrapped around the axle fast. It is very different than what the average panels on someone's house looks like. It is not constructed that way at all. We basically agreed to give them lease them the space to put solar panels on. In exchange, we they agreed to sell us
electricity really cheap for a certain amount of time, okay? >> Is how that agreement is working. It wasn't my agreement. I didn't start I didn't wasn't wasn't the architect of it. I inherited it. Um but and I do think it's good for when it does get online for a number of reasons we can talk about. But um until that data comes
in, I'm very um I'm hesitant. >> I'm conservative when I budget because I do not want to be the guy at the end of the year coming to my colleagues and saying, "You need to do something to help me because we couldn't plan this out." That's pretty foreseeable to me. I'm watching TV and I'm seeing the advertisements about um the electric
bills in the in the uh in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. I I would be foolish not not to uh recommend increases in that area. It' be foolard. >> I don't disagree with that. >> What I don't understand is why are they telling you to move? So why don't
>> why didn't when they were installing it. >> Yeah, it's at no cost to us. The only problem is is it's at cost to us because we're not buying the electricity at the cheaper rate for a while. Um, but I'm not sure if it was an inspection issue, if it was I I don't know what the what the technical rationale and reason
behind it. I can tell you and I would state very publicly that um they're not easy to deal with >> and they're not happy to have you leave them as a customer. >> You call them and you want to cancel your cellular phone all of a sudden the app doesn't work. There's a reason for that, right? That's kind of the same, I
think, area that we're in. They're just not cooperative with it. That being said, I think we'll work through it. We'll get them up and and and I'll get them. >> The solar company's not called. >> No, the electric company. Correct. >> Yeah. They want to get going quick because they make money, right? >> Um Eversource does not make money or whatever the electric
they take a while to hook things up. >> Um I think this is probably a really important one. Sure. A lot of citizens have asked me when they will receive the details of what that override entails. >> I don't think that's a question for the police chief. I think that's a question for the board of select. I I mean I can
give you the numbers as to what that is. If if the decision of the board of selectment is to have an override specific to the to that contract, we can arrive at that number and I think Kieran has that number for you, but I don't think that that's my place. I can give you the figures and help you arrive at that number, but what the what the
select board decides they want to put for an override, I don't know if there's other general services that they're looking to get overrated, I I don't I don't know where that is. What I can tell you that um the the override is just for the police. the one that is going on this warrant in February and
the question will be just for the police >> and it's important to understand that that's just to fund fiscal 27 fiscal 28 it would be baked in >> um the amount was 327,000 correct can I just get clarification
that's for a one-year amount >> yes because year one gets funded by ARPA through the special town meeting. Year two is the override. Year three gets baked in. That's why it's 2%. At least that was my understanding to
>> anybody listening. >> Sure. Yep. >> No. And I think I think that having that those contracts posted would probably be a good idea. >> Y so >> yeah, we can now we have a ratified copy we can sign and then it it is
>> Yeah, it is pending >> town meeting vote. special time vote. So, I'm going to defer to just making sure I'm following the right path. So, I see Veronica looking at me. >> No, I just pulled up the DLS override calculator, which everybody can do. You
can just Google DLS override calculator, put in change the town to townsend, and you can find out based on the assessed value of the house roughly how much it will be. So for if your house is assessed at $450,000,
it will be about $90 increase in your tax bill for the year >> for the year. >> For that $327,000 >> for three a $327,000 override. >> Correct. >> Yeah. And I would likely will take that website and I think I've
used a similar one and probably build out a slide for another version of this budget presentation. That's a good idea. >> We gave a number last year when it was 1.2. >> Want to know like how's my piggy bank affected? >> Does it say >> does that include the CPA too or you
don't include that? >> Yeah. CPA would be another few dollars. >> That's a different $100,000 CP. So as that goes up, so if you increase your tax assessment by say
$90, then your CPA is going to go up by a fraction. But >> the 3% of that >> 1% it's another 90ent your 90 $91 >> $191 extra per
>> for the year. So, and it has all your house is assessed at a million. It's 210 a year. >> Any other questions for the chief here?
>> There's one question I thought that would come up that didn't. So, I think I I'll fill the air is that how did we arrive at those numbers? How did we determine what the officers got raised? Where did that come from? Right? It wasn't just a number we pulled out of the air. Um the uh the police union and I worked together to pull contracts from
comparable communities. Uh Kieran has a list of those comparable communities. Most of them all of the Collins uh report communities are included in there and I think they threw in a few others just for purposes of regional being regional. Ashb I think was one or
whatever the case may be and they averaged that out. very difficult to do because contracts are complex and wages can be a funny thing. If I pay you a little but then I throw you this big time sick buyback incentive that I you know it gets tricky. So we did our best to kind of look at that and and and
digest it and based on fiscal 25 numbers not fiscal 27 they were anywhere from 4 to 9% under average. Um, so if you add the 5% conceivably growth the last two years, you now you move to 10% to 15 or
14% or whatever the heck that that might be. Um, it's pretty considerable. Um, and again, it's below average. It's not average. It's below average. So again, recruiting posters and attracting the best of the best that I know you expect from police officers that respond to
your to your community. You have to kind of make that decision as to what that means for you. Um, I look at those overtime figures and I encourage you to look at it, that growth was pretty good. We had one year of 289 I think was the one real bad year, something crazy like that. Um, had you taken that overage
from the 175, broke that up and divvied that out to guys. Would you have been better off, >> then you wouldn't have spent money on the three psychological investigations we had to do, the sending guys out in the field to do backgrounds, count push-ups, uh, whatever, all those things that we need to do to get a guy on. to
get a guy on cost me three to $5,000 in equipment and uniforms alone. Um, you know, my buddy Joe and I, the chief that took over for me when I retired from my job up in New Hampshire, argue about this. I think it costs about $100,000 to get an officer from college to working a
call by himself. My buddy Jill thinks it's about a buck 50. In any event, you average that out, it's a buck 25 before that guy works a call by himself. So I ask you, every guy that you let go that you have to replace, think about that. That's two full officers to get that
officer, two full officers for a year to get that officer to work a call by himself. Um, it's a pretty significant endeavor. I've got powerpoints ready to go if you want to come to the station, have a cup of coffee. It's what I do for a living. I'm more than happy to break it down to you to very, very granular fashion if you want. But suffice to say,
retention is your best cost control measure. Period. Hard stop. I don't care what I I I'll take every bit of information, anything I've studied, that's what it tells me. Being a training ground is is not cost-effective. Not to mention the backside of that, which is an experience
gap that can get you sued. Um, and I do think that our legal expenses in this community, you don't need me to tell you, are a cost driver. Um, and I think I only represent 10% of the town's expenses as far as a a department goes, but I can tell you the liability. I don't know anybody else that's got that
going on >> every day. They've got I I think our guys drive between 85 and 90 miles a day around the roads of this town with a gun and a badge. That's a lot of liability you have. You know, whether or not you want them to be new guys that are 23 and 24 year old, I I can tell you where I think of that.
>> So, what what is your retention book and rate? Is it >> We've had people leave um and when I conduct um when I conduct uh what do they call those? >> Exit. >> Exit interview. Yeah. I call it when I conduct exit interviews, which I just had one with us and schedule is bad, pay is
>> you know, those things come up. I mean, it is it is what it is. The job's not easy anyway. So, I think we're in a we're we are in a recruiting crisis nationally for all these other reasons. >> You just throw this on top of it. >> But it's the worst it's ever been. And I've been a police officer for 30 years
>> now. Are these same candidates going to the comparable community? >> I think so. I track it as best I can. We do have some good software to track where those candidates go. We do most of our hiring administratively stuff through an online portal that I can see where they end up and then I'm just I'm pretty good at networking so I know
Yeah, I think so. Uh that's that's the way that it works. If you have a kid that grows up in Townsen or grows up in Pepper or grows up in Brooklyn, where's he going to work? >> Generally speaking, it'll be close to home. >> Right. Right. >> As best you can. That's the other thing that happens as well that we've had a couple of times where a kid comes up and works for us and then can't afford to
live here because of housing prices and then and then he goes back to where he's from. So, I have to consider those things when I have a kid sitting before me that I'm about to invest $100,000 of your money into. >> Um, we did do some good work in this contract to try and save that us when we
are involved in people coming for a training ground getting back some of the um resources that we allocated to them. that is a a concession the union made in this contract. Highly encourage you to look at that so that they would uh end up having to pay us back some of the the training of money for it. Um I did it in
the most responsible fashion that I could. Um I think when you read that if you have questions feel free to hit me online but we are addressing that issue. Um but I don't want to force anybody to stay. >> Oh no. >> Think about what that looks like. You know what I mean? We're we're talking about deprivation of rights and so so that can't be your model. Now is that a
protection measure? Does it mitigate things? I think it does because when I first joined that that informed my wife and I's plan like I know I got to stay there for a couple years honey. I signed an agreement. I'm a rule follower. I'll do it. I think it does that more than it does the uh the stick. Um and I just
think that that's a mitigation technique. I do not think that that is a retention strategy. The retention strategy is to appreciate your people. And I think we do I think we do a darn good job of making it a good place to work. And I highly encourage you to have frank conversations with the people that work for us because I take that stuff
personally. I think we make it a good place to work. I think our people are happy. I think they feel that they are valued. We do have some good officer wellness initiatives going on. I'm more than happy to talk to you about those if you're interested. Um, so I think we can keep people that way, but that does not pay the bills and you run into that. So,
I appreciate the support. I really do. And again, everybody knows how to get a hold of me. I'm more than happy to talk about this stuff. I could go all night. >> I'm going to be a time time watch and see if we can maybe shift back to the select board meeting. I think fin. I don't know if we have anything else on our agenda.
I'll let the chief kind of break out of here and uh >> yeah, appreciate it. >> You're welcome. Thank you very much. >> And I don't know if we have any >> So, one last question. >> So, so in your in your list here of the of the positions where you list the
people, you you're saying you you have three vacant positions right now. >> Correct. Four if you count the records. CL, >> right? If if if we were to say, "Okay, you've got four. I can give you two." Which two would you go for first?
>> I played this game with him already. >> That's a tough question. I I think I'd have to go back to drawing board a little bit because I think um keeping that open position like we did last year is about as tight as we can get before we start running into minimum problems. Um, it would definitely be on the the
the police side because I got to be honest with the intellia to have police officers out there is outstanding and that's what you need, but you need proper administration. If you don't have proper administration, all you're doing is putting yourself out there in a risky way. Uh so cutting back on the admin and I need my records coordinator, I need my
administrative assistant, I need my police lieutenant, those people to make sure that we are doing things to a best practice and following the rules and regulations as as we are supposed to is equally as important as having proper patrol coverage. So I think it would probably be patrol staffing. Um but I
think we're already doing that with our frozen position that we have. The budget before you puts that position back. Um, if we take that position back out, we get to that pretty close to what K. >> Okay. The budget before us puts the patrol position back. Correct. Now, currently it says vacant, not funded.
>> Correct. >> But, but there's another We lost an officer. I see that the surge sergeant. We only have two, but didn't we lose another patrol officer? Christopher Lo. >> Yes. >> That should also be highlighted on that. >> Which one?
>> Christopher Low. Number three under the patrol officers. >> He left. He left recently, >> right? So that would be the other the third patrol vacancy. >> Okay. So we have two patrol vacancies right now and one sergeant
and then the admin the record >> um that was that one hasn't been funded for the pie in the sky if we ever have the money but it's not necessarily included in the
request that is correct in the over there. Okay. Thank you, Chief. Oh, you're welcome. >> Thank you, sir. You're welcome. >> You guys must be tuckered out by me, but I will um our agenda. I think those are the only
two items for the joint meeting side of things. My select board colleagues have to continue to deal with me, I think, unless I'm forgetting something. >> You had something else you wanted to go over. >> I did not. >> Can I make a motion? adjourns that we
adjourn. >> We have a motion on the table. Second. We have a second. >> I'll second it. >> Thank you. Have a motion. Second. All in favor? >> I thank you, sir. >> Thank you. Thank you.
>> Thank you for coming. We'll um hopefully like to see you on 210. >> Okay. >> Next week. So >> yes sir. Yeah. >> You were suggesting that to cut the hours for the administrator who is
usually the kingpin that holds all the mess together. >> Is there such a person out there that would take a part time job? >> Somebody who's probably retired and lives nearby town. That would be your >> possibility or not a possibility. Well,
>> but it's also building >> town email address to send you the townm.com. >> Yeah, I think it's on the on the website. >> Yeah, I've got the agenda for Friday. >> Make sure everybody takes their stuff.
>> I'll be sending all their things. I entertain a motion to adjourn the joint meeting of at the same time. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> 729 Veronica >> count.
We're pausing for two minutes for a bio break. All right. Thank you all very much for your patience. We are back reconvening at 7:42. We are at 5.4.
>> Good present. Brian present >> and Laura Shiff present. >> Okay. 5.4 we do discuss special town meeting warrant articles. Karen Sure. So um we have a few warrant
articles to look at. Um these were at the suggest suggest no now we're all coughing. Suggestion of the select board as well as a few other folks. Article two. >> I did that. I did. Now we got to dust it. >> I do have a question while you're
popping. Um, and I think I asked the question. It's saying submitted by board of selectment. Isn't Isn't it supposed to now be the select board? >> Yeah. Oh, yeah. That was my question, too. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's that's my error. So, I just >> It's a cut. >> I'll fix it. >> Cut and paste.
>> Just checking. >> Yeah, you're right. >> You know, just want you to know I'm still awake. Um, so article two, uh, well, we're going to follow the standard process. We are going to host it at the high school. They've confirmed that's the location. Um, we'll have TCAM. Um, and it's, we
have the space. I think we can enter as early as 5:00 p.m. to set up. And we have it until roughly 1000 p.m. that night. Um, anything past that would incur sometime charges. So hopefully we can do our best to keep time of the essence. >> Um, >> this should this shouldn't be that long.
>> Yeah, I think it should. What what time are we starting? >> Uh 7:00 p.m. on February 7th. February 25th, 7 p.m. >> Um so jumping down to article 2. This is to see if the town um would purchase and
implement a financial tracking software. Um you know, being really uh succinct here, you know, Clear Gov is an industry leader that a lot of municipalities in the area use to manage their finances. Pepper uses it. Groten uses it. Um, it's
a very interactive tool and it would be highly advantageous for us to have a product like that that helps us better manage our budget process. It would create some transparency um and it would just be a really useful tool for the town. Um, I did email back
um the folks from clear gov because I had some sort of implementation questions like are they the ones who integrate it or is it your town administrator that's entering in the budget numbers? >> I thought they did. >> He hasn't answered the question yet. So, I do have some reservations there. Um,
it's still >> maybe a setup fee. >> A setup fee. >> There is a setup fee and and last time when we did get it, they were the ones entering. >> Okay. Um, but I don't know if it's different now. >> Yeah, I I was new to the table on this. I know Nelson, your previous TA, had
been working on this. I think it did a presentation. >> Yeah. So, I'm a little behind the eightball on it. I have the presentations, loaded them into the SharePoint. Um, I've got to spend some time to truly understand it. Um, but it it I've heard from other, you know, local leaders that is a very strong
product. >> Um, >> can I ask No, you want to go first? >> No, go. >> Yeah, I'll go after you. Um, logistically speaking, um, is there the bandwidth right now for the town to be implementing this? And just a
question for I know you're not that long in this position and just because we're ask we're going to be asking money from a very limited limited pool of money and I know one of the things that happened last time was we did it and it wasn't implemented from what I understand.
>> I don't know what happened. So my one concern with putting this forward is if we're going to put money into this and once again we're in a position where we don't have staff time hours etc. >> Yeah. So I think I'm less concerned about staff time because I think the
upside to it is a real advantage. >> Yeah. And I'm all behind the upside. I was pushing forward for this in the beginning. My greater concern would be, you know, let's say it's in the ballpark of 20 to $25,000 and then there's a subscription cost and subscription costs add up at the end of
the day. Um, so it and it doesn't replace a town accountant, you know, it doesn't reduce cost there, you know, it doesn't reduce treasur collector needs for the town. >> It's just a really nice tool for budget management for the town. Okay. So, how about we pause on this
until next Tuesday and hope that you get the that information for us next week. >> I want to know conclusively that we're not going to be onboarding the CSV file. It's somewhat like it does it automatically. >> And then also with the budget, can we fit the
subscription fee in for the next year's budget >> because I mean we if it's $15,000 that's >> right. So, I think we just we just need to know what that's going to look like for next year. >> Um, my question is on the vadar piece of
this and I did look at what you put in there and it's not really clear to clunky. Yeah, >> it's very clunky. >> Um, that would be we already have that but we don't use it. >> Correct. >> So, in reference view even though we
already have it getting it working will also take staff time. So, in my opinion, I like clear go. I really do like clear go, but um uh and I thought we had it.
>> April has it. Grin has it. So, there's folks we can check with in those communities. >> So, um >> I'll do some more digging this week. So, >> so we we can redis on Tuesday because we have that time. >> My concern is yeah, financial long-term if we can afford it. >> Got it.
>> But it's the same thing with data. It doesn't matter. The makeup of the article there I think is >> is fine. I think it's just identifying the product name and then the anticipated cost that we would need for an article >> and we can remove it if it's outrageous. >> Correct. >> When you come back
>> my point is you can never afford it if you don't afford it. >> Oh, of course. >> That's all. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. Next. Uh, article three, um, is for an actuarial service study for the town. Um, to investigate the insurance liability for
us to be, uh, compliant with retirey insurance. Um, we're one of just maybe three or four communities in Massachusetts that does not offer retirey insurance, uh, retirey benefits to its staff. I know Veronica is more wise to this than I on what it means for
our employees. It makes a difference to a retiree a lot. And for people like the police who have been in town for a long time, um if if if they are the only um bread winner that
has the option to purchase retirey health, they can purchase at the rate that the town pays plus the employee amount, the full boat. They can buy into our health insurance, but they pay the full premium where it's employee 25,
town 75. This would allow the town to pay maybe not se, you know, not maybe not 75, but we need the study to find out what benefit we could provide so that it's maybe a 5050 or, you know,
>> Oh, you don't know the cost of that? >> Well, I haven't I have Nelson's email and I'm gonna follow up on that person, but it was a Eric Slaggel had worked on it back in the day and there was even a TA before that that had worked on it. >> I think it was Andy Sheen. >> Yeah.
>> Had done it. Um there was an actuarial study and then Eric was going to >> go he he investigated it but never did it. Yeah. And I will say that for all the union contracts, it is an ask that
comes in that we always say, well, we it depends on so many other things that we can't agree to it in a contract, but we will investigate >> and we have done that over and over. the cost of that insurance. For reference point, we had the actuarial study done
in Dunable two or three years ago and 20 employee uh 25 employees or less that were retirement eligible. It was like $1.1 million added to the budget in costs. >> You have to pay into an escrow. Um and then it builds from there and and the
amount there depends. So I don't know what it would be here. So again in the greater fiscal picture investing in something that we can't afford is this the time for that. Not that I disagree with I don't disagree with why we would want to do it. I just
want to >> I'm asking for the actuarial study >> and the board of selectmen prior to us voted in and it's in the minutes etc that the funds from the sale of the water department building and I believe
town properties agreed with this as well would be used to do this study >> and to see what the amount was that had to be escroed. We don't know that amount. So hopefully you can get the amount that's supposed to be inserted. >> Yep.
>> And we can discuss on Tuesday. >> Correct. >> Yep. Um >> number four. >> Number four is utilizing the proceeds from the sale of town property to set up a payment of legal services for town council. Um a good practice to do
because I think we're going to exceed that budget number. And this would be using proceeds from the sale of town property. um with you know >> how much how much was that gross that was received with the three something >> yeah three >> I don't know if I have the actual number
but that was in May correct >> it's not for settlement purposes it's to cover the cost of legal fees >> very defined >> and this is something that was put in place by the select board in around 2018
Wayne Miller was on the board and it was put in place and there's There was a fund, a special town meeting fund, >> an existing fund which we have used for labor council >> um in order to be able to balance the
budget last year for those. That's >> this fun already exists. >> The GL already exists, correct? >> And I think last year's um legal budget was higher than I've ever seen before. >> And you encumbered money to cover it at the end of the year,
>> right? Um, I don't think I'm okay with this. >> Well, for 540 Main Street, it was 240K and then there were all the others that were put in place. >> Yeah. So, it's over three. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, so this this one I you know, again,
as your interim town administrator, I think is a wise use of that money because, you know, we spent some time with town council. There's more time to be spent. We're going to need some extra dollars in the big event. But that I'm just curious like vote to establish a special purpose
fund. It It's already established. >> No, it's gone. We used all the money in it. So, it's special >> every year first. Okay. >> It's one of those STM. >> Okay. No, that's I just wanted to make sure I understood the wording correctly. >> Yep. >> Um, shifting to article five. This is to
see if the town will vote to appropriate a sum of money to fund a one-year collecting bargaining agreement with the police department um using the remaining wages and ARPA funds. Um the amount is $53,500.
This is for the wages owed to the police department. >> 53,500. >> Yes, ma'am. Um >> for FY26. >> Correct. I wonder if we need FY26.
>> I wish I can input that >> on some a sum of money to fund a one-year collective bargaining agreement FY26 covering FY26.
>> And so I guess and this would be something for council. It says agreement with the police department. It's actually agreement with the police union. >> Correct. >> True. >> Yes. I bet I should input the union union number.
>> Yeah, like CBA 123, you know, just be respectful of that. >> Yeah. >> Um, >> so that's article five. Article six is the article five has to pass in order for article six to be eligible to vote. So that's why they're in that order. Um,
so this would be for us to authorize and approve a proposition 2 and a half override in the amount of $327,000 for the purpose of funding a collective bar agreement with the police union. Um, >> I'm going to put in the >> union for fiscal year
20 27. >> I just want to be clear that number does not include our police chief. >> Does not. >> It does not. He's not correct. >> Yeah, he's not a That was another question. >> Does that include
>> It's technically for 14 police officers within the department, >> right? >> Um the other articles I will grab here. >> JSON. >> So I'll start with the board of health
warrant article. Um this is essentially the board of health board of health would like to receive the funds from its fines and have them placed in federal revolving count. Um they did draft a warrant article that I'll blend into the
document I had begun already. Um nothing too remarkable here. It's um not a fund we collect a ton of fines on. It's just they want to have control over the money that they oversee and they're responsible for, you know, writing the
ticket and they collect the fine. >> Can I ask what those funds are currently being used for? >> General fund budget. >> So it would be for free cash. >> Free cash. >> Those funds all go into free cash. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean it's not a huge amount. I don't hasn't been a lot. So
>> So it doesn't this isn't this isn't funds that go to support salaries of board of health employees. >> No, it's free cash. I just wanted to clarify. >> So, um, this one I think would be important to have town council review and make sure there aren't any revolving
account implications >> because it also seemed to indicate changing the name of a revolving account, >> an existing one. >> This rules around that. >> Yeah. So, that's where our town council's wisdom will come. >> Are you talking about this?
>> Correct. Well, it says operating and program costs of the board of health, including the documentation to the recycling center. So, it's all for it may go into the general fund, but it's for the use of >> but it wouldn't go into the general wouldn't go into the shifted to the
revolving. >> That's what this is. >> So, they they have it currently like if they collect the fine for an illegal dumping of a mattress and they charge that person $500, the money goes into the town's free cash. >> Okay. And they wanted >> they wanted to go into their like operations funds for the fuel at the
recycling center or >> but there's a a separate recycling center. >> I thought they were having the name of that changed. I read >> okay. >> Yeah. So by striking the existing revolving fun one recycling and inserting in place therefore the
revolving fun board of health >> have medical connection was it? >> Yeah that was just the input. Yeah. So that that one is nominal in terms of its impact to the town, but we will have town council review it and I'll input it into the word docu.
>> Okay. >> Um shifting then to I'll jump on the town clerk article that we received. Um this one is from town clerk uh Harrison um in regards to shifting some of the or identifying some of the general powers
and duties of the town clerk >> um and calling out different responsibilities um I don't know the the legal impacts of this so I may um certainly visit with our town council on this to make sure I understand it correctly for you guys
>> and perhaps bring back um some feedback um for that next meeting. >> Okay. >> I will say there is a highlight about record access officer responsibility. Um some funding for elections to the amount of $20,000. Um and some
more ironclad naming of I think I had a select men. I think it's supposed to be select board, but I don't >> that's in all of our >> that's in all. So um I think maybe he was just reminding me to do that. So um and then he had some other um you know
replacing words like nonsubstantiative with a hyphen and insure with an unsure. So um some sort of clerical words there at the end to review. So >> hopefully we can have some feedback by Friday.
>> Yeah. >> From town councils that we can review over the weekend. I think that would be good >> so we can because the idea is to approve next Tuesday to post. >> Yeah, I've handed it I've handed it to the town council so he has it um from
our meeting earlier. So um I'll follow up with him uh tonight or tomorrow to get on the top of his inbox and get some feedback for us. >> Okay. >> Um >> I I guess I Yeah. Um, aren't the town clerk's duties
defined by Mass General Law? >> They are in the National Office. >> Yeah. So, we don't really need to change. >> Yeah. You know, it's might be one that's more baked out for an annual town meeting. Um, you know, to make sure it's it's >> okay.
>> In honor of the current Mass General law and the town charter and things of that nature. >> And the charter review process. >> Yeah. What about the charter? >> Council has feedback on that. And we had a charter review committee. >> Yeah, that meant. >> Yeah, it might be that might be some of the collective feedback we get from town council.
>> Okay. >> For our direction there. >> All right. >> I I can't guarantee that it ends up on the warrant, but I um I guess I'll leave it to um you know, town council to give us some feedback. So, >> okay. Definitely. >> Um
last but not least is a um select board lease warrant article. Um, this is trying to get the select board to enter into a 50-year lease agreement for living town pounds of national. >> We already we already agreed. We the
board with Tesla already agreed. >> You did put this on to >> put this on. Okay. >> November 17th or 19th, something like that. Okay. It was essentially because in order to apply for some of the grants they have to apply for, they needed more than a >> short lease. Okay.
So then if this has already been discussed and voted on a select board, then it's just going to carry it to the warrant article >> and and but the wording should be reviewed by town council because I don't >> Yeah, you as you know stated, I'll clean all these into that one singular doc and
say, you know, Adam, MTC council folks, give us some feedback. Um, you know, we need it shortly. What is there to explore? >> That was the list of towns using clear go in the area.
>> So, it's it's a lot of great little towns in our area. So, um that's all I had for warrant articles. I wasn't trying to be too brisk, but um hopefully that got covered.
>> Finalize it next Tuesday. Yeah, there's a world that we could also do it the night of 29 if because I can have it if Adam gets me feedback by Friday. Put it all together and you see at 29 before the school meeting
>> and you guys I will have sent it out before then. So hopefully you will have had you know late Sunday night you know if you're up like a night owl like I am sometimes and you could have been like all right this looks good. >> Sure. You could you could vote to say we're good to go. >> So we should we need to put it on the agenda for put on agenda. We'll put it
on the agenda. >> I will for for Monday because at Monday that meeting is at 600. So we could meet at 5:30. It really should be no debate. It should just be >> the select board approves. >> Okay. So >> but you and I can chat about that and sort of hammer that out, you know, from
>> for when you want to post. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> If that makes Okay. and I can, you know, diss. >> Agree with that. We'll >> as long as we have the time to review. >> It'd be up to you guys to review it Sunday night. That's the key. >> And I guess the question is if we think there'll be any deliberation necessary,
>> it depends on what we get back from council. >> Yeah. >> If it's But I will say this, you could put it on a meeting and if we're like, no, we need time to discuss >> it on Tuesday, right? >> Have it on Tuesday also. if it if it's not on the agenda because you got to
post before noon on Friday for Tuesday. >> We could always take no action on Tuesday. >> If we've already done it on Monday satisfied, take no action.
>> So, are we posting for Monday night then? >> Yeah. >> And we might be able to do it at the school. Yeah, I'll figure some of the logist logistics out for that. >> Okay. >> Um, >> you really can't >> cuz you're going to be virtual because
how am I going to call to or No, no, no. I I I may or may not be, >> but I mean, >> I'll ponder that. You and I will. >> Okay. Just logistics. The logistics. >> Very good. Um, great.
>> So, are we down to six? >> Yeah. >> Yeah, we cruised right along there. Appreciate that. Don't jinx it. >> Oh, no. We're going We We have important pass. Oh, yeah. Sorry. >> Go back into executive. >> No, I put that in um yesterday, I guess.
So, why don't we take some time with that? And I have the appendices A, B, and C. I'll put that in. So, it's in the SharePoint for um Tuesday >> for 210. >> For 210. Is that okay? >> Which one? 56. >> 56. >> Moving 5.6 six
>> to 210 >> to 210 >> 210 >> I don't know if you guys have had time to read what's there >> I have not >> okay so let me and I'll add there are three appendices appendix A B and C >> okay
>> and I um will add those in >> 57 >> 57 um >> yeah you have >> does everybody have my spreadsheet >> I have it somewhere here in this file >> um just in general um you know we mentioned
the police officer um folks there union for the 53,500 um at special town meeting um library staff for skipped their salary increase back in July
>> um that resulted currently results in a 13,226 uh $26 you know money back wages if you will that's the phrase I'm going to use to identify Y funds that people had received but then it stopped and you know here we are now to try to you know
clean up there. So library you know just 132 um non-union staff um you know the total amount for them would be 44 32.66 um not you know a huge amount again but um you had a good number of folks forego
salary they actually received the salary increase and then it was paused on them in September. Um also for the utilization of ARPA funds is the treasur collector um stipen for their work on the audit committee. um you know,
presentation, report um responsibilities for organizing that. Um and then as previously uh discussed, the highway superintendent the $3,000 to cover additional snow and ice OT um you know,
wage costs as a result of, you know, um incurred expenses there. >> So, we have to vote on that on this one after we get the MU. >> Correct. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um we do as of late this afternoon
the town accountant said you have about $93,950 $55 in there. >> That's good. >> Um that's exactly right. >> That that well I don't know if it's exactly right but it matches my number. >> Yeah. Um so that just do some quick math
for you guys here. So, are we um well, we already we already motioned some of this stuff. >> Treasury collector has been motioned. Um
police officers are contingent on the town meeting vote. Um that leaves you with library staff back wages. >> No, but we did the library. >> No, we we haven't we discussed >> we discussed we didn't we haven't voted and the library actually never even received theirs.
to start they >> no they didn't they not they didn't get any because because the trustees had put it in the budget that way >> but I think that's the correct number though >> y that was from the library director >> okay >> am I using back back >> it's okay it was so many different
scenarios happened so possible >> we need a motion now >> the library >> I think we did >> okay >> is there a motion >> um I have all good move to allocate $13,22568 from unused ARPA funds for um library staff for FY
26. >> Yes. >> Veronica Ke second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal I. >> Valer Gooditch. I >> Laura Shiff and I. So we've already done the non-union staff. >> No. >> Oh.
Okay. Yes, please. Um I valich um move to allocate $4,43266 from unused ARPA funds for non-union staff for FY26 wages. >> Is there a second? >> Veronica Kell second. >> Okay. Any further discussion?
>> I believe that the non-union staff in this motion did receive um their uh increase up until September. Correct. Pulled >> back. And you have that number on the other spreadsheet. >> Yeah. Within the spreadsheet, the treasure collector, it was stopped as of
91. >> Mhm. >> And then you'll see the delta there. >> Okay. Good. >> Rather than go through, you know, the all the staff members. >> Yeah. >> You know, maybe you say as presented within the spreadsheet. >> I'll just say as presented by the
treasur. Correct. >> A second. >> Okay. So you amended your first motion and it was accepted. >> Any further discussion >> hearing? None. We'll call a vote. Veronica I
>> and Laura Sha. >> Um for my paper keeping purposes, I owe I owe anou to the treasure collector for the $1,500 stipen. And then we um need to create anou with our labor council for the highway superintendent. Police
is dependent upon February 25 vote. >> Yeah. >> And we have left 18,29766. >> I 18296.66 because I did 93955. >> You're right. >> You were in that future.
>> I was That's >> um Yeah. So that total expenditure is, you know, it's it's what the ARA money is intended for. Yeah. >> And so I think that's really um making sure we don't lose anything to the federal government. So just for those
listening at home, this is exactly what we should be >> doing for our folks. So >> um I'll work with the treasure collector and payroll for how this is dispersed out on timing. >> I'll I'll email the the trustees who are
CCU. >> I'm probably going to host a department head meeting on Thursday. I texted Sabrina to see if she could help me schedule that um while she's out of the office right now. And I'll mention that as some good news. I think we could use some good news right now. So,
>> and and and really if we had gotten the go-ahad to go ahead and spend on them, we would have put this very >> we would have put it in >> the employees. >> Yeah. >> In the budget in the spring. So, it'll be like a savings account for them.
>> Yeah. >> Great. Okay. >> So, that satisfies 5.7. Good work. >> Yeah. >> 6.1. >> Oh, that's me, huh? >> Yes, it is. >> All right. Um, it's been an exciting month or so for
you guys. I hope um it's been enjoyable for everybody. Um, learned a lot and continue to take good feedback and try to improve for the town. Um, as a whole, you know, it's been really focused on budget update. um working internally with a little group of the treasure
collector, the assessor, and our C biz accountant. Um just to make sure that we're following the debt, we're following insurance costs, you know, the revenue collections, things like that. Um the assessor in terms of how tax, real estate taxes, stuff like that's
shaking out for us. Um on the report, you'll see that I sort of solidify the $500,000 free cash number, waiting for the exact dollar amount, but she's been pretty adamant about that. Um, you know, as part of the TA goals, I've been trying to work with different
committees. So, FINCOM conservation, um, fin's been enjoyable. I'm hoping that, um, my beating the horn of two and a half% uh is, uh, is something in their in their wheelhouse for acceptance. Um, so hopefully we continue to work with
them. I think it was pretty productive tonight to catch up with them. Um, I have met with the police department, um, both in regards to their compensation plan for the override, um, but also with the police chief to discuss his soontobe
expiring contract. Um, you know, he's gathered some information and so have I about regional salary trends. Um, and I'm hoping for some more formal market data in the next few weeks. Um, as you saw tonight, super knowledgeable, super loyal. He's a great asset for the town
as well as the department. Um, broadly speaking, he is significantly below the median range of towns hit this size. Um, and with a number of officers under his supervision. Um, so I'm hopeful we can find a way to push forward with them.
Um, on an exciting note, I love good news. Um, the police department does have an offer of a don donation of a police motorcycle. Um the chief had shared that um someone is willing to donate a police motorcycle and all the fittings so that one of our officers
could be you know a guy on a motorcycle which is kind of cool um a guy or girl. Uh so I really appreciate that strong work um and connecting with a someone who's willing to donate that not an inexpensive donation but >> is it anonymous
>> that I haven't got an answer on that yet. Okay. Um, but I am hopefully to get like an infographic one page to say this is what it would look like, you know, with the towns and logo on it. Um, and when we could potentially anticipate it going into rotation. Um, so that's something that I'm going to work with the chief on. Um, but you know, these
this donator um is very excited to share that with the town. Um, looking back last week, we did in fact have a snow emergency on January 26, 2026. Um, we closed the town hall that day. I appreciate everyone's sort of
collaborative effort. Um I was doing it from a phone for the most part from MMA um that Friday. Um you know it doesn't happen a lot but it serves as a reminder that um you know we we need to have good communication with our department heads and making sure the library is closed
senior center so everyone's informed the same way and that we relay that to our residents. Um, town clerk's office was great in coordinating, you know, the the rescheduling of a handful of meetings. Um, and you know, realizing TCAM is a
great asset to the town and I don't want them driving here just to set up a Zoom per se. Um, so I think that's um, important to note for future, hopefully not as big a storms in the future. Um, you know, our department folks were great in terms of relaying the news to
their their staff. Um, what else? >> And looked it on the website. >> Yeah, we had a we had a blurb on the town website saying town hall closed. Um, >> do we have a Facebook yet? >> We working on Facebook. So, that's my next thing is uh getting the Facebook. Um,
>> I think I may just start a new account for you guys. Just a clean slate. >> Yeah. And I know you sort of said gave me the green light, but I sort of b you kicked around the idea of the previous page, but maybe it's just a a new start. >> Okay. Um, so I'll if any of you are on
social media or maybe I'll link to the police department first and the fire department because they have pages and then maybe >> people will sort of, you know, crosspollinate like kids country has a has their own. >> A lot of them do, >> right? You know, and maybe some local restaurants and things like that. Just say, hey, you know, I'm new.
>> So that'd be something fun to do. And I'd really like to announce special town meeting, the penny policy, things like that up there. Um, one last thing about the snowstorm. We were notified that um, Atwood Acres, who were not responsible for, but did have two furnaces fail
during the storm. Um, our fire folks went over there and tried to kind I think MacGyver it. Um, I don't know if they were able to help, but um, they were a resource to those folks, which is great for our fire department. Um, shifting to a school district update.
Um, I shared the news a few different levels in regards to the school district. Um they have voted to keep Ashby Elementary School closed. Um I think that's disappointing for the residents of Ashb. Um it I think it really um makes it challenging to be a
little, you know, a little rural community without a school. Um so I'm not sure what the impacts for that are just fundamentally as a town. Um I shared a letter um with with all of you in terms of support for both the municipality as well as the school
district. Um, my goal is to have that letter ready for you for February 10th to either sign in person or or electronically. Um, so that we can share our disappointment that there isn't a better path forward for both Ashb as well as our budget constraints. Um the
PEPAL select board uh through their town administrator uh shared a pretty strong letter um stating that you know reopening Ashby was not in their wheelhouse to fund um and the impact that it would have on PPE's um you know municipal budget. So um I think it's
worth reading. I think I shared it with everybody for their own records. >> Um February 9th is the school budget hearing. Um it's in a hybrid format. So I plan to attend in person. It sounds like we may at least a quorum of us may attend in person as well. I'll um let
the folks at the school district know to hold the seat for me and for us as well. Um so I'll look to you know schedule that meeting. Um last few things MMA conference, thank you for letting me attend um with colleagues from other small communities.
Um learned a lot about collective bargaining fiscal growth in the DLS report. Um, you know, it's it looks like the state of Massachusetts is sort of trending downward financially. Um, so it's going to be sort of all, you know, all ideas on the table here.
Um, I sort of gleaned that from, you know, Mora Healey speech as well as some of the presenters who one of them was a town high school grad, which is cool. >> I went to go to school with his sister. >> Yeah. So, he spoke very very well in terms of what's going on with the
finances of the town. I'm guess Doug I think his name was Doug Halgate. Do you know Lois? >> Yeah. Um so I'm going to try to get the app and download that those presentation materials and we should probably share
around. >> Um >> there was some really good stuff there. >> Yeah. And and good stuff to use for your own internal committees and boards. >> Yeah, there was good housing stuff. >> Yeah. >> For the housing trusts. Um, one department that I'd like to touch on for this report is our land use
conservation team. Uh, they're working really hard. There's a lot going on. Um, you know, it feels like with the colder weather, it must be builders are out, you know, looking for storm water management plans, ANRS, things of that nature. Um, you know, conservation's been busy um with some different
projects in town and review. Um, you know, unfortunately there was a a cutting of trees incident down near um >> the harbor. >> The harbor. Um, you know, that is a towns and historical society owned parcel. Um, and that tree cutting uh
took place um across six different parcels in several different owners. Um, the cut was not approved. Um, conservation is going to meet with those stakeholders to determine a path forward. I'm not an expert in trees in terms of what the repercussions are for that. I do um recognize that
conservation went down there a you know sort of after the fact and tried to understand what was going on. Um our conservation members are going to try to figure out what to do. Um there is a reporter asking for information in regards to this matter. I am going to
reach out on the town's behalf. Um, I shared that letter with um, all you folks on the SharePoint and just say, you know, I appreciate you reaching out. Um, I think the best path forward is to meet with the next conservation meeting and ask a question of those folks because they're most in the know.
>> Um, I hope that's um, >> I think they could also meet with the uh, historical society administrator who apparently uh, requested the cuts be done because of trees falling. I think it I would
encourage everybody to go to the the conservation meeting is online from last week. >> Yeah. So you can also you can direct the reporter to that recording also. It's on the towns and town website. >> Yeah. I'm going to try to catch up with them and just you know I'm guessing
they're hopefully they're aware of the recording. They're going to take some time to review it. >> Um you know I I wish the trees I wish it was more you know sort of process-wise done. I get that some trees are, you know, in tough shape. Um, you know, I
think anytime we get close to really sensitive parcels, it gets challenging as a town, as a >> seems like processes. >> Yeah. Um, so we'll have to uh, you know, lean into our conservation folks to better understand um, what can be done in the future to hope help reduce this
type of thing from happening again. >> Absolutely. I I will say that there was money set aside for education of 10 town residents when Autumn was the conservation agent prior to KBY >> um for just things like this to be able
to put things stuff them in the tax envelopes or whatever to notify people who may not be aware that things need to be done. >> Yeah. um a certain way or what what the conservation commission does it was for education of the public purposes. Yeah.
>> So there are there's money there more than Oh yeah, still there. It's a special town meeting article. >> Do you want me I'll circle back on com about that if you want me to them. >> Yeah, they should know. >> Um >> yeah, I mean I think it's just you know
we got to that that that group will help rectify the issue. Um it may result in some nice you know new trees. I don't know. I don't want to really opine on what I think could >> private. >> Yeah, that's up to them. So, um, >> local land owners all going to debate it.
>> Yeah. Um, last but not least, um, Jason Silva, town administrator from Dunstable joined me last Friday for several hours. Um, introduced him to the staff that was here. Um, caught up with Veronica. She was here that day. And, um, you know, sort of coming up with a game plan for
his experience and how it can support Townsen. Um you saw it on the slideshow earlier like though I had a couple errors in terms of what I had cut and paste out of Excel. Um he's really savvy with presentation and sort of process stuff. Um and I think he's excited about
being involved in um working with you guys uh through me as well as he's always available for an email or call on your own. Um you know he's he's seen a lot of things and uh you can >> How long has he been there? He's been in Dunable now. He's coming up on his sixth
year. Um, and before that he was in the town of Marblehead. Um, and for reference, Marbleheads almost faced with a $7 million deficit this year. >> So, if you think
>> it was actually part of the MMA conference, I know the MMA actually has asked for the state to tap into the rainy day fund which has eight billion dollars in it. Yeah, >> because the towns, all 351 of them are >> bleeding.
>> Yeah. And the um state hasn't done their audit yet. Wasn't that voted to be done by the town's people? The state >> Oh, yeah. But that doesn't happen. But that's the audit of the legislature. It's not an >> It's not financial. >> Oh, it's not financial. >> Yeah. >> Well, it the finances are part of it,
but it's of the legislature. It's my understanding. >> Um so, he you know, he's going to be great. Um, he's excited and I'm hoping he can come back. Um, most Fridays. I'm going to try to see if I can wrangle him to come over here and spend a few hours. And >> was he here this?
>> He was just for a few hours. Yeah. He's going to try to come back this coming Friday. Okay. >> Um, so if he is, I'll I'll email our thread and say, you know, Jason will be here from, you know, 10 to 1. Um, >> I haven't met him yet. >> Yeah. Um, so, you know, really looking forward to working with him, especially
with the budget strategies and things. um as well as sort of all matters, you know, maybe police chief ideas because Dunville is faced with the same contract negotiations that comes in for police uh chief stuff. So, um you know, some good senses there.
>> That's all I have for my town administrator report. >> Okay, >> that was quick, but figured to be sensitive to >> your patience and sitting here for a while. >> All right, 6.2 two leazison reports
which I hope we change that next week from the name of the word >> um marked administrator report um it says appointment oh I think it means because I I attend I'm the mark uh
leazison and so I attended the meeting that they had last and they've appointed Bruno Fischer left or is leaving I don't know the timing Um but the new administrator is named Steven Oldfield. So it was the purpose of the meeting was
to introduce him >> to all the march team well the people from all the towns who were march liaison and uh and then they voted to appoint him. So um
>> can I ask the chair and inter town administrator with regards to reports from board leaison um is there a reason that we have to spell out beforehand if we want to give an update on any of our leazison assignments if it's not an if it's not
something that is we're going to deliberate or vote on. So, if I wanted to give a I just got a really important update from the school committee, >> right? >> I would like to be able to do in here and if it's not going to be deliberated or voted on, is everybody okay with that?
>> It has always been fine in the past and I am okay with that. >> Okay. As long as there's no deliberating vote. >> We got a complaint about it. So, that's why we started having everything on there. And I mean I can if you would like me to check with council before we go back to that but I I believe if we're
not deliberating we're leaison to these boards we should be able to report. >> I know I have an announcement I want to make. >> It was done this way for years with without the um the listing. You know, if someone knew ahead of time, sure, list it. >> I do believe when the violation was,
>> it was when we were having Nelson do all the responses and I think council come back and said, "No, you're allowed to give an liaison report." >> You are >> without >> Yeah, you've always been allowed in the past other >> leave it to you if you think that's okay.
>> If you have one, I have one. >> I'm okay. We're not deliberating. >> No, no, no. So, I was I was just going to say that, you know, I know that we all heard the information about Ashville Elementary and >> I do think, you know, our board has done a good job of placing that in the school
committee's hands and staying out of that, but it is a hard thing here. >> Okay. >> So, that was >> no deliberation. >> Um, and then also just I did attend the conservation meeting and they're aware if they need help with anything or help from our board, I'll bring it to you
guys. Okay. continue to do that. It's necessary. >> And the only thing I have for you is on PBCC. >> Uh hopefully our last meeting will be this coming Friday and I'll have a report next Tuesday. >> Okay.
>> Uh thank you. A letter from PEL Select Board to School District. I think you've sent that. >> Covered it. Yeah. And shared it with you guys. But just wanted to have it in, you know, PA reports this. >> Okay. >> A formal letter. >> Uh oh, I went up instead of down. Sorry.
6.3. And I did honestly didn't have my glasses on. Um, announcements, communications, and volunteer response forms. But >> I think we appointed so many people. >> Yeah. And >> how do we still have a list? >> That's supposed to be today's update.
>> Yeah. Um so for board and committee member vacancies we still have agricultural commission audit committee board of water commissioners capital planning commission on disability community preservation committee conservation commission energy committee housing authority representative housing
authority vacancy recycling committee town properties committee west towns and meeting room committee zoning board of appeals vacancy full member to 2030 >> west towns and what >> reading room committee >> oh no >> no we're probably not it out >> and same the >> do we have to see a standard
>> CPC >> well it's not going to be a building you will >> we probably have to figure out the logistics of that >> also the CPC committee I the committee president >> we just finished that right we just did that today >> okay um voting board of appeals full
member to 2030 a full member to 2020 and an associate member >> help them find a member they they would really need >> maybe we all They reject ours all those people contacting me with
feedback on stuff. >> Just start reading that list. >> Sometimes it's too interesting. >> Yeah, they have some fascinating topics in front of us like just >> No, it's important. It's really important stuff too for the town for anybody who's listening. Yeah, it's
really important things to get figured out. So, okay. 6.4 for next meeting date. So I think we're going to announce the 9th which we have to >> post that
>> and which is at say 6:30. >> Well 6 p.m. is the school. >> Oh 5:30. >> Yeah I think 5:30 and >> time to get over there right >> 5:00 p.m. >> here. 5 p.m.
>> Yeah. And the only item on the agenda. >> Okay. >> God willing. Okay. And then um so a full agenda will be on 210 and when are we going to start and will we have executives then?
>> We will Jane from town council is going to join us. Um Fincom is scheduled to meet with us as well. That's supposed to be another joint meeting. >> It's going to be six. >> That'll be at 6 PM. Jane would probably be >> or before.
>> I would you guys want to have her before? I so I'm thinking of Fincom and they haven't met with many other departments between now and then. There may not be much of an update from them and my update to them would just be that I've met with town council to come up with a strategy
>> and then we just we would discuss the hiring freeze is the only thing we want to discuss. >> Yeah, the hiring freeze. So maybe it's >> it's 6 PM with FINCOM and that could really just be about a 30 minute hey here's what a hiring freeze means. I shared it with the department heads. got
some push back on, you know, police, highway, whatever. And, you know, how do you want me to handle that? You know, I think we have to honor it across the board. Um, but I won't deliberate too far into that. But I think 6 p.m. within
um, you know, with a report from an update from me for hiring freeze and a potential vote in motion motion and vote for that topic. >> Okay. Well, we're still going to have a full agenda. So, do you want to start
with Vincom at 6 and then pray we don't have a 5 hour meeting? >> Yeah. Would you want to meet at 5 to knock a couple other things out of the park? >> Can we do that? >> Can you guys give me another day?
>> I mean, at six would be I It's okay if I can't come five. There's a chance I won't be able to get here before 600, but I'll know tomorrow. >> Oh, >> let's just start at 6 then. >> You'll know tomorrow.
>> Yes, I can lead to like 10 p.m. which I know is late for folks, >> especially if we have executive with Jane. Um, >> but I can tell you tomorrow. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Email it out >> because that one won't get posted till Friday at noon. >> Okay. >> So, five or six. So, I'm just going to
say Tuesday, February 10th. Time to be determined. >> Okay. I will >> Monday the 9th will be at 5. >> Okay. Um,
then 6.5. Is there a motion? >> Sorry. Um, I value move to review and sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. >> Veronica Kelly. Yes. >> Okay. >> Second. Any further discussion? Need more Skittles. >> More Skittles.
Roll call vote. Veronica Cal I try. So sorry I'm updating my calendar. I'm multitasking too much. >> Okay. And Laura I. So we are now going to >> 7.2 executive session.
>> 7.2 to executive and we will be adjourning the meeting from executive. We're not coming back. >> Yes, ma'am. >> Okay. So, I Laura Shiffren
move that we go into executive session at 8:35 p.m. Pursuant to open meeting law, chapter 30A, section 21A3, to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining.
If an open meeting may have detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and I Laura Shiffren so declares and is in reference to the fire union. Is there a second? >> Second. Veronica Ke.
>> Okay. Any discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Keel. I >> and Laura Shiffron. side.