Good afternoon everyone. My name is Laura Shiffren and I will call the meeting of January 6, 2026 of the select board at 300 p.m. Roll call, please. >> Veronica Cal present President and Laura
Shiff present. Would you 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'd like to thank all of our veterans as well as our military currently serving here and abroad. All of our emergency response people, all of our elected and appointed
uh community members that help this community to be a better place to live and also their families. The meeting is being recorded and will be uploaded to YouTube. Is anyone else recording? >> Yep.
Thank you. Um 1.4 chairman's additions or deletions. I do not have any. 1.5 review approve the meeting minutes of 1218 25 1223 25 and 11725.
Is there a motion? >> Would you like me to make them together or separate? >> You can together. >> Yeah. >> Um I Valerie Goodrich move that we approve the meeting minutes for December 18th, 2025. December 23rd, 2025 and November 17th, 2025. Is there a second?
>> Veronica second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Thank you. >> Um Okay. Um roll call vote I
thank you. 3 point uh 3 2.1. I'd like to call our joint meeting to order with the board of water commissioners at 3:02 p.m. Roll call, please.
>> Very present. >> Present and Laurent. Um, is there anybody um are any of the commissioners going to be in the joint meeting? Oh, >> and I don't see Todd yet.
>> The table, >> both of you. >> Okay, we have space. >> Join us. It's a joint. >> We've fit more before. So, >> nice to choose. >> Little easier on the back. Um, so Jerry Lynn is here, but really I
don't it's uh we two members. There's not been anybody else appointed, right? >> I wish there was. >> Yeah, I understand that. Um, well, once Todd gets on, you can call the
joint, but can we go ahead with the presentation? >> Go ahead with presentation. >> Okay. So Tyian Bond is here and who would like to speak from Tyen Bond with your presentation? >> Obviously unmuted.
>> I uh I'll introduce myself but um I think um my my colleague will be running most of the presentation. Hi, my name is Lewis Sarraco with Thai Bond. Uh I'm a vice president here over in the water group and I'm working with Hison of a
great many projects and he helps us out on all of our rate studies. Hassan. >> Hi members of the board. Good afternoon. My name is Hassan Doza. I'm a senior project manager here at Tyenbond and along with my colleagues Lou and Joshua.
It's been a privilege to manage this uh rate study on Townsen's behalf. and I'll share my screen and we will walk through our recommendations for the water and advice fund. >> Are you all able to share our see our screen?
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Wonderful. Before we get into the that's law by the way. So uh >> so the two main goals as we get into our presentation I wanted to give you the highlights of our recommendation. First,
the two main goals of our presentation and this rate study was one to keep water rates affordable. And as you will see in our one of our slides, the new rates with our recommended increase will be less than a penny per gallon. So that's was very important to us. That's
point number one. Point number two, we wanted to keep the water enterprise fund healthy. It means the revenues of the water enterprise fund is sufficient for all of its expenses. And I would like to highlight is that the water fund, the
water utility, the department has done a great job in investing into the improvement of the quality of your water, especially PAS. And that requires um a a great deal of effort and planning. And the water department did
an excellent job of planning through the PAS water quality improvement. And given these projects, it is important for us going forward to make sure the water enterprise fund is self-sufficient in that it has all the revenues it needs
for all its expenses so the water utility can continue to do these important investments in the future. So with that, let us begin our formal presentation. Is is there a way to um
make that full screen? >> Yes. Let me see if I can make that a higher zoom. Give me one second. >> Or go into presentation mode. >> Go into presentation mode. Yeah. >> See, I think it's under slideshow.
>> Yep. >> Yeah, it's on. If you go to the bottom right, right? >> Yep. There we There you go. >> It's all my >> Thank you. >> Is that what you were trying to do? >> I'm going to go to the next slide. How do I change the slides? White right.
>> Perfect. After a lot of analysis, our conclusion was that at this time a 5% rate increase would be most appropriate for fiscal year 27. It includes two items. one as I
mentioned the important investments into water quality PAS and it it our rate recommendation includes the recovery of the debt service associated with this PAS water quality investment which has been an important investment for the
water utility. Second, we also did a lot of analysis to find out if there is a way for us to add an additional tier. Currently the water utility has a single commercial tier and we we're adding a
new tier tier three that is expected to generate additional revenues and the and the thought process behind this new commercial tier is to have the largest and the highest water users pay for the
water. So this new commercial tier which generates about expected to generate about 300,000 in additional revenues is one of the main reasons why the overall rate increase for the average residential customers is very manageable
in our view at 5%. So those were the two main items of this rate study. Let me share with you the next level of detail. This uh bar chart graphically presents our rate increase recommendations 5% for fiscal year 27
which we are presenting at this meeting. But just to give you some visibility in out years and these again our projections uh we're projecting 3% type inflation type rate increases for 28 and
29. And again I underscore these two outyears are projections just for illustration purposes. The recommendation we are recommending today is going to be for fiscal year 27 at 5%. The most important data point I would
believe in this chart is the bottom numbers where you see 8% for fiscal year 26 15% for fiscal year 27. And the reason it's the most important data point because that represents the
retained earnings or cash that is left over expected at the end of the year. As you can see from this graph, the expected cash at the end of fiscal year 26 is projected to drop below 10%. So our one of our goals have been in this
rate study when we talked about the financial self-sufficiency is to make sure the water enterprise fund has sufficient retain earnings for fiscal year 27 and with this rate increase of 5% we believe the water enterprise fund
will be in a very good position in a financially healthy position for fiscal year 27. Is there a recommended best practice for the top end of that cash flow? Like 34% to me seems like a lot. >> No, it's actually the I'm glad you asked
because I was going to just mention that the best practice is about 3 months of operating expenses as cash which mathematically turns to about 20 to 25%. So we are actually slightly below that
as and we did that again to minimize the rate increase impact for customers. So we're kind of in the borderline to slightly below actually of recommended range >> but the projections indicate 34% in fiscal year 29 and a buildout from the
fiscal year 28. That is that is again a projection two fiscal years out and that's why I mentioned the out years are for illustration purposes only but if we go through this path there is the opportunity for us to build retain
earnings but again that's something we will have to do a future rate study and typically we recommend doing a rate study every year and as we get into fiscal year 28 it will give us more visibility into the outear so I would
say I put more weight on the fiscal year 27 number and potentially fiscal year 28 as two of the benchmarks prior to going out too far out into the out years. >> Okay. And then does the water department
have a contract with tie and bond for a study to be done every year or is that an on you know allocart? >> That's that's what we if we want it. Now, this 3% is just a projection of that's inflation. If we do it every year, that could be 2%, it could be 4%,
it could be 1%. Okay? >> We won't know that until we get closer to that and to see actually how much because a lot of the high-end users, say Dunkin Donuts, they throw a lot of water
on the ground, >> right, >> for irrigation. They could cut down that. I expect them to be a little more >> diligent >> diligent on their water use. If you ever go to the town and watch Bailey's every
day watering every day that I expect that to get mitigated a little bit and we'll lose we'll lose a little bit of the projection because people are going to be a little more tight on >> taper their usage. >> Right. So, so the rate study is built
into your um budget annually. >> It's not a capital expense. It's part of your budgetally. >> Okay. >> It comes under professional services. >> Okay. So, since we're doing questions, what is the percent increase for those
tier three businesses this year? Just curiosity. They're matching the they're they're matching the tier three for every other resident. >> Okay. >> So, there's going to be no difference from every other residents. We didn't
raise the when we raised the rates for everyone else. We didn't raise it for all the commercial. >> Oh, okay. So, they're just coming up to the rates of the residents >> to be equal with the residents. The residents shouldn't have to pay for the the treatment plant when the treatment
plant is built for extra water which is for these high-end uses. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Great. Let's continue. We just talked about the commercial tier, but just to put it graphically,
the top green bar represents the additional revenues projected to come in from this uh additional tier. I believe this slide actually captures everything. I and I do want to spend a minute walking you through in that this
slide captures both the expenses which you see the top portion and I would focus your attention to fiscal year 27 which is the projected budget for the water department for all of its expenses
operational expenses about $2 million. And then if we add additional expense in relation to existing debt service and the PAS expected new debt service that is coming to hit the books in fiscal
year 27. The overall expenses for the water enterprise fund will be about $2.3 million. Could we just ask that slide isn't a part of the presentation documents we were handed so that that could be emailed out that >> absolutely we'll be happy to share that
with you right after this presentation. Uh yes this is yeah >> not in that it's not in that so the one thing that is not accurate is the general fund that they have it equal at
444 that's what we give for medical and everything that by the end of 2029 will be over half a million dollars that we give the time to pay for the workers. So that that's also going to get mitigated.
Where's that number? >> The last line. Transfer to general fun. >> Transfer to the general fund. That's what we paid the town for insuranceances and medical insurance and retirement and everything else. So, that's going to go up. >> It's equivalent here. It's not It
doesn't show it going up on >> it. It should it should have been going up about five or six% every year because medical insurance is going up about 9% this year. 13 to 17 depending on the >> right. So that that's going to go I I
projected 460 for this year but it's probably going to be 470 >> now now that I hear that that number >> could be higher. >> So >> so so are these numbers correct then because they they show the same amount as fiscal year
>> 26 I said 3% is is there's more than enough money to cover it >> in it. It's just it's going to be a little little smaller. Um it's not gonna be the 24% or anything. It's probably going to be about 20.
>> Yeah. You're shaving off the 4% four to 6% depending on the >> but it's not things that I can't predict that because we don't know the numbers yet. >> But it's 15. So if if that number is different, >> I guess my question is does it make a
difference in the amount percent of increase to the no residents? >> No, because the only thing that'll change is that that on the slide where it says 15, 24, and 34. Yeah. >> It'll probably be more like
um 12 and maybe 18, 19, 20. conservative with that. >> Right. So those numbers will will go go down, >> but there's enough space in there for that to happen. >> Correct. >> But 3% is inflation and the and I asked
for to put that as a placeholder >> because we want to be honest with people there there's going to be there is going to be a rate increase every year equal to inflation. And I just want to underscore in that we're doing a lot of rate studies for a
lot of towns within the state and every town has done a lot of investments in PAS and other water quality upgrades. So these are challenges and increases every town is dealing with and I'll we'll share with you your average residential
water bill in the next slide. I just want to give you that data point that these are challenges every town is dealing with and I have to give credit to the water department in that you have managed your PAS debt investments very well and we have very good visibility
into debt and not all towns believe me have managed the financing of PAS well. This was a very these are very uh I would say thought thoughtful way to finance this engineering construction of this project and the water department
handled it very very well. So you have good visibility on your cost of debt from PIFA which I believe is a significant uh differentiating factor from other towns who have not had the benefit of projecting these costs well
and they're dealing with significantly more higher rate increases than you are and this is from experience of rate studies we're doing right now in all the towns across the state. So I just wanted to share that feedback with the board. >> Great. Thank you.
I believe this this last slide is is the most pertinent slide. This is kind of where the rubber meets the road. Sort of the report card and the number I would point to first is with our expected 5% increase. The average bill for a typical
customer in the residential customer will be about $540 uh per year, which is about $135 per quarter, about $45 a month. So, it's very affordable compared to other
services. If you think about what other services you're paying, $45 a month, water is very affordable and it's very much in line with median bills across the state. So, I just wanted to pause here and take questions because this is
something we thought about a lot and I we believe our recommendation kind of presents a very good uh tradeoff for customers and the value we're receiving. Thought I just got this one. >> Oh, here it is. It's page six where
yours is page seven in your um >> and what's been projected is page seven. Page seven for us is the commercial customer. >> It's a different presentation just because we're missing that one slide with the other one. >> Yeah. >> Is that the one I did? >> Yeah. So, you got this is the one you
gave. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It goes to seven. I went to seven which is a commercial. >> Just to help me understand because I'm a little new here. What is considered the typical residential customer in towns? Is that asking?
>> Sure. That's that's a great question. By the way, this is a question >> or a three-bedroom house with >> right that doesn't use irrigation. >> Does doesn't have irrigation. Okay. And do you know what percentage of town does have irrigation? >> Probably about 20 20 about 20%.
>> Okay. So one in five houses >> of of water takers >> water takers use irrigation >> and percentage of the town that is on town water >> was that >> percentage of residences on town water. >> Yeah. >> What's up that that percentage >> about 2/3 >> 23
>> which will increase in the next few years >> just for a residential basin. If I get a call, I'd love to have what the annual water bill for a typical residential customer with irrigation looks like because that might be a call I might get
>> depending on the neighborhood. >> Yeah. But like, you know, you can average it out, but just it's just it's good to have, right? I mean, that's something that people advertise when you're selling a house or when you have, you know, the Red Sox kick, you know, starting off the season, you want to water your lawn. Like something people consider.
>> Yeah. So, we'd have to identify each house that has irrigation and and we don't have that information. >> Okay. >> Because the building department doesn't tell us when someone's putting irrigation in. >> Okay. And there's not a different rate
for irrigation. >> Nope. >> Okay. >> You use water. Whatever. You use the water, you pay the bill. >> Okay. >> We don't care where you put it. You know, that's the best way of putting it. >> Okay. But your bill is in your own control. You're watering too much.
>> Yeah, >> it has come up today. >> Yeah. Interesting. Okay. >> I would tell them to call the water department. >> Yeah. If they have a question, go to the horse's mouth, right? >> Well, I think because some communities
will have irrigation meters for their usage and that's charged at a different rate. >> Yeah. Usually it's higher. >> Absolutely. Yeah. It's a premium service. >> Irrigation meter is usually higher than than but we're only charging one one rate for everything. Yeah.
>> But but don't we have tears? Aren't there tiers? >> Right. So if you use more water, right, >> you could deduce that you're probably >> Exactly. >> Yeah. No, good data. Thank you. >> All right, you can go. You can go home
now. Sorry. So, that concludes our formal presentation. Um, if there are any questions, Tyben Bond can help answer, please. We're we're we're at your service. >> Cool. Thank you. >> Um, I can I ask the question about the
commercial uh tier that you're adding? >> Yep. >> How how does that um So, what's our page seven? Maybe your page eight on do you have another page on your um >> no the the uh the additional slide is
probably this slide which you don't see that's the only slide additional >> we have one commercial the one >> oh the commercial yeah >> the commercial rate >> right so go to the next slide and then >> this one >> you only had seven so
>> oh you only have seven so the slide that we have here in this presentation So, what what was your question on that one? >> Um, how does how does this change? Right now, the typical commercial customer is $1,725
per year. And so, is it up here? What it would No, that's right. >> See, the commercial rate, >> it's the same exact rate as the residential. >> So, you expect that it would double maybe? Um >> I I don't
>> above 50% 363. >> It's only water that you goes above tier 2 which is which is u 50 units and the reg and the regular tier for the for the residents it's 20
units. So are the small businesses going to see any increase at all? No. It's only that will sterilate. >> Yeah. >> The their bill is going to go up about 20%. >> Why? Um I I
45.1 and up. 50 and up. >> Correct. >> So it's the the tier three matches residential tier three. >> Correct. >> Why don't we have a tier four? That's that that would be right now
we're we don't want to kill the businesses in town. So we're we're we're increasing to tier three and then we'll re >> we'll look at things later on. >> Okay. >> You can liken it a little bit to um the
assessments and the tax rate. >> Not exactly because we only have one rate for everything here >> and there's a reason for that. That's right. But um and we will never because it doesn't make us make sense to um
>> but water is a little different in my mind. >> So we're we're going we're adding an extra tip for the commercial and then if we need anything else then it's something we can look at in the future. >> Okay.
But the average business that just has an office and they're they're never getting to to 50 units. So, they're not going to get affected. It's just a very high water uses that
are going to get affected. >> Okay. >> Just referencing the commercial customer slide we have. >> Yeah. Um, >> it's the one I got today. So, >> yeah, the fiscal year 25 was 1725 with
your annual water bill. And then fiscal year 26 says 1725. And then if you look at fiscal year 27, it's only a 4.76% increase. Fiscal year 28's a 2.9%
increase. Just want to maybe I'm wrong. My bad. >> This doesn't consider tier three. That's I think where the issue is. They didn't put tier three in >> for FY27. They only use tier one and two, which is what apparently.
>> So it's Can we just get an updated version of this along the way once you have a chance? >> So tier one and two are pretty much same. And like I said, until that actually happens, >> we're not going to know >> what the because people are going to
change it h it happened with the irrigation. People change the habit and and >> so >> yeah, I mean using a little less water might probably good for everything, right? Right. >> Save a few bucks and go from there. and and the 5% this year, you take away
the 3% for for for um you know inflation and you're only by paying for the very small part of the building. >> Mhm. >> Is is the whole the whole budget besides
paying for the debt in the building only went up 1.3%. >> Yeah, it's great. So, it's a but 2% for paying for the rest of the building isn't bad.
And this is the la the last one. We were told three years ago to raise the rates 18%, we raised them five. Two years ago, they told us to raise them up 15%, we raised it up five because we didn't know how much money we were getting lost s
lawsuit and forgiveness. So, I wanted to keep it low and so that two two extra percent helped pay for the building with this one and we didn't have the skyrocketing >> which other towns are going to have to pay for theirs.
>> I'm certainly very fortunate in town. Any other questions from the board hearing? None. Thank you very much. Thank you to Bon representatives. Um, great presentation. We appreciate
your work. >> Thank you. >> Thank you very much. >> Okay. I guess I'll end entertain a motion to adjourn quote unquote joint meeting.
>> Can I So we don't have to take any action. This is the select. >> No. >> Similar to any other enterprise. It's it's justformational >> the uh Right. It's just it's all up to the >> Yep. Just confirming for everybody listening in. Correct.
>> Ask you to ask me. >> I always like to say it out loud. >> Also good. >> I'll take that. Sorry. I'm going to move to end the joint meeting. Well, mind it being joint the the board of health. >> Okay. >> Board of water.
>> Board of water. Sorry. Sorry. >> Involved in a way. >> It's just whichever last one I >> Okay. Is there a second? >> All right. And that is at 3:30 p.m.
>> hearing. No discussion. We'll call vote for our def and I record show it wasn't actually joy. >> Was not a joint. >> No. And that David and Jared were here representing. >> Okay. and thank you very much and happy
new year to you. >> Thanks everybody. >> Uber. >> Stay warm out there. >> Do you need the state for the other the other things? There's something on the lawsuit. >> The um No, >> it's executive. >> There's 4.1
>> the um this is for the bond. >> Correct. >> Clean water trust loan and related matters. >> Correct. I should say for that one because >> Okay. because there's more to >> I know you got a letter for it, >> but that is only from the state. The
federal government will be sending their own letter and it will be reduced even further. >> Okay. >> Okay. If you'd like to stay for >> because I can answer some things. It happened last year. >> The same thing. We got one for the state which was 5 million and it ended up
being nine >> 9 million alto together because the federal added theirs to it. >> Yeah. and I signed the papers for the loan in August. >> Okay. Yeah. So, we'll have you come back up at 4:1. >> I'll stay for that. Thank you.
>> Uh 3.1. We'll try to get a few things done before the 4:00, which I had to take out of order. So, um 3.1. Is there a motion? I, Valich, move to appoint Robert Thurin as cemetery and parks committee
representative to the community preservation committee effective December 18th, 2025 until June 30th, 2027. Is there a second? >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Um, yeah, I guess my concern is um
Robert is also a planning board member. So, we have a planning board rep appointed now, Lance McN. And even though Robert is um a cemetery and parks >> um appointment, he's also a planning
board member. So that means that a committee that is supposed to have one planning board member now has two planning board members. >> And I have a concern about that. So um
that would be my my reason to vote against the appointment. And and I understand that we have people that are on more than one committee all over the place in town to the point
where there's just a small number of people that hold all the, you know, all the appointments elected or appointed otherwise. >> Well, I don't think we're looking at two people that have a lot of
appointments. Number one, and number if I may. >> Yeah. Right. And number two, I don't have any other volunteer forms to do this yet. These people are are >> This is an appointment by the board. >> Correct.
>> It's by the board itself. It's not an appointment like an atlarge appointment. It's a a cemetery and parks appointment. It's that board that chooses one of the three of them to be on it. >> Okay. So we have a person who is also a
planning board member. The um the committee is to have a planning board member and we've already appointed that and also to have a cemetery and parks commissioner. So now we have two plan if
this appointment happens we have two planning board members. Even though the second person is not representing the planning board, he is still a planning board member. And so what happens when
you're making decisions on applications? Are you looking at it? Oh, I'm not looking at this from planning board eye. I'm looking at it from the cemetery and parks perspective. I I don't trust that that will happen. >> But would then that apply to the second
appointment also? Um yes, which is why I have the same concern on the second appointment. >> My question would be is then is it going to be nearly impossible to actually see? >> I just think we need other people >> to come forward.
>> Yeah. I'm from the it's only really a concern if quorum is met >> on the on the CPC, >> right? On Yeah. because other than that they're just volunteers that are representing their board.
>> So if you had another planning board member if they were interested in participating that would be where the stop is. So if you had a because otherwise you haven't hit quorum. >> I I understand that still I I just think
that there are two other members on the cemetery and parks. one of them could >> be appointed other than the person who's also a planning board member. Um, so I I have a problem with that. I just think
that it winds up um swaying decisions that are made on the community preservation committee. I'm just voicing my concern. That's all. >> It's valid. I think it's just it's hard to find people to volunteer, right? That's that's the trouble with every community these days. And uh
>> you know and I I mean I've I've mentioned and I think I mentioned to someone last year when I ran for this board like it would be nice if we could have a limit on appointed boards. You can only serve on three so that there's less conflict but we just don't have the if more if we have more people who
volunteered that would be possible but I'm realizing it means we just have even more vacancies. >> Where's our friend Jim? I know. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Anyway, that's it's just a concern I
have and I I think that whenever things are chosen and I know that once the projects are I mean we're still a couple years out till anything's going to happen. >> I think also like other planning board member will be a different planning board member perhaps by that point but
still a planning board member. So instead of having one planning board member, we have one planning board member and a planning board member in disguise as a cemetery and parks person. And that's where it it gets funky and it
sways what projects wind up being brought forward to the town meeting for a vote. So I'm just I'm just citing my um concern. That's all. >> Very valid. >> Yeah.
>> No, I I mean I understand where Veronica's coming from and like I said, I just I'm looking at this and I don't see anybody that you couldn't say something like that for when we're appointing, right? So, I've had to just kind of pick the times where I think
there'll be a direct conflict. This one, I mean, I think it like said, I think a long way off of any actually think feasible happening with this. Yeah, just like optically it's you know really is a matter it's like you haven't
hit the quorum for that board so you have a volunteer. Sometimes the simplest path forward noting concerns is the easiest path forward. >> Any further discussion hearing? None. We'll call vote.
No good. Yes. Yes. 3.2. Is there a motion? >> Um I Valerie Gooditch move to appoint Kobe Strereer as at large member to the community preservation committee effective December 18th, 2025 until June 30th, 2028.
Veronica Hill 7. >> Discussion. >> Uh same concern but just a little bit different because um because Kobe is a town employee. He happens to be the conservation agent. We
don't yet have a conservation commissioner appointed. So it's a little bit different than the other. >> Um but same concern. Um so that's all it may be
different but also this this is he's being appointed as what? Oh at large. So that's this is our appointment. This is the select board's appointment >> and I don't think we've gotten any other residents.
>> Well, we have Kim. >> Y >> Kim we've already appointed >> and so this would be our second at large. We have two atlarge appointments on this committee. We the select board do. >> Okay. >> So >> I see this one a little differently than
the other one. still a concern because it makes it so we have a planning board heavy even though it's a it's a cemetery and parks person in disguise we have a planning board heavy um and
conservationheavy um board um I mean I guess one of my thoughts is is they have to have open meetings and to bring up if we if anybody sees that trend happening >> Mhm. No,
>> but >> not that it has to, >> but you know, then it's just, you know, talk or you know, put in 600 public records requests or try to find open meeting laws, you know, to say that the committee is doing bad things, which is
the motus of Andy. >> So, what is the um >> is there still a vacancy after these appointments? Mhm. Their housing hasn't appointed and conservation hasn't appointed. Correct. >> And I I'm not sure historic district
commission hasn't appointed. >> So there are still three appointments >> um to be made. Okay. >> Housing authority will probably try to meet at the end of the month is my guess. >> They have three members now. Correct. >> We do. I have to update that for the
next um the 20th meeting to say that they uh voted to approve Irene Congen. So it comes to the select board for the appointment. Yeah. Okay. >> Okay. >> And I think she may be a good person. I'll touch base with her along the way
once we get there, but you never know. >> I think she'll be a good person. >> Um, any further discussion on this one? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica Kelly. Yes. >> Very good at Jess. >> What was she bring? Yes. Okay. Welcome
to Col. Um 3.3. Is there a motion? >> I Valerie Gooditch move to appoint Kathleen Spafford as alternative member of the historic district commission effective December 18th, 2025 until June 30th, 2028.
>> Veronica second. >> Okay. Discussion. >> We had the discussion. It's fine. We still have that one alternate is still vacant. >> No, we have two alternates on This would make it two >> there. This will make it too. >> Yes.
>> And then it's a full board. >> And then it's a full board members and alternates. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Uh any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica I get good. Jess I
>> I Yes. We can't make up our mind today. >> Make them all the same. >> Like an Oreo cookie. >> Yes means yes. >> Yes. >> Okay. 3.4. four. >> Um, we can't do that because we've already appointed two atlarge members.
>> Yep. So, I think this is a take no action. >> Take no action. Correct. >> So, do we need a motion to do that or do we um >> I move to take no action on 3.4 >> second. >> Okay. Any discussion hearing? None. Roll
call vote. I'll work with Sabrina to get appointment forms out and and such so we can have the folks sign and go from there. So for the CPC >> Okay. 3.5. Is there a motion?
>> Valic move to appoint Kieran mean as the interim chief procurement officer, board representative and hearing officer effective January 6, 2026. I'll have a second and I have a question. What is a board representative? >> I do had that question.
>> I've never seen that anybody. >> Yeah. So, a board representative in my experience would be someone who represents the board at like for >> like joint meetings between towns >> perhaps is where my head went. Or if you
wanted me to be your alternate for a CPC meeting because it talks about select board members joining. We we don't have a select board member on the CPC. Uh we only have two atlarge appointments. >> Okay. All right. >> By the bylaw select
>> Yeah. Sorry, I misspoke on that one. So yeah, there is no C select board on CPC. Um >> you don't I mean >> I I would just change the motion. I I I move that we amend the motion to appoint Kieran Mian Essie um chief procurement
officer, not the interim chief procurement officer. the chief procurement officer and the hearing officer. Do we know who put the board representative on there? >> I will check with my colleague. It may have just been something that was copy
and pasted. >> I just want to make sure it wasn't a council necessity. >> I don't think so. >> I mean here when we have many >> I know. I was just making sure but I also know a lot and I have never seen that. It may have been to the like
go chat with another TA in another town or about like STAM, you know, small town administrators groups or the >> you get to do that anyway just no matter what. >> That is your job >> or represent the board at a school committee maybe. I don't know. >> No, you just go
>> you are you are in your position. >> What's a hearing officer? >> Hearing officer there needs to be a hearing in in town for whatever reason. we need a hearing officer. It's typically the TA, but it has also been
>> um the uh moderator at times and I think at one point it was the >> um no uh I I want to say the building commissioner, but I could be wrong on that. um check the >> bylaws.
So in in any event um >> Nelson was the hearing officer and >> hope you don't have to >> uh >> where did I end? >> Pardon me. >> Were there any hearings if Nelson was a hearing officer?
>> I don't know of any. Okay. >> Not since I became a >> Yeah. >> a select board member but >> Okay. So >> all right. So the amended motion reads. >> Yep. Val seconded it. >> Yeah. >> Oh, I value move to appointing me and as
the chief procurement officer and hearing officer effective January 66 and I will cal I will second the amendment. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica I
sh. Yay. 4.1 and and David is still here. >> Um so uh 4.1 is there a motion?
>> Um I have to read the votes the vote into the select. >> So you want to read all of this? >> I was told. >> Yeah. with the last time we had because if someone wants to summarize what this
is, I believe it's because it's related to the bond and the last time. >> Yeah, >> I was told I had to read the whole thing. >> Yeah, it's just page. >> She is one and two. >> Okay, she's reading it as clerk and she signs as clerk.
>> Yes, that is correct. >> All right, >> that's the way it's always been done. backing up a hot tamalei while you're working on that thing. >> Dave, if you would like to come to the table while she read, >> this is it. >> I haven't read this one.
>> She'll read it. She's going to be reading the whole try to be efficient. >> Okay, very good. Okay, I'm going put on a reading glass so we don't pull it too far away. >> Good idea. >> I Valerie I sorry vote of select board.
I the clerk of the select board of the town of towns of Massachusetts the town certified at a meeting of the board held January 6, 2026 of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and quorum was present. >> The following vote was passed all of which appears upon the official record
of the board in my custody voted. Number one, the town shall issue a bond or >> Can I stop you? >> Sure. >> Um there there needs to be a motion to one of these.
>> No, but but it says voted. Okay. Well, I'm just looking at the motion that's in the um >> Yeah. So, she's going to read the motion when we vote on it. So, should we do that first? And >> that's what I'm wondering. It's the order. Do we have her read the whole
thing first and then we do the motion or do we do the motion and then do the reading? I'm told if I understand correctly this is first. >> Okay. All right. >> You can read it and then motion two and
then if there's discussion before. So voted number one that the town shall issue a bond or bonds of an aggregate in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 5,592,500
the bonds pursuant to chapter 39 29 C and 44 of the general laws a vote of the town passed May 2nd 2023 article 10 for planning or constructing construction of drinking water infrastruure infrastructure the projects two that the
terms of the financing agreement agreement or agreements, the financing agreement or agreements and the project regulatory agreement or agreements, the project regulatory agreement or agreements each relating to the notes and bonds are hereby approved. Three, that in anticipation of the issuance of
the bonds, the treasurer is authorized to issue an interim loan note or notes the notes from time to time in an aggregate principal amount not to exceed 5,592,500. Four, that each bond shall be issued as a single registered security and sold to the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust, the
trust, at a price determined pursuant to the financing agreement or agreements. Five, that the treasurer is authorized to determine the date, the form, the maximum interest rate, and the principal maturities of each bond and note and to execute a financing agreement or agreements with the trust with respect
to the sale of the bonds and notes. such date, form and maturities in the Pacific specific interest rate or rates of the bonds and notes to be approved by a majority of the select board and the treasurer as evidenced by their execution of the bonds and notes. Six,
that any certificates or documents relating to the bonds and notes collectively the documents may be executed in several counterparts, each of which shall be regarded as an original and all of which shall constitute one in the same document. Delivery of an executed counterpart of a signature page to a document by
electronic mail in a PDF file or by other electronic transmission shall be as effective as delivery of a manually executed counterpart signature page to such document and electronic signatures on any of the documents shall be deemed original signatures for the purpose of the documents and all matters related
thereto having the same legal effect as original signatures. Seven, that all action taken to date by the town and its officers and agents to carry out the projects and its financing, including the execution of any loan commitment or agreement by the treasurer, are hereby ratified,
approved, and confirmed. and eight that the treasurer and the other appropriate town officials are each hereby authorized to take any and all actions necessary or convenient to carry out the provisions of this vote including execution and delivery of the financing agreement or agreements and the project
regulatory agreement or agreements relating to this project. I further certified that the vote was adopted at a meeting open to the public. That no vote was taken by secret ballot. that a notice stating the place, date, time, and agenda for the meeting, which agenda included the adoption of the
above votes, was filed with the town clerk, and a copy thereof posted in a manner conspicuously visible to the public at all hours in or on the municipal building that the office of the town clerk is located, or if applicable, in accordance with an alternate method of notice prescribed by
approved by the attorney general as set forth in 940 CMR 29.032. 032B at least 48 hours, not including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays, prior to the time of the meeting and remained so posted at the time of the meeting that no deliberations or
decision in connection with the sale of the bonds or notes were taken in executive session and that the official record of the meeting was made available to the public promptly and remains available to the public all in accordance with general law chapter 3A section 18 through 25 as amended. I
further certify that the vote has not been amended, supplemented, or revoked and remains ineffective of this date. January 6, 2026 for the select board. >> There we go. >> Great work. >> Is that it?
That's it for the moment. Okay. I valich move to adopt the vote prepared by bond council and before and before the vote as read will be shall be incorporated in full into the minutes of this meeting in sign out of session
ver second any further discussion >> any comments correct >> so that 5.9 is on the loan of $14.9 million that's the only part we have to pay
Okay. >> And then then the rest there's lots of money coming in and hopefully we can pay it pay it off early if it's just a slow process. We got we we got another check
last week for $248,000 which makes 6 um >> almost 650 >> almost 650 that we have in the bank right now. But But to do anything with it, it has to go to town meeting to be able to
>> transfer it to us. >> Transfer, right? >> Okay. >> Any other questions? >> Hearing none. We'll call vote on Veronica. I thought Gage I. Thank you. Dave, >> do you know is that coming to special
town meeting or you going to wait? >> No, we're just going to wait for the other one. It's not we don't even have to pay anything till um July or August. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> That's the first payment >> which is >> okay.
>> The Chinese. >> Thank you. >> Forget it. You're welcome. >> Is that the sign out of session? >> Um it No, but I'll sign it for >> Oh, you do? Yeah. >> And what are the other all the other pages? >> There's Yeah, >> just the whole document. >> Um
>> so I have signed this one. You have to sign the motion. >> Mhm. >> And then you have to sign the loan. This one is all three of us. >> Yeah. >> Assignment. It just says authorized signature. I mean, I guess we could all sign it
>> or the second one. It's the whole select board, I think. >> Yeah. Well, there's multiple. I'll do the ones. Okay. Might as well do a web here again. But I do they have to be it has to be not
>> always. >> Yeah, it has to be notorized. >> We can't do it here. >> Has to be with um um >> is that what I >> Yeah. >> Select board members have to sign the loan but not the vote. >> But not the vote.
>> So I need to be notorized to vote. >> But so there's other things. >> It should be out of good practice. >> So there's other things here. Okay. So this one with the town seal should be notorized. So, I won't sign that unless assignment for value received
undersigned cells. There's a bunch of pages. So, I'm just making sure none of the other ones I need to sign. >> You do have to sign them all, but with the notary. >> Yeah, I'm just making sure there's none that just are the clerk with regards to the >> No, the rest of them are all for the
bond itself. But, >> which are the in the notary? >> Yeah. Yeah. There's there's two places for me for the vote. I think there's just two copies. So, I'll just sign those two. >> Okay. >> So, when do we sign and have it not? >> I think we have to sign at the same
time. >> It's Tuesday. He may be here. Maybe we can do it a little later on. >> He's not here today. Harry Town was out ill. So, >> I know Jack does not. >> Yeah. Jack is Yeah, he's here till about 5ish.
>> Is it just happy to click? Just a note a well wait hang on that town clerk um has to sign on one of these page seven I think it is >> and the treasure >> uh
and the treasure um >> I don't last time we didn't all sign at the same time I don't believe >> there was something fun with that >> okay >> there um it's just easier I mean if he can come up before 5:00. I have I
have a hard uh 4:00. Are you here for the 4:00? >> I don't know. >> Are you with the fire? >> I am with the fire department. I am with the fire department association. >> Yes. Is this regarding the leases? >> It is. >> Okay. That's four o'clock. I was given
four o'clock to take out of order. >> So, he's here for that. I can go get Jack after. Jack is now listening on Zoom. >> Someone called him and said, "You better get on." >> There he is. I can see him.
>> Jack, bring your stamp and come up here, please. >> We'll take a short um recess sign. And >> one of these original >> Jack, can you do that now or can you do it at about uh 4:30?
>> Um, can you hear me? I'm not sure if I have a microphone. Yep. We got you. >> We do. We got you. >> I I I'm sorry. I I just logged in. Um what is it that you need? >> Oh, we need you to notoriize our signatures on the bond. >> Okay. Yep. I'll be right up.
>> Oh, you can >> Oh, well, you can you can wait a little bit. >> Okay. >> Are you okay? >> Oh, yeah. You can come up then. >> Okay. >> All right. I'll be right up. >> Stay in motion. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thanks, Jack. >> And Karen, these are all original. Good.
We can use these pages. >> Yeah, that's why they're there with the yellow things as such. So, >> I don't have my license. Is he going to make me get on my license? I already gave it to him once. >> Uh I think we're all set. >> Uh because we did in front of him
before. >> Um he'll unless he has a >> whatever. >> I don't Harrison did it without that clone. >> Right. That's right. I don't think anybody who's an
impersonator would want to be here. >> So, it's this one needs not want to take our position. >> Which ones need to be notorized, though, because there's so many here. >> It's the last the There's a couple pages. I I think that they all need
Okay, so page two. >> Yep. >> Okay. Um page three. Yeah, maybe. Um, >> is there a space? >> It doesn't say. >> Uh, I'm not sure about page three. Um,
page seven. No, >> I would just have the pages that notoriize that are signature lines. >> Yeah, but anything that says town seal needs to be notorized. >> So, not three. >> Um, three is what you read. I think it's
the same thing. >> Yes. Oh, that's a different page three. Um, yeah. No, that I don't think that one. It doesn't say town seal, >> but I don't know who the authorized signature is on that. >> We could just all sign it. Always works.
>> Are all of our names there? >> No, this doesn't this doesn't say word. >> It just says authorized signature. >> I mean, we we did authorize also use the rest signature stamp. So, >> I I think that this is more um for the bank. >> Yeah, there's a bank line on that.
>> Oh, okay. So that's not even us. >> That's not us. No. >> Okay. >> So I think it's just that page. >> No, there's at the very end >> page seven and there are two page sevens.
>> So keep going. I think that one of >> Are those the two page sevens? >> Yeah. So we just need one of them. It's probably just a double. >> Uh no. I would do both because there are little stickies on both of them and in my experience if there are little
stickies you put your signature on. >> So this is for the bond. >> Okay. >> Is that it? >> Just saying. Yeah. And then I signed the clerk's right. >> Okay. So here we go. Either way, it doesn't matter, >> but we'll keep the order just because
we're like that. >> Okay. >> Thank you. I'll save us a trip tomorrow. It's >> going to be a little snowy, so keep everyone at home. >> I think I stay home tomorrow
and I'll reassemble it. So, this is we voted on. This is the boat and I just had to sign that. And then this is what it's for. The clean water trust. Then this is where it starts the so page
three goes in. So go one, two, three, and I think this is page three or two, whatever. >> There's seven. There's two sevens >> which might be a different. >> So this goes in there somewhere. Y
>> I only signed three times. So if there's a duplicate, I didn't sign it. Let's go right here. One two is right there. >> Okay. Um do you mind if I collect this document, look it over, and then follow
up with you at the end of the meeting? My log entry? >> Yeah, sure. bring it back up. I mean, we've all signed in front of you. >> Yeah. >> In in the world, it might be a little out of order. >> Okay. Thank you. So, I'll take the opportunity to to get it in order. Sure.
Look at how I should. >> Okay. Yeah, we can put it in order right now if you want. Do you have it all there? >> I It's on the SharePoint. though. Um, so the one that says page two should go in front of the page three that says
assignment. Yes, that goes there. >> And this one we're not signing. Sorry. And it doesn't say to be notoriized. So >> then that's the blank page. Yeah. >> Oh, that one I'll put at the end. Don't worry about that. >> And then it's certificates.
Um, I have a question. Look at the certificate. It says drinking water bond. Is that number wrong? >> 4614. >> Well, isn't that what um isn't that what Dave was just referencing? >> Yeah, he was.
>> Is it? Okay. All right. >> Um, she had this here, too. There's another >> So, we have the drinking water bond. There's two of them >> probably just an extra copy, >> but it has it has little
>> has little things on it. So, I think it's >> in my experience. Anything >> that's got those on sign it with um >> this is the same thing. >> Let's get this document back in order first. >> Okay. >> To make Jack's life >> Yeah. >> really simple
>> so that we have this one second. >> This is there. Sorry, Jack. >> No problem. So, my question is, is it being notorized or is it being certified by the town clerk? >> Kind of two distinct things. >> It's being notorized. I thought
>> I thought you were notorizing signatures. That's what I thought too. >> Not certifying a document, but it does say towns. Yeah. And it does say town clerk, >> right? >> Town clerk. >> So, ju just to explain the distinction. So, um, if the document's being
notorized, that means it usually has, you know, a notary certificate and has a notary either saying that, you know, this this person is is who they say they are who's signing or perhaps that they've taken an oath. >> There's a separate type of document um, which like a like a bond document
usually, which specifically has to be certified by by a town clerk or can be certified by an assistant town in the absence of a town clerk. >> Okay. But we do have one. So we have to Okay. >> Right. But I just want to make sure that that's kind of different from notori. >> All right. You're certifying that you
saw sign it. >> That's correct. >> But I do believe because his bond it has to be it has to be the second of the two. Not notorized but >> certified. >> Certified. >> Okay. So >> from what I can see that's it looks like that's what it is.
>> So we need to just to come down and do it. No, we think it's okay because you said you can do it in the absence of the town clerk. Correct. >> That's right. He's not present at town hall today. >> So, let's >> All right. So, to get these in the page
where it is, do you have them in the right location? >> One second. >> This one I put this one here. Sorry. So, um, usually with a bond document like this, the treasurer signs first and then the clerk certifies
after all all of those are. >> Oh, well, we just did it without the treasurer. She is not here. Is she here? >> I can text her. >> Yeah, text her. Tell her to come up here. >> Who is that? Melissa
>> is supposed to sign that, too. It's just 47. She's still here. That would be nice cuz then it would be all done. >> Is this page part this document? >> No. So this is a second copy. I don't
know why I would have a second here. No, it's part of it's part of this vote of the select board. It it comes Yes, it comes before this has been working. >> It goes here. Yeah. at the very end.
>> At the very end. So those two pages are before this. >> So this would be right here. Okay. So therefore those go >> and I think those are the two that Melissa has to change. >> Yes, that is it.
>> VA. Thank you. >> Of course. >> So um I I can bring this down to Melissa and then complete the process. I think I think she >> um Karen just went down to get her. >> Yep. >> So, and then >> So, do we have to sign the second one?
>> I I think that's just I don't think we have to sign a whole another set of them. >> Let's ask Melissa cuz she should know. She's the one that's applied for that. So, am I supposed to have the police to sign?
One was ready and one was not. >> They they aren't ready to sign yet. Really, we need to have a discussion with um >> to because the I have no documents for 5.2. too. >> They should be in shape.
>> I had sent them. >> Oh, yes, you did. >> I I had sent them last week and they didn't get in and so >> I I saw them. I saw the leases. >> Yeah, they were in there. >> I reviewed them. >> Sorry. Are we moving on? >> So,
>> um I we we should wait for Kieran. >> Yeah. >> Didn't take this opportunity to get the town seal. >> She left like a minute ago. Oh, no. >> And uh the folks down there in her office, she just left. I sent her a text, but it wasn't in the parking lot.
>> Okay. All right. Well, >> that's it. >> So, I believe you you don't have to be present for it to be completed. >> Treasure signature and then signature and apply the town seal. >> Okay. Let us know. Well,
>> come back. >> Yeah. The clerk to hold this in the meantime. >> Yeah. That's what we got. That's probably the cleanest cuz if they come by and see individual times that makes it streamlined that way. >> Okay. >> Thanks.
>> Okay. So, let's go to um out of order now if it pleases the board to 5.3 as I'm sorry I don't have any. >> Oh. Oh, yes. I've met you before. Thank you.
Um David, thank you for coming >> and for waiting, being so accommodating. Um Monica, >> um we have the leases for the um Old Harbor Fire Station and the Old Central.
>> Mhm. >> And they're with your organization. So before we signed them, we wanted to run them by you, >> right? I haven't even seen them. >> You haven't received them? I haven't seen them >> seen them.
>> I had no intentions on signing anything tonight. >> No, no, you shouldn't sign tonight. You should review it and we should have a discussion. That was what I >> I'll bring down copies for you. >> Thanks. >> So, I asked them to go through the
general lease terms. >> So, should I go ahead and read these? That's a >> the summary >> do the summary the very the general lease terms. It's a 50-year lease with the towns and fire. >> You can see it right here. >> I don't know if I can make it bigger.
>> That's good. >> Um with fire EMS relief from Jan Juary 2025. Um so from last year the rent is $1 annually. Um it's tough.
Uh, in the lease, it says payable on the 15th of January, I think. And it's um so you would pay each year $2 this year to make up. That's a retroactive dollar payment. Um, use of the premises is for
fire museum only. Um, tenant to pay all utilities. Uh, tenant to make all repairs. No subleting without town approval. and lease renewal
needs town meeting um approval if the renewal is more than 30 years. So in 50 years when we are all here, >> we'll have a party. >> Um and but the lease itself, there's a lot of legal ease in it.
>> So you definitely want to look at it and read through it. Um given that it's a 50-year lease, we have to make sure that the town is protected as well as the fires association. >> So um so >> this was at town meeting.
>> This has already been approved >> correct >> at town meeting. >> The 50year lease has been approved. >> It just was never executed. >> Correct. No, we put it on paper. >> Yeah. >> Um so anyway, so there you have it. Um,
and the lease itself, Karen's getting you a copy. >> Um, >> are they individual? >> Yeah. >> Are there two separate leases and they both have the same stipulations? Same summary. >> They should be exactly the same.
>> They look virtually identical to me, just with a different address. the proposals of the responses to the RFP um or whatever the terms are um that your organization turned in were pretty much exactly the same but with the different
addresses. >> I was just curious if it was two leases or one >> but it is two leases. Yeah. >> So we're waiting for Karen and then other than that what would be the next step? I think that it would be good if
you review this offline with your organization, whoever your board is, right? >> And and then maybe um talk to Kieran. Let's wait for him to come in to see if he has other thoughts on this. But these are my thoughts, then talk to Kieran
about it, get the lease settled, and then we'll have um >> and come back to another meeting >> hopefully on the 20th. >> Yeah, >> January 20th is our next meeting. So that at least for the old harbor
>> since it's already operational >> um to keep it going. >> Yeah. >> So that's my thought. >> So >> there's a couple things here like deed books and pages that are missing but >> on which one?
>> Down street. >> Oh central. >> That's central. Yeah. Um, that one's not as, you know, that, um, I think that Nelson took the one that Joe, the town council, wrote. Um,
and he modified it and he probably didn't look up the book and page. >> Who modified it? >> Nelson. He >> just with the address, the different for >> He took the one and copied it for the other. >> Correct. So he took the one that was already done
and just copied it for for the second fire. >> Not the book and page. >> Well, you have to it's a different book and he has to look that up on the accessories. >> Why were they both together before? >> No, no, no. They're both intended to be separate.
>> Okay. >> But the only one that was um in progress was the old harbor because that's the one that's currently being renovated. I don't know what your schedule is for the old central >> right now.
>> Nothing right now. Right. So it's not as imperative. So anyway, what Nelson did was it kept the terms exactly the same because the response was exact. >> Those are the ones from the SharePoint. So those are the draft versions for your review. >> Do they have colors in them?
>> They have what? >> They have colors. >> They do like one of them has like the highlights where there was terms edited. >> Let me see. Yes. Perfect. So, it has comments in it and all of that good stuff. So, um this is a down
the um harbor. >> So, the question is next um next steps to >> I think they would review it and come back with the proposed changes >> to you >> to me. I would amend the document, share
with you guys and have town council review, make sure book and page are in there, correct terms and conditions. Yeah, because everything's, you know, checked based on title and deed and make sure it's >> January 20th.
>> Yeah, because I have another call with town council. So hopefully if you guys need like a week to get back to us, >> at least a week. Our meeting for tonight was canceled by the >> Yeah. and eggs. No. >> Yes. Maybe this time next Tuesday if
that works way. Fingers crossed. I will hold it to you. I'll get I'll give you till Wednesday. The one pager >> the summary terms. I did not, but I I can. >> You just read them. >> Yeah. It's like five because I read them though. I want them.
>> Yeah. Yeah, of course. >> So, those were the three things that we have. The summary page and then the two leases. the hours of operation in the lease. Um, I I can see where there's a benefit to that um for the neighborhood. So, it's
7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. for operation of the museum, >> right? >> But you have use all the time, >> right? >> We're not anticipating running anything after that. >> Well, what if you the Boy Scouts want to have a sleepover or that? >> Have you been there? It's not gonna be
there. >> There's not any room >> church, you know, maybe here. I mean, this one is a bigger building, >> right? >> So, I don't know. But he had put these hours of operation in and um
>> he >> Joe the council who does um who does the lease stuff for >> I would think if we're going to have something after 700 p.m. But you know, you would be aware of it anyways,
>> right? >> You know, it might be a special one night movie night or something silly like that. But >> cocktail party, >> not a hotel, >> right? True. >> Special permit for that. One day like >> that's right. We have a process.
>> Most days are already gone. >> I had a question for the board. Share. So looking at the 50-year lease, it was originally 2025. Is that intended to be January 2026? >> No, it is from January 2025
because it should have been signed right last year. Okay. >> Yeah. So, >> because this was voted on last year. >> It was voted >> already, >> right? >> Anyway, so I just want to make sure cuz
I saw the type like the little line on Microsoft Word was like is this right? So I was like I better just make sure. >> Especially this time of year. >> Yeah. So I mean technically >> technically we don't all have to come back. You guys can sign it and then we can sign it at our next meeting. >> That is correct. You know just work out
the terms with >> the TA unless you want to come. >> Yeah. You're more than welcome. >> Okay. >> Thank you, sir. Thank you. >> Have a good night.
>> Okay, so we're going back to 4.2. And Karen, I guess I'm going to give this one to you. >> Yeah. So, um, just to sort of set the table, uh, the West Townsen reading room is a little bit older building that's used
for some rental things in town. you know, you could have a fantasy football draft there if you wanted to and you paid the town and you could sit there and use the chairs and such. Um, for a long time, the 7th Day Advent Adventist Church has been using the space as well.
Um, and recently, you know, uh, I was informed that the septic system doesn't really work during the colder months. Um, in general, it needs some pretty heavy exploratory work to the tune of about $5,500. Um, you know, having toured the building
recently, you know, you can see that there's some seasonal critters in there, um, there's some deterioration of the building and in general there's some questions in regards to whose inventories is whose in that space. Um, Sabrina categorized some of the
inventory. Um, we also advertise specific types of inventory available there. Um, and there is some questions coming from our um, Seventh Day Adventist church friends in terms of which is theirs and which is ours. Um, so we do need to get to the bottom of
that um, in terms of who who's responsible for what. Um, so it's really a matter of, you know, as a board um, you know, how do you want to you know, how do you want me to go? you we do have a space in there that is a
non it's a locked room that the town does not have access to and we believe that might be our church uh SDA friends I'll use that acronym to describe that group the SDA might be the ones who's put the lock on that room and that leaves me a little concerned because I
don't really know what's in there as a representative of you guys and the res >> access to that there should not be an organization having a locked room in our town building >> yeah um >> that we don't have access to >> yeah it's also not lost on me that there is a gas stove in there and just the the
landlord person in me worries about management of gas stoves and if it gets left on accidentally >> before >> you know I just >> some stuff is in the policy as far as what we provide >> it is yeah um you know so the takeaway I
had um thinking was we should really pull you know have the church identify their inventory and pull it out when they're not using the space. >> Yeah. >> Um, you know, it's not a storage locker. I'm not trying to be crude, but that's sort of what it kind of looks like right now. Um, and then we ought to categorize our items and if there's anything of
historic significance, we ought to bring it out of there and share it with our historic friends. >> Um, so they >> because it doesn't sound like it's a place that it could ne necessarily be stored. >> Not it could be stored. It's dry, but you know, you do you have mice and
critters, you know, that might be eating books in there that might have importance. I don't know. I'm not a historian. >> I don't remember before. We used to rent it for the um land trust for our annual meetings in the '9s. >> Pretty. >> The towns and women's club had meetings
there. >> Yeah. And there were always tables and chairs and >> Yeah. There's about five foldout tables of varying sizes. There's four that are pretty long ones that I think are town owned. There's a couple shorter ones like six foot ones and the other ones are your eight foot standard fold out
table. >> There go ahead. >> I know we I know we voted to close it for the winter. >> Yeah. >> Previously, >> um it's because of septic >> with septic the septic even past five. Um, our facilities group has told me
he's asking for a capital item to help understand the septic, >> but not to fix it, just understand it. >> Yeah. Exploratory work. Um, from the organization that installed it originally, who's a local uh family. I think it's the Arrow septic group. Um,
>> yeah. So, nothing down in the board of health for plans. >> There should be plans. >> There are facilities. there are not plans, >> but I I don't want to be quoted on that because I don't think it was a it was a quick off-the- cuff
conversation with our facilities group in terms of what the status of that septic is. And >> so if this the septic is out of compliance, what's our liability for renting it when people are using >> We can't. >> Exactly. Well, so we're saying we rented
the rest of the year. >> No, you can't. >> Well, right now we just closed it for the winter. >> Correct. We did. So if that septic is not up to clients, we can't rent it. >> Can't rent it for >> the whole year. >> Yeah. Because it looks like there's a tree, a significant tree that's that's grow the root balls grown into the
distribution box area is the assumption. But we we would have to pay and have some capital work done to investigate that and understand what the how to repair a leech field, how to repair a tank if it's cracked and go. >> Can we sell the building?
>> What's the history of the building? How did we get the building? >> I don't know the history. >> It's not a historic building. >> Yeah, I can dig in and find out a little more. >> I think you should dig it and find out more. >> Okay. >> Yeah,
>> we don't have any money to spend on the building. >> Yeah. Yeah. And should be able to >> Yeah, we can pull an assessor's record on it. Um, you know, I kind of again very generally asked the facilities, you know, what do you need to get that building up stuff? these like windows
siding the whole yard. >> We have done work on that with there was um no two wiring and I thought that got changed through one of the um grants that we get through the um energy committee
>> maybe. >> Uh this was several years ago. I I'm pretty sure we did work there. Mhm. >> Um, it was part of that was mentioned to me, but >> would this board need to vote to not open it for leases for the foreseeable
future? >> Not today. I think right now right now through the winter. >> Yeah. >> Um, so let's do a little investigation. >> Yeah. And I think my takeaway at first this was going to be a voting topic, but I think it really it's, you know, what do you guys want to have happen by say
March 1st? My recommendation would be that I'll work with the SDA folks to say, "Get your stuff out." >> Just for safety and security. We don't know what's in there. Yeah. >> Um, you know, even if it's just fold out chairs, take your items and then the
left the the the rest is ours. We'll figure out how to triage it and then decide a plan for the >> Has it still been disconnected? >> No, I think it was still connected as of yesterday. >> I think you need to disconnect it. >> Okay. Um, what about keys to the
building? I know that five years ago there were several people in town who had keys to the building, >> but it was not necessarily just in this office. >> I would believe that statement to still be true. >> I can probably name some of people.
>> Well, he should be returned until for the notice. I would almost say you re you re key the you re key the lock and put a number on there that's given out to a number is unique to people and you can >> right >> whoever says I can't get in then we know that they previously had access
>> yeah that's exactly what I >> um so >> so my takeaway is I'll reach out to SDA say you know if your guys okay I'll say you have until March 1st to get your items out please tell us what you're taking >> out yeah we need an inventory of what I
know that there's an inventory. >> Yeah, I saw the inventory. >> There have been. This says there were folding chairs. There used to be >> there are some in a back room. There's wooden ones that >> But there there were also um wooden chairs that were not folding chairs.
>> Yeah, there's chairs like these that were stashed over there recently. >> Wow. There's a lot a lot. I haven't been in there in an easy 10 years. >> Yeah. >> Easy. maybe. Um, but I know before there
were those wooden chairs with arms. >> Yeah. You know. >> Yeah. Now it's like more like um ones you'd see at a conference center all along one of the walls there. >> Um there's some very beautiful old pictures and again books and desks that may again might be something the historic folks
>> they should probably get involved when you need them to >> Yeah. to come and you know move along and maybe facilities could help them move those large things. There's a large desk in there. >> There's also trash. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, >> so maybe get um SDA
>> to uh inventory what is theirs and >> move it somewhere else. >> We have an inventory, but this may not be anything of theirs because they have a storage area lot. >> Yeah. And there's a rumor that they feel that some of the chairs could be theirs
and we feel they could be ours. So that's when we need to sort of get to the bottom of >> um having just worked, you know, last few days and been over there yesterday. So >> and then get the building rekeyed >> once they have their things out. >> Yeah.
>> We're closed. >> I'm sort of like that. I'm not trying to be a jerk about it, but I think it's for safety and security and it's a building that you don't want a septic to rupture and then you really ruin the building or you ruin a neighbor's lot >> or burn
>> or you or a fire happens >> or we're leasing out a building that we're responsible liely for that doesn't have a functioning septic system. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That's not great. But >> yeah, >> so >> I'll take those marching orders and uh
try to provide an update next meeting, but probably the meeting after will probably be more realistic. >> Okay. So yeah. Um and please get us the how we got the building. >> Oh yeah, the history of >> the history the the
>> general >> legal description. >> Yeah. Or title title search on that. Um the other thing you had mentioned the facilities was going to go for a capital project. This is maybe a a subject for
our next meeting. >> We need someone appointed to capital planning. >> Um it was on it was on some agenda that I saw but it isn't on this one. >> Yeah. >> And we do that now, right? >> Uh but it was a we just got the
information it was appointed for too many for too long. I was appointed for too long >> as was the fin. >> Yeah. So >> the appointments are for one, >> right? >> Yeah. >> And fin has reappointed um >> to capital planning
>> to capital planning but we haven't um and capital planning has to have a plan turned in for budgeting by the 1st of March. >> Um or maybe it's the fourth. That's two months prior to >> Can we put you on for January 20th to
appoint you through the end through April 27, >> excuse me, 26? Um, we can we can put that on. I'm just saying we need to do something about that and capital planning needs to start meeting. >> Yeah, they do.
>> So, uh, and I have no idea what's happening with that. >> There are some capital requests. Um, >> but will you part of the budget coming in? Will you do it for this year? >> I I could. I don't want to chair it, but yeah, I could do it. >> Mhm.
>> But let's let's get this on the agenda for I just wanted to bring it up that it's an agenda item. >> Yeah. >> For the next meeting, >> something we can talk more earnestly about at the next next meeting. >> Okay. So that's that will be put on January 20th to appoint someone to
capital planning >> and and if there are people already owning capital planning we should maybe get capital planning meeting >> prior I don't know um anyway >> well it's a points to that well that's isn't it isn't it
>> finance finance planning board has a capital planning select board has a capital planning and then there are I think four for >> the moderator >> four appointed by the moderator at large
and I don't know who those appointments are right now. Are you on the um website? Let's see who's on >> check with uh John Bear. >> Mhm. >> For his appointment so hopefully they
can meet before the end of this month for sure. >> Yeah. Okay. So, that is I just go off the rail here. >> Nope, that was 4.2. We're on 4.3. Um, which is review and discuss budget status.
>> Um, I can give you the department heads have all but a couple have sent me their budgets. And you segueing a bit into today's staff meeting, I did say, "Hey, I need those by, you know, Thursday at the latest." Uh, one group was meeting as a as a trustee organization. Our
library folks are meeting tomorrow and then they'll have the budget for me to me first thing Friday. >> Okay. >> So, you know, it does sound like um >> you should have them all by Friday. >> Yeah. And I'll put them in the shared drive. Um, you know, land use I'm going to do that as they don't have a department head now. So, I'm going to
work with um our colleagues there, Beth and Colby there. >> Libraries meeting tomorrow and assessors said I'd have it first thing tomorrow. Um, so I believe that should close out the loop in terms of where we're at. Um, I have police, he was working on a
couple details, but he should have it to me shortly. Um, I can't remember if I have one from fire yet, but I'll follow up with those folks to sort of see where they're at. Um, introduce myself as well, too. So, >> okay. >> And then I've asked the finance
committee to join their next meeting. I'm just waiting back for a date. I haven't heard when the next meeting is and Sabrina I think followed up with them today too >> did they confirm the joint meeting dates >> that's why K and I are going to go to the next meeting >> there's some confusion about that that
just needs clarification I think by liaison and the TA being there it'll be helpful >> just clarification of the process what's written down what we have >> in our charter and by policy is having to happen >> and just you know surveys clear on
>> okay >> timeline minds and roles and >> yeah and I'd like to work with them. I think that's such a it's a valuable group. So let's try to >> figure out how we can get to some meeting of the minds. >> So I think hopefully by coming all together then we can get set for February. >> I watched their last meeting.
>> Yeah. And um the 13th, Tuesday the 13th. the next week from today and then two weeks from today, the 20th, but this our next meeting as well are the two dates that I had. >> Okay. >> From what they did at the end of the
meeting. >> Yeah. >> So, are you saying they confirmed joint meetings? >> Oh, they said it. >> No, they have not yet. They have not. >> Oh, they they didn't seem >> Well, you can watch their meeting. They
didn't seem to think there was a need. >> Well, I'll visit and learn more. >> Go back to the charter and >> bylaws and >> yeah. All right. >> Let them know that they're advisory. >> Um
4.4 >> correct. Um >> this was basically you guys um as select board you're able to allocate funds that were received from ARPA um and the design the designation was
general government salaries and that's sort of your framework for how you decide you want to allocate said funds >> and there were um at the meeting with the auditors and the fincom back in January
last June, not January, June. I see the J vow N in my head. Um June of this past year, they we had the meeting with the auditors and that was the funds that had been um
allocated to the affordable housing trust >> and because there was no subreient agreement in place when the audit was done in March, I guess it was. and there was no way we were going to do a subreient agreement with a whole
different board of selectmen and etc. Um and when we did attempt to do a subreient agreement two years ago, we were told it wasn't necessary, >> right? >> Um but things had to be allocated by the end of December because those funds
hadn't been allocated. We re we I think we were the only two on the board. We reallocated it to general government salaries and then there was a question of whether or not it could be used >> which is why we didn't use it last year. >> That is correct
>> because we got I believe the accountant and town administrator and legal all said no until further clarification. >> Yeah. They were unsure. They were unsure, but because it was reported to the treasury as general government salaries, >> um the funds are there. Um and they can
be spent for general government. >> I asked for uh clarification on that. You guys saw the emails. So, in any event, you might not have seen every single one, but >> whatever is in SharePoint, >> whatever is in SharePoint, you have um
so anyway, uh it's 93K because the um housing trust did use some of those funds. >> So, it's roughly 93K. Um and the that can be used for general government salaries. It has to be expended by
December of 2026. Mhm. >> So, um we need to think about how that can be used. In my mind, possible uses are to make uh non-union employees who
um took a pay cut for FY26 to make them whole. um anything that is allocated does not become part of the budget because it's ARPA funds and you cannot reflect that in your budget.
>> So even if we were to make like the library to give them the 2% 2% and get them on the scale get people that were on the scale back on the scale. >> If we were to do so that we only have
one scale working within town even if we were to do that because it's not part of the um it wouldn't be reflected in the FY27 budget because what the FY26 budget shows
>> is not that >> is not that. >> So it would fund >> uh yes there are one time funds. So it would um throw things off a little bit for the FY27. So we have to think about that. Uh, another option is we're down a
police officer >> just in general. There's other, but we didn't hire a police officer at the beginning of FY26 that we were going to hire. We can talk about that more later. Um, I I don't know. We could
increase salary for cleaning, for example, for building cleaning. >> We could because we cut back those hours. we could put those hours back in. >> So things that were already exist in existence
>> in for FY26 we could um >> and we do have human resources through the end of the year. Um we do we have it through the end of the year. I could only confirm through the end of the fiscal year >> through the end of FY 26. I was not able
to confirm through December of 26, which is only another half >> was mentioned. >> Pardon me. >> Why do I think it was mentioned in one of the meetings? >> Um, that was what we had wanted to do, but we didn't
>> because the funds were needed um to pay for trash last year essentially is what we used that money for by December of 24. Yeah, >> we took the the all remaining ARPA funds
went to um trash. It was before me. It was before you. Yes, it was. >> You could use them for retroactive >> before us as well. Retroactive to >> police, I believe. >> Police >> to offset that >> because they're out of contract >> and we could do it for library
>> and they may not need that now. So, well, we'll talk about that, but um so, um I don't think we're in a position to disperse with this meeting. >> No, but it think about it. And um >> I think we need dollar amounts so I can
see if I can work,000 >> like one of your suggestions. What? Not not that number, but 93 thou the um one of your suggestions was to make the non-union whole. What would that number be? Right. >> Okay. So, I want to know that before
anything else. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I I think the library >> Yeah. It's not huge. >> It's not huge. >> And all those >> So, but but they're not the only ones that could we could extend human resources through December of 2026.
What would that number be? >> Yeah. Um, we could uh you could talk to the chief and see if we did hire the um police officer that we didn't hire, what would that be? Uh, you know, there are
um uh things like that. >> We have it as a discussion item on the next agenda. >> Yeah. again. >> And just to make sure I understand it correctly, so making non-union hole such as like library, a few other staff members, it's basically a one-time
payment to make up for the delta that you lost when the town pulled it back. >> That's correct. >> Okay. >> Plus, too, everybody else, the union got it, >> right? >> Okay. the non union didn't
>> which is there's a couple people in here couple parks and cemeteries but that was retroactive from parks and cemeteries they took >> they took care of it took care of it so I mean part of the deal >> the library is 14 that's all >> 14,000
>> I think and Stacy clarified but that's what it seems like >> okay >> yeah so um >> so it would be for salary for human resources for another >> six months Um, uh,
we could look at police. Um, we could, uh, basically it's anything. Um, >> I was, >> we could look at, uh, uh, Sabrina cuz she took a pay cut. >> She did.
>> She didn't she didn't get her staff had the treasure. >> Yeah. So, the guy was previously your housing and grant administrator, not a union person. and I'll throw myself under the bus. So like would you be trying to give that role the payback that was you again if I was making a
dollar every paycheck and then with a two percent raise I was making a dollar2 there's been six or seven pay cycles since then. So that >> you have to still be working here >> but that's an important detail >> in that position because >> right >> you know we had
somebody else also take >> Mhm. >> that's not here anymore. >> Right. >> Okay. So, no, you have to be work. You have to be working in that position. >> Yeah. Yeah. And still here, >> right? >> Yeah. Exactly. >> That goes believe in my mind that goes without saying.
>> Yeah. >> You know, we're trying to >> But like these are the things people that are still here >> to really be >> Yes. >> make it very black and white about >> who's eligible, who's not eligible for everything. >> If you're not here, you're not eligible for >> Okay. >> I agree with that. >> But if you want to come back with some
ideas. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. and where okay I don't want to go off topic again um this is all on the art of funds what to do with it okay >> um I have other comments but it doesn't
come under this so uh we're good to go on to 4.5 >> yeah this is yeah go ahead >> yeah because we're we're not taking a motion on no
uh and 4.5 is the discuss discuss public records policy and fee waiver. >> Yeah, this was one that I had um brought before me by a staff member who was working on a public records policy um
request I guess is the best way to phrase it and uh the fee waiver had been waved. So they were working you know diligently to satisfy the request and um >> who waved the fee? our RAO officer waved the fee um as they're currently you know
as the policies described eligible to do so. So um you know I think it it was um you something to satisfy the request requesttor. Um, I guess my question as your town administrator and as an employee of the building, like
understanding, you know, what's credible, like what justifies a fee waiver and how we collect fees and such. Um, and if there's some criteria, we should work with our our RAO um folks to better understand that and see, you know, what's eligible and what's not.
>> How did we not discuss that when we were doing the policy? I did the policy for then if the person who needed to satisfy the request um was spending more than two hours of time
>> that there would be a wave uh not a waiver a fee put in place requested of the person making the public records request because >> at least we have been um our our staff
here in town hall and other buildings has been spending a lot of time >> a lot of time >> fulfilling massive public records requests. >> Yeah. >> And um if it takes them >> at the cost of the taxpayers because they're not getting anything for their dollars
>> in in a lot of cases it takes time investigating because it's things from many years ago. >> Yeah. >> It's not you know hey could I see that document from the meeting you had last week. >> Yeah. >> It's not that. >> And I think the requests are totally fine. I think um I was working on one
today and it's you know with a vendor of ours and you know that's going to we're going to have to pay the vendor their hourly rate right >> and I think you know they estimated um based on their work that was going to exceed the two hours and you know as a
custodian of taxpayer dollars I to me I said I'd want to recoup at least the you know another hour if it's a total three hours at the $25 hour base rate that the policy has to help offset some of the vendor costs, >> right? >> Uh >> because we have to pay the vendor.
>> We have to pay the vendor no matter what. And I want to, you know, I want to answer the request for the records. So, but just trying to do it in a in a more, >> you know, budget savvy way. So, we're not >> I don't we all having a conversation about waving the fees after the two
hours. I I do know that there's like there is legal reasons why the fees would be waved >> according to >> there are some up there if it's an open meeting law type request um that would wave the fees um you know there are a
few other policies that Adam can speak much better >> and the town clerk is pretty on which >> yeah and he knows it beautifully and like I was working with him this afternoon I know um he was you know he and I were emailing back and forth he's like yep you got it right he's like how do we want to collect that fee
I said that's a good question. >> Well, before they got it, we set up a revolving fund at town meeting for public records request fees. >> And so anything that we collect would go
into that account. >> Okay. >> Is the way I understood it. Yeah. >> And then it would be released at the end of the year >> into the general fund. >> Yeah. >> Um for free cash. I like that question. Have we had free cash certified yet?
>> I don't have the answer to that. I'm >> think to ask at the budget time, but in any event, um that was the purpose >> for that revolving account. >> And I and just to clarify, we're not saying we're not answering requests.
That's correct. >> No, absolutely not. Like I want to answer them. >> Yes, of course. Most we all do. It's just that and and this is not >> this is I will give the community some credit here. A lot of this was not any individual that was coming forward as a community member. It was a lot of anonymous requests last year. >> Yeah.
>> That took a lot of time which we have to answer. >> Yeah. >> And that's kind of what but I think the precedence needs to be set that if >> Yeah. Well, and I think I'm going to work with um our RAOS, our town clerk um in terms of what's the process like, you
know, we get a request, we give an estimate, like a very invoice detail estimate of the time. And if it's going to take two hours and it's going to cost the vendor $500 to do it, you know, or say it's going to take three hours and it's going to cost the vendor $500 to do
it, that third hour, we should get a $25 check payable to the town of Towns and you know, RAO revolving fund or whatever the category is. >> Let me see. >> So, we offset that $500 expense that is going to be charged or assessed by the
vendor, whoever they are. Um, so I think that's what um I'm hoping to work with him to get some clarity on and make sure I understand it correctly so I can do the work you for folks asking and go from there. So but I want to loop you guys in just to you know
>> understand fee waiverss and if we have any open invoices things like that that you know had to be shared information without receiving payment first. Um you what was the practice there? And I think I think the court say we have >> it was article nine at the um and it's a
um cover the cost of uh personnel fulfilling public records requests. >> Okay. >> And it's a $5,000 spending limit. So if we had to pay a vendor >> for their looking for a record, that would be the maximum. >> Okay. >> Um that we could spend from that account.
>> Yeah. But in any event, um, we did set up a revolving fund and as far as I know, it was established. >> Okay? >> And that was the intent. As far as the waving goes, I think that the person that should be waving it is the town
administrator, not the RAO. So, if we have to make an adjustment to policy for that, I I would >> like to look into doing that. >> Yeah, I would um welcome that. And I'll catch up with town council as well to make sure we're following. Okay. >> His protocols and best practices and you
want to help work work on it and we sort of collaborate and get >> Yeah. >> And with the REO too because >> Yeah. And >> the person fulfilling the request has to it's their process under our direction. >> Yeah. Yeah. And the town clerk, he is super knowledgeable. I just want to make sure we appreciate the the level of
detail we're getting from them. So, we answer the records and it satisfies, you know, all the different things. I don't >> like you can't charge for redacting. There are things that you cannot charge for. Yeah. >> And so he could be a good resource for that. >> Yeah. Absolutely.
>> Having read directors personally, I know that >> not that I can charge any >> request comes in and a charge is made. This is where that money goes. Okay. And we did this specifically because of that. >> Yeah. >> In May. >> Great.
>> So that has to be clarified. >> Yeah. So I wanted to bring it up and then I'll work with town council. I'll have another call with them on Thursday to catch up on a few things and I'll sort of hear some of his best practices and I'll try to summarize them and get them out to you guys. And if the policy has to be tweaked, we can bring it back
up so that not only so that it kind of leaves the RAO out of that decision making >> or you know >> I would say welcome them into the process and help us make it more efficient for them because they're
getting a lot of requests and then you know hey if anything's going to be more than that twohour window let's make sure we get a payment for the work and then the work the results will be produced. And that's sort of, you know, like you you plant the sunflower seed, you watch it grow, but you got to plant it first,
and then you get to enjoy the flower. Like just the way it goes. So, >> and and correct me if I'm wrong, but it's the person who's producing the record that assesses how much time it would take. >> Correct. Yes. Yeah. Like in this case, Guardian gave me their estimate today, and I said, "Oh, can I have a more
detailed >> production of that quote?" Um, it's still more than two hours. It's, you know, 60 days worth of tickets and it's pretty expensive. So, my first thought was, man, we got to work on our budget. So, >> yeah. But there but there is a place to
put it and we should be assessing for these long when it t when it takes staff time. >> Yeah. >> And exempt because there are reasons it would be exempt as you said, but >> Yeah. >> Yeah. This one based on the policy as
set forth is not qualified as an OML exception base. So, >> yep. Okay. So, that comes back on January 20th. Yep. Um, no motion at this time. >> Correct. >> Research board. Um,
so the board needs to comment 4.6 6 on the mandatory referral zoning board of appeals special permit for 241 to 247. I did not get to see this. I did look a few times. Um I I believe the property
is um where Floors is. >> Mhm. >> Is that the one the multi multi-use building? >> It's to put in a livable space in the lower level. >> Livable space where the lower level I believe. Correct. I think where the
>> the old flooring building used to be. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I mean I I always defer to if there was if the zoning board of appeals went through this and there wasn't a lot of public comment and I didn't receive any out of this process then I trust their
judgment on this. Well, no. There's times where someone will come and say, "Hey, I you know," and so then, "Okay, maybe I'll" But in this case, nobody said any. Wow. Um Okay.
Um comments then that you'd like to planning? >> No, that that was what I I No one came with comments in this case. >> Well, my comment would be we need additional housing. >> Yeah. Well, obviously, we do. Okay. So,
um I don't do I have anything in here. >> Six >> for a motion. >> I think it was just >> uh the asking if the board has a comment. >> Yeah. So, that's our comment. >> We need more housing.
>> That sounds fine to me. Yep. The project was to convert the basement level commercial unit to a one room residential unit in a mixeduse commercial building. >> Perfect. Uh 4.7 is discuss dissolve cable advisory committee. >> Is there a motion?
>> How about good move to dissolve the cable advisory committee for health? Second. >> Okay. Well, we've done their job. Yep. It's over for 10 years, nine years anyway. >> Okay. Any further discussion hearing?
None. Roll call vote for Kellan floor. Okay. Under old business 5.1, we uh I'll move that to January 20th 26 as we do not have town council um input
yet. The board is okay. Okay. January 20th on that. 5.2 review discuss public records request portal comments I don't have any comments on
this at this time. >> Do you want to you know is this something you were looking to vote on in the past or just >> I don't think it's a vote. >> It's just a discussion. >> Yeah. I I I guess there's a I have
concerns about it about this mainly because I think it's something that's put in place by the town clerk. I'm sure it's very useful to him. >> It makes it difficult for a regular person, I think, to find the requests.
>> Yeah. >> Um that it's way easier as a user >> to look at the way it used to be done on the website. Yeah. because you could scroll through them and it's not it's uh the other thing is that it was developed
outside of um channels. >> Okay. >> And so that means that if there there's no one else knows how it works. >> Okay. >> And so if our town clerk goes away, uh the current town clerk, there is no one
that knows how that works, how it's maintained, >> um blah blah blah. Maybe Jack does, I don't know, but Jack might not be here either. So, it's not a piece of our website that everybody knows how the website works and
therefore you use this. It's not a piece of something the Guardian does, right? For us, >> there's no continuity. >> There's no and there's no documentation on it. How does it work? Where are the pieces to it? Where is it stored on our systems here in town?
um is it proprietary to the town or is this something that is going to be taken out and sold >> which would be an ethics violation I believe. >> Yeah. Um, and so I have concerns about it, not because I think it's a bad thing
or, >> you know, but because there's nothing documented that I've seen anywhere and it's not um, you know, if something were to happen to someone,
someone else should be able to come in and >> turn the lights on, >> right? >> And that's not the case here. So, and then there are other, you know, privacy concerns, blah, blah, blah. So, and who makes the decisions. >> Yeah.
>> Around that. And so, it's not a um but it but it is it's it needs to be managed differently. That's one. >> So I had I had some concerns and I did sit down and talk with the clerk a
couple times about this exact thing and actually some we we had we had council involved at one point in time and some stuff has changed which to meet actually some of where the state the way the state does some things >> lately. Are you does that make you
involved in the daytoday? >> No. So in this case I in this case right I I took this as >> I don't go into people's offices and ask them questions. >> So the first thing is is this town clerk elected not appointed by us. So I
consider that a little different but I could be wrong. This was based on advice of council in terms of this specific thing because it was on our agendas asking and because in this case items that are published on the website so far
as we as the town are liable for that information. That's how I was taking this. And because of the nature of a lot of the um anonymous requests last year, I had concerns about placing those out there publicly, thus putting us in
potential viable >> territory. That's why I felt it was prudent. And you know, council chimed in in agreement to some things and the town clerk did >> I don't even know what those things are. I don't know what the questions were. I
don't know what the responses are. I don't know what the the town clerk was not amendable in our meeting to answering questions. >> Yeah. And so I mean we I'm happy to bring and we can discuss some of those here, but it was it was very much along the lines of how else are how is the
state doing this and like how is other towns approaching this information from the point of you're liable for whatever information you publish. And I I mean I thought it was better with that feedback
from council. >> Okay. So do you have any idea how it works or where? >> Well, I'm not a technical person. I mean >> what what I'll do is I will check with our colleagues in Pilingsboro and Brton in terms of how they're handling it.
Kind of similar size towns. actions a little bigger and you know what they do daytoday um and report back and then look to work with our you know town clerk who's overseeing it now and say hey can we like this is what I'm seeing in other communities what are you seeing
in your network can we bring it back to the town website I kind of agree with that like in the event that people win powerball I always love that rec recognition they we may not ever see them again and like how what's our plan what's the legacy plan here left behind >> and I think I I think there there seem I
mean I would work with the Ario because I think they have some ideas of how that would work but you probably would be better suited to do that. >> Yeah. Um >> there wasn't a lot of leadership at the time and I was worried legally thus why I thought it was
>> okay to >> I'll check with a couple other communities come back with some other how they do it share that with you try to get it do a screen moment where we can see what Peril does or what Tings does what Graten does. >> Okay. and we can start this sort of >> and compare it to what we have.
>> Compare and you know if it sits on their website it sits there if it sits externally we understand what the ramifications are. >> I Okay, I think that sounds like a good idea. >> Um another concern I have since we're talking about public records requests is
I'm not seeing a whole lot of public records requests but I'm hearing that there are a whole lot of them >> but I'm not seeing them. they never are coming to the select board until they're already down the road and should have been
responded to. >> Uh, and I'm a little concerned about that. >> I >> and I think it's because of the way the portal is being used. I I think the responsibility is being put on the portal for notification to people as
opposed to a direct notification from the RA, but I could be wrong. It could just be that there aren't any. >> I think there are a lot less than there were and I think there's a but I think there's a lot of outstanding ones still from the way I understand it. >> That would be my >> I don't even know what the outstanding
ones are. >> I will spend an hour organizing that for everyone tomorrow and email you guys. Some of them have probably help. >> Yeah. >> With some of them, especially if they go back >> to an earlier time period.
>> Yeah. And there's a couple clocks ticking on a couple of them for like the 20th. Um like that. I think there's a couple lined up for that date that asking for >> that we're involved in. >> Yes. and and it's >> like all the select board data for three
years between select board um fire station the lease agreement that we've just shared with these folks um the and you know that association and any correspondence related here too >> I already answered mine >> so but >> I don't have any >> yeah I mean I don't have any records
responsive but previous select board emails >> but I can do tell you where because I was on the board when the um the RFP was written. Yeah. >> When we put out the survey saying, "Hey,
what do you want to use these buildings for?" There was a survey that went out to the town. A lot of people answered. >> Yeah. >> And then um you know, all of that and and so I I have a general idea of what meetings
these were things were discussed in. >> Yeah. Um, >> I'll share them with you. >> Okay. Because then then there was the gap where I wasn't a select board member and that's where the RFP was responded to and during that time period. Yeah.
>> So, it's probably guardian again with previous the select board members at the time in their emails in the search for >> Yeah. And if they still have it. I mean, I don't know. I I again, I just clicked on that email this morning and I was like, three years worth of stuff. Okay. Let me put my
>> But any of those I mean we can our part if we have responsive records. >> Yeah. I I don't remember. >> I think there's one still out there with my name on it. I And I don't know. >> Yeah. >> Whatever is outstanding. >> Yeah. >> I'll summarize them all tomorrow. And
>> thank you. >> All right. Okay. Um which which number >> now? We're at 5.4. >> Correct. Is there a motion? >> Um I, Valerie Gooditch, move to approve opening and closing dates for special
town meeting warrant opening on January 21st and closing on February 2nd posted by February 11th to February 25th at 7 p.m. as the date of the special town meeting at the North Middle Sex Regional High School. >> Is there a second? >> Uh Veronica Kel second, but I want to
ask a question about this. So, um I I want times for opening and closing. In particular, closing. Um so, Monday is the second. So, we could say 400 p.m. >> on Monday the 2nd.
>> Are we meeting on the third? >> I think we're meeting >> we're meeting on the 3rd. Correct. And um the the >> so amended to 5:00 pm >> 4 p.m. >> 4 p.m. 4 p.m. >> 22 y
>> on the second. Yeah. >> And opening on January 21st. >> Yeah. >> I think we actually discussed that already. We did. I think we did. >> Yeah, we did. Um, we just didn't make any decisions.
Yeah. >> And it has to be posted by the 11th. I have that we have select board meetings on the 3rd, the 10th, and the 17th because they were supposed to be joint finance February >> 31017.
>> And I know the department heads are going to be showing. >> Yes. >> Yeah, that's what I thought. Um, so, so that way we could discuss the warrant, get it to town council, vote on
it to approve on the 10th. >> Correct. >> Sounds like a plan. >> Um, and then post on the 11th. >> Mhm. Post on the 11th first thing in the morning with the town. So, >> yeah. So, we're not meeting >> the reread that with the times or
>> are we meeting before the meeting? on the 25th. I don't think we made a decision, but we usually do if the meeting's at 7 p.m. >> at 6 p.m. Yeah. 6 p.m. And it's pretty standard for most select. >> All right.
>> And it might be a joint meeting if you have your finance committee there with you. Just quums all come together. >> Any further discussion on the amended motion? Roll call vote for counter >> 5
six is a second reading of the federal >> five is your updated TPAM contract. >> Oh, did we Oh, jeez. Okay. Um, did we get one? Uh there's a it says
it's signed. So I >> it was we voted to sign it out of session with stamps based on council review. Yeah. >> So I I have a signed contract here. I just don't know why it's on the agenda to be honest with you. So
>> TCAM >> Oh, the TCAM contest, not the contest. >> Tam, we haven't done TCAM yet. Unless that's the old one. It says update on TCAM contract. And >> this is the old one. >> That's the old one. Um,
>> well, this is 2020. >> Yes, that was the very first. >> I think I'm on it. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, there's no update from Dave to my knowledge. >> Yeah. >> Well, no, it's us. Comcast
contract had to be signed for them to do the TCAM contract. >> Correct. >> So the signed TCAM contract went to Dave. >> The signed Comcast contract. >> Comcast contract went to Dave. >> Okay.
>> Okay. Haven't heard back. >> We do the We do the agreement with TCAM. >> We the town. >> Yeah. The last time we did it, we the town, the select board, worked with um attorney Solomon to write that
agreement. That tells us um how frequently they come to us to show us their financials, how we disperse the m the funds to them, the Comcast money. It tells us um how the drops are managed,
what what boards are are filmed. Um, it tells us I'm trying to remember all the things from it. Um, so >> the liabilities and responsibilities. >> Yeah. >> Somewhere where
uh Solomon agreed to do the T camp contract. Did I read that? I thought >> I remembered that from the last minute in the minutes. >> Um >> I just I read it somewhere. probably in the minutes is my guess. >> Okay.
>> So, what we should do then is review the TCAM contract individually. >> Um, >> the old one, >> the old one. >> Uh, see what we think needs updated. I am not so sure we have a TAM board at this point. Do we need to post for a
TCAM board? Um, and if I remember right, one of us is supposed to be on that board. I know that when we originally did this way back when I attended the TCAM board meetings, I was the select board representative
>> to TCAM. >> I could be. I was on the advisory. >> It wasn't the advisory. >> It wasn't the It's It's separate from that. >> I know that. >> Oh, okay. Okay. I'm just saying >> you could >> I've been working on it if you want me
to continue working on it >> to be the TCAM. But anyway, we should review the TCAM agreement. >> Okay. >> And think about what we want in there or what needs modified. >> Okay. >> Um and >> when do you want to report that?
>> Um how do we want to do that? Let's wait for Karen. I don't want to give everything to >> as of the end of October. >> Correct. >> All right. As soon as he comes in, um, see what he thinks.
>> So th this will that contract is the very first one. We didn't have a TAM before that. >> Oh, okay. >> Before that was just >> there was no TCAM. There was just if somebody chose to,
>> you know, if the IT department decided to, you know, >> tape a meeting or if the board itself decided to record it or that there was nothing with with the change. I I mean, it's probably prudent. I imagine there would be some big changes because that
was before this last contract was before all meetings could be virtual. >> Um, right. But we did specify >> it was 2020. So >> it was 2020. >> We had just started >> the the virtual stuff. We had just
started it. >> Um so in any event, if we all reviewed that and gave you our >> ideas, >> our ideas um would that work? How do you want to do
>> catch up with Dave? I don't know. Solomon, is it something? No, what I would do is take our thoughts first >> and then um put them together, come up with a thing to give to Solomon and then to Dave. >> Okay.
>> Um we also I'm not sure who's on the TCAM board at this point there. That specifies what the board is for TCAM. Um, and so we need to Dave is the worker for TCAM, but who is the board
that's overseeing the financials? >> I'm not sure at this point. >> Um, it >> and I'll ask Sabrina for a word doc version of this so I can give it. Do you guys want to do like track changes and stuff like that? >> No, we don't we don't want to see each
other's. >> We don't see each other. I don't think we have to do that. >> We could each do trash on this and give it to you. >> Yeah. And I could blend in together >> and that you go out to them and then come back to us at the next >> Yeah. So send us something unless this
is it. Is this it keep getting sorry some >> So this is maybe like I don't know if I never mind >> something to pine on. Yeah, just is just because there's I mean obviously we're zooming and we're recording and all this
stuff is happening now and it's getting put up on YouTube and all these things. I'm just it seems like it's would be so different than what and how I mean this is again it's are most towns using
>> most towns are using YouTube by way of teams meetings that are recorded >> and that's it >> and they upload them the boards themselves >> or or they have a designate who is works for the town administrator's office that >> uploads because then the meeting recording is available right then and
there. >> Yeah. But do they have are do these towns have public access TV >> which we have? >> Not all of them. And we have that. That's in fact that's I think a real plus for us. I do too. >> So I think it's difficensive though.
>> Yeah. And so I'm just in the interest of we have we have you know a budget that's kind of tighten. We're asking everybody. I'm just looking at this from a >> efficiency. Is there anything that I guess this is why we're reviewing it. >> What funds TCAM are the is Comcast. It
is not >> Oh, no. I know. I know it's separate thing isn't an issue. >> Yeah. >> As long as they stay within the budget and that is their problem, not ours. They are supposed to present their budget to us every fall in that
agreement. If I remember correctly, >> we used to have at least the first two years I that they were in place. >> Yeah. They presented in the fall. I I know I sat through two TCAM reviews during select board meetings.
>> You didn't do it this year. >> No, I asked Nelson about it and whatever. It didn't happen. >> So, um, and I think that was more because we were working on the new contract than anything else. >> Correct. >> But we should have had a presentation. I don't think there was one last fall
either. I wasn't a We didn't have a select board last fall. >> Right. Um, so that didn't happen and then it didn't happen this fall because the contract was being >> worked on. >> Um, so money isn't an issue. Expense
shouldn't be an issue for the town. >> Okay. So you guys want to each make your changes to this document. I can print you all out copies or you can grab it from the SharePoint. >> I believe it's my suspicion maybe >> and then
>> it's a PDF. So, no, I do not want to grab it from here. We need the word. >> Yeah. >> Document. >> So, um All right, then. Put that in sh. >> Yep. And go from there, too. >> Okay. Yeah. And we'll get that done. All
right. We'll just um put that on the next agenda for the 20th. see where we are then. Okay, so now we're on 5.6 second reading of federal funds policy.
Um I have a note here from Sabrina on this note that with respect to the federal funds policy we understand is being adopted so as to satisfy the town auditors accordingly. We recommend that
prior to its adoption, the auditor verify that it is acceptable to him and her. >> Oh yeah, she can. >> So in this case, um this is from council. Um the board decides to change the policy in one six. I will suggest a vote to approve and to sign out of session with signature stamp pending
review by the auditor. So I'll do a second meeting, but we should not sign at this meeting. >> Okay. Is the auditor should review it because >> the motion is going to state to be signed after. >> Yep. But I just want to clarify because we often sign policies after the second
meeting, >> but in this case, the auditor was the one that recommended this policy last spring or summer at this point. Oh, okay. You want me to read it? You going to read? Yeah. I mean, we can make
the motion subject, too. was going to cancel. >> Yeah, my internet wasn't working. >> Yeah, it's back now. Okay. Um, policy number 10, 2025, acceptance of federal funds policy, and it does not replace
one. Again, this was at the request of the auditor. Acceptance of federal funds policy one purpose. The purpose of this policy is to establish consistent procedures for the acceptance and administration of federal grant revenue and related funds by the town of Townsend. The town recognize the value of federal assistance but also the need
for fiscal oversight, compliance with federal and state law and accountability to the community. The policy ensures that all departments, boards, commissions, and officials act in its accordance with MGL chapter 44 section 53A, the town charter in applicable federal regulations
to CFR part 200 uniform guidance when accepting or expending federal grant funds. Town boards authorized to accept federal grants. Sorry, number two. Town boards authorized to accept federal grants. It is the policy of select board to respect the authority of town boards, commissions, committees, departments,
and officials to accept grants as provided by statute and town charter. The following are authorized to accept grants and gifts of federal funds for their designated purposes. One, select board is authorized under Mass General Law Chapter 44, section 53A, to accept grants and gifts of money, tangible
personal property, or real estate on behalf of the town subject to the conditions of the grant and town meeting appropriation required. Number two, town administrator may upon delegation from the select board sign and manage federal grant agreements, coordinate applications, and ensure compliance with
applicable requirements. Number three, school community is authorized under Mass General Law 71, chapter section 77A and chapter 44, section 53A. There needs to be a chapter inserted in
there. Sorry. Um, sorry. Number three, school committee is authorized under Mass General Law Chapter 71, section 37A and chapter 44, section 53A to accept and expend federal grants for educational purposes subject to school department
accounting controls in the town accounts oversight. Number four, other boards or commissions or departments may accept a federal grant for its authorized purpose with prior approval of select board and subject to all accounting and reporting requirements of this policy. Three evaluation criteria for federal grants.
Before acceptance, the done >> the diamond board. >> Someone was done writing this document. Before acceptance, the select board, committee, or department must consider the following. Number one, whether the grant serves a legitimate municipal purpose consistent with the town's
needs. Whether the grant is restricted or unrestricted, and whether the restrictions are practical. Number three, whether the grant imposes additional long-term costs or obligations on the town. Four, whether the federal requirements are achievable. Five, whether the town has the capacity to administer the grant in compliance
with CFR 200. Six, whether the grants goals or expenditures could create a future financial burden in the town. Four, protocol for acceptance of federal grants. Upon award, the department shall provide the select board with an award notice and grant terms, a budget summary, funding period, and any
obligations or conditions. The select board shall vote to accept the grant under MGL chapter 44 section 53A and authorize the town administrator or department head to execute the necessary agreement. Five deposit of funds. All funds received shall be deposited with the town treasur within five business
days of receipt. A copy of the award and budget must be filed with the town accountant. Each grant shall be assigned a separate fund number to ensure proper reporting. Six, accounting and financial administration. The town treasurer and accountant are jointly responsible for the financial administration of all federal grant funds. Each department
receiving funds shall somehow some formatting got lost in this one. Deposit all revenue with the treasurer. Provide copies of the award terms and approvals to the accountant within 30 days of acceptance. The accountant shall establish separate accounting records for each grant.
Ensure compliance with uniform guidance in state accounting standards. Report annually to the select board and town meeting. The status of all active federal grants to insert a program. Income generated by a grant shall be handled in accordance with grant conditions or credited to the town's
general fund if unrestricted. Oversight and reporting. The town administrator shall maintain register of all federal grants accepted by town departments. Quarterly, the town accountant shall provide the select board with a status report on all active federal grants, including exceptions, expenditures, balances, and pending
deadlines. The town shall comply with all federal audit and reporting requirements. Annual review. This policy shall reviewed at least every 3 years or sooner if federal or state regulations change. Any amendments shall approve by the vote of the selector. >> Great work.
>> Thank you. Um I Valer get to move to approve the federal funds policy um with signature stamped out of session pending review by the auditor Veronica Cal second. Any further discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. Veronica
and okay next is town website content policy. So 5.7 so in the because it's been a little crazy um and things were not
we didn't have a lot of management oversight at times um I didn't always read through things as well as I should have and I have a couple issues with this policy I'm realizing some are brought to my attention one is
that it says that basically the website administrator makes all changes And that means all the department heads that are current making changes couldn't make changes. >> We talked about this I thought at the last meeting when when we did the first
reading of this um there because there were things in here that I was um >> we didn't have like a review of this document before we did the first reading. I don't really think >> I don't think we did either. Um do you
want to hold off on this? >> So yeah I would like to Why don't you tell us what are the things that you >> Yeah. And has council already seen this one? >> I believe so. I'll check with Sabrina, but I'm not I I believe >> I thought so. >> I I thought it was okay. But this is
more of our administrative stuff, I believe. >> I mean, like each department takes care of like I take care of the land use website from time to time. >> I don't think any of us want that to change. >> Um, no. cuz well Sabrina does a lot of the updates for people that don't have
staff >> town clerk in charge of their website >> the website administrator is supposed to do >> but if the staff is competent >> and already doing it >> all department each department the original intent of this like five years
ago was for each department to do their own website updates >> okay >> the website administrator did the overall pages you know making sure that >> the department left and the right columns and blah blah blah.
>> And then for all of the boards um that don't have um like historic district commission doesn't have an assigned administrator. >> Um there there are others um >> uh committees that get appointed and
then disbanded. if they're going to have something on the website, they would talk to the website administrator and the website administrator would put those pages in. Now, it didn't require TA approval if in fact the select board
with the TA present in a meeting had assigned like the open space committee. Um and actually that went under land use because that's a committee of the >> um in any event if there were or the CR
committee that we have now that would be the website administrator would do that >> and the working with the committee themselves same format for all the pages >> but saying the website administrator determines all content like do you really
>> where does it say that um who determine what content >> the town administrator >> and website. So I don't think we want someone sitting there and saying you can't put up you know the health department administrator announcement
>> for trash. >> No, the health department >> should be doing that all over. >> Yeah, they do it all. So, I just think this is it's a little too >> um I think that it I think that what this means is as far
as the general layout goes, I don't think it means the actual content. I I mean, I don't see the website administrator um saying, "Oh, no, you can't do that. Sorry, I'm taking that down." >> Yeah. um or or if they do see something
that they think is legitimately something that shouldn't be on the website, they could talk to the person. But each department >> should be in charge of their website. >> Yes. Exactly. >> There. >> Yeah. So maybe this is being >> check to see how
>> but the overall content of the website. Yes. You know what the pages look like? >> Yeah. >> The talented administrator and the web. But so in this case, >> some places don't have I moonlighted as some web content in my past. So it when
it says is posted, that's really specific. It's like whatever someone is posting >> and I don't I don't want that person to have to go through whenever they're posting something >> to get it. So I just think like that that >> but when I did I did the website
administrator stuff when Harrison was getting the new revise went up I did all the >> updates. So Beth would send me stuff and say hey could you put this on the land use page and so I just did if I had questions about what it was I asked her
but she had to give me what she wanted in the form that she wanted it. Uh I didn't make a decision as to >> you know deform or anything like that. I mean I did do those duties for two or three months
>> spring a year ago. So like like I don't have a problem with prohibited content. That's great. Disclaimer is great. Permitted content I just think that's not actually permitted content. That's who's in charge which doesn't So I think
yeah I don't think that legally it's a problem. I think this is just our administrative. >> So it's >> Well, it makes me think then like would you take each like because it could be a department head, it could also be a designate of the department head who was in charge of updating minutes for each
their their committees or whatever. And then like would you give them a stipen to say you're our website administrator while you're employed under this you get a $100 or you get $500 for the year to be on top of putting up minutes and update
updating because you then there's the check and balance of it because if it's not done right then you say you're no longer eligible for the stipen >> who who are you talking about >> I think instead of dedic instead of one head website administrator are you
assigning the role to someone who actually has to be in charge, >> right? So, like in that like Sabrina does it for the town administrator's office. So, like would she be eligible for a $500 stipen for putting up minutes and all that stuff because it's that it's so unique to like the treasurer's
office like they're going to post something about the no penny policy whoever updates their website down there >> and and that's the way we've always done it. So >> I just worried about curtailing it. >> This I read it knowing how it works now
>> and it didn't get into the we were doing this in the midst of our marathon meetings and like when you have 200 pages to read you just don't >> Yeah. words don't matter >> and so and so it's brought to my attention like this seems a little and I was like no it actually does seem a little restrictive. So yeah,
>> so what about all the discussion we had about hiring a website >> administrator >> administrator? We had it in the budget. >> It is in the budget >> and we decided not to appoint at that time even though we had two applicants.
>> The only reason we didn't I thought was because of funding. Um but we funded it. It's funded for fiscal year 26. We should be interviewing and putting someone in that spot. Yeah, on principle, you know, as just
your interim TA, I would say probably wait to have your full TA before you really make any of those type of designations. Just this not anything to do with this topic, but just by practice like >> we weren't going to make you do it. Yeah. Hey, I don't have the capacity,
but I think just bring like have that person bring someone from their own walk of background and experience who might be great at it and maybe they can do something else for you so you get more bang for your buck that way. >> Um well, let let me think about
>> the permitted content or not the permanent content, the um >> well the content peritted content. Yeah. Um >> because I don't think that's really related to permitted content outline. It it kind of is, but it's I just don't I just don't want it like some other
select board to be like you guys can't no longer upset your website because the website administrator does it. >> There were things that No, I don't think that I don't intent but when you when I read that it says website administrator determines what content is posted. So
posted is just like anytime you post something that's posterally. Yeah. And that's not the way it's done in practice. But there would be outside organizations >> that would contact us and say I want you to post this on your website.
>> And so when I first read through this I thought that was what it was for is because we have had outside organizations say hey can you put this up and we say no you're not counted. >> Right. that but that's not internal.
This and this doesn't distinguish internal versus external. >> So maybe it should. >> Um but >> maybe kick it back to town council. >> Um I can >> I can check with some other towns too.
>> Yeah. >> I mean I >> but >> I I didn't see this as a this is how your website works kind of thing. I just I worry about the when you say which content is posted. I haven't worked in that world. Posting is whatever you put up there at any point in time. It's an
announcement that's a post. Anything is website information being posted. It's not a design or an overall usage point. It's related to any piece of information. So, I just I didn't know if we could take a pause just to evaluate that. I don't want to put in a policy
that accidentally could be misinterpreted and berictive. Um, >> how about like the town administrator and website administrator will will determine the layout available on the website. >> Exactly. >> All content of of the website must further meet the town's business.
>> That's fine. >> So, it's the layout because that's that goes back to your point about the layout. >> I mean, that's pretty much it. Yeah. Absolutely. Like I'm with Val like content is whatever picture I post on a given day because it's my dog and I love
my dog. >> But this does say in the next one um >> and if it furthers the business >> interest on the website must further the town's business interest that is okay. >> That's fine because that's anybody's any
department is furthering >> so it's it might just lally be that one sentence. Well, departments, public bodies and officials are encouraged to >> um if if there are questions to contact.
>> Yeah. So that next sentence also I don't think you want them to be contacting the website administer to post content >> but you do want them to contact the website administrator if they have a question about something. >> So I just the permitted content section.
So, >> I mean, I'm fine. I I >> You could change that to tweak it. >> I mean, I I feel like I could we could tweak it and then just run it by council real quick to make sure it's not bad just that section. >> Yeah.
>> Because I I don't want this to change how we do it. I I think that all department heads should be able to post. If they choose not to post, they don't want to do it for whatever reason, they can contact the website administrator to post. But really the website
administrator's job was to get the layout in. >> Yeah. Maintain it >> and then to post for >> those who couldn't. >> Those who couldn't. I mean we made pages for historic district commission in 2020
2021 whenever we hired Harrison for that position. >> Um we there were several other I think the energy committee didn't have a page. There was several department and that's what >> they all have pages >> administrator did. I think they do. I
haven't looked >> see but any of them. >> So do you want to bring that back on the 20th? >> Yeah. And I'll I think we can >> Yeah. >> fix that and then just run it by council. It's just that section. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I I I don't have any problem with specifying,
you know. So Okay. 5.8. First reading of the social media policy. >> This is there's a further note um from council that with respect to social media policy, it effectively replaces two separate policies in existence.
>> One pertaining to personal social media use and the other addressing town of towns and social media accounts. So it would be replacing two 2000. So I mean >> we probably have to specify that it's replacing those two houses. >> It says so. >> I mean in the motion.
>> Oh. >> Oh. Um it says so right on here. But we this is the first reading. >> Yep. >> So I think in doing >> read it. >> I think in doing the reading you specify
I do. Okay, that's fine. >> Go for it. First reading >> policy 12 2025s and social media policy rare places. >> Oh, I had a question on this on our readings today. Um
it it should be one two and three of 26. We're in 26 now and this is the first reading. Even the second readings are not adopted. So we have to replace policy numbers. >> I I think so to 01-2026
>> if it's the first. Yeah. >> If it's the first. >> Yeah. >> So >> So just we'll make those corrections before the the >> before the second reading. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Good. >> Sorry. Like warm up.
>> This one's kind of long. >> It is. I know. We pushed it last time because of warm up. So take your time. Policy 12 2025 times social media policy replaces O2209 social media policy and personnel
policies and procedures. Social media article 38 trans social media policy purpose and scope. The purpose of this policy is to set forth the rules governing the administration of the town of towns and the town social media accounts. town
employees use of town social media accounts and town employees use of external social media accounts. Nothing is that this policy is intended to interfere with, restrain or prevent employee communication or expressions that are protected by law, including without limitation, the first amendment
of the United States Constitution, state and federal whistleblower law, and state and federal labor law. The policy applies to all town employees. However, to the extent that this policy conflicts with the provisions of any collective bargaining agreement or individual employment agreement to which the town is a party, such agreements will
control. Two definitions. Social media platform means websites that facilitate user communication, participation, networking, and collaboration through the submission of user generated content. Examples of social media platforms include without limitations blogs, wikis, micro blogging
sites such as Twitter, Now X, and Wikipedia, social networking sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, video sharing sites such as YouTube, photography fairing sites such as Instagram, and bookmarking sites such as Pinterest. Social media identify account means a specific user identity or account that
has been registered on a third party social media platform. Account administrator means a town employee appointed to monitor and control what content is posted on this to a specific town social media account. Town employee means a municipal employee is defined in general law chapter 268A
section 1G who is employed by the town. Three, establishment of town social media accounts before being created. Town social media accounts must be approved by the town administrator and the town's director of information technology. Once they approve the account, they shall appoint a town employee as the account administrator.
>> Are we asking questions as we go? We're just reading. >> Is that like the Facebook account? >> Okay. Well, the thing that keeps coming up in my mind, and may have nothing to do with this, but I'm not sure. AI. Where does that play in here?
>> I think that'll be the next version of this probably in two years. And well, they're using AI now on social media. >> I understand that. I think it's just a matter of towns haven't caught up to it.
>> The state hasn't caught up to it. >> The state hasn't caught up to it. Like no one has >> the state hasn't had their audit yet either, but like >> it just policy wise, no one's caught up with it yet. >> Oh, okay. I just >> Yeah. And in terms of the town's director of information technology,
>> I I had a question about that. I looked for a definition of that >> because that we don't have one. >> Um, it would be guardian and by default >> and I don't think I want guardian having to approve.
>> Well, they do to if we're going to put it on our site on >> but but this wouldn't be this is other people's sites. So, if the library is getting a new Twitter page, >> I don't think the Guardian should be approving that.
>> Yeah. And like social media is tricky and I know um I'm catching some of the previous emails from Nelson um in regards to like a Facebook page and I know that our town clerk Harrison had been running it before and was trying to >> you know share it back to the town administrator's office
>> and in my head like I would post a picture a quarter of the season and like that would be about the extent of my social media purposes and I stand by that like thoroughly. It's people comment on it. I would just shut comments off.
>> No, we can't have We already discussed that in our meetings that the Facebook page would beformational only. It's not a comment. It's not there for comment. >> But that means anytime a post goes up, you have to shut off comments. >> Correct. >> There's a vehicle to get there. Doesn't
just shut off automatically. Like you have to have someone. So like your town administrator or whomever like has to be savvy enough to know how to shut it off. >> I don't know. Like I it's not a the policy is fine. I think it's just a matter of like what do you actually want
as a select word to have happen via Facebook page or LinkedIn page. >> They're supposed to beformational only >> mainly because there are people that don't use websites. So they don't see the announcements. They don't sign up
for the announcements that get discouraged. I mean, fire has one. Police have one Facebook pages. >> Is it the police station or is it the like is it their association that does it? No, >> it's their actual >> No, it's our police station and our fire department
>> police. Isn't it done by their >> by John? Yes, >> they have a media person that does it. >> Yes. >> So, I guess the question is is I I always thought it would just be whatever. I'll just use this as an example. I still don't receive town
announcements via email. I've signed up about 10 times >> now. I also don't have Facebook account, so that's just different taste. But I thought I mean like this would be town announcements is what would go up there. That's all. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. That was the thought is that like
Lori said, information only so that people that go to Facebook or wherever >> um have access to things that they say, "Oh, it's nowhere." when it is somewhere, >> right? You have to go to the website
>> and I you know I stand by >> the library do >> they have a variety of social media >> they have a they have a Facebook page >> Facebook Instagram >> so it kind of the same thing who does it for the library
>> it's library director primarily the problem is in you is you have to have personal phones associated with it right >> I mean we can keep going and see if they address it but I do I do think that needs to be changed. Town's director of information technology
>> and it really is truly like a town administrator's office that does it >> so long as the the bandwidth is within there and there's, you know, someone monitoring it. You know, I think that's because that's who oversees this village here and then the police department oversees their version of it and fire
department does their version of it. It's But if you whatever information you post, you got to own. >> Yeah. So that's anybody in any of this. >> I guess I guess my question is is and I'm fine if you want to continue with this reading. Are we in a place
where this is a good time to be accepting this policy? >> Yes. >> You think so? >> I I think so. I think >> because I think the two policies that it's replacing are outdated. >> I do agree with that. >> Um and and so um
>> okay, I'll keep going. That doesn't mean that this can't be looked at again either. Changes can't be made. >> I agree with you on the town's director of information technology which we do not have. >> Okay. >> So,
okay. So, that would be a change. >> Oh, sorry. Oh my god. I see it up there. Yeah. Sorry. >> I thought maybe this is more effective. >> Okay. Yeah, we weren't even looking at that. >> Not very much about this. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Yeah. Um, well, first of all, AI, why not be the first, right? Everybody should be conscientious of that. But, um, I was wondering if you could read the first part of that as far as who it applies to because the old policy, I don't have it in front of me, but it
also pertains to board and committee members, um, volunteers, other people who may be posting. >> This is, >> and I believe what you read was pertaining to policy applies to all town employees.
However, to the extent that this policy conflicts with provisions of any collective bargaining agreement or individual employment agreement to which the town is a party, such agreements will control. >> So, do you have article the original 38 should be the >> so that appointed officials
>> special employees also? I think it should specify that though um as it does in the original one article 38 question I don't think that's a bad idea either. I think putting it says the very
read the very first sentence there. >> I'm just writing this this question. >> Yeah. >> The other way around this is have no social media. Well, have no policy. That doesn't mean there isn't no social media and people
participating need to have a policy. >> I mean, have no social media >> for the town. >> Yeah, >> we don't right now. The town of town, we don't. >> But you have a police department with a page. You have a fire department with a page. You have a library with a page. All that goes away. It's done on the if
if it's a page and they want to talk about the library, it's the individual, not the employee of the town. because that removes all liability and reduces makes the risk almost zero.
>> I think I'd rather take the risk of being able to communicate with the community and mitigate that risk by not having comments or whatever we can do. And that said, I overhand in your previous conversation about that that has very much to do with how it's set up
because Facebook does not have a a true business account setup. It's an individual personal setup. So, you have to have someone set up the account a certain way for it to for turn off comments because there's been growing, I
guess, agitation over um Facebook post, Facebook pages um that don't allow comments. So I So >> just so you know, >> well changing a little bit, but in the meantime, we could probably not have
time. >> Just as far as the town goes and the departments, I'm still in favor of having the fire police um the town hall get put
information out there. Um the policy should be about the content and also about those who are elected and appointed and paid for staff
to act in a certain manner as they are representing the town. So, and I haven't seen anything wrong or negative on any of the fire
um it you know postings made or police postings made um but moreformational for the town. >> I think that's because of the way the comments are made. they get captured and
they get put out there only if they're um meet a criteria, I think. I don't know. >> And that that's the danger and I think that is probably what >> is thinking of when he says no social media because the danger is that you
can't you can't just delete the negative comments, >> right? If there's any comment, they're all comments. >> Well, unless you turn No, you have to turn them off. But if you look at the actual Facebook page that we do have, there is a negative comment. It's the
first comment on it >> and it's still there and it's probably 5 years old. >> Yeah, it's been maybe not that old. It was we put that in place when Eric Cable first came. >> Okay. So for somebody not to have
removed that right away >> and there's only one person that had control of that and for it to still be there. But at any rate, >> but you can't remove it. >> You can't remove you can't be selective about which comments you remove. That's if you're allowing comments, you're
allowing comments. >> Yeah. So that is Yeah. But we should what I'm trying to say is you need someone who knows how to set it up from the ground. You can't just use that one and turn on comments. I know how to, but >> you know how to >> Yeah.
>> Well, I know how to. >> I But I like I don't >> Yeah, I don't >> Put your hand down now. Right. >> There are people much more techsavvy than me that can do it in a in a whiz. It takes me a little bit of time. Like I'm I'm finding more and more people in
I'll be self-deprecating in my age bucket are finding that social media is tiring and we're out. Yeah, I agree. >> And it's like >> I agree. >> So like >> but that doesn't help what we whatever we have to do for the town. But
>> but it does in the sense that there I would just get I wouldn't do it. >> So I guess my question would be is a social media policy a common thing among select boards in our area. >> It's common amongst towns not select boards per se.
>> Yeah. but talents and I think especially if you have employees and you have elected and appointed officials for them to go out on social media and so the one thing I'd say about that is
is that I've always taken it as state laws and open meeting laws prevent me from saying a lot and that would supersede any social media policy that we would put in place. I'm not going to go on Facebook and say I feel this way about the social media policy because
you could go on or you could go on and see what I said. >> So I would think any board or committee member would be bound by those rules. Now however that would not prevent me if I was on Facebook which I'm not from going out and saying
I feel that Townsen is not doing the right things. You know what I mean? >> It's my first amendment right to say that. I'm not commenting on any specific policy this likely. So, I don't think this policy would play into those decisions because
those are openly law enforcement. Just my two cents on that. >> Yeah. >> But, >> it's also like you have a couple votes up coming and one of them is going to be linked to a department that has their own page.
How do you plan on policing that? Because they can't swing. They can't publicly encourage people to vote. They can say the vote is today. >> That's it. Well, we all know that if you're in
government, you can't say yay or nay. All you can do is say that this is happening. >> Mhm. >> And we should say, >> I know that. I know they know that. But it's just a matter of if someone posts on that page, >> this is happening. >> Yeah,
>> I think that the town's director of information technology needs to be changed. I just don't know what to >> I think we should continue reading. >> Okay, we'll continue reading and we'll continue this discussion and talks because it's frustrating.
>> Um once they approve the account, they shall appoint a town employee as account administrator. again. Probably not. Yeah. Okay. Administering count social media accounts. Count social media accounts must adhere to all applicable state, federal, and local laws, regulations,
and policies, including without limitation the Comos opening law, Comos public records law, Comos public records attention schedules, the Comos Coalition of Interest Law, Copyright Law, Campaign and Political Finance Laws and Rules, Eiscovery Laws and Policies, and the Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act of 1996, HIPPA. kind of what I was saying all these things are already kind of in place which govern how employees can use social media because the government's public record law public records retention schedules and eiscocovery laws
and policies apply to social media content. Such content must be capable of being managed, stored and retrieved in a manner that complies with the same. Further, once such content is posted on a social media platform, it must stay posted unless it is removed for one of the reasons set forth in subsection H
below or unless it is modified to fix spelling, grammar, or other clerical errors. The town will keep a record of all such modifications. That's I mean realistically if I go over to the
library right now and say, "Hey, have you guys kept track of every single change to every single posting you've ever made?" They're going to >> melt the snow on the ground. >> Yeah. I mean, okay, keep reading. Town social media
accounts must clearly indicate that they any content post or submitted is subject to public discourse. Disclosure >> disclosure, not discourse, but I know what's on your mind. >> Oh my gosh. Town social media accounts must include an introductory statement which clearly specifies the purpose and
scope of the account. Town social media accounts must indicate to users that the site is subject to the third party platform's terms of service. Furthermore, each town social media account must indicate that the social media platform may collect personal information through the use of such platform. But this personal information may be disseminated by the same and that
such dissemination may not be governed by the limited or limited by any state, federal or local law, regulation or policy applicable to the town. F. All town social media accounts must clearly indicate that they are maintained by the town and must have the town contact information pro displayed and if possible the town seal. G. Town social
media accounts include a link to the town officials website. H. The town will remove the following content from it social media account content that is not related to the town. Content found by a court of law to be defamatory. True threats. Sexually explicit content made
to appeal to prudent interests or links to the same content that is illegal, including posting confidential and or personal information that is protected by law. Content that it cites imminent lawless contact. Conduct Contact that inhibits town's ability to serve
its residents and the public and content that violates the legal ownership interests of another party. Copyright violation. Town social media accounts are prohibited from endorsing town vendors, suppliers, clients, citizens, employees, or other stakeholders, including without limitation political candidates, family,
or friends. Use of town social media accounts must by town employees when acting in their official role. A posting content to or responding to a post on town social media accounts is prohibited unless prior written authorization to do so is received by the account administrator.
>> So, so there's only one person who posts you have to >> is that how it works in practice right now? >> Yeah. I mean smaller towns, yeah, it would be one person. In bigger towns, it might be two people because perhaps >> that has police and all them.
>> Yeah. >> Put your hand up again. >> Yeah. >> What? Just real quick, I know that Civic Flutch has social media archiving and I'm sure all of the others do as well. So, you don't have to like sit there and screenshot or make posts necessarily
with like everything for sure. is a class for it, but just FYI know that so you don't have to necessarily keep track of it. They will when you make a change or an edit and I believe well I don't
know I think our previous um web contract was unlimited archiving. So that might just be a flip of a switch. I think that revised we do have limited >> archiving.
>> Yes. Okay. I'm really >> um where was I? B. Posting content to town social media accounts for any other reason than official town business is strictly prohibited. Town employees must conduct themselves as a representative of town and in accordance with all towns
rules, regulations, and policies. Town employees must abide by the laws governing copyright and fair use of copyrighted material owned by others. Accordingly, town employees are prohibited from reprinting whole articles or publications without first receiving written permission from the publication owner and quoting even a short expert of someone else's work
without acknowledging its source. E. Town employees are prohibited from posting legally protected personal information that has been obtained while performing official town duties, including without limitation information that is not public record under the comm record law or information the dissemination of which is restricted
under applicable state or federal laws or regulations such as HIPPA. Town employees are prohibited from disclosing conversations that occur between town employees outside of open meetings unless authorized to do so by the town administrator. Information about policies, rules, or plans that have not been finalized and officially adopted by
the town may not be posted unless the town administrator explicitly approves said posting. When town employees respond to a post on a town social media account, they must do so professionally, respectfully, no matter how provocative, cruel, profane, vulgar, uncou, disrespectful, or insulting such post may be. If a post
employee is contacted directly by a reporter or any other member of the media, he or she must immediately refer all questions to the town administrator. Six, use of town social media accounts by town employees when acting outside of their official role. A, town employees are prohibited from using their official town title unless they are posting in
their official capacity as such. B. When posting content, town employees must use the following disclaimer. This posting is of my own and does not represent the town's positions or opinions. Are they legally required to do that?
Um, well, if you're posting on towns and what's going on and you are a town employee, >> yeah, >> you should put that disclaimer. But is it >> they just have to say
>> exactly what's here policy is in place. >> Yeah. Are you going to get arrested for it? No. But >> just make sure. >> I mean, don't quote me on that. Like I mean you'd have to say like you know I want to steal Kieran's car and then you know like
>> just posting his >> No, but maybe like I've shared a meeting with no comment just shared the meeting of substate whatever. So, do I put that on there?
>> That says you would have to >> I should put this posting is my own and does not represent the town of Townsman position or opinions yet the meeting is there for you to look at. Okay. All right. I don't have a problem
with that. I think this policy needs a little work, but Oh, I'm going to keep going. Use of personal social media accounts by town employees. Town employees are personally and professionally responsible for the content they post. Town employees um must conduct themselves so that a
reader would not think that the employee is speaking on the behalf of the town but personal views or comments must not be attributed to the town or town employees job duties. Okay. Town employees are prohibited from posting confidential information related
to town business to any extent social media or to any external social media account including without limitation personal employee information, safety plans and security procedures, hyperprotected information or internal investigations. D. Town employees are prohibited from publishing content that inhibits the town's ability to serve its residents
and the public. E. Town employees are prohibited from posting town logos or trademarks or photographs of town employees in uniform unless the same is protected by law. Eight. Use of town or personal social media accounts by members of town public bodies under the open meeting law. A member of a town
public body members are permitted to use own personal town social media account town. Members of a town public body members are permitted to use personal town social media accounts to communicate with their constituents on matter of
public concern. So that's a town personal account social account. That's like select board member val account. >> Yeah, >> I could make that account is what this is saying. >> And I could say, hey, we were talking
about the town social media policy. Go to YouTube at 3 hours in. >> Yeah. To learn more. >> Basically, that's what this says. Okay, cool. Members are prohibited from using their personal or town social media account to
communicate with directly with a quorum. Simple majority of their public body on a matter matter within the public body's jurisdiction. Such communication may include without limitation friending or following members of your public body messaging or responding to a comment or post by members of your
public body. And three, posting or commenting on a town matter violations. Towns employees who violate this policy would be subject to discipline up to and including termination from employment. In addition, social media account users will be personal liable for any losses, costs, or damages incurred by the town
that are related to violations of this policy. Illegal use of town or personal social media accounts may result in referral to a municipal, state, and or federal law enforcement authorities. If made aware of a violation of this policy, town employees must report the violation to the town administrator as soon as possible. Retaliation against
another for reporting a violation of this policy is strictly prohibited. >> So the first reading dates correct. So I'll ask Sabrina to change the page one policy 12-25 towns and social media policy right to make that say 12 2022.
>> Yeah. Whichever that is because we had two other policies. >> Yeah. I'll check those too. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And um this was first reading, but the others are in second and probably third. >> Yeah. >> Um so they'll all be in 26.
So however you think the order should go. >> Yeah. >> 26. >> Yeah. She captured 26 here, 26 there. And for the website one, the policy was 11-25 2025. So >> yeah. So I don't know.
>> Yeah. ask. >> I mean that that might be the number one for 2020 number 26. Yeah. >> And then the other two after >> as far as >> we'll figure that out. >> How the readings are and whatnot.
>> I phone ringing. >> It's not mine. It must be in there. >> She left. >> I do hear it though. >> Yeah, I hear it. >> Is that I think it's the town phone. Oh, maybe >> 7800. Um,
I think that one of the thing that's important in here is 5H. If a town employee is contacted directly by a reporter or any other member of the media, he or she must immediately refer all questions to the town administrator.
>> That's in one of the policies. >> And um and that should we need to have that. It's an important one. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So, and remembering that this is updated
updated policy of two existing policies, >> right? >> So, may not be perfect. >> Oh, no. >> Yeah. >> But, um, it needs to be updated and I still think we need to be able to have something. >> No, that's fine.
>> I think we should look at who it applies to. Does it apply to volunteers? >> Yeah. And because it doesn't it doesn't say that in the beginning, but then it says it refers to it later on. >> Yeah. >> There's just a whole section about it. >> I think it should be there's a whole section on appointed.
>> I mean, yeah, that's by town. Um that's section eight. >> Which one? >> Members of town public body >> and that. So that kind of refutes the first part which is who it applies to. I think
>> that's awesome if I saw a kind of place. >> Yeah. >> Then every volunteer is going to think they're an employee. >> But they are just to get paid. They just don't get paid. >> Yeah. >> That's what we're considered.
>> Yeah. >> For personnel. >> Yeah. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. No problem. And We are now at
I think that before we go to 5.9 we should go into the executive session for 7.2. Um we can discuss 710 but >> 510 okay >> I mean what is the purpose of the 7.2 to
executive session. Otherwise, >> I thought it was to discuss the vote for 5.9. >> Um, that's up to you. I don't know. >> That's that's what I thought it was for. And I don't know if we have >> um anyway
>> because there was questions relating to that. >> Yes. So, um, >> do you want the chair to move to 7.2? >> Uh, I would like to move to skip over 5.9 for now. Um, and >> I complete the rest of the agenda and
then come back in general after. >> Um, I think that we do want to return to open session after the executive session. >> Okay. So, um, >> so let's skip 5.9 for now.
>> And 510. >> No, 510. We could vote. >> I had a note not to do it. >> Oh, wait, wait, wait. I thought that was a surplus. >> Yeah, that's just >> So, the motion is kind of funky. >> I I don't know.
>> I canot 510. Don't worry. >> For 510. It looks like the motion for 59. We're good. So want to do five. >> Sure. >> 59 for now. For now.
>> Yeah, we'll come back to that. >> I move to surplus. Um this is basically the action that we need to take. And so excuse me. I moved that the uh board surpassed the
fire truck E1 truck retired engine number three from 2002. Is that the only thing? It's just that one. It's kind of a big item. Yes. >> Okay. I thought it was um I thought
there were two things going. I only know about one. >> Yeah, I have one. >> And you know more than me. >> The truck. Yeah. >> Uh is there a second? Um could could I hear the motion again? >> Sure. I Valerie Goodrich move to Sorry,
it's confusing here. to to surplus fire EMS department 2002 emergency fire E1 truck retired engine number three Veronica. >> Okay. >> And um I would like to just read what was in the letter from the fire chief.
>> Okay. >> Into the record. >> Um so this is from December 9th, 2025 to the honorable select board. The Towns and Fire EMS department would like to surplus the 2002 emergency fire E1 truck
retired engine number three VIN number 4EN RA AAA 862105215. The intention would be to sur to research and attempt to market the truck for the highest value to a retail customer. There are a variety of options
to self-fire apparatus online or through other affiliated resources. We will research, advertise, and hope to enter into a purchase and sale agreement, which I will keep my liaison informed of the price prior to executing the sale. It is my understanding that these funds
will be returned to the general fund. Thank you, Gary Shepard, chief of department. Um, >> but there has to be an actual there are different ways to do fire equipment. >> There is. Yeah. >> And so the chief >> because it's over $10,000
>> anticipated. >> Um, and so the chief will work with the TA to um get the best price for the town that is possible >> and following whatever procurement procedures we have to do. But then there
needs to be process. So, but that's different from >> other types of RFPs. >> Yeah. >> So, um so I would just say that the buyer chief will work with the TA
>> to um get the highest and best >> right >> for the test >> and whatever processes that has to go through. >> Yeah. And he'll know them because he's been down the path before. So, likely going to revisit some channels he's been through before and see >> what the best number we can get. share it with me and then
>> as long as we follow whatever procedures. >> Yep. As long as all the procedures are, you know, do the eyes cross the tees and >> it it doesn't mean that it has to go to a certain place where other equipment might, >> right? Just has to go through the process. >> Realize that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> Um so, okay. >> So, what is the first part of that motion? It was just >> It was a little jumbled up by supposed to be there. >> Yeah. Yeah. like they there was a typo there. >> Oh, I see.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And then are you anticipating I'll come back to say we have a bid for $1 >> and it would have to be accepted >> and it's got to be accepted by this group that All right. Cool. That's what I expect. Yeah.
>> I mean I I from this and a discussion I expected he would come to me and say the number. Yeah. But that doesn't mean >> I don't approve it. You know the board approves it. So >> because someone could say here's $11,000 for your truck
>> and it could I mean I'm sure he'll tell me that as the liaison just like you know might tell you something >> right? >> Um but it still comes to the board. So um >> because you guys will sign the purchase and sale agreement in session.
>> That is correct. It won't just >> or the chair may sign. >> Correct. >> Excellent. >> So um >> follow I think that the I think we all received after the last meeting a missive from a town. That's why it has to be surplus
>> and I don't think it has to be done exactly the way that is stated >> but it does have to be surplus. >> It does have to be voted to be surplus. >> We didn't vote on it. Yeah, we did. Right. We have to take a vote, but it does need to be surplused. >> Right. >> Motion still stand. >> Yes.
>> Was there a second? >> Yes, I second. >> Veronica second. >> Yeah. >> Is the discussion over? >> Yeah. Roll call vote. Veronica Li. Thank you very much. >> You're welcome.
>> We are now on to work session 6.9 town minister report. >> I like your >> love it. >> You probably don't like me after my social media rambling. So >> fine. >> I appreciate that. >> We can ignore certain things.
>> My mom says that about me too. like Karen, I'm just going to ignore sometimes some of the stuff you say. Um so thank you for um letting me serve as your interim town administrator. Um only a few days in, but I've been sort of working you prior to the holidays and
such. Um and looking forward to working with you guys. Had a nice department head meeting today. Um just to sort of reintroduce myself to those folks um shared some donuts and water with them. I think people like that. And just like your candy, people like candy, too. So,
I have a little basket of candy going to my office. Um, you know, very high level. I said, you know, I do need your monthly reports. I'm going to, you know, work with Sabrina to have them all, you know, available. Um, one department had asked, could I see other departments
monthly reports? I thought that was actually a nice ask to be honest. >> I thought we used to be able to do that like two years ago, but all the reports were put in a shared place. Yeah. Yeah. So, I'd like to revisit that policy. If there's some type of stop gap, reopen
the door, if you will. Um, you know, and different groups will put in different levels of detail because it helps, you know, keep them accountable. You know, each month, this is what I've done. Um, so I'm going to revisit that. Um, I did it tell people or ask folks to say, make sure you send your budgets in. Um, at
very high level said, it's a challenging budget year ahead. Um, but kept it really dry to be honest, just so there wasn't any, you know, weed growing type questions, if you will. Um, so hopefully we'll keep trucking along there. Um, you
know, over the next few weeks I'm going to try to meet with every department head in their zone. So, I'm going to the library tomorrow. Um, I'm going to go downstairs and sit with the assessor, the treasurer, um, visit with the police chief, you know, connect with the fire chief and such just to I think that means something to folks and I think
that's a good practice. Um, and if I'm still waiting on their budget or I have questions about their budget, I may start to sort of understand some of that. Um, but overall been pretty positive. Um, you know, I haven't caught up with the schools yet, but I'm on an email thread
with that Nelson introduced me on, but I just haven't had a chance to, you know, follow up with them. >> We have I'll connect with you on that. >> Okay. And >> because we have a meeting coming up. >> Yeah. And so and I'll just update you on where we are. And actually I just had Yeah. >> Yeah.
>> And then we can talk about >> Yeah. >> Regards to budget. >> Yeah. In general, it's really >> I do have one update. So I'll Yeah. >> Yeah. Um in general, it's just understanding what's working well for each department. um you know any urgent needs you know I think of our um folks in highway like you know we seem to be
getting snow you know even the one to two inches is resulting in some work for to be done >> ice >> and the ice you know and just sort of understanding what you know what's coming up or what's you know what's the plan if we the budget looks like it's going to be sunk by you know routinely
having the shovel and salt and put down stuff to treat the roads um but you know hopefully I'll be able to work with them for a future budget exercise for reduction, you know, in in numbers to sort of see where we go from there. Um, and I'm going to remind them that I'd
like to be their primary point of contact. Um, I know there's some deep, you know, um, loyalty to some of the folks in different groups, but I'd like me to be the voice that they yell at and I'll disseminate that information to you guys especially. And then our finance committee, conservation, you know,
planning board and such. So, you know, it's one message that's consistent. Um it might be a lofty goal in the short term but hopefully that can sort of set that groundwork um to keep you know things moving forward positively. Um you know otherwise uh for an external
partner coordination I have a meeting with CBiz tomorrow. Um I've met once with Guardian while Nelson was still here but I'm going to meet with them again. Um had a short conversation with town council today but I'm going to have a longer chat with him on Thursday for about an hour. He's like I want to get
you up to speed on things. and he was like, "I also want to hear what your burning issues are." Um, you know, thinking of town council, he goes, "You guys are actually doing okay budget-wise." So, that might be refreshing to hear. Um, which isn't a bad thing. And, um, sort of go from
there. Um, I know as part of my responsibilities is some grant work. So, I'm going to close out the PRC, which is the Parkland AC acquisition recreation group. Um, and that's for the $100,000 for kids country. um mass trails for the
South Harbor work. We actually have we've received the money from the state, >> but Mass DOT has an outstanding punch list and that's between our engineer GPI and then also our highway group. Um so I'm going to touch base with highway towns and highway to see where that's
at. some of the work that Mass DOT was looking for was pretty substantial and GPI was gonna kind of try to broker a deal with them, if you will, because it would involve ripping apart work that's already been done. >> Um, and some of it was because of the way the curbing lays on the Cherry Hill
side and the way it runs and that wasn't part of the original scope um of work, but it is not compliant with mass DOT standards. >> So, little bit of a a sore point, if you will. Um, and it and GPI has been okay in terms of going back and forth, but I
think they sort of have to tell NASA dot we aren't able to do much more here without really redoing the whole project. Um, but we do have 12 months with the construction company that did work to revisit some of that if we need to.
>> Just cherry Hill. Uh, so I think of like it's the the blue it's like the shepherd's landscaping. >> Um, that garage side. So that curb >> if you look at, you know, South Harbor goes up this way. There's that side. This side, but town side, >> who did that?
>> Uh, Bates Construction did the work. Um, they're out of, you know, southeastern Massachusetts. They were the low bid. >> So, >> well, so they need to do what they need to do to meet NASA's. Yeah, GPI has to
get them to come back because GPI is the sign off of the engineer and towns and highway will be tasked with holding GPI accountable as the grant writer. I'm not I'm not the project manager. I don't I don't know much about curbing, but Jim Smith is
awesome at that stuff. So, okay. >> He said he was going to run with it. >> So, I'm going to just keep following up with >> my back all the time. It is not >> normal. Correct. There's some add >> irregularities. >> Yes. >> Um >> it doesn't Yeah.
>> Yeah. On the plus side, >> it's too bad. >> It's okay. >> We've received the funding. So in that sense, it it's the grants closed out. It's just making sure that the mass duty is satisfied with the work. And when I explain that to
>> and it shouldn't cost us any more money >> and it and it right and that's what I think GPI is trying to figure out how to make that a reality like hey you've already paid the town you covered the grant they reimbured it they followed all the protocols and what do you want me to do here with the construction
company and I think that's what they're trying to hash out so but that's a slow moving ball that one doesn't get answered quickly it's because it's you know four or five levels of communication but I try do a monthly, you know, every few weeks check
in with highway to say, how's things going? >> Um, we're also working with GPI for the Brookline Street project. Um, so they know that they have to sort of do right by the project, if you will. >> Um, um, I think
>> who is GP? >> That I don't know what the acronym is. It's just they're the they're the design and engineering group. It's like Greenman Peterson Incorporated, I think. Something like that. Um, you know, otherwise we're um I'm going to work with our facilities group to get air
sensors installed on this building, the senior center library, um, highway garage, and potentially the fire department for monitoring air in town, which is kind of cool. Um, it was totally free except >> this room would be a great place to start. >> Well, it it's actually got the exterior
of the buildings. Um, but it's really to monitor the air quality that's going through. Um, and you'd be surprised like how impactful the air quality is to coughing, breathing, just and especially with all the biking in the area. Like it'd be nice to know if you shouldn't be
out biking because it's >> heavy, you know, heavy smoke inundation from some of the forest fires we get >> or something else in the air. You never know. Um, so that should be something. >> I might get that on my phone. >> You might. >> Air quality. You might. Yeah.
>> And you might actually use those type of >> You're probably using the the You're probably using the air purple sensor >> resources because there are others on the edge of town in Peril. >> But often we're getting details from Fitchburg. >> Yeah, you could be getting from Fitchburg, too. >> So, we don't actually get from towns. And so, if that's
>> Yeah. And for Devon, some of the air stuff comes over this way. Um otherwise, you know, quickly looking at uh we do start our compact fiber phase 2 construction for um the phase 2 project that's being done by contract um and the
highway department for running fiber optics up to the recycling center. Um that's a nice grant. It's not very expensive for us. It's only about $5,000 in the town for 115 or so covered by the grant. Um, and I'll be working with a
highway group to just they're going to use our highway area as sort of a station to set up some of the fiber optics and everything. Um, we also received a grant for $70,000 to install exterior Wi-Fi at this building, >> the senior center library.
>> That's great. >> And also create like a pod station in this building. So someone could take a call and talk to their vet about maybe the dog, you know, broke their leg and they need to have a private moment conversation because I think that's kind of tough in this building. Sometimes people have personal calls or I could
talk to someone and they could yell and scream at me in the phone and Sabrina or whoever's sitting over here wouldn't have to hear it. So that's sort of a reality that a lot of offices and schools are doing these days. Um and >> we got that one for free. Um, last but
not least, um, we have a tree planting grant that we submitted for that we've gotten a positive read on for Old Meeting House Park. Um, the conservation group had a timber plan there that I think has begun to remove red pines scale infestation at the park. Um, it's
about 10 acres of trees that's going to come down and it's going to create kind of an isore over there. Um, so there's a potential that we get this grant to replant it with pollination type products that are more natural and native to the area and then also use it as a a learning station. So they would
put some signage in there so that you could bring a a Boy Scout group over there to tell them about the poly. So a little education background to it. >> Um, so hopefully we get some good you notifications on that grant in the future. So um otherwise just um keep let
me know how else I can help you guys be successful and you know working with our you know friends in different departments and different groups to uh do that. So >> and just to clarify you are going to be doing a budget reduction exercise >> correct
>> for everybody who didn't count that and asking for what 10% will look like >> 10% based on the department head. I'm not asking for anything other than can you do share with me what 10% less looks like. >> So it's really open-ended. It's up to
them >> because I'm sure we'll be talking about that with the as the want to make sure. >> Yeah. >> And second clarification because we do not take any actions on this town administrator interim town administrator report is you put whatever
you need to put in there. >> Yeah. My goal is to at least get some of the materials from our department heads and and put some of it here. >> Um and otherwise, you know, what I see dayto day. >> Um >> but we're not taking any votes or actions because I know some people say you discuss a lot of stuff. We're not
discussing. It's a report. >> Yeah. This is what I'm experiencing, you know, on behalf of the residents each each day. a written report which I've asked for for months in which anybody can >> we got a written report and it's public record.
>> Yeah. I mean I could put it on the website and >> you can put it on the website. >> This is what's happened. >> All the other reports >> other towns do that. >> Yeah. Which I mean as part of a packet available in mine wouldn't be bad. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Um so >> tell me about great information. >> The what? >> The town newsletter.
>> Yeah. So a town's newsletter to me would be so we we're going to have a a February town meeting, >> special town meeting. Yeah. I would use and I would encourage that >> because our social media policy is still being worked on. We'll link it back to that. I would say we we create a half
sheet piece of paper that says here's the town special town meeting. Here's what it's for. Please show up. It's information only. going farther into that, like if if you're, you know,
whoever your town administrator is in August and they've really got their feet under the ground, creating a quarterly newsletter that talks about here's what's here's what's going on in the building. Here's how many police calls we had in the last quarter. Here's um two or three grants we got in the last
quarter, and you know, here are the concerts going on in your town common over the next three weeks. as well as um you know, don't forget to sign up for baseball season this fall. Something to that effect that shares information that's going on in the town. It is
written by the town administrator's office. It is approved by the select board for material and then it's mailed out to every single registered voter in town. >> So you're thinking the first one goes out before special town. >> I would do that in terms of just
encouraging that. That one would be like a half sheet >> but then the next iteration of it is a two-page document or a three-page document. >> And when would that one happen? >> I would aim for >> before annual time. >> You could do it before annual time
meeting. You could say here's what's on the warrant. Here's what else is going on in town. When you do the mailer, is it is it something that can go in the tax bill for the second quarter? >> It could.
>> That's after town usually, isn't it? >> Yeah. >> Um, no. No. When does it come >> first? Is when it's due. So, it has to go out before. >> That would be perfect. >> Yeah. You could pick the vehicle that you wanted to go out. Um, you know, I
know other it could be two page >> front back, >> one page, um, front back. So, >> some communities use Noba Techch to help print it >> and organize it. It's just a pre-sorted piece of mail, so you prepay it and you know, to someone else's point earlier
about like, oh, I didn't see the information. You mailed it to your house. It was on the website. It was on the signs in town. >> Did you pay your taxes? >> Yes, it was in your tax book. Yeah. >> And and you know, I have some templates for how that can be built out. Um
simpler the better to start with and then go from there. Let it grow. And um >> I think that's a great idea, too. >> And it it's has nothing to do with like, you know, John Doe's plumbing company. None of that's mentioned. It's just factual information. You get a little
blurb from your school. You get a blurb from, you know, you could feature uh a town department each month. You could come up a lot of different ways to jazz it up. So, >> okay, I like the idea. >> And you know, I would looking at your budget, you you've done pretty well
spending. This might be a communication type item that's gets you a pretty positive response. >> You could post board vacancies in there, >> things like that. Um, >> definitely would always have that. >> Always have that. I mean, you could even
empower your you you could pick a department if you don't want your town administrator to do it to be the leader of it, but who's your who gets the most foot traffic each quarter? I mean, you could really think about how you want to bake out this plan. >> I mean, I think you can say something
about all the departments and what they do >> on land use or building >> process of what you >> need to or even just for them to put out their link. >> Yeah. to say if you're looking to do this,
>> you know, you did you know the town has a new firet truck here, you know, here's c, you know, it's a big accomplishment for a town to get these really high-end pieces of equipment. >> Sometimes people have no idea. >> I know. >> You know, and it's kind of a shame. Usually people have no idea. >> Yeah. Sometimes
>> based on my neighbors, >> we have a lot of new equipment coming in and between the highway department and >> fire. We do >> or like you know the water department worked hard earlier to bring the rates down. I mean the rate increases you know a penny whatever it was a penny
something like that >> less than a penny >> that's pretty effective you know like they ought to be you know receive a little pat on the back for that >> when I saw I saw the first um presentation and it was higher and so with a lot of discussion and a
lot of reworking they came in >> and water you mean? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> They did a good job. They really did. >> Yeah. So, and that's, you know, a tool that if it is the town administrator's office that you guys feel is the best one to do it, it think there'll be a positive payback for that
>> compared to, you know, other things that office does day-to-day like that one is really it's useful. >> So, >> so on the agenda, it talked about all of your plans and so I would say that was in your report. >> I didn't see you or maybe you mentioned
about the dam, Adam's dam. >> Yep. not in this report, but um the Adams Dam is a is a non well it's it's a grant we've gotten from the deer to study the dam in terms of what what's the plan for it. It's you
know there is a program that will evaluate dams at no cost to the town. Work with your conservation agent and public groups to understand what's gone on, why it's here, is it man-made, is it natural? Um, and then give the town ideas on next steps and recommendations
from the DEI, Department of Envir Environmental Regulation perspective from the state. If you get to the point where you wanted to move forward with it, you could apply for more grants to remove it or you could just leave it alone. No obligation whatsoever. >> Okay. So, this is only a study.
>> Completely a study >> to analyze. >> To analyze. Yep. And I know there's a letter from Yeah. one of the groups in town that >> felt strongly about keeping it and I totally appreciate that. Um they're going to get a great opportunity to work with our conservation agent who's going
to be really, you know, handinhand with deer to understand the value to the public. Um and let deer put that as part of their equation for giving the report back to the town. >> Yeah. So we'll see what happens with that. I think he was also already
talking to MRPC about future >> Mhm. >> uh available funds depending on what the outcome is. >> Yeah. >> Of the analysis. >> You mean the conservation agent? >> Yeah. He was on one of the meetings that I was on.
>> Yeah. >> Um Okay. Board liaison reports. Um anything, Veronica? Uh, I don't not not this week. Probably in another
probably the first week of February. >> Okay. >> Um, did you say you had an update on on school? >> Um, we're kind of >> school is still working through their budget and I don't have any specific
things I think that I want to talk about this point in time. I think Karen and I need to get together and talk about. I mean you can ask questions as to what I know or don't know so far but >> usually the schools do a presentation to all and said you
>> do we have a date on that on the books >> um because I know that FinCom and the sugended here on Zoom >> so that snowing that night >> that I remember
it's on the 9th the budget hearing. >> Yes, that's a Monday. Yes. Do you have a time? >> Let me double check on that. But Karen, our next is the our next budget meeting is the 21st. >> Yes. >> At 10 usually at the high school. But so
we'll catch up before then with what like just been going on. >> Mhm. >> And some questions we have. I mean there was there's some questions outstanding about just I'll give a brief overview is is towns in
calculated percentage our assessment for this year. Um it looks to be going up partly because a little less from Ashby. >> Mhm. >> Because of stuff that happened last year and also because we're attending more at Squanook. >> Okay.
>> Because we weren't that just prek and now it's prek K through two. So that changes kind of our share the debt and everything because that school has more of that. >> So that's kind of some of the pieces that are up in the air, but then >> the rest of it's I mean they're still
waiting for state information and numbers and so they don't want to the school committee hasn't voted on anything yet. So I don't feel comfortable saying this is what's coming forward. >> Yeah. >> But that's coming for them in January. So, >> in general in the region, schools are
seeing an increase. Just >> put your seatelt on. >> Y is it any different than any other year? >> That's exactly it. 100%. >> So, I we don't have anywhere else to go fundwise. Um I think we have to start
looking at the organization chart. >> Yeah. >> I mean, right now we don't have enough people to plow. highway department is down what, two people, but we have people at cemeterian parks. Why aren't we using them to help
plow the roads? That's the DPW idea. How this group of people who work across all these areas? >> Yeah. >> Um that's at least that's in my mind if you're having those discussions with the department heads, what that would look like. >> Yeah. That's a great way for me to sort
of connect with those folks and say, "Hey, you know, we're just we're putting all the ideas on the table again. Let's do this exercise >> in the water department >> and and sort of go from there." >> And and my last thing about the school I'll say is I think based on the last and again don't quote me on this because
they haven't voted on yet. This is just the initial discussions we're having is that the assessment is probably going to be the hardest to come forward by councs like purple and ashby just the way the percentages work out will probably be
closer to 3% and will be above that. So it's important for us to recognize that they likely and I'm not speaking on behalf of pound and purple and ashby and purple but they are more likely to be able to accomplish that in their budget. So if we are but
>> if two towns pass it, we will have to >> based on the regional agreement. So we should just have I'm not saying that's what's going to happen, but we should just be aware that if we're the one that's a little off, >> we'll have to because Pepple and Towns and Pepps like will be closer to the 3%
and likely more able to accomplish it within their budget. >> And I'm not saying they will. I'm just putting my thoughts out there. I'm pretty sure we can't. >> No, because I think ours is going to be closer to four. It may change over four.
The last I heard and I >> That's TBD. So, >> um and I I know that what we're going to hear is, oh, the fire department got this money that was released and they should just they being the select board should just use that money to fund the
fire department budget. And I don't think it's that simple any more than it's as simple >> as the school going >> and getting more funding which they got they got that after all of our assessments had already been set and
that wasn't distributed to us. Um >> I mean >> it's not unique for any other community. We're all trying to figure out these challenging >> you know limitations in chapter 70 funding and the state house and all this stuff. So, >> but even if it does come in for the
schools, it's unlikely that it's going to be distributed to the towns. Um, and so I can just hear the, "Oh, yeah. Well, Townsen got this whatever it was, 360K, you know, Grant and got a million, we
got 360K, and we can just put that right on there." And you can't. It's not that simple. >> Yeah. There's more to it. Um and and so any any more than the schools could just put it on us, you know?
>> So I just think that people need to be um aware that overrides are a thing and if we don't get the override, snow covered roads are a thing.
I hate to say that, but I don't know how you do it otherwise. Yeah, maybe I can we can look for that 20th the 120 meeting as a you know I'll check with some other TAs in the area especially Ashby and Pepper like how are you guys doing it like your number might be closer but what are your plans if it's
not >> I think those that the discussion at that school meeting too >> because they're all there so it's all the TAs like remember FCOM has been coming I invited so Kathy and Jerry from FinCom have been coming to
school budget means too. So they they have a sense of what's going on, >> do they? >> Yeah. >> So they've been they're at those meetings. >> That would be wonderful. >> Yeah. >> So um and that's been good, I think, for them to be hearing what the school is saying because that helps for
>> Yeah. We did try meetings in my other community where it was we had we had one night where it was like ask us anything and like the school budget was up and there you know the town budgets were up. each TA did a presentation about this is our budget. The school committee did their presentation and it was no
questions off limits. >> We did that wild January. >> Yeah. >> And it didn't I mean at the high school each of the TAs presented everybody knew what it was. It really in the end
>> um >> didn't make a difference. Um, okay. I'm sounding like Debbie Downer, but >> what it is >> gonna have more Skittles. >> I am. >> Absolutely.
>> Well, we'll we'll get there. I'll be with you at that meeting and you I'll still catch up with a couple other TAs in the area and just I mean, >> the superintendent's great. He'll give you any information you need. >> Yeah. And I'll ask you know the you know Dunable passed their override last year
and I can see what it means but already that town is you know they know this there's 600k in the red prediction for this coming year. >> Yeah. >> About what we are. >> Yeah. In a much smaller town with smaller budget with >> less resources
>> and a lot of that is health insurance. >> A big part >> part of it. >> Part of it. >> Yeah. >> So okay. Yeah. CBD >> to be continued. Um, all right. The only thing I had was the DT economic development project report
was completed. Um, and doesn't mean that we couldn't make any changes or add anything to it. Did anybody I thought it looked pretty good from what I saw. So, I didn't add anything. >> I did, too.
>> Yeah. The only feedback I gave Beth was that we thought it looked good and please um um you know I think >> the original one, not the one that they've gotten, >> right? Take off the names of the real >> Yeah. thing. But the charts were useful and I thought it'd be a great product to be put online. >> Yeah.
>> Well, if we had a Facebook, >> it could be there. Yes. >> Open comments. >> See what happens. >> Um 6.3 announcements. Okay. Well, I >> double check make sure nothing is added.
>> You typically >> vacancies. >> I can see a lot. >> Vacancies. Um, so current board and committee vacancies. We have agricultural commission, board of water commissioners. Important. Anybody volunteer? Capital planning committee. Again, I think
there's two. I just looked online. >> The capital planning. Um, >> there's two. I just looked online, >> but they it's HDC. It has to be appointed by committees, not by us. >> Yeah, it's HDC and um >> housing authority
>> and uh conservation commission. I thought it was three of I'll clarify that in them because I looked on my makeup, but um Kirst disability community preservation committee, we talked about that, >> but community preservation is boards. We
already filled the open slots. >> Correct. the community preservation board one then >> I thought capital planning >> now you can check with moderator there are >> there two capital planning >> two yes there are so for clarification
there's two on capital planning I just checked the website >> and then conservation sorry community preservation is there's boards >> that's still not us or open >> conservation has a vacancy energy committee historic District Commission.
No, historic district commission is full. >> Yep. Kathy Kathleen was the second members now. >> There's seven members and two alternates. >> Yep. Good to go. >> Um, housing authority, kids country playground, recycling committee, town properties committee, west towns and
meeting room committee. >> Yeah. >> Zoning board of appeals vacancy for a full member 2030, a full 2028 and an associate member. Yeah, three members that zoning >> housing authority will be filled next week with >> Irene,
>> but that's that's only the three. And then there's a fourth has to be someone that lives in um >> Atwood Acres Woods and the fifth is the state rep, which there's an application process for that. >> Okay.
>> Um so there are two more members. They can meet. They have a >> quorum is three. So >> it's three, but they still need two members. So >> Okay. >> And then the last one was their resation.
>> Yeah. Resignation of Melissa Strers um to the cable advisory committee which has been disbanded. Yep. So okay, that's it. Thank you. Um our next meeting is January 20th.
I'm thinking we should start early again if we can. >> There was some staff during the department meeting today were kind of curious to come to a meeting if you wanted to do like an earlier one so that if there was a >> earlier than three. >> Yeah. I I don't know your guys
schedules, but >> I would prefer not to do earlier than three. >> Okay. >> Um I mean if they're here till 4, they can certainly come in. >> Yeah. You know, every now and then communities will do like an early morning meeting. I know it stinks for late risers, but you know, sometimes you
you get different folks who are different shifts and things don't have to make that decision today. >> We have had earlier meetings. >> Yeah. And no one comes. >> Um, no, they're usually for a purpose. >> Okay. >> I mean, >> but it was it was an interesting
>> We can think about it. >> It was an interesting department. >> A quarter doing like Yeah, I would. That's a quarter. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Well, we can we can about that. So, but I think we should start at three. Okay. The way the agenda is looking.
>> Okay. And I think Adam will have an update for us for that meeting. >> Yeah. >> And he will be available. I'll email you when he's available that day because he mentioned it. He was going to check his schedule again. So, TBD on that, but he may be at the start of that meeting or
at the tail end. >> Yeah, that's fine. >> So, >> we accommodate whenever he can. That works. Uh 6.5. Is there a motion? I Valerie Gri move to review and sign pay bills payable
warrants out of session. >> Second. Roll call vote. >> I motion. Okay. So uh 7.1
actually we need to >> just do all three and then come back to general >> and yeah or do 7.2 come back >> 7.2 and come back >> and so then we don't have everybody waiting >> forever.
Um, we could do that, but I still on 71, we might need to come back to open session. >> For which item >> 7.1? >> I mean, but which open meeting? >> There's not an item there. But if we may take a vote in the executive session, we
might want to come back to I mean, depending on the result of the executive session, we would have to be a separate agenda item on our next meeting. Well, there's a question because I have never done it that way. Anytime we've We're looking at a union contract.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> And anytime I've ever done that, we've come out of executive session, voted, and then moved on and it wasn't on the agenda. I can guarantee you that. >> I believe you. >> Um that's the way it's always worked.
>> Oh, I understand that. We've done that. >> Yeah. come out of executive and then have the vote >> and >> and it's not necessarily on on the agenda when you're out of executive >> because >> but you're going to vote on what you just did, >> right? >> And the public knows that
>> what you're voting on >> in what respect explained. >> Well, I'm I'm I'm just curious as to you know >> that the explanation would be to accept the contract. >> Okay. Okay. But so then the the contract
would then be public. >> How does that work? Because it also has to be accepted by the police union. And I don't know when they're voting. >> They were voting today, I believe. >> Today? >> Yeah. But I don't know the results of the vote.
>> Um Yeah, I don't either. and um and they >> the chief didn't give me the results either having chatted with him for a little bit today. >> I talked to him this morning. They hadn't voted yet. >> Yeah. So, >> and then we had a 3:00 meeting. So, >> yeah.
>> Anyway, um >> uh >> would it be a we vote pending ratification by the collective party? >> That would be the motion. >> Yeah. We we vote to approve pending approval by the collective party. >> That's fine. I just want to make sure
I'm properly voting in and out of session what can and can't be released. >> And yeah, the the their copy of the contract's not available. It would be available to the public once it's been ratified by your collective party. >> Right. It has to be voted by us and it
has to be voted by them. >> Yeah. >> And there's and we don't vote it in a joint meeting. So I um I look forward to learning the details like the session. Okay, >> I'm fine with that.
>> Okay, so we should um >> we can go into 7.2, >> come out and do the other and then go into 7.1, come out and do the other. Or we can do it in order. >> We're doing all three. Correct.
Yes. >> All right. So, >> it's up to you, Larry. >> Let's just do 7.1. Come out. 7.2 >> and not return.
>> Um, well, 7.2. We have to return back. >> Oh, that's right. Vote on that. Yep. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Okay. I, Laura Shiffren, move to enter into executive session and return to open
session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21 A3 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 the chair so declares fire union. Are you doing fire union? >> Yeah, I'm doing 7.1. >> That's 7. >> That's police union. >> Oh, shoot. >> You read 7.1. You said fire, but you
meant police. >> Yes. >> Okay. Okay. So, we're doing 7.1 policing. Veronica Keel second. >> I got you. >> Okay.
And I the chair Lauren so declares roll call vote >> I la I at 758 >> IT cam can you hear us? Yes, I can. >> Thank you, sir.
>> Thank you. Hello, everyone. We are back into the select boards. We have reconvening uh January 6th meeting after executive 7.1 regarding the police union.
Uh roll call >> Veronica Cal present >> and present. Is there a motion? >> Um, yes there is. I Valerie Gooditch move that the select board accept this memorandum of
agreement set forth the material terms of a one-year agreement between the town of Towns and town and the APSME council 93 local 3470 police union covering the period from
July 1st 2025 through June 30th 2026 which the parties negotiating terms have reached in the process of negotiations. Thisou shall be considered off the record until ratified by the union's membership and funded
sorry by town meeting um at a February 25th special town meeting using ARPA funds obligated for salaries in general government. The bargaining ter teams shall sponsor and support such ratification and
support the funding >> and we will sign the agreement out of session. >> Agreement to be signed out of session. >> Uh Veronica Cal second, >> further discussion. >> Um >> um yeah, I would like to note that um failing ratification by both the union
and the board and funding by town meeting. So all three we are ratifying today. Um the MOA shall be deemed void and both parties will agree to return to their prior bargaining positions and it shall not be admissible in any proceeding. So if this does not pass
special town meeting, the agreement will be void >> and read the next sentence too. >> Unless otherwise specified, all changes will take effect the first full period after July 1st pay period after July 1st, 2025.
Any further discussion? >> Uh, no. I seconded it already. >> Hearing none. Roll call. >> Veronica ke. And I believe we have a second motion.
>> Yes, we do. Um, I, Valerie Goodrich, move that the select board select accept this memorandum of agreement, MOA, set forth the material terms of a two-year agreement between the town of towns in
town and the ASME council 93 local 3470 police union covering the period from July 1st, 2026 through June 30th, 2028, which the party's negotiating teams have reached in the process of negotiations. This MOA shall be considered off the
record until ratified by the union's membership funded by town meeting through a proposition two and a half override and a proposition two and a half override is approved by a majority of voters at a town election. The bargaining team shall sponsor and support such ratification
and support the funding. >> Veronica Cal second. >> Any further discussion? Um, I would add filling ratification by both the union, the board, funding by town meeting, and approval of a proposition two and a half override by a majority of voters at a
town election. We are approving it today for the board. The officer and agreement shall be deemed sorry, the offer and agreement shall be deemed void and both parties were free to return to their prior bargaining positions and it shall not be admissible in any proceeding unless otherwise specified. All changes
will take effect the first p full period after July 1st, 2026. So this would be starting next fiscal year. >> All right. I have nothing further. >> Okay. We'll call Veronica Cal I get a J
and Lisha Fern. >> Nice work. >> Okay. Thank you. Um, so next we would have, do you want to uh quickly try to do 7.3? Actually, we could do the other two
and probably not have to come back. >> Uh, it depends on the SI. >> Okay, why don't we go to 7.3 then and then we'll go 7.2 from 7.3.
Yeah. How about we do that? >> Yeah, let's do that. >> And then we can come back. Okay. Um 7.3 executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30 A section 21A3 to
discuss strategy with respect to litigation namely RFS Corp versus town of towns and middle superior court docket number 2581 CV 02381
where an open meeting law may have detrimental effect on the litigation litigating position of the town and the chair so declares. Um
have a second. >> Uh Veronica Cal second. Um should I do read the other one and then do that? Okay. I Laura E. Shiffron move to enter into executive session and
return to open session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21 A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the
bargaining position of the public body. And the chair so declares and this is the fire >> correct >> union. Um I Laura Shiffren do clear. Do I have a second?
>> U will we be returning to open session? >> We'll return to open session to adjourn from open session. >> Veronica Cal second. >> Any discussion? No. Roll call vote. Uh Veronica Kell I and Laura Shiffren I and
it is 8:24 p.m. Hopefully we see you in a little while. Turn the mic on. You still have yourself muted up there. Can you guys hear us now? >> Yes, I can. Thank you. >> Thank you.
Apologies for the late night. >> Hey, must be a new new beginner. >> Oh, dang. All right, we are reconvening at 9:37 p.m. the select board of January 6 out
of executive sessions back to general session and we are at 5.9. Is there a motion? I going to move to approve theou for fire department positions EMTA, EMTB,
EMTP and job descriptions. as um submitted subject to town count labor council review to be signed out of session. Is there a second? >> Veronica Keel second. >> Any discussion
hearing? None. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Keel I. I'm going to abstain. >> Laura Shiffren I Okay. Any other business? >> That's it. >> Hearing and seeing none. Uh motion to
adjourn at 9:38 p.m. >> Is there a second? >> Seconded. >> Thank you. >> Roll call vote. Veronica Kelli, Valichai, >> and Laura Shiffreni.