Thank you. Good afternoon everyone. My name is Laura Shiffron and I will call the meeting to order of the select board on this January 20th, 2026 at 300 p.m. Roll call, please. >> Veronica, present. >> Good present. >> And Laura Shiffren, present. Would you
join me in the pledge of allegiance, please? >> [clears throat] >> I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> [clears throat and cough] >> I'd like to thank our veterans as well as all of our military currently serving here and abroad. All of our first responders and all of our elected and appointed
officials as well as our staff. [laughter] >> I got one. Thank you. [clears throat] >> Um and their families. Thank you all for making this community a better place. And um I will uh save and Oh god, I
guess for the end because it's here. Um, this meeting is being recorded and will be uploaded to YouTube. Is anyone else recording? >> Yes, I am. >> Thank you, Cindy.
Um, I don't have uh Okay, let me see. 5.10 10 under additions and deletions 5.10 is this a duplicate? [laughter] >> It is. It's the policy for the public relations and that's life.
>> Okay. So 5.10 is being deleted just being a duplicate. Um 1.5. Um may you approve minutes for January 6, 2026. Is there a motion? I [clears throat] value move to approve
the many minutes of January 6th, 2026 for Veronica. Second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> I sent Sabrina a bunch of changes. >> So, it was like >> I haven't even looked at them. >> Laura wasn't >> said to say a bunch of things that you
did. So, she went back. >> Saying our name doesn't really matter. >> No, I don't think it really does [laughter] because it said a bunch of stuff that Veronica said you had said. >> Well, AI can't be trusted 100%. We still have to use our brains. >> Yeah. And um then it also there was I
mean mind you was at the very end it didn't go back to open session when we were approving when we were making motions for the uh union stuff because I mean it's for something else. So [clears throat and cough] [laughter] so we went into executive
session and need to come back out twice. So but that's but that was corrected. Let me make sure the last one is um while you're looking at that I want to ask [clears throat] [clears throat] why. This is the long
version. Um, it still doesn't have the second. Um, >> why don't we push them to the next meeting then? >> Yeah, let's >> might be cleaner. [clears throat] >> That's fine.
>> Okay. So, >> I can work on that. >> I move that we uh abandon our motion. We [laughter] need to take recess for a second. >> Yeah. Some of our members have left the building. We'll take a recess for just a
minute, I guess. I'll ask the question. My uh >> we're back. >> Sorry about that everyone. >> Uh my bad. My fault. My whatever. What's the X there? >> Oh, that's the it always pops up. This
meeting is being recorded. Good to go. I think everyone can hear us. All right. >> Okay. So, um, do we vote the mats? Um, next meeting. >> We're going to move to the next. >> They need a couple more changes. >> Oh, thank you. All right. Move to the
next meeting. Um, nothing under two. Under three, appointments of officials and personnel. 3.1 Appointment of Cindy King. Is there a motion? >> I value Gooditch. Move to appoint Sing
King to the Agricultural Commission effective January 20th, 2026 until June 30th, 2029. >> Is there a second? >> Uh, Veronica second. >> Any discussion? No. >> Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Uh, Veronica tell no good. Yes.
>> Laura, yes. Thank you, Cindy, for volunteering. Um 3.2 to appoint select board member to audit committee effective January 20th, 2026 until December 31st, 2026. Is there a motion? [clears throat]
>> Um, I suppose we need to discuss first so we can figure out who it is. [laughter] >> I wanted you. Well, the audit committee at this point is really just to um get the results of the audit and organize the um presentation to the boards
by policy. I mean, you can look at the policy and see. >> So, they're really only meeting in late spring, early summer. >> Pardon me. >> Really only meeting in late spring, early summer >> because our audit is usually in >> the audit will take place usually Yeah.
like spring, early summer, June. June typically. It's usually was July last year. It might have been if it was 24. >> Yeah, he's here now. He came this week. So, he's begun work um audit and it takes a little while >> downstairs. >> Yes, ma'am. Okay. Yeah. So,
>> there's a stranger down there. >> That's George from Relli and the you know CPA Clark. So, he's working away. um he you know collaborated with town accountant and the treasur collector and those folks and he's going to begin his the job and then I assume prepare a
report for us to have the committee review and go from there. >> That's where the committee comes in at this point. We renewed the contract last year. >> Y [clears throat] >> and and so um there isn't the the main purpose of the audit committee is to
>> review that material >> review that do the RFP or whatever the boards are to get an auditor in place see if we should change the auditor that we have with Clark. I think this is their second three-year contract. Um and
the audit committee only came into play the first time it was even used was 2021 I believe for for this first the [clears throat] first round of the Roselli Clark we had had an auditor same auditor for maybe 12 years prior to that
and the same prior to that and so the audit committee was put into place by the board before I came on to the board that was where that policy was put in place there wasn't a policy prior and really it's just to >> double check
>> double check get stuff from you don't really do the audits that's not what you're doing. >> So um and then to make sure that it's brought forward to the boards that are >> so that's the role right now. >> Um and
quite frankly I come off the board in April right >> and I have no intentions of rerunning um at this point. I don't even know when you can pull papers easterually. It's around this time, right? >> And we haven't said that yet. So, um, the town hasn't said that yet. So, in
any event, um, putting me on the audit committee at this point doesn't make a lot of sense in my my opinion. Um, and it usually comes back into play next fall, >> right? >> So, if you want someone on that
committee, I think it should be one of you, too. [laughter] Sorry. Want to do it? Okay, I'll take a motion. >> All right. I move to appoint Valerie Grid as a select board member on the audit committee. >> Is there a second?
>> Seconded. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> I just want to say that the makeup of the committee is one member of the finance committee, one member of the select board, and a member from the community that has a financial background.
at the library. >> Uh la the first time I did this um it was Dave Chanel. He was our community member. >> Um and uh the last year we didn't have a community member come forward at all. >> So it was just me and Dawn.
>> Um that was it. >> And um so uh that I just want to say that that's the makeup of the committee. >> Do we have any do we have anybody yet on it? I do not. >> Not to my knowledge. >> So, finance would appoint.
>> I thought finance did appoint someone. I can't remember who. >> Sure. I can do it. >> Okay. >> Okay. Is there any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Yes. American. [laughter]
Yes. >> Congratulations. Thank you so much. >> Yeah. It's currently Dawn and now Valerie. So, >> okay. Fine. I'll see if I can find someone from outside. Maybe try. >> Well, what does it mean? Community
member with a financial interest. I thought it >> financial background. >> Oh, financial background. >> Someone who's a banker, a CFO, Kevin, >> payroll clerk, whatever.
>> Yeah. Jack of all trades. Um [clears throat] >> uh 3.3 >> right capitaling uh is there a motion? >> We would just need someone's name from whom the select board would like to have represent the capital planning committee.
>> Again I don't think it should be me. Um really >> but it could be. It's just that the end date you have there is 6:30 2026. And we could just put it through the end of the election if you wanted to. >> Um, change the date. >> Have they met yet?
>> I don't I mean they haven't met yet. >> No. >> So, we need that before for the budget, right? >> Capital planning has to meet and um it's tardy at this point. I mean, we've always started meeting. >> Yeah. I've spoken with Mr. Barrett and
he was going to memory certain correctly touch base with um the town clerk on getting a meeting organized. Um and I said I'll work on getting you a full roster um because [clears throat] he as the moderator gets to appoint a couple
members as well. >> Yeah. Um so we're just waiting on a few next steps there. A few folks from you know finance and as well as other boards have reached out to be a participant. Um so really it's just select board having a rep
>> finance planning and uh select board I thought and then four at large is that correct? >> Yeah I think it's four at large two there are two already from the atlarge group and there needs to be two more >> it was just a response form. Yeah,
Natalie was on it last year. Natalie call. >> Mhm. >> Um, so it was >> responsible me. >> No, I think it was a person that were appointing for something else also mentioned that. >> Okay. >> Um, I think Mark uh, Hussy was an
atlarge last year. Mark and Natalie were at [clears throat] large. I was select board. Carol was uh, planning board and Gerilyn was finance. That was our makeup last year,
but I have no idea what it is now. Yeah. Um there's the the last appointment. I'm going to butcher names today. I'm sorry. >> Um Robert [clears throat] Solah, he put he also put capital planning
committee. So we should give that to the moderator public. >> Oh yeah, >> he said community preservation and capital. Yeah, he's >> So then it would just be one. >> Okay. I will uh accept an adjusted motion to
uh from select board. >> So capital planning. So then um what's the let me just get the date of the town election real quick. It's first it's April. Jack, what's the date of the election?
I think it's 27. >> Monday the 27th. >> It's Monday. Yeah. Last Monday, correct? So, this means me, huh? >> Yes. >> Yeah. And for, you know, not to be diminishing of the group's effort, there's not a lot of money there. So, >> yeah,
>> it won't be I don't think it'll be terribly cumbersome >> or laborious. So, >> you won't have much to work with. So yeah, I'd rather be point blank about it from start. So [clears throat] >> So I would move to appoint Veronica Hill
um to the capital command plan committee effective January 20th, 2026 until the April 28th, 2026. >> Is there a second? >> I would say the seventh seven.
Oh, okay. Until April 27th, 2028. 2026. >> 2026. >> I'm looking [laughter] at just >> keeping it on our toes. >> I'm surprised I can [clears throat] do that right now. >> Play [laughter] pretty good.
>> We just need a second from the audience. >> Any further discussion on the motion to appoint Veronica? >> I'll second myself. Why not? >> Okay. And is there any further discussion? This ends on April 27th,
2026. This appointment hearing none. Roll call vote. >> I Veronica Call North. Yes. [clears throat] >> Thank you for your service.
>> Thank you both. 3.4. appoint Jusela to the community preservation committee. Is there a motion? >> Can we discuss before we make the
motion? >> Sure. >> I would like to move this to um the next meeting. Uh the reason being we appointed co we only have two at large >> and he's coming in as at large and we've already appointed both to at large Kim
Kimo and last meeting Kobe Strereer. However, Kobe Strereer is a town employee and town employees cannot be on the committee and so we appointed um uh erroneously
and so I think we have to back that appointment out and I'm not sure what's involved with doing that. >> Okay. >> Um and and then we could appoint uh a different person as at large. So that's why I don't think we should make a
motion at this point. I think we need to do a little bit of investigation on that. >> February 3rd is fine with me and there's no emergency on this getting this done like erroneously. For sure. Correct.
>> Okay. We [clears throat] have time to make the correction. Great. Table that to 23. and thank them both for their volunteer efforts. Um, oh [laughter] yeah, I think it's written
if you read the yellow print. Yeah. >> Yeah, I do. I saw it after. Okay. Before we go to 4.1, I would like to do something that I wanted to do last meeting and that was
to properly introduce our new intern. [laughter] And um I felt really bad just me that I didn't get to do it then, but it was kind of hairy with having that joint meeting at the same time with board of
health. So, water. >> Never mind. [laughter] >> I'm going to read this. Please, >> please do. >> Karen Oh, I better put my glasses on. Karen is a strategic and solutionsdriven
municipal and operations professional with experience in public service, education, administration, and real estate. He has served as dunable select board member including roles as member, vice chair and chair where he is advanced
he advanced funding opportunities supported affordable housing initiatives and developed the what's going on in dunstable newsletter to strengthen communication and community engagement.
Prior to select board service, he contributed to local governance as a member of the Dunstable Capital Planning Committee, Conservation Commission, Affordable Housing Trust, Community Preservations Act, and Advisory Board,
and FINCOM. Now, I'm sure you are beginning to hear why all three of us [clears throat] were unanimous in having him come on board and basically because of what
we've gone through in this last year and maybe even before. Um, but it's just we couldn't have asked for anybody better. His professional experience includes nearly a decade of Harvard Business School as housing manager where he
oversaw residential operations for more than 550 bedrooms managing allocation systems, resident life programs and staff support. And to think I I've only done around 30 [laughter]
maybe more bedrooms but 30 units. Um, following um, HBS, Kieran served as a data database administrator in the Graten School admissions office, streamlining, slate workflows,
data processes, and application management. In addition to his municipal and operational work, he is a licensed realtor with Barrett Sabes Martin team serving clients in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. I did not know that before,
but I did as soon as he signed his first contract and initial [clears throat] page. [laughter] I knew >> that's a stake. You got to do it. >> I know. >> Got to know what you're signing. >> Um Kieran holds a graduate certificate in strategic management from Harvard University Extension School and a
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from St. Michael's College. Outside of work, he enjoys soccer, beekeeping. I knew it wasn't bookkeeping, skiing, walking, his dog, and participating in alumni and
community organizations. Karen, we're so thrilled to have you. Honestly, it's been a pleasure working with you so far and just understanding what your background is is just amazing
to me. And welcome and we're very fortunate to have you. Yeah, I'm glad we all survived my first meeting. So, off to the races. [laughter] >> Too many more. >> We did. It didn't go the way I wanted it to go, but yes, we did. >> I ate a lot of candy during that meeting. >> Yeah, I know. [laughter]
>> I know. Again, welcome. [clears throat] So, leading into 4.1. >> Sure. Approval of agreement with uh consulting mentor town administrator for in interm town administrator Jason Silva. Is there
a motion? I value to approve the agreement with consulting one more mentor town administrator Jaden Silva for the interim town administrator effective January 20th and sign out of session with signatures.
Um, Veronica Pel. >> This has already been reviewed by council. >> Yes, this was written by council. >> Okay. [laughter] You know better >> with um back and forth. So, >> and this is a consulting agreement, not employee.
>> This is a consulting agreement. That is correct. >> Okay. Um I will say on the record that as a finishing select board member in Dunable I will complete the ethics disclosure that's necessary for that purposes. So I know it's on the record people always love that stuff but I will
do that tonight or tomorrow um for both Dun and Townsen >> um just to make sure we keep things organized for each >> and I'm not going to speak on Jason's behalf but I know in conversations with him that he also has talked to ethics and will file with council and pound also. That's just those are the right
things to do. >> Absolutely. >> And from what I [clears throat] understand there's no there was a concern. >> Um so what we need in the contract is the name. >> Mhm. [clears throat] >> Because when we did this we didn't know exact draft >> um we're going to go with and the dates
and um [clears throat] [laughter] >> yeah you can input those. Um, can we just hand write that to me [clears throat] or Well, I think we might need to >> Well, this is going to be signed out of session, so those adjustments will have
to be made. >> Okay, that keeps it current that way. >> Inserting appropriate information. >> Okay. So, changing a motion to uh sign out out of session inserting appropriate
details on employee and dates. Correct. as needed. I think that's it. I think everything else is >> okay. Roll call vote. I [clears throat] >> thank you all very much. >> Forward to working.
>> Okay. 4.2 review, discuss, approve the weekly select board meetings. we have kind of um tossed around a little bit the length of our meetings [clears throat] and um
I don't [clears throat] think it's easy on on anybody those who attend as well as those who view. Now going back a few years and I don't know when it changed honestly um but we select board met weekly
and I'm thinking that that might be a better uh [clears throat] process only for keeping on top of things and not having people wait as long to
get decisions on certain matters. Um, I will just say that it it's not the number of times we meet per week, it's the length of the meetings. Um, and I'm hopeful that that will um there will be
a correction in that. I do not want to attend meetings that go from 5 to 7 hours on a weekly basis. So that I think that if we are doing this, we should be setting a if a meeting takes longer than
3 hours. Everything else gets dropped and goes to the next meeting. >> So I I would want to limit to the amount of time for the meeting. >> I also want to know what the times of the meetings are. Um, like meeting at
300 p.m. is nice, but it kills your day if you're doing day things. Um, a 7 hour meeting at night kills your night. So, I I just think we have to think about
this. Um, and I'm hopeful that um the amount of time needed to be spent on topics reduces. You may find if I can be interjective and maybe I should have put this in my own little summary is I'm fairly efficient and if you guys allow
me to help you interject a bit more maybe I can help >> I think you're very efficient >> clean this up a wee bit. Um I respect the topics and things like that but I think we might debate a little too much to some degree and we can really just hone in on the issue, focus on it,
finish it, close it, move on. Um, and if you are okay with me doing that, and again, you can always tell me to be quiet or get out of the room, whatever. Um, you may find that I if you want me to, I will speak up. Um, perhaps that hasn't been this the tactics of other
TAs in the past. But I know your time is valuable, our community members time is valuable. >> Employee time is valuable. >> Employee time is valuable. Let's, you know, >> um, here's >> take the agenda and go. >> Here's the thing, too. If we're meeting on a Tuesday and we have a meeting the
following Tuesday, I really want all stuff for the meeting in by Friday. I mean, I I'm as guilty as everybody else now because we let that slide. Um, [clears throat] so that the materials that were going to be discussed aren't there often times until the day of the
meeting and [clears throat] the policies say um agenda goes up on Thursday, everything's populated by Friday. If we're not going to do that, I don't know that meeting weekly is really
>> change the master point. So >> yeah, I mean and it doesn't give time >> for either >> to prepare or to talk to the TA. >> Um I mean >> uh occasion agenda item is only involved
when needed. >> No, but that's saying occasion. >> No. Yeah, but if you if you're reading through an agenda for the first time and there's something that that sticks out and you have you know what I mean? If you're reading through the agenda for the first time, you never know if there's going to be something that you
have to TA and who whoever you have to talk to. >> Why don't we um >> I would I would so I I understand the February meetings. There's a Saturday meeting in March for the um budget.
>> Mhm. Um, is that included in here? I thought it was the seventh. I don't know why that date sticks in my head, but it does. >> If I can speak to the weekly, >> everybody else has. >> Everybody can speak to the weekly. >> I would prefer to do weekly if it was three hours than do six, seven hour
meetings. >> I I would too, but I would like to do [laughter] by monthly, >> but I want to get stuff done. My one my one um you know caveat on that is is that obviously in February we're going to have to do fin joint meetings
starting at 6. We can't do those earlier because I think there's some fin members who work during the day. So, six is when Fincom meets and then um I last week Kieran and I attended FinCom meeting and I think it was nice that
Karen was there and that starts at 6 often. So, if we're doing weekly meetings and Kieran >> on Tuesdays >> on Tuesdays they're on Tuesdays. So, because they were they were alternating with us. We're first and third. They were second and fourth.
>> So, it's just something to take into consideration. I mean, we can do it earlier on those weeks if that's helpful or just have them for any questions necessary. >> Well, looking at this, we need a 37 meeting added and because we're in
budget season, um I'm good with that, but I'm not so sure 310, 317, 324, and 331 is going to gain us anything. Um, so I I would take out the
probably two of those because we have to add one in the 307. >> I just put it in there. So, >> um, [clears throat] uh, I don't know. That's um, I mean, in theory, there's going to be a
decent amount of budget work to be done probably. I guess we can try it. I just think it's going to be a challenge to get the um the agendas and the information needed
for the agendas. I think that's all you're going to be doing. That's all you're going to be doing. >> Yeah, that was one comment from my predecessor that, you know, he's like, I'd spend 15 hours on a in a week on an agenda. I was like, holy moly.
Um, [clears throat] so you know, rather than >> rather than doing the work that needs to be done to have the information that's needed for the select board to make a decision on an item, but I mean, shouldn't those agendas be fairly short?
>> Well, you could do one that's new business each week and then the next week is old business and go off and on from that perspective, >> you know. I I'm going to the >> Yeah, I'm going to the MMA conference. on Friday. >> On Friday, I can chat with some other
town administrators. I can I'm now part of the small town administrators, small town administrators municipal group. I'll ask them how they handle sort of lengthy meetings. Any ideas? And why don't I email you guys and report back? >> Because we're talking about psych means I'll bring this up too. I actually reached out to MMA directly and their
board of directors has been in contact and I got some feedback from some of them and I'm going to be talking to them on Saturday too on and they're going to be actually putting forward a training. You're going to the conference. >> They're actually going to be putting together training this year for select board agenda development and the role of the town administrator in that
development. >> Can't [laughter] wait for that second. >> So, they were they were very helpful and um they had actually a lot of ideas on >> I mean in towns handle very differently. [clears throat] >> Are you going on Friday?
>> I am too. >> Yep. >> I'm not. [clears throat] >> Um so, yeah. Why don't we come back with some more ideas for two three? Enjoy your next week off. >> It may not be the same after that. >> Are we going to take next week off? >> I I think I would until we fully bake out the ideas and I check with some
other resources. And >> so two three will be trying to think of >> um >> at 6 probably. We have to do anything before that. >> Did they agree to that? >> I thought first meetings. >> Yeah. and I sent them a rough budget
this afternoon in a spreadsheet form, but I won't go into that now. But um they should be looped in and I think it went positively. So hopefully they're on board. >> Okay. So looking at the meetings that we have. >> All right. Um two just the one on the
third then if you're saying that's going to be joint at 6 with finance or it could be 6:15, right? Whatever. Um they start wherever they start and then if they want to join us um
why don't we start that one at 5. >> Yeah. >> Okay. And we can get hopefully the work out of the way before Okay. So the third is going to be at 5:00 p.m. >> Wonderful. Then come at six. We should be able to
get a good amount of work done. Let's do it. >> And then on the third, we're going to discuss future agenda, future [clears throat] dates. >> Yeah. And I will have emailed um each one of our group in advance for some
ideas and maybe things we've learned in the next few days. >> Okay. >> Um to share and sort of really hone in on either a weekly meetings or b it's not a good idea. We just really constrain our topics each week. >> And the So 210 would also be joint with
finance, correct? Mhm. >> Because [clears throat] first two meetings in February is the policy, the budget policy. >> So then [clears throat] let me start that one at five as well. >> Yeah, because that's our our weekly meeting is the third. Our bi-weekly
meeting is the third. Their off-week meeting is 2:10. So that >> fine, but it gives us an hour to get some clean up some stuff. >> Absolutely. >> Before we meet with then come. And correct me if I'm wrong, but generally um department heads take slots during
those two meetings. Correct. >> With income. >> With usually that's the way it's worked. >> So we [clears throat] schedule them in. >> We don't have to do it twice. >> Good to move on. >> Okay. I am 4.3 [clears throat]
winter storm budget discussion for current season does not look good. Yeah, just um you know sort of first and foremost thank our folks who are you know the work crews that are moving snow whether it be highway parks and cemetery
facilities. It's um not been a light lift so far this year. Um and you're seeing that in a lot of other communities in the area. Um in general, you know, um highway foreman superintendent, uh Jim Smith reached out
and I think that those items are in your materials to sort of share where we're at and he's basically asking for a coverage on the OT right now. I would >> go ahead. >> I would say this is it. I won't say it's
a no-brainer, but it's you got someone's done some work, we probably cover [clears throat] the cost. >> You understand that it is a a bargained item in the contract [clears throat] >> and so I'm wondering why this is coming
from the highway superintendent as opposed to the union. Um I I had this question last year. It was a question of self dealing. Um, and I
and no one ever went to the union to come back to talk to us. It's a bargained item. I think the amount is 5,000 um in overtime. That would be over Well, in any event,
um, he hasn't been able to hire any of the drivers for snow. fully. I mean, they lost a staff member in the negotiations this year. We didn't play that opposition. We didn't That's true. >> Yeah. So, that >> um so I'm more amenable, but this is a
bargaining chip with the union. >> Mhm. >> And and so before I vote positively, I I think there needs to be a meeting um that involves not just us, but the UN
how can we make this decision? We aren't We aren't asking for this. The union is asking for this, but it's not really the union. It's an employee. I would feel differently if this wasn't
a bargained item, but it is. [clears throat] And it does make a difference in overages. So, if you look [clears throat] at these other things, where are we? Where do we stand? Um I I've gone through a lot of
minutes, old old minutes recently and um the you know every time they author the the select board would authorize um the overages in the snow and ice budget up until around 2016. That's when
things changed and that didn't happen anymore. and they would authorize, okay, you can spend 75,000 or you [clears throat] can and that way they kept the cap on it. What if the cap goes over what we have as free cash and we haven't had that
certified yet? Correct. No, that's >> it is now the 20th of January. >> It's a slowmoving slog right now >> and we're in the thick of this and and the way the town manages snow and ice overages is with free cash. We don't put
it in our budget and and here we are just spending away. There's no approval for that spending and we don't even know what our free cash is. >> So sound last year [clears throat and cough] >> 241
trying to make sure that >> um so where are we now? How much do we need from free cash? >> I don't know off the top of my head, but we've expended based on what um
>> 150k basically. >> Yeah. So, this says we still have 90 left. >> Yeah. But we're 90 left and we're not over through January. Yeah. >> Well, and this was >> and wages overtime. What's the date on this? >> Under 10,000. >> Um so January 5th. >> Mhm. And
>> we just had another storm. It's Yeah. And we have another department that helps our snow and ice crew basically. >> Is it Cemetery >> that they've been picking up some of the, you know, the extra lifting because of, you know, staff shortages. People
have gotten sick, flu is running rampant. You know, the highway's short staffed as it is. Um, so it's sort of coming from every angle. You know, I I completely understand your point. you
know, union CBA collective bargaining wise. So, I I want to do right by that. But also, >> when when would that mean take place? Like two months from now? >> Yeah. Like >> a month from now.
>> I mean, you know, if you bargain something and then the employee comes and says, "Hey, I want this much more." I if it wasn't a union, my answers would be different, >> right? >> But it is a union thing and it it is
bargain >> and um and so what if someone comes and says, "Hey, >> I I I'm with you." >> You know, and it's it's something else that's in the
>> in a union contract. >> Are we just going to tell the employee why? Of course. >> Right. You can do that and I understand the circumstance here but the same thing happened last year and the same thing is coming back again. And I mean my take
would be yes and prove it and figure out why and what it needs to do in the future because it probably should be figured out before after it happened last year but it was >> honestly I don't remember any uh cuz I was sitting in the negotiations
supposedly um when Highway [clears throat] was sitting at the table and I don't recall any discussion of making that a larger number. No discussion whatsoever. >> Well, so that was just the negotiations
for those reductions because of the budget, though. >> Oh, they were talking about all kinds of things. >> They were just talking about reductions. They didn't take any. They didn't do that. >> Yeah. I think you could we could hold on this item um to also make sure we're not
we're honoring collective bargaining discussions that should be done in certain sessions and certain not >> um so maybe this has been on the agenda. We know it's an issue. >> Let's um let me catch up with >> I would ask James >> Jane you know I'll catch up with town
council and our the folks that represent the highway team and go from there. So that would be a task I will take care of either later on tonight or tomorrow and I'll loop the board in in BCC fashion. So you have record of that email. >> Okay.
>> Lori, can I chime in on this a little bit? I I've been doing a pretty comprehensive review of snow and ice because I've noticed that it's going to be a big problem and I've been actually preparing a report for you guys. Could I just chime in a little bit on part of
what I see as a problem? I won't take long. It's >> a little bit in reference to the overtime. >> Well, mostly the snow and ice budget. >> Pardon me. >> The snow and ice budget and then where the overtime has fallen in the past is
I've looked at um I've been studying, you know, the last five years. And one big problem that's happened is you guys, not you personally, but uh well you guys on this year's budget, but the budget, the base budget for snow and ice has
been level funded for the last three years at 241 and it's been going up over 100,000. The actual costs have been going up over 100,000 each year. So, by my calculations, which may be more
because of we it hasn't stopped snowing and freezing rain since just beginning of December. So, I don't know where we're going, but my estimation is you're going to need 400,000 for um to to level to pay off snow and ice.
>> And [clears throat] yeah, I think I'm might even I'm at the rate we're going if it doesn't change if we don't get a dry spell, it could be more than that. So, >> I was projecting 425. So, yeah, that was >> doing the same math. Yeah. And I think
the and what I've noticed as far as I could tell in all the snow and ice uh reports is that overtime has been put into the snow and ice cost. I don't know. I don't understand where where you guys are at with um overtime and the
snow and ice how that really relates. I'm sure there is a union thing in there, but I mean my concern would be speaking more as a citizen that if you're going to say they can't do overtime, then they can't plow snow because we can't force people to work at straight time. We'd be violating all
kinds of labor laws. So, >> it's not the other plow and snow by himself and you know. >> All right. >> That's all. >> Good point. Thank you, Cindy.
It's not the um the people who plow, it's the superintendent who is in a completely different >> and he does plow also. >> Yeah, he does. >> Yeah. >> Going down the road.
>> No, he can. Yes, but [clears throat] um but there's an overtime thing. Okay. So, >> I'll catch back up with you guys on this. >> Okay. Very good. We're on to 4.4. four.
Is there a motion? >> Uh, this one is the digitization of select board records and an assignment of a select board member to said project. Um, not much else besides that in regards to this topic. This is really just a motion
for who wants to fall on the sword and go from there. >> I'll do it. [clears throat] >> For which of this? >> This is a digitation project. >> I would like to do that. >> Okay. I'll acquies [laughter] >> acquies.
>> It's a fun word though. >> SAT word. [clears throat] >> So, this is basically assisting Sabrina with digitizing. >> Yeah. Getting the files in order and getting things digitized. Looking at the retention um schedule, uh getting things
that are >> piled up and need to be filed filed and and getting the old things out that we no longer need to keep. And this is it's okay for us to participate in because it's not a dayto-day it's a special project >> special project dayto day um something
we need to do anyways for record keeping purposes so what needs to be kept will be kept what doesn't will be you know properly thrown in a fire pit or into the trash sorry [laughter] >> shredded >> shredded but they're good use so you just need to
make a motion to appoint Miss Kell >> I get to sign Veronica Kell of um to the filing organization and digitation digitalization project for the siteboard office. >> I'll second
Laura Shiff and I'll second. [laughter] Any any further discussion? Hearing none, we'll call a vote. >> Veronica I la. Thank you. I can do that till the end of my term
and then and then if you would like to do it Lori >> be done by >> that would be >> uh 4.5 >> 4.5 is the disclosure from Chief Sartell of the towns and police department. Um this is in regards to budget negotiation and the best practice I guess would be
the way I kind of infer it for him to um acknowledge a disclosure of financial interests financial interests and appearance of conflict interests as suggested by um the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association regarding ethics
commission. Um, you know, I think it goes above and beyond the standard of good faith negotiations, but it's it's a good practice. Um, and I appreciate Chief Sartell bringing it to our attention and sharing it with the select board to move forward and just make note
of. Um, >> I don't know if you have to vote. >> I think we do on the n on the um I think we have to vote to approve the section 19 disclosure. not the section 23. My only thought when I was reading through
this was wouldn't this kind of apply to all department heads >> in so far as they are bringing their salary forward within their >> if they have a personal services >> personal services contract >> maybe there there are
one additional one >> there's a few in the town that would be again a good practice >> treasure treasure yeah >> maybe just let them know I can do that just to >> share the Good news. Um, so to uh,
Veronica's point, I think you should vote on which one was it? It was >> It's the section 19 one, which is the first >> 191 >> disclosure of non-elected municipal employee of financial interest and determination by appointing authority.
>> That's the one. The the next one I think is just a notification. He does that's just the disclosure. >> Okay. >> Um, you can make that. I Valerie Goodrich move to accept the um disclos disclosure by Chief James Sartell by non-elected municipal
employee of financial interest in determination by appointing authority as required by Jima 268A section 18 Veronica Kell second any further discussion hearing none roll call vote Veronica Cal
Igor >> and I'll just tell those department heads to maybe Sure she's Sartell will let them know it. >> Yeah, I can mention a department head meeting. I can also just say this is what Chief Sartell has done. You know, those that are under contract, please
review and ask me any questions. I would anticipate that you follow suit. >> I think it's just library treasure, right? >> If Karen can do that, that would be great. >> 4.6 >> uh 4.66
six is designating a town administrator appointed representative for the annual audit. Um, and to be point blank with um the select board and those that are watching and listening at home. Um, I don't have the capacity to truly pay attention to the audit with all that I
have going on for you guys and with the town. Um, and really I know our bylaws or or our guiding policies recommend the town administrator. It's probably more a treasurer type issue. um than it is a town administrator. The treasurer would,
you know, report up any issues or any discrepancies, things of that nature. Um but I think your treasurer um is probably your best tool for, you know, working on that annual audit. Um and in that vein, I think it's something you provide compensation for, you know, as
part of their annual salary, um to ensure that it's done it's done correctly and it's accountable. you know, money equals accountability in a lot of situations here. Um, and that's sort of my feeling on that. Um, you know, if in July you have a new town administrator, they may feel different,
but I think in the short term, I I don't have the capacity to put this on my list to be point blank with you guys. So, [laughter] so [clears throat] I'll let you uh discuss. >> Have you discussed this with the charter? >> I have. She said it, you know, she can
fill it into her bandwidth. Um and you know she was she even went ahead and worked with um you know our executive assistant to get the meeting scheduled get that organized be you know gracious to the person from Roseli and Clark already um and they've done the work and
you know I think it aligns with the town accountant as as well because the treasurer is here um the town accountant is a virtual um remote staff person. So >> um would you be thinking maybe using ARPA funds for a onetime statement this year?
>> Yeah, I mean it's wages and salaries. It does fall under that umbrella. You know I think um it does again help create accountability for the appointment and the you know proper representation of the annual audit. Um you know I think
$1,500 it's it's a lot of money but I think it's the right tool for that role. um and you know being properly compensated for the job. So um I'd let them carry the the water the rest of the way until
the report comes out >> and it's handed off to be you know [clears throat] reviewed with the committee. >> As someone who's not on that committee, I appreciate any employees working on it. >> There you go. >> This is why I'm asking. Yeah. >> So do I want to do both?
I'm fine making a motion for both. >> Um What about 5.9 review discuss use of or funds available for we could move that head piece down there but I'm good with if you want a mo if we're going to do it that way let's do two motions one for
the treasurer to do it and one for the funding >> of a stipen so >> that's what I would do and then we could consider that under the second 5.9 Yeah. >> Is there a motion? We do both.
Um [clears throat] I move to appoint you. You pronounce Melissa's last name. >> Melissa Dune. >> Dun. I was going to say it and I was like, "Nope, don't say it." >> She [clears throat] keeps mispronouncing my last name and I gave her feedback today. So if she's watching, she'll hear it. So [laughter] >> sorry, Melissa.
I Very good to move to appoint Melissa Det as the town of Administrator's representative for the annual audits. [clears throat] >> Is there a second for seven? >> Any further discussion? >> One last thing is your I'll call them bylaws your charter says that it should
be the town administrator. Um >> this is a one time >> this is a onetime thing. So I just want to make sure we're respectful to the policy as it's written. So >> So should we say >> I can administrators representative? Yeah. Town administrator designated representative.
>> Yeah. Appointed >> as the town administrator's representative. >> Mhm. >> And I will second amendment. >> Amended. Second by Miss Kell. >> Any further discussion?
Hearing none. We'll call the bronze ke for nine. >> Thank you very much. Um once we get to 5.9 on ARPA funds, we'll discuss the amount and other parts of that agenda topic. Um >> 4.7
>> 4.7 is review and approve an agreement for environmental monitoring reporting at the Greenville Road landfill. Um Weston and Samson Samson has been doing this um with their engineering wing for quite some time. They're going to continue this um process. The costs have
gone up like everything else in the world. Um, but we will input that into our budget um, and go from there. So, it's not a review that I've gotten I haven't gotten town council review of the agreement. So, it might be something
that's signed out of session once town council has given us the green light. >> Is this within this 80,800? Is it within the three years? >> TBD. [clears throat] >> It's over three years. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, it's like
>> So, it's like um 25 >> 27 >> 27 I think it's it's >> 26 it's 27 28 and 29 ending >> um so fiscal years right so what was it this year it used to be 20
>> it was 25 this past year >> so it's not that much beyond >> it's not >> it's not a huge increase >> yeah I believe we're required to do it >> yeah oh we are required to have >> I just assume so but I you know and you know uh there's there's value and
continuity in the folks that know it. >> Um, so that's sort of my recommendation and thought on that. So, >> health has already signed. >> The board of health has signed >> council signed. That's what it says to council.
>> That might be the old agreement. >> Oh, yeah. >> But don't look. >> Well, my name would be the best sign. >> It's around trash. If you look >> repair and maintenance, professional services. >> Yes. Yes. because professional services last year I have 8,300.
>> Okay. So it's not that way [laughter] >> but it's in that general area. >> Let me see if I I have to get to the budget. >> Oh, so pardon my not having read this email. Liz from MTC had reviewed it um
and she had approved it. So >> town council signed it. >> Yeah. She had a question about the insurance limit. you know, we're at 1 million and she recommended being at 2 million,
>> but I think that might be overkill, but um so [clears throat] I would sign and move forward. >> Did you find it in the budget? [clears throat] >> No, cuz I started accidentally entering
it. So, I should close it. Sorry. [laughter] This is not even though they signed it. >> I think they're budget. >> Oh, today. >> Yeah, >> I see. [clears throat] I'm good with it because I know we have to have >> Yeah, that's fine. I was just making
sure that >> Okay. So, that is not to sign out of session. It is to be signed now. >> Okay. >> Do you want to insert or motion L? >> 20th. >> 20th. Yeah. >> See if I can
>> Would you like a motion? I valich move to approve the agreement of environmental monitoring and reporting of Greenville Road Landfill from Western and Samson Engineers Inc. >> Veronica second. Do we need a time period on that? >> It's for FY 2728 and 29.
>> Okay. So that's part of the motion. >> Yes. >> Any other discussion? >> Um no hearing none. And that's to be signed now. Roll call vote. Um Veronica Kell I
make sure we're going to get that [clears throat] 4.8 [clears throat] landfill engineering. So it was 22750. >> Okay. >> Last year. So [clears throat] it's gone up >> 5,000 a year.
>> Yay. >> Like everything else [clears throat] 5,000 a year >> up there. >> Well, little 25 FY 27 26 and then 28. So they're ramping it up. >> Mhm. It was 19217 and 22750
on the last. >> So 22. So yeah, it's three three and change. [cough] [clears throat] >> It's just the world we're in right now. >> Is this stuff together? Um
[clears throat] this policy I don't >> I don't know if I can >> I don't have a 4 um 4.8 >> 4.8 [clears throat] That was the um first reading of the public records policy revision and I thought you had touched base
or you touched base on reading policies. >> Yes. >> But not necessarily whether we needed >> a revision. >> The revision I wanted was um waivers costs. >> Um if there are going to be waivers, I think it needs to come from the town
administrator >> in regards to record access. >> Yes. So if there is regard to >> fees right if there are fees being charged by an employee >> who feels that in their department to get the work done a fee needs to be
charged I do not want the rao waving the fee I think the town administrator now if the town administrator is the different story >> but it it should be the town administrator waving the fee not the records access officer
>> so that would be an edit to that public records policy be passed. Correct. >> So, we would probably want to work that wording through town council and go from there. >> Yeah. So, I don't know how everybody else feels about it. So, um that's just >> we can have a discussion on it once it's
there. >> Once it's there or unless >> I don't want to make the change to I just want [laughter] to pay for it. >> I guess the question is is it within the scope of it? >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean, so again, whomever is in your town administrator chair,
that role, I agree, should have a sort of a check and balance in terms of what's waved and what's not. Um, and I think it's, you know, um, it's a collaborative effort with your record access officer to understand the intensity and sort of the layers of some
requests. So, I think having a your town administrator, you know, also be a part of that review is important. and then determining, you know, something's going to take six staff hours, then I think we have to ask the requesttor, um, you
know, are you able to afford set costs at, you know, it's $25 an hour, um, for anything that's in excess of two hours, um, and, you know, is in redactions and stuff like that. So, um I just think that's um a proper way to use your town
resources and you know have the town administrator again it may not always be me or whoever it is you be a part of understanding all the different complex requests that come in. So, >> and that doesn't really even cover the cost. Well, no. I mean, my my argument for this would be actually that it's
important for the town administrator and the select board to understand how many hours even if >> we can't collect a fee is being used for these things because I know there's going to be a lot of things for which we can't collect fees. >> Correct. >> And that's fine. Even if they take eight hours >> that you might not be able
>> and it should be shown in the budget how much you spend. >> Yeah. Yeah, it's a budget thing and it's just also, you know, um you know, your staff work really hard here and I think um we want to make sure that you know sometimes it's tough to to do things and
and feel like you're um [clears throat] doing them and you know, you're just doing your job. And you know, I think I respect the requesters and I really appreciate their um gathering of information. Um but some of them take a lot of time. >> Yeah. Um, and I want to make sure their
tax dollars are being used properly. >> And our REO [clears throat] is doing a lot of work, too. >> Yeah, the REO's built a wonderful platform. You know, it's a lot of requests to manage. So, we got to make sure we um do right by all our our folks in here. So, >> so it's number eight where it says may
assess the reasonable fee. Um, I want that rewarded to say that the um the keeper of the record may, you know, whoever the keeper of the record is, whatever you want to call it, if it's
the treasurer's office or the accounting office, if it's going to take them longer to pull up the records, like if it's for >> what is it now? >> Raos may assess a reasonable fee to produce a public record.
um except those records that are freely available for public inspection. [clears throat] >> So if you have to go and hunt up paper records or whatever, >> um I want that wording changed. So it's not
the RAO who is assessing the fee. It's the record needs to if a fee if it takes more than two hours of an employes's time or whatever then a charge may be ma made. >> Yeah. And really it's the you know I I
just had a request for um some things from guardians. I'll use this sort of case in point where the records requester asked for a guardian history report. You know guardian said hey it's going to take us three hours to do said work. Their rate is $145 per hour. We
wave the first two hours of work. The third hour, you know, the town absorbs that $145 of work. But I worked with our RAO to say, here's a budget. Here's a line item budget that said, you know, we need to recoup $25
for that third hour of work. And you know, I shared that with the RAO. He appreciated the thoroughess of the report and he shared it with the requesttor. Um, I haven't heard anything in additional from that. Um, and the nice part there is the the clock stops
until the requesttor comes in with the check or the card or the cash, however they're going to pay to move forward and then the clock unpauses and I would work with Guardian to get the records put together. >> That's fine. >> Whoa, wait a minute.
Guardian is not the same as an employee here. They are a vendor of the town. >> Correct. They don't get $25 an hour. They get $145 an hour. >> So, we can't charge more than that. >> So, the taxpayers now are going to
absorb >> correct guardians fees for that request. >> That's what a $90 difference. No, it's a $120 difference. Correct. I I can So that's $360 for just that one request.
>> It is. >> Yeah. >> 390 actually >> of taxpayer money. Of taxpayer money. >> It's um it is part of our public records charges. >> Um and >> by state law, >> state law. So and that's why I think
>> and they're really good at uh mandating. That's why I think it's um so important to uh >> to really understand what's being asked and you know >> take a little bit more time to identify a budget for each request and see if it can be done in two hours and if not then
the requesttor needs to determine uh their skin in the game to pay the $25 per hour outside the two >> and that determination needs to be made within the first 10 days of the request. it can't be made after the fact. So,
people who are record keepers have to make sure that they respond quickly and I I don't know how quickly requests are going out. >> Yeah. No, it's been it's been great working with the town clerk's office. Um, good. They've been wonderful in saying, "Hey, we got something and you
know, I'll keep using that Guardian case as an example because I brought it up and they shared it with me within I think it was 24 hours." I caught up with Guardian and we sort of worked on the line item um clarified it for the the town clerk record access officer's office and um you have the clock has
been paused per se right now until next steps. So >> So I I think that all department heads need to be aware but they need to look right away. >> So yeah, that would be another nice uh department head meeting uh topic for me
[clears throat] um among a few other things. So, >> so, but I want to change where it says RAS may assess a reasonable fee. A reasonable fee may be assessed. Um, and uh >> I'll reward it and review with town council and bring back a proposed change. >> Yes.
>> Okay. >> It may take me a week or two, but give me a little bit of bake out time for that. >> Thank you. >> All right. So, that's going to be on the >> either 23 or two >> two three agenda. Yeah,
I'm hopeful for 23, but I've got a couple things also to review with town council between now and then. [laughter] >> Okay, >> no promises. >> This doesn't seem like a heavy lift that adjustment. >> No, I don't think so. And I'm hopeful we can have it move into old business, approve it, and
>> Okay. >> kick it off our list. Okay. >> I I think we should also put something there something in there about the records requests and how they're being kept. I really want a document so that people know how that platform works and
it can be um uh it can be used from RAO to RAO. >> Mhm. >> Um and unless that's memorialized in a policy, I don't have faith that it will happen. >> So, we need to think about that too while we're
>> I'll ponder that one. I may silo it for now, though. >> That's okay. Yeah. Okay. Okay. [clears throat] Uh, we have 4.9. We have a proclamation. Um, read that. >> Does anybody want to give me a pronunciation on the last name or the
name overall? >> I'm sorry. >> Driel. >> Driel. >> Dri. >> And is it Lewis or Louie? >> I would say Louis. Okay. >> Give me one second. I had a wonderful email from >> Mr. Told you. >> Yep. That told me. So, hold on.
>> That's why I'm asking. This is a proclamation I wanted. >> So the pronunciation from our assistant town clerk is lis and dubrial. >> Dubrio. Okay. Thank you. >> So >> that is what I said. >> Yeah. Lori >> just just [laughter] I had to confirm. I happen to know
>> I don't want to be butchering this. [laughter] >> Okay. Um I circus proclamation. Whereas the Boston postc traditionally been transmitted to the oldest citizen of towns and whereas Louis Louie Lewis
Dubriel who was born in the year 1,927 and recent c recently celebrated his 99th birthday as well as the 72nd anniversary of his wedding to his beloved wife Dory Dubriel has been recognized as the town of town's oldest
residents and whereas Louis Lewis Dubriel served honorably in both the United States Army and United States Air Force enjoyed a 40-year career as a Union carpenter and is a member of the Town Congregational Church. And whereas Lewis Subil for 21 years has
been one of the personalities who gives the town of Towns and Commel and Massachusetts its unique history and character. Therefore, we Valerie Gooditch, Veronica Kell, and Laura Shiffren, select women of the town of Townsend, Comwalth of Massachusetts, hereby bestow to Lewis Buril, the town
of Townsen's Boston Post Kaine, with all respect, honors, and distinctions transmitted therein. And therefore, we this board urge all citizens to join us in honoring Lewis Driel for his great accomplishments and venerated age given this 20th day of January in the year
2026. Beautiful. >> That's awesome. >> That's wonderful. >> Thank you, sir. >> Very nice. >> This has a place for our signatures. >> Do we have a motion to bestow the I move to bestow the Boston Post King?
>> Veronica Cal second. >> And here's the original father. >> Excellent. >> With a seal. I I know. I was I'm like this is like a ripped piece of paper. I've seen this. I haven't. >> Thank you, sir. And congratulations. >> Thank you. Yeah. [clears throat] and many more.
>> No, we actually when >> I think they do. >> So, when does >> they're going to have a little ceremony um I can share that date with you internally. Typically, it would be a representative from the select board if they're able to can join. And if they're
not, I can go potentially in one of your stats, if you will. >> Or we can all go. >> Or you could all go similar to like kids country kickoff. It's just a moment to share with um Mr. Dubriel. um you know this wonderful woman. >> Okay. Well,
>> I'll I'll have wonderful moments in my position. So, [laughter] that would be great. [clears throat] >> I would look forward to that wonderful moment. [laughter] >> Okay. 410. There's a first reading of our temple
policy. So, >> so um I reached out because I was I included in the >> Yeah. >> the SharePoint. While the select board
can recommend um formats and you know this is what we do in town. We can't force any other board to follow a certain agenda policy. So, >> well, it's not a pol it's it's a
template. >> That is we can't but that's not what the policy says. [clears throat] >> So, and this is the only reason I reached out. So, >> reached out to who? >> I I asked council if we can enforce this policy. Oh, >> so basically, can we enforce?
>> Well, that I put it in the this is this is his response right there. So essentially, and anybody can correct me if I'm wrong if they're interpreting it differently, but so the template policy says, and I
am all for us all having consistent agendas. I think the town's people would love it. I think everybody would love it. That being said, >> we can still have a policy though. If they want to just if they want to not follow the policy, that's up to them. it.
>> I I guess I um agree with Valerie on this. I I think that we can put it in the handbook and we could even put a pointer to where you can find it like on the website. >> As a board member, you can say here's all the templates.
>> Yeah. Because the I I think this is a part of that volunteer response committee that we set up. The purpose was to go through that handbook and try to make things right. I don't really want to make this into a policy, but I agree with the the sentiment of having
things consistent. I absolutely agree 100%. And I I think that the court asked for a policy >> like he couldn't I asked if he was handing out the forms with the the new which we approved
>> which we approve the templates to go with. >> Yes. Yes. Yes. I thought they were going in the handbook. I I did and I'm good with that. >> Yeah, we just don't from what what I understand, we just don't have any recourse. I mean, we can't we couldn't tell somebody
that there can do. >> Okay. >> Um and so I'm I am good with I think it should be somewhere that that somewhere online that boards can grab that a paper doesn't do you any good. You really need
it online. I think it would almost be like, you know, when you get like a manual for like a new vacuum these days or like an iRoot or anything, a cell phone, it's like the quick start review. Here's a best practice. Have the agenda. Have the name of your members, you know, uh dates, zoom link, etc. You know, this
is the this is the format that we found successful. This is your quick start for your new role as chair of planning board or board of health or whatever it might be. Well, the the idea too was to make sure that everybody who was a volunteer >> would [clears throat] get them so they
knew what to expect. >> And I want them to get them. Trust me, like 100%. I wish anybody who's new in a board should get that and it says, "Here's all your templates because I think if you if a new board member gets all the templates, 99% of them are going to use them,
>> right? Because it's easier. Why not?" But I guess my the only thing >> well it looks more professional than what we have coming across our desk sometimes. And I I just wanted clarification on that and because I was like I remember this from MMA training
that this life board does not have a lot of authority on this and that was Adam's you know response was we can't we couldn't enforce >> and >> so when when the policy says um um and documents shall utilize only those
templates that have been formally approved by a select board. We can formally approve a template, but we can't >> who's who's even gonna be checking the templates to see if they're doing it? Not me. So, you know, I Well, if you go
to enough of your boards or look at the agendas that are put out by some of the boards, I I think well, here's what I think. I think boards that have administrative help like the CR committee we have administrative help because it's
>> so staff should be using the >> and so um so Sabrina puts the stuff on letter hat >> you know on the the format she uses the format at least they look more professional >> well yeah I mean um I'll think of my
land use friends and they each work with you three different boards they do a fine job of organizing it based on I think It's really similar to the select board model. >> Um, and I think that's >> use does a great job. >> Yeah, that's, you know, it makes it
really easy as a as a newcomer to town to be like, "All right, it's the same agenda I saw at the select board that the planning board has." So that but it's it's a great practice. It's not something that, you know, you could enforce on just your, you know, flag committee board if that's a board or whatever it might be, you know, because
that's just volunteers um for the most part, >> right? And they don't have staff support. We don't [clears throat] have paid staff support >> and there's some boards that have staff that have done it themselves. >> The handbook and the templates are in there and where to find the template online. You only need to find it the
first time. After that, you're good to go because you just edit it and change the date, >> you know. So, uh, a policy though makes it >> So, the handbook is online, right? >> And then the templates can all be online. >> Yes. Yeah. And nobody has to do
anything. The town clerk doesn't have to hand it out. People don't have to sign off on it. >> That >> I someone has to let the board know that the handbook exists. >> And I think that that's always been the
town clerk office in my experience. Although you didn't get it at all. >> This whole thing started because in nine years I never had a handle. >> Get out. >> But you were appointed and sworn in. >> I always got one. I was new to a board
>> after I was on many boards. I don't get offered it anymore. >> So, but yeah, I mean I think I I 100% want there to be out there available for people. I just don't think we call >> I think it Yeah, it could just go under town clerk's website and I'll work with him to say, you know, can you just have
a blank word document with a header set, footer set, fields in >> here's an example and like say please please share this with anybody you >> you know bring in and recommend [clears throat] you use it. >> Yeah, >> that's a best practice. >> So 4.10 is no action taken.
>> Y >> correct [clears throat] >> 5.1. >> I'm going to quickly jump in here. If you look at the fives, um I inadvertently took out 5.8 and I just I deleted it. So there is not a 5.8. It goes 57 to 5'9. So, I just don't want to
confuse any of our friends online and um folks participating. Um and also we are anticipating for 52 and 53 our school friends to join us around 4:45ish. >> 5. So, we're a little ahead of schedule.
>> Um so, just throwing that out there. >> We're doing great work. Keep it up. So, [clears throat] >> yeah. Randy Rush will be here some 4:45, 5 o'clock, >> something like that. But your 5.1 is clarification of towns in first policy.
I don't have a lot to apply on this other than um you know I think um the towns and first policy was a great practice that was enacted back in 2022 at the tail end of COVID. Um I do think
it's important to remember that mass general law supersedes any said first policy for any community in the state. Um, so that's important to remember. Um, and this might be an opportunity to either
pull back the towns in first policy or to um, more lengthy debate, not necessarily tonight per se, um, but more thoroughly review how this could be carried forward in the future. [clears throat]
Having read it, it it does leave some [clears throat] some gray uh in my in my personal opinion um rather than provide clarity. >> Um it wasn't meant I was on the board when this was discussed and it was co
and it was to support local >> um businesses etc etc. >> It wasn't meant to supersede the um bidding process for RFPs or anything like that. you you still have to be the lowest bidder or whatever the rules are.
And um so it wasn't that. But if it's under 10,000 and you have the choice of um choosing from someone in town or someone out of town, >> that's the that was the purpose. >> That was the the guiding principle.
>> That was the guiding principle. Yeah. Um, so anyway, >> I hate to say not a lot of projects fall under $10,000 anymore, but it seems like in our world we don't have many of those.
>> Buting or you were um uh doing um pest service >> or you were going paint the wall, landscape or mow. >> Yeah. >> This also doesn't apply to hiring too though. Correct. It does not.
>> No. >> Yeah. >> What does the first paragraph say? >> Seek to hire from within the department and from existing qualified town employees. >> And this was reviewed by town council by the way. >> Mhm.
>> Um so you know um so it's within the confines of the law and all other factors being reviewed. >> Yeah. or or you can do nothing. Just it was just um you [clears throat] know something to
revisit and uh just thought it was good to bring it back to us. So >> did you do you think it should be changed? >> I mean I know a lot of towns don't have a policy like this because I think sometimes it gets confusing and those that want it could look to us.
[laughter] >> Yeah. Um, so >> that's another I mean because somebody else isn't doing it doesn't mean [clears throat] that we can't. >> Oh no, no. >> Or that it shouldn't be done because >> No, no, no. We're always looking at other towns for policies that we know. >> Yeah. Oh, >> so of course
>> I I am not opposed to this. I think um it's a good idea to stay local if you can stay local. [clears throat] >> Provided all factors are equal. um you know. >> Yeah. So, [clears throat] there may be
no action here. It's just okay. >> If we're going to have a golf tournament that we're going to sponsor as a fundraiser, do it here in town. >> Yeah. >> Um not >> Shaker Hills in a >> Right. That that's the type of thing that was driving this.
>> Can we do that? Cream raise some money. That [laughter] sounds great. >> Well, you know, giant springtime's around the corner, right? >> Giant bake sale. Why not? That's how you get money in town, right? Forget those overrides. >> No. [laughter] >> So, no action to be taken here. Again,
just wanted to bring it before the the gang to take a look at. Um, and appreciate the clarification. >> People are interested in changing it. Absolutely. I'm I'm not necessarily. And it was vetted. So, >> I'm not
>> interested. um [clears throat] you know I would take 52 and 53 and hold on those >> and let you guys um >> jump to 54 and the rest of the agenda. So >> I was delinquent [clears throat] and um
you know I have been this special municipal employee who are the special municipal employees in town and who knows. So, I've spent a lot of time going through bold agendas and notes because that's where it is. Okay.
>> I'm not so sure. Sorry, Jack. Is he still on? That the town clerk's office even has declarations of every special town employee. So, there's a list now in the um SharePoint to be perused
>> and um I >> all of these. >> Yeah. and you can see the dates. Um I I will talk about the uh the fire chief. Um so this isn't exactly it's more of a
memo on special municipal employees in towns. I I do know that I was on the board when our fire chief was first the first contract for part-time >> and [clears throat] my understanding at
the time was that the fire chief was um a special municipal employee and I thought that because of a former fire chief 30 to 40 years ago [clears throat] who was also a facilities person in the school and the fire chief and my
understanding was that that person was a special municipal employee and it runs with the the um >> position not with the person. >> Yeah. So if you go through here I you
and I am sure there are more um in fact I found that I think it's cemearian uh parks commissioners there are two dates where they've been um you know um appointed and I have all the documents
here. uh one was like in 98 and then again in 2016 when John Barrett requested >> that the position be made when both the moderator and because he was on both of these and he works as a municipal
attorney >> from time to time. So, in any event, um these all of these positions are special municipal employees. Um and I'm [clears throat] sure there are others. I just haven't gone through
every single thing. >> Is the town administrator one? >> The town administrator is not one that I've found, but I could probably look around the 2015 2016. be curious just because it's >> and see if I can't find that.
>> Yeah. >> Um select board members are >> special municipal >> state. [clears throat] Yes, that is correct. Um >> and so are [laughter] part-time fire department employees and
uh workers, you know, are by Mass General Law. Um, part-time fire EMS employees are >> all firefighters are all of them are >> I don't know about full-time. Um, but part-time are all part-time are
so all the on call all the perdms are um all part-time I don't know about full-time. [clears throat] >> Um, the police chief is a special municipal employee. Uh
so in any event, I thought it was a start for this. Um because I it's kind of mind-boggling to me that it's even being >> her dear friend >> question. >> Assistant town clerk Jack seems to have a list in [clears throat] front of him.
>> You got a bigger list? >> I I do. The town clerk's office maintains a list of special school employees. >> Let me see how it compares to mine. Are they by name or position? position. >> So, um,
[clears throat] so basically, um, >> you have one more copy or did Val get two? >> Yeah, there's I I have two copies there. So, >> just [clears throat] the select board at various times has has designated, you know, different positions, >> especially musical employees.
>> So, the moderator was in 63, but it was also declared in 2016. Um, there are there are many of these. Um, the back >> why does it only show the part-time
chief in 2024 and not 63? >> So, um, in order for someone to be a position to be eligible to be designated as a special municipal employee, it it has to meet certain requirements. And and one of them is, I believe, is
that a position has to be either unpaid or someone works less than a certain number of hours per year >> or the employee holds a part-time position that allows them to work at another job during normal working hours and they are ors not ants.
>> Fire chief was certified in 60 1963 >> but it's only on here in 2024. Can I ask kind of an important question before I continue this conversation? What's the impetus for behind having this conversation right now?
>> It's because of the ethics thing that came about when >> I'm not going to participate in the conversation then because I've been advised not to participate in an ethics conversation as >> well. It's not about ethics. >> But but that is the impetus behind this list is we were asked to do this because
of the ethics investigation. So, >> okay, >> which is fine. >> Clarification. Thank >> Yeah, I appreciate it. It'll save me time. >> No way here. >> I've spent a lot of time and the dates are different
>> because some of these positions were declared more than once. Um uh so >> and I >> it's kind of interesting. I had no idea. >> Yeah. And I I mean looking at the the
dates, I mean I wasn't born in 1963, but that seems like forever ago. And I wonder if it's a good process every now and then to revisit the categorization of certain roles in the position as a special municipal employee. Just out of good practice. Um it's almost like
redoing your website every five years. It's something you should do. Um but you know, I I don't know I I don't know much about the role of a special municipal employee. So I am not an expert whatsoever in this field. >> It's it's just something that that affects, you know, when when ethics
disclosures are are required to be filed. Like there's all these there's all these ethics and conflict of interest rules that that are connected to that status. >> And this is just the list that the town clerk's office has right now, but it's very it's very possible that there might
be a discrepancy or something might be missing. >> Yeah, for sure. >> But I just heard you mention it, so I just wanted to make sure. Okay. Yeah. >> Well, it's just weird that why are they all different dates and why would the dates these are positions not people >> correct?
>> So why would that change my answer? People don't know I if you ask me who had been a it's exactly why um the the fire chief wasn't declared a special municipal employee in
2021 or others. I mean you just don't think about it. >> And something else to keep in mind is that at one point in time a position may have been full-time at another point in time it was budgetary >> example is town accountant. town
accountant part-time, >> right? >> Uh 1998 was declared a special municipal employee because the part-time town accountant was also the fire chief's secretary. So somewhere in here you'll
find the fire chief secretary 1998. So at the same time that they declared that they also declared the you know when they'd had someone in two positions right >> in the town they would declare both of
those positions when the person was hired >> and and so you just don't know. And that's why over and over like the moderator in 1963 was declared um the uh
and I I have all the emails of what >> moderator was later than that >> and the moderator was also 2016 but if you look at Jack's list moderator was 1963 they didn't need to redo it in 2016 but
nobody checked nobody had And I'm not even sure if this is actually [clears throat] correct because could it have been missed? Of course, it's human. It It's >> right. This is this is just a list that's kind of updated by different town
clerks over the years a as as a resource for us. So if somebody comes to the clerk's office and asks do >> when when because the clerk's office is a place people go to file certain ethics disclosure forms, >> right? >> So sometimes people ask am I a special discipline employee? So this is just the
document that >> so [clears throat] it the wiring inspector was declared in 2015. I don't think you have that on here. Um the the alternate wiring inspector
was declared in 2015, but the month before that so was the inspector. Same with the plumbing inspector. And I have all the um minutes because I've been going through minutes looking for special municipal employee and and this
is list I came up with. I didn't have all the 60s but I did have 2011 library technician. Um so it it's it's interesting and that's why >> so if
>> I'm sorry she can't talk about this. you or anybody else see something missing or or discrepancy, definitely we're interested in in in updating it. And >> oh, here it is. Inspector of wires. You do have it. But you have an inspector of wires, >> right? >> What about plumbing inspector? Do you
have that? Yes, you do. Yes, you do. >> While we have you, can I ask you a question? >> Yes. >> Having to do with the templates >> that we did. So, are you handing them out with the handbook? >> Not yet.
>> Well, because you you didn't, but Harrison asked for a policy in order to do so. We are saying they should be included in the handbook. >> Right. So, >> without a policy. >> So, right. So right now there's there's a board and committee handbook
>> and that's that's one of the things that's handed to someone when they're sworn in along the field and meeting law guide and a few other documents. So um I I think the the town clerk's office certainly could add templates to the
packet that's given to people. >> That's what the VBCC I thought was chartered to do was to make updates to that handbook. It's the select board's handbook. we could pull it back to the select board. >> I I think it's just a a question of timing. I I think in um discussions I've
had with the town clerk, I I I think the general intention was that whenever the work of the BBCC was completely wrapped up, >> then the next thing was that uh I was probably going to take it all and then and then put it all into like create the
new packet that goes out to people when they're sworn in >> and updated like with January 2026. You're talking about the templates. Yeah. >> Yeah. The recommended sort of form and things like that >> and the handbook. [clears throat]
>> Yeah. Then I think once that has happened then the VBCC would probably dissolve from their role. >> We're dissolved already. >> So tell me I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> We were dissolved at the last meeting. >> Oh, you dissolved at the last meeting.
Oh, I thought we had a motion to dissolve at the last meeting for the VBCC. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, I think I think we have we have it on our on our to-do list to to take what the VBCC did and I >> I think >> incorporate it over time. So,
>> yeah. And I think an idea you had at one point, Lori, was was to actually have have a binder and, you know, >> and give them a binder >> and then the binder is going to have [clears throat] >> everything in it, >> you know. So, I think that that's the goal. also practice needs to be implemented.
>> Okay. I I didn't I didn't dream up the policy. Okay. It was asked that in order to make it >> Here comes our clerk. >> All [clears throat] right. Um >> please >> if if I may. Um
>> this is not on the agenda you guys, but it is on the agenda. >> The template is >> the template is. So on the topic of the template and only >> I was gonna say we're pausing the special municipal employee topic for now. I'm gonna grab my computer drive and let you guys talk about
>> Okay. >> So where where we left the VBCC as far as I can recall is that we adjourned and didn't set a date for another meeting pending a conversation of the select board of where this was going to end.
>> We did not dissolve. We did not. We we at the VBCC discussed dissolution and were basically ready to not return if the select board was happy with where we were. >> So we we were mentally prepared [laughter] for dissolution. >> Um
>> the BBCC template. >> No, I want to talk I [laughter] want to talk about that. >> So we we were prepared for dissolution but we're not officially dissolved until the select board advisory committee. That's what we dissolve. That's what you're thinking of.
>> Yeah. And so on the topic of you know the placement of the policies and handbooks or where we were the new um combined consolidated handbook that the VBCC produced does contain these templates and we were you know pending you know finalization before that
becomes the handbook that's going to be distributed. So once that is the handbook that is being distributed those templates will be in there. We just can't enforce like look we we can't uh like let's say a committee comes in and wants to post an agenda. We can't say to
that committee well you know the policy is you know you have to use this template. So if the select board wanted to enforce it then a policy would be helpful because those boards and committees are required to follow your policies and so if you make that your
policy barring what council has to say so you can speak to that. I haven't had that conversation. >> You can read the >> That's Well, that that's all right. >> I'll back over to >> Terry. Sure. So, that's the that that's all I' I've got on that. So, wherever
the select board wants to take the VBCC, if it wants to wrap up the work of the VBCC itself by adopting the final documents once those are put together, then, you know, there's that. If the select board thinks that there's more work to do, we can be sent back with more work. However, wherever we want to
go, there's a a path forward. >> I It's the handbook itself. >> Yeah. >> And and the templates were to be put into the handbook. >> Yeah. They should be online. >> I I >> Well, since it was still pending finalization that it wasn't put out
there yet, but it's >> But the templates were approved and the dates that they were approved by us should be on >> the the forms. I can double check and make sure the status of that. I'm not 100% sure um if the dates of the
approval have been added on there yet, >> but I mean I think if you got that handbook and templates and people are my priority is getting board [clears throat] informed. >> Mhm. >> On here you go because I think if you give them access to all that people don't want to reinvent the wheel.
>> Exactly. And that was the whole thing. Plus, it has it has the box for the stamp of when it gets stamped in, which was ingenious. Okay. It lets them know, oh, this has to be stamped and and then it gets posted or the minutes. Same thing. I have to take it to the town
clerk to be posted. I like the idea of Jack compiling everything that you guys have done. just give it to us for review >> because everything that you've done has been >> well it's pretty much already already compile compiled in
>> the only thing that's left and see if there's anything missing >> there were a couple one or two documents that were made after the the VBCC kind of put the whole packet together. So other than those insertions into the big existing packet already that then it'll be done. So that's
>> and having it online so people can access that template >> for you know what Jen >> does. It's Word and PDF. So there's options. So for those who would rather just type in on a PDF and those who want to get more custom with it can use a word.
>> I think that's great. It's perfect. >> So I I think we go with that. >> All right. That's all I have. Thank you. [laughter] >> Thank you for coming on, Jack. Appreciate your >> I appreciate it. >> Yep. So, you should probably leave [laughter] again.
>> I just want to be part of that conversation because that was my >> I just I just want [laughter] to note something that in 1963 the board of fire engineers was given the special municipal status. I think
that includes the fire chief. >> Fire chief. >> That's what I think. I think that the way things have changed, >> the position is on the board >> because it is a 1963 article that states that
>> the fire chief is a special municipal >> a published article. >> A published article locally. >> Do we have that article? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> It was it's it was in Nelson's stuff. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> I don't have it. >> He got it and sent it to everyone, but
he he sent it to all of us. It's probably in my email somewhere, >> but I think that's what's being referred to >> and that people from that the fire chief was inferred to be that. That's what I think.
>> So, what's your your thoughts here is to share this letter with you, you're just recognizing these roles. >> Yes. And there's way more than I thought. I I would scan this and add it.
This is the um the fire >> chief the um anformational memo to everyone >> to [clears throat] all department. >> It's not singling out anybody. It's just letting them know >> because who would know,
>> you know, some of these have been like the 1963 moderator was uh again voted later again 21. >> Yeah. >> Um 2016 or some when did John come on?
>> Um >> 2016 I think 2016. >> So I'm not on that. I don't know. >> How does it work for like you have a conservation assistant and then a conservation agent? >> It used to be two separate decisions and then it was combined and then it was made separate. It's a budgetary thing,
>> right? Okay. >> Is what it comes down to >> married together >> and they get so they the agent sometimes is just the agent and there's an assistant in place who only does minutes and that sort of thing. Sometimes
there's just an assistant and no agent. Sometimes there's an agent that does both duties. So it has sometimes land back. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Back in the day. >> Back in the day. So >> Okay. >> So it's and that's why I put them on the
same line when I wrote it down. >> So here's one more clarifying question >> in terms of the fire chief role. Is it are they only a special employee if they're part-time? >> Um,
I don't think so. The police chiefs >> because I don't see the parenthesis after any other role except for >> Well, I put it after the town accountant because the vote where the town accountant was made. Do you mind when I
did? Um, I have to find mine. Yeah. >> I have to get back to my uh SharePoint. >> Yeah. Yours says fire chief part-time and then it says >> town accountant. >> Town accountant part-time. So we >> because when the position was hired, >> okay,
>> they made the position a special municipal employee, but the person being hired was part-time. And that's why I put part-time there. So then what's the delineation between the role and the person in these?
>> It is only the role. >> So the role is you're a special municipal employee if you're a fire chief and you're part-time. You're a special municipal employee if you're the town accountant and you're part-time. >> Well, look at 1963. The town You don't have Do you have
this? It's on back. It's on the back. Town accountant. They don't specify part-time there, but the thing that I have up there, what was the year on it? I I have not yet made it back to SharePoint. >> That's what I'm trying to determine whether things were super like does the
most recent date supersede the original the origin of the role. >> I I don't know. I mean, I honestly don't know. It seems like a ton of stuff was voted in 1963. I think they probably took all the jobs that were in town. And
that would explain why the person I'm thinking of back in the early 80s was okay to be a fire chief, >> right? >> And was part-time. I think the board of fire engineers included every single fire person in
town, whether they were the chief or the [clears throat] >> whatever else, captain, um, board of fire engineers. And I would have to look at the >> town um book. >> Yeah. >> And and see who were those people at
that time. >> Yeah. >> Um but that's what I and it's interesting that 1963 is the date on the article that >> Nelson had. >> So um in any event, [clears throat]
that's my that's what I've got. >> Okay. So, I would distribute this to and and maybe you want to add this. This is the town accountants. I went through all the everything I could find online.
>> Well, I'd love to just put it under the town administrator's office and essentially with the town clerk's commission scan this in and say this is how we track it, >> right? >> Just like you know what better way. I haven't gone through my whole list to
make because I have different dates on some of these. >> Yeah. >> Um >> moderator being an example. >> Yeah. I'd almost ask the town clerk if they're willing to stamp this and put the red stamp received on it so that [clears throat] it's an official thing
that's been reviewed with their office because they this was this is a wonderful document and then we put it online so it's available to anyone. >> What's the harm in that, >> right? And then it's very clear to folks, you know, our residents and our
employees whether your position falls in that world or not >> or not. Exactly. >> Right. And and if you want to get your if you think your role belongs on here, you probably have to come through whatever designation process there is and then the town clerk's got to update their record. of that I am going to ask
TAHT because it's in the bylaws that they can be special municipal employees and I am going to request that all the trustees of TAHT be named special I want to get a vote from the board before I do that but >> and probably their whoever the admin if
they have it in the event they have an admin that that role fall because your grant writer should probably be a part of that >> yes world. >> Exactly. I agree. So, um, >> and what is the benefit? >> Um, it's the designation that it's a
part-time role. Um, that they can do another job. And I think that's that makes the position a bit more attractive. >> It doesn't have to be a part-time role. >> Doesn't have to. >> You look at the it's an or, >> right? >> So, you're not paid. You or you have a a
position that allows you to work another job during normal hours. It says holds a part-time position. employee was not paid by the town for more than 800 working hours during the preceding 365 days. >> Yep. Generally, municipal employees are
prohibited from holding one from holding more than one paid position or contracting with the same city or town. However, special municipal employees employee status can be assigned to a certain municipal position by a vote of the board of selected. Several specific
municipal positions are automatically designated as special under the law. Employees are eligible to be designated as special municipal employees provided that employee is not paid. So your trust that your housing trust folks would fall into that role. The employee holds a
part-time position that allows them to work at another job during normal work hours. So I'll use my my own personal position as the trust admin. I was also working as the trust admin but also writing grants and I had you know a job
outside of the workplace and I was the employee was not paid by the town for more than 800 working hours during the preceding 365 days. >> I wasn't I hadn't hit that threshold yet. So those are the ores that would designate that position or a grant
writer that you just hired to write grants for the town. So they could also go be a realtor or work at Applebee's, you know, something to that effect. So sorry, I'm not trying to >> Here's a job that isn't on here. Payroll clerk 625204.
It's not on here. Uh on the town clerk's list. Um let me see the zoning assistant. the zoning assistant on zoning board of appeals
assistant. They um Yeah. What's their date? >> 117 2006. >> That's when I have it, too. Um cemetery and park commissioners. I have 1963
and I have 2016. Um, >> so do do you want to finish going through that and h and point out the differences between what the town clerk's office has and what the record show? >> I think I would um ask the town clerk to
add these >> the ones that I have that they don't have. >> Yeah. and that it gets stamped and given to um uh Kieran >> for distribution to department heads.
It's a however you want to do it. Um and I think that I want a definition of board of fire engineers. >> Yeah. And I think I would talk I would tell the I would send out an email to um
our department heads and say, you know, we have received an update working with our town um town clerk and you we're going to have a sublink under related links on the lefth hand side that says special town employees or special municipal employees. So we have budgets
and contract. We're going to have another like miscellaneous tab uh link. Click that. It's going to land you and say special municipal employee PDF here. It will have the red town clerk stamp on it received. Um and if we add other roles to it, we say this is as of
January 21st that this was okay. >> Okay. Yeah, I think that's a good idea. >> So, I like to see that before >> maybe I'll I'll send it around. >> It gets Yeah. >> Or um perhaps it's Yeah. How about it's
a voting item for two three >> or you know we go table to the next one after that if we need to. But >> no, I'd like to see those clarifications. >> Yeah, the full list. >> Yeah, there are park commissioners and there are cemetery commissioners, but then I
also have cemetery and park commissioners. Yeah, I may >> um >> table this to Veronica to share her list with the town clerk >> and then run it back through us and then go from there just to keep it moving. So, >> okay. >> Yeah, that sounds
>> if that's okay with you. I'm giving you work to do. >> Absolutely. Okay. >> But I know you've got a good research brain going. So, >> but >> and I'll circulate back. >> I have a conversation with you. >> That sounds like a plan. Yeah. Um,
>> I've got one point I'd like to make. >> The the I'm sorry. The other thing is, can I just say one thing on this? I know we're circling back. Is that the date that he has here is different from my date for fire chief secretary, for example,
because the later date is the date it was stamped in by the town clerk's office. The date I have is the date in the minutes. stamp date is what >> what is what counts. Okay. >> Because that means it's gone through that office >> and been stamped. >> Rubber stamped. Yeah. It's like a
paycheck, right? The paycheck says you get paid on the first, but they don't sign that check. [laughter] >> Some of the online are stamped and some of them aren't. >> So, okay. That that's it. I'm done. Okay. >> I think that satisfies this issue.
There's no voting items. Um we technically don't have a quorum right now. I will ask Val to come back in as we take a one minute siesta. [laughter] [clears throat] >> I'm Kieran, by the way. >> Randy, >> Randy, thanks for coming out. >> No problem.
>> Do you need a piece of candy, sugar, all the things? >> Um, >> fun fact of the day. I I live in the house that Randy Rush used to live in. >> Oh, really? >> Fun fact of the day. >> That is [laughter] a fun fact of the day.
The history fact of the day is that this was the start of Franklin D. Ros D. Roosevelt's fourth term. >> Fourth. >> Wow. Me. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> Don't say that. >> I'm sorry. >> Well, interesting. The school down the
way has some of his gear from when he went and spoke there. >> All right. >> Yeah. It's one of the high points of their history wing. So, >> cool. >> Lori. >> Yeah. She used a just quick bio ring, I think. So, >> um,
>> okay, let me let me see what you have here. >> They're just little boob. They're like, um, Pop-Tarts for adults. [clears throat] [laughter] It's the way I chalk those up. [clears throat] [snorts]
>> Marathon meetings, you need some, right? That's [laughter] the last. >> There's all sorts of chocolate in there. >> Good. >> My girlfriend and I have been doing like the cookies at Whole Foods, which are so good. They're like pre-made. [laughter] She got like chocolate chip ones and I
got like a whatever like all the batters that were left that you just throw in there. It's so good. All [laughter] the It's exactly what I need. >> See, my brother's really good at making this stuff. So, >> yeah. Um, >> that thing >> you're here for the school. Which topic
for the school? Both. Both. All right. Interchangeable. Excellent. >> Yes. I'm the school committee liaison for Townsend. >> Awesome. [clears throat] >> Will you be at that meeting tomorrow at 10 a.m.? >> Except the budget. >> Budget. >> That's the finance submittee.
>> Got it. Okay. Excellent. Um, >> so many wheelhouses in the school committee. >> Yeah. Just >> for different roles. >> For our friends at home, we have 5.2 2, which is review and discuss status of lease agreement draft with Spalding Memorial School. And that will probably
segue nicely into 5.3, which is review discuss status of North Middle Sex Regional School District Agreement. We have covered 5.4 on our agenda. We will not be revisiting that topic tonight. As Lori is returning to the room, and
when she's seated, we'll jump into 5.2. >> Thank you for the little break. No problem. Hi. [clears throat] >> Hi. >> Thank you for joining us. >> Absolutely. >> This is a val topic, so I will to >> Well, so I'm not quite sure how it all
got back to us, but we were just looking for an update on first of all the um why is it the the lease agreement was called the Memorial School. >> Okay. Um I have spoken with Nancy Haynes
in the district um and it's almost complete. Uh we were looking and working with the with Townsend uh last year on updating the agreement. Um and we needed to take we took a step back on towns and
recreation use of the buildings. Um at first towns had asked for that to be in the lease. We thought it should be a separate agreement. We finally came to an agreement that worked out for everybody. We took that out. It's a separate agreement for recreation because they use more than one building. It's more than small. So,
>> and I some I know sometimes it changes based on what's being done availability in the summer. >> So, we do have a separate agreement with the town for towns and recreation use. Um, and with everything that was going on last year with the votes of for Ashby Elementary and we were closing the building and the budget, we just never
came back to pull that language out of the draft lease and resubmit it. So, Nancy is going to be working on um having that original language pulled out of the lease. That's now an agreement and we will submit something uh to the town. >> Perfect. I shouldn't we have some things
that got lost in the snap? It isn't the sooner we get this. >> Absolutely. >> The better it's in the D box. >> Yeah. >> Is this with I know Emmy from our recreational group. Is this groups of their effort? >> Uh that was a separate agreement that we ended up with. C Towns and Rick um uses
uh one of the buildings. A lot of times it's been Hoff Burke in the past. Sometimes it's Spalding. kind of depends on what the district is doing for summer projects >> um for use for her program during the summer. >> Okay. >> Um when the lease came up for Spalding, um Townsen wanted to put something in
there so they always would have use of the building, >> a space basically, >> a space to use. Uh but being that that was one building and they sometimes are switched around, we we thought it best to have its own agreement. >> Okay. So the other thing was because I was on the board when we were working on this lease before. Um so it it was also
the fees that were being charged >> and those were right those were all addressed in the side agreement for town. >> And how long is that side agreement? Does it run the same length as the um >> You're testing my memory now. I need to go back. I I'm just curious because we
want I'm good with the agreement if it runs for the same length as the you know it's 10 years or something. This was from September 2022. So the dates are going to So if the agreement with towns and wreck runs for the same um length as
the school lease, I'm good with that. Okay. >> Um it was it was becoming prohibitive to this was the reason for putting in costwise, right? where the wreck didn't used to have to pay these exorbitant fees. It was now pretty ex fees that
were not sustainable by the program. >> It was signed for 10 years. >> And it's a 10 year. Yeah. Thank you. I was going to say my memory is not that. >> And so if the the agreement with bre goes for 10 years too, >> this is um >> this is this has to be changed.
>> This is the Spalding Memorial School and the town of Townsen. So, it must be a town towns and recreation department. >> Okay. >> Yeah. I'm sorry. I wasn't able to get a copy of it before. >> Um, I think this is the old piece. I don't think the the recck department is pulled out of here. I think the recck
department is in here. So, this is an old >> I know we haven't submitted it with that language pulled out yet. Nancy is going to work on that with the attorney to pull that. >> The language that is here is what I know I was looking at way back. Um, the other thing is Fessend and Field. um
>> those were being taken out um from our lease. >> And so when did that happen? because they've renovated those fields um under this lease I guess or was it what is the
status of the um of the ball fields with the town then >> because that was that was >> I think it's supposed to be but this lease was never executed and it was part of the Spalding lease.
>> This is this ends in June 30, 2027. What between the >> This is wreck. This is >> Yeah. This is recreation. >> Three years. >> Yeah. So that needs to be renegotiated and rewritten so that it runs for the same time as the Spalding lease
>> is what I think. >> If they're removing it from the lease, I would want the agreement to run for the same time as the um lease for the school. >> Yeah. And then >> the the date the kickoff date would be by March 1st of 2027.
If you hit March 2nd and you haven't asked for any new agreement terms, it automatically renews for one more year. >> Just one >> one year each each cycle. >> So it keeps it keeps going for >> un No, only if not necessarily. It
depends on >> that. Yeah. Written notes. Yeah. Um but but it's not guaranteed. I would want it guaranteed for the 10 years or I would want I understand the reason >> I will bring that back uh to the district and see what they want to do, what the school committee wants to do. I
I I hear what you're saying as far as having it run. Um I am a year year and a half at least out from looking at this the last time when we did it. So my memory really um I'd have to go back and take a look at notes and see exactly what was all the details. So, I wouldn't
want to misspeak now. >> Okay. >> Um, but I hear what you're saying that you wanted to run the same as the small memorial list >> um and guarantee those payments. So, I will bring that back and um definitely have the district contact the town. >> Okay.
>> To finish working this out. >> I'm also curious then this means that Field right now is under the school district. Um, and they did all sorts of work on that. >> We have no problems giving that up. We had taken a vote that we were going to
do that and it was prior to the lease and we just did not execute on the lease. So, >> but but they made the improvements even though they what's the agreement with the ball organization then at this point
>> is you don't know. I don't know either. I was in the selectment from the point where I mean it would have been me signing this lease. Um because I was the chair of the board of selectman when this was negotiated. >> Yeah.
>> And this is what I left thinking it was um and the taste the t a ybs whatever it is >> has a um agreement with the town and I don't know if we do or not. [clears throat]
>> I can do some digging this week. I'll catch up with whoever I can find >> find out what the status of all this is because >> yeah the district was not going to stand in the way of uh tabs or
um of them taking over um >> the field renovations >> and I have no problem with that either but there are people in town who are looking for that's a town field and it wasn't bid out properly blah blah blah
and and so it's the same thing. >> I'll put my recreation hat on at the end of this week and see what I can learn to >> figure it out. >> Yeah, I don't know what happened there. Um >> Okay. >> And I'm good with Fessendon being pulled
out and I am good with um the uh >> the side agreement. >> The side agreement as long as it runs in conjunction with the lease for the school. That's what I think. Um, >> yeah. And the the special town meeting article was 2023 when the town voted for
the 20 year lease >> for this >> for Spalding >> for Spalding. So, this was already voted. The one that we're that we're looking at in SharePoint was voted >> and I'm just talking about at town meeting
especially >> at town meetings. This had to be approved at town meeting and it was. So, we're going to have to bring it back to town meeting if it has changed because the lease in is the one we're looking at which includes the ability to have
wreck. This was this lease was never executed even though we voted it at town. So then why so that's not in the article the article to see if the town will vote to authorize the Boris Sacramento into a 20-year lease with North Mil sex regional school for the Spalding school
it doesn't say >> it wasn't the actual lease they gave permission from the board to >> yes so I don't >> I think we could on the lease side take that out but because it's not part of the motion it's just >> what does it say >> but not to include the parcel land to residence in field but it doesn't
mention recreation >> the recreation was part of the the lease that was in play when that was >> but it doesn't say so in the article so I don't think we would have to bring it back to >> okay the article didn't mention
>> I'm going to suggest that I catch up with our recreation folks the lease agreement I've had emailed to me from our recreation director I'll chat with you offline and catch up with it and then circle back up with you and keep Val in the loop as I think she's your liison
>> um and then hopefully have an update either two three or the week after um when you guys have had some more work more time to discuss it. So >> yeah, >> moving forward. >> Thank you. >> And then I guess the big one >> that's okay with you guys.
>> 53 right 54 [laughter] >> 53 >> and the original agreement and that is still in flux. Um little bit of history for um anyone who's not familiar is gosh
it's probably three years ago now um we were looking to update the regional agreement that um the district has with the three towns. Um, it has not been updated since 1998.
Great. >> I think was the last time. And that was a court order to change our uh con our representation and before that it was 1972. >> Great. [laughter] >> Paper written. >> Nice. >> Mimograph. >> Mimigraph. Okay. >> How many members is the school
committee? >> Right now is nine nine members >> and each town has three or is it based on population? uh by population. Currently what we have is there's three members from PEL, two members from towns and one from Ashby and three at large members that get uh voted in by all
three towns. >> I see. Okay. >> Yes. >> So in trying to update it for all kinds of things um including you know the ED act of 94 >> um and a lot of law changes. Um, some of
the things we were trying to do were put in a five-year average for the enrollment in the district. >> Yeah. Rolling average. >> A rolling average versus just the year the October one numbers because we were finding um that towns from one year to the next could have a huge swing just in
the number of enrollments. Um we did not have a mechanism uh for capital projects to be uh assessed per programs. right now capital uh projects per the enrollment in the school of the students
>> from K to 12 >> since that agreement went into place we have prek as part of the district we have um a lot of district-wide special education programs >> which will move from building to building and so we didn't have a
mechanism to use those students um to assess capital projects on any particular building so we were trying to address that in the in the new uh we ran into some issues with um just language from the DEES because they have to approve it before we can even think to
bring it to the towns >> to go back to them to get approved. >> Um and we were going back and forth probably for almost two years on very little stuff. >> Okay. um and had not we were finally
getting close and then we had um all of the uh business with the budget crisis closing a building. >> One of the provisions uh that we had in there was that every town um [clears throat] had an operating school
building in their town. >> Okay. Um that was uh a request uh by a number of people especially Ashby but at the time we had uh the board selectman uh in a large meeting looking at the regional agreement. We had community members and everyone had agreed that that should be in there
>> with [clears throat] proposing to close Ashby Elementary which is their only operating school building. >> Right. >> We obviously put the original agreement on hold so we can know what was going on. So it's still on hold right now. A final decision is going to be made um in
two week now um at the next school committee meeting on whether Ashby Elementary will be reopening or if it will be closed permanently. >> Okay. >> At that point, we can probably resume uh talks with the DEES to move forward on the regional agreement.
>> And that would essentially amend the current regional agreement or andor shred shredded the pieces and then restart. >> Yeah, it's more of a shredding. Um [laughter] if you read try and read through it, it's uh it's quite hard to follow.
>> Yeah. >> Um there was a lot of uh towns coming in and out of the district in the first seven or eight years that the district was formed. >> At one point we had Dunable. We had um Yeah, it was really interesting.
>> Yeah. >> Um Townsen was out at one point. Pepper was out at one point. Ashley went out at one point. No, you can get out of the regional agreement. >> It's very expensive now to get out of the regional >> when it was first formed and nobody
really had any financials uh involved in the district yet. >> Um it was a lot easier. Um but it did take a vote of all the towns to say yes, you can leave and it still does. >> Yeah. >> But it's been free for a very long time.
Yes, it has since like 19 it was formed in the early 1950s. By the 1960 was set with towns of Ashby and Prol. So, it's been an extremely long time that it's just been these three um but the first, you know, few years were a little
volatile. um for the agreement. Are you guys working with like a almost a consultancy to help build it, rebuild it, or are you guys doing it all ad hoc sort of independent with each individual town council?
>> The DES has um templates. They have uh checklists. >> Yeah. >> Um we've been working with our attorney for the district. Okay. Um and with uh two members down the dees going back and forth on on what's proposed. >> It's fairly [clears throat] Except for
the little differences like the rolling average might be different. How we assess. Um there's a couple different options. So we'll have to choose the option that the law allows us to. But there's an awful lot that's dictated by law. Yeah. >> That you really can't change. >> Yeah. And yeah, rolling average, I
think, is what a lot of communities do so that you're not sort of handcuffed by a large year, >> you know, postco year or whatever. But I know the education world changed dramatically March of 2020. So >> yes, >> I'm happy to help in any way or offer
any ideas. Um we had a the town that I'm a SW board member and we had a meeting about getting out of the regional agreement. >> Okay. >> With Grten as a dunable um you know there was this concept very much a concept about pulling out and recognized that the cost was not even remotely
possible. And I think what was forgotten about was you would, you know, one town pulls out, you basically reduce the other town's ability to afford it while not being able to afford your own concept. So there's really no way how
it's it's almost fine-tuning and sharpening your pencils to say how can we work together forward rather than trying to demolish. >> Yeah. the the reason why um a lot of towns went into regionals is to share the cost of central office
>> and some a lot of those costs pulling out and creating your own um central office can be very very expensive. >> Yeah. >> And the other part is the debt. We have debt on Lynon High School. >> So any town that wants to uh pull out from the district would have to
basically front their portion of the entire debt that they have agreed to. >> Yeah. [laughter] Which is almost impossible, right? because they agreed to it, you know, when we were doing it was >> voted. So, yes, you can get out of it. >> It's very expensive and not necessarily
um affordable um without that debt just to creating your your own central office these days. >> And in some cases, people say, "Oh, let's do this." And then two years later, you realize, "Oh, we do need the extra school capacity because enrollment shot up." >> Or, you know, an affordable housing project comes in and adds 200, you know,
two-bedroom units, and you're like, "Well, now what do we do? [laughter] But no, thank you for sharing that update and again happy to help if I can. >> Okay, >> I'm here too. So, [clears throat] >> thank you so much Randy. >> No problem. Any other questions? >> No.
>> Okay, >> cool. >> Thank you. >> It was nice to meet those updates. [laughter] [clears throat] >> Um, >> okay. >> Yep. accept lease agreement for
anything new on those lease agreements. >> So, there has been a bit of um back and forth um with the folks at the I'm not going to give them the right name, the ambulance, the firefighters ambulance association, >> fire EMS relief association, >> those guys. Um with the terms of the
lease, um I shared some feedback um from your liaison with them. I'm waiting to hear back from um that feedback in terms of how it looks. I'm hoping we have something to execute at the 23 meeting. In general, you know, I someone who read
it themselves found that some of the language was, you know, um a little forward in sense of like it almost reminded me of a corporate lease. Um but I don't think that's the intent here. Um but I do agree about sort of
clarification about nonprofit status and you know making sure that remains in perpetuity and protecting the town because it is it's a town own parcel um and going forward from there. So >> um you know from the lease side the lease agreement side of things that's
the only real update I have to share with you. So nothing to vote on. >> Has that gone back to town council? I I have not received the feedback >> from them >> from the towns and EMS association to share with town council yet. I gave them our feedback yourself and and
>> um I have not heard back from that feedback. >> I spoke with their side and I said I'd really like to get this resolved for the 23 meeting. >> Um and I haven't heard anything additional. So >> Okay. >> Um so no action necessary at this time.
>> Okay. Do they understand that? I mean, I know that there were my notes at least were handwritten on there. The things that I thought needed to change. Are they waiting for something from town council
to put the because they gave you their comments handwritten. [clears throat] I gave you comments handwritten and you had your own comments. I'm I'm wondering if um are they do they understand that they
need to comment on our handwritten comments I guess is the question or are they waiting for something from council to make the changes >> um that I I mean I know I commented on
their comments you know either you know in agreement or changing Um, I'm wondering if we need a new version from council at this point. >> So, I emailed um, Mr. Stevens on Saturday. I said, I received feedback on
the draft lease for the old harbor fire station, Old Harbor Station. I've attached that feedback. Um, I said, um, please please please share your feedback on the feedback in any areas to discuss. I'm hopeful this is ready for the two three
meeting so it's in their hands but I can follow up tomorrow or right now >> I can follow up and I think what I would like for the 23 meeting is a final agreement conference >> okay >> and I know this is only Tuesday and it
was a holiday weekend so um but and I think I I got my stuff to you on Friday maybe >> Yep. And I Yeah, I copied you on the Saturday night email. So, >> yeah. So, um so it's a little quick, but
if if we don't get it to council by >> tomorrow. Yeah. Really? >> Yeah. We won't have anything back to review again to get to us by Friday of the next week for signature. >> Yeah. I know a lot of um legal offices
um are >> MMA >> MMA. So, let me see if I can help our admin for one second. >> Okay. >> Um [clears throat] that's two three. Yeah, I would like to have it completed.
>> [clears throat] >> probably taking a quick break till we could until he comes back. We lost >> We lost sound. We have no sound coming from you guys. Oh, you are muted. Sorry.
>> We're back. >> Sorry about that. I had to answer a question from one of our staff members. Um I think I was discussing catching up with um town council. Hopefully by end of day tomorrow if I don't have any update from our friends at the EMS association I'll
nudge them once more and I'll also share maybe I'll forward this email to town council and say this is this is how I've reached out. We're trying to get this you know solidified for the 23 meeting. >> Okay. >> Please share please look at this feedback we've received and we've
offered and how can we move forward. Sounds good. Okay. Next is according to this 5.7 West Townson reading room. >> Yeah, this is a fun topic. Um, and it's
really uh looking maybe [clears throat] it's not quite baked out for a vote right now because I'll probably screw this up, but um it's authorizing me, the interim town administrator, to contact our 7th day Adventist users of the space to ask them to remove
any items that are theirs by March 15th of 2026. >> I thought that was last meeting. >> Um I I didn't have a date for you at the last meeting. Um, so I think it's given me the green light to do that. Perhaps signing a letter out of session or I can work with you to sign, you know, from
interim town administrator and chair Shiffron. Um, so that they know we need them to remove their stuff. Anything that's there as of March 16th, [clears throat] the next business day, um, would be recycled and disposed of by our
facilities group. The thought here is getting this ready to put it out to sell to sell for the town. This is the these are the steps necessary um to get it prepared so that it's empty. The town has their historical belongings if there
are any. It's a Western Historic District deed parcel and we put it out to auction [clears throat] or however we want to do it. put it out as an RFP to sell >> and >> and that's and that's so the select board just decides to sell it.
>> I think it'll end up I'll end up going to an HDC meeting to say >> well yeah but I mean um usually well since to my knowledge anyway >> and that's
for a few decades. >> Yeah, better than mine. So, [laughter] I mean, and I've never sat in this seat, so I don't know. The only thing that I know about Town Properties is that it's gone through town properties [clears throat] committee with a recommendation of what
to do with that property. >> Okay. >> So, maybe that's not the process and maybe the slug board can just do it. >> That's a good question. I had not thought of them. I think you mentioned that to me. I just didn't follow up on it. So, I will um I'll see if that
committee meets if they are a committee that's active. >> Jody. >> Jody. Okay. >> There's I think it's a full board. >> Okay. Um so, I may ask them about that that parcel and >> some additional ones. >> The Heart Library I think is one that
you guys should consider >> for selling. Um >> I found >> Oh, that's considered many times. >> Yeah. And then 182 Warren Road should be >> well I think the Heart Library last time it was an RFP for a lease not for sale. >> That was the last time prior to that I
found all the I I gave them to you. Did I keep them or did I give them to you? >> Can't remember. I look at my stack of papers >> in my review of minutes over the past week or so. Um there are many places where that was discussed many times to
sell the heart library. But it never actually was. >> And it never actually was. >> Um, we put it out not for sale, but for ren for someone to to take possession of it and renovate it. Still owned by the town, but
>> it's a lot of work to go into a lease that you have to renovate that much without having the ownership of it. I think >> absolutely. [clears throat] And the the other thing about that is and I I haven't looked into I mean it's been discussed in town properties many
times. >> It wasn't properties. It was a select board. >> Oh well it's been in town properties as well. It has it does not have its own subject. >> Uh no there's a a [laughter] thing about there's a tight tank I think or they
would have to put in a tight tank. There's a discussion of that >> as well. Um I must have left them with you. I think I left them with you. [clears throat] >> Yeah. >> Um
so who knows? But in any event, um and have you been in there? >> The library? I have not yet >> to see how much stuff is in there. >> I haven't. >> That we're responsible for as a town. >> No, but that sounds daunting. Um, so
I'll I'll also note that we have a pickup truck parking outside there regularly and I'm going to ask our parking clerk to determine what's >> going to ask about that the other day >> because I it has a town seal on it from the town of Stell and they have been routinely parking there in the evening
and I am curious to know why >> for over a year I do that. >> That's a fine question. more than likely in one of those houses. Anybody along there? >> I'm just gonna make our parking clerk aware of it and perhaps the police chief
just to say however the mechanisms are. >> Um but the the motion in front of us for the >> just for the motion. >> So I'll this is me. I just typed this up. [cough] >> I can come up with it if you want. >> So I'll I'll summarize it. Motion to authorize the interim town administrator
to request the 7th Day Adventist Church Group to remove items honored before March 15, [cough] 2026. Any items remaining would be considered surplus or trash. >> You can say so moved if that makes >> that would be great. And then >> so moved
>> to second. Any further discussion >> and I will work on the other buildings and parcels um list in the >> Is this property [cough] going to be motioned or are we waiting on that to complete the sale?
>> Yeah, we're just Yeah, we just did the motion to have me reach out to the church group. [laughter] >> We'll go from there. >> Okay. Um, so, um, thank you for letting me do that and I will reach out to those folks to [cough and clears throat] keep it moving
and get that place emptied and ready to sell. So, [clears throat] um, we can pause while the chair grabs a drink of water. What's the group about? It's called the Towns and Properties. >> Yeah.
>> Towns and Property. Yep. >> Did you vote? Nope. We're waiting for you. Don't worry. scared you off. [laughter] >> We're done with the discussion. >> Okay, roll call vote
on Laura Shiff and >> I will prepare a letter tomorrow for you guys. [cough] >> Uh there is no 58. That was my error. 59 you discuss the funds available for general government salaries.
[cough] >> Um they got you. >> So I mean I would first of all say based on our previous discussion [cough and laughter] about the town administrative representative for the annual audit that I would like to see that the town treasurer gets a one time
payment for that work this year and that come from New York. I would um when Lori comes back, we should do a motion for that. >> Yeah. >> Um maybe we should just wait for the whole discussion till she comes back. >> Mhm. [clears throat]
For those watching at home, we're just taking a pause for a coughing. [laughter] Do you need >> [clears throat and cough] >> So, what' you do with ARBA? >> I was just saying that I would like to if the chair so agrees to make a motion
to do a onetime payment from ARPA for the town treasurer based on the um work on the audit. >> So, second >> Oh, I didn't make the motion yet. I was just explaining to you so you were up to date. Would you like me to make the
motion? >> Well, and I think you know the amount like to me I think when I look at other stipens the town has in place, I think about $1,500 is the appropriate amount for this level of detail to have them be the sole owner of this until your full
TA comes on board. Um, and then this would also have a follow-up process that they're going to work on a presentation and such. So, it's not just, you know, $1,500 for monitoring a vendor. There's a bit more to it. Well, they also have to be part of the audit meetings. >> Yes, I participate audit meetings, share a recap that I can share with you guys
through a board report. So, I just want to make sure we're all in agreement that there's some expectations behind it's not just working for >> So, [laughter] can can we write that up? I mean, we can make the motion, but I think that the >> there should be the scope [clears throat] the scope of the board
>> scope of the stipen and scope of work for I can do that. >> Okay. Um I go will make a motion to use Um, think one second. ARPA funds available for general government salaries to make
a one-time payment to the town treasurer for um Melissa Dun for her work as um the town administrator representative for the annual audit. The scope of work to be determined by the town administrator.
Second. >> Any further discussion? Did I say the amount in that motion? >> I did not hear the amount >> for the amount of $1,500. >> Okay. I will second >> amendment. >> And you can send us all the scope before
that's finalized. Signed out a session. >> Signed out a session. And we'll look to um probably break the payment into a one time like split it in half. So you get 750 you know a pay period from now and then the remaining 750 at the completion
>> of the of the project. So >> okay that can be written [clears throat] in there too. >> Mhm. >> Okay. Any other discussion hearing? None. Roll call. Veronica
for >> the rest of our funds. We're discussing that I want to talk about >> Yep. I had asked the [clears throat] accountant for an update on that number. They had not returned my email yet. Um, last I knew the number
was in the ballpark of about 93,000ish. It was if because I have been doing everything with the minutes lately. $93,955 is the amount that Rosali told us last year was the amount added
interest at this point. >> Yeah. Um well the interest that goes into the general fund. It's not ARPA money. So we don't have to account. It doesn't it's not the funds that we can use. I mean, eventually we'll be able to when it's rolled into free cash and all
that good stuff, but um but if you watch the audit tape, which I think is June, can't remember the exact date. >> It was in the audit report too, 2024. >> I think it was in the audit report. >> Yes, it was in the audit report as well for the federal auditing of federal
funds, not the regular report, but the um supplemental. Um, in any event, it's $93,955. And so that's the amount. >> What was that again? 93, >> 955. >> Okay. I'm just trying to do live live
math as we're sitting here. So, >> yeah. [laughter] So, um, so if we take that 93955 and [clears throat] we subtract 1,500, we have 92455. And then we have the um special time
meeting warrant article. The special town meeting warrant article. Um do you want to go over that or? >> Yeah. So it's um it's tough to follow and but my head's scratching a few times, but this is for our um police um officers that are [clears throat] owed
retro pay for fiscal year 2025. >> Right. >> Um >> 26, right? >> No. No. >> Oh, 26. 26. It's 26. >> Yeah, it's 26, >> but it's based on the 25 rates. So, that's why that's why it's retro. So, [laughter] that's why it's
>> two years. It's confusing to me, too. I We sat with the chief today and it was wonderful. >> And this is for clarification because their contract was up at the end of FY25. >> That is correct. >> So, they're still at FY25. >> That's where the FY25 comes. >> So, they currently are at FY25 rates.
>> Correct. Okay. Yep. So there is a a retrop payment due to them. Um and this is part of something that will be at the special town meeting where it'll be one of the voting articles that we have to say what the funding source is. So it
could be stabilization. It could be ARPA. >> It could be free cash. >> It could be free [clears throat] cash. >> We voted to be ARPA. >> As a board meeting, yeah, as a board we we authorized it to be ARPA. It's the intention of ARPA funds is actually using it for wages and salaries. So,
it's aligned with that. Um, because it's a retro payment, it's a one-time payment. Um, so it will help make up the difference for fiscal year 26 based on the wage rates of 25, >> which is about $53,500
to get the officers up on their regular pay. It encompasses a few different buckets. Regular pay, OT, holiday. Um, there might be a couple other training. Um, you know, it so it all factors in. >> Do I have that? >> Yeah, based on the officers that are
working at the time that the payment is made. Um, sorry. Um, so that >> because they have to be here working in order to get it. >> Correct. You have to be enrolled in working with the town. [clears throat] Um, so that will help us cover um that
increase and bring us essentially to a one-year agreement pending still a sub approval of the town meeting to do that. Um, so that will reduce your ARPA funds from there. Um, was there any other segment
to that approval that you thought was relevant? >> I I learned a little bit more today, but not not to AARPA. Um, so >> so that leaves us with about >> if that passes, it leaves us with 38,95 if I subtract it correctly.
>> Minus 53,500 >> and then get 1500 for the treasurer. >> Yeah, I got that. So what' you have 38? >> That's 38 955. >> That's what I got. >> Okay. Um, so for those listening at home, we're left with about just a smidge under $39,000 38955 for exact
dollar value for wages and salaries to be used before December 31st of 2026. >> That is correct. Um, and so I would propose um looking at all of those who were the
non all the non-union employees who did not receive the cola and the step in um in 2025. >> Yep. to make them whole. >> I don't think that's even gonna I think
that from what my rough math is, that's going to be like 20. >> I haven't gotten to the point of doing math. I may ask the >> accountant or payroll folks to help me determine that. >> Look at that. Yeah. For and for all of 25 because it would be again a retro
[clears throat] payment similar to the police and then a step up for the remainder of 25 in their regular pay. >> Yeah. Um, so I I would wonder what [laughter] the dollar amount did. >> This is probably a really important
thing to decide sooner because if we're bumping them back up versus a onetime payment is affects the budget. If we're bumping them back up, >> it will make them whole for this year. But the question becomes, and this is
where um it what happens in the FY27 budget, do they start back at what it was or are we increasing here? >> Yeah. >> And can that be afforded? So that's something we have to think about. >> Yeah. As someone who
>> Same question for police, right? >> Yes. But the second question is an override question >> um for and so and and so it would um >> roll in there if that override passed. If not, we are in default with the
>> police and >> back to the table >> and it's back to the table with the unions >> the police >> with the police for the police. >> Yeah. Um, which who knows what that is because we're in an impass. >> Yeah. >> If we don't have the money to
>> Yeah. And for your for your staff that are not that are non-union collective primary folks, um, as I was doing the budget, I essentially this is the dreamer's budget. That's kind of the way I'm framing it. And I've said that to every department. I' like add your 4% add like this is I want to have I want
it to truly reflect what every department needs. And that's been a really valuable exercise. So, I think it's 4% of whatever was approved with fiscal year 26, which was the reduction. >> Yes. >> So, we'd be making it up with a one-time payment,
>> but it doesn't we're not arguing to adjust that, >> right? I I would Yeah, correct. I wouldn't It's too complicated for what >> it's worth. >> That's fine. >> Um it's better than nothing based on the fact that this is now there. >> Yeah. You know, and and I as someone who
was one of those folks, we all work very hard. I can totally empathize for it, but I I just think it I'd want to be straight with those folks. Okay, we're going to give you a little chunk. It's not the full recognition, but we're doing the best we can. >> Right. So then something do we want to
vote on that tonight? >> I would like to know the numbers. >> Yeah, I don't have those. I can do that. >> And another place and I know that earlier we were discussing overtime for plowing. I mean, that could come out of here. It's salary.
>> It It wouldn't be a bad practice to just clear that deck. >> Yes. I mean, we want to use every single dollar, >> right? We don't want to give nothing back. >> And so I I still have my thing with the union because it's a it's in the supervisor's union at 3,000. I looked at
the contract >> 3,000 3,000, not five. >> And why that number wasn't negotiated higher, I don't know, because the ask comes in every year. Um, and so I just think
um it it it would be a way to handle that. And because it's salary, we could do it. And I'm not opposed to that. I just want to make sure that there's a union discussion when we do this. But I I do think I can do all the non things
without a problem just based on my rough >> math >> and I'll I can you >> Yeah, >> because you have about 30 like I'm like just a smidge under 39,000. So then if you're say it's 20ish >> yeah well I know the library's biggest portion that was about 13
>> and then there's the admin assistant there's HR is there yeah the housing and grant administrator >> parks and cemeteries was covered by their trust >> right I think that's it
so um >> yeah you may have a few here and there >> might be a few stipens that Melissa might be able She can run that. >> Yeah. And and let us know where >> And the library director has the numbers. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Good.
>> So, I think I think it's a good use of the funds. Um and then anything left we could extend HR >> to the point that we can and then when we're out of funds, we're out of funds.
So it would mean then that we could um if if we haven't had a discussion about how we're going to handle HR beyond >> but it [clears throat] could help to alleviate some of the dollars put in the full dollars in the budget if we're
going to contract HR out or whatever we're going to do. >> Yeah. Looking at the budget there was it was all ARPA for that role. >> Yeah. >> So like there is no number on the >> it wasn't in the budget. No. >> Yeah. It's nonexist. So, I I I've sent the budget off the fincom with a few a
lot of notes and caveats to it. So, you know, I'll take your guys lead in terms of how you want me to bump that around and go from there. >> I think we should put in for a contract. >> Okay. >> And I think that any dollars that are
left, we should extend what we have for as long as we can. >> That's what I think. Yeah, not opposed to that. Um, >> I mean, I guess I guess this is a question of what the bigger budget looks
like, right? And how we want HR to fit into that structure. >> I don't know if I'd go so far as to say what exactly it's going to be at this point, right? >> I >> or about anything. I don't think we know, but I think that if we're thinking
of contracting HR because we know there's an end point. >> I would want to confirm, I'm pretty sure in that December 2024 [clears throat] meeting that we just funded with ARPA through this fiscal year. I don't think we went beyond.
>> Um, [clears throat] so I would anything left, whatever dollars we have left, go as far as we can. So we have a date and a notice date and all of that. >> Um and then um and then it it will
alleviate [cough and clears throat] >> catching it right [laughter] >> some of the cost for the if [clears throat] we are contracted. The one [cough] pause I'll give you there, again, I
value the all the roles, is if you were to strike gold in a TA search and you had someone that said they could start June 1st onboarding and you could pay them, you could that >> you could use you could use ARPA funds
to bridge that gap even if that person was a couple days a week as they integrate they they break off from where they are and integrate into towns in >> that's exactly [clears throat] I was I used to >> I think we may need that discretionary spending in that line item
>> as long as it's salary >> well it would be it would be you know otherwise John Smith you know onboarding you know because I you still have me under contract then and I'm basically here's the plate of food you know [clears throat] here's what's going on and >> there should be an overlap
>> and there should be an overlap for >> so that can be used for that >> yeah um and I I I would leave it up to you guys to decide, you know, leveling that against human resources, you know, giving people un, you know, un the proper raise backs or
whatever, however you want to phrase that out to making sure you have [clears throat] a role, someone in that seat that's been compensated appropriately and can carry the torch >> from day one, come July >> one as the fiscal year rolls.
>> So, this is a tangent from that. We need to decide when we're going to post for our search committee and what the goals are for that search. >> That's a [laughter] agenda item. >> Yeah, we already do. We have a date for that agenda. >> I can put that on the next one. I think
Sabrina and I talked about that. So, >> we already talked about the makeup of the committee. We just haven't posted for it. >> Yeah. >> Good. Go ahead. >> I may say you need more than three people to make that call. Yeah, >> I would like that to >> I might say I disagree. [laughter]
>> We already voted >> because you already did already vote and I watched it and I thought to myself having now been here almost a month in this role and proud to be doing it. It's you you really need to check with some
other stakeholders. My my thoughts on this is that at the time we voted it was like I wish we had taken a pause actually just to think about it because it was so close after we got the resignation and we were >> we didn't know if we were going to have
an interim that was just going to be there real quick. >> But now that we have something we have I think just a little bit of breathing room to make sure we do everything the right way. So hopefully we can get somebody who stays. >> [clears throat] >> That's just my >> two my what I saw is that the number of
people on the committee does has no correlation whatsoever to whether someone stays or not. >> It doesn't matter. >> True point. Point counterpoint [laughter] >> and it's the select that make the final
decision. So it isn't always what the board recommends. That is true too. Okay. So been there, done that. Fair. It's something we can revisit, but I just had that in the back of my head. So, um, but I I, you know, I think long story short, having a little extra ARP of buffer in there
>> is a good idea. >> I'm opposed to that if that's, you know, possible. >> Yeah. And I'll get some more ideas at NMA about how transition plans work and stuff like that for you guys and hopefully cycle something back. You may get them on your own exploratory. >> I'm going to the house and then for
sure. >> I have my [laughter] fix already. Um, >> your number for libraries, Kieran, is 1325. >> And then Melissa also gave up something. She gave up a 1,000 stipen. >> Y.
>> So, um, but that we have a signed on that. So, that's a little bit different in my book. Um, >> I just don't want to if we're if we're doing everybody who gave something back to us, I would like to do everybody who
gave something back to us. >> I'd like to see the list then of all the stuff that were given up. >> I think that was the only one. I think it was all salaries and then she we negotiated with her on that one. But it was it was all the, you know, like the plumbing inspector and the wiring
inspector and the um animal person and the tree person and >> there were a lot of little little ones. Yeah. >> Um so that all needs to be looked at. >> Okay. >> Um there were hours given up in some
instances. I'm not looking to take back hours. >> Yeah. That's where it gets kind of granular and we get >> So it gets it gets a little um talk to Melissa and >> see where she is.
>> Um >> background 11. So next time just before we move off of Barbara, next time you'll come back with a list of Yes. >> Thank you.
>> with a little delta at the bottom. for buffering. >> Good. In which case, I want to see the budget that has uh >> for next year the HR
that I that is imperative. >> Okay. 511 second reading of website contact policy content. So, I put my draft out in SharePoint and it literally
was just removing that one sentence from item three >> for the second reading. >> Yes. So, it literally just removed >> the thing about the >> the town administrator and website administrator have to approve all
content. Now, I would like to ask just this board if we actually have any intention of ever hiring a website administrator or if it's in the budget because this policy is is is based on having that position.
>> We have >> Go ahead. >> Yes. >> And [clears throat] the second fun fact of your day is there is nowhere that we have to read all of these policies aloud for first and second. >> It's just what's always been. We do not have to continue to do it. Nothing in
our chart or files, anything says we have to read them out loud. We all have to obviously be informed of them. We have to post them for everybody to view them, but they're probably >> so there's no first reading, second reading. >> They're not that um town council says
some towns do this, other towns do not. >> It's so it's practice. It's >> and there's nothing that says it would be less of the policy when you didn't do it. >> Um probably at least while we're trying to get our mean length under control might behoo the board not to read them
aloud >> twice. So going back to the website content the website person we have 6,000 in the budget for that person. It's under >> web master right? Yeah web master >> it's under us. Yeah. [clears throat] >> And um the purpose of that was to keep
the website up to date. We've the this town has always had an issue with it. I would love to see money spent getting a decent website. I thought that the revive website was going to be that and in reality it's not. Um I would we
should have spent the money in hindsight on Civic Plus on updating what we had. It was a mistake, but what was presented to us was different from what we got. Yeah. >> And the roll over to the new site happened at a bad time in the, you know,
history of things going on in town. >> So it and it just never got checked by anybody. There wasn't a town administrator telling the department heads, "Hey, check your website and make sure you get the stuff in there that you
want." So, nobody even had a backup. >> I'm fine keeping that. I just want to make sure this is a budget sustainable position based on because I don't want to pass a policy that then >> isn't it >> is >> not valuable or isn't >> if we don't it's in the budget. It was
supposed to be like four hours a week, you know, like a half day >> or two days a month. So, I mean, that's a this policy is based around that two days a month person. So, I think it's good to have the policy. I
think it's good to keep it. Is it being removed from the budget? >> No, I added $1,000 to it cuz I didn't think 6,500 was enough. >> This is the dreamer's budget. So, >> my dream [laughter] to have the task done. >> Oh, no. I want to do the task.
>> I'm not denying the task needs to be done. I just want to make sure the policy matches reality. That's all I'm just want to make sure that the policy from an administrative perspective matches what's actually going to be done in town. And if this is really something that's going to be done with town administrative installer department
heads just to take that wording out of there so that it reflects it. And that's where I guess Kieran would have to give some. >> My issue with removing that wording is I do think someone has to have oversight of it. >> Oh yeah. I'm not I'm not denying the
oversight perspective at all. It's just do we want that oversight to be in a 4hour >> open position and that's fine. >> But to your point, it's true that to to review everything would be >> Yeah. And that's why that sentence I
took out. >> Um so as long as it's well defined what content can go up, I'm okay with removing those words. But there needs to be some oversight.
Um, someone needs to um say, "Yeah, this is inappropriate. We're not putting that up there." When the inappropriate thing appears, >> I think
>> I think it's town administrator reviewing the work of the web master. And you could break it out into the departments if you wanted to. You could say each department nominates one person. You could take that >> take that $6,500 and you break it into $500 stipens.
>> Yes, I'm okay with that. But it still means you need a policy and you need the money in the budget. Correct. >> Yeah. So, um >> but in that case, this would just it would read >> oversight for sure. in in this case and I'm fine updating it with that in mind
just without that specific position tied into the policy because then we go back after the budget says is set and we say oh we eliminated that now we have to go and review the policy. >> Mhm. >> Do you understand? Like I'm I'm fine with a lot of content in here. I just want it to be a policy that actually
changes with the needs of the budget. >> Well, it comes to the definition of who the um website administrator is. The definition of website administrator can be personnominated by each department and I'm I'm okay with that. Um
I um I I think the policy needs to be in place. So where did you eliminate it? I'm looking for the elimination. >> I just took up the very first sentence of permitted content. >> It previously one second. I'll pull up
the previous version and tell you exactly what it was. It previously read the town administrator and website administrator will determine what content is posted on the website and I just >> yeah I I the the select board will appoint who will be responsible for
ensuring that the website is operating as intended. >> Um >> you guys will appoint the town administrator. Town administrator will oversee it and manage it from there. >> Yeah. So I mean I think it's easy to fix this. >> [clears throat] >> I think it's really easy to fix this and I can do that if you'd like me to and
run it by you for the next time. I think >> Yeah, let's let's move this to the next one and do that. >> Yeah. And make it that the >> admin. >> Yep. >> And then the you guys can all think
about whether or not you want to do a [clears throat] reading or not. I'll let you think on that one. >> [gasps] >> I mean, I'll read the section where the change is. We've already read this once. >> I'm okay with just reading the section
where the changes. >> Wonderful. And then you can think about that going forward. I'll record a read. >> Yeah. Post it to the world if it makes everybody happy. >> So, down at the bottom where it says first reading, second reading. Um
should we change that to first presentation, second presentation or first secondary? >> It's not even required. So >> it's just the date we accept it. >> So I mean like I said I don't want to make you decide anything right now but I
just wanted to bring that up as it related to this. >> What I like about the first and it doesn't have to be read out loud but I like a first consideration and consideration. >> I do like that. I do like that and and if we don't have something down at the
bottom we just have adopted that won't happen. What's nice about the first reading >> come like this >> would be adopted in a date without any readings. How did how did we get the draft like this? >> That's public relations one that wasn't ours
>> that came from CSS I think. Mhm. >> We haven't considered that one yet. That >> next >> went to Yeah. >> 23. >> Yeah. So, we haven't read that or anyway. [clears throat] >> So, it's something to tweak for two
three read also defi be defined as you've read it, you you discuss it >> and then we discuss it again at [clears throat] the following meeting and vote to approve or not approve or tweak again. >> Yeah. >> And keep following that cycle. But reading a policy out loud that's more
than three sentences for the greater good to hear is not the intent. >> And and based on council's advice, there may be times in which it's something that all of us believe the public should hear word for word verbatim and we could make decision like any one of us at that point in time. I'd like to read this out loud.
>> Yeah. >> But it doesn't have to be followed as a matter of practice. >> Excellent. Um just to be the time time theme we're at 603. Um, >> okay. So, this one's coming back for a second reading on 23, >> correct?
>> Second consideration. [laughter and clears throat] [sighs and gasps] >> Um, looking at 61, this is mostly on my shoulders. So, town administrator's update. Um, I did write one for the folder. Um, I will quickly touch on an
internal treasurable collector policy. This has to do with the fact that the federal government's no longer minting pennies. >> Um, so the policy which [clears throat] the towns and treasurer and collector is going to make available on the town website, maybe a little blurb as an
announcement as well as a print out downstairs will be that we um have to round up to the nearest 5 cents. Um the amount full amount will be paid and credit your you know account when it's posted. um overages will be credited to the following quarter on your account
and reflect on your next bill. Um in this lens, I'm also going to strongly encourage the town in a quieter time frame to look at no no longer accepting [clears throat] cash payments. >> It is incredibly dangerous.
>> It is also we are spending money on mileage having our staff drive to and from the bank. Yes. [laughter] >> This was actually a recommendation in the audit last year also. >> It's been the recommendation in the audit for probably 8 to 10 years.
>> Yeah. And um it's it's just a we just doing it. >> There's a lot of push back especially in offices. Oh, the seniors don't don't you I use my phone to buy things. [clears throat] I mean it doesn't do
that. You can always use a check but you know I I had lunch over the years lunch with >> Yeah it so it's something that >> well the holiday fair is different because my friends and oh my gosh the recycling
>> right so you know my again the focus here is the penny policy you can see it here it's very functional treasur did a great job on it um this is an update you guys don't actually have to vote on it either I just want you to be aware in case residents ask the next step of this
will be I'll work with every stakeholder who collects cash or payment and say what do you need to get to a credit card Venmo whatever type payment system because we handling cash is going out the door
>> um even even I mean if you're taking the bus for the C center or something you could do a card of some sort maybe purchase [clears throat] >> same with the recycling center >> do a little punch Yeah. >> Um, so and this segus nicely into the
status of the Facebook account. I will get that acquired and enrolled >> um before the next meeting. The pennies policy might be the first announcement on there. >> Y >> um [clears throat and laughter] and you know in a very rudimentary sense
I would look [clears throat] to post you know hey town meetings February 25th here's a link to the warrant and that's it. Mhm. >> He didn't mean that to be the date. >> Yes, [clears throat] he did. >> It is February 25th. Um and then we'll
go from there. Um I will >> you know that that's sort of where my head is at. Um though I I I worry about the downside to people putting rude things or putting the middle finger up there because that's something that I would probably do as a little kid um to
think it was funny. But um I will think about how to best monitor that and honor our social media policy um to get that up and rolling. Um >> no feedback. >> Yeah, it's Yeah, it'll be I'm going to shut off feedback, but I haven't figured out how to work through the old version,
the old stuff that's up there. So I will I'm going to ponder that with our town clerk about taking it over. So [clears throat] >> you can't delete. >> Because they can't delete. Um >> can't you delete the website the page entirely? and just set up a new one.
>> I could I could say this is the the new towns [clears throat] and Facebook page and blurted it out to everybody. Create a QR code so people can scan it and say this is your source of information from the town administrator's office and board of select. But I I'll run a couple scenarios. >> I'd rather do that than on the other one.
>> Kind of >> honestly. [clears throat] >> Um so I I'll run a couple scenarios. I'll put it in a word doc or an email to you guys to tell me which one you want me to do. >> Okay. and go from there probably between now and the next meeting. >> Um I looking at budget planning and
update I have input all the budgets that I have received into the omnibus budget. Um I have shared it with Fincom with notes. Um I also included a percentage change from the fisc year 26 approved number to what the dreamer's budget was
for the department requests. Um, looking at that number and a really, you know, a small >> say, [clears throat] >> excuse me, how many are you missing? >> Um, I fire gave me their number. I just
need the actual spreadsheet to input the numbers. >> Did you put THT [clears throat] in there? Do you need yours? >> I put those in there with my on my own valition and I put little notes saying KM input or, you know, gave 4%. Um, you know, I put I put a part-time land use
coordinator back in there. Again, this is a dreamer's budget here. You know, in the event we were really looking at good funding. Um, so I just need fires specific um department requests. Um, that group gave me their final number
which was helpful. Um, but I just need the final, you know, expense line items. School I've kept based off a 4.65 increase for >> and that's that was a best guesstimate. We'll probably hear more tomorrow. >> Yeah. >> And that's still pending school
committee >> approval. >> Yep. >> So, I think I'm hoping they'll be closer to four. >> I'm hoping for our sake it comes in lower. >> Um same with Snow and Ice. I I added to it because I kept looking at the numbers this year and I'm like these are too low. So, I increased those numbers. Um
just because I think >> we're robbing Peter to pay Paul every year and that's not a good practice. >> Oh, yeah. Um, and you know, I, you know, I put a TA number in at 170 because that's probably where the down should be. >> Um, and that might be low.
>> And for our [clears throat] friends sitting at home, that's a low number. >> It's just what the market is. Um, for a even 32 hours, if if the role were only 32 hours a week and that crystal was
crystal clear, then that number would be appropriate. or for a five day a week role, you know, you got to be you got to be up. Um, and you'll see that from any MMA reference point, any similar size towns and cities that are >> as complex as towns and um but anyways,
you end up short with basic revenue projections of around $1.2 million. >> That's about right. >> What did you do? Did you you put the dreamer budget >> up against the >> with the fire? I mean, not fire police.
Did you put the dreamer police? Okay. Thank you. >> Um, so I, you know, FinCom has this to deliberate on tonight. Maybe I'll catch some of their meeting on the way out. Um, I haven't gone back to department heads. I think some people have read the tea leaves a little bit and are
beginning to understand this looks pretty bleak. Um, but I will certainly clean this up. um make it available to all department heads and then look to continue to meet with them. We've met with the police, we've met with um
treasure collector, met with library. Um it it's a bleak look. >> I think we have a growth number. >> So the growth numbers are incorporated into that deficit. You're still short 1.2. >> Yeah, I looked at the recap and it
looked >> Yeah. And that >> that's without using free cash. Correct. >> That is no free cash because your policy states free cash is not free. >> We should not be using free cash in the operating budget. So
when are we discussing this? Starting next meeting with >> I'm going to look to put it into a PowerPoint presentation. Call out our, you know, our big departments and say what their growth was. if they're trying to add staff. So, I'm going to do it based off the department requested
number. Um, and then I may put another column in that says TA recommended. Um, and I'll bump that against the mentor that you guys have reached out to to sort of see um how they're doing it in their community and go from there.
>> Okay. I'll [clears throat] just give my opinion which could change six million times. Um, I think we need to restructure the town offices. >> Um, and look at what savings that might
provide at some point. >> I am not inclined to ask for an override beyond the one for the police contract. Um, I just don't know that I can support one after having asked so many times in
the past five years for an override and have it be rejected by the town because it's unneeded. And so, um, I would be inclined to restructure and find what savings we can elsewhere. That hasn't
been the way I've approached things before. Um, but >> I've always thought an override should be asked for. >> I don't know. >> And so I don't know that I can vote for it. >> Looking at what Kieran's draft is, I don't know if restructuring alone is
going to fix that problem, >> right? It's not enough. [clears throat] >> Now for you, you can't get it out of town hall. >> You're not going to make up a deficit from town hall. >> No, you aren't. >> Yeah. I mean you're like you know
unfortunately this is you're seeing this in not just in >> it's everywhere >> municipal areas but like the insurance costs at 15%. is, you know, it's >> we all pay bills. >> We Right. And, you know, the energy costs for run buildings, stuff like
that. We're every town is bleeding right now. And I I'd be remiss as your just your interim, you know, month in and having worked here since March to say, you know, I would advocate for an override for support of the staff. You know, knowing full well it may not
pass, but um >> I have always felt that way. I I voted for it last year. >> So I think and I think the trickies twice and in the three years previously >> and I would just really important
[clears throat] I think we need to understand crystal clear what that budget is if we decide to go that path without it and that it probably resolve may involve restructuring because we have to get that past special town meeting if we are going to be doing any
restructuring. Maybe cuz our charter says administrative changes need to be. So we need to at least have that option so that we can lay out what it looks like without because I think one of the problems last year is is that >> the story? >> Yeah. >> What's the story? And you know that's why it's been
>> how many days do we have to close town hall? >> I think you'd have people here two days a week >> because that's all we'll be able to afford >> with a half day working from home. >> Right. Seriously. And for what it's worth, our co sorry, our colleagues in
Ashby are looking at the exact same issue. >> Yeah. It's not just us. >> And Pil, you know, he he gave me his strategy. He's like, if it's if it's, you know, above this number, we're in, you know, the nuclear territory of great reductions again.
>> And they passed one million over that, >> too. Dunel, same thing. Graten's the same thing. Tingsboro is the same thing. >> I think we need the restructuring regardless. I think we need to look at the dreamer budget is cool. I think we need to look at the restructured budget
because I I mean it's been every year. Every year. And if we don't restructure, we are at the same place in another year. >> Well, um >> we aren't going to be able to make up 1.25 actually. >> No. So, >> yeah, we can't. So, we have to
restructure. >> Yeah. And I I I figure probably about 500kish is fluff on that. that that's the you know adding two people to a department and I'm like that's that that's the that's the golden ticket. >> Someone asked for that. >> Yes. >> He did.
>> It was him. >> It wasn't me. [laughter] It was me indirectly. But I understand why they did and we're seeing it in other ways. But you know I think I can I can probably shave 500k off this number
>> if it's level funded. >> You're still short. Right. >> Completely because your your different wage buckets and your different health insurance overall buckets debt numbers are exceeding two and a half% increase.
>> And they have been for the past two or three years. That has been consistent a lot longer than that. And if you don't grow that much >> to to make up for it, it isn't going to be there. >> But particularly the last two or three years, we used onetime funds to bridge
that gap. any any agreement, any concept that grows at more than what your prop two and a half ability to fund is, it's not affordable for this community. And it's a non-starter with any anyone you're talking to. If you need 3%,
that's a half a percent too high. >> We just don't have growth, new growth. >> And I would say the same for, you know, if you were like, Kieran, we want you to stay another month. you would say we can only give you two and a half% more. That's the number.
[laughter] I mean, I'm th I'll throw myself under the bus and then you you your your people have to decide if they're going to vote with their feet and that stinks. And I don't want to lose anybody. I think everybody does a remarkable job for the town. >> But it really becomes a is it fair to
your employees to to have them afford life? I mean, life's not gotten any cheaper in Massachusetts. I know that we had the same conversation last year. >> Yep. >> Several times. Um I know I had the same conversation in
2022 and 2023. >> I I'm just tired of the conversation, I guess, >> because the vote is not there. The support is not there in this town for the services that we do have.
>> At least I haven't seen it. And everybody seems to think we can make do with nothing. Um >> well and you know hopefully in my short stint for time for you guys I can like I I love transparency. I love getting everything online and going to different
groups and hopefully swing a few people onto the hey I would vote for that side but I I don't know if I have enough sheer charm to do that for everybody. And I have >> I know I don't >> you know and that's not even so I'm not trying to be whimsical. Just like
>> I get it. >> People don't have the money in their budgets, they >> there's nothing. Even if they would like to support an override, >> they can't. >> They may physically not be able to just like our employees can, you know. >> Yeah. My tax bill at my house doubled. >> Yeah.
>> Went from four digits to five. I can't believe it. >> So, >> and I'm like, how do I piece that together? >> Yeah. you know, so it's um so that's sort of the budget update. I know that's very doom and gloom. Sorry to bring the
>> Well, we're gonna spend the next month talking about >> bring the good times down. >> Start it now. >> Um >> uh last but not least, um our friends at the recreation group have [clears throat] asked me to um put out an RFP for the National Fitness Courts,
the concrete slab behind the building here on Jeff's Street or Jeff's Road. Um, and I just wanted to loop you guys in and tell you that I was going to put that RFP out. It's about $30,000 for concrete work. Um, we're going to go out and see um, who we think could get a
response on that. It's less than $50,000. So, we could actually work off the combi state approved bidder list >> grant money. >> Uh, a lot of the resources for this project are through grant money. We have the equipment already. um recreation has
done a lot of leg work in terms of adhesive for the courts and um you coming up with concept for how to use the courts back here. Um the concrete slab, we did have some funding from Representative Scarsdale. I'm not sure what the status of that is, but the
concrete slab is expensive. Um it will involve some pretty heavy excavation out there and some sit. >> So it has to be private money because we don't have town money for it. So this would be yeah the RFP would go out and we would use some of Scarsdale's money to do it depending on what the number is.
>> I thought that that money wasn't released that um Mar Haley pulled it back and wasn't releasing it. >> I was not. >> Have you talked to >> I have Margaret on my list of people to call back this week. >> I think you need to call her and ask her
for this on that. Okay. >> I because I had a question to her too if I get to repair still. >> Yep. I'll also say that um our recreation folks clued me into a Nshoba health grant that they have a very
positive read on the grant that I used um director Emy's um ideas on and we've gotten a pretty positive thumbs up on that so far >> for about 25kish with maybe some swing up or down on that. >> That that would be excellent. So, um,
it's it it would be a real boost to the area for people of all ages to use that space that way. And it's really the intent of what the NFC folks thought when they sent the equipment our way, and we haven't used it yet [laughter] because it's just sitting in storage.
>> One thing I will add just for notice is is that once that's installed that it kind of eliminates town meeting from this building because people park there, right? that's used for parking during town meeting right now,
>> which is probably fine for the technology side that north. >> No, it's fine. I just like a special town meeting probably with less people would be okay, but >> it's even hard for anybody to get in here. Um, >> no, I I agree with using NM whenever
possible. I just wanted to make sure that would deb that would put it >> well it you'd have to park in the back lot >> but I' I've been here when I you know both of those lots are full >> yeah but you can park from Jeff Street in the lower part you could still do
that >> in that field I'm not saying we shouldn't do I was just yeah >> just like >> we do have a hand up and this is our director of recreation group it's up to the chair if she wants to um Emmy you want to unmute yourself if That's okay with the chair. >> Yeah,
>> if you can. >> Hi there. Thank you guys. Thank you for hearing me. So, I did want to address that. So, um parking will still be available in that back lot. Um just not in the area for the court. So, just as a heads up, when we initially did the
breakdown um per mass law, it actually was established as a parking lot. You can still fit its dozens of parking spaces. Um however, >> that's fine. That's cool. Thanks, >> Yep. You're welcome. So yeah, it is a possibility still. >> Excellent.
>> Okay, thank you. >> Um so yeah, I will um we are still waiting to hear about that grant from the SHOA um health folks. Um but at the same time, I'd love to get the RFP out there, see if we get any responses. Um I'll, you know, with you're okay
tonight. There isn't really a vote per se or maybe maybe just for CYA we vote. Um, but I want to send it to town council, have them review, make sure it's to their standard and we're covered. So, >> I think bring it back to us afterwards, right?
>> Yeah. I think >> Yeah. >> Am I okay to ask and then bring back to us once? >> Okay. So, I'll do that for two three. So, >> I mean that equipment's all waiting. So, correct. >> Hopefully, we can get it done. >> Yeah. Like I had I know they had gotten some T-Mobile money. I had applied and
we didn't get it on the second go. Um and he found that great grant from the showa. Um >> what's the liability to the town? How much does our insurance go up? >> There's an accident there. >> Good question. Not sure. >> The same thing applies to kids country though. Yeah. You know, um
>> I think it's both I think >> I have a question both times. Yeah. >> I [laughter] think they're grouped together as recreation. >> Yeah, I think so. >> Playground recreation >> for all their facilities. >> I mean something happens on the common. >> Yeah. you know, during one of the
concert >> concerts or whatever. It's all covered, I would think, under the same like umbrella or whatever >> we've got. >> Well, not exactly the same because you don't have jungle gyms and you don't have people using
>> but people have bouncy houses and events there. >> Yeah. When there are during the concerts, you know. >> Okay. And I don't know, I don't know if the parks department asks people for
liability insurance, if the the groups that are hosting the band concerts, do they have to have >> special riders for that day to cover I don't know. They're holding events, >> but who who even
>> who even wants >> I don't think anybody. >> I don't know. In in terms of my last bit of um updates, we touched on the budget. Um and again, there's a bit more context and something to read in the uh
SharePoint folder. We talked about the pennies policy. Um I submitted two grants last week for MVP Colbert replacement design program for both the Bixby Brook Culver and the Highland Street Culver. Um we used our friends at
Weston and Samson. They were wonderful to work with. they really led the charge and um they would be our design folks in the event that it worked out would be awesome for up to $150,000 for really looking at those two culprits that are in >> serious disrepair.
>> Um and then [clears throat] a few other things I had a tour of the fire department, their various buildings and equipment. Um you can see a lot of pride and professionalism is um ongoing down there. Those the the equipment is spectacular. >> Um they clearly do a great job and um I was impressed by [clears throat] the
fact that they were helping rescue a donkey according to Facebook. >> A donkey had slipped through the water, I guess, in one of the local farms. >> So, it just, you know, speaks to their a donkey. Literally, like a big donkey. >> So, I was like, that's that's what the Facebook post was. So,
>> yes, ma'am. Yeah, [laughter] that's what the post was. Maybe I was >> catfish, but who knows? [laughter] Um but overall um spectacular level of professionalism and you know evident throughout that they have some really nice equipment. Um town owned
properties 182 Warren Road Hart Library West Towns and Reading we touched on um and snow operations. I know I said it earlier but I'd be remiss if I didn't say thank you again to those guys. >> Um they are working hard and the snow and ice just seems to be >> and the sooner we can get that clarification
>> Yeah. >> over time that would be great. >> Yeah. It's both highway, cemetery, parks, and facilities. You know, I was here on MLK day and being one of our guys out here putting salt down. You know, that's that says a lot about the leadership of those departments, but also that it's a holiday. They're showing up.
>> Is how's Parks and Cemetery doing for overtime? >> That they are asking for coverage on their overages for snow and ice issues. >> So, they're about at $2,000 or so right now. >> And I think that's fair. >> Yeah, absolutely. um facilities, same
thing because he's helped back fill some of the entrance ways into the buildings um because they are reduced in staffing that he's thrown out salt. He's got the shovel out. Um and lastly, but not least, um I did say that with the onboarding of town
administrator Silva, I will be filing a disclosure form. I just want to put that in my report as I currently serve as the vice chair of the Dunville select board and TA Silva is employed by the town of Dunville. So, um, when is your turn, though? Uh,
>> May. >> In May. >> Yes, ma'am. >> You have a different voting date? >> Mhm. >> Are you going to run again? >> I don't think so. Got a lot on my plate. [laughter] [clears throat] >> Two plates. >> Two plates.
>> Few plates. And uh that's all I have for my time minister update. I look forward to the next time to share more news with you. >> Okay. Under 6.2, two liaison reports. We have none. Uh 6.3 announcements. >> Can Can I say something about that? This
is for our next meeting. I would like to um have a report from the CR committee >> next time. >> Um either a report or >> I can give you an update probably. >> Oh, CR. Sorry.
>> CR. Yeah. I don't know what you want. >> Sorry. Go ahead. Um either that or we'll put it on for old business that requires more talking than just a report. >> I was thinking I was like, "Oh, I'll get that." [laughter] >> No, no, no.
>> No. >> Okay. Announcements 6.3. >> Oh, we hear >> um there are two there's one retirement from police sergeant Mr. George Reed. um in resignation of police officer, Mr.
Chrysler. >> And thank you both for your service. >> Uh next meeting date. >> Do you have a Do you want me to read the update vacancies or Yes. No. No. >> Yeah. Do you have an update? >> Well, I have the vacancies,
>> please. Um right now we have [clears throat] agriculture commission audit committee board of water commissioners capital planning commission on disability conservation energy housing authority representative housing authority vacancy kids country playground towns and town properties
committee towns and west towns and meeting room committee zoning board of appeals full member to 2030 zoning board of appeals full member to 28 and zoning board of appeals associate member. >> Thank you just a couple. So, we have lots of space for those who
want to do something for town and one of those is the commissioner on disabilities, right? Okay. >> Um, >> that's somebody in mind. >> Yeah, we do have some bills or maybe Sabrina having gotten to them. We She had a full full load of work today with
some records requests. So, I don't think I have anything for you guys. >> Request. >> Yeah, >> that took precedence over the work. >> Okay. >> Indeed, because of the timing of it. Um, for seven, we have an executive session. I would suggest that you pause your
meeting because the town council is not available till 7:45 when he's out of class. >> Um, [clears throat] >> so perhaps take a recess, stretch your legs, and um have the executive session with town council Costa and not return
to regular session would be my recommendation, but your guys board. So that's what I would do. >> Okay. Okay. >> Um 64. Our next meeting date is February 3rd,
>> correct? >> Yes. >> At 5:00 p.m. >> Okay. Do we have to file for joint at 6? >> Um >> joint with income. We're also going to start that meeting with a joint housing authority meeting
to appoint because housing authority we need we need them there to appoint Miss Irene Congden to the board >> to the authority >> I think that's I don't know why but that's what the policy >> the elected board >> correct >> it is an elected board so that's why
>> so we need I'm going to organize Miss Natalie call and Mr. Jack Moran to join as well for that. >> Okay. >> I put that right at the tippy top of the meeting so we get them in and out. >> So is that at 5 >> tippy top being 5:15 >> I think so.
>> 510 5:15. >> It should take a moment. Just >> Yeah. Right. >> Flip of the switch. So >> So it can be the first thing after the preliminary. >> Okay. Um if it behooves board too, I think it might be useful to have a discussion on
the structure of this board in that meeting up to just how roles are being filled and if we feel like it's the best way going into budget season. >> What do you mean? >> It's just to have an open discussion on
in a meeting >> of what >> of the organization of this board for the rest of the year. But if that's up to you guys, I'm just bringing an agenda item forward. [clears throat] >> Are we looking for what?
>> New liaison assignments >> for no the actual organizational structure of this board. >> Do you want to change the chair and the vice chair? >> I just would like to have a discussion about it. Not I'm I'm asking for a discussion about it. I'm not saying this isn't wouldn't be the place for me to say my opinion. I'm asking it to be on
the agenda. That was what I was asking for >> for the next meeting. If but it it's at the discretion of the board obviously. >> Would you like to be chair? >> No. I I I'm not having a discussion >> now. I was asking if we would like to
discuss it at an open meeting. >> I'm not opposed to discussing. >> Okay. That was >> This is a question for an agenda item. It's not a discussion at this moment. It's a question for an agenda item. >> It's up to you guys. Reporting.
>> Well, I don't know. I've never heard of that come up before. >> So we did it I did it indunible for my own personal reason when was going through a family matter and didn't have the capacity to be chair for a year. >> Uhhuh. >> But [clears throat] that's that's I but
that's my own personal opinion on it. Um >> we did it once when we had to switch. I did it when I was the chair of the board before when I was new I wasn't going to rerun and um I wanted to so I
transitioned a month earlier than I would have normally usually it's after the an election [clears throat] that you >> this isn't yeah this isn't I'm not having a discussion about who is what and whatever I'm just saying do you want to put this on the agenda to discuss
that's all I'm asking You guys say no. That's fine. It's fine. Did you want to discuss that? >> It's our decision. I say I would put it >> I work for the board. I You guys are >> I will put it on because I'm curious to know what Valerie's thinking. [laughter]
>> Yes. So, >> we aren't discussing it now because it's not on the agenda. >> That's That is what I was trying not to do when people started asking questions. I'm like, I'm trying not to discuss it. I just want it on the agenda. That's it. >> Okay. >> I might get a great [laughter]
>> because there are some things I want to discuss because we have um contracts coming up that are going to be out of and so I don't know if that's part of your discussion but I >> absolutely we can discuss that at the same time >> that I would and it
>> we could discuss board organization and liaison assignments. >> It would fit under that. Seriously, >> I have >> I have no idea where this is coming from. >> No one has said anything to me. >> That's why I don't We shouldn't discuss
now. [laughter] >> Don't discuss an agenda on the agenda. >> We'll see what Valerie's thinking cuz it's our only opportunity. I'm looking for I had other things.
I will throw it on the agenda. >> Um otherwise we don't have payroll to sign. >> We have a meeting date for five. >> We don't have anything to sign. >> You [clears throat] signed this this one
agreement >> and tomorrow will be >> that's the proclamation. Um the Weston Samson thing we're waiting I guess you already signed that so that's good to go. I'm I'm waiting for the We haven't received the um agreements with the
police union. >> We have not. >> Those need to be signed. >> Correct. Yeah. >> I don't want that to get lost. Um I'm looking here. I kept writing things down. [clears throat] >> I think that's it. You could probably
>> motion to recess. >> Recessing. >> Oh, ethics test. I know mine is due by the end of the month [clears throat] and you have to do it on Chrome. >> Sorry. [laughter] >> I use Safari. >> Yeah. >> Anyway,
>> I can't find my other thing. >> That's [clears throat] all right. >> Okay. >> So, I think you you could also depart and do this next session via Zoom. >> Um because I don't think returning to regular session is required. So, you
could adjourn from there. return to recess to enter executive session return. >> All right. So in that case we where are we? >> You're at section seven. Motion to recess not returning to motion
to executive session not returning to regular session. Oh what's the chbt that uh motion motion to recess chair has to do this one. Okay. enter executive
>> move to uh go to executive session after an a uh with a recess until 75. >> After a recess. >> Yeah. I move that the board vote to recess the open session and enter an executive session under Mass General Law
Chapter C 30A 21A for the purposes of um Got it. um of [clears throat] to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, namely RFS court versus town of towns in Middle Sex superior court
docket number [clears throat] 2581 CV0238 where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the litigating position of the chair of the of the board and the chair so declares you could say I move it because that's a
lot of stuff or I can rewrite it out for you And you're good to go. >> So moved. >> I worship in the chair. [laughter] So >> sorry, I I didn't I thought we I thought we were going to be going till 7:45, so
I didn't realize we'd be pausing. [gasps] Um so I was hopeful. >> Um but we thank our friends at TCAM. And you would want to roll call vote. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> Nope.
>> Roll call vote on to kill >> Laura Chef. Thank you all very much. >> Thank you. I'm facing