Good afternoon everyone. My name is Laura Shiffren and I will call the meeting to order of the select board on Tuesday, April 7th, 2026 at 4:01 p.m. Please join me in the Oh, excuse me. Welcome
present >> and Laura Shiff present. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the for it stands one nation under God,
indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> I'd like to thank all of our veterans as well as those who are currently serving our country here and abroad. I'd like to thank all of our first responders as
well as all of our staff and volunteers and their families for helping us get through all the things we have to get through here for the town. Oh my. The meeting is being recorded and will be uploaded to YouTube. Is anyone
else recording? >> Yes. >> Thank you. Uh for number four, review minutes 324, 2026. Is there a motion? >> I value move to approve the meeting minutes of March 24th, 2026.
>> Veronica second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica for under five. New business. Yeah, this is the um 5.1 is the policeou
um that we discussed previously in executive session in relation to going to 12-hour um shifts for our police officers. Um this is as a result of the um you know few resignations they've had from officers. So it's an agreement that
I have in that green folder over here um from Chief Sartell. Um it's the one that we discussed. It's been approved by town council. Um so you would just want to have a motion to um sign out of session or you can sign now as presented and um
go from there. >> I Gooditch move to approve the police as presented and authorized signature stamps out of session >> or we can sign. >> Is it ready to sign? >> It is ready. Yeah. I just wasn't sure.
>> Change that motion. I like a good move to approve the police and move as presented. >> Veronica second. >> Okay. Any further discussion >> hearing? None. >> I try and la.
>> Excellent. Thank you very much. >> 5.2 appoint Natalie Call. Is there a motion? By Gooditch. Move to appoint Natalie Call to the Commission on Disability for a term set to expire on June 30th, 2029.
of Veronica 7. Okay. Any discussion? >> Nope. Just uh looking at the volunteer response form. This is the one she had first. So, um we're just going with her request. So, >> okay. And I attended that meeting and uh
Natalie introduced herself, talked about herself and her desires and it was unanimous vote to appoint her. So, there's no other discussion. Roll call vote. Veronica Kellb stay
worship night and thank you to uh 5.3 um good move to appoint Katherine Bowen as records administrator to the police department with effective start date of
May 4th 2026. >> Okay Karen, any comments? Uh this was the u one of the exceptions we made um back in February during the hiring freeze for the police department. Um I shared on SharePoint and I'll put it up on screen quickly just on the sort of
appointment letter from Chief Sartell. Sounds like a great candidate. Um I think we'll be lucky to have her and uh excited to have her join our forces. Sir >> any further discussion hearing seeing none gr
5.4 >> uh 5.4 four is just the pretty much a run-of-the-mill application rental request um for the Model T Ford Club of West Townsen to use Memorial Hall on May 3rd um 1:30 to 4 p.m. Um and we they're
asking for a waiver of security deposit and certificate of insurance >> and um is there a motion? >> Yep. I val move to approve the memorial hall rent application Yankee Ingenuity Model T Ford Club of West Town for May
3rd, 2026 from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. and wave the request for security deposit and certificate of insurance. Uh Veronica second. >> Okay. No discussion. >> I'm not in favor of waving things. I'll just say that I think that we have
a policy and we should stick to it. That said, I'm okay with waving the security deposit, but the certificate of insurance I would not wave. >> So, there is some notes here from the individual. It is also our town moderator, Mr. John Barrett.
>> Um, and there is a time timing in regards to the insurance certificate. So, maybe it was waving just in this current ask now, but I think they may fulfill the request on the back end because of timing. So, >> what what do you mean by that? So, if you see the email that was in SharePoint, um,
>> yeah, I did too, but I also >> I can't request the insurance certificate yet as it's only good for 30 days, but I will request it on or about April 6th. So, that would be yesterday. So, I will have it on the event of May 3rd. >> So, that infers that he's not requesting a waiver, but the motion and and
>> would you like me to was requesting a waiver >> because he sent the request in before the 30-day window. >> Would you like me to the motion? >> He didn't have it to share. Yeah, you could just >> um I would amend the motion to um pending certificate of insurance.
>> Wave the security deposit. >> Wave the request for security deposit and pending certificate of insurance. >> Um I will I will second that. >> Okay, I think that covers it. >> Anything else on this one? Uh, the only other thing I have to say
is if we go around waving everything, we should take it out of policy. That's just what I say. But then it puts everything on the town should anything happen during the event. >> And that was the reason that we have it in there. And so I think we have to
seriously consider what we're doing as far as waving things goes in the future. That's one >> cuz we're not the only people that do that and so you hear the same thing from other departments in other meetings.
>> Okay. Uh roll call vote >> and for 5.5 center. >> Yep. So, uh, the board of health agent reached out to me to say that they had had, um, a recycling center attendant,
um, had, uh, suffered a an illness or a medical situation, so they would not be able to, uh, work at the recycling center anymore. Um, so they wanted to make sure they could add someone in to help cover the hours. Um, they have the next few weeks covered. Um, but after
that, there will be a lack thereof of someone to help assist with the running of the center. Um, so we're looking to um because we're in the hire in a hiring freeze to make sure we are okay with um allowing them to post and have this position filled. It sounds like they do
have a great candidate in mind who said I'm interested but wanted to make sure they follow the process for, you know, the DOT, you know, training and all the different things that are necessary for the role. Um, so I think it's just us, you know, giving the thumbs up to this.
Um, and they may have to check with um, Fincom, who I think is meeting tonight, but I wanted to make sure we get it um, you reviewed by you guys for for consideration. >> Is there a motion? >> Um, I value to approve the posting of the vacancy for recycling center
attendant contingent upon finance committee um, recommendation >> approval. Finance committee approval. It says >> finance committee approval. Yeah, >> I move to approve the posted seek for vacancy of recycling tenant position contingent upon finance committee
approval. >> Yeah, important to note this needs to come back once they have you know John Smith will appoint them once we have >> so it's a recycling ascent uh attendant too because they need to have the hoisting license. I assume that's the problem because we have a lot of people
listed >> correct >> as recycling center attendants and I know that previously we had changed the job description for I think it was attendant one so they didn't have to have a hyster
>> um so and also I want to clarify that this is funded through the revolving fund it not the budget >> correct >> okay >> so I have to say >> all right before say Carla, you you're on. Does that all sound correct to you?
>> You're muted though, Carla, but I can imagine you're saying thumbs up. >> Thank you, Carla. >> All right. Thank you. Okay, roll call. Veronica, >> probably Laura. Thank you. >> Thanks, Carla. >> Thank you very much.
>> OPED study contract. >> Yes, this was voted on at special town meeting. Um, I did just get the service agreement from them literally about a half hour ago. So, I put that in the SharePoint and I'll bring it up on the screen. Um, but this was something that the town had agreed to support via free
cash, $4,750 um at on the town meeting floor. It's just for the study and this is a service agreement with KMS actuaries um to begin the work um for doing this research for the town. Um
I will print this out when we take a break to have a sign out a session. Um and also have everyone review um you know we know the services will include a a look back on towns in you know different breakdowns of responsibility whether it be 50% on the town 50% on the
you know potential retiree or 7525 to align with our health insurance currently or 100% on the town and sort of what the different cost parameters would be. um we are in that ominous bucket of just a few towns in the Commonwealth that does not offer this
benefit to their um retirees. So um it's not a look back. It's not it's not a benefit for those that have retired, you know, today or years before, but moving forward. So important for folks at home to note that. >> Okay. Is there a motion? >> I Valerie Gooditch move to approve the
OPEG study contract of KMS Actuaries LLC and approves um to sign session. Is there a second? Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote
check for 5.7 that >> so we've uh the posting went up last Thursday. We've started to receive some >> the town administrator. I'm sorry I didn't say that. >> That's okay. for the town report on the
town administrator >> town posting went up last Thursday and we started to see some resumes. The um screening committee is meeting tomorrow at 2 o'clock >> in the library trusty room because all the rooms here were pretty hooked up. We'll be meeting an open session to
discuss uh interview questions and then executive session to start reviewing some. >> How many questions >> so far? Um I'd have to check. I haven't checked since earlier today. I think we're up to seven.
Remember, it's not the quantity, it's the quality. Keep reminding people. >> Yes, that's true. >> I can never 50 freshman in college who really think they want to come be a TA. >> Or they have not seen any of our meetings.
>> Okay. >> All right. Thank you for your report. 5.8 annual town meeting. >> Yes. the elusive town meeting warrant I've owed you for quite some time. Um this has been a bit of a boondoggle. Um it's on the screen now um for you to
take a look at. Um what's nice is for background. We only we need to have this verified, you know, approved 7 days before town meeting. So we have a little bit of time. So tonight will be a good opportunity for us to go through things, make sure your interim job administrator didn't miss anything or screw anything
up. Um and then we can always vote on it again on the 21st. Um in the event that we really were concerned about something, we could even have a meeting on the 28th and you ratify it then because town meetings on the Cinco de Mayo which is the 5th. So it's still seven days. So we have a little we're
being proactive right now. >> Okay. >> Um you know I'll start right from the top. Um, you know, Cinco de Mayo, May 5th, 2026 at 7 p.m. Um, I see a hand is in the air already and I'm excited to learn why. >> Can I um I'm looking at these articles
and typically we have submitted by >> who it was submitted by. Was it submitted by petition? Was it submitted by the planning board? Was >> and so that is my immediate reaction on looking at this. That's all. I would
want to know that and I think the town's used to seeing it. >> Right. >> Interesting. Okay. So, um that I don't think that's reference that's not necessary for article one or two. >> Um but article three is a citizens
petition. It's a zoning bylaw. How would you want that worded out? >> It should be citizen petition >> submitted by an uncitizen petition. You'll see that on all the old warrants. >> Um,
>> you'd be surprised. >> So, maybe not in the minutes, but on the warrants themselves. >> Yeah, >> those were hard to find on your town website, by the way, cuz I went and looked for >> Okay. Posted by the town clerk's office.
>> I found the town meeting the warrant with the minutes as like, you know, Val voted on this, but not the actual original warrant. I wouldn't have thought that would be up there. >> Wow. >> As a PDF, you know, with the signatures and the stamp, you know, saying receive
posted at town hall. >> Was surprised it was not up there. >> Wow. So, I wonder why. Where do they go? Because they're posted on the bulletin the SharePoint. >> Yeah, I thought in the SharePoint, but I was just trying to I I thought town
clerk site, too, because there's a lot of, you know, copious amount of information on there. So, >> I know that the minutes don't always have that. >> Yeah. But I've had that run into that before. >> Um but anyway, circling back to um your article three. Go ahead. >> Yep. So article three, three, four, and
five are zoning bylaw changes. Um this was my fault as the citizen petitioner handed this to us on February 27th or 28th and um I should have alerted planning board to this sooner to say have a public hearing. Oh, they are,
>> but now they are going to on May 4th to review these three zoning changes. Um, so I was gracious of um Beth and her team to, you know, they weren't going to have a meeting on the fourth, but now they're going to for just this >> um these three articles. Um I don't I'm
not going to change anything or make any modifications to a citizen's petition. Um but they are covering, you know, marijuana and changes of buffer zone and things of that nature. Um, so you know, it's up to the planning board to receive these warrant articles and to review and
opine as a planning board would and um and go from there. So >> are these these are sent by us? So do they require a twothird vote? >> I believe so. Yeah, whatever the standard is. >> Okay. >> So I I only heard them talk about the
marijuana one last night. So all three all three are related to marijuana buffer zones in different um >> that's what I heard >> in different different areas there. >> Um >> so um in regards to cultivation and um
medical treatment centers, you know, things of that nature. Um, >> so there'll be the public hearing and people can say whatever and then after that >> the >> Yeah, the numbering may be off just because I've been trying to >> move things around. Yeah.
>> After that, the planning board will give their recommendation but they are not the presenters. >> Correct. >> So the petitioners will be the ones presenting at the town meeting. >> Correct. So, you know, once once it's gone
through the planning board version, I'll chat with the petitioner um to understand how they're going to present or if I could be supportive of a slide or how how it helps them sort of um work through this. So, um you do have an
audience member's hand up. Um Chair Shiffren, if you wish to have them ask an answer. >> Uh Cindy, did I miss something from last night? No, no, no, no. It's just a a just a technical administrative thing. It's it's not citizen petitioner. It's
just citizen petition because it's a whole petition. That's the petitioner isn't putting it on the warrant. The everybody who signed the petition is so it's actually citizens petition without the ER. >> I just want >> Thank you, Cindy. >> Okay.
>> Excellent. Um so that's articles three, four, and five. Um again as uh Veronica mentioned likely a two-thirds vote necessary for that. Um, you know, five is again just another modification within the >> that also gets put on the warrant,
right? Or does that wait until annual meeting where it says the required vote? Sometimes it's majority, sometimes it's 2/3, whatever. I'll end up telling they get put together. Sometimes he does put it in parentheses after. >> Yeah, I'll end up chatting with Adam
when he and I go through it. Say, "Hey, what do I need to put here?" Because >> Okay. >> He's he knows that stuff better than I ever will. You guys know probably know better than me too. >> Should know too. >> Yeah. >> So that's articles three, four, and five.
Um, article six is the establishment of the James H. Tucker Trust Fund Committee. Um, I didn't know how many members. >> Three. >> Was it three? >> Three. And typically, um, it's been done a couple ways. Sometimes it comes in and
you know who it is. >> And sometimes it's right there on the floor. and sometimes it's on the floor where three West Townsen residents um volunteer. >> Okay. >> So it it hasn't been consistent necessarily on how it's done. >> Okay.
>> I think it just depends. >> So the article is correct, but just it's three members. Um >> so is is that done yearly and do we have none right now? Is that it? >> It is. >> It wasn't I think the past two years it hasn't been on the warrant. Um, I I
can't remember this past year, but I know that the year before it wasn't and and I think that we missed it last year because >> Nelson didn't know. >> Okay. >> It was a thing because it hadn't been on the year before >> for whatever reason.
>> And I don't think we caught it till it was too late. >> Well, I think we had the intern. >> No, we had >> Was Eric still there? Eric was still there when the warrant was made. >> Um, yeah. Before Nelson and then Nelson
did the next one. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Um, and he just did he just pulled from what was there before and hadn't been there. So, >> yeah. >> Anyway, >> so I don't think there's anybody. You'd have to look at the minutes from last year.
>> So, that's um article six, the James H. Tucker Trust Fund Committee. Um, article 7 is related to community preservation fund and you know the numbers related to administrative expenses, preservation
projects, housing, historic. Um, I did put the appropriation amounts in here. Um, just so we can keep tabs on that. Important to note that initially they thought they were going to have $191,000 in change. It's actually more likely
$162,000 in change. Um Vicki and um her office shared with me a letter. Um they're at 167, but she's expecting about $5,000 in exceptions. >> Okay. >> So she's like, you know, take that 167,
subtract about 5K to be safe, and work off that number. And that's the amount that the town has um paid, not the amount that's coming from the state. >> That's my understanding. Correct. Yeah. Um so these amounts I'm going to run
these by the treasur collector and assessor's office. Um just wanted to have it in front of you guys tonight in terms of um what these numbers look like now. >> And and that's submitted by the CPA committee. um they will present this article. Um
they will, you know, speak to it in terms of maybe any goals they have or opportunities and things of that nature. Um really should be a pretty nice little presentation from them. >> Um we actually can take this out. Um
article 8 is uh something that just came up um a little while ago this afternoon. Um thankfully I had some placeholders for this in regards to a police detail administrative fee revolving fund um and the creation of this revolving fund. Um
you know when the police chief and his department um have detail assignments, we have a detail cruiser revolving fund um that's related to different things within the vehicles that get used and such. Um, but behind that there's also quite a bit of administrative fees,
software management, payroll management, things of that nature um that we should have kind of a catchall for a revolving fund on. Um, he's looking for about $10,000 to be allocated to that fund that he expects to, you know, work with
and he will, you know, he's like, we'll balance that out. That'll be really helpful for his department. Um, so this was a a late >> from his budget or in addition to his budget >> be in addition to his >> 10,000. >> Correct. Yeah. >> Just like the 6,000 for his cruiser
pieces. So um so that's um I again I'll work with Adam in terms of moving the header revolving fund articles that might get jumped up. >> Um and I'll put the submitted by and and such. Um, article 9 again is your revolving
funds and the limits um that they have for spending. Um, so you know, I've touched base with a variety of these folks. I emailed them or I've chatted with them in person. Um, you know, uh, the only one that I think I was waiting for confirmation on may have been, no,
not cemetery. They gave me their number. Maybe it was the animal care program. I have that as $1,000 just a placeholder for now. I'm not really sure what that's for, but um I figured someone in the crowd may have a hand up to share. >> Well, I I don't know about the animal
care program, but I have something else. I think that's the funds when the um acco brings an animal in. Okay. >> To pay for the food and all of that, whatever. >> I think that's what that is. >> Okay. Um, but I'm wondering why the
public records requests aren't in here. >> Uh, public records request is number 11 for police >> move for us because we established the fund at annual town meeting last year >> for $5,000 and it was a separate article
because we had to do what is we did it the way Adam told us what's in article 8 to establish the fund and then we had to um an amount in a separate And it's a public records request fund. >> It is in the it is in the um chart now.
So >> it's what >> it it's accurately reflected public records. Oh no. >> Oh yeah, it is >> budget >> in the um charter here. The list accurately reflects it's in there
>> in this list. No, not there. But on >> she said in the charter chapter 104 section one. >> I just added >> this article. So >> yes, which was a program before we established the fund. Thank you. The charter. >> Yeah. >> And um the animal care program is for
emergency care vendors. >> Okay. >> Makes sense. >> Any others that jump out at you that I do not have on here? I know we have a few weeks to sort of iron out anything that's missed. The detailed fees, please tell me. Recreation facility, cemetery, fire
alarm, health care, inspection services. Inspection services don't see it. >> Who was it? >> Is that building >> by the building commissioner? >> Then we did not respond back. So I will What's the amount for it?
>> Um doesn't say here in excess. But if you look at last year's um just says inspection services revoling fund >> probably like um >> I'm sure it's more than $1, but I don't
>> just start there. And you got firearms licensing that was I didn't see. >> Yep, that one's on there. >> Yep, that was it. >> Excellent. Thank you. Um >> I would think that inspections is like the electrical, the plumbing. >> Yeah,
>> those other related. >> Um next article um we shift into operating budget um sort of topics here and I was going to ask I know last year you had a special town meeting within your annual town meeting to do the snow
and ice allocation from for from free cash. I don't know if we do that again this year. And the reason being, I checked with the town clerk in regard to our decision to have a a special town meeting within the town meeting. He's like, it actually isn't necessary
because those items were they were just discontinued because you lost quorum and there were going to be no action to be taken on those items anyways. So, >> the question is, does this is this needed to balance the budget for FY26? And I believe the answer is yes. And if
that's the case, it can't be under the FY27 stuff, which is the annual town meeting. That was my understanding of why we did that. >> Yeah, >> we always did the free cash stuff that wasn't in that annual town meeting. >> Okay,
>> that's the purpose. So I think this is one of the articles that was always in that annual town meeting and there's an annual special within the annual meeting >> special within the annual town. Yeah. To finish
>> and so we may if that is the case and you can check with Adam on this. >> Yeah. >> Um but if that is the case then we need to next meeting >> open. >> Yes. But is that too late? Because I think we need two weeks for a special town meeting.
>> You would have to do it that night >> and we would have to post it that night. >> Yes, >> I believe so. Um, >> yes. >> Uh, so maybe what we do is open and
close a warrant right now just in case we need it. Leave this here and go go on. for me to make that motion. I make a motion to open a special time meeting board for um May 5th, 2026
>> and close it. >> And close it >> after placing articles >> after placing >> after placing one article >> article to certified free cash for FY. >> Yeah. For snow and ice and ice >> for snow and ice.
>> Let me start again. kept jumping in on you. >> Whatever is going on. >> Where's the wording from the minute? >> I've evalated to make a motion to open a special town meeting for May 5th, 2026
and to close it um once we have added a article to support snow and ice deficits from precache. >> Just to clarify, you're opening a special town meeting warrant. >> Warrant. Okay. specific is our second. >> Veronica second.
>> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica. I la. Okay. Moving on. >> Yeah. If I may, just one thing. We believe that number is going to be right around 305. Hopefully, we won't need any
snow or ice treatment tonight. It looks a little bit sunny out there. I know it was questionable to start the day, right? Um, but you know, um, fingers crossed that I know we always get one late storm, so I'll just bank on it. But >> I thought we already had that. >> Hopefully it's not plowable snow. So
>> that needed to be plant. >> I know. We've seen it before when it >> wrecks all the flowers. >> Um, so that article 10 >> that likely gets moved. Um, article 11 um is sort of the budget in its
entirety. Um right now you're at um just under $29 million. You're 28 28.819885 million. Um that is the total of your budget. Um I you know reference the line that was referenced last year. It was
like 786 the line. Now it's 8805 is the sum of all your budgets. Um I highlight the transfer from the various funds. So your um title five repayment, ambulance receipts reserved, solid waste indirect
and water enterprise um overhead costs and you know funds we get um pushed back into our budget. You can see here um our fiscal 26 expenses compared to fiscal 27 and what
the percentage changes are. Um that's as of today. Um, and then I know in years past you had just screenshots of all the budgets in there, >> the attachment, right? >> And I was thinking, yeah, try to I'm going to try to find a clean way to print out the omnibus budget so people
could have it and say, you know, I question line one, two, three and and go from there. >> So, I'm going to just come up with a couple ideas and I'll send them around for ways to make that a bit more. >> It would be much easier to read if it was not a part of this document and as an appendix. Yeah, there is a world that
and I know during co times some towns just took these functional segments and then just read the article >> and made the motion. I know Towns and probably wants to spend a bit more time in the you know depth of each line item but there's always an option to audience members to just do that.
>> Typically we vote on the functional segments. >> So >> you know we in Dun we go line by line and someone will say question you know that'll be line you know whatever for animal control officer, you know, whatever it might be. So, every town does it their own way, which is very
appropriate here. Um, article 12, you do have to call out an elected officer's salary um to article 12 is covering the town clerk's salary um you know, referencing Mass General Law Chapter 41 section 108. Um
and that's an appropriation that's made um for the budget. um shifting down um enterprise department budgets. Um we're going to start off with a PAS settlement monies um being transferred from an account um
to go into a PAS maintenance fund. Um this is related to paying off uh treatment plant debt, treatment media replacement and maintenance of a treatment plant and system improvements. Um I received this from our water superintendent question. Um,
>> I may not be able to answer it. That's all I'm going to say. But, >> uh, not on the PAS. I'm I'm backing up to article 12. So, we can finish PAS thing and then come back and then or we can go all the way through it and come back if you want. >> Sure. >> Yeah. Um, why don't we finish the
enterprise departments and then we'll jump back just so we don't lose sight of anything. >> Um, article 14 is the water enterprise fund in its entirety. ates to two, you know, just about $2.5 million. And it also notates the intermunicipal expenses that um the water department, you know,
has as indirect costs in our budget um that we see on our recap sheet. Article 15 would be the same type of article, yet it's for the solid waste enterprise fund. Um I emailed uh the board of health admin just to get that total number from them. They're probably still
working on that, but I did have their indirect cost, which is that $17,169. um first time doing this for solid waste. So it would kind of interesting to sort of see it come to fruition >> um and and go from there. Um I'll shift back to your question in article 12, Veronica, before we move.
>> Should that come before the budget? Because if the town would vote not to um not to fund that for whatever reason or to fund it lesser >> or higher would then we would have to revote general government because that
number is in part of general government. >> Yeah. >> So should that article be in front of the rest of the budget? I'm I'm just curious. >> It has in the past >> that it's always been after. I'm pretty sure it's the budget and it's always been after. Good question.
>> We don't usually call out the number. I don't think we've called out that number in any warrant >> until now. >> Yeah, you you haven't in other places, but I know I guess I think it's a good practice and it's because of our our sort of budget leanness and I think it's
an important role for the town. I think it's important for people to know >> what goes with it. So, >> yeah, it it it's just seeing that number brought up that question. That's all. I can I can move things around >> if it should be before >> or
so that we didn't have to revote general government. >> Yeah, I we can you know we can kind of play musical chairs here with the order of things. Um actually the town clerk was he was pretty savvy. He said, "Hey, you want to make sure you put a good warrant article at the end so people don't just bail on you." Like so I
thought it was actually really I was like, "Oh, right on, Harrison." >> Um so I actually was appreciative of that. Yeah. Um, so I can again if you >> I I'm just curious to think about that because if in fact that number would change, general government would have to
be revoted and then that would change the bottom line for the budget because if in fact that were to change >> um it changes other things too. >> It does. Yeah. Uh so anyway, >> well we can do this um and I may give
you guys some homework um after our fun meeting tonight is if you have specific order of things you want to go on the on the warrant article, you know your citizens better than I do in terms of what will keep people, you know, butts in the seats at the end, if you will. Um because I I don't want to lose quorum
and have to have us do another night. Um you know, that's we want to be really efficient and and make sure we get get through it. So, you're welcome to email me feedback once you've had a bit more time to see this because I know this was not um in within your 48 hour horizon. So,
>> 24 >> I knew I'd get someone on that little thing. Um what is article 16? Again, the number is not perfect, but capital finance capital financial articles. Um in the past this is where capital planning committee has
made a recommendation whether it be through water enterprise fund or free cash or other you know fund sources um for some of your larger ticket items. Um I got to make sure I double check my math because I don't think it's right. I quickly look at that. But um we have the
last payment of the it's the fifth year payment, right? Uh, no. I believe it it it's the fourth payment of a No, it's the last payment. It's >> the last
>> and I Is it a fiveyear lease or a four year? >> And do we do something funky the first year? Because sometimes the first year you do a funky thing. Um, anyway, go ahead. >> So, um, these are there really just three sort of primary items here. Um,
>> the fifth year might be $1. There's something funky in there. Okay. I'll try. >> This is the last big payment. The payment that's after it is, I believe, $1, but I'm not certain. >> Yeah, I'll go back and check the capital planning um sort of organization because
you do have your capital stabilization fund, which has about $46,000 in it. >> So, this will, you know, kind of clean sweep that. You'll be down to about 145,000 left there. >> Can I say something? I I know I suggested this to you, but I'm wondering
if we if this sale of properties money can be used for capital expenditures and it looks like that's what we're going to be doing. >> Shouldn't we just move it into capital stabilization? >> Um because capital stabil stabilization
will have about 14K in it after we make this payment. >> Some capital would qualify and some wouldn't though. >> Do you know what I mean? because it's specific to the way you explained it was like it's for things that you can borrow for >> but it was also for specific items.
>> Yeah. So the sale of like the water department building being sold could be used for infrastructure um public safety items um things that are like buying more land to benefit the town. >> But so it's like a capital project that didn't >> qualify >> qualify for those that does
>> some of the other portion of it doesn't there's another 180ish. that money could go into capital stabilization because it really really limits >> um the capital planning >> when we have no money
>> when that when we being the town we have no money in that account 14,000 what's that going to get you in capital you don't even put in a cap request unless it's 10,000 or more so that means okay if you have a request between 10 and 15
we can honor one of them next year. Um, >> is that >> I just think it might be an idea >> as long as those can actually be used for anything in capital city >> that would come up town. I'm just thinking there was a snow plow that was requested that we said no to
and it would have been really nice to know that those funds could be used for that when capital planning was meeting because we might have made a different decision. >> Um but there just were no funds and we were trying to figure out how to fund what we could fund.
>> Um so anyway, that's just an idea. >> Um circling back to the three things before us here. Um, so we have that highway cat loader and that, you know, $31,000 payment. Um, I've been kicking around the idea that if our budget gets
really gnarly, um, that we for one year use the, um, you know, rather than the general fund, we use the sale of town owned properties, you know, basically the water department building to cover that 102,000 um dollar cost for the lease payment on
the cruisers. Currently, it's within your budget. It's, you know, the budget's built out as such. So, that's part of that 20 almost $29 million budget, but just food for thought. Currently, the general fund covers it. Um, number three, it's a terrible
practice. I'm I'm offering a bad budget idea, but also acutely aware of the budget situation the town is in, like many communities here in Massachusetts right now. Um, number three is the purchase of bunker gear for the fire
department. Um, currently the bunker gear is in deplorable shape. Um, and is probably more harm than good. I don't say that casually, but I know it's um, it's an important piece of protective equipment that truly the sale of that water building would really be useful
for. Um, and I think u that group would be um, even stronger with a little investment in their their gear and their safety. >> This has been on for three years now. >> It's at at least two. I wasn't on Capital Video before, but I know we
didn't do it last year because the funds that we were going to use were no longer available to use. >> And so this year, um, we weren't going to do it because there was nowhere to get it from, nowhere to find the money unless we put
the town in yet another 100k down. >> Yeah. >> So, um, this is a good solution. Yeah, it it's the right it's the right funds and like the gear lasts a while. So, this is a good investment in sort of the tenure and long-term stability of our
>> I agree first responders. So, >> there's there's a world in which we have more of that sale of properties after next year maybe >> potentially. Yeah. Um, article 17 was an open placeholder. So maybe that is where I can um work with Adam to say we use that other portion of those sale of
properties or the tax lean properties however whatever the right phrasing is to transfer that into capitalization capital stabilization >> some portion of it >> some portion >> and and even if there are you know caveats it can only be used for the fire truck or it can only be used for things
that you would be able to get a loan for or whatever it is. Um, and we can we I mean I'm not on I was the I might not be on capital >> planning next year, but um the that
committee can figure it out. So >> yeah. Um uh shifting along the way here, we get to general financial articles. Um this article here that says it's 18 is related to the assessor's um treasury
fund for uh you know periodic inspections and property data verification. Um that's a number from our assessor um of 8K. Um so no surprise there. Number 19, our fund topic is our PEG access receipts reserved account. Um,
which currently has $152,844. Um, which is roughly equal to 5% of the Comcast gross annual revenues in towns in the first, second, and third quarters of fiscal year 2026, right? Is that should be 27, right? No, it's the
previous previous >> 26. Yeah. But what happened to the fourth quarter of FY25? That just keeps disappearing. >> Yeah, I merely just keep copying. I copied and pasted the previous one. >> Um, it should be four quarters that come
in. Um, and the fourth quarter is the fourth quarter of the previous fiscal year because we don't have the fourth quarter of FY of the current fiscal year in by the time we go to town meeting.
>> So, it should be the fourth quarter of the prior fiscal year and then >> FY23. Hi. >> Yeah, >> got it. >> Um, and it should be every year and I don't think it happened last year, which is what David kept saying >> and I think David's right. So it it should be first, second and third
quarter of FY26 and fourth quarter of FY25 and somehow the fourth quarter of 20 four is still missing. >> First, second, third. Hopefully not the
punctuation here, but I know the sizing's a little off. All right. >> But somehow that number that you have now is the one that came from the accountant. >> Mhm. Yeah. That's what I used to. >> So, so what you have to see is how much
comes in every quarter. And it used to be right around 40,000, but it's been dropping. >> So, I wouldn't be surprised if that 152 is for four quarters. >> I think it is. Um, so it it >> those it looked like that company was
right on it >> and so it's the the previous fourth quarter that came in in it it came in in >> in FY26. >> Yeah, >> makes sense. >> Yeah, it's like Verizon. They always
bill ahead a month ahead for your >> out the previous year. >> Yeah. So it's the one that came in >> right after July 1st. There would have been one that came in. >> Yeah. >> You know, and then the other and then three quarters. >> Yeah, that'll be a good one for Adam and
I to chat about just to make sure we have the word >> how you word that. >> Yeah. The wording out correctly. >> Um, article 20 is open placeholder right now. Um, I sort of built in placeholders along the way in case something looked a little um wacky. This might be a space
where I put the personnel. We're still in financials, so never disregard. Um, so I guess that naming isn't useful. This might be where we put our new updated personnel and policies, sexual
harassment thing. Um, that's on our discussion tonight, but we we're supposed to review our entire handbook with um in order to adhere to some new insurance and auditor mandates. Um, I may tell them we just don't have the
capacity for that right now. That might be more of a fall town meeting or next year's annual town meeting topic. >> I agree. >> Yeah. And if they if they say too bad for you, I'm going to say that's a terrible practice and I will call every other town in the area that you bailed on us because we've had so much
transition. Like I just think that's absurd. So personal hill I'll die on. So, >> it's it's almost like a um it's going to take a lot of discussion or could potentially >> and you might want to have a hearing
before you ever put it on a warrant. >> And I I think it'd also be prudent to have your staff have a representative at the table in that discussion because we we have policies that are on our like select board page that go against what's in the handbook. And then we have
references to in the personnel handbook to select word policies and sometimes they conflict with each other and it's a select word policy changes it doesn't get reflected in the personnel policy change. >> Exactly. Right. >> And I would think in a more efficient world any of those select policies that
really belong in personnel remove them as a cipher policy and just keep them in personnel. >> That would just be my >> that's a good idea. one place is fine >> and and because what's happening is I can see you you start changing here and it never gets updated over here and this one's from 2006
get rid of this one put it in personnel policies and procedures. >> Yeah. And it's also going even further on that is we're about to work through three union negotiations. there are some things there that might benefit all our employees like whether it be changes in you know number of holidays like that
should be honored for everybody you know like it's just not equitable for everyone at the table if you know James has got you know Christmas uh Christmas Eve off and I don't I'm like we all work at the same place >> I was making sure he wasn't sleeping
over there so now he's like now I'm This is not enough. No. >> So, I just think there's a more equitable approach and I will, like I said, I will really go to bat pretty hard on the company that's putting some pressure on Sabrina to get this because I think it's a little bit of a like,
hey, you know, we want to work with you guys, but we've had some transition here. We're trying to do our best. Just bear with us, you know. Um, and it they'll get paid one way or the other. So, just bear with us while we get this ironed out. So, um, that if they say too
bad, Kieran, and you got to figure it out, then I will put that into this article 20 placeholder, but I'm going to, like I said, kind of push back on that pretty strongly. So, um, >> can I ask a a newbie question? It's
required for personal policies and procedures to be voted at town meeting and town. >> It's in the bylaws. >> That's pretty standard. >> Yep. Okay. It's not >> it's it's there. >> Article 21, similar thing. Um
placeholder. I think I was playing around this afternoon with articles. Um that's say 264. We are looking to potentially sell the west towns and reading room and or dispose of the property through um the proper protocols. So in order to lead up
to that, we would need to remove it from our posting location for warrants in the town >> um and other public notices. So we do have to have a motion and an article to satisfy that at town meeting. >> Um so that will lead to article 23 which
is the you know authorizing the select board to you know in accordance with Massachusetts chapter 30B to dispose of the property known as the west towns and reading room at 264 Dudley Road. Um, I will work with Adam to get block lot numbers and such. And, um, this is
essentially giving us the authorization to do so. I know there's still some questions about reverter clauses and things of that nature, um, that we have a wonderful committee working hard on. Um, but this will just give us the opportunity to officially visit that path and see if we want to follow
through on this. Should we on article 22 designate? This is just saying you can post it wherever. >> Yeah, this would be giving the select board the opportunity to identify a new location. Um andor um you remove that as
a location, but is there one nearby? >> West Townsen Fire Station. Yeah, that's where I would do it because you want one in West Towns and >> um the idea was to post in >> Yeah. >> places. >> Yeah. So, this this article does
encompass that point where it does allow the select board to update and maintain the list. >> Okay. >> Um so, it does sort of have >> Yeah. >> Does that address have to be voted at a town meeting like the removal does? >> No, because it's not in the charter.
or the bylaws. I can double check it. >> Yeah, the wording currently >> I'm pointing to you because you had it up before. >> I don't have it up. >> Yeah, >> I can grab it. But anyway, I don't know. So, >> and this might be one that Adam says, "Hey, you got to strike out that last
sentence, the and to authorize the select board to update, but this will give him an opportunity to review it for us, too." >> Oh, yeah. That's good. because I think it would be uh useful for the select board to be able to say, "Hey, you know, let's use the West Towns and Fire
Department. Oh, like they're having an event there that day." Like we can find another location nearby. Like that does allow some um >> there isn't a lot in West Towns and that was the only place that I could think of that was uh >> well the BFW but nobody ever I mean not everybody
>> drives back there. I mean if you don't if you aren't a regular customer you don't go back there >> right >> so >> and the only other place would have been the water department building which is >> not but we don't post at like the COA or
this the library like that would be >> that's a good location you have a lot of people that go through there >> um >> we do not post in the most no we don't post in the most visible locations in town and we haven't for a while >> so that's why I kind of enjoy
kind of maneuvering this article. So, it did allow the select board to maybe look at that list every now and then. I guess we want to check with that. >> I checked that on that one. It would be nice to be able >> Why isn't it posted in the library? >> It's not on the list. >> It's not a designated posting class.
>> So, we probably had the same designations forever. >> Oh, we have. >> It's a chance. >> Is there a limited amount? Can it only be the number that's in there now? Is that
>> the >> restricted? >> Yeah, the town clerk probably knows best and if you're looking at the charter. Um, so it's one that I think we could have probably all check on. I just I wanted to make sure I got the article in here to prepare for you guys today and I
know that room needs to come off at the West Townley reading room, but your followup question >> find out what the mechanism is. Yeah, >> cuz certainly the more the marrier, but then again, we do have to >> we got to pay an officer to go to these
places. So, >> well, the library is closed. >> Yeah, that one's close by. You can walk over there. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um, continue on. Um, >> article 23 is, as I touched on, the disposal or the sale potentially or the authority to sell the West Towns and
reading room at 264 Dudley Road. Um, article 24 is the what's the building formerly known as the heart library. Um, and you know, similar process allowing the select board to you open the can of worms that is that building and decide
if you want to authorize the sale of that of that parcel. Um, side note, I walked through there on Friday um with the folks from the library because they were curious to see it and um there was actually something that they were hope they found a couple things that are
library possessions that um >> it's not it's moldy but not terrible. You do need a mask for the most part in there. Um but it's not intolerable. There's a lot of stuff in there. >> There is a whole ton of stuff in there.
You mean, but there's also like there's old library shelves and things like that. Like I I want to chat with Adam about the mechanisms to allow just like if you see something, take something that's not like didn't have my driver's license number on it, but if you needed
a shelf or you your kiddos love books at home, they wanted a bookshelf, like we should give that back to the residents. But that's me not following any proper protocols. But just >> we should we should consider how if we I mean I'm personally all for selling this
and then also part of that being however we can best >> we there's um paperwork in there. >> There is assessor's records from a long time ago. >> They're very moldy. Some the majority
are very moldy. Um there are there are checkbooks in there um >> like from the 1800s. >> Yeah. There's actually a really cool real estate parcel book that has all the original ledgers to it >> which a part of me is like if this were a historic building or give it to a historic commission because it's in like
1944. >> Yeah. We should let the historic group go there too there too and >> yeah take what they need. >> It's a cool look back in time thing. You know if you're a history buff you're kind of into that. So >> So there's a lot of steps to selling that first obviously. >> Yeah. And I think it might be this
authority and then this could be a next spring you're potentially looking at selling it is my guess. Um it might take a little while to get there and um have some people triage what's going on in there. Um especially with all the relevant materials, but >> and people need to go in at their own
risk even if they have a mask on because >> it could be very it could be deadly to some people. >> Yeah. I think it's go in with uh a town employee, whether it be your town administrator or facilities uh be a manager with you. Um because you're
you're right like they're I've heard the stories of people slipping on the stairs or bumping their head in the wrong spot. You don't want anybody to get hurt >> or breathing a bad thing there. >> Mold exposure. >> Yeah, I am toxin.
>> It's not a serious thing. It's very serious. Um, so that's that article. Um, so more to come there and let the residents um deliberate. Article 25, the last article is 182 Warren Road. Um, >> how is that the last article? Isn't
there an article for all of the town properties recommended to be auctioned? >> That's these three. >> It is not three. >> She's talking about the ones that week that we were going to have Bob Garside look through. >> Okay. I had questions about the
buildability of it. There were a couple other questions. Okay. Um, >> there has to be an article for that because we're looking, we were thinking of a June auction. >> Okay. So, >> money
articles there. That's right. 21. >> Yeah. Article 21 could be um need a little bit more information on those properties. just find out if he's gone through them yet. >> Um, there was one of them that uh
landlocked uh circled by DCR property, I believe. >> Did anybody contact um >> I think they've been contacted. >> Have they? >> I I believe they've been contacted. We had the discussion at town properties.
>> I'm surprised they >> We got an answer. There's some kind of answer on it. >> Okay. I want to see. >> They're not interested. weren't interested in buying it. We may not get anything. There may be somebody who surrounds it that doesn't want it either,
>> but that >> I would be really surprised because typically DCR even up on the hill there was a piece of property that we maybe four years ago um they uh purchased it where even it was landlocked. It was the
one piece of property um that they didn't have >> or mass wildlife. >> That was wildlife. That was wildife. I think they're looking for larger parcels. >> I don't know. >> Well, they they have those land anyway
land committee meetings. It has to be approved by before they do it. But in any event, um, >> see what he says and then maybe he can work with Jody on getting any other information that's needed for the town meeting. >> Yeah, we can just add a table in here.
Um, the maybe I can just put them all in a table. So, it's one sweeping article. >> Pull out any >> Yeah, one sweeping article and go from there. So, >> yeah, it doesn't have to be 22 articles, >> right? It could just be as listed, you know, 1 2 3 2 4 5, you know, whatever it
is. And and it could be even that it would be before the auction that you would need to know whether or not >> Yeah. authorize the town to sell or to >> dispose of >> dispose of through you know mass chapter 30b protocols. Um right
>> or take any action there too. So >> right if you want to hold one for DCR you could >> or if um you need to start at a certain amount for certain parcels because they're buildable parcels. So,
>> so Kieran will check. >> That was what we were going to ask Bob. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. His thoughts on the buildability and and then give that to the auction house with recommendations. >> Okay. Um, so that will cover that. Am I
missing any other articles that you may >> My first initial thought just off the bat is putting citizen petitions at the end. >> I agree. Yeah, >> that's what we've always done. >> Okay. >> Historically, >> because I know last I got a lot of feedback last year that people were frustrated that they didn't get to vote
on the budget sooner in the meeting. There was a lot of other stuff that was frontloaded. >> You mean not interested in citizens petition? >> So, it's it's a zoning bylaw which you typically have at the front of your meeting, >> but it's a citizen. It's not >> board. I think there might be a lot of
discussion on it. And so, the question is is do you want an hour discussion? people already thing to keep. There you go. >> The select board would like the budgets to pass as soon as possible. Yes, >> that would be the priority I would say >> and not three months later. >> Yeah.
>> And so, you know, you get a long meeting going and this is >> right. >> Carrying the wind. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. And I agree. Zoning normally be up front, but because it's a citizen petition, just my two thoughts on that. two cents.
>> I love feedback. Let's keep it going. If you have any more >> Oh, I I will I'm just gonna put this out there and please correct me. So this is um from the charter personnel policies chapter 90 adoption of non-contractual personal policies and procedures
personal policies and procedures of the town as may be adopted by the board of select and from time to time with the review approval of majority of those elected boards and commissions with paid personnel shall be applicable to all town employees except for a particular topic is specifically referenced in
junior personnel contracts >> the charter or bylaws >> I could I will I stand open to correction but just saying for maybe future research. >> Where are you getting that?
>> Chapter 90 personnel policies. >> That's the bylaws. >> I searched through it all but I could like I said the chart is like the first five I think it's like eight or nine chapters now at the top. That's the charter. The rest of these are bylaws.
I will, you know, we can put this on if we're going to approve it at the next meeting. That's fine. >> I search for all references of personnel and that's all I got. There there's small mentions of it elsewhere, but Chuck. >> Yeah. So, uh, it maybe doesn't anymore.
>> It did say it was changed in 2015, so it's poss or 2019. >> Excellent. So, I have some homework to work out of here. But again, >> I'm not sure we have to actually get that approved at 10. But again, that's my
>> one year little select board member thought >> as town council. >> Yeah. >> Personal policies. >> Um >> and I I hope I'm wrong. >> Yeah. If you think of anything else offline, feel free to email me. Um, we have a couple placeholders left and we
might have a few more if I merge all the sale properties into one article with a table >> and it would be like, you know, one 123 Main Street. Um, and then the lot number and block and things like that. >> I think the three that you have up there would gather enough conversation to have
those separate, the buildings and then the other list of parcels cuz they're parcels. Okay. >> They're not buildings that you're going to talk about. Um, I would have that be another article >> or I could put them all into the 182 Warren Road one because that that's just a piece of land with some debris on it,
right? So, merge it all into that one. >> Has a house on it. >> Well, it has a shack foundation. >> It's a house >> that has to come down. >> It's not It's not liveable as is. >> It is not. >> But it does have a house on it. >> It has a footprint
>> to be reused if somebody wants a building lot. It is a building lot. >> Yeah. Okay. Even though it doesn't have 200 feet frontage, it has like 180 or 170 or something like that. >> Um,
uh, it shouldn't go for $2,000. >> Oh, no. Absolutely. >> Um, what I'm saying >> because that needs so much work, >> right? >> But it it most likely will go it also needs a lot of cleanup which will cost
money. >> Yeah. Especially in the back of it. >> The library 20k worth of clean up is my guess. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. It's about probably 10 dumpsters >> or more, >> especially depending on the article,
like what what else is in there, but that's not up for us to deliberate right now, >> right? >> Um, so thank you for letting me give the first shake at the Warren articles. Again, send me any other feedback you think of along the way or if I'm missing anything and you got a couple placeholders to play with. Um, yeah,
we'll look to revisit with this on April 21st and if we're feeling good, maybe it'll be done. Um, >> it has to be done, >> doesn't it? >> 28th. >> The 28th. >> Seven days for town meeting. >> Oh, cool. >> I don't love that practice. >> I would like I would really like to do
that on >> I would like to be ahead of it. And >> so gives the public more time to take a look at it, too. >> Yeah, exactly. which I always a little bit >> I always hope the public will pay attention while watching at home. >> My audience member is still awake so
he's still still here >> if it's looking it doesn't it seems like it's in pretty good shape. It just needs some tweaks. So >> um 5.9 is a couple surplus items. Um >> this is just kind of a sweeping motion. It's a table um for the recreation
department. some dishwear for your council on aging and the town clerk had some old legal >> so just to clarify 5.8 8 is being moved to the next meeting. >> Will be old business on 4:21. Yes, ma'am. >> It'll probably live on the agenda till
we get through town meeting. You know, it'll probably hang >> just there was no vote. >> Correct. >> Okay. Go ahead. Sorry. >> I'll go for it. I value Gooditch move to approve a surplus request for the recreation department the table council
and aging dishwear and town clerk legal volumes as presented. Is there a second? >> Is there any discussion? Okay. Roll call vote I la. 5.10
Karen. >> 5.10 10 is um an anti-harassment and bullying policy that um we had an outofdate version of this. So our town council shared with us a more current policy. Um this is helpful especially
nowadays um with different definitions about bullying, cyber bullying, um discrimination, and just really being more current in work places. Um, so I'm looking for any feedback here andor um
be okay to um approve this as presented. It's been checked by town council. It came from town council. >> Um so I >> your motion. >> Yeah. >> Um I valich move to approve the towns and anti-harassment policy as presented.
Is there a second set? >> Yeah. >> Any further discussion? >> I did share this with the staff as well. Um, and you know, I'll say this to any staff listening. You're always welcome to reach out to me if you have any questions, concerns, or anything of that nature. Um, you know, it's it's a
challenging workplace um, anywhere these days, but um, always want to make sure people feel as though they have a space to go to to chat if they need to. So, >> and am I correct that this would be updated personnel? >> Okay. Cali, as HR, did you have a
comment in reference to this? >> I did. One of the reasons that we were reviewing that in fact were because of a recommendation that came out of a risk assessment from black shelters who requested that we specifically add um a
section regarding harassment of minors. So I did respond to um this draft indicating that and I haven't seen that another draft has been created or not. Um maybe Karen
>> their feedback was it covered all the last one I saw the attorney's feedback Sam it covered all within its definitions so >> I'm not an attorney so I just default to what attorney says
>> yeah I know that it just felt it was requesting a separate section but >> comments from staff? >> No, not a single staff person wrote back. >> At least not to me.
>> Do do we hire miners? >> You do. I hear >> you mean at recreation and recycling. >> Um water department, summer interns probably. Some maybe I don't know. >> No, those are those are olders. Yeah, but they could be from some of them. >> My nurse are under 18, right?
>> Yeah. Mhm. >> So, some of them may be, some of them may not be. It depends >> for for all of those. >> Um, it why would this not apply to minors, I guess, is my question. Well,
that was my initial question as well, but there is um some additional um there are additional steps with miners such as mandatory reporting and things like that in reference to um the law in regard to um if complaints are
filed, of how the guardian is involved in that, they have to be accompanied by a parent, things like that. So those thing the last version I saw did not have that. Um I just think it's worth maybe checking before if you are about to approve that as is. It kind of
defeats the purpose of why we were looking at it. So >> yeah. >> Okay. Well, thank you for that feedback. >> You check Sam? >> I got it from Sam. And did you say we
need something that applies to my >> Cali wrote back and he did not answer the question. He said this is what you should use. >> But I can go back to them if you wish. Are there Well, I guess the question is then are is there a separate policy for
those >> um departments that do do things with um >> like wreck and recycling because I don't think there is any place else water >> water >> library
volunteers all over the place. >> Yeah, that's true. My understanding was this this policy catches it all regardless of age but Cali may know betteration
>> is a big one. So it also covers if a minor is a patron of any of our services >> it's worth checking. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So I guess another opinion on it. Yeah. Before it goes to the final,
>> do you want me to just do um I can edit the motion just a little bit. Um >> or just make it for 421. >> Yeah. What you guys want to do? >> Yeah, >> I'm I'm good with that. >> Make it a whole business
>> and and just whatever the insurance company is saying. >> Yes. >> Forward it and say, are we good with this? You know, is this does this policy cover what insurance says we need? >> I guess is the question.
>> Okay. 5.11 discussion for lease with Tesa. And are you here for this? >> Yeah. Spuna is on. >> Okay. >> Okay. Who wants to handle this? You want me to talk for a little bit? I can talk a little bit.
I haven't I haven't done much other than I >> answered Selena's question about when can we catch up on this and I said let me know when and do you have a draft lease that you had before >> um that we wanted to work off of and I kind of left it at that and that was just earlier today so it's not fair for
me to say she had to get it to me by now >> she's smiling so I mean >> does Selena want to give an up first or >> um >> well let me Selena why don't you talk first you are muted. >> We don't have a motion.
>> Um, so I did not actually request this come to the select board because I was trying to find out from Kieran what what we needed to do next. Um, I am happy that the town's people, you
know, voted to pass to approve to start working on this lease. Um, and I am looking forward to working on it. I don't know at this point um, what else I would say.
>> Okay. All right. Jim, did you have anything else you wanted to say at this point then, Veronica? My question is um I think we need to check with town council to find out if we can just extend the term on the current lease
like just change it from you know 3 years to whatever for the time being or if we need to put out an RFP. Is this considered a new lease or not? because we have a current lease and the
lease can be extended for another 3 years and I think we extended in 2025 for 3 years. Um so that would be and through what 2028 and then um another extension following that. So,
can we just modify the lease um for a longer period of time or well, did the town vote for 10 year? >> The town voted for a 50 year. >> Yeah. But I do think we need to get council's opinion on how it would work
>> on um James has his >> I think in the name of transparency you might just put out an RFP which could be argued because that property is it has environmental significance which um does
on the lines of exemption for an RFP but in the name of transparency it might be better just to start fresh. >> We did an RFP for for this the current lease and we did an RFP for the original
>> the town and we have copies of that >> and um and if we put out an RFP it would be to run a soccer the town soccer program too. She's got a lot of >> she yeah
>> crazy ideas. So for maintenance of the fields for you know etc etc as all of that goes into consideration. Um the CR that's underway
excludes the um the playing the recreational complex so to speak. It excludes that. Um so that property isn't under the CR. That piece of the property
>> isn't included in the CR. So, in a new lease, you might want to spell that out that the part that's being leased is this >> specific section of it >> and not the remaining where the water site is. >> I think part of the whole process of
getting it surveyed is still coordinates that can be referenced >> meets and bounds meets and bounds. So, that would be appendix but they get buried. >> Yeah. So, >> so do we need a motion to go out for an RFP?
>> Um, I don't think we need a motion yet. I think we should direct Kieran to >> to work with council to find out. Um, I mean, because we could just extend the lease that we currently have.
>> Check this out, too. Um, but that the way it's written right now is it leases pretty much the whole property with you guys. I I'm pretty sure. >> Yeah, I know. At some point we changed it where it was property. It was the
plane. >> The current one is the whole thing. >> Um, is it the current the current lease covers everything? I think I >> Yes, the current lease covers the entire property. um all four blocks. Yeah.
>> Yeah. It It's the entire thing >> because Yeah. >> Um reverted back to that factor. It was just um in preparation of going through all this. >> Right. Right. Exactly. And so what's in
the SharePoint that you guys can look at is the this November 28th special town meeting article 28 that is from 2005. That is the first vote that was made by the town for instead of saying 50 year
they said greater than three year. So what they did then is a 10-year lease which is in here that's a second to the bottom the 2006 to 2016 lease which had the right to extend 5 years which the
same lease was extended for 5 years from 2016 to 2021. If I remember right, we extended it a year. Um, >> we we kicked it down because it was a question of how does this property,
you know, get used anyway. So, we wound up with the 333 and I think that was 2022 to 2025. It's now 2025 to 2028 and the current would be 2028 to um
2031. Is that right? >> Yeah. So anyway, uh >> long gone. >> So it's a um it's a Anyway, do we just say okay it's 50 years? It was cuz they voted T meeting
voted for Tesa to have a 50-year lease, right? >> I think we should >> I think that was in the wording, wasn't it, Selena? >> I agree. >> Yes, it was in the wording. >> Yeah, it said that Tesa would not the property, but Tesa would have a 50-year
lease. And so, it's almost like, well, um, it's worth talking to Adam. Yeah, I think he's he's >> thought about some I think he's thought about it too and can bring forward >> who's thought >> No, no, Adam had you know in the town
meeting was referencing there was a big discussion about it. So I think Kieran working with Adam on his last >> and um bring it to our next meeting. >> So either an RFP or a lease proposal. >> Okay. >> One or the other. Um and um
>> is this a next meeting thing or is it >> Yes, it is. So you guys all have >> so 5.11 is is now moved to 421 and hearing will get information from the town council whether >> it's town meeting season
>> so I don't know if Adam's going to be able to come up with the >> well so let's see what you can find out for 421 >> right >> okay now we're on to 5.12 >> cuz we could just put 50 years on that one that's
I'm saying and we'd be good to go. >> Uh 5.12 is BDR for land assistance. This is also in Miss Kell's wheelhouse. >> Okay. So, you want to go to that and bring it uh uh Okay. So, what do I want you to put up the thingies there? Let me
see. Um so, okay. This is the Yeah. So all the best place to look is this Massachusetts conservation restriction stewardship manual >> manual BDR stands for baseline documentation report. So once you have a
CR what you want to do is go out and get a baseline the the on the property. So where are the bounds of the CR and so there's an outline of what goes in. Oh, well that that's the
west CR. Um, so this is an example, but go to BDR. Which one do you want me to talk about? >> Doesn't matter to me. >> Uh, BDR content, the top one. These are the things that go in there.
So the site maps um the CR itself the um property conditions maps of the site and then baseline photographs. So, u you want a photo point map, which is the next thing. Um, a photo log of
what the the places are that you're that are the important places to look >> when you go out and monitor because anybody that holds a CR is supposed to be monitoring it annually. And James, I have the farm.
>> We have a whole list of them for conservation >> and nobody's ever monitored them. since my death. >> No, but we also have submitting for this though. >> The CR holder is who monitors a conservation restriction. So it will be
North County Land Trust. >> But so do we have to go out and get this? >> We have to um >> get the BDR >> the select board. >> The select board does. >> Okay, that's what I was just clarifying. >> There is um >> take appropriate notes here. VCR has a
land conservation assistance >> and I talked to them. >> You have you look at the developments of like the um age the 55 plus but you have these little tiny parcels that are in
conservation restriction >> that are then um put into uh conservation concom um control as the older And so you go out >> voted on >> once a year and you
>> it's in the bylaws for an open space preservation development and for the over look at the zoning bylaws. It's a requirement. >> No, I know it's a requirement, but it was never discussed thus in conservation. >> Well, that's a planning board
conservation issue, but I I'm just talking about the BDR that's needed for this CR. Okay. So, >> yeah, we need to to his point update the mandatory referral list basically for things for a
variety of reasons. And then for this one, it's what do we need to do to move forward, >> right? So, um, land conservation assistance grant, uh, a BDR is one thing that they're, um, they will cover. And
what they need is, um, a true amount of what a BDR costs. >> Okay? >> It's usually 5 to 10,000. It depend, but it could be 3,000. If it's little teeny teeny bits, it'll be less expensive than
if it's a large parcel. But in the case of SC, it's large. >> Um, yeah, it's a large partial. But what you do, so look at the Okay, so when you monitor, okay, bring up that map that you had up before. This
is the one for the CR at at a Mary West place, formerly Mary West place. This is the conservation restriction. So those white dots in the are the corners and um this conservation is co-held with New
England Forestry Foundation and now North County Land Trust >> and so um and there's a key for what the dotted lines mean and all that good stuff. So go to the document. This is a monitoring document and it uses the BBR.
The BBR is the baseline for it. So click on that. So when you go out, you notify the land owner that you're going to be monitoring the land owner or is welcome to join typically. Um and so you would
go through uh this is all the pertinent information and you can see that I was one of the monitors. Um blah blah blah. You go on down and you create I mean we would go out with a tablet. there's monitoring software which I tried to get
Jen Consolvo to purchase for you guys. But anyway, with the checklist and you go to all those points >> and you photograph it and you make notes about it. Um, >> and there's one I think in this one I tried to get one that didn't have snow.
The snow snow ones are harder to see. So depending on when you go out to do the monitoring, we always did it in the spring. and you find all the corners and you look at what they look like, that is an example of damage, which is something
that you want to note >> and let the land owner know about it and work out how to fix it. >> Um, anyway, blah blah blah, the land was posted and so on. And then you there's a
letter, I didn't put the letter in, and all these maps are down there which shows exactly where we walked. and um etc. And you send a letter to the land owner. >> I remember you sending that was when I
was I think Jess told the chair position and Jess had just like started or was newer. Um yeah, we need to look at this because we have properties that probably over a decade
>> there. There is software that makes this so easy. We already have a tablet that >> and and you use the tablet and we tried to do that with Arbor money. So you guys would have those tablets, >> but I don't think you ever >> But did you ever purchase the software?
>> No. >> Um and you and you just go out and do this and there's a BDR I know for Campbell Farm that that you could just go out and you just walk the edges of the property. We would it would take a morning maybe two hours. and this is
about 33 acres. So, it isn't hard to do and it isn't terribly time consuming. Um but anyway, so that's my lecture on reading. >> I guess the question there is is it's it's not incredibly time consuming, but the responsible party is
like in the case of is it conservation? Is it the select board >> for this for? >> No, no, I'm just saying for the town properties >> the CR holder >> who would be the town. So >> know that the state owns the property
where the old >> Yes, that happens too. >> Oh yeah. No, and there's a I guess a bunch of them that will be figured out which >> anyway. Um but that's the conservation issue. Yep.
>> The conservation holder, the CR holder for Squan Cookook Meadows would be North County Land Trust. And they are the ones that once the BDR is in place, >> they will take it >> and go out and
>> and use it for the annual monitoring. >> So that you get the BDR, then you give it to them. That's what we're saying. >> Yes. and then they do the monitoring and give it back to the town which would be the select board because the select board is the owner of the property.
>> So, um but anyway, so we need quotes. >> Can we designate or so the select board has to do it inherently? It's your TA and they're going to have to do it and make sure they're following up with whoever we sign the BDR with to go out and do all the
>> the BDR is a doc is the original document. That document >> is the baseline report and it will go to North County Land Trust and they will use that document to create >> what what we just looked at
>> on an annual basis and you'll get I didn't include the letter that you send to the land owner that says >> here's the report. These are the things that we found. I know the twisted tree was one thing that we noted. You know, all the corners are in play there. We
found a tree stand out there one year. >> We found a place where someone had taken down a snow uh stone wall and run through with their snowmobiles. >> Um >> those things happen. >> Yeah. >> And and that's why you have someone
monitoring it. >> Okay. >> Um and uh anyway, and and they do the monitoring and let you know and then you work with them on, >> you know, whatever. They're typically they buy insurance on properties. >> Yeah.
>> So there could be a way to fix anything that you know depending on what it is. >> Yeah. >> But um so we need quotes is what it comes down to. >> And Karen, you'll put that on your list of things to do.
>> And the idea for the quotes is so that we can apply for the grant. >> They the um one the grand the money to do this. >> You can't just guess how much you need. >> Yeah. Be very specific. >> You have to tell them. >> Yeah.
>> Um what it is that you need and and uh and it's for that. It's for conservation assistance. And so it's to conserve this property. >> Great. >> So that's what that is.
>> So it's property specific. >> Mhm. >> Yes. the quote. Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. You would want to maybe give them the map >> and say the red hashmarked >> is what we're looking at.
>> Okay. So, this 512 will go on to old business and continue until we have the answer. >> And I would really like to have it by the 21st. >> Okay. So, I have it on for the 21st. >> Unless you're applying for the grants.
Um, but if you want me to apply for the grant on your behalf, >> and I've made all the contacts, >> we'll catch up on that one. >> Catch up on that. >> Okay. I I've moved that to 421. >> Yep.
>> Old business. Okay. So, now we're on to 413, which is I guess a little out of order. Announcements, communications, volunteer response forms. You also have that at 520 if you don't want to do it now. >> Okay. >> But you can It's on there twice by accident. So
>> what do you have anything? There's one thing I'll do it at the end. >> At the end. Okay. So we're we're passing that cross >> because it's already on the other. >> Okay. Fine. 514 discussion high school versus town hall. This is here I guess
because of me. Um, I have well I I have talked to a couple of people about this. Well, actually they talked to me about it, but also this was part of the disabilities committee um discussion the other night and um
Cindy, are you listening? >> Can I? >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. Hold on. >> Just a minute. Um, so something >> No, no, no, no, no. I was just going to add >> like I know a few people have talked to
you, a lot of people talked to me about this. >> Uhhuh. >> And how much more accessible the high school is than this building in their point of view. >> Okay. >> In terms of parking, not having to cross the streets, >> getting in and out of the building, >> getting in and out of the building, and
then also just being able comfortable seating was what someone said. Um, not that I don't love the chills in Memorial Hall, um, and everybody being in one room versus in town hall, we have overflow, which leaves those people not
feeling connected. So, that's just some of the feedback I got. >> Acoustics in the presentation. >> Okay. >> Uh, you can't hear well. >> Understood. I did ask and I don't know if we have that information as to how many people
have been I know I wrote this I wrote an email I asked for the information of how many attendees we had in the last since last fall of 24 fall of 24 to now
at the meetings that we have held at the high school. I was one of them because I was on crutches for at least two of the things that we had town hall last year. >> I know that we were there. I wanted to know how many attendees we had.
>> I was an attendee. >> I know that. >> I hadn't had a chance yet. >> I want the number. >> Yeah. You want the total stats? >> Yeah. I want the registered voters. Town clerk should have that. >> How many people came to each >> How many people came to each meeting at the high school?
>> Why Why is that important? If it's >> it's important because you're you're making the the assumption that there was more than 200 people at any of those meetings that would not have fit in the town hall. >> I my point is if there is even one
person that can't get into this building that is a reason to not have >> but you can walk in from the the parking lot and take the elevator. >> The elevator is great. The issue is the door. You cannot open that door if you're in a wheelchair. If you're on
crutches, you have to I used to have to call for Nelson to come down and open the door for me. If you know if dentist around >> I can't even open it just walking in. >> Well, it doesn't crutch.
>> You cannot get in the door. >> Okay. >> So, if you're I'm going to ask for uh Cindy. Did you want to speak to this issue? >> Hold on. I'm I'm I'm on two different
things. Can you hear me? Okay. >> Gotcha. >> We can hear you. >> Okay. I'm on two different computers. So, >> I'm not sure. >> Go ahead. >> Okay. I'm on I'm I'm answering you as Cindy King. I'm on I'm on here. Um >> Okay.
>> Yeah. There there are disair of the disabilities committee. Yes, there are um there are some disability issues regarding town hall. I agree with the door. Um I think that the door itself would just need to have an
adjustment made. There's a speed setting on how fast the door shuts and I think our um building inspector might even be able to fix that himself. I'm not sure but um it it is something that was actually in our transition plan a few
years ago to correct that. Um the overall uh Tom meeting issues there's a number of things that I mean I have this dream sheet of things that for disability accessibil or for accessibility for the disabled there are a number of things that where town hall
has a lot of problems and a lot of it is regarding sound and being able to see and hear what's going on. um not just be being able to get into the building. Um and there's just a lot of work, a lot of money that needs to get put into town
hall in order to make that. I know at my meeting we I was incorrect on the availability of grant funding for a study to do that. Um, as it turned out, I I misread the posting and the um we do
have an ADA grant coming up that we're working on and we just can't do you can't do any kind of study for that. It has to be actual we have to actually do some work. I sent an email to Karen. I don't know if he read it yet. Um, >> I did. >> Yeah. Okay. That we working on another
plan. But you for the future we do need to put I would personally is personally I recommend keeping at the high school for now if we can only because there's a lot better for for people for to access
and with all disabilities not just on crutches or wheelchairs but the the acoustics and the sound system actually works otherwise town hall does not. >> Okay. Well thank you Cindy. um it was put on the agenda because of people
asking it and also because of the disabilities committee so that we've had the conversation and brought attention to it and hopefully things will get better in the future. And if I if you were interested you could always ask at the beginning of annual town meeting for
the town moderator want to take a quick hands up if you prefer high school or you know see what people say. >> Good question. We'll see. All righty. >> Thank you. 5:15 discuss Earth Day setup. Karen,
>> yes, Sabrina has reached out to Karen and has made a request and will write the check or the cover the cost. Um, there was a specific location that you all had referenced and I think Sabrina
has that um covered at the moment. So, one question is who's attending? >> I'll be there. >> Okay. >> And is there any materials that you're looking to have brought along and prepared for it on behalf of the town?
>> No, we were just there ask uh answering questions last year. >> Okay. >> Have the warrant. >> Yeah. >> Everything we need before the town meeting >> if we have the 25th, right? This is the 25th, right? Um, so I don't know if we
will. >> We should. >> It would be great if we did, but uh >> Oh, >> if it doesn't have posted till the 28th. >> Um, the budget though,
>> budget, budget's the same thing. >> Doesn't have to be ironed out till the 28th. Um, >> well, why don't we see where we are on the 21st and decide what we want on the 25th at >> Or we could just go hand out candy and
say, "What do you what do you have for questions? What's going on in your world?" It actually works well. >> Yeah. >> I mean, just >> I just walked around last year and that's >> I mean, how we just answer, >> "Hey, we're like, "Hey, you're gonna go to town meeting. Here's a little QR code. Scan it so you can >> know where you're going. Visit the link
online. >> I don't know. >> Sometimes >> I was thinking PR campaign >> just whatever come up with that on uh the ride to my house. >> Well, not me. >> Are we going to have a tent or I mean
what are we doing? >> Oh, they Nelson had a tent >> in case it rained. I I can bring her if >> and and is the rain usually there's a Sunday rain
>> and Karen usually determines that sometimes Saturday morning. >> Um I'm not sure are they really charging the town hall to >> Sabrina was she wasn't sure if they end up actually charging us but she just said be aware. So
>> I don't I don't remember that. They may not actually charge the town, but >> Okay. Well, can you just report back on that 421? >> Do you guys want me to go to that? >> Oh, Nelson was there. I don't know. Is
the TA usually there? >> It's very the times we've done it. >> Um Eric wasn't there. >> Um >> you're doing OT with OT. Probably not. >> Yeah.
Just just asking if I mean I can >> I mean I don't I I I mean it's just an opportunity for people to talk to one of the select >> that's really all it is. >> I sometimes have some weekend work but I can
>> um >> if the opportunity arises maybe you know >> um that's your call I don't I would not micromanage your weekend. Um, you're here every other day. Yeah. Want to see that they can see you. >> Yeah.
>> Door's always open. A lot of candy up there. >> Okay. >> Okay. 5 516 >> 516. Um, we have quite a few groups looking to um use spaces here in town
hall. Um, this one was to review, discuss, and potentially approve on April 16th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. a meeting of the Republican Town Committee in Great Hall. Um, due to a scheduling conflict in meeting room two, um, we would not be charging our friends from
the Republican Town Committee to use the Great Hall, but we're out of meeting spaces, so this would be us just okay using that space um, that evening. So, this is what day on the weekend. >> Is there a motion? >> Thursday.
>> Um, it's a Thursday. >> I Gooditch move to approve April 16th, 2026, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. meeting of the Republican Town Committee in the Great Hall due to scheduling conflict in meeting room 2 and wave all needs for formal fill at the great hall. >> Is there a second?
Second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. I get a chai. Shai. Okay. 517. >> Uh 517 is in regards to the West Towns and reading room. Um we've had a few
potential renters or folks look to use the space. There is not a very functional septic system there, but you as the board would need to make a call to say, you know, we appreciate that folks are interested in using it. We just don't feel as though it's suitable
to have tenants in there and use it andor the liability of >> Right. I thought we already had this discussion. We did. >> Well, we we put off we closed it until >> we Yeah. >> Spring. Spring. >> Spring. It's spring >> and spring is sprung. >> System
>> and it's wet and there are pest issues in their facilities has said it would be it would be a heavy lift. >> No. Is there a motion? Please. And we're planning to sell. >> We are. >> I Valerie Kitch move to close the West meeting room permanently and to inform current renters of closure with the turn
of any piece. Is there a second? >> I would make it indefinitely >> instead of permanently. >> Um, yeah. Um, >> what's the difference? >> Between indefinitely and impermanently.
>> Indefinitely. You can maybe switch it up if in fact it doesn't sell. Permanently to me is permanent, but maybe it isn't. Who knows? I don't know what permanent means. Maybe I I would say indefinitely
>> until further notice >> or until further notice. Either way, but but what if it doesn't sell? And then what if we decide we have to do something? >> We need another meeting room. >> Okay. I'm about to hear an amendment. >> I would like to amend permanently to
>> until further notice. >> Until further notice. Okay. Is there a second? >> I will second that. Veronica. Okay. Any further discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. Um Veronica probably Laura Shiff.
>> M Shiffron if I may just share my screen one second. I ran you ran the numbers for meeting attendees >> while we were sitting here. >> My god. >> So you have averaged over the last seven meetings 204 attendees. The low being in
January and you only had 98. >> The high being that May 7th, 2024 meeting where you had 296. You're typically right around 200. >> It was 264. This the last May.
>> Yep. May of 2025, you had 264. >> Okay. >> Fall. You only had 107. This past special town meeting, you had a cap of around 120ish, I think. And get to know quorum then >> because they love that's a lot. Yeah,
>> but you needed to have 75 for and I think >> and 264. >> Well, for just this past meeting you had 120ish >> uh at the special town meeting in March about a month ago and then I think after the
>> number >> yeah we don't have that number yet and you know minutes this is from the minutes I just quickly looked at the previous meetings >> of registered voters that were in attendance. So >> I think the trick to remember is that the annual timing is you get another 15 to 20 staff that have to be present.
>> Yeah. Well, a lot of your staff are also residents, so they're kind of there in >> duplicative presence. >> Well, keep that number running. >> Okay. Don't don't lose that note. >> Thank you for doing that. >> Sure.
>> That lets everybody else know, too. >> Yeah. >> Out of how many registered voters? >> Oh, that I don't know. Yeah, it's it's000 4,000 something >> something like that. >> That's another good number to keep. Yeah. >> All right.
>> We're at 5.8. >> 6,000. >> 58. >> Yes, ma'am. >> And is there a motion? I move to approve the hire of a 5-hour work week transportation coordinator to work on Tuesdays funded through the LRTA budget
contingent upon approval of the finance team. >> Okay. Is there a second? Uh, Veronica second. So, I had a question on this. >> Sure. >> I wanted to know if this was funded uh I understand it's the LRTA budget, but is
it funded through fiscal year 7 uh 27? >> Yes, I remember them saying that in conversation. I don't have it in writing, but I believe it's funded. Um, and this is a coordinator, not a driver, because didn't we just hire a driver to
the program? >> I believe so. Um, >> this is because one of the other folks that's a dedicated worker >> is owed a significant amount of paid time off >> and is going to be using it and the LRTA
grant cover this >> expense this part-time expense and the burden to the town. >> So, okay, >> and it's someone that's worked for them before. >> So, this is a a new individual coming in. and isn't an existing staff adding
hours because I think of what what happened when we were writing your contract. >> Um, >> this is a retired person who used to work for the COA. You you may and they said, "Hey, I can help backfill some of this. >> It's about five hours a week
>> and it's only while the person is >> taking time off." >> So, this is a temporary position. uh the individual who's wishing to take time off would like to have that ability to continue to have time off into the
future. So, this would be a new part-time employee with LRTA funding. >> Okay. So, here >> as needed kind of >> well, we're talking 5 hours a week. >> Yeah, we are. But what but we've added a
position essentially. And so what happens when that funding isn't there? Um >> I think they would have to come before us with their budget change. >> Yeah. Because we don't pay it doesn't come from our tax dollars. It comes from another source. >> The LRTA grant.
>> Okay. >> But I hear you. I hear the concern. >> It's just a >> Does it get rolled in if that funding goes away? >> We're talking about ARPA money. This is the same situation >> as where we added things that were
covered with ARPA money and whoa, you know, big terrible, terrible to use ARPA money for that. >> Oh, now it's that money is not there. And um and we have a hiring freeze. >> I think if the LRTA goes were to go belly up, let's say,
>> that's a big issue. >> There's there's a lot of there's a lot of consequences for that. I don't think RTA is going to go. Oh, yeah. There is a lot of towns have consequences with that. That's not what I'm saying. >> You're just worried that it's all of a sudden going to be rolled into the
general budget. Yes. >> As a reoccurring cost, right? >> It's not going to be. >> Um then it should not be reflected at all in the budget. Correct. >> Correct. >> Just like you want me to add that >> just like the recycling attendant or the recreation hiring summer help.
>> Those are evolving. Would you like me to specify? Put a clarif clarifying mark on >> I val move to approve the hire of a 5-hour week transportation coordinator to work on Tuesdays funded through the
LRTA budget not not the US general fund budget >> funded only >> funded only through the LRTA budget contingent upon approval of >> okay specifically
>> and is there a second I I thought it just Veronica I didn't hear it. >> Um okay. Any further discussion? Thank you. Roll call vote. Veronica Lisha Fernai.
Okay. 519 town administer your update. >> Uh this is me. Um >> yes it is. >> So it's been a few weeks since I shared an update with you. Um though it was snowing this morning. We believe that we are transitioning from winter operations into spring operations. Um
>> we're trying. >> We're trying. Knock on wood. Um you know, we've begun some spring cleanup efforts. Um we anticipate closing out snow and ice season shortly. Again, I know today's weather was made that questionable, but um we're probably going to get one more good storm. We
always do. Um I'm just going to say it out loud because this is I don't want to declare winter over. >> No, we're not out loud. Um, with that being said, the highway department, um, has done a great job, you know, managing snow, snow and ice for the town. Um, we
do have a 2002, I think I'm quoting the right year, freight liner plow truck, one of the big trucks, um, with some engine repair work that's going to be in the ballpark of about $9,500. Um, that will help, uh, restore the engine and maybe give it a few more
years of life, which is really nice. um that will fall within the snow and ice equipment, you know, line items bucket, if you will. Um, I'm also going to work with our snow and ice highway folks and cemetery and parks folks to um blend
over the 1,800ish or so dollars that um the cemetery parks staff or workers, temporary workers um expelled, I guess they expelled hours or expounded hours to shovel around buildings, you know, um
especially some of those big storms. They were crucial in terms of getting salt down, shoveling around these buildings and really just pitching in across the board. Um, >> library senior center, that whole pathway between the buildings. >> Yeah, they were critical for those types of areas. Um, just because these storms
just kept coming at one point. Um, so I do have to work with sort of the finetuning of how that gets identified properly in the snow and ice budget. Um, but I am crossing my fingers and hoping um, we stay right around that $310,000ish number. Um, that's our deficit spending.
So, add that to your previous allocations. You're at a big a big number here. >> Didn't I just see in the board 305? >> You meant you did, but then I added the $1,800 and I saw today's storm. So, we just put a little extra buffer in there just in case.
>> Do you think they were out today? >> I don't know. I know salt was going down in other towns down like I heard on the radio in like Waltham where they got like just unexpectedly dumped with snow. They were putting down salt and treating roads. >> I I don't think our guys were but
>> I didn't hear any clouds. >> Yeah, but we if it gets really cold tonight supposed to be cold the next few days, they may have to put down some salt or treatment in in spaces that you know sort of historically black icy. >> I don't know. I'd rather just be cautious. We're going to be cautious on
this budget uh just in general. Um in regards to other exterior work, cemetery and parks um have been great in beginning clean up around the new kids country playground. Um that's that wonderful new um ADA accessible uh space over there. They are going to or they
have installed the parkland acquisition recreation conserv committee sign that will enable me to invite the state up to take a picture of that sign and approve the playground and to close out the funding. So the town will be getting a check from
the state for around $93,000 to close out that project over there. Um, so that will be happening over the next few weeks with their grant administrator from the state and myself to close that out. Um, so thank you to Cemetery Parks for cleaning up that space and sort of getting a picture
ready for the state um because they're very excited that this worked out. Um, been working closely with um the select board as well as town council labor council in regards to ongoing union related um negotiations. um our treasure collector's office has
been instrumental in sharing some data points for me. Um you know as your you know interimm town administrator understand all the different mechanisms wages and hours and all those fun things um that go into an Excel spreadsheet. Just want to extend my thanks to Melissa and her staff um for their valuable
assistance there. um the assessor's office was very um helpful in regards to the community preservation committee um you know numbers that are coming together as well as um understanding some of the hero act
exemptions we have for the town. Um we have about 300 or so veterans so um they rightly deserve um exemptions and understanding the budget impact of um of those exemptions to what they mean for everyone in town.
A big topic for the town is the Onyx gravel aggregate excavation plan that's going on up the street and we'll be having a currently a main thoroughfare on um the the meeting point of 119 and
13. Um they don't expect to take a lot of what would be a right turn for them going towards you know the hills over here. They expect mostly to pass through going down past the upstreet Dunkin Donuts. Um but we were invited to the
table as a as a direct abuter as a town. Um we've shared with them some real concerns we have in regards to the thorough affairs and the roadways they operate on whether it be related to schools. Um impact on the bridge up on Brooklyn, you know, Brookline Street by
the Hawthorne Middle School in the library. um in just sort of the 25 to 50 or so triacles of aggregate both empty and full going on close to six days a week for 10 years.
I encourage any residents who are listening who have concerns about this to get on the town of Mason, New Hampshire website and to let yourself be heard because this is 10 years is a long time to think about what and how many trucks that will be. Um, Veronica joined
us for a call and I also relayed to them some concerns I have about that bridge up the way. Um, because we're about to spend about a half a million dollars on complete streets to have that all paved and cleaned up only to have 10 years of triacles driving down it. I mean like
let's think about this stuff. And I, you know, I said that to the uh gentleman, Minister Kim Herzovania, and I said, you know, have you even checked with the mass DOT? I'm like, how that bridge is doing? The the bridge has some questionable attributes in the pedestrian bridge is in terrible shape.
And we have we've had to do emergency repairs and it just kind of the light bulb went off. And not that I think they're going to change the the patterns or the the viability of the aggregate gravel work, but I just think they need
to be a bit more aware of the impact. >> Yeah. What's going to happen to surrounding communities that are going to have all these truckers come through? Um, and I know it's a job and it's >> what is the cost or repercussions for the towns? >> Yeah. >> That they drive through.
>> Yeah. Are they going to be compensated or made whole after their damage? >> Yeah, we we didn't quite touch on impact fees um so much uh in that call we had with them. It was a Zoom. Um I know Chief Sartell had had it on his bucket
list of something to be aware of. Um just from the police side and traffic management and sort of the expectations that um come along with that. Um, I think we're going to continue to be really aggressive with the town of Mason, uh, maybe collaborating with the
town of Brooklyn who is really up in arms about this and what it means to their residents. Um, because this is they are >> a serious impact for them. >> Yeah. And it's really changing the nature of, you know, very rur a more rural community than us is Mason New
Hampshire. And you're just you're gonna have a decade's worth of goes past >> blasting and drilling >> and all the summer camps over there. >> Yeah. >> And you know, I think >> you probably hear it from my house. >> Yeah. The folks from Onyx are they're a good group. Um they're doing their job.
I just think we need to make sure um ourselves as well as any residents who have a strong feeling about this participate in any opportunity to speak up. Um I'll continue to put any meeting notices on the Facebook page. Um but you know, if you have strong feelings about
this, get in front of it because this is a big topic. So >> So the next hearing, is it still April 29th? >> I think so. They were supposed to um when I went to the hearing, they were supposed to publish an update to the
project on April 22nd and with the hearing being April 29th at the Mason Elementary School, right in the center of Mason there. >> Yeah, it's Yeah, it's a heck of a project. Yeah, I know it's part of life, but um you know, cut cutting through to
the where the high school is isn't the right place to be doing that, especially when you have, you know, 30 buses trying to get folks home from school and you know, taking a a right turn, you know, it's a left turn for us looking this way, but a right turn coming that way from um the church at such a tight
intersection. You can see on Google Maps, we had him looking at Google Maps and there was a triacle trying to do it and you could just see he's like, "Oh, well, you know, looking at the mass, you know, Earth, you know, thing." He's like, "I think there's enough space." And you guys know that intersection better than I do. It's tight. >> It's very tight.
>> I back up frequently. >> And and we still have people, you know, I don't think the >> drive over the sidewalks now, >> right? He didn't realize that people park outside, you know, to get a haircut or go to grab a sandwich at Cliffs. They didn't realize that. They're like, "Oh, >> yeah. I guess you're not supposed to do
that. >> You're not supposed to do that. But >> you're parking on a state road. >> Yeah. Um so >> but they do. >> But they do, right? Um >> so Ron, you said it's 29th. >> Yes. >> We need to nominate someone new to represent board at that meeting.
>> Uh yes, someone else will have to go to that meeting. >> That would be a 421 meeting topic. >> There's probably a couple things we could put on the agenda. >> Yeah. So that goes on. 421. >> Okay. You want to go on with your other reports because I have a question. I
have a couple of questions actually that I don't see on the agenda but should have been on >> your report I think and that's a TCAM lease and candidates night. >> Yep. Um I'll finish these and then I'll jump to those. Um union negotiations are ongoing. Um we have another proposal
meeting coming up um in midappril. Um you know overall it felt positive to me. It seems like everyone would like to get this done efficiently and um I'm hopeful we get to an agreement that works for everybody. Um town's Facebook page is active. Um trying to provide weekly
updates to residents. Um engagement has been positive and look forward to continuing to expand communication. Um I have some goals there in terms of like putting like a quick summary up of the week and things. Um just been a little handcuffed with time and some other
things going on. Um but um hopeful that can be a continued um area to improve on. Um once the warrants approved, I'm hoping to host like an open mic. I call it like a cookie night at town hall. And the thought being give residents a time
to come and just >> sugar. So >> yeah, one dimensional >> cookie night. >> Are you making the cookies? >> I'll make them. I will. Okay. Um but my thought is, you know, to um our resident who was here earlier, I want you to come to pester me before you come and pester
everybody at the town meeting. I say pastor with love and care, but um ask your questions now. Get ahead of it so that you understand. You can share with your your neighbors. >> Um and you know, I don't know if I'd say record it. I would say this is just come and yell and scream as much as you want.
>> It's not an open meeting. It's just a meeting. >> Yeah. And you know, I think it's just an opportunity for people, staff, residents, neighbors from other communities to say, "What are you doing there?" Like, "Why are you doing it?" And just ask questions. It'll help me be better prepared for a town meeting. Um,
but hopefully we'll get some information out to >> really like to give you the time by getting everything approved on the 21st if at all possible. >> Um, I know it's >> Yeah, it's a goal. >> Yeah, I was looking at April 29th for that though. We had that potentially other meeting. Um, so that's, you know,
something that we'll keep working on that. Um, >> if just one person can go to that from the select board, that would be fine. You could still be here. >> Have cookies. >> Have cookies and milk. Um, quick cyber update. Um, this is more um recognition
of the hard work our police department and fire department um have taken the brunt of. Um, Patriot Dispatch is our dispatch, you know, keeper in the area. So, you know, for 911 calls, they were attacked with ransomware
um by, you know, pretty malicious hacker, I guess, and still working on some of the repercussions of that, particularly communities in Peril, Rutland, other areas, um are really dealing with some of the consequences. Um police and fire have
been great. They have put out a you know, press release with Chief Sartell. um they've been outstanding in terms of their management of the issue and um we feel cautiously optimistic. Um it's not over yet, but we're we're those guys are taking all the right steps, so something
to be aware of. Um let's see. Um I'll be out of the office uh tomorrow through Monday. Um I'll have my phone and uh email, so you're always welcome to call, text. Um I'm usually always
available anyways. So, um, just more of a heads up, um, on the TCAM lease update, waiting for a copy of the lease from attorney Solomon for our agreement with him. Um, he has been nudged several times and have not heard
anything back from him. So, I >> I'll be back in 40 minutes. >> Yeah, I that was the where it was left off. Um, so that is a placeholder until um, we get an agreement signed with him. Um, so that that's one. What was your second one, Lori? was >> candidates night.
>> Candidates night. I've um I have a call I'm going to have a call with Mr. John Barrett. We're going to check with the candidates to see if they're available and they want to do it. Um I have to get Sarah Logan's email address or phone number. Sabrina didn't have it. So I'm going to see if anybody else in the room
has it. >> Should have list of all the contact information seats open too, right? >> Yeah. Yeah, >> they I think they like to include in that. >> Yeah, Mr. Barrett had said that, you know, typically like towns and business
association had done this in the past. He's happy to help >> since co >> Okay. Yeah. He's happy to help be the like the here's a question, here's a question. He is doesn't have the capacity to help organize it. So, um in terms of like do we do it here, do we do
it online? um what mechanism >> been on Zoom for the last since um since I ran originally. So since 2020 >> it's been online. >> Do you guys have a preference? Would you rather be in person or do you want to go back to online?
>> I don't where there's more positions now. >> There's a fairly good number. >> Yeah, you might want to have it in town hall. I mean, I I liked the Zoom thing, but I think the last two years he's done
he's done a it's Zoom with the questions and then it's aired after that. It's not a give and take kind of thing. It's just they answer the questions and you get to at least meet them and you can watch it on Facebook or >> or YouTube.
But where I think there's more positions now that we need filled before that, >> the town hall might be a better um >> Okay. So maybe I can couple that with cookie cookie night here on the 29th.
>> That's not too late. Well, that's too late. It's after the vote. >> Oh, I keep thinking May five. Okay. >> Yeah, it's it's the 28th is the election. So really it I think by the 22nd. >> Okay.
>> Monday the 27th is actually 11th the election. >> Oh, sorry. That's okay. Just >> I hope you correct me too. >> So maybe the 23rd. >> That's a Thursday. >> I reach out to the association if
>> Yeah. I mean I >> there isn't one by the association. >> Yes. Oh, when do they meet? >> I don't >> They don't They haven't met in 10 years. >> There's no filings for them. >> So, the only one like the last one that did it was um Kim Craven, but there was
no association. >> So, I can I can catch up with the moderator again. Um I hate to say I don't necessarily have anybody pining for this. >> Happens. It happens. >> Tell me how badly you want this on the scale of >> Well, I mean, it's not really our call.
It's the candidates really like if I were a candidate I would be asking for it like I know they are in my community uh but I haven't had that same ask here from your constituents >> before that it used to be the newspaper >> so >> newspapers
>> I actually saw a couple of those old newspapers in the old library >> towns and times >> and times yeah >> absolutely >> which was cool um so I can I can dedicate some time to it next week, but really >> check in with John and see. I mean, I
think it was him and Bill Ride out that did it. >> Yeah, >> Selena has a hand up. I don't know if she has She's She's candidate. >> Can you help? >> She might have something. >> I um I I just wanted to say as a candidate, I think that a candidates's
night is a good idea. >> Okay. Um, I think it's a good idea, too. And probably back at town hall with >> charge of organizing it. >> Huh. >> But this board is not in charge of organizing it because it's a campaign,
>> right? We can't be even campaign, but we certainly are >> supportive of people running and being seen. Um, what happens is kind of >> um,
>> why don't I email you all an update >> the library >> in the next few days or so? >> Library can't because they're town and place. >> Yeah, I think. What about the council? >> They're town and place, too. >> Friends of the library. Um they would
they but they yeah I don't know >> the friends of the library >> but that's not within their mission probably either um neither is that >> most this wasn't necessarily in my updates but um
>> but we'll come back to it. >> Does does anybody have any out there >> in the ether? Uh, yes. Have any ideas of who could help the town moderator um run the candidates night? >> Reach out to him.
>> Um, reach out to him directly and maybe you can um organize something together with amongst the candidates. >> Beautiful. So the candidates can organize it and John can just moderate
it and it can be a town hall for free with cookies or and candy. >> Candy. Got to have candy, too. >> Okay. I I that's all I can do to put that out there is um because
um Valerie, we we all agree that we can't be um partis um you know support anyone individually but yet we support all of you in filling
all the positions that that are out there. So, um, hopefully the candidates can get with John and we can see this put together. Just give us the date. Okay. All right. Thank you. We
appreciate all of the people who are running. >> My last update is with a bit of sadness. Actually, a lot of sadness. Um, I wanted to share that the um, former building commissioner, building department administrator who served the town for
more more than 26 years passed away um, late last week. Um, we're sharing our condolences with her with her, her family, and the staff have been notified of that passing. Um, we send our our thoughts and prayers to them. And, uh,
that's about it for uh, TA updates. These are just items that I had to make notes to to myself. So I can disregard those at the bottom. >> Thank you. Um 4.20. >> Um yeah, the only one I
resignation. Everybody saw that, right? >> Mhm. >> From conservation. >> No. >> No, I didn't see that. Announcements. >> Oh, I didn't see it. Yeah. >> Doesn't mean it wasn't there. >> Yeah. So, there's a new opening on
conservation. Um, and then I did want to make sure >> what resigned. Um, >> spot, I'm sure. Um, so the only thing I wanted to make sure everybody's aware of is um because apparently some people
still think the sides of our roads are trash cans. April 13th through 24th is annual town cleanup and um it's run by the board of health and I'm just going to read the announcement from the website. April 13th through the 24th town is holding its 8th annual Thousand
Cleanup. Clean your street or a street in need. Free green bags to leave at the door for haulers to grab. Plus free yellow safety vest for the first 25 people. Um, please claim your roads at the main desk at the library or the board of health office during open hours and questions can be directed to Carla
at the board of health. Information is on the town website. Get out with your trash bags. >> Great. Pick up the trash on the street. It's free. >> Thank you. And and once again, we I don't want to be remiss in telling you that we still
have vacant positions for boards and committees to volunteer as well as there are writing positions with no candidates. 5.21 there motion.
Um I move that sorry I was moving on. I have to move to review and sign pay and bills payable awards out of session. Is there a second? Second. Any discussion? Hearing none. Roll call. Vote
>> and Laura. Six. Old business. >> Yep. You kick off with a town council policy. This has been This would be the second reading of this policy. Do not have to read this out loud. Okay.
And is there a motion? I validate move to approve the town council policy as presented and authorized signature stamp out of session. >> Is there a second for second? >> Any further discussion on the town council policy? >> I just have one point of discussion where I think this may need to be
revisited if a fivep person board is approved to have a little more coordination with the town administrator so you don't have two people contacting council on the same topic. Town administrator not being involved. If there's >> five people that are approved, I think
this will have to be relooked at >> because you can see a case in which, you know, >> I'm like, "What's up with that lease?" And two other people are like, "What's up with that lease?" And the TA should be the one that's like, "Here's what's up with the lease, select board." And
you get two or three people contacting about the same topic. >> Wouldn't you ask the TA first? you you would but and and where where direct contact is more for those ethics issues and other action dayto-day or things
probably need to be more directed to >> Well, I think it's fine for now. >> Yep, it's fine. >> So, >> okay. >> Just my only comment on that. I think we'll cross that bridge when we >> Okay, roll call vote. I
>> thought I la 6.2. >> 6.2 is a public records policy. I think we still had work on this. >> Yeah, there was no changes that we had actually read. >> Well, I thought I put in a change. Did it not show up? >> It did not.
>> And I sent it to Adam um and Sabrina. You very may way you very well may have um because we are I can't open it. >> Yeah. I could not do anything with this. That was the one that >> you couldn't open it. I can't
>> I exported this. It's because I use pages. I could not do anything with it. >> I know. I have it. >> No, I have. >> I'm with you. I just like the bluntness of it like >> a scroll. You always have to.
Why don't we 421 that one? Okay. Just for the sake of >> and we might have I was gonna say approve with I added one sentence. >> Yeah, we'll 421 that one. That's >> I couldn't see it. So, >> you know, if you resend in a different way,
>> I can if I PDF and I lose the track changes is what happens. >> You don't use Word, right? >> I use Word. Just had it in red. >> Mhm. >> Yeah. Well, I added one sentence. That's
a lot. So, that said, if um a records um the person that controls the records, >> record holder, >> the holder of the record, >> the holder of the record, um records
custodian. If a records custodian assigns a fee to a records request, the RAO shall not wave the request >> um unless given written authorization
by both the records custodian and the town administrator >> has Adam >> and that was sent to Adam >> and he hasn't has yet. >> No. >> Okay. >> Um so I was gonna it was going to be contingent. I added it as a sentence to number eight in the policy that we
already have final sentence. >> I'd just like to see Adam's feedback to make sure it's that's >> Yeah, I would too. So, it would be contingent on his >> Okay. So, that's the 421. >> Yeah. All right. 6.3 is policy within
the letter head for 421. This is the public relations policy. I thought we said that already. But the letter had had to be on there. >> Sorry. >> Cameron 6.3.
>> Yes. This is public records. >> No, public relations policy with input from Capital Strategic Solutions. >> So the draft policy from Capital Strategic Solutions is in the folder. Um this would be your opportunity to um
vote on this. >> This says um >> it should be a first read. constitutes the first reading. Okay. >> What I wanted to know, >> so it's going to the 21st copy. >> Yeah, it'll be on letter ad on the 21st. >> Okay. >> Seems to be a lot of overlap at this >> is it replacing
>> all these policies are >> effective. >> Yeah, that's my this seems to be overlap with personal policy, social media policy, and >> and they should all just be one policy. >> Should just be a section of your personal
>> personal policy. Right. >> Every single one of them. >> I I agree. >> I I really would like to see that done over the summer. Consolidated all into the personal policy. So, I mean, I would move to table. >> $3,000 worth of legal work. >> I would I would move to table this. That's just me.
>> Well, here's the thing. I I think we should um approve the policy and have it moved into I mean otherwise what is which policy is going into the manner.
>> So in other words I don't see any problem with approving a policy >> with the understanding that it will be moved into the personnel to have it in place for the next x number of months. It'll be unwound from the handbook and then reinccorporated with this
>> and and this policy has not been so this public relations policy has not been reviewed by council yet either. This was just provided to us >> from CSS. Correct. >> So I'm saying if I don't know if I want to spend funds for council to review it
if this is something that's >> but okay. So the question is is it being what's the policy now that we're following? Is is it the one in place the media relations policy >> media relations policy is was in place
in a long time ago. >> It's been a while. >> Um I have it here somewhere >> and Adam Adam stated that he didn't have any particular changes to it. >> Life's changed since then. But but you know
>> so the question is okay if that's adequate. >> So Adam Adam's statement here is the media relations policy we find it consistent with comparable policies and have no comments. So just leaving that for the moment >> and then when it's time to roll it in
are you rolling that into the personnel >> I think would be an entirely different look at the personnel policy. do everything. It all needs to be redone >> because it's it's it's media relations and social media and public rel it's it's all it's all in that person.
>> But but it but we have something in place up until >> we do have the media policy until that time. >> Okay. >> That's just my I would table the public relations policy. >> Then let's table that. I'm okay with that. >> And then is it the same for 6.4
social media policy? I think that's my thought on both of them. >> Yes, >> good with that. >> Yeah, the notes I had from Sabrina is media policy has been reviewed and approved by town council. You could vote on it tonight. Who read it? Media relations policy reviewed by town
council and it's been approved. You could read it tonight. You already touched on >> it's already online. The media relations policy is there in this leper page. If anybody's interested and the media policy, right? And the me social media policy is all set to approve.
>> But we have an older version of it. And the question is does it get >> then I think we should approve the new one. >> Yes. And town council has already reviewed it. >> Correct. >> So we wouldn't pay for him to do that again if it was just done in 2026. >> Correct.
>> Versus 20 >> 15 >> 15. So let's do the social media policy because things have changed. But is that also a part I think it's also a part of the personnel policy procedures gives us a policy that
>> now >> and it's approved so it be the same policy that's going to go in three or four months from now >> but it might what I think what we're saying is it might not be the same when someone looks at that whole thing >> something that's more up to date and more than what was there
>> means we already paid for >> just Oh yeah. >> That's what I think. >> I will entertain a motion on 6.4. >> Um I move that the I have allocated to move to approve the social media policy as presented.
>> This is our second reading. Veronica 6.4 second. >> Any further discussion that we didn't already say. >> Thank you. Roll call vote for I abstain. Lor's different eye.
Okay, now we are at 6.5. >> Yeah. So 6.5. I may have us take a quick pause so you can send that Zoom link to Jane if that's okay because she messaged me >> to do that. >> 6.5
>> for for executive session. Our town council just need have Veronica pause for one second. I will in the meantime pull up the agenda so we can or pull up the budget so we can all review it. >> Oh. Um, what time do we want?
>> 7:30ish. 7:30. 7:45. >> So, I'll do two. >> Maybe we'll take a T cam. We're going to take a >> Can we take a quick break, please? >> A two-minute break. Two minute. >> One of our members stepped out. So, we'll be right back. All right, T cam, we're back. I got all
my sugar. >> Can you guys hear us? Okay, >> we're Okay, we're at 6.5. >> I'll call you guys later. So, we did leave off and I will, um, we're at 6.5, which is a presentation of
the fiscal year 27 budget. Um, this has been shared a few different times. Um, there was some changes this morning. Um, just, you know, as I continue to go through things for the town. Um, so I will put this on the screen and we will
take it from there. Um, I will start at the top. Um, board members, feel free to shout and or wave your hands emphatically if you feel as though something has caught your eye. Um, most notably, we're starting at the top
of the TA number um at 1745. Um, been able to move some other things around, so I was able to uh get closer to the range at which the position is advertised. I know um that may uh incite folks um positively I hope um for
whoever the town finds for a town administrator. >> I'm just going to say I think that needs to be 180 because that's will be advertised. >> Yeah. So I did also include $1,000 for
vacation buyback um on there. um it may not be reflected in your this morning's printout because I made changes late this afternoon to try to get this number closer to the range um at which you're advertising the
position. Um, so I will >> put I'm I mean at this moment in time I'm okay with that personally. >> Um, and um, you know, I whittleled away. So professional services was previously a
$5,000 number. So that is still 4,000. Um, >> we do just moved it. You just you just moved it from professional services up to vacation. Yeah,
>> because you guys when you're negotiating with the town administrator need an ability to >> Yeah. Y some stuff >> to to come up with some ways >> creativity. >> Well, it's that and just look in your neighboring communities in terms of how they're approaching this. Um it
hopefully will open the door for you to get a great candidate. >> Um >> well, where where's the car allowance then? you don't have the money for a car loans. >> We know that's going to be asked. That's a standard thing. >> It is.
>> Um >> so, um I did reduce your your board of selectman ed and training contractual new law down to 1250. So, that's where you saw me put together some funds for you. Um again, I'll be quick on this. I
I think folks have got >> there's a new law for training for selectment covers any >> it covers any any training um >> what's next >> you know I don't want to you know I won't beat the dead horse but we've all seen this a variety of times
>> um you know fin's at 385 they wanted 50 you know I think that's a little too much they have they haven't spent a lot of that money regularly um I shared with them the last six years of spending Um, so I can certainly catch up with
them offline about that. Um, you know, other areas that had some movement on. Um, see, I'll scroll to them. You know, town council. Um, the town did not vote to move $50,000 into that legal
town council stabilization concept. Um, so you know, I know this and we just touched on this earlier. You know, with three union negotiations ongoing, um, the likelihood of redoing a a personnel policies book handbook.
>> Well, we have four next year >> and then you have fire next year and you have a couple, you know, department head contracts and then we do have some really interesting land use things going on. You need you really need a solid legal budget >> and if the override doesn't pass then we
are at an impass with the police. >> Correct. Um >> and that's more legal fees. >> Correct. >> Um and you know labor council will be used in lie of um having a human resource manager in terms of where the funding lies for the town. Um so that's
you know going to be sort of a catchall for the town for legal um legal assistance. Um, you know, we continue down. Um, town clerk was another area for um, the
elections where they were going to ask to have a number put aside as free cash. Um, the town clerk asked me to put that into professional services to cover the wages for I think he said either three or four required state elections this coming year. Um, and there are a lot of
costs with doing that. Um, >> September. November has one. >> Yeah. So the midterms, you know, there's a lot going on. Um so that that number just essentially went from town meeting, special town meeting into the budget line. Um next year it could be less
because there could be less required elections the following year. So >> So which line is that? The one right under elections. >> Correct. It's 38060. Where? I don't see it there. Why didn't I see it? >> It's the 395.
I'm looking at a different budget. >> Yep. Again, this was updated from this morning. >> Do you think this got to be updated like every morning until the meeting? >> I think as numbers come in and stuff like that, yeah, things will change. Um,
and >> yeah, I think it it kind of has to be updated up until >> and it could the number could change at the town meeting. >> Correct. >> With another number inserted kind of thing.
>> Yeah. Um, you other than that, not many other changes in sort of the land use world. You know, it's 2%. Um, I did put some money back into your grant administrator. Um, you know, I think you do need some funding there, even if it's just a
part-time person to help you with some grants. Um, in the event that you have another TA and I'm not here, you need someone to help you close out those grants. And that doesn't happen for free. >> Um, so you would want to have someone to keep the lights on there and close out
some of those different areas. Um, >> so I have to ask, did you put scenario one >> into the real budget? >> Okay. >> And I took out the yellow highlights, so that's probably why it's looking a little >> cleaner.
>> Cleaner. Um, I sat with the police chief this afternoon. Um, I have the budget version in the event that the override fails, and I will send you a budget, too. um over the next few days. Thank you. >> So that this will, you know, be budget two
>> override failing >> and what it looks like. Um he's he actually did a great job on one of the slides. It really explains it here that you and I have I think >> in terms of what the number looks like. Um I'm just basically going to incorporate that into these columns over
here and then tell you what the number is and what we're either plus or minus. Um, >> you know, I guess I'll speak for the police now. Um, these groups, a lot of groups were not happy that I
kind of nipped and tucked on energy, water, things like that. Um, but I did because we we have to get really lean like we are in >> this. I mean this budget passes and it comes with a memo from ATA that says all your lights better be off and on and you
better all these things have to really >> conservation have to happen this year. >> Yeah. And things of you know this is much a much bigger topic is thinking of do we not have people here on Fridays >> in the summertime shut the AC off like the cost of electricity right now is
insane. >> Maybe it saves us 20% in the summertime. 20% out of thousand dollar bills. Good chunk of change. Like it's going to add up. So there's some ideas we got to start to come up with. >> Have the police station um solar panels
been hooked up yet? >> He is getting the runaround from UNATIL and he was going to lean into Representative Scarsdale for some help because she's got a point of contact. >> Well, what about the company that installed them?
>> Did they not? He he gave me a quick summary. He just said it's it's a pain in the butt right now. And he's on there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I'm happy to uh happy to give you that basic update. We our issue is not with the installer at all. Um other than
not knowing what it's going to be like when they turn it off. We could have an issue with the installer, but we have no idea until it gets hooked up. Our issue has been with Unatil. They um they've had we've had cut over dates scheduled twice, which is like hurting cats. I got to get a lot of people on the same page.
everything kind of cleared up and both times they had some issue. They made us move the panel. I mean, it was a a lot of work for the people that are installing it. So, our issue has not been necessarily with the installer. It's been with Unatil itself. Last check-in I had, we were waiting for
another cut over date after UNATIL comes back and inspects the work for the what would be the third time. So, I think I'm going to lean in um and take advantage of um something Representative Scarsdale um had offered and she has a contact with Unil that can just kind of go in
from the top down. I think that's probably a good approach. You know, this has been I I want to say at this point we're probably talking a 9 month to one year delay and just them dragging their feet and making it difficult for us >> already. Yeah. >> Already. Um are you the contact with
UNATIL? Who's the contact with UNIL from the town? >> I don't I don't know who we have for a contact. I our issue or our involvement with Unatil has been through the vendor, not direct. It's really their connection
with Unatil that is a problem, not necessarily our connection with Unatil. Um it has to do with their installation division and that type of thing, not necessarily our issue at all. >> That dependent. Um, >> I'm just going to be a time miser because I know we have a 7:30. So, thank
you, uh, Chief Sortell. Um, >> so that's, uh, police, so I'll work with him, um, and present that in another iteration, um, at our next meeting. Fire, no changes. Um, you know, we're we're very low for fire and we're close
to um, kind of the danger zone um, for that group. But um, >> I just have to have you back up just answer this question. Do you still have the car lease in there in police? >> Yes. >> Go ahead. >> Um, so no big changes in fire other than
we're near their real challenging point of funding. Um, communication, all good there. Um, building commissioner has done a great job with his budget. Um, same with electrical.
um animal control, those things are pretty standard. Um though I know that's on our agenda, but I may have us punt on that uh to another meeting um in regards to that animal inspector position. Um I cut the tree warden in half. Um so
your tree services in town will be reduced. Um that likely means more work for highway. Um but I did reduce that in half. Um, I also reduced the equipment rental because a lot of the equipment is also used. We already have it in highway
but not a perfect one for one. Um, school numbers are firm. They have not changed. Um, highway has not changed. >> I got an update. The findings have made still the same for school. >> Um,
snow and ice. Um, you can see here I have us ordering 1.25 25 orders of salt for next year. Um, compared to the standard one order we do basically at around 95k. You know, that does give us a little
flexibility in the event that our budget gets really precarious that you could bring that down to one again and you could deficit spend. Not a good practice, but you know, we're laying all the cards on the uh table here for options. Um, you can see here on my note, this needs to
be increased. Um, but you are, you know, nearly $47,000 ahead of what you did last year. So, um, landfill, um, no surprises here. The $10,000 for, you know, trash service for
the town. Um, cemetery and park is pretty standard. Um, I zeroed out the majority of housing authority. Um, you don't have a housing authority person currently. Um, so this is another $2,300ish that you could zero
out. >> Um, is the housing authority meeting? >> Not regularly. >> We have not met. >> It's been a while. >> They met to a point Irene when we had a joint meeting. >> But other than that, I don't think
there's been a meeting for two years. >> Yeah. Very. I I did one with them last summer. And >> was Jack on then? >> Jack and Natalie. um housing trust zeroed out all but $750 worth of professional services for that
group. >> In in all honesty that I mean that could probably be zero too if the thing if the why I want to know what we have in our account. We should have at least $500.
>> Yeah. Um, and uh, in that case, I think you could probably zero that out because actually the funds that we use should be housing trust funds, >> not general government funds. >> And if the property sells, then
>> then we don't need guests. >> And you also don't have the capacity to add a staff person in order. >> That's really what's going on here. Thank you. >> Well, the um but we could add a staff person and just pay out of the trust. >> Out of the trust. >> Yeah.
>> Um which is what we were supposed to be doing. >> We never put this in until last year when the ARPA funds. >> We put in a budget. This is what we're going to spend, but it never went into beyond us >> until last year.
>> Yeah. Um so I zeroed that out. That was part of that budget one scenario. Board of Health. No surprises here. And the show board, you know, Council on Aging, no changes here. Veterans Agent, same. Um, library.
I met with the library director and just sort of cleaned up where some of the money was. I kind of spread it out in a few different buckets. She said, "Actually, do this, do that." Um, and it was really just making sure that, you know, the numbers were right of other purchase services, books, DVDs, the
wages were right. Um, so all good there. Um you recreation's fine, Memorial Day, um you know, is a lean budget. Um you similar with flag committee, you know, our debt numbers aren't going to change much. Um retirement's not
going to change much. Um unemployment, you know, I have at 25K. Um you know, this rule of thumb is just a rule of thumb. Um insurance number, I have um a number from HR. Cali shared with us a
number and then I also incorporated a $16,000 reduction um in the event that we don't hit all the the metrics that are uh bumped into the 13 or the 1.391 million number um she shared with me because that that does have some
capacity within it. Um so I have a reduction there in the event uh maybe an employee decides to go elsewhere. um >> take that $750. That's what I think. >> I can Yeah. >> At least in budget too. I think you
should. >> Yep. Um so we essentially get to 11 or you get to 28819885 which is what's in the warrant. Um I'll also share this recap sheet. Um and yeah,
>> is that in the SharePoint? It is both are um so you'll see that these numbers link up. The 152844 is what we have for TCAM in the warrant. It's also reflected here. I have snow and ice at 305.
It could be 310. I'm just kind of holding it for now. Um you know, we've confirmed our other other items here. your different assessments and cherry sheets and offsets and etc. Um
question. >> Yeah. On the Hero Act, shouldn't that equal what we're getting on the chair? >> No. >> Why not? Cuz I thought that the Hero Act was that the money that we can't got back on the
>> You don't get it back one for one. >> Oh, you don't. >> Okay. Never mind. >> Yeah. Most towns will link the offset to what they offset. >> Towns in decided to do it differently. So, >> okay. All right.
>> Um, shifting down to revenue. Um, you know, again, this is a pretty pretty solid estimate. Um, water indirect costs um increased um with different budget increases in general. Um, I have you looking at a local
estimate receipts of 7% currently. Um, you know, a while back you were at 9%. 7% is still a little aggressive. Um, but you know, uh, the town accountant doesn't disagree with it. She said, you know, that's it's pretty aggressive, but not improper.
>> Starbucks. >> Yeah. Starbucks Starbucks. You'll see I mean, you'll see a little blip, which is nice from Starbucks. Um, you know, estimated receipts >> for this year. Yeah, for one year here. Um, you know, we'll see ambulance receipts. Here's your balancing for the
PEG access for TKAN. Um, Title 5 repayment here. Um, free cash. I currently have you at $220,000. I'll I'll break that down for you down below. Um 305 for the for the Snow and Ice
Balancing Act. um the 197 um should the override pass, you know, the $80,000 from the school system for the SRO and then a line uh for your indirects from solid waste.
All in, you have a plus budget of $634 right now. >> Congratulations. Um, for those wondering how free cash came to be, let me just uh focus in here for you.
We were at certified number of $558,000. Town meeting voted to authorize 4750 for the OPED study. Um, you are allowed the snow and ice deficit spend at 305, which is what we're projecting. and you're
currently using $135,000 of free cash to balance your budget. Um, when you add that to the 35K that we were going to vote at town meeting but didn't because we lost quorum, we put that into the line item. So, take that
135, add 35, now you're at 170. And then same for the town council trust stabilization. We were going to vote it at town meeting. It was rejected at town meeting. Um, and You know, I know that we we have a lot of expenditures that come for town council. So,
>> realistically, half of the >> we've essentially rolled that into the the the cost to pay town council to assist us. Um whether it be MTC or Bill Solomon and whoever to help us navigate some of these legal matters. Um so, that's what
your total of 220 is over here on the right. Um, you know, it's, you know, looking down the road, it will be really lean next year and even even more so the year after. Um, you know, we still have to get to an agreement with the unions. Um,
but we've been very, you know, transparent with them to say, you know, we're incorporating a 2% step or 2%, you know, increase. It's kind of all we have. When you're down to $634, there's not a lot of meat left on the bone here. Um the town will need an override next
year or the year after. Like it's there's really no way out of this hole. Um so I think whomever your TA is will have some projections to do. Look at years one, two, three, and four, maybe five. Um to sort of get to a place where they can say this is what growth we
expect and how we write the ship here for years to come. um full well knowing there's also a school um wage increase and rebalancing coming next year when they have to redo their targeting. >> Um
long story short, you're left with about 29,000 um in free cash. Um you could vote to put this back into the general budget stabilization. You could, you know, increase your snow and ice line for next year. Not a bad practice. Um, you know,
you'll see down here I did pull out the bunker gear, um, of 135K. We noted that in the warrant. That's sale of properties most likely. And again, the potential for the police cruise cruiser lease to be pulled out for one year.
>> Two, though. That's not this budget. >> Correct. Yeah. This >> We shouldn't even put that there. >> My opinion, >> it helps me as I try not to have 10 versions of this document. Yeah. Um, and sometimes Excel crashes online,
which I really don't like. So, I try not to have too many versions of these documents. >> But, we don't need >> What would we need that for? >> Use. >> That ship sailed. I'm working on what I got in front of me. Um, so that is our budget. Um, you know, I will share this
with the staff on the 14th. I have a department head meeting that day. I'll also share with them, you know, the draft warrant to sort of say, hey, what did I miss? let me know and sort of go from there. Um, you know, it's probably premature to say, "Hey, select board, can you approve this?" Because I do
think it will change a few more times. >> I mean, >> but we're pretty close here. >> I'd be willing to approve it knowing that you we have to review if there's a change. >> I'm not because it changed from this morning to this afternoon >> and so I'm not willing to approve it.
>> Um, and I I want to see budget too. >> I do. Yes. I would just say I would be okay with this, but I that would be a separate approval. But I'm finding >> I think this is really close. I thought it was really close this morning, too, though. And the numbers keep changing. >> Yeah. >> And once you vote it, the numbers don't
change, >> right? >> That's the stop. And so I don't want to vote it until >> I would take the TA's lead on when that's >> I would love to be to not keep changing it, but people keep telling me, "Oh, you
didn't get this number here." And it's really trying for me and for whoever, you know, I'm sure maybe the department heads to say, "Oh, I forgot about this." Like, "Okay, well, I got to incorporate this." Like there's >> that's why I don't want to vote it. Yeah, there's some
>> um I um it's close. It's really close. >> Um it's a deficit spending budget, but we've needed an override since at least 2022, fiscal year 2022.
Um and so this is just cumulative over time. And now we're at this is a budget that has probably 500,000 deficit spending in it. Um and and uh budget two
will have even more. So you start next year in a hole. >> Um and uh I I'll I'll approve this. I mean, if you want to stop right now, we can we can approve it, but I don't think it's wise because I think there are
other things that are going to happen. I mean, I could not I would love to not change it. >> I would take out the 750 for the housing trust and the housing trust person right now. >> Um, I mean, you I'm willing to if you want the guidance that no, this is set
now and we can't keep changing it >> and just tell people go away. >> I I might give I might give staff one more chance to speak up or forever hold their peace >> because it seems like every time I bring it, someone's like, "Oh, you forgot about this." And I'm like, >> that's what I >> Where were you?
>> But two months ago, >> but that can't I don't want to see that number changing much though. Like that bottom line. >> Well, there I mean there's >> sort of a lot of areas to pull from >> to be honest. Like I I wanted snow and ice to be higher just because I think
it's >> if there's no free cash next year, you are just in the red >> and then the town is bankrupt. >> You'll know. You'll know with the BVA, you know, at the end of the year, you'll have some idea >> and there will be some things that have
to be encumbered for the next year. Um, and you'll have some idea of what that number is. >> It won't be big though. >> It's not going to be big because this is this is >> Okay, we have a few other things to do and um we will see this again on the
21st. >> Yes, ma'am. >> 6.6 six. >> Um, we sort of went over the town meeting war article, so we don't have to do anything there, which is good. >> Sounds good to me. >> 6.7.
>> This was your um >> That should be the list for the auction for town properties. >> We talked about this with the warrant. >> Mhm. And so, um, Kieran's just going to put it in the warned and talk to Bob.
>> Yeah. Get get a thumbs up or thumbs down for probable buildability. >> Did we do you need a motion on this? We I thought we did that. >> Um, do we motion when we um >> we we included
this with 182 Warren Road. What's on the minutes from last >> I mean we can >> the minutes were right because I looked at them. Um so what'sever in the minutes there was a motion there. I can't remember but we didn't look
>> um I don't think we motioned. I think we just asked for more information. >> Yeah. So >> um so that still stands. So we we approved with his input the other day to go on the warrant
just not the other day today. Do we need separate vote specifically for the >> we on the warrant? Yeah. >> No. And what I'm asking is do you want a separate motion particularly on those just on the properties separate from the warrant? >> Let me bring up that. >> I don't think we did that.
>> I don't think we need one. Okay. >> It's just part of this is your property. This is from your minutes right here. >> Yeah. Um property auction list. The committee reviewed an extensive list of properties for potential auction with Veronica Cal raising concerns. Previous auction properties need need for
building commissioner review of all properties before auction. Minimum bid amounts >> specific concerns about Warren Road with existing housing footprint. Questions about DCR. There was no motion. Oh. Uh nope. No motion. >> No, there was no motion.
>> So I mean is that motion inherent when we approve the warrant? It's a catch all. >> It's the requested additional investigation before final approval, including building commission review of buildability and consultation development. >> Sure.
>> Okay. I'm I'm going to speak to him, but this can um we'll just reaffirm on the 21st. Is that okay? >> Yes. Uh 6.8. Um the town was fortunate enough
to receive the donation of a wonderful police motorcycle. Um Chief Sartell has shared a draft letter um with us to um acknowledge that really cool piece of equipment for the police department. Um we want to make a motion to accept the
donation of the police department and authorize the chief to sign this very gracious letter to the donating uh folks. I val move to accept the donation of the police motorcycle and for the chief of police James Hotel to
>> Is there a second >> to accept >> to accept the donation from the town? >> Um second any further discussion. So I don't think we actually need motion
that >> no >> who is the letter to I guess is the question. >> Harbor Auto body. >> So it's Harbor that donated donated. Is there a um I was asked the question
it is there um additional liability this part additional liability with having a motorcycle versus a vehicle? Is it more cost to your department if you have a motorcycle insurance wise?
Anything else? >> I mean I don't know. I think there'll be an offset whether or not the officer is driving in a in a car or in a motorcycle. If that's the question we'll reach out. I'm not sure if we'll have a change in premium if it would be nominal. At least that was my understanding of it. We're a ways away
from integrating it into the fleet. We've got some policy work to do, some training to work to do, that type of thing. Part of it is getting making sure that our insurance company's aware that we have that. We have an inventory that we file once a year, I think it is, with our uh insurance carrier, and we'll just make sure that it's added appropriately.
>> Okay. Thank you, Jay. Any further discussion on the motion? hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica I l >> 6.9 >> 6.9 is our animal inspector position. It
has been vacant for quite a bit of time. Um Sabrina said, "Hey, you know, we should really touch on this and figure out what to do." So rather than look for any motion here, just more of a if you know anybody who might be interested. I
>> think the trick is pay >> the pay is very low and looking back in time. >> Is this the 1,200 that we have? >> Yeah, but our animal control officer is like 227 or 21 $21,700 or so. You know, you could link the two together.
>> Um, you know, I think the previous person was a Miss Latererno. >> Yeah. I didn't know she was gone. I think she's still around. I think she's just looking for a higher wage. >> I Yeah. Um, you know, there is a >> Will she do the other thing with the
rabies? >> I think she prefers not to. >> Okay. Well, I think that's part of >> Yeah, there is a a supposedly a fine from the state of Massachusetts if you're not compliant. They haven't fined us for the last two years. So, >> we haven't had an animal inspector since
2021. Oh, even longer than that. Okay. >> It's been a long time. >> Yeah. So then they're they're not finding us. So a part of me is just like >> Oh, we are being recorded. >> I I would say the same thing. I would just tell people like it's tough to find someone. The money's
>> really tight. It's just >> Well, we don't have enough money there. >> It's just $600. >> Okay. I have no problem with addressing after the if you can think of someone or maybe that's at like annual town meeting
say hey if anybody's interested >> okay >> and you love animals >> I love animals and sugar so it's >> um >> so >> it's it's posted it's still posted though right okay >> all right we'll just keep it on there
something to do uh 610 federal funds policy Yeah, we um with our work with the auditor um we uh want to have town council draft a policy that adheres to the auditor standards from Roseli and Clark. Um so really just a
motion for us to authorize that to happen. >> Why does this sound familiar to you? >> This seems like so I read through that exchange and it seems like it's not a usual request for towns. >> I agree. And and I'm just I'm I really
am wary on >> adding >> Go ahead. >> And on adding it because the from the exchange between the auditor and council, it seemed like a very vast and expansive policy that would be needed and most other towns in Massachusetts
don't have this policy. >> Yeah. My thought is to say no. >> And I think I think that was conveyed in the email. >> Yeah. And I think this I think there's some potential with the new TA to do some financial policy review that maybe incorporates this in it. And
>> so um I just want to make sure that because did they mark this as a deficiency in their audit? >> Roselli and Clark did. >> Roselli and Clark did. But then when I read it, it looked like Rosella Leanne Clark was like, "Yeah, we don't usually mark this as a deficiency." Did I read
that wrong? I think you may have read that wrong because Adam was like they're marketing it as a deficiency. >> Yeah. >> And a significant deficiency. >> Yeah. >> And he's like I don't really agree. Adam >> Yeah. >> I I would um >> just take no actions. >> I I would
I would >> and number three of our options was to not do anything. And that's kind of where I would >> that's where I go. Um, >> one catch here is we received a lot of funding for PAS mitigation
and that is where some of the lines are going for auditors in terms of the federal funds you receive and the auditing implications there. >> All the towns are seeing this. They're all realizing, oh, that's federal. >> None of them have these types of policies
>> and they're all receiving that federal PAS funding. But it does mean we have to do that second audit. >> So I don't know if we have enough money in our budget for that come to think of it. >> How much was the first audit? >> 30 something 300
>> and a second audit is like 5k if I remember right from a year ago when I was on the >> um and so we need to make sure we have that because we are going to have that audit I think. >> Yeah. You would Yeah. You have 29,000 in
free cash right now. >> Well, there you go. You're all >> just just throwing it out there. >> Um I talked to Rosali and I mean I guess we already did sort
of. >> I mean I could you could ask Adam to go back to >> Yeah. What's the significance of a significant deficiency? >> That I wasn't sure of, but I I begun the thought that I'm like, well, what happens? >> Yeah. I don't think anything.
>> I think it just cuz we had other deficiencies that have not been addressed. >> Um, >> yeah. >> I mean, I would see the ones from the insurer as a bigger problem. If our insurer said, "You don't have a federal
funds policy." I would be more concerned >> than the auditor saying we don't. >> So Adam's direct and this isn't sharp is from my perspective as towns legal council there is no mandate for this life board to adopt a federal funds policy. >> Exactly.
Um so >> just wait for a mandate. >> I'm going with that >> another unfunded mandate. >> We love those. We we do have an audience hand members question up if you wish to have them ask a question.
>> Cindy. >> Yeah. I just want to excuse me. Speak to audits. >> Are you you're as a resident talking to me now? >> Yes. >> Okay. Um, and when when you have an audit firm give you a serious
deficiency, you run the risk of getting what's called a qualified audit, which is a negative finding. And if any any company, any town, any anybody gets a qualified audit, that means that the the auditing firm is not certifying that
your your finances are in order. and that would have an immediate effect on the ability to borrow money and it will nose dive your your bond rating because your your auditing firm has said that we cannot certify um a significant deficiency starts to
eat into that area. So I would not just kind of giggle and say oh we'll just put it off. I think you should really talk to Rosselli about about that before they actually give you a qualified audit. I think we will and I don't think we were giggling. So,
>> no. And there is an extensive exchange between council and the auditor on this exact it's a very extensive exchange. So, this was not just done willy-nilly. >> But, but thank you for the clarification. >> I appreciate that. All right. What was
uh the message? >> Just a question about the bond reading. >> Okay. Um All right. So number seven, our next meeting is April 21st and for a time to be determined at this
point. and 8. Uh I Shiffron move to enter executive session at 7:15 p.m. and adjourn from accession
executive session pursuant to 81 executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have detrimental effect on the
bargaining position of a public body and the chair so declares that police union 82 executive session Pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21 A2 to conduct strategy sessions and prepar
preparation for negotiations with non-UN personnel or contract negotiations with non-UN personnel police chief 83 executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21A2 to conduct strategy sessions and
preparation for negotiations with non-UN personnel human resources manager. A4, executive session pursuant pursuant to open meeting law, chapter 30A, section 21A3, to discuss strategy with respect to
collective bargaining in an open meeting where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on bargaining positioning of the public body. And the chair so declares ask me local 93 clerical union supervisors union highway
union and I Laura Shiffren as chair so declared. I'll entertain a motion to adjourn at this point and go into executive. >> We will not be returning. >> We will not be returning. I did say that.
>> I think you did. I just wanted to make sure friends heard it too. >> Okay. Brian Cel second. >> Okay. Roll call vote. >> Brian Cel I. You get a try.