Good evening everyone. My name is Laura Shiffren and I will call the meeting to order of the select board on December 2nd, 2025 at 4 pm. >> Roll call, please. >> Uh Veronica Cal present remotely.
>> Valer present >> and Laura Shiffren present remotely. Would you join me in the pledge of allegiance? I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the
republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice and justice for all. I would like to thank all of our veterans and as well as all of our military that
are serving here and abroad as well as all of our emergency response people, public safety, and all of our employees and staff members, all of our
elected and appointed officials for helping our community be be a better place to live in. The meeting is being recorded and uploaded to YouTube. Is anyone else recording? >> Yes, I am.
>> Thank you, Cindy. Um, chairman's additions or deletions, uh, 11/19 25 minutes were previously approved on the 25th, so they are deleted from this meeting.
And I don't think I have anything else. So 1.5 review approve meeting minutes for November 25th, 2025. Is there a motion? >> I Valerie Gooditch move to approve the meeting minutes of 11:25, 2025.
>> Veronica Cal second. >> Okay. Any discussion? >> Um I I don't have any changes other than there there's punctuation missing. um you know, periods here and there. So, I I would just want that to be looked at.
That's all. >> I think that's part of the AI. >> Okay. Yeah. Um >> I'm just trying to keep track, too. There are a few like it kind of funny isms that it's starting to develop a little bit like it read it calls me
Clerk Goodrich a lot. >> Yes. Yes, you are called Clerk Goodrich. I saw that, but I figured Okay, fine. I mean, it doesn't bother me. You guys can have first names. I don't need one.
>> I think those corrections will be made. Okay. So, we can approve subject to the um minor edits, um if you will, before they are given to the town clerk. >> Okay. >> All right. Roll call vote, please.
>> Veronica Cal I. Valerie Gooditch I >> and Laura Shiffron I. And we will move down to 2.2 the presentation of the public recording platform with town clerk Harrison. It uh
Harrison is not able to make it. Uh but he sent a um a report to the board which I was not able to print off. Have you been able to see it? And I would also like to clarify for the
record that where it says review discuss public recording platform. It is that it is the platform. It's recording of records. It is not an audio recording.
I was asked that and I am going to explain that it's not audio. So nothing in the portal is recorded by audio. Okay. Have I made that clear enough? Do you think?
>> Hopefully. >> Okay. >> Me too. I hope that that is clear. Um it should be a a public records um request platform. Uh public records recording platform. I don't know if
there's any any name specific for this, but what I my concern and I did see Harrison's um you know statement about this and that's all well and good, but what he will not always necessarily or the town clerk will not always
necessarily be the records access officer. The select board appoints the records access officer which my understanding is that is the person who responds to public records requests. So um where it may not always be
Harrison is the town clerk and where Harrison may not always be the town clerk. My concern has more to do with having a design and use of and a user specification
for what is being put in place. If in fact it is being adopted by the town clerk's office, will another RAO have access to it? Will they understand how it works? So, I had written something which did not make it into the I sent it
many weeks ago um to be put in um and I did send it. I went back to look. So, just give me a second to get to my um statement here. This is what I was looking for. I'm not looking for someone pontificating on what the laws are and
what control the select board may or may not have of public records. That is not what I'm interested in. What I'm interested in is knowing how the platform works. So, I'm going to read you what I'm looking for. Um, I'm going
to take this off. Um, I I am looking for something that says town of towns and public records request portal and uh it includes a specification for the reason need justification for this means of
recording. Why does the town need this? them when there is a system available on the website for keeping track of public records requests and in many ways is much more um accessible than the records
things that we've been sent. Uh, number two, details of how the portal is used by the records access officer who may not always be the town clerk, by municipal employees and board members, and by the public if at all. I want
specifications for the portal. Where does the code and you can call it, it doesn't have to be called a portal, it can be a recording platform, it can be a database, but specifications for the portal. Where does the code reside in
the town's file system? What platform or language and/or language is used? Who maintains the code and how is it maintained? A statement noting that the code is intellectual property of the town of Townsen and cannot be marketed
to other municipalities. And I want to know who has access to the code. Um, and any other information that's to be included in both a developer and a user document that describes the portal. How will it be
used? How frequently will people um be uh provided with this information um etc etc. So I that's what I'm looking for. I'm looking for um a design and a
user specification for what is going on. I'm not necessarily and this has more to do with um you know, yeah, the town clerk is the keeper of public records. Granted, no no issue there. I have no issue there. The public records requests
and the um fulfilling of those requests is uh a different issue. it's covered by policy under the select board and um if in fact the town clerk does not feel that that the requirement to follow that
um policy is uh needed by the town clerk then perhaps we as a select board should reconsideration should reconsider the um assignment of records access officer the
person who responds to public act records requests and that's all I have to say. >> Okay, >> I really want a design spec and if he's doing it for his own benefit, I don't need that. But if he's doing this to be
used by the general public, by the town as a whole, the department etc etc then different story. We need a user spec, we need a design spec. It's all I have to say. So,
>> okay. Thank you, Veronica. Val, any comments? Um so based on um what I've currently seen and you know I've had some discussions with Harrison I can see how the current
workflow of the town clerks improved by this application and um made more efficient with automatic replies and a lot of steps that are probably really helpful for anybody who's answering a public record request.
Um, and I can, you know, I've expressed some concerns about what gets published and what doesn't get published. Um, and had some conversations with town council and I know Harrison has also had some conversations with council. We both have
been involved with that just to, you know, kind of make sure from my perspective that the town isn't is in a good position with everything that gets put out on the internet. That's my concern basically. And obviously a public record is a public record. I'm
not suggesting that those aren't put out. It's more um we've looked at some of the content and how the requests are handled by the state for example or by the supervisor of records. you know, when is a name
removed and you know, the mayor put instead or a select board member or you know, a name might be removed and, you know, not that Jay is subject, but police chief put instead just to depersonalize some of the um
the requested information sometimes, not from the record itself, but from the request from what's put up there. So, I mean, I feel I feel better having had those conversations about the place the portal is in right now than I did a
couple months ago. So, um I do I have expressed some hesitation about having something being used that could, you know, be unusable in a different um
if someone else was in the town clerk office. Um the town clerk has expressed that it's you know the software being used and the voting platform is pretty basic. Microsoft you know guardian should be able to
you know work with whatever is there pretty easily. Um >> how what are you basing that on? >> Just just basically how it was developed. >> Do you know how it was developed? because I don't >> without going into all the exact details because and I'm you know it's that fine
line between I don't want to daytoday administrate how that is done if this is a tool that gets used but I do I appreciate the concern of if this suddenly wasn't there I so half me is like I I totally understand it was developed in attempts to make
like those automatic replies easier and um so that the town clerk can get back to doing you other stuff in town clerk's office. If anything, I actually think it's a tool that, you know, in I've looked at some towns
that have, you know, multiple RAOS and I could see this as a tool that even potentially, you know, if more help is needed in the future, more people could be trained on and used potentially. That's just something that at this moment in time where it's just used in
that office, I don't have a lot of concerns for the tool being used by the town clerk. I understand Veronica's um you know, worries though. I do
understand that. But um so yeah, that's just my basic thoughts at the moment. Okay. Thank you. >> And I do think the town clerk has been receptive to um some of my concerns about, you know, the do some does the
language of the request get marked private sometimes if there's solicious material in there that we don't control. We're just publishing it. It's not that we don't allow people to access it, but we're publishing it on our website. So, we have gone back and forth on that and I think Ruth, the town clerk has some
pretty good solutions to some of those potential problems, but that's just my take at the moment. >> Um, what are the solutions? I mean, I don't know what they are and this didn't this was more like, oh, you guys, I get to do whatever I want to do and too bad
for you is how I read the document that came out. And that's not what I was interested in at all. I I'm interested in knowing um that someone else can pick it up and use it. That um is it on our website? As far as I know, it is not.
But is it on our website? And then who authorized it to be on our website? If in fact it is, how is it decided what gets um what gets uh changed as far as names go and what
doesn't get changed? who decides what is public and what isn't public and um you know that's what I was looking for um and that was what I was hoping to have a discussion with. I have not gone in to
talk to Harrison about it because I don't want to be accused of managing the day today. Um, and so I feel that this is our forum for talking about it and
there was a choice made not to discuss which I'm disappointed in. Okay, I appreciate both of your comments as well as they're basically expressing some of my own concerns.
I only had one other small question and that was how long do they stay there in the portal like do they ever come off and I am concerned about people's privacy even though it's supposed to be public records it doesn't mean that some
disparaging remarks can't be made because they are in some of them. So, >> I think that's where we could I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> Well, what I was going to say was having said that um we did I guess originally
think that we were going to have a conversation with Harrison and for some reason he couldn't make it so he sent his report and I think that we should have a conversation. I think that you the questions have been expressed now
and I'm sure that Harrison will see the video afterwards when he can and uh I suggest that we move this to another meeting and perhaps right now the 9th looks pretty lengthy.
So if you know if if it's okay with the board, I would suggest the first meeting in January for us to have a discussion or the first meeting that he can make it to attend. >> Um I'm good with that provided the platform is not public in the meantime.
>> I don't think it's supposed to be. I think that was one of the things that he said and I haven't gone looking, you know, since he sent his reports to >> I don't think it is, but I haven't really looked. All All I get is what um Sabrina sends out.
>> Okay. Right. >> You know, and then I look at the records for us to see if there's any that I can help with because we are not receiving public records um for the select board. you know, public records requests that come in for the select board have not
been coming to us necessarily. I haven't I mean, most of those I haven't seen. Uh I've seen the ones that have been sent directly to me, but right now it looks like nobody's sending things directly to people anymore.
um that they're going to select board and then unless we get that report and look at it, you know, it's almost impossible to make the 10 days if you aren't sent the request, >> right? >> So, um anyway, >> is it is it more so because it's being
sent to the employee? So, in this case, it would be Sabrina and Nelson that were getting the our public records requests and we would have to rely on them reaching out to us if they needed our help for any of them. Nelson, do you have a comment on that?
>> Um, my understanding was um ones that were specific to a specific uh select board member, they would get that um they would get that request and then that select board member would then look at their records for uh you know looking
through their records. Um, so unless there's a a real uh life example at the moment, that was my understanding and everything else is just handled um between Sabrina and I and we kind of do our own factf finding, you know, to uh
to fulfill the request. So that's my general understanding. If someone was requesting records from um a certain select board member, um the REO would then send that request directly to the select board member in question.
So >> that's how >> example is the one that came in for um uh SharePoint data from um October 21st, the October 21st meeting. And that
request came only to me and it was from one of the names that are you know disguised and um uh and so I responded that I'm not the keeper of the SharePoint files which I am not uh and therefore there were no responsive
records. Um, and so but then you know I said that Nelson and Sabrina were those but for whatever reason it came directly to me and I just saw that maybe a couple days ago and and that request was at least a
month ago. Uh that it was sent to you Nelson and Sabrina. Um that was a delayed response on that. So, um, anyway, >> Sabrina and I are waiting our way
through them. Um, there's still quite a few, so, you know, we're we're sort of doing the best we can. Um, you know, as well as juggling our regular day-to-day stuff. So, I I I admit we are behind. Um, but, you know, we're doing
everything we can to to sort of get caught up. That's a a request though Nelson that you would not have seen because it didn't go to you or Sabrina came only to me. >> No. Yeah. For for that particular
example, yes, I I agree that it would have just gone to you. Um, but I'm just talking in general about the the the backlog of uh public records requests that are either select board uh you know you know uh
in that in that bucket >> then the takeaway from this conversation is I won't worry about public records requests this particular conversation which is not about the portal it's about the requests in general that um I'm not
going worry about them. If someone needs something from me, they can let me know. Other than that, I'm not going to worry >> about if if the request if the ARO sends the request directly to a select board member, that select board member should
um you know uh look through their records for whatever that request might be. you know that much is is definitely uh expected uh of of of the select board members. Yeah. Everything else, you know, um Sabrina
and I will sort of triage it and if it requires um you know, records from, you know, one or more select board members, we will uh we will deal with it at that time. >> Okay. So, we're going to have the conversation on this database thing. we
will move to January. >> Correct. >> I think the first uh meeting we're supposed to have in January is on the six. Is that correct, Nelson? >> I'm I'm showing it as a six. Correct.
>> Okay. Um so Nelson, would you present that to Harrison then to try to meet with us for a discussion on the 6th? And in the the meantime, we are still um counting that this is not a public site,
but it's just for one for him to use for um making his job easier. >> Yep. I'll uh I'll I'll talk to him tomorrow. >> Okay. Are we good with that
select board? >> Yes. Okay. Um, let's see. 2 point. Okay, we'll have to skip that and come back for the five o'clock. Uh, 3.1. Is there a motion?
Um, I, Valerie Goodrich, move to appoint Jessica Deo as administrative assistant to the chief of police with effective start date 1208 20225 contingent upon successful completion of all employment requirements.
>> Is there a second? Uh, Veronica Keel second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Uh, Veronica Keel. I >> got to try >> and Laura Shiffren I and good luck to
Jessica. Thank you for that appointment. 3.2. Is there a motion? I, Valerie Goodrich, move to appoint Lance McN as planning board representative to the community preservation committee from December
2nd, 2025 until June 30th, 2027. >> Is there a second? >> Veronica Ke second. Any discussion? Hi, Lance. >> Hi there. >> Thank you for um volunteering for this
position. You have great background. I know that this will be good for the town. So, any other questions or discussion with Lance hearing? None. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal I.
>> Val Gage I >> and Laura Sha I. Thanks again Lance. Okay. 4.1 uh review discuss municipal energy aggregation three-year proposal.
Nelson, do you want to speak to this? >> Yep. Uh, so, uh, you know, for the folks who are not aware, um, all of our, uh, electricity accounts that the the town uses, um, we are under
a energy aggregation contract. That was actually the first aggregation uh, contract that we signed prior to the residential one that's, you know, also in place. So, those are two separate things, but the one in question is for
municipal buildings. Um, that um contract, which was a three-year contract that we signed, um is about to expire. And uh in your packet you will see a uh pricing proposal
um that uh good energy which is the company that we work with um they went went out to the market and was able to um get us some pretty good rates. Um >> Nelson, could you share that document so
that the audience can see it as well? >> I don't have it. >> Sure. A second. So, let me zoom in a little bit. So, uh, as you can see, uh, they gave us
a proposal for 12 months, 24, 36, and 48 months. Um, given we cannot sign a 4-year long contract without a town needing approval, I think our best bet
is, uh, the three-year contract. Um, and according to their calculations, uh, we will save approximately $56,000 in energy cost, uh, throughout the life
of this, uh, three-year contract. >> Questions from the board? >> I don't have any. >> I don't either. >> Okay. So, I think um let me see. You guys can probably make a
motion to allow me to um sign on behalf of the the town for the three-year proposal that Good Energy um has provided to us. Um, I Valerie Goodrich move to allow the
town administrator to sign on the psychward's behalf for a greater energy aggregation proposal as discussed by good energy. >> I I thought we should name a specific c company, the next erra energy. Correct?
In other words, we can choose from constellation energy, direct energy, next erra energy, and it looks to me like next erra energy's um rates are the best. And so in the proposal, we should include what company we are going with,
I believe. >> Okay. Um >> I think Veronica's correct. >> I Valerie Goodish move to allow the town minister to sign uh municipal energy aggregation contract for three years um through good energy
with the selection of next era energy having the lowest rate for those three years. >> Is there a second? >> Veronica Kel second. >> Okay. Any >> I think uh Cindy has her hand up
virtually. >> Uh sorry. Go ahead Cindy. You have a question? Yes, I have. Um, hold on. I gotta I gotta mute one of my microphones here. Okay. Um, yeah, I I just where you held off going with the four-year
contract. I'm I'm wondering if we're at risk in that fourth year for a price increase four years from now. That would be higher than what's listed on this should you have agreed to a four-year contract. And I'm would it is that still
going to be the same rate or is are we at risk of I mean energy goes up all the time? Could that number be higher four years from now? Would it be safer financially in the long run for us to go ahead and go to town meeting and do this
uh for a four-year contract? Would it be do you think it we're at risk of a price increase? because I think you guys are planning on a January special that and I don't think I don't think the town people would say no to this. This is too >> they might have questions but I think
that this is pretty straightforward. I think people have noticed a dis a in decrease in their electric bills. >> Okay, Cindy, thank you for your question. But I'm thinking Veronica is we can't go past December 31st. Is that not correct?
>> December 25th, it says. Yeah, 25th as far as >> that's 205. So, yeah, I think the timing >> 25. Sorry. >> So, I think the timing wise uh we wouldn't be able to be able to put forth uh the four-year proposal to the town
voters um before this contract actually expires. So, um so I think it's a timing issue. I yes it's any I do think there is a risk you know three years from now you know the rates would be you know
higher than what's being proposed now um but you know we're kind of you know we're kind of um uh what's the word um you know one of our hands is tied behind our backs in terms of what we're able to sign so I
think um you know the three-year contract is really the best that we can do given the timing of things and we don't have a you know a town meeting until late January at the earliest when we haven't even discussed the date yet. So I just think timing wise we're not able
to um um consider the the four-year proposal right now. >> Okay. Nelson. Uh Veronica and then I have a comment too. >> Okay. I I agree with um Nelson everything that he just said. However, I
want to point out that I believe that the um three-year rate that we signed on to three years ago, and I was on the select board when this was when we did municipal aggregation aggregation for the town buildings three years ago and put this contract in place. I believe
that rate um and Nelson, you might have that is higher than the rate that we're having now. So although yeah there's a chance that it will be higher in that you know four years from now there's also a chance that it will be lower. Do
you have that rate Nelson? I thought it was like 16. >> Um let me see if >> I'm pretty sure this is lower than what we signed um three years ago. >> If I'm reading it correctly, I think it
was around it looks like it was about 11.7 cents. So, uh, >> where are you seeing that? >> That was It's in SharePoint. It's the current contract that, uh, we have, uh, with, um, the energy company. It's, it's
in SharePoint. >> Okay. Let me go back and see if I can the current electric. >> So, I'll ask while you're looking, I'll ask my question. Um Nelson, is it possible and maybe the past select people may know this um to go to town
meeting and especially where we're so um tight for money um and the next couple of years are not going to be much better and costs do go up. Is there a way that
a motion can be made via a warrant that gives the town the ability, the select board, to go and negotiate another contract during the three-year term to extend? No, >> I don't think.
>> All right. Well, I was just trying to >> think >> um that maybe there might be a way to head this off, but did you find the last contract, Veronica? Uh I see what's in SharePoint. >> So, uh last
>> 11746. >> Um but is that the rate? Uh look at those dates. Anyway, um this is good. This is a good rate. >> Okay. So, and I I think that we'll get
better than market. Um, if we were going to go to town meeting, we would have had to have addressed this a couple months ago. Right. Right. Maybe that should be a heads up for the next time that you
don't wait until the last month to address an end of contract. Um, so we had a motion. Did we have a second? I know we just had discussion. I thought I did. >> Yep.
>> Okay. All right. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Um Veronica Cal I. >> Valerie Gri I >> and Laura Shiffron I. Thank you. 4.2.
Let's see where we are for timing. Okay. Um, the budget memo to department heads. I did not see that one. >> Um, I I did put it on SharePoint. It was
um yesterday uh late morning. >> Yesterday. >> Yep. >> Yep. >> Did Did you see it, Veronica and Val? I thoughts. >> Um, well, I have a question on the last
bullet, Nelson. Why does it say trash hauling disposal? Um, why is that there for um for the department heads? >> Um, oh, I'm sorry. Um,
I will that was a holdover from last year. um we do have um expenses, you know, on the municipal side, but I don't think it needs its own um bullet point. So, a good catch there. So, I will delete that
bullet. I don't think it's necessary. Um then I had another question and it had I'm looking for um something was stated that um it was a 3% thing but anyway 2% cola and
a step increase of 2%. Um, I I know that we need to talk to the unions, but I I don't know how the town is going to support that. I see this in here, but I I have a concern about it.
>> And that was one of the bullets I was kind of struggling with because um, you know, I did preface by saying that, you know, uh, several union contracts were expiring at the end of the fiscal year. Um, so it's, you know, we we have no
idea what we're all going to um agree to at the bargaining table, but for the budget, for the purposes of budgeting, uh, at least, you know, initially, um, that's kind of where I was coming from, cuz I think if we said in a budget memo,
um, you know, please, you know, um, budget 0% cola and a 0% step, I I don't think that's nec necessarily the the right thing or the the right approach. You know, maybe we can um
you know ask for maybe at least two scenarios, maybe even three. Um, you know, one scenario, you know, might be the baseline scenario is
2% cola, 2% step, and a an alternate one might be um, you know, a smaller cola and a smaller step, you know, and and a third version might be no step, no cola. Um, you know, and we would preface by
saying that that's not necessarily what the select board is proposing or even agreeing to, but for the purposes of um um budgeting, those are the scenarios we're considering, you know, to to see to see how that plays out when we put
that into the the overall budget. what what what those steps and colas would result in, you know, for either um a balanced budget or a budget that results in a deficit. >> Okay. Um I I have a second question. The
budget worksheets that are in SharePoint, um did the finance committee agree to these? And will all the department heads be itemizing their expenses? meaning listing out if there's a software package that they use that they
pay for regularly, will that be listed out? It, you know, um how are expenses being itemized? Because last year that was one of the things that um were diff made budgeting difficult in the
department meetings. Not the department head meetings but the meetings that we had with the fi joint with the finance committee and the department heads. The question was always well you have this number there but what are you buying with it?
>> Right. So I'll I'll answer your two-part question. part one. Um I did meet with the fincom and uh after the meeting they didn't have any um changes that they proposed to be made but >> okay
>> which kind of leads into your second question which was um you know they also felt like um last year and in in the past um the the descriptions of for the expenses was kind of vague at times. So,
um, so I think we're kind of all in agreement that this goound, um, departments are are expected to sort of, um, list out their expenses. And maybe I'll add that as a bullet as as well now that we're talking about it.
>> I I would recommend even like giving an example of just I think that themselves gave an example of something of a department that listed out a lot of details on the >> Yeah. Yeah. >> And say the expectation is is that this has to happen so that
we can have discussions around those items. >> Correct. And you know, I I'm actually going to push back pretty hard. If if I receive a um budget package and it's it doesn't have that information, I'm going to say you need to go back and uh you
know, provide more detail on on you know, these line items cuz I want to head it off so that when it gets to the select board and finance committee, it's it's kind of in the best shape possible. And uh I think last year um some
departments were a little bit rough around the edges. >> Um will you be going over this with department heads at a meeting, a department head meeting? I know there was supposed to be one today, but I know that
>> on the way side. >> Yeah. Um I that was that was my intention to sort of uh the the budget memo and the budget worksheets sort of be the the focal point of a upcoming department head meeting. So once I
figure out when uh I'm going to reschedu it, that would be um that would be the you know u the big agenda item to discuss with department heads. And you know, I'll make it pretty clear as well in the memo as well and as well
as the email that you know, th this is the expectation moving forward. And you know, um you know, I I will be sending their budget packages back to them if it's um incomplete in any way.
>> Um on I want to talk about capital items, but I don't know if anybody else has questions on the stuff. Um, >> yeah, you can go first, Lori. Go ahead. >> Thank you. >> Being naive as a selectman and to unions in
particular, since I'm getting a lesson every day, um, are they do they negotiate every year like the, uh, how the one the three that you had this year? Um, >> every
three every three years. >> Every three years. >> That's that's the norm. Um, once in a while you'll see like one year contracts, but those usually are just like a stop gap measure. Three years is
the the standard for >> So, does the current contract that was just negotiated, was that a two plus two every year? Is that uh a given for that? >> I mean, the one the current one that
we're in right now. >> Yeah. Yeah. The one that was just done or well, what >> is three years? >> We're in the third year of a three-year contract with the unions, I believe. >> Most of them. >> No, most of them.
>> Clerical, supervisors, highway, wider. >> So, this was the last year. >> This will be the last year. Correct. >> Ending in this fiscal year >> FY26. End FY26.
>> So end of 26 we negotiate again. >> We need to negotiate starting for fiscal year 27. So for the fiscal year that this is the budget for. >> Okay. >> What's the timeline on that, Nelson?
Um, in theory, you know, we could start um um the the the kickoff conversations, you know, um in January. >> Mhm. >> Okay. you know, that way it gives everybody
ample time if there's any um delays or if there's um you know, areas where it needs additional negotiating because um if you're starting in March, you might be already behind, you know, the eightball. So, starting in January is is
is recommended. I mean, I don't think the two and two is a horrible place to start just so we can know the picture of what it's going to look like. >> Yeah. And like I said, you know, we >> I can also ask for other scenarios as
well, you know, but I I think that's that's that's a good starting point. I I would call it the baseline. And it, you know, um I know given our current financial situation, which I shared with, um, you know, the select board and
finance committee a few weeks ago, it it does not um necessarily look good. But, you know, I I don't want to belabor the point in terms of talking about it now. you know, this is really just about the budget memo and you know, how how we want to uh
sort of uh give some some instructions to uh you know >> I think that some some of the you know it's going to be hard even level funding a lot of the items on there. So >> I know it's going to be a struggle.
It's um not it's been and it's been stated all along it's not sustainable and where are the increased funds to take care of what you're going to budget but >> I think that we have to do the two and
two thinking about it further after this conversation because if the negotiations aren't done I believe the way it's written in the contract is you have an extension >> you know whatever it is is what extends.
So I think um Nelson's right, it has to be written this way um because this is where we are and if in fact the funding doesn't um you know the the the
monies that we have as a town don't fit. We have to look at positions and reorganization which is further on in the agenda for tonight. >> Okay. So, I don't
Do you feel we need a motion to approve this memo or are you all set? >> Absolutely need a motion. I think um I can I ask my capital question though first? >> Yes, ma'am. >> Um on this Nelson, um there is a five-year capital plan that the capital
plan from last year put in place. Are they going to are um are are you going to include that for departments because it looked kind of the one that I saw online looked empty and I appreciate the
emptiness but I think you should also provide the five-year capital plan that was approved by the capital planning committee at the end of last year so that people can see uh they probably know what they've already request requested but I I think it's good for
people to see. >> Yep, I can do that. >> Okay, thanks. >> Okay, is there a motion? >> Yep. Um I Valerie Gooditch move to approve the budget memo to the department heads as presented at the December 2nd meeting
>> with the elimination of the last bullet on trash hauling >> with elimination of last bullet on trash hauling and um explanation of details needed in descriptions. >> Well, thank you
>> with edits. And are those edits good for your second? >> Uh, Veronica Cal second. Yes. >> Very good. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Uh, Veronica Cal I. >> I.
>> Laura Shiffr. Thank you. 4.3 Review discuss creation of public relations policy. Um, I didn't see anything in the SharePoint, so I I take it we're going um from scratch on this. Is that right?
>> I didn't find anything out there. >> Nelson, do you have anything? >> I do not. >> When I I did a brief search of other select town websites and I didn't see any similar cycore policies.
Um, this is for the use of CSS or whomever for an outgoing statement. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> I I think um Nelson maybe reach out to CSS and see if they have suggestions for
this. I mean, I would say that if the select board um if the TA through polling of the select board members finds it necessary to contact CSS that the um policy should be reviewed
and um you know the you know and put out after review by the board of selectmen. I guess the question is is do does a siteboard need to take a vote on any
statement being released? >> I think we should and so I think an emergency meeting should be called >> if if it could be part of the policy >> opening law. Yeah, that would be part of >> that would be part of the policy
>> and I don't know when emergency meetings can be called by you know select boards. So that would be to look at Oh, >> from what I understand it, I asked this of council at one point, it's it's pretty restrictive. Seems to be in like
actual like risk emergencies, >> date of emergency kind of thing. >> Yeah, that type of, you know, safety, building falling down, bridge collapse. Well, >> if I may, >> why don't we look into that?
>> If I may interject, um, you know, if it, if a situation, uh, arises where we feel like, um, you know, um, CSS needs to, you know, um, draft up
a statement on the town's behalf. you know, I, you know, receive feedback from, you know, select board members and then I go off talk to CSS and then, you know, they provide to me a draft
statement which I then can um, you know, send off to select board members. they can provide their feedback to me individually and then um with that feedback you know we'll have I guess a version two of that of that statement
and then >> I think that's like a fine line one open meeting >> I agree >> yeah I mean but there >> there are circumstances like reviews right for example like we can send all of our feedback to a person who
aggregates that all but I believe there's exceptions and >> let let me uh let me run that um let me run that what I just described through town council and see if they have an issue with that because again you know there's
no direct communication from one select board member to another you know everyone's providing feedback to me individually and then you know and then I you know I uh >> but I guess I I incorporate those
changes into it. Um and you know at no time am I saying you know this person I at no time have I indicated this select board member made these changes you know type of thing. Um looks
like Sydney has her hand up. >> I don't see it. >> Yeah. Yeah. I I just want to interject that um what I I think the concern that Valerie and Veronica both have is that is what's referred to as a serial meeting when the town administrator does
this with the three board and and you talked about doing you know getting feedback once from them is probably fine but once you got the feedback and then sent something back to the select board again that's where you really get into the serial meeting where you're going back and forth and you're you're having
a meeting with them individually. ually, but it's all coming coming together. So, I wouldn't go anywhere near that. >> I think I think from what I understand in the one town that seemed to have a public relations policy, it seemed like it was pretty it was a much larger town
and they probably had a pretty established relationship and it was kind of a cart blanch like if we asked them for a statement, we just let them release it type thing. >> And I don't feel comfortable with that type of >> No, I don't either. So I think we should do what Nelson said he does, you know,
go and then in a meeting vote on the pol on the um statement >> probably. >> I think that's what we have to do because we do have a statement that hasn't been released because we haven't
voted on it. I think we've all provided our feedback, but we don't know what that feedback is. >> So anyway, >> but I thought we were waiting for a policy before we could vote on it.
>> I think we just need an agreement. >> Yeah. >> Amongst in the long run, it would be nice to have a policy, but you don't have to have a policy in order to vote on a specific public statement. >> Right. Okay. When did we discuss that then?
>> I mean when we when we when I looked back at the meeting with CSS, it was basically we said we wanted to discuss having a policy related to public relations statements. >> But that was the extent. Yep. Which we
are doing now. >> Right. And we don't have a policy. >> Yeah. We didn't say we had to have a policy. We just said we wanted to have that further discussion. >> Um, so we should look at the statement at the next meeting. >> Okay.
>> I guess >> going to put that on the 9th. Okay. >> Yes. >> And if we want a policy, um, we could, you know, what what Nelson said is what we can do, you know, and just >> I'm not sure if we I'm not sure if we
need an entire policy for it, but that's just my two cents. Seems I like the idea of asking CSS if they have a policy they recommend. >> Yeah. >> Um and they must do all sizes of cities and towns. So one that's comparable to
us would make sense. >> I think okay we don't need any motion there now. >> We'll just put it on the agenda for next week. >> I have that. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Now just looking at time I have
four minutes. Can I take to to our next appointment anyway? Uh 5.1 >> this is >> second reading. >> That's going to take me more than three minutes. Um, can we ask Calie? Um,
is there someone from um the >> Yeah, combined insurance. Are they um will they be joining us or do we need to um um punt this to another day? >> Well, um we could take a roll call and
see if Jennifer Johnson is online with us today. I don't see her here, but I believe um that she intended to attend the next meeting and and I think the select board wanted us to kind of give an overview of what the concept was
today um in the interim, but we can we can punt that if you like. Yeah, I think without uh combined insurance um being at this meeting and sort of giving their presentation um it might not be the the best use of our time since this is sort
of their platform that they're looking to, you know, uh provide to us. So, um >> did we not get a confirmation of them being here? Is that what you're saying? >> Well, I think they plan to come. They
plan to come to the next meeting. Um, but last I knew the board had requested that Nelson and I just provide kind of an overview of the concept today. That's why it's on the agenda. That was my understanding of it anyway,
which I can do in a nutshell. And what did we have left? Two minutes. >> Yeah. Well, we have a five o'clock, so we have plenty of time, don't we? >> No, they they are the five o'clock, right? So, we just talk about this and see what it is and then we can get the proposal next time if that's the deal.
>> Okay. >> So, Nelson, do you want to overview or do you want me to step in? >> Uh, why don't you step in? Uh, but you I don't think you'll be able to start for another two minutes because we've advertised it at five o'clock.
>> Ah, okay. Okay. Well, I'm at uh Oh, yeah. 458. Well, I don't have anything that Val can read quickly. Let me see. >> What about the um 5.2 the emergency assistance funds policy? What is that?
>> Because there was nothing in the SharePoint for that. >> Oh, well, because the motion is to direct town council to stop reviewing the emergency assistance funds policy. >> I can make that motion, Laura, if you want. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Y
>> and that is 5.2. Um, I Valerie Gooditch move to direct town council to stop reviewing the emergency assistance funds policy to be visit revisited at a later time for a will research. I move to pause until revisited posting for vacancy for the
Abraham S. French fund committee. I moved to pause until revisited any distributions of funds for emergency assistance. No application will be processed until further notice. The select board directs the town administrator to let potential applicants know about the bid sorry
about the halt and post so on the select board portion of the website. >> Is there a second? Okay. Uh any discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. >> I was just going to say and just for
clarification from Nelson, this is just it's a very um council intensive process that we don't have the funds for at the moment. Correct. Right. Correct. Yeah. It's going to require um a bit of research into the the will of
this um this um Abram s French fund and you know what's allowable and what isn't. So yeah, it's going to take a little bit of research from town council. So we're just putting a pause on it at the moment. >> And we're not intending of stopping the
program. We just there's legal issues that have to be >> right. it the program is paused at this point. So in that respect, it's stopped for the foreseeable future until the town again has enough funds to go
through and do that. There were open meeting law questions about the meetings and this and that and it just became it it needs to be paused until we can research. So, >> okay. If there's no further discussion,
I'll take a roll call vote at we are at 5:01 p.m. Veronica kel I >> and Laura Shiffer and I. Thank you. So, now we are back to 2.3
at 501 Nelson or Cali. Yep. I'll take it from here. So there's no secret that the cost of health care went up drastically last year and we're anticipating another drastic increase this year. Um and in trying to remain
proactive to counteract some of that cost for the town. Um we've been looking at different um potential solutions. Currently the town pays 75% of healthc care insurance as you know. Um we're not anticipating or or not proposing any
changes there. Um and uh what we um are considering is adding another option to the mix. Um and not something to replace necessarily the plans that we have, but adding a high deductible plan. Um which
in itself would save the town considerable money but may not be as attractive to uh an employees. But there's another half of that. Um, so we're looking for a way to reduce the cost for both the employee and the town while ensuring that the level of
coverage is is still equitable for the employee. And we think we found a solution. We're still waiting on some numbers um from Maya some quotes. The only quotes that we've gotten so far are to um with a high deductible plan of 500
and 1500 respectively for individual and family uh plans. Um and that didn't make a stark enough difference um really to make this proposal work. I don't think we we have to crunch some numbers. But
in essence, the um the crux of the plan is that with high deductible obviously the employee would pay more upfront. There would be less coverage offered um as a result of high deductible plan as well. And so it it's less attractive to
the employee, but we really would want to entice employees into a high deductible plan because it could save considerable money for the town. The way to do that, we think there are two couple different ways, but one of the solutions we're considering now is to
add a supplemental coverage plan. Um, and the company that we've been discussing that with is called Combined Insurance. Currently we have a supplemental uh coverage um provider which is Colonial Insurance.
Um and I have asked them to come back with some numbers as well. Um, so the idea is that with the supplemental coverage plan, the employee would then pay the high deductible
plan premium for the Blue Cross plan and then would pay um for supplemental coverage, which would bridge the gap of some of that coverage they would lose in a high deductible plan. But that the combination of both of those costs would
still cost less to the employee than what they pay now and the town would be saving considerable money um because of the difference with the high deductible plan premium versus the plans that we have now. Um so that's the overall
concept. um it's important to entice the employees into it with a supplemental plan or the other alternative would be a high deductible plan with um an HSA plan. We haven't looked into that yet.
Pepper has something like that. Um and that's where we're at. So, we're we're trying to get some numbers. we couldn't get some information that we really could have been key from Maya because we have less than 100 employees enrolled and so now they don't offer
that information to us. Um, and still struggling to get some some quotes from them in regard to uh different levels of high deductible plans so that we can contrast them um side by side and um
perhaps give you an estimate of what it would save the town. And that's it in a nutshell. I Nelson, do you want to add anything? >> Um, no. I think you you you um um gave a good overview of what we're looking to
accomplish by um you know, considering combined insurance. Um yeah, you know, that's just one thing that they offer. They would also offer the various um supplemental plans that Colonial currently offers. I think uh life
insurance uh what's the other one that's disability insurance um >> longterm >> long-term short-term disability uh they they offer all that as well in addition to what you just described.
So um so >> you know the next time we can invite combined insurance and they can certainly make a a presentation and answer any you know questions that the select board might have. >> Do you
>> so combine did send us a proposal. We have some numbers from them. the more um vital uh element to getting these numbers as far as projecting or estimating would be the numbers that
were waiting on from Maya. Um so so we'll work on that for sure. I also feel as I have before that it would not be a horrible time to consider other providers. Um,
you know, I'd have to look at the timeline to see if that is is doable, you know, for implementation by the, you know, the next fiscal year. That would be cutting it short. But I think at any time during the year, we should always
be considering that just to um increase our leverage at the negotiation table. >> Thank you, Calie. You're welcome. Thank you for all your work on that. Yep. Um, okay.
Moving on. Uh, we'll go back to 5.1. Bal, second reading of the alcoholic beverage licensing policy. >> Is everybody ready? >> Yes.
You just take a little nap if you need to. Okay. This is the second reading of the alcoholic beverage licensing policy. Can I do some stretches? Number one, purpose. It is the desire of
the towns and select boards to adopt a uniform policy governing the alcoholic beverage licenses it grants and ad and administers as the local licensing authority LLA under general law chapter 138. Administration of alcoholic beverage
licenses. Approved lapsed license. Approvals issued by the licensing board are valid for six months from the date of ABC approval. If the license is not issued within this time because the applicant failed to satisfy all conditions imposed by the licensing board, the approval will lapse and the
applicant must reapply and participate in a new hearing. Right to modify or amend. The LLA reserves the right to modify or amend the rules and regulations below or to adapt such other additional rules and regulations as it deems necessary. Notwithstanding these
regulations, the LLA may impose different and/or more stringent requirements, conditions, and/or penalties upon a particular license and or licensed premises were necessary to assure public safety or to meet any other public need.
Three types of license procedure. The town of Townsen issues licenses in accordance with general law chapter 138 and the regulations promulgated by the commonwealth alcoholic beverages control commission ABCC to apply for license to sell alcoholic beverages except for one
day specialist license license under general law chapter 138 section 14. Please complete and complete and submit the applicable application which can be found on the ABCC's website www.mmass.gov/
/abcc criminal offender record information query. The manager of record listed on the application must complete a query check and sign required authorization form at the time the application is submitted to the LLA. Town official review. All applications will be
reviewed by the town officials prior to the scheduled hearing. Number one, building commissioner to ensure compliance with zoning bylaws and building codes and regulations. Two, fire chief to ensure compliance with fire codes and regulations. Three, police chief licensing agent to
investigate application and make recommendation to the licensing board. Four, tax collector to ensure that no outstanding tax there are no outstanding tax liabilities. Five, land use coordinator to review any land use issues regarding the location on the premises. Public hearing. A public
hearing will be scheduled with the LLA to review the application. The applicant or their representative should be present to any answer any questions. The applicant is responsible for all hearing related costs including legal advertisements and a butter notification if necessary. Licenses will not be
approved for applicants who fail to pay said costs. Once signed and approved, the LLA will forward the application to the ABCC. License denial. In the event the LLA does not approve the license request, a written notification outlining the reasons for such action
will be sent within 10 days of the public hearing to the ABCC and the applicant. B schedule. After the ABCC notifies the LLA that the application has been approved and form 43 has been received, the applicant will be notified. All new licenses and transfer
of licenses are required to pay the following fees to the town of Townsen. Section 12, all alcoholic restaurants, $1,500. Section 15, all alcoholic retail package stores, $1,50. Section 12, wine and malt restaurant,
$750. Section 15, wine and malt retail package store, $1,000. In the case of the license transfer, the full amount of the fee is charged. The license board does not prorrate the license cost or annual fee. Hours of operation unless otherwise set forth on
an individual license. Licences hours of operation shall be as follows. Section 12, restaurants, hotels, clubs, and general on premises, Monday to Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Sunday, 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. Section 15, package stores, Monday through Saturday, 9:00
a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Sunday 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Notwithstanding these regulations, the LLA may impose different and or more stringent requirements, conditions, and or penalties upon a particular lency and or license premises were necessary to assure public safety and or meet any
other public need. Four, renewal of existing liquor license in accordance with ABCC regulations. Renewal applications of existing licenses shall be received no later than November 30th. Renewal applications will be mailed to the establishment's mailing address on
record unless previous arrangements have been made by the LE. Upon receipt of the renewal package, the lency must complete all forms including the workers compensation aid affidavit and the tax re add tax addest
addisitation form. In accordance with Mass Journal Law Chapter 138 section 16A, this application must be signed in the month of November and returned to the office of the select board 272 Main Street Towns in Massachusetts by November 30th. Any renewal application
not signed during the month of November will be treated as a new license and should be would be subject to all the procedures set forth under master law chapter 138 section 15A. Number two, all section 12 license renewals are contingent upon receipt of a valid
certificate of inspection issued by the building commissioner and signed by the chief of the fire department and proof of the required liquor liability insurance coverage. Number five, findings of violation. Reports of liquor law infractions will be fully investigated by the LLA. Upon receipt of
a report that a lency has violated general law chapter 138, the ABCC's rules or regulations, their license conditions, or this policy, the LLA will conduct a public hearing to determine the appropriate remedial action. Number two, the Lency will be notified in
writing of this violation and will be notified in writing of the date and time the licensing board will conduct the hearing to review the matter. Number three, if the LLA after hearing a conducted conducted after a hearing conducted pursuant to general law chapter 138 section 64
determines that a licency has violated general law chapter 138, the ABCC's rules or regulations, their license conditions or this policy, the board may modify, suspend or revoke such license. Number six, one day liquor licenses. One
day special licenses are issued by the LLA pursuant to master law chapter 138 section 14. Businesses or charities that hold events where alcoholic beverages are served are required to obtain a one-day special liquor license from the licensing board. The LLA will be
the determinant whether no sorry the LLA will determine whether a one-day special liquor license is required under Mass General Law Chapter 138 section 14. There's just one little word change there, Nelson. Yeah, >> the LLA will be will will determine, not
will be the determined. >> Yeah, >> thanks. To be considered for one day special liquor license, the applicant must meet the following requirements. Number one, no more than one license can be issued per premises at one time. Number two, applicant must provide a rain date for the event to be approved
by the LLA should there be a cancellation due to inclement weather. Three, the license fee of $20 is required at the time of the application submitt. Four, applications shall be filed with the LLA at least 30 days prior to the event. It is recommended the applications be filed 60 days in
advance. The number five, the Lency is required to post one day special liquor license in a conspicuous location during the event. Six, all alcohol must be purchased by the one-day special liquor lyic license holder from a licensed Massachusetts wholesaler in compliance
with master law chapter 138 section 14. Alcohol may not may not be purchased out of state from a caterer or from a section 15 package store. A list of approved wholesalers is located on the ABCC website at www.mmass.gov/abcc or you may contact the office of the
licensing board to receive a copy. Seven, applicant must provide contact information for the event and operating managers as part of the incorporation of link to ABCC website wholesaler list. Delivering storage applicant must indicate whether an outside vendor is to
be used and identify a vendor at the time of application submitt. Number two, no one day special liquor license holders may have alcoholic beverages delivered between the hours of 2 am and 8 a.m. Number three, all one day special liquor licenses will expire at midnight
12:00 a.m. and last call must occur at least half an hour prior to expiration. Number four, one day special liquor licenses will not be approved for any sale hours before noon on Sunday. Number five, no alcohol may be stored on unlicensed premises. Number six, proof
of a valid transportation delivery permit held by a section 12C caterer or licensed wholesaler importer manufacturer, farmer, winery, farmer brewery or special permit holder shall be provided with the application. Number seven, for special events covered under
a one-day special liquor license, alcohol may be delivered the day of the event and removed from the premises after the event at the expiration of the special license. Under state law master law chapter 138 section 22 holders of a one-day special liquor license may not
transport alcohol without a permit. Serving requirements license holders should be present at all times during which alcoholic beverages are being sold at the event. License holders are responsible for ensuring that minors are not served alcoholic beverages and are not drinking alcoholic
beverages on the licensed premises. Number three, all servers must be 21 years of age and must be certified in alcohol service best practices from tips or similar training program. Number four, license holder must implement a drink cap of a maximum of four alcoholic
beverages per person. Number five, the license holder is responsible for ensuring that no disturbance, disorder, or illegality takes place in or on the licensed premises. Number six, applicant must provide a schematic map ident indicating license
service areas and confirming alcohol will not leave designated service areas. Viability police detail. Number one, license approval for outdoor events is conditioned on the license holder securing a police for detail for set event. Number two, the license holder
must provide a certificate of liability insurance to encode liquor liability naming the town of Townsen as an added insurer party. Coverage must be as follows: 1 million per occurrence, 2 million general aggregate. 30-day limitation. No license holder may be granted a one-day special liquor
license for more than a total of 30 days per calendar year. And no special license will be granted to any person while his application for an annual license under section 12 is pending. Special licenses under general law chapter 138 section 14 are subject to additional statutory requirements. A
license for all alcoholic beverages may be issued only to an individual acting on behalf of a nonprofit organization. Licenses for wine or malt beverages may be issued to any eligible individual. The 30-day aggregate limit does not apply to dining halls maintained by incorporated educational institutions
authorized to grant degrees unless a limited exception has been granted. We signed our session. You're muted, Lori. >> Sorry. Is there a motion? I move that we accept the alcoholic
beverage policy as so read um to be signed out of session. >> Is there a second? >> Veronica Cal second. >> Any further discussion? >> Um one second.
>> One minute. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Let me Can I update that motion? >> You certainly can. >> Thank you. I Valerie Gooditch move to approve the alcoholic beverage licensing policy as read contingent upon clarification of signature line needed for licensing agent review by licensing
agent and sign out of sess signature stamp. >> Okay. And that one little edit that Nelson has already made. Right. >> Okay. >> But why? Okay. I thought I read Sabrina's email and saw Adam's comment.
So, do we not I don't think we need that. >> We don't. >> I um >> that was where the question was for the police chief to sign it. >> Yeah. >> And his comment was it wasn't necessary. He doesn't know why it was done like the
last time around um the for the policy anyway because many other departments are involved in this whole policy um setup and nobody else signs it.
>> So why do we need the part that Valerie just added about >> we don't I can change it again. >> So we'll go back to the original with without the um licensing agent. >> I Valerie Gooditch move to approve the
alcoholic beverage licensing policy and sign out of session with signatures. >> Um Veronica Cal second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote.
>> Veronica Cal I. >> I. >> And Laura Shiffron I. Before we move on to the next thing, I'd like to go back and uh correct something that I stated on 4.3. Um I said that we would move that to the
e to the 9th, but it's actually the 8th >> as that next uh >> meeting was changed to Monday the 8th. So I just want to make that correction before we go any further. Okay. 5.3 first reading of
updated by recycle policy. Now, this note we got late today was that it was approved by uh town council and he's had no changes to it. Do you have that for your first reading? >> Yep. One second.
>> Yep. I just put it on SharePoint. Uh um >> I've got it. >> So, um Yep. >> Okay. The only thing he said was that we should note that it's a change of name from buy recycled to sustainable purchasing policy. Correct.
>> Correct. >> Okay. >> It's a more broad policy. And it is necessary for applying for some grants in the future. So >> yeah. >> Are you ready, Belle? After your last little
>> Are you good? Okay. Go for it. 5.3. >> If you want me to read it, I could, but it's short. >> This is policy 82025 and it replaces policy 01 2018, sustainable purchasing policy.
The town of Towns and recognizes that procurement decisions of our employees and contractors have significant impacts on the environment. By including environmental, public health, and waste reduction considerations in our purchasing decisions along with price, performance, and product availability,
we can remain financially fiscally responsible while promoting practices that minimize waste and environmental impacts. The purpose of this document is to establish a framework for a sustainability based purchasing program for the town of Townsend. Objectives of this policy include making
purchasing decisions that number one minimize waste and prioritize reuse by identifying alternative options to new and single-use products and equipment. Number two, support recycling markets by purchasing products with postconumer recycled content and that are recyclable after use. Number three, conserve
natural resources such as energy and water. And number four, minimize environmental impacts from pollution, greenhouse gases, and toxins/hazardous products. To meet the above goals, the town of towns and will whenever feasible. Purchase products and services
offered through the operational services division's environmentally preferable products and services guide. Prioritize donation and reuse before disposal of goods or equipment. And whenever possible, utilize the state surplus property program. Adhere to federal
comprehensive procurement guidelines for minimal acceptable accepted recycled content levels when purchasing office paper, envelopes, notepads, and file folders. Prioritize purchasing products that are durable, long-lasting, reusable, or refillable, and avoid
purchasing single-use products. The town of Townsen is committed to sustainable purchasing and empowers employees to be innovative and demonstrate leadership by considering environmental and public health benefits while making purchasing decisions. Is there a second? Oh, excuse me. Wait a
minute. I got ahead of myself. Discussion. >> Any discussion? >> I think we had a discussion last time on it. >> Yeah, I think we can just move the second reading to December 8th. >> I mean, we don't have to make a motion. We'll do.
>> Didn't mean make a motion. It just meant put it on December 8th. >> Okay, I got it. All right. 5.4 Community Preservation Act discussion. Veronica
>> um this is mine. >> Well, CPA um >> we >> uh we need to appoint someone to the committee. Correct.
>> Um Nelson, do you have anything on this? >> I thought we appoint two members. have to be a staff member. >> That is correct. >> And I thought there was a posting out. I was wondering what this was on for. I didn't know if it was maybe um Vicki was
going to talk about paperwork to be filled out or what, but I thought that we had posted for members. Is that true? We have to appoint two >> members. So the question is, do we have any responses for that? I know that some
that it somehow it had um I don't know that we have to appoint a member one of us to the committee. >> I don't think so. I think it's just two members. >> Two members who can be community members.
>> Yeah. And Lance was the second member. >> Oh, I was going to say we just appointed Lance. >> Lance is for the planning board, correct? >> Yes. appointee for CPA. Yes, >> that's not one of our appointments. >> That is correct.
>> So, I guess we just need more people to >> who are interested to come forward and fill out a volunteer chair response form. >> Yeah. And I I thought there was an individual. I'm not going to say who it is. Uh I will I thought they had
submitted something a while ago. This was before um the the committee was actually approved by the AG's office. So I think we had suggested to the individual that they need to um submit a new form
>> and I thought they chose not to. >> Oh maybe I I I don't know. >> In talking to Sabrina that's what I thought but I could be wrong. Yeah, we are. Um, yeah, the select board can uh appoint one more person to the uh
>> um Oh, yeah. Uh we >> Lance is the planning board, right? >> We didn't we appoint someone at the last meeting >> Yeah. >> But that was a select board appointed >> position. >> Yeah, we did.
>> We did appoint Kim Go to the committee. Yes. >> Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Okay. Yep. So you so you have one more >> um >> person to uh appoint to this committee >> once we receive some volunteer response
forms. >> Okay. And but planning board is the only one that has submitted somebody under the creation of the CPA. >> There's other boards that haven't submitted it submitted anybody yet. Uh,
let me let me go to >> I don't have my vacancy list. >> I'm I'm looking here. >> I don't know if those I think that would be on those boards. I don't know if it would be a vacancy, right? >> Because it would be posted for openings,
>> but but so say conservation had to appoint somebody >> and and that might be Kim, but I'm not certain. Um, >> yeah. So, it would be a member of conservation. It wouldn't be that they were posting for a vacancy for the CPA through conservation,
>> but they could because >> you can have a representative of >> any one of those boards does not have to be one of the board members. >> So, they could do that if they didn't have someone on there. >> They could post.
>> Yeah. >> Okay. Let me go to volunteer opportunities and see what we have. um community preservation committee. >> Okay. And how many people are on there? So, how many vacancies are there? >> There will be two members appointed by
the select board. There will be five additional members. Uh conservation commission, historic district commission, cemetery and parks, planning board, and the housing authority. So, those are the five. So, Conscom has
to um bring someone forward. HDC, Cemetery and Parks, Planning Board, Planning Board has, and the housing authority. >> Um, so people the the the
housing authority doesn't have um a full committee. They don't have a majority. >> They don't have a quorum at this point. >> They don't have a quorum. No. So anyway, that's what >> so we need more people for CPA,
>> right? >> And other things too. So >> but the you know for that we do need a committee seated. So >> all right. >> Okay. We'll keep that moving. 5.5 review discuss report on select
board and town administrators goals FYI 2026. Veronica, do you want to take that? >> Yeah. Um, I'm looking for SharePoint on this. So, hang on one minute. >> So, I guess um we need to go through
everything that is there. Um, did everybody look at this? >> Okay. So, um I I guess this is where we are. These are we had six goals that we
identified for a town this past summer. The budget process and the timetable. DPW restructuring, regionalization of services, human resources policies and then our secondary goals were policies and procedures and communication.
And under that um create an internal uh finance team and coordinate meetings. There should be another spreadsheet on this that includes um dates for everything month by month and the dates.
Did we look at that? I don't know why it wasn't put in here. Uh review financial budgeting software options which we are currently underway. Develop fiscal year 27 uh budget memo which we just discussed today. Coordinate joint
meetings with the select board and FINCOM. present a final operating and capital budget for town annual town meeting. So, uh Nelson, are you the one that created this that got put in here? >> Yes, I uh I took what was discussed um a
while ago um incorporated that in here. Added a few more bullet items, you know, uh here and there. So, this is uh what I came up with. Correct. >> Okay. Yes. So, what I would like to see as well is the um monthby-month chart so
that we know what the uh dates are that these will be completed and which ones require um uh warrant articles on the annual town meeting or the special town meeting at the annual because some of them do.
Some of them might require um uh warrant articles in the special town meeting that we're doing in January um or March as the case may be.
>> So January I think we don't have a date for that yet but anyway so in addition to this um this would be for progress review. I would like to see the the committed dates for each of these. So
that's the other grid that has months and um when things are going to be completed. >> So can we have that updated for the December 8th meeting? >> Uh yes, >> this will carry, you know, on each of
our meetings. So okay, 5.5 will be on 128. >> Okay. But before we get there, do we, the three of us, want to um discuss each of these blocks right now? Um is there
anything else that we see that needs to go in here for budget process timetable? >> We have the tentative all department heads meeting in March, correct? That's set. I know that as part of the budget memo, right? Uh yeah, we
haven't I haven't really discussed dates yet, but it's typically the first Saturday of March, which would be March 7. That's why I put tenatively on there just to protect myself in case um you know that gets you know pushed for whatever reason.
>> Um I I guess for number five then these are the joint meetings that we typically hold in February. Correct. >> Yeah, correct. where each department uh multiple departments would meet with uh you know select board and finance
committee uh over multiple nights to sort of present their budgets and for um everyone with questions you know to to be uh asked and and answered at that meeting. So I guess the question is is that one meeting or is that multiple
meetings? in the past meeting in multiple >> it was wasn't it at one point it was one day and then >> that is that is the budget summit that is where
>> so after we meet this is in the budget process after we and the fincom meet with the department heads and the departments present their budget the TA takes that information and presents
an operating budget and we review that at the budget summit. The capital budget is also due by March 1st. So, capital planning needs to be seated and meeting and um the the chair of that was Mark
Hussy last year, but I saw an email from uh I shouldn't say but I saw an email from Sabrina on who are the capital planning members right now and does there need to be a posting because typically
um we've started meeting in December but definitely by the beginning of January. Sorry. >> So then there needs to be a posting if we don't have a seated. >> Correct. There are some members, but there was a question about um uh I
thought Carol Hothes was the planning board member and Gerilyn was a FinCom member on the board, but there's a question about whether or not that is the case. Um so anyway, that it they both members of
finance They are both members of finance and Marusy is on there also as a finance. He's not I don't know if he's at large or I don't know what he's on there as what his appointment role is. Is he at
large or is he otherwise? I don't know. And John Barrett is the one who does that. Maybe the town clerk's office knows. I don't know. But um that just needs clarified so we know whether or not we have a board.
>> Okay. Um Nelson, can you clarify that for us on the ETH >> so that we know about and uh what to post and get that going. So, according to the the most recent um list of
appointed officials, this was dated just yesterday, the capital planning committee, there's only four members, Veronica, Carol, Gerilyn, and Natalie call. So, Mark is not currently um on that list.
>> Okay. So, the question is, is Carol the planning board repres? So, planning, finance, and cap and select board each have a member. >> Looks like >> there are um atlarge members.
>> Yeah. According to the capital planning committee website, Gerilyn is the finance committee rep and Carol is the planning board rep >> and I am the select board rep and Natalie is at large.
>> Correct. So we need at least one other at large. >> Yeah. So we we we should post. >> Okay. >> Is it posted? That's that's my >> the posting is done by John Barrett. >> Oh, okay. Got it. So okay. Um
>> can you check with John? >> I will. Yes. >> Okay. Um so back to what um Valerie was saying um the meetings in
February are joint with the select board and fincom and individual department heads each department head comes in with their budget um and >> it's the regularly scheduled meetings in February that's >> correct and we've kind of alternated in
the past whether it was select board joint at Finom or FINCOM joined at select board if that makes any sense. That's the way it's always been done in the past. And then there should be a seventh thing here budget summit at the beginning of
March where where all the final decisions are made. So maybe that's 5.5 unless you're uh considering this coordinating joint meetings to include both the February and the budget summit.
>> Um I'll just add uh budget summit uh coordinate joint meetings and budget summit. >> Okay. Yeah, that work just there. >> Yep. And the review financial budgeting software options. Um I see that as not
only review but and implement finan review and implement. So review the fine financial budgeting software options and implement one of those options. >> Okay. Anything
else? >> I think my only other um >> I think we all are aware of it, but I think that final operating budget should include that five-year outlook this year because last year that was not included. That do people agree with that or
>> Yeah, >> it would be nice to have that. Yeah. And it and for that I think that there's a a warrant article needed in here for the January meeting to um provide
funding for whatever option we decide to go with. So a decision needs to be made. I'm I'm looking for that monthby-month breakdown of when these things are going to occur. >> So that'll be next meeting. Yes, there will be a sec second
document, the one that we've been working off of. >> Okay. >> This one I thought was just for notes on how things were going in the >> I mean, is there any reason it couldn't both be in one place?
>> Uh, sure. if there's room to I mean we might need one page for each of these then because we need some headings that say you know the months which at this point would be January, February, March, April, May, June. Um what happens in
what month? So if we would um take this document and uh make it each goal a page so it would become a six-page document. Just a thought. >> Yeah, I'm I'm good with that. Putting it
all in one, >> but I I want to know what the what the deliverables are on what date. >> Yeah. Okay. I'll um I'll I'll change the formatting so it's less cramped. Uh each
section it's its own page and you know we'll I'll add some um uh dates of you know when I when it's expected that these uh um uh items will
be uh accomplished >> and and Nelson maybe at the bottom put warrant articles. what what requires warrant articles or put it somehow underneath like the the number um three that requires a warrant article for
funding >> an asterisk or some mark that that's >> yes some way to indicate that yeah >> understood >> okay so that will be on the eth are we good to move on um and unless anybody has anything else
that they want to add in here >> at the moment. >> I don't. >> Okay. So, let's just go for the the six pager with um dates and deliverables timeline kind of
>> for next week. >> Sounds good to me. >> All right. 5.6. review, discuss, report on collaborative regionalization opportunities between towns and Ashby Peprol.
>> Um I don't have um a ton to report on that front. Um I will I think I mentioned it last time. Um the uh the next fire EMS regionalization
um uh meeting has been pushed to uh December 11th. It's going to be at the um water treatment plant in their training room. And uh we're still
um awaiting uh RSVP uh answers from all the various um towns that we've invited. >> Okay. Maybe you'll have more of an update on the ETH as to who's going to participate. >> Uh I I hope so. Yes.
>> Okay. I would like to see on the ETH that um Excel spreadsheet Nelson that you had last time where everybody was asked to put in their numbers. Uh I think Andrew Mlan made that. I I would like to see that filled out if if
that's available or whatever is available at our next meeting. >> Okay. I will uh I'll see if um folks have uh you know across the 11 communities have started to uh populate that spreadsheet yet and I will I will
provide an update if there is one. >> Okay. >> Thanks. >> Um certainly we're going to need that. Been asking for it um before we make any or can discuss
um knowledgeably about it. Um okay 5.7 regarding uh restructuring of departments as follows. I'm not sure. Okay. As follows.
Uh Nelson, do you want to take 5.7? >> Yeah. I the only thing that I'm continuing to to look into is the the creation of a DPW. you know, I I provided sort of my feedback and my
report. Um but um you know, the I think the direction of the select board is for me to just continue to explore the what steps are needed to possibly um get uh DPW in place. So I will continue looking
at um what steps would be needed and um you know provide a uh an update once I you know make some progress on that front. >> Um oh okay go ahead Veronica >> I guess for me in addition to that and
it's one of our goals I think we need to look at the overall organization of the town. Is there pl other places outside of the DPW um that we can uh restructure because given that we are already 270,000
in the whole looking at uh you know with a with the anticipated uh increase that we expect all around what you presented last time or two meetings ago. I I think we have to um
look seriously at what positions are absolutely needed, what job requirements um need to be looked at, job descriptions and because where are we getting the
270,000 and that's given schools coming in at 3%. >> Right? which is more than likely, you know, I I hope that they do, but um each percentage point adds an additional
150,000 to our deficit >> and so that is a concern. We have to look at what's available um what what the jobs are um and and where we can um
restructure. Yeah. And you know, I I will need to be we'll certainly need to be kind of careful how how we phrase it or how we present it in an open meeting. You know, we shouldn't be um considering
making uh changes without first involving the union or we do it in executive session type of thing. Um so I think we I agree we need to look at it but um I think there are certain restrictions on how
and where we actually have these uh discussions because you know I I don't I'm not comfortable making those suggestions in open meeting when we haven't even consulted the with the unions yet. So I
think it might end up being a executive session discussion. um >> that's that's fine but I think we have to involve the unions ASAP. So it might be worth um we need to know the executive session might be where you
have looked at the organization chart and said we can you know restructure here here and here. I mean from your thing with the DPW it doesn't look like there's going to be a big restructuring there in this fiscal year. And so I
think we need to look at that and see because we have $270,000 that needs to be um absorbed somehow. So uh and that's before we ever even see
it. That's for starters, >> right? >> Um and so how are we doing that? And I think you we need to have an idea of where that is. And I do think we need to start those discussions with the union,
not only for contracts, but also for organizational structure ASAP. >> I I have to agree with Veronica and Nelson.
I thank you for your report on the DPW. Um it was not very encouraging. Um there's not not that it's a bad idea, but there's no savings of costs
that will be significant enough to at this point anyway to do the change. Um, so I thank you for looking into that and um, again, I think we've been saying it,
we don't even have to set talk about positions. We only have to talk about our financial situation and that is not good. There's no way of making it any better than not good.
So realistically everybody has to be looking at cuts and our only choices are to look at the unions um at this >> not only all the whole >> oh the whole structure right everybody
we don't know so I think it's uh would be a very good idea to start discussing with them how they feel or think we are going to be absorbing all of the cost. How how where are we going to come up with the money to keep everyone? We'd
love to keep everyone. That's not that's not even a topic of discussion, but it's how are we going to do it? And I don't have the answer, but somebody's going to have to come up with the answer. And is there is there ever a time at
which the you know I know in the past in budget memos it said okay do a a 2% and then maybe a two and 2%. Has there ever been a time at which we've asked the departments come back with x% off the
bottom line? >> I think that was afterwards. >> Usually it's afterwards. >> Yeah. Once the the initial numbers came in and it didn't look good. That's when I think you know select board finance TA goes back to the department heads we
need you to cut 10% off your budget or whatever the amount might be or percentage. Um but that's usually after we get the original numbers. Yeah. >> Okay. Um we have about 20 minutes now before we
go to the next public hearing. No, no, we have Oh, it was 610. Was it >> 610? All right. 15 minutes. >> Yep. So, I think we might be able to get through most of it. >> So, where are we? Can I just ask where are we on 5.7?
Um Nelson, can you check with Jane and see what the how to do this? I mean, sure, we can we can do the budgets. we can request an override from the town, but if that override fails, as it did last year
twice, we need to be prepared to um make some tough decisions. And so I I guess I would like to know the timeline on how one goes about um doing what we may need to do.
>> All right. I'll talk to Jane about um >> Okay. and let us know. >> Okay. Next is 5.8. Review discuss lease with Towns and Fire EMS relief association for the Old Harbor Fire Station and Old Central Fire Station.
Nelson. >> Um, so I think it's probably going to be Veronica and I tag teaming this one. Um, you know, for just a little bit of history, um, you know, there was an RFP
that was put out, uh, a few years ago, um, for the to rehab the old harbor fire station and the old central fire station. Um the only um proposal that we received back was
from the towns and fire EMS relief association and their proposal was to turn it into um a sort of uh fire equipment um museum. And you know, they
said they would um pay for all the renovations and uh and construction involved in in getting those fire stations to become a uh fire firefighting museum. Um and I think one
of their proposed items was that they would be given a 50-year lease, you know, to to turn it into a museum. Um that was uh voted on at town meeting. Um
and prior to that the select board had you know voted to >> What year was this in 23 >> 20 uh >> September? Go ahead. >> Yeah. Why don't you go Veronica? I I
think it was around September 2023. September 26, 2023 was when the proposal was um uh us voted on by the select board to be accepted. So, they accepted it in on
September 26, 2023. Um, the 50-year lease was part of the deal and that needed to go to town meeting. Uh, March 6th, I want to say, uh, 2024, the select board voted the warrant,
which included two articles for the special town meeting during the annual town meeting of um, May 2024. So, at the annual meeting at May 2024, um that was where the town approved um
having a lease and um for 50 years with uh the fire EMS association for the renovation of both of those as a fire museum, both the old central and the old harbor, two separate
proposals. And um so I think uh backing up a little bit, there was in a recent meeting questions about when you know town meeting uh warrant articles are voted on and approved, you know, where's the
followup, you know, and this is this kind of leads to that discussion. Um this, as Veronica pointed out, was voted was approved at a annual town meeting, but >> none of us there at the time, >> right? Um, and you know, we assumed it
was the the TA that would, you know, get that lease agreement in place, but this was kind of a weird time. I think Eric was about to finish up his his term, and uh, from what we can tell, we have not been able to find a executed 50-year
lease. Now, everything has been approved. We just need to essentially get a a draft agreement um in front of the select board as well as the relief association and memorialize this um this arrangement
that has >> the town already voted on >> has already >> and passed. So, uh you know, so I that's where we're at at the moment. So I can work with town council to get a um a
draft agreement um drawn up. We have their proposal. So that would be, you know, basically their it would be, you know, an exhibit, so to speak. Um but, you know, it being a a 50-year lease, there might be, you know, maybe a
special uh clause or provision that, you know, isn't part of the standard um town council template. So, that's something I need to work with town council on to um to to get it ready so that you know the
select board and the relief association can uh review and um sign it. >> So, we're so that leads into the discussion or the question we had about followup on warrant articles that the
town votes on. Like shouldn't there be uh some kind of template or spreadsheet or report at the end of the year that goes into the annual report that says what was voted on and the actions taken
>> well completed whatever >> the town clerk takes minutes. It's the town's meeting >> and so there are minutes from the meeting, but I I think this is really an unusual situation in that all of the
>> um select board members turned over, the TA turned over, there was an interim TA and a new TA. I just think that it's a it's an anomaly and the um and everything is in place, everything is
there and so we just need to memorialize the lease. That's all. >> Okay. So, but saying that we usually have town council or representative of council at our meetings >> and there was and there was I was at that town meeting. That's how I knew
that it was voted for a lengthy lease. It wasn't the regular, >> right? >> You know, five or 10. I knew it was long. >> Um, and I mean, >> I'm just trying to get back to process. So if that happened and town clerk
writes up the minutes and has them in his office and there are warrant articles with action items, should they not then go to town council from once the minutes are done? >> No, >> I think a lot of it's probably the town administrator's office, right?
>> Or the water department or the police department or the fire department or the conservation whoever put the warrant article on the warrant is responsible for getting it done. Now, there may be legitimate reasons for not getting
something done, for, you know, saying, "Oh, we were going to buy this, but we've decided that this better thing, and so we didn't do what was in the warrant. We're going to do something else." And you go back to a special town meeting and change it up or whatever.
But I I don't I think that normally it's the department head who puts the warrant on whose responsibility it is to see it. And I don't think that it's ever been an, you know, I don't know that setting
up a policy for this is really needed. >> Okay. >> I think it's the job of the person in charge of the department to see that whatever was voted actually happens. >> Okay. And you know in this particular
situation it happened to be the TA select board and you know to Veronica's point or was a Valerie's point all the um select board members turn over you know uh we had an interim TA and then
you know me as the full-time TA. So, you know, all that institutional knowledge and you know, this just, you know, someone dropped the ball and, you know, I don't think it's anyone's fault in particular. So, we're just trying to close the loop on this one. Again, you
know, every everyone um you know, um between the select board and the the residents have voted in the affirmative for this particular lease. >> So, the intent was not to point fingers or saying that it was anybody's fault. No,
>> the intent was process and trying to get it done. That's >> I think this is just unusual. That's all. >> Okay. >> All right. So, we good with this topic now? It's going to be taken care of. Nelson will take care of that. >> Yep. I'll uh start looking into uh
getting a a draft uh contract uh in front of everyone to review. >> It's it's a lot for December 8th coming up because that's only a few days away, but it would be great to have a draft. >> Yeah. Um Uh, and Adam may have one. I I don't
know if you've checked with him, but Adam may have one. >> Yeah, not yet, but I'll I'll be sure to uh circle back to him tomorrow to uh see if he has anything in his files. >> Okay. I'm going to try to see if we can
get 5.9 done in the next five minutes before the public hearing. Um, and that is a report from the BBCC update you had in in SharePoint. The um
last three items that Oh, I have them here. the three items that we propose to add to the onboarding of anybody coming in and being sworn in.
So, elected or appointed officials because this is all about the volunteers was the public body checklist for entering executive session and that is directly from the state and updated but
a good idea to familiarize anybody who's coming in new or old because things change um as to what the process is and they can familiarize themselves with that beforehand. And
then also the public hearing guidelines um that was done by Jack and Beth Faxton. Uh very well basically details everything you need to do for a public hearing. Um
legal legal notice is mentioned so that it does it's not stated above that the legal notice has to be done before the public hearing. Um, but it does get the explanation as well as closing the public hearing and or if there's still issues and you
continue to a date and time specific. What we didn't get um what I don't have on this one anyway is just a note on what it is you need to do to continue it. Like is there another posting or do you just put it on your next agenda kind
of thing as an additional note. And then the template for uh the meeting agenda and minutes basically being the same template will still have the stamp on it
and you just change what it is for the chairman's name. You know your committee board name whether it is the meeting agenda or the minutes of that meeting. your chair, vice chair, clerk. It'll be in template
form. If there's no staff, you've got your whatever you need to hold your meeting. And it also have will have the town seal and since you have to turn an agenda in to the town clerk, the stamp is there
and it's also still there for the minutes. So, agenda and minutes all in the same form. Any questions, comments? >> I I I think this is great. I I think it's good to have all that stuff
standardized. Is this going to become part of the volunteer handbook? >> Yes. >> Okay. And and in that handbook, there will also be like listing of um suggested trainings for each board.
Um where to look for suggested trainings. I'm going to make that note because we're meeting again on Friday. >> I I think you sent out to department heads because I know I think >> there was a questionnaire that went out for suggestions
>> and and so you probably have the information >> trainings have been mentioned. I don't we a we actually asked for all the departments to give their training links
>> and it so it will be a standard form and whatever department it is there will be one form that has all the training links >> for each different for each committee you mean? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So um
>> however works for what you're doing. >> Yeah. And the handbook has already been presented to you at a previous meeting and everybody agreed on the handbook. We're just adding to the handbook. >> Okay. >> Okay. But it's going to be a wealth of information and especially for those
boards that don't have a staff or it's part-time person. And this will mean that those who are a new member, just a member of a board are going to know what the process is, what they can expect from the chairman, from the vice chairman, from the clerk.
Okay. >> And and I don't know if you guys have considered this, but this is kind of related to this and we can have a separate discussion about later, but I know a lot of boards like FinCom or trustees of the library, they like FinCom doesn't have a
staff. The trustees of the library always just did this themselves. They considered this a responsibility of the board and not the staff member. And I know if we're looking at a lot of stuff over the next year, board members considering this more of their individual responsibility instead of a
staff responsibility maybe something that could be part of a discussion because I believe it is that it's it's the committee's responsibility to produce these documents. >> Correct. >> Not technically there could be stuff that's helping but it is the committee's responsibility.
>> Yeah. So, this is going to give them everything they need to do it. >> Yeah. >> Okay. They don't have to think about it. It's not a plain piece of paper. They represent the town. So, here's your here's your template. Just fill in your information your information.
And it's going to have the new and old business on it, too. Yeah. So, they'll have be able to continue, you know, and things fall off when they're done. I think it's pretty good. I think um and you know with the help of Jack and
uh Harrison and Beth and I mean there's a lot of input that went into um the stuff that's here. So if I could have a motion to accept the additional documents to go into the handbook for onboarding. >> I would make a motion to accept the
recommendations of the BBCC regarding the handbook. >> Is there a second? Um, Veronica Kel second, but I I think that in the motion I would want to mention
the three documents that we have >> um because there may be more. >> The ones tonight are the public body checklists for entering executive session from the state, which is not included in our handbook. Now, public
hearing guidelines and a template for town, board, commission or committee meeting and agenda. Meeting agendas and minutes. Just say so moved. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. I think I said I'll said I think I said them clearly. Okay. So >> and and I will second the so moved Veronica Cal. >> Okay. And it was Valerie Goodidge that made the motion. >> Okay, thank you. Uh, any further
discussion? Hearing none, roll call vote. >> Veronica Ke I >> and Laura Shiff and I. Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> And hopefully we have a little bit more for the next meeting. Um,
>> there'll be a report until we're done. So that uh item will be on our agendas again until we're done. Now are we at six? >> I've missed 610 and I apologize.
Uh we are now at 2.1 and I will call public hearing to order at 6:13 p.m.
Um, >> wait. >> It is for >> call. I missed what you said, Nelson. >> No, don't worry about it. You're good. >> Okay. Um, I will read
>> the calling the meeting to order and roll call, please. >> Um, Veronica Cal present. >> Good present. >> And Laura Shiffron present. >> No. Do I have does um
call themselves together? This isn't joint. It's a public hearing. Okay, never mind. >> I will read the public notice. >> Lori, just so you know, uh Vicki has a 630 in Dunstable for the same exact uh
uh reason of tax classification. So, she's uh she has a hard stop at 6:30. >> Okay. Should we have put this on earlier then? >> No, no, it's fine. Um >> Okay. Let me read the public notice.
>> Okay. >> The select board will conduct a public hearing on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025 at 6:10 p.m. in the select selectman's chambers 272 Main Street Towns and Mass, Massachusetts for the purpose of determining the
percentages of local tax levy to be borne by each class of property for the fiscal year 2026. This hearing is in compliance with Mass General Law Chapter 40 section 56. Alternatively, the public may access the
meeting via Zoom. And I'm not going to read the link. Um, interested taxpayers may present verbal or written comments prior to or during the hearing. Towns and Select Board, Laura Shiffren,
Chair, Veronica Cal, Vice Chair. Very good, Clerk. And this was published November 10th and 17th, 2025 in the Sentinel and Enterprise. Okay, I need to have everybody's because
there's no signin sheet here. I don't know if you have one in the office or is there's any member of the public in chambers? >> There is not. >> Okay. So, Valerie, could you please make sure that you have a list of all of
those on the screen who we can see who they are? Um, and I believe everyone is identified. Okay, we have 12 women 36.
Okay, thank you all for attending. Um, to my knowledge, we have not received any written comments. And Vicki, the floor is yours. >> I got on mute. Sorry. Good evening. Um,
Carol's gonna do the presentation. >> Okay. Carol County here. Um so because of towns and small commercial uh base it would take a large shift in our
commercial industrial taxes to yield a modest residential tax reduction. For example, the residential um tax rate would be reduced by 41 cents while the commercial rate would increase by $554
per thousand. So because of that, the board does recommend that the the board of selectment adopt a residential shift factor of one. Okay.
Any discussion hearing? None. Is there a motion? >> Sorry, one second. Sure. I did move to accept the percentage of local tax levy to a ship factor of one and sign the classification tax allocation form for fiscal year 2026 out
of session with signature stamp. >> Is there a second? >> Veronica Cal second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica Cal I >> Kitch I >> and Laura Shiffren I
>> thank you very much thank you and Nelson I'll get the form for you tomorrow >> okay >> the LA5 and you can have them signed and then we can get everything submitted into Gateway >> sounds good >> all right thank you have a good night >> thank you have a motion to adjourn the
public hearing please >> I make a motion to adjourn the public hearing at 6:19 p.m. and Veronica Cal second. >> Okay. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal I
>> Morisha for Okay, so we are now back to 6.1 Nelson. >> Um let me see here. We talked about the town meeting
article. Um, following up on that, uh, department head meeting. We didn't have one because of today's storm. Um, I don't really have an update on the animal inspector vacancy and the
application that we received. It's on my list of things to do, so I I hope to make some progress there shortly. um the towns and Facebook page. Um I I haven't had time to create an account
yet so that we can now uh sort of be the custodian of the the page. So I'll I'll make that one of the my top priorities to get that um account created. Um let me see. municipal aggregation. We
talked about that earlier with the the three-year um rate that we agreed to. So, that was kind kind of all I had for this meeting. Okay. Um
so, we'll just put um three of those Not the first one and not the last one, but the other three will be on the next week's agenda for update. >> Yes. >> Um 6.2 and le report. I don't know. Um Val, do
you have anything from the um high school? >> I think I updated most people last week on the budget forum for the school. Our next meeting with them is in two weeks. It is on uh it's December 15th. Yeah. Two weeks.
>> And their finance subcommittee met this morning. >> Yesterday. >> Yeah. Yesterday. And um I caught up on some of that. I didn't finish all of it, but um yeah, we don't have a big update from
them at the moment. They're kind of their departments have submitted budgets, so they're kind of kneede in their work at the moment. So, >> okay. I I just want to add Lori for next meeting please put a CR committee report
on for me >> under reports from board leaison. >> Okay. >> And that's conservation restriction. >> Yes. Committee. >> Okay. >> And that's under um general government.
>> I think it's just kind of separate from everything. I mean, under general government in the sense that it's a a board appointed by the select board, >> a committee appointed by the select board. It's nothing that's in the charter or anything like that.
>> Okay. I just added in there so we we don't forget it. So, I just put it I already put it in the um the next. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> All right. Yeah. >> Um
for update, do you have announce any announcements bail? >> Yeah. Um I talked to the town clerk for the office of campaign and finance reform finance political finance sorry OCPF and um you wanted just to remind
all elected officials to check in with the town clerk because that's required to be filled out once a year. Mhm. >> And they said there would be um the form would be available. I think he was going to link to it off the town clerk's website by the end of the week, but you can also stop in there or go to the
website, print it out. Elected officials. >> Okay. So, that's usually I mean I remember getting an email. >> Yep. I believe that was the intention, but it's just something happened.
>> Okay. Is is he gonna send out the email? I know Kathy always did. >> Yeah. >> Was there already when it came out? >> I >> I didn't >> Well, I would sent out a a thing to read
a document. I I don't >> might have been yesterday. >> Um that was on municipal questions. >> Correct. Yeah. This wasn't related to um
>> the finance reports, the funding. >> But anyways, regardless, everybody should know that they have to do that. If you're an elected official once here, >> fill out the form. Takes two seconds. >> Okay. Also, under announcements and
communications, has everyone gotten the cyber training uh email from Guardian? >> I did. I haven't signed up yet to take my training, but I did get it. >> Same with me. I I got it as well. I
haven't signed up. >> Oh, I did. It's very exciting. >> So, but I I wondered if did does everyone get it? Like everyone who
>> or is it only people who are on Guardian >> who have town emails? >> Yes, correct. people on Guardian who have town emails. So that >> all employees, >> all employees. Would that be the same
though for I see the chief is on? Um is that the same for police and fire or do they have their own? Are they under guardian? >> They're not under guardian. So I don't think they actually receive the uh the the training uh notifications. I could
double check. Um but um but they might not because they're not part of our email system. >> Okay. >> Yeah, we don't. >> That's Jay. Okay. All right. Thank you
for the your input. Um so since I have and you haven't, I would like to have you activate your accounts and we can talk about it next week. I'll have it on next week's agenda. >> Okay.
>> Okay. So, that's my announcement. Um, volunteer response forms. Well, you you all out there know that we could use your expertise and your participation on um our vacant
uh committees that we have. Um, okay. And you did the office campaign who is announcing about the Comcast price changes. Nelson. >> Um, let me see. I thought I saw it in here, but now I
can't find it. Do you does anyone know where that I thought I had seen it in the sh >> It was there. I saw the I saw that >> and now >> I don't have it printed but >> um we yeah we received correspondence
from Comcast and I think this is their annual update. Um they have updated their pricing structure for all of their packages. Um, I think most of everything has gone up in price. Um, we can try to
put it on the website, but whoever does have Comcast would also get uh notification at their household. So, um, I'll I'll see if we can put it on the website, but >> Okay. >> I think >> I think for us it's just a general uh
announcement >> that uh >> Can I say something, Nelson? I have the the letter up. It says, "Customers will begin to receive notice of these price changes within their bill statements starting November 20th, 2025." So,
people should look in their bill statements for the price increases, >> but they would have gotten that already. >> Yeah. >> Um Okay. And I don't see on this agenda, so please put it on the next agenda. What's
going on with our Comcast contract? Yep. >> That expired October 31st. >> Oh, yeah. Octo, correct? Yep. Um it's slow going. Uh last I heard um
we uh we reached out um I thought at the last meeting I I mentioned that we we reached out to Comcast with kind of our final proposal for um you know how much we would get per subscriber. Um so Bill
Solomon is working with our Comcast rep to uh finalize that. And I was I told them, you know, we you guys only meet one more time this month. Um so, you know, they're they're trying to get it
so that it's it's ready, you know, at least tenatively um for the select board to review and and hopefully, you know, sign out a session at the next meeting. If not, you know, we we might have to call a cycle
meeting just to deal with that issue. Um, so, um, I'll I'll I'll try to get an update and hopefully, you know, the contract in front of you guys for review and approval for, uh, the December 8th meeting. >> Yeah. Could you make sure that that's
under old business? >> Okay. >> Next week. And >> in relation to that, the TCAM contract contract. >> Yep. And as far as TCAM goes, um, shouldn't
usually in the fall they would come in and do a an overview of all their finances, etc., etc. Um, maybe we should schedule that even though we are doing a new agreement with TCAM. It would be good to know how the past year fell out
and what their status is. It's in a document now that they present to the board of selectman in the fall. >> Okay. I'll talk to Dave to see if uh if they might be ready for next Monday. Uh
>> I'm okay with do that January 6th. I'm okay with January 6th, too. That'll give them time. >> Okay. >> Has to come first anyway, >> right? >> So, he's got he'll maybe he'll have a better idea and it'll be end of year
already. um in January. >> Okay, understood. >> Okay. Um next meeting is Monday the 8th at 300 p.m. >> because we have a joint meeting with
board of health at 6 pm and 6.5 review and sign. Uh Val, is there a motion? Valerie Gri move to sign payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. >> Um Veronica Cal second.
>> Any discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal I. >> Valerie Goodrich I. >> Laura Shiffron I. 7.4. >> I think >> 7.1.
>> No wait a minute. Um, >> oh, actually >> I'm doing >> all of them. >> 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, 7.4.
I, Laura Shiffron, move to enter into executive sessions at 6:37 p.m. and adjourn from executive sessions
pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30A section 21A2 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-UN personnel or contract negotiations with non-UN personnel by
chief pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining. If an open session may have detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the
public body and the chair so declares fire union pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to
litigation namely RFS Corp versus town of Townsen Middle Sex superior Court docket number 2581 CB02381 where an open meeting may have a
detrimental effect on the litigate litigating position of the board and the chair so declares I Laura Shiffren chair of the select board so declare two or three times now pursuant to open
meeting law chapter 3A A section 21A2 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation of negotiations with non-UN personnel and contract negotiations with non-UN personnel.
Town administrator. Do I have a second? >> Veronica Cal second. >> Roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal I shipper I. Thank you very much everyone. Appreciate your attendance.
>> Did you say and we will adjourn from >> I did. >> Okay. Thank you.