Good afternoon everyone. My name is Laura Shifflin and I will call the meeting to order of the select board on this date December 8th 2025 at 3:02 p.m. Roll call. >> Veronica present. Valerie good present.
Laura Shiffer present. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. want to thank all of our veterans as well as those currently serving here and abroad as well as all of our emergency response individuals here in town and surrounding communities as they've been
participating lately. Um our elected and appointed officials as well as their staff and their families for helping us uh make this community a better place. The meeting is being recorded and uploaded to YouTube. Is anyone else
recording? >> Yes, I am. Sorry, I was muted. >> That's okay. Thank you. Um 1.4 four um chairman's additions or deletions move 2.1 to 1218
which is um what we had on the agenda for 4:00 today was the proposal to decrease the health um care insurance we were going to have a presentation so that's been moved to the 18th and 3.1
was previously appointed so that um do you have a statement? >> What kind of statement? >> Since Veronica is >> Oh, okay. Um regarding 3.1 upon further >> plan. >> Yeah. The select board does not need to appoint since BK is still on until her
select board term ends. There does likely need to be a new posting by the moderator though. That's for >> atlarge appointments. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> No uh
>> no action on 3.1. >> Correct. >> Correct. All right. Okay. One 1.5 review and approve minutes of December 2nd, 2025. >> I value Gooditch move to approve the meeting minutes for December 2nd, 2025.
>> Veronica Cal second. Any discussion? >> Nope. >> I think I sent a couple of comments, >> but um only because I think AI has different ideas than maybe what I said. >> Anyway,
>> it just is going to call me something different every time. Some version of my name. >> Um we'll call vote Veronica Kelly. Yes. value go to Jess and yes here
4.1 >> there was nothing in SharePoint >> yeah I there is no umou at the moment because I have not gotten uh feedback from the fire chief yet so I think >> I thought he was planning to be here for
this discussion Um, >> did you talk to him? >> I did. He told me he would be here at 3:15 today. I assumed he talked to you and that's why the time >> and I'm pretty sure it was for this.
>> Would it be in uh >> or executive >> would it be an open session though? Um because there actually isn't anything in executive session for >> for fire >> for the fire and chief. There's something for the fire union but >> Oh >> yeah.
Yeah, >> we were BCC on you by you at noon. >> I I was u getting feedback from the uh the fire chief regarding it. Um but you know I didn't I wasn't certain if uh
anything was >> So should this be an open session or not? >> Um well yeah it should be. I mean, I thought that we would have a contract to review by today. I What I wrote on here was there's nothing in SharePoint. I thought, Nelson, that you were getting us a contract update that we could
review and then we would present it to him in open session because we already agreed to what we agreed to. >> Yeah. No. >> And that was an executive. >> Yeah. I don't have anything um for you guys to review cuz I was trying to get some feedback from him um before we went
down that that path of you know uh updating the contract for everyone to take a look at. >> So is this the first attempt at feedback? >> It is. I I didn't get a chance to talk to the fire chief last week because I knew he was on travel. So, I didn't want
to uh bother him when he was out of town. So, I didn't get a chance to and last week was we just had a meeting last week. So, it was pretty short turnaround for me to get something ready. So, um I wasn't
able to make progress on that front besides um my email earlier today >> because we had talked about other wording in the contract that needed to be updated based on what we had agreed to,
>> right? And I thought I uh included as much in my email to him. Um, so I was, you know, that was my first attempt at getting some feedback from him. And since it was just a few hours ago, I'm not sure if
there's if he's had a chance to take a look at it yet. Well, I don't know if he has either, but he did tell me was 3:15 the time to be here, and I said that sounds about right for where it is on
the agenda, >> right? Yeah. I'm just I don't I'm not sure this is ready for open session yet. So, and there's no executive session um item. So I I think uh you know things
going to have to be get pushed till uh the next meeting on the 18th and that should give us ample time to to uh hopefully finalize something. >> He's coming.
>> Okay. I was just saying I'm not sure we're ready. Um >> Sabrina um called him to come and why don't we have the discussion that we agreed on? Um well, while you were out of the room, I I said to the rest of the select
board, I don't think this is ready for an open session yet, considering uh the fire chief hasn't had time to review. >> Did you say that? >> No, but I I I I >> Do we have anou? We don't have an
>> No, I don't have anything drafted up. just what what I sent to him which if he agrees to it then we can draft of anou you know to make it like >> well why don't we just ask him and then we'll know >> uh
sounds good to me >> I really thought we would have the answer from the last meeting the executive that we held >> which was >> made our decision and now it's a week later >> more than a week later
>> so let them come in tell him what it is and he can tell us what he wants and then if if that works for him. >> Well, I don't think the the proposal should be um discussed in open session because it's it's his contract and this type of discussion should be in a
executive session. Okay, this sounds like a process problem. Um, it seems to me that we just did discuss this in executive session. We agreed to it. When I saw this on the agenda, which you two make up together,
I assumed that there would be anou. When I went over this stuff yesterday, my note is nothing in SharePoint. So, I thought that there would be something in SharePoint today. But then I saw this message around 1:00 and I thought, okay,
so maybe there's anou that we're going to present. We don't if it is a contract that we have agreed on and we aren't going to make any changes. We're done bargaining. There is nothing that needs to be done
in executive session. There just has to be here it is. You accept it or don't. Given that we don't have that contract, can we have it by 1218? >> I think so. Yes. >> And can we have time to review it so
that we can make any comments on it and it doesn't have to be an executive. We can just give them to you. >> So she tell her to tell them not to come. >> Yes. >> Okay. Yeah. I think for 1218 we can definitely have uh ready for uh
>> because I don't have anything else to discuss. What's in this email is what we discussed, >> right? >> I just thought I'd see it in writing. That's all. >> And I apologize if the wires were
crossed and what the expectations were for today. Um, but yeah, for 12:18 I think uh it's uh >> she's just gonna tell me to come for the 4:30. >> What's the 430? >> The union.
>> You got another union. That's right. Okay. >> And I didn't see anything on that. Well, I did a little bit. >> I I wasn't sure if there was ever feedback on what was presented. >> There was not. And you know, like I said, I was a little >> because there were some questions remaining and I don't know if that
feedback ever came back. what feedback >> from the fire chief regarding the contract negotiation >> whether or not he would accept. And I figured, well, if we have it written up, it's that's it. That's the offer. Um,
and uh and either accepts it or not is kind of how I feel about it. Um, I don't see that there's anything else to discuss. >> We do need to vote on the contract in open session. Yes, we do. And that's what I thought this was. >> But the terms were already done
>> according to >> our executive. >> Yep. >> Yes. But we decided >> not agreed upon necessarily. >> They don't necessarily have to be. >> I mean, if it's a if it's a turndown, it's a turndown, you know. Okay.
>> Is my thoughts on it. And so I fully expected to see a contract in the shareport. There was nothing in the shareport. That's my note to myself. I would have wanted to review it. >> We didn't have a motion in here. >> 4.1 is a motion.
>> Yeah, but we would need anou in order to >> Yes, we do. And there was nothing there. So there was nothing for us to review. >> Okay. I I guess if it came back if theou came back unacceptable to what we had discussed then that would be an
executive you know um but as far as I will uh I I will get a draft I'll get a draftou together and uh I'll see if I can do it by myself if not I will enlist
the town labor council to uh assist with that >> 4.2. Again, nothing in SharePoint. >> Oh, there was something there. >> There is um >> 3 hours ago. >> It's supposed to be there 48 hours in
advance of the meeting. Um and so I think I mean I know it's really hard. It's like we're at the mercy of holidays and snowstorms and whatever else and then we get here
and nothing in SharePoint. It's there now 3 hours ago. >> Okay. >> But that's not acceptable. >> 4.2. >> Uh yeah, sure. Um,
so I think back in uh late August, the select board and myself agreed to amend my contract to uh forego uh my contractual raise to help with the uh the budget chorefalls because the
override didn't pass. So, I think we all agreed on the terms, but I don't think we ever um >> talked about an open >> Did we actually >> I mean, the amendment is dated August. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, that's when we were talking about
I don't remember if we ever did it in open session, did we? >> Pretty sure we thought we had as well. And the same one for >> um >> Melissa. >> I thought we did those. Melissa's um
>> Melissa'sou I never uh had a chance to draft up. That's one thing on my long list of to-dos that I need to button up. Um so hers is pretty simple. She's just uh forgoing her $1,000 um stipen so um I
can get that ready for the 1218 uh meeting. Uh, in terms of my my amendment, um, I think we we all agreed upon it. So, I think we just need to sign out session. And do we already make
a motion on that? >> I can redo it. Do I need to read it into the record? >> I the whole um, >> I don't think it needs read into the record. >> I don't think so. >> All right. It's right here. fully
executed TA contract. And then there is this is I'm looking in SharePoint for September 2nd. And this is the agreement right here. So we never signed this. We voted on this. >> Yes, we voted on it. >> Okay. >> And um >> you just didn't sign it apparently.
>> It never got signed. >> I I I swore we signed it, but >> I could have sworn that too. Um we didn't. There is there is one printed out for us to sign here, but that doesn't mean that we didn't do it before. And how would we
remember everything we signed? >> Okay, this is September. Hang on. Give me a second here. I'm doing research. The minutes >> the fourth by Elizabeth and and the treasurer. >> Yeah. >> And and Nelson on the 4th of September,
>> which would make sense if it was the second. >> Yeah. The vote happened posted here. >> Um I'm sure we approved these minutes already. Um >> do you want me to go get them from real
quick? >> Let me let me go down here. Hold on. September 2nd. >> I'm looking at them. >> Oh, you got them. vote on wage adjustment
to sign the first amendment subject to clarifications on date of execution moved by you seconded by me and so we voted to pass this already >> um to sign the first amendment to the
contract and um >> and this was just for the pay rate just so it were clear to everybody. >> Yes. >> Based on of an override. This is to basically set >> salary at last year's rate. >> Correct. So it was just subject to
clarifications on date of execution because it has the same blanks in it that were in it today. Um, so and is it signed already? What you have >> by um >> the pay rate form is
>> the pay form is and it was signed on the fourth but >> then we just need to sign this pass that around. Let's sign it. >> Were dates put in? >> Dates are not on this. No, >> because Nelson hasn't signed this. But
but it says the effective date of 8:31 right there on the pay form. Effective 8:31, right? So that should be the date. >> Yes. Okay. >> I would think. >> I guess. So just put a 31 in there.
>> I think there's another section for maybe on the back side. >> Yeah. On the side >> right there. No, at the last long before our signatures >> and it what it's signed this day of December 2025.
>> Well, that's where the 31st was just put in. >> Okay. Just put the 31st. We'll sign it the back date. >> Well, that's the only other date to put in. Okay. All right, that's fine. >> Do you want to put the date next to our
signatures? >> Yes. >> Okay, I'm good. So, is Melissa's going to be then on the 18th? >> Yep. Well, I'll have it ready for the for the select. Next we have 4.3. And is there a motion?
Sorry. >> It needs your signature. Um, I move to approve the resignation of town administrator Nelson Mui effective January 2nd, 2026. Second, sorry, let me do that again. I
Valerie Goodrich. >> Thank you. Move to approve the resolution of town manu effective Friday, January 2nd, 2026. Health second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? Hearing none. >> Um, no.
I I would like a a list prepared of the thing I have a list of my own of the things that we need in writing from you Nelson um ASAP as far as work in
progress, work to be done um and uh I want to know where all the files are um where everything is to be found because I do not want to wind up in the situation where a town administrator leaves and then nothing can be found.
>> Yep. >> Um and I have a big concern about that. >> Um luckily, you know, I do keep things in folders. So, you know, you >> on on here. >> Yeah. In in a shared folders, which you
know, once I leave, you >> No, I want to review it with you prior to your leaving. I would like an exit interview. >> Um and I want to go over everything. So, I would like you to prepare a list of the things that you're working on, the things that are incomplete, and the
things that are recently completed. I would like us to compile the same list, and I would like to go over it with you. >> Sure, that's fine. >> And then I want to sit with you and your us to sit with you and your laptop and
go over that so we know where everything is. >> Um, or in a meeting, um, open meeting. I I don't care. We can do it either way. >> Can you pick this up on the 18th? >> Um I rather not doing an open meeting. I have files here that you know could
confidential. Yeah. >> So I can either do it separately or I you know >> it's fine to do it separately. >> So but like I said I do keep pretty neat um folders where I put everything and it
is on a network drive so when I leave everyone has access to it. But yes, I I certainly will uh work with the select board to come up with a transition plan, you know, >> and I definitely want next >> that can be in the meeting on the 18th. >> Uh that
>> transition plan >> that can be in the meeting on the 18th. I would also like on the 18th the lease will for the old fire harbor fire station so >> we don't lose that again. Another jump. >> I I want it >> for the 18th. >> Um the MS4
>> I thought we were going to have that today too. uh that stuff um etc etc. So >> I think the lease was a quick turnaround because we just heard legally. >> Yeah. Uh I like I said I um Adam said on Friday he would come up with a uh a
draft for us but I'll let him know that uh the select board would like it um for their review on the 18th. >> Yeah. So we would like it on the 16th. >> Yeah. Okay. >> In SharePoint.
>> Okay. >> I'll make sure Adam has his uh deadline to work with. >> Thank you. >> Yep. >> All right. So, now we can vote on accepting the resignation. >> Okay. With all those things to be done
on the 18th. Okay. Roll call vote. Veronica kel. probably good at chai and I >> I think if you can't tell we're a little gunshy from previous experience
>> not having to do with the individual but the physician um 4.4 four. And we do have a packet on this. And I did not do what I was supposed to do in
making that contact, but I will because I've kind of been straight out with a lot of >> Well, so I go ahead. >> Um, sorry. Um, I reached out to council regarding a town administrator's green committee and how that has gone about in
the past. And um it is an ad hoc committee so we don't necessarily have to let like make a vacancy posting in order to appoint individuals to we just have to agree if I mean department heads individuals from the community obviously people
would come to us if they're interested but it doesn't have to be an official vacancy posting we have to figure out how many people we'd like to have on this >> for the TA for the TA search not the intern >> no for the TA this is for the town administrator screening committee. >> Okay. All right. Okay.
>> So, so I I would like to see three people on the screening committee. I would like one of them to be a select board member, which and my choice is Valerie only because she's the longest of of all our terms. She will be working with this person the longest. So, I
that's why I am >> pointing the finger. >> What? >> You're going to get more jobs, too. >> Um facing us. >> I I would like to see the rest as um two
others as uh department heads. >> Yeah. >> Um I would like uh one to be from outside the building and one to be from inside the building. And I think that once you get five people involved,
you have too many. Um because we have a tight timeline. Mhm. >> Um, and so >> I guess I guess the question then regarding the timeline for this is if we know we're going to be having to appoint an interim, which is the next thing and I'm not going to talk about at this moment, >> right?
>> Is the goal to post for this immediately after the holidays? Is the goal to fill it starting before annual town meeting, after annual town meeting? >> What are our timeline? And obviously we can't specify an exact timeline. I'm
just generalities and looking for feedback on because I mean if if it's possible to have five people and we all think that would be better, I'm fine with that. If three is best, that's good. >> But I'm just on seven and I've been on five. I think three is a good idea. >> Having seriously?
>> Yeah. No, I understand. >> And and my feeling is one in the building, one representing outside the building interests. >> Um which means highway, public safety, library, senior center. Mhm.
>> Um, so that's water. Um, so that's that's how I feel. Um, but we could do it however. I mean, >> well, yeah. So, I guess then the question is is is this something like what what what are we all feeling? How long do we want an interim to gauge
for? >> I would like an interim in place before Christmas if at all possible. >> But until >> I would like the screening committee >> until town meeting. Okay. I would like this screening committee to start in January to be appointed in January. So,
we need to over the holidays be looking for people who are willing. It's possible that every single department head in town wants to do it and we're going to >> or doesn't want to do it >> doing a lottery or doesn't, right? Um but in any event, I I think that that
gets seated after. So, that's screening committee. That's my feeling on it. um to seat after the holidays. So in January um and then
for an interim I would like an interim appointed within the >> and then the interim to serve through annual town meeting >> through annual town meeting and there may be an overlap uh those last two weeks >> regarding the screening committee then just for clarification for anybody
listening the screening committee's purpose is to attract candidates that would not necessarily really want their information to be public until they were at a final stage of an interview process. >> Yeah, the case. >> Yeah, just for everybody's
clarification, >> the people in the building because it was I'm I'm new to this too. Any interview that the select board does is an open session that >> Yes, that is correct. >> And thus you might not attract people
who didn't want their name out there in an open session and meeting until they are at a more final stage. >> Right. Thank you for the explanation, but that is correct. >> And I would like um the committee to work with a vendor because I would like a search committee out there. I don't
want to do it without a a vendor who who's a head hunter essentially. >> There are some that specialize in Massachusetts for account administrators and executives. >> There were three vendors that I could find for that. Um >> can I add um one that you might want to
consider? uh the calling center they do uh >> well that's another possibility I suppose >> so the three that um and this is still related to the screen committee whoops sorry wrong document >> I think it was >> the three I have listed here are um the
community paradigm associates um Bernie Lynch Municipal Resources Bob Mercier and then capital strategic solutions >> well they're on which we have more they're on the list and So then four would be the calling center. >> We could add that.
>> And uh we would be the ones that determine >> who they're working with at the point that we um uh so each of us would uh there were three on here, but we couldn't add a fourth with the Collins Center. >> Okay. if we each took one and then
reported back and then made a decision um in early January at the same time where we appoint the committee. So that so I know one of the things on here was a um is it the next one down administrative
vacancy posting and job description? So, I'm kind of munching 44 and four five here, but I think that whoever the vendor is would want to consider the um the vacancy and job description that we
could provide to them >> and make any tweaks. I also think we have to consider that we have to pay a lot more than I I would like someone experienced in here. I'm not willing to be the training ground anymore. Um, so I
want someone with a that's vetted. >> Yeah. >> I think there's a couple there's a couple complicated things in Canada right now that warrant experience. Someone has some even some legal experience. >> Um, yeah.
>> So I guess then do we just want to assign people to call? Do you want to pick one? Yeah, I'll talk to Anna. I'll I'll do I'll >> I was going to do and I will Bernie
whatever. Yeah, I'll do one. >> I'll do um MRI. >> Okay, then I'll do the other two. Okay. >> I'll do Capital Strategic and Collins >> and then January the first meeting. January first meeting in January. When
is that? >> I just think it's a six. is the sixth. If we we've all I know we've already picked these. Where's my January calendar? >> The first Tuesday is the sixth.
>> All right. So, that's >> Yeah, I have the sixth. >> Okay. So, let's um let's report back on these then. >> Um and and the sixth would also be finalizing the screen when
>> Yes. So, so um >> I guess then >> so should we just >> any department heads >> and ask them I can write I can write email to all department heads >> if you want to write it and maybe Callie should send it out. >> So if you could write the email and
we'll have Calie send it out and people can respond to Calie. So select board meeting Tuesday on here. I do think it's important that one of the people on it manage a
relatively large department. >> I agree. >> More than just two or three people. >> Um the departments that are large are the ones. >> Yeah. They're all outside the building. >> And I think I don't think that's always had great representation on their screen committee. So, >> right. It would be nice to just because
they have experiences managing more people a bigger >> well that would be more like library or police or >> highway or water >> um >> is there a lot of people to manage in
highway >> no huge it's more um it's more so yeah police library. >> So, let's do that and then someone
>> Yeah. >> Okay. >> And if anybody has a lot of feedback on a good >> Let's back up a minute because we haven't voted on the ad hoc committee. >> Let's make one of them be police, fire,
>> or library. Okay. One of them police, fire or library and one of them be all the other departments from all the departments that represents town hall >> well town hall cemetery and parks highway senior center. >> Okay smaller
>> because they're the smaller department. So larger department smaller divided that way. Okay. >> Do we need a vote? >> I think each have a separate perspective. >> Yeah. So, um I would make a motion that we form an ad hoc um town administrator
screening screening committee to be appointed in January consisting of a member of the select board, a um department head from one of the larger town departments aka police, fire or
library and then a department head from one of the smaller town departments. >> And I am good with that. And is that a second? >> Uh Veronica Cal second. >> Okay. Any further discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote.
>> Um Veronica Cal I motion for nine. Thank you. >> Oh, do we also need to make a motion that we will assign I guess we should wait and see what we got proposals and costs and stuff for >> Yeah, let's do that. >> Consultant before we make any motion on
that. >> I agree. >> I just have to report back on January 6th. Okay. Okay. And then and that's where we'll look at so put in the SharePoint anything you get write it up stick it in the SharePoint by the fourth
and then we can look at it and make a debate make a decision and um >> okay >> and vote on the 6th >> and whatever screening committee that is we will uh town council will be present
at the first meeting to explain what happens in executive session and outside of executive session etc etc etc here >> to the screening okay >> it should be done >> yep >> it's happened in the past people can go
past look at what we did previously >> okay so can we would you how do you want to do the uh posting do you want to wait until the beginning of January to do the posting for the TA >> no I want to wait until after we have
the screening committee in place and a vendor on board. >> Okay. Well, that I meant January into January. >> Yes. Yes. And and um I I envision us providing to the vendor our suggestion
for the posting and they um >> uh so do we um in so far as we're not changing the job description as it currently stands at the moment? at the moment. No,
>> I I think that what's there is pretty close because it's the same job. >> It's the same job description as >> Right. >> Yeah. >> So, we can provide those. Let's let's vote on that in January though on providing those to the vendor to do
whatever massaging they need to do. >> So, 4.5 we're going to discuss further at the first meeting in January and make the decision of how you want to move forward. >> Okay. Sounds good. >> I have not until a vendor is selected because vendor may want input. That's my note to myself.
>> Okay. >> Uh discussion of internal administrative appointment. So I think Nelson has told us that Ross is not interested. >> Yeah, I spoke to Ross and uh you know he
was the first person I thought of. Um but after speaking with him you know um he's rather enjoying retirement so he's not really interested you know among other reasons to come back for a third time to assist us. So I
think Ross is not in the running. So knowing that we're not going to get somebody that is already experienced in Townsend um and having some input from town council after Nelson H's resignation does it is
the board interested in considering an internal >> yes >> temporary >> yes that's >> someone knows >> right um yeah so >> I mean not excluding out external obviously but because this is according
And again, I spoke to town council. Let me make sure I have a note correct. Um, because this is an interim position and we're moving very quickly, interim positions do not require a a vacancy posting. >> No, they do not. We can
>> specifically because of their interim major, >> right? Um so in so far as we have the ability to talk to people that we feel might be interested individually. Um I I suggest that we move a further
discussion to our executive session the first executive session. Um I know that by charter it cannot be an a person who is elected. >> No within the past 10 months. >> Within the p I thought it was 12 months. >> 12 months. Yes. And specifically, I did
seek clarification on that, too. Um, >> we do have that on executive. >> Yes. Yes. But this is this and this is good stuff to mention in open session. Um, the T the charter says the TA shall not have served in elected position in town capital T government at least in the
past 12 months. Um, so that is specifically towns. Yeah, >> just for reference. And um if anybody's interested, they can go to section 44 of the charter for designating an interim, which is relatively it's a newer part of the charter.
>> So I I would like to have an interim appointed ASAP. >> Um and >> and if we don't if we don't feel comfortable on the interse candidates. Yes, >> I I'm trying to be positive, extremely positive.
>> As an aside, uh someone like CSS, they actually do have folks in their bullpen who have uh teleministrator experience and they might be able to come in for short period of time uh to sort of bridge the gap so to speak um that you know if that's the route you guys choose
or there's no one internal that wants to do it. Um I know CSS >> what is CSS? capital strategic solutions >> of our ARPA consultant and >> I always like to have that when somebody's mentioning them f you know the acronyms first I like to have it
stated so that people who are listening will know what that is >> I think if there's any chance we can get someone to work with you the last week you're hearing lesson it would be nice >> I think it would be very that handoff could be critical right now with everything going on >> if it's at all possible I mean I don't
want to pick someone incorrectly that's not the goal but I think if there's Any way to do that? >> I would love to do that. >> Okay. So, I would like to further discuss candidates and role and executive
>> and we do that in executive session. >> We had that. >> Yeah. >> And and pay contract the whole >> Yeah. All that >> what we are capable of doing. >> Okay. Okay. Good to move on. >> Yes, >> please. Um
4.7 discussion about towns and rao. >> I would like to have this moved to January >> sixth. >> Mhm. >> Thank you. >> I just think right now we have too much going on.
>> Yeah, I could agree with that. 4.8. Okay, Nelson. >> 4.8. Uh so I uh took another poll of uh town council and the town moderator to see when they would have some availability. Um if you
recall, I think for a while now we were talking about a very late January special town meeting. Um given the holidays are coming up and we're still working on something with the police union to get on to the um next special
town meeting. Um I feel like the late January is is too soon to to get something like accomplished, but I I can sort of appreciate doing it then. Um, if we if
my other suggestion would be instead of late January, a early a late February special town meeting instead. And I've spoken I've uh gotten word from town council and the town moderator they would be available the last week in
February. And more specifically, we're targeting the last Tuesday in February, February 24th. Um, >> and do I guess my my one question then and I know
this because this is related to special town meeting there's a few things with free cash and I know we've talked about budgeting software um once we get to the end of February is it
even absolutely because they have to put in they could work with the budget process to get things put in so that we're ready to roll right after town meeting >> for the >> for the next fiscal year for for to
close out FY20 um >> make sure FY27 is in there >> and the close out of FY26 >> um which I think >> you're good with that >> end of February >> I think end of February is late um that's
>> I would rather see the first week in February but did new query. And I also want to know when the high school is available for the meeting because this town hall is not equipped to handle people for handicapped
or for sound >> parking. >> Um for parking all in all, especially in the winter, >> especially in the winter, you know that you have to walk from that back parking lot here. And so, um, did you at all
query the high school about available dates? >> Um, I have not. Um, also keep in mind the third week in February is >> school. >> School vacation, >> right? The 17th. But I was thinking the 3rd, the 10th, >> or the 24th.
>> Um, >> so I would want to know um any of those. >> Let me just see what the >> what's on the calendar >> if town council said anything. And I'm good with those as well. >> Yeah.
>> Sorry, I nodded silently to myself. >> Sure. >> I couldn't hear that. >> Couldn't hear my internet monologue. >> No, >> it's probably good. >> I was I was thinking the same thing. >> You don't want the the Let's see.
February 10th would not work. Uh >> because because >> John is not available, >> John. Okay. >> And I guess February 3rd could work. But that's that's only a week later than what we
>> still if we tell them now. This is this is the plan. >> What do we still have to what do we what are we worried wouldn't be ready by then? >> Uh it's related to the police union. >> We'll discuss and >> Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. Do do you feel that February 3rd is too soon for that?
>> I don't feel that February 3rd is too soon, but I want to make sure that we have availability for the high school, the moderator, and town council. >> Yeah. >> Um, so it's either the 3rd or the 24th. I don't think there's anything that's
critical other than software. and I watch the uh as far as software goes, I would like to know about Vadar and what's available under there. We talked about this before. So, for the for the um possibilities
on the warrant, um >> there may be other things on >> there. I don't think there will be a whole lot more, but >> we're just coming out something out of zoning that's going to planning tonight >> um >> for this because I I attended the
meeting and I told them what because they were asking about a Warren article and the next date and I did say the end of January because that's what we >> talking about. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um I'm good with either the 3rd or the 24th. I think we can be ready for either
one, but I don't know what our availability is for town council for the high school. >> Sounds like they're available for the third. You want to shoot for the third if possible and then if not >> um let me see here.
>> Yeah, I think of one re what if we don't have an agreement yet with the police union? >> That would be the reason to have the 24. >> I don't think John can do it on the third. He's always unavailable the first
and third Tuesday of the month. >> The 10th is the second Tuesday. >> No, no, the third. The third. But he's also not available on the 10th either. >> Okay, then let's go with February 24th and just make that happen. So, um, please contact the high school, I guess.
>> Okay, we'll do >> When do we have to set the dates? Um I I don't want to set the warrant dates till next week because we need to make sure the high school's available. >> But how far how far in advance Nelson? It's
>> two weeks >> for posting the work. Correct. >> So I'll put this on to redisuss on 1218. Yes. >> Okay. And then 4.9 is discuss letter to the
state. Oh, regarding the um fire chief position fire chief being special municipal employee, >> right? >> Did you write that up? >> No, I didn't get much direction on this.
I know in recent years the previous select board had voted that the fire chief position is a special municipal employee. So I I think >> but they didn't even have to because it's been so since that article that you
got a copy of in 1963 if not before. >> Yeah. And >> the only board the vote that I've seen was from 2024. >> But I I think people have found much older um decisions that were made. I
guess that made that position a special municipal employee. Um, I think that might need further research potentially, um, in terms of whether those decisions that were made way back when would still apply.
>> I thought it Why would it go back? >> So, it's not given that when I looked into that, that one's not given because we're too big. >> Where in the ethics thing does it say no, we are less than 10,000. >> Yeah, we're less than 10,000. >> Which is why the select board qualifies as special school employees. And it the
way I read the way it is every other position has to be designated by the select board as a special needs employee. >> But if it's been done does it be done every year? >> Nope. >> So so so is done it was done in 2024, >> right?
>> No, but it was done before. Why did it need to be done be is what I think that >> if it was done before then I just haven't seen anything to that effect other than like I would need like meeting minutes or something, right? like how
>> well the thing is like in 1963 it's probably all moldy over in the >> I mean has anybody talked to town council because it's I mean the rules governing that are probably changed since 1963. >> I I don't I I guess I don't understand what's the purpose of this.
I'm missing why why >> because that is what is being keyed in for both the lawsuit against the town >> and >> is it related to the lawsuit though or is it just related to ethics? Because if it's just related to ethics, I don't
think we should be involved based on the advice of council. If it's related to the lawsuit, I'm willing to hear an argument for that. But I the way I understand it, this is just related to ethics. Well, I think we should be pretty clear
whether it's just related to ethics or not. I think we should be pretty clear on who is and who is not special municipal employees in this town. >> So, that's 2024. It's all in that there's two meetings, >> but here's the question. Yeah, I I'm
aware. Um, but the question is, did they need to do that, right? Because they already were. And the reason I thought this and I was chair of the board of the select board from 20 whatever in 2020 to
the end of my term in 2023 um maybe a month before two months before that. But anyway, the reason that I didn't push for anything like that to clarify that during my term for
anybody here um was because my understanding is that they were and my reason for that and I've started looking back was in the 2014 2015 time frame um there was a meeting uh there was a
public records report quest put in for all of the emails of the uh land use coordinator and the conservation agent. And so the question was who need who could do that? Well, it had to be a
special municipal employee to do a to to go through all and redact all the for five years worth of um emails, public records request. Um and I was in a
select board meeting. I was on the conservation commission at the time. Um and uh I was in a select board meeting where it was announced that all these people were special municipal employees
and included the fire chief and the police chief etc etc. And that is the reason that I didn't push in 2020 to have this named because the understanding was that they were and
that was because of something that happened a long time prior. >> And so I think that the mistake that was made was in 2023 whenever it was I was done in um August
of 2023. So it was after no April of 2023. So it was after that might have been January of 2024 I'm guessing but it could have been November of 2023. It was after that that the board of selectman decided to name
>> January 2024. >> Okay. So that was probably an error because they already were. >> But were they? >> So all Yes, that would have been my that was my understanding >> according to who >> understanding like it because the way I
read it is it has to be specifically named. >> How many times? Every year. Every year. >> No. No. >> So if it was specifically named in 1958, is it still in play? >> I have no idea. That's my question.
>> I guess the question is is what's the what's the if we have all this from 2024 what's the purpose of this? >> So we have in 2024 it doesn't m it technically it doesn't matter >> because it makes it sound like it's only
from since 2024 anybody who was in those positions beforehand were not. That's why I understand and as I think Veronica was saying the reiteration of it, why was that even necessary?
>> I mean, I I can't speak because I wasn't on the board at the time. >> So, 20204. >> Anyway, I guess we're not getting anywhere on this. So, we'll this will be revisited. Yeah, I'm looking at this from the
ethics train >> um in with a population of fewer than selectmen in a town with a population of fewer than 10,000 persons are automatically special town employees. That would be yes. For all
other positions, the city council, board selectman, town council, blah blah blah may classify municipal positions as special if all employees who hold equivalent positions or serve on the same board are designated special
municipal employees and the employees are unpaid. Unpaid. Yeah. Um, do you really need to be a special town employee, a municipal employee who is not a
special municipal employee. So assume that the fire chief was not a municipal um special municipal employee. A municipal employee who is not a special municipal employee may have a financial interest in a contract with his
municipality if the contract is made after public notice or competitive bidding and if the municipal employee files with the clerk a disclosure of his and her
family interest. Um, so I'm I'm totally confused about all this thing about municipal employees and it doesn't say it has to be form XYZ. It just says you have to file a disclosure and in everything all the
records that we've been given. There is a form that it went to Tigen Bond went to the select board where the fire chief does say I I am you know this is my company and I am the
fire chief. So it was disclosed. So I'm not sure how special municipal employ plays into anything anymore. So, I guess >> I I guess the question is is I'm just
I'm I just don't know what the goal of this letter would be. >> The goal to me is to support our employees. >> So, my I would just say if it's related to ethics, I think that we don't Yeah. If it's related to lawsuit, I think we
have to discuss with >> I think the lawsuit is related to ethics. I don't think the lawsuit would be there if ethics didn't call this company and say we would like to talk about this. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. So that's just so for me
it's a matter of supporting our employees because I was on the select board when all that fitting took place >> and all of this is quite a surprise to me because we hired a third person firm
to do all of that. I'm I'm neither here nor there on that because I think I'm just looking at council saying we should not be involved in ethics. >> I I I don't disagree that we shouldn't be involved. So that's just my
>> ethics, but I don't see this as ethics. >> So, >> okay. I'm I'm going to um keep that on the agenda until we draft a letter. >> I I want more. I want to know who's drafting the letter because I want to
see the letter >> before I vote on it. I don't just want to have an item on the agenda that we don't have anything in the SharePoint. >> Well, I want to see if we can't get some more answers. >> And the questions are
what are we getting answers to? >> We're defending our employees, but that's not our role in this case. Unless it's a lawsuit. >> Well, we know there's a connection. >> Okay. Maybe this should move on to our
executive session at this point. Keep it on the agenda. >> Okay. I'd like to go to because I'd like to get I have a hard stop with you guys at 4:30 to go into executive. Um so I would really like to get to the
readings of the policies that have now been reviewed. Yeah. Okay. And the first one is 5.2, second reading of the sustainable purchasing policy. >> So wait a minute. Are we skipping over 410 and 51?
>> 410 seemed pretty straightforward. >> Wait a minute. >> I I agree. >> Oh yeah, that was in a SharePoint and yes, I'll take I mean we support it. Do we need a motion to support it? Do we just want to summarize Nelson
signature >> summarize what the letter is concerning? >> I mean, I think you guys can make a motion to uh approve the letter of support for >> for the local aid. It's essentially just for people who are interested. It's basically a letter that a lot of towns
are sending because the amount of local aid in the state is decreasing to basically >> right and we're still two and a half >> state our fiscal >> they're not capping any expenses though
>> it's rising it's asking to take funds from the rainy day fund and supplement the um >> local aid >> local aid to the towns for this >> this this isn't just us fiscal year 20 this is mun municipalities throughout the state
>> yes and it's to uh our state senator and state representative >> um supporting the move to use rainy day fund interest to supplement budgets >> so it's not just towns it's every municipal >> is being advocated for
>> y is there a motion um I Valerie good good move to approve the draft letter of support for local aid on December 2025
>> to be signed out of session. >> Okay, we do sign that. >> Yes. Do we have one that we can sign right now? >> No. We need to insert all our permanent information. So, um >> we do
>> I'm looking at one that has all the I'm looking at one that has everything in it. >> I can get it printed out. >> Yeah, it's been So, we were basically given a template letter. >> It's 410. >> I'll just get >> It's here to sign. You're right.
>> Okay. >> Is there a motion? >> Sorry. At that move to approve and sign a letter of support for local aid to our um state senator John Cronin and state representative Margaret >> GI
Veronica Keel second. >> Any further discussion hearing? None. We'll call vote. Veronica kel I did a chai la. Thank you. Okay. And then 5.1
review discuss creation of I'm going to move this one. >> I agree. >> Okay. 5.1 is moved to 1218 since we don't have it. Um, >> I was going to put it in the share, but I didn't want to show it now. I was
going to put my the original from Nelson and my updates that I had sent back to Nelson in November >> for which >> for the Oh, well, never mind. Okay, never mind.
I thought this was for the release of um what I did put in here was I think it was the I Googled for um >> yeah I saw the results publications relations policies >> it does seem there are fairly decent amount of towns
that have something >> yeah there are so I didn't know if we wanted to pull something out I'll be willing to pull something out and put it in there for the next meeting if you want >> yes >> thank you that's um 5.1 being moved to the next
meeting >> 5.2 two. >> Is there a motion second reading? >> Yeah, let me do the second reading first. >> I'll do it. >> This is a sustainability, right? >> Yeah.
>> Okay. This is the second reading of policy 8, 2022. It replaces policy 01 2018, recycled procurement policy, and it is the sustainable purchasing policy. The town of Towns and recognizes that procurement decisions of our employees
and contractors has 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 fiscally responsible while promoting practices that minimize waste
and environmental impacts. The purpose of this document is to establish a framework for a sustainablebased purchasing program for the town of Townsend. Objectives of this policy include making purchasing decisions that one minimize waste and prioritize reuse by identifying alternative options to
new and single-use products and equipment. Two, support recycling m markets by purchasing products with postconumer recycled content and that are recyclable after use. Three, conserve natural resources such as energy and water. and four, minimize
environmental impacts from pollution, greenhouse gases, and toxins/hazardous products. To meet the above goals, the town of Townsend will, whenever feasible, purchase products and services offered through the operational services divisions 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 manual accepted recycled content levels
when purchasing office paper, envelopes, notepads, and file folders. Prioritize purchasing products that are durable, long-asting, 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 when making purchasing decisions. We can sign. So motion to adopt. >> Um I motion move to adopt the
sustainable purchasing policy as read on December 2nd and December 8th. Adopted on December 8th. No wait a second. I didn't say my name. Strike that. I Valerie Good all the chances you need.
>> I Valerie Gooditch move to adopt the stain sustainable purchasing policy as read first reading December 2nd. Second reading December 8th adopted December 8th 2025. >> Is there a second? >> Veronica Cal second. Any further discussion? Hearing none. We'll call
vote. >> Veronica I. >> Sally Goodrich I. >> Thank you. Okay. So 5.3 is moved which is the Comcast renewal contract is moved to 1218. 5.4 for
is yours or not. Police for the old harbor fire station. >> No. Well, remember we're going to have town council draft one up for us or >> was that assigned to him because we did talk about that before because it was remember it was a warrant article and it
was voted by the town. Yeah. >> Was just dropped. >> Correct. >> Okay. So, so town council has that and we we don't have it yet. >> Where would you like this? This is the so and we talked Didn't we talk about this today? >> Um, so he'll have it for us on the 16th.
>> Correct. >> So that we will have it on the 18th. >> And could he do one for old central as well at the same time because they were both voted at town meeting >> and if I remember right from the proposals from back in 2023
that they were the wording was very similar. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay. 5.5. Um, can we move that to the 18th? >> The U joint meetings on finance.
>> Well, does Nelson, do you have dates for us already or No, >> I do not. I haven't spoken to Don about that yet. >> Okay. So, um >> then we are still >> Oh, well before I speak to them, um how would you
like them to be done? Like I think last time last year it was >> I think it was like a Tuesday and Thursday like two meet two uh Tuesday and Thursday for multiple weeks. >> They they met joint with us if and Laura
you can correct me if I'm wrong. They met joint with us on our meeting days and we met joint with them on their meeting days. >> I remember >> and we we did it I think twice a week I think right on that. >> Um and that's how we set up those for
three or four weeks. It might have been >> you know one meeting two and one. >> So there were culminating on them >> every week in and >> that was more than usual though last year. Yes, it was.
>> Um, but it was also to accommodate department heads because each meeting there was a different department head or sometimes two or three that met with us. And so we had set up those joint meetings so that there would be enough
dates that everybody would be able to meet with us. >> In past years, I know it's been like just two dates in February, right? >> No. No, >> always more than that. >> It was always more than that. Um, >> well, I don't know about always.
>> I don't >> In my experience, it was more. My first year, we tried to do it on Saturdays. It was joint for all of February. Every Saturday, we had blocked out and it was joint fin.
We did that for two years. Um, by the second year, people weren't showing up and we didn't have quorums. Um, and so that's why we switched it to meetings of the um, I think my last year as a select board member when Eric was here, Eric
went to the meetings with the Finong because they were at 400 p.m. on Mondays and then we had joints on Tuesdays >> because it is laid out in the budget policy. >> It is. It's it's weekly meetings in February if I remember right.
And they have the department heads have until the end of January to get everything in the January. >> January >> early January. >> Town administrator creates a budget balance budget in consultation with select board and submits it to the um board prior to its first regularly
scheduled meeting in February. During the board's two regularly scheduled meetings in February, joint budget hearings are held with finance committee. >> That's right. Okay. And then by the first day of March, the town administrator submits the proposed budget to site boards >> and last year the fincom wanted more
input to what the and so we did meet. >> We did meet. >> So I guess the question is is do we try and fit in this those regular >> our regular meetings that means that half of the departments have to come to one meeting and half of
departments have to come to the other. I I think it's not enough. >> Um I think that we need to >> three three weeks. >> I I would do So we've been meeting a lot. We've been
meeting almost weekly instead of two meetings. Typically we would have two meetings a month and the FINCOM would have two. >> A week. >> Yeah. >> For two months. February. So, if we have if we're saying we have a >> six weeks
>> town meeting on February 24th, would it make sense to do the 3rd, 10th, and 7th for those three budget meetings with the department heads? >> No. >> No, >> not the 17th school vacation. >> Well, people can still unless we're
going on school vacation or we don't >> I'll be here. >> I'm not. >> I'm not. >> I'm not either. So, it depends. department heads have two other weeks to choose from. >> So I think that's reasonable. There are some department heads that aren't.
>> And then Fincom is invited to those three meetings also. >> Correct. >> Because that's the budget policy. >> All right. So just to set that up, >> just to to say it one more time, the town administrator creates a balanced budget in consultation with the board of select and submits it prior to the first
meeting in February. During the board's regularly scheduled meetings in February, joint budget hearings are held with the finance committee. >> So, so let's meet weekly in February. We're looking at February 3rd, 10, and 17. Those are budget meetings and the
FINCOM can be invited to them >> for joint meetings. >> They're joint meetings. So, if you would check with Dawn >> and then department heads can come to those meetings at they have to be scheduled. So you might want to tell them that um tomorrow in the department
head meeting >> what the Yeah, that's good. >> Pick which ones are not available maybe. >> Yeah. >> And the 24th >> will be our um special town meeting. >> So we have meetings every week.
>> Let's not do that in January. >> The 6th and the 20th. >> Okay. Um all right so we touched on that um we can deal with the restructuring of departments and whatever after
um 5.6 I mean that will be revisited uh 5 this is all under old business until we're done if it remains on old business. Um, yes, because that's going to need to be >> right
>> moved ahead before annual town meeting. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> 5.6 review discuss status and lease agreement draft with Spalding Memorial School. Is there a draft? >> Um, I don't have one. I've uh requested one from the school district actually
earlier today. Um, so that's forthcoming. You should have one from Eric because when I went out in 2023, there was a draft agreement with Spalding Memorial. >> And was it ever ratified?
>> It was um still under discussion. So, they did a side letter with Emmy for the for the rec department and they must have done a side letter with um the baseball association with the school district because in the
agreement that >> so the school district did a side letter. >> Yes. Not us. >> Um correct. Uh so there should be something >> I will uh see if what I have is
>> to at least compare with whatever they give you. >> Yep. >> Um I don't think it was ever finalized during my time. So by April 2020. >> So we're basically on an agreement that just is continuing because nothing has
>> apparently >> changed. As with many contracts, I know if you don't change anything, they just keep grow. >> Correct. Okay. >> And then this is the lease. >> So, is it perpetuity if we >> we we currently do have a lease. Correct.
>> That was a 20-year lease, wasn't it? At a recent town meeting, >> but but what does the lease look like? Um, yes. The answer is yes, but I don't know the status of it. Why don't we get those uploaded into
SharePoint? >> Yeah. >> Okay. There it it'll be on 1218. Is it the same for the regional district agreement? >> Well, so >> that was also being worked on. >> So I did check in with a member of the school committee and said, "Hey, what's
the status of the North Middle Sex Regional School District agreement?" And um it has been I think it's come up and gone down and come up and gone down a few times now. And so we're working on an older one. There is some questions right now because with the closure of
Ashby, the district agreement does require a school in each of the three towns. So I think that may be part of kind of the current question in play. I'm not speaking on behalf of the school committee. This is just some of my thoughts. I don't know. I
don't think maybe we need to nudge is my guess. >> Okay. It'll be on 1218. >> I'll match and see what the status if we can get an update from the school committee. >> Okay. 5.8 first reading of the federal funds policy. >> Um it is 420 so I think we can probably
do some work session stuff and then wrap it up. >> Okay. Everything else goes on 12:18. Is there a quick one I can read or no? Never mind. No pretty long. Not what I wanted, but that's the way it is. Okay.
>> Actually, I have a question on the federal funds policy. I still maybe I'll get that clarified. I just sent it to you. >> Yeah. >> So, I can get that clarif clified. >> Uh 6.1 administrator updates. >> Uh the department head meeting has been
rescheduled for tomorrow at 1 p.m. Um Lori, would you like to attend? Can >> I I will not be. >> Okay. Um any select board members? I think we decided that SLboard was not going to be attending. >> All right, fair enough. Uh, animal inspector vacancy. I actually did
call the candidate um to see if they were still interested and maybe talk a little bit about what it entails. I kind of mentioned them to them that the barn book is a pretty um extensive um project. you have to go to basically
every property that has animals and do, you know, some work there. So, um, you know, between the gas and the wear and tear on your vehicle, you know, you're probably making less than minimum wage, you know, just doing
>> opposing them. I mean, talk them out of the job. >> I I Well, well, well, here's the thing, though. I didn't want to spend all this time recruiting them and then once they got into the position they realized the scope of you know what
>> Yeah. But if somebody loves barns >> well >> and they love animals >> well I don't think they realize you know >> why would they apply for this job unless it wasn't a love that they have. >> Okay. So what's the status? Uh they said they would uh do a little bit further research, maybe find out from the board
of health how many properties they would actually need to visit because of this. >> Yeah, that's where they could if they were not aware of that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Probably good for them is where they would get that information >> because the the posting doesn't really say how many pieces of property they need to >> find out from Carla.
>> Well, yeah, that's what I I I suggested. So, uh it's to be determined, but I I did have a lovely conversation with the uh candidate. They did seem to be pretty interested in it and they weren't in it for the money. They wanted to help out. Of course not. Their community barns are
awesome. None of >> us are. The candidate actually lives here in town. So, um, you know, that that's always a plus. >> Have them come see me. >> Well, it's kind of the here's the good things. It's an outside job. Yeah. It's
not one where you're sitting at a desk going, >> you know. So, that can be a good thing. There are some cool barns in town, too. >> Absolutely. >> Talk that up. >> But, you know, I wanted >> properties. >> I wanted to be realistic about the, you
know, sort of the the scope of uh >> um you know, >> you don't have to be. Okay. >> Yeah. Uh I don't have a lot of update on the Facebook page. Um I still need to create an account. >> The social media policy goes hand inand
with that. >> It kind of does. Yep. So, um it's okay if we approve the social media policy first. >> Yeah. >> Um the municipal trash contract, I think we're going to be talking about it at the joint meeting. >> Uh there's been some good movement there
with >> It's approved, right? >> Yeah. With town council. >> Yep. So, >> was it approved by town council? >> It was. >> Cuz I didn't see a signature on the one that was in the SharePoint. >> No, but he said so in the email. >> Which email? >> From town council.
>> There's an email. It was in the email. >> I uploaded the the new one that had Adam's signature on it. Uh he signed it earlier this afternoon. >> Okay. >> Um so, >> okay, >> good movement there. Um Comcast contract, we said we're going to move on
to 1218. Uh cyber security training. I am happy to report um a lot of folks have already been taking the trainings. There's been >> I did the other day. >> Excellent. >> There's been some um >> I wanted to know if you signed in. I did not
>> because there are a lot more people that have signed in than last week. >> I was one of them. >> I did the whole cyber security thing the last time we did that. >> So I've been getting funky emails that I've been reporting. >> Yes. And uh that is part of the training.
>> That's what I figured. >> The training send you >> and I'm not part of the train because I didn't sign in. >> Did you get a funky email? I got two funky emails. Oh, I got a ton in my my own.
>> Yeah, I got Amazon. Did you get that one? >> No, I got >> Well, I didn't even open it. I mean, certain things I just don't open >> the train. I hope I don't play. That was good. >> Was that >> It was good. I had actually was gonna
>> give some hints on the test >> only only because if you if no not cheating but only to reread the question like two or three times maybe four times because you're going to miss that word
that's not or >> should I mean that's how tricky a couple of them were but anyway I have learned a a lot. >> So, that's the updates I had. Um,
>> okay. Reports from leaison. I don't know why my BBCC isn't here. >> We did approve another um whatever. I I don't know why it's not here. I could have sworn I saw it on here. Uh I asked for it to be on
uh because we did approve another form. But anyway, that um that could be my I guess it can't be if I didn't say anything. Do you have something to say >> for about school? >> Yeah. >> Um no, I think our next budget meeting
is next week. >> Next Monday. >> Next Monday. >> So, I'll have an update after that meeting. >> Okay. On the 18th. >> Y. Uh, >> but I mean things like said, I encourage everybody to view the form that was held online so they can kind of understand
where our school district is coming from >> for the next year. And I know they're in their budget process right now. So, we should have more information from them soon. >> I looked at the I wanted to this is on um I I wanted to see the FIPCON meeting
from like December 1st from the school committee >> the school finance >> committee meeting. It's there's six seconds of and all it is is uh Robin Ivy's name and that's it. >> Oh, we each contact the school. Um >> I watch it as it happens. So,
>> right that it the um so far the recording I didn't check today, >> but it wasn't a legitimate recording. >> Um so I'll contact the school. If it's not, I'll check again. I didn't It's probably been the past two days that I
haven't looked. So, um, all right. >> Conservation restriction. >> I have a a report for you and I'll put this in SharePoint after I read it. This is a conservation restriction committee report to the select board. Um, the goal of the CR committee is to protect in
perpetuity in perpetuity the permitted activities and interests of Squanook Meadows. The town owned required open space of the Horseshoe Drive development. The property has three major uses. Housing the town soccer fields that are leased to Tesa.
Providing a future well site for town water. Protecting the priority habitat identified by NHSP. The CR committee has been meeting on a regular basis since March 2012 25 in order to accomplish this goal. Minutes
of the meetings can be found in the office of the town clerk and um for most of the meetings that was Thursday but it should be all of the meetings now on the town of Townson website. The committee is currently awaiting a final decision from a perspective holder of the
conservation restriction and that is expected by the end of the month. Further support from the select board may include providing grant writing support for 19,000 to 23,000 dollars to fund a baseline documentation
report, a survey of the recreational portion of the property, meaning the soccer fields, and funds for both a stewardship fund and a legal defense fund that's required by the CR holder. um legal review of the CR and also a
vote of the select board to support the CR once it is finalized by EOE. >> Who's EO? >> Um the Executive Office of Environmental and Economic EO EA environmental
>> advocacy. Yeah. >> Uh thank you for your ongoing support. So >> okay, thank you. So, um we're we're really pretty we've identified the grant um organizations
that will support the funding. Um and uh where we we could write the grants ourselves, it would probably be better to have the town grant writer do it with support from us. So, um we're in good
shape. So, we're just uh the 10th is is the vote and we'll see where it goes. If not, we'll be out looking for another um CR holders. >> Oh, okay. So, all right. Thank you for that report. DTA grant regarding
economic development. That's me. Um, I uh I sent the report that that was at the forum from this past June July time frame from Tracy Murphy and uh Sabrina couldn't open it up to put into SharePoint, but I'll make sure that it
gets into SharePoint. Um, they're hoping to have a completed report by the end of this year. >> I saw the word document. The word document was in there. You saw it? >> Yeah. It was in there. >> Oh, she couldn't open it. She said,
"All right, you guys saw it." >> Did you? >> No. >> Okay. Anyway, >> my gohead. >> I did try to send it, but I'm not always successful with the computer stuff.
Okay. Um, and going to try to move this along now because I'm one minute past what I want it to be. not even there. >> Um >> maybe send it by email. >> I would like to I'll make sure that you have the next meeting. >> Uh hopefully we may have another report
by then or the January 2nd meeting. Okay. I think I'll do that just for January 2nd because it won't be uh 6.3 announcements, communications, volunteer response forms. I just want to remind everybody that we do have a new
form. it should be easier for everyone to um use. I want to mention the openings that we have because three of them for two for full member and one for associate is on zoning. Um plus towns
well I'm not going to do that one. Uh town property still has one vacancy. Kids country playground has I don't I don't know but at least one vacancy. Housing Authority can't operate because they don't have a quorum. Historic
district commission I don't know that they have a vacancy. Um not that I know of. Thought they were full board. Uh energy committee has a vacancy. Uh conservation commission has a couple
of vacancies I believe. Community Preservation Committee has vacancies. >> Couple of vacancies. >> Couple of vacancies. >> Well, I think that um boards haven't appointed anybody yet. >> Have to appoint someone have not finished.
>> Okay. I know that uh capital planning uh and I know Sabrina sent out an email a reminder to department heads per the charter >> who who are supposed to be um
appointed by those committees. Um you know there's no announcements right? Oh, never mind. Um, next meeting will be 12:18, 2025 and January 2nd, 2026.
Time will be determined. I don't know what that is going to be now. Um, is there a motion for 6.5? >> I value move that we review and sign payroll and base bills payable warrants out of session.
Veronica ke. Okay. Any discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. Veronica, Veronica Gard and Laura. Here's where I'd rather be reading policies, but I don't. So, number seven, executive
session. I move to enter into executive session at 6:30, excuse me, 4:33 p.m. and to adjourn from exe executive sessions as follows.
7.1 Executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30A section 21A and to thank you Jim to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for
negotiations with non-UN personnel or contract negotiations with non-UN personnel intermistator 7.2 2 executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21A3
to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares
fire union I shar board chair so declare 7.3 Executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting
may have detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares police union I shif select board so declare 7.4 4 executive session pursuant to open
meeting law chapter 3A section 21 A3 to discuss strategy with respect to litted litigation namely RFS corporation versus town of townsen middle sex superior court docket
2581CB 02381 where an open meeting may have detrimental effect on the litigating position of the board and the chair so declares I Laura Shiffren board chair so
declare 7.5 executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 38 section 21 A2 to cond conduct strategy sessions in preparation for
negotiations with non-UN personnel and contract negotiations with non-union personnel, town administrator. 7.6 Executive session pursuant to open Meeting Law, Chapter 3A, section 218 A3
to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining. If an open meeting law may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares I don't know how to say it. So I'm just
going to go AFSCME Local 93. I Laura Shiffren select board chair. So declare 7.7 executive session 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 police chief.
Do I have a second? >> Veronica ke second. >> Any further discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. >> Um, Veronica, I >> Laura Shiffren I.
>> Thank you all very much.