--------- Good evening everyone. My name is Laura Shiffren and I will call the meeting of the [sighs] >> We have a different name. Isn't [laughter] it volunteer board >> coordination committee? >> Oh, that's the that's the template.
You're >> sorry. It looks >> BBCC. >> Okay. Volunteer Board Coordination Committee this evening, Tuesday, November 25th at
6:57 p.m. Sorry for the delay. Had executive session till late. Um, roll call, please. >> Harrison May, present. >> James Doyan, present. >> Laura Shiffren, present. I do join me
with 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.
[clears throat] >> Want to thank all of our veterans as well as our military who are serving currently here and abroad. all of our emergency response people, our elected and appointed
officials. Thank you. And also our staff and employees throughout the town as well as their families for helping to make our community better. The meeting is being recorded and will be uploaded to YouTube. Is anyone else
recording? >> Yes, I am. >> Thank you, Cindy. Um, >> I have something under number four. >> Four. >> Um, I would like to make a motion to table items 5 C,
6B, 6 C, and delete 6F. 6F was accidental, but that was that was left on. >> 6F is a delete. >> 6F is delete. And then the other three would come back. 5 C, 5B, and the other
one was what? >> 5C, 6B, and 6 C. >> 6 C. I'm sorry. >> Okay. Harrison, would you repeat that, please? >> Yep. I, Harrison, may I make the motion
to table 5 C, 6B, 6 C, and delete 6F. >> Second. >> And your name? >> James Goyan. Second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> The only thing with those just those those will be coming back. Um work is in
progress, but we've got enough to talk about I think to keep us busy. >> All right. Thank you. >> Yep. >> Um >> roll call vote. >> Harrison Mayor I. >> James Doryan. Yes. >> Laura Shiffren I. Okay. Number five.
A uh is there a motion to approve the minutes of October 21st, 2025? >> I Harrison may also move. >> Is there a second? >> James second.
[clears throat] >> Any discussion? >> Um the only question I had and does it apply probably [laughter] to all of them. Is it okay? Because we're so used to doing our name and that
who moved and our name who second and then when we vote, we say our name and how we voted. >> So if if it's unanimous, it's okay to just say motion passed unanimous by roll call.
>> That's my understanding of the open meeting law and I I've seen it done that way with many boards. Um, I can double check on that to make sure, but if if like one of us were to abstain or something like that, then it would need to be documented by who who voted what.
But if it's everyone voting yes, then passing or failing unanimously, it could all it could be documented in that manner. Okay? >> As long as it's all in the same way. >> Okay. I think that's a great point to make in how you do your minutes because
some of our chairs don't have staff. >> Yeah. >> So, [snorts] as we did with or are doing with the um one of the forums today, the hearing public hearing one >> um it just brings to mind experiences so
>> that I've had. >> Yeah. So I'm thinking for good instruction. >> Yeah. Including that in some way how to do good minutes, >> right? But find out if that is correct because I know we don't do it that way. Say in the select board or planning they
do [clears throat] you know they they do the roll call of who voted and how they voted kind of thing. >> So you can find out that's because it's like I said good information to pass along. Um, so I will take the vote now
to approve the October 21st meeting minutes. >> Har I James Doryan. Yes. >> And Laura Shiffron. I um with no noting that you're going to find that out. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Awesome.
>> And it uh I'll bring them back with revisions including the other minutes if it's needed. >> Yeah. Okay. Awesome. Uh, is there a motion to approve the minutes of Thursday, October 30th? >> I hear May. So move.
>> James Dorian second. >> Any discussion? >> I didn't see anything. >> I'll double check that same point with this one and make sure the passing unanimously is okay. >> Okay. Is that just a
quicker way to proceed through the meeting without going through one, two, three, four, five, six people? >> And it's also a little more concise. It takes up less space >> as far as the minutes go. You still have to do it in >> Mhm. >> you still have to do it. Okay. So, any
further discussion and roll call vote? >> Yes, ma'am. I >> James Doryan. Yes. >> Okay. So now we have >> 65 D.
>> So I I have a little explanation for the document that we have here. So >> um the document that we have is um from the attorney general's office, division of open government. Um it is the public body checklist for entering executive session. And the reason I I brought this
under 5D is as it relates to executive sessions in particular. And the thing here, while it's not quite a verbal script of the exact words to say, um, I think this either could be sufficient on its own or could be a good
starting point to jump off of to then add in the example quotes of what to say or serve as a supplement to a separate document that does that. Um, so I wanted to bring this this is um, you know, again issued by their office um, with the notes of what to say for the
specific purposes. Um, so I figured I would bring this for us to talk about. Well, having gone through a lot of these >> Mhm. >> in the last few months. >> Yeah. >> Um I think I think this is very good
because it gives them a step by step. >> Mhm. >> Um >> and this is from the AG's office. >> Yes. And this is their most upto-date version of it. Although it says November 24 at the top. That that is the most current. which what I was trying to lead
into. So what is as current >> in their request as we can have okay >> so the the note on the bottom is good because although it is a guide and the guide is correct
>> um it's it doesn't constitute the proof of compliance because you still have to do all the steps and then your verbiage has to be correct >> when they if they actually make the motion to go into executive session. >> Yeah. So I I wonder >> bringing the prior announcement of that
we are going into executive. >> Yeah. So I wonder if >> there is a carb that you have to go through leading you to going into executive session. >> Yeah. So I I wonder if bringing a basically a copy and paste of this almost with the correct attribution and
then inserting in the quotes of these are the pretty much exact words to say to fulfill this section of the the guidance. >> Yeah. Um and that that way it would be you know very clear because you know to
um let's just say publicly announce whether the body will return to open session or not. You know one to think of that on the fly or maybe it would be it would be better for some chairs perhaps to have it just written out so there is something to go off of
because there are some boards who may not go into executive session often or at all really. Correct. and that could really use that guidance, >> right? And like you said, some boards may never use it. >> I I can only recall a handful of times
that we've done that with it. >> That's like four or five different times in the 15 years that I've been 16 years I've done it. So, I'm not as acclimated as you cuz I mean it seems like every meeting >> Well, now yes.
>> Um >> Okay. No, but I'm saying it seems it's a little bit more >> to the credit of Sabrina, I have somebody who actually writes it out for me where we have some.
>> So, in other words, she scripts it to a degree is it's all fully structured prior to >> and [clears throat] she's well verssed in it. God, which is good. >> Yeah. So having a just a template of the
the writing out of what to say >> um to go along with this because I think this is a great jumping off point. >> It is because it gives them the instruction of how to do it. >> So in other words, this would accompany >> whatever folded to all of the chairs. >> Yeah.
>> For their >> references to >> Yeah. >> And I think it would go in the the onboarding packet because someone might never know. Maybe they're the vice chair and maybe they they're not there yet or the clerk and you know two those the chair and the vice chair are out and now
the clerk's running the meeting should have getting it out there and that way also the other members know what to expect. Okay, this is what we're going to do. >> Um so that way they have it >> and always to be available to anyone even if they're a commissioner >> things can change.
>> Yeah. >> Right. >> Yeah. Yeah. That's all I had under 5D for today. The public hearings as far as a script goes would come back later. >> Um we have the public hearing um kind of
uh guidelines. Um >> can I go back to 5D? >> Yes. >> Um I do you want to bring this back for a vote when you put the script on? >> Yeah, I'll I'll bring it back with the script because th this on its own is just a product of the division of open
government. So we will make a vote on putting that into the package as a standard >> piece of the training >> correspond both both ways. >> Yeah. Yeah. Integrated unintegrated.
>> Well, one that adjourns from executive and one that returns. And if they adjourn from executive, they still have to adjourn >> close their >> general after they're done with
executive. That that kind of thing is what I'm saying. Yeah. >> This is all good, but now this is what happens when you >> do it. >> Here's an example of how you would run that meeting. And here's the quotes you would say. >> Okay. [clears throat] >> That's what I could Is that the document
that you're kind of picturing or something other than that? I'm picturing one that tells me what to say. When I go into executive session, if I'm adjourning from there, it's going to say one thing. And if I'm going back into general session, it's going to say another.
>> Yeah. All right. Yeah, that sounds good. >> Because there would be two distinct >> pieces of verbiage ending and rein restarting the meeting. >> Yeah. Yep. Mine always has also um
because you go into executive at a certain time and so it's underscore that you have to insert the time. >> Yeah. >> Just everything that could make it easier for them. >> Well, the time pertains to the people that would be >> if there's an appointment for someone to
come in. >> No, it's the time that you go you enter into executive session. >> Is this announcing the time in general? >> Oh, okay. In when you go into executive session, you have to announce the time.
>> Okay. >> Okay. >> And then when you when you adjourn, you have to say at the end whether you're going to go back into general session or if you're going to adjourn from executive session,
>> meaning the end of the general meeting. So in other words, can you adjourn the meeting so everybody in the public can egress go into executive session and that completes it? >> Yes,
you can also come back >> into to let them know that okay we are coming back into general session. So we will come be coming back so the public can enter when we're back. >> Okay. you have more usually at the same
>> more knowledge of it. You I would assume [clears throat] executive sessions are probably not a predictable amount of time. >> They're not. >> So that's why I would assume you would and naturally adjourn the meeting, finish the meeting,
hold your executive to the end of it. >> I'll give you an example. >> That's why I would say to you, you have a better field. when you post an agenda and you're going to have two executive sessions, which we've had recently, two executive sessions. One
>> executive going back to the to meeting executive then going back. >> No, we had an ex we had open the meeting. >> Correct. >> I did preliminaries. Okay. We went into an executive session that was let's say 4:10 p.m.
>> after I did whatever in the beginning. >> Yeah. Then we have the whole meeting and then there's another executive session where we're going to adjourn from the executive session. So both of those motions were different. One brought me back to general. It the first executive
brought me back to general and then we had an executive >> that we adjourned from. >> That was it. >> Right. >> So the meeting was over. >> Two different motions. Mhm. >> Like I said, you are have a better feel of it because you you are,
>> you know, I missed it. >> It's only practice >> and I've been gotten a lot getting a lot of practice lately, >> right? >> Um >> the other half of 5D was just on the public hearing scripts. We we don't have scripts, but we have our homemade
guidance document >> in the packet >> in the packet that then we could maybe talk about a script. your general reference guide to the basics. >> Yeah. So that I don't have that second half here today, but we I wanted >> Yeah. >> Good.
>> Well, [clears throat] okay. >> Or if we need it and we can talk about is is this guidelines good enough because Well, we'll we'll talk to it about it when we get to 5D. >> So 5D I circle. Okay. JD, I thought it was fine.
>> Okay. So this will be on for adoption the next time we meet with the scripts >> with the scripts. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> I mean well we we could adopt it as is if you want. I mean if we want to adopt it as is and then bring the scripts as a separate document that that could be
fine. [clears throat] >> That because I'll report this then on the second. >> Okay. Yeah. In other words, do we have >> to adopt the checklist for entering into executive sessions >> if this works? So moved.
>> What's your name? >> Jame. I was getting to that. I wanted the nod that I like to do. So moved. >> I don't want to repeat what she just said. >> James Droy. So moved. >> And I Harrison May will second. >> Okay. Any further discussion except that
the scripts will be coming. Okay. So now this is a part of our >> sent to the select board. >> I'll I'll do a email out and CC you on that. >> Thank you. [clears throat] If you want to add the scripts. >> Well, I don't know if we'll have the scripts by then, but I'll I'll send it
I'll send this right tomorrow morning. So that way they have >> because they're posting the agenda um tomorrow, I think, for the for December 2nd. >> Yes. I already have a report on on the agenda. >> Yeah. So, I'll send this along as soon as possible. So, that way >> you're meeting again. So, you're meeting
every week. >> We have a lot going on. But, [clears throat] um to that, if you look at my la last select board meeting, >> you're going to find the script for the one in the beginning that goes back into
general. >> Oh, and just transcribe what you said. >> And the one at the end, I mean, you you can leave out the particulars. You can say what you know the place >> but um the the two are on that meeting. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Does Sabrina already have a document out
of it? >> Do you think >> you can ask her? >> Yeah, I'll I'll double check. >> This should just be a cut and paste. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> All right. >> Okay. Now, >> are we having to >> I got This is great.
>> Well, so that's that's ahead. Um, if you don't mind me doing a point of order. >> 6E. >> 6E. That's why we're on 6A. We're gonna we're on 6E, right? >> Sorry. Five 5e. We're not on 6A yet for the guidelines. I I was jumping ahead
too referencing it. >> Um, okay. >> We don't have a document for >> No. Okay. Recruitment and retention in ide RFI. >> Yeah. And so I was hoping to have a draft for that today, but I I think it's
at least worth discussion and I can draft something and send it out based off our discussion. Um we talked about at a prior meeting what we wanted to that we wanted to have a further discussion about recruitment and attention and retention initiatives. Um,
so I figured, you know, if we want to talk about if we have ideas in general, if we have a scope of what we want this request for information that I'm going to send out to encompass, um, I I would bring that here to talk about first and
then send it out after >> thoughts. >> You can lead with this. >> I have one if you're not ready yet. the the Facebook thing I that I I know you guys were talking about today. I think doing a weekly, you know, board vacancy
of the week type of thing. You know, here's, you know, the zoning board of appeals who has, you know, three or four vacancies or whatever it is. >> Um here's what ZBA does. Here's what an associate member does and try to push that out there um on a weekly or maybe monthly basis. You know, hopefully we
get to a point where there's not they would >> set up a bit of a job description, how often we will meet, this is what the board composed of, etc., etc. >> Basically, what the posting is. >> Yeah. And just in a a social media
friendly way because the way the postings are done are more >> legally verbose. >> Yeah. Some boards and committees deal with legally verbose issues, but um to make it social media friendly, throw an emoji or two in there or something like
that and it get get some more interest visual the colorful emojis, you know, some visual flare, get people's attention with it and maybe, you know, they look at it and go, "Oh, well, maybe I'll join that." Um >> because we really do have we could do
better with some volunteering. Well, we do have a lot of vacancy. >> There is a >> we spoke at this evening at the end and and I make a point of doing it at the end of every select board meeting >> um to announce how many are available.
However, that not everybody watches the meetings and we did talk about the Facebook and we did talk about the Facebook being used for uh announcements, >> you know. >> Yeah. or like I I would love to see it
put out there and I don't know why it isn't yet but uh Roger did a great video >> on everything that the parks >> parks and rock >> do right >> for um well mostly of his department
caring for the cemetery and parks um in in the town and it was awesome. So, you know, putting that up I I mean, I see it as the website will have a lot of things on it and those things that are on the
website can also be on the Facebook page because not everybody goes to the website >> different audience, >> right? >> So, but it's not meant to be interactive, you know, it's it's not meant to be um like some of the other pages are.
>> It's just straightforward informative, >> you know, kind of thing. So I'm >> So on once that gets up and running that that could be something that goes out there as kind of a an announcement recruitment ad type of thing. >> So who will be getting that up and
running? Do we have a >> Nelson's going to talk to Harrison about it. >> Okay. >> Okay. Just >> once the select board office makes an account that's all that I need to transfer it. That's been the hold up. Just having an account to transfer it to. >> Right. And I guess he has to think of who's the
I don't know, but it's going to be in from the TA. Yeah. >> Okay. Not that he may or may not be the person, you know, doing it. >> TA or designate. >> Yeah. >> Probably town administrator. >> Mr. >> Yeah. Administrator
>> referring to please. Yeah. >> So, yes, we'd like to see that. >> Yeah. Get going. >> And we've never done that before. We've never had a >> There was a Facebook page. you >> it's still there. It's just dead.
>> Meaning it nobody has been >> operating it. >> Well, no, the new one it that has been existing. There's an old one. >> I remember quite a while ago. Yeah. The one >> I found one I who can't do anything on a laptop. >> Found
>> Well, there's the one that was created in 2022 that's just been sitting and I was waiting for Eric Slaggel. >> Oh, this goes further back. >> Further back. I'm not sure about that though. >> You need to look because I was there were and this is why I say it's not
going to be inter interactive >> and it was pretty basic and barbaric or >> it was um >> what did it pertain to? >> I'm like it didn't look good. >> Mhm. >> It didn't look good. >> See if you can find it. I can find two.
>> Okay. Interesting. So >> yeah, I'll I'll search around. >> Yeah. I mean, we're not we're not looking we're just looking to get information out, you know, so >> inform people. So find some interest,
see if there's something out there, you know, that would appeal to somebody. Conservation, agriculture. >> So what did you mean by draft of the RFI? Well, so I was going to it was basically going to just be a draft of my email
that has the questions in it. Um, but I I didn't have the question. >> Department has. >> Yeah. Well, I would send it to all departments. So, it would go to all staff. I would send it to the board and committee members for their ideas. Kind of like the other feedbacks that we've done. Um, and the the questions I think
it boils down to, you know, we we kind of in had included in the prior one, what are we doing well? what are we not doing well? Um, a little bit more things along that vein. What what ideas do you have? What what do you picture the
result of that looking like? So maybe, you know, the because the idea written down might just be post on Facebook. What's the desired outcome? Because that might shape what the Facebook posts actually contain in them. So kind of getting to the bottom of what what do we want to see as a result? more volunteers
generally, but do we want, you know, more age groups? So, okay, does that mean we're posting both at the senior center and at the high school? So, we can get a mix there. So, there's there's there's there are different things. So, there are questions that we can come up
with to get to the bottom of what what are the what are the bright ideas that everyone has. >> So, in other words, if HDC is looking for somebody, which they would be as an architect, We would have some ability to say, you know, here we are. The historical
district commission is in need of would like to find somebody with x amount certain knowledge of >> Yeah. >> period correct, you know, architecture. >> Okay. So, in other words, we can cater it to what we're looking for on each particular commission.
>> Yeah. And try to find the right places to to go and find these folks. You know, the recreation commission probably isn't going to have the same you know, demographic as, you know, someone to be on the the recycling committee or the housing authority.
There's it's different. It's a different position. >> So, we can try to reach out in a broad number of areas to try and find folks. Um, and like one thing that maybe might be good, maybe we can get a posting at the post office. I know a lot of people
I got so many walk-ins off of the election poster that got put up in July on the front door of the post office. Um and that I got so many people >> registration >> for for coming in to vote for early voting. >> So in other words, the exposure at the
post office. Yeah, the that's a lot of foot traffic and we got a lot of walk-ins who didn't know this election was happening and had that poster not been there, they wouldn't have known. How did you feel? posters. >> They allowed it for a governmental use.
I don't know if they allow it generally speaking. Um but for that special election, >> it would be there was a compelling reason related. So they would invite >> I think it's possible and they you know I mean the other thing is they've had a
lot of churn in terms of who's the postmaster. Every month I think it's a new one down there. So um yeah I think allegedly we have a permanent postmaster now. So it it might be a different ruling than the answer I got in July. Maybe they just let it fly because they
were temporary. I don't know. Um but we there was a lot of results from >> I can ask them. >> I think it would be worth looking at >> because it is community. It is >> working on boards that help the community which is not
>> official government as opposed to >> but it is >> right >> it is still boards and committees for the town which is municipal. >> Yeah. >> So >> so we're just trying to get a little more creative now reaching out. >> Well look what Jimmy did to try to get
some plow drivers. They put, >> you know, the lit >> um sign in the middle of the common >> for a while. >> He needed pop. I mean, >> there's a lot of different, you know, ways we could >> responsive. >> Yeah. >> Oh, good,
>> good, good. >> Yeah, there's they're on bodies for the seats. >> Oh, good. >> Um, [clears throat] so I like the uh going out to the [laughter] >> the email. >> Yeah, sending that out. See when we come back. So, I'll I'll I'll send that out
and depending on when our next meeting is either it'll be, you know, prepared for that one or the next one depending on how soon we're meeting next. But, um, you know, I'll have >> to get one in before >> Christmas because we're going to run into all the holiday before the >> 9th.
>> Um, well, I'll double check the calendar. That might >> before the 9th >> just because there's another select. Oh. Oh, you're leaving. >> How long are you going? Are you going to be back before the holidays? Oh, okay. one mile. >> So, you're going to be gone for like as
we would refer to as a prolonged period of time. >> Yeah. Not as prolonged as some other people, but yes. >> All right. So, we'll we'll see about that. I'll I'll we'll double check the calendar at um seven. That that was all I had for for E. Um I just wanted to
bring that to >> I can do any time from the 1st to the 9th. >> Okay. Well, I'll I'll I'll pull out the calendar a little bit later. >> Okay. >> Um but so we're trying to plug in one more meeting until the 10th.
>> Okay. All right. >> So any any between now until the 9th, we're going to try to plug just one more meeting. >> Yeah, I would say not more than one. >> Um but we've got a few more things. >> Note that I wouldn't mind. We had two,
but just one would be better. >> No. >> All right. That's not the intent. >> No. >> So, so we just did the E with no document. >> Yep. So, we'd go on over to 6A next. >> So, that was all I had.
>> Okay. >> We voted on the D, right? >> Um Yeah. Yeah. So, James so moved and then we we did that. Yeah. >> What is this? >> That's 60. So that'll be
>> head back over >> this agenda. Okay. >> All right. 6A, >> right? >> Yeah. So this document um Jack helped put together based on Beth's documents that we looked at. I don't know if it was last time or the time before. Um but
um the uh document here basically generalized and summarizes what um the the steps were um in the uh in the the documents for Beth's uh boards, the ZBA and the planning board.
and makes it more general because there might not be um yeah some of the things that apply to the zoning or planning board. >> Okay. >> Which isn't too far out of a plan >> a little bit about discussion. Okay. in
at the end um to boardly make motions towards a decision during the hearing or choose to make a decision at another time. >> Mhm. >> Just trying to think >> I guess
>> maybe are you thinking like a bullet point for board comments and discussions among themselves while the public hearing is still open? >> No. Okay, >> I'm talking about in most cases, >> okay, you look to make a decision at that meeting,
>> unless there the board finds not enough information was presented or whatever, but that's usually the goal. Yeah. >> Okay. You have your public hearing, everything's presented, you've heard from a butters or not, you've heard from
other departments, everything gets written, you know, read into the record. If you decide to, and this is a question for procedure, >> if you decide to move it to another meeting, >> does that
meeting then have to be posted again? The that public hearing have to be posted again? >> It would have to be reposted. >> I I I think. And is that from experience on con you're saying that from? they would have to
>> well I think it would be >> in other words if we find ourselves without a a client for without a D number >> it's feudal for us to be able to continue through it because we cannot make a vote upon it because we do not have >> the completed correspondence in the
department of >> and I think that a new public hearing notice isn't the same as a new like newspaper advertisement I I think it's just notice of continuence That's separate. >> Just put on another agenda with this
being named as a continuation. >> Announced by what it is going how and why it is going to be proceeded forward. >> Can you verify that? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> I would just verify that note only because it is a point could be a point
of order. >> Yeah. In other words, if you have to continue something, >> it has to be announced that you are going to have to continue it because of lack of information and it will be brought forward on the
next meeting continued. >> Yeah. And and >> I think you answered it. >> And the 48 hour notice is, you know, the the open meeting law not notice period. There's not a separate legal notice that's going out. It's just the, you know, agenda item that says continued
from or maybe doesn't say continued from, but continued, you know, one two three whatever street this project that would >> and that's your last sentence I think. >> Yeah, >> I think that's what you meant by that. continue public hearing to a date and
time certain specific whatever >> any way that you read that >> but the last sentence I don't see any issue continue to time so okay >> but closing the public hearing is usually you you've made a decision
>> you know there's no unless you are specifically missing information [clears throat] that prohibits >> to continue >> right >> so continue public hearing to date and time certain Okay, I'm I'm good with this. What are we waiting for?
>> Um, well, if we wanted to check the the legal, you know, as it related to that, but I think we answered our question with it's just the open meeting law notice. So, >> I'll entertain a motion to accept the public hearing guidelines, the draft document for BBCC
um onto the slot board. I'm entertaining that motion. >> I Harrison, may I move? James Dan. Yes. >> Um, >> any other discussion? >> I was gonna Sorry, that should Okay.
>> Yeah, he was a second. >> Any further discussion? >> No. >> Hearing? None. Roll call vote. >> Harris, may I? James throwing. Yes. >> I >> Okay, so 6A is somewhat
>> pass on to the slot board. >> And you Okay, that's it. your next meeting tomorrow morning. >> No, it's next week. >> I just had that on. >> I'm sorry. That was a cheap shot. Anyway,
>> so we tabled we tabled B and C. I I just >> Good. Five. >> Well, I had a quick note on D, which is just that I didn't get any feedback for the training resource document yet. So, I'm I'm going to put together what I have. If I get any additional feedback, I'll send out a reminder and see um you
know, if I get new information back, but um I'll I'll put together what I have whether it's complete or partial. Um and bring you know in a completeish state as complete as it can be. >> Completeish state. >> As as complete as it can be.
>> No, I was good. Um good. >> So that that's all I had on uh on point D. just I I didn't table that because I wanted to give you guys an update. >> And I [clears throat] I like this because >> Yep. [laughter] >> Oh,
>> we're on to 60 now. We're discussing 60. >> Yeah. Let's make sure. >> So, would I would love everybody to use this. >> I mean, I know nothing is mandated, I guess, but >> the fact that >> nothing stops the select board from making that policy.
>> Yeah. Well, yeah. I would I mean, okay. I I would present it to them because I think the seal should be on everything. I think that the >> um the board name should be there. I think your chair, your vice chair, your clerk should be there.
>> I mean, it just >> pretty much standard operating procedure. >> No appearance. It's uniform >> and it's got the information that >> they get the template. They just fill in the template >> and then send it off to the town clerk. >> Yeah. Now, the the new things on here
that were here since last time, you'll notice new and old business is split out. So, those are listed there. The other thing I added, >> what do you mean by split out >> instead of one that was just meeting business? Yeah. Now, it's listed at items five and six. >> Newer
that myself. >> I also added scheduling of next meetings. Um, so boards can have that as a placeholder item. >> Um, the other new thing is up in the heading. Um, I added meeting agenda minutes and they can either they either
drop the word for agenda. So that way it says meeting minutes only or meeting agenda only. >> So it can be the same template and just drop the the word of whichever it's not. If it's an agenda, drop the minutes word. But I figured that being in the
heading makes it very clear to someone picking up this document. Oh, this is minutes. >> It's more definitive. and plus on the top right the current version date stamp and all that but CC seeing it throughout >> yeah the kingdom >> the date stamp I mean if they're using
the template it might still be there but I I I don't know that that um I mean we do date stamp it when they submit but >> but it's at least it's there's a spot you reference it we'll go to that next time >> to see if >> we do date stamp in there
>> okay >> so we could use the box >> stamp the meeting agenda Yes. >> Okay. >> So, they would both use the box. >> Okay. >> Um or we could make a separate minutes one that doesn't have the box. Um [clears throat] whatever work. Would you Why would you need to?
>> It's easy to maintain one. >> Yeah. I like it. >> Right. A little more uniform, a little less confusion. >> I mean, and I usually reference to the top right to see if it's been CC date stamped, etc., etc. That's
>> usual location. Nice. >> How do you like it? >> Good. >> Oh, I love it. >> I love it. I really >> getting very explicit here. This is great. >> I don't know which board I I borrowed this template from. I I know I didn't
come up with it on my own. Kudos to them. >> That's okay. [laughter] >> At least you're honest with it and say, "Hey, you know, >> I didn't come up with it. >> I didn't do this on my own. It does the job. We added our little box and a few things, but >> of it is more professional, [cough]
[clears throat] >> no matter what department it is. Okay, >> it's cleaner. >> Yeah, I agree. So, >> straightforward. >> Um, I'll make that motion that we um recommend that uh recommend the uh agenda minute uh standard template as
presented and forward to the select board for review. >> There's second. Oh, I am Harris May. >> James Dorian, I'll second that. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Okay. So, >> no. >> Hearing none. Roll call vote.
>> I Harris May vote yes. >> James Droy. Yes. >> Laura Shiffron. Yes. >> Okay. So, we got six. >> I'm excited about the >> is uh deleted. So, >> we're moving. >> Okay. So, then the next thing is to schedule our next meeting.
>> Yep. Pulling out the calendar. Let's see. I understand any any time in between and up until the 9th. >> I think it's in Harrison's [clears throat] court right now. >> Um, what do you guys think about Thursdays?
Thursday the 4th. >> I can do 4:30 or 5. >> Does that work for you >> this time? I I [laughter] today we finished. So >> what time? >> What time? What? 4:30 or 5? You can make the decision. I'm comfortable with
either 4:30 or 5. >> Your work. >> We're all done for the season. Everyone's going back to their homes. And yeah, we finished up today. So it's >> um >> on the straits. >> Do you know what's booked? >> Um >> can you look at the town website to see
what's booked on the fourth? >> Take [clears throat] a look in case there's something. I have to see if if the rooms are booked. >> Well, it isn't just that if there's another meeting going on that >> okay >> I'm supposed to know something about. So, >> I'm checking Dave's calendar cuz he's
got it better than than the website. >> Dave >> Dave Foli's uh TKM [clears throat] bookings. >> Um, >> so PC has to be >> I don't have anything for December yet, [clears throat] but uh let me see here. >> So, what are we looking at?
So, obviously it's >> December 4th. I've got nothing on the website and I I didn't have the December calendar yet from TCAM. So, um we we should be good for it. And >> if I'm sure there will be a room available and um five works for me.
>> Five works for you. >> And Jimmy, >> um sounds like it's going to be December 4th at 5 o'clock. >> Five o'clock. and I have this on. Um, okay then. I will entertain a motion to
adjourn at [clears throat] 7:41 p.m. >> I Harrison may so move. >> James Duran, do we second that? I seconded it. >> Okay. Roll call vote. Harrison. [clears throat] >> James Duran. Yes.
>> Yes. Part: 2
Good evening everyone. My name is Laura Shiffren and I will call the meeting of the select board to order on November 25th, 2025 at 400 p.m. >> Roll call, please. >> Uh Veronica Cal present.
>> Good present. >> Lorship present. Would you please join me in the pledge, please? I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I'd like to thank all of our veterans as well as those serving today here and abroad as well as all of our emergency response
individuals, our elected and appointed officials as well as our staff and all employees of all the departments as well as their families for contributing to the community we live
This meeting is being recorded and uploaded to YouTube. Is anyone else recording? >> Yes, I am. >> Thank you, Cindy. Um, no. All right. 1.4. I do not have any
additions or deletions agenda. 1.5 Review and approve meeting minutes of November 19th, 2025. Is there a motion? >> I move that we review and approve the meeting minutes for 11/19 2025.
>> Veronica Cal second. >> Did you say? >> Sorry, I just want to be sure. >> I, Valerie Gooditch, move that we review and approve the meeting minutes from November 19th, 2025.
>> And I, Veronica Keel, second. Thank you. Any discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica. I >> Valerie Fai. >> Laura Sha. Thank you. Okay. We have no appointments and
hearings today, which is number two. Number three, climate official personnel. We do not have any uh new business. Okay. So, under old business, we have no new business tonight. Um,
under old business 5.1 we have the first reading of the alcoholic beverage licensing policy. Bal, would you do the honors? Yep. Um, this is the alcoholic beverage licensing policy.
Number one, purpose. It is the desire of the towns and select board to adopt a uniform policy governing the alcoholic beverage licenses it grants and administers as the local licensing authority LLA under general law chapter 138.
Two administration of alcoholic beverage licenses approved lapse license approvals issued by the licensing board are valid for 6 months from the date of ABC approval. If the license is not issued within that 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 adopt such other additions, 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 lency 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 common alcoholic beverages control commission ABCC.
To apply for license to sell alcoholic beverages except for one day special license under general law chapter 138 section 14, please complete and submit the applicable application which can be found on the ABCC's website www.mmass.gov/abcc
criminal offender record information Corey. The manager of record listed on the application must submit a quy check and sign required authorization form at the time the application is submitted to the LLA. Town officials review. All applications will be reviewed by the following town
officials prior to the scheduled hearing. One, building commissioner to ensure compliance with zoning bylaws and building codes and regulations. Two, fire chief 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 there are no outstanding tax liabilities. Five, land use coordinator to review any land use issues regarding the location of 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 answer any questions. The applicant is responsible for all hearing related costs including legal advertisements and a better notification if necessary.
Lences 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 fee schedule. After the ABCC notifies the LLA that the application has been approved and for 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 18, all alcoholic restaurants, $1,500. Section 15, all alcoholic retail package store, $1,50.
Section 12, wine and malt restaurant, $750. Section 15, wine and malt retail package store, $1,000. Can I just stop you for a minute? Is is what you have different than what I have? The first one I have is section 12, and you said
section 18. Did I? I was reading it, so I saw section 12. I didn't >> necessarily section 12, all alcoholic restaurants, $1,500. Section 15, all alcoholic retail package store, $1,50.
Section 12, wide and malt restaurant, $750. Section 15, wine and malt retail package store, $1,000. In the case of a license transfer, the full amount of the fee is charged. The licensing 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 through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 1 11:00 a.m. to
1:00 a.m. >> Sunday. >> Okay. It just makes sure we're all awake. >> Exactly. 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 more restent requirements, conditions, and/or penalties upon a particular lency and or license premise where necessary to assure public safety or meet any other public need.
Four, renewal of existing liquor license in accordance with AECC regulations. Renewal applications of existing licences shall be received no later than November 30th. Renewal applications will be mailed to the establishments mailing address on record unless previous arrangements have been made by the
Lency. Upon receipt of the renewal package, the Lency must complete all forms, including the workers compensation affidavit and the tax edestation form. In accordance with Mass General Lab, 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 will be subject to all the procedures set forth under Mass General Law Chapter
138 section 15A. 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.
Five. Findings of violation. Reports of liquor law infractions will be fully investigated by the LLA upon receipt of a record that a license has been 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. Two, the Lency will be notified in writing of the violation and will be notified in writing of the date and time the licensing board will conduct a hearing to review the matter. Three, if the LLA after a hearing
conducted pursuant to general law chapter 138 section 64 determines that a Lency 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.
Sixed 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 for alcoholic beverages are served are required to obtain a one-day special liquor license from the
licensing board. The LLA will be will be the deter >> the determin >> the LLA will be the deterine determined whether a one day special liquor license is required under Mass General Law Chapter 138 section 14
to be considered for a one-day special liquor license. The applicant must meet the following requirements. One, no more than one license can be issued per premise at one time. 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 submittal. Four, applications shall be filed with the LLA at least 30 days prior to the event. It is recommended that the applications be filed 60 days in advance. Five, the Lency is required to post the one-day special liquor
license in a conspicuous location during the event. Six, all alcohol must be purchased by the one-day special liquor license holder from a licensed Massachusetts wholesale in compliance of Mass General Law, Chapter 138, section 14. Alcohol may not be purchased out of
state, from caterer, or from a section 15 package drawer. A list of approved wholesalers is located on the ABCC website at www.mmass.gov/abc /c C or you may contact the office of the licensing board to receive a copy.
Applicant must provide contact information for the event and operations managers as part of the incorporation of link to the ABCC website wholesaler list delivery and storage. One applicant must indicate whether an outside vendor is to
be used and identify vendor at the time of application submitt. Two, no one day special liquor license holders may have alcoholic beverages delivered between the hours of 2 am and 8 a.m. Three, all one day special liquor licenses will expire at midnight and 12:00 a.m. and
last call must occur at least a half an hour prior to expiration. One day special liquid licenses will not be approved for any sale hours before noon 12:00 p.m. on Sunday. Five, no alcohol may be stored on the licensed premises. Six, proof of a valid
transportation delivery permit held by a section 12 C caterer or licensed wholesaler/importer, manufacturer, farmer winery, farmer brewery, or special permit holder must be provided with the application. 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. The license holders should be present at all times during which alcoholic beverage 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 license
premise. Three, all servers must be 21 years of age and must be certified in alcohol service best practices from tips or a similar training program. Four, license holders must implement a drink cap of a maximum of four alcoholic beverages per person.
Five, the license holder is responsible for ensuring that no disturbance, disorder, or illegality takes place in or on the licensed premises. Six applicant must provide a schematic/map indicating license service area and confirming alcohol will not leave
designated service areas. Liability/ police detail. License approval for outdoor events is conditioned on license holder securing a police detail for set event. The license holder must provide a certificate of liability insurance to include liquor liability naming the town of Townsen as
an additional insured policy. Coverage must be as followed. A 1 million per occurrence. Two B 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 or 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 and or malt beverages may be issued to any eligible individual. The 30-day aggregate time limit does not apply to dining halls maintained by incorporated educational institutions
authorized to grant degrees unless limited exception has been granted. >> Thank you. >> Reading all that. >> Thank you. Um the only comment I have is that under number six on page four
it w that will be the determined um to to just get that language um >> corrected >> and other than that I'm good to go with it. >> Yep. I think there was one other grammatical word, but if I find it,
>> I think you said insured something, but it wasn't party at the end of number two under liability policy. I mean, I knew what you meant because I was looking at it, but um so
before coverage must be must be as follows. The word is party and the period. Just to be clear, >> where are you at? H where are you at? >> That was under liability policy detail number two. Um
before the last sentence that says coverage must be as follows. It says insured party. >> Is that an issue? >> No, it was stated as it wasn't it wasn't >> okay.
>> I forget what you said. It wasn't party. So I'm just making it clear. You mean be the reading versus the words? Oh, that's fine. There were a couple more. There was a a may that should be a shall or vice versa. There were a couple, but I don't think that's a
>> Okay, so that will be caught >> and that's it's the written that is the important. >> Okay. >> Shooting for 99%. >> Right. I thank you for that >> and thank you for doing that. >> I had time. I got another one. It's a
another like where it says and or licensed there has to be a comma there or a spice but outside of that I didn't see anything else. So this was our first reading and
25th. >> So second reading will be >> we can do December 2nd. Okay. Only took 10 minutes. >> It'll be quicker the next time. >> I'm going to be like, >> you'll be a pro.
>> Speed read. You want me to read the next one? It's much shorter, I believe. I don't mind. >> We just have AI read it next time. >> Clerk responsibilities. I can do it. >> All right. >> Actually, they're they're not always correct either. So, you have to be awake
when AI reads as well. Um, 5.2. two. >> Um, is I think do we need a motion to have the second reading? >> No, not for the second reading. I think the motion is to >> understood. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> And we have nothing to change for legal counsel. So, that's just it. >> I think there's a grammatical word or two for Sabrina, but that's it. >> We're good. Um, >> so we have to do
>> something came to mind. Um, while this was being read and I I could just it it is this for all private parties as well. >> Yes, there's a second part is the one day liquor license
>> of the one day. But I mean in the one day is that >> if if you're having a party in your house, you do not need a liquor license. >> Okay. Well, my question was if you're not selling liquor, if you're just having a party, you're not there's no sales.
>> Yeah. The way I understand it though is like if you have a bar at a wedding on your facility, you would have >> then you would have to Yeah. >> Okay. >> But in that case, the caterer would have the wholesale and the whole thing. >> Understood. So, the conversation is so that we've had the conversation and if
somebody else is wondering about the same question, it's out there. >> Yeah. >> Okay. always ask the questions. >> Um, 5.2. Um, Veronica, do you want to take this one? >> Go ahead. >> You do want me to. I don't mind. I I
offered and Valerie said she would do her clerkly duties. >> I'll do my clerkly duties, >> but I don't mind reading it at all. >> And I don't care which one does it. >> I got it. Okay, >> I'm on board. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Town council policy policy 072025
revised policy number four 2018 purpose. The select board and town administrator agreed to establish a consistent process for use of legal counsel. Policy town council policy use of legal counsel. A request for legal services form must be filled out and returned to the psychard's office before
the use of legal counsel can be utilized. This process is necessary in order to track expenses and for budgeting purposes. Authorization must be attained from the town administrator and or their design before town council can be assessed. All boards and commissions other than the select board
must have a vote authorizing the request before authorization is provided. It is preferred for town council services to be virtual or via phone call. The sole exception to this rule are the select board and are as follows. Number one, the chair of the select board or the select board through a majority vote
shall have direct access to request town council to attend a meeting of the select board. Any member seeking legal advice on a matter shall have direct access to town council. Number two, any select board member seeking legal advice on a matter shall have direct access to town council. Number three, all members of the select
board requesting ethics opinions, conflict of interest law shall have direct access to town council. They do not need to copy the chair of the select board on such inquiries and town council shall respond to the member directly without copies to other members of the select board. Four, members of the select board shall notify the town
administrator of each contact for budget purposes. However, they're not required to explain the content. Any discussion? This is our second reading. >> No, I'm good with that. I'm just looking at the form. Okay, I'm good.
>> Okay. Second reading. Is there a motion? Move to accept the um new select. >> What are we adopting? Sorry, >> correct. >> Although the term is adopted, I guess. Yeah. >> I get to move to adopt the town council
policy of second reading was on November >> 25 >> 25th 2025. Um I I think uh Sabrina said uh she had a note for this in the the motions. Um
>> it's about council review. >> Oh, okay. One second. I'll pull that up. >> Yep. >> Let me No, it's okay. Oops. I got here. Do you? Yep. Um I valich move to approve the use of town
council policy contingent upon review by town council and signature out of session by signature stamp. >> Thanks Sabrina. >> Veronica Cal second. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> No hearing none. Roll call. >> Roll call.
>> Sorry. It was in my mind. I I could have sworn that I said it. It was something in my mind. Roll call vote please. >> Veronica Cal I >> Laura Shai. Thank you. So we are adopted on 1125
2025. Okay. Um 5.3 review discuss report on select board and town administrator goals 2026. Veronica, do you want to take this? >> I don't know. Um, I guess did everybody
get the form that Callie sent out this? >> Um, yes. So, do we want to What I expected to see here was the other form and it's not here. So, let me pull out um >> what I have from last week. >> The reason for that being the first form
seemed to be it had a lot of details on it. some of which wasn't I wasn't even sure that Nelson would put on there for a public meeting because some of it was related to union stuff >> and um so I didn't think that was appropriate
for discussion as a part of the goals review as part of the goals review and then also it seemed that some of the goals were not actually related to our goal it was a more general administrative goal so like our goal with regard to human resources was for Nelson to figure out
what we're going to do with human resources once ARPA funds are removed and some of the goals listed there were more like general HR like day-to-day stuff and that wasn't what I thought the our goals so just to be clear these are select board goals
>> yes >> and we were really specific about what they were so I think that was the issue I had with the detailed it didn't seem to be based on the >> I like this better yeah >> because it has it it was your suggestion from a couple meetings back to have the
goals that we set. So the the four in yellow are the >> primary >> pime are the primaries and the two blues are the secondaries. Um what I expected to see was the one that um where we
moved everything around. >> Yeah. >> Did you guys get that? >> No. this. So, in other words, what we have here is this. >> Yeah, >> that's what's in the SharePoint. What I wanted to see was this. And I had
updated it and sent it. Did you guys all get this updated? >> I think I just I don't think so. >> And I thought I'd see everything. >> It was the block thing that Calie did, only we took out the block and made it.
So the reason the reason I thought this was like and I don't know we could just edit this was like for example like the DPW restriction was under human resources but that's not that's a DPW thing right so I didn't most of I thought a lot of these were off the actual >> so they all got moved
>> oh they did >> yeah I moved them around and sent them to Cali Cali moved them as well and it was supposed to go in the SharePoint so you guys didn't get But
I think I think there maybe the one that I was looking at the SharePoint was hers and that was the one that I had said because there was some stuff about union negotiations on there >> and I didn't want that. >> Yeah. >> I didn't think that was a public
I thought that was a >> okay >> in particular is one item that was on there as a I think a policy of procedures and that definitely was not supposed to be on there. Okay. >> From what I understand. >> So, did either of you do anything with
the original? My outlook is taking forever to come up. >> I did not. >> No. I just I expressed some of my like thoughts on it seemed like they were not the select board's goals. It was general administrative goals. That makes sense. >> Okay. So,
I don't know why my outlook is doing Karina Nelson, is this something you you could put the list in for each of these? I mean, I guess that was my >> Well, I thought that I took the ones that were relevant. >> Okay. >> And moved them in. >> Um,
>> what did I just see there? >> Uh, Nelson, did you want to comment >> this? >> Yeah, >> that was from like uh >> couple meetings ago. >> Yeah, correct. Okay, I have to get into my outlook. And um >> I think generally speaking, um you know,
the way it's laid out is is great. You know, it's it's a good way for everyone to see, you know, the goals and, you know, whether they've been checked off and then, you know, other ones that are sort of in progress. Um I think we're almost
there. Um I do feel we just need some consensus from >> Yeah, exactly. I thought you should be in charge of what was in each category and less so HR or someone else just because you know that there what our goals are related to that. So, you know, I can uh certainly populate this grid if
this six square grid is kind of what you guys um are, you know, believe that this is should be the >> Yeah, I mean for I I think if Nelson can populate this, then we can add anything that we think. >> Okay, >> I'm good with that.
>> Yeah. Um so, I can uh populate this um and then, you know, the board can take a look at it. Yeah. Okay. We can bring that back uh under old business next week. >> Okay, sounds good. And then that will be
an always under old business >> correct >> thing. >> Perfect. >> Here. Here it is. Here's the one that Okay, let me um >> Is that something you could print and just or
>> I can't print from here? I don't have access to that printer. Right. >> So, I can't print here. I have to print at home. >> Our home computers. >> Um, I can email it to you. >> Um, >> is is that the one that had some listings? Is everything good in that
one? >> There were some um Yeah. specific goals filled out. I'll I'll print off a copy for everybody just so that they have it. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Yeah. Print right now. Is it called TA Gold-1
PDF? Is that what it's called? >> Uh, it's called block report. >> Oh, there's one after that. Um, where everything got moved. Um
and I I sent it back and asked that it was put in. All right, let me download this. >> It's a fillable PDF. Is that what yours is? >> Yeah. >> Right. We don't want that on there. Is
that correct? >> There's a copy for everybody. >> Okay, I am going to send you guys what? And this might be Callie's. This might not be mine. I >> see this updated mine. >> This is 114.
>> Yeah, this isn't >> there was one after it after it. >> Uhhuh. >> I'm I'm sending it to select board. And this is the goals report. Is that what the title is at the top?
>> Yeah, this block report I did not because this was not even our our goals. >> Yeah, >> I didn't think that was >> um Let me >> This one says bi-weekly goal progress review. >> Um yeah.
Yeah, but see this isn't our goals. Leadership isn't one of our goals. Those aren't our goals. >> Those aren't >> those are just general. >> Okay. So >> that's not >> Okay. So, let me send this to >> I mean, it's fine for like for an annual review, but from like a going through the goals
>> every okay other week. >> Yeah, >> it seems like >> I'm getting there. >> Um, and and this can be uh edited. I This is not mine, but it is. Um,
all right. I'm sending it to each of you. So, if you're sending it to Nelson, could we print? >> Um, sure. Do you want to print it when you get it, Nelson? >> I don't need to copy Nelson out of here.
>> The TA gold one. Oh, yeah. You I just mailed it to you. So, is that what you're talking about? >> Yeah. So, see, like some of this stuff just seemed to me like it wasn't actually related to the goal. >> Yeah. I moved some stuff around.
>> Yeah. >> And I added things especially it it was under human resources. I think Callie put a bunch of her stuff in there. >> Yeah. So like >> um so a lot of this stuff I thought was just general job description stuff and
not the specific goal we had I guess but I mean >> well the internal negotiations that is a goal we don't have to talk about them specifically but to get >> but so the human resources I goal I thought we have is to figure out what we're going to do >> with human resources. >> Exactly. And so it's nothing to do with
hiring a town accountant. just a generic >> you know day-to-day thing I think. >> Yeah. >> Does that make sense? >> I just thought it was a lot if we put all that stuff in there. It's a lot to be reviewing and we miss we lose track of the actual goals
if that makes any sense. >> But we do need midstreams. I see what you're saying. Yeah. Okay. All right. So, the idea was to put this in the SharePoint. >> Yeah. >> And I'll see if I can find mine because I edited this beyond >> the 19th.
>> Um, yeah. But if everybody can go through and edit it and then put it together and then we can make one and then we have to talk about an evaluation document. >> Um, >> is that something you wanted Cali to take a look at? I think they're all
>> She did look MMA has a ton of them. Um >> well I here in town um Cali has over the last few years um sort of um put forth a kind of consistent evaluation form. You
know certainly one for department has to do for employees. Um, >> I just would think they would I mean I know when we're reviewing the library director, I went to the Mass Library Commissioners and said, "What is a library director of review?" Because there's really specific things
>> that aren't necessarily like a department head or something like that. So, I don't know. >> Why don't you look into >> Well, she sent at least to me what was used before the one that we used last spring. >> Mhm.
>> And I don't know how these fit into it because I thought from the contract, >> we were to develop goals and then that was what we >> Yeah. >> reviewed on. >> Yep. >> So, did you guys get a mailing from Cal? The
the evaluation is different than the goals. That's separate from the goals or no >> related. Not it's related. It's you are evaluated on the goals that are set. Did you meet them or did you not? So one of
the things in the other one was facilities and we don't really have anything on facilities. >> I I would I would think kind of like if I was thinking of a a town administrator view it would be here was our goals for the year. you're reviewing each of the goals and there's a general general job
duties section like all the stuff that we don't have to make a goal for >> right >> you know >> his contract >> for for for anything that's in the job description like the generic stuff >> right >> like that's not an actual goal that's just part of the job description the
goals are specific year to year they change >> which is the flexible nature of it just some thoughts >> doesn't eval EV valuation tie into the contract. >> The evaluation
is required. >> Not just the goals. >> Not just the goals. I think they're related. >> Okay. >> Goals and job description. >> Yeah. So, I think it's two kind of >> separate. >> Yeah. >> Together. Okay. Do
>> you have your contract up there? >> I do. I'm looking at the evaluation. Um, I mean it, you know, it kind of lays out the the process, but it it doesn't necessarily say, you know, um, with other, um, contracts
where you need at least a satisfactory in order to get a a, you know, a a a bump in your pay. It doesn't really state any of that. >> What does it say you're evaluated on now? >> Um,
>> that's what I'm looking at. >> Mutually acceptable goals and objectives defined below. Um, let me see here. uh define measurable goals and performance objectives which they
determine necessary for the proper operation of the town. Further establish relative priority among those various objectives. um
uh we'll work together to to develop evaluation documents to be used for the evaluation of the town administrator. So it's it's up to you guys and the TA to um to develop. >> Yeah. So,
>> and and I know that the six goals that are on there are the six that we set for Eric Slegel when we hired him. >> And apparently they just kept them through the the process. >> Change him each year.
>> No. Oh, see the way I the >> at the MMA training was like there was two town administrators who did a presentation and they're basically like each year the board sets our goals and that's what determines what we work on that year. >> That's exactly right. >> Why wouldn't they change?
>> Yeah. Because like next year they're not going to be the same, >> right? And >> and based on the budget and what's going on in town. >> Mhm. So the the five or six goals that she has listed are the ones that we had set three three
years ago and they apparently evaluated on that last year and that was the same tool that we used to evaluate and you and I Li >> we should bring >> reach out and get some examples from
some other um we could do that. I would just change the goals. >> Yeah. >> You know, and then put the general >> section, which I think there is at the bottom there. >> Y >> and just take the six that we have here. >> Yeah.
>> That we set back in August, I think, that we've been talking about for >> July. >> Was it July? It was a while back. >> And um and put them in there. >> So that's what I would do.
I think it is different than other department heads in town and stuff. So, it shouldn't necessarily be the same review form in that regards because other department heads goals aren't changing every year. >> Right. >> That's right. >> Two cents. >> Okay. >> Sounds good.
>> So, this will be the next meeting. Mhm. >> Those will probably be on every meeting in this old business, but may not be included in them but once a month if that's all that or twice a month. Sometimes we could meet
three times and it's not >> they can also once a month >> they're often kind of a part of the town administrator updates also. >> Right. >> Okay. So good with that. Next to on to the work session 6.1
>> Nelson. >> Okay. Uh first up um the uh border of health umalth department received their annual um sustainable materials recovery program
grant the SMRP grant. So I believe it's pointbased and depending on certain goals and objectives that you hit, you get certain points and that would lead to a a certain dollar amount that you would receive from the state. Um this
has been a fairly annual um grant that we've received. Um I think in recent years we've um added a um few extra points because you know we uh we instituted a new
program I think the recent pay you throw program um resulted in a few extra points that we uh received from the state which increased our um grant amount. So, um,
>> do you know what the is there a scale or something? Because I see we got 16 points. >> What is that? But what are those 16 points and how many points are there total? >> The maximum a thousand or is the maximum 20?
>> The money that is 4.2 million, >> but we got 9,600. >> Your municipality has also awarded 3,000. So it depends on um our population size. Uh the more the higher pop population
our city or town is each point is worth more. So so um it's it's kind of broken down in the uh the the grant um document. Um so it really depends on number of factors and you know number of
households in the community is is one of the big uh big uh criteria items. So um this the recycling center uses this money every year to sort of um um continue some of their operations.
So, um it's a great program and uh you know uh Irene Condan who is a town resident also the part of the recycling committee uh is part of mass EP and every year she's instrumental in uh
helping us uh get this uh grant up and running. Mhm. >> So, um the select board doesn't need to sign any documents, but um it would just be um you know, the town administrator to to sign the uh acknowledging the the
grant. >> Thank you to Irene, who's the chair again, I guess, of recycling. >> Yep. Um let me see here. Um, police union negotiations update. Uh, we had a
meeting yesterday. Um, I don't think I don't think we're allowed to discuss details, right? No details. >> Got it. So, um, >> next meeting. >> Yep. We have a meeting scheduled next for December 5th um, to continue the the
discussions. So, uh, yeah, that that's about all I can can share at the moment with folks because it is an ongoing um negotiation. >> We may be able to put on the next meeting um a vote
because there will need to be a vote. >> Yes. >> So, that'll be the ninth >> uh meeting on the 5th. Our next meeting is the 9th. >> The 9th or the 8th? >> Eth. >> Oh, that's right. eight. >> So you guys changed it.
>> Oh, I changed. >> We Well, we can talk about it further down. >> Yeah. Yeah. 6.4. Um but yeah. Um but yeah, it's very possible that there might be something
at the next select board meeting. Um what's next? Um, I had uh briefly discussed the my report on the creation of the the possibility of creating a DPW. I I
think we kind of discussed it, but if there's any further discussion, we can certainly have it here. Um, >> I absolutely want further discussion on that. I I think that you know um we need a plan for how that is going to be
enacted >> and I can understand that it's not enacted this year but we need to get start getting work on job descriptions. >> Yeah, >> I think >> what the structure is what the job descriptions need to >> and then how do we negotiate with the
unions? Mhm. >> Cuz it's separate unions. No, Parson Cemetery isn't right. >> Well, there would be the um three unions. >> Yeah. >> Involved. >> Supervisors, highway,
>> and that would >> highway, water, um supervisors, and clerical. >> Um is Pam in the clerical union? She's only super part-time. Does that matter? >> It doesn't matter, but >> I can't remember. I'm trying to remember if she's in or not. I think she's not.
>> I don't think she is. Yeah. So, it's just the two. But, >> but Danielle is >> for highway. Yeah. >> Yep. >> Yeah. And she's also in partner of facilities. Um so, let me think about it a little bit further. Um I I think my
um my analysis was, you know, I stand by it. I I think at the moment it it for a number of reasons I detailed in the report. um creating one right now doesn't make a lot of sense for you know several reasons but I will think about
it further how we could potentially um adopt it maybe you know say uh a year from now or so once we um you know discuss and you know talk to the unions about changing job descriptions
>> how are we going to do fiscal 27 without having working on something like now. >> Um, >> am I wrong? And what are we going to do >> in 27?
>> Well, I mean, you know, um, creating a DPW is not the silver bullet to our fiscal issues, you know. Um, I I looked at it. I don't I don't think there's any, if you know, much savings at all.
>> Yeah. So I don't think again it's the silver bullet that would solve our financial issues. >> I think we need to look at a structure see what the structure is. I mean certainly if you look at what's there today it's what's there today and there
it is and boom boom boom but I think we need to look at a structure what that structure would look like. how many people are actually needed um in the is there a savings as far as uh you know there's a lot of temporary positions
that go on. Would we be better off making those temporary positions more permanent? And how many people do we need to support all of the um different organizations or functions of
a DPW? I think we need to look at what's there in the document that DLS did 10 years ago. I doubt that it's changed much at all. Um, >> no. Yeah, it has not changed much at all. Um, >> and and so I think that their ideas are
worth looking at, but I think we need a structure and then we need to look at that and say what positions in what unions at what point do we have the discussions with the unions? Um, you know, uh, Adam alluded to some of that.
And then where do we need votes from from the town? >> Yeah. >> Um, and how how do we get those incorporated with the goal of more than likely not having it in place
in FY27, but having it functioning come FY28? So, I I'll take a look at the structure a little bit closer. Um, I still think a lot of our staff are part-time,
extremely temporary help. Um, you know, we don't have a lot of um full-time employees to kind of sort of move those chess pieces around. You know, it's really our temporary help that um we're relying heavily on. >> I think even even our full time Yeah. I
think even if you look at um when the highway superintendent was talking about plowing. He indicated like long run it would be wonderful to not have to go out for contracts if we had >> sufficient staff, >> right? >> And so obviously we can't add staff
without with our current budget issues. However, is there some way >> we could save money by having more staff? But but you know that balance is it >> I mean I was thinking too would would
our employees or could we even get more employees if we combine jobs full time and have them working year round. what they might do in the summertime, they would be, you know, they could work the
wintertime. It wouldn't be whatever and we wouldn't need the subcontractors. And and what licenses do do they need? Is there an overlap or and or is there something additional? Do we include the water department or do we not include
the water department? How does recycling and trash fit into this? And then where do the different commissions that we have, you know, the um parks and wreck and board of health? >> Okay. As you say that, because I've been
meaning to say something about this, I saw and I don't know if anybody else I think Nelson did the uh video that was put together by Roger or >> Oh, yes. Okay.
>> So, you look at that and I'm thinking to myself, how many employees does he have? Look at all that work that needs to be done. I I don't know because I didn't look into it. How many employees does he
have? And if they are only seasonal, would they be working hand in hand with highway or are there people there that could work hand in hand with highway? And and if we are in in the report that you wrote, Nelson, if we are going to
have people that plow from cemeteries this winter, I think that needs to be formalized. I think we need to, you know, make sure that that's written down. >> Oh, you mean for municipalities? >> For our municipality,
>> I mean the the buildings themselves, the municipal buildings. Is that where we were at? >> Yeah. Yeah. I think that needs to be um discussed and you know do what we need to do to formalize it >> and and in this process I think just to
make clear it's not reassigning any board functions it's just the structure under which they fall >> correct >> so you know the recycling commission the board of health all these things still they stay the same in their responsibilities because that's mass general law it's the employees and where
they fall that is different it's not the board responsibilities But how do they fit within the DW where you know um >> and this isn't novel to us it's >> right >> okay um so I will uh look at things
further um see you know what kind of structure we would need to come up with in the coming year or two to sort of get something up and running. So I'll I'll dig into that a little bit further. >> Um let's see here.
>> Yep. um the five-year preliminary financial forecast. I think at the last meeting with the finance committee, I kind of show showed at least a baseline model of what the next five years would look like. Um you know, it certainly
doesn't look good. Um so it it's a forecast that I will have to continually change as more information comes in. Um, and then you know, but you know, certainly at the moment
we're we're looking at uh where's my I'm looking a baseline deficit of about $270,000. Um, and I think that number is only
going to go up as we get more information because it's it's really only forecasting a 3% increase for the general operating budget for town um,
departments and then a 3% increase with North Middle Sex and the and the tech school which I think uh 3% for North Middle Sex is probably um not sufficient at the moment, but um you know, we'll
know more as we progress into the budget season. >> That was that was the big if anybody I was going to do it as part of my liaison update, but it's probably related to this one, so I feel fine putting it in here is there was regarding North Sex Budget. There was a
forum I brought in. Mhm. >> There was an I >> I wasn't able to attend because my daughter's birthday, but I watched it and um anybody who's interested definitely should take a peek at it because it you know, one of the things that kept coming up during this forum was how much the school budget crisis in
our towns is affecting the rel relationship between the municipalities and the school districts >> and to try and not let that become a wedge between uncontrollable circumstances. >> Yeah. And I think the school district is well aware that they can't ask the towns for more than that. And so they're just going to have to if it means they're
bringing overrides forward to the towns or whatever it means, the school will they're talking to us. So, >> okay, because the school's going to have to do it. >> They're they have their hands tied just as much as we do. I'm sure >> and they're they're well aware of how much it's affecting our municipalities and they constantly state they don't
want us to have to cut public ser public safety because then they suffer also. But there, you know, the the funding formula is not set to be changed until FY28, >> right? >> So, we can hope that FY27 there's that supplemental funding again, but I don't think there's any way to know that at
this point in time. >> Yeah. But but the thing is I'm sorry. Go ahead. No, I was just going to say if the state wanted to do it, the state could do it. If the state wanted to file an emergency of which they created
upon all the municipalities, they could do it. They don't have to wait another year. They have other things on their mind and they're putting their money someplace else. In the meantime, we're all going to suffer. >> 351 towns here. But here's the thing. There
were were supplemental funds that were dispersed this year, but the district is keeping them from what I can tell and they're not uh lowering the assessments to the town. >> They're in the process of discussing some policy adjustments and this is again really this is less on kind of
update with Nelson's report. Sorry for the combination. They're in the process of looking at some policies on how they use their reserve funds so that they have that in place going into the future and we'll wait and see. >> The future is FY27.
>> Yeah. So, I think it's they're they're working hard on that right now. I think a lot of people are there trying to really put in a lot of effort to figure out how best to come to us because they know we all are in the same position. >> Well, we already sent a letter. >> Yeah. Oh, no. They have that and it's
2.6% 6% and um and that's that's really all we have. And even with that with 3%, we are still in the hole. >> Yeah. >> 270,000. >> And so how do we get out of that hole on
the municipal side is the question. And um so I guess my question on this I I have two things but one question is um we should be sitting setting the budget guidelines. So at what point are I mean
typically the um letter goes out to departments at the beginning of November. December >> December. Yeah. Sorry. Is that on the >> on the um >> It'll be on the December second. >> On the December 2nd. >> I've yet to um craft the letter. I'm
still trying to figure out what message I want to deliver. Um but yeah, it will be part of the December 2nd um select board meeting is reviewing that budget memo and and you know, potentially revising it.
>> So, what are our priorities? the select board's priorities for the FY27 budget. I mean, mine is to make sure it's balanced that we don't have that 272,000 >> um
>> deficit. >> Does that include if does that include the growth from uh Vicki that you gave us the other day, the 120? >> Yeah, that's that's >> into consideration the growth already.
Correct. Yeah, it does. >> Um and and so we have to figure out where that's coming from. So it's it's almost like well it's a freeze on on um expenses
>> and and then do we need to be working with the unions for a salary freeze? I mean the contracts are up I believe at the end of July June end of June end of the fiscal year. Um, if in fact we
haven't negotiated for the following fiscal years, the contract extends, if I, if I remember right, from what it was. So, does that mean we're looking at a 2% cola and a 2% 4% that we don't have
when what was put in there was a 2%. This board then has to have the hard discussion of >> cutting >> cutting and having our employees that are here be paid well. >> Yes. >> And not having as many which is not a discussion anybody wants to have.
However, I think that asking everybody to not take an increase is a big ask. >> I agree and we've already asked that and people who are nonions have come back. I think that I think we can't do that again.
It's a hard conversation. None of us want to have it. But >> yeah, >> $270,000. >> So that's one. >> We cut expenses so much last year. There's only so much that we're going to be able to >> So in addition to the um the DPW, one of
the it's the restructuring of the ORC chart. We need to look at that. Are there departments that we don't need? Are there departments that I mean do we do a hiring freeze? If we have attrition, we don't hire
>> um how do we handle that? I think that's something we have to think about and talk about at our next meeting. >> Do we want to have a specific budget 27 line item or >> Yeah, I think so. I think we do. >> Just so we can have conversation about
it. I asked Nelson yesterday for how much was in stabilization and how much was in capital stabilization. >> I sent you the report. >> You did and it wasn't in the shareepoint. So, um >> I thought there was zero in capital.
>> There's a little bit. >> The thing is I don't think that the payment the first payment for the um snow cloud the big snowplow that we ordered has been taken out of here. And that was one of the things that was voted because I think that was around
30,000 >> 28 30,000 I can't remember exactly but it's in that range >> and and capital stabilization right now has 45,83438 >> that's like >> and that's and that's two that number again
>> $45,834.38 >> without the payment being >> without the payment being like probably >> we're around 15. >> And general stabilization >> uh G is 1,79,8248. So I >> What's the recommended amount by the state?
>> It's 4% of your operating budget. I take the operating budget at the whole 27 mil. Um, you know, there are people who are uh active on Facebook who say, "Oh, no, you take out the, you know, the school budget, but the school budget is
our tax dollar." >> And so, I I think we're we are definitely um working um paycheck to paycheck kind of. That's kind of how >> there's a lot on the car right now.
>> Uh yeah, and we certainly are. So, we don't have a lot there to take out. Um, I don't know our free cash situation. We've kind of guessed at that. >> Um, we are still uh waiting for the uh do to um certify it.
>> They have other um cities and towns who have um special town meetings that are kind of more priority for do look and certify. So um I think um it's
it's imminent I think pretty pretty soon probably after Thanksgiving sometime. >> Yeah. But still we have to be careful with it. >> We do. >> Yeah. I think once we once we get the amount certified then we can sort of uh
start planning uh some warrant articles. I I do think um not that we've we haven't done this in the past, we we probably need to be very judicious about what we spend on free cash because I think we're going to need every bit of it for snow and ice and, you know,
potentially to to balance the budget. You know, I hate to um use free cash to to do salaries. >> I I would like to see some of it for um a clear gov software.
>> Mhm. which is small 9,000. >> I know it's small, but I would like to see some of it there. >> I think Fin, but they seemed >> I I think we also need to have some put aside for um attorney fees. >> Yeah,
>> I I don't think we have enough in that in that uh line item. >> We're >> with the new structure. Yeah, we're we're quickly um going to be uh you know uh
over budget in in the the town council line. We're still okay for now. >> I my feeling was we're maybe good for four months maybe. >> And for clarification, the structure was changed from >> one monthly flat fee to hourly. >> Correct. Correct.
>> For anybody listening? >> Yep. And and so that we didn't we didn't factor that in when we did the budgeting. We would have budgeted differently. >> Yep. We didn't know about the >> October the change, which is pretty
significant to how we um budget these expenses. So, uh yeah, I think as we yeah, we'll need to figure out how much more uh we would need in um town council
fees. Um and and then with the upcoming all the union contracts expire, we're going to need uh town labor council to assist with that as well. Um yep. So yeah,
to talk about that. Um let's see what's next. Uh fire EMS regionalization. Um there was a quick update actually uh as of earlier this afternoon. Um originally we were going to have um uh a meeting of
all the town administrators and fire chiefs on December 4th. Um turns out there was a conflict on that date. So now we've revised it to December 11th and I think I sent an
email about that earlier this afternoon. So I I've told the fire chief about it. Um hopefully either he can make it or he can send a representative um from the fire department to attend.
But it will be at the um water treatment plant >> training room. >> Yes. >> And um what towns are I I think when we first looked at this we were thinking
Ashb Pepper Townsend. Um >> yeah and we had also included >> uh GR constable because they're part of the 911 system or whatever. Is that the reason the communications?
>> Yeah. And you Yeah. And it's just geographically, you know, it's the closest. We've we've also now included air, Littleton, um, and Kingsboro. Um, >> I have a concern about that. I really
do. I think that going that large regionalization um I I just think of the communication center when we went with the one in Devons that was so big and um and
and now we and we left that and wound up smaller which has been positive for the town. Mhm. >> I am concerned that the regionalization is getting huge and I think that if we're going to do that, and I know I've
mentioned this before, I would really like the Collins Center or some someone else, a consultant that is not necessarily the TAs of all these towns. That's what Doug brought up actually at the um North Middle Sex budget meeting.
>> I think by just as as initiatives we're trying to take on to tie it with regard to school and I think the um Andrew the town pepper mentioned that too. >> Okay. >> So who are the rest? I mean first it was three then it was five then it was seven now it's 11.
>> Yeah it's 11. >> Got eight. Well he's got 11 towns. So who who are the 11? >> I I have them right here. um Ashb Air. Um we added Devon's because apparently they have a really nice state-of-the-art um fire department or
EMS. Um >> yeah, >> so Devon's Dunable, Graten, Littleton, Lunenburg is a new one, Pepper, Shirley's a new one, Townsen, and
Tinsboro. So that is the 11. um at, you know, we we've only had two meetings and they were only at the the TA level. Um we think out of these 11 people are going to start dropping out because it it
doesn't make sense for them and then we're going to start much smaller, which I think is probably what it's going to end up being. But we at least want to cast a wide net, see who's interested. I mean, out in Franklin County, they have even larger networks of regional services like this. And I'm not saying
we should do what they're doing, but it's worth I mean, it's worth hearing, I think, and see. >> I think talking about it is worth it. But I will say that I and I'll look and see what's going on, but
we have really good services in towns. My fear is that we're going to wind up without good services in town. We've spent a lot of money um making sure that our fire EMS
is working the way the town wants it to work. >> I guess the question though is if we don't have that money in the future, >> if we're looking at a fiveyear plan with a million dollars short. >> Yeah. But does it always I don't know. I
don't want the service tore the service to decrease >> and I am afraid that if we get to 11 towns it, you know, which might not be what it is in the end, but 11 towns talking who all have their own idea without one person
>> be who has done this before looking at it um is is talking about it is one thing. Uh, I really think you need the callin center or someone in there looking at this, especially if you're going
>> there's a mass regionalization like um initiative group. I've gotten emails from it that specifically comes out and helps with regionalization efforts. >> Yes. and they great from Colin Center who from UMass Boston who were at the um
>> uh conference I went to in the spring for small towns and that was one of the two main topics that they talked about >> was regionalization of EMS. They weren't talking about buyers so much. They were talking about regionalization of EMS.
and they strongly suggested that you don't that you bring them in and I'm sure they're looking for work themselves but they strongly suggested that there be someone not >> third party >> a third party perfect helping with it
and so I am going to urge you Nelson to please get somebody in there if we're doing this >> I will >> if it's just ash pepperon towns That's a different story. >> But when you start meeting with 11 people, I mean, that's 22 people in the
room, >> all with their own ideas. >> Y, >> it gets a little nutso. >> Oh, it does. Um, so I will uh reiterate that, you know, we should probably uh seriously consider bringing Colin Center in to assist with this uh you
know, with these talks. Um, so just to, you know, not to belabor the point, but at this meeting on the 11th, it will be the fire chiefs and the TAs just sort of laying out the ground groundwork of what what the goals and expectations are. And
then we think the following meeting is just going to be um the subject matter experts all in the room, you know, the fire chiefs talking amongst themselves what work, what doesn't work, what, you know, who's in, who's out. Um so you
know so at that meeting you know less people hopefully the subject matter experts will you know come to sort of some consensus on you know how to >> I think that meeting would be very good to have somebody mediating the discussion
>> I agree that's party I think >> just because because I think if everybody you know this is a goal that maybe the municipalities have and it might not be shared with all the departments and I understand. >> Yeah, I I completely I if I was in their position, I might feel exactly the same.
>> Here's my concern. If we were Ashby or Pepil, I I would be jumping on something. But how much do we get in our budget from the EMS? >> The ambulance receipts. >> Yes. >> About $900,000.
>> Okay. Where are we going to get that once you regionalize? I don't think it would necessarily go down. You know, there actually might be an opportunity for um increased revenue. You know, if if uh
>> I would want to see that, >> you know, I I don't >> ask for the numbers of all the other anybody that we're going to be considering regionalizing with what their numbers are. And you know, if we are all going to be um as the PEL TA calls it, dance partners in this, you
know, we will have to put our all of our cards on the table. And uh as part of the email today, uh there was a spreadsheet where folks were supposed to fill out um you know, some of that information, you know, their budget, equipment that they have, how much
ambulance receipts they re they receive in a given year. >> And did they fill it out? Well, they pull just sent it this afternoon, so I don't expect all 10 communities, >> but those are numbers that we all should know. >> Yeah. >> And I don't there's different, you know,
different departments work different ways and within their towns and they may have a really robust department, but less ambulance receipts. So, >> I'd love to see it. >> So, >> I think they should be equal partners. >> Um,
in theory, yes. I do think there's going to be certain towns that are much stronger than others. Some towns who are lacking in some of the EMS fire capabilities who want to join in. Um they mean they may need to chip in
personnel or resources to sort of uh you know pull their share. Um I don't know what that looks like. That that's why this is still very preliminary. We we don't have a framework of what it's going to look like, but we won't know until we start somewhere until we get
people on the table. And again, out of the 11, I wouldn't be surprised if, you know, a good quarter to a third drop out pretty quickly. You know, I I've already heard some um communities um they don't think they're going to be part of the
first wave, you know, for various reasons, which is understandable because they have their own considerations to take into account. Um so, like you said, we have to start somewhere. You might as well start big and you know, shrink it down to something more manageable. So,
uh, still a lot of work to be continued, but, uh, you know, the next meeting is, uh, tenatively scheduled for December 4, uh, 11th at the moment. Um, we are still having monthly school budget meetings. I think the next one is December 15th.
>> We kind of talked about that with the budget. >> Yep. So, um, you know, uh, each meeting, you know, we're get a little bit more information. You know, uh, enrollment numbers are firmed up. Um, but you know, I think their
budgets are due, the school budgets, they have to pass them in, I think, right before Thanksgiving, I heard, which is this week. Um, so they may have some preliminary numbers to share with us on December 15th. I'm not certain at the
moment, but >> December 1st is the finance committee for the school meeting. Correct. >> Um, I >> I watched the school committee meeting. from November 8th. >> Oh, you mean the finance subcommittee? >> Oh, okay. I thought you meant our finance committ.
>> No, no, no, no, no. Very confused. Okay. >> No, the North Metal Sacks. >> Um, okay. Let me see. Uh, so we actually only have 13 minutes to get through everything. So, >> okay. >> Uh, let's see. >> Uh, animal inspector. Uh, I think I
mentioned I did receive one application. I really haven't had the bandwidth to dive into it. Um, >> I thought it was a month ago. >> It was, but you know, with everything going on, I haven't had time to take a look at it. Uh, I will, uh, put it on a
list of things to to do. I'll reach out to the candidate and, uh, see if they, you know, are a good fit for this position. Um, Comcast contract renewal. I actually had a, um, phone call with
Bill Solomon and Dave Fioli yesterday. I think we're kind of um we're kind of in agreement with what we are going to ask Comcast for in terms of how much per subscriber um we're looking to receive from
Comcast. I don't want to reveal the number because that's still an ongoing um negotiation at the moment, but I think we're in the final stretches. And uh I think I told Bill Solomon his his mar his marching orders were to have it
ready for the next select board meeting on December. >> No, well, I I said the 9th, but it turns out it might be the 8th. So, but I told them um the select board might be amanable to out of cycle meeting just to
get the contract um ratified uh you know and and sign off on because we are technically uh out of contract at the moment. But >> I think he Yeah, because I think he told us the middle of October because our contract ended the end of October,
>> we would have something by the middle of November. >> Yeah. >> Now we're going to be in December. Yep. So, um but I think we're we are now to marching towards the finish line you know um so he is going to go back to
Comcast with sort of what we discussed yesterday. So, um hoping to have um a contract for the select board on December 8th. Uh
Facebook page. I think we still need to get a policy from town council on uh I think so the social media policy before we can >> really >> I don't understand that. >> I don't either. I don't see why we can't.
>> It's a Facebook page. We need access to it. will put up announcements >> and no no comments there's no comment the same announcements that are on the web page right >> um >> it'll get more views on Facebook than it will on the towns website >> well I I don't disagree with that I I
just thought that uh that policy had to be in place before we start >> No we talked about that before too it's the last meeting we said it's not for comment there's no social policy involved the other pages exist for fire
for police for whatever that may actually have comments, but ours won't allow comments. >> Right. I will uh I'll look into how we can get that page uh uh in our it's recommended by council that we have
a social media policy before we use it. Is that was that the question? >> But not if you if you don't comment. >> I don't know. That's what I'm >> I thought that was my understanding, but I will double check. >> I don't think there's any room on that. Okay. I'll I'll look into that and uh we'll we'll try to get it up and running
as soon as >> I've been looking through a lot of old stuff and and it said that the social media the Facebook page was done and a social media policy would be written and that was about two years ago >> and it hasn't happened yet.
>> So I think we can just get a hold of the Facebook page wherever that is become the owners and just post. Harrison put it up. So, he has all the information on getting it. He was not town clerk when he put it up,
>> right? He >> when I when I uh resurrected the the issue with him cuz, you know, he briefly mentioned me a while ago and, you know, it was really wasn't on my radar, so I didn't, you know, pay too much attention
to it. But we need to basically set up um some sort of account that then would >> authenticates >> that would then uh be tied to that page. So we would need to set up an account and I need to >> and it has to be a it can't be like because you're going to need a phone. So
whose phone yada yada yada yada because you authentication codes have to go to a phone or an email address. >> So that's what I need to >> Well, Sabrina, I mean it can be done in in Slugboard Office. >> Oh yeah. >> Yeah, of course. Yeah. So, I just need to, you know, figure out, uh, you know,
what email address it would be tied to and things like that. So, um, I I'll I'll work on it and we'll >> we don't want to tie to select board. So, we're just getting December 8, >> but that's the right. >> Yeah.
>> Okay. Um, all right. We're now into reports from board liaison. We have eight minutes. Um so library council on aging um festival of trees is up at the library and the holiday fair is next Saturday was put on
by friends of the library in conjunction with the seniors so everybody should go have fun buy your Christmas presents holiday presents whatever you choose um and it's usually very busy there's food >> yeah it's a good fair >> no it's Saturday the sorry
next >> yep it's the 6th And all the information is on the website. It's a great fair. There's there's food and there's even like a room where kids can make their own Christmas presents that the parents can't go into. So >> Oh, shoot. >> Yeah, it's great. Everybody should go.
So that was that and we already talked about Mary Mil sex. So you're there. I the only thing I have is I want to have a spot on the December 8th agenda to report on the CR committee. So under the Aison reports.
So December 8th, that's mine. >> Okay. >> The December 8th, you said. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> The or second December meeting. >> Okay. And I think you talked about the school district stuff already. Yep.
>> Unless there was anything wrong. No, that was just I mentioned the event and yeah, everybody it was a good event and there was lots of testimony from other school districts and representatives and our state senators and lots of questions from the crowd that actually were very informative too.
I would have gone but I haven't I wasn't there but I watched it >> 6.3. >> Do you have any announcements? Would you like to make um the vacancies?
>> Sure. Um, so the following uh committees and boards have special have vacancies. The agricultural commission, board of water commissioners, capital planning committee, commission on disability. Um, the commission on
disability, two vacancies for disabled individuals and one vacancy for a not disabled individual. And the caveat is one of those positions has to be one of the positions has to be a town official. So that's kind of where that stands. >> Official being any elected official.
>> Um, town official, town employee. >> Who who >> I would have to get clarification on that. >> Okay. Um, Cindy, can I ask you a question? >> I apologize, but due to um ethics rules,
I am not allowed to comment on that at this time. Oh, okay. Oh, okay. Yeah. So, it's just uh the state recommends signing the table slots before non-disabled slots. So, that was that. Um, community preservation committee, conservation
commission, energy committee, historic district commission, housing authority representative, housing authority vacancy, kids country playground committee, recycling committee, town properties committee, west towns and meeting room, zoning board of appeals vacancy for a full member two,
um, and then an associate member. Okay. And on the, um, Whoops. town properties committee. I know that those are uh two two positions that are not aligned
with a board or per the charter. They're two open seats. So, those are the volunteer positions that are currently available and we look forward to people filling out the new form. >> Did you put capital planning on there?
Capital Planning Committee vacancy is on here. Good. She did say it, too. >> All right. Good, good, good. Because we also have to appoint someone to capital sometime in December. >> Okay. Well, that's
it's on the list of opportunities for community members to serve. Um, our next meeting is December 2nd. And are we starting earlier? It would be good to know now. Right. I'm
asking the question. Um, let me look at the agenda, see how packed it is. Um so the just as a reminder there is a public hearing for the uh the tax classification
>> at 610. >> 610. Yep. >> Um let me see here. >> Uh you will have um see multiple readings. I think >> maybe we also get a budget memo, right?
>> Yes. Um I think >> starting at five probably would wouldn't be the worst idea given >> I think there's another executive on that one too. >> Two. >> Okay. So 5:00 p.m. on the second.
>> 9 p.m. on the second. >> All right. and the meeting after that. >> Um I thought it was the 9th. Board of Health wants it on the 8th. >> So can we jointing to the ETH as well?
>> It's up to you. >> It's fine with me. >> I would rather do that than two nights in a row. >> All right. So select board on Monday the 8th. >> And do we have a time for the meeting with them? Is it like 6 PM or something?
610. Did Kelly give you a time? >> Uh, well, looking at their um their agenda, they do start at 6. They don't have a ton on it, and so I think they can um >> Yeah, they they don't they don't have a
specific time for us. >> Now, do we have a room to meet in that day? >> Uh, right now it's advertised as um downstairs in room two. Yes. But for our meeting, is there a planning board meeting in here on December 2nd? Do we
know? >> The ethm couldn't see it posted. >> Well, that's kind of far out. Um I don't know. So the ETH would be the second Monday. When when is planning be?
>> I don't remember on Mondays. It used to be the second. >> So, it's first and third. >> Is it first and third? >> That would be first and third. Otherwise, that's second and third and fourth. >> I I have no idea.
>> Um, let me just see if for some reason it might be already showing up. I ain't bored. >> I saw something in SharePoint for Beth. Can you check that from her regarding
>> hearing or something? >> Um so according to their last agenda they are meeting on the ETH >> then they're going to use this room. Um I only two rooms we can use. So, can we
meet prior? If we met at 4 or something like that. >> Oh, yeah. You can meet earlier. >> Yeah. If we met earlier and ended with the board of health, >> then we wouldn't need this room at all, >> right? >> Other than, you know, we could make we
wouldn't need it later in the evening. >> Yeah. >> If we could do like a even a 3:30 if the agenda is that huge, I don't know. >> Yeah. Same thing. Um, yeah, the a that's >> we can decide that next week, >> but I'm I'm good with going with three
or four, >> getting business done. And then you want to >> physically go >> go downstairs, meet with them, and then a journ with them and a journal meeting at that point.
>> Yep. And we would need to get TCAN to you know be able to um host for us through that. So up here >> until the end of um we could even adjourn our meeting up
here and then go down there reopen a meeting joint. Yeah, >> that might be the way to do it. >> I think so too. Yep. >> Can I jump in quickly, folks? >> Yes, Dave. Can you discussing the eight? >> Yes.
>> Okay. You're going to have I'll have to sit down with you guys and we'll have to figure something out because you've got every room already spoken for and you've got three meetings all happening pretty much at the same
time. And now you're talking about adding a meeting in front of everything that you'll probably only be able to have a half an hour worth of time before you start running into the other three meetings that are already booked. >> What are the three meetings and what are
the times? >> You've got Hang on. Let me get in there. >> Uh 6 p.m. Board of Health. You knew that. 6 pm select board.
>> 6:30 you've got the planning board, >> right? >> What do you have before 6 o' >> Let me get in there. >> Yeah, I'm texting now. Nothing before 6 pm. Board of health at 6 p.m.
>> Okay. >> Board currently at 6 pm. Planning board 6:30. Water department at 7:00. >> Yeah, >> that's all already booked. So, >> okay. So, um Dave, can you put us in for
4 >> 4 p.m.? Do you want 3:30? >> 3:30. Just to be safe for 3:30 in chambers. >> Okay. >> We'll be we'll be out of here by 6. >> Well, that's Well, 6. Yes. 6 o'clock.
Yes. That way that way you'll be able to start the planning board meeting. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And we'll go down. >> We'll go down to We have a joint with board of health. >> Yes. Your joint with border health would be sometime after 6 and however long you
are downstairs. >> Right. Okay. We good? >> That's fine with me as long as you're aware of what times you're dealing with. So >> on the at 3:00 in selectman's chambers.
>> Okay. We can start after, right? >> Yep. >> Doesn't have to be right at 3, >> right? >> But book us the room at three. We'll we'll know more once the um agenda is posted.
>> Yeah. Well, just make a note. Let me know as soon as you can because I'm going to have to shuffle some scafia up. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Dave. >> Thanks. Thank you. >> All right. We are now uh good with
meetings. Uh 6.5 move that we review and sign payroll and base pay bills payable warrants out of session. Is there a second? Uh any discussion? Roll call vote. I >> Valer Good. I
>> Laura Shiffron I. 7.1 5:30 executive session. I Laura Shiffren move to enter into executive session at 5:36
p.m. and adjourn from executive session pursuant to open meeting law. Chapter 30, section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to litigation, namely RFS court versus town
of Townsen, Middle Sex Superior Court docket number 2581C2381 where an open meeting may have detrimental effect on the litigation position of the board and the chair. So declare
declares I chair of the select board Laura Shiffron so declare. >> Do I have a second? >> Um second Veronica Cal second. Are we adjourning from executive?
>> We are. That is what this motion is. >> Okay. All right. Thank you. >> And I stated that and so for second roll call vote. I'll have Veronica I get a check Laura Shiffren