Good evening everyone. My name is Laura Shiffron and I will call the meeting to order of the select board on November 5th at 5:01 p.m. Roll call. >> Veronica present present >> and Laura Shiff present. Please join me
in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 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 all of our military serving here and abroad, all of our emergency response individuals, all of our elected and appointed officials as well as their families who
help contribute to our town. They are much appreciated. The meeting is being recorded and will be uploaded to YouTube. Is anyone else recording? No one has acknowledged. I do not have any additions or deletions
to the agenda that was posted. Uh 1.5 review and approve the meeting minutes of 1021 and 2025. I would just like to excuse me and 102825.
I would like to just remind you that um you say your name and I move that before speaking. Yep. I Gooditch move to approve the meeting minutes for 10:21 2025 and 1028 2025. >> Can we take them separately if there are
any edits? Okay. Can we go back and just do the first one? >> Um I Val Goodage move to approve the meeting minutes from 10:21 2025. >> Veronica Keel second. >> Okay. Discussion. Um I would like to
make some edits to this. I would like to um remove the uh sentence in 1.5, the very first sentence um about Valerie noting to about us having to say our name what you just
said essentially. I would like to remove that. I don't think that is >> necessary. Same sentence further on where Valerie notes excitement. I don't think we need to note excitement in the
minutes. Um so although she's Valerie being excited and very >> excited a little too much in these meeting minutes. So >> and is in discussion for this >> I have always known that meetings were more the minutes of meetings were more
action items. So your bullet points of the agenda and then when you make a motion and have it seconded and that is recorded and you do the recording of the vote, there is no lengthy
discussion or minutes to the meeting of what people he said she said kind of thing, >> right? >> It's more of a summary than discussion. >> Yeah. But but here it's like every word is stated and I'm not sure those are actual minutes to have people's
opinions. If you look at the uh minutes of the town meetings that we have, you don't have verbatim what the people have said. It's a motion uh a seconded discussion was held and then the vote was done. >> So what Nelson is your opinion of how we
should do this going forward? This is a lot of time consuming um for staff and for us editing when you have a video for a lifetime um there. So action items
>> um I do think it could be reduced in you know in size these meeting minutes. um you know we are utilizing AI to sort of uh you know >> which we have to double check because they are wrong many times.
>> Yep. So we're trying to speed up the process. So I think AI is um you know being more thorough than what we are we would like. So um I'll talk to Sabrina to see if we if there's any way that we >> condense it. >> Yeah. Um I I do think the the
information is, you know, pretty good in here, but I think the the the amount of um extraneous information um can be reduced. So I'll talk to Sabrina to see if we can uh get the AI software to uh you know be a little bit more concise.
>> Okay, Connor from the board. Um, yeah, I would say too that it it becomes a little tricky when someone compares these meeting minutes to meeting minutes where it's not being used because it would be impossible for someone who is clerking the minutes at a meeting to have anywhere near this level of detail.
Mhm. >> So if if AI wasn't being used and say I was doing the minutes for an executive session, they would not be near as because this is basically I would be writing the entire time and not participating in the executive session
itself. >> Yeah. >> So that they would there's no way they would be able to be this verbose. >> Yeah. >> Y that's a good way. >> And a court synographer is one thing. >> What's that? >> Yeah. A court stenographer is one thing, right? Every word. >> Yeah. This is not that. >> This is not that. Okay. So, I guess you
have direction and do you think that there's any motion that's needed to board that direction or are we good? >> No, we're good. We're good. >> I'll talk to Sabrina. >> I I have more changes. >> Okay. Go ahead. >> I want more since it was seven pages of minutes. >> Yeah.
>> And I read them. >> 4.5 Nelson Mui reported on his meeting, not at his meeting. Um, uh, going further down where we made the motions for the two MOAs, I thought there should
be a a sentence saying that for the first one with the supervisor's union, um, the content of the memorandum was not hiring a land use coordinator and the content of the second motion was not
filling a a vacant equipment operator position in highway. I thought that should be there. Then when you get down to the bulleted items, the second bullet, non-union staff not receiving steps or cola increases. That is true. But the second to the last bullet is
covered under that second bullet, library staff agreeing not to take payraises for FY26. I I don't think we need both of them. I think we can eliminate the one. >> So there's nobody in the library that's union. >> Nobody in the library is union. Okay. I
think keep I think for that one while it might be redundant it's I feel it's also good maybe for the minutes to reflect that just to really emphasize the fact that >> they did it >> that the library staff so I agree it's kind of redundant but it does
>> they were the only ones >> it really does put emphasis on the fact that and again it was actually said as well um it puts emphasis on the fact that the library staff made that um sacrifice >> I'd like And we appreciate that. >> We really do. But
>> I I did not know something that maybe we could take a look at. Um um the one about the assistant fire chief. That is true. Not filling it. But >> where are you at? 4.8. No, >> we're still under the
>> Yeah, it's 4.6. Um >> not filling the assistant fire vacancy >> did not equate to $74,000 in savings. It was. >> That's what I noted. That was the total. >> Yeah. Okay. So, you know that. Okay.
>> Okay. Moving on. Um 4.7. Veronica Kel suggested moving the DPFW article from the March town meeting to the annual town meeting to provide more time for implementation.
Did you um uh there's something funky here. >> I didn't I I thought we had decided that we had said that it would have to be in January if we wanted in the budget >> if we wanted to make it then this sentence needs to be redone. >> Okay. >> I had noted that too. I said this
doesn't describe what was >> what happened. >> Right. >> Okay. So then 4:15 um it wasn't Chair Shiffron who expressed concern. It was Vice Chair Cal. >> Yes.
>> And then going to um 416, it wasn't Chair Shiffron. It was Vice Chair Cal. Um and uh and in 5.2 reports from board leaison, it was Vice Chair Cal, not
Chair Shiffron, who reported on the So >> you guys must sound a lot alike or something. I yeah they can't distinguish us >> and apparently I'm always enthusiastic so >> yes you are very enthusiastic >> somewhat needs to be so
>> that's good but we don't need to note it in >> No we don't need to um so okay so those are my changes and I will submit them to um >> Sabrina >> Sabrina >> I have very similar ones and I think you we touched on the only one that was
different so okay >> okay >> so Um, I would if we're done with the discussion >> on >> 1021 >> 10:21. >> So I would suggest Veronica Cal would
suggest that we amend the motion to um include the changes that were noted. >> Seconded. >> And who are you? Valerie Good. Seconded. >> Sorry. Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call.
>> Roll call. Vote. >> Roll. Right. Roll call. Vote. >> You're not the only one. >> I don't know. >> Sorry. Better get I >> Excellent. All right. Um, we have our
510 is here and it's now 511. So 7.1 executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 30A section 21 A2 to conduct strategy sessions in the
preparation for negotiations with non-UN personnel or contract negotiations with non-UN personnel fire chief I. Laura Shiffren move to enter into executive session at
5:12 p.m. pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21 A2 to conduct strategy sessions in preparation for negotiations with non-UN personnel or
contract negotiations with non-UN personnel fire chief the select board will return to open session after the executive session and adjourn in the open meeting. Is there a
second? >> Veronica Keel second. >> Roll call vote. >> Veronica Kell I. >> And Laura Shiffren. I thank you Harley.
>> Uh Harley. Uh we are going to exit. >> The 1028. >> Yeah, we did do the seems better. Am I correct? >> It's It's recording. It was muted.
>> Yep. Okay, we're good. >> Are we good? >> Yep, we're recording. >> We are back now at 6:20 p.m. and we are on 1.5
uh to approve minutes for 102825. Is there a motion? >> I Valerie Gooditch move to approve the meeting minutes for 1028 2025. >> Uh Veronica second. >> Okay. And is there discussion on the 1028 minutes? >> I have none.
>> Nope. I have none either. >> Roll call vote. Veronica good and Laura shipper so far. We have no appointments or hearings. Three appointments of officials personnel.
Uh 3.1. Is there a motion? >> I move that we appoint Irene Condan to the recycling committee effective. Sorry, let me start that again. >> Yes, please. Excuse me. I, Valerie Gurich, move that we appoint Irene Condan to the recycling
committee effective 11:05 2025 until 6:30 2028. >> Is there a second? >> Veronica Cal. >> Any discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal I. Valerie Gooditch. I
floor I 3.2. I Valerie Gooditch move that we appoint Sally Cu sorry Sally to the recycling committee effective 11:05 2025 until 6:30 2027 Veronica Ke second
>> any discussion hearing none roll call vote >> Veronica I >> Gich I >> Laura Shiffron I 3.3 is there a motion >> I move that we reappoint Lynon Durret to the cultural council sorry I Valerie
Gooditch move that we Reappoint Linda Durant to the cultural council effective 11:05 2025 until 6:30 2028 second. >> Any discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. >> Baronel I. >> Valer Gooditch. I
>> Laura Chipper I 3.4. Is there a motion? >> I Valerie Gooditch move that we appoint Dave Chanel to the zoning board of appeals effective 11:05 2025 until 6:30 2026. Um, before I second that, is he being appointed as an associate member
or a full member? I thought it was associate member. >> I thought it was associate, too. Let me just open it up here because I watched that meeting and he said position, isn't it? >> Yeah.
>> I I saw the meeting, too. on his volunteer response form. It says associate and then I just double check. >> He said it in the meeting. >> Two members. The public notice just says yes, it says
two associate members. Let me change that motion. Um, >> thank you. I, Valerie Gurich, move that we appoint Dave Chanel as an alternate to the zoning board of appeals effective 11:05. >> Not as an alternate, but as an associate member. >> Associate member
to the zoning board of appeals effective 11:05 2025 until 6:30 2026. >> Veronica Cal second. >> Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica Cal I get a chai
>> and Loria I >> thank you and thank you to all of those people who were disappointed for helping us out. Um sorry I didn't see this part until now. >> Yeah. >> Can you get those ready? Yeah, they're
in >> Yeah, they're in the SharePoint. >> And we're But we're not supposed to read them. >> No. >> No, you don't have to. Nope. >> Okay. Um Okay. Um 4.1 through 4.6.
>> We have to do each one separately. >> 4.1. Is there a motion? Um >> I do. >> Yeah. Do we just need to approve the response or acknowledge the >> I think we
move to approve the open meeting law. Um >> I thought we >> alleged violation complaint >> response. >> Oh >> subject to final comments and review by the time administrator Um,
>> I already moved that this that we minute. Let me think about this. I would put alleged violation complaint response is how I would word it different from what's here. >> Response.
with the alleged complaint response. So I I'm not actually making a motion. >> Oh, was complaint alleged. >> I move to approve the open meeting law complaint alleged violation response subject to final comments and review by the time administrator do
>> and we might want to put the date in there. >> No. Yeah, that's what my my >> Okay. Um so 4.1 I value Gooditch move that we approve the open mean law complaint alleged violation response for
September 25th 2025 received in the turn come town clerk's office 10:24 2025 subject to final comments and review by the town administrator or as needed town council >> I'll verify
any discussion hearing none roll call vote to count I >> Valer Gooditch I >> lower shipper I 4.2 Two. I Val Gooditch move to approve the open meeting law complaint alleged violation response for
the violation dated 1021 2025 received in town clerk's office 1024 2025 subject to final comments and review by the town administrator or as needed town council second. >> Any further discussion hearing? None.
Roll call vote. Veronica I >> Val Gooditch I >> Laura Fai 4.3 >> I Valerie Gooditch move to approve the open meeting law complaint alleged violation response for the date 9252025 received in the town clerk's office
10:22 2025 subject to final comments and review by the town administrator and or town council >> ver any discussion hearing none roll call vote I >> ship
Nope. 4.4. Right. >> 4.4. >> Is there a motion? >> I, Valerie Gooditch, move to approve the open meeting law complaint alleged violation response for 1021 2022 received in the town clerk's office 1022 2025. Subject to final comments and
review by the town administrator or and as needed, town council. Any further discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote to call I floor ship or nine. 4.5.
I valich move to approve the open mean law complaint alleged violation response dated 10072025 received in the town clerk's office 1024 2025. Sub final comments and review by the town administrator and or town council
as needed. Is there a second for second? Any discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Valich I l shipper I 4.6 motion. I Valerie Gooditch move to approve the open meeting law complaint
alleged violation response dated 9:30 2025 received in the town clerk's office 10:24 2025 subject to final comments and review by the town administrator and or town council. Cell second. >> Any discussion?
>> Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica. I >> Gai. >> Laura Shifer. I >> 4.7 setting of select board meeting dates from January 26, 2026 to June 2026.
Is there a motion? >> Uh, do you guys just want to talk about it first before making a motion? It might be more um >> productive with time. >> I actually just um
I thought I had it all written out and I didn't bring my piece of paper that had it all written out because I had gone through the calendar. Um >> do you mean this or do you mean you wrote for yourself? >> Oh, >> whether you could myself.
>> Okay, wait a minute. Sorry. Um, >> 4.7. Okay. Um, okay. So, you have this 4.7 with the dates here. Um,
does anyone need any changes? Um the I don't need any changes. The only question I had was when's school vacation week? Although that might not matter to any of us at this point. So um and I I don't have anything
planned for any of these times. So I'm good with this and then we can >> TVD. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean and and typically I do assume the first and the third Tuesday. >> Okay. So I think
at this point um I'm good and if um and if I'm not um we can do Zoom or we could >> you know one never knows what what happens tomorrow. So is there a motion?
I move that I valator to move to approve the cycle board meeting dates from January 2022 to June 2026 as follows. Um January 6th, January 20th, February 3rd, February 17th, March 3rd, March 17th,
April 7th, April 21st, May 5th, May 19th, June 2nd, June 16th. >> Is there a second? >> Veronica second. >> Any further discussion? I just want to note that it's the first and third Tuesday of the month. >> Okay.
>> And I will note that sometimes that changes. >> But you'll be informed at least 48 hours before. Okay. >> 4.8. >> Oh, sorry. Sorry about that. Get too
excited. Keep moving. Uh, so there was discussion. Roll call vote, please. >> Veronica. I >> Vich I >> Laura Shiffron I >> 4.8 Hey, is there a motion >> holiday schedule move to the two to
approve the 2026 town holiday schedule as read? >> When I looked in the It wasn't here the last time. >> I have it right. I have it pulled up. >> Let me grab it >> and then we can talk about it because I
>> um they all seem pretty straightforward. The question is that some of these are noted in the um contracts and I I just want to make sure that the contracts are taken into mind so that
there aren't um state holiday. Is that what we're looking at? Just the mass state holidays? >> Yeah. And it's it the motion is for 2026 but the list is for three years. Yeah, >> you just
you're just looking at the 26 >> 26 >> 26. All right. So, I'm good with that >> because that's typically what we follow, right? >> I don't think there's anything unusual there. >> So, let me do the as read part. It would be January 1st, 2026.
January 19th, 2026. Therefore, >> Martin Luther King Jr. day. >> Mhm. >> February 16th, 2026 is Washington's birthday. April 20th, 2026 is Patriots Day. May 25th, 2026 is Memorial Day.
June 19th, 2026 is Junth day. July 4th, 2026, Independence Day, which is a Saturday this year. I don't know if that so >> we would observe it the prior Friday. The Friday, >> so in this case, that would be for July
3rd, 2026. Just make sure >> Saturday is the 4th. >> Um, >> I don't have June on my paperwork. >> What does June say? >> Junth. June 19th,
>> which is the day on the day. >> So, the only one that changed so far was July 3rd, which is the Friday. Um, September 7th, 2026 is Labor Day. October 12th, 2026 is Columbus Day.
November 11th, 2026 is Veterans Day. And then November 26, 2026, Thanksgiving. And December 25th, 2026 is Christmas Day. Veronica second. Okay. Any discussion?
Hearing none. Roll call vote. have thought a try and I so next we have 4.9. Is there a motion? I move to I Valer Gooditch move to close
the town hall on the day after Thanksgiving 11:28 2025 and close the town hall at noon on December 24th 2025 and close the town hall at noon on December 23rd sorry December 31st 2025
move to leave the town hall open the day before Veterans Day on 11:105. >> Is there a second? >> Um I will second but I want to talk about it. Okay. >> Um because there are some unions and I
thought that I know when I was a selectman before we had discussed making it consistent across unions that it would be so I think clerical and supervisors and this is actually in Melissa's email.
Clerical and supervisors have a half day off before Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving off >> 7:29. But I don't know that other unions do. And when um when it's not in the
union contract, employees that don't have it in their contracts have to take either um >> PTO >> or work >> work either they have to work or they have um to take time off. >> Correct. So non-union
um staff um would fall in that category. You either have to work those days or you have to take uh PTO. Um >> Okay. Um >> so we don't have the day after Thanksgiving. Oh no, we do. Okay, never mind. Sorry.
>> Um this this motion is saying we're going to close town hall on that day. >> Yeah. Um but people either have to work it or they have to take time off
if they cannot work. So I don't know how working >> um that is a payroll thing. So Melissa will will police that and that's why she sends out those emails um so that everyone so that everyone is on the same
page, you know. Um, and again, this is for the non-UN employees that uh that their contract doesn't specifically spell, >> but she only sent it to I would think it would be Cali that would be sending it out. But maybe it is Melissa because she
does payroll in her office, but this it looks like this one just to you. >> Uh, I think she sent some a reminder out to everyone uh for those holidays that their time sheet needs to be coded. correctly. So I I remember doing that in
the past to like all employees. >> Well, this is last year 2024. >> Yeah, it's just an example of >> Okay. Um >> and and the explanation is there. Yeah. >> Yeah. About the unions and
>> and I'm stating that only because when holidays have been declared that aren't approved holidays, there can be grievances for people who work 24/7 shifts saying, "Oh, the town added a holiday." And so we need to be careful
about that. >> Okay. >> No, we we certainly have not added anything. and just um trying to what's the word? Um make uh be consistent uh or make sure the town hall operating
hours are sort of consistent with the the the union contracts because most of those staff contractually have those days off. And I think just it makes sense to just close town hall >> rather than keep it open. But I think
that people have to understand that it's not a holiday unless it's in your um contract that it is a holiday. Correct. >> And that arrangements need to be made to take time off on those days. >> Yep. And that's >> or to work from home or whatever needs to be done there.
>> And that's the the email that Melissa typically um sends out. >> Okay. so that staff realize that. >> Okay. Just so that that's understood. So, >> okay, that was a motion for 4.9. That
was discussion. >> Why would the town hall be closed the day before Veterans Day? It's Veterans Day on a Tuesday. >> No, it says leave the town hall open and town hall open. >> Okay, it's open specifically for Veterans Day. >> For Veterans Day, we are closed.
>> Yes, correct. But it's not. But there is an event right at the BFW. I think Betty May. >> Oh, yeah. I think there is >> on that. Yeah. >> And just while we're at it and talking about Veterans Day, I am going to go to the breakfast at the high school and
take it. >> So, I don't know if anybody else is. >> I can't do Friday morning. >> Okay. So, >> I can't either. >> I will be there. >> Okay. Good. Thank you. >> Thank you for there on Tuesday. So hopefully one of you are going to >> I will not be here. >> Veterans Day.
>> I'll try to make it. >> Okay. Cuz I can't make that. So all right. >> Thank you guys. >> Okay. I think I can. >> Okay. >> Got to push something out there. >> So roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal I thought I give it a try. >> Laura Shipper I 4.10
review and discuss municipal building waste contract and residential contract and enterprise account financials. questions to be sent to the board of health reant anticipated joint meeting. Is there a motion? >> Do you want me to wait until we've had
discussion? >> I do. We want to discuss or what? >> Yeah. Well, I'd like to have I mean, if it's okay with you guys, I'd like to have Nelson speak to the contract, the municipal contract. Um so we did receive uh a proposal from
GWAW for uh for the municipal buildings. Um, I don't think it was anything uh that we weren't expecting because originally way back in the spring or
summertime when he had the the full contract of everything, this municipal portion was part of that proposal. So, he just took it out and made it, you know, a separate contract, which makes a lot of sense because you don't want to uh muddy the waters with the curbside
residential contract. So, I don't the the rate is exactly what I expected it to be. So, I think all that we need to do now is um send it to town council for
review. Um, you know, the board of health would also need to sign off on it, too. But I I think you know, you guys can probably um make a motion to uh approve it out of session contingent on um you know, town council approval.
>> So, would you like to make that motion and then discuss the rest of the contract, the other part of the >> the um agenda item because there's a lot more to it. >> Yeah. Why don't we do the >> Yeah. Yeah. Okay. >> Um, yeah, because I looked at it and I
think you're right. It was looked by. >> I, Valerie Gooditch, move to approve the municipal building waste contract contingent upon review approval of board of health, town council, and town >> and sign out of session. >> And sign out of session. >> Veronica Ke second.
>> Discussion. The discussion is that on here it says that this is from July 1st, 2025 to June 30th, 2027, but it's a three-year contract. So, >> fiscal year 26, 27, and 28. >> Then this should be June 30th, 2028, not
2027. >> Um, and so that's an error in here. >> Yep. I'll have it. >> Um, and that needs to be fixed. Yeah. Um, and just so just so everyone listening is clear, this is for the municipal buildings, >> correct? >> Buildings,
>> nothing to do with the residential. >> Correct. >> Signature page also has to be fixed because it has the year 2024. >> Yep. >> I know. Let's look at this. This is prepared to sign and it's incorrect. So, we won't be signing it. Get that back to
>> the town council needs to look at it first. So, so it needs to be reviewed by town council and the errors that we pointed out need to be >> addressed. Addressed. >> Do we vote on it? Hey, no, we do not. That was discussion.
>> Okay. So, if we're done with discussion on the contract that on the motion for the contract uh per contingent upon town council review roll call vote
I going to try and I okay so that's that part of this 4.9 excuse me 10 um questions to be sent to the board of health
regarding anticipated joint meeting here. >> So I did you have my questions >> at least 1125. Yeah, >> there's three of them there. Yeah, >> three of them. Yes, questions for joint meeting on December 9th. So um I have as
you know I've had question >> about this along you you are looking at it online. Okay. So um my questions are different after getting what I did from Liz from CBZ our town accountant because
she did put into uh what I was looking for was this projection. So I don't know if you guys looked at this. >> So and if you looked at the contract that Nelson sent at least I got it. I don't know if everybody else got it. For
residential, there's a significant increase and that begins July of 2026 um for FY 27, smaller increase for the next year, but
I'm more concerned about FY27 because that's what is being budgeted. So, if you looked at this, you can see that um as of the end of July, the enterprise fund is in the hole by $15,000.
Um so, in any event, um and I do have questions about the residential, but we're not discussing that contract tonight. Correct. >> Correct. >> Or voting on it. Um, but all in all, it seems pretty solid. But because of the
combination of the monthly projections and the contract, my questions are, what period of time is covered with the $125 people paid for TR trash pickup? Meaning, are people thinking that that
12 is the board of health thinking that that 125 just covered the fiscal year, which means till June 30th, 2026, or the calendar year, which was from September 1st up to the next September
1st? I made my own little informal pool poll of people that I know and people are thinking it's through the end of August. And so first question is what period of
time did people pay for? The second question >> and when do they pay again? >> Well, yeah, that's the second question pretty much. And how much recognizing that the tipping fees which are an expense and the pay as you throwback fees which is income must be monitored
and it must be because these are projections based on what was provided at town meeting. At what point does the board of health expect to set the next rate for trash pickup covered by the enterprise fund?
And note that the rate for residential trash pickup in the proposed GW contract increases significantly by 20 to 25% on July 1st, 2026. And then number three is given that the
trash program is not supported by tax dollars, how will a deficit in the enterprise fund be covered by the board of health and the trash takers? >> So those are my three questions. >> Did we get the tonnage yet? >> Um no September.
>> Not as far as I know. Um I don't know that the board of health the board of health didn't have it in their meeting. >> Okay. which was what last week or whatever, >> they should have it because by contract it has to be provided >> by a certain period of time in the month
in the residential contract. And so I assume they're going to have probably only well they should have September and October come November and they didn't have anything. >> They they've given us August already. >> August was on
contract. So >> he paid for >> um it wasn't enough >> July and August. >> Um so I I have I just want to know how it is. My concern is that tax dollars cannot be spent on residential trash
pickup. And that was the >> Yeah. >> the bargain that was struck in town meeting and >> and data can tell you what it is. Now
granted, we won't have data for tipping fees and pay as you grow, but at some point someone needs to take a good look at this and and have a thoughtful conversation about it. Not just, hey,
the board of selectman wants numbers, so here you go. Here's the numbers. We are not the ones that are we are the deciders in the end but the board of health would like to be and so they need to pay attention to this
because from where I sit um and the numbers that I see which again we don't have all the numbers we don't know the numbers yet but at what period of time is the board of health going to say, okay, how are we going to
make up for the, you know, 20 to 25% increase in pickup? How, you know, maybe the numbers are going to all fall out and be beautiful. I I don't know. Um I I >> I think the the the
the base fee in year two, it's not some gigantic increase that you think >> it's from 399 to 493. >> But here's the thing though, that 3.99 was September onward. you have to also
take into account July if July and August were part of that flat uh fee. >> They're not. But but what I'm saying is if because part of their original um
uh proposal during the the springtime the the that that um that flat base fee um from year one to year two was >> covered with stabilization. >> No, no, no. I'm just saying that the the
fee itself um it was a modest jump from year one to year two. So, I think uh you need to really take that into account. It's really not like a 25% jump. Um when you think about it, >> if you subtract those first two months
out or put them in and pretend that they were being >> correct, >> but if you look at the flat rate that that 125 is supposed to cover, you are looking at a in just the pickup.
So, in other words, I'm not offsetting those first two months of the fiscal year. That's true. So, maybe we can take out the 20 to 25% and say it's a $93,000 increase from one year to the next,
which makes a difference in the monthly amount that is charged for the pickup. And that's what I'm getting at. the the 3.99 is our you know 40,000 a month for this
year which ends July 1st well June 30th it ends and then we have a 93,000 roughly increase between here and there on the amount that we are going to be paying monthly or that the trash takers
>> annually right 90k is for the year >> yes 93k is for a year, but it's a monthly >> would be >> 7,750, >> right? Roughly 20 to 25% of the 40k. And how many folks are on the program right
now? 22,100 or something like that. I don't remember. >> You mean 2200? >> 22. 2,200. Yeah, >> 22,000 would be awesome. >> 22. >> If that was divided equally, it would be like a $40 increase next year
>> for just that. for just that. But then you have to look at >> the fact that >> we have to pay for July and August. July and August are lost in the the 125.
>> I just divide that over 12 months is what I did. >> So from July to July. >> So it Yeah. But except that July and August aren't covered with the rate that was um taken and this
>> right if you look at this July and August don't get covered in the budget that was set. Um and the the variables are what are the tipping fees and what are the pays
you throw. And when I did my numbers, I made those equal in best case scenario. They're equal. They offset and and you're good. But what if the tipping fees come in higher than the amount of the pay as you throw? Then you're not
golden. If the pay as you throw amount comes in higher than the tipping, then you are golden. >> And we just don't know yet. So, someone needs to be paying attention and and a determination has to be made
because where if you're not taking taxpayer dollars and there's a deficit, where is it coming from? And I think people also have to recognize that the rate will change for the next year
unless that balance is amazing. >> Yeah. Which would be great. It would be great. I just don't know. I don't think anybody does at this point. >> Okay, Nelson, do you have enough to get the questions to Carla for the joint
meeting? >> Oh, do you guys have other questions? So, that covers >> I just want the tonnage. >> Yeah, >> I just added the balance between the tonnage and the what you were just discussing. >> So, what what's the tonnage for um September? >> September. I mean, we're going to meet
in December. So, >> yeah. And what's the Well, they wanted these questions by November 12th, >> right? So, >> which is what they said in the meeting. >> You could add November >> um >> September and October. >> October and Well, yeah, I said September, October, and November
>> if they have it. They may not have it because their meeting is like >> So, just that difference between the pay as you throw and the tunnage >> and the pay as you throw for September and October. >> That's awesome. Yeah, that that's what we need. So, nothing else
and you guys agree with my three questions? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> You good? >> Yeah. Um, >> you want this? >> Sure. It was a PDF, so I couldn't add it.
>> Oh, as a PDF. Okay. Sorry. That's fine. I thought I put it in a maybe I didn't put that one in as close. Okay. 4.11. Is there a motion? I a good move to approve the intermunicipal agreement for police
department social work services with the community outreach initiative network coin and authorize the town administrator to sign on the select board's behalf. Um, >> is there Veronica second >> discussion?
Can I just say that this is um >> You want to briefly explain what this is? >> Yeah. Um, so I did reach out to the police chief. He he he has confirmed that we do utilize this service. So the
main um uh grant or contract is with the uh town of air and what we're signing is a IMA intermunicipal agreement. Um and other communities including Ashby Air,
Boxboro, Dunstable, Groten, Littleton, Shirley, Townsen, and Westford are part of this. Um but again you know um the the the grant or contract vehicle is with the is with air.
>> Um so this is basically um how do I describe it? um situations where um police departments use um clinicians or social workers um
to assist with certain uh police calls. Um because a lot of police calls are mental health related, you know, like the person is not well and >> panic attack >> and instead of it escalating to the point where they're like arrested and
you know um booked um a clinician may be called on site to diffuse the the situation. So it sounds like um you know these clinicians are moving across multiple um police departments and
assisting as you know um cases come up that you know require their um attention. >> Training. >> Yes. >> Y it's great service. >> I do too.
>> Yes. Sometimes they call it a jail diversion program. Um, a lot of police departments use that phrase because again it's instead of arresting them and throwing them into jail, they'll have the clinician, you know, do an assessment. Maybe they need uh mental
health services. Maybe they need to be checked into some facility. Um, so, you know, I I hear great things about it. It really um some folks, you know, really don't need to be arrested. They just need mental health services.
Okay, all ready to vote. Roll call vote. Veronica I go to chlor we need to say signed by the administrator. >> I thought it was in the motion. >> I thought it was in the motion to >> we make the motion. >> I thought I heard you say yeah and it
was seconded and Just making sure. >> All right. >> It's already a long night. >> So, yeah, it's only one signature for the town. >> Um 4.12. Is there a motion? >> I Val Goodrich move to approve the name
change of RTJ Concessions, Inc. to Elm Street Crearyy, Inc. DBA the ice cream factory as of 1023 2025 I'm reflected in the 2026 common >> VR fiddler >> Vickler
>> Vickler fiddler >> yes just like fiddler >> Vickler I looked >> I watched I watched a video of how to say it so fitler >> real easy forget you
>> 2026 commonler license renewal documents to um to be signed by signature stamps. Veronica second. >> Any further discussion? >> That's normally how we do it with a
stamp. No signature stamps will be used for roll call vote I try for 4.13 you want to do that
pull it up here I guess that's in two places here agenda. Okay. >> One second. >> 59 special permit application. This is a comment. A referral for comment.
>> Yeah, it's not a motion. Didn't we do this already or was it through the planning board? >> This is not a request. The applicants make a new application for a special permit and ZBA is requesting a second review of the
proposal. Okay. Um any comments from the board? One sec. Um, can't we discuss this already? Why do >> I think it's because it was discussed in
planning and zoning? Um, and it was discussed in planning. This is a new application. So, it's going for public hearing. which is on the 19th of November. >> Um, >> you talked about some
>> We did discuss this. >> No, no, that's not the wall. This is the um motel units up on >> Yeah. >> Sorry. >> Up on Brookline Road. They've been mental colleges since almost the whole time I've been remember
when it was Harrison Motor. >> Yeah. >> And I remember I think I I was on either planning or conservation when they they they uh the new owners bought it and came forward to run it.
>> Not this one, the one prior who maybe has sold it because the name is different. >> Yeah, it is. And we discussed this. >> The prior one was the one that put the storage units up. >> That was um Yeah. Yeah. >> The prior one. >> Yeah.
>> So, and then I think they also did some enhancements, >> but I'm I'm leaving it to zoning. >> I will do the same. >> Yeah% because I haven't followed this. >> I'm thankful that Dave will be um
persistent. Yeah, but we did make a comment on this. >> We made a comment on the wall. >> No, no, no. We made a comment on this. >> Was that related to it? I believe it was that we were basically said if it's being used as it currently is being used.
>> Yes. >> And that is the intention which I believe was the case. >> Yeah. So, it was that it wasn't in a way. Okay. I could correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that was what we kind of had said. It's not a different intended use,
>> right? I don't understand why >> I But that's not my concern. I don't know. >> I think it may have some sticky points. So, it's for them. So what are we going to put down?
>> You're just writing that. >> Just writing we're leaving. We uh we press zoning will make correct decision. >> Okay, I am good with that. Yeah. All right. 414.
Where are we at? 414. 414. who and sign outside of meeting all 2026 renewals for re retail licenses alcohol contingent upon a valid certificate
of inspection and receipt of required documents and payment for the following businesses in towns and doing business as is there a motion I ditch move to approve and sign out of a
out of session. Sorry. All 2026. Sorry, I'm gonna read. >> Yeah. No, no, I will. I'm just going to put the signature stamps. >> Okay. >> I value to approve and signature stamps out of session. All 26 2026 renewals for
retail licenses, alcohol contingent upon a valid valid certificate of inspection and receipt of required documentation and payment for the following businesses in towns and doing business as ease village the wook old brick store
towns and package store towns and midc country club northern spy golf club Bailey's bar and grill patriot pizza and subs towns and house and bfw post number 65. I read. Is there a second? >> Veronica. Second. Any further
discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica. I floor shif. Is there a motion? I Valley Gooditch move to approve and sign the signature stamp out of session ABCC seasonal
population estimate form. >> Veronica second >> discussion. Okay. >> It came from Harrison. It's not filled in that I have here for signature but I know there hasn't been any growth.
Let's see what does he say. There is no seasonal population increase in town. If anything, there is likely a winter decreases. Residents head south areas for um the winter. >> So, you know, Sabrina will will fill out
the form as needed. Um you know, and we'll you know, sign it out of session. And and for the record, this is for Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission, the ABCC. >> Yes. And did you add the um you added the signature scan to that one?
>> Yep. >> Okay. All right. Having discussion, roll call vote. I >> lower I. Okay. Something 416.
Y also 417. Uh I thought we just >> No, I have 16. >> Oh, okay. I'm sorry. Yeah, sorry. My bad. >> I know everything. There's a lot. >> Yeah. I value good move to approve and sign out of session with signature
stamps ABCC renewal certification 2026. Is there a second >> discussion? I think we have the same thing here where the form has to be >> this is just the nonseasonal. Yeah.
Again, ABCC is alcoholic. >> Okay. So, do we vote? >> No. >> We discussed. Yeah. Well, >> yes. >> Okay. >> I mean, I see that I I know I just said that it's not built in yet.
>> Um, okay. And this is for the stamps. >> Okay. Roll call vote. Veronica. Got to give it a try. Laura, your friend. 417 is the records retention.
Is there a motion? This is from the town clerk. >> Um, do we want to discuss first? >> Probably. >> Yeah. >> So, um, you know, it's kind of a twofold thing. Um
we we did get a grant as as you might recall u from the state to start digitizing some of our paper records. Um you know just to get rid of some paper that you know a lot of offices are overflowing with boxes. >> I'm guessing amount of the grant
>> I think it was aboutund >> 20 or $30,000. I wrote it down yesterday. um 133,727 7. So,
you know, with that um grant in place, you know, we're hoping for all the departments to really look at all their um paper files, see what we want to scan as part of a grant, but
also um what we might be able to dispose of. you know, the there is a pretty lengthy retention schedule that the Secretary of State puts out. Um, you know, it it varies um depending on what
um you know, record you have. So we're hoping that you know departments will um go through the records see what we can um dispose of um what needs um to be
requested through the state and you know what we can scan as part of this grant. So it all kind of is interconnected with each other. Um so we just want this to be uh now uh on the forefront of our department's uh you know
>> is there a I meant to ask the question yesterday is there a time uh crunch with this like how quick how how quickly do we have to use the service? I know it was discussed that possibly um using Guardian to help um it be
interdep department as far as uh some of the departments doing their own scanning and then it being uploaded to one place. >> Yeah. So we're still trying to figure out um a particular um company to use.
>> Yeah. Uh different vendors have different software platforms that they end up using. Um I think the the scanning part is pretty straightforward. Anyone can do the scanning but it's really the back end of where um all those documents are you know um stored
electronically whether it's on the cloud or you know physically on on you know a server. And then there's um also software that could um you know um group it in a certain way, put it in certain folders, labeling it,
you know, naming the the files. So, you know, and it kind of runs the gamut of the services that these, you know, um software companies offer. And we have not yet picked a vendor that we're going to use. Um we certainly have seen
demonstrations of you know um a number of vendors um over the summer but we're still determining what direction to go in. is as part of this process will whoever is chosen will there be naming
conventions that are used across departments so that uh you know if it's a land use file or a board of health file or a you know um select board file or whatever um I I
think that it would be good to document it. I don't think a policy is in place, but I think there should be a um document created that is used as a standard by the town for this is how we keep our documents in order. This is how
we find them. There's a code for the for each department. Uh you know, maybe you put a date in. You put >> has to be a date. >> Yeah. um you put in, you know, like maybe a D number if it's a conservation
uh file or whatever. Someone looking at the naming conventions and then where are things stored? >> Do where are paper files stored? Where are um are, you know, soft copy files stored, right?
>> So that it's something that is townwide pretty much and known. You know, you can when someone new comes in, you can say, "Okay, this is where all the files are." So, it's not, "Oh my goodness, where are those RFP files?" >> Right?
>> And we have to go to the website to find them uploaded in a, you know, file system that we no longer have because we don't have the person or the vendor or whatever. Um, there really needs to be
something written down as they're going through. And I don't know if that's something that the town does or that the per the vendor that is hired does and maybe it's a combination of the two. >> I think it would be in conjunction with the two. I think it would be because
whatever naming convention we come up with those digital files now will have that you know naming convention and I think it's a collaboration you know what is best practice what we feel should be
part of that naming convention so I think it is a combination of the vendor and the town to come up with a naming convention that we can all agree upon and that we use as moving forward Um, >> and that and that the town uses this as
a best practice and it's published somewhere so people know, >> right? >> Internally, it's not a >> No, I mean published for, you know, like if if a new land use coordinator comes, >> they can say, "How are the files
organized?" And poof, we have it. And they know how to name things going forward. >> Um, I don't think it's a select board policy as much as it is a dayto-day administration. >> Yeah. policy for that. But I would like >> I think it's important that something
like that gets put in place, >> right? >> And that would keep our eyes open for another grant that might because I don't know if the 133 is enough. >> It's not 250 or 300. And that's what
>> Aaron originally asked for 200. Um and it got, you know, um cut down. Um, I think the the state wanted more people to um get grant money, so I think they they spread they spread it out a little bit. >> Um, but it's it's woefully inadequate to
digitize everything that we have. But it's it's a start and I think it'll buy us some time in terms of uh the space constraints that we're currently facing. >> Um, does it make sense? I don't know. Again, this is a procedural nuance that you guys probably discuss.
I wonder if there's a certain degree it makes sense with the funds we have to work now current backwards versus trying you understand what I mean get the most current stuff and then slowly work back so you know >> like what's the like digitizing 1970
might not be as valuable as digitizing 2017 >> right >> it's just a thought >> yeah I think we we have to prior and that's what we're also trying to figure out um what when the department's looking through record. It's like, you know, tell us, you know, these are the,
you know, four boxes you want to digitize because you've gone through everything and you've, you know, in your mind feel like those are the files that, you know, um, you know, deserve the most attention, you know, in terms of priority for, you
know, getting scanned first because we can't scan everything. So, I think we need to, uh, triage what what we uh, scan for this first. And you you guys may need to set that policy. Let's start here, work backwards. >> Yes. >> To some degree.
>> Starting current seems like a good plan. >> Yep. >> So >> that's the most common >> get that in the cloud and then because everybody seems to be well most people not me but most people can go in the cloud and get whatever information they
want. So would that be as what you said? I mean, I don't know where the whole story. >> Are you talking about public records when you say anybody can go in the cloud or are you talking about an employee in town? >> Well, SharePoint is out here. It's not
on site. >> I don't mean SharePoint or stuff like that. I mean, I probably should not be the one talking about this >> because SharePoint is there. >> It shouldn't be. >> SharePoint is off the cloud.
>> I I understand that. Um I I mean as you're talking I'm thinking about the heart library and a lot that would be stuff that would have to go to the state to be destroyed. >> I mean it's full of mold and whatever.
>> Yeah, we we I mean >> or do we are we leaving that for last and just going to use the money for the actual records that might do us some good? I think it probably would be um records either here at town hall or you know say
highway or the police department or maybe even senior center library. I think a heart library >> isn't part of this. I I I just think we have so much >> that we need to scan now that um you know the heart library is going to have
to wait for. >> So then there's also in here certain departments um can destroy after a certain year. >> Correct. Do they have to get permission to destroy that? >> It does say most records may not be destroyed without written approval from the supervisor of records at the secretary of commerce office.
>> There's a form for it and the supervisor author and grab permission to see her next business day. So >> and again you we have to look at the retention schedule which again is pretty lengthy and what uh how long we need to retain it for or >> and are they different for different departments? Yes, sure.
>> Yeah. So um again my my question was how long do we have >> um >> to participate get the vendor and use the funds? Is there a deadline? >> The the grant um funding expires October
of next year, end of October. So we have just under a year >> and that goes quick. >> It does. Um um we already have some vendors that we've looked at, you know, they can mobilize pretty quickly, you know, once they they come.
>> Is that a contract that you do or do we do? Do we have to select the vendor the select board or is that you >> um >> we have to approve >> you would have to sign a contract. So, you know, whoever, you know, we would come to the select board with our recommendations and, you
know, it's possible that the vendors could um do presentations for the select board. Um but certainly we'll do most of the heavy lifting and you know, >> when would you like to do that knowing that we have uh 11 months?
Sooner the better. Well, when you're ready to pick a vendor, >> I think >> what is the goal date for having knowing who the vendor is going to be? You have 11 months. >> I think probably January because I think people what what um
>> they should be doing for what people need to be going through. It's going to take a little while for that to happen. until that happens. So, I would say in January, maybe have a vendor ch I don't know. What timeline are you guys working
on? >> Um, like I said, it goes really quick. Um because once you um once you've isolated the the boxes or um filing cabinets that you want to be
scanned, the the vendor will really come with a truck, take them off site, and then start scanning in. So, and you know, they work fairly quickly. But it's really >> And so there will be a period of time when those documents aren't accessible to us. >> Correct.
>> Just so everybody's aware. >> Yep. Um, so >> they get destroyed >> after they're scanned. >> After they're scanned, they get destroyed. You're not bringing a box back to the town hall. >> Uh, probably not. You know, that >> might be certain circumstances.
>> Those are the nuances that we need to to work out whether you know um can just get them destroyed and, you know, the the scanning company can just, you know, shred them, you know, um, responsibly or, you know, destroy it however. Um, but it's really the leg
work that is going to take the most time for for the department. >> Yeah. For all the departments to really sift through their documents, see what they want to get rid of, what they want scanned, need scanned. So, um I think it's going to probably take the better
part of the winter into, you know, the springtime potentially, you know, to for them to be ready for the scanning company to come and take everything off site to get it scanned. >> So, when do you think we should choose a vendor?
>> Um, yeah, I think late winter, early spring. So, January, between January and March. Well, here's the here's the question, though. Who works on naming conventions? By the time they take it off site, that
should be determined because when they're doing the scanning, they're going to scan into the main or the whatever. So the question is if we're want to work with the vendor, choosing the vendor to get those sorts of things
defined and and not doing any actual work until late winter, early spring might be >> right. But I there has to be thought going into that ahead of time. And if if
we're going to do it as a community or municipality enclosed without talking to the vendor, okay, >> I think it would be of us to do that with the vendor. >> Pardon me. >> I would imagine it would be beneficial to do that with the vendor because they have
>> and in which case I think you want the vendor in place sooner >> than later because there could be a lot of discussions about what makes sense. They might have an entire department heads >> just do this process for naming and could be you know because they've done
it in other communities and all the communities have the same >> and they may have questions that we have to come back with answers to >> right so I think naming a vendor sooner rather than later is better with the understanding that it's more of a how does it work
>> first you know and then a well okay here are your boxes >> yeah right So, the goal is January to like get demos. >> I think you've already had demos. >> We've had some. We're still trying to um
figure out if we want to look at other companies. Um, you know, there's, you know, probably dozens of them out there, but we obviously don't have time to sift through every single one. Um, but, you know, some are on the state contract list, which >> Oh, yeah. which really you
>> mentioned using somebody else >> which really helps us narrow down the search because uh doing a a full-blown RFP would be fairly time consuming. Um and you know these vendors um have worked with multiple municipalities in the past. >> Okay.
>> So >> I bet there's a lot of handholding they'll do too. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. As much you know assistance as we need. So, um, >> so do we need a motion for this or is this just a day-to-day administration task that we >> I don't think a motion is really needed.
This is really just, um, operationally how we're, you know, um, dealing with our records. So, >> I mean, it's all laid out in master what you can do anyway. So, >> um, I think that the motion comes in. I'm looking at this. I'm going to approve the process disposal disposal
request town hall and heart libraries best practices as follows and we have to fill in the as follows. So if we're doing that my as follows would be to I I would like to see the vendor that's
chosen you know choose a vendor off the you know state list the state vendor list um have the vendor in place by February 1. um determine a uh a a
document for naming conventions or a a document. I you know the whole the whole thing should be documented so that we have documented for town hall how
this process goes forward and then follow the process. >> Right? So I guess the question is is do we actually just want a document prepared with the process versus us saying oh you get a naming convention and you get this. >> Yeah there I'm sure there's more to it
than what I've said or what you've said or any of us have said. I mean, there would probably be a a a scope of work that would and proposal that would lay everything out and and in terms of the
naming convention, I'm sure there's a limitation on the vendor side, but I also think there's a lot of flexibility that they can accommodate us. So, it's really up to us how we want that naming convention to be and we can behind the scenes internally figure out what
>> that naming convention looks like. we can have suggestions and then you know bring it up to the select board to make a decision >> and the the reason for the vendor could be that they have suggested >> right >> that this is what they found works best
>> I don't want to vote on best practices that a vendor would be like why are you >> right doing that >> I agree I don't think there needs to be a >> a motion here I I do think >> if I if we were going to do direction it would be choose a vendor ASAP
Yeah, >> I think is what I would >> have them give you guidance. >> Yeah. >> But uh you know, so uh I'll work on um >> and bring us the information. >> Yep. So I'll work on that with the team
and uh you know, we'll we'll come to the to the select board in in the coming months with um you know, our recommended. >> It's November. >> It's November. I would want this in December. our second meeting in December. >> The team gives you two months. >> Um, it's just me and the town clerk at
the moment. So, we've been the one that have been sitting in on the >> I do think Sabrina has some probably pretty good insights on files and maybe too >> but she would yeah maybe include her in
>> or maybe I don't know I mean treasure who else would need naming schemes >> the land use land use is >> so many so many documents Karen. >> Yeah,
I'll solicit some uh feedback from them on how >> they want, you know, files named. Um, >> so I guess for our purposes, I would like to see what vendors were considered and which one you who's your number one
and why. I would want to know what the timeline is for the project. Mhm. >> Um and uh you know and where people are with getting what Harrison had listed here is next steps
um getting their files so that there aren't duplicates so that things are right >> in order that sort of thing. >> Yep. and that they've reviewed that 127 page document on municipal records retention and that people are up on
their department heads anyway. >> Yep. >> Yeah. Because they can find out what they need and what they don't need and the whole document doesn't apply to all of them. Yeah, >> I I think it's great that we have that grant. >> And then also maybe a definition of how
far you think you can get, >> like how many years back >> or something like that. Yeah. >> In the time frame that we have for the money that we have, >> right? >> You know, what's possible. I think
Veronica's right too that we need to give department heads the heads up of what they need to do and give them the most time and then the vendor says in order for me to get all this done I need it by this date so that our money is
still valid when we're done >> and and put Kieran on looking for the next grant so that we can keep this >> is a does this include water trying to think. >> Pro probably isn't police. I think they do their own records then.
>> Uh police actually um had a capital project I think a year or two ago for roughly 35 $37,000. >> I don't think it's been spent now. >> No, it has not. So we they can pick >> they know their time.
They I don't know what all they've done, but I know that they follow that piece. >> Yeah, >> we might be able to get some economies of scale if we included them as well. Um but I also don't want to pick a vendor
um >> based on that. >> No. >> Oh. Um, well, unless, you know, the police department had someone they wanted to work with in mind, you know, I I don't want to sort of circumvent or just unilaterally pick a vendor. If they
had someone else in mind, but certainly if uh they're willing and able to, we should collaborate together. I think you might be able to get some savings because you know the more you end up scanning the the cheaper it is per per
scan. It's like fractions of a penny at times for like a page but it can add up pretty quickly savings. So, okay, we'll we'll work on it on this
this uh in the coming weeks >> and come back our second December meeting with a plan and a vendor. >> Okay, that's >> maybe not a hired vendor, but here are the vendors we're looking at. This is what we recommend and this is why and I
would keep them on the state list if at all possible. And I know that the MMA conference, there were booths set up last January that had people who did this. I picked up a couple cards and I think I've even sent you or Kieran or
both of you. These are the because I've gotten queries for this. H um I think you might have given us one or two and I think Kieran has some experience with um a digitization company because I think
they did in Dunable and the town clerk had some experience in the previous >> and I think I sent him the name of someone I I probably sent it to you too. >> So we'll we'll revisit um those vendors and um you know go from there
>> and let us know. Okay. So, 418, review discuss survey on harassment and threats against town officials and public officials. Um, I think did anybody else take the
survey? I took the survey. I didn't know. I waited on it because I didn't know what we were doing with that. I didn't know if this was something you were reporting on or if it was something that we were supposed to take.
Um I'm not quite sure because did you guys get it individually? >> Oh >> okay. So it went to the chair. Um and it does it does um if you looked at it it's like for mayors you know or governors or >> well that's what
>> select board chair was one of the things but because of recent situations and also because of I've received many complaints >> um from employees about being harassed
in town hall um as well because I think we've all been harassed um on Facebook and every place else. So, I actually took the survey um
if I kept a copy of it. Um but I took it and I um gave all the answers for what I knew you know and how I felt that it was first of all I think all the employees
should be respected and I certainly feel that all elected officials appointed officials should be you know respected and and not be degraded publicly on Facebook or any place else. We're all
trying to do we're not paid and we're all trying to do the best we can for the community which we live in. So, I haven't received a response, you know, and and I don't know what's coming out of it, but considering what happened to
us regarding the um journalist auditors um you know, and the um harassment of one of our employees getting in their face. Um Nelson, do you want to talk further maybe on what we're hoping to accomplish
here to help protect our offices a little bit more? >> Uh that's in my uh >> Okay. All right. So anyway, I'll just say that I don't have to belabor this. Um only wanted you to know that I took the survey and I have reported everything that I have experienced as
well as what has been reported to me. The only thing I might want to do is ask if you can get the results of the survey when they've compiled them. >> I have his email. So, um, >> yeah, that's the only thing I would want. This says for the first select person. That is not not me.
>> That is you. >> So, I'm glad you I'm glad you took it. >> Oh, yeah. I I wasn't not going to answer, especially it came the day after we had the thing here. So, you know, and and what I didn't do is I didn't go to
verify that it was actually a survey. >> I did see that as an actual survey. >> Yeah, it was a survey. >> Yeah. Um Okay. 5.1 volunteer board coordination committee BBC update. Um you have before you 5.1
which is um the new volunteer response bump which we promised was going to now be one and you can see I think we've seen the front page and like the front page already. Um, what may be a little bit different
is we when we rem last week, we discussed the approval authority and kind of went back and forth on the like why is it there? Because on the volunteer form, it's not there on the
the re original one. It was on for the reappoint form. So that's why it it um now says signature for reappoint. It's a clarification that was changed from the last time you saw it. Plus additional
lines were put in and a couple other things. There was one misspelling, but that has all been corrected and hopefully to your satisfaction. Um the other thing I told Sabrina I would explain
uh is the process. So, there's a vacancy and somebody wants to fill a position on that vacancy. If it's a um
like town properties, let's say five of the positions are by charter and they're either by a board doing a representative or a department like highway um making it. So the approving
authority, the process would be is basically to give it to that it gets stamped in. I think we're going to do it by the town clerk now. It's going to be stamped in by the town clerk and then it's going to be dis dispersed to either a department head if that's what it is
or the chair of a committee if it's a reappoint and then it's going to go to the full board or chair of the committee to have the board vote in a representative.
>> Does it also go to us as if it needs our vote? It should >> because I think sometimes there's something that happens where boards take action because we haven't and it's because we don't know >> because we don't know. We have received
Dave Chanel's thing. Yeah. And we can appoint first it we can we can choose to appoint and if we haven't appointed within 45 days I think it is then they can appoint but I
guess the trick is is like if we don't know >> then we don't know to to get it. So if if some if someone comes in and says I want to be on this committee then it should go to us and it should go to the committee. the committee should act on
it to give a recommendation. But if they do not, we can still appoint. >> Otherwise, we stand to lose someone who never gets considered by this board and is a a viable candidate. >> So,
so it needs to go to both is what I'm saying. We need to know that the that the posting has been made and the the board or committee is to notify us that they have posted. When a posting comes in, they get it and we get it at the
same time and then it's 45 days from the date of the posting >> to unless it's per a board unless it's per the charter appointed by a board
>> in which case it's typically a joint appointment >> by us. So like if if we have a planning board >> person who is an elected official and we have an opening there >> then and someone puts the name in we
can't appoint it has to be a joint appointment okay >> of an elected board for a vacancy >> all the elected ones are joint appointments >> I thought so but I'm not sure in the new chart >> if you're replacing an
>> an elected an elected yes it's joint with the >> I local I don't think there's any exceptions from what I remember but >> um not for the elected and the only one you can't do is is select board that has to be elected again >> so it's the only one
>> it's only and so what a what a board can do I mean playing devil's advocate here is if it just goes to the board and um it's someone they don't want they never consider it we have no idea that it was
appointed boom Same thing happens if it is someone that they want but they don't think we would appoint them. >> No, >> then they sit on it and they wait until after the 45 days and then it needs to go to both boards.
>> Okay. Are you okay with our we've been discussing the process and trying to get it out like on paper. This is what it is. When somebody fills out the form, volunteer form, it should go to the town clerk's office to be
stamped in and it should go right to Sabrina, which means we get it. >> Yeah. Volunteer board that comes in. It was never to not have Sabrina involved or the select board's office involved. >> Okay, that's good. Yeah, I'm
>> going everybody who needs to vote on someone is informed, I'm fine. >> Yeah. >> Right. However, and if that's if there's a case where we don't need to, then you don't need to know >> and all vacancies as well, which is why tonight's announcement of vacancies will be a little bit longer.
>> Okay, so um anyway, so now you go to the back side and we finally got that done and hopefully you feel that this is done. Okay. Um, you'll see the elected boards on one side
and the clarification underneath. Unless a vacancy exists on an elected board prior to an election, all above positions require nomination papers. Please see the town clerk for further information. So, is that clear or not?
And then appointed officials and boards and there's the whole list which that was adjusted and where you see the asteris like capital planning is only by I think
the thing on the bottom >> it's a mix capital planning is a mix of representatives from boards and uh community members that John that that the town moderator of points. >> Okay. >> So, it's a mix. I'm looking at this.
It's >> Yeah, cuz you see this two star, the three star, >> and the four star and five star are stated below. >> Uh, town bylaws for membership composition.
You know what I'm wondering? Don't tell me. I This says C town bylaws for membership composition. I think that's meant to be charter. >> Um, no, it might be the bylaws. I'm not certain on that.
>> Is that the bylaws the same as the charter? >> No, the charter is the first seven sections or something like that and then the bylaws are a separate thing. >> The dayto-day. >> Yeah. Um, the charter and the bylaws are
two separate things. >> So, look at the threes. capital planning is that by per the bylaws >> um I'd have to go into the website for >> four stars we know that is a town moderator finance is the town moderator
the valley technical school district committee is the five because that's joint >> appointed by a special joint committee C regional agreement okay whatever that is that's the only one that does that Um,
but I thought the town moderator did capital planning. >> Uh, yes, but only part of capital planning. There's like four of them that one member from the select board, one member from the finance committee, one member from the
>> So, is that bylaw or that's what I'm looking >> Yeah, >> it's chapter 14. >> Okay, good. That's capital planning. So three C towns. Okay. So that's correct. Capital planning uh finest case four.
That's a moderator. We know we know the other one is right. Town properties is three. Uh now the town I I thought the town properties makeup was a charter. >> No.
Perfect. >> Okay. >> Then I think that he did all of his homework. Those are good though. Um, and so that was dated when we approved
it, November 3rd. We being the committee and then they added the town and website on it. And here at least it's a live link. That's very nice.
Anyway, >> and this will be um on the website and this could be on our Facebook page coming up. >> Do I have a motion? >> Can I ask one question? Is it must you
do the fillable PDF or is it possible to get it printed as well so that someone could um fill it in and hand it in? >> We're going to print them out here. >> Oh, okay. So you are doing >> like we've left volunteer forms before
out in front of the clerk's office of this office >> but if somebody wants to do online they can. >> Right. I like that. >> Okay. >> Any other suggestions? >> No. >> That's all. >> Is there a motion? >> I think that's cool.
>> As long as the notifications right for everybody involved, I'm good with this. >> Oh yeah. It's if not both offices are going to know at the same time. It's going to be stamped in though by the town clerk and supposed to send it right here. Okay. >> And then that's when
>> the receiver of record. >> Yeah. >> Um I Val Gooditch move to approve the pro Oh, sorry, wrong one. I Good move to approve the volunteer response form as presented with the possibility of future additions of new committees and boards.
Veronica second. >> Any further discussion? Um, I'm just going to say one thing. The con, you know, committees like the conservation restriction committee, that's not a full-time standing
committee in the um in the uh charter or the bylaws. That's just a special committee for a special purpose. Um, >> is it the same people for years? What is it? Well, we appointed it in like a few
months ago and and you know when the purpose is over the the committee gets >> it's like a task force. >> Yeah. >> Kind of thing then. >> So, and it's listed here and and that's >> um a little bit funky,
>> I think. Um I'm looking to see if there's any others where that's the case. This isn't something that it's not a standing committee as such. >> Um but open space and recreation committee there should be a return
before recycling committee. Um >> I didn't know that. >> And the the open space and recreation committee again that was appointed for the specific purpose of writing that document. I think that it's disbanded
now. I was on that committee. >> Okay. and we haven't met since the document was completed. So, um it's things >> like the charter review on here. >> No,
>> no, because that was disbanded after the charter was right. >> So, then anything that is disbanded probably should come off the list. >> That would get called back in. I'm I'm thinking of um like the bylaw review committee was another one and it's not on here, nor should it be, but saying
there should be like a third category for >> um I mean right now >> task force can be almost anything. We would be calling for volunteers and any special project kind of thing. >> Yeah. So that's not something that you
want to list here necessarily >> maybe years or three years >> and and other >> I didn't know that was a separate category a third category >> but but those can be named I mean the conservation restriction committee we just kind of made that up when we
appointed it. >> Yeah. >> It it isn't >> like the VBCC. >> Yeah. Exactly. Exactly. And that's not on here. >> And that's not going to be on the conservation restriction committee be on here. >> It's always better when more people talk. >> So basically, we need to remove any
temporary boards that are disbanded. >> Yeah. Temporary committees assigned for a specific purpose. This should only be for those that are mentioned in the >> bylaw. Um that's what I think >> or currently
working. So maybe we don't want to vote on this just yet. Although I like it. >> Why? I I would like to get a form out. I would we we need um >> Okay, then I want to amend it to remove the conservation restriction committee.
>> That should be removed. >> Yep. >> And the other one was that open space and recreation committee. >> Yeah, that should be removed. >> Not to be confused with the recreation >> recycling committee that stays The recreation commission is an elected
board. >> Um clarify for everybody listening. Yeah. >> And kids country playground is that mentioned in the >> in the or no because that was a committee that was appointed when
>> when I was a selectman the first time around >> in order to accomplish exactly what was accomplished. >> Okay. But do they stay now that are they the caretakers or the is there some reporting they have to do every year or
>> I would think it was part of facil of cemeteries at this point once it's done right. >> Oh yeah >> the maintenance of it. Um yeah in a way but they're >> because it's town property correct >> for town. Yeah, but I think they still have um
>> eventually. Well, they still have another phase that they want to do for this. >> Yeah. And and they have some >> So, I would leave it there. >> They have some money that they can also make use of. Um maybe >> as long as they have money, I guess they can still stay. >> Well, there there was always money for that playground, but it was managed
through cemetery and parks, not through a particular um committee. >> Committee. >> Are they appointed? They're appointed. They are appointed. Yeah. Um and I like the committee having it there, but I is
it a standing committee? It is for now, you know. Um so how do you want to manage that I guess? So for now, just do it as it is, but know that it >> right that could come off. >> So I would take off the conservation
restriction committee. I would take it off the open space and recreation committee. Well, and I don't think I don't think this once once we get a basic form, I don't think it needs to go through us to change it. You just >> just do it as it happens. >> Yeah. Just like with Austin, the clerk
would just add as needed. >> Yeah. >> Or change as needed. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Well, plus understand >> because when there's a charter review, you got to put it on there. >> Yes. >> Yes. Or a bylaw review committee, you would want to add it in. So, it's dynamic
>> in that sense. And we don't want to be involved in that dayto-day aspect of >> Well, if volunteer forms are going to be involved, >> we should be because we're going to end up being appointing them. >> Absolutely. >> And they should appear if
>> something comes up like it has with the um uh disabilities uh committee, which is a recent posting, we now have open positions. So now we're going to announce that of course you know so um
but I think those were good observations >> but the commission on disability it was in the charter or the bylaws one or the other. I don't know if it is right now, but it was >> Well, now we've established it and we've posted positions for it,
>> right? >> Okay. So, that's why that's here. >> Yeah. >> That was not here on our our other goound. >> Um, so conservation restriction committee comes off. Open space and recreation committee goes off. Recycling stays.
Okay. So, if you can make a motion with those edits on it, I can get this done tomorrow at the meeting. >> Yep. Um, >> I'll report back. >> I move to approve the volunteer response forum as presented with edits as
discussed and with possibility future additions. Who are you? >> Sorry, it's our artificial meeting minute mover. I, Valerie Goodrich, >> very excited.
I, Valerie Goodrich, move to approve the volunteer response form as presented with edits and the possibility of future additions of new committees and boards as needed. >> Veronica Cal second. >> Okay. Any further discussion?
Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica, good. I sh I. Thank you. form. Okay. Review documents for spring 2026. >> Um, Cali just only came up with
>> I just got the email. Um, I put it on SharePoint, so I don't think you guys have had time to look at it yet. So, um, >> a draft. >> So, I don't know if you guys want to punt till the next meeting to
or if you guys think you have enough time to >> Well, I can I would like to look at it. >> Um, I need to see what I I had to sit down with Cali to understand and I think I understand now. And so I I think it
might be of use to go over it right now. >> Okay. >> Um if that's okay with you guys. >> Um so >> so I mean my only thought with this and
I and I wrote to Cali about this was it seemed like there was I can understand this document from the perspective of annual reviews. It seemed like there was a lot of information for a meeting by meeting assessment.
>> Well, it would be like every other meeting like >> that still seemed like it because I mean because it wasn't >> I was expecting a little bit more of like here was our goals and less of these soft skills. Do you understand what I mean? So the idea,
yes, I was too >> because there's a lot of information and I think >> one of the things we're guilty of is we lose track of the those baseline things when all this other stuff gets wrapped up. >> So we talked about that at at the end of
our talk that there needs to be uh a review document that has those upper level this is what we're doing. These are the goals in between to look at monthly to see where we are on these so
that it doesn't come up. So in other words, um uh on this um the and and the words that she she took the you know the chart that I passed out
that the meetings that had all the months and then Nelson took it and did and all that. She took those. >> But there's lots of other stuff in here, too. Yes, there is. Because she tried to um break it down so that we can look at
this once a month and see where we are. Did she say she put bi-weekly up here, which means every other week, correct? >> Um, >> no, by monthly. Bim monthly goal progress. That's what it says up top >> because bi-weekly.
>> And what's in the SharePoint now? It says bi-weekly. what was in the SharePoint or what she sent us might have been what she sent us >> was by monthly. Uh it's now by weekly in what's here. So one meeting a month at
the end of the month you go through and like um uh negotiating contracts, internal negotiations, union agreements and employment contracts. Okay. When was that assigned? So, we would have put
aside if we were using this all along. We >> That's one of our goals. >> Okay, let me pick one. >> Do you get what I'm >> Yes. Um, restructuring of the organizational chart. That was something that we talked about. Um, and that goes
together with the DPW thing. So she tried to fit this into here so that we could do this together. You know, we could track where we are on these things. So restructuring of the organizational chart, the due date that
we have and it's in the minutes that we approved today was November 19th. So we should have suggestions from Nelson on restructuring the organizational chart. Now, typically we would have put assigned in here, >> but doesn't that go with the particular
goal that we have, which is, >> do you understand what I'm getting at? >> So, go four major goals. And maybe what we want to do >> is add a column to this
>> that says >> these are our four major goals. These are the She was trying to get measurable pieces in. >> Absolutely. How do we measure that? And so the restructuring of the ur organizational chart and down under
planning the DPW restructuring. >> Do you understand how like one goal is in four different places? And so I guess my question is is like I look at it as we have those four goals or three three and three. Is that what we did? >> So maybe what yes. So maybe what we want
to do is instead of having budgeting goals, leadership goals, organizational goals, and planning goals, we make those categories. I don't have that with I do have it with me. Not to pull it out. Do you have it? >> One second. >> Budgeting goals was one of it. So let's
make budgeting. Um that was one of our main things. >> Yeah. So I have we had primary goals and secondary goals. Budget, DPW, regionalization, human resources, and secondary goals is policies and communications.
>> Okay. >> So all of those things have leadership and organizational aspects of them. Right. >> Right. And that's kind of >> goes without stating for someone at Nelson's position. And so I just feel like I want to be measuring it by how's our budgeting going,
>> how's our restructuring, >> and when it's in four different places. This is just my personal >> No, I I like your idea >> and it's the the the block thing I think is like that's a really good end of year like
>> um idea of how was that we would have these monthtomonth >> to see where we are at the end of the year and and have something concrete and have measurable goals. >> Yeah. And I I think the measurable goals are the goals, right?
>> Right. So maybe what we've No, no, no. Measurable goals are uh there were to be um staff meetings every month. Uh so therefore 12 meetings there were you
know eight that were held. That is a measurable goal. >> Um as opposed to a soft goal. It it has to be something that you can hold your hand on it. It it can't be something like time management. Well,
>> yeah. So, yeah, I thought this was a little more in the soft than >> so maybe what we want to do is >> I I mean redo this and then and then the idea is to change the dates as you
accomplish things and change the the goal the the measurable piece of it. >> Yeah. So, this is just like an example. So under budgeting is FY27 budget structure and coordination, right? But then under organization is financial team
and then over here under planning is financial software >> and then here under leadership is organizational chart and they all actually are that budgeting goal. >> So maybe we take those and and call it budgeting goals. Put it all in there.
Don't worry about the put it all under there. I'm I'm good with that. It's just a change for maybe how Cali is thinking. >> I know the acronym is good. I'm just not sure that like I'm not looking at it as
budgeting, leadership, organizational planning. I'm looking at >> neither was I because I looked at this and my eyes crossed and >> I'm looking as here's the goals we set. How are we? And even if we have >> where are we making >> even if we have the like we can put like these are the dates underneath that goal
>> or the subtasks or whatever it happens to be. >> Yes. So instead of >> and those are fluid right? >> Yes. And that's what this is meant to be. So you assign it you give the date you >> I agree that this is good with the fluid but the dates it's just the categorization is not something that
>> I like your idea better >> to me. What do you think Nelson? You're the one that's going to be meeting these things. So, >> so this verse is actually just based on the goals because we have those four primary and the two secondary. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, let's do it that way. And so,
it it loses the >> budgeting leadership, the bloppy bit of it, but it it does I like this in that it >> um measures things out, but I think the trick is is we have to be able to change
>> Yes. And so, you would change this every every month. you would look at it and say, "Okay, so this one's done." And you've got that that >> I just want it to be under those goals because I feel like we have so much stuff going on, >> we lose those goals. Like, here's our
four primary goals. >> So, why don't I talk to Cali about that and we can rearrange. Maybe I'll I don't know if I have the ability to This is a PDF, so I don't have the ability to change it, but I I'll see if I can. >> Yeah. I said I said you she can you know
I can you now could she can show you my email. I emailed her with exactly that feedback. So >> okay. All right. >> It was basically like there are broken into >> Yeah. So let's So it won't be a block report. It'll be a a goals report. >> Yeah.
>> Um and and we can add the two uh secondary. So, um, >> and I do think this the block format is really good for like management that's not relying on someone else's goals, but in this case, it's our life goals that and they'll change every year. >> Oh, yeah.
>> And you want to be able to use the same format, >> right? Okay. >> All right. So, a little bit more work on this. Um, so, but can we at least for November 19th look at what's on here? because there were some things that and
I changed some of Callie's dates. Um I had present financial status of the town to the select board in the fincom for November 19th. Are we still on track for that? >> We are. Um I still need to talk to the
finance committee. >> Um I've been trying to get a hold of Don. I I meant meant to call him today, but I was so busy with meetings and everything. I didn't get a chance to. Um, was it was your goal to have a joint
meeting with them? >> Yes, that's the way we did it when I was first a select my first term of a select board by the end of November. We always knew what the projections were for local receipts, what the projections are for
excise tax, the all the things that you put in the recap and kind of guess at in the spring when you're developing the budget, you talk about those and that's what that's and it's policy.
I don't know if we're going to have it for the >> No, I'm not talking about the recap for FY25 or, you know, I'm not talking about that. I'm not talking about FY26. I'm talking about FY27,
right? >> Yep. >> What do we expect? Because that's what we're going to be budgeting for, >> right, >> come January. So it's the the recap for FY 25 uh se 26 is not yet. We guessed at
that last spring. This is our guess for >> this coming spring, >> right? >> You guess projections. I shouldn't use guess but whatever are what are the >> as every town does. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. And it's in our budget policy. Yeah.
>> So, and we always did it with the the financial team, the finance committee, and the select board >> so that then Nelson can go off and um you know, figure out the budget memo,
run that by us so that we can approve it so he can get it out by December 15th or so. So in on at our December 2nd meeting, we should have a a a budget memo. >> Yeah. And I think >> to discuss
>> Yeah. It would it would conceivably go up the the next day or, you know, a couple days after the December 2nd meeting because at the December 2nd meeting, I'll would have had a draft for you guys to review and um you know, vote on or change.
I >> and that'll be the classification hearing too from the assessor on the second. >> I just got that date today. All right. >> Yeah, >> I asked for it and that and that's fine. But um but that the 19th would be the
projections. I expected to see today actually the um the forms. Do we have those settled yet? No, I >> could the um for the what the staff is going to use.
>> No. Um Fincom hasn't reached out to me yet. And that's part of what I need to do was reach out to them to see if they have any suggestions about how >> I think discussion I think it was less about changes to the forms as more as how they complete them. >> Got it. >> Yes. so that everybody does it the same
way because that really was, you know, >> a a point last time around. So, it would have been nice to have them all filled out the same way. >> So, that I mean, so I would want that on the 19th as well then.
>> Yes. If there are any um changes to be made to the to the form, but I think you're right. It's more of the content versus uh how how the form is laid out. >> And that way in your first, you know, you have a department head meeting, you
can in December go over those forms with them. How do you fill them out? How is it done? I mean, all at the same time. >> Yeah. I mean, you know, the department has no they know how to fill it out, but again, this year, I'm going to push a
little bit harder. If if it's not done correctly or there's a lack of information, I will push back that we it needs to be uh filled out to our expectations. >> It's the definition, the wording. People
interpreted the wording on the form to mean different things. They all put in the stuff. It was in their budget documents, but you know, it wasn't if it was vendor software, that wasn't always where it should have been on the expense
side. You know, it could be all over because they consider it differently from how the select board andor the fincom and each of us individually expected it to be. It was all different. So
um but anyway in in here we had so this was the 10:21 meeting financial forecast presentation November 19th I had streamlined template on 11:05 we can move that to the 19th. This is from the
minutes from last time. There was something else that was the 19th. I think it was organizational >> um personnel policies and procedures starting the 19th. Clear gov. The board expressed interest in seeing a
demonstration of clear gov at their November 19th meeting when the financial team will be present. So it'd be great to have that demo on the same day. So So these are the things for the 19th. It's the first one in the green which is
the documents. It's the third one. >> See what I mean? >> Undership goal. If we should all be there under one category. >> Exactly. >> Because I just I personally will get lost with like I'm not looking at as no
offense no I'm not looking as a leadership goal. I'm looking at as a select board goal. Leadership is a soft skill like you analyze in an annual review. >> Right. Right. >> It's inherent in the budget goals >> in the select goals. >> So that that's what I was ex that's what
I'm expecting on the 19th. So these are is a a meeting with the finance committee and the whole finance team. Mhm. >> Um, and I don't mind if they're virtual or in person.
>> Um, I think the finance team, you know, I might I'm meeting with them tomorrow. I might just be able to distill everything into some sort of memo versus having them come. I mean, I can >> I would like to have them present for
questions. That's me. Um, I don't know about anybody else. I ask a lot of questions. >> I thought that was the idea when we uh wanted to have that done last month
when we when we booked it for the 19th and that was to give enough time >> to get them together and let them know what we wanted. >> Um >> and so >> we can do that earlier. And because we
have the finance team, the finance >> so that they are saying, you know, meeting. >> Yeah, sure. >> We're used to that. >> So, it would be for financial predictions for FY27 for um the documents that department
heads are going to fill out for their budget and also a demonstration of clear gov software. I'll I'll talk to the rep to see it there or >> and anything else than anybody else. >> No, no, no. That's what we discussed. And yeah, and I think just I almost see
it, Veronica, like and I'm sure you know what I saying like here's our goal, there's budgeting and there's basically like these categories underneath it and those change. >> So, it's not going to be a block report. It's going to be a goals report and it's
going to be for the four things that we have the D the uh budgeting >> DPW um the regionalization >> and then um what was itual >> um human resources yeah
and then the secondary goals could be almost just a blank place >> two more things >> policies and communication >> do you want you want to start the meeting on the 9th 19 like at 4 >> only because it might be easier for the employees
>> the employees. >> I'm I'm good with that and but I'm not opposed to employees attending virtually. >> I'm not either. >> Um so if that's better I don't know if it's better to have them here at 4 and do the meeting then
>> or to have them after dinner, you know, to do that. Yeah, >> I'm good either way. >> All right, so 19 you can pull them and see what would be good for them. >> Yep. Um, yeah, I think the finance committee that's going to be a hard to
get everyone together, but I'll see what I can wrangle together. >> Well, if it can't be the whole committee, we'll it doesn't have to be the whole committee. >> Right. And at that point, >> whoever can deliver the message, right? >> Right. Yeah. But yep, I'm I'm working
on, you know, sort of the forecast. It's not looking good. Let's put it that way. But I think >> probably whatever it is, we need to look at it. >> We all expected it not to be good. But I I'm still looking at some numbers. I I do want to say,
you know, it's it's a forecast. Everything is based on assumptions, you know, that right >> I simply don't have the answers to. I have no idea what the school assessment is going to come in that um you know we have um multiple union contracts
expiring. I don't know what the cola and stuff is going to end up at. So >> but but we have to I mean that we have to yeah we don't know that but we have to at least
um see what is it that we can afford. Um yeah, we're going to we'll be looking at, >> you know, close a day, remove departments, whatever. >> I mean, we're not going to have the growth. >> Well, let's not, you know, talk about
options just yet, but you know, we will um at least we'll take a look at the numbers and >> see what they come in at. the assessor, the treasurer, the accountant, they should all be able to help with the picture of the town and where we think
we're going. And I have a concern about Starbucks because there's a real estate sign in the window and I and and I I looked at it and Summit Reality or something tell us >> that um that's the owner of the plaza,
right? Summit is the owner of the pl owns the plaza, >> right? So, are they just advertising space in that empty building or is Starbucks not coming anymore? >> I don't mean to alarm the world, but
>> it would but it's for, you know, I'm looking at it as, you know, receipts >> planning might know something, but I I haven't heard. >> Okay. So, they are still coming for sure. Well, I I don't know. Tomorrow's for sure.
>> Okay. >> Okay. But >> so why is that permit in the window? >> But that is the owner of the plaza. >> Okay. Sorry. >> All right. >> Apologies. >> No problem necessary. >> Okay. >> We're still here. >> So anyway, so we've moved the October
31, 2025 to the 19th. Okay. So I'm going to get all these into the the way we talked about it. And then there's policies and there's communications. All right. Um
All right. Okay. So, are we done with 5.2 for the moment? >> Yep. >> Thanks for bringing that you >> and this get what I'm saying. Okay. >> And I I kind of like that. I would I looked at this.
>> Yeah. Um so uh it would be I think for our purposes that would be um good and >> and I am good with reviewing this on a bi-weekly on a by meeting B every other
meeting or the last meeting of the monthly or something monthly. >> Yeah. >> Um anyway yeah by weekly and monthly are the same thing I think for us. Anyway, okay. And we still need a review document to agree upon
um this is good for >> for but for what does it look like in the end? >> And I would think um I wonder if MMA and those groups probably have something. >> Well, we have what we used with Eric.
>> I know that >> I would think that they would have a pretty standard I mean I can reach out to them and see if they have >> Yeah. You want to do that? Y Okay. All right. And so put this back on for the 19th, please. Is that okay, Lori?
Just saying 5.2. >> Yes. >> And we'll have a new form. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> And I'll I'll work with Cali to get things >> into place. >> Yes. No problem. >> Okay. Um 5.3.
Discuss town Facebook page. Well, we have one. >> I'm not Facebook. >> Yeah, I know. Well, I mean, people have been asking, you know, about the Facebook page, and Nelson found it. Um,
it's not used. It is. Oh, but it had 74 flowers. Look at that. Um, and there's probably something on here that shouldn't be on here. I'm not sure what the the intent was, but our intent, my
understanding is that it's informational only and not a place for dialogue. >> Well, no comments. >> No comments. >> That's what most comments do, I think. >> Yeah, I I am good with that. And for starters, I think we should anything that goes into the announcements on the
web page, >> you know, I think should also go on the Facebook page for starters. >> Yeah. for those we can grow from there. >> But people that don't look at the website and don't sign up for the uh
alerts when something gets posted would still get the information if in fact they're Facebook users. So I think that's a place to start. I I know we don't have a media policy that directly address what's allowed on Facebook, but
I think that there's nothing objectionable to doing that. If it go if it gets posted here, it should get posted on the Facebook page. Okay. >> Here being the website. >> I'm not sure if you have this in your packet because that just got printed
before. Um and I would say I just want you to take a a gander at it. No comment necessary. Um that >> okay. >> And who can post on it? So who would do the posting? >> Well,
so what Nelson found out was that it was actually done by Harrison. >> It was >> okay. While he was doing the website work, so he has control of that. And I think that we should have it back. >> I do too.
>> Okay. And I would I think it should be in the um select board come out of the select board's office. >> All right. So then um I I would make a motion that we begin using the um town of Townson Facebook page.
>> Hold on. I I'm not sure if we can use it until we have a social media policy. >> Why is that? If no comment is necessary, the only thing that's going to be on it is notices like what police does and fire does is just to put information
out, voting date, whatever, >> right? It's not going to be a dialogue. >> I I don't know the legality or specifics right now, but I thought it needed a policy in place. So, I I don't know the answer. >> Well, I think we can start with a motion
to have access. >> Yes. Okay. >> And we need to do that. >> I would like Okay. Then I, Veronica Cal, move that the access to the Facebook page be um moved to the town
administrator, select board chair, and um select board administrative assistant. So, I'm putting on you, Laur. >> Yeah. Um >> Okay. Thanks. Uh, and that the um
any contents on the page um be posted with no comment. >> Is there a second? >> Seconded. >> Who? >> Valer Gooditch. Second. Do we Do we want the chair this board on there or just the town administrator?
No, not that I don't trust you, but >> we could do just the town. >> Yeah, we can do just the town administrator. >> Lory's good with that. So, I I didn't want to leave. I would think that it's one of those day-to-day administration things where >> Yeah, I'd rather have good select board is >> separate >> from
>> I'm I'm good. >> All right. I modify that we get the um we have the access to the page changed such that um the administrators are the town administrator and the >> assistant
>> select board administrative assistant and that um >> anything posted has to go through them >> anything posted has to go through them and has to be posted with no comments. We can get the comment that's on there. Can I stand?
>> You have a second to that. >> Second to the M. >> Who are you? >> Valerie Gooditch. Seconded. Sorry. Enthusiastic. >> Any further discussion? Do you have time to say my name now? >> Ai. >> No further discussion. Roll call vote.
Veronica. I get a chai. And it's an I. So Nelson, can you take care of making sure that's done? Okay. So now next um town council policy 54. >> This was discussed last time
>> that we would come back with. >> Um I I um put one on there >> that um there's yours and now there's mine too. Oh, you have another one. >> Um, yeah. I And we might want to modify
yours. Um, I I wasn't sure. >> No, this is what I got from Sabrina as part of the agenda today. Is there another one? >> Yes, I I replied to her. >> Oh. >> Um, so if you go on to the share points,
>> um, this >> yours is the draft. >> Can I try that? No, >> no, that is mine is the top one. Mine's 11 2025. >> But we could also modify the one that Lori put up there. She's the draft.
>> Yep, that's what I was looking at. >> Okay. So, I would add a point. Let me pull up what Lori has. Um, >> can I get it um printed? Can do you want to make copies of things? Sure. Let me
take my I just made one at home and and then I put it in and make it for all all of us. Super good. I'm not sure if I want to specify that it has to be virtual or phone call the what?
Um, no. I I think that um I mean we can all do our best for that, but I think I could see times when this life would actually >> Well, I I think only the >> Does Nelson and Bill have copies?
>> No, they need them as well. So make make >> I don't need copies. I I have it. >> You have it? >> But are we going to mark it up? Is that the goal? >> Yes. Yeah. And and that way we can look at one online and have one hard copy. I can't even look at copy.
>> I'm serious. >> And I don't want to break your copy. >> I would say more than anything, it's just confusing some of the settings. Um, >> okay. And back to >> I wish there were more skittle.
Oh, I I brought more. It's okay. It's okay. Everybody must like the I want to see if I can steal it for you. Going to steal kettle Skittles for me. I always eat Kit Kat.
We're on an unofficial little break. Mute it for a second. Shuffle here. >> Thank you. Shuffle. Shuffle. >> Shuffle. >> Thank you, ma'am. >> Sorry, I should say this stuff enthusiastically. >> Yeah.
>> Oh, I'll give this to him. Thank you so much, Sabrina. You're very welcome. Okay, I didn't I didn't touch the request form old business use of town council.
>> Okay, so I am looking at the draft one. >> Yeah. >> Okay, that's Lor's. All right. So, are we back in session? >> I would add under the sole exceptions to this rule are, and I want to go back up to the top in a minute, but the sole
exceptions to this >> Where are you going to? >> Um, I'm on Lor's. >> Yes. >> Sole exceptions. She has three. I have four. The one that is different is my number two. Any member seeking legal advice on a matter shall have direct
access to town counsel. That's what is missing from hers. >> Oh, you added a four. >> I added a four, which I made number two. And then I made your two. >> But why does your top part look longer than mine?
>> Well, because I put in I I I uh differentiated between general counsel and labor and litigation. >> Okay. >> Um so town council. >> Oh, okay. Okay, I'm good with that.
>> Um, see, I disagree with your first sentence that town council services shall be virtual or via phone call only other than town meeting. There may be times when we want to have town council
present. So, what I have >> okay with removing it? Um um I I I would make it um town council services is preferred the town council services be virtual or via a phone call.
Um >> at the end of that paragraph >> uh and I would put it at the end of I would put it above the sole exception. So I'm changing things in lries. So, um, so I would take her the town
council services shall be virtual and be I would take that sentence. >> Are you editing this right now? >> Um, I I probably shouldn't. Should I? >> Is Nelson Does Nelson have it? >> I I have it. Do you
>> I mean I can. >> We're gonna So only one person should be doing it in SharePoint, not all of us, right? >> It's up to you. >> So Okay. Do you want to do it or you want Nelson to? >> I want Nelson to. >> Okay, go for it. So, um, the first
sentence, the town town council services shall be virtual or via a phone call. Uh, take that full sentence and move it down above the sole exceptions >> below the sole exception. >> Make it number four.
>> Soul exceptions. No, no. Above that the sol >> above >> right where your cursor is popping. Put it there. >> Yeah. And take out um put town council services. It is preferred that town council services
>> be virtual or be virtual or via phone call. Period. We don't need to mention they happy. They're becoming >> Is that the beginning or at >> the beginning of the sentence? That yellow highlighted sentence that you just moved. >> Yep. >> Put it is preferred the town council
services virtual. >> You you don't want to have or via phone call. >> Or via phone call. >> Okay. or via phone call. Um and you can remove the rest of it. >> Okay. Um under the sole exceptions, I
want you to add a number two, a line at number two. >> In the beginning of number two or >> No, no, no. New number two. Two becomes three. >> Okay. And that should be any member seeking legal advice on a matter shall
have direct access to town counsel. >> The select board member should be able to call town counsel. >> Any member >> seeking legal advice. >> Any select board member. >> Yes. Because these exceptions are only
for the select board. >> Yeah. Um so and then we'll go back and change board of selectment to select board. But anyway, uh number two is any member seeking legal advice on a matter shall have direct access to town
council. Okay, now let me get my thing back here. change to select. There's only one instance where it said select. I think any member seeking legal advice on a
matter shall have direct access. I mean there again I think one of the things that this probably isn't part of policy is that newsboard members should kind of understand you know the cost with their interactions just so they can be
cognizant of that >> actually we have to stay >> I I I mentioned that at yesterday's department head meeting use of town council was one of my agenda items and I mention it to folks maybe they didn't
realize that Adam's firm is now use not using a flat fee model. It's >> you know um anytime their services are being used they're going to be charging us their rate. So I said, you know, we need to be a little bit more judicious about when we use um Adam and his firm.
If it's something we can >> do, >> do in house, find the answer some other way, we should, you know, investigate those avenues before we uh engage with him because uh now that we're paying for everything, um
you know, I feel like we just need to be a little bit more cognizant of when we uh we we talk to them. There's that fine line too. I think as a SL I'm realizing first using it cautiously versus also knowing when okay
yeah this makes sense. I'm you actually do sometimes need to contact trying to avoid it but I haven't talked to him for a long time. >> No. Well, I haven't talked to him
I haven't talked to him since October 1st. >> Yeah. Okay. Um, so I'm looking at the policy here because I split it out and I guess we don't have to, but um,
all boards and commissions must have a vote authorizing the request before authorization. When you say okay policy a request for legal services form must be filled out and returned to the select board's office before the use of
legal counsel can be utilized. This process is necessary in order to track expenses and for budgeting purposes. So there should be a four f >> um before budgeting
>> tax expenses and for purposes >> um a uh this form must be submitted office. We've already said that. Um and authorization must be obtained.
um but from the town administrator and or their design before the use of legal counsel can be accessed. So we can take out the beginning of that sentence though. This form must be subscribed
that start with authorization in that sentence. All boards and commissions. Um so let me other than the board than the select board must have a vote
authorizing the request before authorization will be re um be provided. So take out the other um at the beginning there. It should just be all boards and committees
>> other than the board of selectmen. >> You're replacing selectman. >> The select board >> all over. There's a few. >> Yeah. Um we're editing yours. >> We're editing yours. >> Okay. >> Because there's a ton of them online. All boards and commissions
other than the select board must have a vote authorizing the request before authorization is provided. So does this make sense? Does the order we haven't a request for legal services form must be filled out and returned to the select board 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 obtained from the town administrator and or the board that can be accessed. All boards and committees.
I think that paragraph should go after the sentence. All boards and commissions other than select board must have a vote authorizing the request before authorization is provided. But maybe not. I don't know. What do you
guys think? And I think that that captures it. And whether it's labor, labor or litigation, >> I kind of think that's irrelevant. The difference is that general questions
that it wasn't an authorization or an approval. It was more of a notice if you have the vote. For labor council, it's an approval. Y but we can leave it this way and just make it an approval for everything because administrator would
be pretty much the only one count for labor, >> right? >> Um >> well not necessarily. Um it could be um personnel or discipline. >> You would be involved in that probably. Uh, you would think, but you know, I
think some boards or commissioner commissions might be a little bit uh, >> you should be. >> Would that be Cali? >> That would be not you. >> I because I don't other than the library
trustees, everybody reports up to you. Even if they have a border commission that they also work with, >> right? So that border commission should not be working with labor council unless >> you know about it. >> Yeah. And neither should the department head.
>> Yeah. Unless there's a vote from their board. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So a department head cannot directly access >> any one of those to be approved by Nelson. >> Yes. >> If their board votes. >> Exactly. But there needs to be a board
vote. So, um, before town, this is the way it used to be. And before we had Adam, so when we had KMP law, when I was on conservation and when I was on planning board, this is the way it was. You didn't access town council unless
you had a vote from the board and that and your administrator or the you would vote whether it's the administrator or the chair who would request the you know fill out the authorization form >> made to go on the same form
>> one. >> Yeah, we can change with the margins and things like that to make sure it fits. So I guess my only concern is um if the boards and commissions or committees need a vote um you know
some of them don't meet that often maybe something pops up you know >> they have to vote >> not someone's placement of something on a wet was, you know, um, allowed and we wanted to talk to town council. We had
to meet and vote about that. Things didn't pop up. >> I think I think the goal there is is that other members of the board may have the information and working in a group may be able to figure it out without >> Yes, that's right.
>> going to counsel. So it the idea is to use counsel as little as possible. >> Right. Um but when legally necessary >> correct
I mean a lot of the questions I think that have that I don't know but um caused the change in structure were because a lot of the questions that were being asked were not necessarily legal
questions. Um, >> okay. >> So, um, we can we can look at this and think about it. What form are we using?
>> The one he just edited. >> The one that's >> Oh, or you mean the >> You and I had different request forms. >> I was going with the one that was up there in in Lor's. Yeah. Yeah.
Is the other one too much? I just pulled out what was there for before. I mean, this one requests um that you're going to call or email time counselor for a discussion. General legal services. It kind of spells it out more.
The one that's in mine. So we don't have office hours anymore. >> There are no office hours. No. Does mine have office hours on it? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Where? >> Well, the second one >> office hours with town council for
discussion. Yeah, we could take that out. >> Well, that would shorten the bar a little. >> Yeah, it would, wouldn't it? It would take out the um the the footnotes that were a problem. I was thinking how do I get rid of those footnotes? It would
take that out. So just the second one under general legal services and the second one under labor or litigation legal services. I mean we tried to have everybody, this was before um have everybody use uh
the office hours as much as possible. And it really did until this year. Um, it cut down on the amount of calls to that you still had to fill out this if you wanted to talk, but
I think people have just been picking up the phone and calling or have you been getting requests on forms >> from department heads. >> Um, a few times it's been more informal like
you know the employee would come up to me. it's mainly in land use like Beth has a planning board or ZBA type question and you know she you know uh I think a good example was
um I think the the planning board had a meeting earlier this week was it and she wanted to talk to Adam about something hoping to get an answer before the meeting started for life me I can't remember what the topic was um
>> the 59 um I don't recall what it was about. >> But in any event, in the now what she has to do is get a vote from her board. You know, the board has to look at whatever it is and see if
>> see if they know and they may. Um there are experienced people on that board and >> I remember years ago voting >> Yeah. to let whoever >> access town council whether it was the administrator or it was the um
>> chair that's how it used to work >> and I would think in most circumstances it would be the administrator of the board like the employee >> they have the time >> um >> but it still requires the planning board has to say yes we want oh I shouldn't be
doing this um okay sorry I messed it that up. >> I don't think we need um I I like this form. It spells stuff out, >> right? >> But we would be eliminating
>> that one and that one. >> Yes. >> I'm not sure why the signature is between these. If you're going to be you're going to be doing a check mark, it's going to be >> you can put it down at the bottom. >> At the bottom only. Okay.
>> Yeah. Just once. Um, but I I like this and and this is the one that we used once um once we had Adam. >> So,
>> I'm I'm good with that. Are you okay with that? >> Yeah. >> It just gives you all the details really that >> I mean, do we do we want to get rid of the attendance? No, I guess if it's virtual, it's hard.
Um, >> unless it's a >> Oh, I see. >> We have had legal planning board meetings. It depend. It really depends. >> Oh, yeah. No, I can understand that. There might be some hearings that you would need them for. >> Yeah. >> So, and that's fine. I was Do you just
want to say virtual attendance? Um or you know I mean there >> we can do virtual. >> Yeah that's >> because really and they're at night and you're talking about two hour you know >> Yeah. >> two-hour drive.
>> Yeah. Let's just say virtual attendance >> cuz one of the things I know when I was talking to him about this too, he also mentioned that sometimes his attendance would be requested and he would say virtual or in person he wouldn't get an answer. So he assumed in person >> when he didn't virtual.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> So the default is virtual. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, let's get this policy um written up, look at it again, and voted on the 19th. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes.
>> Think about it if there's anything else that needs to be added or changed. >> Well, do you still have to have the um the third page? >> What's the third page? >> Well, the one that was on mine.
I think we only need this one. >> Oh, okay. >> I I don't know. >> This is It looks like it was a followup. >> It's like statute not reviewed, state agency resources available. >> It looks like a followup as to where this topic is. Do you think we need
that? I mean, it would come with this bill if you end up if if it's used. Um what do you think it's the followup to do you think this is necessary? I do
I do think there's an interesting thing about here which is I feel like there state agency resource available or assistance from another community may be available is an interesting >> addition because like I know there's been times when I've
been like oh gez what's that and sure enough it's on you know MMA or dos or do >> maybe maybe this is what we want to do instead of um the request for council was or was not accept accepted. You may
or may not contact council instead of having that line do this last page. Um because that's the your above request was forwarded to town labor council. He's going to want to see that before he talks to the person.
>> Um a returned request for the following reason. So the request was returned to whoever requested it. In other words, denied. >> Yeah. >> Um >> I think it's a good idea. >> State agency resource.
>> Yeah. Maybe include this. Yeah. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Not the top part. >> And I'm good with that. >> So, let's just look at it one more time before we vote.
So Sabrina can just, you know, put that one form in there. >> Yeah. >> So who's going to talk to Sabrina? >> Or or >> I mean, no, we already edited it. >> He's No,
>> you've already edited it. You took out the second one about office hours >> and then so this day. >> So yeah, I was I was a little bit confused cuz there's two documents. I know we were editing the the language
itself, but then you went to the forms. >> The forms come out of mine. >> The thes that's mine. >> So it will be this form and this last page,
the document that you edited and then >> which is this this list >> with edits Lori with the edits. That's easy enough to edit that one because you're just removing two things,
uh, erasing a couple lines and just putting your signature on the bottom. >> Okay. >> And then that one, this one that you give back to them or >> Yeah. >> And you can forward the request to um, >> Adam. The second page gets forwarded to Adam.
>> And this you already have because >> Yeah. So I I need to do some who shuffling of pain. So let me Yeah. >> So first reading on the 19th. >> First reading on the 19th. >> Second reading on the second hopefully
>> December 2nd at our meeting. >> Okay. And Okay. When we talk about dates a little bit later because I looked at my calendar. I'm wondering if you want to meet on the 9th versus later in the month. So, two weeks in a row in December.
>> We have a me a joint meeting supposedly with the board of health on the 9th. That's the joint meeting that we submitted the questions. >> I could Oh, can we So, can we meet and do some stuff that night after them? >> Could do that. >> I I don't mind doing that. You mean
instead of doing it on the 19th? >> Yeah, I'm leaving. That's fine. Um but you know >> actually that's better for me and >> um because we're doing Bellingham and >> my husband is staying an extra week and
I was coming back specifically for that meeting on the >> I'm not coming back. >> Okay. So let's do the second. >> I mean I do but we have >> Does that work for what we need for
budgeting for Nelson for you Nelson? Does that work if we meet on the 2nd and the 9th instead of the 2nd and whatever the date was? I think >> I don't mind doing I don't mind doing the other one virtual just for budgeting >> if we need to
>> if we mean it was scheduled for the 17th. I I don't >> 17th. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Probably because of the date that I was coming back. >> Yeah. Um, I'm I'm gone Wednesday to Tuesday from the 10th to the >> Let's do the 2nd and 9th and if we need
another meeting, we'll book it. >> Okay. >> Or does that >> and it would probably mean the two of us would be virtual. >> All right. >> Cuz if we have that other one, >> I'll probably stay out. >> Then we have to come back and we'll come
back at all. Um, >> it could be all virtual chair. >> Um, okay. >> I like I'm I do like it in person, but if we need something, we can do it virtual. And and especially the winter, who knows
what it's going to be, >> especially if we don't have any. Where's my other stuff? We are We just did >> 55. >> We just did five and >> No, we did 54. >> Yeah, we're on five. >> Sorry.
>> I'm not talking anymore. >> Just I messed myself up here. >> We're on the um postage machine. So, uh, >> oh, I'm not my second page.
>> It's It's there somewhere. >> I know. Um, do you have it? Yep. >> Go for it. >> You want me to make a motion? >> Yes. >> Um, I, Valerie Gooditch, move to approve the quadant postage machine contract app
is presented and authorize the town administrator to sign on the select board's behalf. >> Veronica Ke second. Is there any discussion? >> No. Let's get to that. I think we talked about that before. Uh, roll call vote. Veronica Cal I
>> Valerie I la I do you want me to go for 5.6 all those licenses? >> Yes. >> Okay. I, Valerie Goodrich, move to approve and sign outside of a meeting by signature stamp all 2026 renewals for comment.
>> Did you have in that in that last motion? Did you have Nelson signing on? >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So 5.6 Six. I Valerie Gooditch move to approve and sign with signature stamp outside of a meeting all 2026 renewals for common viddler licenses contingent
upon receipt of required documentation and payment for the following businesses and towns and doing business as Sophia's Pizzeria sweet and salty supermarket cherry hill Ice Cream 2 Kiss Cafe and Catering Ice Cream Factory
McNabs Town Country Club Northern Spy Golf Club, Dunkin Donuts on Main Street, Mr. Mike's Mobile Gas Station, Towns and Monub Club, Gourmet Donuts, Towns and House, Ease Village, Panda Walk, Patriot Pista, Bullion Beastro, Rainbow
Preschool, Hafner's Gas Station, Cloud9 Nutrition, Dunkin Donuts on Elm Street, McDonald's, Pizza Zaz, Bailey's Bar Grill, and BFW Post 6538 second. Any discussion?
hearing none. Roll call vote. Very good. >> I floor I 5.7. Um I value gooditch move to approve and sign outside of a meeting all 2020 sorry
I value gooditch move to approve and sign with signature stamp >> outside of a meeting all 2026 renewals for class 1 2 3 licenses contingent upon receipt of required documentation and payment for the following businesses in towns and doing business as B
enterprises Joe's auto body MJS Metals Harbor Auto Body Shepard sales service and pounds and board second. Any discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. Veronica Cal. >> Valerie Gooditch. I
floor I 58. >> Yep. 58. I, Valerie Gooditch, move to approve and sign by signature stamp outside of the meeting all 2026 renewals for entertainment licenses contingent upon receipt of required documentation
and payment for the following businesses in towns and doing business as ease village northern spy golf club VFW post 6538 the towns and house barley's bar and grill second.
>> Any discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote. I am missing. >> It's on this pl. >> Oh, it's there. Okay. Thank you. >> 59 59. I don't have any on the back side.
>> Yeah, I have this but I found my I found my jump. I >> um >> I don't have a document. >> I don't think there's anything in there, but I will talk about the emergency assistance funds policy.
>> Um for for now um I we um Sabrina has been working with council on that. Um and those funds we um that policy has been in place since 2014 and we updated it when we had the ARPA
funds and had a community services coordinator. And anyway, without that in place, um there are some confidence about the concerns and um will uh concerns and um
I think town council just needs more time with it. So, I think there is an active request currently and I I think that um right now I'd like to just put the policy on pause until we get from
council >> Yeah. more of a >> Do you need a motion for that? >> Yeah, I think so. I would make a motion to uh put a pause to the emergency assistance funds policy pending future council review
>> and for Cal second. It's really bad timing especially what's going on in the United States right now but um I think um I don't I don't think we have the updates on any right now.
>> No, >> these are all they are in the works. say he has them. Town council has the policies. So my suggestion would be just they're all going to go to the next meeting.
>> Yeah. But on this one, I just want to pause it because it might take a little more time and effort. We might have to decide how much we want to >> I >> and unless you have an update. >> I don't. But reminds me, I think I have
a folder for you. you do >> and I've been meaning to give it to you and I keep >> and not give it to me. I I raised a confidentiality concern about this um because I knew how we did it when our funds were in place and the coordinator
kept um confidential records etc etc. How is that going to be handled in the office? And quite frankly, I don't want to be involved with it in this current climate at all. You mean um you mean reviewing the
request? >> Yes. Yes. >> Um then >> and and dispersing funds and any questions that could arise from that. Um >> then what does that what where does that leave us then? >> That leaves us on pause which means that
um the requesttor will need to be notified. Um and until we have an answer to that >> there's >> okay >> it's on pause. >> Okay. >> That whole program is on pause until the
the wills need to be reviewed >> um etc etc because now we're just looking at the wills. We're not looking at ARPA >> right >> dispersements. Right. You're right. And not that we gave out any ARPA funds, but
we did have a coordinator who kept confidential records, etc., etc. And open meeting. I'm not discussing any of this. >> Oh, no. Of course. >> For a person in an open meeting, and then where do you how do you go into
executive session on it? >> Okay. >> We need we can come. And you know we really the way it was handled even in 2014 it shouldn't be in 2019 and in 2020 >> was that these meetings didn't get posted.
>> Um they didn't it it even in Cindy King's time these meetings were not posted. >> I didn't even know that these funds existed. >> No. This is the first when you put that on there is when I was like what is this? >> Right. Exactly. And so when Eric was
here, we and we we had the community services coordinator. We did, you know, she worked with people who had requests. Mostly she sent them places. >> Um but this becomes it becomes a quagmire
>> and I'm not I'm not interested in being involved in a quagmire. I don't think any of us are. >> No. And so we need council to sort that out. >> And we may need to discuss whether or
not whether we just put it on permanent pause or whether we want to spend the money as a town to sort it out and do it the way it should be. Um, do >> you know how much is in this?
>> Off the top of my head, no. Um but but it's it's monies that were left for in wills to the town for distribution to the worthy poor. Um
so we changed that to emergency assistance because >> worthy poor is subjective. Um and if and in any event um those funds are still there but um
according to town council they have to be voted on by town meeting to be dispersed. >> Oh no >> gez and I I I mean I think I worked on one of them with the arbor person. >> I think you did I think.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um, so and and I thought all of that was vetted way back, but now we don't have a community services coordinator. We don't have
it's um and it it it becomes well is it an open meeting or not an open meeting? Do we have to post it or not post it? And it becomes a quagmire. >> Okay. for the time being. >> Uh, yes, Cindy, did you have some direct
information on what we're speaking? >> Yes, I want to Veronica mentioned that the way we did it when I was on um there was a committee. I mean it was a small I can't remember the people that were on it but there was just a couple of people and it included one member of the board
of selectmen who would meet only when there was an application >> and then it was then then the the money was dispersed or not depending on what the application was. >> Right. And the question was that
committee is that an open were did you post these as as open? >> No, that's how it was always handled, right? >> A lot of open meeting violations. And so I asked the question
>> and the answer is oh boy maybe it should have been posted and it's the Abram French committee were the other people >> um and and there's another will I can't
remember all the names but in any event um there's a question about that and until that is sorted I would prefer that this be on Pause. Okay. And we had a second. >> Yes. >> And who was that?
>> Oh, I I first it you second it. Let me >> uh No, Ronnie made the motion. >> Did I just redo it and and redo it with your >> I to make a motion to pause the emergency assistance funds policy. Um
pending council review. >> Okay. and we had discussion. Thank you, Cindy. Um, roll call vote. Veronica, I >> you go to check >> and Laura and I and I will reiterate that it's really a shame to do that at
this point in time. >> Yeah. >> But >> okay. Um, and again, the rest of that 5.9 is uh with town council. >> Yep. >> Okay. work session,
town administrator updates and reports. Nelson. >> Um so, uh just a quick update on the town accountant position. Um the candidate that we um
made an offer to uh declined to to take our offer. Um, I went back to the interview panel um to see if we should try to re-engage with another candidate which I have reached out to last Friday
morning as well as Monday evening. Um, have not heard back yet. So, I'm not going to continue trying. So, um I think for the moment things are on pause, um cuz I don't think
there weren't any other viable candidates out of the applicants that we received and I don't think reopening the the posting will net us any more favorable candidates. So, I think for now I'm happy with CB viz. Um, we can
try to maybe uh do a posting, you know, in the late winter, early spring, seeing, you know, if other candidates pop up. >> I know a lot of corporate um corporate runs February 1st for their fiscal year
often. So, if you do it, if they have corporate layoffs ever, usually happening, you know, start of the new year. >> So, you might get more interest. Yep. thought. >> So, uh, >> sad, but wait.
>> So, that's kind of where we're at at the moment with that position >> after the holidays and stuff. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> So, maybe January, February, we'll, you know, potentially reopen the uh the posting again. Um, Tritown meeting update. We actually
had that this afternoon with Ash and Purple. we kind of continue the conversation about fire EMS regionalization. Um they're looking to bring three more towns into the conversation.
Um that was actually I just got an email this evening during our meeting um that there's going to be another uh TA uh meeting uh at PEL town hall next
Thursday morning. So we're inviting the three additional communities which I believe will be Tinsboro, Littleton, and Air. And then from there we'll uh Okay, let them do their thing.
>> Yeah. >> Um, so after that, whoever is still looking to have an additional conversation will now bring the the fire chiefs into the mix for the subsequent meeting.
Uh, we also talked about the uh the school budget a little bit. you know, uh, as you know, we've sent a letter out um on behalf of the three towns to the the school district um asking for not only a reduced assessment
for this year, but also letting them know that the all three towns only have basically this amount of money that we can provide to you. Um, you know, >> that letter did say 2 and a half% correct
>> 2.6 six if I remember correct. >> Uh >> what was your question? >> I forget the exact number >> the amount stated in the letter. >> I think it was 2.6. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And we also Yeah. And we also >> skip
my >> Yeah. We said 2.6. Yep. So, and we even gave a dollar amount. Basically, we can uh it amounts to, you know, increase of, you know, 1,67,072 in new >> total to in new total um
>> for three towns, >> right? >> So, so I we kind of laid it out in black and white like this is how much we can truly afford. Um, you know, we're still going to have monthly meetings with the superintendent's office. I think we're
going to try to provide to them maybe even a five-year outlook, which kind of goes handinhand with me, you know, doing financial forecasts for the the select board. You know, I'm just pushing out, you know, the um, you know, everything
out to like, you know, years two through five. um at that point, you know, those numbers are very wiggly. You know, it's rooted in reality, but again, who knows what's going to happen five years out. It's really just a projection or
forecast. And you know, um even slight changes can have pretty big uh swings downstream. So, um you know, again, you know, again, it is we can defend that, but at the same time, um you know, some of those numbers you know, could
potentially drastically change, you know, in in out years. So, I think those were kind of the two big ticket items that we talked about. We also talked about, you know, other potential regionalization opportunities
that have come up, you know, since I've started. You know, I'm constantly talking to Ashby and Peple about, you know, certain ways of doing things. uh when we lost a land use coordinator, I reached out to PEPO and I spoke to the
PEPO planner. That's their version of a land use coordinator. Um had a good conversation, but things just didn't work out, you know, and certainly even when Katie left, I reached out to PEL to see if there was any opportunity there
and there there just wasn't. >> Yeah, I think I think a lot of these things have to be more formal from the TA because you know going to the individual is great but often yeah >> well I I I work I work with the TA first
and then you know if if there's a right opportunity they will then you know send me the particular individual that we might work with >> so but nothing concrete has come up um but we certainly try every time there's a a vacancy or you know a retirement or
anything like that So, I'm going to back up to the fire thing. I just want to say that I really think someone in that group should be talking to the calling center um to see if help could be used in
regionalization at some point because the MMA small and rural town conference last spring was about regionalization of EMS services, not fire but EMS services >> and Collins Center was one of the
presenters >> and they do that is one of the things that they um provide for towns. It's there's a cost associated but there you know if money is coming in from the state maybe there's money that can be
used for that. >> I wonder if they would go to one of the meetings for the TAs. >> Sure. >> I I just think it's a good idea. >> I don't know. But I mentioned uh the column center to pil and they're going to look into to you know uh engaging
with them. So I I think that may very well be uh you know a source for us to you know really uh get engaged with these EMS regionalization talks. My my impression is that each town,
fire department and EMS department, some has a culture and it's the blending of the cultures that will be the biggest difficulty. >> Oh, absolutely. >> And I think it has to be done um >> those words were said
>> carefully. Um, and I think that having an outside entity, not the TA of this place or the TA of this place or is is the way to go to have someone from the outside >> and to understand that the goal is
financial in this circumstance. and sharing of resources, but we're all kind of in a position where >> absolutely >> these are the types of things that we don't have a lot of space in our budgets and if we all kind of are doing more
work together. Um, so I don't think we set up a uh a subsequent meeting yet, a follow on meeting. So I'll check with um you know the tri town.
>> I I know that was something we wanted to have on a regular basis. So but we didn't set up a next meeting. So I'll I'll I'll reach out. only have enough to do in just trying to get this one thing with the TAS and then after that it's
the same thing with the fires and then there can be a report after that. >> Um so I think Sabrina has started populating the monthly departmental reports you
know for the select board to take a look at. Um we certainly you know this is not the venue to be discussing each and every report you know line by line but you know certainly review it whenever you have time and if there's questions
or you know um you know things of interest you know you can either reach out to me or the department head directly for additional information. >> I thought they were all interesting. >> They are you know >> they're doing a lot of stuff. I mean, I've just read three today, but >> yeah. Um, so, you know, please review
them, uh, you know, whenever you can. I think you you can learn quite a bit about sort of, you know, on a month-to-month basis kind of the the the es and flows and the, you know, the responsibilities and projects that, you know, each department is in, you know,
is doing. So, it's definitely an interesting read. So uh so you know like I said this is not really the venue to be discussing each report line by line but if there um questions or things that come up you know we can certainly bring
it up you can bring it up to me you know offline. Um, and the last thing I had, this is related to, you know, an unfortunate incident we had with a first amen first first amendment audit that happened last Tuesday, not this yesterday, but last
Tuesday. Um it certainly was not a pleasant experience and it a town employee actually um felt uncomfortable enough to call the police department and you know they came and
sort of diffused the situation. Um you know I've sent out guidance from the um Adams office you know uh on how to deal with first amendment audits. So, it's a really some really good information
advice in that memo. Um, and I think we we've taken measures since then to sort of segregate, you know, um, public space versus, you know, authorized personnel in private spaces
as well. Um, a lot of offices have signs up, even physical barriers, you know, to sort of again segregate um, you know, truly public space versus, you know, um, employee only areas. Um,
the one space that I think we might need to improve on is actually the select boards area. Um, there's actually two doors that that are always propped open. you know, you'll see right out here. We're actually thinking about
um unpropping them, putting up a sign that says authorized personnel and also including including a um like a wireless doorbell. So, in case there's the public that wants to interact with either myself or
Cali or Sabrina, they ring the bell and, you know, that'll get our attention and then we can come out and greet, you know, the the public. Um, it just creates a little bit more space, you know, between what is considered public
and what is for um employees and authorized personnel only. I I think that will you know make those future interactions a little bit you know less chaotic. >> What do you think about by appointment
only? >> Which is done in certain departments in certain towns was one of the things that was brought up today. >> Yeah. I I think a lot of folks I think uh want the
flexibility to just drop into town hall and um you know do their business or have questions or concerns they can just you know talk to someone and and be greeted and assisted um and you know those are you know spur of the moment or
you know as they have time. So um I think appointments makes a lot of sense in a lot of situations but I think um making it making it appointment only might be too restrictive I feel
>> does that authorized personnel include all board members like I don't I wouldn't want you know a member of finance who needed to come talk to someone to not be able to >> I think they would Um I think they they they
should be able to come in freely. Certainly town employees can I would say this is really for the public. >> Yeah. >> You know they're not part of any >> not any board committee or commission. >> Yeah. So it's just for the general
public I would say >> or people do >> you know how it works in other town halls. I'm just curious >> if you go to Pero. Do you have access to the town administrator easily or I've been there a long time but he's the one that
brought up that appointment only thoughts just curiosity how their offices want people coming into his office. I went I went in there um recently um last couple of months and I was going
to say hi but I ended up talking to the secretary and there's quite a distance you know before you can get to him. He wasn't there, you know, but um but she is has that accessible secretary
>> with the high desk and >> glass >> glass or plastic whatever. >> Oh yeah. >> So you can't walk into the TA's office? >> No, you cannot. >> And and is that what happened here?
>> Yes. and went right into planning conservation. I thought conservation had a thing out there. Well, now it's a little bit more like when I go in, I say, "Hi, it's just me." You know, I go around the table. I've been in there the last couple of
days, but otherwise it's pretty obstructive. All right. So, do we need a motion? >> Do we need or is this >> We need a motion for the uh Well, uh changing uh putting up a sign, changing
the the >> I'm just wondering if this is if this is a us thing or if it's a >> just a dayto-day administration thing. >> I'm going to make a motion on this. I think there should be a motion. >> Go ahead. >> Do you want to do it? >> No, it's it's fine. I'm just thinking.
Go ahead. You can make >> I, Veronica Cal move to approve putting up select board door entrance signage and a doorbell as discussed at the double doors. >> Seconded. Sorry,
>> who are you? >> Seconded. >> Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica Cal and I thank you for doing that. Nelson
>> 6.2 liaison reports. >> So for this one uh in from now on to avoid any further amount complaints um the reports you know they have
whatever you know board or committee that you are reporting on needs to be listed for it has to be listed on the agenda otherwise you discuss it. So I I uploaded for open meanwhile complaints
um a whole bunch of examples. I took like six or seven other surrounding accounts. >> I looked at 12 of them anyway. >> Yeah. And every single one of them has report from board leaison. That's it. >> That's it. Oh my god, they're so short.
>> Now Actton adds a page at the back that says here's the possible list that you could talk about update from. And it's basically the board. It's it's the assignment list. >> You know, you would be reporting on this. I mean, we could add that in,
>> but I think the entire point of this is if a board like say the library comes to me Monday >> and says, "Oh my gosh, we have a huge event Saturday, you have a psycho board meeting, can you announce it?" >> Right?
>> It's the, you know, holiday fair. And that I take that or there's, you know, I mean, there's there's so many possible little things that I I wouldn't take this as I don't look at at a report from B leaison as like let's discuss how this board is running,
>> right? >> It's more of what what happened >> this this this, you know, >> it's not a debate kind of thing or a motion. >> The council in aging had this really cool car wash, >> right? And I guess the question is is do I have to submit 40 hours before I want
I want to mention the council on aging car wash. >> Um I'm I'm just going off of a recent old complaint and I can see the complaints continue unless
we we change things. And and I'm not saying it's right or wrong. I'm just stating the reality of it. Well, this is how I guess people want us to spend uh staff time. >> Yeah. I mean, >> Madame Chair, can I can I have some input on this?
>> I think it I what I have to say can be very helpful. >> It's b it's brief. All right. On this, first of all, oh, my cat got in the way. Sorry. Um my my first comment is um you can contact the
attorney general yourself and ask this question in advance and you can call either the email is open gov I think whatever the email you get from them it's open meeting openg something but you can email and Harrison has the information if you need it from
him that you can also call them directly but you all they always it's always a voicemail but they'll call you back or you can do an email and ask them this question about this particular item number, the the Lison report, and they they will give you their answer, and I I
think it'll be helpful rather than trying to second guess who's going to write an open meeting law complaint. Secondly, this is not something I would write a complaint about. Um, but I just for the record, I'm not going to say who it is, but >> Oh, I know. No, I know. And I'm not
either. I'm not I want I don't want to get into that. But the the only thing that if you you can I mean this particular item could be misused by a board now or in the future and that somebody could write a legitimate open meaning law complaint if you use this to
then do your report on the car wash at the senior center or and then and then have a vote on it a vote of some other you're going to establish policies from that that goes off. But if you're just making the the normal lays on announcements, hey, I went to the
planning board and they're they're working on this thing and you know, it doesn't lead to a discussion, but you're just saying, you know, the finance committee wants to have a meeting. Oh, okay. You know, but don't get into voting on it. If it needs something to be a vote, it should be somewhere else in the agenda. But if you're just giving
a basic announcements, then I I I don't I don't think it's a problem. But I I would say call the AGO or email them to open whatever. I forgot the email address. >> Meeting law complaints. So, we'll find out one way or the other.
>> Yeah, but I mean it's easier it's easier to contact the AGO in advance before you know at this when you're trying to change a policy that you to in order to prevent more. I know that that's a that might be a complaint now that you have to deal with, but for future agendas,
call the A. I mean, get a hold of the AG. They'll tell you what the right thing to do is on this particular question. And I really think they're very helpful in advance. Thank you. >> Yeah, I that that is one one item I would push back on. >> Yeah, me too. >> So, uh you know, but for the time being,
I don't want to have to write another OML response because they take time. So, um >> I know. >> So, whatever is on the agenda, let's stick with it because again, I don't want to have another complaint and >> I won't be reporting.
>> Okay. And um Now, why why >> you're not reporting from >> Well, I did have some stuff, but >> Oh, what did you >> What? >> Well, no. >> Me, too. But never mind. >> Yeah. Like I said, >> I will get clarification from the AGO's office.
>> Please do because like I said, I I really specifically looked for this particular item because I wanted like and I went >> it's been like this for years. I went to like 20 other towns around here and there are elements >> that yes can be more thorough kept up
but this is not we've I don't think we've this board that I've since I don't have a lot of time on here but we've never voted on something we have right >> um anyway for the moment anyway and
we've had long I will go into um select board leaison to the commission on disability Um, do I have a motion to Well, who's do we sign?
>> Maybe I'll have >> Yeah, that's fine. Veronica could do it. Do you want to do it? I can make the motion. No, I don't want to make >> I can make it. >> Okay, it's for you. >> That's fine. Um I move to account appoint I Valerie Goodrich move to
appoint myself as the le >> Valerie Goodrich as leas into the commission on disability. >> Okay. Do I have a second? Veronica. Okay. Any discussion? I think she'll do a great job. >> I have disabled members in my family so
it's fine. Many >> um Okay. So hearing no further discussion anymore. No roll call vote I >> probably >> and Laura Shiff and I
are now the leazison to the disability committee. Now in saying that we also have the updated that updated liaison list which shows you on
on here and I will also tell you that we will have a let me finish with the disability thing first. I think community preservation. Uh we will have a community preservation
one coming on here. Doesn't that have to be I just got something and well I'm going to read Did that have to be the end of October? Did that have to be seated? Is that am I
incorrect? I I asked about that and they said no, it's like next October or something. >> Okay. So, it's not >> because the reporting done doesn't have to be done because we weren't I don't know because I was pushing that. >> I thought that we might have missed it and I was
>> and it's not end of this October. >> Okay. >> Okay. So I'm going to go >> really >> right into well >> okay >> do you have the update on the liaison
list okay and we'll have something else um next month so 6.3 announcements communications volunteer resp volunteer response forms which okay we
already do the volunteer response form um discussion. We do have a new one and we also have a new posting. I'm going to list the uh vacancies that we have
updated the vacancies for the list of boards. So, I'm going to read the community preservation committee which is now posted was posted as of November 3rd and >> Okay, that's it. Sorry. Go ahead.
>> Community preservation committee. There's two members to be appointed by the select board to fill three-year terms. Committee created at the May 7th, 2025 town meeting. The community preservation committee CPC will be responsible for re
recommending proposals focused on either preserving towns open space and historic sites, creating affordable housing, or developing outdoor recreation facilities. The funding for these projects will come from the 1% search
charge approved by the towns and voters on November 5th, 2024. In addition to the two members appointed by the select board, there will be five additional members as selected by the following boards. And please listen everyone share this information because
these following boards will need to meet and appoint someone to this committee. Conservation Commission, Towns and Historic District Commission, Cemetery and Parks Commission, Planning Board, and the Housing Authority.
Other than that the two will be two others appointed by the select board. When the community preservation committee form for forms, a volunteer from the nonprofit organization community preservations coalition will
attend to give tutorial give a tutorial on organizing a community preservation committee so that no experience is needed other than the desire to help our town. Typically, community preservation committees meet
about once per month. So, hopefully everybody you can share that Cindy with everyone and let them know we're we have new forms now and we also have new positions available. Um, I will also mention the other vacancies.
Agricultural Commission has a vacancy. Board of Commissioners, excuse me, board of water commissioners have a vacancy. Capital Planning Committee has a vacancy. Commission on Disability
Commission on Disabilities also has a vacancy. Cindy, can you chime in now with how many are on your committee? >> Um, yes, it's we uh we decided to set it at a five member committee. I think you guys when you posted it, it set at a
five member committee. I'm the only member right now. So I am we are recruiting four more people and one needs to one should be three out of the five must be disabled. So so we're looking primarily for people who have a disability although you don't
have to reveal it just you have to have one and one should be a town official either elected or appointed employee or what have you but someone from the town should also volunteer to be on that commission. You know what, Cindy? I'm going to I knew I had it with me and I
was looking for it because I actually got a whole bunch of information regarding recruitment and hiring of qualified individuals, which also in means recruitment for the disability committee. You may already have all this
information, but I'm happy to read the um public notice for the vacancy. Um, Commission on Disability. Okay, this as far as the posting says has four vacancies for three-year staggered
terms. The majority of said commission members shall consist of people with disabilities. One member shall be a member of the immediate f of the immediate family of a person with a disability. One member of said
commission shall either shall be either elected or appointed official of townsen. Appointment is made by the select board with staggered one two threeyear staggered terms. Such
commission shall uh research local problems of people with disabilities. Two, advise and assist municipal officials and employees in ensuring compliance with the state and federal laws and regulations that affect people
with disabilities. Three, coordinate or carry out programs designed to meet the problems of people with disabilities or in coordination with programs of the Massachusetts Office on Disability. Four, review and make recommendations
about policies, procedures, services, activities, and facilities of departments, boards, and agencies of said city or town as they may affect people with disabilities. Five, provide information, referrals, guidance, and
technical assistance to individuals, public agencies, businesses, and organizations in all matters pertaining to to disability. Six, coordinate activities of other local groups organized for similar purposes. The
commission should consist of not less than five and not more than 13 members. And this is where Cindy has informed us that they have um well she is they I guess have decided on five. We're hoping if we get that and you want to expand
later, I'm sure you can do that. And the commission is governed by Mass General Law Chapter 40 section 8J adopted at the annual town meeting on May 2nd, 2017. So, thank you for all your efforts,
Cindy, and I hope that we do get more people on that. Um, we went over community. Uh, the conservation commission has a vacancy, energy committee has a vacancy, historic district commission has a vacancy.
That housing authority representative has a vacancy. I I think this is housing authority has a vacancy. So there's two there's two vacancies on the housing authority. >> The housing representative is the one to
the state. >> Yeah. >> Um kids country playground committee still on here with a vacancy. >> I thought that I thought we also filled the historic district commission but >> this is the update that I got from Sabrina today.
>> Okay. Um, recycling committee has a vacancy. I thought we also did that. Town properties has two vacancies that are not sworn in and they are the at large. Uh, West Towns and Reading Room Committee.
I don't They have a vacancy, but I'm What? What do you have? Maybe we can't do that. We need to find out what's going on with the reading room. Uh, zoning board of appeals has a full member vacancy. Zoning board of appeals
has another full member vacancy and zoning board of appeals still has another associate member. They could use a lot more members and zoning board of appeals. I think also um something to check on and maybe this should go to screen is I
talked to Emmy today and I think recreation had someone that was written in but has never shown up and never was sworn in. So they which one recreation >> they were they sworn in >> I don't think the person ever actually >> were they ever notified
>> I believe so but so maybe Sabrina should check >> with any because I think there's one >> the letters go out from Sabrina for that >> um >> well not when it's a writing but they don't >> maybe I'll check with the town clerk position >> I'll have to check with the town
>> yeah that would be the town clerk >> um I can give you my whole folder on the commission on disability which is the vacancy and all the documents I got for your new position. Okay.
>> And Cindy, I'll get in touch about some people that maybe you could reach out to and see if they're interested. So, >> yeah. Okay. Val, you're next. Legal notice of public hearing. Let me pull that pull that up. Sorry. Um Okay. This
is from the zoning board of appeals. Legal notice. In accordance with Mass General Law, Chapter 4A, Section 9, and the Towns and Zoning bylaw, the Towns and Zoning Board of Appeals will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, November 19th, 2025 at 6:35 p.m. at the town hall
272 Main Street Towns in Massachusetts to consider the application of Addison N for a special permit under Towns and Zoning bylaw 14518 and 14565 to authorize the use of nine previously permitted motel units as
long-term residential rental units at 159 Brookline Road, Assessor's Map 38, Block 9, lot Zero, located in the Outline commercial district OCD and the Aqua for overlay district. The application and plans are on file in the town clerk's office and may be inspected
during regular business hours. Public comments may be made at the hearing or in writing prior to the hearing by email or request to cba towns and mmass.gov. Remote access via Zoom link. I'm sure >> we are not supposed to read that.
>> Yeah. >> Um Victoria, correct? Am I pronouncing that right? I'm I'm at your >> chair zoning board of appeals and publishing the ground herald October 31st and November 7th
and CC a whole bunch of departments and about okay thank you for reading that. >> No problem. >> Um rail trail. >> Yeah. >> So sorry zooming in. Um, the rail trail is
inviting everybody to come help do an annual cleanup on the Squan Quick River Rail Trail on Saturday, November 8th from 9 to 11:00 a.m. Meet at the Cherry Hill 2 parking lot. Please bring leaf rakes, gloves, and an optional leaf blower. Have fun working our beloved trail and hear what's planned for the
future. Families welcome. Rain date is the same time, Sunday, November 9th. So that' be 9 to 11. Check the website at sqrt.org for an update if it's rainy Saturday. There you go. Thank you. Okay. Okay. 61.4. Your next meeting is November
19th, 2025 as we stated. Um going to say stay tuned for the time because it may be earlier than the 6 p.m. that we thought, which is not uncommon. Um 6.5. D.
>> Um yes. I make a motion that we review and sign payroll and bas >> I Valerie Goodrich review make a motion that we review and sign payroll and bills payable awards out of session second >> okay any discussion hearing none roll
call vote >> I going to la I I'll entertain a motion to adjourn >> I make a motion to adjourn this board at your Sorry, I never say my name so many times.
>> No, you got to say it. >> I, Valerie Goodrich, make a motion to select for meeting at 9:53 p.m. >> Veronica Cal second. Okay, any discussion? Any objection? Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica
Cal I get a chai. Lordship and I.