Good evening. I call the cycle board meeting of the 2nd of June to order at 5:02 p.m. Roll call. Laura Shiff present. Sarah Logan present. Sally good present. And um >> please join me. I pledge of allegiance
to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. >> I'd like to thank all of our veterans, as well as all of those that are serving
here and abroad, as well as all of our first responders, our elected and appointed officials and our staff and their families for making our community a better place to live. Thank you. >> Thanks, Lord. Um, in reviewing the
agenda, I don't think there's anything we need to take out of order unless anybody else sees something. Everybody good? And um, and since I want to thank everybody who came out of the very rainy Memorial Day parade and I got
a chance to talk to it was, uh, you know, I was I was pleased by how many people were out even in the day that occurred. >> Anything else? >> Yeah, it was very nice. Uh well I went to show tech twice. >> I went Saturday also >> once for the rain. Oh yeah and um
>> and it was not that day. >> Okay. And then I then I was I was there for the sun on Sunday. >> It was very nice. >> Congratulations to all the graduates at the tech and at North Middle Sex. Also, >> I want to mention I was very impressed
with the students and there had to be more than a dozen of them who had done a 2-year class and also received their associates >> while at the tech and that is awesome and I I have the chills for all of them
because they all have a skill >> graduating. Many of them were also um recognized uh nationally for their efforts because there were several I'm going to say maybe sixish
of them who had actually won awards nationally once they were presented by the um school committee to that. So congratulations to all of them at Inovate. >> Awesome. And yep and to you know NM2
their graduation room. Yeah. >> So um I number four approve meeting minutes 519. >> I Sarah Logan move to approve the meeting minutes of 51926. Lowership and second. >> Any questions? I was good to me I made
one small change but it's like a number change. >> I did edits right. Okay. No call. >> Laura Shiffren. Yes. Sarah Logan. Yes. >> And Valerie Gut. Yes. Um, appointments and resignations 5.1. >> I, Sarah Logan, move to appoint Abigail
Farley to the Conservation Commission for the term of June 2nd, 2026 to June 30th, 2026. >> Y, >> just a minute. >> It's a short one. >> Okay. >> Most likely try and renew my >> Okay. Great.
>> Uh, Laura Shen second. >> Yep. And anything about that, Abigail? We welcome the volunteers. Uh, just thank you for appointing me and sorry you're gonna have to do this in a bad month. Good practice. >> I thought they were tricking me.
>> And thanks for appointing me to boards as well. >> I say we love all the volunteers, especially new faces. It's nice to come. >> Um, >> especially the young ones as well. Laura Shiffren, yes. >> Sarah Logan, yes. >> And Barnett, yes. 5.2. I, Sarah Logan,
move to appoint Brian Pinkerton to the Conservation Commission for a term of June 2nd, 2026 to June 30th, 2028. >> Laura Shiffren second. >> He's doing a great job. >> I watch their meetings, so Okay, great. Okay, good. Roll call.
>> Laura Shiffren, yes. >> Sarah Logan, yes. >> And Valerich, yes. Um, 5.3. So, this is to >> have an attachment. Yeah. seasonal hires to the recreation department as you see by this lovely little table at the bottom of the
agenda. >> You want to go first? You want >> Yes. Um I Sarah Logan move to appoint seasonal hires to the recreation department as listed in the agenda with effective start dates as outlined in their employee action forms and contingent upon successful completion of
all necessary onboarding. >> Are we going to recite the names? I can do them quickly if you want. That helps. Or you guys, I mean, I would I would do the names and just highlight the roles. I can do it. >> So, summer counselor, let's do the names. Lee counselor. No, I mean, you can do it. >> Oh, okay. Just as long as somebody does
it. >> Okay. Um, summer counselors, um, Cameron Moore, Shannon Kelly, Asher Shine, Greta H. Healthure Brady Sheldon, Heidi Thalheimer, Michael Newman, lead counselor Wyatt Gallant, Ava Duke, and junior operations assistant Kimberly
Casperian and Evans. >> I second all of them. Wonderful. Any discussion? Excited for recreation for the summer? I'm sure as many kids are in town. Only another couple weeks. Um, roll call.
>> Laura Shiffen, yes. Sarah Logan, yes. and value. Yes. 6.1 annual town election five member select board and election of additional members. So everybody's had some time to think about this one. Um I'll start by saying I did get a chance to talk to quite a few people at
Memorial Day which was really nice because I think there are some people who probably normally don't get asked questions. Um and everybody was really kind about the whole thing. you know, kind of either way. I got, you know, some people are like, "Wait, so I can vote at the annual town election." Other
people were like, "Do it in the fall." Um, the one can the one thing I did get from a lot of people was, "Please don't do it in the summer." That's the only thing I did get repeatedly because they thought thought it was rushed, but that's just what I received and none of that's binding or anything. It's just the feedback that I got reaching out to
people. So I kind of got the same um more for just do it at the annual >> uh only because of confusion >> on on their part. Nothing that I could
explain any further um but other than that it's desire of the board I guess. >> Yeah. So um I did then after that um meet with the clerk and the moderator together um and we had a discussion and the clerk did assure me that it will be
it's added burden because we have the September and the November election but um I did ask if it would be possible to do one in between the two and they said it would be it would be an added expense not huge doing doing our special election with one of
the other elections would incur a lot of cost because there'd be additional machinery $30,000, but holding one in between um the clerk's going to have to bring on some additional election staff. So, we're talking, you know, guesstimate, you know, $1,500, $2,000.
So, it's not a huge expense because they're going to be running simultaneous elections essentially in the background. But the clerk's office did assure me that they would do what they had to do to make it happen based on what our wish was.
So, what's the cost if you add one >> to do like another election? >> Another Well, so we already kind of budgeted that. >> Yeah. It ends up being, you know, the town clerk will know the number more precisely, but you're in the ballpark of around $3,000 for the day, the machines,
the ballots, and so on and so on, and election workers. So, >> and then in this case, he's just going to need to bring in some more election help between because there'll be the special combined with the two state elections also. >> But not >> I'm not understanding bringing
additional >> No, you know, um so the clerk's office relies on election workers and they get paid. Mhm. >> So, some he'll the clerk's office will have to use some additional of those hours to in order to be able to run an election in the fall because they'll be
mail and ballots for other elections, >> but that's already budgeted. You said >> just a little bit more than what we >> Well, we already year mark it based on their um requests and it was budgeted already. So, it's in the bucket the bucket that they have money for. So, >> so what date were you thinking of? Um
this is up for the board to debate. could, you know, sandwich it between the two. We have first Tuesday in September, first Tuesday in November. We could do first Tuesday in October. I know the the clerk had a site department for the week before that, but I'm wondering if
logistically, you know, first se makes sorry a little bit. I'm trying to think of making sure people understand what's going on in the midst all these elections. So,
any thoughts? >> I'll just add that I did hear from a few residents um that shared emails. So, they too were interested in having it um sooner than later was sort of the general theme from these residents. Some of them were, you know, involved in different groups in our town already. Um
but in general, the you felt that it was um in line with the the goal of the vote and the change to have it sooner than later. I won't ballpark it for them, but um that was sort of the general tone which would align with the September, late September, early October sort of
theme that you guys are pondering. >> So the first Tuesday in October is the 6th. >> Yeah. >> You wouldn't do it November because >> No, the first Tuesday in November is the primary, >> right? >> The US primary. So
>> And that's a really big ballot primary too for the state. Yeah, it goes September primaries towns and election first Tuesday of October you could think of and then midterm elections for the country and the first Tuesday of November.
>> Okay. You want to move forward with October 6th? >> I'm good with that with me. Okay. So, I'll take a motion. Um I Sarah Logan move to schedule
um the additional election for the um two new board seats for October 6th. >> I'll second y not knowing what they are. >> So do we know what they are for dates? >> Council will give us the exact wording
on how that will play out. So >> you could say subject to council >> subject subject to council's um wording >> on terms. Y >> okay I second that ship second that
>> is that me >> okay so October six roll call >> yes >> Sarah Logan yes there you go and um >> good luck to anyone who wants to run. >> Yep. I'll get dates from the clerk's office for pulling papers and get them
out to everybody at our next meeting and set all those >> things in the annual calendar. >> I see Jack listening from the town clerk's office, so they're probably >> So, he'll be all set. >> They're working out already. >> And thanks to them for um you know, pulling this together. I know almost in
any other circumstance it would be easy to hold the fall special election, but just just the way this the timing worked out with all of our votes. And I think um I appreciate everybody who gave a lot of feedback. And um I will send a little cordial reminder that while 90% of the feedback was really positive, there was
10% that was had a lot of really um negative words. So I just remind people that sometimes there's people behind the screens. I'm just it's my >> mostly on Facebook. >> No, I'm not on Facebook luckily. This is direct. But that's okay. You know, >> I'm not either. I just hear from other
people. >> Okay. So that's it. So we move on to 6.2 I S >> we actually TAM our representative and their representative were just working late this afternoon to hammer out a
final agreement. They will be sending a final proposal out to the interested parties late tonight. You know that's always the rumor. Um but uh I think we'll have something for next meeting. >> What about financials? >> I think that's going to be included in that agreement is my
>> All right. Hope. >> So, uh, take no action on that one for now. So, >> okay. Great meeting by next week. Are we meeting next week? >> No. >> 616. >> 616. >> Oh, the next meeting. Okay. >> So, take no action on 6.2.
>> Okay. >> Um, so moved. >> Second. Laura Shiffren. >> We'll call Laura Shiffurn. Yes. >> Sarah Logan. Yes. >> Yes. And I'll come back up next time. 6.3. >> Uh, animal inspector position. We currently do not have one. Um our wage
is um quite low for that role. Um I sent out an email to our colleagues at STAM to sort of get some ideas. More often than not, most towns are blending that together with their animal control uh officer, which is uh works with the police department. Unfortunately, um,
our animal control officer, I don't want to speak for them, but the >> the legend or the rumor is that it's not enough funding for the responsibilities of the inspector role. >> Um, so it kind of puts us in a bit of a precarious situation. um where I think as a town we you either have to fund it
more or just live without or you could use you know we have it identified as professional services so that you could call it out you know in the event that you needed someone to come and do inspection you could fund the role that way um you know I was going to check with Andrew and Prol to
see what they do um >> any chance of sharing >> so it would just we'd have to pay more it's all about funding like grun >> how much more are we talking about. Do you have any ideas? >> Five times the number. >> Oh, right. >> What's the number on the >> 1,200?
>> That's what I thought. Okay. >> So, but I'm sorry. Go ahead. >> No, no, no. >> No, go ahead. >> The documents that we have in SharePoint for it, they came to us obviously in March.
>> Um, and we also had those documents last year, >> many years. So, and we did try last year actually from the from 24 that I know of >> to get somebody and we can't. Now, what?
Oh, we can't coordinate either. So, what is there a um penalty? >> There is. >> That's what I thought. So, >> exactly my question. >> Yeah. What is the penalty for not doing this? I mean, we have talked about it
before. we have offered it out. It has been posted and we don't have anyone. What happens >> uh in the event that there's an issue and you face a fine from the state. Um >> Oh, if there's an issue, >> yeah, it usually has to the bar has to
be raised to cause them to be triggered. Um the state doesn't really enforce the lack thereof of having the inspector role because they too can't find enough people to do the work. Yeah, it, you know, it would be great if
we could blend it with the acco, the animal control officer. That's how most communities act and then they regionalize because it's some buying power and it's just it's the nature of the position. Um, our animal control officer does not feel it's a fair wage.
So, >> so does Pepperrell have one or Ashby have one? >> Pero has one. Pepper has one that does that, >> but they won't. >> I quickly messaged with uh the town manager there and he's like, "You guys are too low. The number's not high enough." He's like, "I can float the
idea out." He's like, "But I'm pretty sure it's no it's >> okay. >> We have a lean budget and it's a lean budget." >> So, it's probably something that we have to figure out hopefully how to fit in next year.
you do, but you know it's um the state they haven't finded communities for a while. They know they know it's it's a tough position. So um what are you going to do? You know, um Bermuda Triangle.
>> Okay. So I guess we just kind of >> I'll continue. Yeah, I'll continue going to um check with other communities in the stam and see if there's an agency that maybe we could do it that we could hire. >> Absolutely. >> Kind of like an Ashoba or you know um for building inspection services.
There's a company called Code Red which does all building inspection services and they do it for a lot of communities. Maybe there's something like that. I you know I just think we're going to see the numbers got to be a little closer to the 5k number and not the 1,200 number that we're at. And you know, we'd have to
sort of pivot around the budget to play around with that. So, more to come. It'll probably remain on the agenda the next couple meetings, I guess. So, just as a background for it. So, >> as we get more information. >> Yeah.
>> Well, if anybody's interested out there, >> loves animals and would like to take care of this, >> we're looking. >> Yeah, for sure. >> Sorry, you're afraid of dogs. >> I'm with you. That's okay. Okay. Um 6.4.
So K, you have an update on this one? >> Yeah. 6.4 is an engineer draft contract with H oil and Tanner. Um there was different materials on SharePoint for um you know the makeup of that contract. Um we had some feedback from our um our
folks in terms of different claims and you know the way there's a cap on contractor's total liability. Um nothing was uh abhorrent about it. It was more just these are reservations that town council had. So we could ask Hil and
Tanner to amend it or we could just say we can live with it. Um, Hy and Tanner for those listening at home and here visiting with us in the room is a engineering firm that provides services for towns on like the technical review aspects of a subdivision plan, storm
water management, conservation, uh, things of that nature that um, they really become your technical experts and then they summarize it so that someone like me who knows nothing about it could understand. Um, so that's why they're um so useful and you would have you would
hire them as your engineer or like a a master services agreement. So when big projects come out um you know in the event that the MBTA how the zone area all of a sudden said hey we have a plan we would want that technical expert to help review it for us. >> And we have another group.
>> We do like I think it was um Graves Engineering was another group. Um, we know them well at least from some peer reviews they've done for the town. Um, they do slightly different things. Um, so it would really be uh up to the town to decide what they want to do. Just
because you sign a master services agreement with oil and tanner doesn't prevent another group from coming in and sharing, you know, their opportunities or their feedback. Um but it would just sort of we would have gotten through all the nuances of contract work now with oil and tanner and say in the event we
had a a short window of time they could say hey we're going to go with them. So >> this one is >> well there just seem to be a lot of we're not responsible for
>> yeah that's um going to be pretty atypical at most engineering firms. um because they're going to provide the technical expertise and then your board's going to make a call. >> So >> all they can do is supply the information, >> right? Yeah. You know, 1 plus 1 is two
and then it's up to the board to say one. >> Okay. We're not voting on anything. >> Justformational. >> Justformational. We had discussed this some time ago. Um, this will come back at 6:16 to vote on and ratify. Okay.
>> Um, so just bringing it to your attention for now and then we would vote to go into an agreement with oil and tanner from that point on. >> Okay. Thanks Karen. Um, new business 7.1
preparations. Everybody's excited for tomorrow. Yes. >> So >> I am. So I um sent you all by email um into your questions and I just divided amongst the three of us based kind of on
the screening committee and then the feedback that I had originally gotten from the public during public comment for the screening committee on some of the things that they thought were important. So I just kind of put all those interview questions together. I did I tried to do three each. Um you two
should feel free to edit your questions if you want. If you want, if you feel that the questions aren't appropriate or sound, what's your thoughts? >> Yeah, >> we just want to make sure that the same interview questions for all the candidates
thing. And um yeah, and then basically what will happen is after candidates, we'll have a discussion open session and we'll go from there. And if anybody has any questions about how like in specific, you can always
reach out to Jane talks and she's happy to explain. She laid everything out. So, >> sound good? >> Yes. >> Perfect. Okay. 7.2 um 7.2 and 7.3 are kind of related. So, um 7.2 is adapt committee
for West Towns and Reading Room and 7.3 is committee for the Heart Library. So, um, little, you know, hidey-ho, if we go between the two a little bit, everybody's good with that. They're both, they could be intertwined a little bit. So, um, these are because of the
vote at town meeting to, um, continue to have interest in possible restoration of the west room and then continued use out of the sorry, restoration of both probably and continues west room. So,
um, there was a lot of research I know some people here did on the Westtown meeting room and how that committee was even appointed and it's kind of just an we just did it. It's not in the charter, not in a bylaw, not in the
policy. It's mentioned and anybody I'm incorrect, it's mentioned in a will, but it's mentioned as the West Housing Committee, not the West Housing Reading Room Committee. Um, council has had things to say. I know I popped some documents in there on this and how that
group, you know, can help the room function, but they, you know, the trust funds still have to be approved by the town. Um, so I wanted to get an actual committee that if if we so choose can come and be official, you know, be in
the bylaws and actually be here as the West Town Committee. And so the best bet right now is to make that an ad hoc committee because it it's official. we created it. It was kind of just this thing that happened if that makes sense. >> Well, it was a it wasn't a formal
committee per se. It was never terminated. It was never abolished. It was just sort of >> nobody was in it >> in the peripheral more than anything. >> And so this is like okay. So in relation to that I there was a draft for that ad hoc committee that basically lays out a
mission statement which is to promote the restoration. they can, you know, apply grants. It has to work within all the, you know, state laws, charter, our policies. Um, and same thing for
Westtown, for the heart library. the heart library being a little different because West Towns reading room is you know once we get some things straightened out on I know some questions of the septic and insurance and our insurance company is now asking about these buildings and wondering what
their state of affairs is. We got an email on that right after town meeting. Um so kind of our choices here are we can have these two committees um or do we kind of roll them together into one committee and make it a little bit
bigger and allow them to kind of you know see what they can come up with for the next six months. >> So just as you're >> Yeah, I'm open to thoughts. I'm just laying the stage. >> And I see Cindy's got the two up and I actually agree with that. And the reason
being is one has a budget and one has funding >> and and sort of a specific will as in the intent and the service provides the community. >> The Heart Library, you know, beautiful building, but it's just an antiquated building that is
>> on the town's shoulders and has fallen into disrepair and has no vehicle for funding. >> And that's sort of where I would let them you each I would probably say each group gets a year to come back with a plan. >> Yeah. And then I think you leave it up
to the residents after a year to decide if we want to use CPA funds, do we want to do nothing, we want to wash our hands of it and go back to the >> sale docket. Um, I think the intent at our last
annual meeting when all of that happened and we were great with it happening and those people who volunteered to say they could get grant money and stuff like that that it should be for report at the
next annual meeting. M >> my my thoughts are that the town is expecting that and that we should have them do 10 months or 11 months, whatever it is, but to have a report for the annual town meeting
>> is a it's a good way to look at it. >> Um and and that gives the town that knowledge to then see where we go from there. >> Yeah. >> Um so with that being said, we kind of go back. So,
these are drafts. They haven't been reviewed by council yet cuz council's been very busy. Um, and so I guess the questions I have for these are, are we looking at three or five members? Do we think a member should be from the HTC because they are historic in nature? Um,
so you can ignore the six month report pack. Those were just some of my thoughts. >> Just draft. Yeah. >> Yeah. To draft. So in terms of the three or five members for each, what are some thoughts? >> I don't know. But we have >> We have a lot of committees coming.
>> We have a lot of committees and we have can what do you think we can realistically get for both committees? Five. You think we can get five? >> I think you can get five each. And I think that would be a good number to have more of a diversity on the board to
>> to debate whatever those relationships might be with three. You can get >> it and should definitely have an HDC member >> on both. >> Y >> I don't think it should be three or five
from HDC on both. That's that's just the that appointment and then whoever else could send the volunteer forms as an aside and people would have to be careful there's no forms of other boards on those question are we intending still to rent out the west in reading room as we have
been >> so um I think that's part of >> we can't the septic's not functioning >> that's part of the whole goal is to figure that out and get that straightened out >> do you know for a fact it's not functioning well it wasn't in the winter So we have to >> the facilities department has said it's
not functioning. >> I would think that you'd have to have somebody come in there. >> I don't believe it. >> Well, we so and what we do have to have is we have to understand there's insurance involved here because it's a town building. So if anything happens when people are renting
it out with the septic, that's our responsibility. So I I would assume that there would at least be some due diligence done before we start renting it again to make sure that >> it could be occupied if if that makes sense. And that committee would have to help us with that work >> to that point.
>> Sorry, >> that that reading room has money. >> Yeah. >> And it's for maintenance of it. I would have a I would have a title five inspection done of the system. It'll cost under a thousand. Okay. and the money is
in there and then you'll know if it's functioning or not. >> So then there's no speculation >> and that would help for our insurance purposes too. >> Yeah. >> Because there is like insurance companies >> and it can be rented out then you make some money, >> right? I'd also love to see the gas
stove taken out just out of safety reasons because it was on it was just it was open >> one time when people >> So I think there's a lot of work for both these committees to do it. I I just have a basic question. If that's going to be title five, is that the kind of
thing? I have no idea. So you guys can set this straight. Um is that the kind of thing that is a good thing or just >> it's a smaller cost. >> It's a very small >> It'll be under $1,000 to have the title five done. >> I know nothing about this. So
>> Okay. Thank you, grand. So, so Mike, so um with we could do so we're saying five members for each and then um report back at annual meeting. I I think our volunteers are pretty stretched and I'm not sure if
the West Ham reading room requires five necessarily. Maybe right at the three with the flexibility to add a few perhaps >> and then I would definitely have five on the >> I mean I've gotten lots of interest in parties who've contacted me about both of these buildings. So
>> I think five can be done. There's enough people interested in both Sarah. >> I'm fine with five. >> I would say I'm fine. Yeah, one should be a west towns and president. >> Yeah, >> just because they know the area. >> So, um let's do these one at a time in
order of the agenda. >> Okay, >> thank you for allowing me the group discussion on that. >> Okay, >> to kind of combine the two. Um >> wait for the grant money. So, if feel free to hop in Karen, if I'm butchering this, but um I'll take a motion to
establish an ad hoc committee for the West Towns meeting room to consist of five members as discussed um with some edits to the mission statement and reviewed by town council >> and with one member from the
>> Yeah, that and then one from West Town. Okay. >> Edits as discussed. >> Okay. >> I should move the motion. I second. >> Any other discussion, questions, comments? >> I'm just happy to see so much interest in saving the building.
>> Um, so there is money to be spent up there. If you have an ad hoc committee, are they going to be allowed to spend any of the money because to wait a year for report? >> No. So I don't I think I think that's the intention and there is some legal in terms of being able to use it to
>> I mean I understand getting approval to use it and that's not a problem but if they say geez you know this window really needs to be replaced just >> the same something. >> Yeah. >> Um and they come to you can it be would be >> I would think so.
>> Okay. >> Well the subject if they find out they just need a distribution box or something done. I think right away >> I think I think that would be and um I'll check because like I said >> I think it depends. >> Yeah and I well and that's why I want this to this particular west room the
heart library actually I feel fine even without a big council reading it but the west room so council has kind of on certain aspects of the will and the funds before. So that's why I want them to review this and make sure it's written appropriately. So it's >> so another question though. The
Wisconsin reading room committee >> which has been in place what I found was 1944. >> Um it isn't that a precedent that we have that committee. Do do you see what I'm
saying? >> Yep. I just want to make different >> Yeah. I just want to make sure if this building goes forward that it's somewhere for so the next board that comes along isn't like oh there's this precedent somewhere versus here it is here's the duties and responsibilities I want to bring that forward to the town so it gets a bylaw or whatever we need
to do in the future that's why you know doing it this way giving a timeline so we can bring it >> okay >> so it's all legally especially if there's any grants or anything like that that will end up coming through and >> yeah I think the key with grants is if
people are going to apply for them. It's a town owned building, so the town actually has to apply. It can't be, you know, John Smith from 272 Main Street. It's got to be like, so I'm currently the grant writer. So, whomever that is has to actually fill out the grant >> for both buildings
>> for almost any any grant in town that's owned or any any town owned building have to be a town employee. Y >> Okay. So, there's a motion on the table. Anything else? Roll call.
>> Yes. Sarah Leven. Yes. Yes. And then second for the um West Brock Towns meeting. Sorry, Heart Library. Um I'll take a motion to approve the Heart Library um ad hocart committee with five members. One should be from HTC
um with edits as discussed. >> So moved. >> Second. Laura Shiffren, any further questions? >> Roll call. >> Laura Shiffron. Yes. Sarah Logan. Yes. >> Chess. >> Will they get posted right away?
>> Yep. I'm just The left side of the meeting room might take just a little longer because I do want it to be reviewed so make sure it's >> and then so those >> Yeah, the clerk uh is on some training stuff the next few days. So it might just be >> Monday. >> Yeah. Monday, Tuesday, and then just for
those that are eager. So >> great. Um 7.4 expansion for the command on disability. So I'll give a little background and then I'll let the chair of the commission on disability chime in. Um so this committee was establish um this committee was established by
Tomine vote. Um again >> 2017 >> yeah the number is not being set by but so we reference back to state law and um there's a range 5 to 13 and so we originally appointed five members for
the disability and um the committee has come to us and asked if we would be comfortable expanding that to seven members based on the current projects they have project sorry in process and kind of the list of things that they have my anything I'm missing?
>> Nope. That's it. We're very busy and we need more members to split the work >> and so that does change quorum according to council. So, um just so everybody's aware and that's why I wanted to make sure everybody was on the same page for that. >> And I'd like to add that as of this
afternoon, I have two more applicants already. So once you have your next regular Yeah. Once you post it, >> and once you have your next meeting, >> however many days it is, that we will be full at seven. Great. >> So, we have no shortage. A lot of people
are interested in the commission. I'm glad >> and excited about its existence and we're getting nothing but positive. >> Do you have plans of going to 13? >> If we can, I will. Um but >> come back to us when >> if we
in my in my letter that I sent to everybody um I said you know we'll continue to grow as long as there are volunteers available and that we have the work to do um that we have no qualms about going all the way to 13. Um I
think we're it's a it's pretty important commission and there's all kinds of things that would benefit the town for the work that we're able to do. Any more questions? Do you want to make a motion, Sarah? >> Yes. I Sarah Lan move to um increase the
committee of disability from five members to seven. >> Laura and second further discussion. Roll call vote. >> Laura Shep. Yes. >> Sarah 11. Yes. >> Thanks, Cindy. Thank you very much. >> We appreciate it. >> Along with the West meeting.
>> Quite a few postings coming. >> Fire away. Yep. Okay. Um 7.5, this is you, Karen. >> Yep. Uh so we're at that time of year where fiscal year 2026 municipal transfers will begin and we'll start to organize those. Um I have a sort of a
running short list with the town accountant. Um I also brought it up during our department head meeting today. U we have a form in towns which is nice. So, we'll have the form completed by various departments and then we will um bring that before you and then work with the fincom to also
share the updates with them so they're in the loop um and we can just determine you know how we're shifting the uh the gears here for the town. Um you know I can think of a few different groups you know we've with our union negotiations and some other things you know town
council's over spent um facilities had a project that they had begun and are coming towards the tail end of um for the exterior painting on this building um you know unfortunately um there was sort of a a written promise made to the
facilities department um >> by your predecessor >> by my predecessor um but without actual way to fund it. Um so that was a bit of a rude awakening to me surprising. >> Um and just, you know, so we're going to be able to manage that out, but it's
just stuff that comes up um this time of year when, you know, uh budgets start to get a little drier. Um and this is what should happen as you come towards the tail end of the year. So um there'll be more to come there, but I just wanted to get it on your radar. It'll be on the budget for the next couple meetings.
I'll also join our conf friends um to share um with them the developments. Um Don stopped by earlier today to just quickly chat too. So >> that's sort of where things are at. >> All right. So no action ends yet. Probably hopefully all at the next
meeting maybe. >> Yeah, it's probably ambitious because the department heads all have some time off coming up as well as some other things in the >> as many as >> Okay. 7.6 human resources director position
and funding. >> Yep, it's actually human resources manager position. Um >> my agenda problem. Sorry. >> Um with our usage of ARPA funds for that position um the select board has you know in the budget made a decision not to fund that for future years. Um we
need a declaration from this group um to share with the employee um that the funding will not be available so they can make next steps um for their plans. Um so I have a motion here um and we have to share that with the employee. She's sitting here with us here now.
She's been great. Um but I think it's um going to help for their purposes for you know we you know any employee who leaves that we can't fund there's other unemployment different steps and things like that. Um so this is be our motion to do that here.
Um, I Sarah Logan move that the select board acknowledge that the fiscal year 2027 operating budget does not include funding for the human resources manager position and direct the town administrator to notify the incumbent employee accordingly. >> Second floor and second.
>> Any more discussion? >> Um, I'll share a notice with the employee and next steps um and go from there. So, >> yeah. Never easy when you can't continue a position. Never easy when you can't continue a
position. So, I'll take a >> Sarah Logan. Yes. Very good. Yes. >> Thank you very much. >> Um 7.7 hiring freeze exemption for seasonal cemetery and parks removal and fund up to three positions. >> Yep. So, this is our seasonal work for
our cemetery and parks group. Um not anything abnormal here, but we would want to um give the approval for the cemetery and parks to have up to three um they're almost part-time positions for that group um so they can determine um their staffing needs for the summer.
>> Yeah. Um I Sarah Logan um move to >> It's not written out for me. I'm like having a blank. Move to approve cemetery and parks workers funded by the revolving fund. >> So move to position
>> exception to the hiring freeze. >> Okay. >> All amended as such. >> Laura can second. >> And this um I'll add that this has already been approved by for an exemption to the hiring freeze. I believe saw that in the folder there.
>> Yeah. So, um, and we appreciate all those seasonal workers that lawn cutting, mowing, and keeping all the facilities around the outside happy and going. I'll take the roll vote. Lower shipping. Yes. Sing. Yes. And yes. Um,
7.8. >> Moving right along. You guys have some uh bills and warrants to sign. You could sign them out of session um or at the end of the meeting when out of session, whatever. So um welcome to review those. They're here on the table. >> I Sarah Logan move to review and sign
payroll and bills payable warrants out of session. >> Laura Shiff and second question. >> Laura Shiffren, yes. >> Sarah Logan, yes. And Valerie Gage, yes. Reports. >> Um I'm going to share with you the
quickly um for the T report just the department headed meeting that I um had today. Let's see if I can share this correctly. um had great attendance. Um it was a pretty full agenda. Um >> saw that >> but uh you know we had a good
participation. Um this is my summer al fresco theme. >> You know I love it. >> Um >> gardener in me. >> Yeah. In theory it was uh the you know this is what the agenda looked like. Town meeting recap and election. Um you know the fiscal 27 budget was approved
as presented. Um the omnibus budget will be online shortly. Um you know as we discussed the sale of town owned properties was approved for all but the west towns and reading room heart library then that small parcel my memory served me correctly on Elm Street. Um for those online we've actually had
quite a few people try to ask us when things are going to happen. Um that's really at your guys directive. You we likely based on treasure collector's recommendation hire an auction firm similar to last year. I think it was Sullivan in company something. >> Yeah. >> Um we
>> last year didn't have before the end of the fiscal year. >> Correct. >> Yeah. >> Any chance? >> You mean that if you guys say, "Hey, we want it done for Christmas. I mean holiday time like first week in January." I mean, we can start the kind of play ball a little bit. >> Okay.
>> Um and sort of uh I'll check with the treasure collector's office about timing. >> If you can get us some timing for that, I'm happy to do it as soon as people would be interested. >> Yeah. We've actually had a number of people say, "Hey, like I'd love that. love to get my hands on XYZ parcel. I'm like >> some of it's like a butter they're a butter piece of swamp land and if you can you know
>> yeah um >> wrap it in. >> So that came up today and you know those different groups said hey we'll try to work with you your treasure collectors and assessor's office. Um I know the warrant posting locations just this is kind of a refresher for you guys because you know it so well but um we're going
to work with the town clerk you know for a list to be created. You know, I think of uh because I was just in Kansas uh this past weekend. If there were a tornado that ran through, you know, a building that we posted, we would need to kind of pivot. Um >> I did have that was part of my conversation with Kirk and I have four
locations. I just wanted to do it next meeting separate from this so we can >> perfect >> write something official. >> Um >> and we both agreed >> to you guys. >> Yeah. Thinking of the election, the override failed. Um, so we're going to be back at the table with our police
officers uh this time next week um to sort of figure out where things go from here um as noted earlier like board expansion passed um with tonight to be chatted about. So thanks >> um you know this was an interesting topic and I guess I'd like a little
directive from the select board in regards to summer hours. Um I've only heard from two different departments that they're interested in it. Yeah. >> Do the select board want me to approve just individual groups or do you want to be open for everybody only because some
groups are like, "Hey, we're not interested in it." But is that create an unfair playing field to you? Or if one department say, you know, the treasure collector's office is like, "Hey, we can do it with our shifting schedule, but you know, then another department says they can't." You know, the assessor's
office is like, "Hey, we can't." How do you >> Wasn't the goal to have the building closed on Friday so that we're saving utilities? >> It is, but not everyone's interested in doing that. Some people like coming to the office.
>> So, is this I ask is this part for this year? Is it a day-to-day administration that we say the TA can make that executive decision knowing that we have a bigger decision coming for next year >> on how ours work?
I guess it would just be if you if you want me if you want to empower me to say to the treasure collector because they gave me some different ideas, say to them, hey, you can do it full well knowing that the assessor's office because they were adjacent to them, they say, we want to keep our people here and
we're still going to run HBAC. >> Yeah. So, it kind of defeats the >> It does, but maybe it's just a slight perk to that department, >> especially >> in a year. Yeah. we were only able to really do 2% for folks. I don't know. We we're trying to create some wins here
for our hardworking staff. >> I mean, I trust the department heads and the town administrator on this issue with you making a decision. >> Um, just thinking of the unions >> department before trying to shut down
versus the other. >> Yeah. So, we've chatted with them and if we keep we're not looking to reduce hours. it' be, hey, you're working four 10 hour days or if you're only 32 hour weeks, you know, you spread it across five days, then you work four eight hour days. However your math checks out, yeah, they're still going to get paid
the same dollar amount. My goal was to you think, hey, gas is five bucks a gallon. It cost me a lot to drive here 5 days a week. This building is incredibly expensive because it's not efficient to cool and we're just going to rip through energy costs this summer. So
I can clean this I can bring this back to you guys on 616 to say here's what the different departments want to do. >> Can we put it on the agenda as a new business for 616 to discuss it? So if you wanted to take votes we can then >> that would be great.
>> Uh then I quickly touched on um longevity PTO and union stuff. Uh speaking of unions um reminder to our employees take your longevity. It's in the budget. Um that was it was alarming to me that some people didn't know they
had to actually submit for it. Um we're going to change that. Um just because that defeats the whole purpose. Um PTO we're nearing the end of the year. Take your time off. Um you know check your agreements for what you can and can't roll over or buy back. There's only one group that does buybacks. Um and in our
unions we have all but one um is going to be checked and ratified by their groups um at some point in mid June. We're working out the last final details on the third one. >> It's only one year agreements but we know next year is sort of a ominous year
based on budget constraints. So um we touched on in this meeting our fiscal year close out and transfers. Um I was really adamant with people like you have to email me. Like some people like oh can I just tell you? I'm like, "No, no, no. We need paper records for why your budget's over."
>> If there was some promise made to you that I'm just catching wind of now, like, "Show me." >> You know, um that's that's what I need from folks. So, um I kind of beat that that drum pretty hard and I think they were tired of me saying it. Um,
on a fun and exciting uh different topic, um, we have a T towns and time capsule out on the table out there in that um, envelope, like that clear cellophane envelope. Um, our town clerk's office was great. They put together like the town report and like election results from this past
election. Um, I checked with like our, you know, Sabrina, land use, um, treasury collector's office, the assessors, and we're going to put some other things in there. Um, the historic group is going to come by, I think it was either Friday morning or or Thursday afternoon to take the envelope and put
it in the big packet to be opened 50 years from now. Um, the running joke is >> I just want to say I think it's historical society. >> I wasn't sure which one it was. Yeah, >> soiety society. >> Yeah, I think someone said that to me this afternoon. I was like, "Oops, I just made a typo." But
>> I say the wrong ones all the time. Yeah, I flip them. Um, >> but it's a really cool idea. Like we were laughing because we took the new penny policy that the Treasury Collector's Office has because they're no longer able to take pennies. So we took our penny policy and then they taped a penny, a 2025 penny because it
was the last year it was minted and put it in there. I'm like, well that's actually kind of cool. Like >> somebody's going to put that thing. >> Well, imagine 50 years from now. I mean like I'll be long gone. So 50 years from now like there could be spaceships flying by. I mean who knows? Like AI
could rule the world. So um >> if anybody in this group has any ideas something you think we should do happy to >> yeah and then otherwise um a good question in open mic session with our department as each group shared a little update from their side of things. So,
um, you know, and speaking of these TA reports, I'm going to start putting these online. >> I was going to ask >> they never can, you know, it's not controversial information on them. I just think I started I started building the page. I just want to put them up there. >> Um, and then the next evolution of that
would be get it so that you once they're on the website, you can post them to Facebook and you can dress them up a little bit. Um, just >> that would be great. It's just an transparent option. >> Yeah. And I mean my hope is too is in the summer to get our meeting materials there also so people can go through
them. So >> kind of both together would be a nice >> nice change. >> Yeah. Um so that was my quick abbreviated town administrator report. Um happy to answer any questions if you guys are wondering. So or our audience members we got two people left. >> Got the math exit.
>> Yeah. >> Um so I think that's some promising steps. Okay. Um, leazison reports. Thanks Karen for that. Anybody? >> I can touch on leaison just because I
know these guys have been busy. Um, you've got some really active planning board topics, ZBA topics. Um, you know, different groups with conservation. I'm really focused on land use because they have some real relevant topics that are being discussed right now. Um, so thank
you for going to those meetings when you when you can. Um and you know just it's it's good for folks to be aware of different um important things like subdivisions and then you know what's going on with different beaver dams and breaches um in terms of what that means
for residents and potentially impacting agricultural land. >> Um you know different projects going on out here. We have um you know some paving projects that are going to begin um things of that nature. I know you guys often probably just are used to
going to all those meetings and hearing what's going on. on TCAM. Um, town our council did send an email at 4:55 p.m. Had a 2-hour meeting with TCAM's attorney and he will have more
material for us tomorrow. >> Excellent. >> Um, I guess we don't have any many updates with the exception of um the Onyx project. And um there was I think I'm not
forgetting if I >> passed out approved it. >> Yeah. But with some there's some fees that may be associated with company. So at least now the company is going to be aware of that. >> Yeah. Yeah. I mean it's it's 50 more truckloads. We already have a lot of trucks out there.
>> I just think, you know, it's a shame that we're going to pave that roadway and then we're just going to have a truck, you know, more truck. >> It does sound like at least the state portion might get a little >> Yeah. money because of that traffic possibly because of the one bridge I think the weight >> so
I think that's kind of where it is at this point there they still haven't approved it yet planning board so >> it's on there >> any residents who want to I know they really really like it when surrounding communities come to their meetings so anybody should they like thank you for
coming because they need all the support they can get in their decision making >> I love that one property owner just holding out I love one little square. >> One little house amongst like the parcel of all the aggregate land. I'm like, good for you, dude. Like,
>> all right. Um, nine set date of next meetings. We have tomorrow night and then the 16th. If everybody's good with both those five o'clock. Yes. >> Think we need a motion. >> Thought we could do some move. I I I need a motion.
>> You can. Yes. >> To um set date of next meetings. Um June 3rd 5:00 and June 16th 5:00 >> second lower. Any discussion? >> I have discussion on June. No.
>> Okay. Wait until we get further on. Yeah. Roll call. Yes. >> Sarah Logan. Yes. I go to Jess now. >> Um yeah, we are we have a quite a few executive sessions. So, our friends listening at home and our guests here in
person, um, please take a munchkin on the way up so I don't have to eat them for dinner. And, uh, thank you for joining us. So, I'll let you guys do what you got to do. >> 10.1. Um I Valerie Gooditch move to enter into executive session at 558 for
pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 2183 to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on a litigating position of the town and the chair so declares former members the town of towns in Middle Sex County Superior Court docket number
2681c 01140 10.2 2 executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 38 section 2183 to discuss strategy with respect to pending litigation where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the
litigating position of the town and the chair so declares RFS court v county town of townsen no sex county superior court docket number 2581 CV02381 10.3 executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 38 section 213 to
discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of employing the chair so declares absin local 93 clerical union supervisors union highway water union and 10.4 Four, executive session pursuant to open meeting law
chapter 3A section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining where an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares police union and I value good. So we do declare that be 559 and we will be adjourning from
executive session. Second roll call 11 second. Okay. Shipping and yes. Thank you so much everybody.