Good afternoon everyone. My name is Laura Shiff. I will call the meeting of the select board on Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026 to order at 4:44 p.m. Sorry for the technical delay. Roll call.
>> Present and Laura Shiffron present. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation
under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. I would like to thank all of our veterans as well as all of our military serving here and abroad as well as um all of our emergency
response people and public safety people. We've had a tough week here and I just want you all to know how much we appreciate your volunteerism to doing the jobs that you do. also
thank our staff and all of our elected and appointed officials as well as their families for making this a better community to live in. The meeting is being recorded and will be uploaded to YouTube.
Is anyone else recording? >> Yes. >> Thank you, Cindy. Uh additions or deletions? I do not have any. Okay. Um 1.5 review and approve the meeting
minutes of February 24th, 2026 and February 25th, 2026. Is there a motion? >> Very good to move to approve the meeting minutes for February 24th, 2026 and February 25th, 2026. >> Is there any discussion? Well, Veronica
Ke second. Um, and for discussion, the only thing I have, and maybe you guys already have noted it to Sabrina, they call our TA Meian all the way through. >> Nice. >> Yeah. >> So, you are Meian.
>> Um, but I I don't know. Maybe they could say Mr. Mian or they could say >> that's my father. >> For a while calling me Goodrich for a while. So, >> yeah. Yeah. So, that's the only >> I'm pretty sure that's AI. Yeah. Oh, it is it. >> Perhaps you could make a correction
there. I noticed a lot of edits as far as again grammar uh capitalizing shouldn't be capitalized, you know, stuff like that. So, I I did those on both, but other than that, I didn't see Well, yes, I did see um a motion that was made and
seconded, but no vote >> when we had the joint meeting. So, I did point that out, but apparently I was told if it's not there, there wasn't one. So, I'm not sure how we're going to handle that. It was in the
joint meeting of capital planning. And >> did you watch the um recording? >> I didn't watch it after I was told that that's what it was. So, anyway, that's the only thing I saw. >> Was that on the 24th? That' be the 24th. >> Which meeting? The 24th.
>> The 24th. Do you want me to you want to just do the 25th and we'll do the 25th next time so we can look into that? >> We want we want votes to be recorded properly because the minutes are the record. >> That is correct. >> So >> I'm good with that. So I'm glad that I told you that.
>> Okay. So do you want to amend the >> Yeah, I would amend the motion to only include the meeting minutes for February 26th. >> And I will second that amendment. Can I actually um It actually was in the um
closing um of that portion of the joint meeting. It was a vote to adjourn. >> Yeah, I'll check. I can check in on it.
>> Okay. Um All right. So, the motion has been amended to just approve February 25th, 2026 at this point in time. Um, any further discussion
hearing? None. Roll call vote to approve February 25th, 2026 minutes a year for so 224 will go to March 10th. Okay. Uh we on number two we do not have
any appointments or hearings and number three we do not have any appointments of any officials. Um and under four 4.1 Karen
>> 4.1 we have um John Scavone here um from Earthlight to quickly talk to us about the EV charging station at the senior center library parking lot. Um John's just going to give a few moments and share um you know what Earthlight does sort of the EV charging station and some
of the makeup of of their you know side of the table if you will. Um and then if we are excited and want me to you know further pursue this um we can go from there. Uh John are you still with us? >> John.
>> John. He may be stuck on a call. I'll nudge him to ask to unmute. Maybe that's the trigger. Give them one more second and I'll make sure I uh I know I told them about it. So, >> well, in general, um he was going to
touch on, you know, what Earthlight does in terms of their investigation related to the grant process for the town and also um Hey, John, how are you? Y um so Earth Light was just gonna
>> Hi, I'm I'm here. Sorry. For whatever reason, it was not working. I just refreshed my browser and now it's allowing me to work. So technology is wonderful. >> We understand we're having our own issues here with technical. Go ahead. >> So you got a few minutes here. Just
share with what's going on. >> Yeah, if I can share my screen, I have a little presentation. I'll be very brief, quick, you know, informative and um like Kieran said, you guys can use that information to do with it what you what you will. >> Yeah. >> TAM, are you okay with Mr. Scabone
sharing his screen for a moment? >> Yep. Give me a second. >> Thank you, sir. >> Thank you. >> You're down in Connecticut, right, John? >> Yep. >> Just rain down there right now or how's it going for you? I mean, my my wife's a teacher and they pretty much canled
every school uh in the state of Connecticut and you know, we had an inch of snow that didn't even stick. So, >> yeah. Little little. It's Yeah, we're getting it now. So, you're welcome. >> Oh, you are. Okay. >> Um >> you should be able to share right now.
>> Um Okay. Let me see if I have the option somewhere. Uh, I don't see the option to share anywhere. >> It should be down at the bottom, right? Green little arrow. >> Yeah, I'm not seeing I'm not seeing it,
but Karen, I did send you the proposal. So, maybe you want to pull it up or set the PowerPoint and I'll just, you know, talk through it. I don't know why, but I have shared screen on mine. >> I like this. This is We're having a fun
day, too. >> I don't think you want me to share my screen either, but you know, >> security. Yeah, I'm not >> Wonder if Dave gave it to you instead of John. I would like to think I'm very
technically um literate, but uh yeah, I just don't see anything right now. >> Yeah, it's on I have he gave it to me for some reason. >> No, >> no, it's right on here. It says his name co-host.
So, >> and I can try toggling it and see what happens. But no, >> I've got I've got the green arrow share screen on the bottom. I don't think I would have that if I didn't have the authority. But well, >> I do see that I'm a co-host.
>> Oh, uh, you are okay. >> Fantastic. Um, so yeah, I'll just tell you next. I'll be 5 10 minutes. I'll get through it. Um, so real quick. So you just go to the next slide. Uh, I am actually JJ Energy Solutions. Uh, I'm just an independent consultant
basically. I've been doing this for over 15 years. I started my own company where I work with a bunch of contractors. I know a lot of things. Um, and I'm kind of a middleman where the contractor pays me directly and I look for opportunities. Kind of a salesman for
hire kind of thing. So, uh, you can go to the next slide. Next, next slide. Yeah. Uh, oh, go back. Sorry. So, um, the contracting partner I selected is Earthlight Technologies. They're one of the largest EV installers
for um for National Grid. The locations that we looked at were, as he mentioned, the library, senior center, uh the town hall, um I have community center, that should have been updated, but it's also the um the police the the police
station. So, we can go to the next slide. So, what we've done um just I've completed walkthroughs. I've selected a contractor. We put together LOIs um and kind of met with um met with
Kieran to, you know, identify the sites. Basically, there's a $50,000 grant that's available for each municipalowned property uh in order to install EV. There are a few exclusions of what counts towards that re that grant um
which you'll see in upcoming slides but basically we uh are at a point where we have initial engineering studies done um and have a good idea of what these projects should cost um and what the grant should be in order to install
them. So next slide real quick. This is what the EV charger looks like. Um, if you know anything about EVs, there's level ones, twos, and threes. Threes are super fast. They're super expensive. Uh, level ones are typically for home. They're very slow.
Level twos are in between. Uh, and then you have level twos that range from what's 6KWs to 20KWs. The bigger the number, the faster they are. You can go to the next slide. Basically, this is the the fastest level two on the market
that we can get you. um uh for for the application without, you know, getting into multi00,000 products and capital expenses for the town. So, next charger or next slide. Um, excuse me, next slide. Yeah, this is basically what the
project looks like right now. Uh, you can see the total cost. You can see the grant covered about 96% of the overall project. Um, so that's that's what we what we were able to accomplish in order to get an EV charger installed at the three
mentioned sites. Um, next slide real quick. I have one. >> One second, John. >> Yeah. >> Uh, I think it's important to note for our financial purposes, I think we were most interested in the library senior center sort of rear parking lot. So I
don't know if we're the full scope of all three sites per se, but just for your own knowledge and if that you refineses the numbers and costs for the town as well. So >> but just to throw that out there to the audience who are listening. So >> yeah, no. Um I I appreciate it. I mean
basically that overall cost um out of pocket is about $5,200. >> Okay. >> So um should be able to uh achieve that site. you know, that's the worst case scenario, and I'll get into kind of what
that means, you know, moving forward. Um, so, real quick, this is the town hall. Um, that's where the charger would be installed. This is basically a preliminary engineering drawing um of of how we'd get there. Next slide.
Uh, here's the library senior center. You can see what we're doing is we're pulling from a p um a power line trenching across um no the open ground and installing it on the the back of the parking lot which is the most
infrequently used area which would be you know the best case scenario and the most cost effective area uh in order to install it. So, since this is the one you were kind of most interested in, is there any questions about the installation that location before we
move forward? >> Yeah, >> sure. Veronica, >> my question is you showed us the picture of the level two charger and that it would be it looked like two vehicles. >> Is this just a single vehicle or is it two vehicles? Because they looked like
they were nose tonose. >> Um, you see what I'm saying? >> Yeah, that's a good question. It is. It is two vehicles. Two two vehicles. Two two ports. >> And where would those vehicle where are the in the picture of the town hall?
Where are the two where is the charger and where are the two vehicles? Oh, I see >> the two next to each other. So, they're side by side as opposed to nose to nose. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> Correct. Yes. Sorry, I'm moving quickly for for your guys' sake. If I'm moving
too quickly, um just let me know. >> Okay. Uh, can I ask another question? >> Yes. >> This this backs up to the very beginning of your presentation. You said that they were an installer for National Grid.
>> You know, you don't have National Grid, right? >> Oh, excuse me. For for UNATIL, that's what I meant to say. I apologize. >> Okay. Thank you. >> I I I prep you know, there's only three uh three um power companies. I had a 33% chance of getting it right. My
apologies. Uh, you never know. >> Thank you for the clarification. >> Yeah, I I propose to so many towns and it's it's National Grid and Eversource are kind of the ones that are in my head most of the time. So, I apologize. >> Fair enough. I appreciate that.
>> Um, and and you can see on each location design, you can kind of see an area that's striped in between the two spaces. Um that's because we have to have in order for you to get the grant, these have to be um ADA handicap accessible. So that's what you see there
is these are handicap accessible locations. >> Okay. >> I do like that for the accessibility for purposes. That's a nice a nice win. And of of all the the locations we looked at, um this one is by far the
most uh you know futurep proofing site where you can definitely land and expand at this site just because of the number of spots um and the location in general. So um just wanted to share that information. >> So where does the electricity come from?
I I can't read the words on this picture. >> Oh yeah. Yeah. I mean, I I sent this >> I sent this presentation, so I'm sure Kieran can forward it around if you want to look at it um in more depth, but for for this one of the most expensive costs that come with installing EV is
excavation trenching. Um so, in order for us to if we were to run it off of, you know, the existing power in the building, it would be trenching it through a lot of asphalt. So, what we're able to do um is there's a power line over there. The utility pays for a transformer to go on there. Um, we run
power directly from that transformer that's up on the pole. Uh, we trench through only a little bit amount of of, you know, dirt grass, which is much cheaper. Um, and that's essentially where the power comes from. So, you will have your own meter. So, it'll be a new,
you know, unit meter number and a bill that comes from this. And then obviously you have the the charging that offsets that cost. um which actually benefits you more because then you have this is by far your biggest user of all the buildings. Um so you have a a better
rate when it's EV only. So I mean basically the uh the state has money they have a landing you know they have you know 20 30 carbon goals and they're trying to hit that with EV and what does you know every what's all over
the uh the state is individual towns. So, they're hoping that they can get a if you build it, they will come mentality to try to get as many towns, you know, to adopt EV charging as possible and then hopefully that trickles into people buying EVs. Um, so next slide just shows the police
station. Um, that's where it would be installed or we could we could certainly do it on the back side. Um, you know, under the solar canopy or whatever. This is just more of the visitor spots. Um, so you know, you wouldn't be having someone park down where the police cars
are. Um, and as you can see it, you know, there's very few spots in general. Um, you are allowed to have they can be mixed use. So, it doesn't have to be for EV only. We can have a sign up and it just says, you know, EV or or parking. Um, you know, most people that come to
the police station probably hope they're not there for a long time. Uh so hopefully they are uh you know they are they are open. Um but you know it's again you have you have free money. I think this one's only like a $100 out of pocket um to install it. So there's free
money out there and as long as the the property is municipally owned, it qualifies for that grant. >> That's what this proposal was. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> We were just asking so again your initial scope was for the three locations. you know, we're are we able
to reduce down to just one if we wanted to, John? >> Yeah, absolutely. >> Yeah, absolutely. This was just kind of the um where the initial conversation started. >> Yeah, that that's right. Um >> the cost here though is for the three or
the one. >> Yeah, the 5200 5228 was for one location, right, John? >> That was for the library. Yeah, that had the the most cost just because of the the trenching that was involved, you know, the outdoor electrical infrastructure. Um that had a larger
cost and everything else. So, we exceeded the the uh the $50,000 grant amount. Um now, what we showed you was the worst case scenario. Um you know, obviously what we have now is letter of intents for you to sign should you want
to move forward. That is not a an additional contract, you know, that's not the full contract. You know, we'll come out there and we'll do the or Earthlight will do the, you know, allin engineering studying, testing, ground, soil, and, you know, everything that's required of them speaking with the
utility um to solidify the numbers. Best case scenario is, you know, after that engineering study, that final engineering study, they're able to do it cheaper. uh they'll write that contract up expressing that cheaper cost um and then you can move forward with that.
Worst case is they come back and they say hey you know you know an example would be if they find out that everything uh you know under the grass at the senior center is is bedrock and it's going to be so expensive to trench that it probably wouldn't be worth you
know your money. You have the ability to to even opt out of that site. So, you know, there's only so much work any contractor is willing to do um before there's skin in the game, which is that's my business value proposition and why I partner with contracts. So, I go
out and do all this initial work for free. Um and then once someone says, "H, you know, I'm I'm kind of interested." Then they and I can qualify them to that point, then they go out and do all their work. So, as you see here, I mean, the next
step would be sign a letter of intent. We finalize our engineering, we review it, and then we submit your application. At >> what point do you need funds from the town, John? Like, do you need a a $5,200 check potentially now or $1,000 check?
What where is where >> skin in the game, if you will, at what point in the process? >> That's a good question. The skin in the game is $1,000 per site. So, if you do one site, that would be a $1,000 deposit. That's for us to go out there and and you know, they'll do that 100%
engineering study. Um, you know, everything that needs to be black and white in terms of how things get done from, you know, excavating and and and electrical stuff. Um, and then should you should everything work out, which I, you know, I do this all the time. The site looks pretty clean. should
everything work out, that $1,000 just gets dep, you know, credited towards the overall project cost. Then what happens is they do the install, they carry all the costs. Once it's commissioned, which means it's up and running and it's
turned on and working, um the EVIP program will send you guys a check. Once you get that check, then they'll have uh you know, their terms of of uh probably 30 days to collect that money from you. Okay. So, I think >> so the idea is Yeah, the idea is to make
it is to, you know, have it be as advantageous as possible for a town's cash flow. >> Yeah, I think for the board purposes is, you know, I I think you sent at least a few of those letters to us, John, right? Letters of intent. I see Val, >> I sent you I sent you three um one for
each site. So, you can review those and if you have any questions, um certainly let me know or I can put you in contact with Earthlight directly. >> Yep. So I think um for the board purposes for consideration is if you were interested you could say Kieran we want you to pursue you know checking a
letter of intent with you know town council to make sure it's something that's okay for the town first and foremost. Um it's always prudent to do that. Um it doesn't sound like it's going to be anything. It sounds pretty boilerplate to me. So it sounds like JJ Energy Solutions and Earthlight have worked with other municipalities in the
area. But again, as a cautious person, I would always encourage us to have legal counsel review things just to be cautious. Um, and then otherwise, you know, we could say, you know, if it checks with town council, you know, this could be signed, you know, next meeting or, you know, St. Patrick's Day, March
17th, whatever day we we've had Adam, you know, time to review it. And if you're if that's the path you want me to go, >> comments. Um, >> and I know one audience member had a hand up, but I don't know. Um, I don't know if it was Cindy or who it was, but >> um, >> in the SharePoint, I see only the
proposal for the senior center. I'd like to see the one for town hall. >> Okay, I can email those along. I only did that those because I think >> most people were interested in senior center. I thought >> I'm interested in both. I am not interested in the police station.
>> Okay. Um, but I think that putting one here would allow someone to charge and walk into the center and do whatever. >> Yeah. >> Um, so I like the idea of one on 13, one on 1119. >> There are no other charging stations and
maybe John I think um, there's no other charging station in town for, you know, public access. So, if you're here for a hike and you've got a Nissan Leaf and you need to charge it after hiking all day and also get some food, this might be a nice >> It's also proximity to the rail trail
here. >> So, I I like if we're going to do it, I I'd go for >> Library Senior Center is nice because people if you're heading from New Hampshire to Massachusetts, you can stop and work and charge and >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I like both locations and I think
we should consider both. I mean, normally I know we don't have a ton of money, but the the grant is almost essentially the entire thing. >> It is. Yeah. And this, you know, for background, but this is a great use of actually using free cash like, you know,
rather than using it to, you know, get reoccurring cost. This is a one-time cost to the town. It is a true benefit to those that have electric vehicles. I don't, but many people do. >> The only other question I have is maintenance. I mean, what what is the
maintenance for the town going forward for this? That would be my other question. >> John, do you have a sense for maintenance? You know, is it >> written in here? >> Can a can a plow crew just plow right in front of it? You know, what type of responsibilities and, you know, things to be aware of do we have there?
>> And well, we we put I mean, it's required by code. We put, you know, cement ballards in front of it. Um, I don't know if that would stop a plow. Uh, so I hope you have, you know, a plow driver knows not to plow through it. You know, that is, you're liable for that.
Just, >> yeah, just like if a plow driver ran into an air conditioning unit, I mean, it's just a it's a piece of technology. Um, but we do have, you know, things up. So, you know, if a the average person hits the gas rather than the brake accidentally, you know, the ballard is
rated um to stop the car from, you know, ruining the unit. Uh, in terms of the warranty, it's a three-year warranty. Um, you know, just anything happens, um, they replace it. The contractor themselves offers a one-year labor warranty. Um, you know, so if anything
happens and it dies that first year, they'll come out and and replace it um, for you. I mean, it's like any piece of digital, it's, you know, essentially digital technology. Um, very low failure rates, but if it does, it usually happens quick. You know, if your iPhone's bad, you'll know sooner than
later. um >> responsible for repairing it if in the event two years from now a bus is it the town's liability or is it the earth earth lights liability to come and get that machine working because it no longer provides service?
>> Yeah. After a year any like labor um would be on would be on the town. Um you know the only real maintenance that you would see is well one you just kind of I mean we'll set the rate for you. there's a software. Um, so you'll see you'll, you know, we'll set it at whatever you
want it to be at in terms of what you charge people. Um, if you want to change that, you know, that's on you guys moving forward. Um, you know, the only thing that we that might happen in the future, uh, is you have to replace one of the plugs cuz you just have someone
who's rips it out or or or does something to it, which that is, you know, couple hundred bucks. Really with with, you know, the chargers, the most expensive thing is the electrical infrastructure. So that's that's where 80 90% of the
cost comes from, >> right? What's the expected lifetime of the unit? >> Uh, over 10 years. >> Okay. Okay. Before I entertain any kind of motion, Cindy, did you have a question?
>> Yes, it's been partially answered, I think, but I still have more question to it. I'm curious about um user cost or who's responsible for paying the kilowatt hours use of the machine. And then I know you mentioned that the town could set the rate at whatever they
wanted to charge the user. So I'm trying to find the in between there the the more information piece there like so the town would the town would I'm going to understand that the town would probably be responsible for the electricity used by this this piece of equipment and then
we would assess what that would cost and the select would set the rate on what we charge um the users with they I'm assuming they'd have to get an account I'm familiar with charge point I'm not familiar with this this setup but is that set up the same way and then but we
have to in order to recoup cost of people using it, we'd have to set a rate that would cover our electric use. >> Yeah, I mean great great questions. You know, you know what you're talking about. Um the difference between Charge Point and and and something I didn't mention was Charge Point will typically
put a software fee on the owner of the system. So, if you're buying a Charge Point, you have to pay that subscription, you know, year over year regardless of who uses it. This is not like that. This is a model. And the reason why I like this company
um the software company is it's actually the a rate paid by the person who's charging. Um so you you never >> Yeah. So in in terms of you know let's just say your rate is 20 cents per kilowatt hour. Uh you'll charge people
40 cents per kilowatt hour. So you know you're you're char you're covering your cost. Um, and then you're you're making a little bit of money. I mean, it's not a money-m thing. It's more just an amenity, an asset. The world is changing, and this is the way to deploy
it. Um, for like Kieran was saying, for free free money. Um, so >> yeah, we we don't want to we're not positioned as a town to lose money. So, we have to break even or better just on principle, you know? I like I like a
good ROI just like everybody else. So, >> yeah. No, I mean I mean, absolutely. you know, it's um you know, the the more money the money you make is kind of granted on the the speed of the charger, which is why we're, you know, I like to put the the fastest level two charger in
because obviously that's quicker money and then people get their car charging quicker. Um I mean based on expected out-ofpocket costs, usually the long-term cost is the software. Um, so because there's no software fee, um, I
mean, there really isn't long-term liable costs, you know, unless someone hits the system with a plow. Um, but I mean, that's when you're buying an air conditioner or another piece of building electrical technology, you're not taking that into consideration when you you
assume things are going to, you know, no human error. >> Yeah. Well, thank you, John. Um, you guys can think about it for another meeting if you wanted to. You don't have to make a decision tonight. I can send along the other stations, >> you know, before you make a a decision
if you will. If that helps, I can email those along offline. So, >> y >> I would put this for about next meeting. >> Next meeting. Okay, cool. >> That's what I >> Thank you so much, John. Thank you for the presentation. >> Well, I just want to say thank you for letting me go first. I can't tell you how many town select board meetings I've
been to and I'm the last one on the docket and it's 9:00 and I'm like, what am I doing here? So, out. >> Yeah. No, I I appreciate you guys from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. So, uh yeah, maybe I'll be talking to you next month. >> Thanks, John. Thank you. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Byebye. >> All right. >> 4.2. >> Yeah, 4.2. So, I stopped sharing. Um we'll catch up on this at our next meeting. Um 4.2. I will bring up um
our budget. So um to give some other context to this presented with um the department heads today, I'll bring that presentation up. That'll be a good segue here. So give me one second. Screen share.
techn technological wizardry today tapping into reserves. >> Okay. Oh, it's hard to see, but the blue is the requested we're doing. >> Yeah. So, I'm going to start with this presentation first. Um,
so I presented this to our department heads today. >> Um, sort of things to cover right here. Um, >> you know, as you remember from our FINCOM meeting, we have a budget policy that was set in 2017. Um, the town will not balance the budget by using one time
or other non-reoccurring revenues to fund ongoing expenditure. section one, page four. Um, you can see where we've how we've gotten to where we are now. Um, some heavy free cash uses in the past. Um, I'll let that set in for a moment. We
used some ARPA money as well, you know, for reoccurring expenses. Um, that's been a tough practice. Um, so expenses, this is, um, where we're at right now. Uh that presentation doesn't look quite as good as it should.
So what is going on there? Um you know it's a it's a pie chart. You know education is taking the majority of our costs. Um I don't think that's much of a surprise. >> That's the way it's been. >> Yeah, that's the way it is in most rural communities. Better looking um fiscal
driver sheet here. um school number is actually lower than what was proposed at that um budget hearing they had a few weeks past >> so far. They still have to vote on it. The full >> they haven't voted on it in totality. >> Still greater than what we requested
they be at. >> Correct. >> Well, that that 3.99 includes the tech. Correct. >> So, NM is at a number close to what we >> 63. Yeah, >> that that is actually I think what our number was requested at least ours from
that letter close to it. >> You guys are at 2.4 is close. >> Yeah, >> but the tech went up what percentage? >> I don't know off the top of my head. >> Yeah, it's a fairly big percentage. >> So, it's not just the story of schools. I think that's it's it's all one bucket
of money at the end of the day. Um but I do think it's important to highlight, you know, some other growths we're seeing. You know, retirement's going up. um general liability insurance, police operations, you know, that the those folks, you know, this includes
their override, which after some pencil sharpening this past um week, we realize is not 327, it's 197, which is real um I think hopefully a a problem solver for budgetary folks considering their override thoughts at home. Um you know,
we did some good work. myself, um, Chief Sartell and Veronica really went through the numbers line by line. You know, the ballot question was set at 327, um, or not to exceed 327 and, you know, after a real sort of heavy look through, we were able to bring it down. Um, so that's a
positive thing. Um, our health insurance costs are going up substantially. Um, that's a six figure increase there. Pretty common across the board with most municipalities in the state. Um I did increase our legal costs for next year.
The reason being, you know, we have four unions to negotiate with. Um I anticipate >> fire next year. >> Fire next year, >> following fiscal year. So doing it it's not up till the end of FY27. >> And we're also not done negotiating with
police in the event the override doesn't pass. So, I just, you know, I want to be really cautious. Like, I think there could, you know, it's up to the behast of the public, our taxpayers to decide what happens. >> Um, so that's something I think we ought to be cautious about. Um, you know, it's not lost on me that the town
administrator salary at 126042 is clinically low for this um a town of this size. >> And I can speak to that later today. >> Yep. That's not me advocating for myself. That's me advocating for the role. um you guys have had five TAs in
27 months or something like that. >> That's probably not sustainable. Um your showa board of health is going up substantially. That's about a 31% increase in their contract. Um again, that is a contract that's based on their retirement costs and also just fiscal
management for the services they provide for septic review, restaurant inspection, you know, nurse healthcare, things of that nature. Um >> tell me about highway operations. >> Highway operations includes the hiring
of the mechanic. So that is why you see that jump as well as >> I thought no I thought the mechanic was already in there was another position. Are we rehiring the position? >> Just one that's the number with one.
>> I thought it was already in the budget. >> The mechanic wasn't the heavy equipment operator was removed. I I checked the numbers. Um >> okay, >> shifting to revenue. Um these are your
revenue estimates for the town. Um most of these are pretty checked. Um your new growth, you know, what the levy limit likely is, your excluded debt, um where the money comes from, it's on the shoulders of your taxpayers and the
properties they owned in town. which again is not unusual for a town like us. It's always kind of been that way. >> Not at all. Um for also looking at you know revenue estimates just a different way table chart here. Um you know you
have your enterprise costs um estimated receipts which is a really high number. That's why it has that yellow you know sort of highlight on it. Um we're not going to have a transfer from the reading room this coming year. um that is going to be voted on to be removed as
a warrant location, a posting location, and then look to be sold. Um that will impact, you know, cash for fiscal year 28. Last year, you used $200,000 in free cash to balance the budget. I have it as
a zero this year. Um solid waste indirect cost as an estimate at 17169, about a 5% increase. um school resource officers on there just so it brings light to the fact that we do get that offset um from the school district.
>> Did the school budget increased 7,000 for the SRO? Where are you getting the 87k from? >> That was from the police chief when he said that the override passed. >> But that money has to be budgeted, I thought, through the schools.
In other words, it's a back and forth. Correct. >> So, but if the if the costs if they get a wage increase that has to be paid and we get it back. >> So, it's a wash. >> It's a wash. >> It is a wash. But, do the schools
understand that they're going to have a $7,000 increase on the SRO line? That's what I'm asking. >> That I don't know. >> Okay. >> Um, >> here you go. Question. Um, so then you have a total at the bottom just under a smidge under 1% for revenue estimate
growths. Um, you know, I did note the free cash we have down below of 558,000 $559,000 approximately and the auction of town owned properties which was just over $356,000. >> Do we know what that could be used for?
Because I know it was put in a different bucket. >> It was put in a different bucket. does have some specific guiding parameters. Um, I can forward those along to the board. Um, okay. Essentially, you would need a town meeting vote to disperse it. So, you could say that town meeting
authorizes the auction of town owned property fund to go to the general fund to stabilization. >> Um, so could we do Okay. So, and free cash, we're thinking like 300 for snow.
They're at 214 right now. So >> over >> over. >> But look so that No, that so that free cash amount take 300 out of that number. >> Yeah. >> Mhm. >> So say >> we have just
special town meeting on the 19th >> about 100. Can we um redirect maybe uh at least the um I think it's only 5K for the actuarial study to come from the own
property. See what I'm saying? >> You'd have to do the town owned property at the a no time meeting because we're not reopening the ballot for the special. Can't we in the motion doesn't say um >> or any other it depends on how the article was written whether we could
redirect any funds from there or any other yet that part. >> Yeah. Yeah. I think we did the any thing here too but >> I'm just not a >> an expert in that. So it's something we could investigate >> over the next Yeah. next few weeks. Um,
so revenue estimates. Um, this is the right presentation. Um, so in general, give me one second here because this isn't the right presentation. >> No, I got it right here.
>> Is there reductions? >> No, we're not getting into reductions on this. Give me one second. Don't look at this page screen. Don't do that, you know. >> Sorry, just wasn't the right one.
Alerted offline. Give me one second. I know everyone's just holding you all hostage. >> I I don't know why I'm not having a Oh, I'm so excited about this feeling. >> Hard.
Hard things are hard. Oh, microphone. Uh, sorry about that folks. I had the wrong presentation. Um, this again was what I shared with the staff. Um, couple other things. It was just the housekeeping stuff I shared with them. I said sometimes people just hand me
papers. >> I said you have to email me things >> just in case you hear that through your own um walks of life. Uh, buying power. It occurred to the town accountant that we're buying water for two or three different suppliers, paper from two or three different suppliers. We could be saving money if we bought it all in one
way. >> I thought that was changed already. >> It's not. The library and senior center are buying water on their own. >> Library does it from a a fund for the printers. So, it's actually not our general fund, >> but they're paying more. >> Yeah. So, it's not them. It's literally
just a money for printing goes to the bank. So, they can >> um scheduling. I just I'd ask staff to let their department heads know and if it's, you know, the town administrator to let them know where folks are. Um just cuz sometimes residents are looking for people at certain times and just trying to make sure we know where everybody is especially in case of
emergencies or snow. Um and also be kind because we are on the same team here and >> I think that's lost on people sometimes along the way. Um uh fiscal year I touched on this same slide you saw uh this is a better version of this. Now you can actually
see percentages. Sorry about that. Uh So, >> we can imagine it, don't worry. >> Yeah, it's fun to imagine things, but a little different makeup here and I'll sort of jump through these quickly just because you already saw it. Um, and and again, I'm pretty confident that highway
operations number for one person additional, but I'll recover on that one, Veronica, because I know you asked a question there. >> I I was hoping actually that it would be an increase in snow and ice um in the general fund as opposed to
>> Yeah. That's what I was hoping you were going to answer, but that wasn't the answer. So, >> we saw revenue estimates. >> Um, again, similar slide, different different design. Um, budget control. So, this is what I was trying to get to and it didn't look as complete on the
other slide. Um, we have hiring freeze in effect right now. Um, finan select board has a few exceptions. A few departments are looking to make more exceptions due to perhaps a loss of an employee or seasonality of schedules and things like that. So just a heads up,
they are going to most likely check with our finomecom for you know the steps of the process. Um again I highlight on the school increase. This is the total for North Middle Sex debt and tech. Um departments for the most part have
submitted flat or reduced budgets. A huge thank you to those departments. Um, I did walk through with staff, you know, a scenario one where, um, though Fincom has not heard this from me directly yet, I'm going to ask them to cut their reserve in half. Um, I do have a history
of spend down for that. I actually think it's been used to sort of save departments in the past. Um, whether it be snow and ice, um, offsets and things like that. We're in such a unique budget situation that I don't think you can have buffers out there in the world. and
I'll I'll share that with them. >> Um I had a good conversation with fire. Um they are not going to look to have their assistant fire chief role filled. Um that was a a really you know a needed give of that department. Um it means a
lot to the town um and our budget situation for where we are. Um in the event you guys um find another TA and I was writing grants for you. I wrote myself out of the budget. I think that's only fair. >> Well, I don't.
>> Yeah, but I'll say like you are almost 400k in the hole. >> I know. >> So, I just want to say that >> but I'm just saying that since we've had a grant writer, we have done very well in getting grant funds to get the things
that our tax base doesn't cover. >> Correct. >> And that's why I think it is important and it's not all that much money and more than pay for itself. >> It does pay for itself, but um in sharing with staff and again I think if
you had that person at a quarter of the time, they may still hit on some great grants for the town. I'm just putting every card on the table here to help >> piece this budget together. And as far as housing goes, though I can appreciate writing the housing piece out, it it is
possible that if in fact, I shouldn't speak for the housing trust here, but if in fact we were successful in selling that property, >> um that we could fund administrative support because maybe not the whole thing, but at least half of it.
>> Yeah. >> Uh because that's important as well. >> It is. >> So that's all I'll say. I mean, it doesn't have to be at the full amount, but something >> I essentially just cut most of them in half. Um, and you'll see that in a later slide. Um, you know, so again, scenario
one ends up saving us about 150k or so. Um, and that scenario one, you'll see on the budget that I'll present also does include about $90,000 in wage increases for your TA role, police, fire, and highway. Um, TA role again is is
probably too low. police chief has a contract that's coming up. Um, and we will begin sitting down with him. Um, fire chief role is paid at a too low of a rate. So, it would be a it would look to be a new contract and a new rate for
that and a set amount of hours to work with that, you know, the role and highway. Um, you know, we've sort of touching on him with snow and ice. this might be a way to work with them based on a promotion, add some other aspects of the job in um and go from there. You
know, I did ask the staff for any suggestions uh any ideas and some great ideas were kicked around. You know, again, revisiting articles um any other sale of properties in town. Um we're working on that, you know, working on that. So um
>> so scenario one is all union except the TA. >> Um well no your police is not your police chief is not >> oh >> police chief fire and TA are not they're
contracted highway superintendent union at this point. the the issue with the increase there is the um you know we have a >> a process. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Um so you again the staff were great. I think they appreciated the
transparency. This is me identifying these reductions um and sort of going from there. Um, so you know, you're not other than the land use administrative assistant. Um, which was about a $3,400 or so role in that
budget. You know, it was cutting grant person in half. Um, same with housing authority, land use training, land use mileage, uh, building inspector, building department. Um, >> and those are pennies. >> Pennies.
>> Yeah. Um, >> but it all adds up to 143. >> Yeah. not pennies in the end >> which helps and and really the collateral damage is your assistant is your assistant buyer chief. >> Um you know deficit situation um I think
the select board and your your town administrator and and employees as well as residents are really going to have to ask themselves what is required to function as a town, what is recommended? Um,
and that's just kind of the situation we're in. I know it's grim and it's not surprising to you guys because you guys have been looking at it for a while. Um, you know, town's been passing a $600,000 override. Probably too little. Should probably be be about a million bucks.
But if you're just going based off this shortfall on our budget, you'd be doing 197 plus 400K for a general municipal operational override. Um, I tried to, you know, share what the impact would be. Um, you know, on the a home that's
worth $450K. It's $40 a quarter, which is, you know, it's not a small amount of money. Like, that's that's a tank of gas these days. Um, it's, you know, it's four four or five coffees
at the new Starbucks down the street. You know, this is these are the questions I think we have to ask folks. um in this scenario, you know, um there are no wage increases for union folks in this scenario. So, I
don't I know we have an agreement to work on with them in the future. Um but this would be basically telling people other than some of the department heads, you don't get a wage increase. Um, I suspect people may vote with their feet in the reality that that happens
cuz I think that's tough to ask when the cost of everything in the world's going up, whether it be Gatorade, your electrical bill, car repairs, you know, you name it, education. Um, so, you know, this the staff, I think, were were
saddened to to hear this. I think appreciative of the of the information and sort of hearing where we're at. Um, so that's how this looks like and I we'll quickly jump to our recap sheet if that sounds interesting to folks.
>> Um, so I'm going to stop sharing for one more second here and grab that sheet. >> My computer will cooperate with me. PowerPoint is not in the SharePoint. >> You didn't put the right one in there. So, I'll I'll email that out. >> Thank you.
>> Um I know this is hard to see. >> So, we have that, >> but I did print it out. It's on your SharePoint. And >> is it this one? >> Yeah, it's that little itty bitty one. >> We got it. Okay. >> Okay. Let me zoom in.
>> That was 50. >> I did 150. >> My readers >> on mine. >> Pinch in a bit more. >> Okay. >> So, um this is your recap sheet. This is
you know identifying you know our expenses. So this is really all your general government expenses here >> that is level funded >> a level funded with a few department head increases and no wage increases
really otherwise across the board. Um here's your north middle sex number and here's your tech number here. Your your tech number is jumping. um you know 1471 to 1621. >> We have about five additional students
going in. >> I was going to say we must have more students. >> Yeah, it's about five more. Um >> what are the numbers at North Middle Sex for students? >> They're pretty flat and they're beginning to invert and go down. Yeah,
>> that's happening across the board and almost every school is seeing that these days. Well, the techs aren't >> different program. Um, you know, and as someone who was a liberal arts college person, I wish I came out with a real scale.
>> Yeah. Um, you know, uh, again, looking at the the recap sheet, you know, you're carrying over your 166 for TCAM, we we do get that back from Comcast. That's part of our agreement. >> Um, you know, >> that's more or less a wash. >> Yeah, it is. it breaks even has to um
you know here's your overlay number um I have 200K holding in the snow and ice though that appears to be too low after seeing that it's 214 a few days ago. >> Okay. I asked the question, do you have the numbers of what it has succeed ex
exceeded for the last 5 years? And if the number is 200 or more, what for that time, why are we still on the low side? Why aren't we telling it like it is? >> That's a great question and I have to
answer it. >> In the budget itself, I think it's because the budget has been so tight. It's the one place that we can >> deficit spend >> deficit spend. >> The only place >> afraid to >> Well, then you can't complain because you're inviting it. >> Mhm. >> I don't think there's >> you're setting yourself up to fail.
>> You're setting yourself up to fail. >> Go ahead. Say anything else. Um, >> but if you budget it in, you may not spend it. So it's a way to I mean although if it doesn't get spent it
>> though not a bad thing. >> Yeah. I mean, >> so but it is the one county traditionally deficits >> the year in which we have the flexibility to bump it into and we can plan for that 3 years out, four years out, 5 years out, but at this moment in
time, we don't have that $300,000 flexibility to bump it into the general >> self-inflicted. >> Mhm. >> Self-inflicted. If you look at it historically, I did that once and it it pretty much 400,000
even. >> Well, that was an average over I don't know how I don't remember the numbers, but I mean even if you just put it >> I'm just saying for transparency, you know. >> Yeah, I can piece that together for the next meeting. >> Yeah. Um, so I put 200K in there. It's already too low. It should be It should
have a three. >> It should be It's going to end up at almost four. >> And who knows what it'll be after today, >> right? Um, you know, again, scroll, I know I'm being quick about this, but scrolling down the sheet, you know, on the green side, these are our revenues. Um, you know, receipts, indirect costs.
I'm going to again check with water. Um, we are just verifying their percentages. That's where this 471 comes from. It might be a a tad higher. You might be another seven or eight there. Um, again, our local receipts estimates.
Um, really important to note that um, you are no longer required to pay your excise tax. >> I just did that. >> I know. So did I. 115 bucks. I was like, son of a Um, you will no longer if you get pulled over and you have not paid
your excise tax, you will no longer be required to go pay it. >> Well, I would never get pulled over. So >> I would >> I like to drive fast. Um it's a passion. >> So fast you think.
>> So with with this um do we need in those estimated revenues to put the solid waste receipts that 18,000 up there or is it >> It's down below here. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> I just wanted to make sure isn't there. Okay. Yep. Great. Thank you.
>> And I'm just waiting for that number to be verified. Nope, that's fine. I just wanted to make sure I >> because every little bit counts. So, >> uh, where you have free cash and you have cat lo, shouldn't that be capital stabilization? It's not coming out of free cash.
>> Um, yes, likely. I just maybe did it at about 1:00 in the morning last night. >> Um, >> it is capital stabilization. It's not free cash for that payment. >> That's good news. Um,
So, you know, this is important to note on a couple topics. You know, that 700K is, you know, that's our ambulance receipts for the town. I I don't know where capital planning left on advising that
the fire department utilize their ambulance receipts to cover that cost. Um, >> that that that could open us up to a a not so good can of worms. Um because as you see me scroll down here, here's your
390 in red. Um and then you know some questions about how we're going to use this free cash. Um you know the question is do you use 200 200 in free cash to save off a spiral and you sort of gone through the budget scenario one reductions.
If you were to approve of a lot of this free cash spending at whether it be again I have that 31k in there so that's just an error but >> but then snow is three right >> snow is three we have nothing >> correct
>> um do we need the 20k in elections I know it was asked for but and I know it it was a I'm just wondering do we have money in what was left do we have leftover money in special article for
elections already. >> I think that was the one with around like 8K. >> 8K. Yeah. So, why do we need more? I can see doing it when we no longer have money in there. >> Um but
>> he he he mentioned it. Um he the town clerk town clerk said, "Hey, you know, I really need that 20K." Um it you know he made it um >> that the general budget should be increased not this right well and we've bumped it down.
>> Yeah we have we have three required elections >> this year. >> Yes >> outside of the town stuff that may also be on the docket. So why don't we instead of doing it out of a special article which is supposed to be spent within the year why don't so are we
taking that 8k out and putting 20k do you see what I'm saying >> why >> why don't we just put it in the regular budget if we know how many elections we expect to have >> yeah I think he actually did and I just
level funded it because I'm trying to piece this together so to his credit, you know, um I think Harrison put it in there and I think I pulled it out. >> Was it 20K or was it 8K because we do have 8K for election? >> I think it was 20, but I I don't know
all the numbers off the top of my head, but um because I think I you know, he sent me an updated budget this morning. >> Um >> so there there is a chance there is a chance >> in pending council um that Can you go back down just for one second, Karen? to
those the yellow I'm not going to take too much time I promise that down where you just had that free cash breakdown >> there's a chance possibly a couple of those we're saying maybe could come from properties if Adam says we can't change
that at the special time the bunk review come from there >> I'm not sure I I I think so >> the op could >> from the property sold >> yeah why don't we see what we >> Yeah, we might be able to revisit that for an annual town meeting.
>> Yeah. >> Um >> just I'm just throwing out ideas and >> I know that we had wanted to get that OPED study done. This was my last iteration of select board. get the OPED study done and see what the amount was
and use the sale of the water department building to start the escrow for ret, you know, being able to help >> um with retirement healthcare. >> Yeah. >> That was the idea. >> Yeah.
>> Um so anyway, reason not to spend that money for something other than that. Yeah. >> And I know the select board voted that. Not when I was on, but when Teresa was on, they voted. >> Yeah, I remember that. >> And I think Town Properties might have
voted for it, too. >> Um, >> at the time of they recommending the sale of the building. >> Yeah. Right. >> So, again, here is your scenario one. I know Cindy King has a hand up, but I'm just going to quickly summarize. Again, this is scenario one. Um that was the
fire chief salary at like 96 and change and fin at 20k and change. That just didn't expand the sales. >> Um I started I think tree warden, you know, could we do half the time with them? I don't know. You know, similar to Betty May will kill
me, but are are concerts required? You know, we spend about 17,000 is the number for those. Could you cut that in half? Could someone donate that? >> Mhm. You know, because that 8K adds up to this 7K and we're at 15K and then you add a few other things, we start to
snowball into having some more cushion. >> What is the history of the expense that Sorry. >> There you go. >> What what is the um history of expense with the tree waterer? >> You know, it's it's time to time there's
expenditures. I haven't had a deep conversation with him about it. Um you know, >> well, I mean like yearto date kind of thing. Yeah, I can check the the PVA. It really is dependent upon activity in the town and stuff like that. I don't I don't have an a straight answer for that. So,
>> well, that would be the same for snow. It really depends. >> It varies. Yeah. >> So, and this is you can stop me at any point, Karen. When um you're saying this whole thing, no wage or salary increases, right?
That's assuming exactly nothing changes in staffing across the board. Okay. Yeah. So, just just a moment. So, Cindy, your hand is up. Do you have a question? >> Yeah, it was just a technical request. I I don't know if you're aware that, but what you're looking at at the big
screen. We can't see on Zoom. I don't know if there's a technical thing that you can do so that we can see your shared screen. It's We're just seeing you guys. We don't see the um >> That's no fun. >> That is no fun. It's no fun. >> Okay. Okay. Hold on.
>> Well, the same was true with the CPA presentation last time. >> Yeah. >> So, some >> I know. >> You don't know why you're not seeing it. >> Correct. >> It's good now. It's good now. Thank you. >> Oh, okay. >> So, I guess it's good. Cindy says it's
good now. >> I can quickly run through uh just for those at home, you're going to see our expenses up in the in the blue here up top. Um, some of these are confirmed. Free cash is now too low at this 200k. That should be a three. Um, this needs
to move to capital stabilization. That's your cat loader. Um, so that won't hit us, but hits us in another way. Um, you know, again, 700k from ambulance receipts. There was discussion about using bunker gear. Again, we're in the green, so
that's money money in. Um, you know, the Comcast carries over. one equals the other. Um some indirects again cat loader lease I just need to move pre-cash being identified that should be 300k soon to be a four for snow and ice
um you know 197 if the police override passes I have the 87 as that's money coming in if the override passes for police officers um 150 is the scenario one in reductions that I've identified
again throwing myself under the bus as your grant writer Um, again, your deficit being 390 at the bottom here, almost 391. Um, for those at home that weren't able to see, you know, this is me typing late
at night, asking myself a question, not trying not to forget it. Um, do we use 200 free cash and just delay for another year or you know and here's your free cash expenditures full well knowing that this number is going to increase and this one
is going to fall off. Um, and you still have bunker gear as a as a cost, you know, one way or the other. Um, I'm going to scroll back over to the right and up. And you know, here are sort of the
scenario one ideas that I sort of cobbled together. This is on my own valition. The select board didn't ask me to do this. I just started to try to come up with a plan. Um, Cali had a question. >> Yeah. And what's the bottom line there
>> of your sort of not enough? Cali. Oh, I was just wondering I haven't been um keeping track or asking anyone about the uh trans service enrollments, but is it possible that we may get any part of
that 163 back that we originally put in to fund the enterprise fund? >> I was kind of shut down at the meeting when I asked the question. >> Oh, you asked? >> I asked the question >> and they got mad at me and said I didn't support their program. Yeah, that's the
>> Yeah, >> there was no condition. >> Well, I think if they've made up the >> enrollment that they need to >> I think the answer is that they that that hasn't happened.
>> At least not No, they wanted it and it was voted that way. >> I asked the question and I was the bad guy. >> Oh, >> yeah. if we could get it back to go into stabilization because I we shouldn't be
taking money from there but that's not what happened. >> Yeah. Um so this is your um recap sheet. I'll also show you what the omnibus budget looks like for this meeting. And
again, I'm sorry it's so small. And I'll share with folks at home in just a second here. This is easy to look at. I know. Okay. But yet I was one of the first people to buy the sticker. I was number five >> that bought the sticker. So I have
supported the program. >> So looking at the omnibus budget here um you know just carrying down what I've already talked about which was a a change for the TA um a contract employee the TA's
assistant. Um, some of this is placeholder stuff. Some of this is just trying to carry over one number from the previous year. Um, I have some notes over here on the right hand side. I'm going to quickly scroll through this unless anyone jumps out and has a
specific question. Um, you know, and folks can reach out to me if they want me to share this with them as a PDF. Um, jump pretty quick. you know, we have some of these things are contracted with the town. So, um we
reduce our headcount um with a remote town accountant. Um you know, they're going to come in and um there'll be a slight savings there of assessors. You know, again, I carried over a budget. They did ask for another
$1,000 for training. Um which is sort of a succession plan for that office. um which I don't think is a bad idea. Um just based on what I've heard from the personnel. Um treasure collector, you know, they're going to look at some of their mileage costs. You know, they do have to drive
to drop off cash, which I find a little scary for our employees that have to be handling a lot of cash. I think we should be going basically all online or check. Um >> what does that cost us? I can't see. So, um, they asked for $1,700 in mileage
because I think it's once a week they've got to drive to the bank, which is not in town, to drop off cash, >> but also it's time. It's not just mileage, it's their time. >> Mhm. And it's a loss of time. So, >> yeah.
>> Um, so I, you know, again, I just trying to cobble together a few dollars. So, I knocked $700 off there. I would really encourage the town to look at just getting rid of cash in general. Um especially in the town hall >> um where we you know at times someone
could pay their taxes that might be a lot of cash. >> Um again you know that's small you sorry >> that has to be a policy change. >> It would be you know the treasure
collector could make that call on their own because they did with the penny policy. >> Yeah. >> Um so they I would of course want your okay from the select board to say, "Hey, are you okay with this idea?" You don't have to vote on it, per se, but the treasure collector could just say, "I'm no longer taking cash."
>> If you want a Western Union money order, go up the street, get one. >> Yeah. Money order. >> Yeah. Go to the post office and get it. Um, so again, I'll just quickly kind of scroll through here. I didn't get an answer to the question
about the cost of the lockbox fee. >> I think I asked that today. So that might be something >> we can look into. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Somebody said that >> for the taxes per >> the one in reading you mean?
>> Yeah. >> That is so convenient. Okay. >> I I used I've been paying that way since it was since its inception in town. >> Well, I I just wondered what the cost was. Was it cost effective?
>> I don't know. >> Yeah. >> The question of a town clerk, you know, here are the town clerk's numbers as they were requested. Um, you know, in general, elected town clerks are voted at annual town meeting. um the wages and
the rates are set by you know the town's people as a war article um you know here are different you know and um just the sense of level funding you know I made a pretty significant change here and that what they requested and you know some of
these things that office does need um so if we don't fund it it may end up just being a year-end transfer you know I I think a lot of departments are faced with that reality you know things that may go may spent but not funded. Um
>> level funded is level funded and applies to everyone. Correct. >> Um so your question about elections. I wonder if I have that in here. >> It would be farther down >> right there. Elections.
>> Yeah. >> Oh yeah, elections here. So you there was an increase for operation staff needs um you know some different things of that nature. professional services and such. You know, with three required elections, you know, you do have to think about that in the back of your
head in terms of what it looks like as a town. Um, you are required to have the elections. Um, so you do have to compensate people um for some of that work. So, um, I know we're I'm taking a lot of your time, but you know, again, not a lot of changes here, just level
funding. Um, >> this is the important stuff. It's on time. >> Yeah. Um, you know, again, I kind of threw myself under the bus for land use. Um, you know, just reductions in general there, um, to try to piece together some
funding. Um, I don't disagree that there are some great grant opportunities, but we're just trying to piece it together. Um, you know, facilities did ask for some additional help, having just gotten a flurry of text messages. We are having a
plumbing issue in one of our buildings right now. So, you know, that that gentleman's going to go attend to that um over at the library. So, um they're having a pretty gnarly little plumbing issue right now. So, >> nice. >> Um you know, that that's a that's a person that does, you know, the gritty
work that I think sometimes gets looked over in towns. It's gritty work. It's, you know, it's like that guy, what's his name? Mike Gro, Dirty Jobs, >> you know, I think >> um you know, and their their budget also oversees a lot of the energy costs for
town. So yeah, their their increase is because of our utilities are just bananas. >> Everybody's there, >> you know, and I wish there was a better way. >> Yeah, it's across the board. Residents feel it too. So it's not just the town, but it's the residents.
>> Um, you know, police looking here. Um, again, I you sort of just have this 165 as a placeholder for the police chief. Um, he does a phenomenal job for you guys. um you know looking at some comparable communities you know I I personally feel he's probably too low um
for the work and the requirements that come with police officers um so you know that'll be something for you guys to review with him um in contract discussions um in terms of how that goes and where it goes um this number does
include you know their override passing so some of these numbers will you know match what I had before >> would on the recap, you took that into consideration. So, yeah, for anybody listening. >> Yep. Um, so those marry up pretty well. Um, again, you know, he's going to find
a way to decrease energy costs, which God bless him if he can. >> I'd like to know how. Um, you know, again, similar cost structures down here. He's able to actually create some savings at a level of funding. These aren't all his exact numbers. His numbers will change based
on that override. Um, in terms of equipment, building services, prisoners. >> Okay. I have to ask for police. >> Mhm. >> Why didn't you level fund the lieutenant? >> I thought I did. I thought I cut and paste.
Oh, I may just not cut and paste correctly over. So, >> okay. That's all. >> Yeah. Save us. >> $1,600. >> Teeny bits. >> Um, that's all. >> He's also a part of an agreement with the union, but I'm not sure where they are in their contract process.
>> Oh, no. The the union is the supervisor's union. >> He's a part of that, too, right? >> Yes. >> Okay. >> So, it's it's the whole deal with that. Okay. >> So, I can clean that one up. So, you have $1,600 more. >> Go ahead. Sorry. >> Um, you know, shifting down to our other
public safety. Sorry. >> Um, fire. Um, again, this has been removed, this 96 for assistant chief. You know, you do see the increase that I'm proposing. Um, you know, 32 hours a week, you know, $60 an hour. I don't
know if the fire chief knows I've done this, but that's sort of where I'm coming from. I think the role and the responsibilities that we have here in town are so significant that you do need um to have a good strong fire chief and
they need to be compensated as such. You know, 67K is is not enough for the level of situations this town has. You know, you had a really sad one this past weekend. You heard the the engines a moment ago. I mean, that that's a tricky
job. Um, our fire department and our EMS do a very very nice job for this town. You know, life life-saving measures quite often similar to police highway >> and you know, so first responders are, you know, they're >> put themselves at risk.
>> Yeah. The taxing work they do is not lost something. So, >> um, is the is the middle one the requested and the >> I'm confused on what we're doing here. >> Yeah. >> Do I have to follow the yellow? I have to follow the yellow. The next column on the right,
>> the yellow. >> No, that's the department request is the yellow. >> Okay. So then shouldn't there be a zero where it says removed from budget? >> So it's been removed in scenario one. That's part of the storytelling of how the number got to 150. That's removed.
You'll see at the bottom that math. >> All right. All right. Go ahead. >> Um so again, you see their energy costs and such. um you know, removal of assistant chief number here. You know, a few pennies
here and there. Um you know, emergency management, things like that. Um these are all sort of placeholders here. Um no surprises. And I'll speed this up cuz I'm only on page 10 of 21, so I'm boring everyone I know.
>> Um you know, building >> the stuff that we live for here. >> Yep. Um the building commissioner is not going to he's proposed not taking a a raise. Um he's also removed a stipen
from his um kitty if you will. Um and this is in the way here and um >> he is not union. >> I can't remember. He is >> supervisor. >> Yeah. Um but you know there were some other increases from this department.
Um, you know, he did want to give his admin a raise, um, a 2% admin increase. Um, but he did find other areas to reduce costs. He's going to reduce his printer costs. He's going to remove this large printer and go to a smaller one.
Um, he's going to get rid of his alternative printer, alternative inspector costs. Um, not a ton, but it it adds up here. Um, so again, I I commend his ability to sort of penny pinch here and and try to
really be a good team player and, you know, for a department that helps generate funds for the town. >> Um, I sort of applaud his I really applaud his effort to try to be collaborative. Um, so you know, thank you to the building inspector. These other items, animal inspector,
animal control, things like that. Um, you know, those things don't change much. Um, pretty flat in general. So, howdy. >> Hey, >> you guys. Okay. >> Yeah. >> You here for our meeting? >> Yep. Sign. >> Oh, >> we haven't quite got there yet.
>> You can hang if you want. You got catch some candy. >> Yeah. Um, so >> everything okay in the field? We hear all the uh >> um >> Well, I'm not Thank you.
>> Just quickly looking at schools, you know, again, we're here. We are at that 66855. Um, this is as of a Thursday call I had with the school committee member that their assessment had come down. It saves us about 30ish,000
from the 692. What was that? 30 26 or so. Um, so the jump this is tough. Um, highway again. Um, I thought about having them take on some of the tree work. Um, this is where Veronica may see if I'm
right or wrong. Let's see. I'm holding my breath. All right. Look at that. So, so they were at 555 >> and they go to 628. >> Why?
So up here, this includes the mechanic. >> Wasn't the mechanic in there already? >> They may have been, but the role wasn't filled. >> I know it wasn't filled, but there shouldn't be an increase in cost. It should be leveled.
>> I I don't understand. I don't >> Okay. because we well unless it's a difference between the um the operator and the mechanic >> it might be one >> that high of a cost oh but there's an
increase for the um superintendent but okay >> yeah I can dig into that >> I I would look at that >> because I don't think it's that pronounced I honestly don't >> yeah snow and ice I increased
it's probably not enough um things of that nature. Salt, I really put a heavy lift there to so it's one and a half the orders versus one. >> And then sand, I did the same thing.
You know, we we got to get that number up. >> Great. >> Um and so on. So, um you know, street lights, things like that, not a lot of change. um cemetery and parks, not a lot of change. Um you know, he did shift, they
they gave us a new budget, so they, you know, the the guys in that do some of the work are going to keep their raise. They made a shift for an admin, um you know, that was their call. They are department heads, so that's what they saw to do. They made some, you know,
tighten the belt straps, um bootstraps, if you will, on some of the expenses. Um housing here, you're going to see I reduced that. That was me. >> I would have thought cemetery and park superintendent would have been leveled. >> I asked the department heads. It's the
same number. >> The end of the department is the same number. So the request was for a level funded budget, >> not the details of how each department came up with that. >> I see. >> Okay. >> Um, you know, board of health decided
not to change their number. um they just felt that their costs were too had increased too much um to to do level funding. Um so that's why you see an increase here. Um the short board of health is a contract, landfill
engineering is a contract. Um Council on Aging made some reductions. Um they're still a smidge over where they were. Um but pretty pretty Oh no, so they're at their level as well. They made a couple other reductions in supplies and such. Um, veterans agent has not shared a a
budget with me, so I'm just sort of rolling it forward. I will catch up with um with them about what's going on there. >> Um, >> the Weston and Samson contract, I thought that was under landfill engineering. I didn't think I don't
understand why there's an increase under BO professional services. >> I think that was for training of the members. It depends. If you email me, I can find out in particular detail. >> I'll do that. >> Um, library wages, they came back with
some reductions and changes. Um, >> they part-time stuff. >> Yeah. So, that's, you know, saving about a,000 bucks. Um, recreation remain the same. I know they have a meeting with Fincom to discuss things, so they're just holding for now. Um, same with
Memorial Day. Um, had a couple great conversations with her. um things like the stuff that we can't really control, you know, debt and such. Um some went up, some went down. Um
you know, that's just sort of the way it is. Um you see our insurance number at 12.9%. Um you know, life insurance change, you know, isn't isn't changing. uh Medicare town share. I use that as a placeholder.
Here's your Here's your number. 29 million246 minus the schools is 11812. That should match what I had up there. But again, I was doing this very late at night. So, apologies if it's not perfect.
>> First draft. I'm going to get that authority to build that at the end of this meeting. >> That's my budget. Um, so I you're welcome to email me questions. I know we have some other folks here to get a couple of things knocked out of the park. So, um, I will stop talking and
stop screen sharing for those that don't. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. So um we have with us we have people here from the fire department and so I would like to go out of order if the board pleases to 5.2 review discuss and
vote accept lease agreement for the old harbor and old central fire stations. Is there a motion? One second. >> I value it to make a motion to approve the old cover and old central fire
station lease agreements as presented and sign out of session with signature st. >> Um, >> you can sign it here too, >> but yeah. Do we need to sign out of session? If everybody's here and agreeable, >> I will amend that motion. I valated to make a motion to approve the old harbor
and old central fire station as presented. >> Veronica Keel second. >> Any further discussion? >> Thanks guys. >> Hearing none. Roll call vote. Veronica Keel. I >> lower
school building. So >> do we have the lease sign? Yeah. Right here. Excellent. Uh >> be signed by the chair and then by our friends from the fire. This will help with the budget, too. Did
>> someone give me a dollar for candy? I was like, you don't have to pay me for candy. >> That's the money for the year. >> That's for days for two years. >> This is the receipt. >> This is your >> I can't technically take it. Has to be a check. >> That's right.
>> I I wish I could in the mail >> because you have to have a receipt. Yeah. The legal ease of life. Now, this is just for the old harbor. This isn't for the old central >> for both. >> It is for both. Does it say it on there? >> Harbor.
>> That's central. >> This one says 65 Main Street. Are there two in here? >> There's just one. >> There's just one. >> Motion was for both. >> My motions for both. >> Um, it's just the old harbor that I saw.
It's just old harbor. >> The old central will be a a match to it. >> We were supposed to do both. >> Hang on to that. >> You going to drag me out back? It's just for
>> uh Old Harbor was the one we worked on. >> So, do you you want to sign on this one? >> I would. >> Absolutely. >> We'll review that the other one. >> So, do do we need to do we need to update the motion? The motion was
>> okay. So, I will amend the motion to um >> Old Harbor >> uh to approve the Old Harbor Fire Station. Lisa, >> we've only been working on the Old Harbor one. >> Yeah. So, we need to vacate that boat, I guess. >> Okay.
>> We're going to We have to redo I can't do that. >> It will be just for the old harbor fire station. Um >> that's the only one I got feedback on from working with the guys was just old harbor. So I didn't have any other feedback. I can throw myself under the bus. Maybe I didn't pay attention to
that email. So I send it to your hot mail. So >> we started out with that we >> So we're good. >> Yeah. Good on that one. >> In motion. >> We catch the other one. >> We'll work on it. >> Yeah. It should be pretty easy to mirror that one. >> Yeah. It just changed.
>> I move to amend the motion to contain only. >> Okay. And I will second the amendment to the motion. >> This is 65 Main Street. Hold >> on a roll call. May I?
>> Is there any discussion? Hearing none. I >> I so it's going to be the 3rd of March 2026. Mhm. >> I would prefer that we meet the second one the same just so it's on the same
rotation. >> I'll send the draft out to the correct email some nebulous hotmail hole in the car. >> Okay. So, um it says 20 with a two for
the expiring, but it should be 20 >> be a 50. It's 50 years from now. 2076. >> Yeah, we just append that and then we'll live signed >> and I don't need a copy of that. I'll
email until we're all done. >> Okay, >> I'll send you a copy anyways just so you have it. >> All right, awesome. Thanks, Joan. I'm >> sorry for any confusion. >> He said yes. Okay, thank you.
Drive safe. Okay, >> thank you. >> I'll follow up on the central one. >> Yeah, I think it was almost exactly the same, but but there may be some differences because I thought I read no work has been done on it, >> right?
>> So, that was why it kind of got >> dropped. No, didn't get dropped. It just >> I mean I I may have dropped it. >> Well, >> well, we were doing so much work on that that >> Yeah, >> that went back 10 times. >> Yeah. So,
>> well, those are one of the pleasure things to do. >> Cool. I will um scan this and send this out and put a copy um to the fire mask folk so they have a version of this too. So >> the fire relief association >> fire release. Yeah. >> Everyone is fire.
>> That's fine. >> Exactly. >> By the different groups. >> Um so that finished 4.2 for you. Sorry that took so long, but thought it was good to >> Nope. That's we're not done with that either. >> A few layers.
Um, next is 4.3 and it's not marked. >> Yeah, there probably isn't any um materials for this. It's more that I just need a motion from the >> the uh first amendment to contract
employment between town and towns and the treasure tax. It is not 4.3 >> is approved motion to authorize the interimm town administrator and labor council to invite the AFS CME unions to the table for considerations of the fiscal year 2027 budget. It's just a
motion. There's no materials to >> Sorry about that. Is there a motion? >> I move to authorize the interim town administrator and labor council to invite ASME unions to the negotiating table for consideration of the FY2027 budget. Is there a second?
>> Okay. Any discussion? Hearing none, will Paul vote for >> 4.4U for the treasurer collector. Is there a motion? >> Yep. Um I good move to approve theou for
the treasurer collector audit representative stipen contract amendment and sign out of session. >> We don't have to sign out of session. >> You got it right there. >> Is there a second? Second. >> Any discussion? >> This is just for that statement. We
>> realize 4.5 public records policy. >> I don't have a lot on this. I think this is just moving to adopt the third reading revision of the public records policy. >> I think this is ready for >> not ready for consumption. No,
>> maybe table this one. >> That'll be my >> That would be fine. I just want to state that I think there should be a charge for the requests because I think our staff should be paid for the work that they do. And I mean I would add to that
too that just for context because I've been contacted by a lot of people about this. >> On June 18th of last year we received over 90 requests for anybody who's interested. 90 requests in one day. We have almost 400 requests last year. >> Yeah. >> I can I could read them to you but
you're you would have to cover your ears some of them. >> Why are we not um I thought we already voted to charge. >> Yeah. And so I think we just >> can this year. >> Yeah, there's details that we need to figure out and we can't charge a flat
fee. It has to be charged per time as a town under 20,000. Actually, we have a right to charge from the get- go. So, we just have to decide. And I think there's we need the time and energy to figure out the right way to do this. But this is good. I don't think the staff should be paid. And I think if a department
head or the TA says this is the amount it will cost, I don't think the RAO should be waving the fee because I think that I that our department heads and RTA should be trusted for the time that they think needs to be spent for their
department to cover the requirement. >> And the question is is what responsibilities are ours versus the RAOS's? And so I just think that this is part of a >> Can I put this to 310 and hopefully we get some more information? >> I I would like push it to April to be honest with you after the budget because
I think it's going to take time and energy to figure out. >> The the issue is that we have ongoing requests coming in that are requiring time of staff. >> Yeah, I put, you know, I'll use myself as an example. We had a request from requester about the revolving funds. I
mean, I I was point blank with um the RAO and I haven't caught up with the requester. They happen to be an employee. Um I I don't know enough about the town administrator select board of evolving funds to to really dig into it to be point blank with you. And it was going to take me some time to do it. So,
I sort of itemized it for the RAO. um and they did not feel as though that was an accurate description or perhaps the time would be necessary to investigate it and they waved the fee. So, I'm going to spend probably 2 or 3 hours tomorrow
to answer this request. >> What funds are they talking about? The only one I know about is the one that we established last year reading room. >> Um there's a few other that are overseen by same people that'll compla not do an
override and complain about the budget and >> we don't have the staff to do the work. >> Well, you know, um this was a staff member asking for this of all the revolving funds of the town. Um so they wanted to understand
>> so is that a question for the accountant? >> It ends up with the accountant but it's figuring out like they wanted to know the entire budget makeup of all these revolving funds. So expenses, planning, forecasting, all that's everything all-encompassing for the last three
years. >> So that includes the >> So they wanted recreation, cemetery and park. >> They they are trash. So they're asking a question of themselves because it's their >> they want to know what the other revolving right now. >> Um
>> whatever. I I I was a little I haven't said this to the Ariel, but I was a little disheartened by the fact that he waved the fee because I I estimated about four and a half hours of buy time. Um and only two and a half of it we actually get offset funds for. So you
guys pay me 67 $6160 an hour and it was going to cost the town 200 and some odd hours for that four and a half hours worth of work. and I was looking to catch $62.5 back. This is after I presented the budget
today where we are in the whole 400k. I'm all for answering the requester. I just think when it exceeds that 2-hour threshold, we have to catch some money back for the for the work that is proper and it's appropriate to ask. But
>> it is I think it is what it is at this point in time. I do think that I think I think that we need to have I think Kier and I both didn't want to take Adam's time and money at this moment in time with the budget to really hash through some of these things with the REO. And
then I also think I think we can help this process. There's a and again I don't want to take Aaron or Sabrina's time at this moment in time by getting some documents online. And I think we can figure out ways that we can do this whole thing to make it the
records that are frequently requested that are very quick to answer are available. >> I I am all for putting packets online, putting a you know we can do it before the fact, after the fact, whatever works. But I object to having people
spending time right now during the budget processive >> to answer a request that's going to have to be answered when that time could be better spent doing something else. >> I think the trick is we have to answer request though by state law.
>> Okay. I'm going to work on this public policy to have it say what I want it to say. And you should probably talk to Adam because there's a lot of things that are going to not be allowed to be said. >> I don't want the RA to be able to wave
the fee if the department head >> if if the answerer >> Yeah. >> says the I would just talk to council then. >> I would I'll spend the money doing that. >> So >> take no action. >> 47.
>> Uh well we skipped four 46. Oh. Oh. For the meeting. >> April 7th. >> April 7th. >> Yes. Going on vacation the next day. So, yeah. Sure. >> I think we just need the time to >> I'll talk to I'm going to call Adam and
I'll have it >> written up before we get to April 7th. So, we have a policy that we can review at least the week before it's going to spend council money. >> Okay. >> But, >> yeah. And really, I think it'd be um >> my last parting thought and is that I
just don't think again I think it's I love the idea of the transparency in the public records. It's it's the staff time that we're losing as a result of this. So I'm again the disheartening thing for me was just sort of the
abruptness of waving the fee when I think it's an appropriate fee to collect and it's a very mild. >> The first two hours were free. >> The again the first two hours were were free. I just don't think because I know Cemetery and Parks is gonna has work to do for this. I don't think it's going to
take them more than five hours, but those three hours are 3 hours he's not going to be out shoveling the pathways now cuz he's going to have to be going through some paperwork to figure out what he needs to do to answer this request. If someone slips and falls and Roger was in doing paperwork, that's the
thought that goes through my head. And and it's a good thing I shoveled the back way. >> But like same for, you know, recreation. If there's a, you know, a kiddo they could be possibly throwing a snowball for and like providing some care that
way rather than looking through papers, that's what they should be doing. And we have to, again, I'm all for the information. We just have to have some catchalls for funding for these things because it's it's a losing proposition for the town to keep >> Yeah. And I think and I and I've said
this again is I think the vast majority of the quest requests we can we can really help by getting some of this information like this mean today out there that's fine then that doesn't become a public record request so we can do our due diligence there but just so
people know 400 requests last year. >> Well I I >> what is a public record? I mean, is this really a public record that's being requested? And who makes that determination? >> Because does that mean that why why don't they just come in and go through
the files themselves? >> It I mean these are things that have to be time has to be spent. >> So that that can be I mean there's a place for inerson requests don't don't cost anything. Someone could come in and just look through the files themselves and it wouldn't cost anything.
>> Exactly. I >> that's going to be on April 7th. Yeah. Thank you for your comments >> bringing us back, Lori. >> 4.6. >> This is a a val topic. So >> Oh, yeah. >> This is me, right?
>> This is the >> Oh, do you guys have a chance to look through some of the things that I sent? >> I liked it, by the way. >> Just getting started. >> Do you want me to screen share >> and the PowerPoint? Yeah, I think >> see what I can do here.
>> Should be in there. It should be in the >> business. Yeah, >> that beautiful bald eagle. >> Yeah, that's one of our pictures. >> I love it. I know. I think >> I just Sorry. I'm a visual person. I created a PowerPoint template. Anybody
can use it if they want to. So this is again draft for prime time getting started. You can go ahead >> next one. Um so with a little bit of help from our consulting mentor TA
>> down. >> Yeah. So I basically have been I started by running comparisons by population and economic indicators. So, here's the kind of um range of things that I put into the DLS um database.
So, our the in like four towns is a pretty good >> um amount of towns to compare to. So, our four by population economic indicators and they're right there what I used. Douglas, Lancaster, Rutland, and West Boilston were the closest.
Um just because you also should compare by geography too. I did a separate comparison Ashby, Graten, Lunberg, and Peril surrounding towns. >> So, if anybody that um you know, if there's a lot of feedback from people, those could change. I could pull the numbers a little differently, but that
seemed pretty good. It was a little lower on population, a little higher on um income and uh tax bill. Go ahead. Um so, here's what we have. West Boilston is currently um in a TA search.
They had three TAs in the past year. Yay. Um I talked to the interim TA there and um so there you can um in the packet is their uh listing for their job description is 14 to 180 and he said that they're probably for FY27. He's
doing the high end of that range. Um and he was going to give me the assistant number. I put assistant in there because it tells a little bit of a story about the support that this office has too. Lancaster is at 175, an assistant at 78. Rutland just signed a new contract um
and it's at 146. That contract is set up with some um bumps midyear for every three and an end of the year bump. It seems like probably a person that has a little less experience and their assistant there at 63. >> Is it as an assistant TA or an an administrative assistant?
>> It could be either. And that's why I just put as an assistant position. Some of these like I'm trying it's hard Sabrina here. So that's what kind of I was doing is the lowest. None of these people have an assistant TA also. >> Yeah, >> some of our so geographic towns do and
that's not in there but >> but they do you can see have a higher assistant than we do. So Douglas is up at 180 with an assistant at 69 and then Townsen over there 126 with assistant at 52. So that was for FY 26. You can see
there just a couple notes. Um, Douglas is closed in the summer on Fridays. Rutland, which is the lowest of those comparisons, their town hall is 4 days a week. Um, and then geographic comparisons. Peril here we have 180, Graten at 200.
Lunenberg's one 6925. They also think they have an assistant. I have to >> Yeah. Um, Ashby's at 115. Um, their town hall is pretty much half day Monday through Thursday and their town administrator is Monday through Thursday. And also their population is a
third of ours about and then there we are at 126. So those are geographic comparisons just because it's only fair you know you live where you live. We have to consider that. So um the questions I have just before kicking this off is um are we do we want to use
a contractor recruiter for the search? Um we can. It's probably going to cost something. Do we have the money for it based on that information there? Are we confident going forward? I tried to bring a lot that I think would be kind of what they would start us off with.
Um, if you guys still want to go through three members, that's fine. I will put one more shout out for five if you guys would consider it. Um, job description and posting time frame. Um, I would like to not do this until after we have a
really good handle on the budget because it's going to eat a lot of time for need. I think two two department heads have already kind of stepped forward, library and police to say they they have long-standing employees, big departments, they're both pretty ten
voted was to do one select board member. I think it was you. I think we actually um the two two department heads of the >> and so if you guys still want to go that's fine. um our first May I might
just have a pretty good public comment session for the town to come in and kind of give some feedback. But that's just my thought initially. Um so I'm thinking early April, but I'll take your guys feedback. If you want me to try and get it going quicker, I can. Um and this is
kind of for I'll let you answer all my questions at the end so I can just get this done. Um this is kind of for the TA marching orders, interim TA marching orders, the salary range to offer. I'm just throwing that out there. I think That's kind of where at least the comps
land us right now. And obviously that depends on a whole bunch of stuff to 170. >> It's too low. >> Yeah. 170 is too low. >> Then 150 to 180. Um the I'm the only reason I'm putting that low out there is
for the I mean the I'll say this. If somewhere in this budget snafu we wind up with less of a lot of stuff, that's just what I'm leaving more room for in there. >> Yeah, >> it's just a range. >> As your budget builder, I put 165 as the
bottom of that range. >> You guys again, it's a you're a complex town >> in a 100% >> financial tsunami. >> Um, and if we get someone with experience, I'm okay with going higher. Brotten and pepperol have been there for
a while. >> Yeah. >> Um and so that's why their their rate is as high as it is. >> It also is we get some comparable. >> Yeah. We do also have to they do have higher incomes and tax bases and stuff like that. So we do you at least have to
take that into consideration. >> But we do share school district. My my purpose for a three member and a contracted recruiter, which is also what we had talked about, >> y >> um was so that the I would want the contracted recruiter to vet people
>> prior to bringing them in. Um I don't know in the the most recent search if there were any references ever called. I have the feeling that there were not. I know that the committee did not check
referenc not not on our nether really and I were both on that committee and I don't think references were called. Um I know the time before I called the references. >> I was going to say that um >> I would not feel comfortable bringing
someone someone forward to you guys without checking references. So, I would want a contractor to vet the the um and to to vet the resumeumés and do a pre-in a second interview with
the committee >> and then the committee goes to the >> How are we offer one bit of insight? >> Please do. >> You already have a consulting TA under contract. You may be able to leverage
them to review resumes and check references. That's a good idea. >> You're already you're already paying them. >> That's a good idea. >> And this is someone who knows the workforce incredibly well. He can tell you within two minutes.
>> Okay. And I would also want to get from the consultant, whoever it is, an idea of the range that makes sense for the town of Townsen >> and the people that are coming forward
>> and my like comparisons there that did actually go through Jason. So he kind of agreed with my logic on that. So, um, that's I mean my one problem and the reason I put that first question up is is if we were going to actually
>> contract someone outside, how would we pay for it? That's why I just fund money >> from somewhere. >> We do sale of properties funding to get someone who could really help write this. >> But but so >> in any event, so we do have Jason under
contract, but till when? >> July. >> July July. Yeah. Um, and so I mean it's March you guys. We're not looking at this until so it's April, May, June. We have three months and that includes the
the any overlapping time that there may or may not be. I think it's late. Um, but that's me. >> No, I would love to start right now. I just don't think it's >> Why not?
I can >> I mean >> it's us. It's It's not him. >> No, I know. I understand. But >> he's doing the budget. >> I I know. >> I mean, I can I can I'll try to get it started sooner rather than later.
Um I I would like to see the the I mean if we're going I would like to see um the the team named and for us to make a decision so that the posting is out
there be by the beginning of April so that if it's April whatever the date was you threw out um that's the date where there are resumes coming in something to look Yeah, fun fun story. Um, we knew I
could say this now. We knew as a Dunable Select Board we were going to hire Jason when he came to our town meeting >> because it was in the spring. >> It was the smartest move and then the other person did not. >> Oh, but you at least had your people.
>> We had we have people by May, whatever it is, >> if we don't start now and get things out there. So, in other words, the first meet the beginning of April should be a meeting with if we're using Jason as a
consultant. We haven't voted on that yet. We could put that on the 10th for voting on what we're going to do with that. Um, and I would want to get things posted or name our committee with names
if in fact we have that. Mhm. >> Um and you know, >> can you put together a report for the next meeting on the 10th >> on >> March 10th? >> What more information would you like? >> The name of >> the name. So be Jay yourself.
>> Yeah, I mean I can we can I mean I've already talked to those two department heads about this. They're fine with it. It would just be scheduling >> and we can name the people that are on the next week. Then let's name the committee next time. >> Approve it. Um, >> do you want to just do that now? I mean,
they've both agreed to be on the committee. >> It's not on the agenda. >> Well, it does say you discussed an administrator search committee and process >> if you I mean, we've already created the >> adop committee. All right, let's >> ad hoc committee. So, I don't have any
problem making a motion to name the members as long as you're all sure. >> You don't want me to go out and get two more. >> I just have to ask. I think four is good. And you've got >> Well, and at in >> Oh, you mean about the members? >> Yeah.
>> I'm I'm good with three. >> Um, do you want five? No, I want three. We already voted. >> No, I I I had to double check again because I got a lot of feedback, so I wanted to bring it because I would be open to five if All right. I make a motion that we may having been on on
two, one being five and one being three. No, I think seven and five. >> Oh, seven and five. Now we're going down to three. >> I think it's a better idea. >> Okay. Going away. >> You'll get more done. >> You will get more done. I I make a
motion that we name the ad hoc um town administrator search committee to consist of the select board member being Valerie Goodrich and the two department heads being the library director and the
chief of police if they will accept it. >> Accept that charge. >> Is there two? >> Yes. >> Okay. Any further discussion hearing? None. Roll call vote.
>> Pel I go to worship and I >> Okay. So, >> second item of business um is um maybe have a conversation. >> Tell is there. You good with that, Chief? >> Yeah. >> I'm like I didn't talk to you.
>> Thank you for volunteering. >> Yeah. Um and and then I would um I guess I would like to have a um some idea. I mean we had named the third the consultants that we were thinking of. I
would like to some idea and include Jason in that. Maybe we don't have to pay for anybody but to find out I I think I sent out five questions to ask the people >> maybe um since you're on the committee. >> Yeah. Call them and see.
>> Yeah, I have the name. >> There's a couple others. Yeah. >> Yeah. I'll just double check. And most importantly, what it's going to cost. >> Yeah. >> And then I'll I'll check in with Jason to think to ask what he realistically thinks it would take per week and if it's with >> cuz he has to work with >> Right.
>> whoever. >> Yeah. Well, he has to work with you to get things rolling for town meeting and all that. >> So, talk to Jason, too. you. Yeah. >> And then let's bring it back. Um >> I'll give you guys an update next time.
>> Okay. >> It also swings on your budget number. >> Yeah. >> So which that last part of that is are we just going with what Kieran's put in there for that number right now for FY27 165? >> For a number to work with right now.
Yes. >> Okay. Uh, that could change. >> Make it 170 at least. >> You'd rather be high than low. >> Yeah. Um, >> well, it depends on the ramifications, right? >> No, because if it's less than,
>> then it's harder to make up the money. >> Can't make up the money. You can deduct, you know, >> then maybe we should make it 180. Sorry, but it's 10, you know, it's 15k more than what's in there, which in the
grand scheme of things isn't a whole lot. And we can >> it gets you someone that's been a TA for seven or eight years. >> We just can't >> not me, but like someone who's been doing great like and he's looking for a a growth potential. you may get a
wonderful candidate that can really >> we just need someone that's gonna stick it out when you get the non I'll say this too in in >> and things like that >> I will say this that the TA community is amazingly helpful and every single one of the people I contacted was basically
like give me a call if you have any questions and in the in in the brief back and forth I had on occasion they said towns in less important is they all felt less important just in a brief conversation is
it's the longevity of the person that comes in here at this point in time. Less so much the details. We really want to get someone who's going to be here for 3 years, 5 years, 6 years because we need that. We haven't had continuity. >> So that's the focus that really
>> I agree. I agree with that. >> Whatever that looks like, that's the >> that was the intent, you know, before. >> Just didn't work out that way. Okay. But I think it's it's hard. So So >> okay, that's my that's my initial research. And again,
>> draft. >> So the number >> the number that we are asking Kieran to put in the budget is what? >> 170 or 180. >> Which one? >> You can always go down. It's harder to
go up. >> I agree. I think >> I mean at 180 >> Brutland's at 146. >> Okay. >> West Boilston is right now searching and their job posting is 148. >> That's their job posting for West
>> and they're likely to be about 177. >> Yeah. >> What I pieced together on that number. >> Yeah. So that let's do 180. >> Okay. And then we see where we go from there. Okay. Do you need a motion? We can just budget that. >> I'll just input it into the budget. So
this is onus this was 4.6 on new business. >> I'm going to expect this to be under old business every meeting going forward until we have a hybr. >> Okay. Yes.
>> All right. 4.7. >> Um Karen >> I don't have a lot for this. I have not had time to discuss finalize or review ballot questions. I may ask if you're okay with me to table this to next week. >> The one thing I would like to know is
what is the what is the date? >> We believe it's March 23rd. >> Okay. For posting >> so we have the 10th was working on that this >> so if then that gives us because it needs to be after the special town
meeting. So next week we would basically say these numbers work review once more the 17th. Okay. >> All but one question remains. It's probably the override question. >> It is >> and then all the others are firmed and locked in because then the meeting after
on the 24th you need by the 23rd. really the 17th >> and okay 4.7 is being moved to 310 >> and consult with Adam with wording of the other request >> Mhm. >> because we had that issue last year
>> 4.8 eight. >> Um, oh, this is >> I saw that. >> Yeah, I didn't know much about this. Let me bring up this. >> We get a nominal amount of money from them every year. Um, and typically it's
gone for like gas at the senior center or whatever. It's for ride share rides like if >> um and they're not doing it anymore, >> is what I read in the thing. Do >> you want me to read this Karen? >> Yeah, that'd be great. Um, so it's basically this is a notice to all municipal Massachusetts municipalities
concerning future municipal distributions from the ride share trust fund pursuit to a whole bunch of acts. Um, the um no longer collect a per ride assessment of 20 cents on ride share originating in Massachusetts starting on
January 1st. This will no dist dispersements to municipalities from the ride share trust fund in 2027 and beyond. more just a notification. I don't know if there's really any voting here. I just wanted to bring it to your attention. >> Right. And um
just before that time, this is 27. January 1st of 27, it ends. You might just want to look at what it's may meant in the past. >> Yeah, I'll take a little dig into it and see what I can find out.
>> Okay. Um >> just for your time, Overwatch here at 651. We have a couple more things and then we have a 7 pm executive session um for fire union. Um so just for your sense of >> try to get through >> maybe want to jump to the
>> police chief's one 410 um because I know he's been hanging on the call for a bit and it has to do with police radio to purchase for Motorola >> devices. Chief, you still there? You want to speak up if you can?
>> Sure. I don't really think this uh takes any sort of board action at all. Uh just the the fact that uh we've got to figure out who the procurement officer is. Just I sent it in for compliance purposes just to show you where I bought how we secured the uh the bids and that
type of thing because it is a fairly high dollar item. It is completely funded by a grant >> that's been already approved by the board. >> You have to sign that. >> Yeah. So I think I signed it for you Jay. So I can I just wanted to bring it to select board attention and I happy to sign it for you. I feel like so >> sure. Yeah. I just don't know if you
were appointed the chief procurement officer or how that worked. So, appreciate it. >> Yeah. >> All good. Yeah. >> Okay. So, that's 410. Can we do 49? >> Yeah. 49. Um letter from the fire chief and fire department in regards to um
securing a spot in line for an ambulance. Um they do with their cycles of life. Um, you know, we would be getting in line basically for one about three years out because they take three years to build out, >> right? >> Um, >> not a not a bad practice. No cost to us
is my understanding from the letter that we received. Um, I will try to share this >> planning mention that. >> I I was against doing that this year. I am for doing it next year because I
don't know how we're going to buy it. That's my problem and my and looking at the life of the ambulances. I don't have any information on that. >> Like what's the lifetime of the ambulance that we are replacing? >> Yeah.
>> And the chief is right there. So, um but that's why I was opposed to doing it. >> Do you want to ask the chief? >> Um I just >> Is he here? >> I just I know that once we get on that list, there is no way we are not buying it. Um, and that's the issue for me
right now with our fiscal situation. I have a concern about doing that. If it was me and my home, I wouldn't do it this year. I would do it next year. >> Okay. >> Because things lighten up in a couple years. >> They do the death cycle. Hi, folks.
>> Okay. Can we have the chief speak to it? >> He's right under the gun. Right under the microscope. Right from stack. >> Microscope. Let's do it. um we are talking about getting in line for that ambulance. If you could just speak about where we are in the cycle um and what it means what it it it means from that side
of things if you will. So >> um so we have a new ambulance that um is being inspected now >> um within the next week or two and we're expecting it to be it should have been completed last month and it'll go to
Connecticut. It'll be lettered and it'll come up. So, that one's in play, but the lead time on this has been 3 years. So, the cycle time on these, we're going to have one that's coming up, and we should have one in spare. And a year ago, I started this one, and I held it in Q
until now, and now we need to have uh an affirm affirmation to be able to leave it there. There's no obligation, but it gives us a place in the uh >> line >> in the line to have an ambulance if we need it. I would highly recommend it if
it looks in a year that we can't do it. I've um I've got some thoughts and some ways in which this thing can be financed without it impacting the town budget. >> Mh. >> But right now with the pressure, if you've read anything about it nationwide, getting equipment is not
easy. So, we're there. And um >> so just to clarify when you started your statements you said that you would have done this last year you held it but you held it in the queue and so now you're asking it for this
year coming up >> in the I was able to hold it in production queue without your authorization for a year. >> Okay. >> Now I need authorization >> and then it's for three years from now >> probably two or less. At what point is
there a financial obligation for deposit? Anything like that? How does that sort of shape >> when it goes into production? >> Okay. So, still potentially a year from now then you might be back to the town to say, "Hey, we need 10% down." I don't know. >> I'm not going to and I'm not going to ask for that. I think if if we are left
alone the way we are going right now and I came prepared to talk about that tonight under the bus. >> Where we are, I know that I've committed 700. >> Okay. And I think we can um we're at um
uh 566 and today I think there was a 45 or $47,000 deposit. Um 45 on that is going to put us at 610. We'll still have three more months, April,
May, and June to go in that. So, we should be we'll meet we should meet our obligation and um and I think that if we continue to do what we're doing, there's a real possibility that we can fund it internally. >> Okay. >> Um
I will tell you the new ambulance is coming in when we agreed upon it was three and change with an escalation that wouldn't put it over 425. We've had a little bit of a battle. They've held it at 425 to get it to the ALS level. brings it pretty close to 600. We made
up that difference with the Nshoba fund money >> and uh it would be the same. It would be a $600,000 ambulance by the time we done maybe even >> Yeah. But it would be another advanced life support. >> The only way we're going with it. Okay. >> How how old is the ambulance that you're
replacing with it? >> A1 is 16 18. >> It's a 16 or 17 I believe. >> Years old. >> Yeah. model year. So be 10. >> Say that again. >> 2016. >> 2016.
>> It's a 2016 ambulance. So it's 10 years old. And your other ambulances? >> Um plus one will be a 25 the chassis is one year and then the box on the back. So it probably 25 >> 25 and a half.
>> And I think it was 19 or 21 19. I think it's 19. >> It was 2019. Yeah, that one is Yeah. >> And the life expectancy on an animal. It's >> all about the abuse. So they are abused. >> Yeah. >> Five years is when you is the you try to
switch them out in five years is to keep up. >> Our oldest one is at like just under 110,000 miles. So I think it's like 106 or something. So 106,000 miles. Most
cars usually start creaking at that age. Imagine an ambulance with a bit more wear and tear. >> There is a little value to it. Not a lot, but there is some value. >> Yeah. >> My my concern is the how to pay for it because we don't uh we don't have money
to pay for it until in 28, fiscal years 28 and 29, the um borrowing starts to drop off. We'll have things paid off. So, we have room in the in the current town budget and I'm looking at things
without an override and then it becomes easier to to cover it. Um, and so my concern is if we do it now and it comes in in a year, we don't have the money >> because we also have a highway vehicle
being asked for that we are pushing out this year that would, you know, they want another plow and then another plow. Got it. >> Um, and so we can't we just can't. >> So, Veronica, that's it's incredibly valid and I understand that and I think
that we've worked in the past four years or maybe five whatever it's been four and a half to um to increase our revenue to the point I think you're well aware that the obligation from the town is around 875 950 over the past 10 years.
We want to hold it there. And I do believe if our strategy is accurate that we should be able to and still be able to get back the 700 per year. We should we could potentially self-fund it. >> So basically just asking permission to
go into the queue without any deposit >> or without an obligation >> or without an obligation. thing to sell. >> I I can do that wi if the motion includes uh when the
time >> when the time comes that you have to make a a financial obligation that the select board is again considered >> again able to vote. >> I think it has to go to a meeting. Um
>> probably does capital planning sort of up through the chain of life basically. Wow. >> Yeah. So, it's just a matter of maintaining the standard that we are operating under >> and we're in great shape on the infrastructure side.
>> So, but it went to capital planning this year. Well, yeah, because we don't have the money. >> I not asking for the money. >> Uh but it did you did put in an ask at capital planning. I put in an ask on capital planning to be recognized and I
also told them in capital planning in this room that I thought if they did not take more money from us that we could sell for >> correct you did okay you did >> were you there watching I'm not sure but I know I said
that >> yeah you did >> but I will you know I >> that's my concern is >> my soap box is and somebody's going to have to work really hard to convince me otherwise there's no other department hit harder than we were last year and the police department budgets equal
their brothers and sisters. They're all in emergency service. We got whacked 90,000. We gave back money and we gave up uh capital. We $256,000 of hits last year. So, um we're just trying to maintain it and I think that we have a plan moving forward that's not
going to put more pressure on the town. >> On 4.9, is there a motion? >> I like a plan. Um, how do I write this? >> So, the motion to read something like I
>> I'm just thinking to say to see what is um contingent upon no financial current financial obligations. How about that, Veronica? Yeah, that will work. >> All I hear is no financial obligation. >> I Valerie Good to approve the fire department request to secure spot for
ambulance replacement. um contingent upon no financial obligation, current financial obligation form. >> Is there a second? >> Does that work for you? >> Not current. Um >> no, no, no financial obligation. >> Uh no financial what how would you like
me to say it >> with no expectation from the town to support it financially? >> No unapproved financial obligation. >> Yeah, I will go with that. >> No unapproved finan Okay, it only took three people. Look, >> I move to approve the fire department
request to secure a spot for ambulance replacement um >> with no >> upon no unapproved financial obligations. >> Contingent upon no unapproved financial obligation. I will second that >> from the 10. >> Correct. Did I heard that?
>> And we would have to approve any obligation even if it was funded by. So, if I get an email that states that you want to attach that to the >> I can make that >> it'll be in the minutes. >> Well, I'll give you a letter by the end of the week so you have it
>> with whatever the motion. >> Yeah, >> we do appreciate all the support the town has given us. Those two engines have been at work since they came in in December and uh thank goodness that we've had them to be able to attack the way we attack.
>> So busy. >> We've done a lot lately. We can hear it. Um, any further discussion on the motion? >> No. >> Okay. Roll call vote. Veronica I get from. >> Okay. That's 4.9.
>> So we did have these folks um in our town council on this chain three main scheduled for an executive session at 7 p.m. So I may suggest we pause from regular business >> um to come back. So, Tcam and those listening at home, we are going to come
back. Um, Jay, I don't know if we had anything more for you, but unless you're just driving around in the snow doing donuts, listening to us, um, you may be off the hook, but um, otherwise, I think um, I would pause regular session and say we'll come back
um, for a few more items. Um, fully recognizing that it sounds like it's snowing pretty heavily, so I want people to be safe getting home, too. So, um, >> do we have to read all the executive sessions now? >> No, just the one. >> You could pick out, uh, one cuz it's 7.1 cuz we're going to come back
>> to regular session. >> So, I move to enter enter into and adjourn from executive session and the chair so declares for 7.1 at 7:05 p.m. >> So moved. >> Laura Shiffron. So moved.
>> There you go. >> Is there a roll call? Um well second Veronica Keel second right did you second it already >> and then 7.1 is executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A
section 21A3 to discuss strategy with respect to collecting bargaining if open meeting may have detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and so the chair and the chair so declares so declares
>> okay we'll see you back in a Thank you, TK. We'll be back. >> Hi, everyone. Thank you for your patience. We are back here at 8:12 p.m. um reconvening the meeting. We'll also
be going out again and I apologize for that ahead of time. So, uh roll call to reconvene. >> Laura Cal present >> and Laura Shiff present. Um, I'd like to go to
uh 5.3. Is there a motion? I move to approve theou for highway superintendent and sign out of session. Oh, no, we don't. >> No, we're going to sign here. >> Okay. I move to approve the umou for highway superintendent.
>> Is there a second I? >> Okay. Any further discussion on the M on the uhou? Um I guess I just want clarification that is a total of 10,000 and not 16,000.
>> It is a total of 16,000 that's being asked for. >> So in this there's 3,000 in the contract contract 3,000 that we have also um >> previously authorized. Correct.
>> And another an additional 10,000 Okay. I know it's tough, but it's going to be it's snowing outside. I don't think it's going to get >> I am just curious if there's a way to um
minimize hours so that um on days when plowing happens because overtime is over 40. If are we working regular hours too? I would just like that looked at. I guess that's all.
>> I think it's going to be a great discussion point for our negotiations with um those folks. >> So too >> because I think we need to to the benefit of the town and the employee. I think we need to make a real crystal clear understanding of how this works. >> Mhm.
>> For their role in what is tough conditions as well as the financial situation for the town. >> Okay. But instead, >> yeah, in our current situation, I think we'd pay the individual. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Any other comments?
>> Hearing none, roll call vote. Veronica Calai and Laura Shiffern. >> If I may, uh, chair, I don't have an update for you guys for 5.1, which was review, discuss, approve town meeting, warrant articles. I ran out of time to
do that this week. Um, >> nice. to 310. >> Yes, ma'am. Um, so it leaves you with 5.4. >> Just take um 5.4.
Uh, yes. Is there a motion? >> You know where I'll be. Go. Um yeah, so there's a list of um special municipal employees as identified via town clerk lists and town of towns and list. Um
>> so we um we have that list. Um it's updated I believe yearly via the town clerk. Um you know I think there's an interest in posting that list on our town website. Um,
and um, you know, I think I would write a little letter in support of acknowledging the roles and and where they came to be. Um, and I could ask you guys to sign it out of session if you wanted. So, >> I would like to um, can I say something?
>> Yes. >> Um, yes. >> So, are we looking just at the memo on the top page? Is that what we're looking at? because I am good with removing all the appendices as long as we put an asterisk next to board of fire engineers
um to note that that includes the fire chief. >> Well, the fire chief's role is already called out in the list in two different spaces, >> but not for the date of 1963. >> That's actually on there. >> It is. Let me see it.
916 9 1963 Board of Fire Engineers. >> Yeah. And then it's mentioned again in 2020. >> But how? Okay. So the appendices was to show I I showed that the um board of
fire engineers included the fire chief. Without that, you don't know that that's the case. It looks like in 1963 they named every town employee a special municipal employee and that included they did um
why why can't this why can't the whole thing be posted? >> I would like to post it. >> I would like to the whole thing history. >> Yeah. I mean >> you mean the appendices as well?
>> Yeah. Fire Chief 121 124 2024 Fire Chief. >> Right. Right. So go up to 1963 of fire engineers. Does that include the fire chief?
Because it does in the appendices. >> I hear you. I just I don't >> It did in the article too. I don't know. They should never written out the thing. It should never have been a question in my mind. Um, and that's
the supporting document, right? That second one. >> Yeah. You know, my thought was it's naming all the positions of the town. >> Yeah. >> Rather than to me it's not about highlighting specific role. It's just us
saying this is the list we have. We received it from the town clerk. It was last updated on February 2nd or February 20th, 2025. We acknowledge that. We're putting on our website. Here it is.
I I don't know why >> we just can we just have this as a cover letter without the last paragraph. And then you've got all the history here is up on the board.
I agree with you, but I'm I work for you guys. Sorry, I'm not going to the fact that that to me it's not about any one role. It's just the select board acknowledging who the special municipal. Correct. All of the roles.
>> Why would you take out the You mean take out the last sentence? I would take out the last paragraph starting with the position because it's not relevant to the entire list. >> Where do you answer the question? What makes up for board of fire engineers?
>> I don't not relevant. You're just identifying the special. >> It's all plus it's in the appendex from 1963. But that's something the fire department would illustrate on their oaths.
Why are you guys taking that on? >> Just because that question came up when we got the live. >> Yeah. Yeah. And I I understand that. But I think that people have to just stop picking. This is when it was in 196
1963. And because somebody gave one position a hard time and made a big deal out of it, we've you've done all this work to make sure we have the correct information and it's for all the positions.
>> I think it's for all roles, not specifically to highlight anyone. Well, I the reason I started this is because the the question was, oh, you know, the it was the fire chief. >> Yeah, >> it is the fire chief of a special
municipal ploy, yes or no? And was the 2024 vote a ratification or was it a designation? Um, and so there the that's a good question. Who
are the municipal town employees? I don't special municipal employees. I have no idea. And I honestly thought the fire chief was >> when we appointed him >> as the fire chief in my first round of selectment
>> because I had been told that in like 2015. Um, and because the guy up the street was the fire chief and he was also uh um a town employee
um way back when in the 80s. >> So, uh so then I did the I went through minutes finding the municip special municipal employees and lo and behold the town clerk's office did have this.
They brought it up during that meeting. >> You did. >> So then the question still stood well you look at this and you say okay cool but who what is the board of fire engineers? Because if you look at all the 1963 dates you can see
>> pardon me. >> It's just a position >> I know but then you should be doing that for every position on the list. Why are you just like the history every appendix should support every position? >> Most of the positions are positions that
we still have. Um maybe >> I think it's because of this question and such a big deal was made out of it for a very unfortunate situation. >> So what is the board of fire engineers?
>> It's it's that story book. It's just whatever that >> all the appendixes tell. >> So, are the firefighters or are the firefighters not special municipal employees? Firefighters on call are. But what about the full-time firefighters?
Are they special municipal employees? My vote is they are if you know what the definition of board of fire engineers is. But if you didn't know that, you I mean because here we have on call perdeium, but if you didn't know that,
you would say that the firefighters are not special municipal employees if they're full-time firefighters. >> They may not be based on this list, >> but they would be because they were part of the board of fire engineers
and that was designated in 1963. >> Are all the police? Yeah, it says police department, police chief. They'll go up to the >> police department. >> Police department. >> Yeah, police department. >> So, who's on the police department? Does
that include the um >> secretary? Yeah, exactly. The admin or does it not? >> Um >> I mean, this includes the fire chief secretary. I know. But so for the purposes of of the of this
letter, I think it's here are all the roles reference attachment A. Here's the list that the town has. And what's your goal here? Is your goal
to specify the fire chief role or is your goal to just illustrate to the town? Both. Then I think your draft letter they are two different things because I think there are other employees in town wondering are they a
special municipal employee and they may see this list and say I can go do other things while being a special municipal employee. I'm eager to see that list go online, but I don't know if they're going to be able to use this letter when it
specifically called out a fire chief position. >> Well, but it also specifies the list, not just the that but also the that
>> just giving you what I would do. They have they have a lot of things that were updated in 2024, I guess, to answer those questions. EMTs on call, paramedics on call, firefighters PDM, EMTs PDM, paramedics
PDM, building commissioner, and the board of water commissioners. So, it looks to me like it's a list that could grow. >> Exactly. >> Um with just someone asking about it
if they've been left off the list. It should be everybody who works for the town is a municipal employee. >> It's typically identified in a job description and based on hours. There are some nuances to it that >> So, is that in the union documents as well?
whether someone's a special municipal employee. >> No, >> but it can be called out in a non-union contract >> like your police chief is a special municipal employee and I'll use Jay as an example because I know he teaches in
another at an institution. Yeah. >> So that's his, you know, a second life. >> A lot of them have other jobs. >> All that down to police. So when was he designated as special municipal employee? because I never designated him one. Who is chief?
>> 1998. >> Moderator's on there. >> Chief Marshall twice. Actually, the moderator was on there in 1963. And then scroll it down to the bottom because I think he was added again. Um,
>> he's on your letter. >> He's on my letter. Yeah, because he was named again. um for whatever reason. >> Uh >> so is that like a thing in this town?
>> I have no idea. >> Well, you did a lot of work though on this. >> I just wanted to know what >> the history of it's cool. >> That's what I wanted to know. >> And it is the the fire chief is a member of the board of fire engineers.
I agree with you. I read it. >> Yeah. >> So, >> and the town clerk was doing research. Has he done anything about this? No. Over a month ago. >> Yeah. Last I checked in, >> two months ago, maybe swamp. >> This is more Oh, there they're swamp
with public records request, of course. Um, I will entertain a motion. There's only two of you. So, Veronica would be making the motion.
>> Motion in. You would be motioning um I move to approve the special the special the special municipal employee list as described to be posted and >> with a letter a cover letter
>> with all supporting documents within SharePoint >> and the the supporting documents with a cover letter that can be dated today and and agreed upon by the town administrator and Veronica the
Well, that's going to be a problem. It's not my motion. >> Sorry. >> That's my motion. I will make that motion. >> That is my motion. >> Mr. Man, >> I can't second that motion. So, I can I
can understand my motion. >> I do. You wish to have the letter put on town towns and letterhead. All the documents would be compiled together as a single PDF and for it to be published online under the town and wherever it lives
whether it be on the town clerk's site, >> town administrator select site. >> Select board site. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Um I could be a Facebook too. Bull document. Good.
>> Agreed by the two of you. I appreciate both of you and and both of your opinions and >> I have full confidence that you're going to agree on something >> for the agree not right now. We're going
to agree. The two of you will agree of what the posting will be and I believe you will do the best thing for the community. >> I have belief. >> Who's signing the letter? The two of you out of session?
>> Yes. >> Yes. >> Cuz I don't sign in front of the town. >> No, you do not. No. Um >> Okay. I will amend your motion. You should amend the motion to include
you and I signing it >> out of session. >> Out of session. >> Out of session. >> Once we agree. >> Once you agree. >> All right. >> And I'm putting full faith in both of you to make the right decision. >> Cool. >> Thank you, >> Veronica Cal. I will second the
amendment. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Hearing none. Roll call vote. >> Veronica Cal. I >> floor shine. Thank you for all your hard work. Really, I appreciate that. >> In honor of our agenda, if I may be a
little quick for you on 61, town administrator updates, >> that's all you have left. Um, I described the department head meeting earlier. Um, Snowwood Ice, we're at $214,000 deficit. Um, annual town meeting high school location is confirmed. Um, thank
you to a firefighter for a snowblower donation to the town. Um, it's tremendous. The letter is on the file. I will email it all out to you so you have it. Um, but I know in the honor of the snow falling and having folks here that have to get home and have long commutes,
I won't go super far into that. Um, >> screen share, >> can we send a thank you? >> We can >> to the contributor >> because that is very much appreciated. Yeah, that yeah, it's tremendous. I'll write a little thank you note and run it
by you, Chair Shimp. >> In honor of our long commutes, I may say because it's only been a week since our last meeting, we have a meeting next week. I may say skip 62, 63, 64 >> in 65. I just need you guys to sign payroll, but it's the chair's call, so I
don't >> Okay. I just I just wanted to make one um quick announcement under the Aison reports, and I I won't ask the rest of you, but I want to say congratulations and welcome to the CPA
um committee who met last night with the uh training in the training session, which we've had event leading up. And I just want to tell everybody if you haven't seen that, I don't even know if it's it's not recorded. >> Yeah, there was some
>> but I think Cindy might have been there. So if if she has that online and you watch that, I think it's going to be some um very exciting times for that committee and I appreciate all of them volunteering for that. Um
and also today we had our first new handbook given out to um uh individual Yasmir Santiago who is on the disabilities committee and she is the first book that has gone out. So thank
you to her as well. Uh our next meeting is March 10th and March 17th and uh special meet beating meeting being on March 19th and now I'll entertain a motion under 6.5. >> Um I move to sign payroll those payable
out of session. Okay. >> Uh roll call vote for under executive session 7.2. two and not declare. >> Sure. Um, executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 38 section 21A
3 to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting law may have detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body. And this chair so declares asks me local 93 clerical union supervisors union highway water union
>> as chair I so do I so do declare Laura shipper 7.3 we are uh deleting from tonight's meeting there is no update and do you need a second
>> I can for the 7.2 two. >> Okay. >> Very good. >> Okay. >> And and that's at 8:35 p.m.
The chair so declares we roll. I got the second roll call. >> We will not return to regular session. >> We will not be returning to regular session. Roll call vote and Laura Shiff and I. Thank you all
very much for your patience.