Good evening everyone. My name is Laura Shiffren and I will call the uh select board meeting of September 2nd, 2025 to order at 6 p.m. Roll call, please. >> Veronica Cal present Gage present
>> and Laura present. Would you all join in the pledge of allegiance, please? 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. >> As always, I would like to thank all of our veterans and all of those that are currently serving here and abroad. all of our first responders as well as all of our elected and appointed
volunteers to the town and their families because without their support um none of them would be able to do what they're doing for the community and the world actually. Um is there anyone recording the meeting
hearing? None. Uh 1.4 for chairman's additions and deletions under 3.1 and 3.2 are being deleted from the agenda this evening but are being moved to our next meeting
which is 9:24. >> I thought it was 9:25 before the town meeting. [Music] >> Do we have one on the 24th? I think that's what when we had originally scheduled it. >> We did and then I thought we moved it to
the 25th. Let's check. I I have it on the 24th >> and the 25th. >> Well, we'll probably meet before. I I didn't write it in my calendar on the 25th. Only that special town meeting. Yes. >> I think initially we were thinking that
>> I won't be present >> for >> the meeting on the 24th. >> Okay. What um >> I'll be here for the special town meeting on the 25th, but I will not be here for the meeting on the night of the 24th. >> Okay. You can't do virtual either.
>> No. Okay. >> I'll be in transit. >> Um >> now will we >> Sabrina will be back in. Maybe I can we can recheck with her on the date. Okay. To just confirm, >> just know that I won't be here. >> Okay.
>> Were you Did you guys have anything scheduled for the 16th, which would be a regularly scheduled? I >> think we had decided against >> because Okay. >> No. >> Okay. >> Yeah.
>> All right. I'm just saying that's usually the it's the third Tuesday. So um but yeah I think it uh in lie of that we we had scheduled 24 >> correct fair >> or maybe it was do you remember any better
>> or have it on the 16th you can check >> it was the 24th and then I crossed it out and put it on the 25th. >> Okay. So let's see what Sabrina has. >> 25th is perfect. >> I'm okay with the 25th. >> I'm okay with the 25th. I will be here.
>> Okay. So, but if it's the 24th, it's the 24th, too, you know. So, >> well, >> I mean, you guys, >> if we don't have um Well, okay. >> You guys can change it. >> And are we good with um do you want to
do it's it's at the special town meeting is at the high school at 7. >> Correct. >> So, do you want to do our meeting at 5 >> on up? Okay. Very good. >> It probably would. I think that would work if you would the agenda would have
to be um be able to accommodate that time frame. So you can either have a shorter agenda or you can start earlier than five. So it kind of all depends on how much you have. >> Okay. So then also let me ask, do we
have a meeting on the 30th? >> No. >> Not according to my calendar. >> Cuz I do have one on the 30th. >> Oh. Do you Valerie? >> Yeah, I think we should wait for Sabrina because she wrote them all down. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Yeah, let's do that.
>> All right. We were at additions and deletions and 31 and 32 were being moved to >> 9:25. >> 92. >> 925. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you, Veronica. >> Um, could we move something out of order
tonight? >> Uh, number 4.8. eight. Um, so we actually have >> capital strap solution update. Um, call public relation services.
>> Yep. Um, they are actually here tonight. Um, >> okay. >> Nicole and Jennifer. So, if we could maybe move it out of order so that they can present. >> I'm okay with it if the board >> I'm okay with that.
>> Okay, let's go. length to um before 4.1. >> Yes. >> So that's that's just >> taking them. >> Can I do the um >> can we do 1.5 first? >> Yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> You can also do 3.3 as well.
>> Okay. So, we're just moving the other up. All righty. Um 1.5 Review and approve the minutes for February 11th, 2025. February 13, 2025. February 20th, 2025.
Just do February 1st. Is there a motion? >> I move that we review and approve the meeting minutes for February 11th, 2025, February 13th, 2025, February 20th, 2025, July 30th, 2025, and August 19th, 2025.
>> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. Is there any discussion? Uh, no. I think I'm good. Um, I just won't vote on the three February ones. >> Okay. That's why I said that's why I
said February 1st. >> Can I start over? >> Can we start over? >> Want me to make a new motion? >> Yes, please. >> I move that we review and approve the meeting minutes for February 11th, 13th, and 20th, 2025. >> Is there a second?
>> Second. >> February minutes. >> Is there any discussion on the February minutes? >> I am good with them. I am good with them as well. Roll call. >> Um Veronica Cal I >> and Laura Shiffr I Valerie. >> Valerie obtained.
>> Okay. July 30th 2025 and 8/19 2025. Is there a motion? >> I move that we review and approve the meeting minutes from July 30th 2025 and August 19th 2025. And I will second that.
>> And is there any discussion? I have none. Roll call I >> and Laura Fernai. Thank you very much. Thank you to Sabrina for getting that done
and Ronnie with your assistance. Okay, let's go to 3.3. Appoint Laura Shiffren as highway department representative to the town towns and town properties committee effective September 2nd 2025 until June
30th 2026 moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> Any discussion hearing? None. Roll call. Thank you. And we'll go down to 4.8. eight
Nelson. >> So, uh I've invited um Nicole Figero and Jennifer Thompson from Capital Strategic Solutions to make a uh presentation on their um on call public relations
services that uh proposal that they've uh sent to us. >> Okay. Welcome. >> Hello. Thank you for having us this evening. My name is Nicole Figero. the CEO of Capital Strategic Solutions and joining me is um Jennifer Thompson.
She's our chief development officer and also my business partner. Um a little bit of background about Capital Strategic Solutions and kind of about myself. Um I was the first PIO in the then town of Framingham.
Um and helped them migrate through their transition and governance to a city. Um, I was also one of the first PIOs in the Metro West area and we help communities throughout New England. Um, we're dipping down into Florida and New Mexico with their communications and community
engagement. And I know that Jen is no stranger to Townsen as she has been assisting with ARPA and other other projects within the town of Townson. Um, so we're really excited to be here tonight and more or less we'd like to be here to answer any questions that you
may have about us, our expertise, our services, um, or anything other than that. Um, Jen, did I miss anything? >> No, you didn't. I'll just say hello to everyone. Some of you know me already. As Nicole mentioned, um we've been working in towns and um I I really work
on the financing grant side and Nicole really heads up the communications and public relations side based on her background. Um so we were very excited when um Nelson had reached out um because we already love Townsen. So, um, you know, we've worked with you for for
quite a few years, and I'm excited that you may possibly, um, get to work with Nicole a little more directly on some of the on call on call, um, communications assistance. We did try to craft, um, a proposal that's similar to how we crafted um, proposals in the past for
you, and that it is an on call. So, um, you can use our services as much or as little as you need throughout the year. there's no um um you know required amount, there's no retainer. Um because there's certainly stuff that we know, you know, we we both have worked in the
municipal side the majority of our careers. We understand how strained your budgets are. Um so we know that there's plenty of things that you can handle in-house that you may not need us for, but there may be instances um that come up throughout the year where you may need to lean on us to help
a little bit with some of the larger communications needs. So, we tried to really craft it that way in that you're in control of how much you use our services. Um, and there's no, like I said, there's no retainer or fee that you have to pay every month. It's just it just exists there for an hourly
contract when you need us. >> Questions? >> Um, I I attended the MMA um communications webinar. They've had two of them over the past two weeks. And one of um and actually they supported this
comment. Sometimes um the place I see this used a lot and maybe we need some templates for things like that. But what happens when something happens in town and a call is made um by a TV station or
a radio station or some sort of media outlet for a comment and my feeling is no comment is in itself a comment and we need something that's a little bit better than that. So I can see um needing
uh guidance when something like that happens. So, I guess my question is how quickly can you respond? Because typically when that happens, it isn't anything that you've prepared for like you know you're going to get this call.
So, um how quickly would you be able to answer a question that Nelson or the board of selectman had about a comment that is other than no comment? And maybe >> Sure. Sorry. Am I cutting you off? Do you want to finish a question?
>> Okay. So typically within an hour we could have a press release ready to go. We do have on staff um multiple communications um personnel. We also have um Elizabeth Collagian who works for us and she also
worked for um the news channels. So, she was the person who would, you know, gear up the news reports for, I think it was Fox 25 Jen and a couple of the other larger news channels here in the Boston area. So, she knows what angle the
reporters are going after. Um, we also, I myself have worked in crisis communications um for both small communities as well as large counties such as Penllis County. So we we we can work very quickly to put up some
together some talking points, get the press release out, and even if you need to do stage a press area, we could handle that as well. >> I would just add to I think you know Nicole and I worked in in on the municipal side and we understand the 247 nature of it. So if you do have
something happen um that's an emergency that's it's not necessarily going to happen Monday through Friday 9 to5. So um and we understand that. So, we're, you know, we're available all the time. Someone would always be available to towns and we're local. You know, our our offices are in Hudson. Um, I live in
Franklin. Nicole lives in Worcester. She's even closer to you. So, if if necessary, if you did have some sort of large event that you needed us there in person, that also wouldn't be an issue. >> Okay. I mean, I saw the same webinar and I
thought the same thing. >> Yeah. they they uh recommended that you have templates available. >> Yes. >> For you know something to put out there and I don't know that we I am unaware of us having any templates.
>> Templates are templates are really great to have and we can we can actually draft those templates for you and for your your team. Um but it's also using those templates to address the situation. No two situations, no two communities, and
no two incidents are alike. It's just like, you know, when someone gets in an accident and they ask all the witnesses, everything's slightly different. So, we like to we don't like to um make cookie
cutter press releases is is what I call them. We like to make it more geared towards the voice of the town that we're representing. We always see ourselves as an extension of that community and we take a lot of pride in our work. Um,
which is why we have a lot of municipal clients um, existing working with us because we want it to come out from your voice. It's it you can create a million templates and I think they're great to have in your back pocket in case we're
not around. But I think it's important that Towns and Voice, the Towns and Voice shines when it comes to that release and it's it's your personality, it's your brand, it's everything that says something about Townsen, which makes it unique.
>> I think the one that I would like to have is the one when you get that initial call that says, "I'll get back to you." Um, you know, how how do you respond to that? And it's it's that one that I'm really looking for. and then we would have the time to contact you
because when we get that call I don't think anybody really anticipates that >> necessarily. >> No one does unless it's like a large scale event that you know that the media is going to be interested but sometimes you have smaller events that you're like well it's a oneoff or it's it's this or it's that. I mean we have communities
that we work with that >> in some cases we didn't think it was not us but the community didn't think it was that big of a deal. And I'm like well it it kind of is. you know, it's it's um we're working with one community who has a tier one water violation and they're
saying, "Well, it's it's just a tier one. It's not like a boil water order and it's not something that we have to put a pause in right now. It's not an emergency, but you do need to notify your residents." And it's becoming very newsworthy right now in the current climate because of water quality issues
throughout not only Massachusetts, but throughout the US. So it's it's if it's a hot button issue sometimes, you know, it's it's just giving them that, okay, we don't have something for you right now, but we'll get back to you in a few minutes or giving that giving
them the cadence in which we will return that call and we have the staff on board that can help you navigate those um challenging situations. >> All right. We just just to speak to a little bit more of our background, we also have on
staff multiple levels of public retired public servant. So we have anywhere from, you know, a town manager, administrator all the way down to, you know, a records access officer. So we're well aware of the public records law and what can and can't be put out there.
We're well aware of, you know, I saw that towns and uses a revised website. We have a web master and I'm familiar with using revised from working in other communities. Um ADA compliance not only with your communications on your website but also in your social media outreach and how those things are supposed to
look. That way there you don't violate any um ADA laws or public records laws. We also have water quality experts as well as public safety experts on our staff. So if we do have a question, it's not that we have to catch up. We're already like maybe 10 steps ahead of the
game. Okay. So, I'm looking I'm looking at for this more of a response from the select board's office. Then public safety kind of has theirs
>> their own um coverage, but we I feel need someone for us. So, or the town administrator, you know, if they're Yeah. available. And you know, I I I like the idea of you having a script or, you know, something
something ahead of time if you get that call because I know some of you might get calls at home, right? I that's what happens when you're on the select board or um you know, you could have a new board member who this is their very first time dealing with something like this. They're newly elected. So having
something that just kind of tells you what to say, like you said, um um Veronica, if you know, if someone calls, knowing you're not saying no comment, but you're saying we'll get back to you. You know, there's a specific way that you should answer and then following up, you know, an hour or two later with more
information. I think that's a great idea. >> Right. Are we looking for a motion? Um, I don't know. Do you guys have any more questions before
I don't I'd like to have the team with us, especially since it's on call. They're already familiar with our situation financially. So, it isn't something we can, you know, have to come out of our select board budget. should
have happened originally. So >> that's part of my questions. >> So So do we want to discuss, you know, or do we want to >> Well, we've seen a proposal we found out.
>> Um that was the last meeting. So now we're meeting them. That was August. The last meeting was August, wasn't it? >> Which was just yesterday or the day before. [Music]
>> It was just per hour, right? >> It was a per hour. I believe it was 165 per hour. >> Y if I remember right on call public relations services. Um I am of course am very comfortable
with CSS. Um I've been very happy working with them. So, um I I would um I mean I think the I think the one trick
is is this is our logistical thing is is we have to meet to approve or is does Nelson approve? >> No, we Oh, that's a logistics thing about um at a different time and how that would work.
>> Right. Right. So, this is more of a I guess um a motion to um accept the um proposal by CSS including the fee of um 165 per hour for on call let me see what
they call it um on call communications on call public relations um with CSS. And if you want to make it subject to formulating a process yeah
>> of approval that's fine. >> I I I wouldn't make it subject to that. I would accept it and then as a secondary we >> figure out amongst ourselves >> and we should look at the media policy that we have in place already and see if
that needs to be edited somehow. >> Okay. Um but I I think that um but I I guess back to the motion, the motion would be to accept the proposal for on call public relations some
capitalist strategic solution. >> So moved. >> Do you want me to second? >> Yeah, I'll second it. >> Okay. >> Okay. Any further discussion? >> Uh not from me. No. >> Roll call. Uh, Veronica Cal I and Laura
Fernai. >> Thank you very much for joining us this evening. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Nice to see you. >> Thanks. >> So, I'm I'm looking here. I don't see where there's anything to be signed. >> I think it's because it's not
>> it's not a contract, right? >> As such. It's just a fee for service here. Okay. And then we should look at the um maybe we can put this on the next meeting and that way let me see what it's called specifically in media policy
>> I believe so and um we should maybe the three of us and Nelson um review it and then put it on the agenda for discussion at our next meeting >> the media relations
>> yeah at 9:25 I mean, they recommended having a team and this and that in the MMA thing. >> I think I think that's like >> it seems >> cities might have that type of >> right. I see us more is this is kind of
a oneoff thing. It's not a >> hopefully >> not something that >> I hope we never have to use it. >> Yeah. And that's what I wanted to end with. But >> it was nice of them to come and and I think we need to have something like that to support us.
>> Yeah. So then I I just want to go through how we from our side we decide when that's needed and not needed etc etc. >> Yes. So that would be in the part of that policy I think to agree on
that and maybe make updates to it depending. Okay. Yep. So that brings us to 4.1. Review discuss special town meeting warrant articles
and sign special town meeting warrant. >> Okay. Can you just give me one minute to write things down? I think Sabrina's here now. >> She is. >> Yeah, she is. >> We can bring her in a little bit. >> Oh, I didn't know. >> I thought she wasn't going to be here
tonight. >> She isn't going to be Okay. Okay. Somebody else update policy 125. Okay. >> Motion wording I will need.
All right. >> Do you want to go through reading the articles? >> I have these pretty good. uh they have not been vetted by town council yet but it's the general framework of it you know so the exact language is still to be determined
but it's it's you know the it's the um it's the uh >> when does this have to be posted >> uh two weeks prior which would bring us to September 11th >> so we have time time for town council review
>> yep I spoke to Adam last Friday about it Um he said if we get it to him late this week into the weekend, he'll be able to review and um approve it like early next early to mid next week. >> So um you want me to just go through the
ones that are here right now, Lori? And then do you want me to add on the one that just came in today? >> Yeah. Yep. That one I didn't This was uh as of yesterday afternoon. So >> So um >> do you have the one for today? I haven't seen it yet. It it's in the ship.
>> Yeah. Okay. >> So, um article one is to see if the town will vote to hear the reports of boards, committees or commissioners committees or commissions or take any other action mention there too. I don't know if anybody has
report but we'll see. Um article two would be to see if the town will vote to transfer property at Dudley Meadows to the conservation commission or take any other action in relation there too. So any bylaws and adoptions two/3s vote.
>> Um did you want to say anything about that >> about >> Oh the Dudley Meadows is a >> Dudley Meadows is the one. It's the Peter J drive. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Common land >> and that was brought to us byation.
>> And just so you know um the order you guys can switch it around. I don't think that this one the order necessarily matters because >> yeah it's not >> finish and see >> is someone gonna who's going to do we want to talk about who's going to ask
questions or be around for or just >> keep going >> well the conservation commission needs to be here for article two >> and that's required in the charter >> y >> um article three to see if the town will vote to adopt the MBTA communities act
or take any other action in relation there That's planning [Music] >> and the public is March the public meeting is March no sorrymber September 15th >> September 15th is
>> yeah 6 o' >> um our board to see if the town will vote to add a single family to the multifamily overlay district or take any other action relation there too that's planning >> related to that also has a public
hearing. That's zoning, right? >> Cool. >> I think that's on planning board and I think they're doing it the same night. >> So, it is a zoning article and it needs to be a hearing as such. Yes. Okay. >> Um, article five, just see if it's time
vote to give the building inspector historic district or take any other action relation there too. >> Oh, yes. And who's going to speak to that one? building inspector. >> Um >> I guess
>> yeah, I think so. I I Yeah, I forgot to talk to Bob today about it, but um >> I know there's a desire to um to give rebuilding inspector this authority because it it was kind of a
blind spot. >> So who >> so this and Graten and Pepper? It was brought up by town council at the conservation committee meeting where >> he brought up that
the building inspector per our bylaws is not is not written into our bylaws as having oversight over the historic district. So he suggested that we do that because who else are we going to have to do it?
Okay. So, who is writing the article? >> Um, I will work with um Adam >> on the language. Uh, I >> So, this is being put forth by the board of selectum. >> I would Yeah, I think so. I think so.
Yeah, because it's through town council's uh suggestion. So, yeah, that would be through select board. >> All right. And Adam will be at our meeting, correct? On the 25th at the special town meeting. >> Yes. >> To speak. Okay.
>> Correct. >> Sorry, just make myself not something. Okay. Article six. to see if the town will vote to accept the provisions of Mass Journal Laws Chapter 53, section 18B, which requires the town to print certain information relating to each
question that shall appear on the town ballot as further specified in said statute, and not later than 7 days before an election at which such question shall be submitted to the voters, send such information to each household, wherein a person whose name appears on the current voting list for
the town resides, or to take any other action in relation there, too. So this is a town mail of the ballot. >> It would be um >> we've had discussions before about um how when we have if you if you get a
state ballot and it gives you if you vote yes, it's this and if you vote no, it's this. >> You can do that locally, but you have to have an it has to be in your bylaws or whatever to be able to do it. >> Okay? So send such a to each household.
>> So this is a townwide mailing. >> Y >> if we wanted or even just a posting >> I think it's just for mailing. >> No, you would have to mail. >> You have to mail. >> Oh, you have to mail it. >> So this might require funding.
>> It would. Um, and so we will put a funding article if if this passes, put a funding article in the next special town meeting to set funds aside for this. >> Yeah, I think you would have >> in a special article and >> to account for the expenses.
>> Um, I I don't know if someone's popping, but I believe we're required to do this if it's >> Yeah. And you have to and you have you would have to present both sides. So I think >> we couldn't like skip an election. They have to do it for everyone. >> Correct. >> In which there is a question.
>> Yeah. Correct. >> Not general, you know, seats of election but any ballot question. >> Right. Right. >> So, you know, there are definitely um advantages to doing this. You know, you're sort of presenting additional information to the voters. Um there's an
added cost. Um there's also the the opposing side that we need to give equal um opportunity for to present their case. um that argument would have to there's a limited amount of space that you can actually put on the mailer as
well as the ballot. Um and you know the language is has to be that it typically through town council. So you can't be um saying anything derogatory or I guess unfalse or um or yeah false.
>> Yeah. So it's pretty prescribed what you can or can't say. Um I guess >> well that's that's there's nothing bad about that. >> No there isn't. Um but you know someone has to be the I guess the moderator of that and it also becomes an issue if say there's a very sensitive issue but you
have 10 different people with 10 different opinions. Uh how do you distill that into something that they all agree to? So that's something that typically town council would be the >> the referee so to speak but that becomes very complicated. you know, now you're
using town council services for them to play referee um with these opposing arguments. How do you get everyone? How do you distill all that into you know roughly >> you really need to put arguments? >> Yeah. No, it was facts.
>> Well, it was it's for or against. So, you know, there's many ways you can um >> I don't I don't know. If I look at the state ballot and it says there's no opinions in it. It says if you vote yes,
this is what happens. If you vote no, this is what happens. That's the end of the story. You're not having an argument. It's just what it is. No, but you know I've spoken to Adam as well as um neighboring
um communities TA and you know again there are benefits to doing it but uh there's you know the flip side as well. So >> I think you're right the way the state has done it is if yes this is what happens if no so
that those questions that kind of have that twist on it that and you're not quite sure that spells it out. >> Yeah. So that spells it out, >> right? >> That's really all that I was looking for to be able us
when we have something going on locally that it be that I mean people can look into things more, you know, do more research if they want or get opinions from their neighbors or Facebook, whatever. But if you vote this yes, this
is what happens. And if you vote no, this is what happens. I don't I don't see the point of getting into he said, she said, or somebody doesn't think that way. If this is what they're asking you to vote on, and this is what
happens, we don't want to get any further than that. >> I'm just pointing out >> Well, that's my thought. I'm just pointing out both sides because I spoken to folks about it and you know it's not a um >> I could see the time as cut and dry like
perfect example would be the last vote you know if the override passes this what happens if the override doesn't pass this what happens >> but it would be only addressed with respect to the tax rate not anything else >> exactly so I can understand Nelson's
point of that could Maybe >> we've had before when we've had override votes especially because that's a hot >> topic. We used to get all kinds of calls down there. So what does this mean? Do I vote yes? Do I vote no? And you have to
kind of explain it. Well, if you want it to pass, this is what you're going to get. It's very difficult because you're not >> Yeah. You can't give it one side or the other. >> Right. Right. >> The library does it all the time. Everybody asks them. >> Oh yeah. Right. So it would be very
beneficial as you know with the state ballot how I think >> I think it would beneficial I do see I do see factual >> not opinionated just facts >> I see the benefit I am also acknowledging that I think there'll be times where it's people will not be
satisfied with how it's written to Nelson's point >> but that's >> but if you're just stating the facts >> I yeah I'm >> and my point is we need to make sure we have the funds to be able to do this if
in fact we are going to do it. >> So, um, which right now I'm not so sure we have that in our budget. >> And so, if it does pass, we would need to put a special article on to pay for these mailings.
>> Yep. And they would be ongoing because once you adopt this, uh, you can't pick and choose which one, >> right? And we would have to refill that special article every time it ran out. I guess this you and Adam will address questions on. I'm just trying to see like who would
make sure whoever would be in charge of the discussion is there. >> Oh yeah, >> I can. >> Yeah. Well, yeah, and I can speak to it too, but I did speak to Adam at length about this particular adoption. In fact, this was um this language was directly
from him because he's working with a community that I think recently adopted within the last couple years. >> Okay. Um so then I guess the last one is >> the citizens petition. >> Citizens petition. Let me pull it up real quick. Sorry.
>> Oh, that's not on here. >> Yep. I have it here though. I just need to >> Oh, it's in the sheriff's. >> Yeah, this came in this morning. uh and >> justify it because it's really really small. my draft case. >> So this is a citizen petition to see if
the town will vote to amend um 145-26 residential districts. Amend text at the end of 14526B14 notwithstanding any presision of this bylaw to the contrary and apartment
multifamily building as defined by 1455 is prohibited on the following parcels. Assessor's map 10, parcel 52, Blood Road and Assessor's Map 10, parcel 70, West Elm Street. Amend 14547,
Open Space Multif Family Development, OSMD. Insert at the end of 14547B, the provisions of the section shall not apply to assessors map 10, partial 52, and assessor's map 10, partial 70, or take any other action in relation there
too. So, Adam has not reviewed that yet. Okay. >> Uh he has not. So, you know, since it's a citizens petition, we do have to um publish it verbatim. You know, in terms of the legality and whether it can be
done or not, um you know, Adam can have an opinion on it and he will speak about it during the special town meeting. Um but at the moment, we do have to publish it as is. Okay. >> I believe >> I have an opinion on it. Um,
[Music] let me see here. I think the town clerk's office is still certifying. >> No, they certified something signatures. >> Yep. >> For it.
>> Okay. So, it is valid. So, um, >> did you say it was West Elm Street? It's the two It's the two affordable housing trust parcels, the ones that were voted at town meeting for affordable housing recommended by the town properties
committee um three years ago. And because the housing trust, and I'm the board of selectman representative on the housing trust, we now have a concept for a um uh an affordable housing. After
going through three years of getting the property, MRPC reviewing it to tell us what was um possible >> and then working with Mass Housing Partnership for where in town we could provide this. And this isn't section 8
housing. Um, we have a concept. Um, we lost the funding that we were going to use for JM Boltzen. So, we have to wait until we sell for one of our properties for more funding to go out to the
community. But there um so there's a concept for affordable housing on those seven acres. It is the only place amongst the properties that we were that we that the affordable housing trust was
given by the town that has no environmental constraints. >> And so um it is the best piece of property for development and it is the town meeting body that voted for it to have affordable housing.
So um yeah So, I'm not sure um I'm not sure uh where we're going as a town. We obviously can't afford an override, don't want an override. We do a lot of
lip service about people in town wanting to downsize. We have 55 and over apartments, but they're all market rate. You can't sell your house and purchase one of those. um and gain anything. They're in the 450,000
>> to to do it. So, um there there isn't anywhere for um a senior citizen to give up their home and downsize. Maybe if they're section 8, they can, you know, if you're income is so low, you can get on the
list for section 8 housing perhaps somewhere in the state. you could but not within towns and that was the intent. It's also for workforce >> um for people who are teachers, firefighters, um municipal workers in
town. Uh that's the purpose of this housing. >> But you know, it's kind of like we can't we can't afford it, but we don't want this sort of housing either. We don't want people to be able to afford it. So
I I believe that these are here merely to stop the development. >> Is that development single family or is it multif family? >> Um well it's not defined yet. We have a concept. >> Yeah. >> And so it's um right now 10 houses that
look like um uh colonials but have two town houses and then a singlestory apartment um that would be handicapped accessible. And all of that would add to the tax base,
you know, but but not necessarily encompass the schools, you know, or encumber, I should say, the schools. >> I I suppose if you know, if we can't do a multif family, we could go 55 and over for the whole thing and put 28 units on there,
>> four per acre. We could do that. Um, we could go 40b. There's that option. So, um, >> guess we'll see what the town >> I guess we'll see what the town wants. You know, the town that voted to put
affordable housing here in May of 2022 could now vote not to put affordable housing there or at least that that we don't have to stay within it. It we were attempting to stay within the zoning of the town,
>> right? Um, but we can still go outside of We were looking at it as family housing and a mix. We wanted a mix. >> We didn't want it to be just family or just senior. We could go just senior or we could go 40B
>> and put up, I don't know, there's a picture in the MBTA, 92 units in six acres in one of those huge. We could do that. >> You wouldn't do that. I know you wouldn't. I don't know because the MBTA communities although
it's density it did not it does not at all address affordability. It's all market rate >> and the planning board voted not to have it have any affordable component. The trust had asked for a 10% opponent um
component as we have asked for every 55 and over development in town and it has been not approved by the planning board. Um so you have to wonder that's my soap box
for the day. There's always 40 beat. >> Okay. Um all right. So that's a warrant >> and we won't we wouldn't be signing it until Adam reviews anyway. >> Correct. Yeah. So
>> do we need a motion to sign out of session? >> You would the motion would be uh you know to sign out a session contingent on town council review. >> Thank you. >> I make a motion that we sign this special town meeting warrant for
September 25th out of session pending review by town council. Uh second any further discussion >> hearing none call I go I
4.2 surplus request fire department equipment. Um, we received a request from the fire chief to surplus a uh 2015 generator as
well as a 1994 um ambulance. Um, I know the surplus policy does state the department head should include an estimated value and that's not included
here. Um but all all all indicate and points to both items each being less than 10,000. Um I think the ambulance
>> from 1994 years old. >> Yeah. So I I doubt those things really have much of any value. you know, the ambulance, you know, maybe a thousand at most, you know, given it's 30 years old.
Um, and the generator might have a little bit more value, but again, I think >> bad engine, >> bad engine, bad engine. >> Um, so usually when department heads surplus things, it's there's not much useful life.
>> It cost more to do whatever. I I I guess in the future I would like to see an estimate on these. Um but I I could agree if it's um you know if we just check and get a value on here. >> Okay.
>> That these aren't I don't know it's a policy >> salailable. They're not sailable. I I don't know if they are not. >> Well, there is some value to it. Um not much. someone will probably just buy it either for parts or for the scrap metal.
That's why, you know, I don't think there's much value to it at all. Um, we're just trying to get rid of it. >> Motion move that um vote to surplus the equipment um brought forward by the fire chief on
what does it say? consisting of a a gas fire generator and a 1994 Chevy ambulance. >> Second. >> Okay. And did you want to >> for an estimated value?
>> Um I I think in Yeah, I I would like an estimate of the value. >> Um pending estimated value from >> Okay, I'll second that. >> Okay. Is there like a value of which we
should don't know the said 10,000 the policy is >> for less than 10,000. So I'm assuming these are >> assuming less than 10,000. >> Yeah, >> that should be in the motion probably. >> I'm just assuming that it's less than 10,000 you need to
>> put in there. >> Okay. >> Any further discussion hearing? Roll it Jay 4.3 surplus request highway department vehicles.
>> Um yeah we have um over half a dozen old vehicles just sitting uh in the highway department yard. Um some of these are 30 the oldest one is
30 years old. Um, and some of these are 20 years old. Um, not much value to it. They're all broken, rotting. Um, just hoping to find someone that will take it away for probably just a few hundred
bucks. Scrape, maybe some spare parts in there. So, looking to clean up the space over in the highway department. H >> solar radar feedback sign board. >> Um that one's broken.
>> I cuz we had the other ones, right? >> Yeah. >> I wondered why we only had two actually. >> Um they're very expensive and I think we had um can't remember we had gotten a
grant. I think the state must be using theirs >> to do what >> on 13. >> Um, the state has their own. So, >> yeah, their own. They're bigger than ours.
>> I I guess again, I would like to see an estimated value on these. I I haven't done these in a long time, but I know when I was a sleman in the past, everything that came in surplus came in with an estimated value, even if it was
zero or, you know, whatever. Um, so I I don't mind voting for these provided that we get an estimated value on these items. >> Correct. Um, I make a motion that we vote to surplus the towns and highway department
surplus equipment as laid out by the highway superintendent pending review of estimated value. >> Second. Any further discussion? Hearing none call I
>> Okay. Um, do you have the 4.4 surplus request from the cemetery and parks department vehicles? >> Yes, it's on SharePoint. Um,
and we have a copy of it, too. >> Oh, same thing. >> Would you like a motion? >> Yeah, same way. I move that we um vote to surplus the um equipment as requested by the sitar and parks department um
pending review of estimated value. Second. Any discussion? Hearing none. Roll call. >> I'm Veronica Cal. I >> give a try for 4.5
uncollectible ambulance um ambulance receipts write off request fire department >> which I can read this. >> Yeah, read it. >> Um it's from the fire chief. Um, dear honorable SE board, as chief of department, I request that the town
write off and dispose of the uncollected uncollectible balance of 158,457.31 from medical services provided as uncollectible. The reason for these uncollectible amounts are result for services rendered and to those who receive services either not having
insurance, unable to pay, residual amounts from insurance companies, hardships, claims, or deceased patients. This settled number began at $287,7686 and was consolidated, negotiated, and collected an additional $129,31129,
leaving an uncollectible balance of $158,457.31. Unfortunately, I am unable or willing to provide the names and reasons for each of these patients because of healthcare privacy regulations and dignity. A written response to myself so that I may follow up with our accounting services to clean our accounts would be
appreciated. >> Is there a motion? >> I move that we um accept the request for the ambulance of youth write off as read >> and write and provide a written response >> and provide a written response fire chief for $158,00045731.
Second. Any further discussion or any discussion? No. No. No. Roll call. I >> I thank you.
4.6 discussion and setting of dates for west towns and reading room closures. No docs on this. Um so the west towns and reading room the way the uh the um
septic system is set up um the the infrastructure going outside to leeching field is actually above ground. So what that means is during the winter time when it gets very cold since those pipes are essentially um you know not under
dirt or anything. Once it gets exposed to the elements, they start to freeze. And once it freezes, whoever's inside the building, you know, whether they're using the bathroom or, you know, the sink, inev inevitably that um backs up
into the house because the um the the pipes are exposed to the elements. We had that happen. >> We happened it happened this wintertime and as a result, we had to essentially close the West Towns and reading room. um for most of the winter. Now, the
long-term solution is to redo the the septic and and how the the pipes are coming out of the house, but that is a very expensive um project. Um probably upwards of 20 $30,000 would be my guess.
Um we can certainly discuss at a later time whether we want to um fund that project, but in the meantime we should um agree on when we should just close down the west towns and reading room and talking to facilities uh we're thinking
the end of November because once December hits, you know, all bets are off. Now, it could be a wild mild winter and you know, I mean, I remember Christmas being in the 60s or 70s. Um, but without obviously knowing a
forecast, we should air on the side of caution and uh close it down, you know, and end of November. Plus, that gives um folks who um do rent it on a regular basis time to find other arrangements. Um,
so, um, I'm recommending that we officially, um, stop taking reservations for the West Town reading room in November >> until, >> um, >> end of March, April 1st, probably.
>> I mean, you you say March 1st for now and revisit, you know, as we get closer. I think that's a a fair >> I don't want to book any dates though in March. >> Well, right. Yeah, correct. Um, as I
think as we get closer, you know, or you can push it till April 1st. >> You want to be more cautious. >> I would do December one to April 1. >> Okay. Um, I make a motion that we close the
West Times and reading room for the winter starting on December 1st, 2025 and reopening on April 1st, 2026. >> Uh, I will second that. >> Any discussion? >> Um, I guess just making sure that someone's in there to make sure pipes
aren't freezing, that it's checked on on a regular basis even though it's not >> used. >> Yep. >> Winterized. I think it should be winterized. Well, that would be wonderful, too, if that's a possibility, but >> I'm >> Yeah, it should be a possibility.
>> It may or may not be. I'm not 100% sure. I'll talk to facilities and if it can't be winterized, we'll make sure. Well, it is on a thermostat, so we would keep the the temperature. You know, >> it's the outside pipe that gets frozen. >> Yeah.
>> And not the inside, but still. >> Uh I'll make sure that um facilities, you know, keeps an eye on a regular basis. I would I would ask if it would be worth it to winterize it and not run the heat. >> I can do that.
>> Y that's what we do. That's what a lot of people do, right? >> You know, if they're >> I don't know what that entails. >> It's a plumber's job. >> Okay. They they do the winterizing thing. I don't know. Rob may know about it.
>> Okay. you know, >> I'll I'll talk to I'll talk to the facilities to see if it's uh able to be winterized >> and if it is um you know weigh the cost benefit with how much it would cost to winterize >> versus the cost of heat, >> right?
>> Um what about is there any possibility of grant funding for the septic >> or the type of building that it is? I mean, it it is a historic building, so I can have Kieran see if there's any grand
possibilities uh available. So, >> because I think it's pretty old. I mean, this the system I think is pretty old. >> Yeah, >> probably wouldn't pass that. [Laughter] >> Um
but please do look into that because if there is a possibility of getting a grant, that would be great. I think it's sandy soil and town water. So it it won't be it won't be that bad. >> It may be around 20. I don't think it
will be more than that. Might be 18. It see you only have one bathroom. So it's not going to be a big system to begin with there. It's not like you're housing people. So okay 4.7.
>> We didn't vote. That was discussion. >> That was discussion. Okay. Roll call. >> Veronica Cal. I >> I thank you. 4.7 discussion of postage machine contract renewal proposal.
Nelson. >> Uh so the current company uh that we contract out for our postit machine downstairs uh Quad uh reached out to us. I guess our contract is expiring uh end
of February, I believe, and they're looking to start discussions about uh what the renewal might look like. >> This is valid until November 27th, 2025. >> That's the the whole proposal. >> Yeah.
Um, >> currently, you know, we took a look at what features they are providing to us. Um, see if we can save any money here and there. Um, currently we're paying $224.99 a month.
And according to the proposal, >> there $12 more. >> 224.99 per month. Okay. And depending whether we do a 60 month, 48 month or 36-month
lease, um I think we're going to see some savings except for the 36-month option. We actually it's more um so we went with >> 60 189. >> Yep. So that's I would say some you know
uh is that $35 a month. >> How long was the previous contract? Was it also 60 month or was it >> it was 63 months? So I think they they did that just to uh round it out. Um so it looks like uh their 60-month
proposal is the most advantageous price-wise for us. Um my only concern is typically contracts are three years long. Um anything beyond that I thought required like a special
dispensation to >> it does requires a town. >> So um they want to come back with a 36 month. >> Whose budget is this? Just out of curiosity, [Music]
>> the treasure. >> Thank you. >> And did they take this into consideration? because that was prior to I mean who knew about this that this was prior to I never approved a postal machine lease
during the time that I was a slugman that I remember and that would have been five years ago. >> This was approved uh I'm looking at the the current one that's >> it was Anna Noise that >> Anna Noise. Okay. Uh, so it looked like it was
either August or September. I see two different dates here. Of 2020. Yeah. >> Yeah. Anna left pretty much right around the same time that I was in the city. >> Did Did we sign a 5year contract without a town meeting?
>> Must have been. >> Oh, that's good to know. >> 12. But who signs this? Is it the um board of selectman or is it the treasurer who signed that? >> This was uh she signed this >> Anna signed
>> the treasurer signed. >> I don't ever remember seeing it, but I would have been a brand new select. >> Is that because the value we don't have to because it's >> I don't I believe they're on a state contract. Um but for me it's the the
length of the the contract. I mean clearly 60 months is the cheaper option. Uh >> they don't even have Oh, they do have a >> 36 month. >> They do. It's it's check on that. You know, we have until
November. So, let's just do a little bit more checking. >> See what especially if last time it was not >> and make sure that the treasurer has this in the budget. Um because I don't think this is anything
we even talked about when we were doing budgeting for this year when the question was asked what does that cover I don't ever remember the postage machine being mentioned ever.
So someone's paying for it and it's the treasur's office according to Kathy. So, >> treasur's office pays for >> so because when I used to um send out
notices to everybody, I had to pay into the treasurer's office out of my account into their account to cover >> cover the postage mission. That makes sense. >> Um it actually is part of the treasurer's budget. >> Oh, personal.
>> And how much is in there? How much is she budgeting? It looks like you have a a breakdown there. >> 1670. >> What? 1,670. >> Mhm. >> But that
>> that is a little under 180. >> That's not enough. Uh >> I got enough even for the per 1670 you said. >> Yeah. >> Divided by 12. >> Yeah, that's 140. Let me just see how
they've done in the past on that. Um Dave, >> maybe that was the old the old lease was 140. >> No, it said 225. >> Huh. Um, >> I think this
>> I'll I'll um I'll get clarification from the treasurer's office for that, but it looks like it is it is part of their budget. >> Well, that's good, >> but it's not high enough. And we have everybody cut bare bones >> and they were planning 140. We don't
have enough to cover this >> and we don't can't do a fiveyear probably >> unless it's just the treasur that signs it. I don't know. which means an additional 1,200 because it's about $100 more a month than what they're budgeting. >> Y they also have something under
communications and also postage is part of that too. So which makes sense because uh you're paying for postage. Um so I it must be lumped in here somehow. But I see it in two separate lines.
equipment rental, which is the machine itself, and then communications, which is the actual postage that you pay for. So, it's it's kind of um in two sections of their budget. >> How much is it with those two together? >> Well, so equipment rental is$,670
and then communications is pretty hefty. It's 28,335. >> So, that's okay. Um, anything from the postage to uh, you know, Lost and Globe, which is for advertising, Kelly and Ryan, which are the tax bill.
>> Okay. So, it's not itemized for the postal machine. >> Okay. >> Well, it's it's baked in here under the comment section for the treasurer's budget. >> Okay. >> So, it is accounted for in here. >> Yeah. But we don't know how much it is
because it's all within. >> Um >> I'll I'll look into that a little bit further and also see if there's uh a way of signing a 48 or 60month contract. It
the sa the savings is substantial. Um so I'm I I'll certainly >> Can you report back at the 925 meeting? >> We'll do on that. >> Yeah. Okay. >> So, we're not done with the postal machine. >> No, you're not.
>> Never done. >> 4.9 cuz we already did 4.8. >> Vote on town administrator contract wage adjustment. >> Uh so, with the override not passing, I've uh voluntarily um decided to uh
revert back to my FY25 rate. Uh, I was scheduled to get a 5% raise this year, which, um, I did end up getting on July 1st, you know, per the contract, but, um, effect of August 31st, I will revert back to my FY25 rate. Um, and I think
that will save the town about $5,200. So, um, anything I can do to help with the budget crisis, I'm happy to do so. So, um, at the executive session last time, we, uh, discussed it. This, uh,
amendment was drafted, um, by town Labor Council. So, uh, we're in open session. We're just here to talk about it, discuss it, and vote on it. >> Looks pretty straightforward. >> The only the only thing I have is the
agreement is made this blank day of August. Are we backdating to the 19th? on this. I I when I read it, I thought, "Oh, does it have to say September?" >> Well, when Jane uh drafted it was, you know,
>> it was August. I know. And we did and we did discuss it at the >> August meeting >> at the August executive session. So, >> but uh but yeah, in terms of uh I guess actually signing it, it probably >> should. >> Yeah. September 2nd.
>> Okay. So, do you want a motion to sign the um >> first amendment to the contract of employment between the town of towns in Massachusetts and the town administrator subject to um clarifications on date of execution >> and to be signed outside
>> to be signed outside session. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> I will second that. Any further discussion? No. >> Roll call. Alan Cal I >> give it a try. >> Thank you, Nelson. Thank you, Nelson.
[Music] >> Okay, number 10. There there are no dots. Okay, that's my report though. So, um, the volunteer horrible name I came up with in like 60
seconds. We're going to live it for the next law something committee. >> The volunteer board coordination committee. That's it. >> So, sorry. >> All right. I have been sworn in for your request, the board's request.
Um Harrison doesn't have to be sworn in and James Dorian was sworn in. >> Oh, good. >> Um Harrison has reached out to me and has posted a meeting for September 4th
at 5:15. It's in person only in meeting room two. downstairs. Okay. I'm saying the townhouse is going to be here. So, okay. Um and we're going to review the entire
process, review all the forms for volunteer reappoint, um posting. there seems to be some issues coming up
a a great deal with posting and um not being able to appoint because the posting was wrong. So all the processes of volunteering will be reviewed and hopefully um
he's also has on here discussion about meeting law posting process. Yeah. Okay. So um yeah, we're going to start that on Thursday. The other thing I wanted as part of it was training of volunteers who come in a
lot of you volunteer and you don't know anything about the board that you're on. And so I wanted a training component as part of it to review what um >> what they should be reviewing or the chairs >> what suggest suggested like for
conservation the um you know those courses for planning board those courses for fin those courses for you know most of them are through the professional organizations you know, like MACC for there's a whole
certification process for conservation commissioners. >> So, I I would just want that to be part of every single board >> and it might not be the the first thing that you do, but you know, go through the forms and then look at the trainings
that are available for each of the boards. So that people when they are >> sworn in >> sworn in >> they could get that >> could get whatever information is available >> relation to that >> let them know.
>> Okay. All right. Good idea. >> And um the other thing is I want a timeline. I would like to know about when all of this will be brought back to the like how frequently will there be
reports back to the select board? >> Every meeting. >> Every meeting. >> Okay. All right. So, >> um because I'm I one of the things I said was I'm not looking for this to be like a lifetime thing.
>> This is going to be a task force to get >> a task completed. and off the ground. >> We're on the same page. >> Oh, I have enough meetings. Um I I just think that that we know what we're supposed to do and um Harrison certainly
has a lot of experience in the clerk's office to know what comes in wrong. Um and what could be helped. Um there I don't know if it's on this list because they didn't communicate that with me, but I know that um there were a couple
of department heads that had some um suggestions. >> Good. >> So we'll find out. We'll work on it. We'll get it done. >> Okay. Good. Um and we're still looking for volunteers while we're on the subject,
but we're going to make the process easier for everyone. And Harrison is on. Harrison, did you have um anything to add to what I just said? >> Uh no, nothing in particular. Um we're going to just verify if it's going to be 5:15 or 5:30, but um we'll be meeting uh
for our first >> It'll be Oh, I'm glad you're on. It'll be at 5:15 because um someone switched their time slot with me. >> All right. Sounds like a question. >> You're all set. >> Okay, that was good that he was on. Now
he knows it. Um 4.11 discussion of renewal of Tesa lease. Um, so I think the the TASA lease expires uh September 30th uh of this year with
uh the ability to extend the lease for additional three years. There's two of those three-year terms. Um are you able do you have to do each three year as they come up or can you do
all two? We and to we when and I was on the board when this was put into place. We expected it would be every three year. >> Okay. >> Um you know that it would be brought back. Okay. >> And reviewed if if need be, you know.
>> So these are >> so and Selena is here the vice president of Tesa. >> Would you like to come to table? Um, and all I want I requested that this be put on because I know that I knew
when this lease was put into play and so I knew it was coming up. >> And so I just wanted the the board to be aware of the process of what needed to be done. >> Thank you. So, and it it does say in the lease that the um
>> 4th of October >> and that it would be the um the board would provide the landlord with written notice of the um tenant may extend the lease for two additional and the same terms and conditions.
um by providing um the landlord with written notice of the same no later than 60 days before the expiration of the initial term. But the term is funky in this because if I look at the term, it's through October of 2022 through March of
2025, which has already passed. So, but I wasn't thinking that when I I just knew it was October that we had done it because I remember things like this. Okay. no other reason. And so I assumed it was October and I just wanted to
provide notice, make you guys aware and provide notice to TASA that we'll be looking for that. So yeah, so um we're working on a letter to request renewal. Um I had hoped to bring it tonight, but we're not quite um one of our board
members, executive board members is on vacation right now. So, um, the thing with the term, it says that it's a three-year lease that was signed in October. So, >> not sure why. >> We're not sure why >> it was March. >> It says March. >> It says March.
>> Yeah, I was surprised to see that. I didn't expect that. >> There was an error. >> Perhaps >> it might have to do with the um the species habitat conservation. I don't think so.
>> I I don't know why. It could just be that we missed it when we did it before. >> I do know that when the 2022 lease was being worked on, um we had gotten like one month extensions. >> Yes.
>> Because there was a lot of back and forth and such. So, I'm wondering if that date >> got March to October. It was supposed to be March and it wound up being signed in October. It it could have been I don't know. It
could be. I was on the board and I remember all the one-year extensions. I was on the select board, not the TASA board. And I remember a lot of one-year extensions and we went back and forth because Tesa provided us with a sample lease and we edited it and it went back
and forth. It was a collaborative effort to put this together and we knew at the time that Tesa was interested in expanding the fields and how did we do that? So anyway, I just knew that the lease was up and I expected it to be the
end October. >> Yeah. And that's what I expected. >> So did TASA because >> So it kind of sounds like the lease is technically terminated right now >> if if you go by this. Yes. But um that's not the case
>> obviously. >> I don't think anybody's not >> with that. Um so anyway um would we consider then going like for the new one after you you board writes the letter?
>> Yeah. To um October 1st of 25 to 28. >> Yes. And we should make it October. So we need to change. Yeah, >> change this. I probably just got missed in all the iterations >> when we accepted changes. That's all I
can figure. >> Do you think you'll be ready to come to our next meeting on the 25th? >> Yes. >> She could just send send a letter, right? >> Yeah. I was planning on or we'll address it on the 25th. we could either address
on the 25th or if we have a meeting on the 30th. Um, which is what I I have on my calendar, but let me see where our next one is after that. I'm just thinking that we should keep the 25th as low as possible. We I
also have one on the 7th of October. So, I had I had selected >> I think I think we were debating that at the time. I will be here for the seventh. So, >> yeah. So maybe that's why we did the 30th. >> Are you here for this one? Oh, you're not here on the second. >> Not here. >> Okay. >> So I think that's why we said the 30th.
>> Okay. >> Maybe we can talk about that at the end. >> Yeah, we can talk about it at the end. But anyway. Okay. So either the 25th or the >> Well, we really only need a letter S. >> Yeah. So if you Sabrina doesn't have to come back. >> And then is this lease in our file
somewhere as a template? >> Um Sabrina, I would say yes because Sabrina put this in here. I did not provide the lease. Sabrina had it. >> Okay. So, all right. Um Tesa does have one question about um the lease renewal
and that is with our field expansion that we're attempting to get off the ground. We're working on getting grant money to be able to afford to build the fields. Um, and some of the grants are
were being rejected because our lease term is smaller. >> Um, so my question is, is there any opportunity to instead of doing a three-year lease, make it a five or a 10 or anything bigger?
>> It would have to go to town meeting by charter. We can only do three-year leases. Okay? And that's why we did the the extension abil hoping to provide the concern that you had hoping to
um mitigate that by making it the three threeear terms, >> right? >> But we could >> I mean we could go to special meeting after the fact if it's an obstacle to getting funding >> if it is. Yeah. But >> I think that would make sense. >> But that that was the solution that we
put. I would think the town would be supportive of that. >> Are you are you sure about that? >> I am sure because we we we worked with town council to do this. saying it has to be a meeting vote, but
you could do it for a hundred years >> like >> but it has to housing >> and that was done well I'm I'm thinking of the fire station lease for the fire for the harbor >> to the fire association that I forget
how many years that lease is that was at town meeting that that was voted >> because we by charter can only give three-year leases So too, we didn't know before the special because we could have gotten it on.
>> So, >> but there will be another special. >> Yeah. >> So, um we can have that fall town meeting. Actually, can can if we put it on the fall town meeting, >> can obviously we have to go into the
town council about this. I would like the opinion because it was written the way it was because of town council >> to for um you know to have it three three years leases the initial and then two three year extensions
>> because I think you guys wanted 10 years at the time. >> Yeah, probably because that would have made sense. Um yes, but we couldn't do it and in a timely manner at least >> couldn't do it. So that this was the
solution. >> Okay. >> And that was the reason for it. >> So >> I can look into that. >> Yeah. On Thursday I will not be there on Thursday. >> Okay. >> I should have Yeah. Yeah. So Valerie
will look into what we can do about that. Okay. and we will get you the letter. Um, our board member comes back tomorrow. We just need that person to review it and then probably later this week. >> Yeah, just send it to >> Yeah.
>> Okay. >> And you want to come back? >> Yeah, because I think we added this improvements piece to it. There were these things that we added. >> So, we did it last time. >> Field expansion. >> Exactly. So, um, you guys may want to read the
lease and see if there's anything else that you think should be. So, is that the only one that you know of right now for changes to the lease is the looking at the time period? >> Yeah, the time period and obviously the date.
>> Yes, for that. >> Who knew? I didn't I had no idea. So, >> yeah, I saw that October 4th and I'm like, all right, it's due in October. >> You got to get writing that letter. So, okay. All right. Thank you very much
for >> Thank you. Thank you for coming in. >> 4.12 update on a solid waste contract enterprise fund accounting contract for consideration for pickup. Um
>> I I don't think there in here. >> Um at least not the last time. >> Um we just got uh an update from town council 5:15. Um but it was more of uh
sort of their redline version of the Shaw's contract. So that town council has reviewed it. They provided their redline comments. So, it's up to us to, you know, to review those red lines. And
>> then let's put it on the 25th because I want time to look through it. What I'm looking for, and here is my question. Um, I am looking for the ability to cancel the contract um within a reasonable time period, a
week or two. um and and or Shaw's being willing to extend the period for funding because I know that the board of health chair had said, "Oh, the enterprise fund can go
negative." And that's cool, but how do we pay Shaws if there's no money in that contract um in that fund? uh does that mean that Shaw is okay with a bounce check or no check at all for a
given period of time? And that's what I want to know. Um I also would like to see a revenue and expenses um uh accounting for with what the givens are.
What are you expecting for? So we have an accounting in here. There was an accounting that was put in here and I was happy to see that. >> Um, however, >> how do you So, we have 325,000 in there. >> 356.
>> Um, something like that. >> 356. >> Um, let me pull it up. I'm just going from memory on this job descriptions >> and the and the total income. I don't
know what the credit is there. But the total income for this period uh July 1 July one but the does that oh from stabilization
>> um oh here's the red okay so this must have just been put in >> 362291 >> it only had the waste management stuff before so in other words if I say you're earning 2 and 12% interest. These are my
givens. You're getting 20,000 per month from pay as you throw bags. These are my givens. And you're paying out 20k a month for um disposal, whatever tipping fees.
If I work that on 1,800, I have the fund running out of money with paying off the Shaw's contract. And I haven't looked at this one for the amount, but I think it was roughly 40,000 going out. I have it running the fund running out of money at
the end of May. So I want to see what the revenue and expense breakdown is expected. If I were a business, I would have that. >> I would work these numbers. So if you go
with my assumptions and if my math is right, the enterprise fund is below zero in 9 months, maybe 10 at the most. Um, and we need 12 months.
Um, so we either need to be able to cancel the contract when the town can no longer pay it or Shaw has to agree that they will wait for payment until that fund refills, which probably won't be
until by September 1st, depending on when new amounts are collected. So I haven't seen that breakdown. So my question is, what happens when that goes negative? How is Shaws being paid? How
are the tipping fees being paid? It's a legitimate question and I don't know that there's anybody that can answer it. Um because I haven't gotten an answer to it yet and I can't seem to get a revenue
and expenses breakdown from anyone on this. So, and my my assumptions could be wrong. Maybe the 10 tipping fees are only 10,000. I know that we can't as a town, you can't put your money that's going to be
short-term funds, which is what this is, in an aggressive account, >> right? >> Um, so you're looking at conservative interest rates that are being and that money although it came in, it's going to be going out. Yeah,
>> continually. So, how is that happening? Um, and so consequently, I am not voting to sign a contract unless without having an expenses and revenue breakdown saying
this is what we expect and I would like to see that monthly know that we're on track. Um, unless there is a way to cancel it pretty >> or I haven't seen it, so I don't know. I
haven't looked at this red line thing. I know it was in there before, but >> 14 days >> and that there is a grace period >> for payment. That's the other way that it could be. You know, if there were a 90day grace period for payment, then
that would be cool and we would be okay, but I don't know that there is. >> I think it's 14 days for cancellation. It was pretty short. And I I can guarantee you that if Shaw isn't getting paid and if the fund is negative, the people that are going to be taking the
heat is sitting right here, the select board. It won't be the board of health because ultimately we're the ones that are responsible. So I I have a concern
that's all and I would love to see revenue and expense breakdown expected. >> Well hopefully we have something better at the next meeting. >> Hopefully.
>> Thank you. Any further discussion on that? >> Nope. Let's put it on the next agenda to review the contract and maybe we'll have an answer >> in question. >> Income and expense. Um
413 discussion of events policy. >> Sorry, I lost my >> Yeah, I'm looking for >> it refreshed. SharePoint just kicked me out. >> Sorry. >> Me too.
God, it wasn't just me. Okay. >> I I think we're just kind of continuing the the discussion um about, you know, having an events policy in place because there are certain blind spots, if you
will, that um if some event were were being held on private property, the town doesn't have much jurisdiction over it. The noise bylaw didn't pass uh two town meetings ago, so we don't have that sort
of as you know enforcement tool. Um other than that um if it's on private property, what else? Um at most, you know, alcohol license. >> If you do you remember does anybody
remember at town meeting when they brought the noise bylaw forward? It was I think because of planning board and all the complaints we were getting at planning board regarding the chickens and the roosters
and the and you were on >> um it was a lot of meetings where they were talking about chickens and there was a lot of people on uh one of the public hearings for it and
anyway so Well, if something's right to farm, then >> it's right to farm. >> So, chickens don't count. >> Yeah, but that there but there is >> other noise. >> But there is it wasn't the chickens that was the noise bylaw. That was a separate bylaw >> that had to do with it. And there is a
bylaw about chickens. And your chickens have to be within your yard >> yard, you know, so they can't be running across the street to someone else's yard. >> And it's come out of there. Um, and so there's there >> roosters.
>> So we already have a chicken bylaw. Um, it's already there and I don't remember what the modification was on that, but there was someone wanted a modification on that bylaw and that was not brought forward. The noise five was brought
forward by the five law review committee that is to be seated every year that ends with a three or something. Yeah, >> something like that. >> Yes. over and done with. But it was so
this was 2024 annual town meeting that this came forward because we were seated in 2023 and one of the um the idea was to make the lighting bylaw easier to understand. We still have a lighting
bylaw. It's just it's in two separate places. One is for residences or private property. One is for town property. And so the idea was to put them together and to better define what sort of lighting
there was. The the lighting bylaw is still in place, the one that is existed. >> We just didn't we didn't change it. >> We didn't change it. The one that um Mike Brown had done as part of the committee and the committee approved and we had, you know, uh public hearings on
these. It was just to better define it because people said they didn't know what that kind of h um lighting was. So Mike had all these pictures in it and everybody it was I think too complicated. But it didn't change the bylaw at all. It did bring them both
together so there weren't two separate ones. But it it was to better >> to make it more clear. But anyway, so it didn't pass. We still have the lighting bylaw. It's the same thing. Doesn't matter. The lighting bylaw didn't change
the type of lighting you are supposed to have in town is what I'm saying. The noise bylaw was a new thing. And that was because um right now I mean if someone decides to run up and down the Swan Cook River with an outboard motor and people are complaining about the
noise, there's nothing that can be done. Um, if people are using their backyard as a firing range on a consistent basis and the neighborhood doesn't like it, there's nothing that can be done. And it it in my opinion devolved into you're
keeping us from shooting our guns is what happened at the meeting. And I think that is ultimately why it failed. So right now if there is noise at a private event you can call the police and they can say could you please you
know quiet down. You can call somebody and say could you please quiet down but there is no noise by law in town. So noise is good. It it isn't enforcable. There's nothing
enforcable that I know of. Can that change? >> Only if if a bylaw passes. You know, we have to bring the Bible back. It's been a year and a half. >> Wasn't there when it was 6 o'clock in the morning to 10:00 at night?
>> Isn't there a noise? >> I don't think there is. >> We don't have quiet hours. >> So, a lot of apartments will have quiet hours. >> Okay. So, and usually it's actually 7
a.m. to 11 on the on the weekends. And it may be 9:00 during the week. >> You mean 7:00 p.m. >> 7:00 p.m. >> 7:00 a.m. in the morning to 900 p.m. or 11:00 p.m. >> at night or quiet time? >> No, that's
>> Oh, that's when you can reverse make noise. Okay. >> What was 10:00? 11 >> 11 venue >> 11 on the Oh, >> did you want to speak to something else?
>> The enterprise fund, but that's I just I ran an enterprise fund for a lot of years. >> Oh. Oh, the enterprise fund that we just finished talking about. >> I didn't know I didn't know if I could speak. I don't want to. >> It's up to you. Did you want did you want to say something?
>> No, I just I my biggest fear is the salaries that are going to be attached >> salaries >> to the enterprise fund. >> There are salaries attached. >> I think there already is one. Yes. I sat and I >> Oh, it's a stipen. >> Yeah. Yeah.
>> Oh, that's a salary. >> And why is that a concern? >> It's a concern. I ran an enterprise fund. was a much larger enterprise fund, but we had some serious issues in town with many departments wanting to jump on board. And we had
supplements back in the 80s of 30 people that didn't work for the department that were getting >> some of this. It's just a warning. It's >> I you know, we had a $35 billion budget very large
>> enterprise just the enterprise. We were a municipal light department. I was the director of operations and engineering and it was >> something that gets out of control very quickly. >> We didn't set up the enterprise fund. It was set up by the board of health and
the town voted for it. So, we're kind of out of the loop. >> But >> I'm not here saying that we shouldn't. I'm just >> I'm going to watch as closely as I possibly can. >> Please do. I am too. I don't know my way
around how to get the town the budgets and to look and to learn. >> Yeah, >> you can put in a volunteer form for what interest you have. I'm sure we can find a place for you. >> Really? Okay.
>> All right. We're going to fix our forms and make sure you get one. >> Okay. >> Well, back to the noise bylaw. Um so >> I I I think we should explore that and bring it back somehow.
Um that's all because I'm not >> bring it back on the annual town meeting next year. >> The annual town meeting >> already prepared meeting. I think that if you >> maybe review it. >> I would look at enforcement.
>> I Well, enforcement's going to be the police because you're if you're on >> Well, not it's not what is specified in the bylaw as it was written and brought to town meeting a couple years ago if I remember correctly. >> Who was the enforcer? >> I believe it was the board of health
because noise is a health issue. >> Do you have it Nelson? The previous one? I mean, I have the the one from 2024. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I have that here. >> Who was the enforcement of it? >> I think it was board of health. It's
near the top and it's usually like the first, you know, the 1.1 in a bylaw. >> Board of Health. >> Yep. >> Yeah. So, y >> um it's it's just something that we might want to consider
>> because right now I there's nothing in place >> and I think wonder if that's a normal enforcement or >> I think I mean do we want to ask Chief Sautel what they do about noise?
>> Would you talk to us about noise? I'm not sure what you uh what the question is. >> Okay. Well, more or less um referencing the venue and weddings and nighttime noise in the neighborhood.
Um how how late is late? I mean, I know some towns might have like a not curfew time, but an um you know, when you go into quiet time and not disturbing other areas in a neighborhood.
>> Sure. I think Miss Kell framed it right that a bylaw is it would be necessary to really make it easy. Otherwise, it goes back to a reasonable standard and you're really kind of relying on almost a disorderly conduct type situation. and it could be really ugly and really difficult for the men to uh kind of sort
that out in the middle of a wedding venue as opposed to having a town ordinance that makes it pretty clear. So, my preference would be to have something clear that the uh patrol officers could look at as opposed to this subjective standard of reasonleness that would be difficult at 11:00 on a uh
you know Saturday night when two people are being married at a wedding reception but difficult to say. I think it's a case by case thing for sure. >> Thank you. So, I would I think that maybe we should look at bringing a bylaw
back of some sort. And how do we want to go about doing that? And then what meeting do we put it on? Do we put it on a special town meeting or do we put it on the annual town meeting? Um, uh, do we pick up the one that's there and just
look at the enforcement side of it or what do we do? Um, I I don't know the answer to this, but I think that without a bylaw of this sort, maybe no one can work with the chief. No, no paddle. >> Without question, it would be fabulous
to have a bylaw. >> Maybe you can work with the chief and see. >> Yep. So that would just be I guess one component of what events policy would look like, you know, which was kind of the original conversation piece. But um
you know, and events policy is multiple things, not just uh noise. It could be traffic related. Um park. Yes, parking. If people are parking on the side of the road when they're not supposed to. Uh what else? Um,
can we talk about more >> that be like events that take place at the common? >> No, >> I think it would apply to all events, right? >> Well, I think I think with town property, the select board has a lot more jurisdiction over stipulations you would put on the person holding the
event. You can say you're only allowed to have the event during these hours in these boundaries. Um, >> but we wouldn't be able to go. >> We can't do that with with town property. with private property. No. >> Right. And that's why it becomes very
difficult to come up with a policy that the select board of the town can actually enforce. >> Is there other towns that have an events policy? >> Town council uh said they have um some examples that they can send to us, but town I spoke to town council in at length on
Friday about this. And uh it's it's not an easy thing to tackle. Um there's multiple pieces to it and um >> it does sound a little like there's state there's law state laws and federal laws around this and not just >> No, they're not really. It's private
property. I mean even when you look at parking along a roadway, >> you're not supposed to park on 119 along the road. Well, look at cliffs. That's all illegal parking. But nobody enforces it in town. So, parking along a road, I
mean, at least the road I live on, people do park along it. If there's they're visiting and you can't get in the person's driveway, it's pretty narrow and and we all expect it. But if there were going to be a huge wedding reception next door and it was parked all the way up and down the road, that's
a different story. But there's nothing that prevents that. >> No law. >> Yeah, there's nothing. the way that's the way I so I think uh an events policy is going to have to tackle multiple issues from multiple angles. So it's going to be uh
a very comprehensive policy that's going to take some time to craft and figure out a way how to um enforce it. So I I think >> or how to even write it so that it is enforcing
>> correct. So that so that is a a pretty big undertaking that we would need to uh um start with. I'm not saying it's impossible. We can certainly start having more in-depth conversations with
town council on how to start crafting it, but I think it's going to take some time to actually uh get together. >> If that's the case, then could we get sample policies? I was just going to say there must be other towns that have one
that we could look at. >> Um, and we could see if it fits the bill or it doesn't. >> Yeah. >> I I think it's going to be really hard for private property to come up with something that works, but we can look at what other places do and I think we have
to look at it as is it enforcable. >> Right. Correct. So >> because if it's not enforceable to the chief's point, um it's you know whatever enforcement of authority you you provide to someone if
they have no uh documentation or bylaw or anything to fall back on, you know, it's kind of um you know, they don't really have any authority at that point. So, this was addressed at the May 7th, 2024
>> annual town meeting >> and it and it was voted down and and if I remember right, it was largely everybody said, "You want to take our guns away? We won't be able to shoot our guns." And that wasn't what that was intended for, but that was how it came
out. >> Yeah. or some people and everybody interprets things differently. >> So, and so that's fine, but it also means that you know >> what are there's noise next door.
There's noise next door. There you go. >> Yeah. >> Um >> it was article 15. So, I'll talk to town council for them to provide us with some uh examples of what other cities and towns have done.
>> And Nelson, just to be clear, this is outside of zoning. >> It is outside of >> Well, it was probably >> It's not a zoning. >> It was too long. >> Well, yeah. No, no. I'm just curious about that. I know there's some stuff
going on right now and people are asking if there's going to be restrictions put on and that is not part of that process. It would have to be >> what what >> on on any zoning that's allowed or not allowed for an event center that this this would be separate from that.
>> Well, there's not really an event center. That would be different. An event center would be different from this is if I have read everything correctly, this is an agricultural
traditional use >> which is different from having an event center that's zoned in. >> So my point was is that this the events policy like we're trying to say this cannot be part of zoning the zoning because that's being
>> what can't be part of zoning? noise, cars, all that type of stuff that's allowed or not allowed has to be part of a separate policy. >> It's a um well, we're talking policy versus bylaw. A policy is just a policy that the selectman put in place
>> only if someone comes to us or a a bylaw is something that the town that governs the town. >> So, Adam's talking about town council talking about events policy. >> That is correct. not a bylaw >> and a noise bylaw.
>> I just wanted clarification for anybody listening about what we we could or could not do here. >> There hasn't been an application for an event center that I know of. Correct. Nothing was planned for >> for an event center. This is all being
done under an agricultural use permit. >> Yep. >> Through the the building department and building commissioner. >> Correct. which um I believe they did uh
uh um allow this um >> use. >> Yeah, they call it occasional use. the this noise control thing. I don't know how that would have ever been enforced
that I mean it goes into the pitch of something. >> Well, you do need to have a monitor to figure out the whether or not I mean you have to what's noise to one person is not necessarily noise to another person. >> So, you need something that's
measurable. And town council did review that bylaw. Um, and there were many back and forths to get that in place to bring to town meeting. >> And that's fine, but who enforces that?
>> That's what I think we're saying. >> That's what we're saying. I would not it it's board of health according to that by >> Okay. The one that failed. So, are we going to bring back >> Are we going to bring that back? The noise
>> at the special town meeting in 3 weeks? >> No, no, no. >> No. Um, it's way too fast. >> Um, no. I I I I think we should bring it back. Another >> on the plate and see what we can do with
it. You want to try to do something for annual? we can >> if not sooner. Fall town meeting. Um, well, I say fall town meeting, but it may >> January, December, January. >> So, we could we could probably bring it
up. >> The fact that you're talking about this extremely encouraging. >> Yeah, it is on our radar. Um we've you know gotten some correspondence from
abutters you know um not um okay with the idea of what they're proposing and you know I just want everyone to know that you know the select board you know we don't have a lot of jurisdiction over what they're proposing
but we're certainly coming up with uh ways to you know maybe get a get a better handle on things if it come to pass. >> That's extremely encouraging and all of the group of in the neighborhood know that we have not had any like help.
>> Well, I I think they don't have much jurisdiction. >> Oh, I agree is what it comes down to. >> But the treatment was it was >> well we hear you >> and I okay >> very much appreciate it. Again, that's
not why I'm here this came to this. It's been the enterprise >> and we did get it. >> I've got a lot of interest in town. I don't know. >> Maybe we can get him back in it >> as a volunteer
just like us. Okay. So, we'll bring that back. >> Um, so that's both of them. 4.15 discussion CPA committee creation
postings status. I can tell you that um all of this is on hold until we get the approval from the state. >> Why is that? Because >> Oh, this is >> I just got the explanation from Sabrina today.
>> Can you read it to me? >> No, she just told me. >> Um >> it's because this is a bylaw. Well, it is a bylaw for the committee itself, but the town voted for CPA, which means >> established.
>> Yes. Which means the the the funding for it, etc. has to be dealt with. And there's a there are three forms, a C1, a C2, and a C3 that need to be filled out, and they are due pretty
soon, like October time frame. >> Yeah. And so through the assessor though, >> I spoke to Vicki. It's she said it's for F that that deadline is for FY25 and we did not have CPA and FY25. >> We didn't.
>> Correct. >> So So that deadline does not um >> apply to us. Next year it applies to us. >> Okay. Well, it seems to me, and nobody's told me otherwise, that we could post and appoint pending
um uh agreement from the AG's office. So, in other words, >> it's it's um anything that is a bylaw, a sounding bylaw, a general bylaw, has to
be approved by the attorney general. And that's typical >> for after annual town meeting. And it usually takes three months. Usually it's September, late August, September. Now, we were late because we had such a
>> drawn out town meeting this year. Um, so we're a little bit later than usual, but I would want that in place. And I hope that the assessors are doing the work they need to do to update the tax bills in FY26. What did Vicki say?
Well, we didn't get into the specifics of how to implement it. I know they're they're working on it as we speak. >> So, and it will be part of the assessment that comes in after the tax rate is set. >> So, she's planning for 26. She said in January, those tax bills that come out
should take care of >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Correct. Um, I spoke to Adam about, you know, uh, starting a a CPA committee. Um, he on the side of caution, he suggested that
we wait until it's officially been reviewed and approved by the AG's office before we start um, getting the committee together. Because if you get the committee together and the committee start starting to make decisions, someone possibly could come back and
say, "Oh, this committee wasn't even valid yet because the AG's office did not approve of it." So, so to to air on the side of caution and not have something like that potentially come up, he suggested just wait until it's been
reviewed and approved by the AG's office before you um start a committee and start making decisions. >> So, since we are so inundated with volunteers um all the time, I mean, we just can't
get them all work that they want to do. I don't I don't have a problem with posting for those that may be interested in
um working on that. Some people may be very interested in the tax dollars and where it's going to go and what they're going to do. um you just can't meet or do anything yet, but you can at least
do the posting for um a committee that we're definitely going to have >> appointments made once the Bible is approved. >> Well, I would I wouldn't say the committee is definitely going to happen because, you know, I'm not the AG's office. I don't know
how they're going what lens they're viewing this through. So, we can't just assume that it's a done deal, you know, at least. >> How does it work then? If we're going to be charged for CPA funds, yet we can't have a committee. Is that what you're
saying? >> I mean, I'm not saying that. I'm just saying that the the AG's office may have uh a potential issue with how the warrant article was. So timelines for this if if we start getting build
January 1st, right? I mean, you're realistically not looking at doing anything until >> you won't get funds in. It'll be a whole year. >> So is there is there a problem with waiting until the AG gets back in September?
>> Probably. If usually that's where they get back, maybe October. >> I think you're not going to do anything until January myself. I really don't. >> Okay. All right. >> Um >> and and we're definitely going to need a committee to work on it. >> Harrison.
>> Yes. Um if I may, um just add two two small things. Um first, the the comment about uh the AG Can you hear me? Okay. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Um the the comment about the AG's review, I just wanted to add um the AG
has the ability in its review to the AG's office to strike paragraphs, sentences, parts of sentences. So while the way it's written now might read for a certain composition and you might post for a certain composition, that may very
well be modified by how the H um you know strikes or amends any portion of it. So, that's something to be aware of. The other thing we may want to do, um, if we're going to be reviewing all of the volunteer board committee recruitment processes, um, we may want
to wait until at least that work is done before bring the new, uh, posting forward. >> Yeah, that's a good point. That is a good point. >> I I guess my point was I think we have time. >> Yeah. >> And they'll and there'll be enough time to get a good group together. get you
guys getting that volunteer stuff right on because I'm going to be looking for it January 1 as soon as >> No, I think that'll be >> you'll be you'll be we'll be able to get it um up and running sooner. >> Yeah. Um probably >> also have one other comment. Sorry. Um
the the one other thing um the the deadline right now is towards the end of October for the AG's review. um that deadline can't go further than that without the approval and consent of the town through town council. So in the past there have been extensions. We just
saw January's bylaws took up until mid last month to be approved. Um, so it may be something where a conversation should be had with council um about, you know, whether or not extensions should be granted and under what conditions, but that's what lowers it down because the
AG has to respond within a certain time period. Several extensions were granted for the July for the January set of bylaws. >> And look how long it took for the charter. >> The thing about the CPA bylaw is it's pretty much a canned bylaw. I know
>> that it was pretty much taken from the CPA committee for the state and what everybody takes and then they tweak it for the um >> you know for >> I agree >> for what their makeup is. >> Um and so I don't expect to have I
understand that they can change things but I don't expect to see that happen. >> Okay. Why don't we just keep it on the agenda >> and until we have an update kind of thing >> and then we're not forgetting it. >> Yep. >> 416 discussion of the DPW study
committee. >> Another comments. >> Well, I read through this. I gave Nelson kind of my first pass that just >> okay >> an idea of next steps for this.
>> Do you want to >> enlighten us or Nelson? >> I haven't had a chance to look at it. I I was more focused on the report that the state had uh produced back in 2016, >> but and mine was just kind of even more
abbreviated version of that with a little bit current. >> It was basically I mean the way I look at this is you know it's one of our primary goals. I think we have to get something going really quickly if we want to be part of this budget cycle because it's going to involve
restructuring which will involve a town meeting vote. Yes, it will require a tell me a vote and I would I met with Nelson about this as well >> and I would like the problem next fiscal year is that we don't have any free
cash. >> We have cut the budget to the point where there there will be very little free cash unless we sell more town properties >> or we have a really light winter >> or we have a really light winter but the winter doesn't really affect it. It
means that we don't have a lot of free cash, which we won't. And with that, we better pray for a really light winter because we won't have the money to pay >> snow and ice. Not this coming fiscal year, but the following one
>> because we don't our budget has been was paired down and paired down for expenses and then the override didn't pass and now we're pairing down and pairing down salaries. So, and I do not expect the school to
come in with a 2 and a half or 3% budget. And since they are 50% of our budget easy% >> of our budget, if they come in over that, it is a huge amount of money from
the total municipal budget. And we have to figure out what departments we're not going to have, how we're going to restructure departments, what personnel we can do without. And rather than saying we're going to lay off you, you
and you, I would rather see an organizational structure that makes sense that mirrors this. Even though it's 2016, there's a lot in here that's exactly the same. The way I was kind of looking at it too is you know >> it's kind of a two year two-step
process. One is administration and then one is more you know what can you do this year with structure and then once you've got that structure in place you have to there there could be a >> you know to to get the
because you have the people that you have and then you have to figure out well what's it going to be and as people you know it's attrition. Yeah, exactly. As people go out and how do you >> group people together? So we have people
who have oysters licenses for example or uh what is it called the CDL licenses and we have them across many departments instead why don't we just have a single set of people with these who can
function in highway or can function at cemetery department who can function with facilities or whatever um that one set of people because because we are not going to be the the funds that we take
in without an override is not going to sustain the people that we have currently, >> right? >> And that's why I think we need to look at that and two years might be too long. There was already a study committee and
it got, you know, this just got dropped. They never even, as far as I know, considered this >> or went beyond this from DLS. >> The way I was thinking about it, and I'm sure Nelson, it was highway, parks, and cemetery, recycling, facilities,
maintenance. Those are the main facilities that we have, >> right? >> And then the only thing I was possibly even lumping in there as a nice to have is all the town owned trails and stuff don't have any designated maintenance at
this point in time. So you have those assets and or budgets getting them >> and I agree and I think we need to be looking at it now. So if we want
>> so be town administrator parks and highway to start probably >> town administrator >> in terms of a group being put together to actually >> Oh yeah >> I don't know if we need a separate we don't need a separate >> I think that's good. Yeah, I would agree
with that to have those three people look at it and um determine a um use this report. >> Y and um >> yeah, I'm I'm okay with that. So I'm thinking it's actually you know the TA
highway facilities park >> and possibly the uh you know recycling center possibly >> just because I know the recycling center >> under it >> that I think parks they use equipment
from those any anybody that's using all the same equipment. Yes, >> even or could combine equipment and we're not experts in highway parks and cemeteries. So that's why you need these people to >> I'm I'm good with that >> and to figure out how this structure
this is a January 2016 report from DLS town of towns and public works consolidation analysis and it was it it suggests ways to do exactly what we were just talking about. And the way the way
I kind of looked at it was if you have you know even two steps one is one manager for a DPW where each division kind of still is separate if that's all you can that gives you the structure by town meeting vote and then the second
step would be integrating it so you could still have kind of the same >> I would go straight to the immigration I would >> yeah there's a comment Oh >> no, no question.
>> Sorry. >> You are you looking for like citizens to be on that committee or is it elected officials? >> We were thinking the um non-elected officials, the town staff who are in these departments now is is what kind of
makes sense. There had been a town committee. >> We can get >> you can find this online. Um, if you go to DLS and you just Google Townson reports or whatever, it'll come up. Um, but anyway, it's it's kind of
there. And I think the one reason it's kind of a big thing is because that unions have to be involved in job descriptions potentially and >> Yes, it will. It will involve that. >> But and so doing that out front so then
it can be part of the budget process. >> Yeah. So, it's kind of a tight timeline. >> It is a tight timeline, but we otherwise we we are not in good shape going forward. Um, as far as salaries go for people
and so I don't know how that's going to work unless there's an override. Um, >> you know, this also, you know, hinges on the voters uh agreeing with uh the structure that's
going to be put in place. >> I think I think presenting it with the cost potential long-term cost savings. I think I think at this point most people, at least that I'm hearing, would like that. So, >> obviously the vote could go differently. Let's see if we don't restructure
um we're we're running with as it is there's you know openings in highway and without those openings because those people plow without those openings being filled we're looking at contractors to
do our plowing which is way more expensive. And how are we going to pay for that? And without having free cash at our disposal, we paid 400,000 in snow and ice from free cash this year, plus a
little more if I remember right. So that came out of the emergency fund from um uh the fin. So uh it's not a good situation. Nelson, I
just like my little PowerPoint is just like a highle overview if anybody if you can use it however you want. >> Um >> or no >> I'm not logged on right now so I I can Okay, >> I'll I can just put it on SharePoint for
uh >> All right, feel free. It's it's basically just like I broke it down to two steps. is administration. Then then if you need another year to basically look at all your equipment and your facilities, that's like a longer term, >> right? >> Process.
>> Yeah. >> I I think that town did this with the I think it's written in here. This is where I got this from with fire and EMS which were separate departments that were then combined. I think this is like a sim
bigger maybe but similar situation. So do we want to have a motion to set up a DPW study committee or are we just talking? I mean, does it have to be an official committee or is it just employees working together and bringing us back
>> and reporting back to us at the first meeting in November maybe on what that's where you are with this Nelson? Um yeah that that should give us some time to have some uh you know meaningful discussions about
>> yeah I would say the first meet so um >> whatever that November meeting is >> having a DPW study committee consisting of the department heads of the um
segments whatever you want to call them. So it be highways, parks and cemeteries >> facilities >> facilities then recycling health administrator for that >> and the town administrator and report to
us in November. I like dates. If I if I don't have a date, it doesn't get done. So first meeting in November. Do you want any at large people? >> Department heads at this point. >> At this point, I would say just department head.
>> Okay. >> Because then they don't have to post, >> right? >> They don't have to post. They don't get appointed. They just have to show up. >> They're just they're they're the employees and they are the people that are most affected. >> Right. Okay. So, that would be the first step.
Okay. 417 transfer of properties to conservation commissioner to conservation commission. This is per town properties. Yeah, I'm roasting. >> Y >> just want to say something. Anybody else
want? >> Yes, >> I am fine, but I know that I did not wrap myself in this yet, so I know we're good. >> So, >> I didn't see anything in here. Is there something with the second page meaning
>> conservation commission voted to take custody of there's three different properties they were recommended by the properties >> town properties committee >> these are the three across the river right across from Adams Park Adams Dam is that correct
>> well it's New Pittsburgh road Laurel Drive which is not in Laurel Drive Tamarak Lane Sumac Why did I think? >> So the the town properties, there was a bunch listed, but then the conservation
commission voted >> for three. >> Great. >> River Bank Terrace parcel. Uh >> I just have the parcel ID. >> The one off Worcester Road >> that's over here
>> and Elm Street. Those all three street I think these are the ones along the river. >> Um I said the bottom three and what is the advantage of that? It was recommended by the town properties committee
>> to get it off the town list so it goes to conservation >> but once they accepted them they're not in other when town properties met they suggest properties for >> I I understand
um but they've been there for a long time these three these are the three parcels along the river. >> Yeah. Um so right now if there's just if we are technically in town property but
this would be saying that conservation manages them. >> Okay. >> Conservation oversees them versus the town. What are your thoughts? >> What was your issue? >> My issue is that
conservation commission changes and changes and changes. Um >> change. >> Well, but so if like so we put deadly meadows in conservation, right? So it when it's put in conservation,
doesn't that then limit >> use by putting in conservation? it. These are the river properties. I don't know on that. I think there might be a time where um the town wants
to do something with uh you know um the properties along the river might want to make a public park there. Um the conservation commission might say no. Uh what if you want to put a canoe rental
in? Um I I just think that and I am a conservation person. >> Yeah, I know. Um, so I would want to have more discussions on this. >> Should we have a joint meeting at some point in time this fall with
conservation? >> Yeah, why don't we do that? >> This isn't on the annual town yet. No. And it >> does it need to be to transfer it? I believe it. >> It would need to be next spring. >> Yeah, I want to have more discussion on this. >> I'm good with that. before I do this and
I am just having the hardest time with this. Um >> maybe we can ask uh Kobe to come to a meeting and explain. >> Yeah. Give give them um a response that we we do have some questions
and um we'd like to have a joint meeting with them. >> I can't get to the maps. I had this problem when I looked at this at home as well. Yeah, I haven't been able to access all the maps the right way. >> Safari can't find the server. The maps are I don't know what has happened to
this web page, but I think >> what do you want for a date on that >> by me? >> What do you want for a date to meet them? >> It's not a It's not a rush. >> Do we want just conservation officer? I mean, is it actually the whole committee
or >> No, no, no. >> Could just be Colby. >> It could be Colby. >> Um, and James, but we have had such uh I mean Col's only been here since what January. We have we our conservation
agents don't stay or the things get lost in translation. Um good god when they were naming the squanakook as a wild and scenic river our conservation commission voted
against it. So I against the squanook being wild and scenic. So where uh something that abuts the um an open space preservation
development I'm good with transferring that to con that is fine there are >> that should have happened way back or there should have been a CR on it actually >> or something uh permanent so that's a different story when it comes to being
along the river I have a whole different take on Well, there's probably many restrictions already because ofation >> perhaps. >> Well, I don't have dialogue about it any questions. >> So, time frame I would say October, end
of October. Second meeting in October, something like that. >> We have plenty of time if the target is annual town meeting. Okay. I'm glad town properties isn't signing it. >> No.
Um hopefully they meet soon and we'll look at all the rest of what we have because the whole point is to dwindle the list down so that we actually don't own properties that we can't do anything
with. Um and then the only time the properties will meet is when it takes on another property. Well, we I mean you can look at what's back to town properties, those six properties that were given to us, seven for affordable housing, and
now we have a oh, we don't want that. You know, it's kind of like, >> yeah, >> wait, see how the town >> that's going to work its way out. >> It will that just you have the a lot of
the not in my backyard mentality. Yeah, >> I I cannot get to the maps no matter how I go through right now. It's been like this for about a week. >> So, something changed.
Could be uh you know, Patriot Properties or >> someone or MRPC. But >> could you get to the max? >> Uh if you give me what to input into the database, I can try. >> Oh, you can get to that. I want to go to
the map. There's a map. Map 18, map 17, map 24, map, you know, the um >> But is it through this? >> Yeah. And link >> usually I click here. >> Click here. See where it says click here?
>> Yeah, we do. >> And then executive. >> Figure that out. I don't think they're going to show up. >> No, I >> Okay. Well, we are going to put this on another agenda >> because I want to see it in relation to the river and you won't see it if you
just look at the property cards, which is what Right. >> There you go. How'd you get to that? >> Just through the assessor's website, assessing maps. From assessor's website, assessing maps. >> The first one. Okay. I go further down.
So if you go to online property data >> No, I understand that we were just there and you clicked that I think. Oh, this link is slightly different than >> Yeah. Okay. Anyway, let's go on. Yes. >> Okay. 418 that's going to come back.
Okay. >> Yeah. >> Second meeting of October >> 418 discussion to approve job description and changes for the recycling center staff. Um, >> and this came from Cali. >> Well, through the uh the board of
health. >> Um, so they're looking to revise the attendant one job description. currently. Um, well, they want to change it to, um,
you have to be at least 16. Um, and you don't need a hoisting license because I think right now, attendant one, you need to be at least 18 or over and you need a hoisting license. So, as
you know, the recycling center is um only staffed during Saturdays. So, I think, you know, having like a an older teenager, you know, might be able to get more um people to
apply for the job. um you know they there would still be you know safety requirements but you know if you need a hoisting license that's you know very difficult for someone with that age to have >> is um my one question with this was you
know legal responsibility at the recycle center for you have a 16-year-old helping someone lift a refrigerator out of their truck or >> um I think well weight wise it's fine It's really the hoist because that would mean you are operating specialized
equipment. >> Yeah. >> Um so I think helping or moving heavy objects that's um some anyone can do that. Uh it's really the hoisting license requirement that um means you're operating.
>> And is it are we saying that there there wouldn't be someone who had that on Saturdays? >> No. So there so that would be that would be attendant one. Attendant two would be 18 and over and they would have a toasting license. So you would have sort
of two tiers of workers at the recycling center um >> as opposed to just attendant which is what they had before. >> Correct. Correct. >> Yep. So I think you're going to see probably more folks sign up to work there. Um and you know you know because
it's very difficult at times to find staffing. Is there always an attendant one and attended two? >> I don't know. I think there there there must be at least someone that's over the age of 18 with a hoisting license there
at all times. >> And these are not union positions. Correct. >> Correct. >> I just would want to make sure that's that point is specified. >> No, no, no. That there is always a person that's over 18. I'm fine if a second person is not. >> Me, too.
>> But as long as that person I just don't want that person working there by themselves ever. >> And that's somebody who's at least 16. It doesn't mean that you can't hire somebody that's or
>> Yeah. But but it is also the hoisting license component as well. So you could be 18 without a hoisting license, right? and you would just be um hired at the attendant one uh salary. >> I guess my other question too is is that is this
prudent now or is this part of our previous conversation? >> It's it's >> both the these are funded. Are you asking how they are funded? >> No, no, no. I mean, if we're having a
conversation about a DPW, >> this would be part of it. >> Yes. this that should also be part of that conversation. >> Yeah, I think it would be because um these you know I would say these staff members are very fractional you know on
call type you know you have a list uh that you um you go through and see who's available to work which >> Oh really? Well, I think in a certain way, yes, because it is only, you know, a couple Saturdays, uh, you know, a
month. So, I think finding some >> finding finding like consistent staffing is very difficult. So, I'm sure there's a bullpen of employees. >> I never knew there was a bullpen of
employees. I thought that it was just that we had two attendants, so now we have a bullpen. >> Well, I mean, >> I thought the fact that we couldn't get a second person for with a hoisting license was the reason for going to
this. >> Well, maybe I'm overexaggerating the term bullpen. Um, you know, I know cemetery and parks certainly do and you know, at any given time, you know, uh, there may be, you know,
one or two people working a day to, you know, as >> those are just temporary people. >> Well, this I would say these folks are in that same category, very fractional, very um, part-time employees that you call on uh, when you need them. Granted,
the recycling center has more um consistent hours that you need staff versus cemeterian parks where the work is a little bit more uh inconsistent, you know, as needed. Um, but I think it kind of goes in line
with um potentially the public works department where you just have a group of employees depending on their their skill level and what licenses they have, you could call upon them to do multiple things.
>> I think I think it could potentially even related to this. I mean, I don't know off topic, but could give those people a chance to actually or if they're fractional. Yeah. >> Yeah. Maybe they'll get more >> other departments. >> Yeah. More hours. Um, more exposure, you
know, just learn different skill set. >> I talked to Cali about their descriptions and she's okay with what we've been presented. >> Yeah. >> As long as there's an intended one and intended two there at all times, I'm
good with I'm good with the descriptions. >> Yeah. >> But I hope that I just wanted to make sure there wasn't someone like like as you said there was not just >> it it appears she's going to be posting
for one and two >> so maybe >> one with one with and one without the license I thought we did have doesn't matter okay
so we're yeah okay to post the job description. >> I make a motion to update job descriptions for sorry recycling center staff as discussed. >> Is there a second? >> Second.
>> Any further discussion? Hearing none. Roll >> call. Yes. >> Good. Yes. >> Shipp. Yes. Okay. 4 19 Highway Sander dump truck vote as to
useful life. Nelson. Um so when we uh borrow pieces of equipment um there's a useful life that sort of the uh
the that we adhere to and depending on what that useful life is that dictates the terms of the loan that we can get. um pieces of equipment like like a dump
truck, you know, you can easily get, you know, 10, 15, 20 years out of it. Um that helps us stretch the payments out. So, you know, our debt payments are astronomical over, you know, say a 5year
period. So, um that really helps us uh be able to pay for these vehicles and, you know, stretch the useful life out a little bit. Is that what this 15 years is? >> Correct. So that page that you that you see there, that is uh the vote that you
guys would uh potentially take tonight. >> I thought we already did that. Which truck is this for? >> We did it for one of them, but >> it was >> that's why that's >> We just did one last in July. >> Yes. Yeah. >> For the new
>> That was for the >> Oh, these are for the plow sander. style sander dump trucks. These are the two that were borrowed for a couple years ago. >> And I think the one you voted for was the six wheel. >> Yes, that's exactly right. Okay.
>> So, this is a similar situation. We're looking to change the maximum useful life of this piece of equipment that we've um bar for. >> Would you like me to read this one off?
>> Do you have that page up? Um vote of the select board of selectman as to use life. I the clerk of the board of selectman of the town of me towns in Massachusetts certify that a meeting of the board held on September
2nd 2025 of which meeting all members of the board were duly notified and at which a quorum was present. The following vote was unanimously passed. All of which appears upon the official record of the board in my custody. Voted. >> Can I just say what date you said?
>> September 2nd. >> Oh, I thought you said October. >> Okay. >> I didn't think so. >> Okay. voted that the maximum useful life of the departmental equipment listed below to be financed with the proceeds of the two $360,000 borrowing authorized by the vote of the
town passed May 7th, 2024 article 8 is hereby determined pursuant to general law chapter 44 section 71 to be as followed. purpose plow standard dump truck and equipment number one borrowing amount $180,000 maximum useful life 15
years plow sander dump truck and equipment number two borrowing amount 180,000 maximum use 15 years I further certify that the agenda for the meeting a copy of which is attached hither to was posted at the meeting location prior to
the meeting in compliance with section 7-9B of the town charter I further certify that the vote was taken at a meeting open to the public. That the vote was not taken by secret ballot. that a notice stating the place, date, time, and agenda for the meeting, which agenda
include the adoption of the above vote, was filed with the town clerk, and a copy thereof, posted in a manner conspicuously vis visible to the public at all hours in or on the municipal building that the office of the town clerk is located, or if applicable, in
accordance with an alternative method of notice prescribed or approved by the attorney general as set forth in 940 CMR 29.03. 03 to be at least 48 hours not including Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays prior to the time of the
meeting and remain so close to the time of the meeting that no deliberations or decision in connection with the subject matter of this vote were taken in executive session all in accordance with general law chapter 3A section 1825 as amended.
>> Second. Any further discussion? roll call by and that is for the clerk to sign. Okay. Um
4 20 mandatory referral ZBA 159 Brooklyn line street. >> Um I don't know much about it. Um >> okay. Thank you. Yep. Oh, is that the I was wondering what
that was. Okay, so what are they doing? They have cabins up there. >> My question was, is the house included in this? But because it's on the property, are there 10 cottage dwellings or a house? and non cottages. And if
that's the case, could one of them be deemed affordable? Um, I didn't read this. I didn't read this whole thing. There is a house. >> Mhm. >> And there are nine cabins. [Music]
>> This is true. I remember that. So when we get a mandatory referral, this is just for our notification basically. We don't we don't >> comment. >> Oh, we do comment. >> Comment. >> Yes. >> And we can make no comment or we can say we trust the CBA with their
decisions. commercial [Music] existing special keep losing my share [Music] change. [Music]
Um, I'm going to trust that planning knows what to do with this. >> That's where I was kind of going with it. Um, anyone else have any comment?
>> It seems like it's it's basically just they want to make sure that the it conforms to what the how it's currently being used and has been used for a long time, >> right? That's what I get from it. Nothing about selling or
>> no changes to how they're doing anything. Are these long-term rentals then instead of short-term rentals? Is that what they're asking? >> But they're asking for a change. I request the editing of existing
special edit granted in 2009 and 2010. not a new special permit. Change hotel motel clause to long-term rental. >> Oh. >> To reflect current usage.
>> Um, so I guess they're long-term rentals. >> Yeah. >> And so they want it's kind of a change of usage because it was a hotel motel special permit. >> It seems like what they're saying though it's never been used that way. special. >> Well, now now in the most recent, it
isn't being used that way. It's long term. >> It was always longterm. I remember the place, >> but >> and it's it they got their permits when they renovated each cabin, which had to be done,
>> right? >> Do you want to trust the planning board knows what to do? >> It's the CBA. I thought this came from family. >> All the documentations say we're scheduled to have a public hearing tomorrow evening regarding this.
They need to reapply to the zoning board for use as a long-term rental unit in lie of the hotel motel because they do have cooking in it. Um, >> it's housing for somebody. >> Why am I even worrying about making it
affordable? We don't want that in this town. [Music] >> Okay. Whatever. >> We need more housing. >> We need >> we need affordable housing as well. >> Um,
>> and that's probably the most affordable rental that there is available in town. >> Is it? I don't know. I mean, I don't know. So anyway, sorry. >> Are we good to leave it to Zoe? >> Yes. [Music]
Okay. 421 military referral planning. Okay. Um, and that's there should be an affordability piece incorporated. I understand that that was voted against.
That's what I think. I don't think that's part of the MBTA bylaw. Absolutely. It's an it was an option and the planning board >> I know but they voted to include it. Um
and then last August they voted not to include it. >> So I was still there. >> Yeah. Oh yeah. Yeah. You were. So anyway, um yeah,
but it could be part of it and it's not. And I wrote that suggest affordable component. Yeah, >> I mean I don't I can't remember why >> because the decision was that it was
going to make it all market rate because just the fact that it was there were so many would make them affordable and that is a fallacy it works. Yeah, >> that's not how it works. If that were the case, then >> it would be affordable.
>> Then the, you know, 55 and over housing that's going in in town will be affordable. But it's not. It's market rate. And I' I've quit going to the planning board to ask for it
because why? And it's not going the town will never meet the 10%. >> No. without it is impossible if you don't mandate it. And even though there is an affordability,
>> explain what the 10% is for anybody who doesn't understand that >> 10% of your housing stock is mandated by the state to be affordable. >> Town is between three and a half and 4%. >> I just wanted that the current percentage to be said out loud. And if
you have >> it went down because it was over five or close to six at one time, >> maybe a long time ago, but that it hasn't been the case in the last five years. >> Um when Turnpike Village happened and um
the towns and woods >> maybe for a brief period of time, but not anymore because there's nothing. >> Okay. 4.22 Select goals fiscal 26 discussion of timeline of deliverable.
>> Do we want to move that to the next meeting? >> What is this? >> Yes. >> Time for goals. >> Yes, I think so. >> 9:25. >> Yeah, that gives no time. >> And 4.23 23 request to use Harbor Fire Station for makeup and changing studio
for the Super Trooper 3 cast on 98 2025. Um, and I believe they're paying a nominal fee there. >> Yes. Yeah. >> And it said that all the equipment will be removed and staged for appropriate response times. >> Yes. >> So,
>> I think it's exciting, a fun thing rather than all this other. Would you like a motion? >> Yes, I would. >> I move that we um allow the use of the Harbor State Fire Station for makeup and changing SE for Super Troopers 3 cast on 9008 2025 for and
they will reimburse us $1,000. >> I will second that. >> Any further discussion? That's coming to the town, not not to the fire department. The money is >> okay. hearing none.
>> You pumped in the town. Yes. >> Um local I >> 4.24 ARA grant opportunity for towns and council on aging.
Uh this is a grant that I think Kieran and uh in conjunction with the senior center applied for a grant through the AARP organization and this one was specifically for
teleaalth. So that's you know virtual meetings uh with doctors providers things like that. Um so they did receive a grant um and they have uh isolated a
space um in the senior center. This is uh Rebecca Morris's old office >> the community wellness coordinator. Um so it's a you know it's an office small but you know you get some privacy for
any tele health appointments. So the grant I believe is for up to $3,000 um to set up a telealth area. So it could be um barriers you know to get
privacy uh computer desk chair um you know to to get that all set up. So, um, >> that's good. >> Elise and Jean will actually, I guess, be attending some training to, you know, assist people if they have
troubleshooting issues, whether it's um, IT related issues or, you know, some other communication issues. Um, so once they have that training, they can then train the rest of their staff and, uh,
hopefully be up and running maybe in the December time frame. So, uh, I'll be working with her and Guardian to figure out, um, what the computer requirements are. >> Yeah. >> Um, I I think it's just, you know, a a
decent laptop with a webcam with >> easy to use. >> Yeah. Um, so I I don't think we'll really need the $3,000. You know, we'll just do it um, you know, as cost effectively as possible, but um, you
know, if we can get something else with that money, you know, a printer, you know, maybe some other things, we'll try to squeeze that in as well. >> So, funding for equipment, technical support, and funds for digital literacy
training. So, I'm excited that we got the grant. >> I think um it was something kind of last minute and to Kieran's credit, we mobilized very quickly and just
pushed the application through. >> Okay. Um so that's justformational. Uh work session 5.1 administrators report. >> Um yeah, I had two big ones. Uh community uh the kids country playground
while the structure is up. Um they're putting down the the rubber materials sometime this week. And then afterwards, we're going to be paving the ADA compliant
parking spots with the with the leftover So, um it's looking really great. Um you know, uh highway and cemeterian parks have done a fantastic job doing some of the work in house. Saving >> working together.
>> Yep. Working together. Um you know, um sharing resources, you know, equipment, personnel to to get that done. Um saving some money versus having a contractor do it. Um, so with the leftover money, we're hoping to put it towards the ADA
um, parking spots. So that'll be after everyone vacates and then we can do that on our own time. We've already gotten a couple quotes, I think. I'm hoping I get at least one or two more to get the cost down as much as possible.
>> Um, so I'm happy that's going very well. Um, see, [Music] you might have noticed uh some road work starting that started this morning certainly
around the the Harbor Trace area. Um, they're starting roadway construction >> as well as um, you know, paving in the coming weeks. So the neighborhoods in question are South Street, Warren Road,
Shirley Road, and Apple Drive >> where paving is being done. >> Yeah. So they're just sort of prepping uh the roads at the moment. Um paving supposedly is going to be commencing
in a few weeks. >> Okay. >> So >> you like better roads? >> Yep. So using chapter 90 money through the highway department. So that's all I have for this.
>> That's all. >> Um any general? >> Um I just I just have the conservation stuff that we'll keep working on for this meeting.
Um, I've had two meetings for not really public safety, but for the um, housing trust. So, we're going to sell one of the pieces of property. Um, so we're working on the RFP for that and hopefully that'll be reviewed by 10
council by next week. Um and we're working on the CR for the uh Spanlook Meadows and you know Tesa working on their um expansion plan. So
>> it's all good. I really don't um have anything except that you already know that BBC is going to meet BC is going to meet and town properties is almost formed and
hopefully they'll get that all the properties they can off our list and again I'm going to announce about we still have volunteer positions but we're going to have better forms soon. Um
I think I was going to announce something else and I pulled it down there. There was a um is this announcements that we're on communications voluntary response forms? >> Um did you all get the opioid um
>> thing? Is anybody going to that? Nelson, you might know. Is anybody gonna um it's for the town to sign on for further opioid funding? Uh yeah, I think I saw some um documents related to that and I believe I did
e-sign it. Uh >> um so to be part of that >> to be part of that settlement. >> Yeah, I believe I I had received the documentation. >> Okay. >> And I signed off on it.
>> Sorry for getting money when we need it. So correction to this agenda is that our next meeting is 9:25 at 5:00 p.m. I I have a question for clarification
and Veronica I'm going to ask you because you brought it up about the um the list for the town administrators report. >> Yeah. Um, what if there's more and it's not on the list? Can it >> I think that's okay. Oh, yeah, of course.
>> Okay. I just want to make >> Yeah, sure. I would think so. I mean, because there could be more than exact, but some of the what the things you know about you want to list. >> Okay. All right. >> That's what we always >> I didn't Okay, fine. I didn't remember
that from before and I didn't want to be restrictive >> by doing it either. >> Yeah. Wow. >> Okay. >> Um and then there was also the bills to sign on to for um an act to reduce
incidents and death from pancreatic cancer. There was that it was one of the house representative I believe. >> Oh, is this a town Bedford? >> At least that's I got it from I think.
>> Yeah. New Bedford. New Bedford. >> Yeah. Um, a representative from there who's sponsoring a bill regarding pancreatic cancer wanting to know if other towns want to
sign on with a letter of support. Um, >> I saw it, but I didn't know I, you know, it wasn't brought here. >> Are you interested in having that done? >> I I just thought we should talk about it. I I don't know. I don't know.
There's a time frame here that you have to sign on by and I haven't talked to our representative to see. >> Yeah. Um because that's who this would go to, I
would think. You know, you would ask your representative to sign on to the bill. Um so maybe we should talk to her. >> Do you want to do that? Can you see on there what the time frame is? >> That's what I'm looking for.
>> I think they just came back to session, right? by sending a letter to the chairs of the joint committee on healthcare. I have attached the copies of the official letters from New Bedford and Dartmouth for your reference.
>> Yeah. >> Did you see that, Nelson? Is that something that you thought we should >> Um, I did I did >> participate in. I did get that email as well. Um I think you know if if it's something
the select board is uh behind I think we should the idea of uh you know signing the letter of support I think we should uh you know either sign it or you know contact you know probably Marcus
Scarbell's office and let them know we're we're behind this cost and she Maybe we could just reach out to her, right? >> Yeah. >> Instead of an official letter. >> Yes. And then decide if we want an official letter. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
You want me to reach out to her or do you want to do that? >> I will. >> Is there anything else? >> Those are the only two things I could remember. The opioid thing. 5 review and sign.
>> Sorry, sorry to interrupt. I just I had a quick public service announcement. Um uh September 16th is National Voter Registration Day. So if anyone knows anyone who should be registered or if you want to check your voter registration status, uh September 16th
is a day to remember to check in on that. >> Okay. Thank you, Harrison. >> This is for special town meeting, right, Harrison? Uh, no. That that's a national event. The actual last day to register to vote for Spackle Town. The meeting is
Monday the 15th, the day before. >> Okay. All right. So, the 16th is for November. >> November election. Okay. >> If everybody got that, >> if you want to vote in November,
September 16th is your last day. And if you want to vote, >> it's just a national awareness day to make sure you're registered to vote. It's not there's no November election. Yeah. >> Yeah. Just an awareness. >> Okay. All right. >> Check your voter status September 16th.
>> All right. 515 on entertain a motion. >> Um I make a motion that we review and sign payroll and bills payable loans out of session session. Any discussion? Hearing none I
>> Okay. 6.1 Executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21. >> Thank you for your >> Thank you for coming. >> See you next. >> We'll be in touch. >> At the high school >> the um
>> special town >> the special town meeting is at the high school 25th. We will meet here. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you. 6.1 Executive session pursuant to open meeting law chapter 3A section 21A3
to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining if an open meeting may have detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the public body and the chair so declares clerical union supervisors union highway water union
police union and fire union Second. >> Thank you. And we will adjourn from the executive meeting.
We we'll adjourn the general meeting. At the end of this the executive meeting, we will adjourn from executive session. >> We will second. >> Okay. Um,
and it is now 9:06 p.m. Roll call. and lordship and eyes.