All right, I'm going to call the meeting to order. Will you join me in the pledge of allegiance? >> I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and
justice for all. >> Good evening. Welcome to the Monday, April 27, 2026 meeting of the Westport Select Board under Mass General Law, Chapter 3A, Section 20F. This meeting is being recorded. Um, for welcome comments, I first want to welcome uh
Rick Mundy to the board. Rick was elected on uh April 14. And welcome back Jake Mcwigan uh who was also elected on April 14. Um and congratulations to all the people who who um were elected. We had quite a number of contested races.
And thank you to all of the poll workers, the police details, um the town clerk's office, every the registars of voters, everybody who made the election run very smoothly on April 14. And thank you to all the candidates whether you won or lost. It's good for democracy to
have some competition. Um I also have a few acknowledgements I wanted to raise. Um we have we were a busy group these last couple weeks our town. So we had the clean our westport event on um April 11. Um, so I know that that they had several hundred people out there picking
up trash. I didn't hear Did anybody hear any numbers of >> Yeah, I think that Well, I know they had over 200 about 220 people. It was the largest turnout that uh cow has ever had. So, it was a great turnout. Great day. I think that made it uh even better. So, it was it was good. >> Yeah. So, thank you to everyone who
volunteered for that. And don't throw your nips out the side of the road, okay? Crazy the amount of nips you pick up. Um, I also want to thank the uh Westport River Wershed Alliance. They had an electronics recycling day um April 22nd.
And then um I just want to call your attention to a few future events. Um on uh Thursday, April 30th, um there is a reenactment of Westport's Paul Rivere. Um so this is the Abner Brownell. Um
although our fearless reporter back there pointed out this rain is in the forecast. So, I'm not sure what's going to happen, but for now, they're scheduled to have um a reenactment of the ride at the historical society at 10:00 on April 30th, at the Council on
Aging at 11:00 on April 30th, and then they're going to go do some um events at the schools um for the school department. So, um April 30th, stay tuned. I'm sure it's on social media if um if it's not going to happen. And then, um a reminder to everyone that the
annual town meeting is next week. So, it's on Tuesday, uh, May 5th at 7 p.m. and that's at the Westport Middle High School. That's new school. Um, so all registered voters are, um, welcome and encouraged to attend. Um, the, uh, you
may have seen a posting for a meeting to talk about town meeting. So, U. Chris Vitali is going to be doing a session tomorrow uh, where he's going to review all the warrant. It's posted, it's posted on the website. He's going to review the warrant. He's going to review the um supplemental material which kind
of explains um the what the motions are and kind of gives a little more English language easier to read version of the warrant um and then answer any questions. So we are going to talk about the warrant tonight in this meeting but um that will be available. So, Tuesday, May 5th. We our next
meeting, uh, we will have a meeting at 6:30 on May 5th of this board. Um, as traditionally we do before a town meeting. Um, and then the next meeting that we'll have after that is May 11. Um, but after that, we don't have another meeting until June 1. So, Memorial Day caught up. So, we only have
one proper May meeting on May 11. Was there any announcements that I missed acknowledgements? >> Don't think so. >> Okay. So, our first order of business is a reorganization of the board where we select a chair and vice chair and clerk.
>> I nominate uh Shauna Teis to be the chair of the board. >> Second. >> Is there a nomination in a second? Is there discussion? >> All in favor? >> I >> I That's unan. Did you say Did you say I? >> I said I. >> Okay. I couldn't tell.
>> Start off on the wrong foot. That's an I. >> That's unanimous. >> Um, thank you, gentlemen. I appreciate your support. Do we have a nomination for a vice chair? >> Madam Chair, I've served in this
position for some time, but I do think turnover is good and new faces and new ideas. So, with that in mind, I would nominate Jake Mcwigan to be the next vice chair. >> And I will second that. Is there any discussion? >> All in favor? I
>> I opposed. >> That's unanimous. >> Then then we have a hazing ritual which is a new guy gets elected as clerk. >> I nominate Jake Mcwigan. >> Jake, this is this is uh Jake's last
>> I'm passing on. >> Te's passing it on. So um >> are you moving Rick Mundas? >> Yes, I am. >> Second. Is there any >> It is tradition to have the newest member be the clerk. Although we did con we did let him know that Carlo does most
of the work. >> You're welcome. You're welcome. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I think that's unanimous. All right. Thank you very much. Um so now we're moving on to our public hearings. Um, the first public hearing is a request to improve an increase to
the annual parking permit fee at Hicksbridge East and Hicksbridge West from $30 to $40. Um, Chris reminded me that u we actually did vote on this ear at a previous meeting. Um, we voted to increase it to $40, but we there was a
clerical error or there's a misunderstanding. So, you want to explain that? >> Uh, certainly. So, uh, the board did approve this increase at its March 23rd meeting. Uh this came uh as a recommendation from the landing commission. You know, when we went back over the process for a fee increase like
this, it did require that the town uh posted as a public hearing and have a 7-day notice period. Um which we did not do that this past time when it was approved. So, um we did repost it to the agenda with the proper notice period so
the board could reconsider this request. >> Okay. Thank you. We have any discussion? >> Uh Kristen, I don't know how we're going to handle this because I believe this a lot of people can start getting their permits, parking permits prior to
when we did this in March. They could have been doing it in January. So if somebody has already paid $30 for their permit, now >> going to pay 40. How's that going to work? >> Yeah. though when we did discover that um we actually did not go through with changing it with our vendor um where we
process these requests. So uh that that it hasn't been implemented I guess is the long and short of it. >> So those that have already applied are going to >> it's been at the current rate. >> Okay. So now we're going to effective today >> uh well >> well is the current rate $30 or $40?
>> The current rate is $30. >> So anybody who's already purchased it paid $30. >> That's correct. So if we were to vote to change it, it would be anyone after t after we vote >> or if there was a certain date, if it wasn't immediate, if the board implemented it July 1 or a different
date, we would work with our vendor. It won't be instantaneous because it does take some time for our vendor to make the change, but you would work on that >> based on what the board decides. Is the landing is landing commission or is are we dependent on the extra revenue for the $10 extra revenue for anything
specific with respect to budgeting concerns? >> Um so as part of the recommendation was sent over that wasn't made clear to me. >> Okay. >> Um if they were factoring in those increases. Um >> so approximately how long is it going to
take to get the vendor on on board? >> So actually this evening. This is a good question because Paul was here this evening and this was something that we had talked about. Paul, do you have an idea? Is it a week or two weeks or >> I don't think it's longer than two weeks. >> Okay. So, it'd be about two weeks I
would say for that rate to go live for the public. >> So, I just have one a couple more questions. I know you guys I know you and Chris Gonzalez are kind of working on it right now currently and I hopefully it changes the staging or using that landing as a staging area for
construction equipment. Yes. uh for the Hicksbridge project. Uh >> is that going to continue because >> No. So uh I did have a conversation with highway today and they had a conversation with their project team. Um we are asking that they relocate it and their equipment and their materials over
to the here. So >> um we did ask that that be done by the end of day tomorrow. >> Okay. Thank you. >> What's the pleasure of the board? >> I mean my thought is maybe can you do like a June one? So you give people a month to either
they they get their $30 permit. If not, if they're late and it's after Memorial Day, they're June 1, they're going to pay the $40. So, at least there's leeway that that people who bought it at 30 aren't all of a sudden, you know, tomorrow or in a week it ends up being $40.
>> I don't know. That's that's my only thought is it gives the people time or opportunity to at least get it at the $30 rate if there's nothing dependent on that extra $10 increase. >> Is that okay? I don't know. >> Okay. >> I didn't hear a motion in that though.
>> Okay. Uh motion to increase the parking permit for Hicksbridge East and Hicksbridge West $240 um implemented as of June 1. >> A second. >> Do we have any discussion? This is a
public hearing. Is there any comments from the public? >> Seeing none, I think we're ready to vote. All in favor? I um that's unanimous. Thank you. Um the next item we have is renewals of the private
shellfish aquaculture licenses of Ker and Fenelly 117 Cross Road for the 3acre site known as Lease Warf site one and the three site known as East Branch number one. Kristen Fenelly of 2065 Main Road for the 3acre site known as East
Branch 2. Christine Fenelly 658 Old Harbor Road for the 3acre site known as East Branch 3. and this threeacre site known as Lee's Wararf number two. So I believe one of the families is here with us today. >> I am. Most of the women are at lacrosse
tonight. So I uh I'm here with you all. >> Okay. So um are you making any change? This is you currently have this, right? This is currently where you're situated. There's no changes or anything. >> No changes at all. Um this will bring us to 20 years, I believe. um after this
renewal three more years we're at 17 now. So >> great. Do we have any comments or questions? >> No questions for the really the town ministry. Are there people interested in these licenses or is this pretty much uh the only applicant? >> So I'll actually have come have Paul
come up and speak to that. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. So, the licenses come up every 3 years. We have to notify the wait list when it does come up. >> Mhm. >> So, we notify the wait list. No one was interested in these lots. We notified the harbor master. Um there was a public
hearing announcement and um it was advertised and so the applications are in. So, there are no other there's we have a waiting we have seven people on a waiting list >> and um no other nobody else is interested right now. Okay. >> They are interested in staying on the waiting list, but they're not interested
in um these particular parcels. >> That answers my question. >> So, everything's in order. >> So, for my own education, then if one of the weight list members were interested, would that uh enact a bidding process or how would it go from there? >> It would be there's an it would be a
whole application process and at that point it would really be at the board's discretion. um they would just they'd have to interview and we've I've never had anybody else come forward, but that would be I've always been told
that it could be that's why we notify the weight list. So if someone came back and said, "Well, we want it." Then it would be a hit and run game. I assume >> the being a current um license holder,
we have gear on site, we have oysters on site. Um, so it isn't like we've taken everything ashore waiting for this. Uh, we just continue our normal processes. >> That's status quo. >> Yeah. >> Thank you.
>> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> This is a public hearing. Is there any comments from the public? >> All right. Seeing none, all in favor? >> I. That's unanimous. You good luck. >> Thank you. We have a request from Verizon New
England, Inc. and NStar Electric Company doing business as Eversource to install five jointly owned midspan poles on the east side of Horsene Neck Road. >> Welcome back. >> Good afternoon. Good evening. I should
say it's not an afternoon. >> You want to explain what you can you would just introduce yourselves and tell us what you >> Sure. I'm Kate Rugman for the record. Um, and I'm representing Verizon. >> Jessica Elder, thank you again for having me back. Representing Eversource.
>> So, the proposal, um, I believe you probably have it in your packets, but, uh, for the larger audience as well, this proposal is along, um, Horsene Neck Road. It's part of a larger project along that whole road, um, and an ongoing project. There's been other
polls that have been approved, um, as well by this board. This particular application and petition is for five new joint owns all along um as enumerated um on the sketch that was given to the
board um kind of starting near 875 Horseneck Road and then running um northward uh Cross Street. Um and each one is is sort of giving a midspan to the existing pole. Um, and it's marked
out on the sketch as well as in your uh actual uh petition documentation relative to the distances between each. >> So, I couldn't tell on here. I I don't see lot lines on here. Is this like one
continuous um property owner there? It doesn't look like there's homes on this. >> There's particular front here. >> There's five property owners. by Right. But are they on the Oh, here we go. Okay. >> All right. Any questions from the board?
>> This is a public hearing. Is there any comment from the public? >> So, what's the pleasure of the board? >> Madam Chair, move approval of this measure. >> Second. >> Is there any further discussion? >> All in favor?
>> I opposed. So, we have four in favor, one opposed. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> You were gonna get me. >> I'm like, is he gonna is >> I come look at I come just for that. There's one day. >> No question. Question please.
>> I just want to point out while you're standing here or while you're sitting here, the next thing on our agenda is to talk about uh half marathon a race that's going on and we talked about the races and absolutely coordinate. >> We have definitely been in coordination. Matter of fact, uh Anthony has sent me a
bunch of the events. So I know he's been in contact with Chris as well in um with the police department >> and I and Brian too had spoke well emailed back and forth with Carla as well and spoke to exactly every source too. >> Oh yeah. Great. Thank you. >> Yeah. No problem. You're welcome. Have a
good evening. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Um, so the next item we have a request from New England Race Events LLC to hold the horse neck half marathon and three and a half mile run on Sunday, May 17 from 9 to 1 along with a request for a
one-day wine and malt license for the event. So, we did get all the paperwork um in order. We have the police uh recommendation. Um >> and I think this has gone on for
>> few years without >> I move approval of the U permit. >> Second. >> Do you have move approval subject to the police recommendation? >> I thought you said we had a positive. >> We have we have a recommendation for details and stuff. >> Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Um is there any discussion? All in favor? I >> I That's unanimous. >> Um we have a request from the police. The police aren't having anybody come. >> No. >> No. Okay. Um we have a request from police chief Christopher Dunn to reappoint the following members to the
position of full-time police officer effective April 2020 26th. Um just Rick for your information. So the police department um we have to make the initial appointments and then for the first couple years we have to make the appointments and then after that then
the chief does it. Um but these guys are both um already um on the force. So this is just a reappoint. So we have Andrew Silva and Justin Dilva. >> You have a recommendation. >> I move approval. >> Second. >> Recommend approval.
>> Thank you. >> All in favor? >> I. That's unanimous. We have a request from police chief Christopher Dunn to accept the resignation of Kelsey Carvalo effective May 7 and to post the full-time dispatcher E911 position internally and externally
simultaneously. There is a note um in the request that obviously they give internal candidates um higher priority. >> Yes. And we have reached out to the union and the union is okay with us doing that. >> Great. Do you have a recommendation? uh recommend uh acceptance and approval to
post simultaneously. >> Madam, I make that motion for both those items. Second. >> Is there any discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> That's unanimous. Uh we have a request from Cindy Wilson
to accept her resignation from the recreation commission effective April 13. reluctantly make a motion to accept a resignation. >> She's going to be a great loss. Y >> I second that motion.
>> Is there any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. That's unanimous. >> We have a request from Director of Marine Services, Captain Bill Chase. Um to appoint the following members to assistant harbor
master, Alex Ralph, Elizabeth Canine, and Zack Carter. So, good evening everyone. Um, about a month ago, we put out an ad for seasonal help for the uh Marine Services Department
for the summer. And we uh we've come up with four names. Three of them are cadets at Mass Maritime Academy, which is why they're not here tonight. They're in class where they should be. And the fourth individual um is a former member of the
US Coast Guard. Spent 13 years in the service. Uh let me just break them down as in the order that we interviewed them. Uh so Alex Ralph lives over on uh Sodom Road uh with his wife and twin daughters. Uh he was a US Coast Scotsman
for 13 years. Rose to the rank of chief petty officer. Uh he was a very uh impressive young man. um not only uh by the rank that he achieved, but the fact that he uh taught other young Coast Guardsmen uh the way of of the Coast
Guard uh during his uh during his tenure. Um so we're putting his name uh forward. He did tell us, I have to qualify this a little bit. He did say, "I am looking for other avenues post my Coast Guard experience." So we don't
know how long we're going to have them. Um but we'll make the best use of him uh while he's here. Uh Elizabeth Canain was the second one. She is a secondyear cadet at Mass Maritime. Very impressive young lady. Uh she
represents the school and uh a lot of the functions that they have to bring in uh high school students. Um she's a collegiate soccer player and uh in her spare time she tutors uh underassman uh in academics and I think Rick and I were
very impressed by this young lady. Uh the third is Zack Carter. Zach Oh, by the way, Elizabeth lives over on Drift Road. Zack Carter lives on Sodom Road as well. Uh he's a first year cadet at Mass Maritime. He's also uh a lifeguard over
at Horseneck Beach and has been for two years. Uh this young man shows his commitment to community um and just a terrific young kid. So um we're putting those three names out for approval as uh assistant harbor masters for the 2026
season and we hope beyond. >> Thank you. >> I'll move that recommendation. >> Second. >> Is there any um discussion? >> All in favor? All right. >> Hi. And I just want to note um Miss
Canain is our first uh harbor master or assistant harbor master. Her first female. >> Yes, she is. >> Assistant harbor master. >> Yes, she is. >> Welcome aboard. Elizabeth. >> Um any I I think >> any of you know her yet? >> I don't.
>> Wait. Wait. >> Um I think I I think you're also here interested in agenda 5G, the um about the vote ramp. Are you are you do you have a I was going to bump that up in the agenda if you had anything to say. >> Oh, this is the approval of the MOU.
>> Approval of the MOU for the >> Oh, we were just waiting for the whole process to find its way to >> So So if it's okay with the board, I want to bump up 5G. So the 5G is the request to approve the memorandum of un uh MOA >> memorandum of agreement
>> between um DCR and the town of Westport for operating the Westport River boat launch and overflow parking. So Chris, do you want to tell us what that is? >> Uh certainly. So this has been something that works for several months now. Um this is for the boat launch at Sharing Web and the overflow watt that it's
nearby. Um this uh is a state property uh that the town would like to utilize and take advantage of. Um in order to continue to do so, DCR asked that the town enter into a um MOA for the operation of the facility. So uh what
you have in your packet this evening um is the result of several conversations over the last number of months so that we could get um something that was to the benefit of the state and to the town. So, um, the term of this is just about a 5-year agreement. Um, as part of
the proposal, the town would pay 25% of the gross revenue to DCR. Um, so that's what we collect in parking fees less any, um, enforcement fines that we issue. Um, so is in addition to that,
um, the town would charge a $2 charge per vehicle starting in 2027. um with that funding going into the Horses neck beach trust. So um that fund ultimately and the the dollars there ultimately flow back to the town for public safety expenses. So um you know
it's that funding isn't leaving our borders. Um under the agreement the town will be responsible for operating, maintaining and managing the site. Uh we would uh handle the parking system maintenance um and other you know
requirements as needed. So from DCR's piece of it, um you know, they would still uh have to review and approve uh the fee collection and what we send them. Uh there is provisions in there if we wish to terminate the agreement. Um
there's also conditions that are there with regards to insurance requirements uh and liability. You know, what would fall on the state, what would fall in the town um and you know, with that I would recommend approval. >> Thank you. And then you're you're mostly
the one that's going to be enforcing down there, right? Do you have a are you okay? >> Yeah, that's the way it's looking, Madam Chair. But so this whole thing came about um between Rick and Chris Gonzalez. They kind of took a look at the overflow parking lot and said we can really make some improvements here to
make more room for more trailers, so on and so forth, hopefully enhance a little bit of revenue at the same time. Uh but because it's state property, we had to go through the process to get this approved. Um, so Rick and uh Chris are just waiting to get in there as soon as
we have the go. >> Thank you. >> But I think these are these are improvements that are long time coming. >> Any questions or comments? >> I am. >> Of course. Um, so I've been bringing this up numerous times and my concern is that if
we make this a larger parking lot and I haven't gotten a clear understanding as to what the penalties or fines will be for parking in there, um, you know, as a property owner at the end end of Bridge Road, this can become a mess with respect to beach parking, people going
there to park in order to go down to the end end of Bridge Road. And it's my understanding that the fine for parking there is as of right now only $25, which is less than what they charge for an out ofstate plate to go to DCR property. So
my concern is if we give more space, um I just don't know what this enforcement is going to be like. I know we have a town warrant which may increase fines to $200 which I'd love to see in this situation, but I'm just laying it out there now that I have a feeling and it
and many of the members at Baker's Beach would are offenders of this too because they can only get one car in so they go park there and their family walks down and ends up I end up yelling at them anyway. But that doesn't change the fact of, you know, that be if we're
increasing capacity that this could be severely abused by people um who are non-residents, per se. So, it's my concern. I don't know where we're going to go with the enforcement or the fines with that. >> I I don't disagree with any of that, Jake. Um obviously, you make a bigger
parking lot, you're going to draw a bigger crowd. Uh, one thing that will be in place that Rick can speak to is a different method of payment. So, this is all going online which will give us more in the uh field
of enforcement. So, you're basically using the QR code to pay your fee that ends up on the platform that we're using. The police have access to that platform. So, when they drive into the parking lot, they're going to have list of those license plates that have paid and those that have not. So I think the
short answer to your concern is uh enforcement needs to be stronger and more uh robust if you will and I think we are very cognizant of that and just in the past I mean and it's actually a better thing because on Bridge Road
obviously um there was parking up and down Bridge Road which made it almost inaccessible to go up and down that road. So, a lot of surfers go down there, which I don't have an issue with, but that may end up being a problem because they're actually doing the right thing now by going down there and parking. So, um it it's just kind of a
delicate balance that you're going to have to kind of deal with. Uh my only concern with the kiosk, and I've seen that at the DCR property, is first they implemented and they didn't really have good coverage, wireless coverage, and then secondly, getting people to comply with that in a huge parking lot. I mean, I've been told they're lucky if they're
getting 25 or 30% compliance paying for parking when they go to DCR, which used to be the highest revenue generating property in in the Commonwealth. So again, I'm just more concerned about enforcement and what that's going to be, you know, what that'll turn into down there if >> Well, I think just a little bit of
context, uh, Jake, uh, enforcement, um, as of July 2nd last year, uh, the best numbers that Rick and Kevin and I came up with was about 50% of folks that were using uh, the ramp were actually paying for it. So, we instituted uh the little
red cards that they had to once they paid their $5, the little red card ended up on their dash so police could come along and see has he paid or has he not. That was a band-aid basically for us just to get through the season. Now, going into 2026 with this online
platform, I think enforcement will be enhanced through that. >> Anything you want to say about this? This This is Rick's baby. He's not a great >> Oh, so I can blame Rick then. >> You know how it goes? >> Well, like the director said, um, first
of all, Rick and Jake, congratulations on your >> new appointment. Well, um, a new adventure, I guess, huh? Um, but very quickly, uh, like the director said, there's going to be the biggest piece is going to be the cooperative agreement
like we had last year with the Westport Police Department. Um we have a good working relationship with the people over there. Um some of them partner with us on the river um every weekend. They they have a in investment in this now and it add that to better signage,
better understanding of the rules. Um when we get a chance to square that away, which we will very shortly, um we're going to be repainting lines. We're going to be identifying places where vehicles can park signage. It's going to be very This is more organizational than anything to bring
order out of chaos. Um so, you know, I uh I fully believe as the director believes that this is going to be an addition to um our operational procedures down there and how we work through it. So, we're excited about it. But I think that um once people get in
the in the groove and they start to understand what we're doing through signage, through awareness, we'll be able to hopefully um restrict or reduce the problems that you say, Jake. And Jake, I agree. I mean, we I think we all agree
that a $25 parking fine is that's that's a bonus. That's a gift. Um and how we get through that, that's another piece. But um we'll get the mechanism in place and then we take the next step from there. I have a couple questions. So, what's the current um fee to park there? Is
there a fee? You're not launching a boat. >> It was $5. It's going to tend. >> Okay. What's the mechanism for not paying the fee? Cuz like I have parked there before and gone to the restaurant next door. >> Actually, so >> I think he owes us money.
>> Might get his name for you. Um, so the mechanism is if we take a a trip through the parking lot, Rick, and we suspect that there are others that I have to say this much, we will have the same information that the police have. If Rick and I drive through the ramp and
take a look at who's paid, who hasn't, if there are half a dozen who hasn't paid, then a quick call to dispatch, police always gets a response for us. So, they will come down and do the ticketing as we call them. I mean, they've got other things to do for sure. Uh, but I can tell you that every time
we've asked them to come down over the course of last summer, they were there. >> Now, um, it says we have to put an automated kiosk in on January 1st, 2027. Is there What's the cost of the town on that? Do we know? >> You're talking about the $2 per vehicle as
>> No, it says there's a $2 per vehicle fee that goes into the fund and then the the cost to park there, which isn't outlined in the letter of agreement, which I assume isn't going to go up. It's probably going to stay at $5, right? >> It is currently $5. We wanted to make it 10 at the beginning of the season, but
we are implementing this online process. So, that's all going to happen at the same time. >> The kiosk is already going to be in place. It's not >> since January 1st, 202. >> Is the kiosk in? Is the kiosk in already or when is it going to get put in? >> Just there is no kiosk anymore. Um, we
found that that was prohibitively expensive. We found that uh being in in the marine environment that other agencies, other communities have had nothing but problems. So, we're going online much like you see in in the commuter rail lots or the city of New
Bedford and wherever you go where you're going to use a QR code off of the sign with your cell. >> It's a sign with a QR code rather than a kiosk. Is it is the sign installed or when was is it going to be installed? >> Actually, I just uh talked highway department this morning. They have they're in the process of putting them
together. Um, the template is all done. The QR code works. We know that. So, within the next, I'm hoping 10 days, we'll be able to get those up, bag them, do a P promotion, let people know that on X date, it's going to change, and
then have unbag them. >> So, the co the cost of con so there is a cost of producing the sign and but it's done internally in the highway department in their existing budget. >> Right. It's being done. Yes. But you're pointing out, Rick, that the contract says kiosk, right?
>> Contact says we have to have a kiosk in place by January 1st. >> Yeah. So that was something that um you know when the state knew of our intention to move to digital, they added that in there to the agreement. We set it as 2027 um cuz originally I think earlier
conversations was going to be a kiosk which would have had to been ordered. Uh so we put it several months out with the full expectation would be installed long before that. So, um, with it being assigned with a QR code, um, there really shouldn't be any issues
fulfilling that. >> Yeah, it just says automated payment system. So, I think a sign on the QR code does fulfill that requirement. >> Yes, it does. >> Um, my other question is, so the $5 fee plus a $2 charge and then we are on the hook of paying them 25% of all gross and
on the hook for all upkeep, maintenance, and um, >> improvements, >> which has always been the case. So, we're currently on the hook for all upgrades, maintenance, and improvements. >> Yes, that that hasn't changed, Rick. That's always been the case between that's always been the agreement between the state and the town.
>> Uh, I will note just with the search charge, um, that is something that when the time comes, as we get closer, um, you know, we would put a hearing on that to implement that um, that fee increase so that we can be compliant with what's here in the agreement, that search
charge. One more question. >> I don't The only hiccup I got is like I don't think financially we're going to come out ahead on this deal, but I think it's a nice benefit for the members of the town. The problem I see is like once everybody finds out it's $25 fine to park there. Like when Cherry Web parking
lot gets full, you just park there and walk to Cherry and Web or shuttle over and then just pay the $25 fine, which is cheaper than a beach pass. >> Yeah. >> Or if you live in Fall River in New Bedford, you're just going to park there so you don't have to park a horse neck like it's gonna >> Welcome. Welcome. Welcome to the selective board park. >> I think they need to raise the fine. Raise the fine. make it like a $250
fine. >> Wait, >> raising the fine and the parking violation fine. Yeah. >> And Madam Chair, just a question. So, currently it's only $5 to park there for a day, >> correct? And when we initiate the program, it's going to go to 10 when we
initiate the um the QR codes, which will be >> before the season, >> before Memorial Day, >> but it's still a 10. Now, you're saying there's a QR code. Now, I know a lot of guys who, especially in my professional industry, that are older gentlemen that
probably don't have a phone to use a QR code. And I'll use myself as example. That's a 13-year-old Blackberry that I cannot take picture of a QR code. So, when somebody gets down there with their boat who may not be a Westport resident and aware of that and wants to spend, you know, goes down there at 6:00 a.m.
to get an early spot and it's a QR code, are there any other options for him besides just actually he may just park and say, "Give me the 25 bucks. Who cares?" But no, to answer to be perfectly blunt, no, there are no other options because this is 2026.
But what we do have and we exercise judiciously is discretion. So, the few members that are out there that don't have phones and own boats um and don't have credit cards and own boats um if
they get a ticket, we're more than happy to work with them on the abatement of that ticket. And um those numbers are so few um they're minimal. Um and we know where you live too, Jake, so we can straighten you out. But realistically, um, you know, we are aware of that and
we're prepared for that and we've talked with Chief Dunn about that. Um, and it will happen. So, you know, stuff happens. We will get it we'll get it cleared up. I just have one last question, Madam Chief. >> Oh, yeah. Go ahead. Well, Paula seems like she has interesting content for us. >> Do you have
>> uh my last comment was in the past everyone tried to push for if it's a vehicle with a trailer. Um, that's all that you can't make that as a requirement to park there because of course you can launch kayaks and if you have a a roof rack or anything like
that, but if you see 30 passenger vehicles in there, none of them with roof racks, they could be guests of Boers, too. So, how are you going to address that situation when you may think they're a guest of a boater when they're also just walking down the end of Bridge Street and going to
Horseneck on unguarded waters and creating an issue for both Horsene neck and Bakers? >> It's a great question. Um that's an enforcement issue and that's a discretion issue on the hands on the side of police officers. But we're going to have we have adequate signage down
there that are perfectly clear. So that if there's a vehicle in there that doesn't have trailer doesn't and it does say trailers only. >> Um doesn't have a roof rack for kayak. >> It does say trailers only. >> It does say trailers only. um then they'll probably get a ticket
and if that becomes something that should be abated or should be looked at or appealed then so be it. Um it is what it is. But that doesn't happen that often and we're going with the masses. We're going with the numbers and um
really in any parking scenario you have to go with the masses and you have to go what's going to benefit the numbers and and the larger number of the population. So is it foolproof? Absolutely not. But it's the best system we can come up with right now. >> I would be 100% behind the plan if the
if it was a $200 or $250 ticket. >> That's where that's where I'm having my issue in the >> I'm actually in total agreement here. >> It's that's not on the agenda. >> Well, so >> and I don't think I can speak for the director. I don't think we >> and I spoken to Chris on this. I don't know what are the the mechanisms to do
that. So my understanding is similar to the feet of park there any enforcement fines would be under the discretion of the board select board. >> Um right >> now >> so um that's something I can obviously confirm with the chief and obviously I
know from an enforcement standpoint I would want to make sure that he's aware and in concurrence with that but >> let's put that on the May 11 agenda. Can you find out the process for increasing the Absolutely. And I think that would be >> the town meeting warrant has a increase
in the landing correct fees, right? Correct. This is not a land. This is a different landing. It's not the same. >> So depending on Yeah. So depending on who oversees some of the fees are set through town meeting, some are policies set at the board level. >> Right. So, can you can you for that May
11 then be prepared talk about the process for changing the fines for for this particular area and then remind us in that meeting what the fines are for um the landing overnight the parking at the landing and then the parking at
beach violations of the parking at the beach. I I I would also like to see a comparative analysis of some of the other communities, what they what what the what the fines are and charges are because that would make it be based on
some sort of comparative research. M >> I can tell you this, Mr. Dutra, everything that Westport charges is less than every >> I know that. So that I was thinking that was going to make a case for it as opposed to >> because the other problem is the other problem that we always have is that
outofstate parking at Harneck is >> more expensive than the fee the ticket. Um so that's >> I know I get a I get a beach pass from my family to go park at the town beach and I can never park there because it's totally full withouters. >> Yes. >> Madam Chair, this might be off topic for just real quick.
Does Cherry and Web fall under a town landing where that where what we're doing at annual meeting will be enforcement on that or no? >> No. >> So that Cherry and Web parking is still $25 as well. >> It's 50. I think we recently
>> 50. Okay. >> Yeah, I believe so. >> The the the parking lot at Gooseberry is the landing. >> Yeah. >> Or not the one on Gooseberry is DCR. Correct. The one on this side of the causeway. Uh the one on this side of the gooseberry cosm that's a landing.
>> I mean I think that's something everyone in town can get behind because they're live in Westport for a reason. And if you made that a $200 ticket at Cherry and Web and this landing, >> I think every resident because they have the opportunity the residents to come in here and appeal it and talk to either Cara or Paula. Um but you know they see
the abuses and just like Rick said when they go down there they don't have a parking spot and >> Yeah. you know. So uh Paula you had >> there is a in past practice they've tried to or they've looked into raising the parking ticket for cherry web and it's regulated
somehow. We would have to look into it more. It's it's regulated. We've been told that we were told that by the previous chief. Um as far as the tickets down at the boat ramp it's it's not few and far between. It was many last year
that the I wear the hat of the parking clerk now um were waved because of the 4 a.m. like the 4 a.m. fishermen that are going out there and they're calling me and they're coming in to our to our office soaking wet because they've just come off the boat and we didn't know about
this and we we can't do this and um we a lot of tickets avoided last year a lot. So I I I still think there has to be some sort of manual way to do it. Also, I don't know. I mean, it's not my pervy,
but it's not it's not as little as you think. It it was a lot. And >> to to Paula's point, um last year was a transition. Um people a lot of people didn't even know about the annual
passile now and being the transition year. I can only imagine um going forward we're doing a better job. I think we're doing a I know we're doing a better job with signage with notification with sharing with the public on our websites of what's really
happening. Hopefully that's going to reduce those numbers for you. Um last year was it was tough. I mean it was tough. Is the sign going to be lighted? Like, will there be a light on top of the sign so that the 4:00 a.m. fisherman can see that when they pull in?
>> Unless it's divine intervention. No, >> no, there won't be. What we're going to do is >> put like a solar light on something >> around even though the lot the lot is lighted. We're going to four or five spots around the ramp area and then as well in the
overflow which is the spotlights there as well. All right. So, we're going to address the fines at the May 11, we're at least find out the process on the May 11th meeting and um the uh but the what what's before us right now is the approval of the memorandum of agreement
between DCR and the town of Westport. Are there any other comments on that? >> Just one note for the um the 11th. Did you want me to come to the meeting with the comparables done and have us post as a hearing so the board can make a decision on the 11th or did you want to deliberate? I know that you have town
meeting coming up. So I if you can I would say yes, we would like to do that because you'd want to implement if we're going to change the if we're going to change it, we'd want to do that before the season hits. Y >> but also I'm respectful of the idea that town meeting is a lot of work and next week is going to be pretty busy.
>> We'll do the best we can. >> Do what you can. >> All right. Anything else? Do what's the pleasure of the board on this? >> Madam Chair, before we vote, I'm going to recuse myself. Um >> Okay. Okay. >> Obviously, as a neighboring business owner. >> Okay. >> I address my concerns, but I'm just not
going to vote. >> I'll I'll move approval. >> Second. >> Is there any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> I >> I Any opposed? Okay. So, that's four in favor and one abst can I add one other comment, Madam Chair?
>> Jake, your concerns are well noted. I think all the discussions that Rick and I have had about this whole transition always come back to Bridge Road and Bigger Beach and you in general because you brought this up right when we started back in July. So,
we're always very cognizant of that fact. And I would add one more thing. Some of these youngsters that I mentioned for approval uh will be there looking this way. >> I I appreciate Sorry, Madam Chair. I I appreciate that. I you know and I and I think my concern is I know some of our
members abuse that they're they're also the ones that want to have the whole family at the beach and can't fit turn their Yukon into a clown car of 13 people. So they park down at the boat ramp and they walk down and meet their family. So I think you know we're some
of the members at our property are probably offenders as well. So, >> so, um, I don't have a vote, but I do follow you on social media, and I understand that waterways fees are due. You want to talk about that while you're here? >> Yeah, they are due. Um, we've had, um, I
think we've taken in to date, we're approaching $90,000 um, in waterways, use fees. This is slip fees and moing fees combined. Uh, last year we took in about $143,000.
Uh we have a new fee structure that all of you approved back in October if memory serves. Uh part of that included um a $100 non-resident fee. Uh as of last Wednesday, we had taken in $11,900
from non-residents to add to the kitty. Um, so we do have um a late fee uh for all of those who decide to procrastinate uh because Rick and I were processing these paper applications up until
December of last year and it's like come on man, you know, I mean at some point you got to say this is the cut off date after that there's a consequence to it because we can't be processing this stuff all year long. So, we started it off um the introductory letter that was
sent out to everyone has May 1st as the cuto off date. So, if you're later than May 1st, you're going to get dinged for $100. However, Alli's advice, Al is the liaison to this department from Fincom. He said that
might be just a little too aggressive or you might want to put that off a month, especially for the first year. This is a transition year to all of this. Uh but I would say this much. It's it's going pretty well, Madam Chair. Uh a little over 40% and it's still the 27th of
April. Uh so I think we are well ahead of the curve. Uh but I think the proof is in the pudding. Uh are we going to have x percentage of procrastinators again or will they get the message? >> Okay. But if you're watching and you haven't paid your waterways fee, they're due this week.
>> Yes, they are. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Oh, you want to do safe boating week this? Okay, go ahead. >> If I can, um, we aside from all the collection of money and whatnot, there's one thing that's that that is consistent within
the marine services, and that's safety, bo safety. Um, the new people that are going to be helping us out this summer, they're devoted to that. We've made that perfectly clear that that's part of their mission. Um, and that's our operational procedure. May 16th to the
26th of this year, which is the week leading into Memorial Day weekend is National Safe Boating Week. Um, and with that comes, as all of these programs do, comes with a number of PSAs, a number of uh daily updates, wear your life jacket,
how to wear your life jacket, where to buy your life jacket, alcohol and boating, enforcement, safe boating, all that stuff. So what we are planning on doing um is moving forward with the safe voting campaign um on social media as
well as through the town. Part of that and I would hope that um I get your agreement on that is that we put out a proclamation that you put out proclamation that um 16th to the 22nd of May is in fact safe voting week and I
will provide all the documentation that you'll need and the toolkit that would needed by the town. Okay. >> In addition to what we're going to do. >> So we'll put that on the May 11th agenda. Then >> correct me if I'm wrong, but they just changed the law this year for operating a boat. You have to get a license this year.
>> Yes. Well, you're not wrong. Um, it has changed and there's two stages to it. Um, Massachusetts is one of the few, if not the last, one of the last, that requires a voting certificate. Um, which basically is a credit card. Um, if you
were born before 1989, um, you are exempted until 2028. If you were born after 1989, you have in according to the statute, you have to have your voting
certificate by April 1 of this year. Um the director and I have been holding classes in town for people. Um right now we really can't do it because of we're going into the summer. We'll continue in the fall. So I have a feeling that um
most people here may apply. may be in the 2028 group. Um, I'm going to take a guess at that. But nonetheless, the our thing will be that when we're on the water on the river and out front within the confines of the waterways of the
town, we're going to be stopping people and just advising them of the what's going on and how it is and to tell them that we're going to be having courses. Um, we think the courses are good. We know the courses are good. A lot of it has to do with jet skis and
a lot of it is awareness. So um is there a fine part for it? Yes, it's under Mass General laws um under chapter 130 I think it is. But that's going to change as well before 2028 it's going to change. Um it's already changed many
times. So I have a feeling that you don't have to worry 2028. So >> Well, thank you gentlemen. I know I I didn't realize when I took this out of order how long the conversation is going to be. So, I appreciate the indulgence for everybody else. >> Oh, you should know us by
>> I should have known. >> But thank you very much. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So, now we're back up to 4E. We have a request from the senior services director, Beverly Bish, to appoint Joel Valentine, to the part-time position in the transportation department as a van
driver. >> Welcome, Beverly. Hi. >> And you must be >> Good evening everybody. >> Joel Joel Valentine. >> Um Joel has been completing all some of his trainings already. He's already CPR trained. Um defensive drive-in trained.
Um he came to us when I posted the ad. He has worked um uh in Connecticut and of assisted living and driving. Um so he comes with some very good credentials. Um and um I'll leave it to Joel
>> just to if anybody has any questions or >> can you just remind us how the position is funded? >> It's funded through part of it is with the town. Uh the drivers get paid a certain amount and the town picks up um a percentage of it and transportation
revolving formula grant gifts and donations many other other ways that we pay for it. And then you mentioned you mentioned in your letter that we were recently awarded another grant, a $30,000 grant to support transportation. >> We were uh Department of Transportation
um the SERA SERTA agency, which is the Southeastern Regional Transit Authority, um up until this year did not give operational funds. It only gave funds for for grant funds for vans. We're getting a new van in uh June of this year, which I got last year. um was
awarded the grant. So, I did apply um for I applied for 75,000 because it's for a year and a half. And um I only got 30,000 out of that, but that's because um DOT received 14,000, sorry, 14,400,000
worth of applications for grants and they had 5 million to spend. So, that just tells you how much is out there for transportation, how much need is out there for transportation. So, I did get that grant, which is good. And just a little information, last year's um expense for the full transportation
program for all the expenses, all of the drivers, my transportation clerk, the oil, the gas, the repairs was $125,000. And last year, we took in I want to say $123,000. So, we're only a few thousand dollar short, which is good because there's
been years where we've been $20,000 short or 6,000 or 8,000, excuse me. So, I did get a I did have a grant last year from personal services for 19,500. Um, along with some other things. We have increased fees a little bit since January. Um, so my ARW grant uh is
paying a little bit more for transportation. Um, we increase increased the fees from $5 one way to 750 one way. It's not a big increase, but it's it's enough um to to fill some more uh put some more money in the transportation revolving account. So,
but Joel came to us. Um he saw the ad, he applied, he came in. Um he's got great credentials. I got good references. Um obviously Cory passed and everything else. He's got a good driving record. Um and I have to tell you, this
is a perfect week for him to start because >> I have a couple classes still to go over. Yeah. because I had one driver go out with a um uh a >> quadruple >> cardiac issues or quadruple bypass.
>> So, he's out for three months. My second driver on Saturday decided to climb a ladder and he fell. One of my drivers. >> No, no climbing ladders, Joel. >> No, no, no, no, no. >> And uh uh broken pelvis and three
fractured ribs. So, we're so short staffed right now. I'll probably be driving this week. So, just so people know, I've done all the trainings before. Um, but we're welcome Joel. Um, great find and I think um um he's going to do very well with us and I appreciate
I appreciate the fact that he's already started the training. So, he's already CPR. Like I said, uh he's doing another training Wednesday and Friday this week, right? >> So, the only thing we need is the wheelchair securement. And I'm seeing if I can't get it in, but I have one of my drivers who's a train the trainer and I'm going to have her train him. Chris,
do you have a recommendation? >> Recommend appointment. >> Some moved. Second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? I >> I. That's unanimous. Welcome aboard. >> Thank you very much. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you, >> Beverly. That was all you. I know we
have a I know we have the job posting on here, but that's not >> that's not really. >> Thank you. >> But I'm gonna stay and listen. Okay. I think we will >> um this one so F just reminded me that we
didn't um so the the posting for F is the SERID commission's appointment form um for a select board representative but in the reorganization of the board we've I forgot um that we need to look at the committee appointments again so can we
put that on for next week so whatever um Mr. Sors was on And can you just prepare a list for um like all of our appointments of who's the select board representative to the various committees and if we want to switch up any committees, we can do that at the next meeting.
>> Absolutely. You can do that. >> Totally forgot about that. Okay. So this one is um the serpent commission appointment form for the select board representative. >> Are you Dick? Are you our current? >> No, Manny. Manny was the >> Manny was the serpent representative. Okay. So does anybody want to be the serpent representative?
Everybody, >> everyone know. >> Madam Chair, if nobody else is interested, I will gladly serve. >> We appreciate that, Mr. Brewer. >> Not that I'm going to have spare time. >> All right. So, I do I hear a motion to appoint Dick Brewer? >> So moved. >> Second. >> Any discussion?
>> All in favor? >> I >> I That's unanimous. Thank you, Dick. >> My pleasure. Um then we have a it says serpe but it's sed uh joint transportation planning group um appointment form for 2026 and 2027. So
our joint transportation planning group we have um Michael Burus who I believe is currently >> so Michael is currently the alternate and this was one of the um assignments that I was charged with when I first came on. I know the board as part of my initial discussion with the appointment
said take a look at what I'm involved in and see um if someone else better served may be on any of these boards and committees. So Michael sits as the alternate and uh because this is a transportation group uh and our highway department is very involved has stepped
up to take that alternate role. So um >> so we we've moved Mike to rep into being the representative replacing you. >> Yes. and Austin will be the the new alternate. >> That's correct. >> So moved. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion?
>> All in favor? >> I >> I. That's unanimous. >> We have a request from Dana Stewart. >> Um the request from the recreation director, Dana Stewart, to hang a banner advertising the Westport summer concert series. >> Hello. Good evening.
>> Hello. Welcome. Thank you. Um, yes. Uh, we have hung this banner before in past years. Um, we did receive the Helen Ellis grant through the Westport Cultural Council to do our, uh, Westport summer concert series again this year. The concert series, um, will start on,
uh, Thursday, July 2nd, uh, with a, uh, America 250 concert. Um, I'm hoping to get a military band. I've submitted the application. I'm hoping to hear back. um they said they let people know two months before the date of when it happens. So fingers crossed. Um if not,
we'll still do a celebration with a band. It would just be a backup plan. Um but we are going to kind of kick it off with that. And then every Thursday um through the month of July and August, we're going to have different bands um that will entertain the public.
>> And you've been doing this for a few years now. >> Yes. Yes. And it's always a fun time. Lots of people come out. It's um good for families, all ages, and just kind of is a nice way to bring the community together. It was actually started during COVID when we all had to socialize
outside. So um now it's still nice to do that in the summer months. >> What military band did you try and get? >> Um so I believe it's Newport um and I filled out the application online. I we um emails have been exchanged um and so they said that yep, we'll let you know.
That's all I got. >> Talk to me offline. I might have some help. >> Okay. Thank you very much. >> In second. >> All right. It was the pleasure of the board. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> You do know that we're having to poor Carla is having to coordinate all these
>> requests. I I do understand that. And um so because it's July through August, we can do like anytime mid to end June, you know, right at the start of July into um like end of August or beginning of September, whatever works. Yeah. Yeah. That's fine. >> All right. So, we have a motion to
second. Is there any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. That's unanimous. >> We also have a request from Dana Stewart to approve the job postings for seasonal part-time lifeguards and camp counselors. >> Um yes. Um we all of our um lifeguards
have said they wanted to come back. We had one that then changed their mind because they had another job opportunity. Um so we have one spot to fill. So um that's why we already have some people who've turned in resumes. we just kind of have to officially post the
job. And then also with our uh camp counselors for the summer, I also have a lot of returning camp counselors. Um but again, we're going to have to supplement here and there. So, we're going to post that as well. >> Chris, do you have a recommendation? >> Uh recommend approving the job posting.
>> Thank you. >> M to approve. >> Second. >> Any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I. That's unanimous. Anything else you want to talk to us? Um yeah, I just would um earlier in the meeting um you all accepted the resignation of Cindy Wilson. I just wanted to say publicly um
that we thank her for her service. She was with our recreation commission for three years. Um and she was a big help in researching local playgrounds and different designs and things of that nature. Um and so now um we are we uh you know installing our new playground
at B Centennial Park. Um progress is going well. I think the community is getting excited about it. We're seeing it go up. Um so we're very happy that's happening. Um other than that, um we just finished a wonderful spring break nature camp um in partnership with Westport Land Conservation Trust. It was
full uh with a weight list, so that was nice. Um and then we have pickleball lessons for adults. We have um tennis lessons for kids and all sorts of other programs happening and summer camps coming up. So I'm planning for that. just visit our website westportwrec.com
>> and and do you have a date for the the new playgrounds? >> So um it's all dependent on weather um with pouring in the rubberized surfacing. Um so my and also we're waiting on cement pavers to be inputed around the um perimeter of it and then
the rubberized surfacing. Um so right now the estimate is possibly June. Um it depends on how long it takes to cure. And then fencing. We're going to be getting new fencing as well as the highway department is going to be helping us with creating a paved path
around the perimeter of the park as well as intersecting through the middle of the park. Um, and we're also going to have to move the flag pole um probably to a more pro prominent space maybe toward um the middle of the park um because right now with if we did a paved
path it would be right in the way. So we're ma making those improvements too. That being said, I'm not yet sure um you know when the playground be ready versus those other things happening. So, some of that will be determined.
>> Hopefully this summer though. >> Hopefully this summer. Yes, >> it will. >> All right. Thank you. Anything else, Vina? What we have? >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Um we have a request from highway surveyor Chris Gonzolves to execute a mass DOT contract for Sanford Road
pedestrian and roadway safety improvements. Do you want to tell us about this for us? >> Sure. So, as the board recalls, uh, the town received a grant through the complete streets program for $499,800. This is for the Sanford Road pedestrian
and roadway safety improvement project. Um, the project will provide new sidewalks, curbs, ramps, crosswalks, and new signage. you know, on that segment. Um, in packet this evening, uh, I have the contract from Mass DOT. It requires
the signature of, uh, you Shauna, the board chair. Um, and so the request this evening is authorization to sign that grant agreement. >> And do you have recommendation? >> Uh, recommend approval. >> So moved. Second. >> Is there any discussion?
>> All in favor? >> I. That's unanimous. We have a request from the economic development task force. Yes. >> Thank you for your patience, my uh this is vice chair my May to authorize the 2026 farmers markets and to hang a promotional banner.
>> Yes. Good evening. Good evening everybody. Um the economic development task force is proud to sponsor for the 11th consecutive year of the farmers markets. We actually got through the year of 2020, the COVID year, uh, with a list of requirements of, you know, like
20 from the from the governor, but we have, uh, have an unbroken record now for for 11 years. What I'd like to do is get your authorization for the farmers markets. Uh, we are pretty much sticking to last year's schedule. That'll be 20 summer markets starting May 30th and
ending October 10th. and we'll have five winter markets that go for two Saturdays before Thanksgiving, skipping Thanksgiving weekend, and then we'll have three in December. The one deviation from that schedule will be uh the fact that July 4th is a Saturday.
So, there's going to be a parade and main roads going to be blocked. So, we plan to have a farmers market the day before on Friday the 3 uh from 2:00 to 5:00 pm. And all this has been arranged with uh with Dana uh because uh we we do rent
the bathrooms from the annex um um gymnasium uh for $50 a day. That's $1,000 for the summer markets. And we also pay 875 for the winter market. So we actually from vendor fees do support the recreation commission to the tune of
$1,875 a year. The second thing is the overhead banner. I know there's going to be a uh sort of like collusion course because you you guys keep authorizing them, >> but uh you know I've worked with the U
highway department over the the summers and I guess Carly, you are also going to be in charge of of I really request that we get our summer market banner up between uh about the 15th of May to the 30th uh because those are the two weeks before our first market and then it can
be off and on during the the rest of the rest of the summer. And I do want to make one recommendation. I have worked with one other banner and recommended that uh you do, you know, a 20- foot long banner which is 30 in high and the highway department can can hang two of
them parallel and they do a beautiful job if you have two banners of the same size. So that's one way of uh increasing the visibility for the events uh over the summer and I recommend that. And um you know we can we can talk about that
as we go forward. So the recreation commission has um arranged the facilities and for one more year we have uh a grant from the uh Helen Ellis Trust through the Westport Cultural Council. It's a $3,000 grant for music at the
markets. It's a very popular program that we have and we feel it really does help to draw in customers to the market. So I'm asking basically for two approvals for the the markets 25 markets and hanging the banner again.
>> Right. Thank you. >> Motion to approve. >> Second. >> Any discussion? All in favor? >> I wait. Uh >> oh. >> Um hi Dana Stewart. Uh recreation department. I just had a question about
um so um do the vendor because the vendors often call my department. Um, is there a fee to that you all charge the vendors to have a table out there? >> Is there a fee for for vendors? >> The people selling their goods at the farmers market? >> Yes. It's um it's $25 a market,
but if you sign up for 10 markets, there's a break point. It goes down a little bit. If you sign up for say all 20 markets in the summer, there's even another break point. >> And then who is the main contact? If new vendors try and contact me, who should I direct them to? >> So, Ben and Hannah Wal. >> Okay. I just want to make sure because that's what I've been doing.
>> And um the key there is to try to get Hannah in the morning because she seems to be doing a lot of the the paperwork and she's very accessible in the mornings. >> Okay. And is there a way that you advertise um you know your need for vendors or how does that work? We um when I was doing the you know when I was
the market manager I really went out and recruited vendors but they they are you know in the business of of they are farmers and they're in contact with farmers and and with vendors >> just >> and with musicians for that matter. >> Yeah. Just asking again because
sometimes they'll call my department. So um I would just maybe recommend or suggest like you know just a simple advertisement of how to >> you should call Ben & How. >> Okay. I'll chat with him. All right. Thank you. >> Okie do. >> I think we did vote, but let's vote again. All in favor? >> I. That's unanimous.
>> Okay. Thank you very much. Congratulations, RI. >> Thank you. >> We have a request from the Shalup Planning Committee uh to approve a commemoration revolution 250 event at the Bakuck Inn on August 15 and 16 from
11 to 3. >> Okay. There you go. >> Welcome ladies. Thank you for having us back and congratulations, Rick. >> Thank you. >> Um, and I also have great news to tell you. We're going to resend our request for a banner.
>> I thought the more banners the better. I'm all about a banner. >> They thought we would just feel like it makes life a little easier. Um, now we actually decided and there was a lot of advice from different people that the banner across Main Road only gives visibility that are driving on Main Road. And this is a much bigger event.
So, we're going to ask if we could perhaps use the corners on 88 and the main road intersections where they would get much more visibility throughout town. >> The the intersections on 88 are not under the jurisdiction of so >> well, >> as you might have seen in the previous
campaign season, that didn't seem to stop people from putting signs there. >> I wouldn't do that. The vein road intersections would be okay. the uh >> like you know at the top of Hicksbridge where there are quite a few at Handy Hill on the corner and
>> on the on the Westport roadway. >> Yeah, the Yeah, correct. Okay. Can I say something? Sure. So, I wanted to say that um I'm the co-chair of the committee and it's a very large committee and it in has people from uh Dartmouth uh Nantucket Cuddy Hunk and
Westport. So, we've assigned captains for each town and Gay is the captain. So Gay is going to be handling all of this. Just wanted you to know that. >> Thanks. >> She told me that you were you were transitioning >> transitioning.
>> So um so you all were here before and talked about the event and we had some questions about we were trying to understand um the layout of where things were. Yeah, you that's a nice little map >> and I have just had it revised because I spent Saturday morning with Lieutenant
Melo going over what he his recommendations are which are now before you. Um I also wanted to say in your packet the names of all the people that are involved in the committee I think we sent to you in your packet from Dartmouth Cuddy Hunk Nantucket just so
you have that. So to walk through the map, um, as you come up 88 and you want to go up hotel hill, he is recommending that the police put their electronic messaging sign saying parking straight ahead directly across from the lower
drift road as you're going up hotel hill. >> Mhm. And then going straight up to the top of the hill, we would have a parking sign with an arrow going to the right because 1839 is the large parking field that he has approved. He said there's
plenty of space there for people. We would have another parking um sign on the other side of that directing people into the parking lot coming south on Main Road. The police officer he's recommending should be stationed down by the church
in the beginning of Lower Drift Road so that if people are coming up and around, he can direct them in either direction back around at the parking lot. And he also suggested another yard sign on that lawn right across from the church, which would not be a problem getting
permission. Um, in the event that it's slow and the police officer wants to walk down Main Road, the parking is slowed down. people will still be directed to the right at that point. The shuttle bus that we have um both days
with the Grace the um we're grateful to Bev and the COA >> COA are might be driving it. >> She'll be doing it. >> She might very well be >> your Saturday. So they'll be picking up people up at
1839, driving down around the loop at the end of the street and depositing people at the driveway at the end so that they get off the bus, they're going directly into the Pacqu. So that is our layout. And as far as the
rest of where the boats are being located, Bill Chase is working very closely with um Whit Perry who's coming from the Mayflower with the shallop. They're going to be doing an on-site soon to discuss the best location for the boat
>> with safety in mind as well. >> I think you've heard from Bill Chase, did he? He he Yes. And also Okay. >> Yeah. He sent a recommendation that he says he's been working closely with you all. >> Very closely. >> Yeah. Um Okay.
>> One other thing, volunteer parking, I have at the very bottom. I'm in the works with the butter of that who owns all those garages and the large parking area there. Um we will be meeting and I'm I'm hoping she will approve us putting volunteer parking there and
possibly overflow handicap. Is there going to be follow-on requests for food vendors and uh alcohol licenses or anything like that? >> No. No. This is a good question though. No, we've decided we're not going to do food. Uh the um oyster bar is right there. They provide food. We are going
to be working with the point church is doing a fundraiser to restore Howland Hall. And they are offering to come down and bring cookies and lemonade or iced tea, that sort of thing. That's it. And they'll provide their own permits. The liquor license at the inn is going to if anybody has a drink but not on our watch
necessarily it would be their choice that she has a liquor license and liquor liability. >> I just see the potential for tourists this summer coming to that and expecting it to be a much more massive event because there's a potential for it to be something very large.
>> Yeah. I think people think that the the shallop itself is not like a tall >> I know it's a small little boat but >> but and of obviously they're hoping for a lot of people to come down. Yeah. I think there people might think it's going to be like a lot of activities and stuff, but there's it's not there's >> And it's over two days.
>> Yeah. >> So, eight hours. >> Yeah. It's 11 to three each day. It's not like a huge >> I I just imagine tourists coming to a quaint little cute New England town and going down to Westport Point this cute little fishing village and having the shallop coming and they're probably going to be like mob with tourists is my
expectation. >> There's always a mob there. >> It's a good thing. It's a good thing. I'm just saying that >> there's always a mob. There's opportunities there. >> I do want to point out then the police department recommendation that you didn't say. So um there was some discussion about closing the road to traffic. The police did not recommend that. No, the police um it's it's a
public roadway and so the road's going to stay open. We're just going to make sure try to >> the visitor between the volunteers and the police. We're going to try to encourage the visitors to be parking up at that other lot. So >> correct.
>> Okay. Are there any other questions? Just one. Yep. >> I appreciate you getting this map. I know I asked for it before. Just a little bit more detail. So, I appreciate this because I think the biggest concern that a few people brought up to me is obviously parking and traffic at the point, but I think having that detail police officer directing or you know
turning people around or sending them back the other way because if you have them on lower drift, you send them back around almost in a circle. So, um because a few of the commercial fishermen had concerns about their parking. So, I appreciate you getting this and having a detail. I think that'll probably make it very smooth. I also will add that when I talked to
Lieutenant Melo, I asked him about a second detail down at the point itself and he said that really he was fine with the one when we know where the boats are going to be located because we've got the shallop which is only was it 26 feet and then 33t
>> 33 feet and then we've got the um sardine carrier which is absolutely stunningly beautiful. >> 70 feet >> 70 feet. And if we can get them both down there, they're both going to probably have to be on one of the larger docks. So that may require an additional
police duty, but we'll be prepared for that. In the meanwhile, we are going to have lots of volunteers. >> The neighborhood association is volunteered. Quite a few people are asking. >> They'll be in bright yellow shirts, you know, so they'll be very >> You can park them at the boat ramp and
just shuttle them over. >> The shuttle won't be going over the bridge. the the shallop will be coming in the day before in the afternoon. We hope to have a flotilla. I guess Bill's talked about that. >> He's gonna have a >> He's going two boats there to help
>> bring it in. And weather is very important. >> Weather always. >> We have to deal with the tides. So, they're planning on coming in at the right tides and where they park depends upon whether there's water at the
particular place. We before thought we would do it at the pack with Chuckuk, but it would have been on the bottom. So, they not going to probably do it the whole time there for sure. >> So, Chris is the what's the appropriate motion? Are you approving the event
subject to police recommendation or >> so I think just based on the conversation um you know they have gone through and coordinated you know with our various departments accordingly the majority event is taking place on
private property um you know I would recommend approval just in the sense that they did also ask sign request on county property so I think we can that the board chooses. So, um, yeah, recommendation for approval.
>> I just want to make sure we get the motion like whatever we need. >> We are in contact with the landing commission, so we would be seeing them. >> Yeah, >> but it's not on the landing. Anyway, >> well, maybe our best bet is word the
motion to approve the plan as submitted with the understanding that any modifications to the plan that may occur between now and August will be communicated back to the board by our leazison as well as by the police.
So if we we start seeing some logistical problems or anything else as as we go along or um we we would be able to make an adjustment including you know they may take a look at what what do the boats and the sardine ship at 70 ft and
then suddenly say geeesh we get we might have to make an adjustment here. So, um I think that would that would do that >> second. Was that the motion? >> Yes, I moved. I moved. >> Did you get that, >> Carla? I don't make it look good. And
that's fine. >> All right. Uh any further discussion? >> All in favor? >> I Yes, you did. >> Thank you. Thank you very much. Um I just wanted another plug for I said at the beginning, but you weren't here. The Abner Brownell Oh. Um,
>> I don't know if any of you guys have any >> the Paul River, >> the Paul the Abnner Marino ride on April 30th. Do we have it? Do we know what will happen if it rains? >> I have no idea. >> You have to talk with Irene Buck about Irene Buck about that. >> Okay, so Thursday, April 30th,
>> but I'm sure that it was cold when he ran when she ran. Now it's a she who's going to be a he, but um >> Okay. >> If it rains, it should be all right. >> All right. Thank you, ladies. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Because the weather will be worse than
it was today. >> Well, today was beautiful. >> Uh we have a request to approve the director of senior services job description and authorize the posting. So, um on our last meeting, we had the
because there's two copies of this in our in our packet. to the last meeting on 47. We had a job description and then we tasked you with going to the personnel board and the uh council on aging. Um I think they made some minor amendments.
>> Yes. >> And then did the personnel board um classify it? >> They did. So uh in your packet you have two. So you have the one that the board reviewed back at the last meeting as well as the updated one with today's date. Um after review, the personnel
board did reclassify as a grade 10 um based on the updated job description and uh our class and comp scoring. So um as you mentioned when we sent out the job description for additional feedback um
there were a couple changes. So, we did clarify the language about the Council on Aging Department versus the public body and that was based on the discussion here. Um, we combined a couple of the bullet points uh for simplicity um because they did overlap
or at least appeared that they overlapped. Um, we also updated the terminology uh to older adults in the areas that were applicable. um that was just based on input and we updated the name of the state agency as I understand
it went through a recent name change um and so you know with that with the board's approval um I'd recommend approval of the updated job description and authorizing its posting >> right thank you anybody have any comments or questions
>> Madam Chair >> yes >> um if I may address these to Chris I think I have the right version here the there are a couple of things here that are new and a little bit in my view not in conformity to the statute
>> okay >> in the common understanding but I don't think he's a big items I think at some point you say this is done we get this as we say get the show on the road >> um so I don't want to make more work and and delay it but just for clarification
>> sure and it goes to what you just said the council on aging department Now, that's that's new. I don't know if we've ever used that before. We have the Council on Aging, as we talked about before. Took out the words advisory board
because that's not the title of it, although that is what they do. >> Yeah. >> And then we have the senior center, the physical plant so to speak. And of course, we have what this is all about, a director of senior services and those responsibilities.
So I I don't find this objectionable but is there a reason to now rename it in effect the council on aging department is that to be in lie of the senior center verbiage because the senior center is
mentioned down here. So, you know, when I was going through the description and um you know, working off the feedback that was provided at the last meeting, as I would say a layman reading the job description, it was very hard to
distinguish between that the operation >> and the the board itself, the counting board. >> And so that's right. >> You know, the senior center is the physical location, but the department is the operation. So it's um
you know I would say under the department is managing the actual facility itself but you're also managing the budget. You're also managing the staff. So you know at least you know as I thought about it and just the best way to describe it for people who are applying and trying to understand the
position that was where I landed. Um, you know, I obviously open to if there's any other suggestions, but that's kind of why, you know, for from a simplicity point when you read through it, it's also kind of why I just referred it to department, you know, in terms of departmental
operation and council to clarify, you know, the council on aging as, >> you know, the public body. >> I I I tend to agree sometimes it can be confusing when you're describing it to others. >> Yeah. Yeah, I I think I think that that actually improves the delineation of the
the council on aging as an advisory body as opposed to the department of the u age the department of the council on aging which is under the direction of the the director. >> Yeah. And in our budget it's the council on aging is it's under a departmental item. So that's
>> Yes. Yeah. >> Yeah. That's what it's called >> for budget purposes. It is a department. >> It's a department. >> Yeah. >> Well then Okay. But I'm okay with that. I mean, I get the logic of it, but now you have reference to the senior center here in a couple of
places. >> That's correct. So, the the actual facility itself, >> but you're calling it something different in the general summary. >> No, it's kind of like having the harbor master and then the harbor master shed, right? They're different. The harbor
master department is not just the building. So the senior center is referring to the physical building. >> We we you we may want to actually think about changing the name of the department. >> I mean because if you look at other
agencies and not I mean I know the council on aging is the nomenclature. So when you go into other towns you know they are called the council on aging. Beverly, >> if if you want to Beverly Bish, director
of the Council on Aging, if you want to clarify the senior center, it is called the Hazel Trip Senior Center. So if you want to because she's the one who So again, so if you want to I'm just >> Eileen brought it to my attention just
to make it clearer that that is the building itself, the Hazel Trip Senior Center. >> Thank you. >> Yep. If I can respond to that. There's an item on the second page. It says manages the senior center facility including operations, maintenance, and
identification. So I think I think that works >> and I don't think this value added by naming it the Hazel Senior Senate. It is, but for the purposes of a job description, I don't think it's necessary. So those are just things I
point out. I don't really have well I find also interesting but this this is probably not worth discussing the bullet that says that the uh this person in this position serves as the leazison to the council on
aging. I just found that interesting. Leazison is not defined. >> You know that's another um you could say the clerk. You know we could reward that. Um you know I think the intent behind that is that this is the primary
point person between um the operational side and the board but certainly open to any recommended changes here. >> Yeah. Um
well that what what you have going on here in this bullet is this is where the senior center manager director of senior services is working with a with the council on aging which is advisory.
So responsibilities there to keep the council on aging informed up to date you know all that kind of things that you do at your meetings. I just found the word leazison to be uh I think the job I think the function
here is important very important in fact critical um so leasison is kind of like what I do for the selectman and this you know it's not really u a robust job function it's something you do as a convenience for the selectman I guess
we've discussed this before to what my functions really are but the leazison implies you know sort of go between agents something but it's it's bigger than that. This is a key function of the director to make sure that the
council can function as an advisory board and have the necessary information. >> Did you have a suggestion for how to reward that? Because it's currently says serves as liaison to the council on aging. So do you have a a word you'd like to substitute
>> like primary point of contact? the primary point of contact. >> Yeah, it's it's a it's it's a contact staff, too. >> Yeah. I don't I hadn't thought of a word. I was just >> uh So, court I mean clerk is a um >> I think if you say clerk to the council
on aging I don't like clerk as much as >> No, that's there. If you use the word staff to the council on aging, it presupposes that they are responsible for supporting the work of the council on aging in their capacity as an
advisory body. >> Staff department >> staff representative. >> Well, maybe you just say serves serves the council. What did you just say? Because maybe just say serves the council on aging, prepares meeting materials, provides
regular program updates because that because you're you're >> I don't know. >> Agent >> serves as the town's agent to the council on aging. Is that is that better? >> It is. It's a key communication role and I'm
trying to capture that and not make it too wordy that the council needs the department the head of the senate to be communicating on a constant basis providing information providing advice making recommendations so it's it's all
that so it's a word that best captures >> so perhaps >> all that activity >> if I may maybe uh serves as the town's agent and primary point of contact >> yeah yeah it's a contact uh function primary point of contact. >> Sure, that'll work.
>> Are there other changes that you felt strongly about before we >> No, those are the ones. >> Okay. So, are you moving approval subject to that? >> I I would move approval to subject to those ch to that change. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I
>> I That's unanimous. >> You got that. We just approved it. >> Sorry to create more agony. Uh, so we will make that update and we will get that out the door. >> Great. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Thank you.
>> All right. So, we already talked about G. >> Yes. >> Did you also say that you would advertise it? >> You approve the changes and >> Yeah. >> I just want to make sure that they get >> authoriz authorize. Yeah. Approve the changes and authorize the
>> That was part of >> Yes. We Okay. Um, so now we're on 5H, a request to approve the first amendment to host community agreement between the town of Westport and Coastal Healing. So Chris, you want to tell us about this?
>> Uh, certainly. So, um, my understanding is early last year, the town entered into an updated host community agreement with Coastal Healing, uh, as a result of recent changes in state law when it
comes to, um, you know, what can and can't be in a host community agreement. So, you know, since that time it was signed, it was sent up to the state um and the Cannabis Control Commission, the CCC um reviews all the host committee
agreements and confirms whether or not uh they are compliant with the updated state law or not. So, um the town uh and Coastal Healing did receive notice um that it was their determination that the
HCA was non-compliant. Um, a couple of the changes that were needed to be made was the license date didn't match the CCC records. Um, so my understanding is that was um, an error by the applicant at the time they entered the agreement with the town.
They just gave us the wrong dates. Um, there were a couple of other provisions. One with regards to um, fees and the other with regards to indemnification that the state flagged. Um, in talking with council, um, they said that they
would reach out to the state because we just need to provide them notice that we're not, um, uh, treating their business any differently than any others that we license with in the same nature. So, um, council did provide a, uh,
amendment which is in your packet, um, that would, uh, need your approval. Um, so if the board approved it, we would send it back to Coastal Healing, get it submitted to the state and hopefully get a uh satisfactory response from the CCC.
>> Okay. So over time, so when we the original agreement was in 2022, the Cannabis Control Commission law, the laws surrounding cannabis changed in the interim. We had to make updates to um comply with the law. Mhm.
>> And so you're what you're saying is that these changes were so when we submitted those changes to the state then they flagged these particular issues. So the dates specifically correct. >> Was there anything in here that's significantly different that it was the dates was I mean that's
>> No. So it was the three things it was the date correction um which would be amended >> um and I believe in the agreement that is the only substantive change in the amendment. on the notice they sent us, they also made note that um the
indemnification clause and the late payment charge, they flagged that as non-compliant, but when we talked to council, they said that they'll reach out to the state um so that we don't have to take any action on that. >> Okay. So, the really the only substantive thing on this particular
amendment is the date you're correcting the dates. >> That is correct. >> And it's basically changing them for the public. It was changing from February 2022 to October of 2022 and then March of 2022 to October 22 and then November of 21 to August of 2022. So these are
all pass. Okay. Any other questions? >> I move the uh the recommendation regard amendment the uh approving the amendment to the agreement. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion?
>> All in favor? I >> I that's unanimous. >> I oppose. >> Oh, sorry. Four in favor, one opposed. Um, we have a request from the US Board on Geographic Names to review a proposal for Stevies Brook in Bristol County, Massachusetts. This one was an
interesting one. I think this might be the first that I've seen. >> My first as well. >> You want to explain this to us? >> Well, when I first got the phone, I said, "Is this is this legit?" But yes, um so we receive correspondence from the US board on geographic names. This is a
federal agency that is tasked uh when requests like this come in um that they go through this uh established process. So um the proposal uh that was submitted to them and forwarded to us was to name an unnamed 2.6 mile stream called
Steviey's Brook. Um you can see it on the map up on the screen. Um this is uh located within Dartmouth as well as Westport. Um the town was asked to submit recommendations in the form of you know do we approve, reject, no
opinion, no objection. Um based on the information submitted, honors Steve Rebello, a lifelong resident of Westport. It was submitted by Donna Rebello. Um the based on the information they
submitted um they said it did meet their criteria. Um they are asking for the town to provide its input by May 26. Um so this is something I want to bring forward to the board tonight to see how you want to handle it. Um, we do have
the opportunity to, um, you know, refer to other boards as the board sees fit for recommendations, uh, if the board wanted to, um, maybe take a position on it and put something together for submission by their deadline. But, um,
that's the request. >> Is there anyone here to speak about that? I read into this a little bit after talking to you because I think it's like a little great initiative from his widow and really if we as long as we don't object to it, it moves forward. So this
is our position, our chance to object to it and I think it's great. I'm all for it. >> Yeah. So I think because so our options are we can recommend, we can not recommend or we can take no action, right? Is that >> Yeah. So you know, no objections, we can
approve, we can say, hey, there's an issue here. Um, the other thing the board can do is, you know, for example, if you wanted to refer to, you know, the historical commission or, you know, another board that may might have additional history or context behind the stream, you can do that or you could
just, uh, make a recommendation and send it off. It's at the board's discretion. >> Was pleasure report. >> Just a quick question on So, that that is completely unnamed like Westmore River Wershed isn't doesn't recognize it. Buzz Bay doesn't recognize that as anything. >> Okay. Yeah. It was just federally. It's
unnamed to Brook Federally. >> Yeah. >> I have no issues. >> Do we want to approve it or we want to take no action? >> Here's the first person to plant a flag. They got it. >> Are you moving that, Mr. Mundy? >> What >> are you moving that we >> I I move I move that we approve it. >> Here we go.
>> I second. >> Do we have any discussion? All in favor? >> I >> I That's unanimous. Um, I'm gonna do we those of you who are still in the audience, I know we're going to talk to Sue. I'm going to bump
on the town warrant. Is there anybody that has a topic that is not the warrant that you're here for? Okay. >> All right. So, um, thank you for your patience. Our meetings haven't been going this long, and I feel a little bad. >> I'm going to take my vote for the chair
away. >> So, I did this with my previous role as chair. short. >> Um so, uh as we mentioned earlier, the the annual town meeting is on Tuesday, um Tuesday, May 5th, and um
we finalized the warrant. We posted the warrant. Um but you can see in your packet that um Chris and his team put together supplemental explanations for the for the warrant um which includes a spot for us to make our recommendations
um and to be printed in there. So you can see that there's finance committee recommendations and then there's opportunity for west uh for select board recommendations. So what I thought we would do is just quickly go through the articles. I do have I specifically want to talk about article 20 but um what I
thought I would do is kind of like the moderator does. If there's any which you would like more discussion or any that you would vote not to recommend to town meeting, we'll put a hold on those so that Carla doesn't have to record 33 separate votes.
>> Thank you. >> So, so I'm just going to go by them really fast. If there's any that you want to talk about in more detail or if there's any that you would vote no, um, just tell me and we'll put a hold on them. >> Can I ask a question about this? >> Yes, you may. Is this being driven by the reorganization of the board?
>> No. >> I feel like so this the normal cycle every year. >> The normal cycle at least the years that I have been chair is at the select board the meeting before town meeting we make recommendations on articles. >> Okay. Thank you.
>> Um they haven't always in previous years printed the recommendations to the articles. So, um, but we voted on them in prior years, um, in case we were asked at town meeting what the select recommendation was.
Um, so the the first article is prior year bills. So, this is $890 for uh for prior year bills. Article two is some line item transfers.
Article three is appropriation to the stabilization fund. for to the regular stabilization fund. Article four is appropriation to the capital stabilization fund. Article five is an appropriation to the
special education reserve fund. Article six I would like um to talk about a little bit more. So I'm going to put a hold on article six. Um and then article seven also is related to that.
Um, article eight is authorization to borrow in anticipation of revenue. Uh, article nine is acceptance of the capital improvement planning committee report. >> Madam chair, could I put a hold on that? >> Yes.
Um, article 10 is the salaries and stipens of elected officers. Article 11 is the budget appropriation. >> Did anybody want to talk about the budget in more detail? No. Okay. Um, article 12 is funding the
marine services enterprise. Article 13 is the waterline enterprise. Article 14 is the town beach enterprise. Article 15 is the community television.
Article 16 is um the expenditure limits for the revolving accounts. Article 17 is the community preservation report. Article 18 is appropriation for
waterline enterprise rate study. Article 19 is appropriation for the rolloff container. 20 is the foreclosed tax title properties. So I'm going to put a hold on that one. 21 is appropriation for public safety
training. 22 is appropriation for grant matching funds. 23 is appropriation for school technology. 24 is acceptance of personal property
tax bill exemption. 25 is the personnel bylaw amendment. 26 is the appointment of the tree warden. 27 is um parking restrictions and penalties at the landings.
28 is a zoning bylaw change for accessory dwelling units. 29 is the zoning bylaw change for building height. 30 is a bylaw change for the keeping of dogs.
31 is a zoning bylaw change for flood pain regulations. 32 is a table of use revisions which I think is related to article 33 um which is amend the zoning map for the
village commercial zoning. Article 34 is the acceptance of Stacy Lane. >> I have hold that one please. >> Okay, we'll hold that one. >> Thank you. >> 35 is the easements in Francis Estate subdivision.
36 is an amendment um for the recall act. All right. So, we put a hold on six, 7, 9, 20, and 34. Um so, I'll entertain a motion to
recommend all except those five. >> So, move. >> Second. >> Is there any discussion? >> All in favor? >> I'm sorry. Hold on one second. I meant which one did I put? 6 7 9 20 and 34. >> Oh. Uh I said 34. I meant 35. I
apologize. >> 35. Okay. >> Um >> because lane is getting pulled. Correct. >> Yes. So I um would like just keep the hold so we can talk about that. >> Okay. So let's hold on 34 and 35. >> Yes. Okay. >> Thank you, sir. >> All right. So So we're everything except 67 which um 9 20 34 and 35.
>> Yes. >> Okay. >> Did we have a motion? Was in a second? >> There was. >> All right. All in favor? I >> I >> um says unanimous on those. >> Great. >> All right. So, going back up to six.
Six and seven are related to the stabilization fund for collective bargaining and non-union personnel agreements and then an appropriation to that. Um and I called this one out because you can see in the um in the supplemental material that it was not
unanimous from the finance committee. There was some discussion about it. Um, so just wanted to call those out. Um, so you want to just remind us what this is for, Chris? >> Absolutely. Um, so these two articles
are both tied to each other. The first would um establish a new stabilization fund for the purpose of um setting aside funding for future collective bargaining and non-personnel agreements. Um,
Neo, so I know for the town operations, you know, our union contracts are every 3 years. Um, now just like with other um town expenses, you know, we do our best when we um, you know, develop our
budgets to plan ahead. And so this stabilization fund would be another tool to plan for these anticipated expenditures. um ahead of time. So, how it works right now is, you know, when a
contract is settled, um it may or may not align with our budgeting timeline, our budgeting process. Uh however, the obligation, you know, is still there, you know, if it's something that the town approves. So with that um this
would provide us an opportunity if there were expenses um you know to implement any contract it wouldn't hit our free cash allocation in that given fiscal year. So rather than um you know
allocating at the time of the agreement, you know, we're setting aside money in advance um for planning purposes, if you will. Um how the stabilization fund is structured, it provides the town some flexibility in terms of how it uses the
funds. And I will note that taking money out of the stabilization fund requires a vote of town meeting. So um you know there would be obviously additional discussion and deliberation um to make sure that this is the will of the town. Um
>> and and I know we've talked about this several times but one of the so one of the advantages of creating this is that it gives us a little bit of cushion in case the bargaining um comes in higher like we've had in the past where we kind of scrambling for money in midyear for
the bargaining. But kind of the downside of creating this is that um it might impact your ability to bargain with the um with the unions uh because they know the money's there, right? >> I I would say that would be my first
concern. The second concern would be um we negotiate a contract and then we have to call a special town meeting in order to release the funds from the reserve fund. So um with a contract, you know, again, if if that was something where we would
need these funds or consider the use of these funds, that would be within whatever agreement we came up with. It would be contingent upon, you know, um getting the necessary approvals. >> What's the advantage of having this in a
collective bargaining stabilization fund rather than just putting it in the regular stabilization fund? So my understanding is um for the purpose itself um you want it and I think you are required to have it as a set aside versus just
your regular rainy day fund. I think when you look at um when the rating agencies see us tapping into our stabilization fund um that I
think there would be concerns if we were tapping into our general rainy day fund. Separate from that you can't create sub accounts. It would just it'd all be kind of put together into one big slush fund. >> Did you have more? No, I'm still
>> Yeah, I'm on the fence about this a little actually. >> I'm not inclined to vote for vote for it yet. So, >> yeah. >> So, and maybe just in terms of uh you mentioned the recommendations. So um for article six the finance committee um you
know did recommend approval 6 to2 and I think they also saw you know those benefits and that there was an opportunity here and if you looked at article 7 I know we're not there yet um it was a split recommendation because I
think the idea behind it was they wanted to chew on it a little bit more and and have specific use cases. um and continue those discussions. So, similar to um are there financial policies and how we put money in, I
think one of the things for the board to consider uh if this is something that the board wants to support at town meeting is setting up a policy for how you would like to see it used um and set up parameters to that effect. So that
was some commentary at the finance committee meeting. >> My concern is that I see that as $108,000 of guaranteed concessions during negotiations. Like I work in a heavily unionized industry and if my employer had a fund
for collective bargaining, that's just money we're going to go after versus we just go after it after and they figure it out. >> That's why that makes sense. >> I have mixed feelings. That's >> Yeah. Like that's the $108,000 of guaranteed concessions. >> That's mine, too. >> Same thing.
>> I agree. >> Yeah. You know, I think, you know, again, I think there's some ways to look at this. I think the thing that the town has to be prepared for is that you know when we look at what is
the cost to the town one of the reasons for putting this forward originally was to give the town another option that it currently doesn't have when it comes to financial flexibility and financial planning. So I think the other thing to note here is that you know in addition to whatever
funds that we set aside in account or plan for any given fiscal year you know we also take into account other revenues that we're receiving as well. And so I think one of the things especially when it comes to a fund like this is this
funding isn't guaranteed. This funding isn't readily available. So it it's really contingent upon town meeting authorizing that expenditure. So, you know, I think when you look at, you know, what the funding is there, this
may be something, again, if it was created and if there was money put into it, the board, you know, again, this would be my recommendation. I wouldn't necessarily tap into that fund this in the next year or two because you would want to build up a fund, you know, a
balance within that account so that it could really serve the town and make a difference in the future. um you know similar to these other funds such as capital stabilization and whatnot. So um but you know again I think uh at the end of the day it's at
the discretion of the board. >> So what do we think gentlemen? Do you want to move to recommend or not recommend? >> I I would be suggesting we not recommend. >> Second. >> All right. So, we have a motion in a second to not recommend article. Are we
doing both together? You want to >> six fails. Doesn't seven fail, >> right? Isn't it your correct? >> Let's let's vote on them together. So, >> yes. >> Um, so the motion to not recommend article six and article 7. >> That would be what was my intent. >> Okay. Right.
>> All right. Any further discussion? All in favor? >> I. >> Is there any opposed? All right. So that's um uh 5 Z to not recommend. >> Madam Chair, may I ask a question at this point? So
>> I don't have the full list for tomorrow's uh deliberations. Um but on this item is the finance committee recommending do you recall may I ask >> for for six and seven or >> Yeah. Yeah. What are they saying?
>> So six was a 62 uh recommending approval. Article seven was a split decision for four. So four were in favor of putting money into the fund if it was created and four objected. >> Clear as mud. >> Yeah. Why would you? They didn't want the money in.
>> They were conflicted, too. So they were okay with creating the the funds. They didn't want to put money in. >> At least two people didn't want >> That's okay. That that that doesn't pose a problem. And I was just curious if it might it might if they were approving it both
like unanimously then that would be I'm not sure if my view would be any different but that would be good to know before tomorrow before we voted on this but not a problem. >> I have a question on that. All right. So um we just voted to not recommend. Yes. Um
>> but we are the ones that sponsored the article and so >> it would mean that in the normal situation I would be the one making the um motion. >> So in this case if the board um did not wish to advance the article for
consideration, we could uh change the proposed motion to have it be a passover article both six and seven. So, and and I think to answer the question earlier, if six failed, if it was acted on, um, seven would be a Passover article anyways.
>> And you would need twothird vote on that anyway, right? According obviously according to the note, so it's not a simple majority. >> So maybe we maybe the vote we just took is not the right vote. So we voted to not recommend, but maybe we should vote to uh pass over article six and seven.
>> It's the same effect. I I I mean basically we we don't we we don't want it on um a fraction on a town meeting. So we're we've proposed it. I've seen it happen before where people have moved to pass over something they sponsored.
>> All right. >> Because because they've had deliberations, they've had feedback and and um >> Okay. So let's so let's change that to um the proposed motion to be pass over the articles and then and you don't think we need another vote to move to
pass over because we just voted to not recommend. So >> I think we need to resend the prior motion um person recommending and the seconder should agree to that then we we're starting with a clean slate with a new
uh recommendation. >> Okay. because that's out there. There's a We've taken action now. It's there. >> Yeah, we got >> Well, that's what I'm saying. We could have a second do we could have a second vote, but I don't think we have to resend the other one. I think we can just make a new one. >> Reality is we we we're we're in effect
doing the same thing, right? >> Yeah. >> So, um we say maybe the cleanest thing is because we did make we did put it on the um warrant to begin with. So, many times people will pass over their own recommendation >> meeting. You could just >> Yeah, I'm just we're just like what he
what Dick just said was resend the prior vote, but what I'm saying is we we voted not recommend which is a valid vote and then I'm saying I think we need another vote to move to pass over article six and seven. >> So moved. Second. >> Yeah, that's all right. >> All right. Any further discussion?
All in favor? >> I did you get did you follow that car? >> Yes. Okay, got it. Um article nine. Um Dick >> Yeah, this is a little tricky here. And it I'm going to have to move ahead and say to Chris, if you allow me, Madam
Chair, that >> tomorrow we're going to be talking about this, but tonight we're voting on it. It looks like the article is correct. >> I know the numbers and everything. >> Okay. >> The 20 items, $2 million. >> Uhhuh. >> So, I don't see any problem with that.
However, I'm the one who's going to present this at town meeting and I was curious and I think I want to know this tonight before tomorrow night. Uh I don't really want to engage with town meeting folk on these 20 items. Like if
somebody says, "Well, I don't agree with this particular playground $150,000." I'm really not uh looking forward to having a debate on this. I don't think that's my job here. I think that's the job of the moderator.
So my first question is have you had any discussion with the moderator about this as to what he's >> he's going to do with this? >> So um yes, I did have a meeting with moderator this past week along with council and the town clerk uh and talk about a couple of these articles that
have a table um where people can kind of go down the line and you know flag anything that they have questions about. Um in that case um I believe he's going to again take them in order you know if there is something that's pulled out of
it um what I can advise them of is on specific questions again outside of the process of well how did the committee come to its decision >> or what you know something that the committee acted on um but if it's if it's project or equipment specific I
would just have them refer to the applicable board so I I don't think there's any expectation. You mean answer those questions? I think if they said, "Well, why do we need this truck?" I would, you know, >> you should defer to the town administrator who might defer to the police. >> Correct. Or the fire chief. >> Okay. Correct.
>> That's a better process. >> Yeah. >> Because there's a lot of articles here. There's a lot of discussion. >> Certainly. >> And it's it's almost unwieldy. I'm I'm tomorrow. Well, when a town meeting with this, I'm going to recommend that we do it. >> Yeah. And I didn't think it was my role
or intended by this this other document to get into that. That's what the process is what you just described. >> Yeah. I think you're going to the speaker here in this case is that you're going to make the motion. >> Yep. Okay. >> But you don't have to like defend it, >> right? >> Yeah. Well, I won't I won't be prepared
to defend it or if I am, I got to do a lot of homework. >> No, that's something that I I'll tell the moderator I have time to refer to me and any of the applicable that'll work. And the rest of it is fine, madam chair. >> Okay. All right. So, does anybody have any other discussion on the
recommendation for article 9? >> All right. So, do we move to recommend I'll entertain a motion to recommend approval of article 9. >> Second. >> Did I Did I move that? >> You didn't. It sounded like you did move it. Go ahead. >> I said I would entertain a motion. >> Oh,
then I'll make a motion to approve it. >> I'll second it. >> There you go. >> All in favor? I >> I >> I thought you made a motion, too. >> Sorry, I spoke too quick. >> There's nothing wrong with that, Madam Chair. >> Article 20. This is why Sue has been sitting in the back anxiously,
anxiously awaiting to explain this one again. Um, so article 20 is the appropriation for acquisition of foreclosed tax title properties. And I know this one is still confusing to me. So, thank you, Sue. >> You're gonna make you're hoping you're going to make it super clear for us.
>> I hope so. What can I tell you about it? Um, the biggest problem is right now if the town elects to keep m keep or retain a property that's been foreclosed through
tax title through land court. We have a very tight timeline in which to adhere to. So, in an ideal world, we would make that decision that we want to retain the property and then go out and
seek funding. We'd uh put it on the next town meeting and so forth. The problem is that we have uh 120 days, if we're going to retain it, we have 120 days to get an appraisal
done. And in theory, technically, once that appraisal comes in, we're supposed to put the funds for excess equity, which is the difference between the amount that the person actually owes us and what the property is worth in an
account, and notify them that their money is available for them. So 120 days is not enough time for us to um call a town meeting and vote get and
also put an article on to say we want to purchase this specific property for this amount of money. We don't even have the total amount of money yet until the appraisal is done and then to turn
around and also go to ballot and get it voted excluded. So that's where the problem comes in with all the tax title changes to the tax title laws over the last two or three years. They've really tightened up the time
frames and prior previous to this we didn't have to pay the excess equity. we could just keep it. The town had the right to just foreclose and keep the property. So, we didn't have to worry about the excess equity.
Now, we have 120 days to come up with that excess equity and so that it's available to pay the person toward their what their remaining interest in the property is above what they actually owe us.
>> So, I just want to make sure I understand this. So um if someone is in significant aars so there's some amount that triggers this and we were to foreclose on the property um we have there's a appraisal that's required to
say so we we would receive so there's appraisal that happens we would have to sell the property or >> no this is only when we retain the property. >> Okay. So, when we keep the property, so we have the amount, let's just say it's a $500,000.
>> Um, if they owed us $100,000, we keep the hundred, but we would owe the property owner the 400,000. The difference between the value of the appraised value, >> the difference between the appraised value of the property and what we owed them. We have to pay to the property owner, correct? In a very short period
of time. >> We have to Yes. Within that 120 days, we have to get the appraisal done. And then once the appraisal is done, we have to notify the homeowner that they're the amount of what's due to them and for
them to let allow them to come and claim it. >> But they and so and this is just the changes in the law. So have we had any that we have retained and foreclosed on in the like recent years? >> Not in recent years because which is
actually a blessing because they can retain We if we had any from 21 forward they could claim it their excess equity going back to 21 and so we haven't done any
since then. So anything that was done was done many years ago. >> Okay. So this is not a big we're not expecting to have to pay millions of dollars tomorrow after we play this. >> No. So, um, the finance committee, so you had you had, um, put the, um,
request forward for $5 million. Um, but the the finance committee recommended that it be changed to$ two.5 million. Can you just talk a little bit about that? >> It's I'm okay with the 2.5 million. Um,
I'm looking at the properties that we currently have that are in tax title and they range considerably in assessment and it's not the assessed value that we look at when we are looking at excess
equity but the actual sale uh or the actual appraised value. Um, and I believe in many of these cases the appraised value will come in in some cases higher than what the actual assessment is and which is why our
values go up every year. And um I think that of the properties that we have that the two and a half million it's a case of it. We'll have to see. It's how long it gets us, how far down the road
it gets us. The original article that I based this on was actually an a open space article that was for 2 and a half million. I think they did it twice for 2.5 million or
something of that nature and they only spend down as you stated in it for that example in that case we would only have to borrow the 400. So if we had authority to borrow up to two and a half million in a case like that, we would
borrow that 400 that year. The next year, if there was another property and we needed 500 or 600 that year, we'd borrow that amount of money. And so it took us a while to actually go down
through it. And then there was a year I think we did six b six borrowings on the a open space in one year um because there were several different opportunities that were presented in that year. And so we did do up to six
separate bings in that year for a open space. But in most years we don't we're not going to have that many. I only submit a few to land court at a time. And I will say this, the land
court process is a very, very lengthy process. It takes three to four years to go through land court. >> So Craig, not to put you on the spot, but so the the most likely reason that we would invoke this is if a piece of
property came under tax title >> and we would want to use it for affordable housing, say, so it would be like a higher value property probably because you'd need some acreage, right? Um so and this kind of like more in your
area of expertise so just wondering if you have any comment on it. >> No because I think this is almost a a property a property at a time because in terms of housing now you have the other variable which is um what is the market
value in terms of um what people can purchase and what and what is considered to be a median house price. And if you had a way over if you have a a vastly appreciated property, it probably at least I'm thinking would
be diff it would make it more problematic from an affordable housing because you just you have a bigger nut in order to to to to make it you know I think we're looking at property that is um
at or below the the the the market. >> Yeah. >> I just want to finish the thread that Sean was on. So, let's say we have an exactly $5 million piece of property >> that goes to tax sale and the town decides to
>> retain it. So, per the way this warrant article is written, has to get passed the town meeting and then it has to go for a two and a half uh exclusion on the ballot. >> Yes. >> Before we're even allowed to retain that property because there's no funding mechanism until the two and a half exclusion is in place. Correct.
>> Which means that if this is passed, you're going to have to see on the ballot next year request for the town to be able to borrow $5 million to purchase distressed properties >> to retain for our own >> to purchase excess equity and foreclosed properties.
>> So, there's really two parts to this equation. It has to pass the town meeting and then it has to pass a ballot measure for two and a half exclusion, >> which people go down rabbit holes and they're going to think to themselves, oh, what's the town planning? >> Yeah. So, and just a point of clarity on that. So, if this did pass town meeting,
it would have it would require a ballot vote because it would be excluded debt as it's proposed. Um, it would be uh the ballot this fall. There is a time limit to how soon after a vote like this is taken. So, it would be on the state primary ballot.
>> It would be on the primary. Okay. >> They don't let you >> No, >> they don't let you put the articles on the primary on the state ballots. No, >> I think we have to We have to We We're going to have There's no way avoiding having to get two for the price of one in terms of a special time meeting.
>> So that was the recommendation from council and I can follow up with them to make sure that's accurate. >> Maybe it's the November ballot that I know we tried this at some point. I don't remember. There was >> presidential. >> So >> it might have been the presidential. It might have been the November ballot that
we couldn't put anything on. It's I think it's the federal >> but this would have to go to town meeting vote as a debt exclusion without So it would be a debt exclusion up to whatever the amount is in the motion. Correct. >> Correct. Okay. So
not a debt exclusion after we decided to purchase this property. It has to be before that. >> Correct. >> Okay. >> It's Yeah. It would have to be an open-ended open-ended up to the 5 million. It doesn't mean we're going to go out and
borrow 5 million, but we >> authorize it. So, and a September ballot even because before we've had debt exclusions, we had there's like 120 days or something and there's not 120 days before the September primary. >> So, from what council said, it has to be
before September 15th. >> Before September 15th. Okay. So, that's So, if we couldn't put it on the primary ballot, you'd have to have a another ballot. Yeah. A town ballot the same. >> Yeah. And talking to Chris, I think she said the state ballot September 9th. If I recall correctly, it is before the
15th. >> Okay. So, it would have to go would have to pass at town meeting and then it would have to pass at a debt exclusion. Correct. >> True. >> Okay. >> In a primary with no turnout >> in a Well, >> it'll be a low turnout. >> It might be a lot of turnout.
>> Yeah. >> It'll be a lot if there's 5 million, a little less two and a half. >> Right. And it's a tricky one to to tell people because you're authorizing up to 5 million, but probably won't be spending it, right? You're not It doesn't actually hit your property tax
until it actually iscomes reality. >> In theory, it's not going to add a single dollar of tax if you start >> you start borrowing, but if you're not borrowing against it, it's not going. So, it's a weird debt exclusion. Weird. >> That's a very hard one to try and be able to market and explain to people. >> It is.
>> The the reason it has to be debt excluded is Even if it's we borrow 400,000 that would hit if it's not excluded debt, it would hit our budget. >> Well, right. Because so the problem is if it isn't a debt exclusion, we're still required to purchase the property
or pay the we're still required in that situation to to go to the property owner um to get that money to the property owner, previous property owner exclusion is what we want. >> So that then you then you have to go to a debt exclusion, right? Um >> or the other option is that we just
cannot retain any property. >> Right. >> Yeah. >> And to that point, you said when when was the last property retained? Do you know offhand by the town for is it like a land conservation trust or conservation?
>> Oh, those the with the a open space fund we did a lot of them. That was part of that was the Santos property. There was >> but the a the A open space I might be correct me if I'm wrong but that was not that was not tax title foreclosure that was a right of first refusal.
>> Oh that's right. >> So the Right. So the people who are on special tax exempted status we have the right of first refusal. So that's most of that stuff. In those cases there are other entities that usually help raise the money correct for that too. Yes. Yes, we're not talking about the town
>> as far as when was the town last a >> I'm just going to say that there hasn't been a lot done with tax title land in some time. >> Yeah, >> we're trying to get it caught up. >> All right. So, um so I think this is
this is I'm glad we talked about it because I understand it better now. But um so the finance committee had recommended at a $2.5 million um number. So I guess do we want to recommend at 5 million recommend at 2
and a half or uh not recommend? >> I think it sounds like a good thing for the health of the town. I think whatever number is going to be there is going to be a sticker shock and going to be a very big problem in regards to sticker shock. Um, but I think it's good for the health of the town. >> Yeah.
>> I will say if we were to borrow 5 million over a 10-year period, using my crystal ball on the rates at the time, um, it's more like $70 per year for an average home.
If we spread it out over 30 years, it would be $35. If we borrowed >> every year >> five the whole five million in one year and spread it out over 30 years, it'd be $35 for the average home.
>> Like I say, I'm using that crystal ball. And so >> do we have any um debt exclusions rolling off in the next three to five years? >> The first one will be the fire station. >> Okay.
>> And that's not too far down the road. I didn't think so because that was if it was 20 years or close to the 20 year mark. >> Yeah, that was that one will be fairly soon. >> So, um so I know I'm inclined to support
this because I think it gives us the flexibility in this situation, but I'm also inclined to not argue with the finance committee recommendation and to use their two and a half million number. I I agree because they will show a little bit of consensus on that one so we don't create a a debate between the
difference of our recommendation and theirs. >> Two, we do, you know, it's not we're not doing we're doing this in the context of the other uh debt exclusions that some are at least one is probably rolling off
sometime fairly soon. Mhm. >> And I would say quite honestly at this point I don't foresee that we would be looking at borrowing anything um due to the fact that it
takes 3 to four years to go through land court um that we would be looking at borrowing anything any time in the next year or two anyway. Right. So, what's the pleasure of the board? >> I think I agree with you on the motion for the two and a half million.
>> Yeah. >> Yeah. So, and if I may just um if the board wanted to do it similar to how the finance committee is printing it, um they put it in as two recommendations. So, they did a don't recommend is printed and they did a separate
recommendation to recommend the borrowing of 2 and a.5 million. >> Is that your motion? >> Yes. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Any further discussion? >> The only discussion is I think it's going to be very difficult to get on the ballot to explain because we just spent about 20 minutes with us explaining it.
>> We we discussed this within the last several months already. >> We've done it before. >> You talked about it before and I was >> I do have some information here. I don't know if you have some time tomorrow. Maybe you and I can work on a um >> Yeah. >> handout or something that may explain it
a little bit. other thing is I think you need a handout. >> Yeah. >> And we can we can incorporate into the the motion sheet as well. >> Yeah, we'll we'll link up. >> All right. All in favor? >> I th that's unanimous. Thank you, Sue. Thank you.
>> All right. So 34 was the acceptance of Stacy Lane. Um so the update on this is as the board recalls we had the layout hearing uh and this was approved with conditions that they satisfy the requirements of
conservation commission uh prior to town meeting so that we could act on it. Um they have not um gotten their certificate of compliance from conservation commission. Uh, you know, I did talk to Chris. He let me know that uh the agenda was already posted for
their meeting tomorrow and um they're not on their agenda. So, at this point in time, um I do not see that they will be able to satisfy the requirements set out by the board. So um based on that it would be
um my recommendation if again this is how the board wants to handle it to pass over that article at town meeting and we have reached out to their representatives to notify them that um we would be considering that because of that. >> Okay. So this is they don't have proper
approvals. Yeah. >> Yeah. So they have an outstanding item with Hong Kong. >> All right. So, and then and they can no longer meet the seven days prior. >> Correct. >> To time, right? >> So, do we want to move to pass over that? >> Mhm. Motion to pass over. Second.
>> All in favor? >> I I That's unanimous. >> All right. And then >> 35 is the easements for the Francis Estates. >> Yeah. Were we going to get I I just didn't understand it and I I the last
time I abstained from I think the vote on it. Is this for an development off of Charlotte White that we're giving them authority to build the development because of these easements or what what exactly is this? >> So yeah, let me just pull up that so I can speak better to it here.
>> I think this has been an ongoing issue right for a while. >> It was it's easements for the cemetery and the sister so that the town could access them. Where is this location though? Is this >> I think it's off It's off sh It's the one off sh >> like right after Atlantic salvage or
right around >> Yeah, right behind the junkyard over there. >> But that's been in flux for a while. Is this something that we needed to do to allow that development to go forward or this has been probably decade that it's been? >> They got a new sign out there. So they must have they must have a new builder.
>> My apologies. Uh >> so we the town meeting isn't accepting subdivisions or anything but the town meeting would it has to accept easements. >> Okay. >> Um so so Dia who is been the point person from
the planning department that has been working with the developer. Um she had provided us a memo at the end of March. Um, so this is the Francis Estate subdivision off of Charlotte White Road
in Westport. Um, the as of March 31st, the subdivision has not begun construction. They are currently in the process of transferring the subdivision ownership from Ron
Olivera uh, and Val Paulo to Matthew Patello. Um, when the transfers finalize and before they can begin construction, a new covenant lots has to be established for shy under Matthew Pel's name. Um,
and as part of that transfer, they're finalizing the homeowners association documentation which is under review by council. My understanding is one element of this transfer is that easement access
piece for the town side of things. So um for the reasons that we had stated before, >> but I do want to point out so the article authorizes the select board to enter into agreements. It does not require us to enter into an agreement. So once they sort out whatever things
they got to sort out, we could still vote no. So we wouldn't have to accept the easements. >> And is there a cemetery back in there? I guess >> that's that's my understanding. >> There is. Apparently >> Betty has uncovered
>> over 100 cemeteries in town. So apparently there is >> they're everywhere. So we could pass over it but we don't exactly we lose control of we can still >> I mean what what >> so town meeting the the article authorizes the select board to enter
into agreements right so we're authorized to do it if it came before us >> then >> because you require >> so we're not we're not passing over we're just >> I don't I don't think we should pass my opinion is we should recommend the article and then if we had concerns about the subdivision we could do that.
>> We have another way of pulling back or slowing it down. Okay. Yep. Got it. >> Um and if you give me one second I no action then. >> I think we want to my opin my opinion is we should vote to recommend the article. >> Okay. So move
>> second. >> Did you follow that? >> No. I think he was looking for something. I don't know. >> Okay. >> So I was just looking to see if there was any other additional context from council but we've we've pretty much covered the ground. So >> Okay. So, this would be town meeting authorizing us to enter into an agreement, but it doesn't require us to
enter to agree. >> All right, I'll vote for it. >> Persuaded. All in favor? >> I >> I >> I That's unanimous. >> Um, so that was that was all of them. So, we're all set. So, Chris, thank you for putting that together.
Um, and thank you for the time you're going to spend tomorrow to explain it to anyone who's interested in learning more about it. >> That I think that's actually a great move. I think if if we can streamline a little bit town meeting any any help and any you know I'll try to direct people
to that I know to that >> direct people to the meeting and then the recording after >> recording after. >> Yeah. >> Um so 5K a request to assign the RFQ evaluation of A&E professional services for Briggs Road Fire Station link water main extension to the infrastructure
oversight committee. >> Do you want to explain this? >> Certainly. So, as the board knows, uh, we have published a request for qualifications for, um, the bidding services and construction administration associated with the Briggs Road Fire
Station water main extension project. Um, that is currently being advertised right now. uh as part of the procurement documents that were published and in align with town policy um there is a committee that needs to be set up that
scores uh and rates the applications that we get in. Um so my recommendation to the board would be to uh refer this to the IOC um to have its representatives serve as the board's uh
review committee and ultimately uh their recommendation will come back to the board for uh an approval and for an agreement. So >> So I know you're on that committee Jake. >> Yes. >> Do you have an opinion? Uh so that was I was okay with it the last infrastructure
oversight committee because the efficiencies and economies of scale of using the same uh obviously uh agreement in place. So I have no issues with it. >> Just to be clear, all we're voting on is whether the select board reviews the RFQS or if the infrastructure oversight
committee reviews the RFQS. >> Uh so it wouldn't be the select board that would score them. Um the board would designate uh a body or individuals to serve as that review committee. Um the
IOC has served as uh that intermediary historically. So um that's what's before you for consideration this evening. But the board >> final decision would still be with us. >> All we're figuring out is who's scoring the packages, >> right? Yeah. >> Okay.
>> Yeah. the IOC does and then it comes back to us based upon what almost similar to town warrant what what the IOC said or the vote was. So >> we have a motion >> oh motion to approve second. >> We have a motion to approve very quietly
and a second very quiet. >> All in favor? >> I didn't know if I didn't know if there was a motion on >> I know that we're getting kind of late. >> I'm getting tired. Is this is this next one really going to be something we could handle right now or? >> So, this is what I was going to ask. So,
um Chris did an amazing job putting together his 90-day report, but I thought I would check the temperature of the board to see if you want to continue tonight with us or if you want to wait. And so, we have not been in two and a half hours of meetings to >> I uh I read through it. I think it was very good, but I actually think there
are some good discussion points that we could have. So, maybe if we did it to the May is it 11th? >> May 11th. Thank you. Is it >> um I know one item that um Chris and I talked about. So Craig um had it's in the correspondence in the files. Craig
had asked me to put on um a request from u the affordable housing commission authority. >> Yes. >> Um >> well trust >> the affordable housing trust. There we go. Um, and I uh had I I meant to put it
on the uh warrant, but um when we went to talk about the long-term building planning committee, um I forgot that the request from the housing authority was related to the long-term building use. So, I apologize to Craig. Um I do want
to talk about that at the next meeting. >> The long and short of it is the long-term building committee has pretty much stopped We're suggesting that we um have another crack at the looking at the the the uh
the campus of the former high school as a possibility for affordable housing um because it wasn't part of the consideration uh under the committee. That will be another another deliberation and another recommendation. But it what happened was
we did lose that opportunity and the commission our trust did vote unanimously uh to ask that we be given consideration um both in terms of the um meeting with our RGB and and and working with them
and that any cost that modest cost associated with that would be be paid under our under our line item. for a predevelopment cost. So, we have money in the budget for that. >> So, I think we already have a rather packed agenda for the 911. But I I think
the your that request from the affordable housing trust and I think the what um how should we approach the old high school reuse um I think should be on the ne including possibly dissolving the committee um should be um on our next discussion. >> Yeah. May 11th.
>> Yeah, May 11th. >> Well, it was on the initial draft of this. >> It was on the initial draft and I took it off because I thought the meeting was getting kind of long. Yeah, that's >> um and then I forgot that Craig had specifically asked me to put it on. So, >> is there value looking at what we have for committees in town and figure out
which ones have outlived their life? And >> I think there is >> that's in your report, isn't it? >> Yeah, that's another one that's in Chris's report. So, um so I'd already said we need to look at the ones that we're appointed on, but maybe we need to look >> I think we should look at all of them. I agree. There's a couple that I think are
I I know I'm on the internet advisory committee and we haven't met in like two years. So, that one could be dissolved. So, um maybe look at see how long it's getting. But definitely want to talk about long-term building next time because I made a mistake. >> All right. And then we'll talk about
your report. It gives us more time to absorb. >> Don't disregard all the slides that you're about to see >> through those content that you had. I really appreciate that you put that together. All I'll say to that is that if there's any questions, feel free to reach out to me. I look forward to
giving the presentation at next meeting. >> Thank you. >> Um, did you have anything in your report other than that? >> Um, no, just that uh it reflected on my first 90 days here. Um, observations,
suggestions, some of which were talked about tonight. Um, and yeah. >> Well, so I'm looking at your report, so You talked about the 20 the town meeting. So we've talked about that extensively. You talk about health insurance open enrollment period.
>> Um yes. So right now open enrollment for our employees if they're interested in either changing their plan or signing up for town insurance. Um it was not as much of an increase as we initially
budgeted, but is still um a little bit more than I think most people would like to see. Um, we're watching it. And then, uh, I'll also make a note. Um, we did receive word from, uh, Senator Michael
Rodriguez, um, or Rogers. My apologies. >> Ah, it's late. Hey, it's two and a half hours. Um, uh, regarding uh, the state working on um their supplemental budget, you know, the fair share supplemental budget. On the Senate side, they did
propose some supplemental funding to uh for a capital expenditure with our highway department for snowblower attachment. Uh they're currently in deliberations with the House to reconcile their two supplemental budgets. Um but we did receive that notice and we thank him for his support
as well as all of our state representatives and delegates. >> Thank you. Um approve the minutes. >> Motion to approve for the last time. Motion to approve the minutes. Seconded. >> All in favor? I >> I That's unanimous.
Uh report on the bill warrant. >> Yeah, it was the usual. I think this was 3 million. It's in your package. We don't have to approve it. It's all in order as I indicated. So that's complete, Madam Chair. >> Thank you. Um so then we have select board committee reports and suggestion
for future agenda topics. So Craig, anything else from you? No, I I think I've I you you know what I want looking for for that committee. And then the other committee I serve on is the long-term building committee that was discovered that discussed in the last item. So, the only other one is the
opioid settlement advisory committee and we did meet um since our last meeting and um uh we are getting closer to getting an RFP out uh for um the for um
projects. >> Okay. Thank you. And when when that is available, then I'll be more than happy either to we could invite in the chair and vice chair of the committee or I'd be more than happy to report to the board on what we what we're doing and the time frame for that. >> All right. Thank you.
>> Um Dick >> little busier. They had a meeting of SERA that was to approve the budget and that was typical 2 and a half% nothing radical there and free bus service is continuing for the foreseeable future which is quite interesting. I asked
where the money is coming from it was some grants and um but apparently is enough to keep it going for a while. A while wasn't clearly defined. Um but there is sentiment uh on that advisory committee to keep that going as long as possible
because once you try to bring it back that that creates a lot of problems but anyway that's the road they're on and so far so good. There is a where the audit committee is meeting on on Monday night uh to meet with the town auditor and of course we
will recommend that he come in before the select board either by zoom or whatever whatever we call it and so that's coming we've been working on the barrier beach question and there'll be more coming on that shortly you were involved in that
discussion as well Jake you were involved in that too right Mhm. >> Yeah. So, we are >> conservation side more than anything. >> Yeah. We're trying to work up a meeting with the East Beach Improvement Association. Your admirers, but anyway,
uh I did attend as layers on to the select board landing commission meeting. Uh we we want to get more energetic about our town landings, of which there are many. Uh I have not yet seen a complete list of town landings. We're
going to do that and then start to look at what we need to do to preserve those town landings. They are slowly going away and people are claiming that this their property when it really isn't. Um, so we need to do an inventory on that and then in a slow multi-year process
start to reclaim those uh landing uh those landings and clearly put signs on them and enforce that. Uh otherwise these are going to be lost and never we're never going to get them back. So that that's an important discussion and
I I thought it was long and coming. I did not attend the recent meeting of the Council on Aging, but we covered that meeting uh tonight with the approval of the uh job description and we met today the Commission on Disability. I don't have anything to report on that. It was routine matters, but that's uh going
along. So, keeping busy, but not a lot here that's actionable as they say. Madam Chair, that's it. >> Thank you. I had to refresh my memory. I've been in a lot of meetings. So, we had a meeting of the bike committee um like two weeks ago. Um there's looking
they're preparing for um bike month, which I think is May. Um but there's uh and uh not a lot going on there. We did have an event on um Saturday where we had bike recycling um event at the transfer station. So, there's a
recycling um there's a shed down there by where the Boy Scouts are. There's a shed for um for people to drop off and pick up bikes. Um we had uh two bikes that were homed that were found um a home and then
we had 17 bikes that were dropped off in various levels of condition. Um so just reminder to everybody that that's down there. You can bring a bike or take a bike. Some of them in need of a lot of elbow grease. They're not super good shape, but um thank you to the bike
committee for for doing that and getting those sheds down there. Um I attended a meeting um the Westport 250 um where they talked about some of the events that they have going on. Um I was also able to attend the uh induction ceremony
from the school for their innovation pathway. This is um they have a program set up at the school department for the middle high school um for people to pursue careers in um STEM or uh health science. I guess health sciences is STEM
but um health sciences. They have a health sciences track and an engineering track. So they have maybe 30 students um that are participating in that. So that was nice. And then we had a meeting of
the cable advisory committee. Um so the cable advisory kind of talked about um there's going to do some uh improvements to that room down there I guess. Um so Chris has been working with John I guess u for the the room down at the end of
the hallway. Um and then we talked a lot about the concern really coming from cable advisory is that is 100% supported. So, this is how all our community television is going out through the cable advisory fund. It's funded through a search charge on your charter cable bill. It's not your
internet bill. It's your cable bill. >> Um, and as we're there's some concern about as people are moving away from cable television and onto streaming services, that will reduce the revenues that are available. So, the um cable
advisory has quite a bit of money that they've collected over the years. Um but it if if cable revenues decline, then that's going to be something we'd have to look to fund. I don't think it's a problem the next year or two, but it might be a problem later down the road about how to fund our community
television. >> That's a legal requirement to fund it. >> It's contractual with Charter Spectrum. Um, and it's only the the we only have a contract with Charter Spectrum for the cable, not for the internet.
Uh, so it's it's in the contract. I don't it possibly the law too, but I think it's in the contract. Uh, and then I have some meetings coming up. Um, we have meeting um, so we have town meeting on Tuesday and our little meeting at 6:30 before that. Um I have
school building committee meeting is hap on May 6 >> and then um offshore wind is meeting on May 7th. >> So lots of meetings next week. It'll be fun times. Oh, climate resilience. The climate resilience committee is coming up this week. >> Climate resilience. Lots of meetings.
>> That's all for me. >> Just to follow up, I uh I was at the Westport bsentennial as well. Um good meeting just laying out the events. obviously the one that will hopefully happen on this Thursday. Um this week we have uh infrastructure oversight committee,
we have climate resiliency committee, the following week is the offshore wind. So uh next week and a half we'll have a few to get through. So that's all I have. >> Okay. I don't think you haven't had you haven't your first meeting. >> I'm educating myself as much as
possible. Um, I have seven hours of time free to myself in Chicago and Puerto Rico on Wednesday. So, if you give me reading assignments, I'll definitely take those reading assignments. >> Okay. >> Um, so next item is comments and statements from the public. We don't have any
public for anybody. >> Public's all gone. >> We scared them away. Carla, >> no one can complain that they're missing a football game today. Okay. Um uh just a reminder to the public, we have lots of vacancies on lots of
committees. So if you're interested in participating in town, let us know. We'll find a place for you. And I don't think we have anything under 48 hours. >> We do not. >> Okay. So I will see you all on Tuesday, May 5th at 6:30, right before town. >> Motion to adjurnn. >> Second.
>> All in favor? >> I. That's unanimous.