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Hardwick Board of Selectmen: FY2024 Budget Challenges and Administrative Transitions

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 3/13/23

These meeting notes are AI-generated and unofficial. They are provided for convenience and are not official Town records or approved municipal minutes. Verify all details using the source video and official Town documents.

Meeting details

Date

March 14, 2023

Duration

1h 31m

Decisions

11 recorded

Action Items

27 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen convened on March 13, 2023, to address a challenging FY2024 budget, which includes significant increases in school assessments, health insurance, and county retirement contributions. Discussions highlighted the need for detailed expenditure analysis and clarification of state aid figures to mitigate projected deficits. The board approved several appointments, meeting minutes, and a business license renewal, while also authorizing ARPA funds for a new chipper. Key administrative updates included the Town Administrator's resignation, ongoing efforts to secure grants for town projects, and addressing recurring building maintenance issues. The meeting concluded with a focus on preparing for the annual town election and further budget review.

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Discussion Highlights

The meeting was called to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, with no visitor comments on non-agenda items.
A motion to rescind Lisa Condit's appointment to the Master Plan Community Development Advisory Committee from a December 5, 2022 meeting was carried.
The Finance Committee officially opened its FY2024 budget discussion, noting a 10.41% increase in the school budget and a 10.5% increase in health insurance costs.
Budget scenarios were presented, indicating significant deficits even with level-funded expenses, and concerns were raised regarding school choice for Smith Vocational and its impact on town assessments.
State 'Student Opportunity Act' funds were noted as higher, but their intended use for assessment reduction remained uncertain.
Initial budget assessments showed high percentage caps for Hardwick and Barre, prompting a need for further reductions.
Confusion and potential errors in budget number calculations were identified, necessitating clarification from town staff.
Strategies for addressing budget shortfalls, including potential percentage cuts for departments and analysis of free cash, were discussed.
Technical difficulties with screen sharing were resolved to facilitate budget review.
Adjustments were made to insurance figures and school budget numbers, including an increase for Pathfinder.
A proposal was made to analyze actual expenditures and free cash to identify areas for trimming and achieve more realistic budget numbers.
Board members expressed concern that the current budget was 'a little too high' and would require a 10% reduction.
Meeting minutes from multiple dates in October, November, and December 2022 were approved.
Kate Morrell was appointed to the Council on Aging.
The renewal of a Class 3 license for Leo Tamkus, doing business as L&S Used Auto Parts, was approved.
An update was provided on the Solitude Lake Management contract for pond weed treatment, emphasizing the urgency for early May treatment and the need for timely contract signatures.
The town secured $67,500 in bond funding for weed treatment, with additional funds obtained from the Arboretum Pond Preservation Association (APPP).
Discussion of the Annual Town Election Warrant initially revealed a discrepancy in the number of Planning Board positions, leading to a deferral of the vote until clarification was obtained, after which it was approved.
Approval was granted for $50,000 from ARPA funding for the purchase of a new Morbark chipper.
The Town Administrator's report covered USDA betterment handling, the rescheduling of a pump station pre-construction meeting, a second project bid for equipment procurement, development of an RFP for project oversight, town building insurance inspections, and a fourth boiler room flooding incident.
A Green Community Grant application was submitted for a new boiler/chiller and insulation/heating work at the fire station and highway department.
A CDBG grant application was rejected due to a late submission, impacting future funding for roads and social services.
The Town Administrator, Angie, submitted her resignation, offering to assist in the transition to a new hire.
Challenges in attracting applicants for town positions, potentially due to uncompetitive compensation, were noted.
The personnel policy was reported as completed and scheduled for presentation at a future meeting.
Discussion regarding zoning bylaws was deferred to the next meeting's agenda.

Transcript (13,685 words)

Lightly cleaned for readability. Each timestamp opens the video at that point.

00:00:00
Order [Music] for March 13 2023 at 6 30 to order and it is 6 30.
00:00:09
On the agenda call to order Pledge of Allegiance visitors comments under old business Church Street Properties reconsider vote for appointment at least a Condit for the master plan Community Development advisory committee from December 5 other old business new business visitation
00:00:29
Finance committee with FY 2024 budget discussion approval of minutes from October 10 2022 October 24 2022 November 7 2022 November 9 2022 November 21 2022 December 5 2022 December 19 2022 appointments Council on
00:00:49
Aging Kate morial approval of renewal class 3 for Leo tamkus Solitude Lane management contract update annual election warrant April 10 2023 10 a.m to 8 PM other new business discussion in or vote ARP of funding committee reports
00:01:07
Miscellaneous correspondence Town Administrator report signatures and approvals selectman Roundtable and adjournment thank you okay [Music] so if you wouldn't mind if we can rise and join me in the Pledge of Allegiance
00:01:42
Thank you everyone are there any comments from visitors relative to any item of business that is not on the agenda for tonight Nicole hands or anything I don't see
00:02:01
Anything okay hearing none will move on to Old business the Church Streets properties do you have any update on those Nicole I don't have an update right now no we're just keeping them on there but I don't
00:02:20

[00:00:00] order [00:00:00] [Music] [00:00:02] for March 13 2023 [00:00:05] at 6 30 to order [00:00:07] and it is 6 30. [00:00:09] on the agenda [00:00:12] um call to order Pledge of Allegiance [00:00:14] visitors comments under old business [00:00:17] Church Street Properties reconsider vote [00:00:19] for appointment at least a Condit for [00:00:21] the master plan Community Development [00:00:23] advisory committee from December 5 other [00:00:26] old business new business visitation [00:00:29] finance committee with FY 2024 budget [00:00:31] discussion [00:00:32] approval of minutes from October 10 2022 [00:00:35] October 24 2022 November 7 2022 November [00:00:40] 9 2022 November 21 2022 December 5 2022 [00:00:45] December 19 2022 appointments Council on [00:00:49] Aging Kate morial approval of renewal [00:00:52] class 3 for Leo tamkus Solitude Lane [00:00:55] management contract update annual [00:00:58] election warrant April 10 2023 10 a.m to [00:01:01] 8 PM other new business discussion in or [00:01:05] vote ARP of funding committee reports [00:01:07] miscellaneous correspondence Town [00:01:09] Administrator report signatures and [00:01:12] approvals selectman Roundtable and [00:01:14] adjournment [00:01:15] thank you [00:01:17] okay [00:01:18] [Music] [00:01:19] um so if you wouldn't mind if we can [00:01:21] rise and join me in the Pledge of [00:01:24] Allegiance [00:01:42] thank you everyone [00:01:46] um are there any comments from visitors [00:01:48] relative to any item of business that is [00:01:51] not on the agenda for tonight [00:01:59] Nicole hands or anything I don't see [00:02:01] anything okay [00:02:04] um [00:02:05] hearing none will move on to Old [00:02:06] business the Church Streets properties [00:02:08] do you have any update on those Nicole I [00:02:11] don't have an update right now no [00:02:13] we're just keeping them on there but I [00:02:18] don't [00:02:18] um [00:02:20] second item under old business is [00:02:22] reconsider vote for appointment at least [00:02:24] second to the master plan Community [00:02:25] Development advisory committee from [00:02:27] December 5th at our last meeting we [00:02:29] talked about meeting to rescind that [00:02:32] vote [00:02:33] um [00:02:34] and I think we were just trying to [00:02:36] formalize what meeting date it was [00:02:39] I don't I don't know if there's any [00:02:41] discussion on this Kelly or Rob if you [00:02:43] have any questions I think it's a simple [00:02:45] motion [00:02:46] yeah I don't have any questions [00:02:50] so if there is [00:02:53] that would be great okay I would make a [00:02:56] motion to rescind our vote for [00:02:59] appointment at least a condent to the [00:03:01] master plan Community Development [00:03:02] advisory committee from our meeting on [00:03:05] December 5th 2022. [00:03:09] back at that [00:03:11] it was moved by Kelly seconded by Rob [00:03:13] any other discussion [00:03:16] hearing none since we are assume we need [00:03:18] to call the roll uh Kelly [00:03:21] aye Rob [00:03:24] aye and Julie is a yes so the motion [00:03:26] carries [00:03:29] um [00:03:30] so you'll let her know Nicole that we [00:03:33] fixed that appointment we did we had [00:03:36] previously appointed her to the other [00:03:37] committee I think last [00:03:39] so this is just a cleanup [00:03:43] um anything else under other old [00:03:45] business [00:03:51] that we need to talk about [00:03:56] I think maybe just um [00:03:58] [Applause] [00:03:59] just an update or [00:04:02] um [00:04:03] well let's wait we can maybe do that [00:04:04] under Town Administrator report [00:04:07] um [00:04:08] there's nothing else um Finance is here [00:04:11] so you probably want to open your [00:04:13] meeting Finance so that you're because [00:04:15] you have your members on so do you want [00:04:18] to open your meeting [00:04:20] yeah we can officially open the finance [00:04:23] committee meeting [00:04:25] on [00:04:27] March 13th at 6 34. thank you Keenan [00:04:34] who called you um is someone gonna share [00:04:36] their screen to someone have the ability [00:04:37] to share the screen [00:04:42] never mind I can share mine okay that'd [00:04:46] be great [00:05:00] okay [00:05:02] sorry it's not up hold on a second [00:05:22] can everyone see that [00:05:26] okay [00:05:31] thanks Nicole [00:05:41] I'm not sure how we want to go through [00:05:43] this are there any suggestions on how we [00:05:45] want to proceed in looking at this or no [00:05:47] I I'd like some uh [00:05:50] and like some direction from the board [00:05:52] of selectman because it is your budget [00:05:54] in the end [00:05:55] um [00:05:56] it's not looking very good right now [00:05:59] with the school budget and the place it [00:06:03] in we need to come up with a plan as to [00:06:05] how we're going to push back on the [00:06:07] school budget [00:06:11] so included in this Nicole is this the [00:06:13] assessment that we received [00:06:15] based on the meeting the other night [00:06:16] yeah that's got the 10.44 [00:06:21] and four one [00:06:23] percent increase in looking for [00:06:26] just 10. [00:06:28] straight I don't know [00:06:30] I don't know how to [00:06:32] before in the you can you know [00:06:45] um I'm just gonna I'm just gonna punch [00:06:47] in these numbers you can just do equals [00:06:49] if you want and it'll go over [00:06:53] um [00:06:54] I don't know how to do that [00:07:01] um [00:07:03] so if we give them ten and a half [00:07:05] percent no I will say [00:07:07] um I'm sorry sorry I don't know if you [00:07:08] want me to me to talk go ahead I want to [00:07:11] hear you I'm not sure about the [00:07:13] insurances yet we don't have all of the [00:07:15] prices for the insurance I did meet with [00:07:18] um Blue Cross Blue Shield and well it's [00:07:20] mother Maya and um [00:07:23] we're they're 10 and a half percent so [00:07:25] our health insurance has gone up a lot [00:07:29] um [00:07:30] I don't know that I did that [00:07:32] uh but the other insurances [00:07:36] General workman's comp police like those [00:07:38] numbers aren't out yet [00:07:40] and everything's going up this year [00:07:45] so not a not a popular [00:07:47] um not a popular [00:07:48] like talk about well with regard to [00:07:51] um insurance and such [00:07:54] um [00:08:00] remind me on what we currently have in [00:08:02] place we have some folks who are on 90 [00:08:05] 10 still [00:08:06] three [00:08:07] and then the rest is [00:08:12] 75 25 75-25 [00:08:23] 1.105 [00:08:27] so put 1.105 and if it's a five percent [00:08:30] increase is it a tenth yes [00:08:34] 1.105 is 10 and a half [00:08:41] sorry [00:08:46] I think this is right no it should be [00:08:48] 100 sorry 100.105 [00:08:51] I'm sorry Nicole [00:08:58] yeah okay now is that right no that is [00:09:05] um [00:09:07] how about [00:09:11] one one yeah no it's a hundred and ten [00:09:14] sorry 0.5 can you tell it's tax season [00:09:16] it's 110.5 [00:09:22] yeah [00:09:23] there you go yeah [00:09:26] okay [00:09:40] um somebody wants to come in [00:09:43] so [00:09:47] it was a sizable increase in Worcester [00:09:50] County Retirement too wasn't it there [00:09:52] was this is everybody's wish list right [00:09:55] here this is giving everybody that every [00:09:58] everything [00:09:59] which is a significant or increases in [00:10:02] expenses [00:10:04] and two percent raises last year [00:10:07] everybody was aware that [00:10:10] um from here on out beside the [00:10:12] contracted people that haven't been [00:10:14] negotiated yet will be getting two [00:10:16] percent increases [00:10:19] um [00:10:20] and then the red column [00:10:22] level funds expenses but still gives [00:10:24] raises [00:10:27] and we're still 279 000. 155 [00:10:31] what's the last column Nicole the last [00:10:33] column was literally [00:10:36] um basically last year's budget level [00:10:38] funding everything and not giving [00:10:39] anybody [00:10:41] except for the school correct well the [00:10:43] school's still getting their ten and a [00:10:44] half percent yeah [00:10:47] yeah do you have Pathfinders assessment [00:10:49] in there also [00:10:51] um I think I put in [00:10:58] placeholder because that's Wednesday [00:11:00] night [00:11:02] I sorry I'll find it here we go that [00:11:06] finder I added um four percent [00:11:09] so I can tell you it's we're probably [00:11:11] looking at that number is probably [00:11:15] um about 2 30. if you wanted to use that [00:11:18] as an estimate [00:11:23] and the thing is too is [00:11:26] I'm not sure about Smith I I guess [00:11:30] and so that leads me to another [00:11:32] conversation which I did not bring up at [00:11:34] the school committee meeting last week [00:11:36] because I know my audience but um I [00:11:39] don't know if there's a limit on [00:11:41] how many [00:11:43] School choices we can allow [00:11:45] no no [00:11:47] they just can I mean I it to me it's [00:11:49] very it doesn't seem appropriate to bust [00:11:53] somebody all the way to Northampton or [00:11:56] to have Northampton as a school choice [00:11:58] so the reason [00:12:00] um that Smith and wave had a um I'm just [00:12:03] going to take off my slugman's hat for a [00:12:05] second and put on my pathfinder hat [00:12:08] um so the reason that these students are [00:12:12] able to go to Smith is because Smith [00:12:15] offers a program that Pathfinder does [00:12:17] not offer we are very much paying [00:12:19] attention to students who go to Smith [00:12:21] looking to do Agriculture and switch [00:12:24] into [00:12:25] [Music] [00:12:27] um a vocation that Pathfinder has we're [00:12:29] actually trying to claw those students [00:12:31] back into Pathfinder which would be [00:12:33] covered in our assessment [00:12:36] um so the superintendent of and this [00:12:39] would be a great question to pose to him [00:12:41] on Wednesday night superintendent has [00:12:43] been working with [00:12:45] um [00:12:47] you know other other folks relative and [00:12:49] even with the Smith Administration to [00:12:51] make sure that if it's a student that [00:12:54] really should be a Pathfinder they are [00:12:55] at Pathfinder [00:12:57] and we're not paying additional [00:12:58] assessment for Smith [00:13:01] but that's what it is it's a vocation [00:13:03] that's not offered at Pathfinder that's [00:13:05] Smith okay what about Tantasqua they [00:13:08] also have a [00:13:09] program I mean I did see that obviously [00:13:12] Smith has Agriculture and not just [00:13:14] Horticulture we've had students go there [00:13:17] before so that's why that's there [00:13:20] okay [00:13:25] and I got the regional assessments so [00:13:28] those are all accurate in there Building [00:13:30] Council on Aging [00:13:33] um [00:13:34] and ambulance [00:13:37] so ambulance should be pretty accurate I [00:13:39] I don't have exact figures from [00:13:43] West Brookfield but verbally he gave me [00:13:47] the amount so that should be in there [00:13:51] we go here [00:13:52] um [00:13:54] uh accounting went up to 85 I don't have [00:13:57] the letter yet [00:13:59] but I had a meeting with them [00:14:02] [Music] [00:14:04] 25 is a pretty big increase but it's the [00:14:07] five-year [00:14:09] um [00:14:09] my reval so there's nothing that we can [00:14:12] do about that so [00:14:19] on the school on the school meeting the [00:14:21] other night [00:14:22] um was there a discussion of the extra [00:14:24] funds that [00:14:26] state has provided I I can't I'm having [00:14:30] um a mental block on what it was called [00:14:32] but it's sort of like [00:14:34] um the state has made the realization [00:14:38] that [00:14:39] our our area has been significantly [00:14:42] underfunded and so the student I think [00:14:45] it's the student act funds are [00:14:47] significantly higher [00:14:50] um have did they give you any idea on [00:14:51] what they're planning on using those [00:14:53] funds for [00:14:55] because they could they could be used to [00:14:57] reduce assessments that's not ideally [00:14:59] what they want them to do [00:15:02] um with the extra funds but you'll hear [00:15:04] about this on Wednesday night also with [00:15:07] regard to Pathfinder but some districts [00:15:10] or some areas got significantly more [00:15:12] state aid [00:15:13] and we have a stupid student in October [00:15:15] uh [00:15:19] I don't know exactly about I know that [00:15:22] they took [00:15:24] some and and reduce the assessment 50 [00:15:27] 000 I think [00:15:29] um I know that they want to keep [00:15:32] maybe it wasn't the SOA but it was [00:15:34] another uh line item that they want to [00:15:39] keep it [00:15:40] to let it keep growing because they have [00:15:42] other teachers now in the Esser they [00:15:44] took them the general their general fund [00:15:47] and they're paying them through the [00:15:48] Esser money but that runs out in FY 24 [00:15:50] so it's like that's how they want [00:15:53] to [00:15:54] to keep the teachers but it didn't seem [00:15:56] very sustainable but again even their [00:15:58] numbers are are still coming in so [00:16:01] they did say they're hoping to reduce [00:16:03] the assessment more on the [00:16:06] on that we all understand that we're [00:16:07] just [00:16:09] um [00:16:09] headed for you know she called it a [00:16:11] death spiral it's just not a it's not [00:16:14] um sustainable at all [00:16:16] so [00:16:18] I I'm not exactly sure about that but [00:16:20] they and you know they have some sort of [00:16:23] um [00:16:25] they get reimbursed for their [00:16:27] transportation [00:16:28] but they don't put that in the [00:16:30] assessment either because they are never [00:16:32] sure it if they're going to have another [00:16:34] kid I don't know there was you know I'm [00:16:37] not exactly as in volved in schools I'm [00:16:40] not as well versed as the town because [00:16:42] really this is my first Regional School [00:16:44] so [00:16:45] um [00:16:47] um so I'm I'm not as familiar but [00:16:51] I know that you know I know that they're [00:16:53] looking to try to reduce the assessment [00:16:56] I don't know where or how well this was [00:16:59] their initial assessment [00:17:01] got tapped for 14 Barry got tapped for [00:17:05] 14. [00:17:08] um uh okay I'm trying to remember it off [00:17:11] the top of my head [00:17:13] um somewhere around the same as we were [00:17:15] with ocam and new Braintree was around 8 [00:17:22] . [00:17:22] um but they said they were coming back [00:17:24] because they don't have the solid state [00:17:26] numbers to work with it [00:17:29] um but I just don't I don't you know [00:17:32] starting that high I don't see them [00:17:34] coming back with a level of funding from [00:17:37] last year no [00:17:43] how cool there's a there's a question [00:17:45] that Chad about [00:17:46] um from Glenn on how much money did they [00:17:48] get for Colgate I don't think we know [00:17:50] the answer to that right I don't think [00:17:52] that was specifically [00:17:54] they got it in multiple they got some [00:17:56] from us from for the town we turned over [00:17:59] some of our money I think I don't know [00:18:02] if other towns did but maybe we can [00:18:04] reach out to the school and ask that [00:18:05] question [00:18:08] I can't see the chat so [00:18:10] um [00:18:13] okay every the other that's what the SR [00:18:17] essr yes or funding was from [00:18:20] so I think they got a pretty significant [00:18:22] amount [00:18:25] but I I don't know for sure I don't know [00:18:27] exactly off the top of my head [00:18:31] I know the initial realm was used to buy [00:18:34] computers for every kid because of all [00:18:36] my homeschooling that went on with the [00:18:38] initial round [00:18:41] I wasn't sure we gave our money for [00:18:43] them yeah and I wasn't involved after [00:18:45] that so I'm not quite sure [00:18:49] yeah I think there was a big need for [00:18:52] making sure that all of the students had [00:18:54] technology so that they could be yeah [00:18:58] um yeah that that was the initial push [00:19:01] when they first got their funds and they [00:19:03] had we actually contributed some of our [00:19:06] funds to that as well [00:19:07] we did I can't remember we had the [00:19:09] amount but I I can't remember what it [00:19:11] was but it was fairly significant I [00:19:13] think 105 000 I believe that's what that [00:19:16] was I was going to say a hundred off the [00:19:19] top of my head but [00:19:21] so from a from a finance committee [00:19:24] perspective I know you were meeting with [00:19:25] the individual Apartments Keenan who [00:19:28] have you guys met with so far in person [00:19:30] if that was the police we met with fire [00:19:32] we've met with the highway [00:19:37] um [00:19:39] I I keep I keep looking at all these [00:19:42] budgets and [00:19:44] it's not going to be a realistic for the [00:19:47] requests they have in for the [00:19:49] internet [00:19:51] the money's just not there [00:19:56] so just looking at sort of let's look at [00:19:58] the [00:19:59] maybe we could just look at the bottom [00:20:01] line where we were the last page Nicole [00:20:03] and so in your in your [00:20:07] um analysis here this is the [00:20:12] four million 501 that you have [00:20:16] um [00:20:18] can you go up a little bit [00:20:21] so that four million 501 which is on [00:20:23] yeah so that's two and a half of last [00:20:26] year and you're saying we're saying [00:20:29] conservatively that we're going to have [00:20:32] two and a half percent of growth do we [00:20:34] know what actual growth was last year [00:20:36] that's what I know he budgeted [00:20:40] I don't that's a good I'll see yeah so [00:20:44] maybe I just we're gonna have to tweak [00:20:46] all of that the numbers above but maybe [00:20:49] if we can at least make sure we're [00:20:50] comfortable and we're saying [00:20:54] um so the two and a half is of [00:20:56] um [00:21:00] four or five doesn't make sense to me [00:21:03] because I don't know where it came from [00:21:05] it just came from [00:21:08] here [00:21:10] we're adding that we're adding five [00:21:12] percent two and a half percent in down [00:21:14] below that yeah this is the two and a [00:21:16] half percent [00:21:18] but where did those you know you get we [00:21:20] got four four three nine one seven [00:21:22] ninety nine [00:21:24] to last this last year that should go [00:21:27] over [00:21:28] no the four five five seven [00:21:30] seven yeah [00:21:32] so it's actually a little lower so right [00:21:35] yeah I'm not sure why we don't carry [00:21:37] over from the year prior to the four [00:21:40] three nine one that might have been [00:21:42] actual so I think we need some help with [00:21:45] Jen on this part so if anything the four [00:21:48] five five seven which is the prior year [00:21:51] Levy limit would come over and then [00:21:53] you'd add two and a half percent right [00:22:01] okay [00:22:03] I'll ask Jen tomorrow if we all are all [00:22:06] in otherwise Wednesday and I did send it [00:22:09] over to Lori delolio [00:22:12] the numbers look right but [00:22:16] um [00:22:19] right because that number would move [00:22:21] over and then [00:22:23] two and a half of that is 113 9 30. [00:22:29] can I just do that right now [00:22:31] yeah [00:22:40] that's what yep that's the same number I [00:22:43] get back for the two and a half [00:22:49] me carry into the other two line lines [00:22:51] as well [00:22:55] um no [00:22:57] boom boom go lay down [00:23:08] they're cool people can you can you move [00:23:10] that [00:23:12] what did you mute that please [00:23:15] I I see it when I'm sharing my screen I [00:23:17] don't get to see everything [00:23:26] and so [00:23:27] um just sort of following down here the [00:23:29] numbers for [00:23:31] um [00:23:32] the [00:23:34] um [00:23:34] uh standing County offsets the cherry [00:23:37] sheet offsets and the estimated State [00:23:40] receipts come off the Cherry sheets yeah [00:23:45] yeah the governor's numbers were lower [00:23:47] than last year so yeah [00:23:51] yeah I called them too and [00:23:53] too and they're probably not changing [00:23:56] or we gotta wait for the Senate numbers [00:23:58] in that [00:23:59] legislature's numbers and [00:24:01] then [00:24:03] yes I don't I don't see this year being [00:24:06] a growth yeah [00:24:17] so it was it looks a little bit better [00:24:19] already look at that [00:24:22] every little bit's gonna help that's [00:24:24] honest to God [00:24:26] um and the estimated local the one [00:24:30] million 119 is that from Jen also [00:24:33] no that's just from [00:24:36] the increase from 22 to 23 so I just [00:24:40] added the same amount 127 766. can we um [00:24:45] can we see what actually came through in [00:24:47] 2020 okay [00:24:49] then just have Jen maybe weigh in on [00:24:51] that number [00:24:52] yeah [00:24:54] yeah she typically weighs in on all [00:24:56] these numbers at the bottom yep and [00:24:59] she's a pretty good [00:25:00] resource for that [00:25:03] I keep going to her every day asking her [00:25:05] for some new growth [00:25:09] so I mean [00:25:11] I guess thinking of possible strategies [00:25:17] you know if you look at what our big [00:25:19] numbers are on here I mean we can't [00:25:21] things we can't change like we can't [00:25:23] change Worcester County Retirement [00:25:24] everybody got a really significant [00:25:27] increase in there and I think we've [00:25:29] gotten increases since they had their [00:25:31] audit a couple years ago we've gotten [00:25:34] some fairly sizable increases year over [00:25:36] year [00:25:37] um [00:25:49] I don't I don't know does anyone have [00:25:51] thoughts on how they want to [00:25:54] sort of approach this [00:26:00] I don't know if we [00:26:04] we know what you know if [00:26:06] I know in the past we've gone back to [00:26:08] the Departments and asked you know them [00:26:10] to cut a percentage I'm not sure what [00:26:12] that percentage would need to be [00:26:16] well some things we can't change [00:26:19] yeah I mean it would almost seem that we [00:26:22] we need to make sure that our [00:26:24] numbers on the bottom are you know we [00:26:28] feel comfortable with those [00:26:30] I agree [00:26:31] so we really have an accurate picture [00:26:33] yeah [00:26:38] is it um [00:26:41] is it I don't know if it makes sense to [00:26:44] share this [00:26:46] at this stage just so that departments [00:26:48] you know are aware [00:26:50] of what we're looking at [00:26:53] because it you know a like kind of like [00:26:55] a starting [00:26:57] well I mean I just wanted to have an [00:27:00] open dialogue with you guys Scott I [00:27:03] think I think we'd still have some work [00:27:05] to do we've got to get some numbers back [00:27:07] you know we've got to get the school [00:27:10] assessment down before we start to hatch [00:27:12] and everything [00:27:14] I don't disagree there [00:27:20] but who knows when we'll when we'll know [00:27:22] that either well you know [00:27:26] a lot of um definitely a lot of ticking [00:27:30] time bombs per se that they're waiting [00:27:32] for [00:27:33] yep see they're in the same shape the [00:27:36] towels are in [00:27:38] um [00:27:40] but I just you know I just wanted to [00:27:42] make sure we're all on the same page [00:27:44] with this [00:27:47] um because I think you know looking at [00:27:50] it [00:27:51] you know if we slash their assessment in [00:27:54] half which is typical of what they [00:27:56] usually end up coming back with four to [00:27:59] five percent [00:28:00] we're still [00:28:02] we're still in the hall [00:28:05] we want to just do the exercise of five [00:28:07] percent [00:28:08] well you could throw it in just throw it [00:28:10] in there just to see do it over on the [00:28:12] last page on the last column just toss [00:28:15] it in on the last column and see what it [00:28:18] does [00:28:21] well I I won't be able to can I just let [00:28:24] me just do it here it'll be a little [00:28:25] easier and then I can always undo it [00:28:34] oh no [00:28:35] that's right yeah that's right it is [00:28:37] correct yeah [00:28:42] that's I mean we're about halfway there [00:28:44] right [00:28:53] so basically that's what that's with a [00:28:56] wish list [00:28:57] right [00:28:59] um [00:29:03] if you put it on the the next one [00:29:09] um [00:29:10] yeah [00:29:13] that ends up being [00:29:16] um I have it open on my screen but it I [00:29:18] don't I didn't make all the tweaks that [00:29:20] Nicole had so it ends up being like 115 [00:29:23] or 110 000 over [00:29:27] in the red column if you move that [00:29:28] assessment over there [00:29:34] yeah she's done that now [00:29:41] equals m [00:29:44] 11. [00:29:47] numbers [00:29:59] false [00:30:05] take the M11 out of the end [00:30:11] oh no [00:30:16] can you guys see [00:30:23] would it be easier if I should I have it [00:30:25] up on my screen would it be easier for [00:30:27] you to buy shared yeah why don't you I I [00:30:30] I no offense Nicole but I might be [00:30:32] slightly a little better at Excel [00:30:36] [Music] [00:30:37] um do I have to let you share or can you [00:30:39] just share uh [00:30:42] you have to let me share please [00:30:53] okay [00:30:56] um oh it still says it's disabled [00:31:02] you might have to make me a co-host [00:31:07] or turn it over to me as host yeah I [00:31:09] just had to do that [00:31:13] uh [00:31:19] uh well that's not helpful is it [00:31:22] um [00:31:23] can you see the screen yeah okay [00:31:27] so [00:31:28] um [00:31:29] okay so we what was the other tweak we [00:31:31] made we changed the insurance and what [00:31:34] was the what did the insurance go up to [00:31:36] around 240. [00:31:39] it was it was the prior times what time [00:31:42] what percent did you say Nicole 10 10.5 [00:31:55] there we go again [00:31:58] 110. [00:32:09] oh good God [00:32:11] the note keeps coming up you have these [00:32:14] little pop-ups in there [00:32:20] okay [00:32:25] all right so if we go down [00:32:29] so it's at 130. [00:32:33] yeah that's uh that's what the school at [00:32:36] they did not put the increase in for the [00:32:39] placeholder and for Pathfinder so let me [00:32:41] do that [00:33:01] and I'll fix this part here [00:33:19] so 228 82 and 16. [00:33:22] I mean the right hand side is really [00:33:25] really really you know [00:33:28] it's scary well that's what nothing [00:33:29] added experience in school [00:33:31] right [00:33:35] that's what no raise is for anyone [00:33:37] correct nothing except for the schools [00:33:43] so maybe questions we could ask of Jen [00:33:46] just a suggestion if we're talking to [00:33:48] her about numbers in the past we've used [00:33:50] a little bit of overlay do we have any [00:33:52] excess overlay I know she's rightly so [00:33:55] conservative for that but is there any [00:33:57] overlay we can potentially use [00:34:00] um [00:34:03] um in terms of the debt exclusion with [00:34:05] what we're doing with [00:34:07] um is that debt exclusion [00:34:10] sewer related [00:34:13] half and half [00:34:14] so is that going to change based on [00:34:19] um [00:34:20] part of the the band going being covered [00:34:25] the problem was with that ban just the [00:34:27] interest was we were just paying the [00:34:29] interest so it was only a few thousand [00:34:31] dollars or it wasn't making a big [00:34:34] difference on the 2 million that was [00:34:36] just paid off because we weren't paying [00:34:37] any but possible to it yet [00:34:40] but does that 35 include oops sorry does [00:34:43] that 35 include the interest on that [00:34:47] no [00:34:48] it does not nope okay [00:34:53] uh [00:34:56] the only thing that I can say is like I [00:34:59] said the insurances Julie do you want to [00:35:02] um hover over one of them [00:35:04] I might have just put in a placeholder [00:35:07] not minus sewer share but [00:35:10] um [00:35:11] 58 408 Maybe [00:35:13] The General Insurance [00:35:19] you have to yeah yeah so that's 11 [00:35:23] um [00:35:26] so maybe that's not going to be 11 [00:35:28] percent [00:35:34] well I mean I think if you look so sorry [00:35:36] to give you a whiplash moving through [00:35:38] the worksheet but you sort of go line [00:35:40] you can go [00:35:42] um the other thing that would be helpful [00:35:44] and I think um we got this from [00:35:47] um sorry it's on my other screen so I am [00:35:49] paying attention but I have to look at [00:35:51] my other screen to see the worksheet so [00:35:53] if I feel like if I'm looking elsewhere [00:35:55] it's because I'm looking at the [00:35:56] worksheet [00:35:57] um [00:35:58] but you know maybe it's a good exercise [00:36:00] to see what the actual [00:36:02] s have been so far and [00:36:06] um sort of annualized that I think [00:36:07] that's what we've done in years past is [00:36:09] sort of look at what the expenses are [00:36:11] and see if we can [00:36:13] trim some of these a little bit [00:36:16] um to be more realistic numbers [00:36:20] because we had [00:36:22] um [00:36:22] free cash came in Fairly significant so [00:36:25] what that means to me is we either [00:36:27] undermaid underestimated our receipts or [00:36:31] we under spent [00:36:34] we were [00:36:37] more diligent or better off from our [00:36:40] budget so [00:36:42] you know maybe there's something there [00:36:44] that we can either tweak on the receipt [00:36:45] side or tweak on the expense side [00:36:54] does that make sense [00:36:59] yeah the unfortunate thing about that is [00:37:01] that [00:37:02] from what I can I did ask Lori I [00:37:04] actually asked her for five years so I [00:37:06] could look at what the trend was over [00:37:08] the last five years and all she could do [00:37:11] was get me [00:37:12] a PDF [00:37:14] of every you know I wasn't able to line [00:37:16] it up with these line items like in my [00:37:19] munis software the old the stuff I use [00:37:21] my other town you could just export it [00:37:24] right over here and it would just be [00:37:25] right there but [00:37:27] um we can do it line by line [00:37:29] if you if you can so do you have the [00:37:32] final PDFs by year [00:37:35] of what was spent by line [00:37:38] sort of yes [00:37:40] if you if you get those to me I'll get [00:37:42] the work she created [00:37:44] okay I'll get it into Excel [00:37:49] and we'll we'll do a five-year Trend [00:37:51] analysis on each of these lines and then [00:37:54] we can maybe also compare to [00:37:56] where we're at year to date [00:38:00] for this year [00:38:05] oh yeah on free cash for this year is [00:38:07] that all one side effect [00:38:11] I'm sorry say that again it has the free [00:38:13] cash been certified [00:38:14] 207. [00:38:18] but we're all we're going to be over a [00:38:19] hundred thousand dollars so nice by [00:38:21] tomorrow yes for sure [00:38:23] yeah [00:38:27] are there any particular lines that we [00:38:29] want to look at or just do you think it [00:38:32] makes sense to put sort of put that [00:38:33] analysis together [00:38:36] um have Jen take a look at the numbers [00:38:38] and see if she can [00:38:40] yeah some magic on them and that maybe [00:38:43] look at [00:38:45] um where we are year to date [00:38:49] yeah for sure it would it wouldn't hurt [00:38:52] to just step back and let [00:38:54] Jen Jen always needs to receive it [00:38:57] anyway [00:38:59] and then if you can look at [00:39:02] where our expenditures are for the eso [00:39:05] file [00:39:06] it would help out immensely if we had [00:39:08] that for on a monthly basis [00:39:11] yeah I just looked I just actually [00:39:13] requested it and looked at it and I I [00:39:16] think I forwarded it to you in in Rob [00:39:18] Julie last week [00:39:21] it did I mean [00:39:23] oh I'm sorry go ahead I know I just say [00:39:26] I mean it looked like the apartments [00:39:28] look like they're [00:39:31] on kind of on track so nothing was crazy [00:39:34] about it [00:39:38] well sometimes your free cash is the [00:39:40] stuff that is you're you're your taxes [00:39:43] that are behind from [00:39:44] the previous years that show up [00:39:47] so you'd have to look and really analyze [00:39:49] the free cash and see where it's being [00:39:51] generated [00:39:54] well and I think it may not be out of [00:39:56] the budget at all [00:39:58] well and maybe looking at what our [00:40:00] assumptions were last year for purposes [00:40:02] of coming up with a budget for receipts [00:40:04] and what actually happened [00:40:06] that that could be useful as well [00:40:11] agreed [00:40:16] are there any particular lines you want [00:40:17] to look at or [00:40:19] we're good with just that approach for [00:40:21] now well let's just let's let's get this [00:40:23] stuff moving forward with like Jen and [00:40:26] you know you can analyze the free cash [00:40:30] and no sense beating it to death at the [00:40:32] point where we 'd have really [00:40:36] good I just wanted everybody to be on [00:40:38] the same page to know it's going to be a [00:40:40] lot of work to get this balance complete [00:40:42] for the new year [00:40:46] indeed it seems to be the flavor that we [00:40:49] go through every year so it is [00:40:53] it's not fun [00:40:57] okay so I think we have a good approach [00:41:00] I'm going to stop sharing unless anyone [00:41:01] wants to talk specifically about the [00:41:03] worksheet [00:41:05] Glenn do you have anything to say as far [00:41:07] as the budget [00:41:12] Glenn you're muted [00:41:18] oh just that it [00:41:24] had a huge increase my concern is what [00:41:25] they got for Colvin money and what they [00:41:27] spend it on the schools will be working [00:41:29] it looks like they're getting Millions [00:41:32] millions of what they've been spending [00:41:33] on [00:41:36] Leon anything [00:41:43] what's that can you hear me no I was [00:41:45] just asking Leon if he had anything to [00:41:47] say [00:41:49] he's muted [00:41:55] no he's unmuted now [00:41:57] yeah anything early on [00:42:00] not really uh I said that there's a lot [00:42:04] of uh there's a lot of questions yet [00:42:06] uh [00:42:09] I like to see what they did with their [00:42:11] money also [00:42:14] but anyway uh that's about all I have [00:42:16] around [00:42:19] all right [00:42:25] I'll take a motion to adjourn these [00:42:29] finance committee meeting [00:42:34] make a motion to adjourn your finance [00:42:36] committee [00:42:41] all right [00:42:43] thank you thank you uh [00:42:47] thank you so for the record it was [00:42:50] adjourned at 7 12. okay thank you thank [00:42:53] you [00:42:54] thank you [00:42:58] okay anything else um from a selectman [00:43:00] perspective that we want to talk about [00:43:03] with regard to the budget or we're good [00:43:05] with where we're at and they approach so [00:43:08] just [00:43:09] um on the to-do's Nicole you're going to [00:43:11] send me those PDFs I'll get the Excel [00:43:13] created I will also um reach out to Lori [00:43:17] D to get an updated another updated one [00:43:20] after the next warrant run [00:43:23] um [00:43:25] so we can just put the expenditures in [00:43:27] here [00:43:29] and we'll update the worksheet [00:43:32] and then you'll check with Jen let Jen [00:43:34] do her work her magic on this [00:43:38] and we'll um evaluate the receipts [00:43:41] perhaps we can take a look at [00:43:43] um the receipts that we use to estimate [00:43:45] in them the actual receipts [00:43:52] anything else anything else on the [00:43:55] budget [00:43:59] okay I'm good next item on the agenda [00:44:03] are minutes for October 10 October 24 [00:44:06] November 7 November 9 November 21 [00:44:09] December 5 and December 19. it goes [00:44:12] around 20 22 minutes [00:44:14] because everyone had a chance to review [00:44:16] those minutes [00:44:18] I have [00:44:24] Rob [00:44:26] yeah okay [00:44:29] or what happened [00:44:34] I think these were actually some of the [00:44:36] ones that um I had some comments on that [00:44:38] were tweaked too [00:44:42] okay [00:44:43] so happy to make a motion that would be [00:44:46] perfect thank you I would make a motion [00:44:48] to approve the meeting minutes from [00:44:50] October 10th 2022 October 24 2022 [00:44:54] November 7th 2022 November 9th 2022 [00:44:58] November 21st 2022 December 5th 2022 and [00:45:03] December 19 2022. [00:45:08] second that [00:45:10] so I was moved by Kelly and seconded by [00:45:12] Rob any other discussion on the minutes [00:45:16] hearing none I will call the roll Kelly [00:45:18] I Rob [00:45:21] yeah and Julie is a yes so the motion [00:45:24] carries [00:45:28] um [00:45:28] next on the agenda that I have is the um [00:45:32] appointment and we have Council on Aging [00:45:34] of kick Marielle [00:45:41] do we know [00:45:43] um [00:45:45] I know [00:45:46] we asked [00:45:48] people if they wanted to be appointed to [00:45:51] you know go to that Pacific Department [00:45:53] group you know Junction board do we know [00:45:59] yeah I was actually at the last Council [00:46:01] on Aging meeting where they all [00:46:02] recommend to [00:46:04] ask me to have her appointed they did [00:46:06] you know not a lot of them have [00:46:08] computers or anything like that so I [00:46:09] said I'd relay it so okay perfect I've [00:46:11] been going to all of the Council on [00:46:13] Aging meetings [00:46:14] I'm happy to make another motion then [00:46:16] Julia if you want one uh-huh I would [00:46:20] make a motion to appoint Kate morale to [00:46:23] the Council on Aging for Hardwick [00:46:29] by Kelly seconded by Rob any other [00:46:32] discussion and this is what the approval [00:46:35] of the recommendation of the Council on [00:46:37] Aging members [00:46:39] um hearing none I will call the roll [00:46:40] Kelly [00:46:42] aye Rob [00:46:43] yes and Julius again so the motion [00:46:46] carries [00:46:49] um in your pocket you should have the [00:46:50] approval of the renewal class 3 license [00:46:53] for [00:46:54] um Leo tamkus [00:46:56] there's this one that was just missed [00:46:59] Nicole [00:47:00] apparently yeah he came in and said [00:47:04] either he forgot he came in to see Angie [00:47:05] either he forgot or didn't get it [00:47:07] okay so he submitted everything [00:47:09] should have in your packet and he didn't [00:47:11] heat for it [00:47:12] okay [00:47:16] you want me to do a motion uh yes as [00:47:19] long as there's no questions on it or [00:47:20] issues [00:47:22] please [00:47:25] I don't see any but I don't I don't know [00:47:27] if anybody else has questions [00:47:29] ah [00:47:38] Rob are you good with that [00:47:48] if you're ready [00:47:51] to make a motion to approve the renewal [00:47:54] class three license for Leo tamkus [00:47:57] um looks like he does businesses LNS [00:47:59] used auto parts [00:48:03] back at that [00:48:05] motion was made by Kelly seconded by Rob [00:48:08] any other discussion on the motion [00:48:11] carrying on I will call for a vote Kelly [00:48:15] aye Rob [00:48:17] yes and Julie is a yes so the motion [00:48:20] carries thank you [00:48:23] um next item um on the agenda is the [00:48:25] Solitude Lake management contract update [00:48:27] and I see that we've got Gary and [00:48:29] here so um if you guys want to unmute [00:48:32] yourself and give us an update that'd be [00:48:34] great [00:48:35] thanks Julie [00:48:37] hi everybody [00:48:39] so I'm sitting here [00:48:42] um [00:48:42] vice president [00:48:44] for the hardwood Pond preservation [00:48:46] Association and obviously you remember [00:48:48] Gary [00:48:49] 's face Gary's the president [00:48:52] um [00:48:53] we just asked for a little bit of time [00:48:55] can we take a couple minutes [00:48:57] um basically just to alert the board to [00:49:00] an upcoming contract that we're going to [00:49:02] need help with [00:49:03] by help we simply mean signatures [00:49:08] I think you all remember that we were [00:49:10] lucky enough to have the state route [00:49:12] some money through the town the town was [00:49:14] good enough to host the contract [00:49:16] and babysit the money for us [00:49:19] we have a little bit left Gary can talk [00:49:21] a little bit about that in a second and [00:49:24] this year we think we've done what we [00:49:26] need to have some good conversation with [00:49:28] the state we're hoping we're going to be [00:49:30] allowed to treat [00:49:32] and that means that Solitude is going to [00:49:34] be submitting a contract [00:49:38] for the remainder of what we have in our [00:49:40] account we'll have to pay some [00:49:41] additional money [00:49:43] but basically we're going to clean out [00:49:44] our account [00:49:46] so I think [00:49:48] we're expecting that maybe sometime by [00:49:50] mid [00:49:51] um yeah mid-april [00:49:53] um we will have Solitude send a contract [00:49:56] to the town [00:49:57] and the reason we wanted to brief you is [00:50:00] just to kind of like pave the way [00:50:01] because [00:50:03] we really need to be treating by early [00:50:05] May in order to meet the [00:50:09] the weed schedule and get ahead of you [00:50:12] know the biology [00:50:14] in order to do that we have to have [00:50:15] everything lined up in April so it'll be [00:50:18] this kind of last minute thing where we [00:50:19] have a contract submitted to the town [00:50:21] and we have to [00:50:23] beg you guys for signatures [00:50:26] um so that's all we're doing is trying [00:50:28] to alert you Gary you want to add your [00:50:30] thoughts to how much might be left or [00:50:32] any other comments well I'd like to say [00:50:34] a couple things first of all hi Nicole I [00:50:37] haven't met you yet sorry [00:50:39] it wasn't intentional [00:50:41] but um anyway yeah I'm and Bill Bill [00:50:45] will remind you that [00:50:47] you shouldn't have ever gone to his door [00:50:49] when I knocked on it after retiring from [00:50:52] medical sales and [00:50:54] in in the Philadelphia area where I went [00:50:57] from here [00:50:58] down to and um because it added more [00:51:03] stuff on his plate and as a biologist so [00:51:06] but anyway [00:51:08] we want to thank the town for all the [00:51:10] help they've been so far to start with [00:51:11] let's start with that [00:51:13] that we were able to get Bond funding [00:51:15] because we work with Senator goby and [00:51:17] her staff to do that [00:51:19] that Bond funding was 67 [00:51:22] 500 dollars [00:51:24] we also got some other funding [00:51:26] through the Arabic Pond preservation [00:51:29] Association nothing to do with the town [00:51:31] but for the same only body of water in [00:51:35] town that is actually a lake or [00:51:39] large pond [00:51:41] other than the Quabbin that's nearby [00:51:43] over here so we we appreciate all the [00:51:46] help we've had so far so by storing the [00:51:48] money in the town that was able to get [00:51:50] us more money from the state than we [00:51:52] expected okay [00:51:54] and uh so it up to this day what I think [00:51:58] we have in my think I think close on [00:52:00] this if we're off by a couple of bucks [00:52:02] it's not a big deal but I think [00:52:04] that with the field testing that we had [00:52:07] to do [00:52:08] and the initial [00:52:11] start to this in 2018 where we filed [00:52:14] some [00:52:15] with a town Solitude Lake management [00:52:18] to file for some expenses so when you [00:52:22] take the money that was done that at [00:52:24] that point that 67.5 we have since spent [00:52:28] forty two thousand seven hundred and two [00:52:30] dollars [00:52:32] on doing things because of our work with [00:52:36] natural heritage and endangered jerseys [00:52:39] program to be able to kind of clear up [00:52:42] all the words out there about what we [00:52:45] have to do here as a group [00:52:47] and so that would tell me that we've got [00:52:51] roughly twenty four thousand seven [00:52:54] hundred and ninety eight dollars left [00:52:56] for 2023 [00:52:58] but what we are going to what we're [00:53:00] proposing and Bill mentioned it what [00:53:03] we're going to propose as we sit down [00:53:05] with Heritage very shortly based on what [00:53:07] we what we did in 22. is allowing us [00:53:14] on [00:53:15] so if that happens [00:53:18] then we will need [00:53:21] to go dig in and get the rest of the [00:53:23] bond funding but so [00:53:26] at Harvard Pond preservation Association [00:53:28] we'll have a contract [00:53:30] Solitude link management as well will be [00:53:33] on the same contract and will be [00:53:36] responsible for a lot [00:53:38] a lot of money [00:53:40] so that's kind of where we are [00:53:43] you don't have that approval yet and [00:53:46] that's what we're working on bill has [00:53:48] got some stuff that he's getting working [00:53:51] with not only Solitude Lake management [00:53:53] but also the herbicide Manufacturing [00:53:56] if I had to get that to them so we can [00:53:58] clear up where we are for 2023. [00:54:01] and as Bill said he can't do this last [00:54:04] minute because if you're going to treat [00:54:06] the pond you have to treat it early [00:54:08] so let me just let me just add my two [00:54:11] cents [00:54:12] um here so [00:54:14] maybe [00:54:15] um Nicole I can pester you yet one more [00:54:18] time to just check with Laurie or [00:54:20] however you do your magic in there [00:54:24] um and let us know what's left in the [00:54:27] account I can give you the number right [00:54:29] now if you want to write it down Okay [00:54:32] um [00:54:32] the account number is 208 [00:54:35] 00 [00:54:38] -1040 [00:54:41] zero zero zero zero [00:54:44] and that's titled Solitude Lake [00:54:46] management Grant [00:54:48] so if you can if somebody like Laurie [00:54:51] can check behind the scenes and see [00:54:53] what's left there we will make sure [00:54:55] Solitude builds for that amount and then [00:54:57] whatever we need to make up as the [00:55:00] difference will take care of for [00:55:01] ourselves [00:55:02] with the association [00:55:04] Gary talked with the company that does [00:55:06] the lake treating and it's probably [00:55:08] going to cost us 62 000 total [00:55:11] so whatever we have in there is going to [00:55:13] get cleaned out and then we're going to [00:55:14] add to it [00:55:16] and hopefully this year because of all [00:55:19] of our efforts the last few seasons [00:55:21] testing on the pond will get to treat [00:55:22] the whole [00:55:23] the whole the whole lake and we'll [00:55:26] um [00:55:27] still a bit of an experiment but the [00:55:29] weeds were bad enough so we're hoping [00:55:30] that this is going to help alleviate the [00:55:33] problem [00:55:35] we want Patrick Pond to be here for a [00:55:37] long time [00:55:39] for everybody from town including the [00:55:41] boat landing that's here and how those [00:55:43] weeds came [00:55:45] back in 1969 [00:55:47] yeah and I think in you all know and [00:55:49] Keenan knows you've heard from us before [00:55:51] you know we're only a mile from the [00:55:53] Quabbin and that's we managed to get [00:55:55] recognition from them that cleaning up [00:55:57] the weed problem here would be a great [00:55:59] benefit to Quabbin too [00:56:01] because that way no Canada Goose could [00:56:03] fly over the hill and bring a fragment [00:56:05] to Quabbin and infest that pond so [00:56:08] that's how Ann managed to get us the [00:56:10] money [00:56:11] um it was invasive plant control [00:56:15] so our thanks to the town for hosting [00:56:17] the money because that's the only way we [00:56:19] could get it [00:56:20] and [00:56:21] um just we were just prepping you to [00:56:25] know that we might come begging for some [00:56:26] signatures kind of in a hurry when when [00:56:30] we get approval [00:56:32] probably mid April [00:56:34] yeah [00:56:37] Target [00:56:39] for us [00:56:42] both questions before we leave you in [00:56:44] peace [00:56:47] I have the figure though [00:56:51] you do yeah yeah twenty four thousand [00:56:53] seven hundred ninety eight dollars and [00:56:55] 44 cents [00:56:57] sounds like what like what I just said [00:57:00] it sounds like exactly what you just [00:57:02] said [00:57:03] I I know I'm saying that's great [00:57:07] we've been working with you guys [00:57:08] everything has been I would say a good [00:57:12] example [00:57:13] up Community working with uh the the [00:57:17] town and the town working with the [00:57:19] community so [00:57:21] I want to apologize to bill because he [00:57:24] retired I [00:57:26] wouldn't [00:57:27] so I guess my last thought our last [00:57:30] thought is to thank you all for you know [00:57:33] the time and effort you have donated to [00:57:35] the town [00:57:37] um [00:57:37] to keep us running whenever for whatever [00:57:40] that's worth [00:57:42] thanks all right [00:57:44] sorry if it sounds like a goat Rodeo [00:57:48] been done last minute [00:57:50] it sounds like we're all on the same [00:57:51] page even though now [00:57:53] at Mass point I really appreciate it [00:57:55] I like to tell you thank you both Gary [00:57:57] and Bill but I'd like to tell you that [00:57:59] that's how things happen last minute [00:58:02] uh you know historically we're used to [00:58:05] that that mode so [00:58:07] um [00:58:08] you know certainly by that time there [00:58:11] will be a new member of the board of [00:58:13] Selectmen so hopefully you know Kelly [00:58:15] and Rob will be prime so it should be an [00:58:17] easy thing to sort of move forward with [00:58:19] nickel yeah well from the point of view [00:58:22] of a town citizen thank you for helping [00:58:24] herd us cats [00:58:26] it doesn't seem I know it's not easy [00:58:29] because I do it on a smaller scale with [00:58:31] another board [00:58:33] so thanks thank you Nicole [00:58:36] thank you all and nice to meet you [00:58:38] Nicole and Ellie and uh you know I [00:58:42] appreciate everything you guys have done [00:58:44] and we'll uh we hope we make everybody [00:58:47] proud of this whole situation here [00:58:50] and come canoeing [00:58:52] yeah take a kayak up [00:58:55] thanks thank you both [00:59:02] um next item on the agenda is [00:59:07] um [00:59:07] the annual election warrant for April 10 [00:59:10] 2020 through [00:59:12] April 10 2023 from 10 a.m to 8 p.m and I [00:59:16] think Ryan is on Ryan did you want to [00:59:18] say something relative to this [00:59:22] I don't know if he's on Julie [00:59:25] I thought he was the 774 number but [00:59:28] maybe not I think that's Marty oh okay [00:59:33] um [00:59:34] nope that's okay [00:59:36] um [00:59:37] so um is this Nicole we just need to [00:59:40] approve [00:59:42] um [00:59:43] the actual [00:59:45] um [00:59:46] time of the election because you have [00:59:48] the date and the time okay because we [00:59:50] don't we haven't seen the [00:59:52] um annual election warrant yet correct [00:59:55] yeah he emailed it to us yeah Ryan sent [00:59:57] it to everybody [00:59:59] because he does need signatures sooner [01:00:01] than later he said [01:00:02] by the end of the month [01:00:11] um just give me one second [01:00:14] okay [01:00:16] have you both reviewed it [01:00:18] I did [01:00:29] and then he asked if we would sign as [01:00:30] soon as possible so he could post as [01:00:33] once ballots come in he must mail them [01:00:36] out [01:00:38] okay so let me just quickly read it [01:00:40] Commonwealth of mouse town of Hardwick [01:00:42] annual Town election warrant April 10 [01:00:44] 2023 County of Worcester to the town [01:00:47] clerk and constables town of Hardwick [01:00:49] readings in the name of the Commonwealth [01:00:51] of Massachusetts you're hereby required [01:00:53] to notify and warn the inhabitants of [01:00:55] the town of Hardwick and qualified to [01:00:57] vote in town Affairs to meet at the [01:00:58] Hartwick Elementary School 76 [01:01:00] Schoolhouse Drive in the village of [01:01:02] Gilbertville on Monday April 10 2023 [01:01:05] then and there to give their votes for [01:01:06] the following officers offices town [01:01:09] clerk three one three year selectman one [01:01:13] three years assessor one three years [01:01:15] K-12 Quabbin Regional School Committee [01:01:18] Member One three years one meeting the [01:01:21] number of open one for one year Board of [01:01:24] Health Member One for three years Page [01:01:27] Memorial Library trustee two positions [01:01:30] for three years Paige agricultural fund [01:01:32] trustee one for five years moderator one [01:01:35] for three years planning board member [01:01:37] one for three years and one for one year [01:01:40] the polls will be open to 10 o'clock in [01:01:42] the morning and will close at eight [01:01:43] o'clock in the evening further you're [01:01:45] directed to serve this warrant by [01:01:47] posting a test of copies thereof in each [01:01:49] of the post offices instead Hardwick [01:01:51] seven days at least before the time of [01:01:52] said election [01:01:55] care of and fail not to make due return [01:01:57] of this warrant with your doings they're [01:01:58] on to the town clerk on or before the [01:02:01] time of set election given under our [01:02:03] hands this 13th day of March uh [01:02:06] presumably signed by Julie Robin Kelly [01:02:08] and then the posting [01:02:12] so if we are okay with that can I um [01:02:14] request a motion to approve the annual [01:02:16] Town Town election warrant for [01:02:20] um Monday April 10 2023 to be held at [01:02:23] the Hardwick Elementary School the hours [01:02:25] of 10 o'clock in the morning [01:02:28] to 8 PM in the evening with the offices [01:02:31] as read [01:02:33] I will make a motion as stated by Julie [01:02:36] quink for the annual election warrant [01:02:40] second that [01:02:42] moved in second [01:02:46] relative to the motion it is and maybe I [01:02:49] misheard something but when you describe [01:02:51] the planning board openings did you say [01:02:53] one or two three-year terms because [01:02:55] there are two [01:02:58] there is just one for three years and [01:03:00] one for one year [01:03:02] yet the planning board has papers in for [01:03:04] the two positions of the incumbents [01:03:07] both you know Jenna and and Harry so I [01:03:10] think there are two [01:03:12] of those I think there there are two [01:03:14] things yeah one's a three year one's a [01:03:17] one year [01:03:18] um the one year is the one that I'm I [01:03:21] pulled papers for to fill Eric valheim's [01:03:23] seat on the on his uh resignation and [01:03:26] yet the other two [01:03:27] are both um three-year terms [01:03:30] held Now by Jenna and by Harry and [01:03:33] they're both they both have pulled [01:03:34] papers so [01:03:36] I just want to check that out but I [01:03:37] believe that's what's the case I wonder [01:03:39] if we can get Ryan because let me see if [01:03:41] I can um you know try to text them Julie [01:03:44] I will [01:03:47] it had been before on the uh [01:03:49] announcement you know election notices [01:03:52] and so forth but I don't see them on the [01:03:53] website no [01:04:14] thanks for bringing that up Bill um [01:04:18] thank you [01:04:45] Julie I don't know if Marty's on on the [01:04:48] call for the Opera funding [01:04:51] yeah so maybe we can we want to take a [01:04:54] nap before the the weather hits the fan [01:04:57] yep so um so let's defer uh the vote we [01:05:01] will need to go back and re-motion so [01:05:04] let's pull for procedural can can you [01:05:07] rescind your motion so we can go back [01:05:09] and read what [01:05:11] um I make a motion to rescind my motion [01:05:18] Rob Dear okay so that's been moved and [01:05:21] seconded all in favor on rescinding [01:05:24] Kelly's motion [01:05:26] I oh sorry color roll Kelly I yes Rob [01:05:32] hi and Julie's yes [01:05:35] um [01:05:36] okay so with regard to um we're going to [01:05:39] take the agenda out of order a little [01:05:41] um we are going now down to I believe [01:05:43] the discussion and or vote relative to [01:05:46] Arbor to come back to the [01:05:48] annual election warrant when we have [01:05:50] clarification so I believe we have [01:05:53] packet uh uh vote for a chipper [01:05:59] a more bark is that what it is that how [01:06:01] you say it [01:06:05] did you guys see that yes okay [01:06:09] I just don't know if Marty wants to [01:06:10] unmute himself [01:06:14] or Nicole maybe you can unmute him [01:06:17] she can't I'm the host [01:06:21] I can ask him to unmute but he's got to [01:06:24] unmute himself [01:06:26] um [01:06:26] uh Lori Lori's on also [01:06:29] maybe Laurie's here Lori is that I I [01:06:32] think Marty's on but is that something [01:06:34] that you wanna you can speak to or [01:06:36] should we talk to Marty about this [01:06:39] I can [01:06:40] try to speak if Marty can't unmute or no [01:06:44] one can unmute him [01:06:46] foreign [01:06:49] yeah let me just ask him to unmute [01:06:54] yeah I can't [01:06:56] does he need to star six it yeah I think [01:06:59] right he's on his phone it looks like [01:07:02] serious all right I'm here hi Marty [01:07:06] therefore [01:07:09] yeah so it's a more back [01:07:12] um I didn't get all the bids on the [01:07:15] mobile because United [01:07:17] controls everything [01:07:20] um [01:07:21] the Bandit was much higher [01:07:23] um and actually [01:07:25] they didn't they didn't even send a [01:07:27] written quotes [01:07:28] um I talked to them about it [01:07:30] and [01:07:32] we're buying it through [01:07:35] the bid so we don't need to get other [01:07:38] quotes [01:07:44] and we had we had talked about this at [01:07:45] our one of our last meetings and we were [01:07:47] waiting for uh you did yeah you were [01:07:51] waiting well yep and that's it so it's [01:07:55] originally 63 five they're gonna give us [01:07:57] 13 fights for our old one which we use [01:08:02] the crap out of [01:08:04] um since I've been there [01:08:06] and it's given us a decent price on it [01:08:10] so [01:08:11] um [01:08:16] do we know what we have left in arpa [01:08:22] Nicole you're muted [01:08:25] she's gonna keep coughing [01:08:27] um I looked it up it's 596 852. okay [01:08:36] I'm I'm comfortable with this [01:08:39] um this Mighty needs this [01:08:43] it'll make our lives a lot easier [01:08:46] um we're fighting with a chipper that [01:08:48] only takes a four inch piece so we're [01:08:52] we're dicing stuff up everything else I [01:08:55] I need somewhere [01:08:57] to make up time [01:08:59] um [01:09:00] and I'm hoping this is one spot [01:09:07] I don't have an issue with it Rob [01:09:11] I'm good with it [01:09:13] basically you're looking for 50 grand [01:09:15] out of Arthur I'm looking for fifty [01:09:18] thousand dollars yes sir [01:09:20] do you think that would that's that [01:09:24] we should allocate [01:09:26] additional funds form [01:09:29] no it does it needs to be registered but [01:09:31] we don't pay for any uh registrations [01:09:34] okay okay [01:09:36] um [01:09:38] sorry Marty [01:09:44] yes yes okay [01:09:49] um I would make a motion to approve [01:09:53] fifty thousand dollars from Opera [01:09:55] funding for the 2022 morbach chipper [01:10:00] um per the quote that we have in our [01:10:03] um [01:10:04] paperwork for this evening's meeting [01:10:06] from Marty [01:10:11] okay so the motion was made by Kelly [01:10:13] seconded by Rob any other discussion on [01:10:15] the motion [01:10:17] there ain't none I will call for a vote [01:10:20] Kelly yes [01:10:21] yes Rob [01:10:23] yes and Julie is a yes [01:10:27] thank you Marty [01:10:29] thank you go get some rest [01:10:32] stay safe [01:10:34] all right [01:10:38] okay so um in the meantime Ryan [01:10:41] um has messaged back can we go back and [01:10:43] revisit so [01:10:45] um [01:10:46] thank you Bill for the clarification [01:10:48] um that is accurate so [01:10:52] um [01:10:53] let me re I will not read the whole [01:10:55] thing again but let's go through the [01:10:57] offices [01:10:59] so [01:11:00] um [01:11:01] town clerk is one one opening for three [01:11:04] years selectman is one opening for three [01:11:07] years assessor is one opening for three [01:11:10] years K to 12 Quabbin Regional School [01:11:12] Committee Member is one opening for [01:11:14] three years one office for three years [01:11:17] and one office for one year Board of [01:11:20] Health Member One office for three years [01:11:22] Paige Memorial Library trustee [01:11:25] um two offices for three years page [01:11:29] agricultural fund trustee one office for [01:11:32] five years moderator one office for [01:11:34] three years planning board member there [01:11:37] are two offices for three years and one [01:11:39] office for one year [01:11:42] everything else is the same in the [01:11:45] motion um the the polls 10 a.m open 8 [01:11:49] P.M close [01:11:51] um April 10th 2023 at the Harvard [01:11:54] Elementary School [01:11:55] I would make a motion yeah approve the [01:12:01] annual election warrant for the election [01:12:04] to be held on April 10th 2023 from 10 to [01:12:07] 8 at the Hardwick Elementary School [01:12:10] as read [01:12:12] for open offices by Julie quink [01:12:18] okay [01:12:21] um can we read the motion seconded by [01:12:22] Rob any other discussion on the annual [01:12:25] Town election warrant [01:12:28] hearing none I will call for about Kelly [01:12:31] yes Rob [01:12:34] yeah and Julie is a yes [01:12:38] um there will be an updated uh warrant [01:12:42] in our box for Signature so if you can [01:12:46] um I don't know the time frame on it [01:12:49] um probably not tomorrow [01:12:51] I would say probably not so um a couple [01:12:55] give it a couple days and if you can [01:12:58] both stop and sign that'd be great [01:13:02] um next item on the agenda is other new [01:13:05] business I'm not sure we have any other [01:13:07] new business [01:13:12] um we are I think we already tackled the [01:13:14] discussion and our vote relative to arpa [01:13:16] funding unless we have anything else [01:13:18] Nicole no [01:13:20] committee reports are in your packet [01:13:23] um have you had a chance to review them [01:13:25] if you have any questions that we need [01:13:27] to follow up on [01:13:30] I'm good [01:13:34] I am as well Rob [01:13:38] okay [01:13:41] um miscellaneous correspondence Nicole [01:13:43] do we have [01:13:44] um things you needed to put uh advise us [01:13:47] on based on that [01:13:48] um item [01:13:50] no [01:13:52] okay [01:13:55] um Town Administrator report [01:13:59] um so [01:14:01] USDA is always we start with that and uh [01:14:05] last this week this week last week last [01:14:08] week because today's Monday we had a [01:14:10] meeting with DPC and with KP law to talk [01:14:14] about how betterment should be handled [01:14:17] and their conclusion was that [01:14:21] um [01:14:22] project should probably you know would [01:14:24] have its own betterment [01:14:26] um so the pumping station would have a [01:14:29] betterment the Gilbertville treatment [01:14:31] plant would have a betterment and then [01:14:34] the wheel right treatment would also [01:14:35] have a betterment [01:14:37] in itself I spoke with Lori Stevens [01:14:41] she was going to she's updating this [01:14:43] PowerPoint presentation to present to [01:14:46] you guys and [01:14:48] um by law she had said that betterments [01:14:51] can only be assessed on a loan not a [01:14:54] grant so [01:14:56] we're all we're probably going to be out [01:14:58] of the grant money [01:14:59] by the time we even start with [01:15:01] Gilbertville so so that's completely [01:15:04] still up in the air something I'm [01:15:06] completely unfamiliar with so we don't [01:15:08] really have any answers for that yet but [01:15:10] we are working on getting you all of the [01:15:12] options for you to make a decision soon [01:15:17] the pre-construction meeting for the [01:15:19] pump station it says it's going to be [01:15:21] March 15th at 8 30 but it's actually [01:15:22] going to be March 22nd at 8 30 because [01:15:27] weather [01:15:29] the second project is going out to bid [01:15:31] it's in the paper today [01:15:33] and we've been working on an RFP for [01:15:36] oversight and I sent you [01:15:39] um well there's three I just want to [01:15:42] back up the second project it's not the [01:15:44] whole it's not the whole project that's [01:15:46] in the paper it's I thought it was just [01:15:49] the equipment [01:15:50] procurement process [01:15:53] yeah it's [01:15:54] um well yeah the plants have not gone to [01:15:57] bed yet [01:15:59] I can pull it up I basically just [01:16:02] copy and paste it pasta to come by so [01:16:05] [Music] [01:16:07] so it's just the it's like so there's [01:16:09] certain things on projects that [01:16:11] um [01:16:12] an owner or an engineer will say we want [01:16:15] you to use this [01:16:16] and so that list of equipment and [01:16:19] materials has gone out to bid not so [01:16:22] it's like a pre-bid to like the big [01:16:24] project bit [01:16:26] it's like a you know a pre-step [01:16:31] I just don't want people to think that [01:16:32] the whole project okay [01:16:35] thanks for the clarification Kelly [01:16:41] um so working on the bid for oversight I [01:16:44] kind of took what DPC said that they [01:16:47] would do after the project is built and [01:16:49] I sort of make it into [01:16:51] an RFP I also asked USDA basically [01:16:57] um you know if they ever have if they [01:16:59] have something like this that we could [01:17:01] you know sort of mimic or or just adapt [01:17:03] to the town so still working on that too [01:17:09] and there's so now just general town [01:17:13] in my report [01:17:15] and I don't it should probably be an [01:17:17] oh we already talked about it but the [01:17:19] insurance agency has to come out and [01:17:21] inspect Town buildings that have a value [01:17:24] of over 500 000 on them which is why I [01:17:27] hate [01:17:28] I hoped that Marty and Scott will go [01:17:30] because I believe the treatment plans [01:17:31] and you know the big buildings [01:17:33] um somebody thought that we were going [01:17:35] to because the way it's in the paper [01:17:39] um somebody thought we were going to go [01:17:41] and like to everybody's house or [01:17:43] anybody's house or anything that's over [01:17:45] 500 000 but it's just the town home [01:17:48] buildings [01:17:49] and it's just for insurance purposes [01:17:53] um we had another valve let go and our [01:17:55] old boiler [01:17:56] uh same problem same issues same sort of [01:18:00] flooding but we believe you know it was [01:18:02] a different Zone [01:18:04] um so other places flooded like my room [01:18:07] didn't so I'm still good but then the [01:18:09] selectman's room did and there's some [01:18:12] damage in the ceiling and [01:18:14] you know we found it at eight o'clock in [01:18:17] the morning and by 10 o'clock the [01:18:20] um Restoration company was here and the [01:18:22] town we all had already actually sucked [01:18:25] up all the water so it hadn't gone on as [01:18:27] long as the first time but it's still [01:18:30] very unfortunate and we're [01:18:33] dehumidifiers going everywhere and we're [01:18:35] all just laced again [01:18:37] so it's really unfortunate but we're on [01:18:40] it faster and [01:18:42] um [01:18:43] hopefully [01:18:45] hopefully it'll just be much faster to [01:18:48] fix and it's very unfortunate to see [01:18:50] that I mean a brand new sailing [01:18:52] hi [01:18:55] I'm coming in at 7 49 [01:18:58] um and um and new flooring get ruined [01:19:01] it's just really unfortunate but what I [01:19:02] won't do is allow them to take [01:19:05] everything out before we actually have [01:19:07] all the material [01:19:10] you know us waiting for the material to [01:19:13] come in to displace these offices again [01:19:16] so we're just you know I'm going to [01:19:17] hopefully just turn it around much [01:19:19] faster [01:19:20] um so with that Nicole I mean one of in [01:19:23] your report it talked about you know you [01:19:25] don't know how to ensure this doesn't [01:19:27] happen again without replacement I mean [01:19:28] this sounds like this would be a good [01:19:30] candidate for arpa funding yeah [01:19:33] um at some point I'm concerned that our [01:19:35] insurer is not going to want to insure [01:19:36] us anymore this is the third or fourth [01:19:39] big incident with the building I mean [01:19:42] apparently this is the fourth time [01:19:44] should we um should we be asking uh for [01:19:48] a quote to replace that system and [01:19:52] um just be proactive about it and at [01:19:54] least know what what's involved with [01:19:56] replacing it [01:19:58] yes absolutely [01:19:59] um we actually last week had which is [01:20:02] very unfortunate because we've [01:20:04] um you know ever since the first one is [01:20:06] what you know we really wanted to get on [01:20:07] it and I thought a green Community Grant [01:20:09] would be a great project and [01:20:14] Unfortunately they came out the day [01:20:16] after the flood so [01:20:18] um I don't know if they would have found [01:20:19] it if they we would have been able to [01:20:20] stop it but [01:20:22] um so they were here on Tuesday and we [01:20:24] went through the building and they went [01:20:26] through the fire station in the and the [01:20:29] highway department and they they're [01:20:30] going to come back with us with some [01:20:32] quotes for not quotes because it would [01:20:34] be a grant but [01:20:36] um you know to hopefully get a new [01:20:37] boiler Chiller and do some work at the [01:20:40] fire station in the highway department [01:20:41] put some heat where there's no heat and [01:20:43] do some good Insulation at the fire [01:20:45] department [01:20:48] right but in the meantime I can [01:20:50] certainly [01:20:51] um you know if we're going to pay for it [01:20:52] ourselves I could certainly get quotes [01:20:57] I think it's good to probably just know [01:20:58] what our options are and come up with [01:21:00] the best [01:21:02] um [01:21:03] you know the best way to [01:21:05] um [01:21:06] approach it [01:21:07] just be proactive about it [01:21:11] yes I definitely wouldn't want to leave [01:21:13] it alone and I am waiting for also for [01:21:15] BEC to give me some options on you know [01:21:20] and I even thought because what happens [01:21:22] is this float is getting stuck because [01:21:24] the [01:21:25] it's dirty I don't know exactly how it [01:21:27] goes and Rob probably does but [01:21:30] um [01:21:30] and then the valve gets stuck and then [01:21:32] it over pressurizes so you know I [01:21:34] thought can we just is it as simple as [01:21:36] putting a filter in so the sediment [01:21:39] doesn't you know I don't know so [01:21:41] I'm waiting on those answers certainly [01:21:43] nothing that I can [01:21:46] I have any expertise on [01:21:52] thank you Nicole [01:21:53] okay so last Monday night actually I was [01:21:57] coming home from the school committee [01:21:58] meeting and I saw a bunch of water at [01:22:00] the top of the hill upper church and [01:22:02] church and I was hoping it was snowmelt [01:22:05] but it's it wasn't a fire line had was [01:22:09] leaking so that's Friday that fix [01:22:11] happened with the coordination of our [01:22:14] departments and and the contractor so [01:22:16] that's all set [01:22:18] um I got to call Friday this the cdbg [01:22:21] grant that we applied for with where was [01:22:24] not accepted because they didn't get it [01:22:26] in on time apparently they were about [01:22:28] five minutes late so they've tried to [01:22:31] submit everything and they've reached [01:22:33] out to [01:22:35] um dhcd to try and get this [01:22:39] fund it I I haven't heard back [01:22:42] it's very unfortunate I don't know why I [01:22:45] don't I have no answer on why they [01:22:46] waited until the very last minute [01:22:49] [Music] [01:22:51] so right now we don't have that road we [01:22:53] don't have those Social Services for [01:22:55] next year [01:22:57] um yeah so gardening Guardian energy was [01:23:00] the one that came to do the assessment [01:23:01] to possibly get a Green community grant [01:23:03] for a new new boiler [01:23:06] um [01:23:07] see Thursday March 9th was the budget [01:23:10] public hearing for uh claybach Regional [01:23:13] School District [01:23:15] and [01:23:16] their proposal is on their website [01:23:19] Wednesday March 15th is Pathfinders [01:23:22] budget public hearing so we'll have [01:23:24] those numbers better on Wednesday night [01:23:28] and Wednesday we're meeting with [01:23:30] National Grid when I say we just me and [01:23:32] Angie meeting with national [01:23:34] light options [01:23:36] um either changing to LED we're on some [01:23:39] sort of special rate which is more [01:23:42] expensive than [01:23:43] it could be so anyway I don't really [01:23:45] know a lot about that we have we [01:23:46] actually meeting with [01:23:47] Joanne DeRose and and Pam Hill [01:23:51] in the town election is April 3rd so we [01:23:54] know [01:23:55] um in the ongoing or just things that we [01:23:57] recall the election is April 10th sorry [01:24:01] sorry April said it says it right there [01:24:03] and I uh [01:24:04] I don't know what I was looking at April [01:24:06] 10th [01:24:07] um the website's up like I had said [01:24:10] um I did go to a um [01:24:14] announcement on Friday at the Deerfield [01:24:17] Williams Sugar Shack with the governor [01:24:20] and the lieutenant governor they [01:24:22] announced that there'll be a rural [01:24:24] Affairs director so they're going to try [01:24:26] to represent the rural towns and do [01:24:29] better at uh [01:24:31] for us [01:24:33] I don't know where their office is going [01:24:34] to be I will probably imagine not [01:24:36] anywhere around here but [01:24:39] um yeah that and [01:24:41] um Angie gave her notice today so [01:24:46] we'll be having to go out and look for [01:24:49] somebody again [01:24:54] that's it for me [01:24:55] unless there's something in the ongoing [01:24:57] that you wanted to talk about [01:25:03] did she give like two week or no she's [01:25:07] she's not giving a time she wants to [01:25:09] help find somebody or at least to to [01:25:12] stay here until we have somebody [01:25:14] okay [01:25:19] foreign [01:25:21] okay [01:25:23] well that's unfortunate [01:25:26] yeah it is really unfortunate for me [01:25:29] um [01:25:32] well I think with with disposition is [01:25:36] it's not benefited so I think that [01:25:38] that's you know dissues people from [01:25:41] from applying but we'll see what's over [01:25:46] well we'll keep our fingers crossed so [01:25:48] you're gonna put that [01:25:49] um posting out Nicole [01:25:52] yeah um tomorrow I guess [01:25:56] um [01:25:57] I'll put it out [01:25:58] on the on our website and somewhere I'll [01:26:01] try to get it I typically don't do like [01:26:04] MMA or something like that for an [01:26:07] but just locally even [01:26:10] um [01:26:10] word of mouth or something [01:26:12] uh anybody looking for a job we [01:26:16] have a lot of fun [01:26:18] [Music] [01:26:20] um and the other and we also have to put [01:26:22] which is it's funded and it's there and [01:26:25] just nobody is working there right now [01:26:26] it's the second [01:26:28] um Youth Center position [01:26:31] there's two positions open and it's only [01:26:33] Lori Desjardins [01:26:40] so those two [01:26:41] and [01:26:42] four men so the foreman for the highway [01:26:44] is not filled either those are three [01:26:48] open positions [01:26:50] okay [01:26:54] [Music] [01:26:57] um [01:26:58] anything under any questions or anything [01:27:01] for Nicole on the Town Administrator [01:27:02] report [01:27:06] okay on anything under signatures and [01:27:08] approvals Nicole [01:27:12] um the license uh the so I'll leave it [01:27:15] in the box if you guys could sign the [01:27:16] Leo tamkus license [01:27:21] okay okay [01:27:24] um [01:27:25] [Applause] [01:27:29] selectman Roundtable anything that we [01:27:30] want to talk about in the select one [01:27:32] round table [01:27:37] I didn't miss anything on the agenda [01:27:39] right I believe I'm using the right [01:27:41] agenda [01:27:42] um [01:27:48] can only a Rob anything you want to put [01:27:50] under the segment around table [01:27:56] no okay [01:27:58] I can't think of [01:28:05] I can't think of anything so [01:28:07] um in terms of the Personnel policy when [01:28:10] is that coming [01:28:12] um through when is that coming in front [01:28:14] of the board did we decide the last [01:28:15] meeting in March [01:28:18] yeah that's what we just I didn't get [01:28:20] chance Angie did finish it so it's [01:28:22] finished but I hadn't gotten a chance to [01:28:25] do the page numbers [01:28:26] just wasn't complete for me to put [01:28:28] before you guys but it is now so I'd [01:28:31] like to put it on [01:28:34] meeting in March which is what we [01:28:36] discussed in the Personnel committee [01:28:38] because we are having the finance [01:28:40] meeting tonight so we didn't want to put [01:28:41] too much on this agenda [01:28:43] my mind might be a little mushy um so [01:28:46] thank you and sorry [01:28:49] um [01:28:52] um there is some things coming up in the [01:28:54] chat I don't know if you can see them [01:28:57] so we'll just take that under advisement [01:28:59] Judy [01:29:01] um we did have the visitors comments at [01:29:03] the beginning so [01:29:04] you you Kelly and Rob you can see you [01:29:06] can see chat [01:29:10] um [01:29:13] anything else under select my Round [01:29:15] Table [01:29:18] I can't think of anything Julie I [01:29:21] I can't either but I'm also a great [01:29:23] video [01:29:26] oh [01:29:29] no I don't I can't think of anything [01:29:31] okay [01:29:33] [Music] [01:29:34] um last item is adjournment is there a [01:29:38] Nicole and we're set [01:29:39] or a guest thank you Nicole's probably [01:29:42] anxious to be done because she she [01:29:44] doesn't feel well so in the interest of [01:29:46] getting her home she's sick again so I'm [01:29:49] okay [01:29:50] I'm okay I I I didn't know [01:29:53] um [01:29:54] B I'm sorry and I don't mean to but we [01:29:58] had said we were gonna the zoning bylaws [01:30:01] for this meeting [01:30:03] and I know I just [01:30:04] look down and they're in front of me and [01:30:07] I know it's not on the agenda but I know [01:30:08] we said we would get our comments or or [01:30:11] anything back to the planning board so I [01:30:14] I'm not sure that we want to tackle it [01:30:16] now at eight o'clock but maybe we should [01:30:18] definitely make sure it's on the next [01:30:19] meeting for them [01:30:20] so we can just respond to them quick [01:30:26] sorry I just it was right in front of me [01:30:29] and [01:30:30] nope thank you [01:30:32] so the other thing maybe is um for the [01:30:35] next meeting I don't know I certainly [01:30:37] will try to have [01:30:39] or maybe we do another quick budget [01:30:41] review of um or at least share out the [01:30:45] um [01:30:46] analysis the expenditures and such of [01:30:49] what we do I'll try to have that ready [01:30:50] for the next meeting [01:30:52] um [01:30:53] let me know if I can help Julie I'm [01:30:55] happy to help [01:30:56] okay [01:30:58] um anything else that we should be [01:31:00] considering on the agenda for the next [01:31:02] time [01:31:08] okay that's all I've got [01:31:12] okay so now I will entertain a motion to [01:31:15] adjourn I make a motion to adjourn [01:31:21] so it's been moved and seconded Kelly [01:31:24] yes [01:31:26] um [01:31:27] yeah Julie is a yes we are adjourning at [01:31:30] eight it looks like 801