Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 8/29/22

Hardwick Selectmen Address Staffing and Infrastructure Siting Decisions

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 8/29/22

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

August 30, 2022

Duration

1h 13m

Decisions

3 recorded

Action Items

3 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen convened to make crucial decisions regarding town administration and a vital infrastructure project. Angie Brassard was appointed as the Administrative Assistant to the Town Administrator, effective September 1st, following a positive recommendation. The board then engaged in extensive debate over the location of the new sewer pump station, ultimately voting to approve Site Option #2 near Greenwich Road. This decision was made under significant time pressure to meet USDA funding deadlines, despite resident concerns and a proposal for an alternative site. The board also formally accepted legal opinions concerning Article 97 and site plan review, and scheduled future meetings for the project's bid opening and award.

Browse meeting notes

Now viewing

Discussion Highlights

Town Administrator Nicole reported that former Town Administrator Carol Riches, who served as an assistant, preferred retirement, necessitating a new hire.
01:06 01:18
Angie Brassard was recommended for the Town Administrator's Assistant position due to her qualifications and prior informal assistance to the Town Administrator.
01:46 02:22
Angie Brassard previously held a position with the Board of Health, and the Board of Health chair provided no negative feedback regarding her potential new role.
04:53 05:47
The Board of Selectmen needed to decide on the sewer pump station location to meet critical USDA bidding timelines, with an October 1st award date.
08:59 10:05 10:14
Two primary pump station locations were discussed: the original site identified in 2016/17 (near Eagle Hill) and an alternative towards Greenwich Road.
09:13 09:42
The Greenwich Road location was considered by some board members as potentially less visible and more palatable to residents, despite potential engineering complexities.
12:22 13:09
A resident suggested a third location further south on South Road, on Land Trust property, citing potential cost savings, no wetlands, and avoidance of Article 97 and Conservation Commission issues.
15:18 16:07 21:02
Engineers from DPC indicated that changing to a new location at this stage would be a 'monumental effort' and would likely jeopardize the project timeline due to additional environmental reviews and land acquisition processes.
18:21 19:02 46:04
Town Counsel stated that pump stations are not considered 'uses' requiring Planning Board site plan approval under current zoning bylaws and that the common property is not subject to Article 97.
23:05 26:01
Concerns were raised that requesting another extension from USDA for a new site exploration would be viewed unfavorably and could jeopardize critical project funding.
40:35 44:04 54:40
The original plan to convert to a gravity line from Eagle Hill to the common, which influenced earlier site selections, is not part of the current project scope.
31:42 32:26 49:55
The project will be officially termed the 'Hardwick Road pumping system upgrades project' to accurately reflect its scope and avoid public confusion.
1:10:13 1:10:36

Transcript (12,895 words)

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

00:00:00
Are you okay with that Kelly I'm fine with anything sure hi Angie hi sorry I clicked the thing that was in the calendar and it brought me up to a different one oh no you were
00:00:20
Fine we I just let everybody in okay perfect all right so um we'll call the slackman's meeting to order of uh Monday August 29th at 604 pm items on the agenda are
00:00:38
Discussion of the pumping station location and visit from EMG I'm relative to the town administrator's assistant position so why don't we start with Angie while we're waiting on Rob to join us
00:01:01
You want me to start Julie yeah please yeah so I had Carol riches as an assistant and she was amazing she was great former Town Administrator but she realized um not long after she started that she liked retirement better so
00:01:22
Angie we you know we've been talking for a while she's been helping me with other things because she does she's on the youth commission and she would come in and when she worked for the Board of Health and you know we just would chat and she would you know just help me with some random things around the office and
00:01:40
Then I put the put the Mount there in the paper and got you know a few applicants Carol was really the one that I thought was the most qualified and of course Angie so I would like to hire Angie as of September 1st
00:01:58
She'll be working during the days obviously they're open probably Monday Wednesday Thursday uh depending on she had does have another job she's a bookkeeper for Northampton Brewery so she has like a block of time that she's not available but

[00:00:00] are you okay with that Kelly I'm fine [00:00:02] with anything sure [00:00:13] hi Angie hi sorry I clicked the thing [00:00:16] that was in the calendar and it brought [00:00:17] me up to a different one oh no you were [00:00:20] fine we I just let everybody in [00:00:22] okay perfect [00:00:24] all right [00:00:26] so um we'll call the slackman's meeting [00:00:29] to order of uh Monday August 29th at 604 [00:00:32] pm [00:00:35] um items on the agenda are [00:00:38] um discussion of the pumping station [00:00:41] location and [00:00:44] um visit from EMG I'm relative to the [00:00:47] town administrator's assistant position [00:00:51] um so why don't we start with Angie um [00:00:54] while we're waiting on Rob to join us [00:01:01] you want me to start Julie yeah please [00:01:03] yeah so um [00:01:06] I had Carol [00:01:09] riches as an assistant and she was [00:01:11] amazing she was great former Town [00:01:13] Administrator but she realized um not [00:01:16] long after she started that she liked [00:01:18] retirement better so [00:01:20] um [00:01:22] Angie we you know we've been talking for [00:01:25] a while she's been helping me with other [00:01:27] things because she does she's on the [00:01:28] youth commission and she would come in [00:01:30] and when she worked for the Board of [00:01:31] Health and you know we just would chat [00:01:34] and she would you know just help me with [00:01:37] some random things around the office and [00:01:40] um then I put the put the [00:01:42] Mount there in the paper and got you [00:01:45] know a few applicants Carol was really [00:01:46] the one that I thought was the most [00:01:49] qualified and um [00:01:51] of course Angie so [00:01:53] I would like to hire Angie as of [00:01:55] September 1st [00:01:58] she'll be working during the days [00:02:01] um obviously they're open probably [00:02:03] Monday Wednesday Thursday uh depending [00:02:06] on she had does have another job she's a [00:02:08] bookkeeper for Northampton Brewery so [00:02:12] she has like a block of time that she's [00:02:14] not available but um [00:02:17] you know we talked about all the hours [00:02:18] before being able to do the 19 hours so [00:02:22] um and I sent you her resume uh so [00:02:25] here's Angie brassard [00:02:27] hi everybody [00:02:34] I don't know if you have any questions [00:02:34] for her if you were able to review the [00:02:37] resume [00:02:39] just wanted to meet her so [00:02:42] put a face to the name [00:02:45] Rob just joined us [00:02:47] a little bit yeah [00:02:49] um so you had a chance to get in [00:02:51] so um we're talking about enj I'm not [00:02:54] sure how much you heard when you came in [00:02:56] um [00:02:58] have you guys had a chance to look over [00:03:00] her resume if you guys have any [00:03:01] questions for her [00:03:04] I have not had a chance [00:03:10] I did look it over [00:03:12] um and I do know that she had been [00:03:15] working with Nicole from time to time [00:03:18] and helping out Nicole [00:03:20] um I I am fine with if if Nicole is [00:03:24] recommending her [00:03:26] um and I don't my I I do did she work at [00:03:29] all with Carol Nicole [00:03:31] did she ever she did not no okay no [00:03:36] and Carol wasn't available last week or [00:03:38] this week uh we talked I talked with [00:03:40] Julie about [00:03:42] um you know possibly having her on as a [00:03:44] consultant sort of thing and I certainly [00:03:47] can ask her I don't know that she really [00:03:49] wants to do that and I sort of feel like [00:03:51] I need to be training Angie also I [00:03:54] didn't even train [00:03:55] um [00:03:56] Carol that much you know it was more can [00:03:58] you do this for me can you do that for [00:04:00] me like Thursday I plan on having [00:04:03] um when Angie's here we're going to [00:04:05] learn the Vadar system for the water [00:04:07] department and the sewer department [00:04:08] because we are the bill we are the [00:04:11] Departments so you know we have to learn [00:04:14] about the inputting of all the [00:04:15] information for billing Etc [00:04:18] so those are the types of things that [00:04:19] Carol didn't do [00:04:21] so I don't really think that she'll stay [00:04:25] on I mean if I really if I ask her I [00:04:27] think she will [00:04:28] um but I do I'm not sure that it's [00:04:30] really that necessary [00:04:33] um but if I I think that you know if I [00:04:35] really said look I'm in a bind and I [00:04:37] could really use you to help me with [00:04:38] Angie she would I'm sure she would do it [00:04:41] because she is retired and she didn't [00:04:43] work the full 19 hours a week from July [00:04:45] 1 so there are still hours in there [00:04:53] Angie held a previous position with the [00:04:56] town [00:04:57] um [00:04:58] did we Angie do you see any potential [00:05:01] um issues working with that department [00:05:04] or concerns that you might have [00:05:07] um with the Board of Health [00:05:10] um [00:05:13] Lester was very nice [00:05:15] there were certain people that were just [00:05:18] um [00:05:20] want to put this nicely yeah it's okay [00:05:25] um I did I did speak with the chair of [00:05:28] the Board of Health and I let him know [00:05:30] last week that I was recommending this [00:05:32] and that you know hopefully [00:05:35] um Angie would be working with me and [00:05:37] she would be you know not working for [00:05:39] the Board of Health but working for the [00:05:41] board of Selectmen and um you know just [00:05:44] for some informational purposes and I [00:05:46] didn't [00:05:47] there was no negative feedback [00:05:50] right [00:05:52] I think if um I think what you know [00:05:56] you know perhaps what you [00:05:58] really the administrative help in this [00:06:01] area with you know minutes and and such [00:06:04] like that you know putting together the [00:06:06] the um so the warrants the turnovers and [00:06:10] stuff like that and I think Angie seems [00:06:12] very capable of that [00:06:17] and and she can learn and who knows [00:06:19] foreign [00:06:24] [Laughter] [00:06:30] my opinion is if if you feel she's [00:06:33] qualified I just quickly approves the [00:06:36] resume and like I said I believe [00:06:38] everything's there too [00:06:40] it's just [00:06:42] two to work with or to get her where you [00:06:44] need her yeah [00:06:47] all right well thank you [00:06:50] thank you [00:06:53] so I think we need emotion [00:06:57] okay [00:06:59] I would make a motion based on Nicole's [00:07:01] recommendation to [00:07:04] um have Angie start September 1 as the [00:07:08] administrative assistant to the Town [00:07:11] Administrator is that is that what the [00:07:13] tech term is [00:07:15] um at 19 hours a week and what what's do [00:07:18] you know the rate off the top of your [00:07:19] hand Nicole but I think it's 20.18 [00:07:23] we approved at town meeting in June [00:07:26] foreign [00:07:33] Kelly do you want to include you in your [00:07:34] emotion [00:07:35] um [00:07:36] or have all reference checks been done [00:07:38] for her for her other position [00:07:40] that she held it in the town I guess I [00:07:43] assumed that yes [00:07:45] and checks yeah [00:07:48] thank you sorry [00:07:50] um any other discussion [00:07:52] all those in favor [00:07:54] aye [00:07:57] thank you [00:07:59] oh uh yeah do we have to do roll call [00:08:01] votes really because yeah rabbi [00:08:04] Cali Camp I Julie quink aye thanks for [00:08:08] the reminder Kelly yeah I I never [00:08:10] remember see [00:08:12] that's because you're on the other side [00:08:14] of the table this time [00:08:16] so welcome aboard uh we look forward to [00:08:18] having you on board I'm sure minutes are [00:08:20] going to be in your future Fast and [00:08:22] Furious to get caught up [00:08:24] yes [00:08:25] great thank you thanks Nicole [00:08:30] um so the next item on the agenda is the [00:08:33] discussion of the sewer product and the [00:08:34] pump station location based on our [00:08:36] meeting last week [00:08:39] um [00:08:39] our special town meeting and our [00:08:41] informational session we did discuss [00:08:44] that we were going to be the board of [00:08:45] stuff and was going to be deciding on [00:08:46] the location [00:08:48] um two locations were discussed and I [00:08:50] understand that our friends from dpcrm [00:08:53] um were discussed at that meeting and um [00:08:57] you know sort of the whole purpose of [00:08:59] this meeting is because time is of the [00:09:00] essence and we need to get this out to [00:09:02] bed so that we can meet our loc time [00:09:06] frames [00:09:07] was for us to make a decision this [00:09:09] evening [00:09:10] um and so [00:09:12] um [00:09:13] certainly so the two um locations that [00:09:16] were presented at the meeting last week [00:09:19] were [00:09:21] they located [00:09:23] um [00:09:24] um that was uh actually suited I think [00:09:27] 2016 or 17 the location that was [00:09:30] originally identified that [00:09:32] um was the location [00:09:35] um during that planning that ultimately [00:09:36] The Pump Station ended up being put at [00:09:38] Eagle Hill and the other alternative [00:09:40] that was presented to us last week was [00:09:42] more towards Greenwich Road and um sort [00:09:45] of [00:09:46] potentially out of the way or out of the [00:09:48] line of sights are not [00:09:50] impeding sort of the Fair activities and [00:09:52] Justin and Dave went made a trip there [00:09:55] and made sure that they saw what was [00:09:56] going on so those are the two locations [00:09:59] that we talked about last week [00:10:02] um [00:10:03] comments questions suggestions from the [00:10:05] board [00:10:08] are we prepared to make a decision [00:10:09] tonight I think Nicole I think from a [00:10:12] time frame [00:10:13] um [00:10:14] I think we almost had to make a decision [00:10:16] as of yesterday so to speak to get this [00:10:18] done timely right [00:10:20] right we were talking about [00:10:22] um time frames and bidding and um yeah [00:10:26] once the decision is made tonight I'll [00:10:28] be on the phone with DBC tomorrow [00:10:30] talking about uh you know where we're [00:10:33] where we're posting it [00:10:34] and when [00:10:38] so um can you update us on conservation [00:10:40] where we're at with that Nicole [00:10:44] um Justin did you reach back out to them [00:10:47] yes we'll be on their uh September [00:10:49] hearing I believe it's the second or [00:10:51] third week of the month [00:10:52] um we've done this on several projects [00:10:54] where we just get the bidding process [00:10:56] going [00:10:57] um and then once we have the order of [00:10:59] conditions and and we just issue that as [00:11:01] an addendum it's a bitters but we don't [00:11:02] want to hold the fitting process as we [00:11:04] know so our plan is to [00:11:06] that's in this week as you know they run [00:11:08] a week later so plans inspects [00:11:11] sexual to contractors next week that'll [00:11:13] give us you know three to four weeks [00:11:15] which is which is cutting it pretty [00:11:16] close for contractors [00:11:19] as you know we need October 1st to be [00:11:22] the award date just big picture [00:11:28] that's Kelly and Rob [00:11:31] no I I understood this meeting was to to [00:11:34] vote on you know location [00:11:38] a versus b or however you want to label [00:11:41] them so [00:11:42] I'm prepared to do that [00:11:44] I know we need to move forward on this [00:11:47] I know sorry I know we received an email [00:11:49] from Scott with his opinion on location [00:11:52] um being the original location [00:11:54] um [00:11:55] and Scott I know you're on I don't know [00:11:57] if you want to speak to that but based [00:11:58] on the complexity of [00:12:00] the second location I think your email [00:12:02] mentioned um I can honestly tell you [00:12:04] about [00:12:05] um [00:12:06] you know this is something that we've [00:12:08] been sort of dealing with for a bit and [00:12:10] regardless of where the station goes [00:12:12] someone is not going to be happy with it [00:12:15] um and honestly I liked I think we saw [00:12:19] the second location [00:12:21] um [00:12:22] I agree with you last week [00:12:25] and to me of [00:12:26] both locations that seemed like that [00:12:29] would be the least visible or it could [00:12:31] be hidden easier or [00:12:34] um [00:12:35] you know may require a little bit more [00:12:37] engineering or a few other things but [00:12:39] from a visual standpoint that might be [00:12:41] the best of both Solutions I don't know [00:12:44] what your thoughts are Kelly and Rob I I [00:12:46] would agree with you and I did get a lot [00:12:48] of feedback after our meeting last week [00:12:51] um and I you know heard the same from [00:12:54] people that that was [00:12:55] a lot more palatable than you know going [00:12:59] up between the between the tents that [00:13:02] were very visible during the fair right [00:13:04] prior to that meeting so [00:13:06] um I do think that that [00:13:09] um and I I don't not respect Scott's [00:13:12] email I get it [00:13:13] um I but I also would like to think that [00:13:16] the engineers feel that the second [00:13:18] location is you know just as ideal as [00:13:21] the first one [00:13:24] Julie it's Eric Fleming can I ask a [00:13:26] question [00:13:27] can I ask can I ask let Rob speak first [00:13:30] if he wants to speak Eric [00:13:34] Rob if you don't want to speak that's [00:13:35] fine I just want to give you the [00:13:37] opportunity [00:13:39] I guess just [00:13:43] I guess we have to go to the second [00:13:45] location in my mind [00:13:49] um I'm kind of disappointed that it even [00:13:51] needs [00:13:54] that's [00:13:55] I'll say my piece about that but I'll [00:13:58] support the second location [00:14:00] I really and truly hope we don't have [00:14:03] any issues [00:14:05] with this putting a [00:14:08] station in that location [00:14:12] I don't disagree with that I don't think [00:14:14] any one of us I mean I don't think it's [00:14:16] ideal I mean we've been doing this [00:14:18] process for a while and these were the [00:14:20] three at least the you know the three [00:14:22] that we've talked about by the [00:14:23] historical Commission on the Commodore a [00:14:25] little bit and by the tennis courts were [00:14:27] the three that were discussed originally [00:14:29] and [00:14:31] um for various reasons the other sites [00:14:33] don't work and so [00:14:36] um [00:14:37] I don't know I I'm not crazy about [00:14:39] either but we also are on a very tight [00:14:42] timeline and [00:14:44] I guess I [00:14:47] I hope that nothing on this project we [00:14:48] have an issue with honestly not just the [00:14:51] pump station the whole project but [00:14:53] um [00:14:54] you were in construction no better than [00:14:56] me that sometimes things just don't go [00:14:58] the way you want them to go all the time [00:15:00] so we have to be prepared to shift if we [00:15:01] need to [00:15:04] um I don't disagree with you Rob but I I [00:15:06] think it's [00:15:08] it's the best alternative I think that [00:15:10] I've seen so far if we can't do it at [00:15:12] the other locations [00:15:16] Eric did you want to say something [00:15:18] yeah I'd like to know um if DPC [00:15:20] considered or anyone for that [00:15:22] meant considered going further south [00:15:26] Road across from what [00:15:28] used to be owned by Hans Thomas now [00:15:30] owned by Charlie [00:15:32] it's owned by the land for us [00:15:34] uh there's a wooded area [00:15:37] that is directly off the edge of the [00:15:39] road to the West [00:15:41] it's not does not have a conservation [00:15:43] restriction on it [00:15:45] Cilantro's would be willing [00:15:48] at this point I believe to [00:15:50] possibly donate the land that would need [00:15:52] it would need to be used [00:15:55] you would there are no Wet Ones anywhere [00:15:58] near it [00:15:59] you wouldn't have to deal with any of [00:16:02] the [00:16:02] other state [00:16:04] um [00:16:05] use like article 97 if you put it on the [00:16:07] common [00:16:09] um I just I guess my question is was [00:16:11] that area ever considered [00:16:16] it's closer to the manhole that is [00:16:19] called the Tomah manhole [00:16:22] so it's further away from Eagle Hill [00:16:24] than anything else that's been proposed [00:16:31] if you can no I just didn't want to jump [00:16:34] in yeah so we we did look a little bit [00:16:37] further south but then once we saw that [00:16:39] you know that was part of a land trust [00:16:41] typically we like to stay away from that [00:16:42] just to put that usually entails plus I [00:16:45] mean [00:16:45] the further south you go from Eagle Hill [00:16:49] the the more of that existing Force main [00:16:51] we're leaving in place so if we cut it [00:16:54] you know kind of at the right point [00:16:55] we're going to maximize the impact that [00:16:57] we're heading to that existing gym that [00:16:59] is having issue [00:17:02] um but if there is a piece of land I [00:17:04] mean we certainly could compare [00:17:06] completely look at it but [00:17:08] we would do whatever the town directed [00:17:10] us to do so I guess is my answer [00:17:13] I guess I'd be a little disappointed in [00:17:15] knowing that nobody bothered to ask the [00:17:16] land trust if it would be possible [00:17:19] it's also only a few hundred yards down [00:17:21] the road [00:17:21] from the common where no one wants to [00:17:23] see this one [00:17:27] so Eric I think you're going to have the [00:17:28] same so I guess you heard the timeline I [00:17:31] mean we have to get this advertised out [00:17:34] there [00:17:36] so so let me ask this Justin if we went [00:17:38] back and [00:17:41] I I don't know construction so I don't [00:17:43] the answer to this question if we would [00:17:46] we still be able to put things out to [00:17:47] bid with moving that pumping station and [00:17:50] because you're not going to have you're [00:17:52] going to advertise it but we we've [00:17:54] really got to have everything in place [00:17:55] by next week I would think for [00:17:59] um the bidding process to happen and if [00:18:00] you were to revise that schematic we [00:18:03] wouldn't be ready by then I'd imagine [00:18:04] correct even if it [00:18:06] 'd be tight we don't declare it with [00:18:07] USDA um I mean we've already performed [00:18:10] like a Geotech nical boring [00:18:12] parcel so you know what the soil [00:18:13] conditions are you know we wouldn't [00:18:15] recommend building something without [00:18:17] doing that you know in any parcel [00:18:20] um [00:18:21] yeah I would say you know it would be a [00:18:23] Monumental effort to change it this late [00:18:25] in the game I will say you know again [00:18:27] multiple locations were looked at us as [00:18:30] the engineers just kind of rank them and [00:18:32] provide kind of the recommendation right [00:18:37] it is a little late in the game just [00:18:39] being personally honest uh to pull you [00:18:42] know a new location like this but we [00:18:44] would try to do our best for the [00:18:46] best for them to go ultimately we work [00:18:48] for you [00:18:50] bully can I um [00:18:53] sure [00:18:55] um so just [00:18:56] just to add to Justin's comments about [00:18:59] difficulties on the engineering side [00:19:02] um on the legal side even if the the [00:19:04] land trust were willing to donate the [00:19:06] lands of the Town [00:19:08] um you still need to automating [00:19:09] approvals for the town to accept that [00:19:11] land [00:19:13] um which is not likely to happen between [00:19:15] now and October 1st [00:19:18] um and even in a circumstance of [00:19:19] receiving [00:19:21] land [00:19:22] title work is still [00:19:25] firm that you would receiving you [00:19:29] a clear title to the property which is [00:19:33] another [00:19:34] is not likely to be clear [00:19:40] I think sort of to follow up on that it [00:19:42] was fair it was very clear for those who [00:19:44] were at the um [00:19:46] meeting which I think pretty much [00:19:47] everyone [00:19:48] was here probably saw [00:19:51] um or heard or read about it but it was [00:19:54] very clear from Joe from USDA that we [00:19:56] have got to move this forward so [00:19:59] um [00:20:00] understand what you're saying Eric [00:20:03] um but I think personally and you know [00:20:06] um anybody else was who was there can [00:20:08] certainly speak to that we had another [00:20:10] piece of change into this process at [00:20:13] this point [00:20:15] um we won't make our deadline and that's [00:20:17] probably not a great start to our first [00:20:19] hit at this loc and [00:20:23] um we heard from Joe last week that this [00:20:26] has got to move forward on time [00:20:28] and that we've got to make the decision [00:20:30] that's why we're meeting tonight to make [00:20:31] the decision [00:20:33] so don't disagree that it probably [00:20:35] should have been looked at but I I don't [00:20:39] think at this point that we have the [00:20:40] time to do it without really [00:20:41] jeopardizing the project [00:20:43] well I would like to suggest that [00:20:44] there's a great ways 100 [00:20:49] I don't know who that was that was me [00:20:51] Kelly I agree with Julie 100 it's it's [00:20:54] we're getting too late into the game to [00:20:56] even reconsider yet another location [00:20:59] okay I'd like to suggest I don't believe [00:21:02] and I could be wrong but there's no way [00:21:04] you're going to meet the October one [00:21:05] date anyway you should be asking for an [00:21:08] extension now [00:21:10] and I don't see it being unreasonable to [00:21:13] go out possibly another you're going to [00:21:15] need another 30 days especially if you [00:21:17] put it on the comment because you [00:21:19] haven't even done the noi that's [00:21:21] necessary from conscott [00:21:22] so and you haven't come to planning [00:21:24] board for the for the site plan review [00:21:26] uh application there's nothing you're [00:21:29] not gonna these this Pro uh this pumpkin [00:21:33] station has to go out as you know to [00:21:36] prospective bidders and come back and be [00:21:38] awarded emphasis on the word awarded by [00:21:42] October one you don't stand a chance [00:21:44] so I would say why don't you extend it [00:21:47] if you put it on this parcel that I'm [00:21:49] talking about [00:21:50] you would not need an noi if you could [00:21:52] eliminate the cons com process [00:21:55] at least again just my just my opinion [00:21:58] um and you also would reduce the cost [00:22:01] because you don't have to make it look [00:22:02] pretty [00:22:03] you stick a box back there in the woods [00:22:05] nobody's going to see it [00:22:07] the cost would be less [00:22:09] I mean the construction costs down there [00:22:11] on the common are going to be ridiculous [00:22:13] and I just think another 30 days if you [00:22:16] reached out the USDA said look it's not [00:22:19] likely we're going to make the October [00:22:20] one date anyway so why not ask now for [00:22:24] an additional 30 days we could have this [00:22:26] answered within that period of time [00:22:29] just my suggestion [00:22:31] so [00:22:33] um [00:22:33] Greg do you want to speak about a couple [00:22:36] of things that Eric mentioned do you [00:22:37] want to speak about the site assignment [00:22:39] do you want to speak about some of that [00:22:41] um so Eric we feel pretty comfortable [00:22:44] that we we are going in front of [00:22:45] conservation [00:22:47] um next week I think I think that's what [00:22:49] Justin said or this week [00:22:53] um [00:22:54] and uh Greg do you want to speak to you [00:22:58] mentioned the site assignment so I'd [00:22:59] like Greg to speak to that a little bit [00:23:03] um [00:23:05] look at this issue as for whether or not [00:23:07] the installation of a public station [00:23:10] um requires slight plan approval like [00:23:13] the planning board and [00:23:17] we're not require site plan approval [00:23:22] zoning bylaws site plan approval is [00:23:25] required in every zoning industry or [00:23:28] quote unquote Municipal uses that term [00:23:32] is not defined [00:23:34] um in the zoning bylaw however um [00:23:37] General usage it's my opinion that a a [00:23:41] sewer pump station or other facilities [00:23:44] that are solely related to the sewer [00:23:47] system are not a quote unquote uses [00:23:50] within the meaning of the zoning bylaw [00:23:53] that this is something that is [00:23:56] um attached to [00:23:58] and part of the sewer system it is not [00:24:01] an independent [00:24:03] the land [00:24:04] um in other prior situations the town [00:24:08] has allowed similar pump stations [00:24:11] without requiring site plan approval [00:24:15] um [00:24:17] more akin to something like a fire [00:24:19] hydrated elephanto a mailbox something [00:24:23] that you know is is part of a a public [00:24:25] service but is not necessarily A use [00:24:28] unto itself and therefore it is my [00:24:31] opinion that this project is not [00:24:33] required to go in front of the planning [00:24:36] ultracycline approval and it is my [00:24:38] understanding that um Nicole has spoken [00:24:40] with the building inspector [00:24:48] well obviously this uh disagreeing [00:24:50] opinions on that [00:24:52] um it's a change of use [00:24:54] of what is considered a common or a [00:24:57] Parkland or a fair ground [00:24:59] um it's clearly a change of use [00:25:01] and just because [00:25:03] prior uses [00:25:05] examples of a pump station and [00:25:08] Gilbertville did not get site plan [00:25:10] approval does not mean that this does [00:25:12] not require site plan approval [00:25:15] um but we could debate that all day long [00:25:18] I just think a more appropriate place [00:25:21] to put this [00:25:23] because of the fact that the vast [00:25:25] majority of people in town don't want to [00:25:28] see it on the comet [00:25:30] I think it would be wise to to consider [00:25:33] looking at other locations and since I [00:25:36] got you are you of the opinion that you [00:25:38] don't need to go through article 97 to [00:25:41] um uh get legislative approval for this [00:25:48] Greg do you want to answer yes [00:25:51] um yes that is my opinion also that this [00:25:54] property [00:25:55] subject to article 97 on article 97 [00:25:58] protects [00:26:00] um [00:26:01] properties that are acquired for certain [00:26:05] conservation [00:26:07] we have done um detailed title Research [00:26:10] into this particular property and [00:26:12] although it may be understood [00:26:15] part of a talent climbing we have found [00:26:18] no evidence to suggest that it was ever [00:26:21] formally dedicated to that use [00:26:23] um or that it has ever been rich [00:26:26] to that use and therefore [00:26:29] it's it's near you know custom of usage [00:26:33] as a Fairground [00:26:35] um on certain occasions does not make it [00:26:38] subject to article 97 [00:26:40] requires something that is much formal [00:26:42] than that that's in [00:26:44] that center with respect [00:26:47] of the town's vote [00:26:49] voted to make that land [00:26:52] that area [00:26:53] that they called several times Parklands [00:26:56] or Fairgrounds whatever [00:26:59] um in the custody and care of the [00:27:02] conservation for conservation purposes [00:27:04] so I'm not quite sure how you can make [00:27:06] that organ [00:27:11] that was the vote on article 22 you know [00:27:14] on June 20th and 98. [00:27:18] um I can I can release these documents [00:27:20] once you want once you've uh [00:27:23] acknowledge receipt of them [00:27:25] and then people can read it all they [00:27:27] want [00:27:30] okay but I I would assume that [00:27:34] corvo's had this [00:27:35] document previously I would hope [00:27:38] am I wrong [00:27:41] he's talking Eric about legal opinions [00:27:45] he's talking about releasing legal [00:27:46] opinions [00:27:49] okay well that would be great I mean I [00:27:51] would love to see I'd love to have a [00:27:52] coffee a faulty article 97 issue in the [00:27:55] um [00:27:56] not requiring site plan approval [00:27:59] so we're happy to do that but Kelly and [00:28:01] Rob have to we have to formally accept [00:28:03] it through the board Kelly and Rob have [00:28:06] you had a chance to review those [00:28:07] documents [00:28:10] I have [00:28:16] Robert did you have a chance to review [00:28:19] um the documents provided by Town [00:28:21] Council [00:28:23] foreign [00:28:26] [Music] [00:28:37] when I got them [00:28:42] I got your stuff today let me see [00:28:47] yeah [00:28:49] it was Thursday afternoon [00:28:55] it's not 12 30ish [00:28:59] foreign [00:29:04] legal opinion on it too [00:29:06] if you're looking through your emails [00:29:10] oh I don't need to see those right now [00:29:12] so [00:29:14] um [00:29:15] you know if it's determined that [00:29:17] they're releasable that would be great [00:29:18] if not whatever [00:29:20] I just really would encourage you guys [00:29:24] to [00:29:26] recognize that you're not going to meet [00:29:28] the October 1 date [00:29:30] you should tomorrow morning send out a [00:29:33] letter to USDA asking for an extension [00:29:38] um even if you don't need it if you [00:29:39] don't need the extension great but if [00:29:42] you do at least you've done it you know [00:29:44] within a month before it's due [00:29:47] um [00:29:48] and in the meantime uh [00:29:52] take a piece at that take a look at that [00:29:53] parcel [00:29:55] you eliminate all kinds of issues [00:29:57] if we disagree about 90 article 97 [00:30:01] um that that issue is eliminated by [00:30:04] taking it off the common [00:30:07] uh planning board approval is a whole [00:30:09] different subject but you do that you [00:30:11] also eliminate the noi needed from [00:30:14] comicscom [00:30:15] you also don't have to make it look [00:30:17] pretty [00:30:18] you also make an entire town happy [00:30:21] by not putting it on the comma [00:30:23] in a very difficult spot [00:30:27] unless I'm missing something that piece [00:30:29] the philanthrist owns [00:30:32] would be fairly easy to [00:30:37] now maybe I'm wrong [00:30:44] I'm wrong that you're most likely not to [00:30:45] meet that October 1 deadline you're [00:30:47] going to need an extension anyway it [00:30:49] might give us a little bit of time [00:30:50] couple weeks [00:30:55] to accept either one of the two [00:30:57] locations on the comment pending [00:31:00] um [00:31:01] a quick review of the other spot [00:31:04] so so Eric [00:31:06] I'm not trying to be difficult or but [00:31:10] you know why is this solution [00:31:12] coming up now why why that's a really [00:31:15] good question Julie it's a really good [00:31:18] question I [00:31:20] I can't believe that they spent this [00:31:22] much time looking at all these different [00:31:23] locations and the issue on this line [00:31:25] that has been such a problem [00:31:28] for the past two years [00:31:32] for a second [00:31:34] Eric can I because I I think I know what [00:31:37] what has happened [00:31:42] all the discussion about the pump [00:31:44] station sighting has gone on in the past [00:31:47] it was that we were going to put a [00:31:49] gravity line in [00:31:51] in the always along the line was the [00:31:54] gravity line was going to go that that's [00:31:56] why all these sites were picked [00:31:59] I believe I'm correct I mean this is [00:32:02] it was part of the original plan was to [00:32:05] put this gravity line into this pumping [00:32:06] station [00:32:08] and [00:32:09] since [00:32:11] we've gotten the LLC back [00:32:14] there there is no more gravity line that [00:32:18] was taken out of the plan for the the [00:32:23] I believe I'm still correct right Justin [00:32:26] uh we are replacing about 3 000 feet of [00:32:29] uh existing Force main at the tail end [00:32:32] the South End will be existing Force [00:32:35] main [00:32:35] to be all right but not but not at the [00:32:38] North End correct correct [00:32:41] okay [00:32:43] so Robin here go ahead [00:32:46] so when once you got rid of that line [00:32:49] being changed [00:32:52] now we're going from Pump Station to [00:32:54] Pump Station we're not taking the pump [00:32:56] station out we're leaving [00:32:59] we don't need to worry about gravity as [00:33:02] much [00:33:03] if because [00:33:05] I highly doubt that the town is ever [00:33:07] going to go back to put a gravity line [00:33:09] in [00:33:12] I think this is what's happened [00:33:16] why we could change any of the site [00:33:19] plans right look at any other sites [00:33:22] besides a site in that area [00:33:26] well I would agree with you that that [00:33:28] the plans have changed I mean the [00:33:31] original memorandum [00:33:33] or even the most latest memorandum that [00:33:35] was being used as a basis for the Loc [00:33:38] uh list the four phases of putting in [00:33:41] the pump station changing the line going [00:33:43] from Boise's to Gilbertville eliminating [00:33:46] The Pump Station at Eagle Hill and going [00:33:49] Gravity from Eagle Hill down to the [00:33:50] common I agree with you but then at the [00:33:53] latest [00:33:53] uh meeting of the conservation uh or not [00:33:56] sorry the historical commission [00:33:59] um Mr Prickett said that they're not [00:34:01] closing the pump station up at school [00:34:04] so [00:34:05] that conversation can be anywhere it's a [00:34:08] pump station it's being pumped into and [00:34:10] it's being pumped out but I I agree with [00:34:13] you that [00:34:15] um that this plan has changed but it [00:34:17] sounds like this plan changed months and [00:34:20] months ago [00:34:21] where we could have begun to look at [00:34:24] alternative locations [00:34:26] that didn't that since gravity [00:34:29] uh wasn't an issue to a to a low Point [00:34:32] wasn't an issue we could have begun to [00:34:34] look [00:34:35] uh at a whole number of places I mean to [00:34:38] me the most ideal location would be [00:34:40] further up South right where the Tomah [00:34:43] manhole is if you could put it right [00:34:46] there you could eliminate that manhole [00:34:48] with the valve in it that hasn't been [00:34:50] replaced for the past four or three [00:34:52] years [00:34:53] um and eliminate that manhole and the [00:34:54] problem of that valve in that entire uh [00:34:58] um area with the air release and all [00:35:01] nine yards [00:35:02] um yeah but the land trust is not going [00:35:04] to allow uh that pump Pump Station to be [00:35:08] near that manhole so they are willing to [00:35:12] put it in the woods [00:35:15] which is again [00:35:17] much further south not much further [00:35:19] south the further south than the common [00:35:21] which I've you know from a hydraulic [00:35:23] hydraulic standpoint [00:35:25] be an issue [00:35:27] um I can't imagine how [00:35:29] it would take a lot of time to kind of [00:35:31] determine whether this would be a viable [00:35:33] location [00:35:35] so Eric I'd like Justin to be able to [00:35:37] speak about the timeline and [00:35:40] um whether we I mean it's your opinion [00:35:42] that we're not going to make the [00:35:43] deadline [00:35:44] um there are Engineers so Dustin I'd [00:35:46] like your opinion on whether you think [00:35:48] we're going to make the deadline or not [00:35:49] under the current circumstances [00:35:51] yeah our deadline right now is to submit [00:35:54] ads to the central register uh commbuys [00:35:56] the local newspaper Etc and coordination [00:35:58] with Nicole uh by this Thursday I [00:36:01] believe the deadline's 4 P.M [00:36:03] um that typically runs the following [00:36:05] Wednesday so contractors will be able to [00:36:07] see that the job is live so that'll be [00:36:09] September 7th [00:36:10] we'll be hit next on the calendar here [00:36:13] if you give them [00:36:15] you know approximately three weeks of [00:36:17] bidding so the minimum per master [00:36:21] a pipe job we would typically give them [00:36:22] two weeks you know pretty simple [00:36:24] because there's some mechanical [00:36:25] components obviously you know it'd be [00:36:27] nice to give them more time the more [00:36:29] time you give a contractor typically [00:36:30] they're able to you know sharpen their [00:36:32] pencils get a little bit better pricing [00:36:34] Etc so [00:36:36] we're going to give them to the 21st [00:36:38] so three weeks [00:36:40] no no sorry the 28 [00:36:43] will open bids and then we'll have to [00:36:44] evaluate those in pretty quick order and [00:36:46] hold the special meeting for the select [00:36:49] board to vote to award that by that [00:36:51] October 1st [00:36:54] so I think from our standpoint we've [00:36:56] talked this through with Nicole we have [00:36:57] a plan to get to the finish line [00:36:59] um with one of these locations A or B [00:37:02] um personally I don't think there is a C [00:37:04] or D you know we looked at all of these [00:37:06] options I believe that that memo Eric [00:37:08] reference we look this far down [00:37:13] um I think there were 17 17 Alternatives [00:37:15] in that memorandum you know [00:37:17] you know Town leadership we started out [00:37:19] looking at the common that we we kind of [00:37:21] changed course and we ended up back here [00:37:23] my fear would just be usda's appetite [00:37:26] and again this is just speaking my [00:37:28] opinion but USB is appetite [00:37:30] um you know for extension requests I'm [00:37:33] not 100 confident confident you know how [00:37:34] that would [00:37:36] have a decision of the town so [00:37:37] I'm sorry but that's our that's our [00:37:40] standpoint you know we've discussed this [00:37:42] I think the schedule is fine it's going [00:37:43] to be tight but I think it's going [00:37:48] to just go on I'd like to go on the [00:37:50] record just saying that I I it took me [00:37:53] about 10 minutes to get an answer from [00:37:55] East guava Land Trust as the way to [00:37:57] would be willing to do this [00:37:59] um I also need to go on the record that [00:38:00] it [00:38:01] this is a massive mistake [00:38:07] let's speak to the location if I could [00:38:10] go ahead Scott [00:38:13] I mean uh this is the second set of [00:38:16] Engineers that have identified [00:38:19] the location approved by the historical [00:38:21] commission as the ideal site [00:38:23] and I don't think we need to go down the [00:38:26] road making more mistakes there were [00:38:28] enough made with the original line that [00:38:29] we're trying to fix now [00:38:31] as far as Eric's idea I like the economy [00:38:34] of it [00:38:35] but it's nowhere near the ideal location [00:38:37] according to the engineers and it's [00:38:40] understandable why [00:38:42] as far as the two locations being [00:38:44] considered [00:38:45] if we move it over to Greenwich Road [00:38:47] we're going to have [00:38:49] up to that pump station [00:38:52] and then build some more Force main [00:38:53] coming back [00:38:55] close to that manhole near mandies [00:38:58] it's going to cost more [00:39:00] I need a deeper wet well which will also [00:39:01] cost more [00:39:03] and it's not going to run as good as the [00:39:05] location that's already been approved [00:39:07] we could use that extra money to make [00:39:09] that pump station look like whatever we [00:39:11] want it to look like [00:39:12] an old barn [00:39:14] a blacksmith shop a Sugar Shack [00:39:18] I think there's a lot of options I mean [00:39:19] me and the Selectmen are all residents [00:39:21] in this town too [00:39:22] we all have the you know in the back of [00:39:25] our mind we we want to keep that [00:39:27] historical [00:39:28] aura about the center of town [00:39:31] in the uh the historical commission [00:39:32] approve the site they're already [00:39:34] [Music] [00:39:36] so I really think we should stick to [00:39:38] this like [00:39:43] I feel like I have I had a resident come [00:39:46] in today that asked me to speak because [00:39:48] they couldn't be here and I wasn't going [00:39:51] to but I just feel like I really want to [00:39:52] get it out to you guys that something [00:39:54] about it um you know being on [00:39:57] on Hartwick Road and making it look like [00:40:00] the blacksmith and then when the when [00:40:02] the fair does come around actually put [00:40:04] the blacksmith over there and you know [00:40:06] make it seem like [00:40:08] shop [00:40:10] um with no fence and [00:40:13] that Greenwich Road where they the [00:40:15] opening there is where they drive in to [00:40:17] go park up on the field so that was just [00:40:19] their [00:40:20] their two cents [00:40:27] so so I guess I'll say I will say this [00:40:30] and this is just [00:40:31] um I understand what you're saying Eric [00:40:34] um [00:40:35] I am fairly certain in talking to Joe [00:40:37] that we have got to move forward with [00:40:40] this project I don't think they would [00:40:41] look favorably and I concur with what [00:40:44] Justin's opinion and I know Kelly you [00:40:47] know you were in this seat before me so [00:40:48] maybe you can run some guidance in the [00:40:51] cold but I don't think they're going to [00:40:53] look favorably if we're going to ask for [00:40:55] an extension and included in that we're [00:40:57] looking at a different site [00:41:00] I think we are skating on very thin ice [00:41:03] on this and you know and so my comment [00:41:06] about why did this not come up earlier [00:41:08] and I'm sorry I don't mean to be [00:41:09] difficult about it but Eric you've known [00:41:12] where these things have been [00:41:14] and I understand there's a different [00:41:17] um you know we have it's a bit of a [00:41:19] different engineering now than it was [00:41:21] before with Force main and gravity but [00:41:24] it's just it's frustrating that these [00:41:28] things come up at the last minute [00:41:30] the board has been willing to listen to [00:41:32] these things forever we've been talking [00:41:34] about the sewer forever [00:41:36] and this is just coming up now it's [00:41:38] frustrating for me to hear this now [00:41:42] um I understand I appreciate your [00:41:45] opinion I appreciate what you think [00:41:48] um but I don't think we have the [00:41:50] opportunity to go back to USDA and ask [00:41:53] for an extension we have got to move [00:41:54] forward based on what I know Justin [00:41:57] confirmed [00:41:59] um that we have got to move forward with [00:42:01] this with the best intentions we do to [00:42:03] get this that we have to get this [00:42:04] awarded by October 1st [00:42:07] or else the funding is going to be gone [00:42:11] Okay so so no one is more frustrated [00:42:13] than I am [00:42:15] started on that committee now [00:42:19] and what we did was we thought about [00:42:21] putting the pump station on the comment [00:42:23] and no one wanted [00:42:25] and that's why the system that exists [00:42:27] now was built [00:42:30] um I just [00:42:31] I I'm [00:42:33] I know you weren't sort of implying that [00:42:36] it's my fault that I didn't find an [00:42:38] alternative location for this [00:42:42] I'm frustrated that this is coming up [00:42:46] now because I don't I don't disagree [00:42:49] with you Julie I no one is more [00:42:52] frustrated than I am and there are a [00:42:55] number of issues [00:42:57] that are gonna come about with that [00:42:59] location on the comp [00:43:01] and a whole number of those can be [00:43:03] eliminated [00:43:04] by moving it down the road all I'm [00:43:07] suggesting [00:43:09] reach out to USDA and inquire you know [00:43:13] is it possible to get another 30 days [00:43:17] um or not is she going to take the [00:43:19] funding away like she's been threatening [00:43:21] multiple times [00:43:23] um I don't know [00:43:24] but it's worth an Ask that's all I'm [00:43:27] suggesting [00:43:28] we got one extension request [00:43:31] and that's the one we got when we got [00:43:33] the funding back that was very clear [00:43:36] prior to all of this [00:43:40] you were allotted one extension and then [00:43:43] after that [00:43:45] things get a little off track they're [00:43:47] willing to work with us [00:43:51] but I don't see any additional [00:43:53] extensions in our future I really don't [00:43:56] and not right at the beginning of trying [00:43:59] to get this off the ground [00:44:04] just my two sons yeah I hear you I it's [00:44:07] just [00:44:08] you couldn't pick [00:44:10] a worse spot [00:44:12] than this [00:44:14] sorry [00:44:16] Eric okay I'm not look I'm not gonna [00:44:19] hate the expression of you know beating [00:44:21] a dead horse but um [00:44:23] uh I just think it's worth an ask and if [00:44:25] you don't do it then you know whatever [00:44:27] well what is it so I we're not in [00:44:29] disagreement you've not heard any single [00:44:32] one of us Eric say that we're [00:44:34] jumping up and down about this location [00:44:36] we get it completely understand what [00:44:40] we're facing though is that we you know [00:44:42] we continue to go back to USD and say oh [00:44:46] this is we're doing just kidding this is [00:44:48] what we're doing just kidding and we [00:44:50] lose credibility with them and at some [00:44:52] point [00:44:53] at some point you know we're very [00:44:56] fortunate that we've gotten this funding [00:44:58] back and I think any misstep jeopardizes [00:45:01] the funding and that was made pretty [00:45:02] clear in that meeting last week well how [00:45:05] about how about making the argument that [00:45:06] it's possible to say a substantial [00:45:08] amount of money [00:45:10] um and I realized she says any savings [00:45:12] goes towards the the uh the grant not [00:45:15] the loan but from a Town's perspective [00:45:17] it could save this town a lot of money [00:45:20] if you didn't have to make it look like [00:45:22] a blacksmith shop if you didn't have to [00:45:24] deal with the noi and the special [00:45:26] construction issues of putting a a box [00:45:29] in the ground where the water table is [00:45:31] probably two feet below grade [00:45:34] um et cetera et cetera [00:45:36] um I just go at it from that perspective [00:45:39] hey we just possibly found another we [00:45:41] didn't realize that the land trust uh [00:45:44] would allow us to do this but now [00:45:45] they're saying they would could we at [00:45:47] least explore could we have two weeks to [00:45:49] explore that [00:45:51] and DPC could go out and do a real quick [00:45:54] preliminary [00:45:56] uh look at it and say well uh this this [00:45:58] could work [00:46:02] I will just jump in and say that USDA [00:46:04] does have like their own of new [00:46:06] processes they have to do a bunch of [00:46:08] environmental reviews [00:46:09] section 106 you know [00:46:11] at the local tribes Etc [00:46:13] and I pulled that process currently you [00:46:16] know I was taking them up to 30 to 60 [00:46:18] days so [00:46:19] I will just just [00:46:20] again that there's a lot more involved I [00:46:22] think and not to mention more [00:46:25] important to in terms of you know USDA [00:46:27] needs to confirm that the town owns the [00:46:29] land that we're proposing something to [00:46:31] go on and again I'm not familiar with [00:46:33] how long that would take but it sounds [00:46:34] like it could be quite a process [00:46:37] in addition to I mean you talked to [00:46:39] Cynthia and that was the opinion but [00:46:41] Cynthia has to go to her board as well [00:46:43] and make sure that that's going to [00:46:46] they're going to [00:46:48] um and quite honestly you've got you [00:46:50] know nobody wants it in your backyard [00:46:51] you've got Kelly sitting there it's [00:46:53] going to be right next to Kelly or not [00:46:56] so it's going to be the far end of that [00:46:58] field and it's nowhere near by back [00:47:00] Donuts it's just the impact that to [00:47:03] compare that impact so what it's going [00:47:05] to be like to have that thing on the [00:47:07] common year round and not just the [00:47:09] weekend for the fair but year round it's [00:47:12] just that you can't even begin to [00:47:13] compare look we've [00:47:17] we've picked this of course so [00:47:19] I I guess [00:47:20] again I don't know if it would be [00:47:22] feasible to make [00:47:23] a preliminary [00:47:25] a vote uh contingent on something you [00:47:28] know so you guys decide which location [00:47:29] you want [00:47:31] um so that's in stone but [00:47:35] you know pending a possible extension [00:47:38] uh to save the town money and to save [00:47:40] everyone the horror of seeing that thing [00:47:43] on the common [00:47:45] um I I to me it's worth it but hey I get [00:47:49] it [00:47:50] um no one wants to be the [00:47:52] the person that's responsible for this [00:47:54] funding going away but I just I I quite [00:47:56] honestly can't imagine that they would [00:47:58] pull funding on two sewer plants that [00:48:00] need to be redone because we're having a [00:48:03] debate about where to put this pumping [00:48:05] station that quite honestly no no [00:48:08] um [00:48:10] so [00:48:12] if she does that then it's on her [00:48:16] but [00:48:19] again Eric operationally [00:48:22] we have the best location for that pump [00:48:24] station [00:48:25] your location May save a little bit of [00:48:28] money in believe me I appreciate that [00:48:30] I'm all about saving money [00:48:32] but I don't know if it's going to save [00:48:33] money at this point when we have to have [00:48:35] it re-engineered and you're talking [00:48:37] about building it that far from the [00:48:38] street [00:48:39] I just don't see there being any savings [00:48:42] at this point well it's a lot closer to [00:48:44] the main line the Force main than going [00:48:46] up Greenwich Road and I'm not quite sure [00:48:49] I mean we're going to get into the weeds [00:48:50] but when you come down Church um [00:48:53] uh what is that past the townhouse and [00:48:57] around the corner by the BNB past [00:48:59] meetings to the intersection of 32A now [00:49:02] you've got to go back up 32A around the [00:49:05] corner up Greenwich Road back down [00:49:07] Greenwich Road back down past the [00:49:10] manhole uh I don't I just don't I don't [00:49:13] quite understand how that's all going to [00:49:15] work and how digging all that up is [00:49:17] going to you know not be extremely [00:49:19] costly [00:49:20] I agree I don't really like the [00:49:21] Greenwich Road plan either yeah it makes [00:49:24] my cost more and [00:49:26] it's going to be less efficient after [00:49:27] it's built right it makes no sense but [00:49:30] given the fact that Rob's point was that [00:49:33] this the pumping station the reason it [00:49:35] was it wanted or they wanted [00:49:37] put on the comment was because they were [00:49:39] going to go Gravity from Eagle Hill down [00:49:41] to that point [00:49:42] and now that's not going to happen [00:49:44] so which is really a new revelation [00:49:47] quite honestly so and comment on that [00:49:50] since you're quite you know bringing our [00:49:52] memo into question [00:49:53] refer you back to um [00:49:55] the the overall plan was only to [00:49:57] implement those first two phases so that [00:49:59] was very clear that the town wasn't [00:50:00] going to have the money within the USDA [00:50:02] appropriation to move forward with three [00:50:04] and four which was eventually making [00:50:05] this a graphic system [00:50:07] again I don't want to get back into the [00:50:08] weeds but it is very clear you're [00:50:11] correct you could put a pump station [00:50:12] wherever you want we can engineer it to [00:50:13] work all we've done is present the most [00:50:15] ideal alternatives to the town in terms [00:50:18] of hydraulics operational uh issues [00:50:21] future growth Etc [00:50:23] um you know that's all it is it's our [00:50:26] engineering opinion everybody has a [00:50:28] different opinion [00:50:30] um this is what we're putting forward to [00:50:31] the town I'm just afraid we're going to [00:50:33] get too far into the weeds but Scott [00:50:36] threat is it is the best operationally [00:50:38] the current location that we're showing [00:50:39] there [00:50:40] for several reasons hydraulic group well [00:50:43] I think the reason that the four phases [00:50:45] matter is because the intent was to [00:50:47] close the pump station at uh at Eagle [00:50:49] Hill and go gravity to the lowest point [00:50:51] which would have been the common and in [00:50:54] the future down the line yes your [00:50:57] memorandum did mention that the 11 [00:51:00] million dollars that it would cost to do [00:51:02] that was not part of the 27 million and [00:51:04] therefore it would be several years [00:51:05] before that would be possible but if you [00:51:08] were eventually going to close that pump [00:51:10] station at the school then it would make [00:51:11] sense to have that pump station on the [00:51:13] common at the lowest point but now it [00:51:16] appears that that's not going to be the [00:51:18] case and so what you have is two pump [00:51:20] stations and that other Pump Station the [00:51:22] second one I don't tell me if I'm wrong [00:51:26] but it doesn't have to be at the lowest [00:51:28] point and so how am I decide to do that [00:51:31] in the future so they will still have [00:51:33] that opportunity to do that down the [00:51:35] road which I think I think it's a great [00:51:36] long-term solution [00:51:39] well enough [00:51:43] you know we we appreciate your comments [00:51:45] Eric it's not that we don't and we're [00:51:47] not trying to you're you're as [00:51:49] frustrated as we are at this point oh [00:51:51] sorry I can hear the dogs [00:51:53] um you're I'm sure you're equally as [00:51:55] frustrated as we are at this point so [00:51:57] um [00:51:59] I mean ideally we'd like this to be in a [00:52:01] spot that works for everybody [00:52:03] um and [00:52:05] it doesn't sound like we have the time [00:52:07] to be able to do that or [00:52:10] um without jeopardizing our funding [00:52:14] we've heard [00:52:16] you've heard from Justin [00:52:18] um [00:52:19] so Kelly and Rob what what is our what's [00:52:23] your pleasure here [00:52:24] [Music] [00:52:28] we don't I don't just agree that maybe [00:52:30] you know looking somewhere else six [00:52:33] months ago would have been a great idea [00:52:35] we're not six months ago we are [00:52:37] literally six weeks out to having to be [00:52:40] very close to awarding this first phase [00:52:43] and proving that we can get out of our [00:52:46] own way so that USDA remains at the [00:52:50] table with their funding that was very [00:52:53] clear in the loc that was reissued that [00:52:56] this first project has to go you know [00:53:00] pretty much close to schedule no project [00:53:03] is going to we all know that [00:53:05] construction is is never perfect [00:53:08] but if we're not showing our due [00:53:10] diligence to get this going [00:53:13] I I I don't know where we're gonna set [00:53:17] um and I don't know that you know within [00:53:19] a week's time we can figure out this [00:53:22] could take three months just to acquire [00:53:24] the the land [00:53:26] at least and and have a vote on it I [00:53:29] just Eric I get it but I I don't I'm [00:53:33] gonna make a motion that we vote for one [00:53:36] of the two locations on the common [00:53:39] and I am going to make the motion and I [00:53:42] don't know if Nicole you can put it up [00:53:44] on the screen so that when we emotion is [00:53:46] made we can indicate which location [00:53:51] is actually the one in [00:53:53] um or maybe Justin has it readily I do [00:53:57] if you would do a screen share [00:54:10] while we're waiting Greg are you still [00:54:11] on [00:54:15] he is he's muted [00:54:17] yes I'm still young so Greg based on [00:54:20] what you know about the process and [00:54:23] um [00:54:24] you know you've been [00:54:26] um hand in hand with us through this [00:54:28] long terrible process that we've had to [00:54:30] go through to get the funding back [00:54:32] um would you be of the same opinion as [00:54:35] Justin that um [00:54:37] going back and requesting an extension [00:54:40] before we're even beginning this is [00:54:43] going to look an unfavorable from the [00:54:45] USDA perspective [00:54:47] oh yes I absolutely agree with that um I [00:54:50] have been involved in this process [00:54:53] uh quite some time with USDA and you [00:54:56] know if it's not [00:54:58] illegal right [00:54:59] just to Guess that the funding is at [00:55:02] risk [00:55:03] it's not [00:55:04] comply with USD 's deadline um [00:55:08] uh funding has in fact [00:55:11] in the past and we [00:55:14] had those were great efforts to have it [00:55:16] restored which included [00:55:18] um invoking the services of a [00:55:21] third-party mediator and as part of that [00:55:24] mediation made it very clear that the [00:55:28] deadlines are essentially etched in [00:55:31] stone and while then there may be some [00:55:34] room down the line for forces that are [00:55:38] beyond the town's control [00:55:40] um simply changing your mind at this [00:55:43] point and saying we'd like to pursue a [00:55:46] new design um is not something that [00:55:49] USDA is going to look favorably on [00:55:53] and is not likely something that people [00:55:56] consider as [00:55:58] viable reason for giving [00:56:01] forgiving [00:56:06] so with that being said I'm going to [00:56:08] make a motion that we accept the [00:56:11] proposed Pump Station site option number [00:56:13] two as [00:56:15] shown on figure four that's on your [00:56:18] screen right now [00:56:24] is there a second [00:56:28] second [00:56:30] foreign [00:56:31] [Music] [00:56:35] none I'm going to call for a vote and [00:56:38] it's a roll call vote all of those and [00:56:41] well Kelly sorry and yeah Kelly Camp I [00:56:46] Rob he struggles no [00:56:51] uh Julie quink yes [00:56:57] so the motion carries [00:57:03] [Music] [00:57:04] um I again just following up on the [00:57:07] conversation I wish it were different I [00:57:10] wish where there were different [00:57:10] circumstances [00:57:13] um but I don't you know again through [00:57:15] this whole process we sort of felt like [00:57:17] our hands have been tied as we've been [00:57:19] going along and [00:57:21] um you know I don't I don't think we [00:57:23] have any other choice to make but to [00:57:26] make this decision tonight we don't have [00:57:28] another choice to make it on time [00:57:31] um [00:57:31] in terms of the legal opinions that were [00:57:34] furnished by KP law that were sent out [00:57:36] Kelly you've had a chance to look at [00:57:37] them I've had a chance to look at them [00:57:40] um Rob do you want to defer on accepting [00:57:42] them until you have a chance to read [00:57:44] them [00:57:59] um our next meeting is scheduled for [00:58:01] September 12th [00:58:04] um [00:58:08] well let me ask it this way Rob is there [00:58:11] any reason why you wouldn't want us to [00:58:13] accept them do you want to wait or [00:58:16] you to have time to review them or can [00:58:18] we accept them tonight [00:58:20] well you can accept them I'm fine with [00:58:23] reviewing them letting everybody else [00:58:24] reads it [00:58:28] you want a motion [00:58:31] uh do we have to make a motion to just [00:58:34] accept them [00:58:36] good to have [00:58:38] I would make a motion to accept the two [00:58:40] legal opinions [00:58:42] um one on [00:58:43] oh let me was it article 97 and one on [00:58:48] the site plan review [00:58:50] thank you [00:58:54] so second that [00:58:56] that's been moved and seconded any other [00:58:59] discussion [00:59:01] hearing none uh Kelly [00:59:04] Camp I [00:59:06] Rob [00:59:08] yes [00:59:14] okay [00:59:15] um difficult meeting I appreciate [00:59:17] everyone's input um Eric I appreciate [00:59:19] what you [00:59:20] um mentioned and again [00:59:23] um [00:59:24] if there were another location that we [00:59:26] could fit in timely and do things timely [00:59:30] um [00:59:31] again I wish I would have had this [00:59:32] conversation six months ago but [00:59:34] unfortunately it's happening [00:59:36] uh [00:59:38] at the last minute and [00:59:40] um [00:59:41] really without any time to make any or [00:59:44] shift or reposition so [00:59:47] um [00:59:48] so Nicole [00:59:51] um and you'll work with Justin to get [00:59:53] the required notifications out so we can [00:59:55] meet the time frames should we be [00:59:58] looking forward if the 28th is going to [01:00:01] be the date that bids are due should we [01:00:03] be looking [01:00:05] um we have some time but we should be [01:00:07] looking for [01:00:08] um a meeting on the 28th of the 29th [01:00:11] is there I know you said and maybe I'm [01:00:15] I'm sorry if you don't mind me asking a [01:00:17] questions really [01:00:18] um is there any way to make the bid [01:00:20] openings the night of our 26th meeting [01:00:22] instead of pushing it out to the 28th [01:00:25] then if we had to meet again that week [01:00:28] we could meet two days three days later [01:00:30] to make the award and that's because the [01:00:33] first is on a Saturday [01:00:36] yeah I guess what I would say is [01:00:38] whenever we ask for the bids to be [01:00:39] submitted we need at least the day just [01:00:42] to evaluate those bids call references [01:00:44] go through right right absolutely yep so [01:00:48] yeah we could we could set it for the [01:00:50] 26th [01:00:51] I'm just one you know that kind of [01:00:52] coincides with our regular meeting and [01:00:55] gives us a few days that week we're [01:00:57] going to have to have another meeting to [01:00:58] award it before the end of the month [01:01:02] I thought you know if that sounds a [01:01:04] little bit more um [01:01:07] not having to Scurry as much maybe [01:01:11] so could I ask a procedural question of [01:01:13] Justin so um and maybe Greg and maybe [01:01:17] Nicole whoever can answer this so does [01:01:20] USDA have to review these [01:01:24] proposals [01:01:25] so we'll put together a recommendation [01:01:28] to award which will summarize everything [01:01:30] that we do so it'll summarize the bid [01:01:32] amounts you know who's getting the award [01:01:34] the reference check that we did so [01:01:36] they'll just typically review that [01:01:37] summary call it [01:01:40] they've never had any issue they [01:01:41] typically agree with the engineer so [01:01:43] that doesn't really take long we usually [01:01:45] send it at the same time the town [01:01:46] receives it and they just you know say [01:01:51] okay I just want to be sure we're you [01:01:54] know contemplating any potential time [01:01:56] that they would need for review or [01:01:58] comment or whatever [01:01:59] we'll alert them and have them ready [01:02:01] they're State engineer Steve Travis um [01:02:04] you know typically accommodates us [01:02:05] especially on this project so [01:02:09] so we'll meet on the 26th and that will [01:02:11] be the opening and then we'll meet [01:02:13] either on the 28th or 29th or later that [01:02:15] week to do the final award [01:02:21] so I I guess just to clarify so [01:02:23] typically we do [01:02:26] tomorrow 2PM like during the business [01:02:28] day where the bids are due by but you're [01:02:30] you're proposing to then open those [01:02:32] later at night [01:02:33] I I don't know the appropriate protocol [01:02:36] so I guess I'm sort of proposing but [01:02:38] asking oh you can you can set what you [01:02:41] would like [01:02:42] I mean [01:02:43] typically say going going to bid [01:02:46] openings they are during the day yeah [01:02:48] the town the engineers there the town [01:02:51] manager or administrators there you know [01:02:54] maybe you know if DPW is involved there [01:02:55] there Scott would probably be there and [01:02:58] and then you know that night we could [01:03:01] you know see or hear [01:03:04] okay that's fine I just I know we've [01:03:06] done bid openings in our meeting so yeah [01:03:09] for different things so I just didn't [01:03:11] know what that protocol was [01:03:13] okay I think it can be whatever you want [01:03:15] Julie well it makes it makes sense to [01:03:18] maybe have it again during the day and [01:03:20] then we can recap at our meeting um that [01:03:23] evening [01:03:24] um or we can be present if we want to at [01:03:26] that you know whoever wants to be [01:03:28] president not the opening because also [01:03:30] so [01:03:31] can I say something [01:03:36] probably be best and this is again a [01:03:39] time frame going back with me and Justin [01:03:40] and you guys but [01:03:42] um to open it like the Thursday before [01:03:45] so they have time to review and give us [01:03:47] the recommendation so the board can vote [01:03:50] to award it on on the 26th do you think [01:03:54] that's enough time Justin [01:03:58] sorry trying to unmute um yeah no I I [01:04:00] think that would be fine because they're [01:04:01] gonna I'm still gonna have three weeks I [01:04:04] would still give two weeks it's just [01:04:06] over two weeks just like [01:04:09] two weeks in a day [01:04:11] yeah like I said that would be fine with [01:04:13] Mass General law just you know the more [01:04:14] time we give them typically they're able [01:04:17] to to hone in their pricing a little bit [01:04:18] more so there are some advantages [01:04:21] that would be fine that 22nd the [01:04:23] Thursday you're thinking [01:04:27] and then we would have a summary to us [01:04:30] before our meeting on the on the 26th [01:04:32] that would avoid having to schedule this [01:04:35] meeting [01:04:36] um [01:04:37] so if you want to avoid a special [01:04:38] meeting we can certainly do that [01:04:43] I'm okay with that if Julie is [01:04:45] well I guess my only concern is that we [01:04:47] want to give them enough time to put [01:04:49] together an actor a bed and if it's if [01:04:51] it meant that we would have to have [01:04:52] another meeting the week of the 26th I [01:04:54] don't have an issue with that if you [01:04:56] feel comfortable that the time frame [01:04:57] that you're mentioning Justin and Nicole [01:05:00] will work and will give us you know the [01:05:02] best possible information I'm okay with [01:05:04] that too [01:05:06] Rob do you have an opinion on that [01:05:13] um the currently getting pricing back [01:05:15] from [01:05:19] so three weeks would not hurt the [01:05:22] situation [01:05:24] I guess I just want to be clear that uh [01:05:27] my official recommendation would be [01:05:29] every week so from the 7 th would be the [01:05:31] 28th for the bid opening [01:05:33] again we can [01:05:35] shortest two weeks but I agree with Rob [01:05:36] that [01:05:37] you know vendors and mechanical [01:05:39] equipment just given all the lead time [01:05:40] issues out there it's pretty crazy we're [01:05:42] hearing from contractors so we might [01:05:44] have people either swagging you know [01:05:47] rough numbers from recent jobs instead [01:05:49] of waiting for actual you know defined [01:05:50] pricing sometimes they build a little [01:05:52] bit more fluff into their bids [01:05:54] um this is just stuff we air and see so [01:05:56] you know additional time would be would [01:05:57] be better uh if you guys do not mind [01:06:00] having a special [01:06:03] we can go with as little as two weeks [01:06:05] do you want to stick to the 26th [01:06:11] doesn't give us [01:06:13] the 28th is that's really tight to be [01:06:16] able to have another meeting [01:06:18] for [01:06:20] you're giving you're giving us two days [01:06:24] I think if you had a meeting the 29th [01:06:25] that Thursday we would be good to go and [01:06:28] sign contracts on the 30th [01:06:31] we put opening kids on the 28th [01:06:34] yeah if you have the meeting the 29th we [01:06:36] could have all of our work wrapped up [01:06:41] so I would say if you're going to do it [01:06:43] on the 28th you're going to have an [01:06:44] early bed opening like 10 a.m right so [01:06:47] there's enough time there you at least [01:06:49] have part of the day on the 28th and [01:06:51] part of it you know because we're going [01:06:52] to have to have you know ideally that's [01:06:55] going to be a lot of information for us [01:06:56] to process me who has you know who isn't [01:06:59] in construction doesn't understand I [01:07:01] would you know that's I would defer to [01:07:03] making sure Rob has enough time to sort [01:07:05] of process and look at your [01:07:06] recommendations on Kelly as well [01:07:09] um I'm not sure we got it on the 29th if [01:07:12] they'd have enough time to do that [01:07:15] I'm fine with that Monday then the 26th [01:07:28] I mean because this is just Central [01:07:29] registered I would think going come by [01:07:31] like any time [01:07:33] and on the website and in the paper [01:07:38] just Central register that's not until [01:07:40] next Wednesday [01:07:41] but that's what everybody that's what [01:07:43] every I mean that's what people look at [01:07:45] Central register [01:07:47] first thing Wednesday morning [01:07:49] go look at all the jobs that are out [01:07:51] there Ben [01:07:53] oh [01:07:55] I mean I I I guess I I get the extra [01:07:58] time so I'm okay either way [01:08:00] they just [01:08:03] I think extra time is good as well but I [01:08:05] would also [01:08:06] hope that you know you rely on the [01:08:09] recommendation of the engineer when they [01:08:10] bring you the recommendation [01:08:13] and summary and who they think right [01:08:16] what about if we see what the difference [01:08:18] what about if the opening is on the 27th [01:08:21] and then um because even if it when the [01:08:23] opening was on the 26th we're not going [01:08:25] to have their recommendation that they [01:08:26] so what about what the difference have [01:08:28] the opening on the 27th and we meet on [01:08:31] the 29th hopefully by the 28th they'll [01:08:34] have the information so that everyone [01:08:35] can review it at least have a day to [01:08:37] digest it before we have to vote on it [01:08:39] on the 29th [01:08:42] yep [01:08:46] okay so the 27th is the date and we will [01:08:50] put in our calendars that we will be [01:08:53] does the 29th workbook Kelly and Rob [01:08:55] does that work for you guys [01:08:57] I'm fine with that [01:09:00] yeah [01:09:02] all right so 27th is our um submission [01:09:05] and opening and then the 29th is when [01:09:08] we'll make the final decision [01:09:14] okay anything else [01:09:19] I just had one small comment if I could [01:09:21] sure Scott go ahead [01:09:24] um [01:09:25] when I read articles about this project [01:09:27] in the newspaper I try to look at it [01:09:29] through the [01:09:31] through the band it's always addressed [01:09:33] as the sewer project or the sewer [01:09:35] department or sewer [01:09:37] and [01:09:39] I just wonder if we should watch out [01:09:41] calling [01:09:42] it because we're not replacing [01:09:45] in five ten years down the road when the [01:09:49] residents are still paying for this [01:09:52] they may wonder why we need to put 20 [01:09:54] million dollars to rehabilitate our [01:09:56] sewer system [01:10:02] and this this is only for water [01:10:04] pollution control facilities [01:10:06] we're not really touching the sewers at [01:10:07] all [01:10:09] so Scott did you uh what we uh termed it [01:10:13] based on the new loc so this just for [01:10:15] everybody's knowledge this first project [01:10:17] one which includes the new pump station [01:10:19] and the piece of pipe being replaced [01:10:21] we're calling this the Hardwick Road [01:10:23] pumping system upgrades project because [01:10:26] it is [01:10:27] you know all one pumping system it's a [01:10:30] pump station it's a force main it's all [01:10:31] Associated so project one that'll be [01:10:34] going out the bit is the heart went Road [01:10:36] pumping system upgrades project if [01:10:39] anybody you know from the Blackboard or [01:10:41] Scott you want to convey to them that [01:10:43] you want that change that's fine but we [01:10:44] thought that that pretty [01:10:46] a pretty good thing to determine it and [01:10:48] then the next two contracts obviously [01:10:49] will be the you know Gilbert Bill wpcf [01:10:52] upgrades or are we [01:10:54] respectively but we thought the Hardwick [01:10:55] Road pumping pumping some upgrades kind [01:10:58] of captured [01:11:00] um you know getting into some of the [01:11:02] other issues [01:11:03] yeah no it's just a minor thing I mean I [01:11:05] read it in the paper as the sewer [01:11:07] project [01:11:08] and I know when we call it that in these [01:11:10] meetings we all know what we're talking [01:11:12] the great majority of residents don't go [01:11:14] to these meetings but they do read the [01:11:15] paper [01:11:16] and I I could see there being some [01:11:18] Kickback in five ten years well geez I [01:11:21] thought we put 30 million dollars into [01:11:23] the sewer why are we why do we need to [01:11:25] have them all replace them [01:11:30] just the media thing mostly [01:11:34] I don't disagree Scott thank you [01:11:38] good point [01:11:40] anything else [01:11:43] could move to adjourn [01:11:46] is there a second [01:11:51] I know so I just I just say that this [01:11:53] has been a difficult process for [01:11:55] everybody [01:11:56] and [01:11:57] um [01:11:59] again just to reiterate that [01:12:01] [Music] [01:12:01] um [01:12:03] where we're at we've made the best [01:12:05] decision we can with the information [01:12:06] that we have and the time frame that we [01:12:09] have [01:12:10] and I appreciate that it's been a [01:12:12] difficult [01:12:14] um process I appreciate that we [01:12:16] you know we have a different [01:12:18] um views on things but that [01:12:20] um you know regardless of what our views [01:12:22] are our job is to make this project go [01:12:24] through [01:12:25] the best we can or [01:12:28] um the town and that you know [01:12:31] we're all aligned on that regardless of [01:12:34] where we sit on this particular issue [01:12:37] and I know you guys concur with that [01:12:40] um so with that [01:12:42] um we'll do the call the roll to adjourn [01:12:45] I think there was a motion a motion a [01:12:47] second Kelly [01:12:49] hi [01:12:51] Rob [01:12:52] hi [01:12:54] and Julie's yes [01:12:56] everybody thank you Greg thank you [01:12:59] and Scott [01:13:01] um and thank you Kelly and Rob