Thumbnail for 11/10/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

Hardwick Select Board: Tax Rate, Solar, Trusts, and Governance

Original title: 11/10/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

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

November 10, 2025

Duration

1h 22m

Decisions

7 recorded

Action Items

13 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Select Board addressed several key municipal matters, including the unanimous approval of a single tax rate of $12.74 for Fiscal Year 2026 and the appointment of Judy Corzic to the Master Plan Steering Committee. Significant discussion revolved around the Mary Lane Trust, with the Board learning that the Attorney General had already approved Baystate Health's "Convenient Care" proposal in Ware, leaving the town with no legal recourse but to pursue negotiations for local healthcare programs. The Board also approved a lease agreement for the Kearsarge Solar project, including a negotiated $100,000 upfront payment and specific termination clauses. Administrative items included the approval of past meeting minutes, a half-day closure for Thanksgiving, and updates on various town operations and personnel matters. A procedural concern was raised regarding the omission of several requested agenda items, prompting a call for policy development.

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Discussion Highlights

The Board of Assessors recommended retaining a single tax rate for all property classes for Fiscal Year 2026, citing the town's largely residential nature and potential dramatic tax increases for commercial properties with a split rate.
Baystate Health's "Convenient Care" proposal in Ware, involving the Mary Lane Trust, was approved by the Attorney General without the town's prior knowledge, limiting the town's legal recourse.
The "Convenient Care" center is exclusively for existing Baystate Health patients, not urgent care, and is projected to operate at an annual deficit.
Baystate Health holds a one-star CMS rating and is reportedly seeking to acquire Mercy Hospital to improve its overall rating.
Negotiating with Baystate Health for specific local healthcare programs (e.g., telepharmacy, home visits) is considered the most viable path forward for the town regarding the Mary Lane Trust.
Approximately $40 billion in rural healthcare funding is available, with UMass and Baystate currently having access.
The Master Plan Steering Committee has 8 members out of a possible 11, with 2-3 open positions.
Schoolhouse #6, the last remaining one-room schoolhouse, was lost after the town delayed its transfer to the Historical Society for rehabilitation.
The Harford Historical Society holds approximately $600 in a "Schoolhouse Number Six Fund," which the town asserts belongs to it, and the Historical Commission seeks as "seed money."
A "mysterious amount of money" is held in a "Page School Trust" with an unclear history, purpose, and amount, potentially misdeposited library endowment funds.
11 letters were sent to non-profits soliciting voluntary PILOT contributions, with only two early inquiries received and no other responses.
Eagle Hill School declined to renegotiate its PILOT agreement despite expanding, and the existing agreement does not contain a clause for renegotiation upon expansion.
Extensive debate occurred regarding the accuracy of the June 9th meeting minutes, with one board member alleging factual inaccuracies compared to the meeting recording.
The Kearsarge Solar project lease agreement was finalized, including a negotiated $100,000 upfront payment and specific termination conditions related to utility delays.
The developer for the Kearsarge Solar project is obligated to remove a gravel stockpile from the premises by the construction commencement date, estimated in two years.
The $100,000 upfront payment for the Kearsarge Solar project is non-refundable if the project fails to commence.
The Board supported Oakham's opposition to a proposed battery storage facility by signing a template letter.
The Town Administrator reported on grant reimbursements, job postings, the resignation of a Library Assistant, and ongoing updates to the personnel handbook.
A procedural concern was raised regarding the omission of four written agenda items submitted by a Select Board member, citing a violation of Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A, Section 20B.

Transcript (14,969 words)

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

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Nomber 10th, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal office building, 107 Main Street, Gilbertville on the issue of tax allocations among the property classes for fiscal year 2026.
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Ma'am, would you like to >> The board of assessors pending final certification of the fiscal year 26 tax rate by the department revenue hereby recommends that the board of selectman retain one tax rate for all classes of
00:00:38
Property.
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The board feels that the relatively small benefit to the residential taxpayer that could be achie achieved using two tax rates is not warranted considering the dramatic increase in taxes to be paid by the commercial
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Industrial personal property taxpayer.
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Hardwick is a largely residential community that simply does not have enough of a commercial industrial pro personal property database to make classification worthwhile.
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The prompor tax rates are as follows.
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Without split, it would be $12.74.
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If we shifted, residential would go down to $1214 and the commercial, industrial, and personal property would go up to $19.11.
00:01:41

[00:00:00] nomber 10th, [00:00:02] 2025 [00:00:03] at 6:30 p.m. in the municipal office [00:00:06] building, 107 Main Street, Gilbertville [00:00:09] on the issue of tax allocations among [00:00:12] the property classes for fiscal year [00:00:14] 2026. [00:00:20] Ma'am, would you like to [00:00:22] >> The board of assessors pending final [00:00:26] certification of the fiscal year 26 tax [00:00:29] rate by the department revenue hereby [00:00:33] recommends that the board of selectman [00:00:35] retain one tax rate for all classes of [00:00:38] property. [00:00:40] The board feels that the relatively [00:00:43] small benefit to the residential [00:00:45] taxpayer that could be achie achieved [00:00:48] using two tax rates is not warranted [00:00:52] considering the dramatic increase in [00:00:55] taxes to be paid by the commercial [00:00:58] industrial personal property taxpayer. [00:01:02] Hardwick is a largely residential [00:01:05] community that simply does not have [00:01:07] enough of a commercial industrial pro [00:01:10] personal property database to make [00:01:13] classification worthwhile. [00:01:16] The prompor tax rates are as follows. [00:01:20] Without split, it would be $12.74. [00:01:26] If we shifted, [00:01:28] residential would go down to $1214 [00:01:33] and the commercial, industrial, and [00:01:35] personal property would go up to $19.11. [00:01:41] So, we're recommended not to do that [00:01:43] shift [00:01:45] the board of assesses [00:01:47] >> and to keep one [00:01:48] >> one tax rate of $12.74 [00:01:52] across the board [00:01:55] for for residential and commercial. [00:02:00] >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. [00:02:03] >> Uh what is the present uh tax rate for [00:02:07] residential [00:02:08] >> right now? The tax rate for fiscal 25 [00:02:12] is $13.15. [00:02:16] We're doing the third we're getting the [00:02:19] uh fiscal 26 approved [00:02:22] and it's going to be $12.74. [00:02:26] Thank you. [00:02:30] Anything? [00:02:31] >> No. [00:02:34] >> Make a motion if you like. [00:02:35] >> Sure. make a motion to approve the [00:02:37] single tax rate of $12.74 [00:02:41] is set by the assessor. [00:02:42] >> I'll second that. All [00:02:44] >> in favor? [00:02:45] >> I [00:02:47] was quick and painless. [00:02:49] >> Thank you very much. [laughter] [00:02:52] That's done. Did anybody have any [00:02:54] questions if anything helpful was that? [00:03:00] >> All right. [00:03:01] >> I'm going. [00:03:03] >> Thank you. Would you mind just closing [00:03:05] the public hearing? [00:03:07] >> Uh, thank you. [00:03:08] >> Make a motion to return the public [00:03:09] hearing. [00:03:10] >> Second. [00:03:11] >> All in favor? [00:03:12] >> I. [00:03:13] >> Thank you very much. I'd like to move [00:03:16] things around a little. Um, take up the [00:03:20] appointment of Judy Corsick [00:03:23] to the master plan steering committee. [00:03:26] We have a letter from master plan [00:03:29] steering committee. from the planning [00:03:30] board which is in your packet from the [00:03:32] planning board chair. [00:03:34] >> Okay. [00:03:37] I'll make a motion to appoint or just [00:03:40] for the mass the fine ceiling committee. [00:03:42] >> I'll second the motion. [00:03:43] >> Thank you. All in favor? [00:03:45] >> I. [00:03:47] >> Now, if I may, [00:03:49] uh, I have correspondence from Mr. Smith [00:03:53] wanting details about the Mary Lane [00:03:56] Trust [00:03:57] >> and I I hear that I don't know enough. [00:04:01] So, I thought that I'd ask you to kind [00:04:03] of do a recap. [00:04:05] >> Sure. Love to. Um, so this is uh, as you [00:04:09] know, this has been going on for several [00:04:10] years. Um, and we were dragged into it [00:04:14] by wear um, I think trying to help save [00:04:18] their situation with the trust, etc. Um [00:04:21] but I will tell you that um if you [00:04:24] remember six weeks ago, maybe a little [00:04:26] bit longer, we sent a letter uh to Bay [00:04:30] State Bay State um requesting that we [00:04:33] have that opportunity to be in front of [00:04:35] them and have a conversation because [00:04:38] it's all been happening through where [00:04:40] and they've been cutting us off from [00:04:42] being able to really know what was going [00:04:44] on. [00:04:44] >> This board sent that letter. [00:04:46] >> That is correct. Um within 3 days I got [00:04:49] an email. So I can actually tell you [00:04:51] what day that was. Um from uh Michael [00:04:55] Navik um who is vice president of [00:04:57] government relations by the way. He was [00:04:59] I believe in the Senate or some portion [00:05:02] of the Massachusetts government at some [00:05:04] point. He decided to help Bay State out. [00:05:07] Um he was very frank on the telephone. [00:05:09] So we did end up having a conversation [00:05:12] on September I think about September [00:05:14] 5th. This this note was September 3rd. [00:05:17] We got together as quickly as possible. [00:05:19] He was very upfront with me and he said, [00:05:21] "Listen, Judy." [laughter] [00:05:24] He said, "Uh, what's nice about being in [00:05:27] healthcare and knowing a lot of these [00:05:28] people is they will actually talk to [00:05:30] you." And he said, "The attorney general [00:05:34] has already approved their Bayate [00:05:38] convenient care idea in wear and that [00:05:42] those all those trusts and everything [00:05:45] were already assigned to that. It it it [00:05:47] was a done deal. It wasn't even I mean [00:05:51] we they could keep screaming to high [00:05:53] heaven. It wouldn't matter. It was a [00:05:55] done deal. So we were kind of being [00:05:57] taken down this little pathway that [00:05:59] there was still this opportunity of [00:06:01] something to happen. That was already [00:06:04] closed by the attorney general which did [00:06:06] not let us know. And it's interesting [00:06:08] that where has not contacted us ever [00:06:10] since they knew we did talk to Bay [00:06:12] State. So they know that. And by the [00:06:14] way, I think Bill has a little bit more [00:06:16] information on what's happened with the [00:06:17] AG um and the properties as well. What [00:06:21] I'm talking about right now is the [00:06:23] trusts and um this entire um what I will [00:06:28] tell you is a bit of a farce of the [00:06:30] Bayate uh proposal for this community [00:06:33] care center which they're going to put [00:06:35] into where what they say. Um what uh [00:06:39] Michael told me, Mike told me was it's [00:06:41] going to it's not going to be any [00:06:43] earlier than 2027 or 2028. [00:06:47] And let me give you some detail on what [00:06:50] this means. Number one, they're claiming [00:06:52] it's going to make them broke. Um [00:06:54] they're saying that uh they are going to [00:06:57] be at a [00:07:00] 330 is it 330 or $630,000 [00:07:04] a year deficit. [00:07:07] um they're going to take all the value [00:07:11] of all the trusts. They said the [00:07:14] approximate distribution of those trusts [00:07:15] was only 300,000 which we know to be [00:07:17] well more than that but neither here nor [00:07:19] there. This has already been approved by [00:07:21] the attorney general. So we really don't [00:07:23] have any recourse at this point in time. [00:07:26] Operating loss 600,000 per year [00:07:30] after taking all the choices and taking [00:07:32] all the notes. So there you go. Um, what [00:07:36] I also want to say about this is let me [00:07:38] talk about community care. This is not [00:07:39] an urgent care center. Let me explain [00:07:41] how this works. A community care center, [00:07:44] which they have a few of those, is a [00:07:46] same day. You can walk in. However, the [00:07:49] catch, you have to be an existing [00:07:51] patient of Bayate Health. You cannot, [00:07:54] it's not an urgent care. It is not an [00:07:56] emergency room. It is similar to what [00:08:00] they did in um uh oh gosh what's that [00:08:04] town up the street [00:08:06] >> town. [00:08:06] >> Belter town. They started that as an [00:08:08] urgent care and within a year they [00:08:10] flipped it to primary adult care only [00:08:13] which by the way only half that building [00:08:15] is that now and the other half is uh [00:08:17] leased out by LabCore but it's a totally [00:08:21] different thing. So this convenient care [00:08:24] is not going to offer our town anything. [00:08:27] It is not urgent care. It is not [00:08:29] providing anything that we could use. [00:08:31] And again, you would have to be a [00:08:33] patient of Bay State. Um which they only [00:08:37] had certain PCPs. They let's be reminded [00:08:41] that that is a [00:08:44] hospital system that is at a one-star [00:08:47] CMS rating, which is the lowest rating [00:08:49] you have in Medicare Medicaid. So [00:08:51] they're going to start getting [00:08:52] penalized. So I pushed Mike a little bit [00:08:54] and I said, "Is this why you're trying [00:08:55] to make the Mercy acquisition?" And he [00:08:58] chuckled because Mercy has poor and if [00:09:01] they buy Mercy and strip Mercy then [00:09:05] which Mercy's doing really well, but [00:09:08] they're going to go in and try to do a [00:09:10] hostile takeover of Mercy to get their [00:09:12] star rating up so that they can get [00:09:13] their millions in the door from CMS and [00:09:15] Agent. So anyway, [00:09:18] we are getting nothing out of this deal [00:09:20] if you did not just get that synopsis. [00:09:23] So um he's not here right now, but Neil [00:09:26] and I are going to be reaching out to [00:09:30] >> um we're we're going to continue our [00:09:33] conversations with UMass and going down [00:09:35] that pathway. Um we are in Wester County [00:09:38] and we also have Barry Barry uses a lot [00:09:41] of residents um from uh UMass and we're [00:09:45] going to try that pathway. Bay State [00:09:48] said they were open to talking to us if [00:09:50] we let the if everybody that they had [00:09:54] working within the system would buy [00:09:56] drugs from their take over kind of their [00:09:58] pharmacy program here. So they'd get [00:10:00] money in and they would do maybe a [00:10:01] tellaalth or something here which is not [00:10:03] a bad thing. That is not a bad program [00:10:06] for rural health. Um, there is $40 [00:10:09] billion right now available through the [00:10:12] I'm going to say that word, don't don't [00:10:14] shoot me here. The big beautiful bill [00:10:17] has $40 billion for rural healthcare of [00:10:20] which we have a big chunk of that in the [00:10:22] state um which is west of um 495 [00:10:27] [clears throat] has the majority of [00:10:28] that. So, but that UMass has it and Bay [00:10:31] State has it. So now it's a matter of [00:10:33] just trying to figure out if we get a [00:10:34] can get a program out or two out of a [00:10:37] state um because of what they did to us. [00:10:40] Um perhaps we can but we're working the [00:10:43] UMass angle as well. Does that help? [00:10:46] >> I still have questions. [00:10:48] >> Please ask what I don't understand. We [00:10:50] had a functioning hospital and we had [00:10:52] this trust [00:10:54] >> and then they just arbitrarily decided [00:10:56] it was time to tear it down and take the [00:10:57] money. You got to Well, if you actually [00:11:00] look at the history of this because I [00:11:01] know you love reading all this history [00:11:03] and I'd be happy to share this because I [00:11:05] was shocked because I did the same [00:11:07] thing. I'm in healthcare so I did this. [00:11:09] Um, [00:11:10] so I went back and I was trying to [00:11:11] figure out how in the heck did they have [00:11:13] this much power? How could they even do [00:11:15] this? Well, what happened is when the [00:11:18] board of Mary Lane, it was the board of [00:11:21] Mary Lane decided to sell to Bay State [00:11:25] and then there was a deal with um Palmer [00:11:29] with Wing which said they went through [00:11:32] the AG and they said, "Oh, we don't need [00:11:34] that emergency room anymore. We could [00:11:36] actually do this in Wing." You can [00:11:38] actually see the paperwork. It's [00:11:40] actually public record. I can hand it to [00:11:43] you. And you can see this progression [00:11:45] that where and Mary Lane agreed to Mary [00:11:49] Lane board making that decision to sell [00:11:52] these assets. Now there's there's a lot [00:11:56] of different assets. One is the trust [00:11:59] and then there's a lot of gifts that [00:12:01] were given to Mary Lane. Those were like [00:12:04] departments or wings or whatever. Those [00:12:07] were not in the will or anything like it [00:12:11] was for this particular trust. However, [00:12:15] they had control over all of those and [00:12:18] all they have to prove is they're doing [00:12:20] betterment in order to use those and the [00:12:24] attorney general signed off on that [00:12:27] three separate times. [00:12:31] [laughter] [00:12:33] Next question. [00:12:35] Can I can I [00:12:36] >> I was in shock. [00:12:37] >> Can I ask a question? [00:12:38] >> Shock because I've been fighting for [00:12:40] this. [00:12:42] >> You know, being being the person who has [00:12:43] loved to tilted windmills at times, has [00:12:46] anybody ever thought of doing a class [00:12:49] action lawsuit against [00:12:50] >> deal? [00:12:52] Excuse me. Speak up. [00:12:54] >> I'm sorry. [00:12:55] >> Come on in. [00:12:55] >> Um I'm splitting my time. Board of [00:12:57] Health's over there. This I think this [00:12:59] is a done deal. this is not worth the [00:13:01] money or the time to try to fight this. [00:13:04] You're you're you're not going to win [00:13:06] this. There's not enough money there to [00:13:08] win. It's not worth the effort, [00:13:11] >> right? [00:13:11] >> You know, the the the capital assets are [00:13:13] gone. The buildings are gone. Um the [00:13:16] trusts have already been seated. Um so, [00:13:20] um this is a this is a done deal and we [00:13:23] need to make the best of what we can do [00:13:25] to move forward. [00:13:26] >> There's a vestage though. I think what [00:13:28] happened is the construction that's [00:13:31] going on on Route 9 right now where [00:13:33] they're widening and smoothing it. [00:13:35] >> That that's a tip [00:13:38] plan that's several years back and was [00:13:42] designed to allow the ambulances to get [00:13:44] to Mary Lane more quickly. [00:13:47] >> So, [00:13:49] but you know, but I'm looking at the [00:13:51] fact that we had we had a percent, but [00:13:55] the the hard work [00:13:57] has a vested interest in that and [00:13:59] hardwork's getting nothing. There has to [00:14:02] be some sort of legal ramifications [00:14:05] that should we could fight [00:14:07] >> make hardwork there's two ways Liz let [00:14:09] me let me just interrupt for just a [00:14:10] second we there's two ways to handle [00:14:12] this number one we could fight the [00:14:13] attorney general which it cost us a lot [00:14:15] of money to do [00:14:16] >> we could fight where [00:14:17] >> or no you can't fight where where no uh [00:14:20] it it's it's really Mary it's really Bay [00:14:23] state because Bay State owned that land [00:14:25] bay state own [00:14:25] >> Yeah. Well, but we're signed off. We're [00:14:28] signed off. [00:14:28] >> I agree with you. Okay. All right. Let [00:14:30] me let me let me put let me put my two [00:14:33] buckets back out there. So, one is we [00:14:35] could sue [00:14:37] >> just fill in the blank. Sue somebody or [00:14:40] we could try to continue to work with [00:14:41] Bay State and get some type of type of [00:14:44] program out of them that's worth that [00:14:46] $300,000 per year for X amount of years. [00:14:50] So, we have a choice. They have not shut [00:14:53] the door on that. Matter of fact, [00:14:54] they've opened the door on that to work [00:14:56] with them. So, we have a choice of [00:14:58] either suing or trying to work. And [00:15:00] you're right, we have a choice. [00:15:02] >> Um I'm trying to figure out what the [00:15:04] avenue would be. Could can we get 300 to [00:15:08] $400,000 worth of services like um tele [00:15:12] pharmacy or having one day a week having [00:15:16] you know somebody go to the homes and [00:15:17] check you know remote patient monitor [00:15:20] something that they already do but they [00:15:23] bring out to our area to support our [00:15:25] seniors and things like that. Can we do [00:15:28] that otherwise um which they've been [00:15:32] open to. [00:15:33] >> I guess the question is do we want [00:15:35] medical services from Bay State because [00:15:37] Bay State has that one star and Bay [00:15:40] State is sued daily [laughter] for [00:15:42] malpractice. [00:15:43] >> That's that's where I'm at. At the same [00:15:45] time, do you really want you want to [00:15:46] spend the money to sue where? [00:15:48] >> Well, I mean, I don't care what Bay [00:15:50] State brings in. I'll go I'm not I will [00:15:52] never go to another Bay State facility. [00:15:53] I will, you know, if I'm dying and I [00:15:56] don't make it to Western, [00:15:57] >> well, I'm open to suggestions. you know, [00:15:59] >> you know, well, I I you know, being in [00:16:03] corporate for so many years, running [00:16:05] healthcare companies, [clears throat] [00:16:07] >> sometimes negotiation is the way to go, [00:16:09] which is why I reach directly out to Bay [00:16:11] State's board and to Bay State's CEO, [00:16:13] which is Peter B. Um the question is do [00:16:18] we want to try to get something because [00:16:22] they'll we could probably negotiate [00:16:25] something [00:16:26] um versus trying to fight and spend [00:16:30] money on lawsuits and I'm open for that. [00:16:33] We don't have to talk about that tonight [00:16:34] but that's kind of where we're at [00:16:39] but [00:16:39] >> I'll be happy to share all information. [00:16:41] >> I would love that [00:16:42] >> bulk of it. Thank you. I know you've [00:16:44] done a lot of work on thanks for the uh [00:16:48] briefing and uh congratulations on your [00:16:51] new [00:16:51] >> Yeah. Well, hopefully one of our pillars [00:16:53] in the master planning is healthcare. [00:16:58] >> And don't forget to get sworn in. [00:17:01] >> Okay. By the time. Oh, by the time [00:17:05] I can do it for you [00:17:06] >> when [00:17:07] >> next time I see you. [00:17:08] >> Perfect. [00:17:09] >> Okay. [00:17:09] >> Okay. Well, thank you. Any other [00:17:12] questions? Just call me if you have any [00:17:14] more. [00:17:14] >> Thank you. Judy, [00:17:16] >> Bill, call you up. You're gonna [00:17:17] >> Yeah. About Judy, if I may. Thank you. [00:17:19] Um [00:17:20] >> the [00:17:22] uh just to remind the committee and the [00:17:24] people out there that um the committee [00:17:27] master plan steering committee is 11 [00:17:30] persons [00:17:32] uh possible and there are now with Judy [00:17:36] Franklin on board that's eight. still [00:17:38] room for [00:17:40] >> two or three more if others out there [00:17:42] want to uh want to sign up. We're making [00:17:45] good progress and I you'll hear a lot [00:17:48] more about that before too long. And [00:17:50] yes, as the chair just mentioned, you [00:17:52] need to get sworn in uh with Ryan. So, [00:17:55] you can be at Thursday night's meeting [00:17:57] right back here 6:30. [00:18:00] >> Just out of curiosity, what's a quorum [00:18:02] for them? a majority but it but it is a [00:18:06] majority of of the 11. [00:18:08] >> Yeah. [00:18:08] >> So it's five [00:18:11] six. [00:18:12] >> There's only eight. [00:18:13] >> That's correct. [00:18:15] >> You're right. [00:18:16] >> It's not easy in there. [00:18:19] >> So it it helps it. [00:18:21] >> You're welcome. [00:18:22] >> Thanks a lot. [00:18:23] >> Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Mark. [00:18:25] Thank you. [00:18:28] >> I'll watch the rest of this on [00:18:29] television. [laughter] [00:18:33] Um, [00:18:38] >> approval of minutes. [00:18:41] Visitor comments. [00:18:43] Do we have any visitor comments? [00:18:45] >> Thank you for having Judy come in and [00:18:47] explain that. [00:18:48] >> Sure. [00:18:49] >> Yes, ma'am. [00:18:50] >> Um, okay. Um, we briefly talked about [00:18:54] this beforehand. um the historical [00:18:57] commission [00:18:59] um needs to address schoolhouse number [00:19:02] six and you're very much aware of the [00:19:05] fact that for the last two years this [00:19:07] has been going back and forth between [00:19:08] the society and the commission. Um brief [00:19:11] synopsis. Um schoolhouse number six up [00:19:15] um which used to stand across from Still [00:19:17] Life Farm on Pierce Sam Road um is no [00:19:20] longer. Uh and uh it was the deed was [00:19:24] straightened out on that and it was deed [00:19:26] back to the town with the intention that [00:19:28] the town was to deed that to the socal [00:19:31] society so that they could rehab it and [00:19:34] repurpose it and turn it into a little [00:19:36] historical site. It was the last [00:19:38] remaining one room schoolhouse in this [00:19:40] town. Um because the town just kept [00:19:43] kicking the can down the road. It never [00:19:45] got transferred and now the building is [00:19:48] no more. However, in the middle of that [00:19:50] whole thing, uh the society was given [00:19:52] permission to start as as a nonprofit to [00:19:56] start fundraising for the rehab of that [00:19:58] building. I don't know how much money [00:20:00] they originally brought in. I don't know [00:20:02] if you know, all right, but uh I know [00:20:05] that they use some for stabilizing the [00:20:08] front uh and tarping it at one one time. [00:20:11] Um and there she sits. And like I said, [00:20:14] it's gone now. But there is [00:20:17] approximately $600 being held in a [00:20:19] schoolhouse number six fund [00:20:22] under the the you know the hands of the [00:20:24] treasurer or of this historical society. [00:20:28] And so I am asking the selectman if at [00:20:32] on behalf of the historical commission [00:20:34] kind of sort of roundabout if the [00:20:36] selectman will write a letter to the [00:20:39] Harvard Historical Society asking for an [00:20:43] accounting of the monies that were [00:20:45] brought in because the town owned that [00:20:48] building. They still own the land and [00:20:49] it's their money. an accounting of the [00:20:52] monies that were brought in and how they [00:20:54] were dispersed and have the the balance [00:20:57] returned to the town of Hardwick. Okay. [00:21:01] And one other little thing is uh as that [00:21:05] is I would respectfully request that [00:21:09] that 600 approximate dollars that comes [00:21:11] back to the town be put into a fund for [00:21:15] this historical commission because we [00:21:18] have not been funded for years and [00:21:19] years. And this could be some seed money [00:21:22] to start so that the commission could [00:21:25] become much more active than they are [00:21:27] now. [00:21:32] Was that the whole thing in a snap in a [00:21:34] nutshell? [00:21:34] >> I think so. [00:21:35] >> Yeah. Okay. [00:21:36] >> I think so. Um, [00:21:40] >> so uh we should write a letter. That's [00:21:45] really what you're looking for is for us [00:21:47] to write a letter to the historic [00:21:50] historical society. Yes. [00:21:52] >> To get the money. [00:21:54] >> You think it's about $600. [00:21:56] >> Okay. But I mean, you know, it it was [00:21:59] you can ask for a full accounting of how [00:22:01] much was deposited and where it was [00:22:02] spent. I mean, we don't know. I I [00:22:05] faintly remember a few things, you know, [00:22:08] uh during some society meetings about, [00:22:10] oh, we're going to spend this on the [00:22:11] schoolhouse, you know, but exact [00:22:14] figures, I don't know. [00:22:16] >> Okay. [00:22:17] But get the money back to the town and [00:22:20] then if you could hold it in trust for [00:22:22] the commission so that because I did [00:22:25] talk to the town accountant about how we [00:22:28] could the commission could start getting [00:22:30] a fund. [00:22:31] >> Now there there's uh the society does [00:22:36] not want to [00:22:39] give back that money or just simply [00:22:42] hasn't been asked. [00:22:42] >> No. Oh no. I Yeah. Nobody's ever asked. [00:22:46] Oh, is that correct? [00:22:47] >> Yeah. [00:22:47] >> Okay. [00:22:48] >> You want to try asking first? [00:22:50] >> Yeah. [00:22:50] >> Maybe make a good contact. [00:22:52] >> Yeah. There. [00:22:53] >> We could write a letter. [00:22:54] >> Penny is Penny is the treasurer. [00:22:56] >> We could write a letter and direct them [00:22:58] to do something or you guys could [00:23:01] >> have a conversation and work together. [00:23:03] >> That's [00:23:04] >> But but if you remember, we've had these [00:23:06] conversations, remember? And it's gone [00:23:09] nowhere. So, I think that and and it [00:23:11] doesn't have to be a nasty letter. just, [00:23:13] you know, you know, can give the money [00:23:15] back. [00:23:16] >> In my mind, I'd like I' I'd like the [00:23:18] commission [00:23:19] >> Mhm. [00:23:21] >> whoever ends up running the commission [00:23:23] to ask first. [00:23:26] >> Well, would you give the commission the [00:23:28] the authority to write a letter to [00:23:31] request the money get returned to the [00:23:33] town or do you want it to get returned [00:23:35] to the commission? I mean, [00:23:38] >> it would have to go to the town. [00:23:39] >> It would have to go to the town, right? [00:23:41] Right. [00:23:42] Yes, sir. We should add this to a future [00:23:45] agenda item and have a full discussion [00:23:47] on it if you want or write a letter or [00:23:49] figure whatever out [00:23:51] >> because this is visitors comments. It's [00:23:53] not on the agenda or anything. So, [00:23:55] >> okay. You know what I mean? We talk [00:23:57] quite a bit. [00:23:57] >> I suggest that you [00:24:00] >> ask it's on [00:24:01] >> and then we'll put it on our agenda for [00:24:03] our next meeting. [00:24:04] >> It's on the commission's agenda for the [00:24:06] next meeting. [00:24:07] >> Okay. [00:24:07] >> All right. [00:24:08] >> And when are you guys meeting now? Um, [00:24:10] well, it was supposed to be Thursday and [00:24:12] then I don't know, Ryan's [00:24:13] >> I know there was [00:24:15] >> swearing in that had to be done [00:24:18] >> and if you come up with something at [00:24:20] your meeting and you still want [00:24:21] something on our agenda, let us know. [00:24:24] >> Okay. [00:24:25] >> All right. [00:24:25] >> We'll put it on our next meeting. [00:24:27] >> I mean, obviously the selectman have no [00:24:30] qualms about getting the money back, [00:24:32] right? No. [00:24:33] >> Yeah. I didn't think so. [00:24:35] >> It's the town's money. It's just sitting [00:24:37] there. ceremony. [00:24:41] Okay. Other visitor guests, sir. [00:24:44] >> Thank you. Um, you may recall from days [00:24:48] where we talked at the uh the Page [00:24:51] Memorial Library trustees and um also uh [00:24:56] at a town meeting. Anyway, there there [00:24:58] was I I was trying to say that there was [00:25:01] a mysterious amount of money in what's [00:25:03] called the Page School Trust. [00:25:08] Um, and its history is is murky and [00:25:11] raised this over a year ago, but with [00:25:13] our treasurer situation, all that, it [00:25:15] hadn't gotten resolved in any way. And [00:25:18] and this had to do with monies that [00:25:21] were, [00:25:23] I think, library endowment monies that [00:25:25] got perhaps misdeposited to what was [00:25:28] called and is still called the Page [00:25:31] School Trust. Um, I don't know how much. [00:25:35] Maybe that was legitimate because the [00:25:37] library somehow [00:25:40] um assumed that. I don't know. But it [00:25:44] all came to mind when one time at an [00:25:46] annual meeting a couple ago, I guess we [00:25:48] we allocated funds to remove remember [00:25:50] the oil tank or something from the [00:25:52] property. And yet I was like, "Wow, that [00:25:55] there's that money there." And that [00:25:56] money if whatever it is, if it's indeed [00:26:01] as the as the terms of the trust dictate [00:26:05] that it's there for the perpetual care [00:26:07] and benefit of the school and I think [00:26:10] we're talking about Rugles Hill School [00:26:15] that that money um something's got to [00:26:18] hap happen with that. If it if it's [00:26:20] there, then it could be used for in in [00:26:24] the disposition or rehabilitation or [00:26:27] whatever happens with that school. Um [00:26:33] otherwise, it's just orphan when [00:26:34] something different does happen to that [00:26:36] building. So, I I just think it's worth [00:26:38] perhaps getting um the accountant and [00:26:44] Sarah Hunter had some awareness of this [00:26:46] before and getting it figured out. [00:26:49] um what's there and what are the options [00:26:53] with that money? [00:26:55] >> If I could throw Excuse me, I'd like to [00:26:57] speak now. Um the library, the Paige [00:27:01] Library is built on the foundations of [00:27:04] the high school. [00:27:05] >> Yeah. [00:27:06] >> Which might have been called the Paige [00:27:08] High School. I don't know. I'm just [00:27:10] saying that might have been the Paige [00:27:12] school talked about. It's just a [00:27:15] wrinkle. [00:27:15] >> Yeah. [00:27:18] I think yeah I think from what we've [00:27:20] been able to dig out that it's more [00:27:22] likely the school [00:27:26] >> but there is confusion there because it [00:27:28] was brought down the library took it [00:27:30] over and so forth but I think it was [00:27:32] with the school [00:27:33] >> so and it may be that all the money is [00:27:35] properly in the in accounts that are [00:27:38] that belong to the library now I don't [00:27:41] know [00:27:42] >> but clearly it'd be good to have some [00:27:44] understanding before the building went [00:27:46] elsewhere and the money sat there [00:27:47] without a purpose. [00:27:50] So that was one thing. [00:27:52] >> Miss Styron, [00:27:54] >> um in my understanding and all the [00:27:56] history that I have done uh on the on [00:27:58] the center school, it has never been [00:28:00] called the Page School. [00:28:02] >> Great. [00:28:03] >> Okay. In my understanding of the history [00:28:07] of Harvard, the Page School was what's [00:28:10] now the Page Library. [00:28:13] >> So, [00:28:13] >> which is what I just suggested. Exactly. [00:28:16] I'm backing that up. I'm just saying is [00:28:18] in anywhere in that does it mention an [00:28:21] address or where it's located. [00:28:24] >> Well, [00:28:25] >> that would be [00:28:26] >> well digging. Mr. Cole's gotten into [00:28:28] this pretty deep. Um [00:28:31] I don't know. [00:28:32] >> I I can revive and share with whomever [00:28:35] you want whatever I had and then try to [00:28:38] involve and Sarah possibly certainly [00:28:41] count. There are some records in there [00:28:43] and the historical record of the town [00:28:46] does talk about some of the endowments [00:28:50] and so I mean you might find there's [00:28:53] something there that could be good to [00:28:55] know about. So, you're going to take [00:28:57] that as a as a job [laughter] [00:29:01] task um [00:29:03] >> exercise with with with the weight of [00:29:05] your suggestion to the uh new accountant [00:29:09] and perhaps some involvement of Sarah [00:29:12] Hunter. I'd gladly talk to them about [00:29:14] whatever I had and Liz and the history [00:29:17] whatever to try to try to bring it into [00:29:19] focus [00:29:21] if you watch her. [00:29:22] >> All right. Well, let's do a little manh [00:29:24] hunt. [00:29:26] see if we can find out what that [00:29:27] >> meant. [00:29:30] The clerk, did the clerk have any of [00:29:31] this information? [00:29:32] >> Clerk might have that information. [00:29:36] >> Yeah, it's in it's in a lot of the [00:29:39] annual reports going back many many [00:29:42] years. Sometimes it's in there as a line [00:29:44] item with with the page school trust [00:29:46] having X and other times it's not in [00:29:49] there at all and then it's back in there [00:29:51] >> and it might just be something to uh [00:29:53] support kids going to school you know [00:29:56] that kind of a an endowment program or [00:29:59] something. [00:30:00] >> I think it was for the care of the [00:30:02] school. [00:30:02] >> All right. Good. See tracking it down so [00:30:06] that we [00:30:07] >> Thank you. [00:30:08] >> They come out of different subjects. [00:30:10] >> Sure. [00:30:11] >> Thank you. Um, I'm remembering [00:30:15] how, you know, the board decided to send [00:30:19] out um letters to the nonprofits. I I [00:30:23] don't remember how many there were, but [00:30:26] that'd be one question. Um, this would [00:30:28] be letters soliciting them to make what [00:30:33] by law or voluntary contributions, pilot [00:30:36] agreements to the town. Um, and I just [00:30:40] hadn't heard any updates about that. I [00:30:42] wondered how many letters went out, what [00:30:45] the response was like, how many ignored [00:30:47] it, how many might have signed up or [00:30:48] might have contributed, and what the [00:30:50] what the dollars might mean, what it's [00:30:53] come to, and whether that approach [00:30:55] continues or it's going to be modified [00:30:58] or what? [00:30:59] >> I don't know. Do you know? [00:31:02] >> No, I do not. Um, I've been requesting [00:31:05] this and I don't know the status of it. [00:31:07] Justine, do you happen to know the [00:31:08] status? [00:31:09] >> 11 letters went out. Um, everyone except [00:31:12] the state. Um, and actually not [00:31:15] including the state. 11 letters went [00:31:16] out. Um, we got a couple inquiries early [00:31:19] on. Um, I know one was East and Land [00:31:22] Trust. Other one I I it escapes me um [00:31:26] inquiring wanting more information, but [00:31:27] other than that um like wanting copies [00:31:30] of the policy, but other than that, I [00:31:31] haven't heard anything. [00:31:34] >> If I may, Mr. here a while back. Um over [00:31:38] the summer, I believe, we asked us to um [00:31:41] reach out to Eagle Hill and the [00:31:43] nonprofits cuz Eagle Hill was expanding [00:31:45] and doing four houses and now a new [00:31:49] dormatory which opens a pilot agreement [00:31:52] or a policy to renegotiate something. [00:31:55] And I don't know if that information [00:31:58] went out. [00:31:58] >> Yeah. [00:31:59] >> Or and we got a response cuz I never saw [00:32:01] a response. Um, so [00:32:04] >> did we get a response? [00:32:05] >> They declined. [00:32:10] >> Think we should go [00:32:12] visit them? [00:32:14] >> I would like to have a conversation, you [00:32:17] know, just whether it's meet with David [00:32:19] if it's okay with the board, you know, [00:32:21] or the board and post it and have a [00:32:23] conversation cuz I [00:32:27] they they're developing um they're a [00:32:30] part they should be a partner in this [00:32:32] town. they should contribute to this [00:32:33] town and help us out. You know, [00:32:37] >> I don't see a uh any issues with having [00:32:40] the conversation. I I think it should be [00:32:42] with the board. [00:32:43] >> Okay. [00:32:44] >> So, [00:32:45] >> you can take the lead on it. I just [00:32:47] think we all should be involved. [00:32:48] >> Absolutely. [00:32:49] >> Can we invite him in? [00:32:50] >> Yes. [00:32:51] >> Send an invitation. [00:32:53] >> I recommend. Yeah. [00:32:55] >> So, is there a meeting in mind [00:32:58] or the next meeting? Meeting after that, [00:33:00] whatever. [00:33:01] >> Springtime. Yeah, [00:33:02] >> whatever. [00:33:03] >> Yeah, it we're kind of loading up the [00:33:06] next couple meetings already. Um, well, [00:33:08] we're not going to do Zikos. So, [00:33:11] >> along the same lines with Eagle Hill, we [00:33:15] as a sore commission have to approve a [00:33:17] new sore connection for their new [00:33:19] dormatory that just been passed through [00:33:21] the planning board. Am I correct, Bill, [00:33:24] on that [00:33:25] >> site plan review? Was it right? [00:33:28] >> Yeah. [00:33:30] >> Okay. [00:33:31] >> I mean, so [00:33:32] >> you know, it wouldn't be a waste of [00:33:34] their time. We could put it on the [00:33:35] agenda as far as the sword commission [00:33:37] and find out information on the sword [00:33:38] connection. [00:33:39] >> Kill two birds with one stone, right? [00:33:42] >> So, [00:33:44] which meeting? [00:33:45] >> The next meeting two weeks from now, we [00:33:48] won't be ready for negotiating with the [00:33:51] >> Yeah. 24. [00:33:53] >> Okay. [00:33:54] >> 24. [00:33:55] >> We're not full yet. [00:33:57] >> Okay. [00:33:58] >> Whatever is good, whatever is good with [00:33:59] them, reach out. [00:34:01] >> You know, cuz it is close to [00:34:03] Thanksgiving. So, [00:34:06] >> you're flexible. [00:34:09] >> Thank you for the turkey. Right, [00:34:10] >> Mr. Cmerford? [00:34:11] >> Yeah. On the site [clears throat] plane [00:34:13] review, the new domator is replacing an [00:34:16] old domator. [00:34:18] So, it's not increasing the student [00:34:20] population by doing that. [00:34:22] just supplement from one residential [00:34:24] building for another. So there shouldn't [00:34:27] be any increase in the sewer usage [00:34:31] because there's not going to be an [00:34:33] increase in the student population [00:34:34] because of that new building. [00:34:36] >> Okay. [00:34:36] >> So um and there is a decision letter [00:34:40] that the planning board has to write [00:34:43] concerning the decision we made, the [00:34:45] vote we made. So if uh if you're [00:34:48] interested, anybody's interested in [00:34:49] reading that [00:34:51] >> uh for information [00:34:54] might be helpful in your discussion. [00:34:56] >> All right. If I may ask a question. [00:34:59] >> Sure, Mr. Chair. U my understanding is [00:35:02] one building isn't being torn down. A [00:35:04] new building is being built up. So [00:35:07] there's the old building is still in [00:35:09] place. It's not like it's being demoed [00:35:11] is my understanding. [00:35:14] >> Does that sound right? [00:35:16] That's what we were told is that they [00:35:18] their plans for that building were [00:35:20] storage or something else but not not [00:35:23] new not uh living space. So they did say [00:35:29] several times when asked uh that it [00:35:32] would not create any higher enrollment [00:35:34] in the school and also that the sewage [00:35:39] flow itself would actually could be [00:35:42] expected to diminish because of not [00:35:45] fewer persons but uh more uh efficient [00:35:50] you know toilets and faucets and [00:35:52] whatever else. So they they said there [00:35:53] wouldn't be an increase in bill and then [00:35:56] our and our peer engineer [00:36:00] didn't didn't raise that as any [00:36:02] question. So it seems like that's the [00:36:04] case. [00:36:05] >> I only bring it up because we are the [00:36:06] sword commission the select board and [00:36:09] the planning board doesn't okay to sort [00:36:11] connections and stuff like that falls on [00:36:13] us [00:36:14] >> and it is the new sewer connection. [00:36:16] >> Yes. [00:36:16] >> So [00:36:17] >> Oh yeah. Yeah. [00:36:18] >> It's in a different place. Yeah. [00:36:20] Absolutely. But but definitely going [00:36:21] into the s. [00:36:22] >> Okay. [00:36:24] >> Um may I on the subject still [00:36:26] >> say that we'll send an invitation to [00:36:30] them for our next meeting. [00:36:32] >> All right. [00:36:32] >> Thank you. [00:36:34] >> I just wanted on as background to what [00:36:37] was just [00:36:39] stated about Eagle Hill School in [00:36:42] particular and the pilot agreement. Um, [00:36:46] and I think I heard it said that their [00:36:49] recent development or construction [00:36:53] reopened the contract. And I wonder if [00:36:56] that's just a personal opinion because I [00:36:59] I've [00:37:01] been of the understanding that the [00:37:04] voluntary agreement is not tied to um [00:37:08] the number of [00:37:10] properties on their campus, but rather [00:37:16] uh tied into [00:37:18] houses off of their campus. that would [00:37:22] increase the amount of the agre of the [00:37:24] agreement. And speaking of the amount of [00:37:26] the agreement, um I I don't know the [00:37:29] figures on that, but I think it's now [00:37:31] back to $50,000 or more um under the [00:37:35] existing agreement. I [00:37:37] >> you know, they they they and others keep [00:37:39] saying, well, they're the largest [00:37:40] taxpayer by far, and some say it should [00:37:42] be much more, but I just I just am [00:37:44] wondering if those figures are current. [00:37:48] >> We'll find out in two weeks. [00:37:50] >> Okay. [clears throat] I'd heard the [00:37:53] Europe 60,000 but [00:37:54] >> 60,000 [00:37:55] >> I don't know what's the [00:37:58] >> Can we have a copy of that agreement? [00:38:01] >> Yeah, of course. [00:38:03] >> Please. Thank you. [00:38:06] >> One other quick thing in the in the [00:38:08] policy there is a clause if you expand [00:38:12] and develop it opens up for a pilot re [00:38:15] renegotiation. [00:38:17] >> And I'm sorry, Bill, if I may. and the [00:38:20] and the pilot agreement that we policy [00:38:23] proposed or in the contract that was [00:38:25] signed [00:38:26] >> the pilot policy that we adopted [00:38:29] a hard [00:38:30] >> it's in that [00:38:34] okay we've said we'd like that but it's [00:38:37] not in the signed contract [00:38:40] >> I don't think there's a sign [00:38:43] 14 or whatever it was [00:38:45] >> there's a policy that we voted on [00:38:47] >> a pilot agreement with 2014. [00:38:50] >> Yep. [00:38:53] >> You don't have it right there, do you? [00:38:55] >> I don't have it right here. No. Um, [00:38:56] >> just kidding. [00:38:57] >> That would be kind [laughter] of amazing [00:38:58] though, [00:38:59] >> right? [00:39:01] >> Okay. Um, [00:39:04] is that [00:39:05] >> No, we have to go through visitors [00:39:08] comments [00:39:09] >> unless there's some more visitor [00:39:10] comments. [00:39:14] Approval of minutes. June 9th. We kind [00:39:18] of put this off last time. [00:39:20] >> Did you have any information on it? [00:39:22] >> I I [clears throat] read it through. [00:39:26] I think we were arguing about [00:39:29] uh whether something that happened at a [00:39:34] um [00:39:34] >> a statement made at a planning board [00:39:36] meeting, [00:39:36] >> right, [00:39:37] >> that referenced me and how I did [00:39:40] supposedly these things, [00:39:41] >> right? And that was recorded in the [00:39:43] minutes of that meeting which I believe [00:39:46] is correct. [00:39:47] >> Oh sir, [00:39:48] >> whether the statement is whether the [00:39:50] statement is correct or not, the minutes [00:39:53] just reflect what was stated there and [00:39:56] it could be a whole string of you know [00:39:59] propaganda. We'd still be seeing it in [00:40:02] the minutes. So I don't know. No, [00:40:05] because the town the town shouldn't be [00:40:08] publishing [00:40:10] defamation things and lies in media that [00:40:14] were spoken that were not [00:40:16] >> Well, who's to decide then? [00:40:18] >> What do you mean? Who's to decide? [00:40:20] That's that's common practice, sir. And [00:40:22] you said you were going to look into it [00:40:23] and actually, you know, get information [00:40:25] on this. [00:40:27] >> Well, I don't remember saying that. And [00:40:29] I think we left at that [00:40:32] >> Well, I was at that meeting. Mr. Smith [00:40:34] was at that meeting. He recorded that [00:40:36] meeting and I didn't make those [00:40:38] statements that Bill Cole says I made. [00:40:41] >> Mr. Chair. [00:40:42] >> Yes, ma'am. [00:40:43] >> Um, so just to go to the June 9th [00:40:45] minutes, there was a couple spare [00:40:46] spelling errors that Mr. Tanker had [00:40:48] caught that I have corrected. There was [00:40:50] also a couple things that needed to be [00:40:51] moved because they were taken out of [00:40:53] order at the meeting. So, that stuff has [00:40:54] been corrected. And um, we did watch [00:40:58] what uh, Mr. Cole said at the meeting [00:41:00] and that's what is reflected in here. [00:41:02] not necessarily happened at planning [00:41:03] board but the comments made by Mr. Hall. [00:41:05] So that is what is here in front of you. [00:41:10] >> So well I don't see what we can do about [00:41:12] it. [00:41:12] >> Well I I just object to it so you guys [00:41:15] can vote it in like I object. [00:41:19] >> You won't vote for it then? [00:41:21] >> No. Why am I going to vote for [00:41:23] something? [00:41:23] >> Even though it's an accurate uh [00:41:25] depiction of [00:41:27] >> it's it's an accurate depiction of what [00:41:30] happened during a meeting and that's all [00:41:33] meeting minutes are supposed to be. [00:41:35] >> No, they're not supposed to be verbatim [00:41:37] and quoting people. They're supposed to [00:41:38] be a summary of what took place, [00:41:40] >> right? And if a statement was made [00:41:43] during that meeting, that's false. [00:41:45] >> You guys seem excited to get this [00:41:47] statement into your minutes. [laughter] [00:41:49] >> No, I'm trying to I'm trying to [00:41:52] Go ahead, pin it down. Dude, [laughter] [00:41:54] >> I am trying to [00:41:56] >> You're having it clear. [00:41:57] >> I am. I'm having a blast. [00:41:59] >> I know it. It's great. [00:42:00] >> Make it clear. [00:42:01] >> Make it clear that the meeting minutes [00:42:06] are supposed to be a a a rep a depiction [00:42:10] of what actually happened at the [00:42:12] meeting. [00:42:12] >> Right. You can say stood up and made a [00:42:15] statement in your meeting. [00:42:18] >> Right. I move that we uh approve the [00:42:20] meeting minutes as written for June 9th, [00:42:24] 2025. [00:42:25] >> I'll second the motion, sir. [00:42:28] >> Further discussion? [00:42:30] >> I object to it because we the town the [00:42:33] town shouldn't be publishing false [00:42:36] statements, sir. [00:42:37] >> Okay. Thank you. All in favor? [00:42:40] >> I [00:42:41] >> No. [00:42:42] >> Okay. [00:42:44] >> Done. you get somebody raising. [00:42:47] >> Yeah, correct. Thank you. Um, well, I've [00:42:51] just been called a liar and a defamer or [00:42:53] something. So, let me just say this. Um, [00:42:56] at the at the select board meeting that [00:42:59] these minutes are discussing, I made a [00:43:02] statement of what had happened at the [00:43:04] planning board meeting. Um, I totally [00:43:07] agree that what is said at the select [00:43:09] board meeting is what should be in the [00:43:11] select board minutes. And I I'm not [00:43:14] saying [00:43:16] I'm not saying that I wasn't accurate [00:43:18] about what was said at the planning [00:43:19] board meeting if we have to go there. [00:43:23] But the first thing I'd say is I don't [00:43:24] know where the minutes at the YouTube [00:43:27] which has [00:43:28] 400 and some views. It's good to know [00:43:30] people are watching. So that that [00:43:33] YouTube that you looked at in that I [00:43:36] looked at my own statements and I didn't [00:43:38] say that Mr. Tinker threatened legal [00:43:41] action against the town. did threaten I [00:43:45] did say he threatened legal action. I [00:43:48] also didn't say that he walked out of [00:43:51] the room in that recording on the [00:43:53] YouTube of the select media. I did not [00:43:54] say that. Now, both of those things [00:43:57] ended up in the minutes for your the [00:43:59] draft minutes for June 9th and is part [00:44:02] of the problem that that is is being [00:44:04] raised here. [00:44:06] >> Um that that recording is available to [00:44:10] everybody. So I would look at feel free [00:44:13] to look at that if if you want. You'll [00:44:15] see that what I said was that the two of [00:44:18] them were at the meeting [00:44:20] >> and the Mr. Tanker we raised his eye by [00:44:24] beginning to read in the open meeting [00:44:26] his letter. That's what that that was [00:44:28] about. Um and that's what we said. Now [00:44:32] going back a little bit I keep hearing [00:44:34] oh the recording is available from our [00:44:36] planning board meeting. Well, um, it is [00:44:40] not available on the on Mr. Smith's [00:44:44] site. Um, it isn't. [00:44:46] >> Yes, it is. [00:44:47] >> Nope. Yes, it's not. May 14th. [00:44:51] This is a new wrinkle to me. [00:44:53] >> So, so we're told that, oh, you can go [00:44:55] and you can see what was said, how I [00:44:58] mischaracterized it. It's not there. [00:45:00] >> Um, Fleming has one when he's back in [00:45:03] town. We'll look at that. But, you know, [00:45:05] it's it absolutely is a case. It's [00:45:07] everyone's recollection that he said oh [00:45:10] why wasn't I invited to the meeting [00:45:13] three times I mentioned on the agenda [00:45:15] why wasn't I invited you don't have to [00:45:17] be invited [00:45:19] >> notice you're here on the agenda I know [00:45:22] you look at the agendas we read into the [00:45:24] record publicly the only way we can [00:45:26] discuss that letter [00:45:28] >> so we read that into the meeting there [00:45:30] were two people in attendance he stood [00:45:32] up he got upset and talked about talked [00:45:35] about [00:45:35] >> order Mr. Yeah. [00:45:36] >> Yes, sir. [00:45:39] >> You're going to just let him sit here [00:45:40] and talk? He had his He had his chance [00:45:43] before we were even going to vote this, [00:45:45] >> but now he recollects and now he didn't [00:45:47] say it. [00:45:47] >> All right, we're going to table this. [00:45:49] >> Exactly. [00:45:49] >> What do you mean? It's already approved, [00:45:50] >> right? [00:45:55] >> Had enough. [00:45:56] >> Yeah. Like to see the recording though. [00:46:05] September 15th. [00:46:07] Motion to approve as written. [00:46:11] >> Second. [00:46:12] All in favor? [00:46:13] >> I [00:46:18] >> just approve September 15th. [00:46:20] >> Thank you. Sorry. [00:46:22] >> Town administrator request discussion [00:46:24] and vote the day before Thanksgiving. [00:46:28] >> Yes. So, um it's the same request I made [00:46:29] last year. Um, I'd like to close u [00:46:33] municipal offices at 12:00 the day [00:46:35] before Thanksgiving to give the staff [00:46:37] time to cook and prepare to spend with [00:46:38] family. [00:46:40] >> Some move. [00:46:42] >> Second. [00:46:43] >> Second. Well, I I I would like to [00:46:45] clarify it. It should be a half day. So, [00:46:48] if somebody works 10 hours, they work [00:46:49] five. You know what I mean? Because [00:46:51] we're doing this for the entire town or [00:46:53] we just doing it for the town hall. [00:46:55] >> Entire town. [00:46:57] >> Obviously, not public safety. So if [00:46:59] somebody's got a six-hour day, they work [00:47:02] three. [00:47:04] >> You know what I mean? So we say a half [00:47:05] day. [00:47:05] >> You just want a half day. [00:47:06] >> A half day. Whoever whatever's person [00:47:09] schedule, if they work 12 hours that day [00:47:12] or 10 hours, they work. [00:47:13] >> I think they I think they could go with [00:47:15] a full day. [00:47:17] Let them have the day. [00:47:20] >> Yikes. [00:47:23] >> And then what happens on Friday? [00:47:25] >> We're closed. [00:47:27] Yeah, it's already part of the holiday. [00:47:31] >> You just want a half day? [00:47:32] >> A half day is good. [00:47:34] >> I still recommend a closing everywhere [00:47:36] at 12:00. Matter of sewer, highway, or [00:47:39] town hall. That's my record. [00:47:40] >> 12:00. All right. [00:47:44] Still second it. I'll second it. All in [00:47:47] favor? [00:47:47] >> I I [00:47:48] >> Thank you. [00:47:51] >> Discussion vote on chair solder. [00:47:55] So you have in front of you um the track [00:47:58] change version. I have the clean version [00:48:00] in front of me, but [clears throat] in [00:48:01] front of you is the track changes so you [00:48:03] can see what was changed from what you [00:48:04] saw a week ago or two weeks ago. Excuse [00:48:06] me. [00:48:07] >> Um I'm sorry. [00:48:09] >> Excuse me. Can I get a copy of this one [00:48:12] part of that after you Yeah, cuz um I [00:48:16] have the old comments. I I want the new [00:48:18] one. [00:48:18] >> No, I gave it to you. [00:48:19] >> Okay. [00:48:21] >> Here's this [00:48:22] >> right there. [00:48:23] >> Yeah. as we like. [00:48:27] >> Okay. Yes. [00:48:28] >> Um and Mr. Blake is available. Um our [00:48:31] town council, he said that if we have [00:48:33] any questions or the board has any [00:48:34] questions, we can call him [00:48:36] >> um to answer cuz we're everyone's [00:48:38] anxious to get this done. Um you'll see [00:48:40] that the annual rent has been [00:48:42] streamlined and cleaned up. Um you'll [00:48:45] see that the actual um acreage is mapped [00:48:48] out. Um you have anything else you want? [00:48:52] for the acreage is 24. [clears throat] [00:48:54] That's on the first page. [00:48:56] >> I I sent questions earlier to this [00:48:58] group. So, you know, to clarify all [00:49:00] this. [00:49:02] >> You have questions. [00:49:04] >> I I I sent these questions to town [00:49:06] council to Jeff. [00:49:08] >> Good. [00:49:09] >> To clarify all these issues and he [00:49:12] responded back um we're reducing from 48 [00:49:16] to 24. We're keeping the 20,000 per [00:49:20] megawatt DC, not reducing it down to [00:49:23] 14,000. We're getting a h 100,000 [00:49:26] upfront. [00:49:27] Um the only question I have a question [00:49:30] on that is [00:49:32] I asked him it's that 100,000 is due [00:49:36] upon the signing of this execution of [00:49:38] this lease. And then they responded back [00:49:40] and said it would be for the start of [00:49:45] construction. And then I sent an email [00:49:49] back to Jeff and said the intent was [00:49:51] upon execution of this lease that we get [00:49:54] this money up front because what we're [00:49:56] doing is we're giving them developmental [00:49:58] rights over the next 18 months. So so [00:50:02] they can work out whatever deals get uh [00:50:05] permitting, go through conservation, all [00:50:07] these things. And so the town should [00:50:12] should be compensated for that because [00:50:14] we can't do anything with that land. and [00:50:16] it and it helps them with this whole [00:50:18] deal and and Jeff was Jeff is fine with [00:50:20] it but and they came back and they [00:50:23] answered with permitting once they start [00:50:26] local permitting but that's not a time [00:50:28] frame. So that would be a question we [00:50:30] should call Jeff this evening and ask [00:50:32] him that question and see if he's spoken [00:50:35] to them and clarify that. [00:50:37] >> Would you like me to Mr. [00:50:38] >> Sure. [00:50:46] And [00:50:48] one other thing, the the 10,000 per [00:50:50] pilot. So that 100,000 upfront would be [00:50:54] credited from the first year pilot [00:50:56] program. I'm good. I would be 100,000. [00:50:58] >> So um the board can ask you some [00:51:00] questions. [00:51:02] >> All right. Thank you. [00:51:02] >> Say again. [00:51:03] >> So [00:51:04] >> all right. He uh Town Castle is on the [00:51:07] phone. [00:51:08] >> Good evening, Jeff. Thanks for coming [00:51:10] in. Yeah, no worries. How are you guys? [00:51:14] >> Fine. [00:51:14] >> We're good. [00:51:15] >> Good. [00:51:18] >> So, good. [00:51:20] >> All right. Um, so Jeff, we were just [00:51:22] wondering if if you got any [00:51:24] clarification on on the 100 grand [00:51:27] because the intent was once we signed [00:51:29] this lease, it would be payment upon [00:51:32] execution of the lease and then they put [00:51:34] in uh based on local permitting. So, do [00:51:39] you have commercial operation date. In [00:51:42] addition, Leslie, she'll provide [00:51:44] $100,000 upfront payment. Yeah. At the [00:51:47] commencement of state and local [00:51:48] permitting. Yes, that's how that is in [00:51:51] there. [00:51:51] >> Yes. [00:51:51] >> Um are they Justine, did you get them on [00:51:54] the phone as well? [00:51:55] >> Uh nope. I just have you. [00:51:58] >> Okay. So, I I think uh Bill, what we [00:52:01] were thinking about, we were going to [00:52:02] ask them that because that does seem to [00:52:04] be a sticking point here. [00:52:06] um they don't want to put in any money [00:52:08] until they've actually started asking [00:52:10] for the permits. We wanted them to give [00:52:12] us money when they signed the lease. [00:52:15] >> Right. [00:52:17] >> So, how do we fix that? [00:52:20] >> Well, we uh I I thought they were going [00:52:23] to be dialed in as well and we can ask [00:52:25] them [00:52:26] >> and if they're if they want to negotiate [00:52:28] and agree with it, then we can just type [00:52:30] that in. [00:52:34] call. [00:52:35] >> I have my phone here. We can call [00:52:37] whoever. [00:52:38] >> Well, I think you if you got an iPhone, [00:52:40] Justin, you could have, right? [00:52:42] >> I have an Android, but I can just add [00:52:44] him. If you don't mind, just give me one [00:52:46] second. [00:52:56] >> Show up for the meeting. [00:52:58] >> Yeah, [00:53:00] not anymore. [00:53:08] They don't know that we're call going to [00:53:10] call them now. [00:53:11] >> Um, they'll answer [00:53:14] >> if I I but the number I just called uh [00:53:16] they did not answer [00:53:27] >> big feedback. No. [00:53:31] >> I was asking if it would back feed or [00:53:33] something when I said no and would be [00:53:34] fine. [00:53:38] >> Hi, Andrew. How are you? [00:53:43] >> Do you mind if I um put you on speaker [00:53:45] and three-way our town council? [00:53:49] >> All right. Just one second. [00:53:54] >> Uh Jeff, are you there? [00:53:56] >> I'm here. [00:53:56] >> Andrew, are you there? [00:53:58] I sure am. How are you? [00:54:01] >> Hi, Andrew. How are you? So, hey, [00:54:03] listen, we're on the phone here, as you [00:54:05] know, with the select board and we we [00:54:09] had some additional financing uh options [00:54:13] that we put in there. And [00:54:15] [clears throat] [00:54:15] our understanding is is that we want the [00:54:18] $100,000 [00:54:20] from the pilot upfront. You sign the [00:54:23] lease, we get the money. you have here [00:54:27] that you get it upon commencement of [00:54:29] state or local permitting which could [00:54:31] take up to a year or more. Right. [00:54:34] Correct. [00:54:37] So would you agree to us getting a [00:54:40] $100,000 payment upfront with the you [00:54:42] know you sign the lease, you give the [00:54:44] 100k? [00:54:46] I my problem with that is um National [00:54:50] Grid Jeff because we're going to owe [00:54:53] them um probably with the CIP program [00:54:58] uh uh $2 to $3 million [00:55:03] and so it's we're very tight on cash. [00:55:06] So, I would much rather uh do that um [00:55:12] upon commencement of permitting, which [00:55:14] we're going to try to start as soon as [00:55:16] possible. Um, and that's why I put it [00:55:19] there. I didn't want them to have to [00:55:20] wait till we started construction. So, I [00:55:23] moved it up to um commencement of um [00:55:27] permitting, [00:55:29] >> whether it's state or local. [00:55:31] >> Andrew, you say as soon as possible. [00:55:33] What What does that look like? Um, does [00:55:36] that look like 3 months, 6 months, a [00:55:38] year? What what is as soon as possible [00:55:41] in your in in in the the terms of this [00:55:44] project? [00:55:45] >> I think um we'll start permitting um [00:55:50] within a year unless national grid [00:55:54] changes something and pushes this out [00:55:56] even further. But we'd like to start um [00:56:00] within a year. I mean, I think what we [00:56:03] could do, Jeff, because I understand [00:56:05] what you're getting at, we could say, [00:56:08] um, the sooner of, um, we start [00:56:12] permitting for one year. So, therefore, [00:56:15] the town knows they're going to get the [00:56:16] money then. [00:56:22] >> So, [00:56:23] >> okay. Go ahead. [00:56:25] >> So, just within the the one year. So [00:56:28] whether you start permitting or not, [00:56:30] after the one year we get a check, [00:56:32] >> right? And if we start permitting [00:56:34] sooner, we give you the check. [00:56:36] >> Okay. [00:56:36] >> So it's within one year of [00:56:38] >> of the signing of the lease. [00:56:40] >> Signing of the lease. [00:56:41] >> Right here. [00:56:42] >> That's right. [00:56:43] >> Yep. [00:56:45] >> Yeah. Good. I'm good with that. [00:56:47] >> I'm good with that question. [00:56:49] >> Yes, sir. [00:56:50] >> All right. Um, [00:56:51] >> so [00:56:52] >> do you guys want to vote to approve the [00:56:55] the lease subject to the negotiation [00:56:58] that we just had? [00:57:00] >> Um, Andrew and I can put the the the the [00:57:04] >> the the clause in there. We can we can [00:57:07] play with the language. And did you have [00:57:10] any other questions for me or for [00:57:12] Andrew? I know there was a question from [00:57:14] Justine about exhibit A. [00:57:17] My understanding of exhibit A and the [00:57:20] lease itself is that they provided us [00:57:23] with I you know legitimately it's it's a [00:57:26] rough sketch. Um but as they start doing [00:57:29] their design and everything the sketches [00:57:31] are going to get more and more and more [00:57:33] detailed um and it's a scale. I think it [00:57:36] was one in 300 ft or something but they [00:57:38] are going to stay within that area that [00:57:41] they have blocked off solar array PV [00:57:44] array. you can see it and I don't know [00:57:46] if you're looking at it right now, but [00:57:48] you can see a red line around it. [00:57:51] >> It will stay within there. They they'll [00:57:54] certainly focus and give us a little bit [00:57:56] more detail and that ultimately will be [00:57:58] the not this plane but a different plane [00:58:00] will be the one that is recorded. [00:58:02] >> Okay, sir. I have two more questions [00:58:05] from the uh observers who have both been [00:58:08] involved in this. So, if we could just [00:58:11] stand by. Yes, sir. Harry. [00:58:13] >> Yeah. Um just the access to the gravel [00:58:16] once the lease is signed. Is there any [00:58:19] um problem with that the town accessing [00:58:21] mining the gravel in the 24 acre area? [00:58:28] >> So they they allowed us it says no later [00:58:30] than construction commencement date less [00:58:32] or us shall at its sole cost and expense [00:58:35] remove the gravel stock pile from the [00:58:37] premises. So, Andrew, what are you [00:58:41] looking at construction commencement [00:58:43] date? [00:58:44] >> I think that's going to be two years. [00:58:47] Okay. So, so there's your answer. In [00:58:50] about two years, I mean, we'll have two [00:58:52] years to pull the stuff off. [00:58:54] >> Okay. [00:58:55] >> Mr. Cole, [00:58:56] >> that was my question. Just to make sure [00:58:57] we weren't giving up development rights [00:58:59] or access to the ground. [00:59:01] >> All right. Is is there a um liquidated [00:59:05] damages clause that if for some reason [00:59:09] this all falls apart that they still [00:59:12] have to [00:59:12] >> there should be a cleanup? [00:59:14] >> No, I meant you know if they if they [00:59:17] don't go forward with construction after [00:59:20] they've signed the lease should we [00:59:23] should be entitled to some money for [00:59:24] taking it off the market. [00:59:27] >> Well, that 100 grand would not be [00:59:29] repaid. [00:59:31] So Jeff, is that correct? Like the the [00:59:33] 100 grand payment that they make in a [00:59:35] year, if they don't commence and they [00:59:38] the for whatever reason don't do this [00:59:42] that the town isn't going to doesn't [00:59:44] have to pay back that 100 grand. [00:59:47] >> That's the way I understand it. Andrew, [00:59:48] do you understand it that way as well? [00:59:50] Do you understand what what what what [00:59:52] our folks are saying? [00:59:54] >> Yep. Yep. We we can make it it's a [00:59:57] payment that if we don't um [01:00:01] uh start whatever go ahead with the [01:00:03] project it uh it doesn't become uh [01:00:06] refundable [01:00:07] >> non-refundable [01:00:09] we'll tweak that [01:00:10] >> okay we good and the lease would be [01:00:13] terminated in that case [01:00:15] >> if it didn't start within a certain [01:00:16] period then we're not talking about any [01:00:18] long lease [01:00:19] >> does the lease go out if you don't start [01:00:22] in a given period of years is there [01:00:25] something about that in there? [01:00:27] >> It's a 20-year lease. [01:00:29] >> I I I'm sorry. I I don't believe that [01:00:32] there is at this point. I mean, [01:00:35] >> yeah, we could [01:00:36] >> we couldn't do that because it's not in [01:00:39] our national grid. [01:00:43] So, we have to get National Grid to uh [01:00:46] basically do their work. Um, and we [01:00:50] don't want to build the solar project [01:00:52] without knowing that National Grid's [01:00:54] going to finish [laughter] their work. [01:00:55] But we're going to be out seven figures [01:00:58] with National Grid. [01:01:00] >> So, we we need an indefinite period. If [01:01:04] National Grid um finishes their work, [01:01:07] that's fine. But we could sign up for [01:01:09] that. [01:01:11] I'm happy with the non-refundable, but I [01:01:13] can't say there's a timing. Andrew, if [01:01:17] we wanted to say 5 years, would would I [01:01:21] mean it seems to me that would be more [01:01:24] than enough time. Is that something you [01:01:26] and your company could agree with? [01:01:28] >> Uh I just I would say 5 years unless [01:01:33] it's solely due to the utility delay. [01:01:38] And if if it didn't happen, say uh uh [01:01:42] Nat Grid doesn't allow it or the [01:01:45] president of your company um runs off [01:01:48] somewhere, [01:01:50] does the lease go out of just go out or [01:01:54] do you always have this lease and you [01:01:58] can come in and put in a trailer park? [01:02:03] >> No, I I don't think they can put in a [01:02:05] trailer park. They they do they do have [01:02:09] the lease. Um do would Andrew would you [01:02:13] be willing to put in five years to [01:02:15] terminate uh after 5 years unless it's [01:02:19] not the fault of you? [01:02:23] Sure. Unless I I would even make it [01:02:25] stronger, Jeff. It's 5 years. Um unless [01:02:29] it's solely due to utility delay. [01:02:34] >> Sounds fine. Yeah, [01:02:36] >> but but if if you could hear me, we have [01:02:39] a signed interconnection agreement with [01:02:41] National Grid. So, we have a signed [01:02:44] agreement that they've given us what the [01:02:47] cost is. They just need to do their [01:02:49] work. And as Jeff knows, under what's [01:02:52] called the state CIP program or [01:02:56] construction in progress, they have to [01:02:59] there it's allocating they're going to [01:03:00] have a major substation upgrade and so [01:03:03] they have to start their work. Um and [01:03:07] that's between the state and national [01:03:09] grid. We don't control that. But we have [01:03:12] a signed agreement that says national [01:03:14] grid will connect us at X dollars once [01:03:19] their work's done. So 5 years unless [01:03:22] unless it's solely delayed by utility [01:03:25] that's fair enough. I mean I don't think [01:03:28] with the interconnection I rather with [01:03:30] the investment tax credit we'd still be [01:03:33] talking about. So we hope it's going to [01:03:36] be 3 years max. [01:03:38] >> Okay. [01:03:39] >> All right. Are you guys good with that 5 [01:03:41] years terminate unless solely due to the [01:03:44] utility delay? [01:03:45] >> Yes. Yes. [01:03:47] >> Yeah. [01:03:48] >> Yep. [01:03:49] >> You think uh we're ready to sign? [01:03:53] >> I think so. Per these amendments. Yeah. [01:03:55] >> Per the amendments. [01:03:57] >> Yeah. So, what you guys can do is you [01:03:59] can move to uh move to accept the lease [01:04:02] uh subject to um amendments regarding [01:04:06] the payment of the $100,000 which is the [01:04:10] sooner of permitting or what the start [01:04:12] of permitting or one year um being [01:04:15] non-refundable [01:04:17] and the lease shall terminate within 5 [01:04:20] years unless um inaction uh by the [01:04:24] company is solely due to the utility [01:04:26] delay. [01:04:27] So if you want to say so move so move it [01:04:30] and then you and I can. [01:04:32] >> All right. We have a motion and [01:04:34] seconded. All in favor? [01:04:36] >> I [01:04:38] >> Okay. [01:04:39] >> Thank you guys. [01:04:41] >> Thank you. [01:04:42] >> Thank you very much. [01:04:43] >> I think that this was the way to do it [01:04:45] at the very end when we had just a few [01:04:47] little things. Getting us both on the [01:04:48] phone with you guys and [01:04:50] >> being able to talk it right out. I'm [01:04:52] glad we did this. So we'll we'll tweak [01:04:55] the we'll tweak the lease. We'll put it [01:04:56] in final. We'll send it over to Justine [01:04:58] and you guys can sign it when you get a [01:05:00] chance to [01:05:00] >> Okay, great. Thank you. Thank you. [01:05:02] >> Take care. [01:05:03] >> Thanks everyone. Have a good night. [01:05:09] [applause] [01:05:10] >> We're there. Okay, [01:05:18] >> discussion and vote on Quabin [01:05:21] legislation support letter. [01:05:25] We have a Zoom meeting coming up uh I [01:05:27] believe next week. So we don't have a a [01:05:29] finalized version yet. I talked to Mr. [01:05:31] Zenny today. Um but hopefully after our [01:05:33] Zoom meeting next week [clears throat] [01:05:37] you want a quickie report. [01:05:40] >> A quickie report. [01:05:43] >> The only reason I offer that is because [01:05:44] I did call I did call Senator Comfort's [01:05:48] staff. [01:05:50] Um [01:05:51] so Elena is on leave but um Jesse is [01:05:54] covering anyway. Um of the three pieces [01:05:59] that the group is working on, the one [01:06:02] piece which was the jointly signed town [01:06:05] letter to uh Mass Water Resources [01:06:08] Authority is kind of on hold really. It [01:06:10] needs to be discussed more. Um nobody's [01:06:14] really ready to sign. There's no [01:06:15] official version for um select boards to [01:06:19] vote on or consider yet. [01:06:22] Um [01:06:24] and then a few of us worked on some [01:06:26] other things. [01:06:28] Just so you have it. [01:06:30] One, two, three, four. [01:06:35] Um I I ended up working with [01:06:40] uh Sue Cludier [01:06:42] of New Salem. There we go. [01:06:45] just to tune just to tune up the res the [01:06:48] proposed resolution for town to use in [01:06:50] the spring [01:06:52] which can be [01:06:58] guess I'm not going to talk too much [01:07:00] which can be tuned up by all the [01:07:02] individual towns to their liking [01:07:05] but [clears throat] um [01:07:08] we ended up putting together kind of a [01:07:10] little introductory page for what it's [01:07:12] worth the resolution ution part of it [01:07:14] still the same as what the group had [01:07:16] already pretty much. [01:07:20] And the the third piece was the letter [01:07:22] to Eastern Mass Citizens and media and [01:07:25] someone else a couple of other towns [01:07:27] worked on tuning that up. So I'm sure [01:07:30] we'll all hear about it whichever or [01:07:32] whoever of us can be available on the [01:07:34] Zoom call. [01:07:38] Anyway, that's my update. [01:07:40] >> Thank you. Thank you. [01:07:41] >> You're welcome. [clears throat] [01:07:43] and thank you for your work on this. [01:07:46] >> We'll see you on the Zoom call. [01:07:51] >> Yeah, I don't know. I want you to drink. [01:07:53] No, you don't have to go [01:07:58] discussion and vote on OKAM battery [01:08:00] storage. [01:08:03] You know, this would be a letter for us [01:08:05] to support the idea that they shouldn't [01:08:09] have a battery storage in Okam. [01:08:11] >> As you uh probably remember from two [01:08:13] weeks ago, Representative Borne brought [01:08:15] this up and requested the board um [01:08:18] support the town of Okam against battery [01:08:20] storage. Um this is the template I [01:08:23] received from I did not write this [01:08:24] letter. It's the template I received [01:08:25] from the town of Warren. Uh Westbrook [01:08:27] Hills is another one that signed on um [01:08:30] and did the same letter. Um, so I just [01:08:33] put it on our letter head, changed it to [01:08:35] reflect Hardwick, and then put the chair [01:08:37] as the signatory. So, um, if that's [01:08:40] something you guys would like to do, [01:08:41] here it is. [01:08:42] >> I move that we, uh, sign the letter as [01:08:45] present. [01:08:46] >> I'll second it. [01:08:49] All [01:08:49] >> in favor? [01:08:51] >> I've already signed one for the river [01:08:53] wershed advisory committee. So, [01:08:55] >> all right. I'm opposing it. [01:08:58] [clears throat] [01:08:59] This one [01:09:23] >> counted administrator report. [01:09:26] Um, so we had a call with CMRPC on [01:09:29] ongoing projects. Met with Harry Cford [01:09:32] on Kirard Solar. [01:09:34] Thank you for that. Um, [01:09:38] FY25 has been closed and we were able to [01:09:40] identify the final variance going back [01:09:42] to 2023. Um, so and we did certify free [01:09:45] cash. Um, so that's exciting. We're [01:09:48] still working on standardizing financial [01:09:50] policies and procedures um, between the [01:09:52] various departments. Do we have a figure [01:09:54] on free cash? [01:09:55] >> Uh 71,000. [01:09:57] Um however, we're waiting for one more [01:10:00] reimbursement from a grant from last [01:10:02] year. If we get that reimbursement, we [01:10:04] can resertify free cash and we'll go up [01:10:06] about $17,000. [01:10:08] >> Thank you. [01:10:10] >> We held our bily financial management [01:10:12] planning zoom with the outgoing [01:10:14] [clears throat] and current accountant. [01:10:16] Today, um, Chairman Boheim and myself [01:10:19] had a kickoff meeting for the MVP grant. [01:10:23] Um, we are advertising for a wastewater [01:10:26] treatment plant operator, a highway [01:10:28] equipment operator, a library assistant, [01:10:30] and a van driver. Um, the library [01:10:33] assistant, Nancy Lamb, has given her [01:10:35] resignation. I got the resignation [01:10:38] letter today, so I'll forward it to the [01:10:39] board. [01:10:41] Um, so we are looking into that. Um, I [01:10:45] attended an injured on duty training in [01:10:47] Northampton with Chief Landine and [01:10:49] Lieutenant Tupin. [01:10:52] Um, personnel handbook is mostly [01:10:54] updated. Um, just a couple things I want [01:10:55] to tweak with the treasurer before um, [01:10:57] presenting it at personnel and to the [01:10:59] select board. [01:11:00] >> Um, when you do present that, Mr. Sure. [01:11:03] I didn't mean to cut you off, but when [01:11:04] it is presented, will it be presented [01:11:07] with um red line and comments so we can [01:11:11] review what was removed and what was [01:11:13] edited? [01:11:14] >> Um no, because I I started over with my [01:11:17] own um template so I can go through [01:11:19] every section and talk about what's [01:11:20] what's different. Um but it's there's no [01:11:22] red line because it's a template that [01:11:24] I've created. [01:11:26] >> Let me just if I may, Mr. Chair, do it. [01:11:30] Um [01:11:31] why why um like who authorized updating [01:11:34] this and because we did this in 2023 [01:11:38] and and why are we spending time [01:11:41] updating a personnel handbook that we [01:11:43] just [01:11:43] >> just roughly just approved? [01:11:46] >> I don't think we've had a meeting since [01:11:47] then. [01:11:48] >> So [01:11:48] >> well we haven't had a meeting since [01:11:49] August or July on this. [01:11:51] >> Yes ma'am. [01:11:52] >> Um so in the current personnel handbook [01:11:55] we ran into issues because there was [01:11:56] conflicting language in one section. it [01:11:58] would say one thing in terms of like for [01:12:00] example acruals and then in another [01:12:01] section it would say something else. So [01:12:03] it leaves us to be okay well what do we [01:12:05] do because it's conflicting language. Um [01:12:07] the current one I think is too too big [01:12:10] and too cumbersome. So it's actually [01:12:11] going to be a little bit shorter than [01:12:12] what is currently what we currently have [01:12:14] and also some of the language has to be [01:12:16] updated. Um for example like the [01:12:18] military leave language the laws have [01:12:19] changed. [01:12:20] >> Who did you work on this with? So, I did [01:12:23] it myself because I've done two other [01:12:24] handbooks in two other towns, but I [01:12:26] reached out to all the uh department [01:12:28] heads and I said if you have any [01:12:30] comments or feedback. So, I did get I [01:12:32] did collect feedback from all the [01:12:33] department heads. [01:12:37] >> Well, [01:12:39] let's look at it and see if we like it. [01:12:41] >> I see no harm in it. [01:12:43] >> Can we Can we get a copy of both? [01:12:45] >> Yeah, of course. [01:12:46] >> The old one and the new one. [01:12:47] >> Absolutely. [01:12:48] >> All right. with an explanation of why [01:12:51] these changes were made, right? How did [01:12:52] you reduce this to this comments? [01:12:55] >> I plan on going through every section [01:12:56] with the um personnel committee. [01:12:58] >> Okay. And [01:13:02] >> yes, sir. Never mind. I'll I'll refrain. [01:13:05] I'll hold back. [01:13:08] >> Okay. [01:13:10] Virginia thought um oh worked with the [01:13:14] police chief on the intermunicipal [01:13:16] agreement with between New Branchry and [01:13:18] Hardwick. We are looking at new dates [01:13:20] for that meeting. Um because New [01:13:22] Branchry wasn't going to have a quorum [01:13:24] on Wednesday. So that meeting has been [01:13:26] postponed. I don't have a date for you [01:13:28] guys yet. Um but we are looking at [01:13:30] different dates to see what works. Um we [01:13:33] held a thank you lunch for the former [01:13:36] town accountant. [01:13:38] Um, and right now we're working to [01:13:40] coordinate our annual manager training. [01:13:42] It looks like it's going to be in [01:13:43] January. We didn't we did it last year [01:13:44] and it looks like we'll do another [01:13:46] manager's training. Um, [01:13:48] >> quick question regarding the town [01:13:51] accountant that left. Was there an exit [01:13:53] interview done and will that information [01:13:57] be shared with the board? [01:14:00] >> So, exit interviews are optional. Um, [01:14:02] she's already spoken to I know two of [01:14:04] you as to why she was leaving. Um, so [01:14:06] there was no there was no need to [01:14:09] um [01:14:11] there wasn't she didn't have a [01:14:13] she didn't express an interest. [01:14:15] >> She didn't have an issue. [01:14:16] >> Exactly. [01:14:18] >> Thank you. [01:14:20] Um [01:14:23] met with the new head of West Brookfield [01:14:25] Ambulance Services. Um currently next [01:14:28] week uh the chair and myself are meeting [01:14:30] with the chair and Barry and the town [01:14:32] the new town administrator in Barry. I I [01:14:35] don't You looked like you were going to [01:14:36] say something. [01:14:38] >> Mr. Chair, [01:14:42] >> um would you post that meeting so [01:14:45] anybody on this board can attend? [01:14:47] >> What meeting? [01:14:48] >> The meeting with the chair of the Barry [01:14:51] and the town administrator for Barry for [01:14:54] the ambulance service contract. [01:14:56] >> So, it's not just the ambulance service [01:14:58] contract. There's also, as you know, [01:15:00] we've had some issues at the senior [01:15:01] center. So, those are other things. Um, [01:15:03] it looks they just want it to be the [01:15:05] four of us. Um, [01:15:06] >> I actually attended that meeting, not to [01:15:08] get off topic, but the chair opened the [01:15:11] invitation to anybody on our board. She [01:15:14] said just post the meeting. Anybody can [01:15:15] come. [01:15:16] >> Okay, let's do that. [01:15:17] >> You like to do that? I will. [01:15:18] >> Yep. [01:15:19] >> And she said she'll make it either 4:30 [01:15:22] or 5. That's acceptable. [01:15:23] >> So, the meeting's changing? [01:15:24] >> Yeah, it was 2:00. [01:15:26] >> It Yeah. [01:15:29] >> Well, yeah. So, why do I have to change [01:15:32] the time? [01:15:33] >> Um, because I worked during the day and [01:15:35] I and I have to commute and get there. [01:15:38] >> That's why. And I'd like to be there. [01:15:44] And Tom Barry doesn't have a problem [01:15:46] with it. So, [01:15:47] >> No, I have a problem with it. [01:15:48] >> Okay. You have a problem? [01:15:50] >> Okay. So, then [01:15:52] >> but I'll go in. [01:15:52] >> No, I'll make it for two. I'll [01:15:54] accommodate you, Mr. Chair. [01:15:58] >> Okay. What am I doing? Just leave it for [01:16:00] two, but you don't post a meeting. [01:16:01] >> Bill, [01:16:03] >> we'll post it. You can come. We'll move [01:16:06] it to 5:00. [01:16:08] >> We'll just check with the town. [01:16:11] I'll do whatever Mory and Marshall tells [01:16:13] me to do. [01:16:13] >> Okay. And just let me know. Thank you. [01:16:15] >> All right. I will reach out to Melanie, [01:16:16] the town administrator, and I will [01:16:18] coordinate and let you guys know. [01:16:22] Give [01:16:22] >> me one second to write that down. [01:16:31] Okay. Um, we held our monthly department [01:16:34] head meeting. Liquor license renewals [01:16:37] went out. Class 2 and class 3 auto renew [01:16:39] renewals have gone out. I know the [01:16:41] inspectional services uh building, [01:16:44] police, and fire are working on their [01:16:46] inspections over the next several weeks. [01:16:48] I actually hand delivered the liquor [01:16:49] license renewals um to kind of just do a [01:16:51] more personal touch. [01:16:54] um for recognition clip. [01:16:58] >> I'm just saying I could have I'd be [01:17:00] happy to deliver the liquor licenses [01:17:02] anytime. [01:17:06] >> Um I want to recognize Felix Bedako. Um [01:17:09] he is our new um assistant treasure [01:17:12] collector. He's been running the office [01:17:15] since the in the absence of the treasur [01:17:16] when she's at conferences or meetings. [01:17:18] He's taking courses with the treasurer [01:17:20] and he's catching up to speed on [01:17:21] everything and I am incredibly proud of [01:17:23] him and I just think that the board [01:17:24] should know what a great job he's doing. [01:17:28] Important dates. We are running a [01:17:30] Hardwick food drive. Food donation bins [01:17:33] have been placed in the foyer of the [01:17:35] municipal office building. We cannot [01:17:36] accept monetary donations, but um we've [01:17:39] had a great turnout so far in um [01:17:42] [clears throat] [01:17:42] had a couple pickups so far and it's the [01:17:44] bucket's already full again. So I like [01:17:46] to thank the community and just let [01:17:48] everyone know that that's still ongoing. [01:17:50] >> That's what I have. [01:17:53] >> Thank you. [01:17:56] >> Selectman round table. [01:18:00] >> Do you guys have anything? [01:18:01] >> No. [01:18:03] >> I do. [01:18:05] But Harry has a question. I don't know. [01:18:08] >> Yes, sir. [01:18:08] >> Um can I make a comment? [01:18:11] >> Sure. [01:18:12] >> Okay. I a while ago I talked to um Mr. [01:18:16] from Kes about uh solar on the roof of [01:18:20] the elementary school and over the [01:18:23] parking lot whether there would be an [01:18:26] interest uh by them and in general and [01:18:30] he said yes it would be uh it would [01:18:32] require an RFP [01:18:35] uh to do that and I think maybe the town [01:18:38] should start thinking about that as [01:18:41] another source of revenue. [01:18:43] [clears throat] Um, I'm not sure the [01:18:44] status of the roof of the school, but I [01:18:47] think it could be worded so that if we [01:18:50] sent out an RFP for the roof and the [01:18:53] parking lot, um, it could be in regards [01:18:57] to when the roof is when a new roof is [01:19:00] put on, [01:19:02] that type of language, but it [01:19:04] [clears throat] could, uh, provide [01:19:05] additional revenue like the one you just [01:19:08] agreed to put down. [01:19:12] Well, that's a great idea and I suggest [01:19:15] that you get together with Justine and [01:19:17] she can bring you up to speed about the [01:19:19] MVP [01:19:20] program grant application that we have [01:19:24] going. We just had a meeting today and [01:19:27] it it's you know we might be on three [01:19:32] parallel tracks because the school is [01:19:35] doing a grant application for a new roof [01:19:39] and we're going for a new roof and [01:19:41] electric solar solar photo. So I like [01:19:46] the idea of being out in the parking lot [01:19:48] just to provide shade [01:19:51] would be good. So anyway, that's Thank [01:19:54] you. You're welcome. [01:19:57] >> So I have a a thing I'd like to read for [01:20:00] the record, Mr. Chair. Um, regarding I'd [01:20:04] like to address a procedural concern [01:20:06] concern that affects not only this [01:20:08] meeting, but how our select board [01:20:10] functions moving forward. Prior to this [01:20:12] meeting, I submitted four written agenda [01:20:14] items on November 6, 2025, including the [01:20:18] ambulance service contract for Barry uh [01:20:20] agenda request and meeting management [01:20:22] policy draft meeting man uh the meeting [01:20:25] conduct of and order of business policy [01:20:28] draft and discussion regarding legal [01:20:30] bills and authorization for contacting [01:20:33] town council. None of these items were [01:20:36] included on the posted agenda on the [01:20:38] Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A [01:20:42] section 20B. Once a select board member [01:20:45] submits a topic in writing, that topic [01:20:47] becomes a matter reasonably anticipated [01:20:50] to be discussed and should appear on the [01:20:53] agenda. [01:20:54] I also want to note for the record that [01:20:57] both the town administrator and the [01:20:58] executive assistant to the select board [01:21:01] received my written request and did not [01:21:03] perform and ensure these items were on [01:21:07] were properly brought forward. It is [01:21:09] part of their responsibility under their [01:21:11] respective job descriptions to [01:21:13] facilitate lawful posting and [01:21:15] communication of select word business [01:21:18] and this failure to represent a [01:21:20] breakdown in process that must be [01:21:22] corrected. [01:21:24] My intent here is not to be adverse [01:21:27] adversarial but to correct a reoccurring [01:21:30] procedural problem. [01:21:32] As elected officials, each of us, [01:21:34] including the staff who supports this [01:21:36] board, have a fiduciary duty to the town [01:21:40] of Hardwick and its residents. That duty [01:21:43] means acting in the town's best [01:21:44] interest, upholding the law, and [01:21:47] ensuring fair participation by all [01:21:49] members. [01:21:51] Therefore, I am requesting that all four [01:21:55] of U my previous submitted agenda items [01:21:58] be added to the next agenda and that [01:22:01] future written agenda request by any [01:22:03] select board member be included [01:22:05] automatically without obstruction. [01:22:08] Additionally, I recommend that this [01:22:10] board begins formal discussion and [01:22:12] eventual adoption of a permanent agenda [01:22:14] request in meeting management policy so [01:22:17] that no future select board member or [01:22:20] citizen ever has to face this issue [01:22:22] again. [01:22:24] >> Thank you. [01:22:29] And uh if those agenda items can go on [01:22:32] our next agenda, that would be fine. [01:22:34] >> If that's what you want, you're the [01:22:36] chair. You set the agenda. [01:22:37] >> Thank you. [01:22:45] >> Anything else? [01:22:46] >> Make a motion to adjurnn. [01:22:47] >> Yes. I'll [01:22:48] >> second. All [01:22:49] >> in favor? I I