Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 12/12/22

School Door Safety, Ambulance Acquisition, and Ballot Question Information Dissemination

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 12/12/22

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

Meeting details

Date

December 13, 2022

Duration

28m

Decisions

2 recorded

Action Items

4 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen met to address several critical town matters. They approved ARPA funding, not to exceed $25,000, for the replacement of unsafe entrance doors at Hardwick Elementary School, with procurement handled by the Auburn Regional School District, despite differing legal opinions on financial responsibility. The discussion regarding the purchase of an ambulance was tabled as the specific vehicle of interest had been sold, and broader issues of storage and staffing remain unresolved. Additionally, the board discussed the feasibility of holding an information session for an upcoming ballot question, acknowledging a legal opinion that prohibits the use of public resources to promote or oppose ballot questions, leading to disappointment and a commitment to explore alternative methods for factual information dissemination.

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Discussion Highlights

Hardwick Elementary School entrance doors require replacement due to safety concerns, as they are not closing or locking properly.
There are differing legal opinions from town and school counsel regarding whether the town or the school is responsible for the expense of replacing the doors.
The estimated cost for door replacement is between $15,000 and $18,000, with a suggested 'not to exceed' amount of $25,000 for procurement.
The town has historically paid for similar expenses at the elementary school, such as a kitchen hood replacement.
The ambulance discussed for purchase was sold, making the agenda item moot.
Concerns exist regarding the storage, staffing (ALS vs. BLS), and overall facility needs for a potential town ambulance.
An email from the Town Clerk indicated that holding a public information session for a ballot question using public resources may violate campaign finance law.
Board members expressed disappointment over the inability to provide a venue for residents to receive accurate information about the ballot question.
The board intends to seek clarification from Town Counsel regarding the legality of the information session.
There is a desire to disseminate factual information to residents, especially those without virtual access, without appearing to promote or oppose the ballot question.

Transcript (4,979 words)

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

00:00:00
Board of Select me meeting for Monday December 12 2022 at 5 31 on the agenda discussion Hardwick elementary school entrance door repair replacement and discussion and or vote arpa funding to purchase the ambulance so in the interest of time let's move
00:00:18
Right into the elementary school interim store repair replacement so I believe that the board is aware that the hartic elementary doors need to be replaced I think we may have mentioned that at a prior meeting if you are not
00:00:37
The Hardwick Elementary School doors need to be replaced it is an issue of safety I believe is that accurate Dr mirror that it's an issue of safety at this point okay the doors are not closing properly and
00:00:58
So although they will lock when they are closed they don't closed on their own and we're not always we can't be confident that when they close they will actually close entirely and law staff currently is monitoring and
00:01:16
Adjusting very very frequently and making sure that you know that we're checking that they are they are indeed closed but empty matter so sort of um in the last few weeks
00:01:38
I guess just to summarize we have met with Nicole and I met with Dr Muir Cheryl and Dr Mary you have to remind me of the facilities Kevin and we had a discussion about what
00:01:56
Came up as sort of two two things who should be procuring replacing these doors and who whose expense is it Nicole and her due diligence read the documents the regional agreement in the lease and there seems to be some disagreement and I don't mean that in
00:02:16

[00:00:00] Board of Select me meeting for Monday [00:00:01] December 12 2022 [00:00:03] at 5 31 [00:00:06] on the agenda discussion Hardwick [00:00:09] elementary school entrance door repair [00:00:10] replacement and discussion and or vote [00:00:13] arpa funding to purchase the ambulance [00:00:16] so in the interest of time let's move [00:00:18] right into [00:00:20] um the elementary school interim store [00:00:22] repair replacement so I believe that the [00:00:27] board is aware that the hartic [00:00:30] elementary doors need to be replaced I [00:00:32] think we may have mentioned that at a [00:00:34] prior meeting [00:00:35] if you are not [00:00:37] um the Hardwick Elementary School doors [00:00:39] need to be replaced it is an issue of [00:00:43] safety I believe is that accurate Dr [00:00:46] mirror that it's an issue of safety at [00:00:48] this point [00:00:50] okay [00:00:51] the doors are not closing properly and [00:00:56] um [00:00:58] so although they will lock when they are [00:01:00] closed they don't [00:01:03] closed on their own and we're not always [00:01:06] we can't be confident that when they [00:01:08] close they will actually close entirely [00:01:12] and [00:01:14] law staff currently is monitoring and [00:01:16] adjusting [00:01:18] very very frequently [00:01:20] and making sure that you know [00:01:25] that we're checking that they are they [00:01:27] are indeed closed but [00:01:30] empty matter [00:01:32] so [00:01:33] um sort of um in the last few weeks [00:01:37] um [00:01:38] I guess just to summarize [00:01:40] um we have met with Nicole and I met [00:01:42] with Dr Muir [00:01:44] um Cheryl and Dr Mary you have to remind [00:01:47] me of the facilities [00:01:51] Kevin [00:01:53] um and we had a discussion about what [00:01:56] came up as [00:01:57] um sort of two two things who should be [00:02:00] procuring replacing these doors and who [00:02:02] whose expense is it [00:02:05] um Nicole and her due diligence [00:02:07] um read the documents the regional [00:02:09] agreement in the lease and there seems [00:02:10] to be some [00:02:12] um [00:02:13] uh disagreement and I don't mean that in [00:02:16] a negative way just there seems to be [00:02:19] differing opinions on whether [00:02:21] um [00:02:22] the town should be paying for those or [00:02:25] whether the school should be paying we [00:02:27] have an opinion from Council that [00:02:30] indicates that it would appear that [00:02:32] perhaps the school should be paying for [00:02:33] those and I and Dr Mayer was kind enough [00:02:36] to consult Her counsel [00:02:39] um and it's a broader issue because the [00:02:41] least I think the least an original [00:02:43] agreement [00:02:44] um maybe the wording isn't consistent [00:02:47] and maybe one of those documents needs [00:02:48] to be updated in the future [00:02:51] um maybe the lease and so that's sort of [00:02:53] the the eye we took it it's sort of [00:02:55] Consulting on this and I in an opinion [00:02:58] that came back from [00:03:00] um [00:03:01] the school's Council [00:03:03] their belief is that it's the town's [00:03:06] responsibility [00:03:07] um and so I wanted to bring it up [00:03:08] between uh for the board to discuss [00:03:11] tonight uh my concern and this is the [00:03:14] same concern I relate in the meeting we [00:03:15] had Dr Muir and her team is that it's [00:03:18] you know a safety and soundness issue [00:03:20] for the elementary school [00:03:22] um in in the past [00:03:24] as far as I can recall the town is paid [00:03:27] for [00:03:28] um [00:03:29] and I know they're they may not be [00:03:31] significant projects but I do remember [00:03:33] being called on to pay for expenses [00:03:36] relative to the elementary school [00:03:38] because we own the building Kelly is [00:03:40] that your record I mean just last year [00:03:42] didn't we pay for the hood the hood [00:03:45] replacement in the kitchen or something [00:03:47] so we did last week [00:03:52] so yes [00:03:54] so I I guess [00:03:56] um there we can continue to explore this [00:03:59] um whether the school is responsible or [00:04:01] the towns responsible I guess I'm of the [00:04:04] opinion and I certainly will do whatever [00:04:06] the forward things is appropriate that [00:04:10] um [00:04:11] I I'm not in favor of delaying this as [00:04:13] long as we can to sort of sort this out [00:04:15] I I guess maybe my thought on the [00:04:17] approaches and I think the expense of [00:04:20] the doors is correct me if I'm wrong [00:04:23] Nicole and Dr Mir we're looking anywhere [00:04:24] from like 15 to 18 000 for the doors is [00:04:28] that an accurate range [00:04:31] um so that's one so we certainly [00:04:36] um [00:04:37] I don't know I've done a lot of talking [00:04:38] so I don't know what you think Kelly and [00:04:40] Rob whether you want to [00:04:42] again we we have this differing legal [00:04:44] opinions about who's responsible for the [00:04:46] expense [00:04:48] um [00:04:49] it has to go through the procurement [00:04:51] process either way whether we're [00:04:52] procuring it or that's another item [00:04:56] um we can procure it as a town or we can [00:04:59] ask the school to procure it [00:05:02] um and so I think there's two things we [00:05:04] need to sort of decide on [00:05:07] um is it an expense that in the meantime [00:05:09] interim or willing to pay and then sort [00:05:11] of sorts things out after that [00:05:14] um and if that's the case do we want the [00:05:16] school to procure it or [00:05:19] um would we want Nicole to procure the [00:05:20] replacement [00:05:22] the issue is whether it's a repair or a [00:05:24] capital item [00:05:27] s [00:05:28] yeah I've read I've read through the um [00:05:31] the the various emails and the varying [00:05:33] opinions um and I guess it's [00:05:36] I mean in the past you're right we have [00:05:39] paid for things [00:05:41] um I think of similar nature and so I [00:05:44] think that it would be wise of us to [00:05:48] to um [00:05:49] looking into this stuff to make sure [00:05:51] that if it if documents are [00:05:54] contradicting then they should they [00:05:55] shouldn't be so [00:05:56] that should be [00:05:58] um maybe addressed but I'm certainly not [00:06:00] I agree with you to not [00:06:03] um hold up the process just so that yeah [00:06:05] obviously we want the the kids safe at [00:06:07] the school so I [00:06:09] agree with [00:06:11] um [00:06:13] doing what we have to do to move it [00:06:16] forward [00:06:20] I'll definitely agree we need to move [00:06:23] this forward [00:06:25] my sense is that if you're renting an [00:06:29] apartment [00:06:30] your front door needs to be replaced [00:06:33] I'm gonna guess that's more of a capital [00:06:35] expense so [00:06:38] not knowing again like you said these [00:06:40] these documents are a little gray in [00:06:42] their their definitions so [00:06:46] I guess as long as we withhold enough [00:06:48] money so that we if we do need to pay it [00:06:52] that we have it [00:06:54] I mean I think we're we're okay there [00:06:56] but if we can use our money it was yeah [00:06:59] I was wondering the same thing about [00:07:00] Opera [00:07:02] do we think that we can use arpa money [00:07:04] for that Nicole yeah [00:07:06] okay [00:07:07] so [00:07:09] um [00:07:10] so the second question is if the what if [00:07:12] the town is willing to sort of move [00:07:13] forward and pay for this [00:07:15] um what's the best approach should we [00:07:18] ask the school to procure it [00:07:21] um it would seem like that might and [00:07:23] Nicole I don't know I'll defer your [00:07:25] opinion on this but it would seem like [00:07:27] that would um probably make the most [00:07:30] sense because there know the specs and [00:07:32] they know exactly what [00:07:34] what needs to be [00:07:36] um [00:07:37] and they would take responsibility for [00:07:39] it as they have we didn't I don't [00:07:41] believe we procured and although I don't [00:07:43] think the hood was that expensive was it [00:07:46] when I was 13 or so a thousand I think [00:07:49] not too much less than this so um [00:07:52] presumably the school procured that so [00:07:56] um I'm allowing this you know asking the [00:07:58] school to procure it on our behalf [00:08:01] thoughts from anybody on that [00:08:05] well you guys normally what happens [00:08:07] anyhow because their maintenance [00:08:09] department [00:08:10] kind of knows what's going on there [00:08:13] so they normally get the [00:08:17] be done up there [00:08:19] I agree with that [00:08:24] Nicole thoughts yeah I think that um you [00:08:27] know time is of the essence I think that [00:08:30] uh we should certainly move forward as [00:08:33] quickly as possible I would probably [00:08:34] suggest that [00:08:36] that uh you vote for a not to exceed [00:08:38] price [00:08:40] and then to vote to allow the school to [00:08:43] procure it again I agree [00:08:45] um I think we would rely on the [00:08:48] um the maintenance facility Personnel to [00:08:52] know [00:08:53] um exactly what needs to be done [00:08:56] again it was just the discrepancy within [00:08:58] the agreements that [00:09:01] um came across to me but I certainly [00:09:04] think that we should move forward as [00:09:07] quickly as possible so I would probably [00:09:09] suggest maybe not to exceed of 25 000 [00:09:11] because I don't think it'll be [00:09:13] over the 18 but just so there's a little [00:09:17] bit of wiggle room [00:09:18] Colleen Rob are you comfortable with [00:09:20] that [00:09:22] I am [00:09:25] I I can live with that okay I can too so [00:09:29] are we prepared to vote on this [00:09:32] would you like emotion I'd love one [00:09:35] I would make a motion to approve Opera [00:09:39] funding for the replacement of the doors [00:09:41] at the Hardwick Elementary School to [00:09:44] cured by um Auburn Regional School [00:09:48] District [00:09:49] is that enough [00:09:51] I think so tonight [00:09:53] um [00:09:55] yes thank you Rob [00:09:58] I'll second that motion yeah that's [00:10:00] great okay any other discussion [00:10:04] hearing none I will call the roll uh Rob [00:10:07] you're the first on my list so I will [00:10:09] hit you first Rob [00:10:11] yes Kelly [00:10:13] yes and we use a yes motion carries [00:10:16] thank you Dr Mir for being here [00:10:18] thank you very much thank you we [00:10:20] appreciate this and we'll get right on [00:10:22] this I do [00:10:24] until [00:10:25] um how Kevin that the materials could be [00:10:27] eight to ten [00:10:28] so [00:10:30] um it's great that we should get moving [00:10:32] on this um quickly so we appreciate your [00:10:35] time [00:10:36] evening and [00:10:37] we will be in touch [00:10:39] thank you thank you thank you [00:10:42] thank you sorry [00:10:46] space force [00:10:47] next item on the agenda is um discussion [00:10:50] interval arpa funding to purchase an [00:10:52] ambulance we are in receipt of an email [00:10:55] from Josh Pease about an ambulance [00:10:57] that's come available [00:11:00] um and I the reason it's on the agenda [00:11:02] tonight is because [00:11:04] um it's our understanding that sort of [00:11:06] time is of the essence on that [00:11:09] um any thoughts uh Kelly or Rob on [00:11:12] purchasing the ambulance [00:11:14] if I jump in real quick first Julie oh [00:11:16] yes I'm sorry Nicole no it's okay but um [00:11:18] they sold that Ambiance this morning so [00:11:20] it's not available [00:11:22] and so Josh asked if they could you know [00:11:26] we could look for other deals in the [00:11:28] future and keep on it and keep it the [00:11:30] ambulance committee moving but I mean [00:11:33] with all of that is comes where do we [00:11:37] store it [00:11:38] um you know this is this would be the [00:11:41] purchasing of the bus but we don't have [00:11:43] any [00:11:44] um a facility we don't have stuff [00:11:47] there's not really any it's got to be [00:11:50] temperature controlled the [00:11:53] so I think there are some other things [00:11:55] that need to be worked through before [00:11:58] um the purchase of an ambulance but Josh [00:12:01] is very much doing his due [00:12:03] to keeping it [00:12:04] um on the Forefront to know that you [00:12:07] know they want [00:12:09] emergency services within the [00:12:14] um intermunicipal agreements [00:12:16] so so that's no longer available just so [00:12:19] you know and I and I had asked Josh all [00:12:22] of these questions you know [00:12:24] we are we going to be ALS ALS staff uh [00:12:28] you know we got we certainly our [00:12:30] residents wanted us to be ALS so we were [00:12:32] switching over from where to West [00:12:33] Brookfield [00:12:35] um and then where are we going to staff [00:12:37] who is going to staff who 24 7 so there [00:12:40] was a lot of [00:12:41] unknowns but at this at this time there [00:12:45] is no [00:12:46] ambulance available he said there was [00:12:48] something about another ambulance that [00:12:50] could potentially be [00:12:52] ason but he said [00:12:54] look some more answers before [00:12:57] on the rest of it [00:13:00] sounds good to me yeah that was kind of [00:13:03] all my questions when I saw the email [00:13:05] was like well wait a minute what's the [00:13:07] plan [00:13:13] foreign [00:13:20] discretion I'm able to add items onto [00:13:23] the agenda that are not unforeseen or [00:13:26] anticipated I am invoking that right [00:13:30] um You are in receipt you're all in a [00:13:33] receipt of an email [00:13:35] at 4 49 this evening from our town clerk [00:13:40] um [00:13:41] providing [00:13:43] um [00:13:44] uh information that would appear that [00:13:49] we're not able to hold the information [00:13:51] session on the 19th [00:13:54] um stating that it's [00:13:56] um relative to campaign Finance law and [00:13:59] their specific site and [00:14:02] um [00:14:03] link basically that indicates that no [00:14:06] public resource may be expended or [00:14:08] utilized to promote or oppose any ballot [00:14:10] question placed before the voters [00:14:12] examples of public resources include use [00:14:15] of buildings [00:14:18] um because we've just received this [00:14:20] information [00:14:22] um I I think we [00:14:24] um need to confirm that that is accurate [00:14:28] um to be sure that that's the case [00:14:31] um [00:14:33] I have to honestly say I continue to be [00:14:36] disappointed that it feels like we [00:14:39] um [00:14:39] and and so you know in in my mind and [00:14:43] I'll I usually defer to Kelly and Rob [00:14:45] about your thoughts but I'm going to [00:14:46] give you mine at this point just to [00:14:48] start and I know we only have a little a [00:14:51] limited amount of time [00:14:52] um I didn't ever Envision that this [00:14:54] would be a board-supported meeting [00:14:57] I I did say that we're we're going to [00:15:01] use our meeting time quite honestly so [00:15:04] that the three of us could be there to [00:15:05] listen but not facilitate or have it be [00:15:08] a board-sponsored event and [00:15:11] um it sounds as if [00:15:14] um [00:15:15] you know it sounds as if based on this [00:15:20] um that we may not be able to hold that [00:15:22] meeting on the 19th so [00:15:24] um the next step is um this will go to [00:15:27] our Council for an opinion just to be [00:15:30] sure we're clear [00:15:32] um [00:15:33] again very disappointing because I I [00:15:35] think the whole purpose of this was not [00:15:38] poor to be a board sponsored or town [00:15:40] sponsored or town [00:15:43] um initiative but so that there's a spot [00:15:46] where people [00:15:47] um and I know we're in a receipt of an [00:15:49] email with a suggestion today about [00:15:51] three people from each side [00:15:53] being able to give facts My Hope was [00:15:56] that it would be [00:15:59] um [00:15:59] you know a spot where people could get [00:16:01] information there are several segments [00:16:04] of our town population I feel that don't [00:16:07] have the ability to access things like [00:16:09] the virtual common or other outlets [00:16:13] where there's information available [00:16:16] um and you know my hope I guess I you [00:16:20] know maybe on my [00:16:22] I don't know a perfect world believer [00:16:24] but I I just wanted information to be [00:16:26] able to get out to people if actual [00:16:27] action you know accurate information and [00:16:30] certainly understand that we may not be [00:16:33] able to do that [00:16:34] um [00:16:35] so if we aren't able to do that and [00:16:37] we'll get some more information on that [00:16:39] um the question is what can we do and [00:16:42] our [00:16:43] not as a board [00:16:45] um I'm sort of just again wanting [00:16:47] feeling like our residents deserve to [00:16:51] have information have the same [00:16:53] information that everybody else does and [00:16:55] I have heard that they can do their own [00:16:57] research and they can do any of that and [00:16:59] that's all well and fine but if we have [00:17:01] people in town of information [00:17:04] that should be shared we should have the [00:17:05] venue to be able to share it [00:17:08] um and not everybody has access to it so [00:17:11] um Kelly and Rob thoughts on this we we [00:17:13] will go to Town Council [00:17:15] um I don't think it's been sent to Town [00:17:17] Council yet but we will go to Town [00:17:18] Council [00:17:20] um [00:17:21] thoughts on this [00:17:24] um well I share your same disappointment [00:17:25] Julie I just feel like we keep trying to [00:17:29] at least get information out there or [00:17:31] you know [00:17:33] provide a place in which information can [00:17:37] get out there and to be [00:17:39] to keep hearing no you can't do that [00:17:41] it's the same with you know the [00:17:42] committee that wasn't a good idea either [00:17:44] and now this isn't a good idea and [00:17:47] it's super frustrating as I said in my [00:17:50] email back to you guys but um [00:17:52] I just I do think that people [00:17:56] want a place to be able to [00:18:01] um you know talk and [00:18:03] and get some information out there and [00:18:04] for that matter so we asked people to [00:18:07] email us and I know Nicole has been [00:18:12] you know working all sorts of hours to [00:18:15] try to answer all these questions are we [00:18:17] going to be able to get that at least [00:18:19] those answers like that information out [00:18:21] there and if so how [00:18:25] well and and I think there's sort of a [00:18:29] I guess sort of to talk about that [00:18:31] briefly [00:18:32] um you know I I think [00:18:34] um [00:18:36] and I did see your email today Nicole [00:18:38] and I I haven't had a chance to fully [00:18:40] digest but I I think [00:18:42] um [00:18:43] I think we have to be careful [00:18:46] as a board about [00:18:50] um [00:18:51] information and making sure I I guess I [00:18:54] I'm trying to say I think we have to go [00:18:56] to the appropriate experts we have [00:18:57] relative to the questions I know yeah [00:19:00] we've asked you know our Council [00:19:03] to the extent that their mdar questions [00:19:07] um you know are we I guess going to the [00:19:10] um the folks that have that knowledge if [00:19:14] there's a gaming commission question [00:19:16] relative to I mean we should hopefully [00:19:19] be going to the gaming commission or the [00:19:20] experts on that I think the fear and [00:19:22] I'll just be honest the fear is that [00:19:25] perhaps what the town [00:19:27] um [00:19:28] what we've asked [00:19:30] um folks to email to our email [00:19:34] um the fact is that or the concern is [00:19:37] that it will be perceived as maybe not [00:19:39] reliable or factual depending on who it [00:19:42] comes from [00:19:43] so if we were to ask the proponent some [00:19:45] of these questions I think it may be [00:19:47] felt that although they could have input [00:19:50] on the question [00:19:51] um it maybe felt that um it's not a [00:19:55] right a factual response I guess I at [00:19:59] saying it properly but [00:20:00] no I [00:20:07] I I'm just using names and we had to ask [00:20:09] Jim what the answer was you know can we [00:20:12] reference that like this is where we got [00:20:13] the answer from [00:20:15] to be very transparent about [00:20:20] you know I just I don't know I just keep [00:20:23] it's just very frustrating that you know [00:20:25] we're trying to [00:20:27] do the right things and the best things [00:20:29] that we can and just [00:20:31] Maybe [00:20:33] I'd like to live in your perfect world [00:20:35] too Julie [00:20:36] and that doesn't seem to be happening [00:20:38] lately [00:20:39] no and and so maybe we can [00:20:43] um not that I not that I want to have [00:20:46] um [00:20:48] another meeting but I I just I [00:20:52] I'm struggling with it this is too soon [00:20:54] we just got the information and we have [00:20:56] this meeting so it's sort of it's too [00:20:58] soon for me to process other ideas [00:21:01] um on what we do I I think we can [00:21:04] certainly post the FAQs and such [00:21:07] um as long as they're from a [00:21:10] I don't know how to say it a factual [00:21:12] Source where we're just trying to get [00:21:14] the fact out and the town isn't really [00:21:16] responsible for the information does [00:21:18] that make sense or is that no I agree [00:21:20] with that [00:21:22] um [00:21:25] so [00:21:26] um what do you what are you are your do [00:21:28] you guys have any thoughts on [00:21:31] um [00:21:34] where to go from here [00:21:37] my two good ideas are no longer good [00:21:40] idea [00:21:41] so I can't be held responsible for [00:21:43] coming up with any [00:21:44] people I think I think you're I think [00:21:47] you're right I think if it if it has [00:21:49] something to do with you know Nicole's [00:21:52] been answering like the ones that she [00:21:54] sent over if it's regarding a bylaw or [00:21:57] if it's regarding just you know have we [00:21:59] done something and it you know as long [00:22:01] if it pertains to something that the [00:22:03] board is responsible for you know can we [00:22:07] answer those as far as you know I don't [00:22:10] I'm just trying to think get that other [00:22:13] questions that I [00:22:15] said about the actual [00:22:17] um what the proponents are proposing to [00:22:19] do and we can't we don't that's not [00:22:22] something that we can answer right you [00:22:24] know so I mean we can certainly [00:22:27] ask for an answer but you know it's [00:22:30] going to come from them and like you [00:22:33] said that's that's not how we wanna [00:22:36] you know [00:22:38] um that's not the perception we want as [00:22:40] a board that we're [00:22:42] one way or the other [00:22:44] or providing misinformation correct [00:22:47] you know I think that's the other that's [00:22:49] really what our role is our role is [00:22:52] at least that's my opinion [00:22:55] um so [00:22:56] how about [00:22:57] um [00:23:00] Nicole maybe you and I can chat [00:23:03] um [00:23:05] about other strategies and you know [00:23:07] maybe I know Alex has looked at the [00:23:09] questions and answered sort of the [00:23:10] questions he can maybe we can [00:23:12] talk with him about [00:23:15] um exactly the concerns we're voicing [00:23:17] and just see you know I certainly don't [00:23:19] want to do something that's going to [00:23:20] jeopardize you know the Border or the [00:23:23] town either [00:23:24] um and we did tentatively [00:23:27] um talk about another meeting [00:23:30] you know the week before [00:23:31] in between the holidays [00:23:34] where we could at least get information [00:23:35] out if we had information to get out [00:23:40] so perhaps we [00:23:43] um [00:23:46] can we not cancel the meeting right now [00:23:49] um since it's scheduled let's leave the [00:23:51] 19th on and just see [00:23:54] um it's still a selectman's meeting for [00:23:56] our regular meeting night right so let's [00:23:58] leave it as a selectman's meeting are [00:24:00] you okay with that let's leave it as a [00:24:02] selectman's meeting for tonight and if [00:24:04] there's something sorry for the 19th and [00:24:07] if there's something we can another [00:24:09] mechanism we can do relative to [00:24:11] information gathering or dissemination [00:24:13] uh perhaps we can work on it and if we [00:24:15] need to talk about it then on the 19th [00:24:17] we at least have another meeting that we [00:24:20] could do that at and come up with some [00:24:22] more brainstorming and figure out maybe [00:24:24] there's some other ideas that come to [00:24:26] like between now and then [00:24:28] foreign [00:24:33] Kelly are okay with that [00:24:37] I don't know what else we can do Julie I [00:24:39] don't either but but maybe you know [00:24:41] maybe we can come up with something yeah [00:24:43] Nicole that's good for you [00:24:45] yeah [00:24:47] so already here I see two hands I'm I am [00:24:50] a heart out at six as I mentioned it's 5 [00:24:53] 56 if these are Rob and Kelly are you [00:24:55] okay if we take these two questions if [00:24:57] they're short [00:24:58] um Carry Your Hand was up the question [00:25:00] or the comment has got to be short [00:25:01] because we're cutting off at six yep [00:25:04] that's fine uh I just wanted to ask [00:25:07] um if you do not end up having the [00:25:09] physical meeting next week potential [00:25:11] potentially would you mind uh again like [00:25:14] you said uh disseminating some of those [00:25:16] questions that had been submitted but um [00:25:18] the reference source of those answers as [00:25:21] well if you don't just because like [00:25:24] obviously there might be some questions [00:25:26] let's just say about the proposal [00:25:29] probably answer the particulars about [00:25:32] the The Proposal [00:25:34] um the mdar can answer specific [00:25:36] questions but I think uh the reference [00:25:38] source would actually be really helpful [00:25:41] um and then uh I think just identifying [00:25:44] who those quote-unquote experts are that [00:25:46] are [00:25:46] answering it that's just my my general [00:25:49] comment and I appreciate you guys [00:25:51] putting that together thank you thanks [00:25:53] Cara [00:25:56] I think that's what I was trying to say [00:25:59] earlier is to if we were to answer [00:26:01] things with sources yeah okay yeah [00:26:05] um one thing I can [00:26:08] wait no I think no I think that's great [00:26:11] that's a good point [00:26:12] uh we have one more hand Kaylee [00:26:15] I was just wondering since we're [00:26:18] generally all in agreement that we might [00:26:20] have limitations with getting [00:26:21] information out if there is any [00:26:24] way to move the vote or what the options [00:26:27] are for there so we actually get time to [00:26:30] process all this and disseminate to some [00:26:33] of those parts of the community that [00:26:34] like you said just don't have access [00:26:35] right now [00:26:38] um we can certainly [00:26:39] um I believe we're under Time Guidelines [00:26:41] relative to the statute so it was [00:26:43] something we could certainly again I [00:26:46] don't know if it's possible but we can [00:26:48] certainly [00:26:49] um inquire of the town clerk what [00:26:51] options might be [00:26:54] okay you're welcome Nicole can we do [00:26:56] that [00:26:57] yeah [00:26:58] thank you I can ask I [00:27:01] ballots have been printed Etc but I can [00:27:03] ask him for sure [00:27:04] okay [00:27:07] um anything else Kelly and Rob [00:27:09] Nicole [00:27:12] I appreciate that you guys um took the [00:27:14] time to [00:27:16] um [00:27:17] sort of on short notice to to meet [00:27:19] tonight [00:27:20] um understand it's a busy time of year [00:27:22] for everybody [00:27:24] um [00:27:25] so uh [00:27:27] I guess we'll we will reconvene our [00:27:30] normal board meeting or we'll convene [00:27:32] our normal board meeting on the 19th and [00:27:35] um if there are any ideas or suggestions [00:27:36] that come up in the meantime Nicole will [00:27:38] reach out to you individually [00:27:41] um and we can certainly follow the [00:27:44] suggestions about the FAQs [00:27:47] and um [00:27:48] if we're able to get them out there [00:27:50] um we will certainly try to do that with [00:27:52] the suggestions [00:27:53] are you guys good with that [00:27:55] I'm good with that Julie thank you [00:28:00] okay so [00:28:03] um if we are all set I will entertain a [00:28:06] motion to adjourn [00:28:07] I'll motion to a jar [00:28:11] moved and seconded [00:28:13] um I will call the rolled uh Kelly [00:28:16] you're first now on my screen yes Rob [00:28:20] yes uh Julie is a yes so the meeting is [00:28:24] adjourned at 5 59. again thank you all [00:28:27] and we will see you next week [00:28:30] thank you thanks Nicole thank you [00:28:33] recording stopped