Raw transcript
[00:00:03] I pledge allegiance to the flag of the
[00:00:06] United States of America and to the
[00:00:08] republic for which it stands, one nation
[00:00:11] under God, indivisible, with liberty and
[00:00:14] justice for all.
[00:00:21] >> Visitor comments.
[00:00:27] Okay.
[00:00:30] appointments. Joel Wilson.
[00:00:33] >> Good evening.
[00:00:34] >> Is he coming?
[00:00:35] >> Uh, he is currently tied up assisting my
[00:00:37] patrol. He came in to do some training
[00:00:39] tonight and is already kneede assisting
[00:00:42] my soul guy on duty.
[00:00:43] >> He's at work.
[00:00:44] >> So, I am requesting his uh back to his
[00:00:46] appointment. He is a 12-year veteran of
[00:00:49] law enforcement. He spent uh majority of
[00:00:51] his career at the House of Correction
[00:00:53] and the investigative unit. And now he's
[00:00:55] he just left WPI to come to us. um his
[00:00:59] training
[00:01:01] uh list that he has is amazing and will
[00:01:03] benefit our town and our department well
[00:01:04] and he's going to fit very well within
[00:01:06] our agency. Um he does fit within the
[00:01:09] budget of what I have and he will be an
[00:01:12] asset to us moving forward. Uh new brain
[00:01:15] did appoint him on the 4th of this month
[00:01:18] at their meeting.
[00:01:20] >> Okay. All right. I make a motion to
[00:01:22] appoint uh Joel Wilson as a full-time
[00:01:25] police officer for the New Brain uh
[00:01:27] Hardwick New Brain Tree Police
[00:01:29] Department.
[00:01:30] >> I'll second the motion.
[00:01:32] >> All in favor?
[00:01:33] >> I thank you.
[00:01:36] >> Thank you. Thank you.
[00:01:38] [Applause]
[00:01:40] Uh discussion and vote on town
[00:01:41] accountant position.
[00:01:44] >> Mr. Chair.
[00:01:44] >> Yes, ma'am. Mr. Chair,
[00:01:47] >> so we um interviewed two candidates for
[00:01:49] the position. Um, they were both
[00:01:51] qualified. Um, I'm making the
[00:01:53] recommendation on, uh, one candidate. I
[00:01:56] have an email from our current time
[00:01:58] accountant. Um, after a reference check,
[00:02:01] we had a Zoom meeting with the current
[00:02:02] accountant to get her blessing. Um, I
[00:02:04] have an email here that is her blessing
[00:02:06] for a specific candidate. Um I want to
[00:02:09] get this done soon because our current
[00:02:12] accountant with her personal matter um
[00:02:14] would like to stay on to train is ready
[00:02:16] to go to train but you know of course
[00:02:18] once we give um the go-ahad someone's
[00:02:20] going have to give it two week notice um
[00:02:24] and by that time and then training we're
[00:02:27] looking at at least another month. Um so
[00:02:30] I would like to move ahead with this
[00:02:32] appointment.
[00:02:33] Um they were both great candidates. Uh,
[00:02:36] this one just had more of what we were
[00:02:38] looking for. You know, we've talked
[00:02:39] before about building a stronger
[00:02:41] financial team. And when we get later on
[00:02:42] in the agenda, we're going to go through
[00:02:44] all the financial challenges and the
[00:02:46] things that we've done to correct them.
[00:02:48] And I think that this individual that is
[00:02:49] in your packet is going to help us get
[00:02:51] there. I think that uh this person has
[00:02:54] everything we're looking for and then
[00:02:56] some between her procurement license. Uh
[00:02:58] she's about to get her
[00:03:00] uh Massachusetts accountant
[00:03:02] certification. Um, and I think she's
[00:03:04] just a better fit after conducting the
[00:03:06] reference check and I'm going to throw
[00:03:08] out my decade of experience in HR
[00:03:10] thinking that this person is going to be
[00:03:12] the right fit for hardware. They both
[00:03:14] had experience. Uh, the other person had
[00:03:16] fantastic experience. Um, and that's not
[00:03:19] to discredit the experience. Um, but I
[00:03:21] do again I have the um recommendation
[00:03:24] also from our current accountant and
[00:03:25] then my recommendation as well.
[00:03:27] >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. If
[00:03:29] >> Thank you. Um, I got something to read
[00:03:32] into the record if that's okay with you.
[00:03:34] >> Sure.
[00:03:34] >> Okay,
[00:03:34] >> you have it.
[00:03:35] >> Um, the subject is the Town Accountant
[00:03:37] appointment interview committee
[00:03:39] recommendations and process and
[00:03:41] concerns. This memo provides the select
[00:03:44] board with the finding of the town
[00:03:46] accountant interview committee and
[00:03:48] outlines concerns regarding the process
[00:03:51] that may be addressed to ensure the
[00:03:52] board can make an informed appointment.
[00:03:55] The committee recommendation. The
[00:03:57] interview committee, which consisted of
[00:03:59] four members, met on August 11th at the
[00:04:01] town hall to in interview the two
[00:04:03] candidates.
[00:04:05] The interview committee was made up of
[00:04:07] the following people: select board
[00:04:09] member, town treasurer, town
[00:04:11] administrator, finance committee member.
[00:04:14] All four members three the select board
[00:04:18] treasurer and finance committee
[00:04:19] supported candidate Bill B which is
[00:04:22] William Goldstein a clear most qualified
[00:04:26] and experienced applicant based on
[00:04:28] municipal accounting experience state
[00:04:30] reporting knowledge and the ability to
[00:04:33] step into a part-time role immediately
[00:04:36] with very little training needed.
[00:04:38] Clearly the most qualified candidate.
[00:04:41] The town administrator was the only
[00:04:43] member who did not support candidate B,
[00:04:45] stating her date her decision was based
[00:04:48] on how she feels rather than
[00:04:50] professional qualifications.
[00:04:54] At the conclusion of the interviews, the
[00:04:56] town administrator stated she would call
[00:04:59] candidate B's references. Five weeks
[00:05:02] later, no reference checks have been
[00:05:04] completed or a report submitted to this
[00:05:06] select board. Independent verification
[00:05:09] by me on 914 and 9:15 confirmed none of
[00:05:13] the candidate BU references had been
[00:05:15] contacted.
[00:05:17] As a result, the chair and the clerk of
[00:05:20] this select board who are part of the
[00:05:22] appointing authority has been deprived
[00:05:25] of critical due diligence and
[00:05:27] information necessary to make the best
[00:05:30] decision for the town and on behalf of
[00:05:32] its residents.
[00:05:34] The role of the town accountant is vital
[00:05:37] for this fiscal integrity of hard work.
[00:05:40] The select board must base its decision
[00:05:42] on qualifications, years of experience,
[00:05:46] committee consensus, and proper due
[00:05:48] diligence, not subjective impressions.
[00:05:52] And his resume is right there and okay,
[00:05:56] >> Mr. Chair, may I address some of those?
[00:05:58] >> Sure. I I would have appreciated less ad
[00:06:01] homing stuff directed at the town
[00:06:04] administrator.
[00:06:05] >> There was nothing directed at her. It
[00:06:06] was just the facts.
[00:06:08] >> Thank you.
[00:06:08] >> Um, both references were checked. So, I
[00:06:11] just go on record that they were both
[00:06:12] checked.
[00:06:14] >> There was four references, by the way.
[00:06:16] >> And I've checked references for every
[00:06:18] person that has come before the select
[00:06:19] board. Um, I have all the notes for all
[00:06:22] the interviews. They were all checked.
[00:06:24] >> Uh, the treasure the treasure collector
[00:06:26] was happy with either candidate. Um, I
[00:06:29] knew Mr. Mr. Tanker's opinion. Um, you
[00:06:34] know, up until this sitting town
[00:06:35] administrator, there's been some
[00:06:38] financial discrepancies in the town of
[00:06:40] Hardwick, which we will address later.
[00:06:42] Up until this sitting town
[00:06:43] administrator, therefore, and this
[00:06:45] accountant also reports to the sitting
[00:06:47] town administrator. So, this town
[00:06:49] administrator,
[00:06:51] um, that opinion should matter. And
[00:06:53] again, over
[00:06:54] >> your opinion has weight.
[00:06:56] >> Yeah. Thank you.
[00:07:00] >> And the current account,
[00:07:05] >> I read through the materials that uh Mr.
[00:07:08] Tinker sent um and and
[00:07:13] the uh
[00:07:15] I'm I'm afraid I his name escapes me.
[00:07:17] What?
[00:07:18] >> William Skolstein, I believe. I'm not
[00:07:20] sure if I'm pronouncing Schlashing.
[00:07:22] >> Schlashing. I'm not sure if I'm
[00:07:23] pronouncing.
[00:07:24] >> Okay. Uh
[00:07:26] he he certainly has all the
[00:07:28] qualifications as as does Holly Man. Um
[00:07:32] >> no, she clearly does.
[00:07:33] >> Please
[00:07:35] time. Okay.
[00:07:40] >> For for the position,
[00:07:42] I think she's got all the qualifications
[00:07:46] necessary.
[00:07:48] Um,
[00:07:50] I would have really liked to have had
[00:07:54] the opportunity to interview both
[00:07:56] candidates, which I from what I'm
[00:07:59] understanding
[00:08:01] is is not available due to the time
[00:08:05] constraints.
[00:08:07] >> Why not? There are no time constraints.
[00:08:10] uh if we're going to have the uh if our
[00:08:14] current town accountant is going to be
[00:08:16] leaving within
[00:08:20] >> um I don't have a date from her. She's
[00:08:22] she's staying on in hopes to help train
[00:08:24] uh again her personal situation. She she
[00:08:27] wants to leave sooner rather than later.
[00:08:29] >> Um she's been staying on and she's been
[00:08:31] extremely helpful and extremely helpful
[00:08:33] and wants to be helpful through this
[00:08:34] transition. She actually also said if
[00:08:37] someday down the road something happens,
[00:08:39] she would gladly come back and assist us
[00:08:41] in the interim down the road.
[00:08:43] >> Okay. When it's great, she's a great
[00:08:45] person. I'm sorry to introduce her.
[00:08:47] >> I am too. I I'm just afraid.
[00:08:49] >> Okay.
[00:08:49] >> This has been dragging on now for longer
[00:08:52] water.
[00:08:52] >> Stop.
[00:08:53] >> I would like the opportunity to talk to
[00:08:55] both of them.
[00:08:58] >> Why don't we have a meeting and have an
[00:09:00] interview
[00:09:01] >> interview with both of them? Yeah. Thank
[00:09:03] you.
[00:09:06] Oh, did you speak to the second
[00:09:08] candidate by chance? Mr. Chair,
[00:09:10] >> I haven't spoken to either of them. I
[00:09:11] have a certain opinion.
[00:09:13] >> Okay.
[00:09:13] >> I don't have it all written down. I
[00:09:15] thought we'd have an kind of a
[00:09:18] discussion about it.
[00:09:20] >> I think they're both
[00:09:23] Am I doing all right? Am I moving fast
[00:09:26] enough for you?
[00:09:27] >> I think so.
[00:09:28] >> Okay, good.
[00:09:30] >> You upset about something, Mr. Chair?
[00:09:32] Well, I'm feeling kind of pushed around
[00:09:34] here.
[00:09:35] >> So am I.
[00:09:36] >> Okay.
[00:09:37] >> So am I. I'm being excluded, not
[00:09:40] included in my opinion or interview
[00:09:42] committees don't matter.
[00:09:44] >> An interview committee.
[00:09:45] >> Exactly.
[00:09:45] >> Good.
[00:09:46] >> And that where is that information in
[00:09:48] our package, sir?
[00:09:49] >> To share that information. And who is
[00:09:52] the best candidate?
[00:09:53] >> Who is the best candidate?
[00:09:56] >> Where is that opinion?
[00:09:58] >> Well, it's not going to tell you. We
[00:09:59] have to decide who the best candidate
[00:10:01] is. How are you going to be able to make
[00:10:02] that decision if you were not at the
[00:10:04] interview?
[00:10:05] >> I read the resumes.
[00:10:07] >> Oh, okay.
[00:10:08] >> And I was going to look for a motion.
[00:10:12] >> Okay. I will give a motion.
[00:10:17] >> I'm not particularly happy starting the
[00:10:20] process over.
[00:10:21] >> I'm not talking about starting the
[00:10:22] process over. I am talking about uh
[00:10:28] I
[00:10:31] talking about trying to make an an
[00:10:33] informed decision
[00:10:36] uh
[00:10:39] >> okay well
[00:10:39] >> where we what we have to do
[00:10:41] >> the just so you're aware the finance
[00:10:43] committee agrees with this appointment
[00:10:46] could would you just okay take a breath
[00:10:49] >> all right I'll take a breath I
[00:10:54] I think I I know how I'm going to vote.
[00:10:57] Um,
[00:10:59] and to me the uh the qualifications are
[00:11:03] very
[00:11:05] uh disproportionate.
[00:11:08] Um, I'm I'm ready to vote. I'll make a
[00:11:12] motion, Mr. Chair.
[00:11:15] >> Okay. I move that the select board
[00:11:17] appoint candidate William Skoolstein as
[00:11:20] the town accountant contingent upon
[00:11:22] satisfactory reference checks to be
[00:11:24] completed by this Wednesday, September
[00:11:26] 17th, 2025.
[00:11:29] >> What's with the
[00:11:30] >> Well, just in case, you know, I I
[00:11:33] checked the references, but it was just,
[00:11:35] you know,
[00:11:37] if you didn't want to take my word for
[00:11:39] it, the guy's an excellent candidate.
[00:11:41] He's very professional, Mr. Chair,
[00:11:43] >> and it's what this town needs. Hold it.
[00:11:45] I'll second the motion. Thank you, sir.
[00:11:50] Sweet Jesus, Andy. Um,
[00:11:55] and that's it. Uh,
[00:11:58] >> let's
[00:11:58] >> I'll call for a vote.
[00:12:00] >> Call for a vote
[00:12:03] on your motion.
[00:12:05] >> Okay. All in favor?
[00:12:07] >> All in favor?
[00:12:08] >> I I
[00:12:11] >> I have one question about the
[00:12:12] references. They were already conducted.
[00:12:15] I I'm
[00:12:16] >> I believe you.
[00:12:17] >> That's fine. Yeah. I don't see any
[00:12:18] reason for all this right
[00:12:20] >> yelling and screaming.
[00:12:22] >> Just talking loud so not yelling.
[00:12:24] >> Well,
[00:12:26] we're not getting along very well.
[00:12:28] >> No, we're not.
[00:12:30] >> We are.
[00:12:31] >> Well,
[00:12:34] but thank you.
[00:12:35] >> You're very welcome.
[00:12:40] gap for energy grant project is moved.
[00:12:44] >> Yep. Uh we're not moving forward with
[00:12:46] that. Um there will be another um sewer
[00:12:48] related grant before you I'm hoping by
[00:12:51] the next uh select board meeting.
[00:12:54] >> Okay. Special event at the Ride and Gun
[00:12:57] Club.
[00:13:02] >> I've reviewed all the materials. I uh
[00:13:05] make a motion to
[00:13:07] uh approve the application for the
[00:13:10] special event
[00:13:12] >> on October 4th.
[00:13:13] >> On October 4th,
[00:13:16] >> I'll second the motion.
[00:13:18] >> Oh, in favor?
[00:13:20] >> I
[00:13:23] discussion and vote on special event for
[00:13:25] the first alarm event at the Hardwood
[00:13:27] Winery.
[00:13:29] >> Same thing. They filled out their uh
[00:13:31] >> Yep. the same thing. I'll make that
[00:13:33] motion to uh approve the application for
[00:13:36] the first alarm
[00:13:38] >> uh event at the Hardwood Miner
[00:13:40] >> on October
[00:13:42] 11.
[00:13:43] >> 11.
[00:13:44] >> I'll second that motion.
[00:13:46] >> All in favor?
[00:13:47] >> I I
[00:13:50] discussion and vote on special event for
[00:13:52] old cemetery goqua also on the 11th.
[00:13:57] >> I'll make a motion to I I've reviewed
[00:13:59] the materials. uh make a motion to uh
[00:14:02] approve the application for the old
[00:14:06] cemetery ghost walk on October 11th.
[00:14:09] >> I'll second that motion.
[00:14:11] >> All in favor? I
[00:14:13] >> I
[00:14:15] >> discussion and vote on trick or treating
[00:14:17] hours
[00:14:19] actually on October 31st for
[00:14:23] >> change
[00:14:25] 5 to 8:00 p.m.
[00:14:27] >> That was um the recommended uh time by
[00:14:29] the police chief.
[00:14:31] >> So that discussion also came from the
[00:14:33] group that does the event on the common.
[00:14:35] >> Yep.
[00:14:36] >> So they emailed the request to the 31st.
[00:14:38] Uh they asked to go to 8:30. I asked to
[00:14:40] reduce it to 8. um take it back a little
[00:14:44] bit um just because towards that end
[00:14:46] we're a little less crowded with people
[00:14:48] you know what I mean if they keep going
[00:14:49] a little bit that's fine
[00:14:51] >> um and I tried to coordinate it so it
[00:14:53] was the same day as new branch so all my
[00:14:55] staffing's heavy on that day so
[00:14:57] >> is that a Saturday
[00:14:59] >> believe it's a Friday night this year
[00:15:01] >> Friday
[00:15:01] >> yes
[00:15:02] >> Friday so you'll be busy
[00:15:06] >> make a motion to approve the uh the uh
[00:15:10] date and time for the uh
[00:15:13] trick-or-treating
[00:15:16] on uh October 31st between the hours of
[00:15:19] 5 to 8:00 p.m.
[00:15:21] >> I'll second the motion.
[00:15:22] >> All in favor?
[00:15:24] >> I
[00:15:27] contract Montichus Regional Transit
[00:15:30] Authority.
[00:15:32] >> You'll see the rather large document in
[00:15:34] your packet. It's uh very comparable to
[00:15:36] what the board has signed in the past.
[00:15:38] Um, I had signed the drug and alcohol
[00:15:40] policy. Um, rates and everything are
[00:15:43] staying the same.
[00:15:46] >> All confessions and certifications and
[00:15:50] everything else we've passed.
[00:15:52] >> Oh, yeah.
[00:15:55] >> This one I did not read so thoroughly.
[00:15:58] >> When you have time, it's it's only 31
[00:16:01] pages.
[00:16:02] >> That's all.
[00:16:05] But uh I I will uh make a motion to
[00:16:10] approve the contract for the mark for
[00:16:16] the fiscal year 26 to 28.
[00:16:20] >> I'll second the motion.
[00:16:21] >> All in favor?
[00:16:23] >> I
[00:16:26] uh Hardbook Auto Sales LLC transfer
[00:16:29] class 2 and class three licenses.
[00:16:33] Um,
[00:16:33] >> is this a new owner?
[00:16:35] >> Yes, it's a new owner. Um, it's a
[00:16:37] license transfer from Hardwork Auto
[00:16:39] Sales. This license expires on the 31st
[00:16:42] of this year, just like all of them do.
[00:16:43] So, we'll be um, you know, establishing
[00:16:46] fees and everything at this point. Um,
[00:16:48] but we are just changing the owner for
[00:16:50] the same property.
[00:16:52] >> And this is the one out on Greenwich
[00:16:55] Road.
[00:16:58] >> Yeah. 258 2583.
[00:17:00] >> Yep. I see. That's the address. Yep.
[00:17:03] advantage.
[00:17:05] >> Okay.
[00:17:07] All right.
[00:17:08] >> Um
[00:17:09] any other I mean it's an auto
[00:17:13] dealership. I'll uh and it's been doing
[00:17:17] business there for a while, right?
[00:17:18] >> They've been in place. We've talked to
[00:17:20] them about the the wrecked cars
[00:17:23] and they said they'd keep it down till
[00:17:25] the 10 cars.
[00:17:27] >> Wrecked cars.
[00:17:28] >> I mean, well, I don't know.
[00:17:31] I want to say junk area,
[00:17:32] >> right?
[00:17:33] >> You know, that's not the proper term
[00:17:35] anymore. I think
[00:17:36] >> I know.
[00:17:38] >> All right. I'll uh make a motion to uh
[00:17:41] approve the uh auto dealership license,
[00:17:48] class 3 license for BBB Auto
[00:17:51] Incorporated on 2583 Greenwich Road in
[00:17:58] >> Yeah, they're class two. Yeah.
[00:18:00] >> Class two.
[00:18:00] >> Yeah. Class
[00:18:01] >> Oh, class two.
[00:18:02] >> Class two and class three.
[00:18:04] >> Yep.
[00:18:04] >> Both of them. Okay.
[00:18:05] >> I'll approve the I'll approve the
[00:18:07] motion.
[00:18:07] >> I second a motion.
[00:18:08] >> Okay. All in favor?
[00:18:10] >> I
[00:18:11] >> I have all these for you to sign after
[00:18:13] the meeting.
[00:18:14] >> Okay.
[00:18:18] Old business.
[00:18:21] Possible vote on Zikos auction group.
[00:18:28] >> Start. Mr. Chair. All right, please.
[00:18:30] >> Um, you'll see in your packet, um,
[00:18:32] there's a lot of documents. Um, there is
[00:18:34] the invoice that we all knew was coming
[00:18:36] from Zikos auction group. I, just for
[00:18:39] reference, I attached a copy of the
[00:18:41] contract that was approved by the select
[00:18:44] board in the uh, September of 24. Um,
[00:18:47] and I attached um, we've had some
[00:18:50] difficulties with the page building. So,
[00:18:52] I also attached uh, some emails
[00:18:54] correspondents from town council just to
[00:18:55] keep everyone on the board um, apprised
[00:18:57] of that situation. They have pulled out
[00:19:00] of the purchase and I attached an
[00:19:02] opinion from our attorney. Um, cuz I
[00:19:04] emailed her and I'm like, "Okay, well,
[00:19:05] how do we move forward?" Um, so she
[00:19:08] emailed me back while I was away and I
[00:19:09] wanted to make sure that you guys had
[00:19:10] all the information.
[00:19:14] Right now we're talking about the Zikos
[00:19:15] group, not the date.
[00:19:16] >> Correct.
[00:19:18] >> So when did the select board approve the
[00:19:20] contract in a public meeting?
[00:19:23] >> Um it was approved in September of 24. I
[00:19:25] don't have the date on the top of my
[00:19:26] head, but um you were present and Miss
[00:19:29] Kemp was present and Miss Kenda u Mr.
[00:19:32] Boheim was not present.
[00:19:33] >> That was an executive session.
[00:19:35] >> There was a vote taken.
[00:19:37] >> Votes. We when we took that vote that
[00:19:41] was to hire their services. There was no
[00:19:43] contract presented. Eric had eye surgery
[00:19:45] at the time. So I don't know what date
[00:19:46] it was. It's like the only meeting you
[00:19:48] missed. Mr. J and
[00:19:50] >> Kenda. Okay.
[00:19:51] >> Excuse me. Excuse me.
[00:19:53] >> Spoke to Mr. Chair.
[00:19:54] >> Excuse me.
[00:19:56] So I was in that meeting.
[00:19:58] >> Mhm.
[00:19:59] >> And we agreed to hire their services
[00:20:02] only. There was no contract presented.
[00:20:05] No public vote was taken to approve a
[00:20:07] contract in any select board meeting
[00:20:09] that I'm aware of. Maybe I'm mistaken.
[00:20:12] And I'll I would gladly be corrected,
[00:20:14] but my understanding your select board
[00:20:17] didn't vote on anything.
[00:20:18] >> Um, Miss Kemp, Miss Kendo, were both
[00:20:20] there and just because you didn't
[00:20:22] understand what you were voting on
[00:20:23] doesn't happen.
[00:20:24] >> Really? Really? Show me the package.
[00:20:25] Just show me the information.
[00:20:26] >> I give it up.
[00:20:27] >> Where would you like to take this now?
[00:20:29] >> I do not agree with this bill at all,
[00:20:31] sir.
[00:20:32] >> Right.
[00:20:32] >> So, I think we should have a
[00:20:34] conversation with Zuko Group and ask him
[00:20:36] to wave it.
[00:20:38] >> Mr. Corsic has offered to negotiate.
[00:20:40] Well, I'd appreciate it if you would.
[00:20:42] >> Good.
[00:20:44] >> Thank you.
[00:20:46] >> Leave it there for now.
[00:20:47] >> Yeah. You want to just table it or do
[00:20:48] you want a motion?
[00:20:50] >> I'm not going to sign it.
[00:20:52] >> I'm certainly not going to agree to it.
[00:20:55] >> So, there's nothing for her to sign.
[00:20:56] It's just where do we go from here?
[00:20:57] Because we do have an invoice. We are in
[00:20:59] breach of their contract. So, it's where
[00:21:01] the vote or the discussion has to be
[00:21:02] okay. So, where do we go from here?
[00:21:04] Right.
[00:21:04] >> Yep.
[00:21:06] >> And I think maybe make giving Mr. uh
[00:21:11] Corset the opportunity. He is agreeable.
[00:21:14] He's on finance committee.
[00:21:17] Uh I think I'd like to hear what he has
[00:21:19] to say.
[00:21:21] >> So I'm going to invite him to the next
[00:21:23] meeting.
[00:21:24] >> Okay.
[00:21:24] >> Um meanwhile, would you like to do a
[00:21:26] motion where Mark can reach out on
[00:21:28] behalf of the select board to negotiate
[00:21:30] this bill with Zukos?
[00:21:32] >> Sure.
[00:21:32] >> If he wants to do that. Yep.
[00:21:34] >> Okay. I make a motion to approve Mark
[00:21:37] Corz to reach out to Zuko's group
[00:21:39] auctioneers to negotiate and wipe out
[00:21:42] this invoice of $15,000.
[00:21:45] >> I'll second.
[00:21:46] >> Further discussion.
[00:21:49] >> All in favor?
[00:21:50] >> I
[00:21:57] have page building. I've been in touch
[00:22:00] with one of their principles. uh they've
[00:22:04] found their lawyer has found a right of
[00:22:07] first refusal and uh they're not willing
[00:22:10] to go forward with it until that gets
[00:22:12] cleared up. Uh the right of first
[00:22:15] refusal is held by the Mixster family.
[00:22:18] So they're in the process of looking at
[00:22:21] that. I don't know what it means for us
[00:22:25] except that we might have to sell it to
[00:22:27] the mixers.
[00:22:30] Okay.
[00:22:32] Mr. Chair.
[00:22:33] >> Yes, ma'am.
[00:22:34] >> Um, our town council, two different
[00:22:38] attorneys at our town council don't
[00:22:39] agree with their attorney's assessment.
[00:22:41] Y,
[00:22:42] >> so it's completely stuck between the
[00:22:43] attorneys and that, um, correspondence
[00:22:45] is in your packet.
[00:22:47] >> It's a great place to be.
[00:22:50] >> Stuck.
[00:22:51] >> Lots of lawyers.
[00:22:53] >> Um,
[00:22:55] okay. Uh,
[00:22:56] >> is there any chance of this deal getting
[00:22:58] resurrected?
[00:23:00] >> I I I hope that that
[00:23:04] group of people
[00:23:05] >> get the building,
[00:23:08] but I mean I don't really care at this
[00:23:10] point how it happens. So I think as long
[00:23:14] as we don't get tangled up, you know,
[00:23:17] for spite
[00:23:19] >> um that they can move ahead if it's true
[00:23:22] that they're that they need to get that
[00:23:24] right of first refusal cleared. So
[00:23:27] essentially I can't clear the title. So,
[00:23:30] >> right.
[00:23:30] >> But they're working on it with their
[00:23:32] lawyer and they're eager and time flies
[00:23:35] and winter's coming. So,
[00:23:38] >> it sounds like it's going to be another
[00:23:39] year without doing anything with that
[00:23:42] building.
[00:23:42] >> I can be out there painting in October.
[00:23:45] >> Mr. Chair.
[00:23:46] >> Yes, ma'am. if you think it's helpful
[00:23:48] and you just tell me if you think it
[00:23:49] would be helpful to probably over Zoom,
[00:23:51] but invite our attorney to the a meeting
[00:23:54] or something so she can explain what's
[00:23:57] going on from from the town's
[00:23:58] perspective. If you think that's helpful
[00:24:00] at all, you know, just let me know and
[00:24:02] I'll try to set it up for the next
[00:24:03] meeting or the meeting act or whatever.
[00:24:04] Um, if you think that would be
[00:24:05] beneficial.
[00:24:06] >> Well, at least if she could write a
[00:24:08] letter clear to this situation to us so
[00:24:12] we have a she can email it. She did do
[00:24:15] that, but I don't know if it would be if
[00:24:16] you guys then you guys can ask
[00:24:18] questions. I just didn't know.
[00:24:21] >> There's a few emails in there. So,
[00:24:23] >> like if you could just
[00:24:25] >> boil it down. These are the issues.
[00:24:28] >> It's right It's the very top emails
[00:24:30] right here.
[00:24:32] >> No,
[00:24:33] >> Mr. Chairman. Yes.
[00:24:35] >> I think the main issue is with the group
[00:24:38] that was trying to purchase the
[00:24:39] building. I don't think our lawyers
[00:24:44] opinion is really they they disagree
[00:24:48] with it and if they're not going to
[00:24:50] follow through, you know, yes, uh maybe
[00:24:54] a a summary of
[00:24:57] of uh what they found
[00:25:02] and their disagreement with the group's
[00:25:04] lawyer, but uh I I don't know if going
[00:25:07] any further into that would be worth the
[00:25:09] time and effort.
[00:25:11] Well,
[00:25:11] >> I kind of agree. They'll it it's a
[00:25:15] question of them feeling comfortable
[00:25:17] going ahead with the deal and then
[00:25:19] putting money and time into it,
[00:25:21] >> right?
[00:25:21] >> And then still having somebody with the
[00:25:24] ability to pull a rug out from under.
[00:25:26] So, they want to make sure that that's
[00:25:28] clear and they have their lawyer and
[00:25:31] they're following his advice. So, I
[00:25:35] would just wait for that to happen.
[00:25:37] >> I think that that's all we can do. In
[00:25:39] the meantime, um,
[00:25:42] we got the other two buildings and
[00:25:45] >> Yep. Yep. And we have a bill from the
[00:25:49] auction house. So, we'll get this
[00:25:52] squared away. And I think our next step
[00:25:55] is to come up with an RFP for one or
[00:25:59] both of the remaining buildings.
[00:26:02] There was a couple in here who were
[00:26:04] claimed to be interested in the white
[00:26:06] building, the uh Richardson building.
[00:26:10] And that's because they bought the house
[00:26:12] across the street on the same side of 32
[00:26:17] but across Highland right there on the
[00:26:19] corner. And now they're interested in
[00:26:22] the white building. And I don't know if
[00:26:24] that they were just a couple or if they
[00:26:27] were working with a crew uh driving
[00:26:31] around and looking for good deals out
[00:26:33] here. So I gave them my number and I
[00:26:36] suggested they talk to Justine and no
[00:26:39] joy so far. So
[00:26:41] >> okay,
[00:26:42] >> that's just
[00:26:44] kind of a passing thing.
[00:26:48] >> Okay.
[00:26:49] So we just move on for now.
[00:26:52] Is that agreeable?
[00:26:53] >> Yeah, that's agreeable, Mr. Chair.
[00:26:56] >> And then uh um
[00:27:01] Kier Sarge um I went out with u
[00:27:06] Harry Kmerford today and he drove me
[00:27:10] around out on the uh fields.
[00:27:14] We looked at the land as best as I could
[00:27:17] figure uh for that solar array and uh
[00:27:22] your
[00:27:24] fear and my concern too is that we give
[00:27:27] up material, the ability to mine
[00:27:31] material. So, um, I'd like to see some
[00:27:35] lines set up, some strange flutters and
[00:27:39] stuff so that we can see on the ground
[00:27:42] what they're we're talking about. I have
[00:27:44] a map,
[00:27:46] aerial photography, but uh,
[00:27:50] some logistics about where to stash,
[00:27:53] soil, and it's not soil, sand, and
[00:27:56] gravel,
[00:27:56] >> right? Um, and then I it's flat as a
[00:28:02] board where he's been pulling the stuff
[00:28:04] out. He's about 6 ft down from grade.
[00:28:08] So maybe it's a consideration that he
[00:28:10] takes as much as possible and they put
[00:28:13] their solar array 6 ft down on the flat.
[00:28:17] Wouldn't make any difference for shadow
[00:28:19] or anything. So there's some of that to
[00:28:22] do, but it was just out there. and he'd
[00:28:25] be happy to take meet you guys out there
[00:28:28] if you want.
[00:28:29] >> I'd like that.
[00:28:29] >> Yeah. Okay.
[00:28:30] >> Um I have a question, Mr. Chair.
[00:28:33] >> Okay.
[00:28:34] >> Um since Harry's here, um have they
[00:28:37] submitted a reduced plot size of the
[00:28:39] solar cuz the size of the field is
[00:28:42] actually what 25 or 30% smaller because
[00:28:46] of the panels and stuff like that.
[00:28:48] >> The panels create a 40% reduction.
[00:28:52] However, they're going from around 5
[00:28:54] megawatt originally to 10 megawatt,
[00:28:58] >> which makes the project viable for them
[00:29:00] because they're going to spend up to 4
[00:29:02] million from the upgrade to the
[00:29:04] substation from there to uh South Barry
[00:29:08] somewhere.
[00:29:09] >> Mhm.
[00:29:10] >> So to do to make that viable for them,
[00:29:14] they they went to 10 megawws in the same
[00:29:17] area that I don't know if you brought
[00:29:19] that with you or not.
[00:29:20] >> We did. Yeah.
[00:29:21] that same uh area that's marked off
[00:29:27] when they shoot. So the area has not
[00:29:30] been reduced.
[00:29:32] Okay. But the megawatt capacity has
[00:29:36] which means the town gets more money per
[00:29:39] megawatt from 5 to 10.
[00:29:43] So it's $20,000 per megawatt and $10,000
[00:29:49] per per megawatt for the pilot
[00:29:50] >> fields,
[00:29:51] >> right?
[00:29:52] >> But it that footprint the overall
[00:29:54] footprint since it's reduced by 40% on
[00:29:57] panel sizes and to even though we're
[00:30:00] going to 10 megawatt the actual
[00:30:02] footprint is reduced by 40%. So, no, not
[00:30:05] necessarily.
[00:30:06] >> I think I think the thinking is
[00:30:08] >> the thinking is, but I'm my question is
[00:30:10] is is
[00:30:12] and we wanted to see and speak to Kira
[00:30:15] Solar if we could have access to that
[00:30:17] gravel area so Marty doesn't lose access
[00:30:20] and the town doesn't have to start
[00:30:22] paying for gravel and sand.
[00:30:25] >> Mr. I Excuse me.
[00:30:27] >> Oh, sorry.
[00:30:28] >> Okay. I I talked to Marty uh several
[00:30:31] times and he he would be willing to
[00:30:35] stockpile it. There's a whole baseball
[00:30:37] field as you come into the area on the
[00:30:40] right. Um he would be willing to
[00:30:43] stockpile it, but he wants to know for
[00:30:46] sure that it's a it's a a good project.
[00:30:49] it's it's going to happen before he
[00:30:52] invests his equipment and manpower to
[00:30:56] take to dig out the gravel that's there
[00:30:59] and stockpile it in another area. Um he
[00:31:02] estimated that it would be worth about
[00:31:05] $50,000 a year for what he's mining out
[00:31:09] of there now. Mhm.
[00:31:10] >> Um and so if we're if the town is going
[00:31:13] to make over $300,000 a year minus the
[00:31:17] 50,000 um
[00:31:21] >> that makes sense to do this project. uh
[00:31:23] even if we're going to lose 50,000 a
[00:31:26] year, but he could stockpile several
[00:31:29] years in advance
[00:31:31] once the lease is signed and he's
[00:31:34] assured that this project is going to go
[00:31:37] forward.
[00:31:37] >> Mhm.
[00:31:38] >> Cuz he doesn't want to waste his his
[00:31:40] time with his equipment and his men to
[00:31:43] do that unless he's guaranteed that it's
[00:31:46] going to happen. and cure Sarge is
[00:31:48] concerned that they have a clear field
[00:31:51] before they commit themselves to going
[00:31:54] after the national grid hookup for
[00:31:57] instance. So
[00:31:59] still I'd like to see, you know, I can
[00:32:02] understand that they're not that I have
[00:32:05] any skill at this, but if they've got
[00:32:10] more power out of each panel,
[00:32:13] they might want to keep the footprint
[00:32:16] and just have more power rather than
[00:32:20] close up the size of the footprint. So,
[00:32:24] and maybe we ask them again, maybe
[00:32:25] there's some new development since we
[00:32:28] talked last or something
[00:32:30] >> or even if there's any wiggle room where
[00:32:32] they allow Grant Marty access. That's
[00:32:34] all we're looking for is kind of like a
[00:32:36] right away so you can still pull gravel
[00:32:38] and sand out of there.
[00:32:39] >> Well, there excuse me, there's probably
[00:32:41] a a two-year window here from when the
[00:32:44] lease is signed to when they can start
[00:32:47] development. Okay. So that would that
[00:32:50] that time period um would allow Marti to
[00:32:54] excavate as much as possible. And
[00:32:58] another thing to consider is because the
[00:33:00] town owns the whole 48 acres.
[00:33:02] >> Mhm.
[00:33:03] >> Where the soccer fields are, that's an
[00:33:04] amenity that the town provides for the
[00:33:08] people who use the soccer field, the
[00:33:10] kids, etc. That doesn't mean the town
[00:33:12] has to keep them forever. they can mine
[00:33:15] that area if that becomes what the town
[00:33:19] wants to do. There are other soccer
[00:33:21] fields uh in town up by the ballpark
[00:33:26] that's uh going to be renovated in
[00:33:28] Gilbertville. The elementary school and
[00:33:31] Eagle Hill has soccer fields that if the
[00:33:34] town wanted to partner with him somehow
[00:33:36] to uh use a soccer field that's that
[00:33:39] might be available also.
[00:33:43] auctions.
[00:33:43] >> That's something to think about. It's
[00:33:45] the last piece of land that the town
[00:33:47] owns,
[00:33:49] >> Mr. Chair.
[00:33:50] >> Yes, ma'am.
[00:33:51] >> Um, so the footprint, I know they came
[00:33:53] here before the board, um, June of 24.
[00:33:56] The footprint has not changed. Um, and I
[00:34:00] did reach out to our town council when I
[00:34:02] the day I got back from vacation looking
[00:34:04] for an update on where the lease was.
[00:34:06] Um, I haven't heard back yet, but you
[00:34:08] know, it's crazy time of year. I'm sure
[00:34:09] I'll hear back. Um, what we are working
[00:34:12] on as part of the lease is starting
[00:34:14] payments as soon as the lease is signed.
[00:34:17] So, no, we're not going to get the full
[00:34:18] 100, 300, whatever thousand a year once
[00:34:22] the lease is signed, but once it is
[00:34:24] signed, we're looking to get a portion
[00:34:25] of that um
[00:34:27] >> immediately.
[00:34:28] >> Immediately, yes. Um, so that's
[00:34:29] something that uh is being discussed and
[00:34:32] as soon as I do get an update, I will
[00:34:34] make sure the board is aware. Good.
[00:34:35] >> Thank you. Thank you. I could use the
[00:34:37] money. Mhm.
[00:34:40] All right. So, uh, we wait to see.
[00:34:45] >> Pardon me.
[00:34:45] >> We wait to see. Or should we go out
[00:34:48] there with Marty or
[00:34:51] let it lie for a while or
[00:34:54] >> um, whatever you wish. You know, I can
[00:34:55] talk to Marty again, but I've talked to
[00:34:57] him. We've already established, you
[00:35:00] know, the estimate and, you know, that
[00:35:02] he wants to know that it's a guaranteed
[00:35:04] project so he doesn't waste his time and
[00:35:07] money or pounds money.
[00:35:09] uh with this.
[00:35:11] >> All right. Well, I'll get together with
[00:35:12] him. I have to get him to open up that
[00:35:15] storage container we got. So,
[00:35:19] figure that out.
[00:35:22] Town administrators finance update.
[00:35:26] >> Um sure. So, I have just a regular
[00:35:28] update. I want to talk about some of the
[00:35:30] problems uh that we've come across um in
[00:35:33] the last year and either that they've
[00:35:36] been fixed or they're working on being
[00:35:37] fixed. But the first thing I want to
[00:35:39] talk about um is our unemployment
[00:35:42] budget. And I'm looking for a consensus
[00:35:46] or a vote from tonight from you guys. So
[00:35:49] we had cut our unemployment budget to
[00:35:52] $12,000 um from the original 20. In the
[00:35:55] years past, we have spent
[00:35:58] 0 and 25 for unemployment. In 24, we
[00:36:01] spent 108 $108.73.
[00:36:03] And in 23 we spent $514868.
[00:36:08] We spent nothing. Well, this year um
[00:36:11] based on certain situations and
[00:36:13] decisions that the board's made, we do
[00:36:15] have an a rather large unemployment
[00:36:17] invoice.
[00:36:19] I would like a vote from the board um to
[00:36:21] pay it out of the sewer enterprise fund
[00:36:23] because it is coming from um the sewer
[00:36:25] or the wastewater treatment. Um, we're
[00:36:28] looking at a 21 I'm sorry,
[00:36:34] $21,3561
[00:36:37] invoice this year. Um, and because it's
[00:36:40] for the sewer, I would I would like to
[00:36:42] make sure you are all on board with us
[00:36:44] taking it from the sewer enterprise fund
[00:36:46] rather than uh the town's
[00:36:49] main unemployment budget. Um, so I'm
[00:36:52] looking for that. Uh, just to give you
[00:36:53] an update of where we are. Um,
[00:36:56] >> yeah, if I could.
[00:36:58] >> Yeah.
[00:36:58] >> Uh, the the fact that we have to pay
[00:37:01] this is due to laying off people from
[00:37:06] the sewer operation.
[00:37:09] >> Yes. And because we were not contesting
[00:37:11] this employee employes's unemployment,
[00:37:13] um, we are now on the hook for it. Um,
[00:37:16] going forward, I hope that we can
[00:37:19] fight un fight these types of things.
[00:37:21] Um, I've never lost a case. So, stick me
[00:37:25] out stick me out there. Um, but going
[00:37:27] forward, I want to make sure that if
[00:37:29] it's if it's something very similar that
[00:37:31] we make sure that we're not on the hook
[00:37:33] for those these types of bills. But, um,
[00:37:35] because again, it's from the wastewater
[00:37:37] treatment plant. I would like to make
[00:37:38] sure you are all on board. Instead of
[00:37:40] taking it from the town's budget, we
[00:37:41] take it from the enterprise fund.
[00:37:43] >> Can I get a motion?
[00:37:44] >> Mr. Chair.
[00:37:45] >> Sure.
[00:37:46] >> I make a recommendation that we table
[00:37:48] this until our next meeting. we properly
[00:37:50] put it on the agenda under the sew
[00:37:53] commission
[00:37:55] and get Scott Potter's input as well on
[00:37:58] this. That's my recommendation.
[00:38:01] >> This is Scott and I have a this is this
[00:38:03] is nothing to do with this is town
[00:38:05] finance. This is not about the
[00:38:07] wastewater plant operator. This is
[00:38:08] >> we're taking money from the sewer,
[00:38:10] right?
[00:38:11] >> We I I spoke to I spoke to the
[00:38:13] superintendent. He completely
[00:38:15] understands. Um,
[00:38:17] >> well, there's no information in my
[00:38:19] packet about
[00:38:19] >> Mr. Tinker. It hasn't been published.
[00:38:23] You feel it should be posted?
[00:38:25] >> Yes, I do. Okay. Well, that's what we'll
[00:38:27] do.
[00:38:28] >> Okay. I just again, I'm trying to make
[00:38:29] sure that you would know what's coming
[00:38:31] in and what we're spending it and where
[00:38:32] it's coming. And again,
[00:38:34] >> recommendation is this doesn't come from
[00:38:36] the town.
[00:38:38] >> All right. Um so as you're aware in the
[00:38:41] last year we've come across um a lot of
[00:38:45] financial discrepancies.
[00:38:47] So I want to go through some of them.
[00:38:49] Even starting from the fact that there
[00:38:51] was incorrect pay rates in our financial
[00:38:53] software. We had employees not getting
[00:38:56] the right deductions for their worester
[00:38:57] regional retirement or um
[00:39:02] their benefits. Those have been
[00:39:04] rectified to the best of our knowledge.
[00:39:07] What we found so far, um, we actually
[00:39:09] had one month where employees had to get
[00:39:11] a double deduction because we weren't
[00:39:13] employees were not being deducted
[00:39:15] properly. Um, so we are all caught up
[00:39:18] with in Harper's, we're all caught up
[00:39:19] with our Bristol regional retirement and
[00:39:21] our health insurance for um, benefited
[00:39:23] employees.
[00:39:24] >> How far back did that go?
[00:39:26] >> I won't look. I won't. I'm just worried
[00:39:27] about this year. I I don't even I don't
[00:39:31] want to look.
[00:39:33] Um,
[00:39:34] I can tell you that we had an issue with
[00:39:36] our check clearing with one of our banks
[00:39:38] going back to 21. So, we had checks that
[00:39:40] were just sitting there that were never
[00:39:41] cleared by our bank.
[00:39:44] We had been So, that has also been
[00:39:46] fixed. We were paying for certain
[00:39:49] benefits for uh employees that no longer
[00:39:51] worked here or that were deceased and
[00:39:53] that has also stopped.
[00:39:56] Um
[00:39:59] we so a couple years ago the uh town
[00:40:02] meeting voted to start a TR an OPED and
[00:40:05] other post-employment um account for
[00:40:08] employees that that leave the town and
[00:40:09] to pay for their post-employment
[00:40:11] benefits. Well, that was a couple years
[00:40:13] ago and a trust had never been set up.
[00:40:15] This has to be in a trust. Um because of
[00:40:18] that, that money every year has dropped
[00:40:20] to free cash. So up until this year,
[00:40:23] even though town meeting approved
[00:40:25] several years ago to start an OPED
[00:40:27] trust, because the trust wasn't set up,
[00:40:28] it was dropping to free cash every year.
[00:40:30] So that has also been fixed.
[00:40:36] There was no tracking of employees time
[00:40:38] off, whether it be sick, vacation, or um
[00:40:41] personal time. Um therefore when an
[00:40:43] employee would leave because we had no
[00:40:46] documentation of how much time that they
[00:40:48] actually had we had to pay them the max
[00:40:51] for our personnel policy or we could be
[00:40:53] on the hook for three times their
[00:40:54] damages. Um so that has also been fixed.
[00:40:58] I am also in the process of rewriting
[00:41:00] our personnel handbook because the
[00:41:03] current one had some contradictory
[00:41:04] language in there. It say one thing in
[00:41:06] one section but then you flip to another
[00:41:07] section and it say something else. So
[00:41:09] then we just look at each other like
[00:41:10] what are we supposed to do? Um I had
[00:41:13] I've sent it out to the employees for
[00:41:15] their review. Um so I'm going to have a
[00:41:18] draft to the select board hope or
[00:41:20] personnel committee hopefully in the
[00:41:21] next month or so cuz um we have well I
[00:41:24] have been working on a new
[00:41:27] on a new personnel policy with updated
[00:41:29] language that match that matches our the
[00:41:32] current mass general law and that
[00:41:33] actually says one thing rather than
[00:41:35] several things in different sections.
[00:41:38] >> We need a personnel meeting. Next, uh
[00:41:41] it's the 29th.
[00:41:44] Um we just the lack of policies and
[00:41:45] internal controls all around. Um so I've
[00:41:49] been drafting over this last year
[00:41:50] actually, I've been drafting some
[00:41:52] stronger personnel policies that
[00:41:53] hopefully we can implement. Um because
[00:41:56] there's been no uh as far as I can see,
[00:41:59] no strong internal controls when it
[00:42:00] comes to finances. Um,
[00:42:05] we've uh we had uh backed up
[00:42:08] delinquencies and and in and
[00:42:09] bankruptcies and some and some different
[00:42:11] things that were not ever documented
[00:42:14] correctly. Um, if someone was all paid
[00:42:15] up um and still said that they were they
[00:42:18] were in bankruptcy or they've been
[00:42:20] delinquent. So, we have gone through and
[00:42:22] cleaned up all that to hopefully be a
[00:42:23] reflective of what um of where everyone
[00:42:27] in town actually stands. Um,
[00:42:31] so those have all been cleaned up. Uh,
[00:42:33] we had
[00:42:36] uh duplicates and some outstanding
[00:42:38] checks. Those have all been cleaned up.
[00:42:40] Um,
[00:42:42] we had some issues with our veterans
[00:42:43] benefits. Um, the number that was in
[00:42:46] from the vet from the Department of
[00:42:47] Veterans Affairs of the state was not
[00:42:49] the right number that the veteran
[00:42:51] service officer was entering. Um, so
[00:42:53] that has also been cleaned up.
[00:42:56] >> But we're he's still our veteran
[00:42:58] service. Yes.
[00:43:00] >> Oh, for sure.
[00:43:00] >> Mhm.
[00:43:03] >> Um, so those are some of the things that
[00:43:05] have affected our free cash that have
[00:43:07] affected um again our internal controls.
[00:43:10] And then over the last several months,
[00:43:12] we've been working to clean up and
[00:43:13] streamline. Um,
[00:43:16] I'm sure there's things I'm missing. Um,
[00:43:18] but those are the things I brought with
[00:43:19] me tonight. Um, we had to delay
[00:43:23] certifying our free cash because we have
[00:43:25] not been able to close our 25. And that
[00:43:27] was a decision that I made because I
[00:43:30] wanted to deal with the hardship and
[00:43:33] deal with all the things we had to do to
[00:43:35] clean up 25. Technically, we could have
[00:43:37] closed 25. Like every year you've closed
[00:43:39] the you've closed the year. However,
[00:43:41] we've been waiting cuz we've been
[00:43:43] cleaning all these stuff up. So
[00:43:44] hopefully when we do close the year,
[00:43:45] it's actually we're actually going to
[00:43:46] have a little bit of an increase in our
[00:43:48] free cash cuz we're not going to have
[00:43:49] checks sitting in our bank uncashed. Um
[00:43:56] things that have been carrying over year
[00:43:57] after year. Um
[00:44:00] and again, it's been impacting we've
[00:44:03] been, you know, as you all know cuz we
[00:44:05] went to town meeting and this was an
[00:44:06] issue. We had a $100,000 increase in our
[00:44:09] Worester Regional retirement this year.
[00:44:11] That's because two years ago, Worester
[00:44:12] Regional wasn't getting the right
[00:44:14] information. So, again, we're putting
[00:44:16] those internal controls in there and
[00:44:17] developing a stronger financial team.
[00:44:20] So,
[00:44:22] and we have our weekly our bi-weekly
[00:44:24] financial management planning meetings
[00:44:26] cuz these are the challenges that we've
[00:44:28] been facing. And hopefully by next week
[00:44:31] we can work on closing FY25, but we
[00:44:33] haven't been able to. And again, that
[00:44:35] was a decision that I made um because I
[00:44:39] want to make sure that we're cleaned up
[00:44:41] going forward. Technically, we could
[00:44:43] have been closed by now. Um but some of
[00:44:45] these other things that have been
[00:44:46] affecting our free cash and some of our
[00:44:48] other areas,
[00:44:51] I wanted to suffer now so hopefully year
[00:44:53] after year we can start fresh, if that
[00:44:54] makes sense. Um
[00:44:58] money decisions went to the board.
[00:45:00] You're making all these decisions. Who
[00:45:01] runs this town, you or them?
[00:45:04] Thank you for your opinion.
[00:45:05] >> Thank you. You're welcome.
[00:45:07] >> You can address things to the chair.
[00:45:09] >> That was
[00:45:10] >> Thank you.
[00:45:11] >> Um, so that's what's been going on and
[00:45:13] that those are the things that we've
[00:45:15] either cleaned up um or have been um so
[00:45:19] we've been working hard and I just want
[00:45:20] the board and the public to know um what
[00:45:23] they don't see behind the scenes.
[00:45:25] >> Thank you.
[00:45:26] >> You're welcome.
[00:45:30] >> Round table.
[00:45:32] May I ask a question?
[00:45:33] >> Sure.
[00:45:34] >> How does not certifying the free cash
[00:45:37] affect the town going forward once we
[00:45:39] didn't hit a certain date? Cuz there's
[00:45:41] certain dates you're supposed to hit.
[00:45:43] >> So it's not going to it's not going to
[00:45:45] impact us. Um so once we close 25, which
[00:45:48] I'm hoping by the end of next week we'll
[00:45:49] be able to close 25, then we'll be able
[00:45:51] to certify our free cash. Um and it's
[00:45:54] going to be higher than what we
[00:45:56] originally estimated because we're doing
[00:45:57] all this crap now. Mhm.
[00:46:00] >> Um, so it's not going to impact the only
[00:46:02] way it would really impact us is if we
[00:46:04] were going to have some sort of special
[00:46:06] town meeting or something where we
[00:46:08] needed to appropriate money somewhere
[00:46:10] and we wanted to use free cash. Um, do
[00:46:13] like they're all everyone, you know,
[00:46:14] knows what we're doing and knows and
[00:46:16] we've all been in communication and uh
[00:46:18] there's been no issue.
[00:46:19] >> Okay.
[00:46:19] >> Yeah.
[00:46:20] >> Thank you,
[00:46:23] >> Mr. Sh. Anything?
[00:46:26] Ultimately, it sounds are are we losing
[00:46:31] or are we losing money by doing this or
[00:46:35] are you finding
[00:46:36] >> We're finding um so that's an
[00:46:39] interesting question because in some
[00:46:40] areas we have we have year after year
[00:46:43] repeatedly lost money.
[00:46:45] >> Um but because we're finding so many
[00:46:46] things again, we're going to have an
[00:46:48] increase in our free cash this year
[00:46:49] because now we're actually finding
[00:46:50] money. So if you asked me a couple
[00:46:52] months ago, I might have had a different
[00:46:54] answer for you. Um, but because we found
[00:46:58] some things that just like were never
[00:46:59] cleared and were never done properly
[00:47:01] with our banks, um, we're actually
[00:47:03] finding money. So, it's it's been a nice
[00:47:05] >> So, you said that you mentioned that the
[00:47:07] free cash, there's more money in free
[00:47:09] cash.
[00:47:09] >> There will be because we're doing what
[00:47:11] we're because we're going through
[00:47:12] everything. Um, going back to like 21,
[00:47:16] we're going through absolutely
[00:47:17] everything. Um, and because we're doing
[00:47:20] that, we're going to have an increase in
[00:47:21] free cash.
[00:47:22] >> Okay.
[00:47:28] Excuse me. One other thing. Would you
[00:47:29] share that data with the board that you
[00:47:31] have in front of you?
[00:47:32] >> My spreadsheet?
[00:47:33] >> Yeah. Would you email it to us?
[00:47:34] >> Can I clean it up first? It's just my uh
[00:47:37] >> It's just my
[00:47:38] >> You'd like a copy or I would like a
[00:47:39] copy. I'm sure the board would like a
[00:47:40] copy as well.
[00:47:42] >> Let me um clean it up and if something
[00:47:44] doesn't make sense, I just want to make
[00:47:46] sure it does make sense because it's
[00:47:48] just my notes. But yeah, I can clean it
[00:47:49] up and send it out.
[00:47:50] >> All right. Thank you. Thank you. Thank
[00:47:51] you.
[00:47:53] [Applause]
[00:47:56] Round table.
[00:47:58] Okay, sir.
[00:48:01] Um,
[00:48:03] round table. Couple things. Well,
[00:48:08] all right. I think um I I request not
[00:48:10] request, but I I asked maybe us as a
[00:48:14] select board should have a working
[00:48:16] select board meeting
[00:48:18] to just have discussions openly and and
[00:48:23] figure out what is the plan for the town
[00:48:24] of Hardwood, where are we going, what is
[00:48:26] the direction
[00:48:28] so we can actually communicate with each
[00:48:29] other without any issues and just air
[00:48:33] whatever issues we might have.
[00:48:36] You're not doing that now?
[00:48:37] >> Not really. No, it's kind of
[00:48:42] >> I I don't I don't feel like I'm getting
[00:48:43] information, sir. Feel excluded and I
[00:48:46] feel left out. So, I'd like to have a
[00:48:49] either working a meeting or throw it on
[00:48:51] the agenda for the next meeting. I mean,
[00:48:53] what do you want to do?
[00:48:55] What would you like to do?
[00:48:58] >> Have the town run well,
[00:49:02] >> right? Right. And I agree.
[00:49:04] >> Great. Well, hopefully you're all on the
[00:49:06] same page as far as that goes. So, um,
[00:49:11] okay. You want to have a special meeting
[00:49:13] or
[00:49:14] >> whatever you prefer. Like I mean, yeah.
[00:49:16] I mean, we got we got a meeting coming
[00:49:18] up at the end of the month.
[00:49:20] >> We have another meeting in September.
[00:49:22] >> Yeah. So, it's what two weeks away?
[00:49:25] >> Yeah.
[00:49:26] >> So, how do you want to put it on the
[00:49:28] agenda?
[00:49:29] >> Just um I don't know, goals. goals for
[00:49:32] our group or something, right? I you
[00:49:34] know. Okay.
[00:49:35] >> So, what we already table before you
[00:49:37] wanted me to put it back on the next
[00:49:38] meeting?
[00:49:40] >> Um, yeah.
[00:49:44] >> I'm not really sure the exactly.
[00:49:47] >> Well, it's what the topics would be.
[00:49:50] It's
[00:49:50] >> Well, it would be open like that's why a
[00:49:53] working meeting we can sit down and
[00:49:55] there's not per se an agenda. We're just
[00:49:57] discussing.
[00:50:00] We're having a conversation openly like
[00:50:03] so
[00:50:03] >> free free discussion.
[00:50:04] >> Free discussion. So it's not hey we
[00:50:07] didn't put this on the agenda so we
[00:50:08] didn't we can't discuss this.
[00:50:10] >> Thank god right. You know what I mean?
[00:50:12] So yeah
[00:50:13] >> that's why you recommend a working
[00:50:14] meeting. A working meeting. That's all.
[00:50:18] >> All right.
[00:50:19] >> Okay. Okay. Uh, can I just clarify so I
[00:50:20] understand the So, the next meeting, do
[00:50:23] you want to be a workshop or do you want
[00:50:25] an actual business meeting
[00:50:28] >> or both?
[00:50:29] >> Workshop?
[00:50:29] >> Just tell me what you want. Okay.
[00:50:31] >> Like a free discussion, a working
[00:50:34] meeting.
[00:50:35] >> Yeah.
[00:50:36] >> So, we can put like um instead of a
[00:50:38] select
[00:50:40] because we've done it once before and
[00:50:41] I've done it in other places. We could
[00:50:43] do hardware select board workshop and we
[00:50:45] could just do business. I mean, no,
[00:50:47] there's no visitor comment. There's no
[00:50:48] anything. It's just goal setting for the
[00:50:51] select board.
[00:50:52] >> Yeah. And have it be part of our
[00:50:54] evening.
[00:50:54] >> Okay.
[00:50:55] >> Have we can have a regular there are
[00:50:57] going to be other things.
[00:50:58] >> Well, that was my question. Do you want
[00:50:59] a regular meeting as well or just a
[00:51:00] workshop?
[00:51:01] >> We'll just have a put it on the agenda
[00:51:03] that an item will when we get that far
[00:51:07] it's we go to a free discussion.
[00:51:10] >> Yeah. We'll have like if you want to
[00:51:12] allocate say 15 20 minutes to just
[00:51:14] openly talking or
[00:51:16] >> we'll need more than that. Oh, well 30
[00:51:18] minutes.
[00:51:20] >> I don't want to rush anybody.
[00:51:24] >> All right. So, and we'll come up with uh
[00:51:26] we'll come in with u ideas already laid
[00:51:30] out.
[00:51:30] >> Yeah.
[00:51:30] >> Yeah. Okay.
[00:51:32] >> That's good to everybody.
[00:51:33] >> Sounds good to me.
[00:51:34] >> Okay.
[00:51:36] >> Appreciate it,
[00:51:37] >> Mr. Chairman.
[00:51:38] >> Yes, sir. Um, I'm not quite
[00:51:40] understanding what this meeting you just
[00:51:43] talked about is going to cover
[00:51:46] >> any there's no telling
[00:51:48] >> goal setting.
[00:51:50] >> So, there doesn't have to be anything on
[00:51:53] the agenda for what you're going to be
[00:51:54] discussing,
[00:51:55] >> right?
[00:51:55] >> Um,
[00:51:56] >> the working meeting part of it. He's
[00:51:59] going to have a meeting agenda for other
[00:52:01] items. We're going to close the working
[00:52:03] meeting, continue with the regular
[00:52:05] meeting. Is that
[00:52:06] >> I'm going to go the other way.
[00:52:07] >> All right. have a regular
[00:52:08] >> the agenda first and then we stop
[00:52:11] >> take a break and then we just have a
[00:52:13] >> freewheeling discussion
[00:52:14] >> Mr. SH.
[00:52:15] >> So any sorry
[00:52:16] >> there does need to be something on a
[00:52:18] workshop agenda. It doesn't have to be
[00:52:20] discussion and vote and blah blah blah
[00:52:21] but like for example goal setting or
[00:52:22] whatever like something okay has to be
[00:52:25] okay.
[00:52:27] >> Will that be televised?
[00:52:30] >> Of course.
[00:52:30] >> Yes. Open up to the community.
[00:52:34] >> It's still public. Yeah.
[00:52:35] >> Yeah. It's still public and the public's
[00:52:37] welcome to come sit down.
[00:52:40] >> Okay.
[00:52:41] >> That's all. So any sorry on this Jim uh
[00:52:45] so anything can be discussed in regards
[00:52:48] to town business.
[00:52:49] >> Yep.
[00:52:51] >> Just wanted to clarify for
[00:52:53] >> we'll even take uh we even recognize
[00:52:56] people in the audience.
[00:53:00] >> I don't know who we're coming in
[00:53:02] >> that wouldn't work. Eric
[00:53:04] >> workshop is just for the select board.
[00:53:05] >> It would just be us.
[00:53:07] >> At least that's that's what I'm getting.
[00:53:09] >> Yes.
[00:53:11] It's your idea. Fine.
[00:53:13] >> Just come and watch.
[00:53:16] >> Observe. Okay.
[00:53:22] >> Yes, ma'am.
[00:53:23] >> Can the public submit things we'd like
[00:53:25] to hear you debate?
[00:53:28] >> Now I feel like a puppet.
[00:53:30] >> It's only debate.
[00:53:33] >> We're debating ideas.
[00:53:34] >> Debating. We're discussing
[00:53:36] >> future plans for Hollywood. Where do
[00:53:38] where do we see this film going?
[00:53:41] What do we want to do?
[00:53:41] >> I think you should send your thoughts
[00:53:43] all the time regardless of this.
[00:53:45] >> Yeah, that's a forward your emails if
[00:53:48] you want to play.
[00:53:49] >> You usually do.
[00:53:51] >> Usually do. Yes.
[00:53:53] >> Yeah. Bring in an idea and we'll I'll
[00:53:56] read it and maybe we'll deal with it or
[00:53:59] not.
[00:54:00] >> Okay.
[00:54:00] >> You can get it read it into the record.
[00:54:02] How's that?
[00:54:03] >> Okay.
[00:54:08] >> I have nothing. Good.
[00:54:12] >> I'm I'm all set.
[00:54:14] >> Well, the uh the announcement new brain
[00:54:18] >> the announcement uh we're going to meet
[00:54:20] on the 1st of October at 6:30 in New
[00:54:24] Brainree
[00:54:26] to uh to meet with the select board of
[00:54:29] New Brainree and discuss the um police
[00:54:35] the way we share police departments. So,
[00:54:40] It's October the 1st, 6:30 in New
[00:54:43] Brainree. It's a Wednesday.
[00:54:49] >> All right. I eagerly make a motion to
[00:54:52] adjourn the meeting.
[00:54:53] >> Yeah.
[00:54:55] >> I'll second.
[00:54:56] >> All in favor? I
[00:55:00] >> thanks
