Thumbnail for Hardwick MA Selectmen Meeting 8/16/23

Selectmen Address Community Events, Infrastructure Projects, and Regulatory Compliance

Original title: Hardwick MA Selectmen Meeting 8/16/23

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

Meeting details

Date

August 21, 2023

Duration

41m

Decisions

4 recorded

Action Items

17 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick MA Selectmen's meeting on August 16, 2023, covered a range of municipal matters, including the establishment of a committee for 'Christmas on the Common' and the approval of several special liquor licenses. Discussions also focused on addressing Highway Department staffing shortages, progress and concerns regarding USDA-funded wastewater treatment plant projects, and the need for site compliance from a local collision repair shop seeking a used car sales license. A significant portion of the meeting addressed an Open Meeting Law complaint regarding a prior presentation, prompting clarification on meeting formats and a board member's conflict of interest disclosure. The board also referred a complaint to legal counsel before adjourning.

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Discussion Highlights

A proposal was made to form an official committee for 'Christmas on the Common' to enhance the event and coordinate efforts.
The current organization of 'Christmas on the Common' was noted as being fragmented, with various individuals and groups handling different aspects.
The process for officially forming a town committee was discussed, including soliciting interest and formal appointment by the Board of Selectmen.
Two special liquor licenses were reviewed: one for Lively Libations and another for Timberyard Brewing Company.
A question was raised regarding whether the town or state has minimum insurance requirements for special event licenses, prompted by low limits on one of the submitted certificates.
The board discussed the possibility of setting minimum liability limits for permits, confirming no existing minimums but considering implementation.
The Highway Department is currently short-staffed, with the Personnel Committee actively working on solutions, including researching practices in surrounding towns and reclassifying positions.
Miscellaneous correspondence included Alice Parady's resignation from the Hardwick Council on Aging, a resident's interest in the position, and Central Mass Railroad resuming daytime operations.
The Town Administrator reported on the USDA Wastewater Treatment Plant moving forward with bidding, ongoing discussions with ARCAP regarding debt repayment, and exploring oversight options for the wastewater treatment plant.
Lori DeLolio was appointed as the new accountant as of August 1st.
The Town Administrator, Marty, and Lori met with the new MassDOT District 2 director on August 10th to discuss grant opportunities for road improvements.
A meeting was held with the ARCAP SRF Division on August 9th to discuss water and wastewater infrastructure grants and potential assistance for the small water department.
A major washout occurred on Main Street near the pizza place due to construction and severe rain, highlighting a communication breakdown.
A collision repair shop seeking to sell used cars requires a separate license from the Selectmen and is currently out of compliance with site regulations (lighting, parking, circulation).
A board member clarified that the collision repair shop's original permit was for car repair and included a maximum of 10 vehicles on site.
Discussion continued regarding the used car dealer operating out of compliance with their original special permit, with concerns about junk cars, campers, and signage.
The Building Inspector is responsible for zoning compliance and enforcement, and the board indicated they would not recommend approving a license if the dealer is non-compliant.
A representative from Timber Yard Brewing was attempting to join the meeting, unaware their application had already been approved.
Town Hall renovations are complete, and the board is exploring options for fixing the heating system, with an appointment scheduled with Guardian Energy and National Grid.
Paving has started on Main Street in Gilbertville but has experienced delays, and the project is not yet complete.
Concern was raised about engineering for USDA projects falling behind schedule, potentially impacting grant timelines and leaving only a year to complete them.
A speaker expressed concern about a project running behind schedule, noting the estimated build time exceeds the USDA grant timeline, with bids not yet issued.
A resident, Bill, confirmed he filed an Open Meeting Law complaint regarding the July 18th meeting.
Bill alleged that he and other residents were 'blocked out' of the July 18th meeting, unable to ask questions or view it, despite Open Meeting Law requirements for public access.
The Chair clarified that the July 18th event was a 'presentation to the select board,' not a public hearing, and therefore public questioning was not part of its format.
The Chair acknowledged a 'technical glitch' that prevented public access to the July 18th presentation but reiterated that it was not a discussion or a vote, and no information was withheld.
Bill questioned whether Select Board member Kelly had a conflict of interest regarding the July 18th presentation.
Kelly clarified that she subsequently went to the Ethics Committee, filed the necessary forms, and would not be participating in future actions related to this matter.
Bill expressed concern about the 'haste' in pushing the presentation through, claiming information was not reviewed adequately and not made public 48 hours in advance.
Eric Volheim clarified he did not receive any information prior to the presentation and only recalled a motion to acknowledge receipt.
Concerns were raised regarding a lack of official information from the town, leading to the spread of rumors.
A participant stated they had filed a complaint and requested a response, asserting that the town is not in compliance with regulations.

Transcript (6,785 words)

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

00:00:00
A minute or two all right no we're not on yet I just have to record but I'll let everybody in if you're ready but to the chair I guess that's me tonight yeah go ahead go ahead let everybody in
00:01:02
Is everybody in Nicole yes I'm just meeting everyone 's in okay and Luke Rob running just a little bit late I'm going to open the fleckman's meeting for uh Wednesday excuse me
00:01:22
August 16th at 5 30. and um everyone would stand for the Pledge of Allegiance pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America one nation under God indivisible Liberty
00:01:43
Liberty thank you everybody all right all right so the first thing on the agenda is a visitation from Angie brouchard regarding interesting she's interested in informing it informing a
00:02:02
Committee for the Christmas on the common so I see you Angie do you want to talk a little bit how are you good how are you good good so also the other person that's going to kind of be in this is Emily Cartier and she's actually on the meeting as well we were kind of talking to figure out
00:02:22
To work with Mimi's I guess who already does that and the historical commission or the library just to kind of figure out some other ideas that we can possibly do I'm out to the Christmas on the common so we were just kind of looking to see if there could be a committee that could be started and
00:02:41
Kind of meet and try to figure out things to do for that I think that's a fabulous idea I'm just gonna add my two cents first because it's definitely been a bunch of us randomly just doing certain things and

[00:00:00] a minute or two [00:00:03] all right [00:00:04] no we're not on yet I just have to [00:00:07] record but I'll let everybody in if [00:00:09] you're ready [00:00:10] but to the chair [00:00:13] I guess that's me tonight [00:00:16] yeah go ahead go ahead let everybody in [00:00:42] um [00:01:02] is everybody in Nicole [00:01:06] yes I'm just meeting everyone [00:01:10] 's in okay [00:01:12] um [00:01:14] and Luke Rob running just a little bit [00:01:17] late I'm going to open the fleckman's [00:01:18] meeting for uh Wednesday excuse me [00:01:22] August 16th at 5 30. and um everyone [00:01:26] would stand for the Pledge of Allegiance [00:01:31] pledge allegiance to the flag [00:01:33] of the United States of America [00:01:39] one nation under God indivisible Liberty [00:01:43] Liberty [00:01:46] thank you everybody [00:01:48] all right [00:01:50] all right so the first thing on the [00:01:52] agenda is a visitation from Angie [00:01:55] brouchard regarding interesting she's [00:01:58] interested in informing it informing a [00:02:02] committee for the Christmas on the [00:02:04] common so I see you Angie do you want to [00:02:06] talk a little bit how are you good how [00:02:09] are you good [00:02:11] good [00:02:12] um so also the other person that's going [00:02:14] to kind of be in this is Emily Cartier [00:02:16] and she's actually on the meeting as [00:02:18] well [00:02:19] um we were kind of talking to figure out [00:02:22] um to work with Mimi's I guess who [00:02:23] already does that and the historical [00:02:25] commission or the library [00:02:28] um just to kind of figure out some other [00:02:29] ideas that we can possibly do [00:02:32] I'm out to the Christmas on the common [00:02:36] um so we were just kind of looking to [00:02:37] see if there could be a committee that [00:02:39] could be started and [00:02:41] um kind of meet and try to figure out [00:02:43] things to do for that [00:02:47] I think that's a fabulous idea I'm just [00:02:50] gonna add my two cents first because [00:02:52] um it's definitely been a bunch of us [00:02:55] randomly just doing certain things and [00:02:58] um [00:02:59] hold on okay Rob's gonna be on in five [00:03:01] minutes so that's good that should get [00:03:03] us to where our next [00:03:05] um thing is so I think it would be great [00:03:08] if you know a committee was formed to [00:03:10] kind of pull everything together and I [00:03:11] know I can see that Ann Barnes is on too [00:03:13] she also [00:03:15] um does like the cookie walk or I think [00:03:18] she coordinates maybe try the townhouse [00:03:20] activities and things like that so she's [00:03:23] also probably a good contact person to [00:03:25] um pull into that just for some feedback [00:03:28] or whatnot but um I'd be thrilled to see [00:03:31] that bro and get a little bit yes I did [00:03:35] talk to Ian on Saturday [00:03:38] um so we went over a couple things [00:03:41] um and you know so she had said all [00:03:44] right you want to keep me in touch and I [00:03:45] said hey better yet why don't you join [00:03:47] the committee so I kind of roped her in [00:03:49] a little bit sorry Ian [00:03:51] um [00:03:52] so um Nicole do you know what it like [00:03:56] what it entails to go about like forming [00:03:59] an official Committee in that you know [00:04:01] what we have to do [00:04:03] I think the board of Selectmen just [00:04:05] um you know solicit some interest in [00:04:09] forming a committee and have them send [00:04:11] letters to us to uh you know with their [00:04:15] interest in what they may bring you know [00:04:18] to the to the group okay and then [00:04:20] appoint them okay I think we have to [00:04:23] figure out like how many people [00:04:25] should be on it whether there can be [00:04:27] alternates I know there's you know kind [00:04:29] of and maybe Ryan can help us just um [00:04:32] make sure that we're doing it the right [00:04:34] way [00:04:37] well I'd move that we the Selectmen set [00:04:40] up a committee [00:04:41] uh to uh Foster the uh Christmas on the [00:04:45] common efforts and uh [00:04:48] Let's uh see who's interested and take [00:04:51] it from there we got a little time yet I [00:04:53] would second that [00:04:55] so all those in favor [00:04:57] aye [00:04:58] aye perfect [00:05:01] PNG regarding yeah once I talked to Ryan [00:05:08] pull that all together maybe at our next [00:05:10] meeting or you know at least have what [00:05:13] what exactly needs to be done just to [00:05:15] make it official [00:05:16] um but I don't see any harm in you guys [00:05:18] you know starting to work behind the [00:05:19] scenes or do what you got to do to pull [00:05:22] everything you know [00:05:24] okay so people are kind of interested [00:05:27] yeah so are we able to do like a [00:05:28] Facebook page yet to kind of like [00:05:31] put it out there or do we just want to [00:05:33] use the town Facebook I don't know like [00:05:35] how do we [00:05:37] use the town stuff [00:05:41] the town Facebook page I would recommend [00:05:43] that you use the town stuff okay [00:05:48] and then just double check with um [00:05:50] Nicole that she's confirmed that with [00:05:53] Ryan and you know whether or not we have [00:05:55] to appoint first and then you can be [00:05:57] active on there or or um you know we can [00:06:00] probably put out there that we're [00:06:01] looking for people of Interest [00:06:07] should happen [00:06:09] okay great thank you guys all right [00:06:11] thank you hi Rob [00:06:14] hey I'm gonna hand the meeting back over [00:06:16] to you [00:06:18] where are we at so and I do apologize [00:06:21] because I skipped over visitor comments [00:06:24] because I saw Angie and [00:06:26] um so I saw that she was sitting there [00:06:28] so I went to um the new business of [00:06:30] Angie and we did [00:06:32] um we made a motion to allow them to set [00:06:35] up a committee and Nicole's going to [00:06:37] check in with Ryan just to make sure [00:06:39] that it's done the right way you know [00:06:41] how many members and things like that [00:06:42] but they're excited to kind of boost up [00:06:44] Christmas on the common [00:06:46] okay so but I did skip over visitor [00:06:50] comments so if you wanna [00:06:52] do that then by all means [00:06:56] all right uh miles to a visitor comments [00:06:58] and try to pull up the agenda [00:07:01] had anybody [00:07:03] I don't see anything [00:07:06] all right [00:07:08] give it just give me one sec to pull up [00:07:10] the agenda so I can [00:07:12] read it while we go here [00:07:16] [Music] [00:07:32] all right so yeah come on so no no new [00:07:35] business [00:07:37] um [00:07:39] foreign [00:07:44] 26 2023 and July 17 2023. [00:07:55] do you want a motion [00:07:57] sure okay I would make a motion to [00:08:00] approve the meeting minutes from June 26 [00:08:04] 2023 and July 17 2023. [00:08:09] second it [00:08:13] bills in favor [00:08:16] aye Kelly oh I yes Kelly I [00:08:19] Eric [00:08:20] hi [00:08:22] Rob hi [00:08:28] um we have two special licenses [00:08:32] Lively librations [00:08:33] and Timber Yard Brewing Company [00:08:39] we have these two [00:08:43] liquor I assume they're liquor license [00:08:45] are they one day liquor licenses I'm [00:08:47] sorry I'm trying to read the agenda [00:08:48] Lively Libations is a one day at still [00:08:52] life Farm they're having a barbecue and [00:08:56] Timber yard is for the fair so it's two [00:08:59] days [00:09:00] there's just two days yeah [00:09:03] okay [00:09:07] in the Lively Libations is I think the [00:09:10] 9th of September [00:09:12] correct [00:09:19] um is there anything in order Nicole all [00:09:21] their insurance and all that [00:09:23] yes [00:09:25] their tip certifications their [00:09:27] applications their insurance is all here [00:09:30] yeah [00:09:34] I will say that my only comment when I [00:09:37] was looking through all this is um [00:09:39] the Lively libations [00:09:42] certificate I did reach out to Nicole [00:09:45] wondering if there were minimums on [00:09:46] insurance because they are low limits on [00:09:50] her [00:09:51] um policy which is completely her you [00:09:54] know at her discretion but I was just [00:09:56] didn't know if the town required [00:09:57] minimums or um if the state you know for [00:10:00] us to be able to issue them require [00:10:01] minimums and then I did confirm with the [00:10:03] people that that there aren't any [00:10:05] minimums but that it is something that [00:10:07] the board could consider to to put out [00:10:10] there if we wanted to ever you know you [00:10:13] know [00:10:14] um [00:10:16] have minimum limits of liability [00:10:19] before we would issue any permits [00:10:22] so we can set those up at some time if [00:10:25] we feel they're necessary [00:10:28] yeah some towns [00:10:30] um [00:10:30] sometimes mandate at least five hundred [00:10:32] thousand dollars either per occurrence [00:10:34] or for the liquor liability or a million [00:10:36] it depends on you know again I think the [00:10:40] maybe the occurrences maybe Boston does [00:10:42] you know I just know some towns have [00:10:45] minimums but some don't none of the ones [00:10:47] that I've worked for have [00:10:52] I'm happy to make motions if you're [00:10:54] ready for that Rob [00:11:03] they want to make a motion on any of [00:11:05] these yeah [00:11:07] um so I would make a motion to oh [00:11:12] all set [00:11:13] yeah [00:11:15] I would make a motion to approve who one [00:11:18] day liquor liability license for [00:11:21] um or special license for lively [00:11:24] Libations and the [00:11:28] two one day [00:11:30] special licenses for Timber Yard Brewing [00:11:32] Company Inc [00:11:34] I would second that [00:11:37] okay yeah moved and seconded [00:11:40] um [00:11:41] any more discussion [00:11:44] all those in favor Kelly [00:11:47] aye [00:11:48] Eric hi [00:11:50] Rob is a yes [00:11:53] all right uh [00:11:57] doesn't have any old business here do we [00:12:00] have committee reports [00:12:03] there are a few in the packet and then [00:12:05] there's in mind [00:12:09] lease [00:12:11] fire Highway Library [00:12:15] is any anybody here want to go over [00:12:17] their committee reports [00:12:22] any of the select board members have any [00:12:25] comments or questions on them [00:12:29] nope [00:12:31] um the only thing I will say is that um [00:12:33] for the highway departments you know [00:12:36] still being short staffed and he [00:12:37] mentions that in his report that we just [00:12:40] came out of a Personnel committee [00:12:42] meeting where um you know we are [00:12:44] considering and looking at surrounding [00:12:47] towns and we actually booked another [00:12:50] meeting for next week to keep um digging [00:12:52] into this we're going to get some more [00:12:54] feedback from Lori and Marty and um [00:12:57] maybe tweak the title of the position [00:13:01] make it sound a little you know make it [00:13:04] more appealing and um definitely [00:13:06] consider you know bumping up [00:13:09] the position to a different maybe class [00:13:12] within the Personnel plan so that it is [00:13:15] more appealing so we're still working on [00:13:17] that [00:13:21] so when is that meeting [00:13:25] um next Wednesday at five if that's good [00:13:27] with you because we wanted to confirm [00:13:29] that [00:13:31] and so well we'll make it work [00:13:33] okay [00:13:34] I apologize for missing it earlier today [00:13:39] [Music] [00:13:40] um [00:13:41] forgiven completely [00:13:43] totally so exactly [00:13:48] uh miscellaneous correspondence [00:13:53] the only thing I have is [00:13:56] um Alice parody resigned from the [00:13:58] hardwood Council on Aging uh so she sent [00:14:01] the letter in and [00:14:03] um and we do have some interest so I'm [00:14:07] waiting for [00:14:08] um a letter of interest from a resident [00:14:11] that wants to be on it that called in [00:14:13] and said that they had interest [00:14:15] yesterday [00:14:17] um [00:14:17] and then the only other thing that I [00:14:19] thought was that Central Mass Railroad [00:14:22] and I think I did put it in my um in my [00:14:25] report but they're done working [00:14:26] overnight so they're going back to their [00:14:29] day routine that they've been doing all [00:14:31] along [00:14:34] okay [00:14:37] thank you [00:14:39] um next item of business is the Town [00:14:42] Administrator [00:14:45] report [00:14:47] yep do you want me to go over that [00:14:50] yeah I mean if you just want to give us [00:14:52] the new stuff and okay any updates on [00:14:54] the old stuff that you feel prudent okay [00:14:57] so with USDA the wastewater treatment [00:15:00] Gilbert wastewater treatment plant is [00:15:02] going out to bid [00:15:04] um soon we advertise for rfqs for sub [00:15:06] bidders and general contractors we've [00:15:08] been getting a lot in and uh the [00:15:11] deadline is Wednesday August 30th at 10 [00:15:14] A.M [00:15:15] um the debt repayment is still being [00:15:17] discussed we had I had another meeting [00:15:18] with Lori Stevens from our cap so we'll [00:15:20] just continue our discussions over [00:15:23] um you know the debt repayment and how [00:15:25] we're going to approach that and bring [00:15:28] it to you guys [00:15:29] um [00:15:30] and then the oversight we're still you [00:15:32] know I I reached out to Whitewater [00:15:34] Wastewater again because they were [00:15:36] supposed to reach out to me after a [00:15:37] vacation and didn't so I'm hoping to [00:15:39] meet with them soon [00:15:41] um Eric [00:15:42] wilheim and I met with great great blue [00:15:44] heron management to discuss the [00:15:46] oversight we had had a meeting well over [00:15:49] a year ago regarding the same and they [00:15:52] said you know basically their prices are [00:15:53] still the same that's about 90 an hour [00:15:55] they understand you know it would be [00:15:58] like a you know [00:16:00] um bird's eye view sort of thing you [00:16:02] know not really [00:16:04] um super super in the weeds but uh so [00:16:06] they're they're they're actually fine [00:16:08] with all all types of oversight [00:16:12] um so that's for that's USDA that's [00:16:14] moving forward [00:16:16] thankfully [00:16:17] um and as of August 1st we have a new [00:16:20] accountant but who is familiar to us [00:16:21] Lori delolio she was the accountant when [00:16:23] we had Melanson that then was thought [00:16:26] out by Markham she no longer works for [00:16:28] Markham and has been released from her [00:16:32] requirement of not working with other [00:16:34] towns so now she is our accountant and [00:16:36] we're really happy to have her on she [00:16:38] knows our systems she knows all the [00:16:40] employees she knows our history so [00:16:41] that's already working well [00:16:44] um Thursday August 10th Marty Laurie and [00:16:46] I met with massdot District 2 regarding [00:16:49] grant opportunities and agencies [00:16:51] available to pursue Road improvements [00:16:53] there's a new director I I don't [00:16:56] remember his name now but um he's been [00:16:58] meeting with all of his District Two [00:17:00] Towns so this isn't something that [00:17:02] really has been done before but he [00:17:03] wanted to kind of really connect with [00:17:04] the local [00:17:06] um you know leaders [00:17:09] I met with our cap srf division on [00:17:12] Wednesday August 9th to discuss Water [00:17:14] and Wastewater infrastructure grants I I [00:17:17] kind of ignored this email because I was [00:17:20] you know under the impression we already [00:17:21] have these grants from USDA but this is [00:17:24] a different division that would help us [00:17:25] with [00:17:27] um [00:17:28] uh [00:17:30] sorry uh mapping pipe infrastructure [00:17:32] inflow and infiltration studies water [00:17:34] infrastructure regulation and policies [00:17:36] so even could potentially help us with [00:17:38] the small water department that we have [00:17:40] we filled out A needs assessment and [00:17:43] um we submitted that last week and we'll [00:17:45] be waiting to hear back from our cap [00:17:47] from the srf division [00:17:49] um Tuesday night there's a major washout [00:17:51] in May on Main Street near [00:17:53] um the pizza place Pizza House due to [00:17:56] this construction and and just you know [00:17:59] bad timing with severe rain and it was a [00:18:02] big washout and we do apologize for any [00:18:04] inconvenience anybody had it really was [00:18:07] a Ludlow construction job we had some [00:18:10] communication breakdown and we didn't [00:18:12] have the right emergency contacts for [00:18:13] Ludlow so Marty fixed it and was there [00:18:17] and made sure that it was clear again so [00:18:19] thank you to Marty again [00:18:22] um [00:18:23] okay and then the the the collision [00:18:26] repair shop that's across the street [00:18:28] from Hardwick [00:18:29] Mark I'm sorry Co-op [00:18:31] um came in and just said you know we [00:18:33] want to sell cars and the planning board [00:18:37] had given them a special permit to sell [00:18:39] cars [00:18:41] it I it's kind of a little bit [00:18:43] cumbersome to me because they although [00:18:45] they have a special permit from the [00:18:47] planning board they can't sell used cars [00:18:48] without a license from the Selectmen and [00:18:52] in my [00:18:53] in my mind I just think that a site plan [00:18:56] approval is really the more appropriate [00:18:59] um [00:18:59] mechanism for planning board to give [00:19:02] just for site control because it and [00:19:05] they are out of compliance right now we [00:19:07] don't have good site control you know [00:19:09] when it comes to lighting parking [00:19:11] circulation Etc so before they come to [00:19:14] the board I I want to meet with them [00:19:16] again because they have you know they [00:19:18] have junk cars out there just it looks [00:19:20] really unsightly and I think that if [00:19:21] they're going to sell used cars then [00:19:23] they should you know they should at [00:19:25] least at the very least be in compliance [00:19:26] with their site so before they come to [00:19:28] you for a used car license I'm I'm [00:19:30] internally going back and forth with the [00:19:33] potential applicant to come into [00:19:35] compliance before they apply for that [00:19:37] license yeah if I could jump in I was a [00:19:40] planning board then and we gave them a [00:19:43] permit to run a business to repair cars [00:19:47] and we gave them a maximum I think of 10 [00:19:51] vehicles on the site [00:19:53] you know not to become a junkyard and I [00:19:57] know the guys they're nice guys but [00:20:00] they've been pushing it so [00:20:02] you know it should go back to maybe the [00:20:06] planning board we have to sign a license [00:20:09] for them to be a used car dealer [00:20:12] and I think they need to I'd say they [00:20:16] need to come into compliance with their [00:20:18] original special permit and stop pissing [00:20:22] Nicole off pretty much no that's not it [00:20:25] no I mean me too now I've been watching [00:20:28] it I know how you've you know we've [00:20:30] talked about it I think they're yeah I [00:20:33] think they're nice guys but they're just [00:20:34] pushing it they need to be rained in a [00:20:37] little [00:20:38] and I and I don't I don't want to um [00:20:40] whether they're nice or not I don't know [00:20:42] them at all that's I don't have any [00:20:44] anything personal against them I don't I [00:20:46] have I absolutely do not know who they [00:20:47] are [00:20:48] um I just I just see the site and you [00:20:51] know it's it's a nice Road it's a nice [00:20:52] ride and then you see this and you have [00:20:55] junk cars and you have junk like campers [00:20:57] and things like that and I don't think [00:20:59] that is the intent of the planning board [00:21:00] or of the town of Hardwick to allow to [00:21:02] allow the site to become so out of [00:21:05] compliance [00:21:06] they're outside of their uh uh [00:21:09] regulations they got a boat over there [00:21:11] and they got all sorts of stuff so [00:21:15] so do we handle it or do we give it back [00:21:18] to the [00:21:19] planning board or [00:21:21] inspector is the zoning compliance right [00:21:25] isn't anything with the planning board [00:21:27] does not go back to the building [00:21:29] inspector yeah they're supposed to [00:21:32] enforce that yep [00:21:36] that's if we don't have a site plan [00:21:38] approval so you know to have a an area [00:21:41] where what what [00:21:48] code for the meeting who wants it [00:21:50] for the zoom meeting [00:21:51] oh Matt they were already approved [00:21:56] sorry Matt is here from Timber Yard [00:21:57] Brewing he was looking for the code to [00:21:59] get in but I just told him that it was [00:22:01] approved [00:22:03] they have to sign the license though [00:22:04] it's not cool okay I came Audrey [00:22:07] suggested I come in case any questions [00:22:08] okay I had a chemical spill as I was [00:22:11] walking out the door when my employees [00:22:13] functions so that's why I'm late [00:22:16] but if you guys had any questions for me [00:22:19] I'm happy to answer them but it sounds [00:22:20] like you've already improved it [00:22:23] yeah everything was in order and [00:22:25] everything was submitted correct [00:22:26] accordingly so I'll give you a call as [00:22:28] soon as they sign this license for you [00:22:29] to come pick up okay thank you [00:22:32] sorry so so they don't if without a site [00:22:35] plan approval you know without someone [00:22:37] them showing exactly where where they [00:22:40] Park where their cars are [00:22:43] um you know where the cars for sale are [00:22:44] where the customers are where their [00:22:45] employees are [00:22:47] what kind of lighting they have they [00:22:48] have the flag [00:22:49] um signage out there for a while you [00:22:52] know that isn't really allowed so [00:22:54] there's [00:22:55] there's yeah it's definitely [00:22:57] um building inspector but you know again [00:23:00] to go back to Eric's point to just be [00:23:02] friendly and just kind of educate them [00:23:04] on really what they should be doing and [00:23:06] how they should be conducting their [00:23:08] Collision business before they come in [00:23:09] apply for a class too [00:23:14] if they have they made that application [00:23:22] I'll go over and talk to them and tell [00:23:24] them that they have to get in touch with [00:23:26] the planning board and find out what [00:23:28] they're doing wrong and fix it before [00:23:30] they apply if [00:23:32] the board agrees that that's the way to [00:23:35] go [00:23:41] yeah essentially that's what we were [00:23:43] talking I was talking to them about that [00:23:45] you know we wouldn't recommend that the [00:23:48] board approval license if they're out of [00:23:49] compliance currently so that they should [00:23:51] clean up their place know what they have [00:23:54] a lot you know know what they have a [00:23:55] permit for [00:23:57] um and make sure that they're being [00:23:58] diligent about keeping it in compliance [00:24:01] you know because you can just deny the [00:24:03] license and they can't buy or sell cars [00:24:05] they can't go to an auction they can't [00:24:07] buy or sell vehicles [00:24:11] I just wanted to let you guys know that [00:24:12] that it's I'm in the conversation with [00:24:15] them and Eric is is of course more than [00:24:18] no no if you're if you're doing that [00:24:21] then I'll stay out of it [00:24:26] yeah see where it goes and see if they [00:24:29] you know can kind of clean up a little [00:24:31] bit [00:24:35] foreign so that's all I really have for [00:24:38] new the town hall is is done now the the [00:24:41] flooring is in and um they're all done [00:24:44] they're gone it looks great [00:24:47] um we're still looking at options on [00:24:49] fixing it I have an appointment next [00:24:51] week with Guardian energy and National [00:24:53] Grid to talk about alternate heating [00:24:55] methods and I'm still hoping to hear [00:24:58] from you know our HVAC guys [00:25:00] professionals that [00:25:02] um live in town and are on our boards [00:25:04] that have offered to give us some [00:25:06] assistance so [00:25:08] um and I I think everybody knows Paving [00:25:11] has started on Main Street in [00:25:13] Gilbertville and it was big delays this [00:25:15] week I don't know exactly where they're [00:25:17] at but they're not done [00:25:20] um and that's that's it [00:25:25] [Music] [00:25:27] Eric [00:25:28] there um [00:25:30] and I think we should uh think about the [00:25:33] oversight that Clerk of the works [00:25:37] I've talked to Graves [00:25:39] engineering that we use a lot in Landing [00:25:43] board [00:25:44] and like Nicole said he helped meet with [00:25:49] Blue Heron and I thought they were great [00:25:53] I think we need to [00:25:56] I'd suggest that we come up with sort of [00:25:59] a scope of services [00:26:02] we need to transmit the plans to both of [00:26:08] these guys and anybody else that we want [00:26:10] to drag into but we have to decide what [00:26:14] we're [00:26:15] kind of looking for how much [00:26:18] we need [00:26:20] oversight or how many days a week or [00:26:23] whatever right [00:26:25] um and I said I would I did say at the [00:26:27] last meeting I think that I would work [00:26:28] on that and I think I started it and I'm [00:26:31] happy to [00:26:33] um pick that back up I apologize I've [00:26:34] been away for a couple weeks so [00:26:37] um [00:26:38] I will I can try to do that tomorrow and [00:26:40] send it out to everybody to look at [00:26:42] that'd be great scope of service yeah [00:26:45] that we could maybe put together for you [00:26:47] know a request for um [00:26:49] for proposals yeah good I will [00:26:54] right now [00:26:56] thank you Kelly yeah sorry I dropped the [00:26:58] ball on that that's all right it's uh [00:27:02] we're on holiday you read seven books [00:27:04] you said I read eight books [00:27:07] it was lovely [00:27:13] um well actually uh so next thing would [00:27:16] be selectman's round table and I think [00:27:19] Eric pretty much hit the nail on the [00:27:21] head with her where we gotta focus on [00:27:24] dealing with this [00:27:27] um [00:27:28] I I am a little concerned that we're [00:27:30] falling behind schedule with the [00:27:32] engineering on getting [00:27:34] these things out to bed [00:27:37] and meeting our deadlines with the USDA [00:27:41] um I I hope this if this could come up [00:27:44] in the next meeting with the USDA and [00:27:48] the engineer about the schedule because [00:27:51] they're falling so far behind now that [00:27:55] realistically they're gonna have about a [00:27:57] year to get these projects done and I [00:28:01] know that's going to be tough it's going [00:28:02] to be on a very tight time frame [00:28:05] so it [00:28:06] is USDA aware of this [00:28:09] and are they going to give us the time [00:28:11] we need [00:28:12] because these are the engineers that [00:28:14] they picked for the town to do this job [00:28:16] so I I feel it's important that we get [00:28:20] this out now [00:28:22] to be discussed I [00:28:24] I know you have a weekly meeting with [00:28:26] them so if you could bring it up Nicole [00:28:27] I would appreciate that there's anything [00:28:30] I need to do to jump in and and have [00:28:33] this discussion I'd be more than happy [00:28:34] to [00:28:36] thanks [00:28:37] um I'll I'll add my two cents and I'm [00:28:39] sure Nicole will add on to this that [00:28:42] um one of the last meetings that I was [00:28:44] on and [00:28:46] um Joe delvo delboe I'm not sure I'm [00:28:49] pronouncing that right but he was [00:28:51] actually on the call and [00:28:54] I [00:28:55] what I'm getting from them is that [00:28:57] they're completely okay with how this is [00:28:59] going [00:29:00] between them and DPC [00:29:03] um I didn't feel there was any [00:29:05] reason to worry [00:29:07] um at all and I I jump on most meetings [00:29:11] uh you know just to I just sit in and [00:29:13] listen you know mostly [00:29:16] um but I have been pretty much since the [00:29:18] start of them been jumping on to them [00:29:20] and [00:29:22] um [00:29:23] I I think that USDA is well aware of the [00:29:26] track that we're on and and Joe seems [00:29:28] very pleased actually that as long as we [00:29:31] keep moving like he's happy [00:29:35] yeah I mean I I get that but there is [00:29:37] language in this the loc about where [00:29:41] we're supposed to be at what time frames [00:29:43] and and we're really pushing that [00:29:48] and it's [00:29:49] I hate to get caught in another [00:29:51] technicality like we did last time no [00:29:53] yeah understandable [00:29:56] um if everybody's aware of it if we make [00:29:59] record of it and and it's all signed off [00:30:01] and good that you know let's be be aware [00:30:04] that we're running behind and that the [00:30:07] time frame realistically is a year and a [00:30:09] half or something to build these plants [00:30:10] and or whatever they figure it is and [00:30:13] that's going to put us Beyond [00:30:15] our timing that we the USDA has given us [00:30:19] I just [00:30:20] I feel a little more comfortable if we [00:30:22] add something somewhat in writing at [00:30:24] some point from them [00:30:28] sorry [00:30:30] go ahead Derek [00:30:32] I was going to suggest we write a letter [00:30:35] and it's specifying this and just to [00:30:38] make sure just to have it in the paper [00:30:41] trail that we're okay [00:30:45] yeah I don't know about any of the dates [00:30:47] I'm still not up to speed on this whole [00:30:51] project but [00:30:54] it seems well really I think we have at [00:30:56] this point about a year [00:30:58] before we're going in to [00:31:03] needing to get an extension but the [00:31:05] extension time is only six months [00:31:08] so if we're a year and a half out on a [00:31:12] plant that hasn't been put out the video [00:31:13] to get Bill [00:31:15] you know that puts us already puts us [00:31:17] over [00:31:18] right I know they can try accelerated [00:31:21] schedules and stuff like that but those [00:31:22] only work if you can get the materials [00:31:24] and that's not a guarantee these days [00:31:27] not at all so [00:31:32] um so [00:31:36] yeah maybe by the 28th we have another [00:31:39] discussion if if Nicole can touch on at [00:31:41] this week's meeting and and we've maybe [00:31:43] discussed it at our our next [00:31:46] slackman's meeting just to [00:31:49] I just don't want to forget about it [00:31:51] because we've been through a lot to keep [00:31:53] this Grant and the town has been through [00:31:56] a lot to keep this grant so [00:31:59] let's not lose on some technicality [00:32:06] yeah [00:32:07] you get anyone else got anything for [00:32:08] select board Round Table [00:32:13] anything anyone want to add subtract [00:32:20] anyhow [00:32:25] wants to make motion to adjourn Rob [00:32:29] you're all garbled [00:32:32] oh can you hear me now yes [00:32:35] um somebody does have their hand up [00:32:43] Rob oh who do you want it's Trisha [00:32:47] tinker [00:32:51] and Bill Patricia and Bill [00:32:54] my back [00:32:57] you're back yeah okay our mute button [00:33:00] was on it's fine let him speak okay okay [00:33:03] I I just wanted to touch base with the [00:33:06] town and make sure that Nicole has and [00:33:09] you have received the open meeting law [00:33:11] complaint I filed [00:33:15] or well Trisha hand delivered it to the [00:33:17] town [00:33:20] regarding July 18th meeting [00:33:24] yes I received it from Trisha okay [00:33:30] sorry go ahead [00:33:32] and I was just curious if if you had any [00:33:34] questions for me and I could give you an [00:33:37] idea like what I was thinking in the [00:33:40] process [00:33:41] um [00:33:43] it's on it's on the open meeting law [00:33:46] website [00:33:47] where it says [00:33:50] you must be able to without limitation [00:33:54] allow everybody in and Trisha and I [00:33:57] weren't able to get in and there were [00:33:59] many other people that weren't able to [00:34:00] get in and [00:34:04] I just want and it's all in your video [00:34:06] because I watched your video last night [00:34:08] if you go through it and look at it as a [00:34:11] not a board of selectman but if you were [00:34:14] a town resident a lot of town residents [00:34:16] were blocked out of this meeting [00:34:20] there weren't one they weren't allowed [00:34:22] to ask questions two they weren't even [00:34:24] able to see it and [00:34:27] you you didn't adequately control the [00:34:31] meeting she gave host privileges to the [00:34:34] presenter Brian I think his name was [00:34:36] Oliver and can I can I just stop you for [00:34:39] a second there [00:34:40] okay yeah [00:34:42] I just want to make a clarification if [00:34:45] if you read the agenda for that meeting [00:34:47] that was a presentation to the select [00:34:50] board so with no information given yes [00:34:54] that was the whole idea where those [00:34:57] people are coming in to present to the [00:35:00] select board okay it was not a it was [00:35:02] not an open uh an animal meeting it was [00:35:06] an open meeting [00:35:07] it wasn't a public hearing where the [00:35:10] where you and the the rest of the [00:35:13] citizens in town are going to be able to [00:35:15] question what they were going to do [00:35:18] okay can I speak [00:35:21] yeah [00:35:23] okay so [00:35:25] to for the time to be in compliance you [00:35:27] need adequate alternative needs [00:35:30] and we have the right to watch this even [00:35:33] though you're saying we don't have the [00:35:34] right to speak but yet you opened it up [00:35:36] to the public which is this presenter [00:35:39] who I don't know if he lives in the town [00:35:41] doesn't live in the town [00:35:43] and he was from the public and allowed [00:35:46] to speak but the rest of the public was [00:35:48] not allowed to ask questions and was [00:35:50] blocked out of the meeting [00:35:52] so there was no accessibility [00:35:56] and so I don't I me that's why I filed [00:36:00] the complaint because I don't believe [00:36:02] the town is provided adequate [00:36:04] alternative means and is not in [00:36:06] compliance with the [00:36:09] holding a meeting via Zoom or anything [00:36:12] else [00:36:18] as I said okay as I said before Bill the [00:36:23] person that was speaking was the one [00:36:25] that was giving the presentation to the [00:36:27] town [00:36:28] two of the select board members [00:36:30] abstained from being involved in the [00:36:34] discussion [00:36:35] only one member of the select board was [00:36:37] actually involved with the with any [00:36:39] there was actually no discussion if I [00:36:42] remember correctly if you watch the [00:36:44] video [00:36:44] we had the presentation and I I [00:36:48] understand I understand something went [00:36:50] wrong with technology there was a [00:36:52] failure in technology but in the defense [00:36:55] of this this board [00:36:57] in the public and of what we have tried [00:37:01] to do this thing was just videotaped [00:37:04] and it was played for everybody they [00:37:07] were able to watch it I I duly apologize [00:37:09] to everybody who wasn't allowed to get [00:37:11] into the thing [00:37:13] but we had a technical glitch we had a [00:37:16] presentation the board didn't even ask [00:37:18] any questions we didn't even pursue any [00:37:21] questions there was no information [00:37:22] withheld from the public there was no [00:37:24] vote taking by the board we had a [00:37:28] presentation that was presented you were [00:37:30] able to watch that presentation [00:37:33] to go on and I understand that there was [00:37:36] a glitch here we didn't have enough [00:37:38] whatever it was uh ability yeah the tone [00:37:42] of people [00:37:44] well was it a town meeting or not a town [00:37:47] meeting [00:37:48] that was a slack board meeting and as I [00:37:51] said the right to attend and and also [00:37:56] you you recuse yourself which I get and [00:37:59] I saw that in the very beginning but I [00:38:01] didn't see anything from Kelly if she [00:38:03] has a conflict or in interest in this at [00:38:06] all or not and she actually voted on [00:38:08] this [00:38:09] so I I was just curious how that plays [00:38:12] out I'm sorry what did I vote on Bill [00:38:15] the whatever Eric volheim [00:38:18] um said at the end of the meeting [00:38:21] that you received not to adjourn but to [00:38:25] accept to acknowledge the presentation [00:38:27] please let me speak [00:38:30] okay [00:38:32] um at the end of the meeting you I [00:38:35] through the whole meeting I didn't hear [00:38:37] anything that you recused yourself or [00:38:39] you had a conflict of interest because I [00:38:42] couldn't think people in the town need [00:38:43] to know that uh and I [00:38:46] if you watch the next meeting it is duly [00:38:50] noted because I then went to ethics and [00:38:53] I filed my form it is on file with the [00:38:56] Town Clerk and you are happy to go read [00:38:57] it it is public information okay I will [00:39:01] not be sure in anything [00:39:03] to do with this if it continues to take [00:39:07] action [00:39:08] well see these are these are things I [00:39:11] don't know why the Haste The Rush to [00:39:13] push this through and not you know even [00:39:16] review the information Eric volheimer [00:39:19] seemed to receive that information the [00:39:21] same day of the meeting that wasn't made [00:39:23] public to the people of this time 48 [00:39:26] hours in advance excuse me can I speak [00:39:28] yes you can out here Mr chair [00:39:31] uh yes Eric do you have the floor I was [00:39:34] there [00:39:36] um I didn't receive anything before that [00:39:38] presentation [00:39:39] and all I saw it was a motion [00:39:43] to state that we had received the [00:39:46] presentations and then I told them that [00:39:49] we'd be in touch that's [00:39:52] all that I remember from that night so I [00:39:56] had no information before that meeting [00:39:59] from anybody except rumors for the last [00:40:02] year so okay well see that's that's half [00:40:05] the problem right now is the town [00:40:07] doesn't have information and the Rumor [00:40:10] Mill's going crazy I mean I'm going to [00:40:12] stop this conversation right here well [00:40:16] that's fine thank you thank you and I'd [00:40:20] like a response and I'm just letting you [00:40:23] know that the town in my point of view [00:40:25] and maybe other people is not in [00:40:27] compliance Nicole can you mute them [00:40:29] please [00:40:31] we're done here [00:40:33] thank you [00:40:35] I'm sorry I'm I'm not gonna just argue [00:40:38] over Pointless Stuff we'll give a [00:40:40] response when we when we put a response [00:40:43] together [00:40:44] it's my understanding that it's um [00:40:47] gone to Legal correct for Virginia yes [00:40:51] perfect yeah so I'm I'm not saying no [00:40:54] more and yeah let the issue die right [00:40:56] now [00:40:58] motion to adjourn exactly [00:41:02] all those in favor Eric [00:41:05] aye [00:41:06] Kelly hi [00:41:09] Rob hi thank you everybody thank you [00:41:12] good night [00:41:14] sleep tight