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Hardwick Select Board Addresses Financial Management and Community Initiatives

Original title: 2/24/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

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

Meeting details

Date

February 24, 2025

Duration

53m

Decisions

5 recorded

Action Items

8 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Select Board meeting on February 24, 2025, covered several key municipal issues. Discussions included clarifying the accuracy of past financial projections for Eagle Hill, recognizing long-standing community service, and addressing concerns regarding the historical management and current status of the Sewer Commission. The Board also considered changes to the Master Plan Steering Committee, reviewed the handling of Certificates of Deposit and trust accounts, and approved a new Federal Award Policy. Updates were provided on the Hardwick Elementary School roof project, and the meeting concluded with the approval of sewer abatements and a permit for a local gun club event.

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Discussion Highlights

A reminder was issued regarding the visitor code of conduct policy, emphasizing respectful behavior at meetings.
Clarification was provided on a 2005 calculation for Eagle Hill, stating that the projected $1 million in tax revenue was based on the entire property being taxable, which is not accurate due to its exempt status under a pilot program.
Board member Eric Bolheim was recognized for over 30 years of community service, including roles with the Trustees of the Church, Hardwick Rescue Squad, Emergency Director, and Fire Department.
A resident raised concerns about the dissolution of the Sewer Commission and the subsequent lack of action on sewer abatements and outdated regulations, citing specific examples like the Windsor Hotel and Cummington Farms.
The Board acknowledged the resident's points and agreed to revisit the sewer regulations and potentially dedicate a portion of future meetings to sewer-related discussions, possibly involving Scott.
A request from the Planning Board to reduce the Master Plan Steering Committee size from 13 to 11 members was discussed due to difficulties in achieving a quorum.
Concerns were raised about the diligent management of Certificates of Deposit (CDs) and various trust accounts held by the town, with a call for better tracking and optimization of interest earnings.
The Hardwick Elementary School roof project was discussed, noting the availability of MSBA reimbursement programs (75-85%) and the upcoming March 21st deadline for submitting a Statement of Interest.
The Fire Department was commended for saving a home from a structure fire on High Street, and the Police Department was recognized for their role in locating a missing person.
The Town Administrator reported on efforts to find a grant writer, rising health insurance rates, upcoming manager training, and progress in filling vacant positions.

Transcript (9,964 words)

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

00:00:00
Allegiance I pledge allegiance the United States of America to the Republic for which stands one nation under God indivisible with liberty and justice for all thank you everybody I have a couple of things I
00:00:19
Would like to just um little housekeeping on my own here I'd like to remind everybody that we do have a visitor code conduct policy if anyone needs a copy of it happy to share it but it just reminds
00:00:38
People and essentially just to be kind at meetings there were a couple of comments made in one of the last meetings that I want to um make a few comments back to the calculation that was mentioned for the eagle Hill uh that Jen clender did
00:00:56
Back in 2005 that would bring in a Million that we should go to that calculation that's not actually accurate that would be a calculation if the entire property and the campus and all the buildings up there could be taxed so
00:01:14
Just like we don't tax schools churches and other non-exempt or rather exempt properties we can't just go and do that so I just want to kind of clarify that that they are in a pilot program now that they are not in breach of they pay based on what the pilot says
00:01:35
And what was signed by a prior Administration so I also wanted to clear that up too there was also mentioned of another board member um and I want to take a minute to recognize Eric Bim for living
00:01:53
In this town for over 30 years he's been a member of the trustees at the church he has served on the rescue the Hardwick Rescue Squad board he has um been the emergency director for as long as I remember and volunteered on the fire department for

[00:00:00] Allegiance I pledge [00:00:03] allegiance the United States of America [00:00:06] to the Republic for which stands one [00:00:09] nation under God indivisible with [00:00:12] liberty and justice for all thank you [00:00:17] everybody I have a couple of things I [00:00:19] would like to just um little [00:00:23] housekeeping on my own here I'd like to [00:00:27] remind everybody that we do have a [00:00:29] visitor code conduct policy if anyone [00:00:32] needs a copy of it happy to share it um [00:00:35] but it just reminds [00:00:38] people and essentially just to be kind [00:00:40] at [00:00:41] meetings there were a couple of comments [00:00:43] made in one of the last meetings that I [00:00:46] want to um make a few comments back to [00:00:51] the calculation that was mentioned for [00:00:53] the eagle Hill uh that Jen clender did [00:00:56] back in 2005 that would bring in a [00:00:59] Million [00:01:01] that we should go to that [00:01:02] calculation that's not actually accurate [00:01:06] that would be a calculation if the [00:01:08] entire property and the campus and all [00:01:11] the buildings up there could be taxed so [00:01:14] just like we don't tax [00:01:16] schools churches and other non-exempt or [00:01:20] rather exempt properties we can't just [00:01:23] go and do that so I just want to kind of [00:01:26] clarify that that they are in a pilot [00:01:29] program now that they are not in breach [00:01:31] of they pay based on what the pilot says [00:01:35] and what was signed by a prior [00:01:39] Administration so I also wanted to clear [00:01:41] that up [00:01:42] too there was also mentioned of another [00:01:46] board member um and I want to take a [00:01:49] minute to recognize Eric Bim for living [00:01:53] in this town for over 30 years he's been [00:01:56] a member of the trustees at the church [00:01:59] he has served on the rescue the Hardwick [00:02:01] Rescue Squad board he has um been the [00:02:04] emergency director for as long as I [00:02:07] remember and volunteered on the fire [00:02:09] department for [00:02:11] decades so before anyone wants to [00:02:15] publicly bash a board member um you [00:02:18] might want to just do a little bit more [00:02:20] research and have some respect before [00:02:23] doing so thank [00:02:27] you that being said thanks you're very [00:02:30] welcome any visitor [00:02:33] comments um I would I'd like to discuss [00:02:37] the um the Sewer Commission or the lack [00:02:39] of the Sewer Commission um because I [00:02:41] know you're working on um some uh sewer [00:02:44] abatements U later on in this meeting [00:02:49] um I don't how many years ago it was [00:02:51] that the um selectman basically to with [00:02:54] the Sewer Commission I was on the last [00:02:56] Sewer Commission um I was opposed to [00:02:59] this and and I was opposed to it for [00:03:01] numerous reasons some of which have B [00:03:03] born out that um we when we had a Sewer [00:03:07] Commission we met every month we um [00:03:10] attempted some of us attempted to [00:03:12] actually do things that we felt that [00:03:14] were um in favor of this town didn't [00:03:17] necessarily always happen but since the [00:03:20] selectman took over the Sewer Commission [00:03:23] basically nothing's been done um the [00:03:27] what was in front of us at the time that [00:03:29] commission was still active was the fact [00:03:31] that the USDA was demanding that we [00:03:34] rewrite the sewer uh regulations um I [00:03:38] attempted to do that with um Mr Ruggles [00:03:42] and um uh god [00:03:48] um Lo up on h r anyway um M goes right [00:03:52] out yeah and huh no no no but um Julie [00:03:58] quick Juber no no no he [00:04:03] um Robert's [00:04:06] house Benny Benny okay yeah and every [00:04:10] time I brought it up I was stopped okay [00:04:13] I said the USDA is demanding that we [00:04:15] react the sewer regulations we need to [00:04:18] do this no no no we don't need to do [00:04:20] this in the sewer regulations as archaic [00:04:23] as they are is a state some information [00:04:27] in there that says that every year we we [00:04:29] as the SE Commissioners are supposed to [00:04:32] go and look at every property and see [00:04:36] whether or not they are getting the [00:04:37] right edu's assess to them I brought [00:04:41] that up for two years and um I I pointed [00:04:45] out just the Windsor Hotel and their [00:04:48] other property the fact that they were [00:04:50] completely out of whack with where they [00:04:53] should have been and they should have [00:04:54] been like to paying at least twice if [00:04:57] not three times more than they were [00:04:59] paying now [00:05:00] and we voted on that on a meeting and [00:05:04] everything we were supposed to send a [00:05:06] letter out I guess Nicole was going to [00:05:07] send a letter out and I was not at the [00:05:10] last the next meeting and the two of [00:05:12] them voted it [00:05:14] down so it went back to the fact that [00:05:16] the Windsor Hotel is basically paying [00:05:18] the same as a residence which is [00:05:21] completely out of whack um I also [00:05:23] pointed out that Cumberland Farms was [00:05:25] being even though they've never [00:05:27] complained they've been overcharged [00:05:29] for um based on they do recall all this [00:05:33] okay and that the new laundromat was on [00:05:37] was being charg as one as a single [00:05:39] family residents um so that is actually [00:05:43] in our regulations that that has to be [00:05:45] done every year if that was done every [00:05:48] year the abatements that you're working [00:05:50] on would have been caught because most [00:05:52] of those are ones that could keep coming [00:05:54] back all the time because I don't [00:05:56] disagree Liz you know but so I think [00:05:59] have a Sewer Commission anymore so we do [00:06:01] it's the board I know because that's how [00:06:04] it had to be for this project to move [00:06:07] forward and you you make some great [00:06:09] points and I think there's things that [00:06:11] we should look into because I think once [00:06:13] the projects got going and we got [00:06:14] wrapped up in that these things kind of [00:06:16] did get pushed over here so duly noted [00:06:19] that we definitely we should probably [00:06:21] look into that I I mean I I personally [00:06:24] think that you know an advisory Sewer [00:06:27] Commission or something well before we [00:06:30] make more committees that aren't you [00:06:32] know that just end up we already had one [00:06:34] but right [00:06:37] um we used to dedicate a portion of one [00:06:40] meeting to the [00:06:42] Sewer okay uh and I don't know that that [00:06:45] so month once a month right we would the [00:06:47] beginning of a meeting would be for the [00:06:50] sewer and like Scott would come in if we [00:06:52] needed him to you know and things like [00:06:54] that so you want it to be once a month I [00:06:57] think I think we should probably back to [00:07:00] that and just maybe to reconnect with [00:07:03] Scott and see um thank you for bringing [00:07:06] that SC would come to our meetings and [00:07:09] you know and we would go over everything [00:07:11] you know Personnel the whole nine yards [00:07:14] okay no I I was on it I was on the [00:07:16] commission too at one point so and then [00:07:18] it merged with being just the board [00:07:20] members okay but I think start early huh [00:07:22] we should start early yeah like a half [00:07:24] hour have that dedicated to I if would [00:07:27] you do you mind if it's the first [00:07:29] meeting or the second meeting of the [00:07:30] monthes matter why don't we do the first [00:07:32] and then we can start March off with [00:07:34] that okay so does 6:00 that's okay to [00:07:38] start okay so we'll do that and just [00:07:41] maybe see if Scott can come absolutely [00:07:44] and we'll kind of get the ball rolling [00:07:46] again on all of that stuff that should [00:07:48] be looked out thank thank you I think [00:07:50] and I think the citizens yeah I know I [00:07:53] think once the projects got rolling it [00:07:55] just kind of unfortunately got put over [00:07:57] to the side and once it that you know [00:08:00] the commission got demol yeah I hate to [00:08:03] say demolished that's wrong but yeah [00:08:05] once it get voted right dissolved thank [00:08:07] you much better word thank you okay all [00:08:11] right one the question on on the [00:08:13] regulations you're talking about are [00:08:14] they in the bylaws or are they under the [00:08:16] SE committee sewer actually has its own [00:08:19] set of regulations so it might behove us [00:08:21] all to take a look at those again prior [00:08:23] to the next meeting so we can peruse [00:08:26] them right yeah they have it's a binder [00:08:29] itself so [00:08:31] okay okay any [00:08:34] other um actually sorry I'm going to [00:08:36] take Bill Cole first good he thanks [00:08:39] Madam chair thank you for the way you [00:08:41] handled the last board meeting and and [00:08:44] what you said tonight I'd had uh being [00:08:48] on the planning board and seeing all the [00:08:49] uh all that Eric had done in that [00:08:52] committee for so many years I knew I [00:08:54] wouldn't should be on that list too [00:08:56] anyway thank you both um but a couple [00:08:59] things and what did want to mention [00:09:00] maybe you've received a letter from the [00:09:02] planning board forwarded from the well [00:09:05] asking this this board to consider [00:09:07] changing the number of members on the [00:09:10] master plan steering committee from 13 [00:09:12] to 11 it's been hard to get a quorum um [00:09:16] we we wanted to wait till they did it [00:09:18] through the planning board and we voted [00:09:21] to pass that request on to you so I [00:09:25] don't know if you've got that or act on [00:09:27] it tonight but we'd like we'd like the [00:09:29] quum to be six not seven it's just there [00:09:31] a big difference with yeah getting [00:09:33] people to meetings they can respect that [00:09:36] anytime anytime you could do that we [00:09:38] would that committee on the planing [00:09:40] board would are they all are they all [00:09:42] filled no they're not there's a uh they [00:09:45] there would be nine or 10 even there are [00:09:49] nine or 10 now that all which just on [00:09:53] nobody get cut if we did no nobody would [00:09:55] get cut there's still room you [00:09:58] importantly there's still room for a new [00:10:00] voice to to join in if should come along [00:10:03] so so you're looking to change the [00:10:05] master steering committee from Master [00:10:08] Plan steering committee master plan [00:10:09] steering committee committee size of 13 [00:10:12] to 11 11 you can do that that would be [00:10:14] great move we oh you can put that on the [00:10:17] agenda for the next meeting it came in [00:10:18] at the end of last week so I'll put that [00:10:19] on the agenda for the next meeting we [00:10:21] can't address it [00:10:23] tonight being brought up in comments [00:10:26] you're really not supposed to okay is is [00:10:29] that going to goof up a well I I we're [00:10:32] going to have a good turnout on our [00:10:33] meeting this week I believe okay but you [00:10:36] should if somebody doesn't make it then [00:10:38] we if the difference of six and seven [00:10:40] matters again we might have a problem [00:10:42] but um you know CM RCP is coming out [00:10:44] we're deciding some steps um it'd be [00:10:48] helpful I guess I can't say it's an [00:10:50] emergency but it was supposed to be on [00:10:51] the agenda certainly a new mail faceb we [00:10:55] could meet quick next week or a couple [00:10:57] days from now disos this was just this [00:11:00] was already dog by the time that no I'm [00:11:02] just saying so they you know we don't [00:11:04] have to when's your meeting this week um [00:11:10] Thursday you mean I ideally it would be [00:11:12] posted as an agenda item for tonight so [00:11:14] you can Pi take it up and discuss and [00:11:16] vote on it is that what you right right [00:11:18] and you tried to post it for tonight [00:11:20] well uh yeah I had the master plans [00:11:23] sended to planning planning voted it in [00:11:26] a couple weeks ago L knew this and I [00:11:28] thought I thought she was going to [00:11:29] squeeze it on here but it didn't make it [00:11:32] didn't make it before the agenda was [00:11:33] submitted to the select [00:11:35] board and the packet everything toally [00:11:37] your call whether whether something like [00:11:40] that can be handled without being on the [00:11:42] agenda 48 hours ahead I did uh talk to [00:11:44] lucenda about being on the next [00:11:46] meeting oh okay yeah I had heard [00:11:50] that so we'll get by um not second thing [00:11:53] if I may um I guess the town Town [00:11:57] reports are all being compiled and [00:11:58] everything's going into that now and it [00:12:00] reminds me there's some things that um [00:12:03] I've noticed in working some on behalf [00:12:05] of some of the Committees and the CDs [00:12:07] and the trust accounts that are around [00:12:08] in the town there's several areas that [00:12:12] could be improved a lot I think we've [00:12:15] done some things with the CDs some of [00:12:17] them um but on that front I think um it [00:12:22] would be good if if way to the board was [00:12:25] behind us getting the details every CD [00:12:29] that was in the process of being rolled [00:12:31] while Jessica was here as there's [00:12:34] there's been a lack of uh either [00:12:37] decision- making or or uh action or [00:12:40] reports or whatever so there's we're [00:12:43] talking about a lot of money it's the [00:12:44] difference in making next to nothing the [00:12:46] bank pays you and the amount we can make [00:12:49] now is I it's like 50 bucks a day on the [00:12:51] agre it's not all in question now but [00:12:54] we've got to I think be able to be on [00:12:57] top of that and it's a job for the [00:12:58] treasur and Sarah Hunter who very [00:13:00] helpful particularly with this next [00:13:02] thing I want to mention but if you [00:13:04] can if you can uh authorize the CDs to [00:13:08] be handled [00:13:11] diligently that would be helpful so I [00:13:14] can speak to that if you want yeah so [00:13:16] the two UniBank ones were rolled over at [00:13:18] the exact same percentage the [00:13:21] 4.15 the other bank I can't remember the [00:13:23] name of the other bank that one I have [00:13:25] to check on but the two unit Banks were [00:13:27] there's [00:13:29] what I've seen sometimes is when Jessica [00:13:32] did this she'd say oh that all happened [00:13:33] the right way then you'd look and you'd [00:13:35] see yeah but they they put it in place [00:13:37] two weeks later after sitting there for [00:13:39] a quarter of a percent for two weeks and [00:13:41] they shouldn't have done it that way and [00:13:42] in some cases we've been able to get [00:13:44] that adjustment made I was very proud of [00:13:47] myself for doing the uni bank ones so I [00:13:50] know theys I'd love to see them so that [00:13:52] I can update my notes and tell the the [00:13:54] relevant I saw your email come in too I [00:13:57] talked to Sarah about it when we met [00:13:59] with her on Friday afternoon and she was [00:14:00] going to follow up about the other one [00:14:02] with the other bank um so once I have [00:14:05] information from her I can forward it on [00:14:07] to you but I don't have information can [00:14:09] can he sit directly with Sarah he [00:14:11] absolutely can but he can't be the one [00:14:12] to make the phone calls no I understand [00:14:14] that neither can she I mean it's it's up [00:14:16] to the treasurer and there forms to [00:14:18] authorize you to even do it on the phone [00:14:20] with me yeah so that that would be fine [00:14:23] these these these have been all like end [00:14:25] of the year rollovers so we're kind of [00:14:27] but we want to stay on top of those in [00:14:29] the interim of we absolutely are yeah so [00:14:33] that we're not losing out absolutely and [00:14:35] I'm you know I'm kind of an overseeing [00:14:37] it so as soon as I see that something's [00:14:38] not right I take it off my list and tell [00:14:40] the committee chair you know so okay [00:14:42] that's the easiest rather than keep [00:14:44] wondering if it's happened and asking [00:14:46] about it so thanks for that the other [00:14:48] thing in in town reports um there's [00:14:51] always a you know this sort of [00:14:54] repetitive reporting of the value of the [00:14:56] different trust funds that the town has [00:14:59] has through different entities like the [00:15:01] library dress funds and you know the [00:15:03] Morse for that matter any egg fund and [00:15:05] then and then you'll see something like [00:15:08] the center school you know basically the [00:15:11] rugles school and there was money in [00:15:13] there and there was you know donated [00:15:16] whatever 150 years ago or something and [00:15:18] it's and it's like where is that now and [00:15:21] what is the purpose for what purpose is [00:15:24] available for that so I first mentioned [00:15:26] this to some of you when there was that [00:15:29] town meeting say allocating $7,000 or [00:15:32] something for the school to have the [00:15:33] Tank tank taken out or something but [00:15:36] there's money where there was money for [00:15:38] that kind of purpose and as you talk [00:15:41] about what happens to the [00:15:43] building what the town decides to do [00:15:45] with the [00:15:46] building once that's gone I don't think [00:15:49] there's going to be anything to do with [00:15:51] that money so I would think You' want to [00:15:53] know where that is where it is what if [00:15:55] anything can be done with those funds [00:15:57] now if it got folded into a different [00:16:00] fund be good to know that and and Sarah [00:16:02] Hunter knows a lot about that her name [00:16:05] is on a lot of the work that's in the [00:16:07] she dug into the cemetery cuz there was [00:16:09] a big to do with the cemetery revolving [00:16:12] funds and peret Perpetual funds that I [00:16:16] think she also helped this was a [00:16:17] substantial St at one point and and then [00:16:20] there were also some dividends that were [00:16:21] supposed to go one place that went into [00:16:22] that fun instead and so there's [00:16:24] some some Reckoning to be done and [00:16:27] Sarah's going to be good at that and and [00:16:29] she said she'd be happy if I helped her [00:16:31] and I'm happy to it's just we need to [00:16:34] know that and now as the town reports [00:16:36] are being done and I didn't know the [00:16:38] deadline was so soon but I guess it is [00:16:40] so it would also be good I think for [00:16:43] every committee and for the town to know [00:16:45] what what the value of these different [00:16:47] funds actually is instead of just [00:16:48] carrying over a somewhat meaningless [00:16:50] number year to year like one of the [00:16:52] libraries funds was $44,000 in in [00:16:57] 1910 and it's well 30,000 now so [00:17:01] somewhere in the book it's 30 and [00:17:04] everybody know what's available for what [00:17:07] that that was a thought on that so um [00:17:10] and back in the CDs briefly Jessica had [00:17:13] she saw what we were doing when we roll [00:17:15] some of them and make some good interest [00:17:16] instead of nothing and I think she [00:17:19] started to do that on behalf of the town [00:17:21] as she's authorized to do and and has [00:17:23] made some interest for the town and such [00:17:25] but I just want to suggest that somebody [00:17:29] me I mean I can't see any of that but [00:17:30] somebody should be on top of those [00:17:34] particular [00:17:36] CDs know those time deposits in the [00:17:38] banks for the town so that when those [00:17:41] come due you know you can make a similar [00:17:43] decision you about whether should roll [00:17:46] or not because it's those are even [00:17:48] larger in some cases and it's it's a lot [00:17:51] of [00:17:52] interest agree anyway those are my [00:17:55] thoughts thank you thank you you [00:18:01] can I trust that you're going to be nice [00:18:04] I I'm being serious Jeff is that a [00:18:07] requirement uh it is in my meeting I'll [00:18:10] be [00:18:11] nice if you want to speak it has to be [00:18:13] nice so I've sent Jeff Smith 307 upper [00:18:18] Street I've sent a few me messages to [00:18:20] the members of this board and I've asked [00:18:23] for certain things one I wanted to know [00:18:26] what the verbal agreement was with eagle [00:18:28] Hill originally the one that Eric had I [00:18:32] also um dispute those numbers they come [00:18:35] to me from the assessor's office and if [00:18:38] I even stipulate I had the same [00:18:40] discussion with the assessor this [00:18:42] morning Jeff because I wanted to make [00:18:43] sure my facts were straight I'm not [00:18:45] going to go back and forth with you [00:18:47] about the number so that we can move my [00:18:50] time or am I allowed to speak we can [00:18:51] move on from [00:18:53] that am I allowed to speak if you're [00:18:56] moving on from if I stipulate that [00:18:58] you're correct about that number it only [00:19:01] highlights the egregious amount of stuff [00:19:04] that has not been addressed with eagle [00:19:07] Hill they they're a [00:19:10] school it's not that simple and you [00:19:13] didn't address my emails in fully either [00:19:15] but the thing is the verbal agreement [00:19:17] was $25,000 that PJ mcdonal agreed and [00:19:20] why do why does the town have no record [00:19:22] of those [00:19:24] payments don't know I would have left it [00:19:26] I left it with the Assessor I've asked [00:19:29] for the record of those payments those [00:19:31] payments there's no record of them [00:19:33] they're absolutely okay because we [00:19:35] talked about them this morning and then [00:19:37] that that's what was done was there did [00:19:39] Eagle hill come before this board and [00:19:42] request the reduction in the payment in [00:19:45] 2022 that's the letter of their [00:19:47] agreement are they following the letter [00:19:49] of they no they're not okay Jee we're [00:19:51] going to agree to [00:19:53] disagree the way that the pilot is [00:19:55] written is how they are paying for it [00:20:00] whether it's right wrong or [00:20:02] indifferent the town signed off on that [00:20:04] agreement did did they come before this [00:20:07] board and ask to reduce that payment [00:20:09] it's in the pilot agreement it [00:20:11] specifically States the one year that it [00:20:13] was reduced yes because they they [00:20:16] reduced every year after that in my [00:20:17] opinion but the in in 2022 they reduced [00:20:19] the payment to [00:20:21] $116,000 correct why did they do that [00:20:24] because they hadn't been paying it [00:20:26] correctly and hadn't been build [00:20:28] correctly ly for years so they came [00:20:31] before the board and work that out and [00:20:32] you have that in writing CU that's what [00:20:34] it specifies in the contract with the [00:20:36] top it was with the Town Administrator [00:20:37] and the assessor at the time I can't I'm [00:20:40] looking for that documentation and it so [00:20:42] far has not [00:20:45] materialized so I don't have anything [00:20:47] for you Jeff all right is that all I'm [00:20:51] done thank you perfect Colleen hi um so [00:20:56] I just wanted to make sure or the your [00:20:59] Capital planning board came to visit us [00:21:02] at Hardwick elementary school because [00:21:04] they were kind of working on um plans [00:21:06] moving forward maybe like a 5-year [00:21:08] Capital Improvement plan uh so they came [00:21:12] we have a need our roof at the [00:21:14] elementary school is um I don't know 32 [00:21:18] years old I think at this point and um [00:21:22] we have leaks in our cafeteria area so [00:21:25] what I when we left the meeting together [00:21:28] what we talked about was the msba which [00:21:30] is the Massachusetts school building [00:21:33] authority offers uh reimbursement [00:21:36] programs and right now they're offering [00:21:39] rates of 75 to 85% reimbursement for [00:21:42] projects like this uh it's a competitive [00:21:46] project they're only opening these [00:21:48] windows every two years now so there's [00:21:51] one open right now in [00:21:53] 2025 but they won't open another one for [00:21:55] roofs until 2027 [00:21:58] even if we were to be [00:22:00] approved um they handle all the leg work [00:22:03] they get all the bids they come in they [00:22:06] look at the need they evaluate so on and [00:22:08] so forth the project wouldn't start [00:22:10] until [00:22:11] 2026 so the way we left the meeting was [00:22:15] I thought they were going to come to [00:22:17] your board and recommend that we enter [00:22:20] into what we call a statement of [00:22:21] Interest which really is just allowing [00:22:24] me to submit the school information that [00:22:26] says this is the this vintage of the [00:22:29] roof these are the needs we have would [00:22:31] you consider us for a project um so I [00:22:35] just wanted to bring that to your [00:22:37] attention because if the town decides [00:22:40] they want to move forward with that the [00:22:42] statement of interest is due by March [00:22:45] 21st and I just don't want to miss out [00:22:47] on it because because they certainly [00:22:48] came to our meeting but they didn't [00:22:50] indicate an urgency in getting anything [00:22:53] back to you so it was okay um [00:22:57] so okay we didn't know about yeah so [00:23:00] there's language so what I'd like to do [00:23:02] is leave this with you I also I think I [00:23:05] sent over all the links with all the [00:23:07] information about the project but to be [00:23:09] honest with you right now you're just [00:23:12] saying sure let the superintendent [00:23:14] submit this okay so it can go under [00:23:17] review from the building authority and [00:23:20] they may say no we have schools with a [00:23:22] much greater need than you have at [00:23:24] Hardwick or they might say this is the [00:23:26] perfect time and size to do this group [00:23:29] and so then what they'll do is um they [00:23:31] would let us know and at that point we [00:23:33] would say yes we're interested in moving [00:23:36] on then they send their people out um it [00:23:39] used to be that like we'd have a clerk [00:23:41] of the works and so on and so forth it's [00:23:43] not like that anymore msba actually [00:23:45] handles all of it we just did one with [00:23:48] hubberston at their Center School um and [00:23:51] even if we get to the final point where [00:23:53] we're like okay here's the cost of the [00:23:55] roof if the town decides on that you [00:23:58] can't afford to do it at that time we [00:24:00] can pull back you're not locked in until [00:24:02] you sign off on that final agreement and [00:24:05] when you sign the final agreement it [00:24:07] really is that we could um cover the [00:24:11] cost of the roof within 90 days of um [00:24:16] being assigned the project type of thing [00:24:18] so we would talk all about the borrowing [00:24:20] the school would handle all of that um [00:24:24] but so really this is just like yes we [00:24:27] want you to move forward submit the [00:24:28] application and we'll see kind of where [00:24:30] it lands so maybe they didn't realize we [00:24:32] needed to do a full vote but I just gave [00:24:35] Justine the language so if you do that [00:24:37] at your next meeting that would be great [00:24:40] um if you want me back I'm happy to come [00:24:41] back I'm happy to bring my facilities [00:24:43] director back if you have any other [00:24:45] questions there are two um directions [00:24:49] you can go in we are looking just for [00:24:52] roof replacement what they do now that [00:24:55] they never did before is when they come [00:24:57] in and they evaluate the RO that they [00:24:58] decide it can be done through a repair [00:25:01] they'll make that suggestion and they [00:25:03] would offer a repair program versus full [00:25:06] replacement okay we're not sure they'll [00:25:08] do that but you know maybe um they also [00:25:11] do offer window replacement heat pumps [00:25:14] our heat pumps are in good shape our [00:25:17] Windows probably need seal replacement [00:25:20] but when we met with your Capital team [00:25:22] what we talked about was prioritizing [00:25:24] the roof at this time they did mention [00:25:26] the windows as a down the RO [00:25:29] a community Grant or something like that [00:25:31] yeah just not to stress the everybody's [00:25:33] budgets [00:25:35] yeah Eric may I ask a question can Eric [00:25:39] speak first please just there's a [00:25:42] parallel thing going on I just wanted to [00:25:44] let you know uh the town went through a [00:25:47] pro process and we got a municipal [00:25:52] vulnerabilities [00:25:54] preparedness we're in that program so [00:25:56] we're um eligible to apply for Grants [00:26:00] we're going to be meeting [00:26:02] Tuesday tomorrow yeah the Town [00:26:04] Administrator and I we have letters of [00:26:07] Interest mine was about the roof at the [00:26:10] school including a solar array to power [00:26:14] the air conditioning this is an enormous [00:26:17] opportunity pie in the sky but we've [00:26:20] just gotten the word that if we can work [00:26:23] with Peter sham and hubberston because [00:26:25] they want another roof maybe this could [00:26:28] Happ happen so this comes out of [00:26:30] Emergency Management stuff Mima um as [00:26:33] well try every Avenue so we got we got [00:26:36] several things going on good just wanted [00:26:39] you to know yeah no worries at all and I [00:26:41] don't think there's any harm as you're [00:26:43] pursuing that and still filling this out [00:26:46] no we should do I think we should tackle [00:26:48] every whatever one is going to be more [00:26:50] beneficial than great my question was if [00:26:56] do a full roof repair MH will they go [00:26:58] with a metal [00:27:00] roof um and I'm asking for the reason [00:27:03] that um if you do an asphalt roof youve [00:27:05] got 20 to 40 years maybe okay metal is [00:27:09] usually got a 50e guarantee and they can [00:27:11] last twice that plus if you're looking [00:27:14] at solar um standing steam metal roof [00:27:17] you don't have to drill into it there's [00:27:19] there's the ability to just hook the [00:27:21] solar panels to it without damage to the [00:27:23] roof and you know if you're putting [00:27:26] solar arrays on an asphalt roof it's [00:27:28] like it's going to link guaranteed so [00:27:31] just throwing it out there I can't give [00:27:33] you an answer what I will tell you that [00:27:34] they did in hubberston was a combination [00:27:36] so there's a metal section of roofing [00:27:38] and then there are ASP I'm sure they [00:27:40] look at each building [00:27:42] individually engage just subjection [00:27:46] metal does cost more but Madam chair [00:27:49] yeah um so Jessica from the [00:27:50] superintendent's office they call me [00:27:52] today and I did put a note to put this [00:27:53] on the next agenda okay perfect so we'll [00:27:56] we'll vote and sign on that yeah thank [00:27:58] you for coming us [00:28:02] before yeah the letter yeah oh yeah oh [00:28:07] yeah yep okay uh discussion and vote on [00:28:13] did you have your hand up Bill I it was [00:28:16] only about the solar involved in the [00:28:17] roof and those questions got asked I [00:28:19] think okay sorry thank you I thought I [00:28:21] and then I you were right discussion um [00:28:24] and vote on federal award policy um so [00:28:28] so in discussion with our audit firm um [00:28:30] we are still working on the audit [00:28:33] um oh I'm Sor I'm sorry well because he [00:28:37] he it's okay because I talked to Kelly [00:28:39] on the way in yes and I had also checked [00:28:42] in with Justine earlier so you know [00:28:44] thanks to the board for giving us a time [00:28:46] slot on the agenda um but I'd like to [00:28:49] ask the board if you folks don't mind um [00:28:53] letting us slide to the next meeting in [00:28:55] two weeks on the I think it's Monday the [00:28:58] yeah um Justine made a point of making [00:29:01] sure I got on this agenda thank you but [00:29:04] we'll just keep it we'll keep it until [00:29:05] we see you and um so so the whole point [00:29:10] is that I'm trying to get the president [00:29:12] of the association here too because I [00:29:14] think it's important um the the [00:29:17] letter I can't believe it Kelly's going [00:29:20] to shake her head but it was February [00:29:22] 2017 when we received the letter of [00:29:25] support that then Senator GOI used to [00:29:27] help us get get funding for the for the [00:29:30] lake work and um the last sentence says [00:29:33] please keep us informed of your future [00:29:35] progress we're rooting for you um so uh [00:29:39] we you know we'd like whatever 10 [00:29:41] minutes between 5 and 10 minutes just [00:29:44] just to update the board perfect and [00:29:46] then we have the so we'll see you back [00:29:49] next in the next meeting hopefully with [00:29:51] yeah thank you for considering that's [00:29:53] okay no I should have said something I [00:29:56] guess I was it's okay thank you so [00:29:58] Federal award policy um so in discussion [00:30:01] with our audit company um one of the [00:30:04] things we're going to get dinged on in [00:30:05] our audit this year is that we didn't [00:30:06] have a federal um po Federal grant [00:30:09] policy in place when we took out the big [00:30:11] USDA Grant so I asked them for a copy of [00:30:14] the one that they recommended this is [00:30:15] the one they recommended so it's on your [00:30:17] agenda so moving forward we'll be in [00:30:20] compliance than sure what what so what [00:30:27] what do you mean we get d [00:30:29] um so every year when we do our audit we [00:30:31] get a management letter at the beginning [00:30:33] of the audit which is everything pretty [00:30:34] much that we're doing wrong and this is [00:30:36] or area sry areas in which we could [00:30:39] improve in yeah that was much [00:30:41] better see I can find my words so too [00:30:45] not a fine no no no it's just it's just [00:30:48] you know little little flags that say we [00:30:52] need to work on right and then once we [00:30:54] do them the next year they go away so [00:30:56] yeah [00:30:58] has everyone reviewed it we're good with [00:31:00] it yeah I would take a motion with [00:31:05] please make a motion to adopt the [00:31:08] Federal grant policy and [00:31:10] procedures second all those in [00:31:16] favor uh sewer [00:31:18] evance so I will have everything um PR [00:31:21] to sign tonight um Sandy put up this [00:31:25] nice cover sheet together um I have all [00:31:27] the the backup if you need [00:31:32] it for the five [00:31:39] properties so we've got the sewer [00:31:41] abatements for 119 Pine Street will [00:31:43] right 40 brid Street Gilbertville 441 [00:31:45] Main Street Gilbertville 440 to 446 Main [00:31:49] Street harlick and 73 North Street [00:31:52] gville [00:31:54] that h [00:32:02] take a [00:32:14] motion has Scott weighed in on any of [00:32:17] these all of them and so did our [00:32:19] assessor and um the executive assisted [00:32:21] in my office um it was and all I have [00:32:24] all the backup if you need to see it [00:32:28] well then I move that we Grant these [00:32:31] abatements all second all those in favor [00:32:36] I discussion and vote on dog [00:32:43] warrant the request of the town clerk [00:32:45] something that you um this board has [00:32:47] approved [00:32:51] annually Constable post yes correct [00:32:58] well I hope that we uh uh approve the [00:33:02] annual T Dog warant I'll second all in [00:33:06] favor [00:33:08] I discussion and vote on Hardwick Rod [00:33:10] and Gun Club Rimfire [00:33:13] Rampage um this is event an event that [00:33:17] they've been doing uh twice a [00:33:19] year um I do see that they [00:33:23] completed their events application to [00:33:27] the best of [00:33:28] necessary and [00:33:32] abilities um looks like it's going to be [00:33:34] on April 12th 2025 um Chief aot has [00:33:38] signed off that he's aware of [00:33:42] it they want to shoot past the 10:00 [00:33:45] correct 7 to 11: so they have to you [00:33:48] know they they always let us know it's [00:33:51] only about 20 [00:33:54] people excuse me [00:34:04] I move that we uh Grant the uh permit to [00:34:08] the hardbrick Rod Gun Club to do their [00:34:10] ramp fire Rampage till [00:34:13] 11:00 I'll second it on April 12th 2025 [00:34:17] great all in favor I [00:34:21] I Calvin page building [00:34:25] RFP so I sent the board um a draft of it [00:34:30] as part of your packet and then Council [00:34:32] got back to me this morning with a [00:34:34] couple little tweaks it was nothing [00:34:36] substantive um so I did put on your [00:34:39] place just there you'll see when you [00:34:41] it's like a couple pages of just a [00:34:43] couple little things um that I will make [00:34:45] those Corrections um or changes at your [00:34:49] pleasure and um if you look at the uh [00:34:53] process [00:34:54] schedule um if the board votes to [00:34:56] approve this tonight With The Changes um [00:34:59] from Council I will be posting this um [00:35:02] on Wednesday um it will be going on the [00:35:04] town website the central register comis [00:35:07] and I'll put a little blur in the [00:35:10] paper the way R is [00:35:18] okay I I do have um an amendment I'd [00:35:23] like to add to this under the third page [00:35:27] under [00:35:30] um the comparative selection criteria [00:35:34] section uh [00:35:36] five you have the four things that give [00:35:38] you points for each thing yep and I [00:35:41] recommend we add a a fifth one that says [00:35:43] public benefit and Community [00:35:46] impact and a six where it's a nonprofit [00:35:50] let's say a nonprofit gets this building [00:35:52] um nonprofit contribution to the town [00:35:55] what is the public benefit and and and [00:35:58] they'll outline [00:36:00] it in it and basically there'll be a [00:36:03] scoring [00:36:04] system based on you know three 3 two and [00:36:08] one and zero the scoring system that is [00:36:10] already there yes [00:36:14] okay so like number five the public [00:36:17] benefit and Community impact it would be [00:36:20] project provide significant public [00:36:22] benefits such as community space [00:36:24] economic growth or services that [00:36:26] directly enhance resident quality of [00:36:28] life that would be like three points [00:36:31] highly [00:36:32] advantageous and then for two points a [00:36:35] project provides some public benefit but [00:36:37] not as [00:36:39] extensive one point would be limited [00:36:41] indirect public benefit and zero points [00:36:45] would be no clear public benefit that [00:36:47] would be under item number five item [00:36:50] number six for nonprofit highly [00:36:53] advantageous would be three points a [00:36:54] nonprofit provides measurable public [00:36:57] benefits such as a direct Financial [00:36:59] contribution through pilot agreement or [00:37:01] free subsidized Public Services job [00:37:04] creation for local residents or [00:37:06] facilities open to the [00:37:09] community two points would be nonprofit [00:37:12] provides some public benefit they but [00:37:14] they are limited in scope or [00:37:17] availability to town residents one point [00:37:20] would be nonprofit claims public benefit [00:37:22] but does not provide direct measurable [00:37:25] support to the town and zero point would [00:37:27] be nonprofit profit offers no clear [00:37:30] benefit to the town and you'll send me [00:37:32] the language yeah just Emil this I got [00:37:34] in my notes but are we adding sections [00:37:37] to this then because yeah it would be [00:37:40] under number five would be added right [00:37:42] after I understand the scoring yeah but [00:37:45] are you asking anyone that's bidding [00:37:47] these questions yes where right here on [00:37:51] page three would be inserted after [00:37:54] quality of proposed conceptual site plan [00:37:57] which is number four we'd add number [00:37:59] five below that and number six in that [00:38:03] area so this is like the scoring [00:38:05] criteria when we um when we get the RFP [00:38:08] when we get the proposals back [00:38:16] um uh I'm okay I'm behind on my [00:38:20] homework okay I see what you're saying [00:38:22] okay I just want to make sure I'm seeing [00:38:24] what you're so we're adding it here then [00:38:27] the scoring would be yeah cuz if what [00:38:30] you just read yeah because there's [00:38:32] nothing that measures Community like a [00:38:34] benefit for the citizens of the Town per [00:38:37] se y okay so just well it's the town's [00:38:41] building they we right we don't well [00:38:44] however it's working but it's also a [00:38:46] scoring system [00:38:48] so there was nothing that said hey if it [00:38:51] was a public benefit to the town that [00:38:53] they wouldn't get any extra points for [00:38:54] it right but can we uh can we tweak it [00:38:59] one more time with these improvements [00:39:01] you can vote on it with these [00:39:03] improvements and a data I just assume [00:39:05] let this get going I I think the parties [00:39:08] involved would like to see this actually [00:39:10] be available to get and start working on [00:39:13] okay right I think we've I I want you to [00:39:17] handle it and yeah I think we've uh [00:39:20] dragged this out long enough right so [00:39:24] I'm I'm fine with these changes if we [00:39:28] and I'll copy both of you with the [00:39:30] language y okay you're welcome so I put [00:39:33] it the date for this to be posted [00:39:35] Wednesday so I could have a day to like [00:39:37] make these changes perfect okay okay [00:39:39] yeah so I would make a motion I would [00:39:41] take a motion rather make a motion that [00:39:44] we address uh adopt the request for [00:39:47] proposal for the page Calvin page [00:39:49] building with the [00:39:51] Amendments of five and six added to P [00:39:54] SCH Y and town councils you yeah the [00:39:58] tweaks yep I'll second it okay all those [00:40:02] in favor [00:40:04] I thank you thank [00:40:08] you oh wait do we [00:40:12] need the date for the opening that [00:40:15] wasn't in there it's well it's it's [00:40:18] blank it's March but it's March I did [00:40:20] have a date um I see the deadline for [00:40:24] submissions is the 12 yeah [00:40:27] uh I mean I would assume the opening was [00:40:29] going to be before your next meeting I [00:40:31] think I put the 17th I put the [00:40:34] 17th um so you're not opening them when [00:40:36] they come [00:40:38] in I was do we open them all at once yes [00:40:42] and you don't have to I mean we can I [00:40:45] mean you can put a date you can put any [00:40:46] date you want there I again I before [00:40:49] following meeting so then I could we [00:40:51] could do that for your next meeting for [00:40:53] bids we we open them all at once yes so [00:40:57] right but we can open them all at once [00:41:00] like she can do the bid opening it [00:41:02] doesn't have to be and she can read all [00:41:05] the bids and put it on a spreadsheet and [00:41:07] then present it to us and we address it [00:41:09] at the following meeting that was my [00:41:11] plan okay good [00:41:13] good okay and any of you are welcome to [00:41:17] come to the bit I mean you [00:41:21] well I just typically whenever they're [00:41:24] submitted they're opened on the same day [00:41:27] so I've done both I haven't always [00:41:29] opened them the day they've been due and [00:41:31] they all have to be time stamped but I [00:41:34] would open them the day they're require [00:41:35] to be submitted before the time dat like [00:41:38] that should be a bill because if we put [00:41:40] them out on the 26 you're only you're [00:41:42] giving two weeks for them to get [00:41:44] back that's really not enough time [00:41:47] that's tight what is the legal [00:41:50] requirement so there's no legal [00:41:53] requirement but there has to be if you [00:41:55] see there's enough there so [00:41:57] it's two weeks for them to get if they [00:42:00] um if they have any questions or if [00:42:02] there's an addendum that needs to be [00:42:03] issued that we have until March 10 but [00:42:05] if we have nothing then the deadline for [00:42:07] proposal sub submission is the 12th we [00:42:09] can change that to I push that out to at [00:42:12] least the 19th the 19 we can we can [00:42:14] change okay yeah what day it's a [00:42:17] Wednesday so it gives a full 3 weeks [00:42:19] okay it's just two weeks is tight for [00:42:21] someone to put a complete packet [00:42:23] together you said the [00:42:25] 19th and then our meeting is the [00:42:28] 24 okay and it can be 10:00 a.m. so it's [00:42:31] it can be [00:42:32] early if they if they come back on the [00:42:35] 19th then you're going to have to change [00:42:37] the opening date I understand that no I [00:42:41] would just I would do them one and the [00:42:42] same yeah I can do that too [00:42:46] yeah [00:42:49] yep okay yeah that's two weeks is is [00:42:53] really tight yeah okay [00:42:57] February just kind of flew by yes [00:43:01] it okay so we good with those dat and [00:43:04] then March 19th and what time 10:00 a.m. [00:43:09] I would do well then that gives you [00:43:11] almost two days to go to you know go [00:43:14] open them and then go through them for [00:43:15] our meeting on Friday I can do the bid [00:43:17] opening at 10: a.m. that day yeah okay [00:43:26] [Applause] [00:43:28] all right meeting minutes from January [00:43:34] 13th quick question do you need an [00:43:36] amendment for the date um that's [00:43:39] probably not a bad idea okay [00:43:42] um I do a motion to approve the request [00:43:47] for proposal for the Calvin page [00:43:49] building with the date opening of March [00:43:52] 19th 2025 at 10:00 a.m. with the [00:43:55] amendments [00:43:57] second all in favor I I thank [00:44:06] you excuse [00:44:19] me we adopt the minutes for January 13th [00:44:24] 2024 [00:44:29] oh it's on the agenda he read the you [00:44:32] read okay I'll second it all in favor [00:44:36] all all [00:44:39] right right turn administrator [00:44:42] report okay um so I met with the um [00:44:47] construction company that's going to be [00:44:48] doing the mass do project here on Route [00:44:50] 32 from where you br tree.art at Gilbert [00:44:53] Bell and they were looking for uh space [00:44:56] to rent [00:44:57] so they will be renting the upstairs uh [00:45:01] planning board office it looks like [00:45:03] approximately about a year um they're [00:45:05] going to fix up the room fix the window [00:45:07] paint it um hire a moving company to [00:45:10] help us move stuff anywhere in the [00:45:12] building and um when all said and done [00:45:14] looks like we'll be getting about a [00:45:16] little over $1,000 in revenue for the [00:45:19] town MH um so that's super exciting a [00:45:22] creative way to bring in a little bit of [00:45:24] money and get some space fixed up [00:45:28] um we're still looking to get quotes to [00:45:31] for the tree removal behind town hall [00:45:33] and also um something that has come up [00:45:35] is we're looking for a new front door [00:45:37] too so we're getting quotes for that too [00:45:39] as you know we have that metal bar [00:45:42] that um so I met with the finance [00:45:45] committee chair last [00:45:46] Friday um I've been attending all their [00:45:49] meetings um as are going over the FY 26 [00:45:53] budget um I had a zoom meeting with [00:45:55] cmrpc on the C BBG Grant projects on [00:45:58] Highland Terrace and Memorial Field um [00:46:00] the Memorial Field rfps are coming back [00:46:04] um I think they already received the [00:46:06] bids and we're not opening them until [00:46:07] next Wednesday um for the for the [00:46:10] planning study that was put in prior to [00:46:12] my arrival [00:46:14] um um so Mr Fleming and myself we [00:46:18] reviewed resumés and companies of um [00:46:22] people that could come in and do grants [00:46:23] for us at 8 hours a week um to help help [00:46:27] us out until the end of this fiscal year [00:46:30] cuz hopefully July 1 we'll get a grant [00:46:32] crossing my fingers but we did find [00:46:34] someone and he's going to start this [00:46:35] week um just like I said 8 hours help us [00:46:38] with Grant cuz we are in Peak Grant [00:46:40] season um so that was super helpful [00:46:42] thanks to um the donation from the [00:46:44] Fleming Family Foundation we were able [00:46:46] to um get someone in at 8 hours till the [00:46:50] end of the fisal [00:46:53] year um so I've had several meetings [00:46:56] with insurance compan Consulting [00:46:58] consultants and I'm looking at rates [00:47:00] because our rates for our health [00:47:01] insurance have come back just completely [00:47:03] Skyrocket rocketed I know it's not you [00:47:06] know unique to Hardwick but um just to [00:47:09] do our due diligence you know I have [00:47:10] again I met with a Health Insurance [00:47:12] Consultant I am talking other towns and [00:47:13] other companies so we'll see what comes [00:47:17] back um our Auditors are back trying to [00:47:19] finalize our audit that was supposed to [00:47:21] be done in December um we had some [00:47:25] issues in that office but hope those are [00:47:27] behind us and we can get our audit done [00:47:29] really [00:47:31] soon um so we've interviewed three [00:47:34] candidates for the V all the vacant [00:47:35] Highway positions I actually received a [00:47:37] pretty good resume today so hopefully we [00:47:39] can get that person into um so we're [00:47:41] checking some references and hopefully [00:47:44] we can get those positions [00:47:45] filled um so we did post the vacant [00:47:47] treasure collector position on the MMA [00:47:50] website indeed and the town website um I [00:47:53] did we did meet with a prospective um at [00:47:56] camp say applicant anymore she did [00:47:58] officially apply um candidate with our [00:48:01] interim treasure collector Sarah loved [00:48:03] her she did great so the next issue will [00:48:05] be coming before the board on March [00:48:08] 10th so that's super [00:48:11] exciting um so continuing with contract [00:48:14] discussions with employees that have [00:48:15] contract that expire um at the end of [00:48:17] the fiscal year I'm meeting with our [00:48:18] fire chief on Wednesday um our building [00:48:21] inspectors out with a death in the [00:48:22] family and then after that I'll be able [00:48:24] to work put um drafts together and we [00:48:27] can have a meeting with the board um so [00:48:29] we're almost [00:48:31] there um so we held a manager's training [00:48:34] through Maya our insurance company um [00:48:37] and 15 people attended Bill what did you [00:48:39] think of it I thought it was pretty good [00:48:42] good I've been through some of it before [00:48:44] yeah I thought he did a good [00:48:47] job um so today um I met with our town [00:48:51] clerk just start talking about the [00:48:52] annual town meeting um and kind of you [00:48:55] know when the board should be opening [00:48:57] and closing the warrant and getting all [00:48:59] that stuff together so um look out for [00:49:01] that in [00:49:02] April I attended a monthly we Civic and [00:49:05] Business Association meeting with Bay [00:49:07] State Health um and this on a personal [00:49:10] thing um I was appointed by the [00:49:11] Massachusetts Municipal Association [00:49:13] board of directors to serve on the MMA [00:49:15] policy committee on personnel and Labor [00:49:17] Relations um so I'm really excited about [00:49:20] that and I just want to assure the board [00:49:22] that when I go to these things that are [00:49:24] Statewide outside of the town of [00:49:25] Hardwick that I do my my absolute best [00:49:27] to represent the town um in the best way [00:49:29] I [00:49:31] can um I want to recognize the Hardwick [00:49:35] fire department um they resp responded [00:49:37] to a structure fire in High Street and [00:49:39] were able to save the home last [00:49:41] weekend um I also want to recognize the [00:49:43] Harwick Police Department because they [00:49:45] were part of efforts that saved a [00:49:46] missing man in the woods two weeks ago [00:49:48] that started in wear and with the state [00:49:50] police and our police guys [00:49:52] we um the guy was rescued so um and then [00:49:57] at the back of the Town administrative [00:49:58] report we did get a really kind email [00:50:01] about the highway department that I [00:50:02] wanted to [00:50:04] read um we've had a lot of really bad [00:50:07] weather lately and this was a really [00:50:09] kind email um this woman wrote hi my [00:50:12] kids are on a dance team so last weekend [00:50:14] they were competing all the way out in [00:50:16] Littleton Mass which meant Sunday night [00:50:18] I had to drive them home during the ice [00:50:20] storm I had to go about 20 M an hour and [00:50:23] still slid on just about every road [00:50:25] through every single town most roads [00:50:27] weren't ploud at all until I hit [00:50:29] Hardwick you guys were the only town I [00:50:31] could shut my hazard lights off and [00:50:32] drive normally and safely I could not [00:50:34] believe how clean and secure your roads [00:50:36] were the second I hit where I had to [00:50:39] drive 20 again I just wanted to let you [00:50:41] know that someone noticed and [00:50:42] appreciated what you guys did thank you [00:50:43] and great [00:50:46] job nice very good very nice that's all [00:50:49] I have [00:50:51] today slman Round Table anybody have [00:50:54] anything um [00:50:58] I we passed the pilot policy and stuff [00:51:00] and I think we should send um some [00:51:03] language to smok which is Southern [00:51:08] Massachusetts opportunity Council yes [00:51:11] and and just say hey you know like an [00:51:13] introductory letter and say we'd like to [00:51:15] you know sit down with you [00:51:17] and have uh Communications yeah they [00:51:21] they have the Windor and they have a [00:51:23] place up on [00:51:24] Prospect I don't know if they have a [00:51:26] third they used to have a third house I [00:51:28] don't think just the two of them just [00:51:30] the two of [00:51:32] them they're located in the [00:51:36] winds there's a two or three family in [00:51:39] there that they also own oh really okay [00:51:42] behind a parking on Prospect [00:51:47] Street so there's the third [00:51:50] okay that's a good idea well we have a [00:51:53] list regardless so weig just figure [00:51:57] could start with them if you wanted to I [00:52:00] I do have a an introductory letter if [00:52:02] you want to review it I'll send it along [00:52:04] and I'll send it to Justine send it just [00:52:07] it's a friendly just to say hey we know [00:52:10] you're a nonprofit like there are [00:52:13] impacts to the town maybe you're not [00:52:14] aware of this and we like to bring it to [00:52:16] their attention I always thought there [00:52:18] was some kind of state [00:52:20] involvement kind of like [00:52:23] cmrpc you know kind of some sort of [00:52:27] it is I mean well they get a lot of [00:52:29] grant money from the state yeah and [00:52:32] that's how they live right right well no [00:52:36] it'd be good to have somebody from Smock [00:52:38] in here to talk about [00:52:41] it [00:52:43] just bring that off that's all [00:52:47] good anything for you no you good [00:52:52] okay [00:52:54] we good can I ask a question yes did you [00:52:58] want um to look at that smok letter or [00:53:02] on did you want it on the agenda or [00:53:03] anything or you well you could send it [00:53:06] to us okay just want to make sure yeah [00:53:09] and then um just just so that we can [00:53:11] review it okay make sure nothing you [00:53:14] know sure what I have don't respond [00:53:16] don't respond all that's all when you [00:53:18] respond to [00:53:23] Justine is that all we have stuff to [00:53:26] sign though correct you have a lot of [00:53:27] stuff to say yeah move we [00:53:31] adjourn I'll second sorry all in favor [00:53:36] 723 I wasn't sure like we have to sign [00:53:39] stuff so I didn't know if [00:53:43] [Music] [00:53:45] okay thank you [00:53:48] everybody thank you all of [00:53:55] you oh