Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 11/29/22

Personnel Matters and Horse Racing Special Election Preparations

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 11/29/22

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

Meeting details

Date

November 30, 2022

Duration

1h 7m

Decisions

5 recorded

Action Items

6 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen and Personnel Committee convened to address several key municipal matters. The Personnel Committee discussed the ongoing review of the Personnel Bylaw and the status of the Retirement Policy, scheduling a future meeting for further review. Significant discussion occurred regarding payroll calculation discrepancies and the implementation of a more standardized accounting method. During the Board of Selectmen meeting, the primary focus was on the upcoming special town election concerning the horse racing track location. The Board decided against appointing a dedicated informational committee, opting instead to host public informational forums to address resident questions and provide factual information, with a dedicated email for question submission. The Special Town Election Warrant for January 7, 2023, was formally approved.

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Discussion Highlights

The Personnel Committee acknowledged the need to reorganize its structure at a subsequent meeting.
A revised Personnel Policy was distributed to committee members for review, with a recommendation for another meeting to finalize it before submission to the Board of Selectmen for adoption.
The Retirement Policy is still under legal review to ensure it is comprehensive and protects the town's interests.
Payroll calculation discrepancies were identified, stemming from different budgeting methods and the application of the Uniform Massachusetts Accounting System (UMAS) guidelines, leading to minor pay differences for some employees.
A new process will be implemented to ensure accurate and consistent payroll reporting, including separate sheets for hourly and salaried employees in their personnel files.
Discussion regarding the appointment of a Horse Racing Ballot Informational Committee, with concerns raised about its potential productivity and the Board's impartiality.
The Board emphasized its role as an impartial informational forum rather than taking a position on the horse racing ballot question.
Public comments highlighted concerns about the clarity and completeness of information provided to residents regarding the horse racing proposal, including the number of race days, simulcast operations, and sports betting licenses.
The Board discussed the importance of providing factual information and addressing legitimate questions from residents before the special election.
A strategy was proposed to hold public informational meetings, gather questions via a dedicated email, and engage experts to provide answers.

Transcript (11,585 words)

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

00:00:00
Although uh is it's not on the agenda Nicole is that an issue [Music] probably should be and we are going to meet again soon right because of the Personnel by law maybe we can just do it then right so um in our next meeting we will
00:00:19
Reorganize okay uh that's that's Rob on you muted Rob that's it okay one three yep I just looked it up I'm like maybe that's robbed foreign
00:00:40
I can't do it for him I guess he has to star six to unmute I think he might still be he may be on his in his truck
00:01:00
There he is there we go hi Rob hey Rob hey hello everybody hello Rob sorry if you were trying to be Incognito but I called you out on that I'm gonna try to speak up but you guys were in the middle of something I'm like oh I'll just wait a second
00:01:20
You're just on your phone calling in Rob yeah I haven't made it home yet so okay so just so you know um for the Personnel committee Nicole myself Kelly are here because you can't you can't see us so so we we called the meeting to order
00:01:39
I think at 604 are going to plan on reorganizing next time so Kelly you're still officially the chair for purposes of this do you want to go through the agenda no you can okay take it away and I'll make sure I
00:01:58
Nominate you on our next meeting so items on the agenda are the Personnel bylaw payroll and the retirement policy so Nicole do you want to start yeah sure so the Personnel policy has been typed and sent to you this afternoon
00:02:16

[00:00:00] although uh is it's not on the agenda [00:00:03] Nicole is that an issue [00:00:06] [Music] [00:00:08] probably should be [00:00:11] and we are going to meet again soon [00:00:12] right because of the Personnel by law [00:00:14] maybe we can just do it then [00:00:16] right so um in our next meeting we will [00:00:19] um reorganize okay uh that's that's Rob [00:00:22] on you muted Rob that's it [00:00:25] okay one three yep [00:00:28] I just looked it up I'm like maybe [00:00:30] that's robbed [00:00:33] foreign [00:00:40] I can't do it for him I guess [00:00:44] he has to star six [00:00:48] to unmute [00:00:52] I think he might still be he may be on [00:00:55] his [00:00:55] um in his truck [00:01:00] there he is there we go hi Rob hey Rob [00:01:04] hey hello everybody [00:01:06] hello Rob [00:01:09] sorry if you were trying to be Incognito [00:01:11] but I called you out on that [00:01:13] uh I'm gonna try to speak up but you [00:01:16] guys were in the middle of something I'm [00:01:17] like oh I'll just wait a second [00:01:20] um you're just on your phone calling in [00:01:22] Rob [00:01:24] yeah I haven't made it home yet so okay [00:01:27] so just so you know um for the Personnel [00:01:29] committee Nicole myself Kelly [00:01:32] are here [00:01:33] because you can't you can't see us so [00:01:37] um so we we called the meeting to order [00:01:39] I think at 604 [00:01:41] um [00:01:42] are going to plan on reorganizing [00:01:45] um next time so Kelly you're still [00:01:48] officially the chair for purposes of [00:01:49] this do you want to go through the [00:01:51] agenda [00:01:52] no you can okay [00:01:55] um take it away and I'll make sure I [00:01:58] nominate you on our next meeting so [00:02:02] um items on the agenda are the Personnel [00:02:04] bylaw payroll and the retirement policy [00:02:08] so Nicole do you want to start yeah sure [00:02:12] um so the Personnel policy has been [00:02:15] typed and sent to you this afternoon [00:02:16] very late so nobody I'm sure was able to [00:02:19] look at it I went through a little bit [00:02:21] Kelly did a great job retyping [00:02:23] um [00:02:24] I think that we should have another [00:02:26] meeting and uh [00:02:29] go through it one more time before we [00:02:31] send it to the board of Selectmen for [00:02:33] adoption [00:02:34] um [00:02:36] it looks it looks really good I think [00:02:38] maybe [00:02:40] they could look at [00:02:41] um I don't even really want to comment [00:02:42] right now because [00:02:46] into it [00:02:47] [Music] [00:02:48] since everybody's got it [00:02:50] if you get through it and we could [00:02:52] reconvene and see if we need even one [00:02:55] more meeting or just kind of go through [00:02:57] it together and send it off to the board [00:03:00] of Selectmen for approval [00:03:02] we'll have our official Personnel policy [00:03:04] in order and [00:03:06] in in order so uh just to comment Nicole [00:03:09] so there's a comment in the chat that [00:03:11] this is a this is not a board selectman [00:03:13] meeting it's a posted Personnel [00:03:15] committee board a selectman meeting will [00:03:17] follow after this meeting [00:03:22] okay sorry Nicole [00:03:27] okay no problem I'm okay with that so do [00:03:29] we want to try to tentatively [00:03:32] um set a Personnel committee meeting [00:03:36] sounds good so we could have time to [00:03:39] review the policy [00:03:41] do we want to try to do that in the [00:03:44] month of December [00:03:46] I would [00:03:48] um well we can I suppose [00:03:51] kind of wait till January [00:04:00] right [00:04:02] maybe we could do it early January that [00:04:05] was kind of my thought too [00:04:07] you have some dates in mind [00:04:10] whatever you guys are the busiest I can [00:04:13] I can be work around [00:04:15] sad so what's our Board of selectment [00:04:18] schedule for January are we we're first [00:04:21] and third [00:04:22] and then fourth again unless you want to [00:04:24] formally change it to first and third no [00:04:26] second and fourth is fine nine and [00:04:29] twenty three [00:04:30] okay [00:04:33] so do we want to try to do it on the [00:04:35] ninth perhaps [00:04:38] before the board meeting or do you want [00:04:40] to do it sooner than that [00:04:41] I I I'm fine with the ninth or we can [00:04:45] um [00:04:46] shoot for the [00:04:48] the week before on a you know make it an [00:04:51] off meeting week [00:04:52] the second is a holiday [00:04:54] okay so it would have to be like [00:04:57] so was the 16th [00:04:59] oh right [00:05:01] um this is a night I well I feel like we [00:05:05] may need more time to skim through this [00:05:07] than just [00:05:08] you know a half hour or an hour before a [00:05:10] selectman's meeting that's my concern oh [00:05:12] okay that's right if we really want to [00:05:15] kind of scroll through it [00:05:17] um just to [00:05:18] you know if we have any you know [00:05:21] hopefully by then everybody's had a [00:05:22] chance to go through it make sure [00:05:24] um you know [00:05:26] I'm human I'm sure there's some typos [00:05:28] and things like that but um [00:05:32] I'm just thinking we might want [00:05:34] a you know a separate night just to do [00:05:37] that rather than it's a long document [00:05:39] yeah read it and maybe like oh [00:05:43] that's my only concern yeah [00:05:45] Tracy I've got the um locals sorry hold [00:05:49] on I've got it this meeting is on Zoom [00:05:51] tonight [00:05:55] do I have everybody yes yes okay [00:05:59] the 10th [00:06:03] with me I mean it's two meetings in a [00:06:05] row for you guys I can't do the ten okay [00:06:08] I have something that night [00:06:11] pretty much any other night [00:06:15] um [00:06:18] like the third or the fourth or the 11th [00:06:24] the 11th [00:06:29] um I think it's fine with me I may have [00:06:32] uh I don't think I'll have a conflict [00:06:34] but I may potentially have a conflict [00:06:37] um [00:06:43] what about the 17th [00:06:51] okay I I'm I may not be here okay [00:06:56] the Third [00:06:59] I could do the third yeah I don't have [00:07:02] an issue with the third it's a late [00:07:03] night for Town Hall I don't hopefully [00:07:06] back in the building [00:07:09] third [00:07:13] how about you rob does a third work for [00:07:15] you [00:07:17] yeah I think the third will be okay [00:07:20] so same time [00:07:23] the clock [00:07:29] for me [00:07:32] thank you [00:07:35] I'm good [00:07:37] that's okay with me also okay [00:07:41] so the third at six [00:07:45] um [00:07:46] and so the other items on the agenda [00:07:48] payroll and the retirement policy were [00:07:50] not quite ready yet to approve the [00:07:52] retiree retirement uh retiree health [00:07:55] insurance is that correct yeah the [00:07:57] policy is still with the attorney and uh [00:08:00] you know we were just going back and [00:08:01] forth making sure that we were covering [00:08:03] all bases and I got a bunch of different [00:08:05] policies from from a lot of towns uh to [00:08:09] make sure it's nice and Ironclad and we [00:08:11] don't get you know [00:08:13] um you know the wool pulled over our [00:08:15] eyes at some point you know in the [00:08:17] future I I can see it's obviously not [00:08:19] going to happen now but in the distant [00:08:21] future so [00:08:22] um that's not quite ready hopefully by [00:08:25] definitely by the next meeting and then [00:08:27] and then we'll be able to review it it's [00:08:29] not that long but it's uh it's detailed [00:08:31] and we want to make sure that we protect [00:08:33] the town [00:08:34] um and then the payroll the only thing [00:08:36] that I wanted to bring to your attention [00:08:38] was the fact that um I came in you know [00:08:42] my first year and the way I budget was a [00:08:46] little different than the way Hardwick [00:08:47] budgets so [00:08:49] um [00:08:51] in 2016 there was an up there was a [00:08:53] revision you missed right the um [00:08:57] is is [00:08:59] Uniform Massachusetts accounting [00:09:02] like that and um due to [00:09:06] um leap year they sort of either want [00:09:09] you to budget 52 weeks 52.2 52.3 [00:09:13] um and [00:09:14] I had or you can do 52.2 every year so [00:09:18] then you're you're sure I'm trying to [00:09:21] let everybody in too sorry so you're [00:09:22] sure that you're covered for that leap [00:09:25] year and what happens in hard work is [00:09:28] that they take that annual salary and [00:09:30] they would divide it by 52 and divide it [00:09:33] by the hours and then they even though I [00:09:35] had an hourly pay for everyone uh when [00:09:38] it left my office it then had just a [00:09:41] little bit of a different method and uh [00:09:44] calculating so [00:09:46] um everybody when I looked when I took [00:09:47] over payroll I just started taking it [00:09:49] over a couple of weeks ago just to [00:09:52] taking it over but just reviewing it a [00:09:54] little better I guess I mean I mean to [00:09:55] say [00:09:56] um [00:09:57] see that some people's pay was off by [00:10:00] even a few cents [00:10:02] um the one that was really shocking was [00:10:04] when I looked at recycling and she was [00:10:05] making like 22 an hour something like [00:10:08] that and it was because the salary that [00:10:11] was [00:10:12] um that was put in the budget was for up [00:10:15] to 10 hours a week but when Jessica saw [00:10:17] it she thought that the recycling center [00:10:19] is open for seven hours a week so it [00:10:21] really just convoluted everything so I I [00:10:25] you know we we spoke I was able to fix [00:10:27] it right away spoke with attorneys I [00:10:29] spoke with Lori delolio and instead of [00:10:31] having to to [00:10:33] um you know keep them at that rate we're [00:10:35] able to fix it [00:10:37] uh a couple of uh instead of being [00:10:40] disgruntled or having any sort of um you [00:10:43] know backlash a couple of them uh I left [00:10:46] because they were about five or six [00:10:48] cents off but I did inform them that [00:10:51] next year when we do the two percent [00:10:52] that they will be getting it on the the [00:10:54] actual salary they were supposed to be [00:10:57] getting and not what they're getting [00:10:58] right now [00:11:01] uh because they you know they're they're [00:11:03] a salaried person that makes complete [00:11:05] Sense on how to decipher you know what [00:11:08] you make in an hour but for an hourly [00:11:10] employee when you're budgeting a little [00:11:12] bit more than what they should you know [00:11:14] it is it was literally five or six cents [00:11:16] for most people but you know I like to [00:11:18] be accurate and so [00:11:20] um you know just going into the future [00:11:23] um I'll be making sure the way that we [00:11:26] do this when the budget gets passed I'm [00:11:28] going to send to accounting into the [00:11:30] treasurer exactly what each salary at [00:11:33] each hourly employee is making in each [00:11:36] salary employees making on a separate [00:11:38] sheet to put in person in their [00:11:40] personnel file so each year we see what [00:11:43] people make and sometimes they're not [00:11:45] going to just make two percent sometimes [00:11:46] they'll have [00:11:48] um you know some sort of Merit increase [00:11:49] or something like that so [00:11:52] um you know just so we can keep track of [00:11:53] it a little better there there hasn't [00:11:55] been a lot of uh real good reporting [00:11:58] um and and really checking [00:12:02] and balances [00:12:03] kind of so [00:12:05] um so anyway I just wanted to bring that [00:12:07] to your attention I did have to go to [00:12:08] some employees and and kind of Rectify [00:12:11] their salaries and let them know what [00:12:14] they should be making I mean it was as [00:12:16] simple as 1425 which is what we gave all [00:12:19] the recycling people to [00:12:21] to [00:12:21] um [00:12:23] to minimum wage and then the way it was [00:12:25] calculated they started making 14 30 an [00:12:27] hour so you know we just [00:12:30] it was really it's not so much [00:12:32] wordsmithing but it's it was you know [00:12:34] it's just trying to get the accounting [00:12:36] to um to be a little more in line with [00:12:40] how it really should be [00:12:41] so there's just a little bit of a [00:12:43] learning curve it was really uh not [00:12:45] necessarily anybody's fault but I just [00:12:48] needed to see what Hardwick did I guess [00:12:51] um and it wasn't necessarily how I've [00:12:52] always done my accounting so that's it [00:12:55] that's it [00:12:56] so it was just really establishing the [00:12:59] formula [00:13:00] yes yeah [00:13:04] and I know Jen you took a look at what [00:13:06] Nicole did [00:13:07] because you're very [00:13:10] um [00:13:11] and I quickly looked at it as well [00:13:13] you're very much in tune with um you [00:13:16] know what should be there and [00:13:18] um you agreed that it was okay yes [00:13:22] good I think what has happened before [00:13:24] was always done I think by the 52.1 [00:13:30] instead of the 52.2 [00:13:34] um and then and then the formula that [00:13:37] was used I'm not sure of for hourly [00:13:40] people I think it was almost a reverse [00:13:43] formula [00:13:44] instead you know I think that's how it [00:13:47] came about [00:13:49] okay [00:13:55] well it's good to have it accurate for [00:13:58] sure yeah and and uniform and especially [00:14:01] if um that male is it newness [00:14:05] um as yeah that they do really dictate [00:14:09] the [00:14:11] how pay should be calculated yeah I have [00:14:16] the whole document the umis document if [00:14:18] anybody wants to see it [00:14:20] see it as long but [00:14:22] so very interesting maybe if you can [00:14:25] send it out to the whole Personnel [00:14:26] committee and then they can have the [00:14:28] opportunity to review it if they want to [00:14:31] foreign and it's all to do with that [00:14:33] leap year thing too because a few years [00:14:36] ago some [00:14:37] wonderful mathematician who was worked [00:14:41] in town government somewhere I don't [00:14:43] know what which town had sent that whole [00:14:46] kind of spreadsheet around [00:14:49] talking about you know at some point [00:14:51] unless the formula changes [00:14:54] you're always going to be lagging behind [00:14:58] um you know each town after 10 years [00:15:00] could be way off yeah and I'm hoping I [00:15:04] can find that for you guys but it was [00:15:06] quite a few years [00:15:08] okay [00:15:13] all right [00:15:14] so we have our Personnel committee [00:15:17] meeting set our next one is there [00:15:18] anything else that we need to discuss at [00:15:20] the personal committee level [00:15:24] I'm all set [00:15:28] do we still have Rob [00:15:30] yeah he's muted though okay [00:15:35] okay so my vision by accident there's a [00:15:39] couple of numbers [00:15:42] foreign [00:15:44] anything to discuss at the Personnel [00:15:46] committee level Rob [00:15:48] no I'm I'm good [00:15:50] all right so uh just to recap on our [00:15:53] agenda for next time hopefully we'll [00:15:55] look at the retiree Insurance [00:15:57] um if it's available and we will look at [00:15:59] the uh Personnel uh policy and work on [00:16:02] New York and reorganization yeah [00:16:05] thanks for the reminder sounds good [00:16:08] okay [00:16:13] sure [00:16:17] it's been moved and seconded um [00:16:21] we are on a meeting a a zoom meeting so [00:16:24] I have to call the roll uh Julie is a [00:16:27] yes Kelly yes Jen yes Nicole yes Rob [00:16:33] yes uh the meeting is adjourned at 6 20. [00:16:38] um so I will now open the board of [00:16:41] selectman meeting for November 29th 2022 [00:16:45] at 6 21 [00:16:49] um on the agenda uh give me one second [00:17:02] um appointment January 7 2023 horse [00:17:05] racing ballot informational committee [00:17:07] approval special Town election warrant [00:17:09] for January 7 2023. [00:17:12] um I know we do have Alex with us [00:17:15] um from kpla hi Alex good evening Julie [00:17:18] hi Alex [00:17:21] um [00:17:22] so [00:17:23] um Alex did you [00:17:25] um so I guess to sort of summarize [00:17:27] Nicole did you want to talk about the [00:17:29] Outreach that you did for the committee [00:17:31] and what you received for responses [00:17:34] sure I sent out an email to the group [00:17:36] that we had all discussed [00:17:39] um at the last meeting which were [00:17:41] committee chairs and board chairs and [00:17:44] um I really didn't receive any responses [00:17:47] besides two members of the no side so [00:17:51] the the petition to vote no had two two [00:17:55] members that were willing to sit on it [00:17:56] and the petition to vote Yes had one [00:17:59] person that was willing to sit on it [00:18:01] um [00:18:02] and Keenan Young from the finance [00:18:05] committee said he would sit on it but I [00:18:07] didn't have but that was it [00:18:10] and so Alex did you want to speak to [00:18:13] um this advisory informational Committee [00:18:16] in your opinion on it [00:18:19] um sure thanks Madam chair [00:18:28] people to discuss [00:18:30] topic and try to reach some consensus on [00:18:34] you know what the the accurate [00:18:37] fear [00:18:39] I would just [00:18:40] caution the board that [00:18:43] my recommendation would be that [00:18:46] are going to try to appoint such a [00:18:50] commit goal of the committee be to act [00:18:52] as an inform ational Forum not to [00:18:57] forward on taking [00:19:03] interpreting things in a certain way [00:19:05] um I think it's board should Endeavor to [00:19:08] as you have throughout this process [00:19:10] remain as impartial as you can [00:19:13] um [00:19:15] so you know that said [00:19:18] it's a matter of [00:19:20] how [00:19:28] uh Kelly and Rob [00:19:31] um what are your thoughts on [00:19:34] on this committee foreign [00:19:40] I guess at first they thought well yeah [00:19:42] that sounds like a good idea get you [00:19:45] know a different handful of people in [00:19:47] the same room and then you know thinking [00:19:50] about it the past week or so I thought [00:19:52] that I'm not sure it would be a [00:19:54] productive committee to be quite honest [00:19:57] um they don't know [00:20:00] at this point if it's just you know [00:20:02] better to let both sides [00:20:06] do what they're going to do [00:20:09] um and then if people direct answers [00:20:12] maybe directly to us we can certainly do [00:20:14] the best that we can to get information [00:20:16] back to them [00:20:19] um [00:20:20] just you know facts from us [00:20:23] I think either side is going to have [00:20:24] their position and that's their right to [00:20:27] have [00:20:28] between now and in the special election [00:20:32] I guess that's my thought [00:20:35] Rob any thoughts [00:20:41] do you hear me we can hear you [00:20:44] all right um [00:20:47] I guess was the idea that this committee [00:20:51] going to help work on the host Community [00:20:54] agreement or were they going to work on [00:20:58] like trying to [00:21:01] get information to the public I guess my [00:21:06] thoughts were maybe better off if we're [00:21:07] going to put a committee together [00:21:10] to work on like the host Community [00:21:11] agreement and [00:21:14] I mean I I don't see how [00:21:17] any committee can kind of Wade through [00:21:20] the information and try to [00:21:22] make opinions on whether it's 100 [00:21:25] factual and yeah and [00:21:28] then if by any chance they might get [00:21:30] something wrong I [00:21:32] yeah [00:21:33] I would hate to see what that would do [00:21:38] so I guess if if it's if it's just for [00:21:42] getting information that probably won't [00:21:44] help at all [00:21:48] so I [00:21:51] um I I guess my my and I was the one who [00:21:54] sort of suggested this at the last [00:21:55] meeting so I can sort of speak to why I [00:21:57] wanted this to [00:21:59] um [00:22:00] I I felt I feel like there's a lot of [00:22:04] information floating around in different [00:22:06] aspects and different [00:22:08] um forums that um [00:22:11] you know it it is there there may be a [00:22:15] better I I was hoping there might be a [00:22:17] better way to get information out rather [00:22:19] than hearing seeing both sides [00:22:23] um [00:22:24] you know and and I'll just be honest I [00:22:28] mean it got quite nasty at some point [00:22:30] and that's you know my Hope Was That by [00:22:32] bringing people together that you know [00:22:35] it would [00:22:36] um and again I I understand Alex's [00:22:39] perspective on the town shouldn't be [00:22:42] taking a position because it really [00:22:43] isn't that's not what a role is uh I was [00:22:46] hoping it could be more of a [00:22:48] facilitative sort of thing and looking [00:22:49] at all of the the issues [00:22:52] um we don't yet have a host Community [00:22:54] agreement [00:22:55] um if this fails at election there's no [00:22:58] reason to have an HCA agreement or a [00:23:01] horse racing committee I I understand [00:23:03] that 100 [00:23:05] um I guess my hope in suggesting it was [00:23:09] to [00:23:11] have a forum where everyone where we [00:23:13] could get information from the [00:23:15] appropriate people whether it's mdar or [00:23:18] through Alex or [00:23:21] um you know through the gaming [00:23:23] commission whatever it might be of [00:23:25] questions [00:23:27] um you know I guess I sort of envisioned [00:23:29] it like when you go to vote on a [00:23:31] particular [00:23:32] um issue or [00:23:35] um uh concern on the ballot there's you [00:23:38] know your yes vote means this your no [00:23:41] vote means that I guess in my mind [00:23:43] that's our sort of thinking [00:23:45] um perhaps that's just a little bit too [00:23:47] idealistic in this particular situation [00:23:50] but that's really what I was hoping to [00:23:51] do with this committee not for the [00:23:53] committee to sit on particular issues [00:23:56] and come up with a position statement or [00:23:59] um I can you know [00:24:01] hey you're right Kelly each side is [00:24:03] going to [00:24:04] um put um evidence out there or put [00:24:08] um [00:24:11] put the information out there [00:24:12] particularly you know for their [00:24:13] particular side [00:24:15] so [00:24:16] um [00:24:17] you know [00:24:19] I very similar to to [00:24:22] um rob you know my initial thought was [00:24:24] that you know people could start looking [00:24:27] I guess from my I'm not saying this [00:24:29] properly but from my perspective I think [00:24:31] a lot of the issues came up surrounding [00:24:34] the host Community agreement and that if [00:24:37] there was some clarity in what was in [00:24:39] the host Community agreement although [00:24:40] it's not final and the board hasn't even [00:24:42] reviewed it yet [00:24:44] um that if there were some answers for [00:24:46] questions based on that that would help [00:24:48] people in making their decision or [00:24:50] coming to a decision when [00:24:53] um you know we have the election in [00:24:55] January [00:24:56] but if that doesn't you know if that's [00:24:58] not possible or that doesn't seem like [00:25:00] that's going to work based on [00:25:02] um you know where we're at [00:25:05] I don't know if there's an alternate [00:25:06] solution [00:25:08] um [00:25:09] you know I don't know if we provide the [00:25:11] forum for both sides to come together [00:25:13] they use Town whatever and have meetings [00:25:18] on their own and we provide some support [00:25:21] that we can if there's questions that [00:25:22] come out of that we get the answers for [00:25:24] them I think that's what you were [00:25:25] suggesting maybe Kelly is that if the [00:25:28] sides get together and if there's [00:25:29] information that we can facilitate [00:25:31] getting right [00:25:33] um we could certainly do that [00:25:35] um [00:25:38] so [00:25:39] um [00:25:41] again I I understand this is really [00:25:45] um a sensitive issue for people [00:25:49] um [00:25:50] you know I I understand I see the chat [00:25:52] stuff coming up I I understand what the [00:25:55] concerns are [00:25:56] um I get I guess I would still just ask [00:25:59] that you guys be respectful it's written [00:26:01] versus verbal but I would just ask that [00:26:03] you still be respectful in the chat [00:26:06] um [00:26:10] is it possible because I mean people [00:26:14] speaking on the chat is just like [00:26:16] speaking in a public meeting [00:26:17] uh [00:26:19] is there a way to shut the chat off and [00:26:22] and so we can have a meeting without [00:26:23] people [00:26:26] blurting out things and things written [00:26:28] form [00:26:31] um [00:26:35] I mean I guess if somebody wants to [00:26:36] speak we should just ask them to raise [00:26:38] their hand we can't just sit here and [00:26:40] look at all the questions why we're [00:26:41] trying to have a meeting [00:26:43] um it's really it's really distracting [00:26:46] it's very distracting and [00:26:49] okay [00:26:50] okay I'm sorry [00:26:53] um you know I I understand the questions [00:26:55] are mostly surrounding the HCA but those [00:26:59] are unknown answers if somebody says can [00:27:02] we get more than five hundred thousand [00:27:04] dollars [00:27:05] um I certainly hope so if somebody's [00:27:07] coming with me at their first uh stab in [00:27:09] an agreement and that's what they're [00:27:11] offering and I have you know we're going [00:27:13] to be negotiating back and forth [00:27:14] certainly not going to be the bottom [00:27:15] line [00:27:16] um [00:27:17] what will the traffic look like that is [00:27:20] I we don't know we need need traffic [00:27:22] studies we need Engineers we need peer [00:27:24] review that comes with the planning you [00:27:26] know [00:27:27] this question is [00:27:29] do you want to see horse racing at 228 [00:27:33] Berry Road that is the literal question [00:27:36] and then from there you know I kept I [00:27:39] said it to somebody the other day you [00:27:40] know first comes love then comes [00:27:41] marriage then comes baby like there's a [00:27:43] process there's not you can't jump [00:27:46] around there's the first the first step [00:27:49] is getting uh the location approved and [00:27:52] then if that's approved then we work and [00:27:54] do our due diligence to make sure that [00:27:57] um [00:27:59] I'm just meaning that [00:28:01] that we have great agreements and great [00:28:03] contracts in place for the town of [00:28:05] Hardwick that we have the enforcement in [00:28:07] place uh you know that we put [00:28:10] major conditions on the site plan [00:28:12] approval and the special permit and you [00:28:14] know excuse me just work again [00:28:17] diligently as a town to keep it uh is [00:28:19] rural and as agricultural as possible [00:28:21] while allowing this agricultural [00:28:24] development and that's that's that's [00:28:26] what the question is right now when [00:28:29] people start asking you know is it going [00:28:31] to be noisy well again that comes down [00:28:34] to site plan review and when we have [00:28:36] literal noise and sound engineers and [00:28:39] they they are very knowledgeable and [00:28:42] experienced and you know that's where [00:28:44] that's when all of this gets ironed out [00:28:47] um enforcement where if in the event you [00:28:51] know like people have been coming into [00:28:52] my office just with comments never with [00:28:54] any solid questions [00:28:57] um you know they have a lot of money [00:28:59] they'll just pay Their fines well that's [00:29:01] that's true but then that's where we [00:29:02] come back with our enforcement of a [00:29:05] cease and desist or you know the annual [00:29:07] reviews that that we give permissions [00:29:10] for uh don't get approved if if the town [00:29:13] isn't happy with the way that they're [00:29:14] going you know uh these are the things [00:29:17] that happen later so to to be honest I [00:29:20] mean if there's a lot of no people and [00:29:22] there's a lot of yes people and people [00:29:23] have been [00:29:25] to start reviewing the HCA and I say [00:29:28] the no people are also paying my salary [00:29:31] uh it's public money and I don't think [00:29:33] it's a very good use of the public money [00:29:35] to start negotiating something that that [00:29:37] hasn't even gone through yet I don't [00:29:39] think it's a good idea [00:29:40] um you know I think that the people [00:29:43] just like in any other ballot question [00:29:45] need to go out and get the information [00:29:47] and make an informed decision in the [00:29:51] town all and I think about all these [00:29:52] other ballot questions from [00:29:53] municipalities and the town really stays [00:29:56] out of it and allows the residents to do [00:29:59] their own due diligence in getting the [00:30:01] questions answered [00:30:02] you have said Julie in several meetings [00:30:04] that if they want if they if anybody has [00:30:07] any questions that we can answer please [00:30:09] come to me or to [00:30:11] or to uh you know send them in an email [00:30:14] or come see me and I have not had any [00:30:17] um I don't know if other people have had [00:30:18] questions but I know all of the [00:30:20] questions that I can answer [00:30:22] you know directly and honestly and then [00:30:25] I certainly do have other questions that [00:30:27] I can't answer that would be later [00:30:29] answers would come later I I don't think [00:30:32] that starting to review an HCA is [00:30:35] appropriate when it may not even pass [00:30:38] um [00:30:41] somebody's just not [00:30:43] um you know so I think that [00:30:47] that in the no people I've already seen [00:30:48] the signs out there do their work and [00:30:51] trying to um [00:30:53] trying to get any questions answered [00:30:57] they want I did see Judy corsic say that [00:31:00] the gaming commission has control once [00:31:02] the license is approved which is true [00:31:04] for the track but not for the site the [00:31:06] town has to control over the site [00:31:09] completely [00:31:10] the gaming [00:31:11] gaming can control over race days [00:31:13] and over you know [00:31:16] so that's where their jurisdiction ends [00:31:19] um you know so that's where I feel like [00:31:22] um you know the town can have some real [00:31:24] good enforcement in the event it does [00:31:26] get approved uh that you know the the [00:31:30] operation is in the town of Hardwick the [00:31:31] town of Hardwick isn't operating around [00:31:33] this facility so uh that would always be [00:31:36] in the back of my mind [00:31:39] so Judy I know you have your hand up so [00:31:41] I just want to give the rest of the [00:31:43] board to the ability to say anything [00:31:45] that they you know if there's anything [00:31:46] that additional that we want to talk [00:31:48] about amongst ourselves before [00:31:51] um I [00:31:52] um [00:31:53] before I open it up [00:31:55] Robert Kelly so so what I'm hearing is I [00:31:59] mean you sort of heard my position if [00:32:01] there was a way we could do it where we [00:32:02] could [00:32:03] be a facilitator to get information out [00:32:05] that's accurate [00:32:07] in response to questions [00:32:09] um that's what I would like to do and [00:32:11] whether that's I mean my idea with the [00:32:13] committee was again I [00:32:17] my my thought was to try to make sure [00:32:19] that everybody has the same information [00:32:21] but you know I don't think that's [00:32:23] possible in listening to sort of out I [00:32:25] don't I don't think that's a possibility [00:32:26] with this committee so I don't know if [00:32:29] there's alternative ways or alternative [00:32:31] things we want to suggest as a as a [00:32:33] board [00:32:36] other other than potentially providing [00:32:39] space for people to get together and [00:32:42] have conversations or [00:32:45] um [00:32:47] I I don't know I I I I understand the [00:32:51] the [00:32:52] the concept about reviewing the HCA now [00:32:56] um you know I I it would seem like that [00:33:00] I know there's a lot of questions [00:33:01] surrounding that but again if this [00:33:04] doesn't pass it's a moot point so um I I [00:33:07] understand what um Nicole is saying as [00:33:10] well [00:33:13] I definitely agree with [00:33:15] um you know the [00:33:17] excuse me [00:33:18] um bhca that I don't I mean people are [00:33:23] it's public people are looking at it but [00:33:25] to go beyond that until we know the [00:33:28] outcome of the election doesn't make any [00:33:30] sense to me either [00:33:32] and I just [00:33:33] I would love to think that a committee [00:33:35] could be formed Julie I like I said when [00:33:37] when you first brought it up I thought [00:33:38] that's perfect [00:33:41] but um I don't think I just [00:33:45] I think because of [00:33:47] um how passionate both sides are I'm not [00:33:49] sure like I said I'm not sure that um [00:33:53] it's in [00:33:55] our best interest to to a point a [00:33:57] committee [00:34:00] um because you know they could be they [00:34:02] would be appointed by the board correct [00:34:05] and then therefore kind of reporting [00:34:07] back to us as well am I understanding [00:34:10] that Alex correctly [00:34:12] yes you would be appointing the board [00:34:14] um they would be you know subject to the [00:34:16] open meeting [00:34:19] with Bordentown [00:34:20] yeah [00:34:21] yeah I am so I mean with that being said [00:34:25] I think [00:34:26] you think Nicole kind of said the same [00:34:28] you know maybe just let both sides get [00:34:31] the information get their information [00:34:33] out there [00:34:35] um and then [00:34:37] I mean the question is just that [00:34:41] to approve the location that's what the [00:34:43] upcoming election [00:34:44] for [00:34:45] there's you know beyond that [00:34:48] talking about anything else again we've [00:34:51] had all these meetings we've had the [00:34:52] informational meetings we've had the [00:34:54] public hearings we've had the gaming [00:34:56] commission out [00:34:57] I think we've all gotten as much [00:34:59] information as possible and then [00:35:00] continue to do so [00:35:03] um so [00:35:05] I I think at this point [00:35:08] folks need to do what they're going to [00:35:09] do and the election will happen on [00:35:11] January 7th I really have I don't have [00:35:14] really more than that to say [00:35:18] and then we go from there [00:35:22] um do you think that maybe we could I [00:35:25] mean we have had facilitated public [00:35:27] um forums that perhaps we have [00:35:31] um [00:35:32] again people with the chat please stop [00:35:36] understand you have questions and [00:35:38] concerns we will allow people to speak [00:35:41] Judy I know you've had your hand up [00:35:42] let's just get through this and we'll [00:35:43] allow you to speak but please if you can [00:35:45] refrain from typing in the chat it's [00:35:47] very distracting [00:35:49] um we know everybody has comments and [00:35:51] opinions we know you you think we should [00:35:54] have done this before [00:35:56] I'm honestly tired of hearing of that [00:35:58] we're at where we're at and we're trying [00:36:00] to come up where the best strategy [00:36:03] um to move forward from where we are and [00:36:07] considering that again my wish that [00:36:09] everyone has information that everyone [00:36:12] has the ability to access the [00:36:13] information they need to to vote in [00:36:15] January [00:36:17] um [00:36:18] I guess you know my thought would be [00:36:21] um is it possible that maybe we could at [00:36:24] least get a public forum set up [00:36:28] um again doesn't have to be it can be [00:36:30] facilitated by the by the board [00:36:33] um and maybe questions that are there [00:36:35] and we could have potential experts [00:36:37] that's a possibility I'm throwing out [00:36:39] possibilities alternate strategies for [00:36:42] this [00:36:44] um and maybe we can have um certainly [00:36:46] Alex attend [00:36:49] um [00:36:50] and if there's specific questions ahead [00:36:52] of time that the gaming commission can [00:36:54] answer or people can answer that we have [00:36:57] them ahead of time and we have this [00:36:58] public forum it can be Hardwick TV zooms [00:37:02] live whatever so that there's you know [00:37:05] if there's questions that are out there [00:37:06] that legitimately we can answer before [00:37:08] the election maybe we try to do that [00:37:12] I don't know what your thoughts are [00:37:13] Kelly and Rob and Nicole [00:37:18] I mean go ahead Rob sorry [00:37:22] no problem um I I think if we [00:37:26] even if somehow even opened up the host [00:37:29] Community agreement to a public meeting [00:37:30] just to discuss [00:37:33] kind of what currently isn't it [00:37:36] maybe there's some questions in the [00:37:38] basic before it's even negotiated of [00:37:40] what currently is on the table [00:37:43] and what [00:37:44] uh things are that they've [00:37:47] already [00:37:48] put out there [00:37:50] uh [00:37:51] and just maybe get some feedback from [00:37:54] the public of what they think about [00:37:57] where the offer stands I guess I [00:38:00] it might be a chance for us to kind of [00:38:02] pick through some stuff that may already [00:38:04] be there to [00:38:06] with answers [00:38:07] that won't be difficult [00:38:09] and [00:38:11] I I understand no matter what we do [00:38:13] we're not going to get enough [00:38:13] information to everybody [00:38:15] but if that would help people maybe [00:38:18] that's a possibility [00:38:27] I I don't have I don't personally have [00:38:29] an issue with having information at [00:38:31] least one informational meeting getting [00:38:33] questions ahead of time [00:38:35] I think we know what I think we know [00:38:39] um I have a I have a good idea of what [00:38:41] the issues are relative to what people's [00:38:44] concerns are with the host Community [00:38:45] agreement but if we can sort of get [00:38:47] those [00:38:48] um together and [00:38:50] um you know with the intent that we're [00:38:52] not going to pick apart [00:38:54] the host Community agreement because [00:38:55] again it may be pointless if this [00:38:58] doesn't pass but at least the major [00:39:00] issues that are concerning to people [00:39:02] that might be in the host Community [00:39:04] agreement and get opinions or answers or [00:39:07] some more information for them you know [00:39:10] that might be helpful in getting people [00:39:14] um the information they need to make of [00:39:15] the decision [00:39:19] and maybe if there's other experts I [00:39:21] mean we're focusing on the hea ca but [00:39:23] maybe there's other experts or other [00:39:24] information that we can provide to [00:39:26] people that they don't feel that they [00:39:27] currently have [00:39:29] but the key is the questions have got to [00:39:32] get to one of us so that we can get the [00:39:36] appropriate experts [00:39:37] you know [00:39:39] I understand that our legislators the [00:39:42] gaming commission [00:39:44] um probably mdar are getting flooded [00:39:46] with emails from people on the topic [00:39:50] and if we really want answers from these [00:39:52] folks I think we have to [00:39:55] Nicole or the Board needs to go with [00:39:57] them and say these are the specific [00:39:59] questions we have [00:40:01] um you know what if by voting on this [00:40:04] approval what else is involved in there [00:40:06] by and just getting the specific [00:40:08] questions answered [00:40:11] um maybe that's a strategy [00:40:15] foreign [00:40:18] thoughts on having an informational [00:40:20] meeting [00:40:21] yeah [00:40:23] I'm sure I'd be happy to participate [00:40:25] be helpful if [00:40:28] I could have the questions that from the [00:40:30] legal questions [00:40:31] beforehand ideally in case there's any [00:40:43] Robin Kelly is that the strategy you [00:40:45] think you want to go [00:40:48] thank you [00:40:50] I'm fine with that I mean we can [00:40:54] certainly try to [00:40:56] you know get gather as much but I think [00:40:58] that the questions need to go to one [00:41:01] person Nicole [00:41:04] um [00:41:05] and you know we can certainly help [00:41:07] gather information if she's getting you [00:41:10] know inundated by emails but I think to [00:41:13] try to [00:41:14] you know have them email just one of us [00:41:16] ran you know [00:41:17] I think it just it needs to be [00:41:19] streamlined if we're going to do [00:41:20] something like this [00:41:25] and then last two meetings you've said [00:41:27] to set to send me questions and I [00:41:29] haven't received it I get some people [00:41:32] coming into the office and you know [00:41:34] trying to talk them through the process [00:41:37] um but [00:41:38] but solid answers saying this is what [00:41:40] we're going to get [00:41:42] this is how much money [00:41:44] race weekends [00:41:46] give those answers I that's right we [00:41:49] don't we don't have those answers no no [00:41:51] and that will that will come next [00:41:54] what is on you know [00:42:00] I I'm I'm gonna stop talking [00:42:07] I I get what you're saying Kelly like if [00:42:10] if a lot of questions let's get the [00:42:12] questions out there and [00:42:14] I understand there's probably gonna be [00:42:16] multiple of the same questions [00:42:19] because I'm sure people many people have [00:42:21] the same question [00:42:22] right uh we'll answer what we can [00:42:25] and I'm sorry that's the best we can do [00:42:27] for everybody well and some questions [00:42:30] just aren't answerable not at this point [00:42:33] not at this [00:42:37] line for when they're Dubai and then you [00:42:40] know this is really tight [00:42:43] because of the you know the timing and [00:42:45] the holidays but I think there needs to [00:42:46] be a deadline [00:42:48] and then you know [00:42:53] I unfortunately I mean the meeting looks [00:42:55] like it might have to be like that week [00:42:57] before the election [00:42:59] and it is what it is it could be two [00:43:02] hours long it could be [00:43:03] hours long I don't know but um I think [00:43:07] you know that's the [00:43:10] that's the reality of it if we're gonna [00:43:11] try to do something like this [00:43:16] so um Nicole do you have the ability to [00:43:19] shut the chat off [00:43:21] I do please shut it off [00:43:30] um okay [00:43:31] so um Duty I promise I will get to you [00:43:35] um [00:43:36] so what let's can we come up with some [00:43:38] possible dates while we're here let's [00:43:40] put some possible dates out there let's [00:43:43] pick one or two so if we find that we [00:43:46] need an extra time we've got the time [00:43:50] um [00:43:54] I say at a minimum we carve off like [00:43:57] January [00:43:59] um [00:44:01] fourth or fifth [00:44:03] as a fallback but I think maybe we [00:44:05] should try to do a date [00:44:07] um [00:44:08] earlier [00:44:17] Robert Kelly do you guys have any [00:44:18] suggestions yeah I mean [00:44:22] my only concern with you say the week [00:44:25] between the holidays is people could be [00:44:28] gone [00:44:30] so so let me say this why don't we [00:44:34] um so we're meeting on the second and [00:44:38] we're meeting on the 5th and the 19th [00:44:42] so what about what about if we make the [00:44:44] 19th [00:44:46] we substitute [00:44:47] um we have very a very light segments [00:44:50] meeting and we have the 19th it's [00:44:53] already a scheduled day for us we have [00:44:56] the 19th as a possibility and perhaps I [00:44:59] know our town clerk is on if perhaps [00:45:01] Nicole and Ryan can check and see if [00:45:04] Elementary School is available on the [00:45:07] 19th and also January 4th or 5th [00:45:13] I'm here Madam chair [00:45:15] hi Ryan thank you [00:45:23] I presume yes [00:45:26] all right so I'll I'll coordinate with [00:45:29] Nicole tomorrow about the dates whatever [00:45:31] you decide upon and I'll reach out to [00:45:33] the schools and and see what can be done [00:45:36] um just let me know [00:45:38] so Kelly and Rob the 19th and is there a [00:45:41] better day the fourth or fifth for [00:45:43] either of you and Nicole [00:45:46] I could do either the 19th is obviously [00:45:49] fine [00:45:50] um and I can do either the fourth or the [00:45:51] fifth [00:45:53] Rob [00:45:56] yeah that's fine so just uh let me know [00:46:00] what time if we got to be earlier just [00:46:03] give me a heads up I mean I don't want [00:46:05] to be there till 10 o'clock at night so [00:46:07] that means I gotta leave early in about [00:46:10] five o'clock meeting I would rather do [00:46:12] that [00:46:16] well maybe I mean maybe we're [00:46:19] tentatively setting two meetings maybe [00:46:21] we could get it done in one maybe the [00:46:23] 19th is the day and we don't need the [00:46:24] extra day I'm just trying to leave some [00:46:26] cushion in case we need it [00:46:30] um and I would say six I wouldn't start [00:46:32] any earlier than six I think six and we [00:46:34] can limit [00:46:35] like we did before and put out the it's [00:46:38] going to be two hours and that's it or [00:46:41] you know whatever whatever it is [00:46:44] we need a deadline for questions [00:46:47] and I um the suggestion was made [00:46:50] um that we maybe we set up a dedicated [00:46:52] email [00:46:53] so [00:46:55] Nicole is it to set up a dedicated email [00:46:58] so let's set up a separate email just [00:47:00] for this topic [00:47:02] um can we call it [00:47:04] um can I call it something can I call it [00:47:06] what I've already want to call it I've [00:47:08] already sent to it horse racing info at [00:47:11] townofhardwick.com I think that's a [00:47:14] perfect suggestion so um let's get it [00:47:16] out there that so questions if we're [00:47:19] meeting on the 19th at a minimum we [00:47:22] should probably have questions by the [00:47:24] 12th [00:47:25] so that gives a week to get to The [00:47:27] Experts that we need the information [00:47:29] from [00:47:32] agreed [00:47:34] is that okay with you Rob [00:47:37] yes all right so just to recap questions [00:47:41] due by December 12th to horse race info [00:47:45] is as you said at [00:47:48] townofhardwick.com yes [00:47:52] and um I'm meeting tentatively on the [00:47:54] 19th or a meeting on the 19th we'll make [00:47:57] sure that we can get the elementary [00:47:58] school and then a tentative meeting on [00:48:01] the 4th January 4th as a follow-up if [00:48:03] needed [00:48:05] horse racing info sorry just okay [00:48:08] but it's not set up it's gonna take a [00:48:10] day or so so we can put it on our [00:48:12] website [00:48:13] yeah maybe put it out on Facebook too [00:48:15] okay [00:48:25] all right [00:48:26] um are you uh everyone good if I start [00:48:29] opening this up Jody's had her hand up [00:48:31] for quite a while it's okay to open this [00:48:32] up you guys good [00:48:34] and so we um actually before we do that [00:48:37] can we vote on the ballot [00:48:40] um wording just so that we can get that [00:48:42] voted on [00:48:43] um in case [00:48:45] we good idea so [00:48:48] um [00:48:49] uh so [00:48:51] I I can read it quick [00:48:53] um we've all seen this but it's a [00:48:55] commonwealth of Mass town apartment [00:48:57] special Town election warrant January 7 [00:48:59] 2023 County of Worcester to the town [00:49:02] clerk in constables town of Hardwick [00:49:04] readings and the name of the [00:49:06] Commonwealth of Massachusetts you're [00:49:07] hereby required to notify and warn the [00:49:09] inhabitants of the town of Hardwick [00:49:10] qualified to vote in town Affairs to [00:49:12] meet at the Hardwick Elementary School [00:49:13] 76 Schoolhouse Drive neglective [00:49:16] Gilbertville on Saturday January 7 2023 [00:49:18] then and there to give their votes for [00:49:20] the following question pursuant to [00:49:21] General Law chapter 128 a section 13A [00:49:25] shall the town of parvick approved the [00:49:27] November 9 2022 vote of the board of [00:49:30] Selectmen authorizing the location of a [00:49:31] horse race track at the property known [00:49:33] as great Meadowbrook farm and located at [00:49:35] 228 Berry Road uh yes or no the polls [00:49:39] will be opened at 12 o'clock noon it [00:49:41] will close at seven o'clock in the [00:49:42] evening further you're directed to serve [00:49:44] this warrant by posting attested copies [00:49:46] there in each each of the post offices [00:49:48] and said Hardwick seven days at least [00:49:50] before the time of set election Dara [00:49:52] fail not and make due return of this [00:49:54] warrant with their doings thereon to the [00:49:55] town clerk on or before the time of set [00:49:57] election given under this hand given [00:50:00] under our hands this 29th day of [00:50:02] November 2022 signed by uh potentially [00:50:04] signed by Julie [00:50:06] um Rob and Kelly and then posted [00:50:09] um by a constable [00:50:12] so um any discussion that we need to [00:50:15] have on this before I entertain a motion [00:50:17] to approve the special election warrant [00:50:23] an excellent question we we put a couple [00:50:28] um like we we say that [00:50:30] um [00:50:31] as long as we had a approved post [00:50:33] Community agreement and all other [00:50:35] does that need to be in there or the [00:50:38] fact that we've owned a select board [00:50:39] using that terminology [00:50:42] is does that cover making sure that that [00:50:46] approval [00:50:48] you understand what I'm saying yeah Rob [00:50:50] this is Alex [00:50:51] um yeah I think that does not need to be [00:50:54] in there because the the vote the [00:50:56] special election vote is on your vote so [00:51:01] um I don't think [00:51:02] that the conditions need to be listed [00:51:07] I wanted to be sure thank you [00:51:10] thank you any other discussion before I [00:51:12] ask for a motion [00:51:18] okay is there a motion to approve the [00:51:20] special Town election warrant for [00:51:22] January 7 2023 as I read [00:51:30] I'll move uh Rob will move as Kelly as [00:51:36] Julie just read [00:51:38] second [00:51:40] moved by Rob seconded by Kelly any other [00:51:43] discussion [00:51:46] carrying on I will call the roll Rob [00:51:50] yes Kelly hi [00:51:53] and Julie is a yes [00:51:57] um so the special uh election warrant [00:52:00] has been approved [00:52:04] um and so um can we uh get to the I I [00:52:07] know some of us can get to a municipal [00:52:09] building to sign the warrant so that [00:52:10] Brian can get that posted that would be [00:52:12] great [00:52:13] yeah I'll do it in the morning okay I [00:52:16] will as well [00:52:17] okay anything else before I open up four [00:52:20] comments [00:52:24] so I will say that um I will entertain a [00:52:27] few comments this is not intended to be [00:52:29] a long meeting we are going to have the [00:52:31] opportunity to have discussions and [00:52:33] we've already set out uh at least two [00:52:35] potential meetings to to review [00:52:37] questions and comments do you've had [00:52:39] your hand up I just ask any comments [00:52:41] that you [00:52:42] you mentioned please be respectful to [00:52:44] the board and please be respectful to [00:52:46] anybody that's on this call or [00:52:49] um [00:52:51] what happened with you [00:52:54] so Judy if you'd like to speak you can [00:52:56] unmute yourself [00:52:58] okay I'm I'm unmuted [00:53:01] um you guys are you know not unbiased so [00:53:03] you know it puts us in a tough position [00:53:05] number one I want to agree with Rob I [00:53:08] think that pushed question is incredibly [00:53:10] misleading considering we already know [00:53:13] information has gone out that said this [00:53:15] is a three-day event and we know the [00:53:17] state isn't offering that that's kind of [00:53:19] disingenuous I would think to our [00:53:22] population that now we'll think it's a [00:53:25] three-day party and we all know on this [00:53:27] phone that is not true you know it we [00:53:30] know it we've read that and and we have [00:53:33] gotten true true answers so yeah you can [00:53:36] bring the specialists in because they [00:53:38] have actually the state has been talking [00:53:39] to us and giving us those answers they [00:53:42] told us the facts on the number of days [00:53:44] minimum as far as a live race days they [00:53:48] told us the minimum of simulcast days [00:53:51] they told us that they're in control [00:53:54] so bottom line is just saying hey let's [00:53:57] have a racetrack up on Meadowbrook is [00:54:00] not exactly a fair question to the town [00:54:03] that has been inundated with flyers from [00:54:06] a company that has been known to just [00:54:09] dump money to get what they want so I [00:54:11] think that's just really unfair number [00:54:13] one to our population [00:54:15] now not to us the know people that have [00:54:17] taken the time to actually you know [00:54:19] actually read these statutes and talk to [00:54:21] these people and talk to the state and [00:54:23] talk to the APR but it's really unfair [00:54:26] to the town because they're going to [00:54:28] wake up one day and go what the heck [00:54:29] nobody told us this was 20 days of this [00:54:32] and 100 days of simulcast nobody told us [00:54:34] there was a sports betting license [00:54:36] coming nobody told us this yeah because [00:54:40] all we put on there was hey do you want [00:54:43] to have a party on great Meadowbrook for [00:54:44] a few days I mean that that's just wrong [00:54:46] I mean it is in my heart that's just [00:54:49] wrong I would never do that to anybody [00:54:51] now on the side of being able to do [00:54:54] Communications obviously this gives us [00:54:56] time to walk door to door have to [00:54:58] educate people on what this really is [00:55:00] all about [00:55:01] I think that's really important we're [00:55:03] going to have to do that because by [00:55:05] opening it up and not doing what we had [00:55:08] planned to do to get a group together [00:55:10] that put the facts together to put the [00:55:12] fair questions together that means [00:55:14] that's only gonna I'm only gonna hear [00:55:17] promised union jobs again I'm going to [00:55:19] hear the same stories I've been hearing [00:55:21] as the you know these racetrack folks [00:55:24] who you know have [00:55:26] questionable backgrounds and you know [00:55:28] that too they flood money they have [00:55:31] millions millions to pour into this [00:55:34] because they're going to make millions [00:55:36] so you know putting the town [00:55:39] you know we didn't have to rush this [00:55:41] fast we always said it was on our [00:55:42] timeline but it's not on our timeline [00:55:44] look at us right now this is crazy [00:55:46] so I don't agree with that that line I [00:55:49] don't agree with that that statement [00:55:51] that we're putting in front of these [00:55:52] folks as as their vote [00:55:55] and I don't agree with the fact that [00:55:57] we're not mentioning that and I don't [00:55:59] believe you know let's have marriage and [00:56:01] baby whatever that's ridiculous once [00:56:04] they get their foot in the door and you [00:56:06] have 2.6 million dollars worth of [00:56:08] excavation [00:56:10] how are you going to stop the simulcast [00:56:11] how are you going to stop the sports [00:56:13] betting you know why because I sent you [00:56:16] the reports and said they can't make [00:56:17] money they did that report they can't [00:56:20] make money unless they do this [00:56:22] additional betting so what are you going [00:56:24] to do then you're going to kick them out [00:56:25] with a 2.6 billion dollar excavation [00:56:27] project that's not even reasonable so [00:56:30] either we're up front with the town or [00:56:32] we're not but this is unfair and I'm [00:56:35] done [00:56:37] so um I guess I would say Judy and I do [00:56:40] see your hand up well just give me a [00:56:42] second here [00:56:43] I do I I understand your [00:56:46] so so I think the characterization that [00:56:49] the board is biased I think is unfair [00:56:52] um and you are entitled to your own [00:56:54] opinion [00:56:55] um I think we're doing everything we [00:56:57] possibly can to facilitate getting [00:57:00] information out I think if [00:57:04] folks who are [00:57:06] um [00:57:07] you know clearly and vocally against the [00:57:10] proposal have information that can be [00:57:13] shared I I think it's also you know [00:57:16] their responsibility to do that and if [00:57:18] there are questions or things that need [00:57:20] to come in front of the rest of the [00:57:21] townspeople [00:57:23] um that you know we use the email and we [00:57:25] do that we're trying to give [00:57:27] informational sessions so that it wasn't [00:57:30] that your job ahead of time to get this [00:57:32] information out we shouldn't be having [00:57:34] to chase [00:57:35] me Judy I'm asking you to be respectful [00:57:38] I I am I'm asking you how is I'm not in [00:57:42] our town I'm not answering that Judy [00:57:45] a question for me to answer [00:57:48] okay [00:57:50] um clearly you're not happy with the [00:57:52] decision the board has made the board [00:57:54] made the the majority you know what I [00:57:56] I'm not happy listen I'm not unhappy [00:57:59] with you bringing forward and saying [00:58:02] yeah I want to do okay we think it [00:58:05] should be in this town and maybe I'm a [00:58:06] little upset about that what I'm more [00:58:08] upset about is not making a really huge [00:58:12] concerted effort to make sure this town [00:58:14] knows exactly what's going to happen [00:58:16] because that's irresponsible [00:58:18] doing a vote is one thing leaving people [00:58:21] in the dark and making people run around [00:58:23] over their holidays to give people the [00:58:26] real facts that they should have had [00:58:27] before this all happened that's a [00:58:29] totally different thing I'm for it if it [00:58:32] votes through the town I mean I'm [00:58:34] instead of it doesn't go through the [00:58:36] town but I do believe people should [00:58:39] I think that should [00:58:42] be of the town to make sure that [00:58:43] happened before we got to this point [00:58:45] you're right I do because I think good [00:58:48] information [00:58:49] leads to good decisions and right now [00:58:52] people don't have any information they [00:58:54] have all kinds of information and and [00:58:57] it's this is insanity that's all I'm [00:59:00] saying [00:59:04] okay well [00:59:09] hello everybody thank you for uh giving [00:59:11] me an opportunity to say a couple of [00:59:13] things I just want to say that [00:59:15] I think it's very important that the [00:59:17] information that's presented especially [00:59:19] if it's presented through the board [00:59:22] or at a meeting hosted by the board [00:59:25] that information is fact checked [00:59:28] we can't allow misinformation to be [00:59:32] endorsed by the board [00:59:34] and we need to make sure that we have [00:59:37] equal time one minute per person isn't [00:59:41] going to work if we have to delegate [00:59:43] several people to speak longer [00:59:48] that seems more reasonable so short and [00:59:50] sweet that's it let's just make sure [00:59:52] fact checking is a big part of this it [00:59:55] word's going to be endorsing this or [00:59:56] presenting this or even if it's a [00:59:58] presented at a meeting that's hosted by [01:00:00] the board we have to be careful and [01:00:03] let's make sure that both sides have an [01:00:05] opportunity to put their facts [01:00:08] reason forward so again thank you for [01:00:11] allowing me to speak [01:00:13] thanks for being patient will I don't [01:00:15] think that this um I don't and Alex [01:00:19] it can sort of help us out here with us [01:00:21] but I don't I think the idea is that the [01:00:24] concern with the committee was the whole [01:00:27] concern of [01:00:29] um you know the the board taking a [01:00:31] position on this or the board presenting [01:00:33] a position I don't think that's the [01:00:35] intent I think the intent is to get as [01:00:38] much information out factual information [01:00:40] I think the board wants [01:00:43] appropriate factual information out [01:00:45] there and that's why we're asking for [01:00:47] questions or areas of concerns clearly [01:00:50] we know what the areas of concern Judy [01:00:52] was very well spoken and what her issues [01:00:55] are and what she knows and the [01:00:57] information we certainly go back and [01:00:58] make sure we have all of the information [01:01:00] surrounding that [01:01:03] um and would ask you know if you have [01:01:07] something specific Duty that you know [01:01:09] get it into that [01:01:11] horse racing um I'm not going to say the [01:01:14] email correctly but [01:01:16] um you know I think it's it's all of our [01:01:18] responsibility to make sure that [01:01:21] um and this is my opinion and Kelly and [01:01:23] Rob may not agree and Nicole but I think [01:01:26] it's all of our [01:01:27] um as people who live in the town of [01:01:29] Hardwick to make sure that everybody has [01:01:31] as much factual information as they can [01:01:36] um and that's really I think what we're [01:01:38] trying to do here and it's not letting [01:01:41] one side monopolize the other [01:01:43] um we certainly will take your opinion [01:01:45] about [01:01:46] um format and I appreciate that [01:01:49] um but we also um [01:01:52] quite frankly I feel a little beaten [01:01:54] down [01:01:55] um as I'm sure Kelly and Rob do and I'm [01:01:57] not interested in listening to uh [01:02:00] someone come at us with well you should [01:02:02] have done this and you should have done [01:02:03] that and you should have done this we're [01:02:05] here now [01:02:06] however we got here so I'm interested in [01:02:08] moving forward how do we get the [01:02:10] information we need [01:02:12] to [01:02:13] um for folks to make informed decisions [01:02:15] and understand the ramifications of the [01:02:17] decision current and long term [01:02:20] um [01:02:22] okay [01:02:24] um any other questions or comments [01:02:28] I'm not I'm [01:02:30] I'm sure you're not all interested in [01:02:32] making this a marathon thing [01:02:34] um the intent was to prove the ballot [01:02:36] and to talk about the committee frankly [01:02:38] I I'll tell you honestly I'm [01:02:39] disappointed in [01:02:41] um not being able to have the committee [01:02:43] that was my wish I really don't want [01:02:45] people to be divided about this I really [01:02:48] don't my own personal opinion I don't [01:02:51] want to feel the way I feel about this [01:02:52] this topic either [01:02:55] um I think the board is doing the best [01:02:57] we can [01:02:59] um with trying to deal with this it's in [01:03:01] front of us [01:03:03] um and you know I think we're trying to [01:03:05] do the best we can and be as transparent [01:03:07] as we can using legal counsel and using [01:03:09] the experts to to sort of guide us [01:03:12] through the process [01:03:14] um [01:03:17] anybody else I don't see any other hands [01:03:19] up [01:03:22] Kelly or Rob anything you want to say [01:03:24] before we [01:03:26] um [01:03:27] I'm just curious about the letter that [01:03:30] we saw last meeting that we were going [01:03:32] to [01:03:33] review this time oh I didn't see that on [01:03:37] the agenda [01:03:42] um I don't know what letter you mean [01:03:44] to the gaming Commission [01:03:48] all right [01:03:50] we didn't finish [01:03:52] um Alex [01:03:54] we had to add some more information to [01:03:55] it [01:03:57] uh we can get that ready for the next [01:03:59] meeting yeah and it's really the [01:04:01] applicant that needs to submit it to the [01:04:03] state so it's not like it's super [01:04:06] imperative for us but yeah [01:04:09] I just remembered talking about it last [01:04:11] meeting yeah [01:04:12] okay [01:04:14] so are we going to have that for our [01:04:16] next select men's meeting [01:04:19] Nicole [01:04:21] um [01:04:23] I think so [01:04:24] we can have it for Monday right Alex [01:04:27] yeah that's not a problem [01:04:29] so that would be the fifth so we can [01:04:30] make sure that gets on the agenda [01:04:33] yes [01:04:37] sorry I had a mental block on the letter [01:04:39] yeah [01:04:42] my I would love to tell you that I'm [01:04:46] um [01:04:48] I I wish we were we could fast forward [01:04:50] and be past this whole issue already so [01:04:52] honestly that's that's how I feel [01:04:54] um I'd second thought [01:04:57] um okay so Monday we'll put that on the [01:04:59] agenda any other Rob or Kelly anything [01:05:03] um Alex anything we need to be [01:05:04] considering or talking about before we [01:05:06] adjourn [01:05:08] uh I have nothing else at this point [01:05:10] Madam chair as I said I'm happy review [01:05:12] and you answer any legal questions [01:05:15] for the informational meetings that [01:05:17] we'll have coming up [01:05:19] Ryan do you have any questions or [01:05:21] anything I just thought of you [01:05:24] pop up no Madam chair [01:05:26] um I'll just I will await for two [01:05:28] signatures so I can order the ballot and [01:05:30] do all the necessary things that I need [01:05:32] to do and I will reach out to the school [01:05:35] and find out about the availability for [01:05:37] the 19th and those other dates in [01:05:39] January [01:05:42] great [01:05:43] okay if there is nothing else or if [01:05:46] there are no more questions [01:05:48] um I will [01:05:49] um we all have our I'm sorry [01:05:53] go ahead [01:05:56] um just just so that we're [01:05:58] recapping [01:06:00] um Monday we're gonna have the letter [01:06:02] just for my own so I can just make sure [01:06:04] that I have myself straight here [01:06:06] December 5th Alex and Nicole are going [01:06:08] to have the letter ready for the gaming [01:06:10] commission and [01:06:12] um we tentatively have a meeting [01:06:13] scheduled for the 19th and also for [01:06:15] January 4th [01:06:17] um Ryan and Nicole will follow up with [01:06:20] our Ryan will follow up with Hardwick [01:06:22] Elementary to make sure Nicole you're [01:06:24] going to get the email address set up so [01:06:26] that people can submit questions to you [01:06:28] the deadline for that is December 12th [01:06:30] we'll make sure we'll get that on social [01:06:31] media so that [01:06:33] um in every Outlet so everyone knows [01:06:36] um where to send questions [01:06:39] um did I miss anything [01:06:42] okay [01:06:44] I don't think so I'll entertain a motion [01:06:46] to adjourn if we're ready to go motion [01:06:49] to adjourn [01:06:51] second [01:06:52] I moved in seconds [01:06:56] what were you gonna oh gladly [01:06:58] okay [01:06:59] um so I'll call the roll Rob [01:07:02] yes Kelly hi uh Julie yes so we are [01:07:07] joining the select men's meeting at 7 [01:07:09] 11. thank you everybody [01:07:12] thanks Madam chair recording stopped [01:07:14] thank you Alex thank you thank you Kelly [01:07:24] foreign