Thumbnail for 12/9/24 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

Hardwick Select Board Addresses Historic Properties, Town Operations, and Staffing

Original title: 12/9/24 - 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

December 9, 2024

Duration

50m

Decisions

9 recorded

Action Items

13 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Select Board meeting on December 9, 2024, covered updates on the sewer treatment plant projects and discussed resuming regular department head reports. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the proposed auction of historic town properties, with the Historic Commission and residents expressing strong opposition and concerns regarding preservation, public input, and the auction process. The Board approved several liquor license renewals and appointments. Discussions also included the Town Administrator's contract and salary request, communication improvements, and various town hall and department updates. A motion to table the historic properties auction was passed to allow for further consultation and public input.

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Discussion Highlights

All three sewer treatment plant projects are underway and progressing as expected, with weekly updates and USDA oversight.
The pump station is in its final stages, including paving, pending action from National Grid.
A visitor expressed concern about the lapse in regular department head reporting, suggesting a return to periodic summaries.
The Hardwick Historic Commission formally opposed the sale or transfer of historic properties without their prior input, citing MA General Law and recommending permanent preservation covenants.
Residents challenged previous statements implying a lack of interest in historic buildings, asserting that non-profits and contractors had expressed interest in adaptive reuse.
Concerns were raised regarding the auction process for historic properties, specifically the absence of a reserve price, limitations on buyer vetting, and potential negative outcomes for the town.
The Town's use of Zikos as an auctioneer was clarified as compliant with procurement law due to membership in the Central Massachusetts Regional Planning Association (CMRPA).
Abutters expressed concerns that the auction process might not prevent undesirable developments and advocated for increased public notice and transparency.
A Selectman and the Capital Planning Committee expressed dissent regarding the auction, recommending it be tabled in favor of issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP).
The board reviewed and approved 11 liquor license renewals for local businesses.
The Town Administrator requested a salary increase following the successful completion of her six-month probationary period, prompting discussion on evaluation processes and comparative salaries.
The board discussed the development of a new communication packet to improve information flow between the Board, committees, and departments.
Updates included ongoing Town Hall improvements, bi-weekly financial management planning, progress on grant reporting, Highway Department staffing, and Police Department activities.
The Hardwick Rescue and Emergency Squad reported on successful fundraising from asset sales, which will be used to purchase AEDs and support EMT/Paramedic training.
Concerns were raised about the Historical Commission's lack of involvement in the Townhouse renovation grant, despite its status as a historic building.
The December 16th working meeting was confirmed to be exclusively for the pilot program, deferring Planning Board bylaw proposals to a subsequent regular meeting.

Transcript (8,728 words)

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

00:00:00
United States of America the stands liberty and justice for thank you everybody visitor comments an I'm missing hearing from the
00:00:20
Department heads now and then it's all written to you but I don't see it anywhere how's the sewer doing the sewer treatment plans of that Grant yeah the project all three projects are completely underway and moving along
00:00:38
Going well you know there's been a couple of things a few change orders here and there but nothing major so going as expected um we have weekly cins that they um update us on each project are the feds out of it totally no no no no no no USDA will will be in
00:00:58
It until the end okay yeah yeah they'll oversee plus you know the the monetary end of things they disperse the funds once the pay Recs are um put forward to the town and the pump station is that operating yet I don't know if it's online yet I don't think don't think it
00:01:16
Is yet it's soon to be online yeah they're Paving and things they're in the final stages it looks like I wait for like something yeah they're waiting on National gr right yeah yeah knew there was something Madam chair yes may I address an comment from
00:01:37
Well let me okay let me add a little so um previously after a department meeting we would get Department uh like reports from the departments in our packet and they they would kind of be summarized in meetings so I think that's
00:01:55
What an is referring to um that we we haven't been doing that so do you want me to start summarizing what's going on in the department just so I know going forward um that might not be a bad idea and I don't know that it has to be done every month okay but um you know maybe every other or something you know just

[00:00:00] United States of America [00:00:02] the [00:00:07] stands liberty and justice for thank you [00:00:14] everybody visitor [00:00:16] comments an I'm missing hearing from the [00:00:20] department heads now and then it's all [00:00:24] written to you but I don't see it [00:00:26] anywhere how's the sewer doing the sewer [00:00:29] treatment plans [00:00:30] of that Grant yeah the project all three [00:00:33] projects are completely underway and [00:00:35] moving along [00:00:38] um going well you know there's been a [00:00:41] couple of things a few change orders [00:00:42] here and there but nothing major so [00:00:44] going as expected um we have weekly [00:00:48] cins that they um update us on each [00:00:51] project are the feds out of it totally [00:00:55] no no no no no no USDA will will be in [00:00:58] it until the end okay yeah yeah they'll [00:01:01] oversee plus you know the the monetary [00:01:03] end of things they disperse the funds [00:01:05] once the pay Recs are um put forward to [00:01:08] the town and the pump station is that [00:01:12] operating yet I don't know if it's [00:01:14] online yet I don't think don't think it [00:01:16] is yet it's soon to be online yeah [00:01:20] they're Paving and things they're in the [00:01:21] final stages it looks [00:01:23] like I wait for like something yeah [00:01:27] they're waiting on National gr right [00:01:30] yeah yeah knew there was something Madam [00:01:33] chair yes may I address an comment from [00:01:37] um well let me okay let me add a little [00:01:39] so um previously after a department [00:01:44] meeting we would get Department uh like [00:01:48] reports from the departments in our [00:01:50] packet and they they would kind of be [00:01:52] summarized in meetings so I think that's [00:01:55] what an is referring to um that we we [00:01:58] haven't been doing that so do you want [00:02:01] me to start summarizing what's going on [00:02:03] in the department just so I know going [00:02:04] forward um that might not be a bad idea [00:02:07] and I don't know that it has to be done [00:02:09] every month okay but um you know maybe [00:02:12] every other or something you know just [00:02:13] to so you know people do cuz we were [00:02:16] doing that okay so it's probably just [00:02:18] something that um you know is being [00:02:20] missed yeah yeah no absolutely and you [00:02:24] know an oversight on on all parties cuz [00:02:28] um [00:02:30] kind of it kind of got by me too [00:02:35] so so um would that be helpful yes it [00:02:39] would yeah good okay perfect I um just [00:02:42] wanted to you at the last meeting you [00:02:44] had asked about the street lights yes um [00:02:46] so the next night I did go up there and [00:02:48] drove around and it was pitched black um [00:02:52] yeah especially the northern point right [00:02:54] where you have to turn so I did reach [00:02:57] out to National Grid um to our rep and [00:02:59] she is on vacation until tomorrow so I'm [00:03:02] hoping when she comes back we will get a [00:03:03] response um about you know making sure [00:03:08] we get some lights back back there and [00:03:10] some other places too where they're out [00:03:11] yeah I don't want to cost the to extra [00:03:14] money but if we're supposed to have them [00:03:16] that was a plan no it was really really [00:03:18] really dark [00:03:21] than any other visitor comments John um [00:03:25] we have a can you just say who you are [00:03:28] for the [00:03:30] with the hard historic commission um we [00:03:32] sent in a note this morning I don't know [00:03:34] if you want to have our discussion [00:03:36] during old business when that topic is [00:03:39] up or you like us to address the board [00:03:41] now um now would be great [00:03:44] okay I'll yeah we have a letter of [00:03:48] submitt to you with some comments I'm [00:03:50] just going to read it out loud for the [00:03:52] record um this is regarding the uh [00:03:57] potential disposition of um Town [00:04:00] property um to The Honorable Board of [00:04:03] Selectmen the hardwin Hardwick historic [00:04:06] commission strongly opposes the sale or [00:04:08] transfer of any properties deemed [00:04:11] historic within or outside of the [00:04:13] historic districts established in the [00:04:15] town of Hardwick without first having [00:04:18] comment discussion or input from the [00:04:20] historic commission into the potential [00:04:23] consequences to the buildings and to the [00:04:26] character of the historic district from [00:04:28] the historic Commission [00:04:30] Mass General law part one title 7 [00:04:33] chapter 40 section 8D enables us to [00:04:36] Serve and Protect and preserve the [00:04:39] historic resources within the [00:04:41] town for the record the commission [00:04:44] wishes to remind the board that while [00:04:47] each of the resources being discussed [00:04:49] the Ruggles Hill School the Gilbertville [00:04:52] school and Page building are each within [00:04:55] Hardwick's National register overlay [00:04:58] District um there's no protections that [00:05:00] would effectively preserve the buildings [00:05:03] from significant exterior alteration or [00:05:07] demolition the national register overlay [00:05:09] district is different from the local [00:05:11] historic district which has the ability [00:05:15] to be enforced through reviews and [00:05:17] guidelines Hardwick has not adopted any [00:05:20] local historic districts through our [00:05:22] Zone B [00:05:23] process therefore the buildings in [00:05:26] question need to be protected by [00:05:27] placement of a permanent preservation [00:05:30] Covenant which could be held by the [00:05:32] historic commission or other nonprofit [00:05:34] organization and recorded at the time of [00:05:37] sale the selectman previously considered [00:05:40] this in a prior request for proposals [00:05:43] and we urge you to consider this before [00:05:45] offering these buildings for sale or [00:05:48] loction we urge you to engage with us in [00:05:51] a joint meeting to develop a plan that [00:05:54] will create the best opportunity to [00:05:56] meeting common goals for these buildings [00:05:59] to see see them adaptively reused [00:06:01] potentially back on the tax rols [00:06:04] permanently protected from Demolition [00:06:07] and with appropriate exterior building [00:06:09] facade protection we look forward to [00:06:11] working with you and any other board [00:06:13] that may have interest in preserving [00:06:15] part K and we uh look forward to your [00:06:21] comments thank [00:06:23] you any other visitor comments Liz um [00:06:27] yes um Kelly have to take um um Umbridge [00:06:32] I guess uh with a couple of comments [00:06:34] that you made in last uh the last [00:06:37] meeting um one was stating that um [00:06:41] Nicole had sent out rfps on these vacant [00:06:44] buildings Nicole had no she was working [00:06:47] on she was working on it actually she [00:06:49] came to me and asked me for assistance [00:06:53] because I work with Teresa on these and [00:06:56] I have been involved in working with our [00:06:59] PE on these buildings since [00:07:01] 2017 okay and she came to me to discuss [00:07:05] this um and I did help her out um in [00:07:09] fact she she asked me to take around a [00:07:12] group of people to these buildings which [00:07:15] I did do and when I reported back to her [00:07:18] I told her that um I had [00:07:23] um I my nonprofit was interested in [00:07:26] taking to rugles Hill School another [00:07:28] nonprofit in town was interested in [00:07:30] taking the cage building and I had an [00:07:33] interested contractor who was willing to [00:07:36] um work on the Gilbert School to turn it [00:07:39] into housing very similar to what the [00:07:42] Church Street school and wear did okay [00:07:46] and as very common in the town of [00:07:47] Hardwick the ball got dropped and [00:07:49] nothing got done okay but I want to [00:07:52] correct you because you said no one is [00:07:55] interested in these buildings and um I I [00:07:59] have been trying actually honestly and I [00:08:02] have backup paperwork for 30 years to [00:08:05] save the ruckles ton school okay I don't [00:08:08] believe I said that no one wants them I [00:08:11] what I've said is that in the past I've [00:08:13] heard of people you know excited to do [00:08:15] things with them and then things don't [00:08:18] happen well I so that's what I said I [00:08:20] approached the you were on vacation I [00:08:22] approached I watched the mid July I [00:08:24] watched the meeting okay and no one I I [00:08:27] went to um once and she says we're [00:08:30] working on it I went to the capital [00:08:32] planning uh committee and they said [00:08:34] we're supposed to be sending out rfps no [00:08:36] one's contacted me I'm still willing to [00:08:39] take that building for $20 like you [00:08:41] threw on the table that night Liz well [00:08:43] excuse me I'm a nonprofit okay we no no [00:08:47] nonprofit is going to pay market value [00:08:50] for a property and it has been said for [00:08:53] the last since 2017 that it's not about [00:08:57] the money and if we gone through [00:09:00] anything in the last five years we know [00:09:02] that nobody Hardwick is not about the [00:09:04] money we don't need Bad actors coming in [00:09:07] here and throwing money at us we are [00:09:09] about saving this town and keeping this [00:09:12] town what it is okay and my proposal on [00:09:15] that school will not touch the outside [00:09:17] and it won't even touch the inside and [00:09:20] it'll be completely for totally for [00:09:22] Community to use that building okay but [00:09:25] no one's coming to me you know and and [00:09:28] and Bill and Justine and Eric sat here [00:09:31] when you said nobody was interested in [00:09:33] the buildings and they should have said [00:09:35] well excuse me we have a propul on again [00:09:37] don't believe those were my words though [00:09:38] Liz so we everyone heard your um [00:09:43] proposal back in July I believe it was [00:09:47] um I believe you didn't confirm that you [00:09:50] actually a nonprofit yes I am we are a [00:09:52] legal nonprofit okay at that time you [00:09:55] said you weren't yes no I said we had [00:09:57] formed a nonprofit and all the paperwork [00:10:00] was in order or was I I have the [00:10:03] paperwork good enough all right thank [00:10:07] you any other visitor comments I Jeff I [00:10:12] just want to make sure that the board is [00:10:15] aware that we're not against transfer of [00:10:18] ownership of any of the buildings we [00:10:20] just are concerned that the protections [00:10:23] are not in place to keep them uh [00:10:27] historically uh uh accurate uh the [00:10:31] facade historically [00:10:34] accurate um and uh we would like to be [00:10:37] included in any uh any deliberations [00:10:40] over who [00:10:42] or what happens with those buildings [00:10:46] yeah uh who when you say we who do you [00:10:49] mean historical commission thank you [00:10:51] right now I'm the chairman of this [00:10:53] historical commission since you wear you [00:10:55] wear several hats yeah well I only got [00:10:58] one with me [00:11:01] but thank you Bill thanks um about the [00:11:06] buildings two questions came up one last [00:11:09] uh we talked about this here and one of [00:11:12] them that I had um [00:11:14] was uh about the proceeds of the auction [00:11:18] and I had asked whether the $10,000 [00:11:20] deposit and the second 10,000 deposit [00:11:23] for a winning bid was was in a sense a [00:11:26] reserve or not in other words do we have [00:11:29] a minimum amount that each building [00:11:32] would have to bring in order to be [00:11:34] sold um and the other question that came [00:11:37] up like this was what happens or what [00:11:41] what can the town say in terms of what [00:11:44] sort of buyer or use they would want to [00:11:47] stipulate you know would have to be um [00:11:51] coming in order for a bid to be [00:11:54] accepted um I looked at the auction site [00:11:57] where it says we've that zikos has [00:12:01] been contracted to do this already uh it [00:12:05] talks about the process and it says to [00:12:07] call with questions so I called them and [00:12:09] I asked those two questions and the [00:12:12] first one they said very clearly the [00:12:16] felt I talked was a little bit offended [00:12:18] somehow but he said no it's if we can't [00:12:20] bring the $10,000 minimum then we [00:12:23] haven't done our job but I said well [00:12:25] what what if it's what if the the [00:12:27] highest bait is not that they said well [00:12:29] then we didn't do a very good job and [00:12:31] but that's what it would bring so it is [00:12:34] conceivable that there'd be a very low [00:12:36] price for any or all of the buildings uh [00:12:39] without recourse to the owner us you [00:12:42] know if if we're contracted to sell it [00:12:44] at [00:12:45] auction and then on the subject of of uh [00:12:49] vetting in any kind of way who the [00:12:51] buyers would be they put their deposit [00:12:53] down they're in the running they do [00:12:55] their own due diligence and there seem [00:12:57] to be no he didn't think a uh reasonable [00:13:00] way to say the limit who could buy it [00:13:05] you wouldn't know that ahead of time it [00:13:06] would limit the interest in it and it [00:13:09] would uh interfere with the process so [00:13:11] that didn't sound very promising so I [00:13:14] just ended up after that call feeling [00:13:16] that there was the potential for um a [00:13:21] bad result from the town standpoint one [00:13:23] way or another through through this [00:13:25] auction process not specific not [00:13:27] specifically because it's Z [00:13:29] but just because it's an auction process [00:13:32] and I think we ought to be aware of that [00:13:34] because that isn't the impression we had [00:13:36] last after the last [00:13:39] conversation John um I had a question [00:13:42] because I'm not quite clear where you [00:13:45] are in the process if what bill is [00:13:47] saying is zos has actually been [00:13:50] contracted so the town voted to allow [00:13:53] the board to dispense of the buildings [00:13:56] years ago yes I I understand voted as a [00:13:59] board to move forward with the auction [00:14:03] process what is in front of us right now [00:14:05] is a date for the auction that is what [00:14:08] Justine is looking for well first of all [00:14:11] I have a question regarding uh [00:14:13] procurement uh procedures the [00:14:16] Commonwealth of Massachusetts as you [00:14:18] know has a [00:14:19] very [00:14:21] lengthy chapter 30b on procurement and [00:14:25] do you I mean the the auction people [00:14:28] know this it well let me explain to you [00:14:31] it clearly says that to dispose of real [00:14:34] property three biders meaning three [00:14:37] vendors to run an [00:14:40] auction even if you were going to have [00:14:42] it work through a real estate agent you [00:14:46] would have to send three rfps out to [00:14:49] real estate brokers to [00:14:51] get um bids on their [00:14:55] services I believe that is the same [00:14:58] requirement unless [00:15:00] is there a waiver to that underap 30 NOP [00:15:03] it's not a waiver so we are uh the town [00:15:05] of Hardwick is a part of the Central [00:15:07] Mass Regional Planning Association um so [00:15:10] we use their their vendors and they [00:15:13] their one of their vendors is zos and we [00:15:15] don't have to go through the process of [00:15:17] procurement that way because we're [00:15:18] already a member of the Central Mass [00:15:20] Regional Planning Association and even [00:15:22] though that the potential uh cost of the [00:15:25] Town out of those proceeds May exceed [00:15:27] $10,000 [00:15:29] what was say I there's no cost to us of [00:15:32] course there's a cost to us we're [00:15:34] selling an asset and they're going to [00:15:36] take their fee out of that yes from the [00:15:39] buyer from the buyer not from us the [00:15:42] seller actually pays the fee yes correct [00:15:47] right I mean it's semantics here I [00:15:50] I I don't know if uh anybody has asked [00:15:55] legal counsel um certainly it looks like [00:15:57] there's a procurement issue there's not [00:15:59] a procurement issue I can assure you we [00:16:01] have been working with Council not uh [00:16:03] and [00:16:05] there's hundreds of towns the [00:16:07] Commonwealth that use this vendor and [00:16:09] our and all the vendors in C Central [00:16:11] Mass Regional planning also have this [00:16:13] option to use them um I've been in Two [00:16:16] Towns at least that have used them um so [00:16:19] they have references and they you know [00:16:21] this is just someone that we called [00:16:25] randomly hi I'm Susan de I'm new to town [00:16:28] and I'm going but and um I was wondering [00:16:31] I similar that gentleman was saying I [00:16:33] looked on the website the zos is it and [00:16:35] I see that they've sold a lot of [00:16:37] properties for a lot of towns a lot of [00:16:39] them are old abandoned restaurants and [00:16:40] things like that but not necessarily you [00:16:43] know a historic building or a town [00:16:45] building and in the article in the paper [00:16:47] it said well through the RFP process it [00:16:51] would be possible to somehow as was [00:16:54] referenced control you know who buys [00:16:57] this but I don't see how that would [00:16:58] happen I mean we've seen people with [00:17:01] money suitcases of money come into town [00:17:03] all over the place you see Hampton home [00:17:04] buyers you know sell us your property in [00:17:06] any condition these people have you know [00:17:08] money to burn and how are we to know [00:17:11] that they're going to not put in [00:17:14] something like I heard was going to go [00:17:15] up on upper Church Street a dog track [00:17:18] and then that was voted down so I'm very [00:17:21] concerned because I live right nearby [00:17:22] and I've only been here six months well [00:17:24] welcome to town thank you thank you for [00:17:27] coming you're welcome [00:17:29] do you mind if I address that sure um so [00:17:32] we had to put together with the assessor [00:17:34] and the building inspector a zoning [00:17:35] analysis so these buildings do have [00:17:37] restrictions like I use this example I [00:17:39] use it today like rles Hill Street [00:17:42] School can't be a CVS because that [00:17:44] doesn't meet theet the C can't be a what [00:17:46] a CBS CS it can't be a strip club like [00:17:50] right so we have we do have restrictions [00:17:52] on based on the historic district oh [00:17:54] good okay that's good to know are the [00:17:57] select I haven't seen that vote yet I [00:18:00] haven't I haven't had a chance [00:18:02] to say I feel that this is the wrong way [00:18:06] to go I do uh I am a member of the [00:18:10] capital planning committee and we voted [00:18:14] unanimously to ask the select board to [00:18:16] table this and get an RFP up and get the [00:18:21] tank removed now I learned today that [00:18:24] the tank is in fact going to be pumped [00:18:26] out on Friday and the tank will be [00:18:29] lifted sometime early in January but you [00:18:33] Sarah keep talking about how the select [00:18:35] boards doing this I got to say I've been [00:18:38] I missed one meeting and it's had a big [00:18:41] impact so I would like to see a copy of [00:18:44] the contract and I would urge us to [00:18:48] stand by on this and table it and take [00:18:50] care of all these questions I don't you [00:18:53] can ask me for the contract anytime I [00:18:55] will thank you [00:18:57] okay is there like a notice and comment [00:19:00] period or is it just like this left [00:19:01] board decides and you know how like a [00:19:03] lot of times if there's something [00:19:05] happening with property or an [00:19:07] environmental thing they'll say was does [00:19:09] the public want to weigh in on this want [00:19:11] to have our say you know and just [00:19:14] everything's really transparent because [00:19:16] when I saw the article I was immediately [00:19:17] very uncomfortable [00:19:20] because I mean I I I became familiar [00:19:24] with what was going on with Mary Lane [00:19:25] hospital and that didn't sit well with [00:19:27] me at all and and [00:19:30] um you know Bas State corporate Behemoth [00:19:33] you know going in and just well this is [00:19:35] the way it's going to be and I I worry [00:19:38] about you know when I look at that [00:19:39] website and I see I think who's who's [00:19:41] buying all these properties and what you [00:19:43] know they they'll say on the website [00:19:44] they say oh and we're going to make [00:19:46] something really [00:19:47] nice well how is that to be guaranteed [00:19:51] you know it just seems very um I agree [00:19:54] with Mr volheim I'd like to have more [00:19:57] information and maybe um you know the [00:20:01] contract or documents people could look [00:20:03] at or not not to in any way undermine [00:20:06] you know your expertise but just you can [00:20:10] understand you're living somewhere you [00:20:11] don't want [00:20:12] to I'm just kind of got Conjuring up [00:20:15] Visions about what could go in there you [00:20:18] know Liz um did this [00:20:23] is I don't see why you cannot try an [00:20:26] irfp one more time and you and if it [00:20:29] fails you still can do an auction [00:20:32] somewhere down you know you're looking [00:20:33] at April or whatever you could still do [00:20:36] something in April if it if the rfps [00:20:38] fail if no one comes forward and that's [00:20:41] not going to be happening because I know [00:20:43] I will come forward with a with a solid [00:20:46] R you know response to an RFP okay and I [00:20:49] know that there's at least one other [00:20:51] people in town that'll come through with [00:20:53] a Sol response to an [00:20:56] RFP I don't see the harm [00:20:59] in having local people who love these [00:21:03] buildings who have a vested interest in [00:21:05] a town that we live in and we've lived [00:21:07] in our entire life and we want to [00:21:09] protect these buildings versus throwing [00:21:12] it out to whoever who might come in and [00:21:15] they're totally doing speculating and [00:21:18] they're thinking that oh well we can put [00:21:20] in X like somebody who wanted to buy you [00:21:24] know 350 acres and let's put in a dog [00:21:26] track and want to save everybody in town [00:21:28] it was a horse track first of all I'm [00:21:31] sorry let's be accurate that's all yeah [00:21:34] I the horse track I'm sorry but you know [00:21:37] in instead [00:21:39] of I I don't want to be back here six [00:21:43] months from now or a year from now and [00:21:46] all of US citizens in town are fighting [00:21:49] whoever want wants to come in there and [00:21:51] Bulldog the Ruggles Hill School somebody [00:21:54] who wants to put in something completely [00:21:56] inappropriate in the page building or [00:21:58] some somebody who was going to turn the [00:22:00] Gilbert School into a [00:22:03] 7-Eleven and that doesn't fit with the [00:22:06] rural character of this town and how [00:22:08] hard we've been fighting to keep this [00:22:10] town the little Oasis that we [00:22:14] are know that's we're gon to that's it [00:22:18] we're done here we're going to move on [00:22:21] and um we'll get down to [00:22:24] that during old business uh approval of [00:22:28] liquor license renewals Justine so all [00:22:31] 11 businesses submitted everything on [00:22:34] time um they submitted their money they [00:22:36] all their paperwork everything um I'm so [00:22:38] glad she's here but my wonderful [00:22:41] assistant Sandy is here who made who [00:22:44] called everyone got everything by the [00:22:46] deadline um handled all the paperwork [00:22:48] did all the turnovers and everything I'm [00:22:50] really glad she's here because um she [00:22:52] really worked hard on this you're [00:22:54] welcome but I had help as well so [00:22:58] um so I'll just read them in their [00:23:01] license [00:23:03] category so the southberry rotting gun [00:23:05] club uh all Li liquor all alcohol [00:23:08] license lost Town's Brewing Company they [00:23:11] have a for a pouring license Hardwick [00:23:14] Vineyard and Winery [00:23:16] LLC pouring license Eagle Hill [00:23:19] Foundation all alcohol Hardwick rot and [00:23:22] Gun Club all [00:23:24] alcohol dctf courp uh this is the Old [00:23:28] Furnace General Store all alcohol Shri J [00:23:33] ombre Court uh this is the hard rck [00:23:36] market and package store all alcohol [00:23:38] Mimi's Coffee House of Hardwick all [00:23:41] alcohol Hardwick Crossing all alcohol [00:23:44] Hardwick House of Pizza all alcohol [00:23:47] Whistle Stop restaurant all alcohol I [00:23:49] will also add that uh the police have [00:23:52] done their inspections and so has um the [00:23:54] building inspector and the uh Fire Chief [00:23:57] and they're all in [00:23:59] compliance I take a motion to renew all [00:24:02] of the licenses that juste just [00:24:08] referenced well I just have a question [00:24:11] like regarding Eagle Hill is that just [00:24:12] to one particular building or do it [00:24:14] cover the entire campus nope it is three [00:24:17] properties um on their I'd have to pull [00:24:20] up their liquor license um but that is [00:24:21] three spaces where um food and alcohol [00:24:24] is served so it wouldn't be like a dorm [00:24:36] well I'm Mo that we uh Grant these [00:24:39] licenses as read I'll [00:24:42] second any other [00:24:45] discussion all those in favor I I I gu [00:24:50] we're not a dry [00:24:53] town I [00:24:56] know um we have aoup of appointments the [00:24:59] Hardwick and brain tree cultural Council [00:25:01] Tammy fores and the Barry Hardwick [00:25:04] Council on Aging board um [00:25:07] Barry co co [00:25:12] y Tammy's last name is B oh thank you [00:25:16] sorry just been saying it wrong too yeah [00:25:19] I've been saying it wrong for a long [00:25:20] time actually I [00:25:22] apologize and I know both of these yeah [00:25:26] people I would move that we make these [00:25:30] appointments I'll second any other [00:25:33] discussion all in favor I I uh Town [00:25:38] administrator's contractual [00:25:40] request um so per a term of my contract [00:25:43] I have successfully completed my [00:25:45] six-month probation as of two days ago [00:25:48] um good job thank [00:25:50] you um so as my contract states that [00:25:53] after 6 months I can request an increase [00:25:56] I sent some comps earlier today [00:25:58] and I also want to thank um Jess Sandy [00:26:02] and um officer Armstrong for showing up [00:26:05] to support me I didn't ask them and that [00:26:07] was really really great of them so thank [00:26:10] you for showing up to support [00:26:23] me okay so you did s comps um my concern [00:26:28] with the comps is um Town sizing and uh [00:26:33] budget sizes um I think some of these [00:26:37] are a little out of range so can you [00:26:40] pinpoint any of the ones that [00:26:42] are closer in range as far as what I [00:26:46] would Town size and budget oh sure like [00:26:49] uh we have West Brookfield we have North [00:26:50] Brookfield Paxton which is just a little [00:26:52] bit bigger than us um shell burn is a [00:26:55] lot smaller than us okay um and then [00:26:58] there's the surrounding area towns um [00:27:01] that I just had to include they surround [00:27:04] us I understand we are not belshire Town [00:27:07] um that is not lost on me um [00:27:10] understandable [00:27:12] my request is to um make either what I [00:27:16] was making at my previous position um or [00:27:19] slightly above we have $90,000 currently [00:27:22] in the budget for the town [00:27:23] administrative salary [00:27:25] okay so what do you what do you [00:27:27] specifically look for them I'm looking [00:27:29] in the 90 [00:27:38] range do we want to do an evaluation and [00:27:43] then consider this sure it was what um [00:27:49] we've been thinking of since the [00:27:51] beginning and correct it's what is [00:27:53] budgeted for [00:27:56] yep but I think we could do an [00:27:58] evaluation well I think it's helpful for [00:28:01] both sides mhm um but I will say this is [00:28:04] where we where we fall short as a board [00:28:06] we don't have those tools and I have a [00:28:08] template that I would absolutely be [00:28:10] willing for a manager that I would [00:28:12] absolutely be willing to send this s [00:28:14] board okay um and just so everyone's [00:28:17] aware this does have to be done in Open [00:28:19] Session this doesn't warrant executive [00:28:21] session um well so we're negotiating [00:28:25] money and we're talking about an [00:28:26] employee and usually that's done in the [00:28:29] session okay an evaluation an evaluation [00:28:32] is not so because it's just a term of my [00:28:34] contract and it's not we're not [00:28:36] reopening my contract or renewing it um [00:28:41] but we're increasing it potentially and [00:28:43] we're talking about money correct Y and [00:28:46] and if we were going to be discussing [00:28:48] another this would be the same it would [00:28:49] be the same yeah it gets done in Open [00:28:53] Session trust me I would like it to be [00:28:55] done in the second session yeah we all [00:28:57] work and I will not write you on it but [00:29:02] on that executive session with other [00:29:03] employees other department heads for [00:29:06] example for example like Josh P for [00:29:08] example so that was negotiating his [00:29:11] contract that was the initial [00:29:13] negotiation of a contract okay that gets [00:29:15] done in executive session all day long [00:29:17] yeah for fun my performance valuation is [00:29:19] an open session [00:29:21] too again I will not argue if you're [00:29:24] going to push it but I have to we have [00:29:27] to yeah it doesn't but doesn't fall into [00:29:29] the guidelines of one of the reasons to [00:29:32] go into executive session um so that I [00:29:35] would make the recommendation to get [00:29:38] that to us yes so that we can work on [00:29:40] that um for the first January meeting I [00:29:45] was the 13th is that fair yes okay does [00:29:48] that sound okay it's okay we're going to [00:29:50] get a template from her to do an [00:29:53] evaluation for her oh you'll get it [00:29:55] tomorrow [00:29:57] okay and then we'll review um January [00:30:00] 13th and then um [00:30:03] fincom we would maybe like some input on [00:30:07] um you know how you feel about that [00:30:10] increase [00:30:11] or yeah we'd like to be part of it so [00:30:13] that'd be great okay do you want to be [00:30:15] at that meeting on the 13th of January [00:30:18] can someone or yeah we can be there okay [00:30:21] perfect could someone just send that out [00:30:23] to me I will send [00:30:26] that and I will for next [00:30:28] for the meeting [00:30:37] yes get that b [00:30:39] rolling any other comments or um I think [00:30:42] I should also go to the department heads [00:30:44] and get a feedback as far as you know [00:30:47] how's just interacting with them and [00:30:49] how's everything going you can ask some [00:30:50] of them [00:30:52] okay well I'm sorry question but I'd [00:30:57] like to ask all [00:30:58] yeah I'm just kidding don't ask [00:31:01] them well it's pretty close to a [00:31:03] Personnel [00:31:05] committee evaluation this is what we [00:31:08] almost did with Nicole just before she [00:31:12] left but I'll follow your lead Madam [00:31:15] chair yeah I um I don't think it's I [00:31:19] think I don't think it's fair to put [00:31:21] Jess on the spot right now no yeah [00:31:23] that's yeah we know you're doing a great [00:31:25] job just just I'm it's when it comes [00:31:29] down to dollarss and cents there's not a [00:31:31] lot going around no I absolutely and [00:31:34] there's other people in line that you [00:31:37] know are waiting or potentially waiting [00:31:39] for an increase as well and have been [00:31:41] waiting and right and so it's kind of [00:31:43] just tough to just all of a sudden go to [00:31:46] the front of the bus and bypass [00:31:48] everybody well I think this was an [00:31:50] agreement we made when [00:31:52] we but I'm just saying there are other [00:31:54] people also in this town because I [00:31:56] wanted to be here so bad and work here I [00:31:58] did take a $5,000 decrease in salary [00:32:02] knowing that we'd have this [00:32:03] conversation um and you also hired [00:32:05] someone with a master's degree and 13 [00:32:07] years of government experience I could [00:32:09] take that somewhere else but I I want to [00:32:10] work here so that's why I want to work [00:32:12] with the town okay and we want to work [00:32:15] with [00:32:18] you okay so we'll Circle back on that uh [00:32:23] January 13th [00:32:28] um okay discussion and vote on Town [00:32:31] auction of bacon [00:32:34] properties so Madam chair um I after the [00:32:38] last meeting I didn't receive any um [00:32:41] questions to send to the auctioneer um [00:32:43] that went to me um so I'm here again [00:32:47] asking the board to to make a vote for [00:32:51] an April in the month auction um with [00:32:54] that being said um I did meet with a [00:32:57] group today that's interested [00:33:00] um and we'll continue to have those [00:33:03] conversations um between now and April [00:33:05] if we're going to pull any of the [00:33:06] properties from the auction however we [00:33:08] do have the auction company waiting to [00:33:10] hear back from the town um so I'm I am [00:33:13] here to request that the T that the [00:33:14] board of Selectmen vote for an April [00:33:17] auction date um and we'll continue [00:33:20] having those conversations with the [00:33:21] different groups who are interested and [00:33:22] see what is the best fit and what the [00:33:24] board deems is the best fit [00:33:34] I'd like to make a motion that we table [00:33:36] this for now I'm pretty sure the auction [00:33:39] company will be [00:33:41] okay uh if we take time to go to other [00:33:45] departments I know there was a time [00:33:47] frame where you could send in questions [00:33:49] but I'd like to have some public input [00:33:53] public meetings I think the need is [00:33:56] demonstrated so I don't I don't see a [00:33:59] rush to do this I understand it's been [00:34:02] hanging fire [00:34:03] since the turn of the century so I think [00:34:08] we can wait a little longer and try to [00:34:09] do it [00:34:11] right if if we look at the valuation [00:34:15] that the assessors have put on these [00:34:18] buildings and then we talk about maybe [00:34:20] walking away with $2,000 for [00:34:24] A4 million doll property I I just I want [00:34:28] to make sure we do it right that we have [00:34:31] some kind of [00:34:33] control and we don't mindbody add [00:34:36] something I mean there's been interest [00:34:37] as far as a request for proposal on some [00:34:40] of these properties and it's in a [00:34:42] historical district it might not be like [00:34:46] restrictive like as you're saying the [00:34:48] board's saying but it's something that [00:34:50] we should consider and we shouldn't rush [00:34:51] into are you seconding the the motion [00:34:54] well I'm just adding my comments right [00:34:56] now if you let me we may lose the April [00:34:59] date in being able to recoup any of our [00:35:01] money this special year I'm just I don't [00:35:03] just preparing the board also also in [00:35:06] 2014 from what I understand um the board [00:35:10] allocated $4,000 for tax title or title [00:35:14] search and a survey on these properties [00:35:18] um and I was just wondering does that [00:35:21] expire if we you know is that going to [00:35:24] say we want to do a request for proposal [00:35:26] on these properties would we have to use [00:35:28] a current one or can we use that one [00:35:31] that's already been done I would think [00:35:32] they would need a more current one yeah [00:35:34] okay I don't remember happening but [00:35:36] that's a year after I [00:35:38] leftos [00:35:40] so and that was I would definitely [00:35:42] update it before yeah [00:35:46] right and also I mean I was here in 2019 [00:35:50] I mean I didn't see the town put out a [00:35:53] request for proposal on these properties [00:35:55] anywhere as a citizen just the page [00:35:58] building has page building just the page [00:36:00] building well [00:36:02] like I'm just saying we didn't do a good [00:36:04] job as far as letting it be known to the [00:36:07] public because I was I was a member of [00:36:09] this town and I knew nothing of [00:36:12] it it's just food for [00:36:15] thought I mean this's what is the [00:36:21] rush I'll second your [00:36:23] emotionary thank you any other [00:36:26] discussion [00:36:29] all in favor I [00:36:35] no discussion on Communications between [00:36:38] board committees and departments um so I [00:36:42] am still working on [00:36:45] the uh new packet that I did include um [00:36:48] I did send it out uh to the planning [00:36:51] board assessor treasure Highway [00:36:53] Department Conservation Commission uh [00:36:55] Board of Health and the building [00:36:56] inspector I Reed positive uh feedback [00:37:00] from the assessor the planning board [00:37:03] chair [00:37:04] and um I'm still working with um Becky [00:37:08] on that uh but I just wanted the board [00:37:09] to know that we it's still a work in [00:37:12] progress EXC I'd like to express support [00:37:16] and I like [00:37:19] them I would agree with that [00:37:22] all great if you contacted the historic [00:37:25] commission as well just going to say [00:37:32] mention [00:37:39] building we [00:37:41] good right um so that's getting done [00:37:46] that's great uh meeting minutes from [00:37:48] November 12th [00:37:51] 2024 read i' move that we approve um I [00:37:56] just need one clarification on um the [00:37:58] East Land Trust property is it for all [00:38:01] three properties or was it for a [00:38:02] specific property because it doesn't [00:38:05] list that was for the 90 90 petrol [00:38:09] Hollow Road correct okay as long as we [00:38:11] amend that and add that to it yeah I'm [00:38:14] fine with that [00:38:22] y so I'd move that we approve the [00:38:25] minutes second with that addition that [00:38:27] addition with the [00:38:30] amendment um all those in [00:38:34] favor Town Administrator [00:38:36] report um so I signed a contract with a [00:38:39] new phone system installation is in [00:38:43] January um that's exciting for [00:38:46] townwide um we are looking for quotes [00:38:49] for a new postage machine for town hall [00:38:51] for all departments the one that we [00:38:52] currently have is um breaking um so [00:38:57] that's something that's um been brought [00:38:59] to my attention that's that [00:39:03] old I'm not sure when it Wasco got that [00:39:06] when she first [00:39:08] started I feel like that's not it's not [00:39:10] super old there's no warranty so I [00:39:14] talked to the town clerk cuz he's [00:39:15] probably the one that uses it the most [00:39:17] and um his recommendation is that we we [00:39:20] go with it we find some another one um [00:39:22] so I have I'm I haven't yet but I'm [00:39:24] going to reach out to the company that [00:39:25] currently parched it I would just make [00:39:27] sure there's no you know um it could be [00:39:31] P the but yeah I mean if if they're [00:39:33] responsible for fixing it or something [00:39:35] then they should I also don't think from [00:39:39] my understanding after conversations [00:39:41] with the town clerk it's not robust [00:39:43] enough to handle the amount what we're [00:39:45] doing yeah that's fair enough um so [00:39:47] we're looking into that okay nothing's [00:39:49] been decided perfect you just having [00:39:51] problems with the time stamp too oh in [00:39:55] his office yeah it was coming in a day [00:39:56] late or a day ahead or [00:40:00] something that's a [00:40:02] different uh Lieutenant landine has been [00:40:05] working um to we purchased Panic buttons [00:40:07] for everyone at Town Hall um after we [00:40:10] had that incident um we need working [00:40:11] Panic buttons so that is also [00:40:15] ongoing um we had our finan bi-weekly [00:40:18] financial management planning Zoom [00:40:20] meeting with uh the assessor the [00:40:22] treasure collector and [00:40:23] accountant um so today I drafted and [00:40:27] sent a letter to the Department of [00:40:29] administration and finance to ask them [00:40:31] to release our earmark for the town hall [00:40:33] improvements um and working with Senator [00:40:35] Durant's office on that we got the one [00:40:36] for the hydrant we have it but they have [00:40:39] not released the $50,000 for Town Hall [00:40:41] Improvement so um on Senator Durant [00:40:45] staff recommended that I send a letter [00:40:46] so I [00:40:48] did [00:40:50] um we're working on the reporting [00:40:53] requirements for the townhouse [00:40:54] Improvement Grant oh and then I also [00:40:56] said we got the $115,000 for hydro [00:40:58] repairs for the private Department um as [00:41:01] you know we've been working on looking [00:41:02] at salaries for FY 25 and FY [00:41:05] 26 we interviewed a candidate for the [00:41:07] highway department with the highway [00:41:09] superintendent the administrative [00:41:10] assistant unfortunately after the um [00:41:13] snow that we had last week one of our [00:41:15] new hires um resigned [00:41:17] today um so I have a second interview [00:41:21] with this particular candidate on [00:41:23] Wednesday [00:41:26] so um um I attended the monthly police [00:41:30] department meeting I introduced myself [00:41:31] to the officers that I wouldn't [00:41:32] necessarily know because they work the [00:41:34] overnight shift um and I participated in [00:41:36] their taser [00:41:38] training she wasn't [00:41:41] tased oh you want to speak [00:41:44] to how how good did I do [00:41:50] thanks they CH you no I shot it though [00:41:53] oh yeah they chaste you [00:41:59] I don't make enough to get [00:42:03] taste so yesterday I also attended the [00:42:05] police department toy drive at the South [00:42:07] Barry rot and Gun Club I sponsored a [00:42:09] family um there was 63 families and it [00:42:12] was we got they got an overwhelming [00:42:14] amount of of toys and that was really [00:42:16] really great to [00:42:18] see um as you know I sent the draft [00:42:20] permitting checklist to all departments [00:42:22] for [00:42:23] feedback I already recognize Sandy but [00:42:25] since she's here I don't get to [00:42:26] recognize her a lot um making she made [00:42:30] sure that every business owner submitted [00:42:31] everything on time with licensing she [00:42:33] assembled all the packets she collected [00:42:35] the checks she worked more hours than [00:42:37] she's supposed to um to make sure it got [00:42:40] done um we did um I'm really lucky to [00:42:43] have her as my assistant thank you nice [00:42:46] job um I also want to recognize our [00:42:48] Highway superintendent um who did a [00:42:51] really great job while we had that snow [00:42:53] last week and he really good job with [00:42:54] communicating with me so I could I could [00:42:56] communicate with the Apartments we did [00:42:58] end up closing for the day um there was [00:43:00] just too many accidents and not worth [00:43:02] the [00:43:04] risk um important dates town offices are [00:43:07] closed for half a day on Christmas Eve [00:43:09] for the Personnel handbook and we are [00:43:11] closed on Christmas Day and New Year's [00:43:12] Day that's all I [00:43:17] have selectman Round [00:43:20] Table than you yeah um just want to [00:43:23] mention that we're going to have a [00:43:24] working meeting December 16th regarding [00:43:26] the the pilot program um policy if you [00:43:30] have any questions or inputs or anything [00:43:33] send it to Justine reach out to us show [00:43:36] up just let you know what time is it [00:43:39] going to be is it 630 5:30 530 5:30 yeah [00:43:42] decided a little earlier okay that works [00:43:45] yeah 5:30 okay [00:43:47] yeah anything yes [00:43:51] um Kelly and I were directors of the [00:43:55] Hardwick rescue and emergency Squad [00:43:58] tried to keep the ambulance in one piece [00:44:01] and gave lost it uh and sale of the barn [00:44:05] and the bus gave us quite a bit of money [00:44:09] and I am the President of the directors [00:44:13] of the hardwood rescue and emergency [00:44:15] Squad we have to take apart this is a [00:44:19] nonprofit uh we can't give the money to [00:44:21] the town it has to go into the world [00:44:25] of Health emergency Health all that uh [00:44:30] so I've been we've agreed to buy [00:44:34] aeds uh and gear for that because [00:44:38] constantly goes out of date and EMTs [00:44:42] people that want to take the EMT or [00:44:44] paramedic training we agreed that we [00:44:47] would help pay for that and uh we did [00:44:51] that uh assistant fire chief right now [00:44:54] is paramedic training and was one of our [00:44:58] success stories we have two more success [00:45:00] stories we have two firefighters that [00:45:02] just completed their EMT they're getting [00:45:05] their certification tonight so if we [00:45:08] don't have a hospital around we got more [00:45:11] EMTs in the population best we can do so [00:45:15] thanks for working all those [00:45:18] years it's always been a pleasure to [00:45:20] work with you we did a [00:45:23] lot got a couple months to go hang in [00:45:26] yeah [00:45:28] yeah one second um I would like to thank [00:45:32] everybody um for making the points that [00:45:34] is a huge success again this year um we [00:45:37] delivered 216 points that is this year [00:45:39] to um to people in town so again like my [00:45:44] deepest appreciation so thank everyone [00:45:46] that um you know whether you delivered [00:45:48] or donated or did both and really [00:45:51] appreciate it thank you Liz um I would [00:45:54] like to point out one thing um Justine [00:45:56] was talking about the grant that U was [00:45:59] for the townhouse for the renovations um [00:46:03] the historical commission had has not [00:46:05] been um part of that at all and it is a [00:46:10] historic building and when the [00:46:12] renovations are done please get with the [00:46:14] historic commission so that we can make [00:46:17] you know because I think we have to sign [00:46:19] off on all those Renovations I leave [00:46:21] that up to an Ann's [00:46:23] discretion [00:46:25] um we don't know that much they were [00:46:29] last after the last tour which was in [00:46:32] October they um they said that they [00:46:36] would get uh back to us after they were [00:46:40] kind of pricing out things they aren't [00:46:41] going to replace the wood windows [00:46:44] they're going to put storms on because [00:46:46] replacing the wood windows would be too [00:46:50] costly uh that was the big piece of [00:46:53] information from that we Justin and I [00:46:57] just heard this past week um they wanted [00:47:00] a couple of questions answered about [00:47:04] plans that we had for anything that [00:47:08] might be going on there in terms of [00:47:11] construction or re Renovations or [00:47:13] anything uh that they have to work [00:47:16] around or approve or whatever but we [00:47:18] don't have any plans to do anymore [00:47:21] because we don't have any [00:47:23] money um so [00:47:27] they have all the contact information [00:47:29] and all and we're waiting to hear from [00:47:31] them on the exact plan and I don't mind [00:47:35] involving uh the historical commission [00:47:38] they might as well come and hear it all [00:47:41] when Justine and I do yeah then if you [00:47:44] want to just reach out to them that's [00:47:45] fine thank [00:47:48] you I do have some things I the board [00:47:50] signs like the work licenses and stuff [00:47:52] just before you run [00:47:55] off ask quickly please bill um on your [00:48:00] meeting on the 16th I know it's a [00:48:02] special working meeting you and Finance [00:48:05] on the pilot subject but will it be uh a [00:48:09] regular meeting enough that the planning [00:48:11] board could present some B on proposals [00:48:15] where you [00:48:16] simply look at and then hopefully return [00:48:18] so that we can be on the cycle we want [00:48:20] to be to have a hearing in January can [00:48:23] we present that then or can we present [00:48:26] it even off hours [00:48:29] so so you want to present a bylaw the by [00:48:32] the by the zoning bylaw updates that [00:48:35] have been being worked out for a long [00:48:37] time we no so that so this meeting is [00:48:39] strictly just for that so that would [00:48:42] have to be our regular meeting Madam [00:48:44] chair yeah uh we will just have to do [00:48:47] the licenses stuff because we're [00:48:48] actually you did warn me of that and [00:48:50] that's fine that's okay but um so that [00:48:53] would be our our next regular meeting [00:48:57] and that being said that's I would like [00:48:59] to not have a meeting two days before [00:49:02] Christmas so that will be January 13th J [00:49:04] me to put you [00:49:07] on um yeah we'll we'll talk about it [00:49:09] tomorrow night and then and then get to [00:49:11] you on [00:49:13] that that's is that does that is that no [00:49:18] put things a month behind where we hope [00:49:19] to be but admittedly it's been slow to [00:49:21] get a twoy [00:49:25] old yeah [00:49:31] so [00:49:33] sorry can you post the uh dates on my [00:49:37] town government when you set the meeting [00:49:40] even if you can't post the complete [00:49:43] agenda yep I haven't gotten to the next [00:49:45] week yet today kind of got away from me [00:49:47] craziness but but is a general policy if [00:49:50] we know far enough ahead we can so we [00:49:52] voted initially on all of our meeting [00:49:54] dates they are on the website on the [00:49:57] website okay unless something extra [00:50:00] comes up those dates are on there okay [00:50:02] they got on my town government not my [00:50:05] not my town no the the the town of [00:50:07] Hardwick website okay yeah thank you [00:50:10] because we initially did vote for those [00:50:12] like all those [00:50:16] dates motion to adour I'll second all in [00:50:24] favor this is [00:50:27] Ved