Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Selectmen Meeting 12/05/22

Hardwick Selectmen: FY23 Tax Rate, Health Contract, Town Updates

Original title: Hardwick, MA Selectmen Meeting 12/05/22

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

December 12, 2022

Duration

1h 55m

Decisions

7 recorded

Action Items

13 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen convened to address several key municipal matters, including the approval of a single tax rate for FY23 following a public hearing. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a contentious discussion regarding the contract with the Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition, with Board of Health members expressing strong dissatisfaction and a perceived lack of support from town administration. The Board also approved minutes, authorized a letter concerning the horse racing location, received updates on the 2022 audit, and appointed a new member to the Master Plan Community Development Advisory Committee. Discussions also covered the Town Administrator's proposal for radio appearances to disseminate town information and various community highlights.

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Discussion Highlights

The Board of Assessors recommended retaining a single tax rate of $13.30 for all property classes for FY23, citing minimal residential benefit and significant commercial burden with a shifted rate.
Concerns were raised by Board of Health members regarding the Leicester Regional Public Health Coalition contract, citing unmet commitments, lack of responsiveness from staff, and a perceived lack of support from the Selectmen and Town Administration.
The Board of Health expressed that the Leicester contract's staffing levels were never fully achieved and that communication with the Health Director was poor.
Allegations were made by a Board of Health member of a 'witch hunt' and 'slanderous comments' from the Selectmen and Administration, with a lack of supporting documentation.
The Board of Health highlighted issues with the town's accounting for Board of Health fees and a 50% budget cut to the health agent budget without prior consultation.
The Board of Selectmen proposed further research into the Leicester contract, gathering information from other coalition communities, and seeking advice on the agreement before deciding on termination or a meeting with Leicester.
The Town Administrator proposed regular radio appearances on WARE 97.7 to provide town updates, with the Board agreeing on a trial basis, emphasizing fact-based, positive information and cautioning against engaging in contentious topics.
The ongoing Town Hall reconstruction is progressing, with insurance funds expected soon to facilitate flooring installation.
Community efforts such as Joe's Jackets, Hardwick Winery's 25th anniversary, Friends of the Stone Church events, and the upcoming Whistle Stop opening were highlighted as positive developments.

Transcript (18,382 words)

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

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November 5th to order at 6 31 I'll just read through the agenda briefly call to order Pledge of Allegiance visitors public hearing at 6 30 p.m the board of Selectmen will hold a classification
00:00:18
Hearing on Monday December 5 2022 at 6 30 at the municipal office building 307 Main Street Gilbertville on the issue of tax allocation among the property classes for the fiscal year 2023 minutes August 16 2022 August 29 2022 September 29 2022 October 3 2022 and
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October 4 2022 all the business approval of letter to applicant regarding vote for horse racing location other old business new business review Lester contract for Board of Health Services great Meadowbrook Farm disclosure of chairman chairwoman Queen's General Law
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Chapter 268 section 23 B 3 disclosure form other new business water warrant December billing 2022 audit update update 2023 audit committee appointment procedure discussion and or vote relative to arpa
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Funding committee reports Town Administrator report signatures and approval selectman Roundtable and adjournment first I am on the agenda Nicole you drove a flag behind you so if everyone could [Music] rise and pledge allegiance
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I pledge allegiance students to the flag of the United States one nation under God indivisibility Injustice For All thank you everyone
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Before we get started are there any visitor comments on anything that is not on the agenda Nicole has you muted so if you can raise your hand
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[00:00:00] November 5th [00:00:01] to order at [00:00:04] 6 31 [00:00:07] um I'll just read through the agenda [00:00:09] briefly call to order Pledge of [00:00:11] Allegiance visitors [00:00:14] public hearing at 6 30 p.m the board of [00:00:17] Selectmen will hold a classification [00:00:18] hearing on Monday December 5 2022 at 6 [00:00:21] 30 at the municipal office building 307 [00:00:23] Main Street Gilbertville on the issue of [00:00:25] tax allocation among the property [00:00:27] classes for the fiscal year 2023 [00:00:30] minutes August 16 2022 August 29 2022 [00:00:34] September 29 2022 October 3 2022 and [00:00:38] October 4 2022 [00:00:40] all the business [00:00:42] approval of letter to applicant [00:00:44] regarding vote for horse racing location [00:00:45] other old business new business review [00:00:49] Lester contract for Board of Health [00:00:51] Services [00:00:52] great Meadowbrook Farm disclosure of [00:00:54] chairman chairwoman Queen's General Law [00:00:56] chapter 268 section 23 B 3 disclosure [00:01:01] form other new business water warrant [00:01:04] December billing 2022 audit update [00:01:07] update 2023 audit committee appointment [00:01:10] procedure [00:01:12] discussion and or vote relative to arpa [00:01:14] funding committee reports Town [00:01:16] Administrator report signatures and [00:01:19] approval selectman Roundtable and [00:01:21] adjournment [00:01:23] first I am on the agenda Nicole you [00:01:25] drove a flag behind you so if everyone [00:01:27] could [00:01:27] [Music] [00:01:28] um [00:01:29] rise and pledge allegiance [00:01:33] I pledge allegiance students to the flag [00:01:35] of the United States [00:01:41] one nation under God indivisibility [00:01:46] Injustice For All [00:01:48] thank you everyone [00:01:52] um before we get started are there any [00:01:54] visitor comments on anything that is not [00:01:56] on the agenda [00:02:03] Nicole has you muted so if you can raise [00:02:06] your hand [00:02:13] Nicole I don't see any hands or is due [00:02:15] no [00:02:17] okay [00:02:20] um so the next item on the agenda is the [00:02:22] public hearing Nicole I didn't see in [00:02:24] our package the notice I need to read [00:02:27] for the public hearing [00:02:28] I can read it it should [00:02:31] it should have first 15 on your packet [00:02:33] is it the um the memo from the board of [00:02:37] selectman yeah the board of assessors [00:02:39] from the board of stocksmen [00:02:42] okay so this is to the board of [00:02:43] selectman from the board of assessors a [00:02:45] decided dated December 5 2022 tax [00:02:48] classification [00:02:50] the board of assessors pending final [00:02:52] certification of the FY 23 tax rate by [00:02:55] the Department of Revenue hereby [00:02:56] recommends that the board of Selectmen [00:02:58] retain one tax rate for all classes of [00:03:00] property the board feels that the [00:03:02] relatively small benefit to the [00:03:03] residential taxpayer that could be [00:03:04] achieved using two tax rate is not [00:03:07] warranted considering the dramatic [00:03:09] increase in taxes to be paid by the [00:03:10] commercial industrial personal property [00:03:13] taxpayer Hardwick is a largely [00:03:15] residential community that simply does [00:03:17] not have enough of a commercial [00:03:18] industrial personal property base to [00:03:20] make classification worthwhile the [00:03:23] pro-temporary tax rates are as follows [00:03:25] single tax rate 13.30 shift tax rates [00:03:29] residential 12.69 commercial industrial [00:03:34] personal property 19.95 [00:03:38] so we will open the hearing [00:03:41] at [00:03:43] 6 35 [00:03:48] . Jen would you like to speak to the [00:03:50] board about the um [00:03:52] the tax classification [00:03:54] well guess that that [00:03:57] um if we do do a ship in the tax [00:04:01] um it would be quite a burden on our [00:04:04] very small [00:04:06] percentage of commercial industrial and [00:04:09] personal property taxpayers so the [00:04:12] recommendation is just to retain one tax [00:04:15] rate across all classes of property [00:04:19] foreign [00:04:24] or Rob any questions or concerns we've [00:04:28] always historically done a single tax [00:04:30] tax classification across um all um [00:04:35] classes of property so this would be if [00:04:37] we were to go to the ship tax rate that [00:04:39] would be a change and what we've [00:04:40] historically done [00:04:43] that's all I was going to add to Julie [00:04:48] I'm all set [00:04:55] um any other discussion before I close [00:04:56] the hearing [00:05:01] hearing none [00:05:03] um I will close the close the hearing at [00:05:05] 6 36. and I will entertain a motion to [00:05:09] approve [00:05:11] the single tax rate of 13.30 as proposed [00:05:15] by the board of assessors in their memo [00:05:18] to the board of selectman dated December [00:05:20] 5th 2022 and as discussed by Jen [00:05:24] um in this meeting [00:05:26] I would make a motion just as you said [00:05:29] Julie [00:05:33] okay it's been moved and seconded any [00:05:35] other discussion on the single tax rate [00:05:38] classification of 13.30 [00:05:41] it's one thing I need to add [00:05:44] um we're under two and a half [00:05:48] by eighteen thousand [00:05:54] by by eighteen thousand [00:05:57] where is it [00:06:00] I did have the right [00:06:05] I'm so I'm so sorry I don't have the [00:06:07] right amount but we're under two and a [00:06:09] half by eighteen thousand and some [00:06:13] last year we were under by seven [00:06:16] thousand [00:06:21] that's good news it's better than being [00:06:22] over right [00:06:23] it is 18 [00:06:26] 000 seems like quite a bit but actually [00:06:28] it isn't [00:06:30] um you know seven thousand is a hands [00:06:34] breath 18 000 is just comfortable yeah [00:06:37] I I would agree with that Jen [00:06:40] thank you thank you for all your hard [00:06:43] work John you're very welcome thank you [00:06:46] all of you [00:06:49] um since we are in a virtual meeting I [00:06:51] do need to call the roll [00:06:53] um so this is [00:06:54] um to approve the motion as uh was made [00:06:58] and seconded [00:07:00] um [00:07:01] Kelly [00:07:03] Rob [00:07:05] hi [00:07:06] and Julie is an eye as well so the [00:07:08] motion carries [00:07:10] thank you Jen thank you [00:07:15] the next item on the agenda is um [00:07:18] approval of minutes we have minutes of [00:07:19] August 16 2022 August 29 2022 September [00:07:23] 29 2022 October 3rd 2022 and October 4th [00:07:28] 2022. [00:07:30] Julie [00:07:32] um I'm sorry I did have to take [00:07:35] the October minutes and the September [00:07:37] minutes out because they just I you you [00:07:39] weren't going to approve them so I did [00:07:42] go over them with Angie today so they'll [00:07:45] be ready for the next one and [00:07:48] it really wasn't uh detailed enough that [00:07:50] I thought you would even [00:07:53] retain approving okay so it's just the [00:07:56] August sorry that's okay I did see it I [00:07:58] didn't see them in there but I thought [00:08:00] maybe I missed them so I thought it was [00:08:01] me yeah we are approving the August 16 [00:08:05] 2022 and August 29th 2022 minutes is [00:08:09] that correct yes okay Kelly or Rob did [00:08:13] you have any corrections or I do okay um [00:08:16] so on August 16 2022 throughout the [00:08:20] minutes [00:08:21] um it says how I motioned or seconded [00:08:24] but I'm not listed in attendance [00:08:26] okay we may just want to update that [00:08:33] um [00:08:36] that was [00:08:38] everything that I [00:08:40] saw [00:08:44] thank you thank you Kelly [00:08:49] now that was the only thing I caught [00:08:58] Rob any [00:09:00] adjustments or Corrections [00:09:02] okay [00:09:03] as far as I can remember [00:09:05] it's good [00:09:07] okay so um why don't we do the minutes [00:09:10] individually so [00:09:12] um I'll entertain a motion to approve [00:09:14] the minutes of the board of Selectmen [00:09:17] for August 16 2022 with the correction [00:09:20] of including Kelly as in attendance [00:09:24] I'll make a motion as [00:09:26] stated by Julie quink [00:09:29] second [00:09:30] it's been moved and seconded so uh any [00:09:33] other discussion on the minutes with the [00:09:35] corrections [00:09:36] so I will um call the role to approve [00:09:39] the August 16th minutes Kelly [00:09:43] aye Rob [00:09:46] aye and Julia's I motion carries [00:09:50] um now I'll entertain a motion to [00:09:53] approve the August 29th 2022 minutes [00:09:58] I'll make a motion as stated by Julie [00:10:00] quink [00:10:03] we'll consecuted in any other discussion [00:10:07] hearing none I will call the roll Kelly [00:10:11] aye Rob [00:10:12] hi and Julie is an eye motion carries [00:10:18] okay [00:10:20] um so we will have the um updated [00:10:22] minutes through [00:10:24] October 4th for the next meeting Nicole [00:10:27] yes and hopefully more hopefully up to [00:10:30] current that would be great so there was [00:10:33] a question in the chat that I will [00:10:34] answer [00:10:35] um there's a long a lag time in the [00:10:38] minutes because we're trying to get back [00:10:40] on track with minutes we realize that [00:10:42] there we're a little bit behind in [00:10:43] approving minutes so we are trying to [00:10:45] get those back on track the meetings are [00:10:47] recorded and I believe the recorded [00:10:49] meetings are posted on YouTube so [00:10:51] anything that would be in the minutes [00:10:54] um you should see uh posted on our [00:10:56] channel the minutes are just a uh am I [00:10:59] correct nickel that the minutes are just [00:11:00] a written [00:11:02] um [00:11:02] uh or like a synopsis of what happened [00:11:05] really the only thing that needs to be [00:11:07] in minutes are votes [00:11:08] right okay [00:11:10] so we are trying to get back on track [00:11:12] thank you it's a good question [00:11:15] um [00:11:16] next item on the agenda is [00:11:19] um old business is there any other old [00:11:21] business that we need to discuss [00:11:25] I think the only thing I would bring up [00:11:28] um which is [00:11:29] um has been on past agendas is the Town [00:11:31] Administrator review [00:11:34] um we've sort of been delaying that [00:11:36] because of the meat of some of the other [00:11:38] stuff that is um [00:11:41] uh sort of come before the board [00:11:43] um with the other board members [00:11:45] permission [00:11:46] um we have the um public information [00:11:49] session on the 19th [00:11:51] uh so perhaps we can [00:11:54] um do Nicole's [00:11:56] um review uh in January are you guys [00:11:59] okay with that [00:12:01] yeah I think that would be good [00:12:03] okay so Nicole could you make sure that [00:12:06] this gets on the first agenda [00:12:09] um [00:12:10] for January [00:12:12] yeah thank you any other old business [00:12:15] that we need to address [00:12:21] okay [00:12:23] under new business we have review the [00:12:26] luster contract for the Board of Health [00:12:28] Services Nicole do you want to [00:12:30] um [00:12:31] oh I'm sorry I missed something under [00:12:34] old business I apologize approval of [00:12:37] letter to applicant regarding vote for [00:12:38] horse racing location [00:12:41] um Kelly and Rob did you have a chance [00:12:44] to review the letter [00:12:45] I did [00:12:51] what was this draft Ed with the [00:12:53] assistance of Town Council yes okay [00:12:57] Kelly Rob any questions comments [00:12:59] concerns on the letter [00:13:02] no I had brought up at the last meeting [00:13:05] um that you know we added the other [00:13:07] events that had happened and that seems [00:13:09] to [00:13:10] that's happened [00:13:15] I think I'm outside with [00:13:20] okay [00:13:22] um [00:13:23] so I need I think we need a vote of [00:13:25] approval for this letter [00:13:27] could be sent to the gaming Commission [00:13:32] and also [00:13:34] um [00:13:34] so Nicole are we also sending a copy of [00:13:38] this to [00:13:39] um [00:13:42] so [00:13:44] the letter is required by the applicant [00:13:47] so the gaming commission has us write [00:13:49] this letter [00:13:51] um [00:13:51] but the applicant it's part of their [00:13:53] submission so I did speak with the [00:13:55] gaming commission and you know that was [00:13:58] sort of like the process so [00:14:01] um there is a correction to the letter I [00:14:03] just actually saw it [00:14:05] um the date of the vote is incorrect it [00:14:07] should be January 7th of 2023 [00:14:10] oh yep [00:14:15] oh [00:14:19] I'm gonna make that mistake for a while [00:14:21] that's okay [00:14:23] um and um it's okay that this um this [00:14:26] doesn't need to be signed by the chair [00:14:29] or [00:14:31] um a member of the board of selectment [00:14:32] it can be signed by you we can authorize [00:14:34] you to sign it yes okay so in our motion [00:14:38] I think we have to authorize you to sign [00:14:40] it as well as the approval of the letter [00:14:48] are we ready for a motion on this [00:14:56] uh I guess I can make it [00:14:59] um [00:15:00] I move [00:15:02] that we [00:15:03] send this letter to [00:15:06] the applicant and the [00:15:11] Gaming Commission [00:15:13] and allow Nicole to sign it on our [00:15:16] behalf [00:15:18] second [00:15:20] so it's been moved and seconded [00:15:22] um [00:15:23] any other discussion [00:15:27] I think the only thing that we'll uh [00:15:29] that Nicole will make the correction for [00:15:31] the date within the second page [00:15:35] um okay hearing no other discussion [00:15:38] um I will call the rule for the vote [00:15:40] Kelly [00:15:42] bye Rob [00:15:45] and Julie is an eye [00:15:50] there was a question in the chat about [00:15:52] where the uh where the letter is [00:15:54] available [00:15:55] um Nicole has a copy of the letter and [00:15:59] once it's [00:16:00] corrected and signed she certainly you [00:16:02] can certainly request it from her [00:16:07] okay [00:16:09] um sorry about that I missed that on her [00:16:10] old business [00:16:12] um so [00:16:14] um under new business sorry Nicole you [00:16:16] were started to talk about the review of [00:16:17] the Leicester contract for Board of [00:16:18] Health Services I think we've um all [00:16:21] been [00:16:22] um copied on [00:16:25] um [00:16:34] sorry one second [00:16:42] foreign [00:16:47] you've all been copied on the [00:16:48] correspondence coming from [00:16:51] um we've all been copied on the contract [00:16:54] um [00:16:55] [Music] [00:16:56] yeah [00:16:57] um you've also been copied on [00:17:00] um [00:17:03] the uh correspondence that the board has [00:17:08] received from [00:17:10] I believe we have been forwarded three [00:17:12] of them Nicole is that correct [00:17:15] yes [00:17:17] um [00:17:18] one of which is [00:17:21] um [00:17:29] sorry I'm just trying to find all of [00:17:31] them in the pocket one of them is from [00:17:34] Francis dagel [00:17:36] uh who is from the um [00:17:40] Board of Health in Leicester [00:17:44] um we also have correspondence from uh [00:17:48] John Samick from the winery [00:17:50] and we have correspondence from [00:17:58] flipping through all of the pages here [00:18:05] from [00:18:06] um [00:18:11] is it it's coming through its king glass [00:18:16] not sure who that is I think his name is [00:18:18] Mike or something like that but I I [00:18:20] don't know who he is okay [00:18:23] and then [00:18:25] um [00:18:30] and then we also have correspondence [00:18:31] from Stan and from Judy Cohn [00:18:36] and also [00:18:38] um correspondence from Laurie Micah on [00:18:40] behalf of [00:18:42] um [00:18:43] Jason garrelatis Jaeger latest [00:18:45] Contracting [00:18:47] um [00:18:49] so in the I'm not sure I see Judy I'm [00:18:53] not sure if Stan is on [00:18:55] um [00:18:57] Nicole do we know if Stan is on I see a [00:19:00] stand I'm not sure if it's [00:19:02] our Stan uh hi Stan hi Stan and Judy [00:19:07] um [00:19:08] so [00:19:09] um [00:19:12] we're in receipt of your [00:19:15] um note I believe just today [00:19:18] um or [00:19:19] stated the fifth so we just received [00:19:21] this today about your wish to terminate [00:19:24] the contract with [00:19:27] the Leicester Regional Public Health [00:19:30] Coalition and the Ima [00:19:34] um [00:19:36] it's your belief that the contract is [00:19:39] not being Met has never been fully met [00:19:42] um [00:19:44] I know that we do have three letters [00:19:47] that have come with concerns about the [00:19:51] current situation in the town and it [00:19:54] looks like you've gone piece by piece [00:19:56] through [00:19:58] um the contract [00:20:00] um and sort of um details your position [00:20:04] relative to each of the items in the the [00:20:06] contract [00:20:08] um [00:20:09] Nicole does it make sense to [00:20:12] um [00:20:13] have I guess [00:20:15] sort of seeing all the corresponds that [00:20:17] we've received to have a meeting with [00:20:20] um [00:20:20] Francis and Lester to talk about the [00:20:24] Coalition and the project I'm presuming [00:20:27] based on the contract that we can't just [00:20:29] back out of the contract if the board [00:20:31] were inclined to [00:20:33] um [00:20:34] because it's Grant funded is that [00:20:36] correct [00:20:39] well I'm not positive about that but I [00:20:41] certainly wouldn't recommend this [00:20:43] I'm just sort of looking at the contract [00:20:45] so the contract says we can terminate [00:20:48] um by either party [00:20:50] um or no reason on 30 days written [00:20:52] notice do we have any sense that Lester [00:20:54] is well is wanting to terminate this [00:20:55] contract I know we're hearing we've got [00:20:58] correspondence from Stan and Judy that [00:21:00] they would like to they would propose [00:21:02] that we terminate the contract have we [00:21:04] gotten anything from Lester on their [00:21:06] side indicating they want to terminate [00:21:08] the contract Lester does not want to [00:21:10] terminate [00:21:12] okay [00:21:18] um [00:21:18] Kelly Rob any [00:21:22] comments [00:21:23] concerns questions that you think we [00:21:25] need to have answered [00:21:28] um well I guess I'll just maybe if my [00:21:30] two cents as I read through all of this [00:21:32] the best that I could [00:21:34] I know we got [00:21:36] um Stan's letter a little bit late so I [00:21:38] probably haven't thoroughly I will admit [00:21:40] to not have thoroughly have gone through [00:21:42] that as of right now [00:21:44] um [00:21:46] I'm certainly concerned about the [00:21:48] letters that we're receiving [00:21:50] um [00:21:53] I and I only heard good things about you [00:21:58] know Lester's input here so [00:22:01] I'm concerned [00:22:03] um [00:22:04] you know this this was a a great Grant [00:22:06] opportunity for the town and this [00:22:09] potentially could go for more years than [00:22:11] it was actually written for am I correct [00:22:14] Nicole [00:22:15] it was for three years and it could be [00:22:17] extended for three additional years [00:22:18] that's exactly right right and so [00:22:22] you know um just from a standpoint of it [00:22:25] it's hard to get people that want to [00:22:28] volunteer and you know run for these [00:22:30] positions we see that every day and so [00:22:33] my fear would be if we were to think [00:22:36] about [00:22:37] um [00:22:39] canceling this contract I don't know [00:22:41] where you know where we would stand with [00:22:43] all of the inspections that they do [00:22:46] um so [00:22:47] so I guess I have some concerns about [00:22:49] that [00:22:53] I obviously agree with you Kelly [00:22:56] um I'm concerned that we don't have [00:22:59] these [00:23:00] have the on the board for some of the [00:23:02] more in depth stuff that [00:23:05] the Board of Health [00:23:07] provided unless there's more Health can [00:23:09] provide us with [00:23:13] but [00:23:15] I think we definitely need to have a [00:23:16] conversation everybody needs to get into [00:23:18] a room and you should be willing to get [00:23:20] into a room [00:23:21] and discuss this [00:23:24] all right [00:23:28] that's [00:23:30] I don't know the best way to do it if [00:23:32] it's at a public meeting or take one [00:23:36] person out of each group and kind of sit [00:23:38] down and discuss it which might be a [00:23:40] little easier [00:23:42] and have it as a open forum [00:23:46] gives gives people a little more chance [00:23:48] to talk freely and not feel [00:23:50] like they're being watched or persecuted [00:23:58] so um [00:24:01] sorry Rob [00:24:02] no go ahead so Stan um you're on the the [00:24:07] call I mean are um if so I would I would [00:24:10] make the proposal that [00:24:13] um we try to schedule a meeting with [00:24:15] your concerns [00:24:17] um with Lester [00:24:20] um and if that includes Stan in well [00:24:23] you'd have to have a posted meeting if [00:24:25] both of you were there so I I would make [00:24:28] the suggestion that we have a member [00:24:29] from the board of Selectmen perhaps a [00:24:32] member from the Board of Health Nicole [00:24:35] um [00:24:36] and uh we ask representatives from [00:24:39] Lester to attend and work through some [00:24:42] of your concerns or at least discuss [00:24:44] some of your concerns or or questions [00:24:56] Stan any thoughts on that [00:25:02] um [00:25:03] yeah I'd like to see the letters that [00:25:06] you're referencing before I decided to [00:25:08] do anything else [00:25:10] Nicole can certainly provide those to [00:25:12] you they are [00:25:15] public information through the board of [00:25:17] selectman's office so Nicole can forward [00:25:19] those to you and and perhaps [00:25:21] um [00:25:23] we can [00:25:24] um I I don't want to let this sit too [00:25:27] long from either your perspective or [00:25:29] their perspective [00:25:30] um you know certainly if we can we [00:25:33] understand that we've got a lot in front [00:25:35] of us all boards have a lot in front of [00:25:37] us [00:25:38] um but if we can get that meeting [00:25:40] together and [00:25:42] um you know have the conversation uh [00:25:45] sooner than later so if Nicole can get [00:25:47] those to you and through Nicole you can [00:25:49] reach out [00:25:51] um Nicole will schedule a meeting Kelly [00:25:53] or Rob do you do you have a preference [00:25:55] on which one of us Judy I see your hand [00:25:57] up I'll be with you in a second [00:25:59] um Kelly Rob do you have a preference on [00:26:02] which one of us attends would you want [00:26:04] me to attend or either one of you want [00:26:05] to attend [00:26:07] I'd be happy either way [00:26:10] are you proposing that [00:26:13] we go to [00:26:15] a group meeting with Lester as the next [00:26:17] step [00:26:19] well I well so I think [00:26:22] um In fairness you should read what is [00:26:24] in the correspondence that we have [00:26:26] received if you haven't received and [00:26:28] been copied on it that you should be [00:26:30] copied on it and you should have a [00:26:31] chance to read it [00:26:33] um [00:26:33] I do I I sort of proposed that we [00:26:37] um have a conversation with your [00:26:39] concerns relative to [00:26:43] um the Coalition and what you feel is [00:26:46] them being provided my understanding and [00:26:49] Nicole [00:26:50] um Nicole has [00:26:52] I believe pulled some of the other [00:26:54] communities that are in the Coalition [00:26:56] and they seem to be happy with the [00:26:59] service [00:27:00] um and so I just sort of if there are [00:27:02] wrinkles that we can iron out and as [00:27:05] Kelly mentioned sort of continue on with [00:27:07] this [00:27:08] um [00:27:10] that you know it would be sort of [00:27:12] meaningful to to try to move forward [00:27:15] that way if there's a way we can repair [00:27:17] what isn't working for us [00:27:20] um you know I certainly don't want to [00:27:23] see [00:27:24] um [00:27:25] you know the complaints or the [00:27:26] correspondence come through [00:27:29] um [00:27:29] and you know I if there's a way we can [00:27:32] resolve it it would be appreciated I [00:27:34] believe you were copied on [00:27:37] um I'm just going to look at the [00:27:39] correspondence stand I believe you were [00:27:41] copied on [00:27:44] you were copied on the correspondence [00:27:45] with Lester [00:27:47] um [00:27:52] I don't believe you were copied on the [00:27:54] correspondence that came from [00:27:57] John samek so Nicole can you make sure [00:27:59] that gets sent over [00:28:02] and also from King glass and also from [00:28:08] um [00:28:08] Jason garrelatis please [00:28:10] and then once Stan has had the [00:28:12] opportunity to review it and Judy as [00:28:15] well or other the Board of Health has [00:28:18] had the opportunity to review it [00:28:20] um why don't we connect with um [00:28:24] you know the board's permission uh we [00:28:26] can connect whether it's myself or Kelly [00:28:28] with [00:28:29] um Stan and [00:28:32] um Nicole and Lester and sort of get [00:28:34] that dialogue going get the meeting set [00:28:36] up [00:28:39] you know I I want to express a concern I [00:28:43] have right now that I feel like [00:28:45] me personally [00:28:47] and the current Board of Health is under [00:28:49] a bit of a Witch Hunt by [00:28:52] uh the selectman and administration [00:28:55] at your October meeting [00:28:58] uh there were some very strong [00:29:01] uh slanderous comments made [00:29:04] were recorded and reported in the [00:29:07] newspaper [00:29:08] and [00:29:09] upon a public records request them on [00:29:12] upon my part absolutely nothing was [00:29:15] provided to support anything that was [00:29:19] said in that meeting [00:29:21] so now we have the second meeting where [00:29:24] the agenda is very broad it's a [00:29:27] Leicester contract and [00:29:30] we provided I asked for more d [00:29:33] Ork D did not received deals what that [00:29:35] agenda would [00:29:37] topics were [00:29:39] and if there was more to discuss and [00:29:41] Judy and I [00:29:42] proactively provided information [00:29:45] which is now not being Incorporated in [00:29:47] this meeting now I understand that it [00:29:50] may for some of you have come late [00:29:52] because of your work schedules and I [00:29:54] understand that but it's still something [00:29:56] we tried to do to provide information [00:29:59] for this meeting [00:30:01] and [00:30:03] um [00:30:04] the uh [00:30:07] one person on the list of complaints so [00:30:09] I'm assuming that what you're presenting [00:30:12] are complaints not um compliments [00:30:15] um [00:30:16] I don't know who that person is [00:30:19] um but I am very familiar with three of [00:30:23] the [00:30:24] complaintance let's say if that's what [00:30:26] they are and their situation [00:30:30] and [00:30:31] um I can assure you if we want to [00:30:34] discuss this [00:30:37] in a public forum there will be support [00:30:40] on our part for problems that the Board [00:30:44] of Health has had to face [00:30:46] uh to deal with situations in town [00:30:49] and what's disappointing to me extremely [00:30:53] so [00:30:54] is that there's actually no felt poor [00:30:59] the Board of Health [00:31:00] by the Selectmen and the administrative [00:31:04] support you have [00:31:06] completely no support in fact the [00:31:09] feeling is mostly [00:31:11] one form of attack or [00:31:15] doubt or challenge in one way or another [00:31:20] all the time [00:31:23] so [00:31:25] I think you should know that that's very [00:31:27] disappointing and hard to deal with you [00:31:30] talk about not having volunteers and you [00:31:35] are not supporting your Board of Health [00:31:39] agreement that signed [00:31:45] but you signed [00:31:47] is nothing more than an offer by the [00:31:51] town of Leicester [00:31:53] to provide services [00:31:55] not unlike what we can acquire through [00:31:59] local Health agents like we have helping [00:32:03] us right now [00:32:05] it is not a Board of Health agreement [00:32:07] it's not a Regional Board of Health [00:32:10] each town has an independent contract [00:32:13] and all the contracts are not the same [00:32:17] some towns one town gets special [00:32:19] services for what they negotiate [00:32:22] the town of Leicester has been very [00:32:24] astute in seeking grants at very [00:32:27] creative to find a way to pay for their [00:32:31] staff [00:32:32] the staff that I we interface with are [00:32:36] not the Board of Health of Lester you [00:32:38] have restaurants a couple of times in [00:32:40] this call the Board of Health of [00:32:42] Leicester that is not who we are dealing [00:32:44] with that is not who signed the contract [00:32:47] that not [00:32:50] there's a group called staff [00:32:52] and that staff is paid for by the grant [00:32:56] that staff is comprised of [00:32:59] a health coordinator [00:33:02] the health agent officer and a health [00:33:05] director an epidemiologist and a public [00:33:08] nurse [00:33:11] it has never achieved the stopping level [00:33:14] they committed to [00:33:18] it is mostly never on time with a [00:33:23] project [00:33:24] which frustrates many people we mitigate [00:33:28] that by working with [00:33:31] the coordinator in Leicester mostly on [00:33:34] very friendly terms to [00:33:36] to try to find out where information is [00:33:39] exchange information and to get the [00:33:41] projects completed [00:33:49] Health director of lrphc [00:33:55] approximately [00:33:57] not responded to 72 percent of my [00:34:01] communication with them [00:34:04] okay that's from records of my email [00:34:07] correspondence and that's not including [00:34:10] phone calls not returned voice message [00:34:12] not returned and not being able to talk [00:34:15] to him because his voicemail box is full [00:34:20] so the situation is more closely related [00:34:25] Judy and I feel to what we've shared [00:34:27] with you and we've been very gentle to [00:34:29] just highlight key points that we think [00:34:32] should be considered [00:34:34] affect the work [00:34:38] when they when this whole idea was [00:34:40] brought forth there was a letter of [00:34:45] tent is what [00:34:48] was in this case in most contracts were [00:34:52] seen a letter of intent so people know [00:34:54] the spirit of what they're entering into [00:34:58] in this case they call it a municipal [00:35:00] initial statement [00:35:01] commitment [00:35:02] that Municipal statement of commitment [00:35:05] said that [00:35:08] we would cooperate [00:35:10] with lead municipality to ensure [00:35:13] compliance and scope of service for [00:35:15] public health excellence [00:35:18] in the program [00:35:19] for shared services [00:35:22] there has been from almost day one [00:35:26] a lack of cooperation [00:35:30] and not a lack of willingness to [00:35:32] cooperate in our part but troubles with [00:35:34] cooperating let's put it that way [00:35:37] the other part that we agreed to as an [00:35:40] intent in the letter of commitment [00:35:43] was that use of funds under this program [00:35:46] were only [00:35:49] to augment rather than replace current [00:35:52] Municipal funding for public health [00:35:55] staff or services [00:35:57] this was addressed several times by me [00:36:00] with Nicole Parker particularly when we [00:36:03] were coming upon the budgeting season [00:36:06] several times [00:36:07] Nicole [00:36:09] was [00:36:10] fiercely against [00:36:12] Judy or I appointing any support which [00:36:16] is our role to appoint support it is our [00:36:20] role to appoint agents [00:36:22] clerks Physicians [00:36:31] Board of Health [00:36:34] I brought to the attention that the way [00:36:36] the Board of Health money is accounted [00:36:38] for is inappropriate it's not wrong it's [00:36:42] inappropriate funds this is a [00:36:45] pay-as-you-go service meaning if we [00:36:48] don't do anything unless someone asks us [00:36:50] to do something our fees are set to pay [00:36:53] for the support we require [00:36:58] our responsibility to make sure that is [00:37:00] the case and that is how we operate [00:37:04] the way the accounting is set up on this [00:37:07] fees come into the town for people [00:37:10] paying for a service from the Board of [00:37:13] Health and those fees are then moved [00:37:15] into the general funds [00:37:17] they are not retained in the Board of [00:37:19] Health to pay for the services necessary [00:37:22] to provide that support [00:37:24] on top of that [00:37:27] presumably your group or the [00:37:30] administrator acting on their own I [00:37:32] don't know how this happens [00:37:35] cut [00:37:36] the health agent budget by 50 percent in [00:37:40] the last at the last town meeting the [00:37:43] last warrant by 50 with no involvement [00:37:46] by the forward of Health no prior [00:37:49] discussion no invitation to comment on [00:37:52] how the Board of Health is functioning [00:37:53] and what it means to provide services to [00:37:56] town [00:37:57] so [00:37:59] I'm going to stop there [00:38:01] but [00:38:02] my feeling is this whole inquiry [00:38:06] that has been proceeding now for months [00:38:09] is completely out of line [00:38:11] completely out of line [00:38:14] you either do not understand how the [00:38:16] Board of Health functions and should [00:38:18] function or you have a vendetta of some [00:38:21] sort against the Board of Health maybe [00:38:23] personally against me or personally [00:38:25] against Judy I just don't understand the [00:38:27] motivation of these discussions like [00:38:30] this is the practical matters here [00:38:33] when you have installers working in town [00:38:36] that that argue with you because [00:38:39] they are not providing inspection [00:38:41] records of their work and demand [00:38:44] certificates of Appliance without [00:38:46] inspection records I don't think it's [00:38:48] the board of Health's job to provide [00:38:50] that certificate of compliance [00:38:54] when you have a health director who [00:38:57] who's cooperating who tells you in an [00:38:59] email please describe to me the [00:39:01] situation for which you need my support [00:39:04] so because I am very busy I am he's so [00:39:09] busy please provide it to me so that I [00:39:11] can prepare for this conversation [00:39:13] and prior to that [00:39:16] consulted with the lawyer of [00:39:19] Massachusetts associated with health [00:39:20] court to see if I was doing something [00:39:23] wrong and she said no you are not but [00:39:25] you should involve the other people [00:39:28] supporting you so I contacted Francis [00:39:32] Daigle requested his support and he [00:39:35] replied in an email saying write it down [00:39:38] send me what you need to discuss I am [00:39:40] very busy too busy to to to react I need [00:39:44] to see what you're talking about so [00:39:46] applying to his request providing him in [00:39:49] great detail on what the matter was so [00:39:52] he could be prepared so we could have an [00:39:53] effective call [00:39:55] I get a response of retaliation that's [00:39:58] unbelievable [00:39:59] it is unbelievable [00:40:01] and I'm assuming you don't have full [00:40:04] exposure to the situation [00:40:07] but it's unbelievable to me it is [00:40:10] unbelievable to me that your first line [00:40:12] of action is to call a meeting to bring [00:40:15] everyone together when we haven't even [00:40:19] suggested [00:40:21] reviewing the concerns you've recently [00:40:23] said [00:40:24] the meeting with your Board of Health [00:40:26] that is unbelievable [00:40:30] so that's where I'm going to stop [00:40:33] clearly a problem [00:40:34] it's a clearly administrative problem [00:40:36] it's a problem involves lack of [00:40:39] knowledge [00:40:40] it's a problem of with not enough people [00:40:43] operating at the same level of [00:40:45] understanding [00:40:47] and it's a big problem with the town [00:40:50] Administration not supporting the Border [00:40:52] Health period [00:40:57] thank you Stan [00:40:59] um so [00:41:00] um certainly understand your concerns [00:41:03] and [00:41:04] um I want to sort of speak to the [00:41:06] meeting where this came up [00:41:09] um [00:41:10] initially that you referred to and it [00:41:12] was not the intent of the board to [00:41:14] discuss it at that point but one of your [00:41:16] fellow board members was in the meeting [00:41:18] and [00:41:20] um pursued the conversation and so it [00:41:23] wasn't the intent to pursue it at that [00:41:24] time it did come up it was only [00:41:27] um for the administrator to to it was in [00:41:31] the administrator's report and uh to to [00:41:34] the board [00:41:35] um and so I understand how you feel and [00:41:38] I understand the concern [00:41:40] um [00:41:41] so what I what I would suggest then [00:41:45] um [00:41:46] I think it makes sense at some point to [00:41:49] meet with the coalition to discuss your [00:41:53] concerns [00:41:55] um and [00:41:56] um [00:41:57] in in prior to that happening as I was [00:42:00] saying [00:42:01] um I asked Nicole to forward you the [00:42:04] correspondence and then to [00:42:07] um have a conversation about the [00:42:09] correspondence [00:42:11] um and then meet with Lester I I think [00:42:13] your concerns bullet pointed concerns [00:42:16] should go to Lester [00:42:17] they should be aware of what the [00:42:20] concerns are with the agreement [00:42:23] um and perhaps there is some way to [00:42:26] make this work so that you do get the [00:42:29] support that you need that would be the [00:42:31] goal obviously we don't like to see as [00:42:35] you likely don't like to see these [00:42:37] issues or concerns raised but the the [00:42:41] matter of the matter of fact is that [00:42:44] anyone in a public office is going to [00:42:46] have these things come through if [00:42:48] someone doesn't alike doesn't like what [00:42:50] your position is or doesn't like your [00:42:52] approach very often very few and I think [00:42:56] that that's we're seeing more of that [00:42:59] um [00:42:59] is there a approval or Applause for a [00:43:02] job well done in any of these situations [00:43:05] um so [00:43:06] I would ask that [00:43:09] um as I mentioned Nicole Ford the [00:43:11] correspondence to you [00:43:12] to the board so that you can see what's [00:43:14] come before us and let's try to come up [00:43:17] with a resolution [00:43:19] um where there is some support for what [00:43:22] you need but they're also meeting what [00:43:24] has been spelled out in the agreements [00:43:27] that were signed [00:43:29] um that's where I'm coming from from the [00:43:31] standpoint Stan yeah so two two just two [00:43:34] brief comments with what you just said [00:43:36] first of all [00:43:37] the um [00:43:40] the fact that that uh meeting we're [00:43:42] referring to in October continued on [00:43:45] when it was not your intent to discuss [00:43:47] it [00:43:48] I appreciate that but it's not the fact [00:43:51] that it continued on as the issue [00:43:53] the fact that's the issue is things that [00:43:56] were said [00:43:57] were slanderous and defamatory and have [00:44:01] no backing [00:44:02] so that's the point second is that you [00:44:07] have um uh received our input [00:44:10] I think if you would like to speak the [00:44:13] Lesser you should [00:44:15] um at this time though I don't have any [00:44:17] more conversations to have with Lester I [00:44:20] don't have uh personally an interest I [00:44:22] don't have the time or the energy to [00:44:25] continue [00:44:27] working around and talking around [00:44:31] um behaviors and actions that are not in [00:44:34] line with our purpose and mission for [00:44:36] the Board of Health and Hardwick and [00:44:38] this [00:44:40] this is not going to be the first [00:44:41] meeting if that happens we've already [00:44:43] had this meeting [00:44:46] with Judy and I and Francis Chan Nicole [00:44:49] once already [00:44:51] and the topic was exactly the same [00:44:54] excuse me and the the agreement of how [00:44:58] to proceed was what we would all agreed [00:45:00] was appropriate [00:45:02] and yet you know what here we are again [00:45:06] so I think if you all need to learn more [00:45:08] about [00:45:10] doctor and how it functions about the [00:45:12] agreement that that you entered into [00:45:14] you know I think you should take the [00:45:16] time to do that however you well and we [00:45:18] will I will provide you information and [00:45:21] opinions as I always do and I will try [00:45:24] to prepare professionally as we try to [00:45:26] do for this meeting [00:45:29] but [00:45:31] um I don't know what more to say uh they [00:45:33] are not a Board of Health they are a [00:45:36] staff that provide that is willing to [00:45:38] provide services paid for by a grant and [00:45:40] they've offered those services to towns [00:45:42] if they want to use them [00:45:45] most towns do not use them to the extent [00:45:48] that Hardwick tried to most towns take [00:45:51] that a la carte for a food inspection or [00:45:54] for a title V project but they don't [00:45:58] lean on them or lean into them as heavy [00:46:01] as we did when we started this [00:46:04] Judy and I were very new to the board [00:46:06] Tech's actually you know he was a great [00:46:08] contributor and I can't he's he's not [00:46:11] with us so you can have to take my word [00:46:12] in this he was very skeptical of [00:46:15] entering into this and we pursued ahead [00:46:18] anyways because we knew Tex was also [00:46:22] not [00:46:23] be working on the board much more much [00:46:24] longer and [00:46:26] and Judy and I were new we need [00:46:29] and we thought we needed this help well [00:46:32] we've learned how the board of Health's [00:46:34] function how the laws function we've met [00:46:37] people and we have an outstanding Health [00:46:40] agent working for us right now Rich [00:46:44] Stevens from Barry incredible amount of [00:46:47] experience that he could just do our [00:46:50] learning and he has a network he's [00:46:53] extended to us to access and we don't [00:46:57] really [00:46:58] require the support [00:47:02] that Lester [00:47:04] offers theoretically and what they [00:47:07] actually deliver we don't require it and [00:47:09] it's not actually helping us a great [00:47:12] deal it's holding us back from [00:47:15] developing as a board of health [00:47:18] so Stan Judy has her hand up so just I [00:47:21] would say to you um Stan perhaps um [00:47:24] Kelly and Rob are you okay with [00:47:27] um [00:47:29] but first of all Nicole please send [00:47:30] those letters to I did not realize Stan [00:47:33] was not not copied on those so please [00:47:35] make sure that they have all the [00:47:36] correspondence [00:47:38] um [00:47:40] I would make the suggestion that we [00:47:43] um [00:47:46] that we we meet with Lester and see [00:47:51] um and and I mean I think your document [00:47:54] I I honestly it came late Stan so I too [00:47:57] I understand didn't have a chance no and [00:47:59] I'm not I'm not criticizing I'm just [00:48:01] making a comment no I I don't understand [00:48:02] that I didn't have a chance to review it [00:48:05] so why don't we take your [00:48:07] um letter [00:48:09] um signed by yourself and Judy under [00:48:10] advisement [00:48:12] um I will work with Nicole [00:48:14] um she'll make sure she gets you the [00:48:15] documents [00:48:16] um the two pieces of um I think the two [00:48:18] that came to us that you didn't receive [00:48:21] um I will Circle forward with Lester [00:48:24] um and um also be in touch with some of [00:48:27] the other communities that are under the [00:48:28] Coalition and see how they function [00:48:31] um understanding how you're functioning [00:48:33] um and and see what services how they're [00:48:35] interacting with them and then let's [00:48:37] revisit the issue [00:48:39] um so [00:48:41] I guess let's do some more information [00:48:42] do some more um [00:48:45] research and discussion and then [00:48:47] um if we fail the board feels a need to [00:48:50] meet with Lester we will [00:48:52] um we certainly would like you to be [00:48:53] part of that because if there is some [00:48:56] value there [00:48:57] um if they can provide some value maybe [00:48:59] it's it's I'm not sure I just hate to [00:49:02] scrap this whole thing there's got to be [00:49:04] some value there for you I would think [00:49:05] and if we can make it work [00:49:08] um but let's do a little bit more [00:49:09] research and [00:49:12] um certainly willing to talk with you or [00:49:14] Judy [00:49:15] um and [00:49:17] um sort of talk about these letters that [00:49:19] have been received [00:49:21] um and if if the spirit of interaction [00:49:24] continues the way it has been for months [00:49:27] and I'm including our own [00:49:31] stration if it continues that way [00:49:35] then then the Board of Health is just [00:49:38] going to do what it needs to do to be [00:49:40] compliant and to do the job but the [00:49:43] interactions that are becoming um [00:49:46] contentious and into interfering we're [00:49:49] just going to have to find a way to not [00:49:51] participate in those that just can't [00:49:54] continue [00:49:55] but well I'm not I'm not there shouldn't [00:49:58] be an adversarial [00:49:59] um I don't want there to be an [00:50:01] adversarial [00:50:02] um relationship with this board I mean [00:50:04] we should all be able to work together [00:50:07] um and understand understanding the [00:50:11] understanding loud and clear what you [00:50:13] what you said [00:50:15] um and loud and clear your position on [00:50:18] it and I again I apologize it went that [00:50:20] way the first way that wasn't the intent [00:50:22] but understand how you feel I mean I I'm [00:50:25] trying I'm trying to build the bridge [00:50:27] here stand to try to make it work so [00:50:29] that you don't feel unsupported the [00:50:31] board doesn't feel unsupported [00:50:33] I'm doing the best at trying to to [00:50:36] bridge that yeah I would offer your [00:50:38] suggestion and please just a suggestion [00:50:41] don't worry about rigid [00:50:43] pay attention to what we said what we [00:50:45] feel the mission of the Board of Health [00:50:47] is [00:50:48] fine if you want to get behind that [00:50:58] um thank you Stan Judy did you want to [00:51:00] say something and then we'll move on [00:51:01] from this issue [00:51:04] yes I [00:51:07] I want to be extremely brief I think [00:51:10] it's a matter of loyalties [00:51:12] in the town of Hardwick [00:51:16] to their own [00:51:18] and I think that we have been second [00:51:22] rate in considering our relationship [00:51:26] with an outside group that is neither a [00:51:31] board of health or [00:51:34] or um [00:51:36] it's not even close to us [00:51:39] and in terms of the theory of our [00:51:43] government [00:51:44] the Board of Health has a particular [00:51:48] powers to preserve and protect the [00:51:51] health of the people of the Town they're [00:51:54] in there are a few other states in the [00:51:58] United States that have [00:52:01] every local Board of Health for every [00:52:04] town has strong powers [00:52:07] and and um [00:52:11] and this Regional concept goes counter [00:52:16] to those powers [00:52:17] and personally speaking I have [00:52:21] been unable to function because of [00:52:25] the noxious interactions between uh us [00:52:31] and Lester [00:52:32] and I think the First Act of the select [00:52:36] board would be to talk to the Board of [00:52:38] Health [00:52:39] and [00:52:40] yeah a manual psychner so [00:52:44] um that's the way [00:52:46] communication is the best way to look at [00:52:49] any problems [00:52:51] as far as the problems themselves Stan [00:52:55] and I have already addressed them and [00:52:57] and put them before you today [00:53:02] so that's it thank you Judy yeah oh one [00:53:07] more thing [00:53:09] we are poised to do great things for the [00:53:13] town of hard work when it comes to [00:53:16] health to [00:53:18] make sustainable [00:53:20] agriculture among the people that farm [00:53:24] and work here to [00:53:27] um uh preserve our forests from uh [00:53:31] destruction and cutting that we've seen [00:53:34] of late [00:53:35] and to preserve our water [00:53:38] from others despoiling it and [00:53:44] and coming in and stealing our Resources [00:53:48] by development and and processes that [00:53:52] are found to be destructive of [00:53:56] ecosystems [00:53:58] so I'm working on a theoretical level [00:54:02] I've been studying Public Health since [00:54:04] this began [00:54:06] since I began and I'm halfway through my [00:54:09] tenure and I don't intend to to [00:54:14] run again because I'm 82 years old but I [00:54:18] can tell you it's so exciting where we [00:54:21] can go [00:54:22] and I suggest that we not spend time uh [00:54:27] reviewing and researching and meeting [00:54:30] with all the parties as Stan said we've [00:54:33] already done it [00:54:34] that we can we can provide a Board of [00:54:40] Health and all the services [00:54:42] and do it great [00:54:46] I I have no uh qualms about that with on [00:54:50] our own because of the powers that are [00:54:54] invested in Boards of Health [00:54:57] so I'm very hopeful [00:55:02] that's it you're welcome thank you Judy [00:55:06] so I I think the reason and um we did [00:55:09] try to have a meeting [00:55:11] um we did ask to have a meeting with the [00:55:13] board [00:55:15] um one time prior but you know I think [00:55:18] um that was in on the heels of the [00:55:20] October meeting Stan and I I think there [00:55:22] was um very unfriendly time [00:55:24] probably probably not some clarity and [00:55:28] um [00:55:28] I hear you loud and clear [00:55:30] um I think the board's perspective in [00:55:31] looking at it is certainly [00:55:33] um to be supportive but also we've [00:55:35] signed an agreement so we have a we have [00:55:38] a binding agreement with with [00:55:40] um the Coalition and that's sort of my [00:55:43] um [00:55:44] more important Julie I'm sorry for [00:55:46] interrupting but more important the [00:55:49] intent [00:55:51] now that intent [00:55:54] by your own actions has not been upheld [00:55:59] so tent is the basis of the whole [00:56:02] exercise and the agreement that you call [00:56:04] binding [00:56:06] is constructed with a mutual 30-day exit [00:56:09] there's no more binding than 30 days [00:56:12] I'm not suggesting it's binding Stan or [00:56:14] what the legality of it is but I think [00:56:17] we've signed something that we just have [00:56:19] to be sure [00:56:21] um if the board you know whatever way [00:56:23] the board decides on this that we [00:56:26] understand what [00:56:27] um [00:56:28] you know what our responsibilities are [00:56:30] so [00:56:31] um so I guess Kelly and Rob any thoughts [00:56:34] on this but here's how I would make the [00:56:36] suggestion we proceed [00:56:38] um just to [00:56:39] um reiterate Nicole they need the [00:56:41] documents that we've received any other [00:56:43] documents that come in can we please [00:56:44] make sure they're copied on them [00:56:46] um if they aren't uh cc8 on it and [00:56:51] um [00:56:52] uh we will reach out to other [00:56:55] communities under the Coalition so we [00:56:57] can gather some more information on how [00:56:58] they're functioning [00:57:01] um we will get advice on the agreement [00:57:02] we've signed and [00:57:05] um we can revisit this issue [00:57:08] um at a future meeting [00:57:10] um and if we feel hurt here loud and [00:57:13] clear that you don't want to be involved [00:57:14] with the meter I'm meeting with um the [00:57:16] Coalition or Lester or whoever it is [00:57:19] that you know [00:57:20] um we need to meet with [00:57:22] um and who the appropriate people on [00:57:24] their end are [00:57:26] um hear loud and clear that you don't [00:57:27] want to be involved we can move forward [00:57:29] with a representative from our board [00:57:31] and meet with them [00:57:33] um and if it's appropriate we can share [00:57:35] your concerns [00:57:37] um and [00:57:38] um we will be back to the subject [00:57:43] Kelly and Rob does that sound okay [00:57:45] Nicole [00:57:49] yeah I'm I'm fine with that I think that [00:57:51] if you know if [00:57:53] it's learned [00:57:54] regardless I think you know we should [00:57:57] Express them to Lester [00:58:00] if they're not doing what they should be [00:58:02] doing you know that's that is a concern [00:58:07] I agree yeah I agreed Kelly [00:58:10] and I I think the our Board of Health in [00:58:13] some ways should be involved with a [00:58:15] discussion Leicester so that we don't [00:58:17] get the facts mixed up [00:58:21] we have a I understand you got we were [00:58:24] written a couple letters [00:58:27] um from each person but [00:58:29] it only tells a small portion of what's [00:58:31] going on there and [00:58:33] I'm sorry it's it's one of those things [00:58:36] sometimes you just have to do you have [00:58:38] to stand up for yourself and stand [00:58:41] is correct and his actions are true [00:58:44] which I I don't know I don't know what's [00:58:46] truly going on out there I know there's [00:58:48] a lot some complaints [00:58:50] and some issues [00:58:51] but I believe that Stan should be part [00:58:54] of this and and stand up for what he [00:58:57] believes he's doing correctly and [00:58:59] and let us understand between the two of [00:59:01] them where the issue is [00:59:04] um [00:59:05] I mean we're trying to listen we're [00:59:07] trying to be supportive but [00:59:09] I mean I I appreciate that Rob [00:59:12] I just want to I have to share I'm [00:59:15] getting exhausted by defending myself [00:59:17] for [00:59:19] enforcing [00:59:21] the [00:59:23] health code [00:59:24] Mass general laws acting as a board of [00:59:27] health that requires [00:59:30] standards to be met [00:59:31] Title Five compliance [00:59:34] and people just not enjoying that [00:59:37] and I'm sorry if they don't enjoy it and [00:59:40] I don't think we've been unreasonable in [00:59:42] working with anyone to work through the [00:59:44] problems that arise that then require [00:59:48] attention to get to the point where [00:59:50] compliance is achieved that's [00:59:54] a primary function of the board [00:59:56] operating to [00:59:59] address [01:00:00] the uncomfortable situation [01:00:03] stop what shouldn't be happening and [01:00:06] proceed to closure that brings [01:00:09] everything in compliance bottom line [01:00:10] that's what it kind of is about [01:00:14] and so [01:00:17] my concern is that maybe some people [01:00:19] aren't used to that maybe other people [01:00:22] just don't want to be in that situation [01:00:24] and they find it uncomfortable but [01:00:28] um [01:00:30] it doesn't change uh [01:00:33] the purpose of the Board of Health and [01:00:35] what we're supposed to be doing [01:00:40] so I encourage you to find out what you [01:00:44] need to find to out to understand the [01:00:47] situations [01:00:49] I'm quite I'm quite confident [01:00:51] that that when you're ready [01:00:55] there's not a problem I feel with our [01:00:58] position and our behaviors not maybe to [01:01:01] quote Judy in a way [01:01:03] we're not maybe winning a popularity [01:01:05] contest [01:01:06] but I don't think we're doing things [01:01:08] wrong [01:01:11] thank you so [01:01:14] um we will follow up [01:01:16] um and [01:01:18] um we will revisit the issue after we've [01:01:21] sort of gone through the steps that I've [01:01:22] outlined [01:01:24] thank you both for being on the meeting [01:01:25] and for speaking I appreciate it thank [01:01:28] you [01:01:32] anything else on the Leicester contract [01:01:37] okay [01:01:39] next item on the agenda is great [01:01:40] Meadowbrook Farm discussion of [01:01:42] chairwoman quinks General Law chapter [01:01:43] 268a section 223 B3 disclosure forum [01:01:49] have you both received a copy of the [01:01:51] disclosure form [01:02:00] so I'm quickly going to read the [01:02:02] disclosure which is on file with the [01:02:03] town clerk it's a as I said a disclosure [01:02:07] of the parents of conflict conflict of [01:02:08] interest as required by chapter General [01:02:10] Law chapter 268 a section 23 B3 [01:02:15] um [01:02:16] uh in my position as chair Board of the [01:02:19] selectman for the town of Hardwick the [01:02:22] issue is [01:02:24] um and I this again the disclosure is [01:02:26] public information I'm chair of the [01:02:28] Harvard Board of selectman as described [01:02:30] in more detail below I oversaw the [01:02:32] public hearing process for an [01:02:33] application filed by Commonwealth equine [01:02:35] and Agricultural Center LLC I will just [01:02:38] refer to them as CIA going forward [01:02:40] seeking approval of horse racing track [01:02:42] at the great Meadowbrook Farm property [01:02:43] pursuant to General Law chapter 128a [01:02:46] section 13A [01:02:48] um seek applied to the Harvard Board of [01:02:50] Selectmen for approval of the location [01:02:51] of a horse raising track of the great [01:02:53] mother book Farm property at 228 Barry [01:02:56] Road and my role as chair of the Boris [01:02:58] selectman I oversaw the public hearing [01:03:00] process for this application after the [01:03:02] close of the public hearing I ultimately [01:03:04] voted to approve the location of the [01:03:05] horse race track on about November 9th [01:03:07] 2022 [01:03:09] based on the statutory procedures in [01:03:11] general Law chapter 128 a section 13A [01:03:14] the question of whether to approve the [01:03:16] location of a horse race track at the [01:03:18] great Meadowbrook property they will be [01:03:20] subject to a town-wide special election [01:03:21] ballot question on January 7 2023. [01:03:24] after the close of the aforementioned [01:03:26] aforementioned public hearing process [01:03:28] before the board of Selectmen and all [01:03:30] votes that I took related there to ciac [01:03:32] applied to the quebag hills Chamber of [01:03:34] Commerce to become a member I am the [01:03:36] treasurer of financial liaison and a [01:03:38] board member of the quebok hills Chamber [01:03:39] of Commerce I've been involved with the [01:03:41] chamber as a board member since November [01:03:43] of 20 2005. during my time on the board [01:03:46] I've served as chairperson twice and had [01:03:48] various other responsibilities Hardwick [01:03:51] is one of the 15 towns that has served [01:03:52] by the chamber at no time while I [01:03:54] oversaw the Board of selecton Public [01:03:56] hearing process was I aware that ziac [01:03:59] intended to apply to be a member of the [01:04:00] chamber recently after the close of the [01:04:03] bore seleckman's public hearing and any [01:04:05] voting related there too the executive [01:04:07] committee for the Chamber of which I'm a [01:04:09] member admitted siac as a member of the [01:04:11] chamber [01:04:12] proposal to admit siac as a member came [01:04:14] from the chamber CEO I played no role in [01:04:17] the decision to admit siac as a member [01:04:19] in addition I understand that CX to be [01:04:22] involved as a sponsor for the chambers [01:04:23] annual dinner in December but the [01:04:25] executive committee voted to deny their [01:04:27] sponsorship I abstained from that vote [01:04:30] as a member of the executive committee [01:04:32] we're tasked with reviewing new members [01:04:33] and taking action relative there to [01:04:35] approval and declination of new members [01:04:37] I'm responsible for the approval of the [01:04:40] new member's membership in the chambers [01:04:41] software and the related accounting for [01:04:43] payments and billing [01:04:44] approval of the membership is done with [01:04:46] executive committee approval I've [01:04:48] abstained from all boats relative to CX [01:04:50] membership in the chamber in addition of [01:04:52] abstain from any votes approval on CX [01:04:54] sponsorship or involvement with a dinner [01:04:57] at the direction of the president the [01:04:58] board after a successful vote to admit [01:05:00] siac as a member I handled the [01:05:02] administrative end of including siac as [01:05:04] a new member in the software used by the [01:05:06] chamber this is the same process I do [01:05:08] for each new member after they are [01:05:09] approved I've had no contact with them [01:05:11] relative to the membership approval of [01:05:13] processing [01:05:14] I'm not required to have contact with [01:05:16] siac in my capacity as a member of the [01:05:18] board of the Chamber of Commerce or in [01:05:20] any administrative functions I perform [01:05:22] in addition I'll not be attending the [01:05:24] annual dinner or any other forms event [01:05:25] that seek is sponsoring or holding as a [01:05:28] member of the chamber prior to the vote [01:05:29] of the town on January 7 2023 or at any [01:05:33] time thereafter while review of nucx [01:05:35] permit applications is required by any [01:05:37] Municipal Boards of the town of Hardwick [01:05:39] to the extent that seek May file an [01:05:41] application before the board of Select [01:05:43] and future I intend to consider each [01:05:44] application on its merits and takes its [01:05:46] action as in the best interest of the [01:05:47] town in full compliance with the law my [01:05:50] position on the board of the chamber [01:05:51] which has several hundred members of [01:05:53] which CAC has won will not impair my [01:05:55] ability to objectively and fairly carry [01:05:58] on my duties as a chair of the board of [01:06:00] selectman [01:06:02] brother Kelly any questions or concerns [01:06:05] on my disclosure [01:06:09] you're muted Kelly [01:06:15] no I did read it thoroughly and [01:06:18] appreciate the disclosure [01:06:31] um there is a question I will entertain [01:06:33] the question it is respectful and [01:06:36] um [01:06:37] concerning any of the facts that were [01:06:39] mentioned [01:06:40] Lauren [01:06:50] Lauren do you have a question [01:06:58] she doesn't appear to be muted Nicole [01:07:05] she's not muted [01:07:08] I'm looking for her [01:07:13] Lauren do you want to put your question [01:07:15] in the chat since we can't hear you [01:07:25] looks like the chat was disabled [01:07:38] Nicole can you reinstate the chat yep [01:07:45] so as Lauren if you want to type your [01:07:47] question in the chat [01:07:49] um since we can't hear you [01:07:51] um [01:07:54] so again the disclosure is filed on um [01:07:57] with the town clerk [01:07:59] um [01:08:00] and um as I said in my disclosure I [01:08:04] believe that I can act fairly [01:08:05] independently my involvement with the [01:08:07] chamber should have no impact on moving [01:08:09] the process forward [01:08:16] Lauren we'll come back to you if you [01:08:18] want to type you still have your hand [01:08:23] oh it looks like it's to me she wrote it [01:08:25] to me okay what is the process for a [01:08:28] business being accepted into the chamber [01:08:30] I know that [01:08:31] is outside of your scope of work on this [01:08:34] board just curious [01:08:36] I think that would be a question that [01:08:37] you probably should ask of the [01:08:40] um chamber president and the CEO [01:08:43] um it's as I mentioned in my disclosure [01:08:45] that's an approval process that happens [01:08:48] um for that group [01:08:50] um on the executive committee of which [01:08:52] I'm a member and as I mentioned I have [01:08:54] abstained from all votes relative to [01:08:58] um to this situation [01:09:03] certainly you can feel free to [01:09:05] um [01:09:06] if you want to reach out to Nicole I can [01:09:08] have Nicole give you the contact [01:09:10] information on who you might reach out [01:09:11] to directly to inquire [01:09:19] okay [01:09:20] so let's move on from that [01:09:23] um any other new business [01:09:30] okay [01:09:31] um next is the water warrant December [01:09:33] billing [01:09:36] apparently and Rob did you have a chance [01:09:38] to look at that in your pack up [01:09:49] any questions on that or anything but [01:09:51] any edits or [01:09:57] I just haven't I just for my memory [01:09:59] snake did we vote to increase the rates [01:10:03] yet [01:10:04] no no so these are not these are except [01:10:08] the [01:10:09] 13.0125 supposed to be per gallon but [01:10:12] we're actually charging per cubic foot [01:10:14] so [01:10:16] we're we're gonna revisit that once the [01:10:20] equipment and once we start doing all [01:10:23] that right correct yes yes the meters [01:10:26] have been ordered [01:10:29] you know thinking it would have been [01:10:31] nice maybe to have Revisited that before [01:10:33] these bills went out so it should [01:10:36] probably be on our radar sooner than [01:10:38] later for the next [01:10:42] yeah I get I guess I thought maybe we [01:10:45] would do that before the thrilling went [01:10:46] out [01:10:48] well I I did have to send the billing [01:10:50] out so no yeah it's totally [01:10:52] understandable [01:10:53] yeah [01:10:55] um but I'll get that more on my front [01:10:57] burner here looking at the rates I know [01:10:59] Angie already did a whole she surveyed a [01:11:02] lot of towns already okay yeah it'd [01:11:05] probably be good to us [01:11:07] maybe the beginning of the year I'm not [01:11:09] looking to add any more for the [01:11:11] remainder of December but [01:11:16] so um we need to approve the water [01:11:19] warrant for December and the amount of [01:11:21] seven thousand nine hundred ten dollars [01:11:23] 32 cents [01:11:26] I would make a motion to approve a water [01:11:30] warrant billing [01:11:32] um in the amount of seven thousand nine [01:11:35] hundred and ten dollars and 32 cents per [01:11:37] the attachment of all the [01:11:41] the users [01:11:44] second that [01:11:46] any other discussion [01:11:49] Harry none I will call the roll Kelly [01:11:52] aye Rob [01:11:54] hi and Julie is I motion carries [01:11:59] thank you [01:12:00] I have the actual warrant that needs to [01:12:02] be signed I don't know if [01:12:06] there is meat or or if you could come in [01:12:11] I can stop down tomorrow [01:12:18] you need two signatures Nicole yes [01:12:25] um [01:12:27] I can try to get there and sign [01:12:31] if I'm not able to get there I'll just [01:12:33] um call you and authorize you to sign on [01:12:35] my behalf [01:12:37] let's bring to you too whatever whatever [01:12:39] you think okay [01:12:45] foreign [01:12:57] thank you [01:12:58] um next item on the agenda is the 2022 [01:13:00] audit and update on the 2023 audit do we [01:13:04] have the audit report Nicole for the [01:13:06] 2022 audit [01:13:10] I asked for it digitally and I've only [01:13:12] got it so far in book form so I only [01:13:14] have it [01:13:16] um physical so if you want to look in [01:13:19] the in the box when you come in the [01:13:21] mailbox [01:13:22] put them there can they give us [01:13:24] electronic copies they did not I asked [01:13:26] them for it and I'm waiting for it okay [01:13:29] so [01:13:30] I think I think I think once the boards [01:13:33] had a chance to review it [01:13:35] um since it is a public document that we [01:13:36] should have copies electronically [01:13:38] available [01:13:40] um [01:13:41] so if we can get it electronically that [01:13:43] would be great yeah I asked for it to [01:13:45] give to you guys but I just got these on [01:13:47] Thursday afternoon so [01:13:49] um they didn't send they haven't [01:13:55] so that one's here look so that's great [01:13:57] and then the next one should be done [01:14:01] definitely by the end of the year [01:14:03] the Auditors are coming in this week so [01:14:05] is the accountant [01:14:07] um and they've got almost everything [01:14:09] because it's been submitted throughout [01:14:12] the year knowing that we had to get this [01:14:14] audit done by the end of the year so [01:14:17] everything's looking good [01:14:21] thank you oh I'm sorry [01:14:25] Zoom is so Zoom is so hard [01:14:29] Zoom is hard because it's hard to know [01:14:31] when to when to speak and when someone's [01:14:33] finished so I apologize [01:14:35] um it would be good if we could get them [01:14:36] bless you [01:14:39] it would be good if we could get the [01:14:41] um the uh Auditors to come before the [01:14:45] board of Selectmen so that once we've [01:14:46] had the opportunity to review the report [01:14:48] typically in these situations there's an [01:14:51] exit interview that happens with the [01:14:52] board of governance [01:14:54] so um if they could come to uh perhaps [01:14:58] one of our meetings in January and [01:14:59] review the 2022 audit and presumably [01:15:02] they'll have a draft or final that we [01:15:04] could review for 20 [01:15:06] um [01:15:09] so it would be the 2021 [01:15:11] that they've done because we've just [01:15:13] finished June 30 of 22 so that would be [01:15:16] the 22 audit that we're looking at right [01:15:20] yeah [01:15:22] um okay yeah 21 22. [01:15:26] June July of 22 [01:15:31] so we have we would have just [01:15:36] stuck but yes it's July of 22 should be [01:15:40] done by the end of this year yes [01:15:42] I mean June 30 20 22. right okay great [01:15:47] so maybe we can put that on a future [01:15:49] agenda when um [01:15:51] when it's set [01:15:54] can I run up anything more on that [01:15:57] no okay [01:15:59] um next on the agenda committee [01:16:01] appointment procedure [01:16:03] um [01:16:04] I know that there are folks who are [01:16:06] interested in [01:16:08] volunteering on various committees [01:16:10] um and [01:16:12] um I know some folks have reached out [01:16:14] already [01:16:16] um and just wanted to put it on the [01:16:18] agenda so that it you know for those [01:16:20] folks that are interested in being [01:16:22] involved on a committee or board [01:16:25] um that we sort of talk about what the [01:16:27] procedure should be so everyone's aware [01:16:29] and um I guess thoughts would be I guess [01:16:33] my thought would be uh Kelly and Rob is [01:16:36] that there's a letter of interest that [01:16:37] goes to the Town Administrator and she [01:16:40] brings that forward just as she does for [01:16:42] other appointments and such for [01:16:44] um the board to appoint to a particular [01:16:46] committee I know there's some interest [01:16:48] in the master planning committee [01:16:51] um and just sort of making sure [01:16:53] um that we're addressing those and [01:16:55] getting back to the folks that are [01:16:57] interested in lettering letting them [01:16:59] know that we're um you know we'll take [01:17:01] it under advisement and consider the [01:17:03] appointment [01:17:04] um [01:17:05] Nicole have you received other [01:17:08] um letters of interest for other [01:17:09] committees [01:17:10] there's not [01:17:11] okay [01:17:13] um I know we have someone who is [01:17:15] interested in uh joining the master [01:17:18] planning committee we do a vacancy on [01:17:20] that committee [01:17:21] um um there's a letter uh [01:17:24] um there was a [01:17:27] um an email request [01:17:29] um that came in from Lisa condo to be [01:17:31] appointed to the master planning [01:17:32] committee Kelly and Rob do and Nicole [01:17:36] confirmed we have a vacancy [01:17:38] um uh Kelly and Rob are are you [01:17:41] um prepared to appoint Lisa to the [01:17:44] master planning committee or do we want [01:17:46] to take it under advisement and address [01:17:48] it at the next meeting [01:17:52] um I it's my belief that she would make [01:17:55] a great addition to that committee the [01:17:57] committee has not met in several years [01:18:01] and she wants to bring that back and [01:18:04] have some serious conversation about the [01:18:07] town's master plan [01:18:08] she has an extensive background in [01:18:10] marketing [01:18:12] that's what she does you know for her [01:18:14] everyday job and she's volunteered [01:18:16] throughout the years within the town as [01:18:19] well so I would be willing to make an [01:18:22] appointment [01:18:23] um but you know it's a poor decision [01:18:27] Nicole are we prepared with the I'm [01:18:29] sorry what [01:18:30] um are we prepared with the term of what [01:18:33] that appointment would be for how long [01:18:35] I know there was some confusion on the [01:18:37] dates of the staggered dates of the [01:18:40] terms [01:18:59] maybe if we're not prepared to [01:19:02] um [01:19:03] vacancies one and one is up in 2023 [01:19:07] one's up in 2024. [01:19:10] um [01:19:13] so that would be a June 30th of each [01:19:15] of each year [01:19:18] so [01:19:19] um why don't we make the appointment for [01:19:23] um [01:19:32] then we want to make the appointment for [01:19:34] the 2023 with the event with the thought [01:19:37] that perhaps the committee would meet [01:19:39] and um we did appoint them at our annual [01:19:42] appointment so that the committee would [01:19:44] meet and those that aren't interested in [01:19:46] still being on the committee we you know [01:19:48] we would be able to [01:19:50] um consider other letters of interest if [01:19:51] there is anybody [01:19:56] I have a place to start I think if [01:19:58] people are reaching out to volunteer [01:20:01] um we certainly [01:20:04] I think we should welcome them and um [01:20:07] you know giving [01:20:09] like this one you know this position [01:20:12] would just be through you know June 30th [01:20:14] that gives like you said the chance for [01:20:16] the committee to to meet [01:20:19] um and you know maybe light some fires [01:20:24] metaphorically that is [01:20:31] Rob [01:20:33] yeah [01:20:36] these these seats are empty so if [01:20:38] someone's willing to do it [01:20:40] see let's put them on [01:20:43] somewhere okay oh my God you're still [01:20:45] here [01:20:47] okay [01:20:49] so [01:20:50] um procedurally [01:20:52] um those that are interested in being in [01:20:54] committees or boards please submit a [01:20:56] letter of interest to Nicole [01:20:59] um and [01:21:01] um [01:21:02] we can uh we can [01:21:04] um I see it uh [01:21:09] um a comment in the chat about what the [01:21:10] open positions are we can certainly put [01:21:12] those together [01:21:14] um for a future meeting now typically on [01:21:17] the on the town website yes I'm just [01:21:20] going to say that [01:21:22] when the town census goes out at the [01:21:24] beginning of the year the town clerk [01:21:26] typically inserts them in that as well [01:21:32] um [01:21:34] and so [01:21:35] um look there if you're interested in [01:21:38] any particular vacancies on boards and [01:21:40] committees [01:21:41] and [01:21:43] um we certainly can [01:21:45] um [01:21:46] entertain letters of interest and as [01:21:48] they come in a point to uh point to [01:21:51] vacant positions this question in the [01:21:53] chat relative to replacing people who [01:21:55] don't respond if the community isn't [01:21:57] meeting regularly it's hard to [01:21:59] understand who's not interested and [01:22:00] who's going to so I think for these [01:22:02] committees like the master planning [01:22:03] committee who haven't met in a long time [01:22:05] calling a meeting and figuring out who [01:22:07] is still wanting to be involved we've [01:22:09] reappointed them but that doesn't [01:22:11] necessarily mean they're going to be [01:22:12] active so I think once there is some [01:22:15] interest in these committees start [01:22:16] meeting again we'll know if there are [01:22:19] future vacancies that we can seek [01:22:21] letters of interest for [01:22:23] hopefully that answers the question so [01:22:26] again recap [01:22:28] um get your letter of interest into [01:22:29] Nicole look for vacancies on the town [01:22:31] website and as Kelly mentioned please [01:22:34] answer your census surveys and uh the [01:22:37] town clerk will forward those to us so [01:22:39] that [01:22:40] um we'll know uh to follow up [01:22:45] anything else on the committee [01:22:46] appointments so um let's actually are we [01:22:49] prepared to appoint Lisa to one of the [01:22:51] vacant positions on the master planning [01:22:52] committee [01:22:54] I would love to [01:22:57] so go ahead [01:23:00] how about it okay I would make a motion [01:23:02] to appoint Lisa Condit to I want to make [01:23:06] sure I'm saying it right the master [01:23:07] committee plan [01:23:10] am I saying that correctly [01:23:12] master plan Community Development [01:23:14] advisory committee I'm not right here [01:23:17] okay I would make a a motion to appoint [01:23:19] Lisa Condit to the master plan Community [01:23:22] Development advisory committee for the [01:23:25] term that would end June 30th 2023 [01:23:31] seconds [01:23:33] it's been moved and seconded any other [01:23:35] discussion [01:23:38] hearing none I will call the roll Kelly [01:23:41] aye [01:23:42] Rob [01:23:46] and Julie is an Isn't So motion carries [01:23:48] Nicole can you please reach out to Lisa [01:23:50] and let her know of her appointment and [01:23:52] ask her to go before the Town Clerk and [01:23:55] be sworn in [01:23:57] yeah so if I could just add two that uh [01:23:59] when Ryan and I were talking about how [01:24:01] people go about and requesting to be on [01:24:03] a board or a committee that they send a [01:24:06] formal letter in and then they also list [01:24:08] you know maybe [01:24:10] some experience on why they think they [01:24:12] would be best fit for this position just [01:24:15] thinking that there may be more than one [01:24:18] that would be interested so we would be [01:24:20] able to place them where their best fit [01:24:26] you know also we have somebody who right [01:24:28] who has a lot of experience and [01:24:32] municipal government and then somebody [01:24:34] that doesn't maybe they would be better [01:24:35] fit for a master plan committee which is [01:24:37] a severe undertaking [01:24:41] I I think that's a great [01:24:45] um [01:24:45] suggestion [01:24:51] hey [01:24:53] um the next item anything else with [01:24:54] regard to that before we move on [01:24:57] okay uh discussion interval relative to [01:25:00] arpa funding I think that's just a close [01:25:02] placeholder Nicole I don't think we have [01:25:04] anything else to talk about okay [01:25:06] committee reports um we have just a [01:25:10] couple of things to mention [01:25:12] um and it might be in your report Nicole [01:25:14] so if I'm stealing your thunder I [01:25:15] apologize [01:25:17] um we have a oh boy my paperwork is all [01:25:22] mixed up we have a report from the fire [01:25:24] department just a reminder that December [01:25:28] 18th at 11 A.M the fire department is [01:25:31] going to be having a Santa ride on the [01:25:32] fire truck around the common to will [01:25:34] right and then through Gilbertville [01:25:36] burning permits are available you can [01:25:38] get them at the fire station Monday or [01:25:40] Wednesday night after 6 30. [01:25:46] anything else on committee reports I [01:25:48] think that was the only report I saw [01:25:50] Nicole [01:25:51] it is and he just formally came in I [01:25:53] mean [01:25:53] verbally came in and told us this [01:25:56] um yesterday last week I tomorrow is [01:26:00] supposed to be the department head [01:26:01] meeting so I don't have any reports [01:26:12] I missed part of that so I'm going to [01:26:14] turn my video off because I'm having [01:26:15] internet issues I missed what you said [01:26:17] but [01:26:19] I got I just said he came in verbally [01:26:22] okay [01:26:24] to let us know I don't have any other [01:26:26] department head reports where tomorrow [01:26:28] is our our meeting great thank you [01:26:32] um next we're on to the Town [01:26:33] Administrator report [01:26:36] uh okay so let's start with USDA the new [01:26:40] location for Pump Station [01:26:43] environmental review is nearly complete [01:26:46] endangered species review and today [01:26:48] actually and I haven't heard anything [01:26:50] um so I'm thinking that the review [01:26:53] period will close and we will move [01:26:55] forward we're working on the easement [01:26:57] documents and the language with our [01:27:00] engineering firm and our in our [01:27:03] and our attorneys and a survey team [01:27:07] because we're that we're getting a [01:27:08] partial survey uh they were out last [01:27:11] week surveyors so that should that's [01:27:13] moving along and [01:27:15] um we're also working on rates [01:27:17] and betterments with our cap hopefully [01:27:20] we'll have them soon we do have to have [01:27:22] a town meeting for it so [01:27:24] um [01:27:25] that's really what we want it's sort of [01:27:28] going in conjunction with proceeding uh [01:27:31] USDA wants us to have basically that in [01:27:33] place before we really start [01:27:34] construction [01:27:36] um I don't know how feasible that is but [01:27:38] they're very understanding USDA has uh [01:27:41] has been extremely understanding [01:27:44] um and even today I called them because [01:27:47] this is not in my report but it was just [01:27:49] because today I called uh we have a ban [01:27:51] the bond anticipation note due [01:27:55] um [01:27:56] I think it was in March or April but it [01:27:58] was about 72 000 and just to you know to [01:28:02] be able to be able to it and um USDA has [01:28:05] given me the go ahead to use the state [01:28:08] funding [01:28:09] to actually get rid of our debt so once [01:28:13] these are coming due we are we are [01:28:15] getting rid of them with the funding [01:28:17] that we have in place right now [01:28:19] that's really exciting [01:28:23] I didn't be interesting [01:28:25] so [01:28:27] that was really exciting to hear that [01:28:29] um the 2021 audit is complete we just um [01:28:33] we just went over that [01:28:35] and we set up an email where people can [01:28:37] submit questions and comments and [01:28:39] information regarding the proposed horse [01:28:41] track location it is horse racing info [01:28:44] at townofhardwick.com it's on our [01:28:47] website on Facebook in the where River [01:28:49] news and The Gazette and I'm hoping to [01:28:51] get it out onto the radio [01:28:54] which brings us to my next Point [01:28:56] um I was approached by where 97.7 nope [01:28:59] nah sorry not where [01:29:01] w-a-r-e right 97.7 and um [01:29:05] I used to do this in my last Town one [01:29:07] Wednesday a month they would have Town [01:29:09] manager slash administrator in the [01:29:12] morning to kind of kind of let everybody [01:29:14] know what's going on in the community [01:29:15] and [01:29:17] um [01:29:18] okay I [01:29:24] um so I have been approached by them at [01:29:28] the station to go on [01:29:30] um it doesn't necessarily have to be on [01:29:32] a Wednesday morning when the other [01:29:33] administrators managers are on but um [01:29:37] it can you know they've they asked me to [01:29:38] come on today but I obviously needed to [01:29:41] get my permission from you guys first so [01:29:43] I didn't get back to them yet on on [01:29:46] um getting on there but I think that [01:29:48] it's a great idea for us to get all [01:29:51] kinds of information out there [01:29:53] um you know to for everything that's [01:29:56] going on in the town [01:29:58] um whether it's something contentious or [01:30:01] something good new business or something [01:30:03] like that [01:30:05] um you know I think it's [01:30:07] kind of like another platform to get [01:30:10] information out there [01:30:12] so with your permission I would like to [01:30:15] go on to the radio occasionally [01:30:18] and um and kind of update because I know [01:30:20] that there are Hardwick residents that [01:30:23] um that listen I didn't at first because [01:30:26] when I was listening to it and I got [01:30:28] into Gilbertville I lost service I lost [01:30:31] the radio station but I um apparently [01:30:33] you can still listen on the AM station [01:30:35] and they do have a big following from [01:30:37] Hardwick so I think it would be [01:30:40] a good idea for me to go on there and [01:30:43] let people know what's going on [01:30:48] what do you guys think [01:30:50] so I would just ask that people in the [01:30:53] chat be respectful please [01:30:57] I understand we all have our opinions [01:30:59] about things but please be respectful [01:31:03] um my opinion can we shut the chat off [01:31:05] again [01:31:07] [Music] [01:31:14] but it's my personal opinion [01:31:17] I agree [01:31:19] okay Nicole can you please shut it off [01:31:21] if you have if you want to say something [01:31:23] please feel free to raise your hand and [01:31:25] the chair will recognize you [01:31:27] um so I um [01:31:31] so I guess as I've said uh several times [01:31:34] I don't have I don't have an issue with [01:31:36] it as long as it's fact-based [01:31:39] um I I don't I'll just be blunt I don't [01:31:41] want it to be a form for horse racing [01:31:44] discussions I want it to be [01:31:47] um and I just I'd like it to be positive [01:31:49] about what's positive happening in [01:31:51] Hardwick [01:31:52] the Poinsettia deliveries which was huge [01:31:55] and a great spirit builder for a lot of [01:31:58] people in town [01:32:00] um be included and all of the positive [01:32:02] things the grants we're applying for all [01:32:04] of that kind of stuff I I would really [01:32:07] not want the horse race discussion to [01:32:10] monopolize the conversation although you [01:32:13] might be led in that direction I don't [01:32:14] know if you will or won't I I think that [01:32:18] um war is very fair on news informative [01:32:21] so but I think it would really be a way [01:32:23] to highlight the all the positive things [01:32:25] that are happening at Hardwick [01:32:27] um I'm all for it as long as it's [01:32:29] fact-based [01:32:32] I would definitely have to second that [01:32:35] the to be honest when I first read your [01:32:37] report I went oh God I'm not going to [01:32:39] lie because [01:32:41] I had a reporter from the TNG call me [01:32:44] this afternoon and I just kindly said I [01:32:47] would call her back that's probably not [01:32:49] going to happen [01:32:50] but at any rate [01:32:52] um because you do get sucked into things [01:32:54] and I think right now with everything [01:32:56] you know some of the things that are [01:32:58] going on [01:32:59] um I would not want to fun that way [01:33:02] that way completely agree [01:33:04] I agreement simply you know [01:33:06] things that are happening in town [01:33:09] functions that are happening in town [01:33:11] then you know again I would be fine with [01:33:14] that but I think it's a fine line that [01:33:16] that needs to be [01:33:18] um [01:33:19] that needs to be locked [01:33:25] Rob any thoughts on [01:33:35] yeah [01:33:37] I think Nicole [01:33:39] the colorful I would [01:33:41] I would hope [01:33:42] again we just got to be careful using [01:33:44] your judgment on [01:33:46] walking into the sun of things that [01:33:48] aren't resolved in the community [01:33:50] but [01:33:51] I mean [01:33:53] truly your [01:33:55] decision how you wanna [01:33:57] handle some of the questions [01:34:01] so so why don't we do it this way why [01:34:03] don't we do it on a trial basis see how [01:34:05] it goes and if it's something that's [01:34:08] positive and is of such you know [01:34:12] provides positivity for the community [01:34:13] I'd say it continues but let's do it on [01:34:16] a [01:34:17] let's see [01:34:18] how it goes we also don't want you to be [01:34:20] in a situation where you're putting an [01:34:22] uncomfortable [01:34:23] um situation with questions or such so [01:34:26] why don't we um give it a try and um [01:34:29] happy to listen in when it happens and [01:34:33] um [01:34:33] no for that matter I mean [01:34:37] um you know if there's [01:34:39] I mean if there's other messages that we [01:34:42] can get out through that Avenue I mean [01:34:44] we're always looking to be transparent [01:34:46] and put as much information as we can [01:34:48] out there about what's happening in the [01:34:49] town [01:34:50] it would be a great way for us around [01:34:52] Harvard Fair time to highlight the [01:34:54] Harvard fair and really provide positive [01:34:56] things so I I would say let's try it on [01:34:58] test basis and see how it goes [01:35:01] I would agree with that like just [01:35:02] looking at some of the things in the new [01:35:04] news [01:35:05] on um Nicole's report like these would [01:35:07] be great things like the Whistle Stop [01:35:09] and the friends of the Stone Church you [01:35:11] know the wineries celebrating their [01:35:13] anniversary like those are great things [01:35:15] my my concern is more for how some the [01:35:19] questions that may be posed I guess so I [01:35:21] you know [01:35:23] I agree with that um [01:35:25] let's see how it goes can I respond [01:35:28] Julie [01:35:31] I think she's Frozen again so [01:35:50] loser oh no she's down there no she's [01:35:54] still [01:35:59] she said she was kicked off oh [01:36:33] I just put her in the waiting room and [01:36:35] hopefully bringing her back [01:36:46] I see her again [01:36:49] I'm so sorry [01:36:51] technology is frustrating so I missed [01:36:54] half of that so I apologize [01:36:58] I think Kelly just agreed with you uh [01:37:01] that it should be done in a trial basis [01:37:02] and advice you could just [01:37:04] um maybe explain a little further [01:37:05] um [01:37:06] that I did do this in my last town and [01:37:09] it was always you know things mostly [01:37:12] good that's going on there I [01:37:15] talk about the things that things are so [01:37:17] great [01:37:18] um I [01:37:20] I I'm glad to hear Rob thank you and [01:37:23] that you have confidence that I know uh [01:37:25] when and what to say [01:37:28] um as far as an open uh Forum like that [01:37:31] um typically it's 15 minutes so it's 8 [01:37:34] 45 to 9 and it's just like the town of [01:37:36] managed [01:37:37] administrator minute [01:37:39] and we we he says what do you want to [01:37:42] say I I have I'll tell him what I'm [01:37:44] going to talk about and he'll tell me a [01:37:47] question It'll ask [01:37:49] and I've been looking to do this way [01:37:51] before the horse race track came [01:37:55] okay honestly I thought about this when [01:37:57] we got all of the money back from USDA I [01:37:59] thought [01:38:00] I was really excited about it and I [01:38:02] wanted everybody to know that we were [01:38:04] back on track so I thought [01:38:06] and I was listening to it one day and um [01:38:09] and then I lost service like I said when [01:38:11] I got into Gilbertville but now that [01:38:14] um you know I I know that more people [01:38:16] listen to it even my assistant listens [01:38:18] to it and I would maybe be a different [01:38:20] diet [01:38:21] Dynamic that would listen to it but I [01:38:24] think that again that's exactly what I [01:38:27] would talk about Kelly the things that [01:38:29] are in my report right now are exactly [01:38:31] what I would be letting the community [01:38:34] know all of these great things that have [01:38:36] that are happening I think Hardwick has [01:38:38] a lot of great things going on and [01:38:41] um I think that it would be definitely a [01:38:43] highlight [01:38:45] um so [01:38:46] with that I will let you know uh if I'm [01:38:50] when I go on and if you want to listen [01:38:52] in it'll be 8 45 in the morning [01:38:55] um whenever whatever day that happens [01:38:56] and then I do represent Hardwick that is [01:38:59] literally my job and [01:39:02] um I feel like I do it to the best of my [01:39:04] ability [01:39:05] I don't have to live here this is my [01:39:07] career and this is what I am hired to do [01:39:09] is to is to Port Hardwick the entire [01:39:11] town of Hardwick and only Hardwick [01:39:14] so just want to let everybody know that [01:39:16] that is what [01:39:17] is what so moving on then [01:39:20] so yeah just a comment Nicole [01:39:23] um [01:39:24] we um we we believe that you'll do the [01:39:28] best for the town please don't take that [01:39:29] as a criticism it's a um it's a [01:39:32] commentary on uh we're all we've all [01:39:35] been put in situations as of late where [01:39:37] we've been questioned on things [01:39:39] um even in the most innocent situation [01:39:41] as delivering poinsettias so [01:39:44] um just want you to be [01:39:46] feel supported and just know that um you [01:39:49] know [01:39:50] in the spirit of being fact-based we [01:39:52] know you can handle that judions are [01:39:55] hand up so [01:39:57] um let's get through Nicole's report [01:39:58] Duty and then we can get back to your [01:40:00] question if that's okay just so we can [01:40:02] keep going through the report [01:40:05] okay okay so the street lights I've I've [01:40:08] been approached by some residents in [01:40:10] town that they have street lights out [01:40:12] here street lights out there so I um [01:40:15] reached out to our national grid [01:40:18] um liaison and she's looking into it [01:40:21] right now to see exactly well I said can [01:40:25] you shed some light no pun intended on [01:40:27] why the sunlights are out and [01:40:30] then probably like to see them on so uh [01:40:33] she's getting back to me so if anybody [01:40:35] has any street lights out that maybe I'm [01:40:39] not aware of [01:40:40] um I know there's a lot in Gilbert [01:40:42] though [01:40:43] um some on Hardwick road so if there's [01:40:45] something near your home that you would [01:40:47] like me to address please let me know [01:40:49] you can call me or email [01:40:52] um and then I was looking at the where [01:40:54] River news and there were some really [01:40:56] great things that were uh in the in on [01:40:59] the front page really of of the um paper [01:41:02] so I thought I would highlight it here [01:41:05] um Joe's jackets his kids winter [01:41:07] clothing they serve over 400 they served [01:41:09] over 400 people last year [01:41:12] um and now they're just doing children [01:41:13] because they were overwhelmed so you can [01:41:15] contact Joe's jackets at gmail [01:41:18] com to see how you can help or donate [01:41:22] the Hardwick Winery is celebrating 25 [01:41:24] years of business so congratulations to [01:41:26] the Samick family and all the staff [01:41:28] there and the great things that they do [01:41:29] and the people they attract to our town [01:41:32] um friends of the Stone Church hosted [01:41:34] buck and Beyond and they have many [01:41:35] events constantly uh you can contact [01:41:38] friends of thestonechurch.org for more [01:41:40] information [01:41:42] uh Whistle Stop has their certificate of [01:41:44] occupancy they got it at the end of last [01:41:46] week so they should be having a a soft [01:41:49] opening soon so keep your eyes peeled [01:41:51] for cars in the driveway I don't think [01:41:53] they want to have a big grand opening [01:41:54] right now but they're working on getting [01:41:56] all their food in they've hired their [01:41:58] staff they want to expand already they [01:42:03] want to bring a car in and have dinners [01:42:05] and then they'll use this car to do some [01:42:08] sort of holiday rides up and down the [01:42:11] track here right here in Gilbertville [01:42:13] going to vary so there's a lot of fun [01:42:16] things happening I [01:42:18] didn't uh the planning board is holding [01:42:20] a public hearing for a class two located [01:42:22] at 435 Lower Road on December 13th and [01:42:24] we'll need to be holding a public [01:42:26] hearing too as well [01:42:28] um for a class 2 license but I haven't [01:42:30] been approached by them I was just [01:42:31] noticed that [01:42:32] that planning board is having um [01:42:35] and then Nicole can you just clarify for [01:42:38] the record what a Class 2 licenses just [01:42:40] so people it's a used car used car [01:42:42] license thank you so the the planning [01:42:45] board is is going to approve [01:42:47] the not the license but the like a site [01:42:51] plan I think they waived it but um they [01:42:54] have they're going to do their approval [01:42:55] and I was noticed well but all of the um [01:42:59] boards were noticed so I'll be looking [01:43:02] for that we'll be having to have that [01:43:05] um and then I have ongoing things that [01:43:07] you know just aren't fully [01:43:09] um completed yet I don't know if you [01:43:11] want me to go over this this is [01:43:12] something that [01:43:14] um we have they're ongoing but I I guess [01:43:17] I will say something about the town hall [01:43:20] um I was a pro I was I sent sent an [01:43:23] email on Friday by the Reconstruction [01:43:25] team that and an email today by our [01:43:29] insurance company that we will be [01:43:31] getting a check soon and so I know he [01:43:34] was having problems getting a flooring [01:43:36] company to [01:43:38] um come in I I asked around and gave [01:43:40] them some local names [01:43:42] I just was afraid I lost you again Julie [01:43:45] um so so that should be happening soon [01:43:48] hopefully we'll have our town hall back [01:43:50] and everybody will be back in their own [01:43:52] space before too long because it's Def [01:43:54] crowded and it's a disaster so we're all [01:43:57] looking forward to that [01:43:59] happening [01:44:00] um [01:44:02] and [01:44:03] so I don't know that I [01:44:06] want me to go over any of the stuff [01:44:07] that's ongoing if you guys spread it or [01:44:09] not unless it's kind of like Rob have [01:44:11] any questions and just um as in uh uh [01:44:16] just making sure that your Town [01:44:17] Administrator report gets uploaded to [01:44:19] the website so anybody has the ability [01:44:20] to look at what we're talking about [01:44:23] Kelly I Rob any questions on any ongoing [01:44:25] items I don't have any questions I [01:44:27] brought up [01:44:29] I'm all set thank you [01:44:31] great [01:44:33] thank you Nicole [01:44:34] thank you sorry about my internet [01:44:38] um [01:44:40] anything for signatures approvals that [01:44:42] you need for us Nicole [01:44:44] I actually need one signature from you I [01:44:49] the board of the Conservation Commission [01:44:52] had some things that needed to be sent [01:44:54] out certified so I paid for it so I [01:44:57] can't sign for myself so I just need you [01:44:59] to sign it's the 30 reimbursement but [01:45:01] I'll leave it in the Box I guess for [01:45:03] whenever you're around can you just [01:45:05] email it to me and I can certainly sign [01:45:06] it [01:45:07] oh yeah sure [01:45:09] sure [01:45:11] okay [01:45:14] yep I'll handle that I just want to make [01:45:15] sure there's nothing you need to do is [01:45:17] there anything in the selectman's [01:45:18] Roundtable that we want to address [01:45:23] so Nicole there was some mention of uh [01:45:25] an event for the town employees is that [01:45:27] still happening December 8th [01:45:30] yes we're having a little potluck for [01:45:31] Holiday where where is that happening [01:45:34] here [01:45:36] okay [01:45:37] I'm gonna be standing around [01:45:43] um [01:45:43] so Kelly and Rob any issue with the [01:45:46] board sending something for the [01:45:48] employees for their potluck [01:45:51] not at all [01:45:53] okay so I'll coordinate that [01:45:55] that would be great just let me know [01:45:57] what you need [01:45:59] is that okay Rob yes please [01:46:03] I'm on it thank you [01:46:05] um I just wanted to say in the slackman [01:46:07] Roundtable [01:46:08] um [01:46:09] huge shout out to Kelly [01:46:12] um for doing the poinsettias um [01:46:15] I I'll be honest in a time where I'm [01:46:17] feeling sort of beaten down a little bit [01:46:19] and maybe some of the other board [01:46:22] members are and maybe some of you are on [01:46:24] the zoom also as well as Nicole [01:46:27] um having the ability to deliver [01:46:29] poinsettias is a definite bright spot [01:46:32] and um thank you to Kelly for continuing [01:46:35] that tradition [01:46:36] um I will tell you I did go to Joan uh [01:46:39] Ralph's um Widow and [01:46:42] um delivered a poinsettia and I've been [01:46:44] delivering every year since you've been [01:46:45] doing it and I hear the story and she is [01:46:48] so happy that the town is sort of [01:46:50] carrying on Ralph's Legacy so kudos to [01:46:52] you [01:46:53] um and also [01:46:55] um you know in terms of Christmas on the [01:46:58] common and sort of moving that forward [01:47:00] it'd be really nice to see if we can get [01:47:02] a lot more participation in that going [01:47:04] forward so Nicole can we put that on our [01:47:06] radar and figure out [01:47:08] um you know how we support those [01:47:13] um organizations that are doing it and [01:47:15] safely can attract more organizations to [01:47:17] make it a a bigger it's it's such a [01:47:19] positive for the town and it's such a [01:47:21] good thing that happens [01:47:23] um [01:47:24] so thank you to Kelly and [01:47:27] um [01:47:28] it was it was a good it was a good a [01:47:30] good day [01:47:32] um so we do have a couple hands up oh [01:47:34] Kelly did you want to say something well [01:47:35] I just want to add that I want to thank [01:47:38] everyone [01:47:39] um we had 25 volunteers for deliveries [01:47:42] and over 27 donations came in this [01:47:45] year and in the past I've closed that [01:47:47] Gap in this year we have extra funds [01:47:50] over 500 to put towards next year's 0.5 [01:47:55] delivery so [01:47:56] thank thank you everyone [01:47:59] like [01:48:00] it I really truly mean that because [01:48:03] that's one of the happy things that I [01:48:04] love to do [01:48:07] me too and I I think it's I think it's [01:48:10] great so thank you thank you [01:48:14] Kelly and a huge shout out to Mimi's too [01:48:17] and um through the cookie sale and [01:48:20] everybody who participated I think [01:48:22] that's what makes hardwood a good place [01:48:24] so so I robbed that I cut you off [01:48:33] you're you're cutting out a lot so [01:48:39] for crazy internet World here [01:48:42] um so we do have two hands up we have [01:48:44] Judy and Lauren again [01:48:47] um not sure what your comments are in [01:48:48] relation to but would just ask if um [01:48:51] you're respectful about it we do want to [01:48:53] sort of we've been on this for a little [01:48:55] bit so we do want to wrap up the meeting [01:48:57] but if you have something that you want [01:48:58] to say that's [01:49:00] um contribute to the meeting halfway to [01:49:02] quickly hear that beautiful where I [01:49:04] before I call for a motion to adjourn [01:49:06] Judy [01:49:08] oh yeah thank you very much um number [01:49:10] one I want to give a shout out also to a [01:49:13] couple other people that did some great [01:49:14] work like maybe Liz Riley who did the [01:49:17] food bank for the Thanksgiving and [01:49:19] Christmas coming up [01:49:20] I know personally I made 30 pies that [01:49:23] went out to uh Jimmy ayotte's for the uh [01:49:26] for his his uh less fortunate group and [01:49:30] another 27 that went out to uh to um the [01:49:34] food bank so they could have fresh pies [01:49:37] and my grandson came in from New York to [01:49:38] make that happen so I just you know it's [01:49:42] really really a little upsetting that [01:49:45] we're a little self-servings here that [01:49:46] we don't look at what the rest of the [01:49:48] town is doing to participate in what's [01:49:51] you know what we're doing for this town [01:49:53] so while I believe and I'm Kelly thank [01:49:56] you thank you thank you thank you but [01:49:58] let's look a little bit broader and see [01:50:00] whatever one else is doing because a lot [01:50:02] of people are doing some really great [01:50:03] things I just wanted to mention and by [01:50:06] the way I'm not a great pie baker but [01:50:08] you know they gotta love whatever I gave [01:50:10] them because I gave them what I got so [01:50:13] the next thing I wanted to say is I [01:50:15] actually believe and I believe in my [01:50:17] heart as a business owner myself Nicole [01:50:20] is not the best representative anything [01:50:23] regarding the horse race and the reason [01:50:26] I'm saying that is her comment should be [01:50:28] no comment no comment and the reason is [01:50:33] three things number one we're in the [01:50:36] middle of a vote you guys don't need to [01:50:38] be in turmoil [01:50:39] period you do not need a misstep number [01:50:43] two [01:50:45] baby marriage in the baby carriage [01:50:49] comment last week was condescending as [01:50:52] happy so so this is easier this is this [01:50:56] was my turn no to me [01:50:58] that was a serious misstep [01:51:02] this was a serious mistake when we went [01:51:04] to be respectful what I understood [01:51:09] no comment [01:51:14] why not just no comment we've said we've [01:51:17] we've asked Nicole to say the fact so [01:51:21] the per wait a minute wait wait Julie [01:51:23] last week you said and I we have this on [01:51:26] tape you said we don't have enough [01:51:28] information to answer these questions [01:51:31] yet you're saying Nicole can go out [01:51:35] there and just say whatever she wants [01:51:36] even though you just said you don't have [01:51:39] the answers to all the questions [01:51:45] all right Judy you're gonna be muted [01:51:51] this is not respectful it's not [01:51:54] respectful I'm saying isn't it easier to [01:51:57] just say no comment so Judy I'm talking [01:52:00] about the facts not specifically about [01:52:02] the horse racing facility you're putting [01:52:05] those words in my mouth facts about [01:52:07] anything that is happening sewer [01:52:09] whatever is happening with all that I [01:52:12] said when it comes to the horse racing I [01:52:14] said can't we just say no comment [01:52:20] what's your third point [01:52:24] my third point is I know this is a tough [01:52:26] job for everybody and this is a tough [01:52:28] time so I hope we can all have a good [01:52:30] holiday [01:52:34] and the comments Lauren [01:52:39] I know we couldn't hear you before and I [01:52:41] think the chat's disabled can you are [01:52:43] you able to unmute yourself and speak [01:52:53] Nicole can you [01:52:54] this enable the chat for her because I'm [01:52:58] not sure why we can't hear her [01:53:04] Lauren the chat's enabled so if you [01:53:06] could put your concern or question in [01:53:09] the chat [01:53:11] I'm not sure why we can't hear you I [01:53:13] apologize [01:53:32] Nicole did you see so Lauren's comment [01:53:34] was when they repaved they didn't put [01:53:35] the crosswalk back in front of get up [01:53:37] and dance who's in charge of that Nicole [01:53:39] can we do we know the answer to that or [01:53:40] can we follow up [01:53:42] I think the answer is I think the answer [01:53:44] is Lauren that's the first lift on the [01:53:46] pavement that's not the final pavement [01:53:48] they've only done the first lift for the [01:53:51] winter I believe there's going to be [01:53:53] another layer that happens rob you might [01:53:56] know the answer but I think there's [01:53:57] going to be another layer if you look at [01:53:59] the sidewalks the sidewalks are [01:54:00] temporarily paved for the winter because [01:54:03] they weren't going to be able to finish [01:54:04] the final pavement so I think they're [01:54:06] going to be another layer on top of that [01:54:08] and all of the crosswalks and all of the [01:54:10] street markings will be put in at that [01:54:12] point [01:54:13] am I right in that Rob [01:54:16] the they should put temporary crosswalks [01:54:19] but typically wait for at least two [01:54:21] weeks because the oil of the fresh [01:54:24] asphalt will actually cause [01:54:32] so we could follow up with Marty to see [01:54:34] if [01:54:36] yeah and make sure they do that before [01:54:37] before it gets to to wait for them to do [01:54:40] that [01:54:44] okay people are still line painting so [01:54:47] it should be able to get done [01:54:49] great thanks Rob [01:54:53] all right [01:54:54] anything else to discuss before I [01:54:57] entertain a motion to adjourn [01:55:03] ing on I will entertain a motion to [01:55:05] adjourn motion to adjourn [01:55:09] all right so we need to call the roll [01:55:11] that's already I'm showing there's no [01:55:12] discussion uh called Nicole Kelly hi [01:55:16] I'm Rob [01:55:19] Julie is an i and the meeting is [01:55:21] adjourned at 8 27. thank you everybody [01:55:24] for attending thank you Nicole [01:55:26] everybody