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Hardwick Selectmen Address Halloween, Equine Farm, and Town Operations

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 9/26/22

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

September 27, 2022

Duration

1h 11m

Decisions

4 recorded

Action Items

12 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen convened to discuss various town matters, including setting Halloween trick-or-treating dates and reviewing plans for a potential equine farm. Key decisions involved approving ARPA funding for new water meters for the Hardwick Center Water District and accepting a grant for the Open Space and Recreation Plan update. The meeting also featured extensive discussion on ongoing communication challenges with the Board of Health, leading to a decision to schedule a joint meeting with relevant parties to address these issues. Updates were provided on several town projects and departmental activities.

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Discussion Highlights

The Police Chief and the trick-or-treating organizer, Lauren, recommended Saturday or Sunday, October 29th or 30th, for Halloween activities, with Saturday being preferred. October 31st was suggested as a secondary rain date.
01:44 01:54 01:57 02:01
A reminder was issued for the informational session regarding the potential equine farm, scheduled for September 27th, 6:30 PM to 8 PM, at Hardwick Elementary School. A public hearing is also scheduled for October 3rd at the same location and time.
03:26 05:03 05:42 05:53
The equine farm proposal includes a Thoroughbred breeding program, agricultural and equestrian festivals, off-the-track Thoroughbred retirement, stables, paddocks, an equestrian center, training and racing facilities (no more than 20 days per year), on-site wagering only on festival days, and an agricultural program for local students.
04:41
The cable contract renewal is currently with Town Council for review of legal language, with a vote anticipated at the October 24th meeting. Discussion included the percentage rate for Public, Educational, and Government (PEG) access and its potential use for equipment upgrades.
08:42 09:22 09:39
The Treasurer/Collector Department update report was received shortly before the meeting and will be placed on the next agenda for review by the Board of Selectmen.
The Ambulance Service Zone Plan, recently reviewed by the Emergency Management Director, 911 dispatch, and the Ambulance Service, requires further review by the Board of Selectmen and involved parties to ensure accuracy, including spelling corrections.
The Town Administrator review was deferred to the next scheduled meeting due to ongoing information gathering.
Edits are required for the August 29, 2022 meeting minutes, specifically concerning the sewer project, the location of the pump station (Eagle Hill and Greenwich Road), and the details of the vote on the related motion.
The Town Administrator reported ongoing difficulties with the Chair of the Board of Health, citing complaints from applicants, residents, vendors, and the Lester partnership regarding communication and process issues.
A joint meeting was proposed to address the Board of Health's communication and process issues, involving the Board of Selectmen, the Board of Health, and representatives from Lester.
The Town Administrator suggested exploring a new Maintenance Coordinator/Custodian position, potentially regionalized with another town, to address building maintenance and cleaning needs, citing a recent water leak incident and liability concerns.
A recent meeting with department heads highlighted concerns about the potential equine farm (police presence, road impact), the Treasurer's new payroll service, Conservation Commission projects (mill project, dam removal), the solar moratorium, and rewriting marijuana bylaws.
1:02:35 1:03:02 1:03:16 1:03:27 1:03:38 1:04:04 1:04:16 1:04:28
Discussion arose regarding the need for official cell phones and computers for town departments, such as the Cemetery, to avoid employees using personal devices for town business and to improve communication.
1:05:30 1:06:30
The town's phone system requires updates to comply with new federal laws regarding direct 911 dialing (eliminating the need to dial '8' or '9' first) and to provide specific location information for e911 purposes.
1:09:35 1:10:15

Transcript (11,813 words)

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

00:00:01
Comments for business which are Halloween dates and Rain dates reminder potential equine Farm applicants info session tomorrow other old business treasure collector Department update new business new employee for March Ambulance Service Zone plan Town Administrator review other new business
00:00:20
Minutes from August 29 2022 discussion in our vote relative to arpa funding potential applicant Commonwealth equine and informational meeting Tuesday September 27 2022 committee reports Town Administrator report signature's new purple selectment around you and
00:00:38
Insurance so if you wouldn't mind Rising movements under God indivisible with liberty and
00:00:56
Justice for all right I have to say that even though I still stand up here and say I'm like actually I feel like I'm going to say the words wrong because we're just going back to my school thing I think I did I don't know that's okay judgment free next time on the agenda's visitors
00:01:14
Comments any comments from visitors foreign dates and Rain dates so the last meeting we were going to go back to the police I was right go back
00:01:34
To the police and to Lauren because she runs that trick-or-treating thing and see what dates were best for them and so the chief said Saturday or Sunday the 29th or 30th would be best and potentially if both rain we could have it on the 31st and Lauren agreed
00:01:54
And said you know Saturday or Sunday would be great and Saturday would be even better so the 29th with the reigning of the 30th with a rain rain date of the 31st how does that fit in with new Braintree does that work with your brain treatment I don't have any idea because just because that's where the

[00:00:01] comments for business which are [00:00:04] Halloween dates and Rain dates reminder [00:00:06] potential equine Farm applicants info [00:00:09] session tomorrow other old business [00:00:11] treasure collector Department update new [00:00:13] business new employee for March [00:00:16] Ambulance Service Zone plan Town [00:00:18] Administrator review other new business [00:00:20] minutes from August 29 2022 discussion [00:00:24] in our vote relative to arpa funding [00:00:26] potential applicant Commonwealth equine [00:00:29] and informational meeting Tuesday [00:00:30] September 27 2022 committee reports Town [00:00:34] Administrator report signature's new [00:00:36] purple selectment around you and [00:00:38] insurance [00:00:39] so if you wouldn't mind Rising movements [00:00:53] under God indivisible with liberty and [00:00:56] justice for all [00:00:59] right I have to say that even though I [00:01:01] still stand up here and say I'm like [00:01:02] actually I feel like I'm going to say [00:01:04] the words wrong because we're just going [00:01:06] back to my school thing I think I did I [00:01:09] don't know that's okay judgment free [00:01:12] um next time on the agenda's visitors [00:01:14] comments any comments from visitors [00:01:20] foreign [00:01:24] dates and Rain dates [00:01:26] so the last meeting we were going to go [00:01:30] back to the police I was right go back [00:01:34] to the police and to [00:01:36] um [00:01:37] Lauren because she runs that [00:01:39] trick-or-treating thing and see what [00:01:42] dates were best for them and so the [00:01:44] chief said Saturday or Sunday the 29th [00:01:46] or 30th would be best [00:01:48] and potentially if both rain we could [00:01:50] have it on the 31st and Lauren agreed [00:01:54] and said you know Saturday or Sunday [00:01:55] would be great and Saturday would be [00:01:57] even better so [00:01:59] um the 29th with the reigning of the [00:02:01] 30th with a rain rain date of the 31st [00:02:04] how does that fit in with new Braintree [00:02:06] does that work with your brain treatment [00:02:08] I don't have any idea [00:02:11] because just because that's where the [00:02:13] Herbert police station is in the [00:02:15] Braintree so they'd have to do it twice [00:02:17] but if the chief okay there yeah he was [00:02:21] okay yeah okay you guys okay with the 29 [00:02:24] on the right date of the third answer [00:02:25] what time [00:02:28] were there any preference no [00:02:30] normally there's there's hours normally [00:02:32] it's like five to seven or you know four [00:02:35] to six or [00:02:37] we do we typically set hours [00:02:42] um the kids don't come out very early [00:02:44] like it to get darker [00:02:47] I don't have a problem with that we're [00:02:49] doing on Saturday five to eight [00:02:58] with a rain date of 10 30. [00:03:09] um [00:03:10] okay great [00:03:16] um so I think is letter b and nine the [00:03:19] same thing [00:03:21] yes okay so we'll tackle the letter b [00:03:24] and nine at the same [00:03:25] time [00:03:26] um reminder about the potential equine [00:03:28] farm and applicants info session [00:03:30] tomorrow [00:03:31] um [00:03:32] just a hold and anyone in the audience [00:03:35] receive this in their mailbox [00:03:38] you got it today did you get it today [00:03:39] Saturday did anybody else receive it do [00:03:43] you have a PO box or [00:03:46] okay well there is out there is this out [00:03:49] there I live in where but I didn't check [00:03:51] my mail I was away only residents [00:04:00] right so we have the same issue mine [00:04:03] comes but yeah you didn't I pick up [00:04:06] three from three mailboxes on Saturday [00:04:10] I picked my mail up today too [00:04:13] so the what it basically says is it's [00:04:16] just uh I'll read our proposals [00:04:18] developed by horse and agricultural [00:04:20] enthusiasts the next chapter of great [00:04:22] writer book Forum will continue its [00:04:23] Legacy providing a place for horses to [00:04:26] breed try and retire and race all while [00:04:28] preserving this Farm which is in bold so [00:04:30] deeply cherished by the community on the [00:04:32] back side great Meadowbrook Farm is a [00:04:35] special place its next chapter will [00:04:37] continue its proud Legacy of Agriculture [00:04:39] and protecting open space for future [00:04:41] Generations our proposal includes [00:04:44] Thoroughbred breeding program [00:04:45] Agricultural and equestrian festivals [00:04:48] off the track Thoroughbred retirement [00:04:50] stables paddocks and equestrian center [00:04:52] training and racing facilities for [00:04:54] thoroughbreds agricultural program for [00:04:57] local students thoroughbred racing no [00:05:00] more than 20 days per year on-site [00:05:02] wagering only on Festival days [00:05:03] informational Forum Tuesday September 27 [00:05:06] 2022 6 30 to 8 PM Hardwick Elementary [00:05:10] School 76 Schoolhouse Drive visit our [00:05:13] website site at www.com and [00:05:16] wealthraising [00:05:18] racingllc.com questions email Mary at [00:05:21] commonwealthracingllc.com [00:05:24] so [00:05:26] um just a reminder that if you want it [00:05:28] is not this board presenting they are [00:05:30] presenting so uh come with questions [00:05:33] that you would like answered that's [00:05:35] really the purpose of [00:05:38] of tomorrow night we do also confirming [00:05:42] we do also have another on October 3rd [00:05:45] is that happening on October 3rd yes [00:05:48] that is happening on October 3rd is it's [00:05:50] in it was in the paper last week the [00:05:52] hearing the hearing the public hearing [00:05:53] is on October 3rd that will also be at [00:05:56] the school they will also be at the [00:05:57] school also at 6 30. [00:06:01] official public here and so it went on [00:06:03] Facebook it went on our website [00:06:06] um it's going in a code red there were [00:06:09] over 15 000 views on Facebook of it [00:06:12] which I've never seen in any town I [00:06:14] don't even know if I've seen it in the [00:06:15] City of Springfield so I think it really [00:06:18] got out there [00:06:19] for the informational session for [00:06:21] tomorrow for the informational session [00:06:22] and then on the bottom and also notes [00:06:24] the public hearing next week [00:06:32] um only that I have I also have the [00:06:36] entire presentation [00:06:40] to give you guys that was given to me [00:06:42] that I just opened today [00:06:45] so this is this was sent to you guys [00:06:49] what I just got it so this is the [00:06:51] presentation I believe that they'll be [00:06:52] doing tomorrow [00:06:54] okay [00:06:57] I got it on Friday but I didn't open it [00:07:00] because it was official Town business [00:07:02] and I wasn't here so [00:07:06] and I emailed it to you guys too [00:07:09] it's a little while ago [00:07:24] did we see that [00:07:29] I didn't I don't think I don't know I [00:07:32] might have [00:07:38] ordered them [00:07:40] the baker plea greats [00:07:50] tonight [00:07:55] it's probably over there in Miami [00:08:01] anything else on the informational [00:08:03] session [00:08:07] any other old business [00:08:12] so I guess I would talk about [00:08:14] um maybe under old's business the cable [00:08:15] contract and that has been [00:08:18] um [00:08:19] I don't know maybe it's in your report [00:08:27] yeah [00:08:31] right by the end of October [00:08:35] I do have I do have some information not [00:08:38] I don't have it's definitely not all of [00:08:40] it but [00:08:42] so it's actually so the status of it [00:08:44] Nicole is actually with Town Council [00:08:46] correct yeah the status is that it is [00:08:48] wit we have sent it out [00:08:51] um to the Town Council who deals with [00:08:53] cable contracts who also knows Eileen [00:08:55] lady and he is recommending some legal [00:08:59] language that's in there he says that [00:09:01] it's in most of the cable contracts [00:09:04] um he other he had some other [00:09:05] recommendations [00:09:07] um but and he told me he was gonna I was [00:09:09] going to happen today but I don't have [00:09:10] them and that slipped by my mind to uh [00:09:12] to remind him but [00:09:15] I he's gonna Redline it to give it back [00:09:19] to you guys and probably recommend that [00:09:22] you vote on it on the October 24th [00:09:24] meeting [00:09:25] one of the things [00:09:27] I think the last meeting [00:09:29] voted on the rate [00:09:35] the peg the you know [00:09:39] the contract um it's [00:09:43] the percentage rate right but right so [00:09:47] we voted uh we were at four percent I [00:09:49] believe in the current contract correct [00:09:55] but we could also I mean if we're [00:09:56] re-looking at it we could adjust if we [00:09:58] wanted the prior contract at a graduated [00:10:00] rate so there's so many years two three [00:10:03] four we could do that because it's a [00:10:05] dude yeah it's a 10-year yeah [00:10:10] we have we haven't used the funds we're [00:10:13] not using them [00:10:15] so I so so the attorney will have a [00:10:18] recommendation on that too and the thing [00:10:20] is the reason that you have that is in [00:10:22] case you want me to upgrade like we we [00:10:24] had to buy these if you ever have to buy [00:10:25] more cameras I thought possibly in the [00:10:28] future we might want to put some at the [00:10:29] elementary school [00:10:31] um I don't know you know the legality of [00:10:34] that either but you know in the future [00:10:36] maybe making it more accessible that's [00:10:38] where that comes from so maybe we'll [00:10:40] revisit that with [00:10:47] we're already in there so we did just [00:10:50] use something we devoted to service [00:10:51] everyone [00:10:57] do this and to pay the guy to do that [00:11:03] so that'll be on one of our [00:11:08] any other old business yeah [00:11:17] um treasure collector Department [00:11:19] I am sorry I have to say this I updated [00:11:22] it when we talked the other day I [00:11:23] updated in my town government but I [00:11:25] didn't print out a new agenda so a cable [00:11:28] contract is on the agenda [00:11:35] that's the only difference but [00:11:37] I must not [00:11:39] we discussed it yeah we're good so sorry [00:11:43] about that I it's so it's the agenda you [00:11:45] have just a little off it doesn't have a [00:11:47] Comcast [00:11:48] contract renewal update [00:11:52] yes [00:11:52] sorry that wasn't in there so thank you [00:11:57] sorry about that [00:11:59] um so the next item is the treasure [00:12:01] collector Department update yep so I [00:12:04] just received this lift early about 10 [00:12:06] minutes ago so we haven't had a chance [00:12:08] to review it so I could put it on the [00:12:10] next agenda if you guys want it um just [00:12:12] be able to review it take some time yeah [00:12:15] so why don't we just take it under [00:12:16] advisement [00:12:17] if we have questions we can bring them [00:12:20] from Nicole and she can bring them to [00:12:22] Sarah this was prepared by Sarah yep [00:12:24] okay [00:12:26] understood [00:12:34] all right so we can put that on the [00:12:35] message [00:12:37] and maybe I don't know if Sarah needs to [00:12:38] be here but if she wanted to be here [00:12:44] um [00:12:45] next time my agenda is new business [00:12:49] Colleen so under separate cover due to [00:12:52] the confidentiality of an application uh [00:12:55] you guys have from that and the cover [00:12:58] letter from Sharon who is the [00:13:00] coordinator for Mark to approve Pauline [00:13:03] zuka for the part-time Mark bus driver [00:13:05] she's been interviewed she's capable she [00:13:08] was recommended by some of the drivers [00:13:10] and I also already did a quarry so she's [00:13:14] all set there she has to take [00:13:16] um Mart has to [00:13:19] um they do a drug tests and yeah she has [00:13:21] to take a course so [00:13:30] how was the position and what's [00:13:35] um [00:13:41] the rate [00:13:43] it says what she's looking for because I [00:13:45] don't believe that's that the rate is [00:13:47] 14.25 an hour [00:13:48] but that's what we brought up to minimum [00:13:50] wage [00:13:51] and I believe the hours are seven but I [00:13:53] will confirm that [00:13:57] because I'm really mistaking everything [00:14:03] so yeah we just brought them all up we [00:14:05] brought them up to what other towns we [00:14:07] brought them up because Massachusetts [00:14:09] are being reimbursed from Mark right oh [00:14:12] that's right we brought them up to other [00:14:13] towns right [00:14:15] based on [00:14:17] um marks right yeah [00:14:21] because they're reimbursed from life [00:14:23] that's right you're absolutely right and [00:14:25] it was [00:14:38] um [00:14:42] um I would make a recommendation about [00:14:44] being from Pony [00:14:47] or a part-time Mark how's our bus van [00:14:50] driver [00:14:52] um [00:14:53] with the rate of other Market drivers as [00:14:56] reimbursed from Mark [00:14:58] based on approximately seven hours a [00:15:01] week [00:15:01] with coming from the recommendations [00:15:08] any other discussion [00:15:10] here again [00:15:12] um [00:15:24] next item on the agenda is the ambulance [00:15:26] services Zone Queen [00:15:30] those are cool I'm gonna give this back [00:15:32] to you so that's all for information [00:15:35] oh sure [00:15:42] we're not worried about it floating [00:15:44] around [00:15:46] thank you [00:15:48] um [00:15:49] so last Wednesday [00:15:53] the Emergency Management director Eric [00:15:56] bollheim and Lieutenant Landeen who [00:16:00] works for the 911 dispatch he oversees [00:16:03] that [00:16:04] Dan McCall who is our Ambulance Service [00:16:08] we're part of Hardwick and I had a [00:16:12] meeting with Tina [00:16:16] sticks and yes Tina Dixon that's exactly [00:16:18] right and so instead of just going over [00:16:22] a couple of them we decided to take [00:16:25] hours and go through it all uh as Tina's [00:16:28] recommendation to finish it and approve [00:16:31] it and get it sent back to her so she [00:16:33] can send it off for the other approvals [00:16:42] so she actually filled in most of it as [00:16:45] we were sitting here previously [00:16:51] that looks like it had been brought up [00:16:52] today but who's responding [00:17:05] so in part A we refer to as this [00:17:09] historical new project who we referred [00:17:12] him [00:17:14] it's the historical how this was as a [00:17:18] certain he didn't certainly have any [00:17:19] input into this no questions [00:17:23] right right [00:17:25] so so is that like because he already he [00:17:27] he had [00:17:29] already written this so it was you know [00:17:32] it's the information of the [00:17:34] comprehensive plan handled by Captain [00:17:37] diverny which was so funny because every [00:17:39] time they kept saying [00:17:40] I thought they were saying Bert and [00:17:42] Ernie and I thought it was like some [00:17:45] sort of code [00:17:46] so his first name is spelled yeah it's [00:17:48] not b u r t it's [00:17:51] okay that's probably been wrong since it [00:17:53] was originally is [00:18:03] yeah this this to me was just a [00:18:06] narrative on the history [00:18:16] so is this the original one this is the [00:18:19] original one that's updated [00:18:20] because the meeting you know the nuts [00:18:23] and bolts were already there so is Part [00:18:25] B intended to be the original one or the [00:18:27] current [00:18:29] because it still has the heart of the [00:18:31] police chief as James Owen which is [00:18:32] incorrect [00:18:34] oh but down below it's it references [00:18:37] other First Responders [00:18:39] robowski's name is [00:18:42] so so do we um [00:18:52] so heartbeat is supposed to be okay yeah [00:18:54] so yeah I think Eric balheim's name is [00:18:57] spelled wrong so I think there needs to [00:18:59] be [00:19:00] perhaps we can so what's the timing on [00:19:02] when we need to execute I think that has [00:19:05] to be done tonight we can so can we take [00:19:07] it under advisement and can we all three [00:19:09] of us look through it again and just [00:19:10] make any edits for because we've looked [00:19:13] through this once before [00:19:16] and we kicked it back because things [00:19:17] weren't right in it [00:19:21] so I think I mean I don't I don't really [00:19:23] have any [00:19:25] that's okay I was just here so one maybe [00:19:28] let's just take a look through have um [00:19:30] has have the folks that were in the room [00:19:33] Dan before yeah Kevin Landeen not [00:19:38] complete because again [00:19:40] um 99 of it we've done that in the room [00:19:43] so can we maybe kick it back to them too [00:19:45] sure and have them provide their input [00:19:48] maybe we could tell them to make sure [00:19:50] things are spelled correctly throughout [00:19:52] yes [00:19:56] [Applause] [00:20:00] thank you it's a good step in the right [00:20:02] direction [00:20:04] yeah it's more updated than it was the [00:20:06] last time [00:20:21] everything [00:20:31] um the next item on the agenda [00:20:35] um was a Town Administrator review we're [00:20:37] still Gathering the information so um [00:20:40] although very important we had asked [00:20:42] Nicole if we could put it off till our [00:20:44] next meeting our next meeting is [00:20:47] potentially Thursday but we probably [00:20:49] won't have time so for our next [00:20:50] scheduled meeting [00:20:53] again unfortunately we've been moving [00:20:55] this down the agenda but we've had a lot [00:20:57] of stuff going on and don't want to [00:20:58] Discount this and provide enough time [00:21:00] for the close alterations of also cars [00:21:07] any other new business that we [00:21:12] need [00:21:12] um [00:21:14] I was just going to say the grant but [00:21:16] that can go under [00:21:18] approvals because you need [00:21:30] um next time on the agenda is minute [00:21:32] August 29 2022. [00:21:37] it's nice to have minutes on the agenda [00:21:40] take care of both Powers I'm sort of [00:21:42] speaking about that you can talk about [00:21:44] that actually in your report I'll bring [00:21:46] it up on the status of the others [00:21:49] so I definitely have some comments on [00:21:51] these yeah [00:21:53] um [00:21:57] um under sewer project [00:21:59] deciding on locations so we can time [00:22:01] frame um [00:22:03] put the application [00:22:05] of Pump Station [00:22:08] so [00:22:10] okay yeah two locations were Eagle Hill [00:22:12] and Greenwich Road that's not out here [00:22:14] at all I know [00:22:16] um [00:22:17] the motion that was made that I made to [00:22:20] put the pump station at said location is [00:22:23] not included here nor is how the vote [00:22:26] went [00:22:27] so that should be included so can we [00:22:30] um between now and our next meeting [00:22:32] if we have edits can we get them sent to [00:22:34] Nicole so she can have Angie update for [00:22:36] minutes I'm certainly going to go [00:22:38] through them again [00:22:41] it's just I think [00:22:43] needs to be accurate yeah I think for [00:22:45] sure and I don't want to say especially [00:22:47] with this project going but I think we [00:22:49] need to keep tidy records of everything [00:22:56] so we have Hefty things we have the [00:22:59] amount of things that were kicking [00:23:00] forward so um [00:23:04] discussion and our vote on our funding [00:23:08] so I haven't updated [00:23:10] um [00:23:11] quote through Thai sales for the [00:23:18] for the [00:23:20] meters for water [00:23:22] we have [00:23:23] things in stock and things up to four [00:23:25] months out [00:23:26] it's the same quote for May so it has [00:23:29] not changed [00:23:31] um but I think that it's probably [00:23:33] important that we [00:23:37] um [00:23:38] probably get voted on sooner than later [00:23:41] so they can order the equipment we're [00:23:43] still reviewing rates and [00:23:47] regulations of course so that's going to [00:23:50] take some time and we need legal in [00:23:51] there we need some some weight some some [00:23:53] weighing in from professionals [00:23:57] the regulations really need to be read [00:23:59] out are there there are some there are [00:24:02] and they say in the regulations I don't [00:24:04] know exactly what it was it says all the [00:24:06] users will pay for the talents [00:24:08] yes [00:24:09] says it [00:24:11] so a lot of things in there you know so [00:24:13] I think that really needs to be updated [00:24:15] but in the meantime I think [00:24:18] I would suggest that we are going to go [00:24:21] with this regardless of what we're going [00:24:23] to eventually do for regulations and [00:24:25] rates that we should really get these [00:24:27] meters and I I mean I don't know that [00:24:29] they'll be in by the next reading but no [00:24:33] chances are they're [00:24:35] they'll take a while to come in well [00:24:37] then so the thing is like [00:24:40] it's hard to read these meters it's hard [00:24:42] to get in people's houses [00:24:43] and that's part of the regulations we [00:24:45] need to write too is you know [00:24:47] that we need to be able to go on their [00:24:49] property or whatever we have to do but [00:24:52] um [00:24:53] I think that we should at least get them [00:24:55] on order and get in [00:24:57] and hopefully they'll be in sooner than [00:24:59] later [00:25:01] this is the quote it was updated on 921 [00:25:04] I added in the um install charge for [00:25:09] East National Water [00:25:11] and it comes up to about thirty thousand [00:25:12] seven fifty [00:25:15] and not about thirty thousand seven [00:25:17] Forty Nine [00:25:20] so eighty dollars for them to install [00:25:22] each speaker [00:25:23] seven what Forty Nine [00:25:28] but if you would [00:25:30] offer you know authorize and not to [00:25:33] exceed a little more that's probably [00:25:37] um be helpful in case [00:25:40] there's something else even another part [00:25:42] or something [00:25:47] so what are you think is not just [00:25:48] addicting to be like exactly not that [00:25:51] much but [00:25:52] something yeah [00:25:55] I don't disagree but um [00:25:58] the time to maybe do some improvements [00:26:01] up there we've talked about it for a [00:26:03] while [00:26:04] as far as um [00:26:08] things up there and we didn't we talked [00:26:10] about it at their Water Commission [00:26:11] meeting that we had [00:26:13] in our last meeting before our last week [00:26:15] and I think if we use Opera funds for [00:26:17] this [00:26:18] it you know that would be super helpful [00:26:20] for the users that you're not taking on [00:26:22] that burden I look at you because I know [00:26:24] you're on there and so yeah you know for [00:26:26] for anyone that's a user we're not going [00:26:29] to try to put the burning on them [00:26:31] but we're you know in the same sense [00:26:33] updating our infrastructure up there for [00:26:35] the Water District [00:26:43] um I would make emotions [00:26:45] excuse me [00:26:47] to fund all new meters for the Hardwick [00:26:52] Center just water district just saying [00:26:55] that right Hartford Center water [00:26:56] district here not to exceed an amount [00:26:59] actually meters and installation not to [00:27:02] exceed an amount of thirty two thousand [00:27:04] dollars [00:27:05] to be funded through Opera funding I [00:27:07] don't know if I said that sorry [00:27:11] than any other discussion [00:27:15] um [00:27:17] all those in paper hi hi motion carries [00:27:22] thank you [00:27:27] and talk to you today [00:27:29] yeah [00:27:33] about the um [00:27:36] sorry yeah I just we have to award it [00:27:38] and so I need to get the other like [00:27:41] quotes that he got and [00:27:43] um [00:27:44] then you've already approved it so I [00:27:46] just have to award it [00:27:49] that's enough [00:27:50] he said it went up but it was still [00:27:52] under what you approved you approved [00:27:54] like not to exceed for effect was that [00:27:55] to do the work up there I kept running [00:27:57] into the office so we have approved it [00:27:59] it's just a matter of [00:28:00] okay [00:28:03] we didn't exceed whatever it was no I [00:28:06] would have to come back to you if that [00:28:07] was the case for sure because we [00:28:08] couldn't exceed if we need to do any [00:28:09] more I'll talk to you tomorrow he called [00:28:12] I called him today for something else [00:28:14] and then um he told me about it actually [00:28:16] I missed his call that's why I called [00:28:18] him back and um [00:28:20] and he said he was going to come see me [00:28:23] tomorrow with the paperwork [00:28:26] so if we need to ask Kevin said if we [00:28:28] need to revisit it yeah I'll I'll put it [00:28:31] on yeah sure yeah we also [00:28:33] um keep like a running tally we have [00:28:35] that absolutely I appreciate it yep I've [00:28:37] got it okay [00:28:40] yep [00:28:42] anything else [00:28:45] some of our projects that we have talked [00:28:47] about I think so I mean yeah okay [00:28:51] um [00:28:52] I don't have anything else on my Horizon [00:28:54] at the moment so you've got it all [00:28:57] okay hydrants right yeah the silver [00:28:59] shoes [00:29:01] meters actually I have everything up [00:29:04] here because I keep we keep again very [00:29:06] detailed [00:29:07] um [00:29:08] uh information because of the funding [00:29:11] that comes from hydrants [00:29:15] new website oh yeah [00:29:19] um I'm just starting to provide the [00:29:21] information that they need I had to give [00:29:23] them a logo I had to give them colors I [00:29:26] had to give them um you know like is it [00:29:28] going to be a banner is it going to be [00:29:30] you know so just starting the design [00:29:31] yeah great good [00:29:35] treasure collector [00:29:37] um [00:29:39] to move the offices once we can get our [00:29:41] telephones yeah how is that coming [00:29:44] um [00:29:45] sewer line it's kind of uh let's see it [00:29:48] office so anyways that's yeah we've got [00:29:50] it all we're done good [00:29:52] um the [00:29:54] moving the offices is dependent on the [00:29:56] telephones I can't really seem to be [00:29:58] getting I can't seem to get anybody to [00:30:00] reply to me [00:30:02] um except for one company and not the [00:30:04] company that we currently have but [00:30:05] another company came out to kind of look [00:30:08] at the phones look at the system it's [00:30:09] really it's really complicated it really [00:30:11] is when it comes to these voiceover IPS [00:30:14] um and then [00:30:16] Angie also said I think at her work or [00:30:20] something like that Comcast does it so [00:30:22] we've reached out to Comcast too and we [00:30:24] just had a meeting with him today at 12 [00:30:26] to discuss our needs and you know so [00:30:28] we're looking at to see what the most [00:30:29] economical is [00:30:31] um and and we would like to get it done [00:30:34] you know relatively quick and quickly [00:30:36] too but if we can't get it done for a [00:30:39] few months I'm really going to try to [00:30:41] get the phones reprogrammed because it's [00:30:46] terrible like the clear collectors down [00:30:48] here and they're upstairs and and amg's [00:30:52] not the collector so she needs a line so [00:30:55] I'm gonna see how that you know what [00:30:57] time frame it is [00:30:59] um [00:31:00] but I you know I don't know so I don't [00:31:02] know what is going to happen with that [00:31:04] right now I have zero idea about the [00:31:07] costs or anything [00:31:14] um so we've already talked about the [00:31:16] next item which is a potential [00:31:19] um [00:31:20] just if the [00:31:22] um board doesn't mind we had some people [00:31:23] come in late and [00:31:25] and so there's guns did you and I just [00:31:27] wanted to acknowledge I didn't know if [00:31:29] you had anything you want to bring [00:31:30] forward to the board no we're happy to [00:31:32] have you sit here I just didn't want to [00:31:33] call you out but uh just some new faces [00:31:36] so I didn't want to ignore you if you [00:31:37] guys had something that [00:31:39] so just [00:31:40] listening in and great we're new in [00:31:43] China oh perfect well welcome [00:31:47] um [00:31:47] committee reports [00:31:51] title department report directly any [00:31:53] other committee reports no okay [00:31:58] the Town Administrator report [00:32:02] so [00:32:03] I decided that I would give you guys [00:32:07] what we're working on that's new and [00:32:09] then the things that are ongoing that [00:32:11] not resolved yet because I don't want it [00:32:13] to seem like it's redundant or like I'm [00:32:15] trying to fill up a page but I want you [00:32:17] to still you know be aware of things [00:32:20] that we have been working on that aren't [00:32:22] resolved yet as they get resolved [00:32:23] they'll fall off but once again these [00:32:26] are on the website on our page I put the [00:32:28] oh I maybe not the last one I'll see you [00:32:30] tomorrow when they're all up [00:32:33] um and always start out with the USDA [00:32:35] update we went out to bid for project [00:32:36] one and Wednesday September 7th we have [00:32:39] approximately 10 bid requests thus far [00:32:41] we had a pre-vid conference one day [00:32:43] Wednesday September 14th at 9 A.M three [00:32:46] contractors showed up and the bidding [00:32:48] opening is tomorrow September 27th at 10 [00:32:51] A.M [00:32:53] um and DPC on the town's behalf will be [00:32:55] submitting an noi to Conservation [00:32:57] Commission for the proposed pump station [00:33:00] is due to [00:33:02] Wetland flagging and hopefully to be [00:33:04] heard at the October meeting [00:33:08] um we have potential new applicants this [00:33:10] was on the agenda and there was the [00:33:13] flyer that was [00:33:15] allegedly or supposed to be sent out to [00:33:17] all of the residents [00:33:19] um in in your folders or in your packets [00:33:22] uh at total 28 Berry Road prospective [00:33:25] applicants are proposing a horse farm [00:33:26] with racing days up to 20 per year Board [00:33:29] of selectman must approve location and [00:33:31] the informational hearing is tomorrow at [00:33:33] 6 30 at the Hardwick Elementary School [00:33:34] where our Council will be present it was [00:33:38] posted on Facebook [00:33:39] our website it's in town hall and we'll [00:33:42] send out a code red [00:33:44] um [00:33:45] I don't have any other information about [00:33:47] that but we did get it out as much as we [00:33:49] possibly could [00:33:51] um Council on Aging will be holding [00:33:52] office hours again beginning September [00:33:54] 27th at 12 30 at Quabbin Estates and on [00:33:57] September 28th at the municipal building [00:33:59] at 10 A.M [00:34:00] they will be here for an hour at each [00:34:02] place unless otherwise necessary so if [00:34:04] there's more people to stay longer but [00:34:06] they'll be here for at least an hour [00:34:09] um the ghost walk is October 15th I [00:34:11] rarely want to get that out because I [00:34:12] think it's such a cool thing but I don't [00:34:15] necessarily have all the information in [00:34:17] the newsletter it's said to look on the [00:34:19] website but when I look on the website I [00:34:21] don't see it so I asked Liz and [00:34:24] um oh I'm you know what have enough you [00:34:27] have a new packet I have okay I printed [00:34:29] it though yes so I'm sorry [00:34:31] because I was like wait I'm missing that [00:34:34] was the only other thing was the um [00:34:37] sorry [00:34:41] um so I'll get more information for the [00:34:44] next meeting we'll make sure that it's [00:34:45] up on the website and and all the [00:34:46] information just a question of whether [00:34:48] it's 5 30 or 6 o'clock I think [00:34:52] um [00:34:53] it's not it's nice if it's a little [00:34:55] light when the ghosts come out of the [00:34:58] townhouse singing and go to their places [00:35:01] in the cemetery [00:35:03] um [00:35:04] I have no idea what time it'll be like [00:35:06] it's October 15th maybe it'll be dark by [00:35:08] then I don't know I'm not sure okay so [00:35:11] where that's what the [00:35:14] thing is what time for sure [00:35:18] so that's what the holdup is putting it [00:35:19] out there okay okay okay gotcha yeah [00:35:23] well you decide that because that's just [00:35:25] a couple weeks now I know [00:35:27] we're going clean gravestones tomorrow [00:35:32] can decide exactly what time perfect [00:35:36] I wanted to bring this to your attention [00:35:39] um we have been having some experience [00:35:42] we've been experiencing some difficulty [00:35:43] with the chair of the Board of Health [00:35:46] um [00:35:46] he's been quarreling with applicants and [00:35:49] even more so with Lester with our [00:35:51] partnership that we have the Consortium [00:35:54] for the next five years with [00:35:56] um it's been ongoing and I'm trying to [00:35:59] let it resolve itself and try to work it [00:36:02] out where personalities can [00:36:05] um you know really work it out [00:36:07] themselves and and you know sometimes [00:36:09] you're not going to agree with somebody [00:36:11] else on a board or what the board wants [00:36:14] and and have the applicants [00:36:17] um [00:36:18] just understand that what what this is [00:36:21] what the board wants this is what you're [00:36:23] going to submit and this is this is how [00:36:25] it's going to go [00:36:27] um but I am getting [00:36:30] more oft more than once a week for sure [00:36:33] I can't say daily but I'm getting [00:36:37] um some complaints from applicants and [00:36:39] residents and vendors [00:36:41] and [00:36:42] um obviously are Lester people [00:36:45] and so I just wanted to bring this to [00:36:48] your attention he's an elected official [00:36:50] so there's that but um I guess I just [00:36:54] wanted to let you all know that there is [00:36:56] some difficulty in town and I see that a [00:36:59] board member is present I don't know if [00:37:01] you want to entertain anything else I [00:37:03] just wanted to bring it to your [00:37:04] attention that I'm I'm experiencing this [00:37:07] often so this is not the first time that [00:37:10] we've the boards become aware of this so [00:37:12] can we [00:37:13] um request [00:37:15] that he [00:37:18] um [00:37:18] so one of two things [00:37:22] that we can we request the attend our [00:37:26] next select men's meeting to talk about [00:37:28] some of these issues [00:37:30] in the past there has been a reluctance [00:37:33] to do that if we experience that then [00:37:35] perhaps you and I [00:37:37] um if the board's okay with that the [00:37:39] chair and the Nicole will attend their [00:37:42] next meeting [00:37:44] um and talk about some of the concerns [00:37:54] I would hope [00:37:56] that you would have all parties and not [00:38:00] single outstand I'm not we're a team and [00:38:04] we're trying to establish [00:38:09] legally the way things ought to run not [00:38:13] the way they've always run and that's [00:38:15] where the conflicts come between the [00:38:19] septic installers and so on they have to [00:38:23] get the forms just right and do it just [00:38:26] right and [00:38:28] um [00:38:29] that's where the friction is [00:38:32] and the personalities are we've met with [00:38:36] Nicole and so on but we have a hard time [00:38:40] communicating [00:38:43] with Lester on every level [00:38:47] and so [00:38:49] so it's not just Stan it's it's uh the [00:38:54] whole old structure you know when it was [00:38:57] done single-handedly by text [00:39:00] without a hitch because he was 24 7 [00:39:03] ready to address every problem it felt [00:39:07] knew how to do all the forms and so on [00:39:09] so and then we come in not knowing [00:39:13] anything about it or I don't [00:39:17] and we've been having a steep learning [00:39:20] curve so now we're in a position where [00:39:24] we're getting organized and [00:39:28] and Stan [00:39:30] um and a septic installer yesterday had [00:39:34] an argument in the hall but they [00:39:39] came to terms about how it once the [00:39:43] forms are set up exactly as they should [00:39:46] be [00:39:47] then sure [00:39:50] and so I think you have to look at [00:39:54] systems and not Personalities in this [00:39:58] because [00:40:00] so behind you Judy Stan just came in so [00:40:03] I stand the item we're talking about on [00:40:05] the Town Administrator report is some of [00:40:07] the sort of the communication [00:40:09] difficulties that are happening [00:40:10] surrounding the Board of Health whether [00:40:13] that's with installers whether that's [00:40:14] with Lester whether it's vendors so um I [00:40:18] just asked and the board just talked [00:40:20] about can we set up a joint meeting with [00:40:23] your group and perhaps making sure we [00:40:25] have Lester there as well it's a good [00:40:27] point so we can kind of talk through [00:40:29] some of the difficulties that are [00:40:31] happening and sort of resolve that so [00:40:33] there isn't sort of a [00:40:35] make the process a little smoother for [00:40:37] everybody we're happy to go if you've [00:40:40] you know ideally it'd be nice if we [00:40:43] could have a joint meeting with our [00:40:44] board and your group and Lester too [00:40:48] um [00:40:48] what what did you go over complaints or [00:40:51] what the problem is [00:40:52] um so it was in the town administrator's [00:40:54] report [00:40:56] um [00:40:59] explaining that there's been [00:41:01] some difficulties with Lester and [00:41:04] ongoing issues and so [00:41:08] um just sort of to resolve that so we're [00:41:10] I mean obviously we want this to be [00:41:12] cooperative and if there's something [00:41:14] that you know we need to do on our end [00:41:16] or something with regard to Lester to [00:41:19] help did Nicole tell you we've already [00:41:21] had a meeting last year with Nicole [00:41:23] um we are aware of that but I think it's [00:41:26] still it seems like it maybe hasn't [00:41:29] resolved [00:41:30] but that's what we're hearing that there [00:41:32] it has I would agree that's true so [00:41:35] she's bringing it to us thinking that [00:41:37] perhaps we need to be involved as well [00:41:40] so would you I mean [00:41:42] um would your [00:41:44] would you be willing to have a meeting [00:41:46] with this board your board in Leicester [00:41:49] again and if there's other issues you [00:41:52] know if there's other folks who need to [00:41:53] be at that table we can certainly talk [00:41:55] about that and it can be I mean as much [00:41:57] as we don't want it to be another [00:41:59] meeting I mean it maybe it needs to be [00:42:01] separate than a regularly scheduled [00:42:03] slogans meeting can I ask where the [00:42:06] concerns that Nicole that you're [00:42:09] reporting at this time where are they [00:42:10] coming from to you I have concerns from [00:42:13] our vendors I have concerns from [00:42:15] residents I have concerns from [00:42:17] applicants I have concerns from Lester [00:42:20] so this is my report so it's not an [00:42:22] agenda item so it's not something that I [00:42:25] feel is appropriate to fully discuss [00:42:30] yeah I think I'm happy to have the [00:42:33] meeting but you know you know Nicole we [00:42:35] haven't discussed this you and me [00:42:38] we've talked about that we haven't spoke [00:42:41] together since the last meeting with us [00:42:43] so so [00:42:45] it's all reporting to us which is what [00:42:47] she needs to do and we are just we're [00:42:51] not we don't want to talk about it at [00:42:52] tonight's meeting it's not on the agenda [00:42:54] it really needs to be either a separate [00:42:56] meeting or an agenda item so that anyone [00:42:58] who is interested can come [00:43:01] um [00:43:02] but if we can really all I'm all we're [00:43:05] asking is if there can be a joint [00:43:07] meeting with folks that need to be in [00:43:09] the room Lester yourselves our group [00:43:13] um and then we can talk about what the [00:43:15] issues are at that point [00:43:17] okay [00:43:18] um I mean of course I think it's [00:43:21] possible but um is just for now since [00:43:25] it's on the table is um are you getting [00:43:28] these calls from Francis [00:43:29] now I have spoken with Francis since we [00:43:32] met here yeah because Francis doesn't [00:43:34] respond to any of my emails and I send [00:43:37] him letters saying we have problems that [00:43:39] we need to improve upon and he doesn't [00:43:42] respond to anything so that would be a [00:43:44] great thing that we need to talk about [00:43:45] at this meeting so if you can [00:43:48] you can from your perspective and we'll [00:43:50] kind of hear all the concerns and come [00:43:52] try to come to our resolution so we can [00:43:55] make this work a little better it seems [00:43:57] like it's a little disjointed or clunky [00:44:00] or you it's not moving smoothly unless [00:44:03] causes frustration I think on probably [00:44:05] for everyone also yeah just I know you [00:44:09] don't want to labor tonight but [00:44:11] there is no process [00:44:14] and um [00:44:16] the [00:44:19] view of how things should handle changes [00:44:22] and documentation is always isn't always [00:44:25] complete [00:44:27] and [00:44:28] that when you bring that up and raise [00:44:32] that as a concern people get [00:44:34] upset [00:44:36] and then [00:44:38] okay for the sake of not getting an [00:44:41] accept get back off and you [00:44:43] hope it improves [00:44:45] so I think all of those things are [00:44:48] really valid and we need to sort of [00:44:50] understand [00:44:52] um time frame when [00:44:57] not this week for sure there's no other [00:45:00] day this week so and next week we have [00:45:02] the public hearing on Monday yes my [00:45:05] suggestion though is that the meeting [00:45:08] should really be with Francis [00:45:11] and our board a new and it shouldn't be [00:45:14] the lasted Board of Health and our Board [00:45:17] of Health and you I think that's [00:45:20] um [00:45:21] Francis has a responsibility to be [00:45:24] directing and managing that and [00:45:27] in his role [00:45:29] in my role [00:45:31] we should be talking together frequently [00:45:33] to try and improve the process and [00:45:36] improve what we're doing so I think you [00:45:38] also have other board members on your [00:45:40] well no yeah of course true of course [00:45:42] truly I don't mean that but [00:45:44] um [00:45:47] your call but whatever you want to do so [00:45:50] let's um [00:45:52] Nicole let's come up with a list of [00:45:54] interested parties in the date and let's [00:45:55] just make sure that people who [00:45:58] need to be there are there [00:46:00] we have a meeting [00:46:03] next Monday or we have the informational [00:46:05] meeting next Monday it is an off link on [00:46:07] the slackman's perspective but [00:46:10] um our next [00:46:12] so what's the board to look for what's [00:46:14] the bids the next time and then I'm gone [00:46:16] after next week to bring money forward [00:46:20] um [00:46:22] I have Tuesday or Wednesday and then [00:46:26] the fourth or fifth [00:46:31] that's perfect [00:46:33] um I'd like to stay away from the fifth [00:46:35] if we possible could we do the fourth [00:46:37] you can see you therefore the next [00:46:39] Tuesday evening so Nicole will reach out [00:46:42] and just make sure that all the [00:46:44] interesting parties are available what [00:46:46] time [00:46:47] at 6 30. the 6 30 work for everybody or [00:46:51] do we want to try to do it earlier can [00:46:52] you be earlier for last year's sake or [00:47:04] so this is this would be a joint meeting [00:47:06] to selectman the Board of Health and [00:47:08] inviting [00:47:10] Lester [00:47:12] to attend [00:47:18] so maybe [00:47:20] understanding that it might be hard for [00:47:21] Lester but we also want to make sure our [00:47:23] board can attend can we look at six or [00:47:25] six thirty no earlier maybe yeah [00:47:30] that's their late night anyway I was [00:47:33] going to say that I was just going to [00:47:35] throw that up so what about Zoo [00:47:37] so if we wanted to do it earlier we [00:47:39] could do a Zone component [00:47:42] unless they're consumer [00:47:43] that might make it easier for them [00:47:47] so I would say I I can't be available [00:47:49] any earlier than 5 30. [00:47:58] fine as a stretch [00:48:00] no fine we'll say 5 30 and see and then [00:48:05] we'll do a zoom okay [00:48:09] to make it easier [00:48:13] thank you [00:48:15] psychologically that's not great [00:48:19] but you want it in person or not yeah I [00:48:21] mean I prefer not to do it well I think [00:48:24] where it's going to be in person but for [00:48:26] those who can't be here by like Rob oh [00:48:29] some of us can't make it from our paying [00:48:31] jobs to get here on time or that he [00:48:34] would have the ability of the [00:48:35] flexibility to participate when you [00:48:37] participate by zoom and if Lester if [00:48:40] there was some reason that they couldn't [00:48:41] physically be here in the room [00:48:45] ideally would like a Midwest [00:48:46] I think six would work [00:48:49] so that's their late night and what and [00:48:52] could I ask again what is the agenda you [00:48:54] anticipate [00:48:56] so Nicole put that out to everybody but [00:48:59] as I mentioned I'd like you to come with [00:49:01] your the goal of the meeting is that [00:49:05] um [00:49:07] that there is discussion of items that [00:49:09] are not working [00:49:10] on all sides [00:49:13] um and so we can sort of we sense we're [00:49:15] hearing this conflict from from who [00:49:19] it's in Nicole's report [00:49:21] that she's reporting to us if there's [00:49:24] some type of conflict where things [00:49:25] aren't working properly I know but from [00:49:28] who [00:49:28] I said applicants residents and vendors [00:49:31] yeah but that's everybody [00:49:34] is that everybody [00:49:37] not everyone [00:49:38] then there must be specifically somebody [00:49:40] who's complained so so I think that I [00:49:43] don't really matter Stan who's [00:49:44] complaining we just I think we need to [00:49:47] address like what the issues are what [00:49:49] Nicole is hearing his issues what you [00:49:51] have as issues and what Lester has this [00:49:53] issue well I I want to say the problem I [00:49:57] have a little bit with this process [00:49:59] the coal [00:50:00] does not talk we haven't talked about [00:50:02] this for [00:50:04] months [00:50:06] we have no communication [00:50:08] and Nicole now is saying to you there's [00:50:10] a problem but Nicole hasn't out of a [00:50:14] courtesy or at all approached myself or [00:50:18] I believe Judy with the problem [00:50:21] so we're going to have a meeting to [00:50:22] address Nicole's agenda but we don't [00:50:25] know what it is so look so Stan Nicole [00:50:27] will make sure that there's an agenda [00:50:30] that's put out there if it's helpful we [00:50:32] can is it can we put the concerns down [00:50:35] the poll I can I can work with you on an [00:50:37] agenda [00:50:39] and I can talk with you during the day [00:50:40] if you come in but we I'm not I can't [00:50:43] get into this now it's not on the agenda [00:50:45] it's not appropriate to talk about it [00:50:47] now I just wanted to bring it to their [00:50:48] attention so we can do something in the [00:50:50] future and if you want to come in and [00:50:52] see me I have no problem with that but I [00:50:54] certainly can't start volleying back and [00:50:57] forth now about it I I want to say [00:50:59] Nicole that the approach you take for [00:51:01] this [00:51:02] it's against conflict as well okay so [00:51:14] so put your thoughts down Lester has a [00:51:16] chance to put their thoughts down Nicole [00:51:18] has [00:51:19] concerns [00:51:20] um she'll talk to you in the meantime [00:51:22] but the goal of that meeting is to come [00:51:24] to some [00:51:25] resolution moving forward process and we [00:51:30] can talk about that all the time [00:51:32] what I would like to know and I know you [00:51:35] don't want to continue this but I would [00:51:37] like to know if there's a resident who's [00:51:39] having a problem [00:51:40] Nicole I I don't know the answer to that [00:51:43] Stan you'll Nicole will have to talk to [00:51:45] you and she's she's not all vendors are [00:51:49] happy when [00:51:51] you don't [00:51:53] jump to their demands and where you [00:51:55] don't accept incomplete work [00:51:58] I hear you loud and clear [00:52:01] but I think we're trying to work for the [00:52:04] residents and protect their file their [00:52:09] work the quality I don't there's no [00:52:11] doubt that that's what we're trying to [00:52:14] do that's not [00:52:16] doesn't always make everybody happy I [00:52:18] understood sitting in the seat does not [00:52:20] make everybody happy either so we're in [00:52:22] the same boat yeah [00:52:24] um the goal is that we want to try to [00:52:25] move this forward and make communication [00:52:27] better make the process better [00:52:30] um [00:52:30] October 4th was the goal is to start at [00:52:34] 5 30 in person here for those who can't [00:52:36] be in person they'll be on zoom and [00:52:38] hopefully we can move through some of [00:52:40] this cynical you'll touch base with Stan [00:52:42] before that absolutely I'm here all the [00:52:44] open hours that we have so for the most [00:52:46] part all right [00:52:48] continuing on with your report okay so [00:52:50] the youth center held an open house on [00:52:52] Tuesday September 21st they got 12 new [00:52:54] children they're always looking for all [00:52:57] ages to join so if you have any [00:52:59] school-aged children they do great great [00:53:02] after school programs and they're always [00:53:04] going outside and doing fun activities [00:53:06] and really trying to grow it after the [00:53:09] pandemic it kind of [00:53:10] dwindled so they're trying to grow it [00:53:13] again [00:53:15] um and I want to just sort of [00:53:19] throw it out there we would like to [00:53:22] start to explore a new position of a [00:53:23] maintenance coordinator custodian [00:53:27] may be regionalizing with another town I [00:53:30] think that us not having anybody to look [00:53:32] at our buildings or to clean our [00:53:34] buildings it's really takes a toll on [00:53:37] the rest of us you know everybody's like [00:53:39] it's not my job it's not my job and then [00:53:40] on Thursday night here I am maybe when I [00:53:42] got the call [00:53:44] like at eight o'clock because Jen was [00:53:45] yes yes hysterical because water was [00:53:48] pouring down it was pouring down the [00:53:49] stairs and gallons and gallons because [00:53:51] so you know we don't have that we rely [00:53:55] on the more Highway Department to do [00:53:57] everything no and he felt really guilty [00:53:59] and I was like it is not his fault not [00:54:01] no um we need to fix the problem and I [00:54:04] don't think it is what I call because I [00:54:06] didn't know who else exactly but but I [00:54:08] don't want our employees getting up on [00:54:09] our roof I don't like any of that the [00:54:12] liability is awful never mind the [00:54:14] personal feelings terrible so [00:54:17] um it's not really pretty to get up [00:54:18] there before the next annual town [00:54:21] meeting I would like to come to you with [00:54:23] more information I want to reach out to [00:54:24] other towns [00:54:26] um you know I don't know if it would be [00:54:28] a full-time position I don't know what [00:54:30] other towns have for structures and [00:54:32] buildings you know sort of like my [00:54:34] accounting thing I just want to throw it [00:54:35] out there I want to start getting it [00:54:37] going and and hopefully you know not to [00:54:39] Blindside anybody when we get to budget [00:54:42] going but hopefully get a position where [00:54:45] everybody can have some relief [00:54:48] um you know somebody that can Tinker [00:54:50] around even at the townhouse and the [00:54:52] library too the library all of our [00:54:55] buildings that we used to it would be [00:54:57] great to be able to bring that position [00:54:59] great just a suggestion maybe cmrpc when [00:55:02] we were looking for coordinating [00:55:03] regionalization of stuff yeah they were [00:55:06] good so right now the community compact [00:55:08] cabinet CCC grants are out and I have [00:55:12] been encouraged by the state to go and [00:55:14] apply for some but there's still a bunch [00:55:16] of money there regionalization and [00:55:18] efficiency is one of the programs [00:55:21] um it is another program I was thinking [00:55:23] about maybe digitizing some documents [00:55:25] and things like that I know Ryan really [00:55:28] wants to get his office much more [00:55:30] organized so I was looking at those [00:55:32] grants but that'll come see Community [00:55:34] compact cabinet [00:55:37] through the state nice [00:55:40] um so those are kind of the new things [00:55:42] and ongoing which you'll see in my [00:55:44] reports as I stated before [00:55:46] um [00:55:47] that I don't want to let them just fall [00:55:50] off because we haven't completed them [00:55:51] yet but the retirement Insurance the [00:55:54] work the policy the Personnel policy is [00:55:57] out to council and they don't they [00:55:59] haven't been given it back yet but I've [00:56:01] thrown a lot at them lately so when they [00:56:03] do we'll get it in front of the [00:56:04] Personnel committee and then formally a [00:56:06] friend of Gorda seleckman [00:56:08] as you know DLS came out to conduct [00:56:10] interviews for financial review their [00:56:12] initial impression was that they feel [00:56:13] optimistic on where the town is headed [00:56:15] and the accomplishments over the past [00:56:17] year the formal review will take up to [00:56:19] 12 weeks they just finished the last [00:56:21] interview with the accountant last [00:56:23] Wednesday [00:56:25] um so I have on here osrp update and [00:56:27] I've had it on here for quite a few [00:56:29] months [00:56:30] we cmrpc [00:56:33] is working with us to update osrp which [00:56:37] is open space and Recreation plan [00:56:39] because we would like to get some grants [00:56:43] for some Park equipment and you know [00:56:45] some different things for recreation and [00:56:48] um [00:56:49] they actually [00:56:51] just announced today that we received a [00:56:53] grant Julie you have it ten thousand you [00:56:56] have the actual paper too [00:56:58] yeah [00:56:59] um I believe it's 10 478 dollars [00:57:04] um [00:57:06] I might have left it okay so I I did [00:57:10] forward you the email from cmrpc that it [00:57:12] was it was um [00:57:14] put out today a bunch of towns got some [00:57:16] grants and we got 10 478 dollars for an [00:57:20] update of osrp plan so I would like you [00:57:24] uh if you will to acknowledge and accept [00:57:27] the grant as any of our grants [00:57:29] especially the ones over five thousand [00:57:31] dollars need to be accepted by the board [00:57:33] of selectman I didn't realize that it [00:57:35] was just coming in so I would have had [00:57:37] it on the agenda but under of signatures [00:57:41] and approvals I'll ask that you accept [00:57:44] that Grant and then we'll have our open [00:57:46] space and Rec plan updated so it's 10 [00:57:49] 875 [00:57:51] okay ten thousand eight seven five [00:57:54] Hardwick open space and Recreation Plan [00:57:57] update [00:58:00] project [00:58:03] um accountant shared services as you [00:58:05] know we're working on possibly getting [00:58:07] an accountant eventually in the future [00:58:08] maybe sometimes and uh the [00:58:14] the IMA which is the intermunicipal [00:58:16] agreement and the job description is [00:58:17] with legal to review it and make sure [00:58:20] actually it's with DLS at the moment [00:58:22] because [00:58:23] um [00:58:24] Zach Blake from DLS wanted to look at it [00:58:27] they are also encouraging these types of [00:58:29] agreements but want to make sure that [00:58:31] all of the necessary languages in the [00:58:34] Ima [00:58:36] um the recycling the container contract [00:58:38] as you know we're sort of going back and [00:58:41] forth with the with a container company [00:58:44] that the recycling coordinator signed a [00:58:48] contract with that didn't have the [00:58:50] authority to sign [00:58:51] um the contract is poorly written [00:58:54] it's for five years not three years so [00:58:57] all of these procurement issues are [00:58:59] there I really believe that we do not [00:59:02] have to honor this agreement but I'm [00:59:05] still going back and forth attorney so [00:59:06] just so you know [00:59:08] um okay so there's the community compact [00:59:09] cabinet grants that we're looking into [00:59:11] that I just mentioned [00:59:12] and the Water Commission looking into [00:59:15] upgrading technology which we had [00:59:16] already discussed [00:59:20] that's all I have [00:59:24] um [00:59:30] yes I have through that um [00:59:35] dep Bureau of waste prevention the [00:59:37] sustainable material recovery program [00:59:39] there was a checklist for that mattress [00:59:41] program so [00:59:43] um it's really simple but it just had to [00:59:46] be filled out and um [00:59:50] sent in it's supposed to be September [00:59:52] 1st but I think it went by Christine so [00:59:54] I had her I had her fill it all out it's [00:59:56] really pretty simple but you do have to [00:59:58] sign it [00:59:59] we've already approved that you did [01:00:00] approve it but this is just checklist [01:00:02] and it's so simple it's kind of crazy [01:00:05] that I think fans do that but it's [01:00:07] something they have to do [01:00:11] and then I would just also have that [01:00:15] Grant yeah [01:00:23] I'd like to throw in uh that October 8th [01:00:27] the cultural center next door is having [01:00:31] a pumpkin painting and uh with children [01:00:34] it's another fun with art day we're [01:00:38] trying to establish [01:00:40] a presence in terms of showing the kids [01:00:43] what to do and so on so so Judy can you [01:00:46] get that information Nicole so she can [01:00:48] put it out on our page absolutely [01:00:53] in our new in our new [01:00:56] um website will have Community event [01:00:59] calendar too other than just our [01:01:01] meetings today [01:01:04] oh yeah they know it's coming [01:01:06] tomorrow [01:01:11] I'm so gonna make a motion [01:01:14] oh okay you don't this is from the [01:01:17] executive office of energy and [01:01:18] environmental Affairs [01:01:21] um 26 land use planning assistance [01:01:22] grants so 26 and we're one of them [01:01:27] hardwicks [01:01:28] so I would just make a motion to [01:01:31] acknowledge and accept the hard work [01:01:34] open space and Recreation Plan update [01:01:37] project for our 10 875 dollars [01:01:41] to ship this donation [01:01:43] no [01:01:46] any discussion [01:01:48] all those in favor [01:01:50] aye [01:01:52] questions [01:01:56] anything else I don't have anything [01:01:58] thank you so under selectman Roundtable [01:02:01] um [01:02:02] just want to [01:02:06] you've all received an email so we've [01:02:08] been receiving an email [01:02:10] that was we've been copied on an email [01:02:13] for Council relative to article 97 [01:02:15] Insight plan assessment which Nicole and [01:02:19] I are having a conversation with Council [01:02:21] tomorrow [01:02:22] so we will provide you an update after [01:02:24] that [01:02:25] conversation [01:02:28] around people I was just going to talk [01:02:31] about some meetings last week oh perfect [01:02:33] that's okay great [01:02:35] um so we started back up our slackman [01:02:38] meeting with department heads and and [01:02:40] boards and such [01:02:43] and it was a very good turnout [01:02:47] I don't know 15 16 17 people [01:02:51] I think maybe about 20. and um [01:02:55] you know most Apartments spoke up [01:02:57] um a lot of a lot I don't want to say [01:02:59] concerned but a lot of voice [01:03:02] um came up about the horse farm and [01:03:05] concerns from departments that if this [01:03:07] were to go through obviously the police [01:03:09] department you know they would like to [01:03:11] be back in town and um and to have more [01:03:14] of a presence here and [01:03:16] the highway department concerned about [01:03:20] the roads [01:03:22] um and then the um [01:03:25] Treasurer brought up [01:03:27] um a new payroll service system that [01:03:30] they were considering and then [01:03:32] um Peggy spoke on behalf of the [01:03:34] conservation they're very busy [01:03:37] um [01:03:38] they're working diligently with the mill [01:03:40] project with that natural heritage [01:03:42] because they ran into [01:03:44] endangered species that need to be moved [01:03:47] plant shrimps who would have thought in [01:03:49] the heart like but they're there and [01:03:51] they need to be addressed and moved [01:03:53] properly I suppose so they are moving [01:03:55] along with them and it was interesting [01:03:58] to hear that because I wondered what was [01:03:59] going on there [01:04:01] um she also mentioned that they have a [01:04:04] meeting on October 19th about the wheel [01:04:07] right dam removal hearing so anyone [01:04:10] that's interested in going to that [01:04:12] should should attend their meeting on [01:04:14] the 19th Eric bollheim spoke on the [01:04:16] planning board talked about solar and [01:04:19] they're really moving forward because [01:04:22] it's now a moratorium and that needs uh [01:04:25] needs to be rectified by November and [01:04:28] they're also looking to rewrite [01:04:29] marijuana [01:04:31] bylaws so there'll be some public [01:04:33] hearing coming up on that [01:04:36] um Marty spoke about the projects that [01:04:38] are ongoing 32 32A although they've run [01:04:41] into some issues they are it is moving [01:04:43] forward and it'll be great once it's all [01:04:45] done [01:04:46] Judy spoke about public health we [01:04:49] brought up a few [01:04:51] um [01:04:52] forest and water and you had some good [01:04:55] things to say about just how you're [01:04:56] looking at the big picture the basics [01:05:01] our Commonwealth right air water yep [01:05:05] land which is food [01:05:08] yeah and especially trees right right [01:05:11] and shade that was that was very [01:05:13] interesting [01:05:15] um [01:05:16] recycling talked about the ten thousand [01:05:19] dollar brand for the mattresses so that [01:05:20] was great and also that Eric 20 who [01:05:22] donated 2400 [01:05:24] um through the recycling so that was [01:05:26] good [01:05:27] um a couple of things that came up [01:05:28] concern wise was [01:05:30] cell phones and computers not every [01:05:33] department has cell phones and computers [01:05:36] and I'm just going to use Paula as an [01:05:38] example of a cemetery [01:05:41] um anyone that wants to get in touch [01:05:42] with Cemetery tells her personal cell [01:05:44] phone which I'm sure Paula doesn't mind [01:05:47] but someday it's not going to be Paula [01:05:48] so I think it's just things as a board [01:05:51] and as you know Department that we need [01:05:53] to think about going forward because [01:05:55] again right now not so bad but [01:06:00] you know everything so [01:06:03] um in a computer so Nicole she's already [01:06:05] got a computer yeah up there so they can [01:06:09] leave messages and she can get them yeah [01:06:10] so that that's great you know but um [01:06:13] I you know I don't know if it's ideal or [01:06:16] you know fiscally [01:06:19] capable to do cell phones for everyone [01:06:21] but I think we really should think about [01:06:23] you know who [01:06:26] what departments you know I don't [01:06:28] personally useless cell phones is not a [01:06:30] good practice [01:06:32] for for any business and I mean we are [01:06:34] multiplicated business [01:06:37] just food for thought yeah I got rid of [01:06:38] that because yeah they they can [01:06:41] confiscate my cell phone at any time if [01:06:44] they want to if there's an issue with [01:06:46] work and then I'm out of a cell phone [01:06:48] that's what I mean so it's not a good [01:06:50] practice so yeah I just think it's [01:06:52] something I know not tomorrow or the [01:06:54] next day but over time I think we need [01:06:56] to just [01:06:57] try to see what we can do about [01:07:00] women [01:07:02] so that's that was that I think it went [01:07:04] very well Nicole got snacks and people [01:07:06] like snacks and we kept it to an hour [01:07:10] and I think [01:07:13] I think it was good for people to sit [01:07:15] and chat and I don't know who wants to [01:07:17] go next [01:07:18] time we're gonna do a monthly [01:07:22] I don't know what do you think monthly [01:07:24] or everything [01:07:27] yeah I I do think that [01:07:31] um folks enjoy having the opportunity to [01:07:33] speak up a little bit [01:07:35] that meeting was really was a department [01:07:38] head meeting which should be which I [01:07:40] have once a month on Tuesdays at 10 [01:07:41] o'clock so [01:07:43] um we did encourage everyone to go to [01:07:46] those too you know not just [01:07:48] you know when we step in so I think it's [01:07:52] important to maybe keep the ball rolling [01:07:55] I I would say a few months a month [01:07:58] at least every other I wouldn't go [01:08:00] through [01:08:01] it's every other book I think I would go [01:08:03] at least every other month [01:08:05] to engage people yeah so do you want to [01:08:08] do the next one or do you want me to do [01:08:10] the next one [01:08:11] and we do typically so it was his past [01:08:13] it's the third Wednesday that's what I [01:08:16] just said and I did I did here at three [01:08:18] o'clock I know that's not well that's [01:08:21] probably not ideal for you so [01:08:25] I um I worked with Nicole to find the [01:08:27] time that was good you know for her too [01:08:29] so really it's me three o'clock [01:08:33] well that's the thought you know you [01:08:35] hate to keep people later than they [01:08:36] they're already here [01:08:46] oh that would be easier for you [01:08:51] I [01:08:54] pick a date with Nicole you don't like I [01:08:56] may not have said it today yeah I may [01:08:57] not be I have training so maybe on the [01:08:59] 16th so do it the week after or the week [01:09:01] before [01:09:03] I'm sure people don't want to come on [01:09:04] the day before Thanksgiving maybe not [01:09:07] that week but but work with Nicole in [01:09:09] fact you know I mean I could technically [01:09:11] do it on the ninth Wednesday the 9th [01:09:16] 30 minutes [01:09:18] I just like I said it'd be a little [01:09:20] better for me no if we could do [01:09:21] Wednesday the 9th at 3 pm [01:09:30] oh and [01:09:31] um [01:09:33] another interesting tidbit and it was [01:09:35] interesting to me because I didn't know [01:09:36] and well my company uses an eight to [01:09:38] dial out that I guess federally the law [01:09:41] was passed that you can't have that on [01:09:43] your phone systems [01:09:45] because of a woman that was abused [01:09:48] though right you can't get out of 911 [01:09:50] right yeah if you don't know how to dial [01:09:52] the eight first correct or the nine or [01:09:54] whatever the outgoing you know numbers [01:09:56] that you hit first [01:09:58] um so they're working on doing searching [01:10:01] now that's the whole phone system that [01:10:04] our phones don't do that I mean we don't [01:10:06] dial nine but our phones don't tell you [01:10:08] if you're calling from the treasurer's [01:10:10] office it just says town of Hardwick you [01:10:11] could be in the library you could be [01:10:13] anything so and it really needs to be [01:10:15] specific to where you are for nine e911 [01:10:18] purposes and today when I was on the [01:10:20] phone it was very Comcast [01:10:23] well that's what it affects us because I [01:10:25] mean I can push a line but you have to [01:10:28] dial an eight or something to get out [01:10:29] like and then I can push the [01:10:32] button or you dial nine and receive the [01:10:35] next available one right so you have [01:10:37] that option of doing something either or [01:10:38] that's us too but if you all of our only [01:10:41] do nine I only have a phone that shows [01:10:43] the the numbers [01:10:46] every other because I'm like the main [01:10:48] phone for the system every other phone [01:10:51] in our building you just pick up and you [01:10:53] have to dial eight to get a dial Zone [01:10:56] yeah [01:10:58] and I guess you're not you can't [01:11:00] people thought for me it's taking some [01:11:03] time for people to comply so yeah [01:11:08] yeah I'll send her slept my remedy [01:11:13] okay so the next item you don't have [01:11:16] anything for them no thank you okay [01:11:18] okay [01:11:24] adjoining a seven or adjoining a journey [01:11:27] at 7 42. [01:11:29] so hopefully we'll see those of you who [01:11:31] are interested tomorrow at the [01:11:32] informational session Frederick [01:11:34] elementary school at 6 30.