Thumbnail for *12/8/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

Hardwick Select Board Meeting: Project Bids, Licenses, and Town Operations

Original title: *12/8/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

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

Meeting details

Date

December 9, 2025

Duration

28m

Decisions

3 recorded

Action Items

10 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Select Board convened to address several key municipal matters, including the recognition of heroic actions by public safety personnel, challenges with the Townhouse Project bids exceeding budget, and the approval of liquor license renewals, with one conditional approval for the Old Furnace General Store due to a zoning violation. Discussions also covered the declaration of surplus equipment, the finalization of the Page Building deed with a reversion clause, and the disposition of funds held by the Historical Society for a non-existent Schoolhouse #6. The Town Administrator provided a comprehensive report on ongoing grants, financial planning, staffing efforts, and community initiatives, concluding with a motion to adjourn.

Browse meeting notes

Now viewing

Discussion Highlights

Police Officer Patrick Alstrom and Deputy Fire Chief Nick Gomand were recognized for heroic actions in a car rescue.
All bids for the townhouse project exceeded the allocated budget, prompting an inquiry to the State Inspector General's office regarding proceeding without rebidding.
The bids for the townhouse project were confirmed as public record.
Eleven liquor license renewals were presented for approval, with all applicants submitting proper documentation and payment.
Conditional approval was granted for the Old Furnace General Store's all-alcohol license, pending rectification of a zoning violation concerning excessive light spillover from a sign within 90 days.
A question was raised regarding the appropriateness of a private school holding an 'all alcohol' liquor license.
Three items (1986 Elgin Sweeper, 1987 Pierce Arrow Fire Truck, 2005 Sterling L8500 Dump Truck) were declared surplus for procurement and auction.
Discussion on the Page Building deed focused on including a reversion restriction, ensuring the property would revert to the town if resold by the new owners.
Funds collected by the Historical Society for the rehabilitation of Schoolhouse #6, which is no longer standing, were discussed, with approximately $600 remaining.
It was clarified that the Historical Society is a private entity, and the Town cannot demand their funds but can request a donation.
The Town Administrator reported on the unlikelihood of securing the well testing grant in the current round but plans to reapply.
A call was held with CMRPC, Planning Board, Highway Superintendent, Police Chief, and Sewer Superintendent regarding upcoming CDBG funding.
Bi-weekly financial management planning meetings are being conducted with the Town Accountant, Treasurer, and Assessor.
The annual single audit is scheduled for the week of January 12th.
Budget sheets are being finalized for departments, with budget meetings scheduled for the week of January 5th.
Discussions with USDA and DCP regarding sewer project funding included contingency funding and potential reimbursement for administrative costs.
Advertising is ongoing for Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Highway Equipment Operator, and Van Driver positions.
The Town Administrator attended the Massachusetts Municipal Association Policy Committee on Personnel and Labor Relations.
Inspections for Class 2 and Class 3 auto renewals are ongoing and scheduled for the December 22nd agenda.
The food drive has been extended through Christmas due to excellent turnout, and a 'Stuff the Cruiser' toy collection is ongoing.
An employee holiday lunch is planned for December 22nd.
A meeting regarding the Quabbin Steward project went well, with hopes for a letter to sign at the next meeting.

Transcript (4,768 words)

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

00:00:00
Visitor comments. I'm going to take the first visitor comment myself and use this opportunity to talk about Patrick Alstrom and Nick Gond. He's a Alstrom is a police officer with us and Nick Gond is the deputy fire
00:00:18
Chief. Uh both um got real close to a burning car and pulled the driver out of it. Um, >> yes, I saw that.
00:00:30
>> It's been all over Fox News and every other thing, but fire department responded and I'm sure the police did, too. But those two heroic, so I just wanted to mention that.
00:00:47
Okay. Anybody else? Visitor. Yes, ma'am.
00:00:51
>> Hi. on the townhouse. Uh the bids all came in over the amount of money that we have. Uh I want to ask Justine if she has notified the people that are giving us the grant that that is the case. And
00:01:10
I'm not sure she said she's contacted the state inspector general's office because she uh thinks that maybe she wouldn't have to rebid it.
00:01:27
>> So the question I have for the the inspector general's office is because everything was itemized as part of the RFP, I want to see if we can just take them as they're itemized so you wouldn't have to go out to bid again. I don't know if that's the case, but I thought it was worth the ask. So, I am waiting
00:01:42
To hear back from the inspector general's office.
00:01:44

[00:00:00] Visitor comments. I'm going to take the [00:00:02] first visitor comment myself and use [00:00:05] this opportunity to [00:00:07] talk about Patrick Alstrom and Nick [00:00:10] Gond. He's a Alstrom is a police officer [00:00:14] with us and Nick Gond is the deputy fire [00:00:18] chief. Uh both um got real close to a [00:00:22] burning car and pulled the driver out of [00:00:26] it. Um, [00:00:28] >> yes, I saw that. [00:00:30] >> It's been all over Fox News and every [00:00:32] other thing, but fire department [00:00:34] responded and I'm sure the police did, [00:00:37] too. But those two [00:00:39] um, [00:00:41] heroic, so I just wanted to mention [00:00:43] that. [00:00:47] Okay. Anybody else? Visitor. Yes, ma'am. [00:00:51] >> Hi. on the townhouse. Uh the bids all [00:00:54] came in over the amount of money that we [00:00:58] have. Uh I want to ask Justine if she [00:01:02] has notified the people that are giving [00:01:05] us the grant that that is the case. And [00:01:10] I'm not sure [00:01:12] um she said she's contacted the state [00:01:16] inspector general's office [00:01:19] uh because [00:01:21] she uh thinks that maybe she wouldn't [00:01:24] have to rebid it. [00:01:27] >> So the question I have for the the [00:01:29] inspector general's office is because [00:01:30] everything was itemized as part of the [00:01:32] RFP, I want to see if we can just take [00:01:34] them as they're itemized so you wouldn't [00:01:36] have to go out to bid again. I don't [00:01:38] know if that's the case, but I thought [00:01:39] it was worth the ask. So, I am waiting [00:01:42] to hear back from the inspector [00:01:43] general's office. [00:01:44] >> And the bids that came in are itemized? [00:01:47] >> Yes. Yep. Um, [00:01:52] I think that from what we were told uh [00:01:55] with Doug on the walkth through and all [00:01:57] that that isn't allowed by the [00:02:00] regulations [00:02:02] and uh we need to get this rebid [00:02:06] because even uh if we heard from the [00:02:11] inspector general and then had to rebid [00:02:13] we have you know we don't have much time [00:02:16] >> right the clock is ticking so When do [00:02:18] you intend to make contact with the [00:02:20] inspector general? [00:02:21] >> I re I emailed them for a second time [00:02:24] today. Um I'm going to wait and hear [00:02:26] their word for it for it. Um but yeah, [00:02:30] then we just have to figure out what [00:02:31] we're going to do because I don't and [00:02:33] like I knew it was going to come in over [00:02:34] bid again. Um I actually said that at [00:02:36] the beginning. So we have to figure out [00:02:38] we have to prioritize which I think um [00:02:40] Ann and Doug and everyone has [00:02:42] prioritized what would be the most [00:02:43] important um improvements to make at the [00:02:45] townhouse. But that's a decision that's [00:02:47] going to have to be made um because the [00:02:49] way that it's written and the way that [00:02:51] it's being advertised now twice coming [00:02:53] in way too high. Um that's my [00:02:56] suggestion. However, like I said, I want [00:02:57] to wait and talk to the inspector [00:02:58] general's office um before proceeding. [00:03:00] And that's my that's what I intend to [00:03:02] do. [00:03:02] >> Okay. I hope that we don't wait too [00:03:04] long. [00:03:06] >> She should be communicating with the [00:03:08] people that are giving us the grant, [00:03:11] administering the grant. They so they [00:03:14] know that this came over. [00:03:16] >> BBPC you're talking about [00:03:18] >> uh Pioneer Valley Venture Center. Okay. [00:03:21] >> So they know uh that it came in over and [00:03:27] um can discuss with her how it should go [00:03:32] >> and you're in touch with them. We've had [00:03:33] that you've had that [00:03:35] >> and she knows that they've come in too [00:03:37] high. Um and I don't have any more [00:03:39] information until I hear back from the [00:03:41] inspector general's office. So that's [00:03:42] what I'm waiting on. [00:03:44] >> Okay, let's [00:03:46] try to expedite that as much as [00:03:48] possible. [00:03:51] >> Thank you. [00:03:51] >> Is it Is it possible to get a copy of [00:03:53] this? [00:03:56] >> Is it public record? [00:03:59] >> You want to uh email me and remind me I [00:04:01] can send them to you? [00:04:01] >> Could you email me now? [00:04:03] >> Will you remind me? Just send me an [00:04:05] email. [00:04:06] >> Thank you. I'd like to see them. Thank [00:04:08] you. [00:04:10] >> Anybody else? [00:04:15] Okay. Uh, new business, approval of [00:04:18] liquor license renewals. [00:04:22] >> Spring of them. [00:04:23] >> Yes. So, before you in the packet, um, [00:04:26] everyone has uh, submitted payment has [00:04:29] and has submitted all the proper [00:04:31] information. Um, the 11 on your list are [00:04:34] South Berry Rotting Gun Club and all [00:04:36] alcohols license. Lost Towns Brewing [00:04:38] Company, a pouring license. Harvick [00:04:40] Vineyard and Winery, a pouring license. [00:04:43] Eagle Hill Foundation, all alcohol. [00:04:45] Harvick Ro and Gun Club, all alcohol. [00:04:48] DCTF Corp, the Old Furnace General [00:04:50] Store, all alcohol. Harvick Market and [00:04:54] Package Store, all alcohol. Mimi's [00:04:56] Coffee House of Hardwick, all alcohol. [00:04:58] Hardwick Crossing, all alcohol. Harvick [00:05:00] House of Pizza all alcohol and Russell [00:05:02] stop all alcohol. The only um thing that [00:05:06] I would like to mention to the board is [00:05:08] I did speak to the building inspector [00:05:10] today who is the zoning enforcement [00:05:11] officer. There is a order at the old [00:05:15] furnace general store. So, the building [00:05:17] inspector is still asking for approval [00:05:20] of their alcohol license, but a [00:05:21] conditional approval on their liquor [00:05:23] license subject to the 90-day order that [00:05:26] he has given them to um fix their zoning [00:05:30] issue, which is a light. [00:05:32] >> This is a light that's uh blast right [00:05:36] down the road. He's blinded [00:05:39] and is in violation of the zoning. [00:05:43] doesn't want it to hold up their alcohol [00:05:45] license, but just a conditional approval [00:05:46] that they get this done in the next 90 [00:05:48] days. [00:05:51] >> When did the uh when did they get notice [00:05:53] of it? [00:05:54] >> I told them about it when they open. [00:05:56] >> No, I mean [00:05:57] >> weeks ago. Bill, do you have that [00:06:00] building? [00:06:01] >> Where the 90 days start? [00:06:03] >> Yeah. [00:06:04] >> When does the 90 days start? Did you get [00:06:06] it? [00:06:07] >> Bill might have the order um in front of [00:06:09] him. I don't have the exact date off the [00:06:10] top of my head, but I did I know that [00:06:12] they have communicated as late as today. [00:06:15] I know Paul was in touch with the old [00:06:17] furnish general store. [00:06:19] >> Okay. [00:06:23] >> A question. [00:06:26] How can a school hold a liquor license [00:06:30] all the time? [00:06:34] >> It's private school. [00:06:38] negative events. [00:06:40] >> Well, I understand that, but it's like, [00:06:42] isn't that [00:06:45] >> doesn't seem right to you? [00:06:46] >> No. [00:06:47] >> Yeah. Yeah, I can I can see asking for a [00:06:52] one day license for a special event, for [00:06:56] something, but to have a full liquor [00:07:00] license for all the time, for [00:07:05] everything, anything, whatever. I It It [00:07:09] just doesn't seem right for a [00:07:12] school. [00:07:15] >> Thank you. [00:07:17] Anything [00:07:18] else? [00:07:22] Bill, [00:07:27] >> Mr. Cole, [00:07:28] >> on the subject of the old furnace [00:07:30] general store and the zoning enforcement [00:07:34] um officer and uh his determination it [00:07:38] this started quite a while ago. Well, I [00:07:39] won't go into the full history, but it [00:07:41] was in December of 2024 [00:07:45] that the current building inspector sent [00:07:48] a letter [00:07:50] um [00:07:51] to them reminding them that, you know, [00:07:54] their [00:07:56] their permit was based on comp that this [00:07:58] planning board awarded was was based on [00:08:02] their compliance with the bylaws, which [00:08:04] then and now say the same thing about [00:08:07] about light spillover and foot candles [00:08:10] or whatever. was all all laid out and he [00:08:13] he told them um it seemed to be a [00:08:17] problem and then he formerly measured [00:08:20] everything and told them took quite a [00:08:23] while but then he told them in uh on [00:08:26] October 16th [00:08:29] of this year that he'd absolutely [00:08:31] measured everything and they were in [00:08:33] violation and that failure to [00:08:37] to uh fix it would jeopardize their [00:08:42] um off- premise liquor license. They [00:08:45] could appeal within 30 days. I don't [00:08:47] believe they have. [00:08:49] Um and [00:08:52] um he he most recently just told us that [00:08:56] they have um come in to talk with them [00:08:58] and they think it's a they think they [00:09:00] need it for security and they think [00:09:02] other other lights in town are problems [00:09:05] and um and they as far as I know have [00:09:08] not agreed to fix it. [00:09:11] >> No. [00:09:12] >> So and that's I I don't understand [00:09:16] personally why it's a big deal. I mean, [00:09:20] you know, it's it it could have been put [00:09:21] up in compliance and it could be [00:09:23] adjusted with the downcast the shields. [00:09:25] >> It just means the shade. [00:09:27] >> It just it just will not [00:09:29] >> Yeah. [00:09:29] >> comply. [00:09:30] >> Well, if they lose their liquor license [00:09:32] because of it, it'll snap him up and [00:09:35] he's a friend of mine and I buy my booze [00:09:37] there and I told them the first day [00:09:40] something with that light [00:09:42] >> and I don't understand. [00:09:44] >> Whatever. We'll see. It is a blinding [00:09:47] thing. It's a hazard to navigation. [00:09:49] >> Two directions, dangerous intersections. [00:09:52] >> All right. [00:09:54] Anything else on this? No, I get [00:09:57] nothing. [00:10:00] >> Make a motion to approve [00:10:04] all the liquor licenses with the [00:10:08] exception of the Old Furnace General [00:10:11] Store with the contingency that they [00:10:15] uh that they uh uh get into zoning and [00:10:19] 90 days. [00:10:20] >> Yeah. Okay. [00:10:21] >> I'll second the motion. [00:10:22] >> Okay. All in favor? [00:10:24] >> I Thank you. Just make sure you um hang [00:10:26] out after the meeting and sign all of [00:10:28] them. [00:10:29] >> All of them. [00:10:30] >> Individually. [00:10:31] >> All three of us. [00:10:32] >> Yes. [00:10:36] >> It's going to be a short meeting. [00:10:38] >> It is. It is. Watch this. [00:10:39] >> Oh, we can keep the meeting going. [00:10:41] >> Sign it. [00:10:43] >> Discussion and vote on surplus [00:10:45] equipment. We have uh three items from [00:10:48] Marty Gazuka. [00:10:53] Just [00:10:55] sell this speaker to somebody. [00:10:58] >> Mr. Chair, [00:10:59] >> y [00:10:59] >> um two of these items have already been [00:11:01] declared surplus by uh a different [00:11:03] iteration of the select board. However, [00:11:05] um we opted not to sell auction them at [00:11:08] the time. So, just for clarity, they're [00:11:11] two of the three are before you again, [00:11:13] even though they already were um but [00:11:14] just one more added to the list. [00:11:17] >> And what's the newest one? [00:11:19] >> The 2005 Sterling L8500 dump truck. [00:11:24] the sweeper. Um, you guys had already [00:11:26] approved a surplus and the 1987 Pierce [00:11:30] Arrow firet truck [00:11:32] >> and that had to hang for a while until [00:11:35] the grant came through. [00:11:36] >> Yes. [00:11:37] >> Okay. [00:11:39] >> So, uh, do we set a date for the auction [00:11:43] or [00:11:44] >> um, Marty is kind of taking care of [00:11:46] that. Um, so I just need for the board [00:11:48] for procurement sake to declare these [00:11:50] three items surplus. Okay. [00:11:53] Okay, take a motion to do that. [00:11:56] >> So move. 1986 Elgen Pelican [00:12:01] sweeper, 1987 [00:12:03] Pierro firet truck, and a 2005 Sterling [00:12:08] L8500 dump truck. [00:12:11] >> I'll second the motion. All [00:12:12] >> in favor? I [00:12:15] >> Thank you. [00:12:19] Discussion and vote on page building D. [00:12:34] So I think this is [00:12:38] clear. [00:12:39] >> Yeah. [00:12:39] >> I I think it's [00:12:42] again I know all the people they all [00:12:45] live here. They'll always live here. [00:12:48] I think it's a great thing to get [00:12:50] somebody to start fixing the building [00:12:52] up. [00:12:55] They'll be using it for the town fair. [00:12:59] I think it'll be a valuable part of the [00:13:01] town. [00:13:03] >> Mr. Chair. [00:13:04] >> Yes, ma'am. [00:13:05] >> Um, [00:13:08] just for the record, um, [00:13:11] I do not recommend approval of the deed [00:13:14] in the way it is worded. I actually [00:13:15] thought Mr. Tanker had some valid points [00:13:18] that he had raised and um I don't think [00:13:21] that there's any language that um looks [00:13:25] out in the best interest of the town and [00:13:27] there is an email correspondence in your [00:13:29] packet from town council um [00:13:33] which you know she'll follow the town's [00:13:35] lead but does not re recommend it [00:13:37] either. So um [00:13:39] >> but Ms. Klein was agreeable. [00:13:42] >> Yes. [00:13:42] >> Okay. Thank you, [00:13:45] >> sir. The only questions I have is the [00:13:49] She says there's no restrictions on it. [00:13:51] There's no restrictions on the deed. We [00:13:53] agreed that there would be restrictions [00:13:55] on the deed as far as they can't sell [00:13:58] the property. It automatically comes [00:14:00] back to the town if they do. That was [00:14:03] one of the restrictions. [00:14:04] >> That's what I could define. [00:14:06] >> But I don't see that. That's why I'm and [00:14:09] and her note and her email says without [00:14:12] any restrictions. [00:14:14] >> All right. [00:14:15] >> So, we just that's something we just [00:14:16] need to clarify and otherwise we'll be [00:14:19] fine with it. [00:14:21] >> All right. So, [00:14:23] I agree. [00:14:24] >> Okay. So, I'll talk to Klein. Um [00:14:30] if that's the case, if we can add that, [00:14:33] are we agreeable to doing this? [00:14:34] >> Yes. Yes. [00:14:36] >> So, do you want to make a motion with an [00:14:37] amendment? [00:14:39] >> I [00:14:43] go ahead. You can make it. [00:14:45] >> All right. Make a motion for to sell the [00:14:50] page building to friends with the [00:14:52] amendment of the deed restriction that [00:14:55] they cannot sell the property conveys [00:14:57] back to the town. [00:14:58] >> Right. Okay. Okay. I'll second that. [00:15:01] >> Okay. [00:15:03] >> Favor. I I [00:15:13] Okay. [00:15:17] And [00:15:23] up [00:15:25] discussion on schoolhouse 6. [00:15:30] There was something about $600. Mhm. [00:15:35] >> Can you recap that for us? [00:15:38] >> All right. There was approximately [00:15:40] $3,500 that was collected at one time [00:15:43] through various people uh that was being [00:15:47] held by the the historical society for [00:15:50] the rehabilitation of schoolhouse number [00:15:53] six pending the the town selling [00:16:00] schoolhouse number six to the society [00:16:02] for $1. Okay, this was this was with the [00:16:08] four historical buildings that were [00:16:10] supposed to be taken care of years and [00:16:14] years and years ago. Okay. [00:16:17] And this was a fund that was set up [00:16:21] based on the fact that that was supposed [00:16:23] to happen. It never obviously no. [00:16:25] >> Who was collecting the money? It was uh [00:16:28] it was in an account that was being held [00:16:30] by the society, the historical society, [00:16:33] >> which is nonprofit, not part of the [00:16:35] town, [00:16:36] >> right? Nonprofit. Okay. Uh some of it [00:16:39] was used to stabilize the building at [00:16:41] one time. Some of it was used to put a [00:16:43] sign up that said, you know, schoolhouse [00:16:46] 6, whatever. [00:16:48] There's $600 basically left. [00:16:52] $600, [00:16:54] you know, there's no billing there [00:16:55] anymore. $600 doesn't belongs to the [00:16:58] town [00:16:59] >> and the $600 is in an account [00:17:01] administered by historical society. [00:17:04] >> Society. Yes. [00:17:05] >> Okay. [00:17:07] >> So, it's their it was their project [00:17:09] start to finish [00:17:11] >> and the town always owned the building. [00:17:14] Didn't convey anything to anybody. [00:17:16] >> Okay. [00:17:18] Nobody that at one time uh they did the [00:17:22] the people who gave the money were asked [00:17:25] do you want your money back and they [00:17:27] said no. So [00:17:28] >> and who's they [00:17:30] >> uh the society said asked to [00:17:33] >> right [00:17:34] >> uh the it's my understanding that the [00:17:37] town can't [00:17:39] uh recruit donations [00:17:42] >> so that the [00:17:44] >> so it had to be an outside object. Yeah, [00:17:47] sure. Yes. [00:17:48] >> And so the uh the historical society [00:17:52] recruited people to donate money to this [00:17:55] fund [00:17:56] >> and used it for some repairs or at least [00:17:59] temporary [00:18:00] >> fixes and stuff. [00:18:02] >> Yeah. At one time [00:18:04] um near the end Emily was uh wanting to [00:18:08] put up a more permanent marker there, [00:18:12] >> right? [00:18:12] >> Um and that didn't get done. So there [00:18:16] was $600. [00:18:18] >> So the $600 is being held by the society [00:18:20] right now. [00:18:21] >> Yes. [00:18:28] >> Mr. Cool. [00:18:30] >> I would only wonder if if it was money [00:18:32] raised by the society for a project they [00:18:34] wanted to accomplish. Even if that [00:18:36] project involved the town [00:18:39] and whether the project happened or not, [00:18:42] I don't know why the town would have any [00:18:44] claim on their on the funds that remain [00:18:48] that they raised. [00:18:50] >> I kind that's what I was going to [00:18:52] suggest. You just let it go to [00:18:55] >> it belongs Excuse me. belongs to the [00:18:58] building. [00:18:58] >> The building, as you say, [00:19:01] >> it was for the building and the [00:19:03] building. [00:19:05] >> So, it's like after an election, if you [00:19:07] lose the election, what do you do with [00:19:08] your campaign funds that are left over? [00:19:11] >> Well, it depends on it depends on what [00:19:13] state you're in, [00:19:15] >> right? Well, [00:19:18] I don't know. Do you is there a feeling [00:19:21] to pursue this $600 or just let the [00:19:24] society [00:19:26] use it? [00:19:27] >> I I [00:19:29] and I was involved in this at the [00:19:31] beginning [00:19:33] >> and uh again an is correct but the [00:19:38] society had to raise money the uh [00:19:41] historical commission [00:19:43] wasn't able to do that. Um but really it [00:19:47] was the historical society [00:19:50] that took in the money. [00:19:52] >> Mhm. [00:19:52] >> Not the historical commission could not. [00:19:55] So I see no reason for us to be involved [00:19:59] in uh it's the historical society's [00:20:03] money at this point. [00:20:06] It doesn't belong to the building. The [00:20:08] building belong to the town. Correct. [00:20:12] >> Yeah. But I mean I I'm just wondering [00:20:15] does does the money follow the building [00:20:18] >> or does it follow [00:20:21] >> it's in an account administered by the [00:20:23] historical society? [00:20:25] >> I know but does the money follow the [00:20:26] building? [00:20:27] >> The building needs to be cleaned up and [00:20:30] the lot is owned by the town. [00:20:33] >> Right. [00:20:35] So doesn't that money go with the lot? [00:20:39] Well, maybe the historical society would [00:20:41] be willing to offer the money to Well, [00:20:45] you see, the town can't the town has to [00:20:47] do it themselves. [00:20:49] So, [00:20:50] >> yeah, [00:20:51] >> can't get out of this. [00:20:53] There's no way around it. [00:20:55] >> No. [00:21:02] Unless the historical society decides to [00:21:06] >> donate [00:21:08] right? [00:21:10] >> Donate the money to get the site cleaned [00:21:12] up. I don't see [00:21:15] >> Well, if it donates it to the town, then [00:21:17] what? It just goes into the general [00:21:19] fund. [00:21:19] >> Then it goes into the general fund. But [00:21:21] if it has a certain purpose, [00:21:26] >> Mr. Ma'am, you're a procurement officer. [00:21:30] >> I mean, I think we left it not the last [00:21:33] meeting, but the meeting before you [00:21:34] brought up a point where you were like, [00:21:35] why can't you just ask them? Yeah. [00:21:37] >> So, I mean, I don't see why like the [00:21:40] society and the commission can't have a [00:21:41] conversation, but it is the society's [00:21:44] money. Like, it could have been they [00:21:45] could have since they're private or [00:21:46] private. They're not a part of the town. [00:21:48] They could have raised money for I don't [00:21:50] know like a dog park for all we care. [00:21:52] Like, so it's we can't demand their [00:21:56] money. [00:21:56] >> No, we can only ask. [00:21:58] >> Yeah. So I [00:21:59] >> Yeah. But can they they Yes, they can [00:22:01] run raise money for anything they want, [00:22:03] but can they raise money for town [00:22:05] property? [00:22:07] >> Sure. [00:22:08] >> In this case, they did. [00:22:09] >> Yeah. [00:22:10] >> And and [00:22:11] >> and they did the townhouse years ago. [00:22:13] >> And they and they were asked by the [00:22:17] historical commission to raise that [00:22:20] money in an effort to uh uh do [00:22:24] something. [00:22:24] >> I wasn't on commission at that point. [00:22:26] No, I don't know if they [00:22:27] >> but that they [00:22:29] >> they were because the commission [00:22:31] couldn't raise the money. [00:22:32] >> Mhm. [00:22:34] >> So the society could donate that money [00:22:36] to anything they want. [00:22:37] >> Right. [00:22:38] >> So let's just leave it at that [00:22:42] >> and if the society so decides to [00:22:45] >> just trying to straighten up a donation, [00:22:48] they make a donation donation. [00:22:50] >> Yeah. to your point, why not just have a [00:22:53] conversation with them as the commission [00:22:55] has a conversation with the society why [00:22:57] not have a conversation [00:22:58] >> and let let them have that conversation? [00:23:00] >> Yeah. [00:23:05] >> Just need some concerned citizens. [00:23:08] >> Yeah. [00:23:10] >> Just need some concerned citizens. [00:23:13] All right. If I may move on to the next [00:23:16] item, which is [00:23:19] town administrator report. [00:23:22] >> Um, so I met with Dr. Romano on a well [00:23:25] testing grant. Um, it doesn't look like [00:23:28] we'll get it this go around, but it [00:23:31] looks like we're going to put in the [00:23:33] next goound for some well testing. [00:23:36] Um, I had a call today with CMRPC, [00:23:39] Mr. Nicole from the planning board, um, [00:23:42] highway superintendent, police chief, [00:23:45] sewer superintendent on the upcoming [00:23:48] CDBG grant funding. [00:23:51] Um, had our bi-weekly financial [00:23:53] management planning meeting with the [00:23:55] town accountant, the treasurer, and the [00:23:56] assessor. [00:23:58] So, I reached out to Roselian Clark, [00:24:00] which is our auditing company, and our [00:24:02] annual single audit is going to be [00:24:04] scheduled for the week of January 12th. [00:24:07] uh working with the accountant to [00:24:09] finalize our budget sheets that are [00:24:10] going to be sent out to the departments. [00:24:12] Budget meetings are going to be [00:24:13] scheduled for the week of January 5th. [00:24:15] I'm meeting with the um finance [00:24:18] committee chair on the 17th. Um so the [00:24:21] budget process has started. It's [00:24:23] December. Merry Christmas. Um had a call [00:24:27] with USDA and DCP on sewer project [00:24:29] funding. I think Mr. Tinker, you were [00:24:30] also on that call. [00:24:31] >> Mhm. Um, so we're looking at wrapping [00:24:35] that up and looking at uh certain things [00:24:38] with the contingency funding and then uh [00:24:42] prior to my arrival um some [00:24:45] administrative costs that were initially [00:24:47] part of the project. Um looking to see [00:24:49] if we can get reimbured for some of [00:24:51] those things. Um so there was a a lot of [00:24:54] different things discussed on that call. [00:24:58] We're advertising for a wastewater [00:24:59] treatment plant operator, a highway [00:25:01] equipment operator, and a van driver. [00:25:04] 10 is the Massachusetts Municipal [00:25:06] Association Policy Committee on Personal [00:25:07] and Labor Relations. Um, inspections are [00:25:10] ongoing for class 2 and class 3 auto [00:25:12] renewal. So, that will be on your next [00:25:14] uh agenda on the 22nd. Attended the [00:25:17] rural towns team meeting with um an [00:25:19] Gobiy's office. Attended the Quab and [00:25:21] Watershed Zoom meeting with Senator [00:25:23] Cford's office. met with the head of the [00:25:25] West Brookfield ambulance with the [00:25:26] select board chair and the police chief. [00:25:29] Um had the wear radio interview. Um [00:25:31] again, I'm really trying to push our [00:25:33] vacancies. Um [00:25:37] yeah, we're just really stuck with the [00:25:38] highway and the sewer departments. [00:25:42] Um [00:25:44] the chair um already recognized [00:25:45] Detective Armstrong and Deputy Fire [00:25:47] Chief Gund, but someone else that I [00:25:49] think is um definitely worth recognizing [00:25:52] is my administrative assistant Sandy [00:25:54] Rosenthal because every single um [00:25:56] renewal that you were about to sign [00:25:58] tonight was painfully typed in by her. [00:26:02] So, I think that um her hours of doing [00:26:05] that is worth mentioning and letting the [00:26:06] board know um that everything was done [00:26:09] individually um cuz every license is [00:26:11] different. And that was all Sandy. [00:26:15] >> Um our food drive is ongoing. We were [00:26:18] going to run it until uh Thanksgiving, [00:26:20] but the turnout has been so great that [00:26:23] we're going to run it through Christmas. [00:26:24] We had four pickups um to the food [00:26:27] pantry, which is amazing. [00:26:29] Over the weekend, the Hardwick New [00:26:32] Branch Police Department and the Barry [00:26:33] Police Department had their stuff the [00:26:35] cruiser and that was a big success. Um, [00:26:37] they are collecting toys until [00:26:39] Wednesday. [00:26:41] Um, and we planned an employee holiday [00:26:45] lunch for December 22nd. Um, so [00:26:50] I think that's all I have right now. [00:26:53] >> Thank you. Thank you. [00:26:56] >> Round table. [00:27:01] I have nothing. [00:27:03] >> I'm good, Mr. Chair. [00:27:05] >> Okay. [00:27:06] Um, that meeting um of the Bobin Stewart [00:27:11] uh project I thought went pretty well [00:27:14] and I'm hoping that next time we meet [00:27:17] we'll have a letter to sign. Okay. [00:27:20] >> So, [00:27:21] >> yeah, I meant to get in on that and it [00:27:23] was I work got in the way again. [00:27:26] >> Yeah. Yeah, unfortunately it was in the [00:27:29] middle of the day, so I tell you this [00:27:31] noon. [00:27:32] >> I thought, "Oh boy, it's at noon. I'll [00:27:34] be able to do it during lunch, but you [00:27:36] know, [00:27:37] >> I only got a chance to watch it and [00:27:39] listen to it." I tried to uh speak, but [00:27:43] I had some kind of a feedback. [00:27:46] I was hoping it was only my computer cuz [00:27:48] it was made it impossible. So, [00:27:51] >> just muted myself out and waved. [00:27:56] Okay. So, uh, that's it. I look for a [00:28:00] >> motion to adjourn. [00:28:03] I'll second it. Let's make a motion. [00:28:06] >> All in favor? [00:28:07] >> I I [00:28:09] >> remember if nobody's doing anything on [00:28:10] 11:00 on Saturday, come down the PE [00:28:13] library and decorate Christmas cookies [00:28:15] with Mrs. Claus. [00:28:18] Donation to the Christmas for kids. Bye. [00:28:21] What? Um, so don't forget [00:28:26] your brain is waiting for a copy of [00:28:30] history of har. Well, maybe we can learn [00:28:33] a cab.