Thumbnail for 3/10/25 - Hardwick, MA Select Board Meeting

Hardwick Select Board Addresses Infrastructure, Appointments, and Land Conservation

Original title: 3/10/25 - 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

March 10, 2025

Duration

1h 21m

Decisions

11 recorded

Action Items

19 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Select Board convened to address a range of municipal matters, including acting as the Sewer Commission and reviewing regulations. Key discussions involved progress on the Hatrick Road pump station, ongoing efforts to control invasive species in Harwood Pond, and securing additional funding for its preservation. The Board made several appointments, including Kristen Dukas to the Parks and Recreation Committee and Alisa Ayers as Treasurer Collector, and approved a reduction in the Master Plan Steering Committee membership. A public hearing was held for National Grid and Verizon pole petitions, with approvals granted for specific installations and relocations. Significant time was dedicated to a proposed 9-acre conservation restriction on Prouty Road, which was ultimately tabled for further discussion on public access. The meeting also covered updates on town office renovations, health insurance options, and the status of Quabbin legislation, concluding with a commitment to transparency and future action items.

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Discussion Highlights

The Select Board will act as the Sewer Commission monthly, with a focus on updating the fee schedule rather than the regulatory text.
The new Hatrick Road pump station is mostly complete but awaiting power connection from National Grid.
Harwood Pond invasive weed treatment in 2023 achieved 75% eradication of Fanwort and 90% of Milfoil, but further funding is needed for remaining pockets.
The town acts as a fiscal agent for DCR funds related to Harwood Pond invasive species control and seeks additional state funding.
Kristen Dukas was appointed to the Parks and Recreation Committee.
The Master Plan Steering Committee membership was reduced from 13 to 11 to improve quorum management.
Barry Coke was appointed as custodian for the old Town Hall/Townhouse.
A Statement of Interest for a roof replacement project at Hardwick Elementary School was approved for submission to the MSBA.
National Grid received permission to install one new pole on Hardwick Pond Road and relocate two existing poles on Taylor Hill Road.
Alisa Ayers was appointed as Treasurer Collector after an interview highlighting her municipal experience and system familiarity.
A proposed 9-acre conservation restriction (CR) on Prouty Road aims to preserve active farmland and open space, aligning with the town's Open Space and Recreation Plan.
The CR prohibits public access and future residential/commercial/industrial development, but allows farming-related structures.
The Conservation Commission strongly recommended approval of the Prouty Road CR, citing the landowner's excellent stewardship.
The discussion on the Prouty Road CR was tabled to explore potential public access terms with the landowner after his passing.
The town will send an introductory letter to non-profits regarding a new pilot TPC policy.
Town office renovations are proceeding with painting scheduled before furniture rearrangement.
The Town Administrator is exploring health insurance options due to a significant premium increase.
A successful meeting was held with surrounding towns and state senators to discuss Quabbin legislation, which proposes a $35 million Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) from MWRA and board representation.

Transcript (14,898 words)

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

00:00:00
Pledge of Allegiance Pledge of alance to the flag of the United States of America to the repblic for it stands one nation God indivisible and justice for
00:00:23
All um I'm going to actually start with the Sewer Commission items and then I'll and then I'll go to visitor just so that we can get that out of the way first okay um we're going to act as the Sewer Commission um one meeting a month now
00:00:41
We've kind of lost sight of that and Liz brought it to our attention a couple meetings ago so um she wasn't wrong so we're going to at least get the ball rolling so that we can take care of anything that needs to be taken care of it did include um an email from the
00:01:01
Sewer superintendent he unfortunately couldn't make it tonight um so he did say he was okay with the sewer regulations but would really just like to update the fee schedule um so that is in your package so we can um we can start looking at that do you think we could
00:01:19
Pull together what surrounding towns yeah and go from there absolutely how many would you like um I mean I I would think at least like who so where do where where has sewer
00:01:37
Right Barry they have Brookfield M Brookfield mate I think they do okay yeah I'll check all the brookfields okay I think it's a good place to start okay okay and um I where there's no abatements we did those at a previous
00:01:56
Meeting so we're good with that the regulations themselves the regulations we we got they weren't signed so I was just wondering where they ever signed um so I got this copy from the sewer superintendent I will check with

[00:00:00] Pledge of [00:00:03] Allegiance Pledge of alance to the flag [00:00:06] of the United States of America to the [00:00:09] repblic for it stands one nation God [00:00:15] indivisible and justice for [00:00:23] all um I'm going to actually start with [00:00:26] the Sewer Commission items and then I'll [00:00:28] and then I'll go to visitor [00:00:31] just so that we can get that out of the [00:00:32] way first okay um we're going to act as [00:00:36] the Sewer Commission um one meeting a [00:00:39] month now [00:00:41] um we've kind of lost sight of that and [00:00:44] Liz brought it to our attention a couple [00:00:46] meetings ago so um she wasn't wrong so [00:00:48] we're going to at least get the ball [00:00:50] rolling so that we can take care of [00:00:53] anything that needs to be taken care of [00:00:57] um it did include um an email from the [00:01:01] sewer superintendent he unfortunately [00:01:02] couldn't make it tonight um so he did [00:01:05] say he was okay with the sewer [00:01:07] regulations but would really just like [00:01:09] to update the fee schedule um so that is [00:01:12] in your [00:01:14] package so we can um we can start [00:01:17] looking at that do you think we could [00:01:19] pull together what surrounding towns [00:01:22] yeah and go from there [00:01:24] absolutely how many would you like um I [00:01:27] mean I [00:01:30] I would think at least like who so where [00:01:33] do where where has sewer [00:01:37] right [00:01:39] Barry they have Brookfield M Brookfield [00:01:43] mate I think they do [00:01:45] okay yeah I'll check all the brookfields [00:01:48] okay I think it's a good place to start [00:01:51] okay okay and um I where there's no [00:01:54] abatements we did those at a previous [00:01:56] meeting so we're good with that [00:02:00] the regulations [00:02:02] themselves the regulations we we got [00:02:05] they weren't signed so I was just [00:02:06] wondering where they ever [00:02:09] signed um so I got this copy from the [00:02:11] sewer superintendent I will check with [00:02:14] the town clerk he's just not in [00:02:16] Wednesday but I'm assuming that they [00:02:17] were however um again I just grab them [00:02:20] yeah but wouldn't have to check yeah [00:02:23] absolutely okay and is there a current [00:02:27] or updated like sore regulations [00:02:30] that's it that's it 2 time minutes right [00:02:33] so that's why it would behoove us to [00:02:34] take a look at them and okay yeah but [00:02:37] with Scott like I think Scott know he [00:02:39] has the hands on so [00:02:42] um he said you know his comment was he [00:02:45] didn't have a ton of concerns with them [00:02:46] except for the fees like the permitting [00:02:48] fees and stuff the schedu of fees so [00:02:51] let's maybe attack that first and then [00:02:54] um go from there he was in my office [00:02:57] today and he just made it seem like it [00:02:58] was pretty boiler plate [00:03:00] um but we can take a look at it and you [00:03:03] know see if anything seems out of date [00:03:06] or anything like [00:03:08] that um we have a public hearing at [00:03:12] 6:30 do you want to go now [00:03:17] Bill we could whatever is helpful to you [00:03:20] board that's enough time right oh yeah [00:03:23] we we were hoping we we wouldn't take up [00:03:25] more than 10 minutes of your time if [00:03:27] that's okay oh wait a minute let me do [00:03:29] visor com first I'm sorry and then we [00:03:31] can move on to that does anyone in [00:03:33] when's the pump station going to be done [00:03:35] they're working there they are [00:03:38] yes do you have any idea you're talking [00:03:41] about the one in wheel right no the uh [00:03:43] on hyck road the new pump station the [00:03:46] booster Pump [00:03:47] Station South of the common so I'm [00:03:50] pretty sure that's completely done minus [00:03:51] the paving that they have to fix I'm [00:03:53] correctly from I don't know if it's [00:03:54] online it's not online no it's not [00:03:57] online they're waiting on National Grid [00:03:58] right so the finally went up and they [00:04:01] had to do their work and then so it's [00:04:03] it's just electricity I think at this [00:04:04] point we have another Well we have we [00:04:07] meet the weekly meetings on Thursdays so [00:04:10] I can certainly ask the question and get [00:04:11] an [00:04:13] answer but I think we're really close I [00:04:15] think so [00:04:16] too we waited a long time for National [00:04:19] Grid to place the pole was like a really [00:04:22] big hold up of it yeah yeah [00:04:26] so um [00:04:28] yeah okay uh any other visitor [00:04:33] comments good okay [00:04:36] Bill [00:04:38] thanks thank you for giving us a slot on [00:04:41] the [00:04:42] agenda hopefully we won't take too long [00:04:45] here um [00:04:47] so Justine and Bill haven't met Gary [00:04:50] Gary midus is sitting beside me um Eric [00:04:55] and Kelly you have he is still the [00:04:57] president of the Lake Association [00:05:00] Hardwick Pond preservation [00:05:02] Association um the town was good enough [00:05:05] to um partner with us back in [00:05:11] 2017 uh the the town you all voted to [00:05:14] give us a letter of support which [00:05:16] Senator GOI put to use helping to seek [00:05:19] funding for our weed control efforts [00:05:24] um for bill for you and and Justine um h [00:05:29] Pond was weed free until the 7s when the [00:05:32] boat ramp went in and then the boats [00:05:33] immediately brought in and spread some [00:05:35] of these invasive aquatic weeds which [00:05:37] had pretty much taken over the pond our [00:05:41] only Lake in [00:05:43] town and at the time we pointed out that [00:05:46] the lake was a subject of um numerous [00:05:50] plans and documents in town as a [00:05:52] priority for [00:05:54] protection um for public access and and [00:05:57] recreational use anyway [00:06:01] um so since that time the the letter [00:06:06] that you all provided us the the last [00:06:09] line please keep us informed of your [00:06:10] future progress so that's why we're here [00:06:13] to report that we've had some great [00:06:15] success I don't know you can chime in at [00:06:17] any time this is not my not my show [00:06:20] introduce [00:06:22] yourself uh unfortunately he knocked at [00:06:24] my door in probably 2016 and I made the [00:06:26] mistake of answering that so then I was [00:06:29] immedi immediately part of the Lake [00:06:31] Association there are four [00:06:32] officers and even though relatively [00:06:35] speaking I'm a newcomer Gary and the [00:06:38] Jones family and the lson family they've [00:06:40] been here for Generations what since the [00:06:42] 50s yeah [00:06:45] 40s [00:06:47] 40s um anyway um so we had some money [00:06:52] that uh Senator GOI got us with your [00:06:55] help and all and we used it um to work [00:06:59] on the problem uh it turned out that we [00:07:02] once we went to the D folks in the [00:07:06] Conservation Commission for permitting [00:07:09] it also went to the state endangered [00:07:11] species program and we learned at the [00:07:13] time we were reminded that we had a rare [00:07:14] plant and we had to be extra careful [00:07:17] since we were Pro proposing the [00:07:19] companies proposed to us that we use an [00:07:21] herbicide in the [00:07:22] pond so we took that responsibly we [00:07:25] worked for several years on some studies [00:07:27] on the pond and we proved that we [00:07:30] weren't going to harm the uh rare plants [00:07:33] and we were allowed to treat right but [00:07:36] the the the key part of that all was [00:07:39] that um we had to pick a way of treating [00:07:43] the weeds that U natural heritage and [00:07:46] endangered species had never heard of it [00:07:49] uh they're used to contact herbicides [00:07:52] that kill everything they touch in the [00:07:53] water and all the way to the Atlanta [00:07:56] Coast but in in this situation we found [00:07:59] we had to find a herbicide manufacturer [00:08:02] that would have something we could use [00:08:04] convincing the the Heritage folks and [00:08:07] made them Partners in a in a big team [00:08:09] that took four years to get through [00:08:12] where we even treated did tests in Labs [00:08:15] we did tests on the pond and then we [00:08:19] finally broke through and everybody [00:08:21] realized we're not going to hurt the IND [00:08:23] dangered plants and so we treated that [00:08:27] the whole pond in 23 [00:08:30] and uh of that treatment we had a um [00:08:33] I've got some data for you and you can [00:08:36] give you guys copies of but we there [00:08:38] were two major plants one was fan wart [00:08:41] and the other one was mil foil mil foil [00:08:44] was losing the battle with fan wart [00:08:47] however we reduced the uh the the um fan [00:08:52] wart to to [00:08:54] 75% uh eradication but there's still [00:08:58] some pockets of it [00:09:00] uh we 90% on the mil foil and so after [00:09:05] having to do all these things for [00:09:06] Heritage we had to put money out to do [00:09:08] that that we had raised from the state [00:09:10] we had raised over $100,000 from the [00:09:12] state and plus out of pocket for all the [00:09:15] people that harbard pond we raised more [00:09:17] money to do it so what that left us with [00:09:21] was this this last year what we had was [00:09:26] um a little pockets on the very North [00:09:28] End of the Pond where the weeds were [00:09:31] still in the water partially because the [00:09:35] way the water flow is with the beaver [00:09:36] dams up there in the wetlands so what we [00:09:40] needed now was to go back and get recoup [00:09:42] some of that money that we had spent to [00:09:45] prove to [00:09:47] Heritage um that we we can get rid of [00:09:51] the weeds but right now if we leave [00:09:53] those there the job's not [00:09:55] finished if if we don't they will [00:09:58] recolonize when both go up there to fish [00:10:00] and whatever else and we went [00:10:03] through to yeah back to square one and I [00:10:06] remember them putting the boat landing [00:10:08] in in [00:10:10] 1969 uh at the so that's where we are [00:10:15] now but we used um we worked with the [00:10:18] Senators Senator GOI we worked with st [00:10:22] the staff from her um they were very [00:10:26] good to work with and the town filled [00:10:29] out part of the money um the paperwork [00:10:31] for part of the money we were going for [00:10:34] and we took we got the rest as the [00:10:36] association we we put it in an account [00:10:39] for you folks the town was nice enough [00:10:41] to actually filter that way we had two [00:10:43] different pots of money um we weren't [00:10:46] really sure what we would get Senator [00:10:48] GOI went straight to DCR and got some [00:10:50] invasive species plant money and that [00:10:52] was [00:10:53] 67,500 and then on top of it all we [00:10:55] locked out and she got us [00:10:57] 40,000 that was written right [00:11:00] state budget so the 40,000 was us to [00:11:04] basically Steward and use wisely the 675 [00:11:09] had to come through the town because [00:11:10] they won't trust just anybody with that [00:11:12] money and it was Bond funding so the [00:11:14] town was nice enough to host the money [00:11:16] as you know because you helped vote for [00:11:18] it and I think Eric you might have been [00:11:20] partly involved I don't think so no all [00:11:22] right I'm a [00:11:24] fan but just so people are clear it's [00:11:28] the town isn't spending any money to do [00:11:30] this we're just holding it in an account [00:11:33] for the association yeah that's what it [00:11:36] requires to be honest right now we we [00:11:38] are not sure we're going to get money [00:11:40] and if we do working with Senator Durant [00:11:43] and his staff Jared Griggs who you know [00:11:46] um if we are lucky enough if it is that [00:11:49] similar kind of money that comes from [00:11:52] DCR we would need help but we won't know [00:11:55] that for a while in the meantime though [00:11:57] the senator has asked us if we would be [00:11:59] willing to ask the town to give us an [00:12:02] updated version of the letter um and the [00:12:05] the earlier letter the earlier letter [00:12:08] which you you may or may not have seen [00:12:11] was just a one pager and Kelly signature [00:12:15] is on it from that time oh a different [00:12:19] signature it does back before you had [00:12:21] practiced your signature so much um and [00:12:26] so you know at this point um we roughed [00:12:29] up kind of a draft for your use that I [00:12:32] sent on to [00:12:33] Justine and um it would help Senator [00:12:36] Durant and his staff chase money for us [00:12:40] they're not really sure what they can do [00:12:41] but they're willing to try um if we just [00:12:44] had an updated letter and we did manage [00:12:46] to get an updated letter from the quaven [00:12:48] because they had given us one before [00:12:51] saying saying you know we don't have [00:12:53] money to fund your project but we [00:12:54] support it in concept because you will [00:12:57] help protect quaven from Weeds being [00:12:59] introduced yeah absolutely if it's left [00:13:02] open that's the biggest um body of water [00:13:05] in the state obviously you know it goes [00:13:07] to Boston and those same weeds that we [00:13:11] have at Hardwick Pond are at the next [00:13:14] stop from the cor cin water out in watch [00:13:17] at Reservoir and they've spent money [00:13:19] with scuba divers to pull them out can [00:13:21] you imagine what that cost so we're not [00:13:23] looking for much we're looking for about [00:13:25] 20 to $40,000 over two years yeah so to [00:13:28] finish up I guess the last point I'll [00:13:30] make is just simply that you know we had [00:13:32] quite a bit of money to use but we had [00:13:34] to divert a lot of it for something we [00:13:35] never planned on but it was the right [00:13:38] thing to do which was to work with the [00:13:39] natural heritage and endangered species [00:13:41] program of the division of fisheries and [00:13:44] wildlife um was going nowhere so we [00:13:47] really had it was a team effort really [00:13:49] and it made all of us look good we all [00:13:51] we all you know [00:13:53] collaborated um and but we came up short [00:13:56] in the end and we need a little more [00:13:57] money to finish the North End where we [00:13:59] couldn't keep the herbicide in place [00:14:00] long enough because that's where the [00:14:02] water comes in so we need to finish the [00:14:04] job and he's willing to help chase money [00:14:07] for us Madam chair may ask a question [00:14:09] when do you need the letter [00:14:11] by the sooner the better there's no rush [00:14:14] I mean if we got a letter in the next [00:14:15] few weeks I'm sure they would be plenty [00:14:17] happy okay don't you think yeah because [00:14:19] we've been talking to Jared well yeah [00:14:21] and as we we already been down this road [00:14:24] with Senator GOI and she was on [00:14:25] committees we knew exactly what needed [00:14:27] to be done and conciliation is a big [00:14:31] weapon if you have all of the things in [00:14:34] your hand when you go to do it we we [00:14:36] took her chief of staff and turned them [00:14:38] into a Salesman yeah and guess what we [00:14:41] got the 107,000 I hope that they would [00:14:43] recognize the work that's been put to [00:14:45] date yeah and know that it's only going [00:14:48] to go back to it back to being you know [00:14:52] horrible again if if someone doesn't the [00:14:55] F the folks that run the Quin know that [00:14:57] we got a letter from obviously we we do [00:15:00] but it's it's all about networking into [00:15:02] the government and that's the only way [00:15:04] you're going to get money so that's how [00:15:05] we feel you know we to be responsible we [00:15:07] need to finish the job we'll Pony up [00:15:09] some of our own money around the pond [00:15:11] but we also could use some help because [00:15:13] we're talking 20 to 40,000 yeah um you [00:15:17] know it's kind of a big deal I will say [00:15:19] that we had such great success that the [00:15:21] long time longtime families around the [00:15:24] pond the lake have said including your [00:15:27] family y um it looks like it did 40 [00:15:30] years ago before the boat ramp went in [00:15:32] the only problem is the North End [00:15:34] doesn't yeah the north end looks like a [00:15:36] carpet of weed [00:15:37] still any that's that's kind of where [00:15:40] we're at if you have any other questions [00:15:41] feel free to ask I'm okay with I think [00:15:45] we should send a letter okay that would [00:15:47] be very helpful for us make a motion [00:15:49] it's like loading back up what's won [00:15:51] before so that's what we're trying to do [00:15:53] not losing the ground yeah [00:15:56] exactly make a motion to send a support [00:16:00] letter to theway see I can do y all in [00:16:05] favor I thank you I'll have that ready [00:16:07] for you for the next meeting perfect [00:16:09] okay thank you problem thank [00:16:13] you [00:16:15] um we only have like 11 minutes before [00:16:21] um right so I don't how about um we've [00:16:25] got let's see an appointment for parks [00:16:27] and r [00:16:35] um so this has [00:16:38] been um long time coming um I did talk [00:16:42] to the town clerk because this person [00:16:44] technically was on the other side in [00:16:45] Hardwick but very close to the hard [00:16:47] Hardwick line where sorry very close to [00:16:50] the Hardwick line um he was fine with it [00:16:53] um the chair of the parks and wreck has [00:16:54] given her blessing so just waiting for [00:16:57] your appointment [00:17:00] motion I move that we uh appoint Kristen [00:17:04] ducas uh as a member of the Parks and [00:17:07] Recreation committee I'll second the [00:17:09] motion all in [00:17:12] favor [00:17:15] uh request to change the membership of [00:17:18] the master steering master plan steering [00:17:23] committee um and I believe Bill was it [00:17:26] 13 to 11 or yeah is the current uh [00:17:30] number on the committee as established [00:17:32] by this board a couple years ago U but [00:17:36] it's been hard to find a quorum and we [00:17:38] asked that committee asked the planning [00:17:40] board to ask you to change the [00:17:42] membership to 11 okay which will change [00:17:45] our Forum [00:17:47] obviously more manageable [00:17:50] 12 and there nobody would lose a seat or [00:17:53] anything no one lose a seat and we still [00:17:55] have one seat open for any [00:17:59] additions I move that we [00:18:02] U trim down the master plan steering [00:18:06] committee to 11 members I'll second the [00:18:09] motion all those in favor all [00:18:13] all [00:18:16] um uh discussion I'm just jumping around [00:18:19] to things that might be quicker until we [00:18:21] have our public hearing so I'm sorry [00:18:23] that I'm jumping around a little bit but [00:18:26] I want to make sure that we start our [00:18:27] the public hearing on time [00:18:30] um discussion and vote townhouse [00:18:33] maintenance [00:18:34] worker that seemed y um so there is a [00:18:38] request in here from Ann barmes the [00:18:40] chair of the townhouse advisory [00:18:42] committee um I don't want to speak for [00:18:45] you an I know do you want to speak then [00:18:46] or yes go ahead um so the we've had a [00:18:52] request in for a long time we never [00:18:54] found the right person to do like 4 [00:18:57] hours a month or so uh to assist with [00:19:02] cleaning uh building checks particularly [00:19:05] in Stormy Weather it needs to be [00:19:08] somebody who lives close like I do to go [00:19:11] up and check for water in the basement [00:19:13] in the sun po make sure it's all [00:19:16] working um everything so Barry Coke [00:19:20] lives on Ruggles Hill Road and he [00:19:23] already works for the town and at the [00:19:26] recycle center right at the recycling [00:19:28] center [00:19:29] and um so he could put in some time and [00:19:33] not be over the magic 19 hours I [00:19:36] guess um so it's our request that we be [00:19:41] able to uh have him do work for the town [00:19:44] and we would submit warrants for the [00:19:47] hour okay um so I had spoken to lucenda [00:19:51] briefly about this about just matching [00:19:53] his recycling center um salary at the [00:19:56] 1561 for the few hours that he would be [00:19:58] um assisting at the townhouse okay so P [00:20:02] for the revolving account yes it is's a [00:20:04] revolving account for the townhouse [00:20:06] correct so it would come out of that yes [00:20:10] perfect [00:20:12] anyone you good yeah I'm good move the [00:20:15] re appoint Barry [00:20:18] coke uh what [00:20:22] custodian for the Old Town [00:20:25] Hall good I'll second all in favor [00:20:29] hi [00:20:31] okay [00:20:34] um uh discussion and vote on statement [00:20:36] of interest for the Massachusetts school [00:20:38] building authority roof replacement at [00:20:40] the Hardwick elementary school so this [00:20:43] um Colleen muha came to one of our [00:20:46] previous meetings for anyone that wasn't [00:20:48] here and in order to uh get any type of [00:20:52] like grant funding for that roof [00:20:54] replacement we have to submit a letter [00:20:57] for this for the Massachusetts [00:20:59] um School building authority I Believe [00:21:01] by the 28th of March or right the end of [00:21:04] the month right so she came before us at [00:21:07] our last meeting requesting that we put [00:21:08] in a letter of support for this [00:21:11] um do you want me to just to read should [00:21:14] I just read this that's what they need [00:21:15] yes okay so resolved having convened at [00:21:18] an open meeting on March 10th prior [00:21:21] to what's the SOI statement of Interest [00:21:24] oh thank you yes prior to the statement [00:21:26] of Interest submission closing date the [00:21:28] the select Board of the town of Hardwick [00:21:30] in accordance with its chapter bylaws [00:21:32] and ordinance have voted to authorize [00:21:35] the superintendent to submit to the [00:21:37] massachus Massachusetts school building [00:21:40] authority the statement of Interest form [00:21:43] dated March 2025 for the Quin Regional [00:21:45] School District which describes and [00:21:48] explains following deficiency EXC in the [00:21:51] priority category for which an [00:21:53] application may be submitted to the [00:21:55] Massachusetts school building authority [00:21:57] in the future Hardwick Elementary School [00:22:00] roof and hereby further specifi [00:22:02] specifically acknowledges that by [00:22:04] submitting this statement of Interest [00:22:06] form the Massachusetts school building [00:22:08] authority in no way guarantees the [00:22:10] acceptance of or the approval of an [00:22:12] application the awarding of the grant or [00:22:15] any other funding commitment from the [00:22:17] Massachusetts school building authority [00:22:19] or commit or commits the school district [00:22:22] to filing an application for funding [00:22:25] with the Massachusetts school building [00:22:27] authority [00:22:29] had to say that enough times huh good [00:22:30] job [00:22:34] okay so are we all I didn't catch that [00:22:37] you want me to read that again about the [00:22:39] Massachusetts school building authority [00:22:41] I move that we uh submit this letter [00:22:44] that satisfies all of what you [00:22:47] read I'll second thank you interest and [00:22:51] do we have a did she sent along a letter [00:22:54] for us to not yet she just needed that [00:22:56] on record so that's why perfect or she's [00:22:59] doing it we're not doing it that's right [00:23:01] just need that on record okay perfect [00:23:03] all right all in favor I okay all right [00:23:07] we got four more minutes here what can [00:23:09] we [00:23:12] uh go [00:23:16] okay take a little take a little pause [00:23:20] for a second [00:23:28] Gail are you here for the appointment [00:23:30] for Parx and wreck we already approved [00:23:32] her oh you did we did so I don't want [00:23:34] you to sit here waiting yes I'm so sorry [00:23:38] I jumped around a little bit because we [00:23:40] have a poll hearing at 6:30 so I snuck [00:23:43] it in early I tried so H to be here at [00:23:45] you're okay it's all good thank you ever [00:23:47] so much I you're very get home and [00:23:50] caller good thank you [00:23:56] byebye okay make people happy yeah [00:24:01] nobody wants to sit around if they don't [00:24:03] need to [00:24:10] right reti yeah okay discussion and vote [00:24:13] on um retire retire health insurance [00:24:17] policy um so this came [00:24:20] about in preparation um we have two [00:24:24] known retirements um in FY 26 and one [00:24:27] possible in FY [00:24:29] 27 um it does have to go to the [00:24:32] Personnel Board which I was made aware [00:24:33] of by the chair of the select board um [00:24:36] so it's just for your review for now and [00:24:38] then we can discuss it in personnel and [00:24:39] then be voted on at the next meeting um [00:24:42] there was just a couple things that were [00:24:44] missing from the one that was done prior [00:24:47] there was nothing um that mentioned you [00:24:49] know someone retires after the age of 62 [00:24:51] before the age of 65 um we just need [00:24:54] language in that covers those [00:24:56] individuals so that's what that policy [00:24:58] does so um more to come but at least you [00:25:00] got to read it so we can cuz our next [00:25:04] before our next meeting we have [00:25:05] Personnel so we can vote on it at our [00:25:07] next meeting but we have it to digest [00:25:09] now okay that's fine thank you when is [00:25:13] that Personnel meeting 24 [00:25:16] 5:30 right yeah on the 24 know in 2 [00:25:19] seconds 5:30 on the 24th correct that's [00:25:23] right y [00:25:28] okay two [00:25:32] um I have [00:25:34] 5:00 it can be 5:30 um you also have a [00:25:37] joint meeting with the finance committee [00:25:38] that night but that's at our meeting yes [00:25:41] so I would say 5:30 sure I don't think [00:25:43] unless are we doing no we're doing [00:25:45] contracts in April correct yes so I [00:25:47] don't think we need to [00:25:53] yeah just bear with us till 6:30 I'm [00:25:56] sorry I don't think I can get anything [00:25:58] in in a minute [00:26:01] though supposed to ask everybody to turn [00:26:04] to their neighbor [00:26:09] Shake I hope everybody enjoyed the [00:26:11] sunshine [00:26:12] today was [00:26:16] gorgeous all the days could be like [00:26:27] today oh don't even I thought the dog [00:26:30] had one getting back from our walk and [00:26:31] it was just a little mud because she you [00:26:33] know of course has to walk through all [00:26:34] the muddy puddles oh [00:26:42] yeah excuse [00:26:46] [Music] [00:26:50] me okay longest minute [00:26:55] and okay it's 6:30 so so in accordance [00:26:59] with the provisions of section 22 [00:27:01] chapter 166 of the Massachusetts general [00:27:03] laws you're hereby notified that a [00:27:05] public hearing will be held at the hardi [00:27:06] municipal office building 307 Main [00:27:08] Street Gilbertville Mass on the 10th of [00:27:11] March at 6:30 p.m. on the petition of [00:27:14] National Grid Verizon New England [00:27:16] request permission to locate poles wires [00:27:19] and fixtures including the necessary [00:27:21] sustaining and protecting fixtures along [00:27:23] and across a public way Hardwick Pond [00:27:26] Road and Taylor Hill Road [00:27:30] and I oh okay do you want to say [00:27:31] something [00:27:34] first oh well I thought that's what I [00:27:36] was doing okay [00:27:38] yeah the hearing is now [00:27:41] open so Ken kle for National GD and I [00:27:44] believe uh we have our contractor James [00:27:47] from lios as well okay um so I could [00:27:50] start by speaking on the hard pwn Road [00:27:53] that's okay um so we're to install one [00:27:57] so poll [00:27:58] um at the beginning of the road [00:27:59] approximately 200 ft from the [00:28:01] intersection of we green witch Road and [00:28:04] this to support a new customer service [00:28:06] the spans are kind of long down that [00:28:08] section of the street okay what's s so [00:28:11] mean solely by us rizon doesn't want any [00:28:14] interest in it thank [00:28:19] you should we vote on each one [00:28:23] separately right [00:28:26] yeah does anyone have have any questions [00:28:28] on this no but yeah I do which which one [00:28:31] is it Again Taylor Hill Road is what he [00:28:34] yeah so this is [00:28:35] for oh I'm sorry I looked at it and then [00:28:41] said the opposite yes Hill no hardwood [00:28:44] Pond Road is the one he was just talking [00:28:47] about okay it's for a new service mhm [00:29:02] we have a lot [00:29:04] of there are [00:29:07] several this only says yeah those are [00:29:11] the only two that were sent out um like [00:29:13] Public public two separate ones okay you [00:29:17] can have but in our packet we had [00:29:19] another [00:29:21] one have it so it's fine there's I mean [00:29:25] I have a bunch of them yeah so you're [00:29:27] doing Road and Taylor Hill Road this [00:29:36] is Mo that we Grant the U National Grid [00:29:39] be okay to put in their single off [00:29:43] poll Hard [00:29:45] Road I'll second it any discussion any [00:29:50] questions from anyone [00:29:52] else right all in favor I okay now [00:29:57] Taylor [00:30:01] okay yeah my name is James caner I'm [00:30:04] here representing National Grid we're [00:30:06] relocating two poles p7 and P1 on Taylor [00:30:10] Hill Road uh this work is being done to [00:30:13] uh minimize outages and increase [00:30:18] reliability so that's this [00:30:22] one and you're replacing existing CLS [00:30:25] yes we them to to balance this [00:30:28] yeah [00:30:32] okay okay make a motion that we approve [00:30:36] the relocation of the existing HS on T [00:30:40] tah Hill Road [00:30:42] second any discussion any [00:30:45] [Music] [00:30:46] questions all right all in favor I [00:30:50] I okay so that's the only two for [00:30:53] tonight okay thanks for the electricity [00:30:57] thank you very much thank you very much [00:30:59] and so we'll close the hearing okay all [00:31:05] right I was just curious what was [00:31:07] involved I didn't know if they were [00:31:09] adding new polls I guess they were just [00:31:11] so one was adding to for new service and [00:31:15] um that was on hardwon road yeah which [00:31:17] I'm across the street okay so that was [00:31:19] just for a new service just one poll [00:31:21] yeah y okay thank you you're welcome [00:31:23] you're welcome least you know the [00:31:25] butters got their notices yes [00:31:28] oh so that's why I'm here too new [00:31:30] service [00:31:32] poing all yes yeah that was T no uh [00:31:37] hardw Pawn Road was for the new service [00:31:39] yeah I'm on Green Wich so I in you're in [00:31:42] a butter then [00:31:45] yeah know [00:31:48] they yeah no no thank you thanks for [00:31:51] coming [00:31:53] yeah okay now I have to figure out what [00:31:55] I went around so [00:31:59] yes the public hearing yes that aside [00:32:03] okay uh interview appointment treasure [00:32:06] collector Alysa am I saying that right [00:32:08] Alissa uh SS airs okay I didn't want to [00:32:13] spelled correctly last perfect okay so [00:32:18] how are you nice to meet you I'm Kelly [00:32:21] likewise nice to meet [00:32:25] you so um if don't mind us asking you a [00:32:28] couple of questions I know that you you [00:32:30] have come so far with um R rave reviews [00:32:34] from Sarah Hunter who is in our interim [00:32:37] right now and I know um Christine has [00:32:40] spoken very highly of you also so thank [00:32:42] you for applying and um your interest in [00:32:45] the position can you give a brief [00:32:48] summary of your work experience and kind [00:32:50] of a general overview of yourself and [00:32:53] how your skills qualify for the position [00:32:55] and what interested you in pleas okay um [00:32:59] so I have been in Municipal a little [00:33:01] over four years at this point I started [00:33:03] out in the treasur collector's office as [00:33:05] the assistant um and going on almost 3 [00:33:08] years now I have been the assistant [00:33:10] treasur collector um worked pretty [00:33:13] closely side by side with my previous as [00:33:15] well as my current treasure collector uh [00:33:18] at this point in time I've kind of taken [00:33:19] over a little more of the benefits and [00:33:21] payroll aspect of everything um pretty [00:33:24] solid on that Foundation um and so I uh [00:33:29] was [00:33:30] certainly interested when the [00:33:32] opportunity came along uh just more so I [00:33:36] feel like it would be an opportunity for [00:33:37] me to kind of stand a little bit outside [00:33:39] of my comfort zone and really just kind [00:33:40] of capitalize and grow on what I do [00:33:42] already and I personally have my [00:33:46] associates in business I live in the [00:33:48] town of Lester and also currently work [00:33:49] for the town of Lester [00:33:52] um I would [00:33:54] say I think that's about it about me [00:33:58] uh I certainly like to ask a lot of [00:34:00] questions when it comes to what it is I [00:34:01] have to do so knowing the wise we do [00:34:04] things kind of helps just really [00:34:07] solidify whatever the process is so [00:34:10] that's I would say that's what I'm [00:34:11] probably biggest on that's awesome [00:34:14] that's a strong quality to have if you [00:34:16] don't have an answer and you ask the [00:34:17] wise or you have the question you know [00:34:19] you ask the questions to get to the you [00:34:21] know end ofself and it certainly helps [00:34:23] to know when I can possibly tailor [00:34:25] something or if I have to stay on a [00:34:26] specific path for [00:34:28] and you're okay with and then I'll let [00:34:30] let other board members I won't hug the [00:34:33] hug the the floor here but um you're [00:34:36] okay with getting certified what's that [00:34:38] um the certification for yeah so [00:34:41] currently I so I have been to the [00:34:44] treasur collector school oh good um and [00:34:47] I I have to double check cuz there's [00:34:49] actual essentially like points you have [00:34:51] to approve um so I have to see whether [00:34:53] it's going to be this year or it would [00:34:55] be next year that I can actually cuz you [00:34:56] have to qualify with those points um so [00:34:59] I have to see where my accumulation of [00:35:01] points stands so I can go for at least [00:35:03] the treasur exam and then after that uh [00:35:06] go towards the collector's exam okay so [00:35:09] same thing that we both require a [00:35:11] specific amount of essentially education [00:35:13] and work points that they look at almost [00:35:16] like variations of credits yep so I have [00:35:18] to just verify where I'm at with those [00:35:20] Perfect all right I will sit back and [00:35:23] let others ask sure you'd be letting [00:35:26] your job in Lester go you're not going [00:35:28] to try to do both I don't see how that [00:35:30] would be but I would certainly be [00:35:32] letting the Wester job go if I were to [00:35:34] come here the hardware right and you [00:35:36] don't have any problem working with [00:35:37] Sarah Hunter obviously or that's what it [00:35:39] sounds uh I got to meet and talk with [00:35:42] Sarah for quite some time and I think [00:35:44] she's wonderful um I'm actually really [00:35:46] excited to learn from her cuz there was [00:35:47] a lot of things that um even just in our [00:35:50] brief conversation that she told me [00:35:51] about that I haven't had any hands on [00:35:54] with or just finding like certain [00:35:55] functionalities in Vadar or even Harpers [00:35:57] that she told me about that I've not [00:35:59] done yet so I look forward to [00:36:01] that sure are you familiar with the [00:36:04] Vadar operating system the accounting [00:36:06] system I am I've worked more um in the [00:36:09] past year I'd say with the accounting [00:36:10] function or accounting module than I [00:36:12] have pretty much my entirety um of [00:36:15] working with radar so very familiar [00:36:17] though with POS and property tax and [00:36:20] excise tax um and so I'd [00:36:23] say not as as much experience in the CRT [00:36:27] and the counting portion of it but [00:36:28] certainly can make my way through them [00:36:30] okay and do you need much more training [00:36:33] on the radar system are you very [00:36:35] familiar I'm pretty well familiar with [00:36:37] it I also know that they have a great uh [00:36:40] team at Vadar um I know Lee is going to [00:36:42] be retiring soon but between Lee and [00:36:44] Mike I've got a lot of my questions [00:36:45] answered I know that I have them as [00:36:47] support if I have a question on [00:36:49] something um I also have access to wcta [00:36:53] and mcta and a lot of the people in both [00:36:56] of those work with Adar so we uh there's [00:36:59] one part of the mcta website where [00:37:01] everybody poses questions can you just [00:37:03] explain what those acronyms are for [00:37:04] sorry that's um so one of them is the [00:37:07] Wester County um treasur Collectors [00:37:09] Association and the other one is [00:37:10] Massachusetts um collectors and [00:37:11] treasures Association so on the [00:37:14] Massachusetts um The Collector and [00:37:17] treasur website they actually have a [00:37:19] question for that anytime somebody poses [00:37:22] a question I kind of just pop on there [00:37:24] even if it's something that I don't have [00:37:26] any need for I just kind of go on there [00:37:28] and see what their the respons you never [00:37:29] know it might pop up later on and then [00:37:32] you can look back and you know that that [00:37:33] answer's out there somewhere okay yeah [00:37:35] thank you [00:37:37] sure anything else no sounds [00:37:42] good you I'm good are you good yeah I'm [00:37:45] good are we good with making a [00:37:47] recommendation for appointment sure I [00:37:50] mean do you have any questions for us [00:37:53] well yeah that's a good [00:37:55] question uh just one question was just [00:37:58] what is something that you'd like to see [00:37:59] come out of the treasury collector's [00:38:00] office that you haven't seen so far or [00:38:03] that you want to see possibly improved [00:38:06] upon um [00:38:08] so I I I'll speak on that because I feel [00:38:11] like I've um kind of had hands on in [00:38:13] there from time to time over the past um [00:38:16] 9 years and [00:38:19] um I I feel like we we kind of do this [00:38:24] where we can be really on top of things [00:38:26] and then all of a sudden [00:38:28] there's there's hasn't been a lot of [00:38:30] consistency with reconciliations and [00:38:33] staying on top of things all right and I [00:38:35] would love to see um just that really [00:38:38] being tightened up to be on top of those [00:38:41] reconciliations to be able to um I know [00:38:44] in the past like I've asked for [00:38:46] year-to-date [00:38:47] reports I I think that's something that [00:38:50] um as a board and as departments those [00:38:52] things should go out regularly and I [00:38:54] know that's more the accountant but I [00:38:56] know you know it's part of the whole [00:38:58] accounting team um so that's just I'm [00:39:01] throwing that out there too okay I think [00:39:03] just really tightening up being [00:39:05] organized and staying on top of the [00:39:07] dayto day so that the month the month [00:39:11] end things happen the year end things [00:39:14] happen just kind close Okay that that's [00:39:18] just my two sets [00:39:24] Okay Madam chair um just for full trans [00:39:27] y um I think I told you all individually [00:39:29] but um Alissa and I have worked together [00:39:32] uh we did work together in Lester um so [00:39:34] when we weren't getting qualified [00:39:35] applicants I did reach out to her um so [00:39:38] I just want to be fully transparent [00:39:40] about that thank you thank you thank you [00:39:42] you can work with Justus [00:39:47] okay [00:39:48] absolutely does anybody else want to [00:39:50] comment on [00:39:52] that one of her board members is [00:39:56] here would you like to speak no I'm [00:40:01] just it's a big win for for for your [00:40:04] town she's uh as far as far as the [00:40:08] consistency and the I you yeah [00:40:13] she's she's [00:40:16] fantastic and I would never say [00:40:20] that not on record right cuz you are on [00:40:23] record now okay just so we all and oh [00:40:26] she's a little shy she doesn't to tell [00:40:27] people so she does go by [00:40:31] Marge she that's my name for her cuz she [00:40:34] calls me [00:40:36] Grandpa well at least we know we can all [00:40:39] you know Raz each other too and that's [00:40:41] okay that's yeah that's important too on [00:40:44] a on a good healthy basis at least um I [00:40:47] would take a motion if we're comfortable [00:40:50] with doing so I move I move that we [00:40:52] appoint Alisa SS as treasur collector [00:40:57] I'll [00:40:58] second any other discussion all right [00:41:01] all in favor all right by thank you [00:41:04] welcome AB board thank you I will send [00:41:07] over her official letter tomorrow okay [00:41:10] and all the good things that need to go [00:41:12] along with [00:41:14] thaty perfect perfect thank you so much [00:41:17] for coming in absolutely thank you thank [00:41:20] you very nice meeting you likewise [00:41:22] you're welcome to sit and you [00:41:24] know but um you can certain leave also [00:41:28] thank you okay so we did the appointment [00:41:32] uh we did the townhouse uh discussion [00:41:34] and vote on conservation restriction for [00:41:37] proudy Road properties so uh we have it [00:41:40] in our packet and I believe um your name [00:41:44] again sorry Olivia lucass Olivia is here [00:41:46] to um explain what's going on yes um [00:41:49] good evening everyone um and good [00:41:51] evening to the board uh my name is [00:41:53] Olivia I work with the trustees of [00:41:55] reservations which is a Statewide Land [00:41:57] Trust nonprofit organization um and we [00:42:00] hold over 300 conservation reservations [00:42:03] across the state um we have an existing [00:42:05] relationship with Dr Leland who lives on [00:42:08] proud Road and has protected over I [00:42:11] think 200 Acres of his property um at [00:42:14] different points uh both with the [00:42:16] trustees of reservations as well as East [00:42:18] C and land trust he had one portion of [00:42:21] his property that was not protected [00:42:23] under conservation restriction um and as [00:42:26] he is getting to be quite elderly at [00:42:27] this point it was important in his [00:42:29] estate planning to have that portion of [00:42:31] his property protected um it's right at [00:42:34] the crest of proudy road it's both it's [00:42:37] only 9 Acres but it's um half prime a [00:42:40] soil Farm fields that he's using for hay [00:42:42] right now and half forest and has a [00:42:44] really beautiful um just Scenic Vista I [00:42:49] would say so as I was looking over the [00:42:51] 2013 open space plan for the town of [00:42:53] Hardwick we felt like this conservation [00:42:55] restriction not only qualified uh as a [00:42:58] conservation restriction under State [00:43:00] review but also would support objective [00:43:02] 1 and four in the open space and Rec [00:43:04] plan from [00:43:05] 2013 so tonight um I'm here to answer [00:43:08] any questions but the process for [00:43:10] conservation restrictions are in the [00:43:13] state of Massachusetts they have to go [00:43:15] to the state um environmental and energy [00:43:20] environmental and energy Affairs [00:43:21] secretary the EA energy of office of [00:43:25] energy energy enviral e o e e a I always [00:43:29] get like I say the acronym and then I [00:43:31] can't say that what it [00:43:32] is so they they review the conservation [00:43:36] restriction it goes through their legal [00:43:37] team there's some back and forth um but [00:43:40] because this is uh something happening [00:43:42] in your town not only does the grantor [00:43:44] Dr Leland and the grantee the trustees [00:43:46] of reservation have to sign the document [00:43:48] we also need the approval from the [00:43:50] select board um if we are to obtain your [00:43:52] signatures this evening or at a future [00:43:55] meeting um the document would go back to [00:43:57] the secretary for her signature um [00:44:00] before we put it on record at the Wester [00:44:02] County registry of Deets um I would love [00:44:05] to answer any questions about the [00:44:06] process or the conservation restriction [00:44:10] itself [00:44:13] questions [00:44:15] sure go for it [00:44:18] um [00:44:20] one is the public going to be granted [00:44:22] access to this land I thought no I [00:44:25] understood no it is not so it is not [00:44:27] required um for public access for [00:44:30] conservation restrictions honestly the [00:44:32] trustees often really likes to work with [00:44:34] land owners that uh would be open to [00:44:38] having the public on their land Dr [00:44:40] Leland did not offer that option in this [00:44:42] document okay also will this property be [00:44:45] coming off the tax rolls in Highwood I [00:44:47] think that is a a question for your [00:44:50] individual departments um that is not a [00:44:53] decision that the trustees would make so [00:44:55] that's however you all see [00:44:57] restrictions within the town [00:45:01] okay I've seen different towns and [00:45:03] municipalities do it differently in [00:45:05] terms of how they value the conservation [00:45:07] restriction not [00:45:09] value okay never seen it not come off [00:45:11] the tax rooll so that's why I'm asking [00:45:14] yeah not in this town anymore great then [00:45:17] it would be coming off it's not it's not [00:45:19] a guarantee it's going to come off the [00:45:21] effectful cuz what is the public benefit [00:45:23] to this um the public benefit I think is [00:45:27] is just following your open space and [00:45:28] Recreation plan so preserving active [00:45:31] farmland and open space so although the [00:45:34] the public is not available to access [00:45:36] the land um we feel like this would be a [00:45:39] very developable property as there is [00:45:41] that large section of Farmland right on [00:45:44] crowy road that I think would be very [00:45:47] readily available for development um I [00:45:51] openly do not live in the town of [00:45:53] Hardrick so I don't know your housing [00:45:54] pressure perhaps that is more appealing [00:45:56] to you been additional open space [00:45:58] however coming from the organization I [00:46:00] work with um we love to see the [00:46:02] protection of Farmland especially [00:46:04] Farmland that is actively being utilized [00:46:06] for agriculture and not just simply [00:46:08] being mowed and maintained um Dr Leland [00:46:11] does have a farming operation with uh [00:46:14] beef cattle um this portion of the farm [00:46:17] like I said is not grazing but is more [00:46:19] for hay um but it does have that benefit [00:46:22] for maintaining that for future [00:46:24] agricultural operations in the future [00:46:26] when he is no longer the owner of that [00:46:28] property okay so when he's no longer the [00:46:30] owner of this property do you plan on [00:46:32] renting this land to Farmers to Farmer [00:46:35] so we um the way the conservation [00:46:38] restriction works is the trustees is [00:46:40] simply the holder of that conservation [00:46:42] restriction the land stays in private [00:46:44] ownership we will not have ownership [00:46:47] over the property it could I to be very [00:46:51] blunt we don't have any interest in in [00:46:53] purchasing it or accepting a donation [00:46:55] from him um I conservation organization [00:46:57] could own that land but I would assume [00:46:59] that it would it would go on the market [00:47:01] um if he was no longer the owner so it [00:47:04] would go to with that restriction on it [00:47:06] the [00:47:07] rest follow just [00:47:11] so and the future owner could Farm it [00:47:14] but they wouldn't be able to develop it [00:47:16] correct right now as the Restriction is [00:47:18] written um there's allowable like [00:47:21] three-sided renins for animals um and [00:47:24] other farming related [00:47:26] structures but no residential structures [00:47:29] and no commercial or industrial [00:47:32] structures okay thank [00:47:34] you Bill thank you um I think you [00:47:37] mentioned that Dr leand already set 200 [00:47:41] Acres or so in conservation restriction [00:47:44] I would just ask are those mostly the [00:47:47] contiguous the same parcel and second [00:47:50] are there any differences in the CRS [00:47:52] that he established there and this one [00:47:55] it's the same story that's a great great [00:47:57] question um they are contiguous it's I'm [00:48:00] not really entirely sure why he did not [00:48:02] have these Parcels it's it's like one [00:48:05] parcel and then a half a tax parcel it's [00:48:07] a little bit confusing we actually had [00:48:08] new survey work done which that plan did [00:48:11] just get recorded um I believe last week [00:48:13] at the Wester County registry of deeds [00:48:15] so that is now kind of collecting the [00:48:18] last eight N9 Acres of his land um under [00:48:22] a new conservation restriction it is not [00:48:25] substantially different those previous [00:48:26] ation restrictions also really were [00:48:28] tailored towards agricultural operations [00:48:31] open space those other conservation [00:48:33] restrictions that are already in place [00:48:34] also did not allow the public exence I [00:48:37] don't know the answer to this but it [00:48:38] would it wouldn't be unusual for [00:48:40] somebody when they did see ours to hold [00:48:42] out a possible possible development for [00:48:44] their own family use to to put a house [00:48:47] under such and and what he would be what [00:48:49] would be happening now is that that [00:48:50] would no longer be an option correct um [00:48:53] I'm not going to speak to Dr Leland's [00:48:54] personal family um matters but I think [00:48:58] he he made the decision that he would [00:49:00] not like to see that developed um and [00:49:02] for his [00:49:04] legacy LZ um is that in 61 or 61a or 61b [00:49:10] or C it wouldn't be C because that's [00:49:12] Recreation but a would be agriculture B [00:49:14] would be I'm pretty sure it is in 61a at [00:49:17] the moment um and again I'm not sure [00:49:20] exactly how you all overlap um 61 I'm [00:49:24] sure he would continue he wouldn't pull [00:49:26] it out out of 61 would be my guest but [00:49:28] again well I guess the question I have [00:49:31] regarding conservation easement and this [00:49:36] this like with with the uh great metal [00:49:39] Brook okay there was changes in the farm [00:49:45] you know conservation on that piece of [00:49:47] property that the state is now would [00:49:49] have allowed um that massive marijuana [00:49:53] Farm but that's not that wasn't a [00:49:55] conservation restriction that [00:50:00] was very different I'm I'm kind of [00:50:02] asking if there's loopholes that might [00:50:05] happen somewhere down the line if the [00:50:07] state changes you know the state just [00:50:10] said you can put a second house on any [00:50:11] piece of property without you know so [00:50:14] you can't sit there and say no you can't [00:50:15] develop it because the state says you [00:50:17] can put another piece of property it [00:50:20] does say it in this restriction yeah [00:50:22] there there's no accessory you there's [00:50:25] no residential development at all um I [00:50:28] would say the way conservation [00:50:29] restrictions are also written is they [00:50:32] always have to follow the law in general [00:50:34] you can't get around it um in the [00:50:36] conservation Community the conservation [00:50:38] of marijuana has definitely started to [00:50:40] come up a lot as individuals are [00:50:42] interested in pursuing that as a [00:50:43] business entity um I don't think there's [00:50:46] any language in here that specifically [00:50:48] says you cannot do that um if it would [00:50:51] be considered a farming practice and uh [00:50:54] as long as it would follow state law so [00:50:55] we as the holder this conservation [00:50:57] restriction would have no you know say [00:51:00] in what type of Agriculture as long as [00:51:02] it is you [00:51:05] know so maybe not the answer you wanted [00:51:07] he but I'm trying I'm just looking at [00:51:10] okay now there's a 200 acre piece of [00:51:12] property that either the marijuana [00:51:13] people or the racetrack people would go [00:51:15] after you know um which we already you [00:51:19] know that's I was just wondering how [00:51:21] that conservation basement would you [00:51:24] know it might be something that you you [00:51:26] know you might want address with Dr [00:51:28] Leland before you finalize any of the [00:51:30] paperwork because I don't think he would [00:51:33] want that yeah I think you know Dr [00:51:36] Leland I've been always impressed [00:51:38] whenever I go to meet with him and and [00:51:40] sit on his property he is so [00:51:42] conservation minded I think he really [00:51:44] sees that property as a huge asset for [00:51:47] the community um we recently put a [00:51:49] wildlife camera on one of his walls and [00:51:51] it is amazing to see the wildlife that [00:51:53] comes back here he really enjoys that so [00:51:55] I think he you know I again I I'm not [00:51:58] his legal representation I'm simply a [00:52:00] partner for him to work with um but I do [00:52:03] think that he is thinking really [00:52:05] critically about the future of you know [00:52:07] it's just a thought that maybe you know [00:52:09] the next time you have a conversation [00:52:10] with him is to say you know is this you [00:52:13] know have we tied it up enough that [00:52:15] there won't be a racetrack or giant [00:52:17] marijuana there certainly would not be a [00:52:19] racetrack Bas how this is there okay [00:52:23] that's good it's one down [00:52:27] excuse me I have an additional question [00:52:30] of course um my question is this would [00:52:32] Dr Leland be interested down the road [00:52:35] when he passes away that the public [00:52:38] could use the land like there could be [00:52:39] some type of term in there that says [00:52:42] okay until the end of your days nobody [00:52:44] will walk on the property and see these [00:52:46] beautiful views and stuff like that but [00:52:48] once you're gone I don't see why he [00:52:51] wouldn't want yeah the public to come on [00:52:53] and and enjoy such a view do you mind if [00:52:55] I reference the document I'm working on [00:52:57] several of these and I don't want to [00:52:59] missp to the one specific for for this [00:53:01] property um so these are if if any of [00:53:05] you took the chance to look at these um [00:53:07] they are very long we have come a long [00:53:10] way since the 70s when the first [00:53:11] conservation restriction was recorded in [00:53:14] Massachusetts and now there is a lot of [00:53:17] um lot more boiler pleas to these so on [00:53:21] page 10 um section five is public access [00:53:24] it says this conservation restriction [00:53:26] does not Grant any access any right of [00:53:29] access to the general public and the [00:53:30] granter retains its right to prohibit [00:53:32] access to premises by the general public [00:53:34] what is meant by that statement is that [00:53:36] this conservation restriction does not [00:53:38] give the affirmative right and does not [00:53:40] require Public Access however the [00:53:43] individual land owner if in the future [00:53:46] if it is you know once Dr Leland passes [00:53:48] or moves on from the property it is [00:53:50] certainly available to the public um if [00:53:53] that person chooses so but it is not [00:53:55] required by the document so it could it [00:53:58] if the next person said I would love to [00:54:00] have people walk on it and chose not to [00:54:02] post it people could go up right but [00:54:05] maybe that's not what I'm asking I'm [00:54:07] asking if he'll put that term in this [00:54:10] contract so when he does pass it does [00:54:12] open up to the [00:54:13] public we have not had those [00:54:16] conversations that's not usually [00:54:17] something that I in like ask an [00:54:20] individual simply because this is [00:54:22] written that it's an individual's Choice [00:54:25] um if that is something that the board [00:54:28] feels strongly about we can certainly go [00:54:30] back I will say Dr Leland is very eager [00:54:33] to see this go in place um I don't know [00:54:35] if any other conservations restrictions [00:54:37] have come to the board of Selectmen [00:54:39] lately but um it has been a very long [00:54:42] review process with the state um in [00:54:45] terms of reviewing these documents uh he [00:54:48] has been waiting over two years to get [00:54:49] to this point that I could come to see [00:54:51] you all this evening um and so I'm I'm [00:54:54] certainly that is something the bo would [00:54:56] like me to have that conversation with I [00:54:58] would love to Advocate on his behalf [00:55:00] that seeing this um move forward sooner [00:55:03] rather than later I think would make him [00:55:04] feel better but obviously it is up to [00:55:06] you [00:55:08] all Becky yes um as a member of the [00:55:12] Conservation Commission we have um been [00:55:14] on his Farm multiple times bill and I [00:55:17] have locked his property it is a [00:55:19] beautiful Farm it is probably one of the [00:55:21] most beautiful views in the town of [00:55:23] Hardwick he has 250 Acres or thereabouts [00:55:27] of agricultural land and it's a working [00:55:30] farm he raises cattle and be beef cattle [00:55:34] and it is superior so when you have a [00:55:37] working farm and I grew up on a farm [00:55:39] it's like it's not open to the public [00:55:42] because it's private property he's [00:55:44] raising this product and he also hay and [00:55:49] he has areas set aside for wildlife [00:55:51] habitat for Birds he has done a [00:55:54] marvelous job in [00:55:57] um stewardship of his property and I [00:55:59] would strongly urge the select board to [00:56:03] sign off on this conservation [00:56:04] restriction he it's just I looked at the [00:56:06] map um on mass mapper he has the over [00:56:11] 200 plus acres of farmland and this is [00:56:14] just another little piece of property [00:56:16] just north of that that he just wants to [00:56:19] conserve and it's already under [00:56:22] conservation restriction already and he [00:56:24] has done a fantastic job in [00:56:27] um stored his land it's beautiful and I [00:56:30] would strongly urge the select board to [00:56:33] Grant this conservation [00:56:38] restriction thank [00:56:40] you Bill if I may um tell me if I'm [00:56:44] wrong about please but the CR that that [00:56:47] he is donating basically is going to [00:56:51] reduce the value of his property for [00:56:55] because his airs or any buyer of it [00:56:58] later will not be able to develop the [00:57:00] property correct um it leaves them those [00:57:03] two two owners um with land that has to [00:57:07] be dedicated to farming or whatever else [00:57:10] it allows in it I'm sure it's farming [00:57:12] and um not necessarily Recreation but [00:57:15] they could as you said look them that up [00:57:18] um it would be unusual I think to say [00:57:22] you have to allow access to that [00:57:25] property later which which I think for [00:57:26] this particular piece would be access [00:57:29] through other property that doesn't [00:57:31] allow that onto onto [00:57:34] this High higher property the 7 acre [00:57:37] piece that that could theoretically be [00:57:39] said he has to allow it to that or the [00:57:42] future the future owners do that seems [00:57:45] unworkable to me and and and unfair I [00:57:48] think he's already giving a great deal [00:57:49] of future value away for the purposes [00:57:54] that do benefit this town yeah we we [00:57:57] usually only have that affirmative [00:57:58] Public Access piece um saying that the [00:58:01] property has to be open for Public [00:58:03] Access when there is grant money that [00:58:05] requires that and as this is a donation [00:58:08] um we really you know allow the terms to [00:58:11] be much [00:58:14] more well I think it's wonderful I hope [00:58:16] he gets a lot of recognition for what [00:58:18] he's done so far [00:58:20] and yeah he's he's a really wonderful [00:58:22] person I hope you all think so I've had [00:58:25] every time I go it's like the stories [00:58:27] that that tell [00:58:30] so happy to answer other questions or [00:58:33] did you have something else um well [00:58:35] according to the photo we have there's a [00:58:38] you know it abuts the road so there is [00:58:41] Public [00:58:42] Access there is Road Road Frontage to [00:58:45] this property there is Road Frontage can [00:58:47] you say what you mean by well because [00:58:49] Bill commented that you had to walk [00:58:52] through additional pieces of property to [00:58:54] get to this property and not necessarily [00:58:57] the case here yeah maybe [00:59:01] probably [00:59:03] the okay that's [00:59:05] all um bill yeah I just I guess I just [00:59:10] wanted to chime in since Becky mentioned [00:59:12] we had been there several times I'm [00:59:14] pretty sure I mean I shouldn't speak for [00:59:16] him but his I think his intention is [00:59:19] probably to leave a legacy and make sure [00:59:21] that that farm remains a farm yeah [00:59:23] whoever buys it in the future when he's [00:59:25] gone [00:59:26] he would like to see it remain as [00:59:28] farmland and for that purpose that's [00:59:31] what I suspect he's doing he's trying to [00:59:34] leave a legacy to [00:59:36] farming okay thank also I just I'm not [00:59:39] 100% sure but his other Farmland I would [00:59:43] guess would be in 61a as so that he is [00:59:47] being taxed at a reduced rate it's not [00:59:50] like he's not paying any taxes it's [00:59:52] different so um you're not it it [00:59:55] wouldn't change change the amount of [00:59:57] taxes that he would have on that [00:59:59] property [01:00:01] y okay all one question who polies the [01:00:05] conservation restriction yeah that's a [01:00:08] great question so um whoever the grantee [01:00:11] of the conservation restriction is um is [01:00:13] the one that is responsible for annual [01:00:15] monitoring and stewardship so for this [01:00:18] instance um and for the majority of Dr [01:00:20] Leland's property the trustees of [01:00:22] reservations is responsible for going [01:00:24] out once a year minimum once a year to [01:00:27] walk that property have a conversation [01:00:29] with that land owner ask if there's been [01:00:31] any changes um ideally the um going out [01:00:35] once a year would stop any like [01:00:38] activities that would um be negatively [01:00:41] imping the conservation values or [01:00:43] directly going against the conservation [01:00:46] restriction um there are definitely [01:00:49] times that people do things within that [01:00:52] one year and um in the past couple years [01:00:55] the truste have taken legal action [01:00:57] against land owners um that are doing [01:01:00] something that is against um C thank you [01:01:03] yeah um it's usually my colleague Sally [01:01:05] ner who's a wonderful human if you ever [01:01:07] get a chance to meet [01:01:08] her okay are we good with this do we [01:01:12] want to make a [01:01:18] motion it to you look me I'm just one [01:01:21] person I'm one of [01:01:24] three I I would like I would prefer yes [01:01:27] the question to Dr Leland if he would be [01:01:29] open to down the road have that open to [01:01:32] the public once he [01:01:34] passes that that would be my [01:01:35] recommendation before this board took a [01:01:40] vote I move that we uh table it for [01:01:44] further discussion I'll second on the [01:01:47] motion okay all in favor right [01:01:52] no no negative negative [01:01:56] just make sure Justine knows that [01:01:59] M okay um Justine just R the ladies room [01:02:04] so bear with me while I figure out where [01:02:06] we are on [01:02:12] here I think the nonprofit [01:02:15] letters we did the so we did the RS we [01:02:20] did the maintenance [01:02:22] worker the road [01:02:26] uh it was voted to table this 2 to [01:02:29] one okay thank you sorry I had to go to [01:02:32] the bathroom um [01:02:35] so the next meeting yeah it was put in [01:02:39] the into the trustees hands to see if Dr [01:02:42] Leland would Grant access at some point [01:02:46] future access to the public okay we did [01:02:49] the health insurance we did the school [01:02:51] yep all right so discussion and vote on [01:02:53] letters to nonprofits [01:03:01] you want to speak to this you ask for it [01:03:03] to be Ona um I mentioned it at the [01:03:06] selectman round table and we were just [01:03:08] talking about smar at the time and we [01:03:12] just recently passed a new T pilot TPC [01:03:15] policy in the town of Hardwick to [01:03:18] address all nonprofits in the community [01:03:20] so I think we should send out an [01:03:22] introductory letter to let them all know [01:03:25] and you know friendly to start a [01:03:27] conversation and we send it to all of [01:03:29] them that's what I [01:03:31] recommend chair yes um [01:03:36] so I just want the board to be mindful [01:03:38] that just you know this week I'm [01:03:40] dedicating to getting the every all six [01:03:43] contracts done cont corre and the [01:03:45] agreement with the companies rening [01:03:46] upstairs [01:03:48] so just so you know that will't be done [01:03:50] this week right just wanted to be okay [01:03:52] totally okay and so and and we have this [01:03:56] ation are you would you be able to do it [01:03:58] before the 24th or do you want a the [01:04:01] first one in April I would probably like [01:04:03] the first one in April if that's all [01:04:04] right to draft so that we can see the [01:04:06] letter approve it and then send it out [01:04:08] is that is that okay with you yeah [01:04:11] that's fine it's just between budget and [01:04:13] like no I understand it's getting into [01:04:15] time year I will say after we had our [01:04:18] last meeting it was like [01:04:19] well if we're sending it out to one it [01:04:22] should be just send it out to yeah yep [01:04:26] yeah thank you and as part of that [01:04:27] letter we can send out the pilot I mean [01:04:30] I know it's posted everywhere and but [01:04:32] that can be it and um you know put [01:04:35] something together that's you know [01:04:37] welcoming to exactly have conversations [01:04:40] I just try to be super realistic with [01:04:41] you guys just so okay no that's fair [01:04:44] that's fair so let's have that for and [01:04:47] we also can help you just name yeah if [01:04:49] you want some help like if you DRFT [01:04:51] something send it out to us and you know [01:04:55] just don't mean to make light of it [01:04:57] saying no we out right and if if she [01:05:00] want keep it light draft something then [01:05:03] we can um so that we're ready to vote on [01:05:05] it and get them so 10 Page Letter for [01:05:08] next meeting no no half one page very [01:05:15] simple Very Yes okay all right good so [01:05:19] that's [01:05:22] good and uh meeting minutes from January [01:05:28] 27th now there was a uh changes uh that [01:05:33] I got today a couple of times on the [01:05:35] email and I'd like to look at that [01:05:38] before we vote on that there also a typo [01:05:41] that was a 21st meeting for the 21st [01:05:44] that that particular meeting that wasn't [01:05:46] these [01:05:47] minutes [01:05:49] right well this the 27th is should be [01:05:52] the [01:05:53] 21st I assume that it was what we were [01:05:55] going to be dealing with tonight okay [01:05:57] yeah yeah yeah no I I I think we should [01:06:00] just table this to our next meeting okay [01:06:03] that's what I recommend table for the [01:06:05] next [01:06:06] meeting well I'll move to we do that we [01:06:09] put our voting on the minutes until the [01:06:11] next meeting okay I'll second it okay [01:06:14] may I just speak to the [01:06:18] minutes oh um so something that I've [01:06:22] been working with the executive [01:06:23] assistant on is they're not a transcript [01:06:27] they're minutes and like finding a [01:06:29] balance between cuz they are like being [01:06:31] recorded and everything I agree so we [01:06:33] just we have to find like the middle [01:06:34] because word for word you know I've been [01:06:39] are supposed to be been working with her [01:06:40] on that right it's it's not a transcript [01:06:43] it's what actually took place in the [01:06:44] meeting right yes and that's what I'm [01:06:46] asking that's all so want the [01:06:48] adjustments based on your email from [01:06:51] today yeah to include certain things [01:06:54] that's it well it would [01:06:58] change enely I'm just giving reference [01:07:01] of what took place and it wasn't in the [01:07:03] meeting minutes and I'm just asking it [01:07:05] to be put in the meeting [01:07:08] minutes yeah I'll have to re that that's [01:07:11] why I say table it you send it out they [01:07:13] make the changes you reread it but what [01:07:16] meeting was it from it was the working [01:07:17] meeting of the January 21st of January [01:07:20] okay okay I was thinking like one of the [01:07:22] changes a simple change was Mark cik was [01:07:24] present but he wasn't [01:07:27] present okay about to pick on you [01:07:32] mark stuff like that you know it's kind [01:07:34] of okay all right so we'll table this [01:07:37] yeah add that to the next meeting all [01:07:39] right okay do we vot we motioned and [01:07:43] seconded oh sorry I need to call a vote [01:07:46] yeah go ahead if you want a mo if you [01:07:48] want a motion to table this yes I'll [01:07:51] move to we table it again I'll second it [01:07:54] all in favor [01:07:58] all I will say that transcribing the [01:08:01] recording it must be utterly [01:08:04] gruelling uh so to catch it on high [01:08:08] points and then if there's a question we [01:08:10] have it on film correct so if it goes to [01:08:13] court we can use it's on it's recorded [01:08:17] yeah well and also there should be a [01:08:19] reference to that YouTube video if you [01:08:23] want to you know there should be a [01:08:24] reference in the meeting minute whether [01:08:26] it's somewhere on [01:08:28] there what do you mean every well it [01:08:31] wasn't on this particular meeting that's [01:08:33] that's all I'm saying but it was it [01:08:36] wasn't recorded it was recorded it was [01:08:38] yeah it was so I I agree with you see [01:08:41] like there should be a reference to it [01:08:42] so if somebody wanted to go watch the [01:08:44] meeting they could go watch the [01:08:46] meeting we do that all on every that's [01:08:49] on every meeting right it's on every [01:08:51] meeting it's posted that way I I get it [01:08:53] but on this particular meeting minutes [01:08:56] it wasn't on there on our meeting [01:08:57] minutes we have [01:08:59] that okay I mean it was just some [01:09:01] clerical errors and then there was some [01:09:03] stuff that was just skipped over I will [01:09:05] follow and I understand s's been very [01:09:07] busy and she's been working very hard [01:09:10] this has no no reflection on Sandy at [01:09:12] all she's doing a great [01:09:14] job just all about transparency okay [01:09:17] that's it to administrator [01:09:20] report um so the moving company actually [01:09:24] came today and is coming again on Monday [01:09:26] um to rearrange the planning board [01:09:28] office um I picked a color for the [01:09:30] office it's going to be sand [01:09:32] dollar um so that's exciting I'm working [01:09:36] on the agreement with Northern [01:09:38] construction um are they painting first [01:09:41] or after they're painting first and [01:09:43] after well if there's any yeah from [01:09:47] experience of dealing with contractors [01:09:48] in office space It should be after I [01:09:52] think they think it's ugly and it is so [01:09:54] it's a contractor's office [01:09:56] yes it's like a weird yellow well anyway [01:09:59] it's sand doll it's going to be sand [01:10:00] dollar okay CR no fre are they going to [01:10:04] fix the windows um there was one window [01:10:07] good I don't know about all of them but [01:10:09] one of them yeah okay um so we had a [01:10:13] company out here today looking at the [01:10:15] front door so they're going to get us a [01:10:17] bunch of different quotes um I've [01:10:19] actually been working with Mr [01:10:21] coric on uh I'm here today he's [01:10:24] everywhere [01:10:26] you're busy man today he's been really [01:10:29] great helping with the uh the tree [01:10:30] situation in the back of town hall and [01:10:32] working with the different companies um [01:10:34] when companies come in you know asking [01:10:36] about it I give them Mark's number so [01:10:39] that's been great um hope you don't [01:10:45] mind does it matter does it [01:10:49] matter um so we had a bid opening with [01:10:52] cmrpc Eric fling and Angie brousard with [01:10:54] the [01:10:55] representatives for the Memorial Park [01:10:57] study this was a project that was part [01:10:59] of the cdbg uh program um that was [01:11:02] started prior to my arrival and now it's [01:11:04] finally underway um so we did the bid [01:11:07] opening for that where are the memorial [01:11:10] Parks ref which one the it's the [01:11:13] Gilbertville one the one up off of [01:11:16] Prospect Street the ball game yeah the [01:11:19] ball that Park correct this goes back a [01:11:22] couple of years now they've been working [01:11:23] to get this grant and know was something [01:11:26] on Highland which was the other oh yeah [01:11:28] that's the other part of it yep yep um [01:11:30] so we met with our grant contractor uh [01:11:32] the town clerk planning board Police [01:11:34] Department highway department and Board [01:11:35] of Health uh were all present um kind of [01:11:38] talking about their different priorities [01:11:40] uh we did give out the um Capital [01:11:42] planning committee's you know list of [01:11:44] priorities and everything so um he is [01:11:47] underway uh we had a call with um Suman [01:11:50] ballheim to to do like a little [01:11:52] introduction to help with some of the [01:11:53] Emergency Management stuff too and [01:11:55] so um that's pretty great um having some [01:11:58] extra help um I've had several meetings [01:12:02] with different health insurance [01:12:03] representatives and consultants and just [01:12:05] discussing different options um I'm not [01:12:08] ready to come to the board with anything [01:12:10] at this point but I am looking at [01:12:12] different options for what we're going [01:12:13] to do um as of July 1st because a 19.9 [01:12:16] 2% increase is insane um so again [01:12:20] looking at different options and then [01:12:21] once I I wrap my head around it and I [01:12:23] kind of I'll come back to the board so [01:12:25] okay [01:12:26] um so our Auditors are still working to [01:12:29] finalize our audit um they asked for [01:12:31] some more information this week about [01:12:33] the sewer project so now um I've [01:12:35] connected them with uh Justin from DCP [01:12:38] um so we're waiting on that which I [01:12:40] don't know why they didn't ask us before [01:12:42] but you know whatever um I met with the [01:12:47] DCP DPC and the sewer department last [01:12:50] week um also met with the finance team [01:12:52] on the budget the assessor interum [01:12:54] treasur and accountant the accountant um [01:12:56] now comes in the last Thursday of the [01:12:58] month that's when we do the department [01:13:00] head meetings so she comes in for that [01:13:02] and she stays all day and you know which [01:13:04] has been I think really helpful too just [01:13:06] to have her [01:13:07] here last Thursday of the month [01:13:10] yes um we interviewed another candidate [01:13:13] for the vacant Highway positions um to [01:13:16] be [01:13:17] determined um drafted the retiree [01:13:20] insurance policy we're continuing to [01:13:23] discuss um contract interacts with the [01:13:25] employees and the police Union um that [01:13:28] expir at the end of the fiscal year um [01:13:30] all of the meetings are done except the [01:13:31] highway superintendent was take which is [01:13:33] taking place on Thursday um so I'm [01:13:35] working on drafting all those for the [01:13:36] board redlining everything so you guys [01:13:38] can see kind of compare from their last [01:13:40] year to current year what would be [01:13:41] changed and um so that's been that I met [01:13:46] with Anne goby the director of rural [01:13:48] Affairs she reached out to me um I [01:13:50] hadn't seen her in a while since my days [01:13:52] at the state house so she reached out [01:13:53] and we sat and went over some stuff that [01:13:55] was going on in town you know from the [01:13:57] police station to fart and just [01:13:59] everything in between so mhm we held a [01:14:02] meeting at Eagle Hill with the towns [01:14:04] around the Quin to discuss the Quin [01:14:06] legislation and there was about 30 [01:14:07] people there including Senator Durant [01:14:09] and Senator Comerford that was very [01:14:12] successful um Eric Fleming was [01:14:15] instrumental and helping put that [01:14:17] together um as well as Eagle Hill and I [01:14:20] I think it there was a good turnout I [01:14:22] think um we got something out of it [01:14:24] we're like in a network now so when [01:14:26] things either go to committee or go to [01:14:28] hearing you know we will we'll all be [01:14:30] notified and all have the same [01:14:31] information so we can advocate for this [01:14:33] there that spoke very highly of the [01:14:35] whole they said it was really [01:14:37] informative and yeah I had my monthly [01:14:41] wear radio interview U where I talked [01:14:44] about the RFP for the page building and [01:14:47] all of our vacancies and Highway she [01:14:49] does great no I don't I hate [01:14:52] it um thanks I [01:14:55] don't what station is it [01:14:59] 97.7 W and when is it on when Thursday [01:15:04] mornings at 8:45 but they rotate so it's [01:15:07] where so you just I always listen and [01:15:09] then if it's Justine it's a bonus [01:15:12] okay little plug she doesn't send us the [01:15:16] date right on [01:15:19] purpose um so this week I want to [01:15:22] recognize Sandy rosenal whose birthday [01:15:24] is also tomorrow um who worked well [01:15:28] beyond her scheduled hours getting the [01:15:30] water bills out the door working on the [01:15:32] annual report she does she's the [01:15:34] gatekeeper she's my gatekeeper and then [01:15:36] she still reminds me to eat at like [01:15:37] 12:30 like she is just amazing and I [01:15:41] just want to make sure that we all know [01:15:43] how great she is and we're lucky to have [01:15:44] her [01:15:46] right um important dates last day of [01:15:48] drop off nomination papers is March 14th [01:15:52] our annual town meeting is June 7th [01:15:57] um and something that I just want to [01:15:59] mention um that's not really finalized [01:16:01] at this point but just on your radar um [01:16:03] myself and Dr M are working with the [01:16:05] Lester Health Coalition on a Naran [01:16:07] training in the month of April that will [01:16:09] be open to uh residents and um Town [01:16:12] staff and anyone can attend they just [01:16:14] have to [01:16:16] register um that's all I have tonight [01:16:18] and then oh and then the ton reports are [01:16:20] here uh the department reports rather [01:16:22] for um so if anyone want you read that [01:16:27] no I'm not going to read all these so [01:16:30] just a quick correction like the March [01:16:32] 14th is the last day somebody can pull [01:16:34] the papers to turn them in them turn [01:16:36] them in you got to get the signatures [01:16:37] and everything and turn them in I [01:16:40] thought it was like the 21 I think last [01:16:43] Friday was the last day you could [01:16:44] actually pull next this coming Friday is [01:16:47] the last day to turn them [01:16:49] in okay I think it was the seventh and [01:16:51] the and the 14th I don't know anything [01:16:53] about the seventh I just think they I [01:16:54] thought last day was to get everything [01:16:56] in was the 14 correct if you had already [01:16:58] pulled papers [01:17:01] correct pH on the town site maybe [01:17:04] something's inaccurate here it says says [01:17:06] the last day to obtain and submit [01:17:09] nomination papers to the board of regist [01:17:11] for certifications Friday the 14th of [01:17:13] March right 14 okay so then you have two [01:17:17] weeks from there to turn them but then [01:17:19] I've never understood what the last day [01:17:21] of file nominations with the town clerk [01:17:23] is March 28th yeah correct okay so then [01:17:26] it's the 14th to pull papers no you can [01:17:31] pull papers on the 14th but you also [01:17:33] have to turn them in by the end of the [01:17:35] day on the 14th it goes to the regist oh [01:17:38] and then it [01:17:42] go do times because the the town clerk [01:17:46] is kind of one of the same yes that's [01:17:49] why it's right yes [01:17:53] thanks my [01:17:55] it's not always easy to understand right [01:17:58] thanks [01:17:59] confusing so that's it for me for today [01:18:03] I Mo do a chair oh you have anything for [01:18:06] the selectman round table he he made a [01:18:10] motion okay I don't have many things on [01:18:13] theable all right I was going to bring [01:18:15] up the CL things but you covered it um [01:18:19] so actually still hanging I'd like to [01:18:22] know what the next steps would that is [01:18:26] was there I mean I dig the networking [01:18:28] and all and it was great it's a great [01:18:30] idea I can speak to that if you want um [01:18:32] so about a week ago is when um everyone [01:18:35] in the legislature got their committee [01:18:36] assignments um so then once it it goes [01:18:39] to committee there will be a public [01:18:41] hearing date um and they're going to let [01:18:43] us know when that is um so we can either [01:18:45] send letters we can send a [01:18:46] representative um whatever however we [01:18:49] want to advocate for the bill and the [01:18:51] bill essentially is trying to [01:18:57] tax um payment and right yeah payment [01:19:01] and L funds and and access for the towns [01:19:04] that have land correct in the quav and [01:19:09] be paid for by raising money for the [01:19:12] water that goes into the cities well [01:19:14] they changed it they changed the bill [01:19:16] the senator Bill I haven't read the [01:19:18] house bill but the Senators bill is the [01:19:20] seven communities around the Quin and [01:19:23] it's going to be a payment from the m [01:19:25] it's not going to be a tax on the water [01:19:26] it's going to be a payment from the MW [01:19:29] and the payment they asked for was $35 [01:19:32] million whether that makes it through [01:19:34] there or they incre who knows they'll [01:19:37] have to increase the rates but that's [01:19:38] not our problem there's all different [01:19:40] things on there that's what that's [01:19:42] ultimately what will [01:19:43] happen police no not necessarily you [01:19:46] know I mean there's a lot of people in [01:19:47] the MW that make a lot of money and so [01:19:51] anyways but one of the things where to [01:19:55] add three people to their board of [01:19:57] directors that was another thing in it [01:19:59] as well good it's good and then there [01:20:02] was also you know how the money would be [01:20:05] spent goes through this thing well it's [01:20:08] 2-year process but you can write letters [01:20:10] you can review the bill you can you know [01:20:13] re you know meet with your Senators do [01:20:16] recommendations for amendments stuff you [01:20:18] know and how how would you want it [01:20:21] improved and stuff like that how update [01:20:24] you was I inform and I'm sorry to [01:20:26] interrupt [01:20:28] youill quick question on that same [01:20:31] subject um I thought I also heard at the [01:20:33] meeting that I wasn't at the meeting but [01:20:35] I thought I read that there was talk of [01:20:38] uh requiring access to the water from [01:20:41] those communities that's what I said [01:20:43] correct we'd actually technically be [01:20:46] able to pull water correct that's what [01:20:48] that's that's part of the bill as well [01:20:50] okay not not just the money piece of it [01:20:53] but right that these towns don't have [01:20:55] access to that water [01:20:57] yep be a lot of [01:21:00] construction something I have the Bild [01:21:03] name or number not off the top of my [01:21:06] head sorry all right I I'll no I'll [01:21:08] mention it next time two different [01:21:11] prepared with that today yeah [01:21:13] yeah okay that's it so just sitting [01:21:19] waiting for a second oh well like all [01:21:21] right I make a motion to a jar okay I'll [01:21:24] say [01:21:25] okay all in favor I thank you everybody