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Hardwick Board Addresses Budget, Appointments, and Infrastructure

Original title: Hardwick, MA. Board of Selectmen 1/23/23

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 7, 2023

Duration

1h 55m

Decisions

4 recorded

Action Items

16 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen convened to discuss the FY24 budget, receiving an update from the Quabbin Regional School District on financial challenges, including unfunded mandates and a significant increase in special education tuition. The Board approved a Mayflower software contract for assessors and directed the use of regular budgetary funds for urgent fire escape repairs at the Townhouse. Discussions also covered placing Planning Board and School Committee vacancies on the annual ballot, clarifying committee appointment procedures, and establishing a regular process for Sewer Commission business now handled by the Board.

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Discussion Highlights

Quabbin Regional School District presented an FY24 budget update, highlighting a 14% tuition increase for out-of-district special education placements, costing $228,280, and advocating for increased rural school aid.
The Board discussed the need for a sample letter to advocate for proposed legislation to increase rural school aid from $6 million to $60 million.
A fundraising initiative for a new Press Box at Alumni Field, estimated at $300,000, was announced, with potential future requests for town meeting warrant for borrowing.
Concerns were raised regarding the clarity of Master Plan committee structures and appointing authorities, leading to a decision to defer appointments until further research is conducted.
New appointments to the Finance Committee were announced, aiming for a proactive and engaged committee.
Boiler inspections revealed violations at several municipal buildings, including the need for carbon monoxide detectors, which are being addressed.
The Department of Public Works was commended for their diligent efforts in snow removal during the winter season.

Transcript (19,377 words)

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

00:00:07
Foreign
00:00:41
Yes I'm muting people okay so it is 6 30 so we're going to call sorry my agendas and I have multiple windows open here the board of selectman uh meeting for Monday January 23rd 2023 to order
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At 6 31.
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On the agenda is the the call to order Pledge of Allegiance visitors comments bear with me one second I have multiple screens open for this here so
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Old business other old business new business we're gonna have an um an FY 24 budget update by Dr Muir Mayflower software for assessor approval townhouse fire escape quote other new business clerk wrote to place on annual ballot
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Planning board vacancy and Page agricultural fund trustee and also K-12 Quabbin Regional School District Committee Member commitment appointment procedure potential appointments looks like we have Marcus do I have an old agenda here
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Sorry everybody just give us a second I I think I have an old one too actually and I think I I did take Marcus Hayden out as to as his request to be removed okay so okay okay so
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I'm looking at the one that's on the site okay so we'll go with the one on my town government everything else is fine up until uh committee appointment procedure potential appointments Lisa Cohen master plan Community Development advisory committee Bill Cole master plan Community Development advisory committee
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[00:00:07] foreign [00:00:41] yes I'm muting people [00:00:43] okay so [00:00:46] um it is [00:00:47] um 6 30 so we're going to call [00:00:51] sorry my agendas and I have multiple [00:00:53] windows open here [00:00:55] um the board of selectman uh meeting for [00:00:58] Monday January 23rd 2023 to order [00:01:02] at 6 31. [00:01:05] um on the agenda is the um [00:01:09] uh the call to order Pledge of [00:01:11] Allegiance visitors comments [00:01:15] um [00:01:17] bear with me one second I have multiple [00:01:18] screens open for this here so [00:01:21] um [00:01:25] um old business other old business new [00:01:27] business we're gonna have an um an FY 24 [00:01:31] budget update by [00:01:33] um Dr Muir Mayflower software for [00:01:37] assessor approval townhouse fire escape [00:01:39] quote other new business [00:01:42] clerk wrote to place on annual ballot [00:01:45] planning board vacancy and Page [00:01:46] agricultural fund trustee [00:01:48] uh and also K-12 Quabbin Regional School [00:01:51] District Committee Member [00:01:53] um commitment appointment procedure [00:01:55] potential appointments [00:01:58] um looks like we have Marcus [00:02:00] do I have an old agenda here [00:02:08] um [00:02:15] sorry everybody just give us a second [00:02:18] I I think I have an old one too actually [00:02:21] and I think I I did take Marcus Hayden [00:02:25] out as to as his request [00:02:28] to be removed okay so okay [00:02:31] okay so [00:02:34] um [00:02:37] I'm looking at the one that's on the [00:02:39] site okay so we'll go with the one on my [00:02:42] town government everything else is fine [00:02:44] up until uh committee appointment [00:02:46] procedure potential appointments Lisa [00:02:48] Cohen master plan Community Development [00:02:50] advisory committee Bill Cole master plan [00:02:52] Community Development advisory committee [00:02:54] Rachel Lucia heart of Council on Aging [00:02:57] discussion in our vote relative to arpa [00:02:59] funding meeting minutes for October 3 [00:03:02] 2022 October 4 2022 October 10 2020 to [00:03:06] October 24 2022 November 7 2022 November [00:03:11] 9 20 2022 and November 21 2022 Town [00:03:15] Administrator report signatures and [00:03:17] approvals included in those there are [00:03:20] others but is the winter recovery Grant [00:03:22] reimbursement selectman Roundtable and [00:03:24] adjournment I think that is the correct [00:03:28] um agenda [00:03:30] um just a note before we get into the [00:03:32] official agenda and do the Pledge of [00:03:34] Allegiance [00:03:35] um the meeting is not being [00:03:39] streamed to YouTube [00:03:41] um as um the person who does that for [00:03:43] the town had an emergency so it is being [00:03:45] recorded you should have been prompted [00:03:47] to accept the recording on Zoom When you [00:03:50] entered so it is being recorded on Zoom [00:03:52] it will not be on YouTube this evening [00:03:54] but the link will be forwarded off and [00:03:56] ultimately put up to YouTube so I just [00:03:58] want to make sure everyone's aware of [00:03:59] that [00:04:02] um first item on the agenda [00:04:06] um other than call to orders Pledge of [00:04:07] Allegiance if we wouldn't mind if you [00:04:09] wouldn't mind joining me in a pledge of [00:04:11] allegiance there is a flag behind Nicole [00:04:14] um I will stand I pledge allegiance to [00:04:16] this flag of the United States of [00:04:19] America and to the Republic for which it [00:04:23] stands one nation under God indivisible [00:04:28] with liberty and justice for all [00:04:32] I have to confess that when it's just [00:04:34] the three of us or four of us saying it [00:04:36] um I'm always afraid I'm gonna make a [00:04:38] mistake on the wording [00:04:41] um so thank thankfully nobody calls us [00:04:44] out on that I appreciate that [00:04:46] um next item on the agenda is visitors [00:04:49] comments so this section of the agenda [00:04:52] is designed for comments from visitors [00:04:55] on an item that is not on the agenda [00:04:58] um there are 28 participants here in the [00:05:02] zoom meeting so if you do want to [00:05:05] um speak under the visitor comment [00:05:08] please raise your hand [00:05:10] and Nicole will unmute you [00:05:19] Nicole do you see any hands under [00:05:21] visitor comments I do not [00:05:25] going once [00:05:27] going twice [00:05:30] okay [00:05:33] um next item on the agenda under old [00:05:35] business we have other old businesses or [00:05:37] anything that we need to address under [00:05:39] old business Nicole or Kelly and Ron [00:05:48] um the only thing that we have that I [00:05:51] have that I didn't put in the agenda [00:05:53] What's [00:05:55] um under signatures and approvals but [00:05:57] and I know you can't see this but with [00:05:58] the ABC uh licensees who failed to renew [00:06:02] for 2023 and licensees disapproved by [00:06:05] the town for 2023 uh needs to be signed [00:06:08] by you although we have none I didn't [00:06:11] think we needed to send it but you have [00:06:13] to send it even if it's blank so [00:06:16] um if I can put it in the Box for you [00:06:18] guys [00:06:19] um [00:06:20] to sign it's it's not really a rush [00:06:22] because we sent all the renewals in uh [00:06:24] but this does need to be attached to the [00:06:27] to the renewals from 2023. [00:06:30] we have done that in the past yeah yeah [00:06:33] I had somebody else that did it in my [00:06:35] last town so I went by me [00:06:39] I don't I yeah I can certainly stop and [00:06:42] sign [00:06:43] same [00:06:45] if you leave it in the mailbox [00:06:49] I won't forget this time [00:06:51] I found him [00:06:55] it's a miracle [00:06:57] they were right on top I'm not sure how [00:07:00] much I would have loved [00:07:03] anything under other old business [00:07:07] I think one of the things we talked [00:07:08] about on the last meeting Nicole and [00:07:10] this might be something we still need to [00:07:12] follow up Ann Barnes asked a question [00:07:14] relative to the properties on Church [00:07:16] Street I believe do we have any updates [00:07:18] on them or we can just to continuing to [00:07:20] follow up on them I don't recall the [00:07:22] numbers of them but those are two vacant [00:07:26] properties on Church Street do we have [00:07:28] an update on any of that yes so I was [00:07:30] looking into it um we didn't have [00:07:32] anything as far as the board of [00:07:34] Selectmen goes [00:07:36] um and I had reached out to uh for [00:07:41] another Town Administrator that has done [00:07:43] this in the past and gave me a procedure [00:07:45] that's able that is um able to do it [00:07:49] without owning the properties however I [00:07:52] did ask the Board of Health and they [00:07:53] have significant documentation on it I [00:07:56] don't know if they have it on both but [00:07:58] they have a very thick folder on one of [00:07:59] the homes and I I gave it back to them [00:08:02] to you know I gave them the pictures and [00:08:05] the card everything that I had so far [00:08:08] um to be able to research to see if they [00:08:10] had condemned it they had gone to court [00:08:12] they had taken into receivership I don't [00:08:14] know what that means or where it goes [00:08:16] from there uh but it is the Board of [00:08:18] Health that that really is the one to [00:08:21] you know make sure that it either gets [00:08:24] condemned or or the town you know starts [00:08:27] the procedure in taking it uh that was [00:08:30] last week so hopefully I'll have an [00:08:33] update from them soon to give to you [00:08:35] guys [00:08:38] great thank you and we'll just can we [00:08:40] sort of just keep that on our radar so [00:08:42] we can just sort of follow up with that [00:08:45] um [00:08:45] and just make sure that we're [00:08:48] that had been on radar for a while but [00:08:51] it sort of got put aside [00:08:53] um with all of the other things that um [00:08:55] we have that are important [00:08:58] um so if we can sort of just keep that [00:08:59] and I'll just make a note to keep that [00:09:00] on my radar as well [00:09:04] um anything else Kelly or Rob under old [00:09:07] business that you [00:09:12] think of anything [00:09:15] I have do have one thing actually [00:09:18] okay the retirement for the retirees the [00:09:21] percentage and you wanted to know how [00:09:23] much Etc [00:09:24] and I reached out to the Worcester [00:09:25] Retirement Board who gave me an update [00:09:29] um it's a percentage of not to exceed [00:09:32] sixteen thousand dollars up to FY 26 I [00:09:35] don't have the exact numbers yet and I I [00:09:38] didn't think that we should be the first [00:09:40] Community to act on it [00:09:43] um there you know it's gone throughout [00:09:45] the entire Worcester uh County so uh I I [00:09:49] I have it on my Forefront but before I [00:09:51] have actual numbers and again to see [00:09:55] what you know what the pulse of the rest [00:09:58] of the county is [00:10:00] um I didn't really want to jump the gun [00:10:02] for you guys and have you really vote on [00:10:04] it before the whole County gets to kind [00:10:07] of digest it and see what kind of impact [00:10:09] it's going to be so [00:10:11] um I do have that right here but [00:10:15] um it's not prepared enough for me to [00:10:17] bring it forward to you guys [00:10:21] all right so what Nicole's referring to [00:10:24] just for those folks who aren't aware is [00:10:26] um and correct me if I'm wrong Nicole [00:10:28] but we were notified by Worcester [00:10:30] retirement [00:10:32] um board that they're looking to do a [00:10:36] two percent adjustment for retirees so [00:10:39] that would mean anyone who is there [00:10:40] retiree from the town of Hardwick would [00:10:42] get a percent [00:10:45] in their [00:10:47] um retirement benefits am I correct [00:10:49] through Worcester County Retirement is [00:10:51] that the gist of it the three percent [00:10:52] that was approved so it would give them [00:10:54] a total of a five percent increase [00:11:00] do we and maybe one of the things in [00:11:02] following up do we [00:11:04] um do we have an idea of who we have on [00:11:08] um Hardwick who are who's currently [00:11:10] collecting is that something we can get [00:11:12] from Worcester County so we could sort [00:11:14] of figure out monetarily what it would [00:11:16] affect what would it it would impact to [00:11:18] us yeah I I got the preliminary numbers [00:11:21] of a little over five what I understand [00:11:23] you need to say is that we should hold [00:11:26] because there's other communities that [00:11:27] are digesting this [00:11:30] um my internet's unstable so I'm going [00:11:32] to shut my video off [00:11:34] um [00:11:34] uh that there's other communities that [00:11:36] are digesting this and that we there's [00:11:39] no urgency for us to vote on this so [00:11:40] we're going to do more due diligence and [00:11:42] revisit it [00:11:44] right okay thank you [00:11:51] um [00:11:51] anything else under old business before [00:11:54] we move on to new business [00:12:01] new business [00:12:04] of Dr [00:12:08] we have children [00:12:12] um [00:12:14] [Music] [00:12:19] the board [00:12:21] why 24 [00:12:23] . [00:12:25] Dr [00:12:29] Nicole [00:12:31] you're cutting out do you want me to ask [00:12:34] Dr Muir to start [00:12:38] yes please but what I asked is if if [00:12:41] they could unmute themselves or you may [00:12:44] have to ask them to unmute [00:12:50] hi Nicole I I I'm here I um for some [00:12:54] reason my video is not working so and I [00:12:56] think Cheryl is with us [00:12:57] also can you hear me okay hi okay [00:13:02] hopefully my video will kick in at some [00:13:04] point [00:13:05] um [00:13:06] so we um when uh Julie read the agenda [00:13:10] we understood that we were sort of here [00:13:13] um for a budget update and then a more [00:13:16] General update [00:13:17] um our original intention was to attend [00:13:20] a select board meeting [00:13:22] several weeks ago in order to give you a [00:13:25] general update and I'll keep the select [00:13:28] board abreast of what was happening in [00:13:30] the district and so I can [00:13:32] um it feels like we're at the budget [00:13:34] update portion of this of the agenda but [00:13:37] just keep let me know you know sort of [00:13:39] if we if we um when you would like me to [00:13:43] speak to the general update uh I asked [00:13:45] Cheryl to join us [00:13:46] um Cheryl dubal who is our director of [00:13:48] administrative services [00:13:50] to answer any questions that you might [00:13:52] have about the budget I'll just start by [00:13:55] saying our first budget subcommittee [00:13:57] meeting is tomorrow evening we would [00:14:01] love to have [00:14:02] um you know any Town officials attend [00:14:04] that the meeting is of course virtual [00:14:08] will be available virtual or in person [00:14:10] and we will record it and post it to [00:14:13] YouTube as well for anyone who may not [00:14:17] be available to attend that meeting [00:14:19] starts at six tomorrow evening [00:14:23] um so we you know we really don't have a [00:14:25] lot of [00:14:26] um specifics at this point because we [00:14:28] haven't shared any um preliminary budget [00:14:31] information with the school committee at [00:14:34] this point [00:14:36] um we will be of course having [00:14:38] um ongoing meetings with the budget [00:14:41] subcommittee [00:14:42] through the through the spring [00:14:46] we have heard that um I don't know if [00:14:49] this is official but we did hear that [00:14:51] the governor [00:14:54] um at a meeting last week with MMA [00:14:57] announced that she would provide local [00:15:01] Aid numbers in advance of her official [00:15:04] budget being released [00:15:06] um the deadline of course as you as you [00:15:09] probably know is in early March [00:15:13] for the new governor so we're hoping [00:15:15] that that [00:15:17] um you know I don't know if that's just [00:15:18] Aid to the towns or if it includes [00:15:21] uh our school aid or not but um we will [00:15:26] We hopefully will have some information [00:15:28] about that soon sooner than March which [00:15:31] we were [00:15:32] anticipating [00:15:33] um getting yeah I was there and um she [00:15:37] said before March 1st and she did [00:15:40] include chapter 70. it was it was a [00:15:43] unicorn message actually so let's hope [00:15:46] yes [00:15:48] and let's hope it's uh it's good news [00:15:53] so um really we're we're you know um [00:15:55] again as I said we're really in the in [00:15:57] the budget development stages Cheryl has [00:15:59] been working [00:16:00] um [00:16:01] very closely with our principals to and [00:16:04] other departments to make sure that um [00:16:06] you know we've got everything accounted [00:16:08] for in the in the budget [00:16:11] um proposal Cheryl I don't know if you [00:16:14] want to provide any additional detail or [00:16:16] any or any um information [00:16:19] um I think you will um one thing that I [00:16:23] did want that I was planning to bring to [00:16:25] the select boards attention [00:16:28] um is sort of just an example it's in [00:16:31] the documents that um that I that my [00:16:34] secretary Jess or my assistant Jess [00:16:36] shared with all of you [00:16:38] um today it's just an example of one of [00:16:41] the unfunded mandates that [00:16:43] you know I'm sure the town of Hardwick [00:16:46] gets them frequently but we also do [00:16:49] um you you'll see in those documents a [00:16:51] letter that uh Cheryl wrote to Senator [00:16:54] goby [00:16:56] um earlier this fall when we were [00:16:58] notified that [00:17:01] the tuition increase that was granted to [00:17:04] out of to schools that provide services [00:17:06] to students who attend out of District [00:17:09] placements for students with [00:17:11] disabilities [00:17:13] they were granted a 14 percent [00:17:17] tuition increase [00:17:19] for Quabbin that means a 228 thousand [00:17:25] 280 dollar [00:17:27] increase to what we pay for out of [00:17:29] District tuition that's [00:17:33] um given that all [00:17:35] um you know all enrollments remain the [00:17:38] same in FY 24. [00:17:41] that increase [00:17:42] alone if we didn't add one dollar to our [00:17:47] budget for fy24 would increase our [00:17:52] budget by over a half a percent it's [00:17:54] actually 0.63 percent [00:17:58] um so this is you know this is something [00:18:00] that's very troubling this is not just [00:18:02] quabbin's problem this is a problem for [00:18:04] all school districts in the Commonwealth [00:18:08] and um I know that the school committee [00:18:11] Association and the uh superintendents [00:18:14] Association and others probably MMA as [00:18:17] well [00:18:18] um are working on trying to [00:18:20] um provide some relief for this [00:18:22] staggering increase the increases [00:18:24] typically have been two to three percent [00:18:27] over the past several years [00:18:30] um and a 14 increase as you can imagine [00:18:33] is [00:18:34] a huge blow to all school districts so I [00:18:38] just share that as an example of one of [00:18:40] the um one of the unfunded mandates that [00:18:43] we are grappling with as we head into [00:18:46] our budget cycle [00:18:48] and I'll stop here and either answer [00:18:50] questions or if Cheryl wants to add [00:18:53] anything she can chime in [00:18:56] good evening everybody I don't have a [00:18:58] lot to say tonight other than um [00:19:01] that one increase in our budget is more [00:19:04] than we had expected we do have a few of [00:19:06] our larger contractor contracts that we [00:19:08] know what the costs are we got our fuel [00:19:10] oil bid for next year all set [00:19:12] we it was a 20 increase but we've got a [00:19:15] bid and we know what our electric costs [00:19:18] are other than that all of our contracts [00:19:19] are up in the air including the six [00:19:21] contracts for our collective bargaining [00:19:23] groups so it's a little difficult uh [00:19:26] going into a meeting tomorrow night with [00:19:29] so many unknowns but all of the details [00:19:31] will be available tomorrow night and I [00:19:33] hope that you can come because it's [00:19:35] going to be a long spring as we try to [00:19:37] wrap our head around how we're going to [00:19:38] fund this budget [00:19:41] foreign [00:19:47] do you have any budget questions for us [00:19:51] I don't Dr Mira and Cheryl I appreciate [00:19:54] sort of an update in the process [00:19:57] um we're likewise going through the you [00:19:59] know the budget process as well so I'm [00:20:02] sure as we continue to move through that [00:20:04] there'll be more updates on both sides [00:20:06] but appreciate that [00:20:08] um you know you're willing to sort of [00:20:10] speak to where the process is [00:20:12] um although the agenda didn't [00:20:14] necessarily indicate a general update if [00:20:16] you [00:20:18] um would like to give us a general [00:20:19] update uh that would now would be the [00:20:21] time if that's okay with you [00:20:25] sure I will I'll be brief I know you [00:20:27] have a long agenda tonight and I don't [00:20:29] want to take too much of your time but [00:20:31] one of the things that I have been [00:20:33] trying to do [00:20:35] um in an effort to continue to build [00:20:39] um strong relationships and [00:20:41] collaborative relationships with the [00:20:43] five member communities is provide you [00:20:48] with ongoing updates as to sort of the [00:20:50] things that we're working on [00:20:52] in the district [00:20:55] um and things that you know perhaps we [00:20:57] can work on together so [00:21:00] um I won't I won't necessarily take the [00:21:02] time to share my screen tonight but you [00:21:04] have um we've been sending monthly [00:21:07] updates to all [00:21:09] um [00:21:10] Town officials and uh to Nicole of [00:21:14] course [00:21:15] um that are um school committee reports [00:21:18] previously we have been providing school [00:21:21] committee reports verbally [00:21:24] um just sort of updating the school [00:21:25] committee every month on things that are [00:21:28] happening in the district of this year [00:21:31] given some feedback from [00:21:33] actually from town officials that um you [00:21:37] know having more information about [00:21:38] what's happening in the district on an [00:21:40] ongoing basis would would sort of help [00:21:44] um we've begun to have written [00:21:48] um school committee reports and every [00:21:50] Department in the school district [00:21:54] provides an update written update every [00:21:57] month to the school committee those are [00:21:59] then forwarded to all Town officials so [00:22:03] again there's a lot of information [00:22:05] contained in these documents hopefully [00:22:09] you've been receiving them hopefully [00:22:10] they are helping you [00:22:13] um you know they're providing you with [00:22:15] some more information than you have had [00:22:17] in the past on a monthly basis about [00:22:19] happenings in the school district things [00:22:22] that we're working on initiatives that [00:22:24] we uh that we are undertaking [00:22:27] and there's also um uh you know a [00:22:32] comprehensive Grant update [00:22:34] in those documents every month that [00:22:37] Cheryl provides curriculum and [00:22:40] instruction updates planting facilities [00:22:43] are um Athletics [00:22:46] special education and [00:22:49] um [00:22:50] our food service update so [00:22:53] um so again just wanted to bring your [00:22:56] your attention to those documents [00:22:57] hopefully you're finding those helpful [00:22:59] and informative and if there's any um [00:23:03] you know if you have any feedback for us [00:23:05] with regard to those we would love to [00:23:08] love to hear from you [00:23:12] another thing that was sent to you [00:23:15] recently was [00:23:16] um the report of the rural schools [00:23:20] commission I think I've talked about [00:23:22] this a couple of times in the past [00:23:25] um but the rural schools Commission [00:23:28] was [00:23:30] um [00:23:31] was a commission that was mandated [00:23:34] um [00:23:35] several years ago when the student [00:23:37] Opportunity Act became law [00:23:40] you may remember that the student [00:23:42] Opportunity Act is [00:23:44] a funding mechanism that addresses the [00:23:50] um some of the challenges or some of the [00:23:52] inadequacies in the funding formula for [00:23:56] schools at the state level [00:23:58] it took many years for the student [00:24:01] Opportunity Act [00:24:02] to be enacted and along the way [00:24:07] um [00:24:08] there were lots of opportunities for [00:24:12] um Municipal officials and School [00:24:14] District leaders and others to provide [00:24:17] input as to what would be included in [00:24:19] the student Opportunity Act it was it [00:24:22] was originally [00:24:24] grew out of a foundation study committee [00:24:27] that identified certain areas where [00:24:31] schools were underfunded health [00:24:33] insurance being one of them [00:24:36] um [00:24:37] services for students whose first [00:24:41] language is not English [00:24:44] and um so as a result of that [00:24:47] there was a great increase in school [00:24:49] funding [00:24:50] unfortunately schools like Quabbin did [00:24:54] not benefit from that great increase in [00:24:56] school funding because we are a school [00:24:59] that has that like many schools have [00:25:03] over the years had declining enrollment [00:25:07] and schools that have had declining [00:25:08] enrollment really didn't benefit from [00:25:11] the student Opportunity Act in fact [00:25:14] Cheryl could quote the numbers but the [00:25:17] vast majority of the student opportunity [00:25:19] millions and millions of dollars that [00:25:21] were funded in the student Opportunity [00:25:22] Act for schools really were [00:25:25] provided to Urban centers [00:25:30] along the way it was identified that [00:25:33] rural school districts and the [00:25:35] communities that support rural school [00:25:37] districts [00:25:39] um [00:25:40] also had funding challenges [00:25:42] and we advocated at the time for some [00:25:47] funding for Rural schools to be included [00:25:50] in the student Opportunity Act that [00:25:52] didn't happen but what what was included [00:25:55] in the legislation was a mandate for [00:25:58] there to be a [00:26:00] rural schools commission to study the [00:26:03] fiscal health of rural school districts [00:26:06] um I happen to be appointed to that [00:26:08] commission by the governor as a [00:26:10] representative from the um Massachusetts [00:26:14] Regional Superintendent's Association [00:26:17] we concluded our work on that Commission [00:26:20] in July and there was a report produced [00:26:22] which you now have a copy of [00:26:26] I think I may have shared it with you [00:26:27] previously out of that work came 36 [00:26:32] recommendations [00:26:34] for challenges and solutions [00:26:38] that would help rural school districts [00:26:42] and the communities that support them [00:26:46] so I just wanted to bring your attention [00:26:49] to that there has been legislation filed [00:26:52] just last week by representative Natalie [00:26:56] belay [00:26:58] um with regard to this [00:27:01] um there are I think probably 15 [00:27:03] recommendations in her legislation but [00:27:06] number one is a significant increase in [00:27:10] rural school aid currently rural school [00:27:13] aid is funded in FY 23 at 6 million [00:27:17] dollars the rural schools commission [00:27:20] recommended an increase a tenfold [00:27:23] increase to 60 million dollars [00:27:27] um if that were to be funded I think [00:27:31] that um [00:27:32] this the challenges that we face as a [00:27:35] rural School District would be [00:27:39] significantly reduced in fact they would [00:27:41] probably disappear altogether and um I [00:27:44] think the burden on our communities to [00:27:46] support our budget would be [00:27:49] probably next to non-existent so [00:27:52] um the reason I'm I'm sort of mentioning [00:27:54] this tonight and bringing your attention [00:27:56] to it is that I hope that as this [00:28:00] legislation starts to move through [00:28:04] um the house and the Senate that we [00:28:07] could work together to really advocate [00:28:10] for it I do believe that MMA is aware of [00:28:14] this legislation at this point [00:28:17] and um certainly the Superintendent's [00:28:19] Association is making this uh part of [00:28:22] their legislative platform the [00:28:25] um school committee Association I [00:28:27] believe is as well [00:28:29] and again I hope that um this is [00:28:32] something that as as it gets you know [00:28:35] gets to the point that we can actually [00:28:36] start to really get behind it that all [00:28:39] of our communities as well as other [00:28:41] rural communities will really advocate [00:28:44] for this strongly it's going to be a [00:28:47] very significant uphill battle to get [00:28:49] this passed because as you know our [00:28:52] representation on Beacon Hill is not we [00:28:55] don't have that many [00:28:56] representatives or Senators on Beacon [00:28:59] Hill but [00:29:01] it is um probably the best shot we have [00:29:04] of solving our some of our finance many [00:29:07] of our financial challenges so I'm how [00:29:10] I'm going to stop there [00:29:12] um with that but if you have any [00:29:13] questions about that [00:29:16] um I would be happy to answer them or [00:29:19] um I will certainly keep [00:29:21] Nicole in informed as I [00:29:25] um as I hear more on the legislation and [00:29:29] hopefully again we can work together to [00:29:31] advocate for that [00:29:36] thank you Dr Amir [00:29:39] and one final thing that I just wanted [00:29:41] to mention [00:29:42] um some of you may be aware we recently [00:29:45] launched a fundraising [00:29:50] a push a fundraising [00:29:52] um initiative to begin to raise some [00:29:56] funds for the um [00:29:58] Press Box on Alumni field if you've been [00:30:01] to Alumni field or um [00:30:04] football field soccer field field hockey [00:30:07] field [00:30:08] you will know that uh the we do not have [00:30:11] a press box and currently [00:30:13] um what we are using is some scaffolding [00:30:16] that we are renting [00:30:18] or coaches and others uh to view and um [00:30:23] report on games [00:30:26] several years ago well actually [00:30:28] pre-covered we began to think about [00:30:31] the inadequacy of those facilities and [00:30:36] began to talk about how we could [00:30:40] um increase the quality of the athletic [00:30:43] facilities up to par with other local [00:30:46] school districts and we put that on hold [00:30:50] during colvid but now we are hoping to [00:30:54] move forward with uh with that [00:30:56] initiative again the athletic department [00:30:58] is um [00:31:00] really working hard to raise some money [00:31:02] we've raised um I don't know exactly how [00:31:04] much but around seven thousand dollars I [00:31:06] think at this point and there's a lot of [00:31:09] fundraising events scheduled for the [00:31:11] upcoming [00:31:12] upcoming Seasons however at some point [00:31:17] we may need to come to the communities [00:31:21] and ask for an opportunity to ask for [00:31:25] permission [00:31:26] to borrow money to fund the remainder of [00:31:29] that project what it would entail is [00:31:31] taking two sections out of our current [00:31:33] bleachers our bleaches are only six [00:31:36] levels high now we would add 15 rows of [00:31:40] seats and then on top of those 15 rows [00:31:43] of seats would be a Press Box [00:31:47] so again we just really wanted to bring [00:31:50] this to your attention we're hoping to [00:31:51] raise a significant portion of this [00:31:54] money by fundraising initiatives but [00:31:57] ultimately [00:31:58] uh we don't think we'll be able to raise [00:32:01] the full amount we're not sure exactly [00:32:03] what the full amount is but it will be a [00:32:06] costly project and we may depending on [00:32:10] you know where we are in the process we [00:32:12] may ask our communities to put a town [00:32:15] meeting warrant on um on on a future [00:32:19] town meeting [00:32:22] um for Community approval for us to [00:32:25] borrow the money to complete the project [00:32:32] and that's all I have for updates [00:32:36] thank you Dr Mira [00:32:40] you're welcome [00:32:42] there is um there's a question in the [00:32:44] chat and I believe that's why [00:32:47] um Anna welven ours don't have their [00:32:48] hand up [00:32:50] um [00:32:52] it says do members of the public have [00:32:54] access to the school committee update [00:32:55] reports [00:32:58] yes all of those reports [00:33:01] on our um [00:33:03] on our website with the um school [00:33:07] committee agendas so yes they are [00:33:09] absolutely all available to the public [00:33:11] and we encourage you to read them [00:33:17] well did you have an additional question [00:33:19] that you want to ask Dr me or does that [00:33:21] answer your question [00:33:22] it did answer that question first I just [00:33:24] wanted to thank Dr Muir for attending I [00:33:28] want to thank you for your [00:33:29] clear presentation Dr and for your [00:33:33] efforts to raise funds to help our [00:33:35] school system and I want to ask if [00:33:37] perhaps you could reach out to [00:33:40] the elected officials of course at Town [00:33:43] Hall but also to a broader group of us [00:33:45] through some mechanism so that we can [00:33:47] try to assist you in fundraising efforts [00:33:50] lobbying efforts to try and help you [00:33:53] obtain the funds that you need to run on [00:33:57] an effective school system so that's all [00:33:59] I wanted to say [00:34:03] thank you I appreciate that and we would [00:34:05] we would love to [00:34:07] um you know again if you have any ideas [00:34:09] about how to reach the greater public [00:34:11] where you're trying to we've got a lot [00:34:13] of things on our website although we are [00:34:15] updating our website our website has not [00:34:18] this is just another piece of news it's [00:34:19] in all the school committee reports but [00:34:21] our website has not been updated in I [00:34:26] don't know over 20 years I think and [00:34:29] it's it is not [00:34:31] um it's not easy to navigate to be very [00:34:33] honest and we recognize that as in in an [00:34:37] effort to make information about the [00:34:39] school district more accessible to the [00:34:41] public in our and our families we are [00:34:45] currently working on updating and [00:34:49] providing a new website you probably [00:34:51] won't be up until [00:34:52] later in the spring but that is [00:34:55] something that we recognize as a [00:34:56] challenge but I would love if you have [00:34:58] any ideas about how to get the word out [00:35:02] um I would love to hear them and you [00:35:04] know you can certainly contact me at any [00:35:06] point love to partner with anyone who [00:35:09] has again has ideas about how we can [00:35:12] work together [00:35:14] that's my wife Ann and I will reach out [00:35:17] to you I expect others will reach out to [00:35:19] you as well we do want to help [00:35:21] thank you I appreciate that very much [00:35:24] I apologize that my video is not working [00:35:28] this evening [00:35:30] well that's a hardwood condition [00:35:34] a country condition we understand thank [00:35:36] you again [00:35:38] thank you will [00:35:42] any questions for Dr Muir or Cheryl [00:35:46] Nicole Rob Kelly [00:35:51] I'm just curious about what we can do to [00:35:55] help Advocate [00:35:57] um this [00:35:58] the legislator that um [00:36:01] Dr Muir was speaking about can we you [00:36:05] know as a town could we be writing to [00:36:07] people [00:36:09] um if she has specific ideas on how we [00:36:12] can do that I'm just curious [00:36:14] I I know for just me as a frame of [00:36:17] reference Dr Muir I know for some of the [00:36:19] professional associations that I've I [00:36:21] belong to [00:36:23] they send a sample letter out of all of [00:36:26] the pertinent facts and um so it's a [00:36:29] suggested letter that you could send to [00:36:31] your legislator to advocate for a [00:36:33] certain position or certain funding [00:36:35] would that be something that you could [00:36:37] potentially [00:36:38] um and I and I say that it's helpful [00:36:41] because we want to be sure we're [00:36:42] referencing the correct [00:36:44] um obviously we can advocate for all of [00:36:46] the funding for the town of Hardwick but [00:36:48] if there's specific [00:36:50] um initiatives or things that we should [00:36:52] be advocating for [00:36:54] um if if there were a sample letter that [00:36:56] were drafted [00:36:58] um you know that would be helpful [00:37:01] yes I I do anticipate that we will have [00:37:04] a sample letter that will we will [00:37:07] distribute to town officials absolutely [00:37:09] and [00:37:10] um I do believe that there are some [00:37:13] folks that who are going to [00:37:15] um [00:37:16] connect with MMA and help and hopefully [00:37:20] um maybe I don't I don't know how they [00:37:21] determine or what process they use to [00:37:24] determine their legislative platform but [00:37:28] um hoping maybe to to draw there I do [00:37:30] believe that [00:37:32] um [00:37:33] representative blay has [00:37:36] connected with them at this point or is [00:37:38] planning to very soon so I will [00:37:42] absolutely [00:37:43] um you know keep you all informed and [00:37:45] updated through Nicole if there's any if [00:37:48] there's anything that I have access to [00:37:50] that I think would help be helpful [00:37:55] I will I will certainly keep you [00:37:57] um updated [00:38:01] thank you [00:38:08] I'm gonna ask a question to Dr Muir [00:38:11] sure absolutely Nicole [00:38:14] um I'm familiar with this uh I did it [00:38:16] literally the same I think just I think [00:38:19] all the towns were doing it just for [00:38:20] covet with the Press Box bleachers even [00:38:23] a track I don't know how your what shape [00:38:25] your track is in [00:38:27] um but do you have a do you have an [00:38:29] approximate amount on how much the Press [00:38:31] Box and bleachers will cost and also how [00:38:35] what condition the track is in [00:38:38] the track is in great condition we just [00:38:41] had it resurfaced [00:38:42] um Cheryl can tell me two years ago so [00:38:45] our track is is in great condition [00:38:49] um the we got a price on the Press Box [00:38:54] pre-covered all the engineering and see [00:38:58] you know it's it's there's a lot of [00:39:01] infrastructure in terms of foundation [00:39:02] and excavation more if it's necessary uh [00:39:06] it was it was in the range of a hundred [00:39:08] and eighty thousand dollars at that time [00:39:11] we expect that it's probably close to [00:39:16] three hundred thousand dollars at this [00:39:18] point just and this is purely an [00:39:20] estimate [00:39:21] um no official numbers at all just based [00:39:24] on the increase in construction costs [00:39:27] that we know [00:39:30] have have occurred um post covid so we [00:39:33] do not have a firm number at this point [00:39:36] we just we really just wanted to get [00:39:38] going on the fundraising and see if we [00:39:41] could hit [00:39:42] um a significant goal in terms of [00:39:45] fundraising before we [00:39:48] had to look at other funding sources [00:39:52] good [00:39:53] um do you have Ada accessibility to that [00:39:55] Press Box that was something that came [00:39:57] up as a surprise to us we we will yes [00:40:00] it's part of a part of what we've [00:40:02] planned absolutely [00:40:04] thank you [00:40:07] thanks Nicole [00:40:09] Kelly Robert are there any one anyone in [00:40:12] the um Zoom group that has questions for [00:40:16] Dr Muir [00:40:19] I'm good [00:40:22] okay well certainly if you do have [00:40:24] questions for Dr mear you can reach out [00:40:25] to her directly or Cheryl but you can [00:40:27] also go through Nicole and we can [00:40:29] certainly try to get answers [00:40:31] um [00:40:32] thank you both very much for for coming [00:40:35] in giving us an update in a in a budget [00:40:37] update [00:40:40] thank you and good night good night [00:40:42] thank you [00:40:49] um and unfortunately [00:40:50] um [00:40:51] uh we would love to attend the budget [00:40:53] committee meeting tomorrow night but we [00:40:56] have a previously scheduled meeting that [00:40:57] we've been trying to schedule for a very [00:40:59] long time so [00:41:00] um we won't be able to attend but um [00:41:02] we'll certainly look for updates as they [00:41:04] come out [00:41:07] um next item on the agenda under new [00:41:08] business is the Mayflower software for [00:41:10] assessor approval [00:41:15] have you um Kelly Rob have you had a [00:41:17] chance to look at that [00:41:20] I have this is a standard um standard [00:41:25] contractor that comes uh each year from [00:41:29] our Board of assessors yeah [00:41:31] [Music] [00:41:41] questions on the contract are we ready [00:41:45] to make a motion to approve the contract [00:41:49] foreign [00:41:51] I'm happy to make a motion I'm just [00:41:53] wondering um if you want me to read the [00:41:55] whole cost breakdown that's on I think [00:41:58] like the third or fourth page [00:42:01] and I do have a question it says fy24 [00:42:05] which this is a quote for is a five-year [00:42:09] reevaluation year and those Services [00:42:11] have been quoted separately so we not [00:42:14] approving that right now [00:42:17] no [00:42:19] um [00:42:19] she didn't she actually has [00:42:23] um soliciting some quotes [00:42:26] um and we'll be putting it in the fy24 [00:42:28] budget requesting it be put in the 24 [00:42:30] budget [00:42:31] it's about 25 000 that needs to be done [00:42:33] every five years great [00:42:38] so I think um I think if you wanted to [00:42:40] make the motion by item okay as [00:42:43] mentioned in the cost breakdown on page [00:42:45] seven I think that would be helpful [00:42:47] Kelly okay [00:42:53] so I would make a motion to approve the [00:42:55] Mayflower evaluation uh quote for items [00:42:59] one through four the cost will be billed [00:43:01] on a per diem basis of 550 a day and for [00:43:03] item five 504 appraisal the cost will be [00:43:07] two thousand dollars as submitted from [00:43:10] the assessors [00:43:18] is there a second to the motion rub [00:43:26] he's still on mute [00:43:29] [Music] [00:43:33] so we've been moved and seconded to [00:43:35] approve the Mayflower contract as Kelly [00:43:38] mentioned any other discussion [00:43:42] hearing none since we are on Zoom um we [00:43:44] do need to call the roll I'm sorry Julie [00:43:47] yes [00:43:48] um it's just for accepted by one person [00:43:51] I don't know if you want to authorize me [00:43:52] to sign it or authorize you to sign it [00:43:54] but maybe included with the approval of [00:43:57] the contract would be for whoever to [00:43:59] execute it [00:44:02] okay Kelly do you want to amend your [00:44:04] motion [00:44:05] sure [00:44:07] um [00:44:08] I will [00:44:09] amend my motion to include [00:44:13] um authorizing Nicole to sign the [00:44:15] contract [00:44:18] I'll second that [00:44:20] so the amendment has been moved and [00:44:22] second in any other discussion [00:44:26] hearing none I will since again since we [00:44:29] are in Zoom we need to call the roll and [00:44:30] Rob your first on my screen Rob Ruggles [00:44:33] yes [00:44:35] Kelly Kemp yes and Julie quink is a yes [00:44:39] the motion carries thank you [00:44:42] was that the motion for the amendment [00:44:44] was that the motion for the [00:44:47] oh we're getting really technical now [00:44:48] Rob we'll just write one one uh one [00:44:53] motion [00:44:56] we can I can call the vote again if [00:44:58] you'd like on the original motion [00:45:01] that's okay why don't want for for [00:45:04] consistency or for appropriateness sakes [00:45:07] I'll call the rule on the original [00:45:08] motion rub [00:45:11] yes Kelly yes and Julie is yes okay [00:45:16] great thank you [00:45:19] um the next item on the agenda is the [00:45:21] townhouse fire escape quote [00:45:27] have you had a chance um both of you had [00:45:29] a chance to review it [00:45:32] I did [00:45:36] any questions okay can I ask who uh [00:45:40] was this Peter Schmidt that put this out [00:45:42] there too or [00:45:45] um solicited the quote by the looks of [00:45:47] it [00:45:52] I think Hands-On if she wants to uh [00:45:54] speak to it I I was given the quotes and [00:45:56] originally I mean it's not an amount [00:45:58] that really needs to come to the board [00:46:00] uh it can just be approved because it's [00:46:02] under 10 000 and they did solicit and [00:46:04] they received quotes [00:46:06] um I'm just kind of bringing it to your [00:46:07] attention first of all it needs to um be [00:46:11] fixed by the next uh fair or the [00:46:14] building inspector and [00:46:16] um [00:46:18] um I I mean I would take it from the [00:46:20] townhouse budget it's not obviously sort [00:46:23] of uh [00:46:25] it's not it wasn't budgeted for [00:46:29] um but with keeping in you know ensuring [00:46:32] that we know throughout the year how [00:46:34] much each individual I line item will [00:46:37] cost [00:46:38] um you know I don't know how you guys [00:46:40] want to handle it [00:46:42] there's one for forty five hundred one [00:46:43] for fifty five hundred [00:46:45] it's Ann Barnes here and [00:46:50] and Peter did get the coats [00:46:54] um when we both met with both men uh and [00:46:58] they both seemed like they would be okay [00:47:01] um very knowledgeable [00:47:05] um so we could go with the lower quote I [00:47:08] don't believe we have the money in the [00:47:09] budget for this and we will have to have [00:47:12] a couple more oil deliveries in the [00:47:14] Furnace Cleaning [00:47:17] yeah [00:47:20] foreign [00:47:23] is this something that we um [00:47:25] so in terms of funding Nicole I'm not [00:47:28] sure what's in their budget but is this [00:47:30] something that we could [00:47:32] um [00:47:33] is this a good candidate for arpa [00:47:35] funding [00:47:36] you could I think I can find it in the [00:47:38] budget as well [00:47:41] okay it isn't you know it isn't [00:47:44] something that is a typical expense [00:47:47] uh it's more [00:47:50] maintenance it is you know again the way [00:47:54] that I had and historically budgeted [00:47:56] would be to continuously use the account [00:47:59] even if it goes negative to make sure [00:48:01] that we know what we're using for each [00:48:03] account each year and we know you know [00:48:06] realistically what we should be [00:48:08] budgeting for [00:48:10] um each year for each department or or [00:48:13] building or whatever it is [00:48:15] um you know this is kind of like [00:48:17] probably a one-time thing well we have [00:48:19] to do all kinds of welding again to the [00:48:21] fire escape probably not do we want to [00:48:24] put money into the townhouse for [00:48:26] maintenance for things like this that [00:48:28] you know these are all budgeting [00:48:29] questions it's entirely up to you if I [00:48:31] can find it in the budget because you [00:48:33] know I can find it by the end of the [00:48:35] year with with other accounts uh so we [00:48:38] again are consistent and know what's [00:48:40] coming out of the accounts you are very [00:48:42] it's under your purview to use arpa [00:48:45] um [00:48:47] whatever you think [00:48:49] Ellie and ROM do you have thoughts on [00:48:51] this [00:48:56] um I think that because it's not a [00:48:59] ordinary item [00:49:01] I don't think we should try to find it [00:49:03] through the budgeting process I think it [00:49:05] might kind of make things look funky [00:49:08] uh it's just my opinion on the matter [00:49:12] foreign [00:49:19] speak for you but I I maybe what I think [00:49:22] you're saying is so that we know what [00:49:23] the total costs are and at the end of [00:49:26] the year if there isn't sufficient you [00:49:28] know [00:49:29] um funds from other budgets it would [00:49:31] ultimately come out of free cash so it [00:49:33] would ultimately be that's how it would [00:49:35] be funded is is through free cash [00:49:38] yeah so the thing that I think about [00:49:39] that is you know if it happens three or [00:49:42] four years down the road ARP is no [00:49:44] longer there so you know I I kind of [00:49:47] tried to keep arpa things on high-end [00:49:50] once in a lifetime kind of things that [00:49:52] we'll need or or you know the one-time [00:49:56] um one-time expenses that we know that [00:49:59] we have now that we won't have after fry [00:50:01] 24 so [00:50:04] um you know I I understand completely [00:50:07] that we have this little pot of money [00:50:09] that we can use and then we can be done [00:50:10] with it [00:50:12] um it I don't know will the townhouse [00:50:13] need something else next year well you [00:50:15] know uh to be to understand what each [00:50:18] department needs that's just [00:50:21] um kind of how I've kept track of things [00:50:23] in the past with the way I budget but [00:50:25] um once again it's entirely up to you so [00:50:27] we can use ARCA funds [00:50:29] um I can I can [00:50:33] we can wait and if if we can't cover it [00:50:35] we can use free cash [00:50:38] um [00:50:39] yeah [00:50:40] um an article however you guys want to [00:50:43] do it and there's so many different ways [00:50:44] but [00:50:45] um we have had you know a healthy I [00:50:49] don't want to say healthy I mean it's [00:50:51] been consistent over the past two years [00:50:54] or 18 months and I've been here that [00:50:56] there has been a little bit of free cash [00:50:57] to be able to [00:50:59] to be you know that we know that we have [00:51:01] in the budget at the end of the year is [00:51:02] what I mean that we could cover it [00:51:04] um but then again it's it wasn't [00:51:06] expected so it really comes down to how [00:51:09] you want to look at things [00:51:12] I I'd like to make a comment [00:51:14] um Peter here [00:51:16] um it falls under Life Safety so [00:51:20] um I basically want to reinforce what [00:51:22] you said that it should really be done [00:51:25] as soon as possible [00:51:27] um I don't know how it's funded that's [00:51:28] up to you but um it does uh create an [00:51:32] issue of can we have people up there [00:51:35] anymore on the second floor of the Town [00:51:37] building with [00:51:39] um with a appropriate working uh Escape [00:51:45] um so I I really uh [00:51:49] lacked on it [00:51:51] what do you say [00:51:52] I don't I don't think we're questioning [00:51:55] the validity of the expense Peter I [00:51:57] think we're just sort of talking about [00:51:58] in the appropriateness and necessity of [00:52:01] it I think we're talking about do we you [00:52:03] know are if it's a um a repair that has [00:52:06] to be funded through arpa the the board [00:52:08] has to specifically vote that funding [00:52:11] that's really what we're talking about [00:52:13] here is sort of which pocket of money [00:52:16] um I'm I'm of the same I understand [00:52:18] Rob's perspective but I've also had the [00:52:20] same mind for Nicole it's not the fire [00:52:22] escape it's going to be something else [00:52:24] so what this is indicative of is maybe [00:52:27] our mate and in budget [00:52:29] fine for the house isn't large enough [00:52:32] that we are not maybe doing preventative [00:52:34] enough preventative maintenance there so [00:52:37] I think either way is fine with me [00:52:40] um [00:52:42] on how we handle this [00:52:45] yeah I I'm gonna I'm gonna also kind of [00:52:48] agree with you and Julie [00:52:50] I do think that it needs to happen [00:52:52] sooner than later one for safety two for [00:52:55] well the prices of stuff just continues [00:52:57] to keep going up [00:52:59] um and these quotes one of them has a [00:53:01] date of [00:53:02] November is that still even accurate so [00:53:06] I questioned that [00:53:08] um and I do think that um this I'm not [00:53:11] sure that this is a good fit for Opera [00:53:21] what is um what is the recommendation of [00:53:24] the townhouse committee or group [00:53:28] for our are they suggesting that we take [00:53:31] the lowest better which is Mayberry's [00:53:33] portable welding [00:53:35] we didn't vote on it as a group uh we [00:53:39] went over them and uh we thought that [00:53:42] you would probably want to take the [00:53:44] lowest bid [00:53:46] the uh we liked both men and felt that [00:53:50] they could do a good safe job [00:53:54] um with it [00:53:55] of course with the welding near the [00:53:57] building you worry about safety [00:53:59] they both had plants for fire blankets [00:54:02] and things yeah [00:54:10] and as you can see most of the cost is [00:54:12] labor [00:54:13] um so I would have gone with the lower [00:54:16] quote it doesn't meet a threshold of [00:54:19] needing to come to you for a vote in the [00:54:22] event they had the money in the budget [00:54:24] if you know there was a certain amount [00:54:26] of Maintenance money [00:54:27] um I brought it to your attention so you [00:54:29] could see that you know this this is an [00:54:32] extra cost that you know is still an [00:54:35] expense related cost [00:54:37] um and that [00:54:40] um my suggestion would be to go with the [00:54:41] lowest bidder um but [00:54:44] I I want I just wanted to bring it to [00:54:46] your attention so you know and you see [00:54:48] like this has come up in the past where [00:54:50] the building inspector didn't want to [00:54:52] shut it down for the fair but also it [00:54:55] probably wasn't aware that events will [00:54:56] happen throughout the year and thinks [00:54:57] it's just done for the fair so [00:54:59] um as [00:55:00] as Peter said um you know we'll make [00:55:03] we'll we'll bring this forward the only [00:55:05] the only thing that you'd need to vote [00:55:06] on tonight would be whether or not you [00:55:08] want to use arpa funds and then that [00:55:10] would require a vote if you would like [00:55:11] me to use regular budgetary funding then [00:55:14] you can just tell me to do that [00:55:22] I'm okay with using regular budgetary [00:55:24] funding and then we know that this will [00:55:26] have to make this up [00:55:35] sorry Kelly I do [00:55:38] that we should [00:55:41] secure [00:55:43] as soon as [00:55:46] possible [00:55:48] I think we got the gist of that yeah did [00:55:52] you miss half you're breaking up again [00:55:56] well [00:56:00] okay [00:56:03] all right [00:56:06] Escape [00:56:14] no any other discussion on this are we [00:56:17] prepared to direct Nicole and what to do [00:56:20] with this [00:56:23] I'm good I mean if we're in agree if [00:56:27] we're agreeing [00:56:29] in agreeance sorry [00:56:31] get talk [00:56:34] I am I'm I'm [00:56:36] um you know I think we can go with [00:56:38] Nicole's recommendation to take the [00:56:39] lowest bidder [00:56:41] um it sounds like Ian and um the group [00:56:45] have looked at both and feel comfortable [00:56:47] with both so I'd be inclined to go with [00:56:49] the lowest bidder and let's take it out [00:56:50] of the budget and [00:56:53] um knowing again that we'll have to make [00:56:54] up the if there's a shortfall in the [00:56:56] budget line item will have to make it up [00:56:58] I'm fine with that [00:57:01] Rob are you good with that [00:57:05] sure [00:57:06] okay [00:57:08] Nicole can you work with um the [00:57:10] townhouse group to get this done as soon [00:57:13] as we can absolutely [00:57:15] thank you [00:57:19] okay [00:57:21] um any other new business that we need [00:57:24] to talk about [00:57:27] I have one thing that was brought to me [00:57:29] today by Jen [00:57:31] sure the tax map maintenance proposal [00:57:34] for the town [00:57:35] uh it's once again not [00:57:39] well it's a contract so that's why I [00:57:42] insisted that it come to you and not [00:57:44] just um not just uh [00:57:47] you know what I think I'll put it in the [00:57:50] next agenda so you have it and you can [00:57:51] look at it it's just the gis which [00:57:53] started January 1st and goes through 12 [00:57:55] 31 for the assessors [00:57:57] um but I'll put it on the next agenda [00:58:00] I'm sorry never mind [00:58:01] I think you should see it and read it [00:58:07] okay thank you Nicole [00:58:10] anything else under other new business [00:58:17] okay [00:58:19] um the next item is um I know our town [00:58:21] clerk is on with us um requesting [00:58:24] to vote to place on the annual ballot [00:58:27] the planning board vacancy and the [00:58:30] um Hardwick member vacancy on the K-12 [00:58:34] club and Regional School District [00:58:35] committee I think those were the two [00:58:37] that we were looking at page page [00:58:40] agricultural fund trustee as well [00:58:43] okay [00:58:45] I knew there was a third and again going [00:58:47] through the two agendas it's a little [00:58:49] difficult to [00:58:50] to keep up [00:58:52] um sure absolutely [00:58:56] yes no uh the pages page is not correct [00:58:59] I had sent instructions to Angie to [00:59:01] remove that and we we did do that so the [00:59:04] vacant the vacancies are [00:59:06] planning board uh created by a [00:59:09] resignation that was filed with my [00:59:11] office on the 13th by Eric volheim [00:59:13] effective April 10. and then uh Ed Kelly [00:59:17] Ned's Kelly [00:59:19] um is resigning from the K-12 Quabbin [00:59:22] Regional school committee effective [00:59:24] April 10 as well both of those terms [00:59:27] have expiration date in 2024. [00:59:31] so pursuant to uh Master law 4110 [00:59:36] no election shall be held for any office [00:59:38] pursuant to the section unless the [00:59:40] selectman file with the town clerk a [00:59:42] notice of an election for such office [00:59:45] not less than 15 days [00:59:47] before the last day blah blah blah to [00:59:49] submit nomination papers for [00:59:51] certification so the April 10 election [00:59:53] the deadline [00:59:55] is February 17. so I would need a vote [01:00:00] and a notice from the call or someone [01:00:03] just stating that you wish to place on [01:00:06] the April 10 ballot [01:00:08] the vacancy that will occur for one year [01:00:10] for the planning board and the vacancy [01:00:12] that will occur for one year for the [01:00:14] K-12 [01:00:15] um Quabbin Regional school committee at [01:00:18] that time once you do that then we're [01:00:21] able to put it on the ballot and people [01:00:23] would also be able to take out [01:00:25] nomination papers for those unexpired [01:00:28] terms [01:00:31] and Ryan as a follow-up relative to [01:00:35] um are posted and and [01:00:37] um you've been very clear about the [01:00:39] timing of papers it would follow the [01:00:41] same [01:00:43] um procedure uh as anyone taking out [01:00:46] papers for a current an office that is [01:00:49] up for normal recurring elections so I [01:00:52] guess what I'm trying to say is that [01:00:53] people would need to take papers out for [01:00:55] these positions and return them by [01:00:57] February 17th [01:01:00] that is correct so in other words it [01:01:02] needs to be at least 15 days there needs [01:01:05] to be the notice that you give me has to [01:01:06] be at least 15 days from the deadline [01:01:08] we've already Our Town bylaws stipulate [01:01:12] the date of the election which will be [01:01:14] April 10 and then [01:01:17] um [01:01:17] certification of those names uh to be [01:01:21] turned into the board of registrars and [01:01:22] then in turn turned into the to the town [01:01:24] clerk [01:01:25] based upon that calendar February 17 at [01:01:27] 5 PM which is a Friday is the deadline [01:01:30] to turn in it's also the deadline to [01:01:32] take out papers so [01:01:34] on Friday the February 17th I plan on [01:01:36] being in the office from two to five I [01:01:38] mean the building's typically closed but [01:01:40] I will be there in case there is anyone [01:01:43] that hasn't turned in papers or if they [01:01:45] want to take them out we've never set a [01:01:48] deadline [01:01:49] in which to take out papers so [01:01:50] hypothetically someone could come in at [01:01:53] two o'clock on Friday to take off papers [01:01:55] for any office and then have until 5 PM [01:01:57] to get them turned in [01:01:59] the deadline to go into my office which [01:02:02] is just basically left-hand feeding the [01:02:04] right is March the 6th and then the [01:02:07] deadline to withdraw after that is is [01:02:09] March the 8th so if you decide long [01:02:11] story short if you decide to place these [01:02:14] two offices on the ballot it would [01:02:15] follow the same procedures for the other [01:02:18] positions that are going to be up in [01:02:21] April and that would be that they would [01:02:23] simply have to file 20 signatures [01:02:27] um 20 registered voters and then they [01:02:29] would be able to get on the ballot [01:02:33] thank you Ryan [01:02:37] I I have no issue I mean these These are [01:02:39] open positions so I have no issue in [01:02:41] putting them on [01:02:43] the annual ballot Kelly and Rob [01:02:46] I'm fine [01:02:47] um do we need to make a motion [01:02:52] yes yes [01:02:54] do you want would you like to have a [01:02:57] motion yeah so so I guess I would [01:02:59] entertain a motion let me try to make it [01:03:01] easy have the agenda up in front of me [01:03:02] so a entertain a motion to place on the [01:03:06] annual ballot the planning board vacancy [01:03:08] and the Hardwick member vacancy on the [01:03:11] K-12 quad Regional School District [01:03:14] committee [01:03:16] I will make a motion as Julie just [01:03:18] stated [01:03:23] is there [01:03:24] sorry is there a second [01:03:29] second [01:03:31] any discussion on the motion [01:03:36] Ryan is that motion sufficient [01:03:41] Madam chair it is sufficient but I'll [01:03:43] still need something in writing [01:03:45] um prior to February the second [01:03:47] sure [01:03:50] any other discussion on the motion [01:03:54] hearing none I will call the roll Rob [01:03:57] yes Kelly yes uh Julie is a yes so the [01:04:01] motion carries thank you and thank you [01:04:04] Ryan [01:04:06] thank you madam chair and uh thank you [01:04:07] members of the board appreciate it very [01:04:09] much [01:04:11] um next item on the agenda is committee [01:04:14] appointment procedure and under that [01:04:15] potential appointments with Lisa Cohen [01:04:17] Bill Cole and Rachel Lucia so um I guess [01:04:20] just a comment about the committee [01:04:22] appointment procedure [01:04:23] um [01:04:24] I think we have spoken in previous [01:04:26] meetings about [01:04:28] um [01:04:29] getting a letter of interest into Nicole [01:04:32] um what um what I think and and [01:04:37] um maybe allowing us a reasonable notice [01:04:40] to address it on an agenda just from a [01:04:43] procedural standpoint we try to make [01:04:44] sure our agenda is set by Thursday of [01:04:47] the week prior to the meeting so when a [01:04:49] letter comes in on Saturday or Sunday or [01:04:52] even Monday prior to them or email comes [01:04:54] during that time frame right prior to [01:04:56] the the meeting [01:04:58] um it's it's sometimes difficult for us [01:05:00] to get it on the agenda so [01:05:03] um what we would ask is that you be [01:05:05] patient with us if as these things start [01:05:08] to come in on when we're addressing them [01:05:10] in our agendas we'll address them as [01:05:12] best we can but again we try to set our [01:05:15] agenda as best we can [01:05:17] um it is the chair's discretion to allow [01:05:19] unforeseen or or immediate things that [01:05:22] come up that need addressing but we [01:05:25] would just ask that you give us some [01:05:26] time to to get things on the agenda into [01:05:29] a address them [01:05:31] specifically with regard to the three [01:05:34] that we have listed with regard to Lisa [01:05:37] and Bill Lisa Cohen and Bill Cole [01:05:39] requesting [01:05:40] appointment to the potent the master [01:05:42] plan Community Development advisory [01:05:44] committee [01:05:45] um [01:05:47] in in speaking with a town clerk and [01:05:49] also speaking with Nicole we're sort of [01:05:51] working through what our bylaws say and [01:05:54] what our requirements say about the the [01:05:57] there are two master plan committees I [01:06:00] believe there's an implementation [01:06:01] committee and I believe that there's an [01:06:02] advisory committee and [01:06:05] um I I think um Kelly and Rob I think we [01:06:08] need a little bit more time on this to [01:06:11] make sure that we understand the [01:06:14] composition of both committees [01:06:16] um and Ryan if you're still I don't know [01:06:19] if Ryan's still on [01:06:20] um but certainly Nicole can speak [01:06:23] um the implementation [01:06:24] and so my understanding if if you want [01:06:27] to correct me [01:06:29] um my understanding is the [01:06:30] implementation committee is the [01:06:32] committee that's tasked with once the [01:06:34] plan is developed [01:06:37] um figuring out how to implement that [01:06:39] plan the advisory committee I believe is [01:06:42] the one that would be tasked with [01:06:44] actually coming up with [01:06:47] um any proposed changes in revisions to [01:06:50] the master plan am I correct in that [01:06:54] well I'm I'm just going to process my [01:06:57] remarks with uh the fact that you know [01:06:59] you know thanks to Julie Marquette and [01:07:01] Lucinda you know putting everything up [01:07:03] on the website [01:07:05] um you know that Master Plan [01:07:06] implementation committee [01:07:09] is a committee that was created by the [01:07:11] planning board so that was unknown at [01:07:14] the time that [01:07:15] um Lisa Condit was [01:07:17] appointed to that committee so [01:07:20] my only comment is the fact that [01:07:23] anything to do with the master plan [01:07:25] implementation committee should be [01:07:27] coming from the planning board there the [01:07:30] elected board that established that [01:07:31] according to the agreement that was [01:07:34] um you know filed in 2014 signed by Eric [01:07:37] uh Fleming and Keenan young the other [01:07:41] committee I don't have any other [01:07:42] information that I can that I can speak [01:07:44] to I I can mention that there's a [01:07:47] capital planning committee that is a [01:07:48] little bit separate that I have research [01:07:50] on that we can talk about at another [01:07:52] time but exclusively talking about [01:07:54] master plan and master plan [01:07:56] implementation committee [01:07:58] um that is the planning boards domain in [01:08:01] my opinion based upon [01:08:03] records that have come to light [01:08:07] foreign I think what this just proves is [01:08:11] um we appreciate the interest that we [01:08:13] send Bell [01:08:15] um in being appointed to these [01:08:16] committees I think we have a little bit [01:08:18] more due diligence to do on the [01:08:20] Committees and [01:08:22] um you know sort of making sure we [01:08:24] understand how [01:08:26] um these things all work [01:08:29] um [01:08:30] Kelly Rob thoughts and and we may have [01:08:32] to [01:08:33] um you know unfortunately we may have to [01:08:35] we made an earlier appointment we may [01:08:37] have to rescind that appointment [01:08:40] um because the implementation committee [01:08:42] is very [01:08:44] um the um the composition of that [01:08:47] committee is very specific so I think [01:08:50] what I'm not doing a great job at saying [01:08:53] is that I think we need to take this [01:08:56] under advisement to take your request [01:08:58] for appointment under advisement to be [01:09:01] addressed at a a future not a distant [01:09:05] meeting perhaps it's something we can [01:09:06] address at our next meeting once we've [01:09:08] had a chance to make sure that we [01:09:10] understand [01:09:12] um the appointing authority with the [01:09:14] town clerk [01:09:15] um sort of guiding us under under that [01:09:19] Kelly and Rob thoughts on that [01:09:22] um I just have a comment or a thought or [01:09:25] a question maybe it's all of the above [01:09:27] if these committees and boards and I'm [01:09:30] not just not just just this one but I [01:09:33] think we're all aware that several [01:09:35] committees in boards don't meet on a [01:09:38] regular basis or [01:09:40] take the action that maybe they were you [01:09:43] know first intended for you know [01:09:47] what happens if there is you know [01:09:50] interest in in these committees and [01:09:52] boards to maybe you know light a fire [01:09:54] again [01:09:55] and we're just kind of at a standstill [01:09:57] now because of you know the way it was [01:10:00] created [01:10:01] um [01:10:02] if if the planning board hasn't done [01:10:04] anything with this and I and I'm just [01:10:06] using this as an example I'm not trying [01:10:08] to throw anyone under the bus [01:10:09] but if they haven't done anything with [01:10:11] it you know what can be done to [01:10:15] um [01:10:16] you know allow these people to maybe [01:10:18] pitch in and help [01:10:21] I think [01:10:22] um Brian certainly could speak but one [01:10:24] of the the implementation committee was [01:10:26] created by bylaw [01:10:28] so if we're going to change that we have [01:10:31] to have a change in the bylaw [01:10:33] as far as the other chair I I don't mean [01:10:38] to interrupt you but I just want to [01:10:39] clarify something the master plan [01:10:41] implementation committee [01:10:43] um [01:10:44] that was to my knowledge that was not [01:10:46] created by bylaw the capital planning [01:10:48] committee was created by bylaw in 2011. [01:10:51] okay okay so the master [01:10:53] uh based upon the information that I've [01:10:55] reviewed [01:10:57] um with the document that uh Fleming uh [01:11:00] Mr Fleming and Mr Young had signed [01:11:03] um where it had mentioned that the [01:11:05] planning board was the creator of the [01:11:07] master plan implementation committee so [01:11:09] it gets a little bit confusing [01:11:11] so I just want to [01:11:12] you know Capital planning is is [01:11:14] budgetary those are large items those [01:11:17] are you know we need a police station we [01:11:20] need a municipal building we need a fire [01:11:21] truck we need an ambulance that's [01:11:23] capital planning [01:11:24] the master plan in itself is something [01:11:28] that was created a very long time ago [01:11:30] and there was a a a Litany of different [01:11:34] items that were there [01:11:35] this master plan implementation [01:11:37] committee is [01:11:39] according for what I've read and I [01:11:41] apologize for those listening you know [01:11:43] unfortunately the the institutional [01:11:46] knowledge and the history isn't always [01:11:49] you know there we're a small town we [01:11:51] don't necessarily have the capabilities [01:11:53] to remember all these things so [01:11:55] something that happened with great [01:11:57] Fanfare and interest many years ago may [01:12:00] have died out and we're trying to you [01:12:02] know re-establish it which is great but [01:12:04] we have to ensure that we're following [01:12:07] the proper procedures ordinarily a [01:12:09] committee that's created by the town [01:12:12] for example the capital planning [01:12:14] committee also the page agricultural [01:12:15] fund trustees that was created by Town [01:12:17] Meeting those things are always ongoing [01:12:21] if your board your board of selectman [01:12:24] decided to have an advisory committee [01:12:27] for I don't know studying gypsy moths [01:12:30] just as a sake of example [01:12:32] um [01:12:33] you're typically tasked and there's an [01:12:35] expiration date and if something doesn't [01:12:38] happen if there's no report made to town [01:12:40] meeting ordinarily that committee is [01:12:43] disbanded that's something where if a [01:12:45] report isn't made to the town meeting [01:12:47] that was created by found meeting it's [01:12:49] it's disbanded but with the board of [01:12:50] selectman you can create any committee [01:12:53] that you so desire and what we're [01:12:55] dealing with here with this master plan [01:12:57] and the master plan implementation [01:12:59] committee [01:13:00] seems to be that another elected board [01:13:02] are the ones responsible [01:13:05] for you know the the [01:13:08] um the creation of these other [01:13:10] committees and how they operate Etc so [01:13:13] it almost seems to me that the board of [01:13:14] Selectmen [01:13:16] really isn't that involved I mean [01:13:18] there's oversight but you're dealing [01:13:19] with two elected boards [01:13:22] um [01:13:23] in in regards to this master plan and [01:13:26] the implementation committee [01:13:28] I hope that makes sense to those that [01:13:29] are listening [01:13:36] thank you Ryan [01:13:45] um [01:13:46] I guess I'm still I don't want to [01:13:48] discourage interest in this but you can [01:13:51] hear just from a dialogue [01:13:54] um I think we have some sorting out to [01:13:57] do [01:13:58] um [01:13:58] and I think we [01:14:00] um I believe that we understand that the [01:14:05] person we have pointed to the Implement [01:14:06] implementation committee [01:14:08] was not the correct appointment so we're [01:14:10] going to have to rescind that [01:14:11] appointment at some point [01:14:14] um [01:14:16] because I believe the intent was not to [01:14:17] be on the implementation committee but [01:14:20] to be on this other sort of other [01:14:22] committee [01:14:23] um [01:14:26] so I would I would I I guess I would [01:14:29] prefer that we take the time and that [01:14:32] doesn't mean you know a month that means [01:14:34] let's give this on our next agenda and [01:14:36] try to sort things out and make sure we [01:14:37] really understand [01:14:40] um [01:14:42] the specific committees [01:14:45] um we're calling things you know Capital [01:14:48] planning committee but then we're having [01:14:50] a master plan advisory committee [01:14:53] um which I believe we have [01:14:56] I think and again I presume it was [01:14:59] created by the board of Select minutes [01:15:00] subpoint but there's six members that [01:15:04] are on that committee [01:15:06] um and I believe we have three vacancies [01:15:09] right now [01:15:10] am I correct in that Nicole [01:15:13] and Ryan [01:15:16] oh which which committee [01:15:19] the advisory [01:15:22] the the advisory committee [01:15:25] has [01:15:28] um one two three [01:15:31] five [01:15:33] with two vacant But Eric Fleming has [01:15:35] also [01:15:36] um [01:15:38] resigned effective immediately so that [01:15:40] becomes three vacancies with [01:15:45] um [01:15:46] um expiration terms of 23 23 and 24. [01:15:52] um but again as Ryan had stated I do [01:15:56] believe these are planning board [01:15:57] committees as well as the implementation [01:16:00] committee [01:16:04] Madam chair exclamation committee is not [01:16:06] in our committees and appointments that [01:16:08] you made as of July 1 of last year [01:16:14] Juliet Sarah can I pipe in here yes you [01:16:16] can [01:16:19] um the uh master plan implementation [01:16:22] committee started [01:16:25] um at towards the end of the master plan [01:16:27] process and it began in 2000 we began to [01:16:31] update it again in 2010 because it [01:16:33] requires it to be updated in 10 years [01:16:37] um and I'm not exactly sure when that [01:16:39] implementation committee was was formed [01:16:41] but I I think it was towards you know [01:16:44] somewhere in between the first master [01:16:46] plan and the second master plan update [01:16:49] the advisory committee was a spin-off of [01:16:53] that [01:16:54] um because after 2010 when we began to [01:16:57] redo the master plan again we it just [01:16:59] died on the vine and then um [01:17:03] we um [01:17:05] we're tackling a lot of other issues [01:17:06] with France and whatnot and so that [01:17:09] other committee was formed but it really [01:17:11] was a spin-off [01:17:12] of the master plan implementation [01:17:15] committee the [01:17:18] um [01:17:20] the other committee the um [01:17:24] um sorry I'm drawn a blank um [01:17:27] has nothing to do with the um [01:17:31] oh Ryan help me out here what capital [01:17:33] capital [01:17:35] right has nothing to do with master plan [01:17:38] nothing [01:17:40] that was a totally separate committee [01:17:41] that um [01:17:43] um [01:17:44] that dealt with [01:17:47] exactly that things that you know were [01:17:49] costing the town I think over a certain [01:17:51] dollar amount [01:17:52] and that committee was formed um to to [01:17:55] deal with those issues but it had [01:17:56] nothing to do with master plan [01:18:00] so Eric to your recollection was this [01:18:03] um this other advisory committee was [01:18:06] that [01:18:07] as as a shootout from the planning board [01:18:09] was that um under the direction of the [01:18:12] planning board also [01:18:13] I don't believe either one I mean I [01:18:15] think what happened was the the [01:18:17] it was brought forth to the selectment [01:18:19] to create these committees to do this [01:18:21] work much like the I don't believe the [01:18:23] master plan committee really was formed [01:18:26] by the it was formed by the selectman [01:18:28] not the planning board and it might have [01:18:30] been under the advice of the planning [01:18:32] board but it wasn't planning board [01:18:34] doesn't you know appoint committee so [01:18:37] all of these committees are appointed by [01:18:39] the selectment and I just think that it [01:18:42] was around Teresa's Reign when the [01:18:45] implementation committee was formed to [01:18:48] deal with a bunch of stuff that we had [01:18:49] to deal with that were slightly outside [01:18:51] of the master plan and so it morphed [01:18:54] into the from the master plan [01:18:56] implementation I'm screwing that up to [01:18:59] the [01:19:00] um advisory committee [01:19:03] um whether the members of those [01:19:05] committees sort of mapped up or not I I [01:19:07] don't remember but [01:19:10] um that was the intent of that committee [01:19:17] yeah it was to deal more with a number [01:19:20] of grants that we had coming forward [01:19:22] through [01:19:24] uh Pioneer Valley and cmrpc [01:19:30] but in a document [01:19:32] Eric [01:19:33] the planning board created the master [01:19:35] plan implementation committee to track [01:19:38] the implementation of the master plan [01:19:39] recommendations [01:19:42] okay but again I don't think the master [01:19:44] plan has the ability to appoint [01:19:45] committees we might have recommended to [01:19:48] the selectment to do it but we don't [01:19:50] appoint committees [01:19:52] I mean I'm I'm fairly [01:19:54] certain of that we don't have the power [01:19:56] to do that I don't think maybe I'm wrong [01:20:00] it was like 20 years ago [01:20:03] yeah in my last time the planning board [01:20:05] actually did create it and has one going [01:20:08] right now because it's a new master plan [01:20:10] so the planning board has created a [01:20:12] master plan implementation Committee in [01:20:13] my last Town whether or not it's a [01:20:16] statute or it's just [01:20:19] um you know allowed [01:20:22] I don't know I don't know I don't I [01:20:23] don't I don't want to Tit for Tat I mean [01:20:25] I think that [01:20:26] it's a great idea to get this off and [01:20:28] running again whoever is responsible for [01:20:31] it you're just an independent elected [01:20:33] board [01:20:34] from the Selectmen [01:20:38] well who appoints it I believe the [01:20:40] selectment have to appoint [01:20:42] anyone to be on a committee I believe [01:20:49] great idea like you said Julie for us to [01:20:51] get some more information [01:20:53] yeah I I know you had your hand up Bell [01:20:55] so I'll let you if you have a comment or [01:20:57] a question in a second I I think the [01:20:59] conversation that you're just hearing [01:21:01] proves that and these are going to [01:21:02] continue because as we're resurrecting [01:21:04] these so I think we would just ask that [01:21:06] you'd be patient with us a little bit as [01:21:08] we're re [01:21:10] um we're resurrecting these committees [01:21:12] that haven't met in a bit and again as [01:21:15] um was said there's institutional [01:21:17] knowledge that has is no longer [01:21:20] um you know sitting on the boards or on [01:21:21] any committees relative to how this all [01:21:24] all this we just want to do it proper [01:21:26] we're already in a position where we [01:21:28] have to resend an appointment that we [01:21:30] made for someone who is very interested [01:21:31] in being on [01:21:33] um the master plan and it wasn't done [01:21:35] properly so a good indicator to us so we [01:21:37] just need to have our ducks in a row so [01:21:39] and clear so that whoever follows [01:21:42] um this Administration is clear on what [01:21:45] each committee is and who the appointing [01:21:46] authority is so I guess [01:21:49] um I would just feel better if we took [01:21:52] um a two-week period for our next [01:21:54] meeting make sure we understand what the [01:21:57] appointing authority is how this all [01:21:59] works make sure we have the appropriate [01:22:01] composition of what these committees [01:22:02] should be like [01:22:04] um and then entertain the [01:22:07] um [01:22:07] foreign [01:22:09] request to be appointed [01:22:16] Bill did you want to say something [01:22:18] yes thanks I would [01:22:20] um [01:22:21] it certainly does make sense to figure [01:22:23] out which committees are um [01:22:26] going to be [01:22:28] populated and effective and [01:22:31] um you know empowered to do some things [01:22:33] I feel like you know it was very good [01:22:37] what Julie put up and so we could see a [01:22:38] lot of this documentation that brings [01:22:41] brings back a lot of the history [01:22:43] on the the I think what Nicole was [01:22:46] referring to was what's on file at pvpc [01:22:51] um from talking about the town of [01:22:53] Hardwick and the Community Development [01:22:54] strategy uh dated fiscal year 2015 and [01:22:58] in that it does say that the master plan [01:23:01] implementation committee [01:23:03] was created by the planning board I [01:23:07] don't know what that means it has in any [01:23:09] Authority or it has to go back to the [01:23:11] planning board and from there you know [01:23:13] pass on any further recommendations [01:23:17] um I do think that at least akonda that [01:23:18] you appointed to that committee was I [01:23:20] believe specific in asking that her [01:23:23] thought was that that is the committee [01:23:25] that would be able to [01:23:28] um you know make some changes and be [01:23:30] effective uh and she when she was [01:23:32] appointed early in December [01:23:34] I don't know whether it was to the [01:23:36] correct committee or the advisory [01:23:38] committee or either one technically by [01:23:41] name so you might want to look back at [01:23:43] the minutes on that which um which are [01:23:47] not posted yet [01:23:49] um but yes I think a lot of us will be [01:23:51] looking forward to seeing which [01:23:52] committees are going to be um [01:23:55] active and um also which committees [01:23:59] should simply be made inactive or [01:24:02] disbanded or whatever there's there's [01:24:03] plenty of them across the board that [01:24:05] haven't met in [01:24:07] half a dozen years sometimes so [01:24:10] um good that's uh that's all I look [01:24:13] forward to hearing what you learn in the [01:24:15] next couple weeks [01:24:19] great thank you [01:24:20] Kelly and Rob is that okay the approach [01:24:23] yeah [01:24:25] okay and again it's not something we're [01:24:27] gonna sit and let [01:24:29] um [01:24:30] it we're going to need to sort of again [01:24:33] as these things come up we're going to [01:24:34] need to sort of sort through them for [01:24:37] committees that are and and just sort of [01:24:39] to speak to Bill's [01:24:41] um most comment we did and when we did [01:24:43] our appointments this year we were we [01:24:45] were thoughtful there were committees [01:24:47] that were not reappointed because we [01:24:49] their purpose was finished [01:24:51] so um we are certainly ongoing and um as [01:24:55] Ryan continues to sort of move through [01:24:58] things and and [01:25:00] um [01:25:00] get a better handle on you know some of [01:25:03] the Committees and such that we have uh [01:25:05] throughout town I think we'll continue [01:25:06] to do that when we do our annual [01:25:08] appointments uh to not reappoint [01:25:10] committees that no longer have a [01:25:12] function or purpose so [01:25:14] um Nicole can we make sure that we [01:25:16] resolve try to try to resolve [01:25:19] um the origin of word confirm where the [01:25:22] origin of these things came from either [01:25:23] through minutes maybe Nicole and Ryan [01:25:26] either through minutes of [01:25:28] um the planning board or the board of [01:25:30] Selectmen going back to when these were [01:25:31] actually created so we can Define who [01:25:33] the real appointed Authority is for [01:25:35] these [01:25:36] absolutely [01:25:40] thank you thank you Bill and Lisa for [01:25:43] your interest and we'll definitely be [01:25:45] back to you sooner than later [01:25:49] Julie yes did you want to [01:25:54] um consider the Council on Aging or [01:25:55] should we oh that's right that's what I [01:25:59] did so that's the procedure is what I [01:26:01] you know the intent on the agenda was [01:26:03] that [01:26:05] um we would talk about procedures so [01:26:07] when people are interested in a [01:26:09] committee shall we [01:26:12] um send it to you know that department [01:26:14] or that board and have them discuss it [01:26:17] and send a recommendation back to the [01:26:18] board of Selectmen would you like to [01:26:20] appoint based on qualifications would [01:26:23] you like to appoint based on first come [01:26:26] first serve on on request once again I [01:26:29] certainly don't want to discourage any [01:26:32] interest you know as we all know it's [01:26:34] hard to find as it is [01:26:36] um but you know as you get a myriad of [01:26:39] of requests to a limited number of [01:26:42] vacancies you know is there somewhere [01:26:45] better that we could fit them is there [01:26:47] um you know another board that we could [01:26:49] redirect them to [01:26:51] um I you know like I had I had actually [01:26:54] given the request to the hardwood [01:26:56] Council on Aging and asked them to meet [01:26:59] with the potential [01:27:00] um [01:27:01] applicant to be on the board and then [01:27:04] for the board for the the Council on [01:27:06] Aging board to send a recommendation to [01:27:08] the Hardwick Board of selectman to then [01:27:10] appoint them so I mean and that was just [01:27:12] kind of like [01:27:15] um logical I guess when I did it but I I [01:27:18] think that the board should probably [01:27:19] sort of think about a procedural way of [01:27:23] of how to go about this [01:27:27] I think sort of what you outlined Nicole [01:27:29] I think is good I mean I think um not to [01:27:32] make light of this situation but I think [01:27:34] we've made present board included for me [01:27:36] but we've maybe sat on boards and [01:27:38] councils where um maybe the person [01:27:41] that's on that doesn't have the best [01:27:43] skill set for their cat that Council and [01:27:46] maybe they're better served on another [01:27:48] committee or something so I think sort [01:27:51] of doing a bad job at explaining it but [01:27:53] I think it makes sense what you're [01:27:54] saying Nicole is if someone is applying [01:27:56] to be on the Council on Aging [01:28:01] um group that it should go that letter [01:28:05] of interest should go to the council as [01:28:07] well for their vetting and making sure [01:28:09] that they feel that you know that person [01:28:11] would be appropriate and the best fit [01:28:14] for their group [01:28:16] um and then come to the board with their [01:28:17] recommendation for appointment [01:28:22] okay and and I think not you know to be [01:28:24] clear not saying that the board of [01:28:26] Selectmen won't appoint someone just [01:28:28] because maybe the board says you know [01:28:32] they're too young they're to this [01:28:33] they're to that as a personal opinion [01:28:36] rather than a a best interest for the [01:28:39] entire town of Hardwick uh position that [01:28:41] the board of Selectmen ultimately has [01:28:43] you know the decision to appoint if they [01:28:45] see so fit [01:28:47] um but we'll certainly take the whatever [01:28:51] board they're requesting from under [01:28:53] advisement [01:28:55] is that fair [01:28:56] I think that's fair and I think that's [01:28:58] what we try to do in any employment [01:29:00] situations and and oftentimes these [01:29:03] these things don't come to the board [01:29:04] they go to the council first or to the [01:29:07] group first and then they come to us [01:29:09] with their recommendation so they may [01:29:11] not come through us directly they may go [01:29:13] directly to for example if someone [01:29:15] wanted to be appointed to the [01:29:17] um [01:29:20] it went directly to conservation and [01:29:22] conservation came to us so whatever [01:29:24] mechanism it gets I guess I would say [01:29:27] this is how I look at it if if the [01:29:30] request for appointment comes to us then [01:29:33] we should send it back to the [01:29:34] appropriate group for their review [01:29:36] discussion getting to know the person [01:29:38] seeing what their skills qualifications [01:29:40] are and then come to us with a request [01:29:42] for final approval [01:29:45] um or it can go directly to that group [01:29:47] if there is a vacancy [01:29:50] um and I would say if there are multiple [01:29:53] um [01:29:54] you know we could have let's just use [01:29:56] the master plan as an example if we have [01:29:59] three open vacancies and the first three [01:30:01] people you know we have three people [01:30:03] that have interest but you know six [01:30:05] months down the road somebody else [01:30:06] expresses interest we don't want to [01:30:08] leave those three positions vacant [01:30:10] looking for other people to [01:30:14] you know show interest so I think the [01:30:16] first come first surfing is [01:30:19] um [01:30:20] how we should operate because otherwise [01:30:22] we'd be holding these positions open [01:30:26] um for probably longer than we need to [01:30:28] waiting for [01:30:30] um people to to show their interest I I [01:30:33] think as a result of the census and [01:30:35] hopefully everybody here is going to [01:30:37] complete their census and send it back [01:30:39] for our clerk but you're going to [01:30:41] indicate interest on that census [01:30:43] hopefully of groups you're going to be [01:30:45] want to be involved with and then the [01:30:46] Town Clerk and [01:30:49] um [01:30:49] hopefully you know direct or or let the [01:30:53] appropriate groups know that this [01:30:55] person's interested and it may be the [01:30:57] group itself that's sort of initiating [01:30:59] the process [01:31:03] Madam chair I've um you know mailing [01:31:08] over the weekends came in I probably got [01:31:10] about a dozen uh people that are [01:31:12] interested and what I'll be doing is [01:31:15] I'll be creating an Excel spreadsheet in [01:31:17] a database and I'll if people are [01:31:20] interested in more than one committee I [01:31:22] mean I will share the the [01:31:24] um interest with everyone I can either [01:31:26] scan all the forms or I can just [01:31:28] basically [01:31:30] um create all the different committees [01:31:31] and those that are interested and [01:31:33] forward them onto your board so that you [01:31:35] have those parties that are interested [01:31:38] and you can see what why they're [01:31:39] interested and what their qualifications [01:31:41] are so um it's it's been a it's been a [01:31:45] good response so far uh but it's only [01:31:47] been one day getting mail back so [01:31:49] hopefully that will that will continue [01:31:51] and those that want to help the town out [01:31:54] will let us know [01:31:57] thank you Ryan [01:31:59] that's great [01:32:02] Kelly and Rob are you sort of okay with [01:32:04] that procedure [01:32:06] I I think that sounds great [01:32:09] it's a check and balance too [01:32:11] between the boards and the in committees [01:32:14] and and us I think that's good [01:32:21] sounds good [01:32:24] Bill one more question before we move on [01:32:26] yes thank you as uh so obviously some [01:32:29] committees uh are appointed by the [01:32:31] planning board uh possibly and and most [01:32:34] are filled by the board of Selectmen and [01:32:37] one I guess the finance at least is done [01:32:39] by Ryan [01:32:41] um I saw some updates on that and I [01:32:44] thought there was going to be in fact I [01:32:45] think the agenda said that it would be [01:32:47] finance and board of selectment tonight [01:32:48] but seemingly not can you tell us about [01:32:51] new appointments to the finance [01:32:53] committee [01:32:55] okay [01:32:57] Madam chair if I may sure [01:33:02] so uh Christopher colross [01:33:04] from Ridge Road has been appointed to [01:33:07] the finance committee [01:33:09] um and he is a former finance committee [01:33:12] member [01:33:13] in the town of luster for over 10 years [01:33:18] and he has a business of his own and a [01:33:22] strong Acumen uh for the for [01:33:26] um finance and municipal government [01:33:28] Glenn Wojcik is a local business owner [01:33:32] and someone that had expressed interest [01:33:35] in the finance committee uh Cheryl wolf [01:33:38] stepped down she had been looking to [01:33:42] um [01:33:43] get off of the finance committee just to [01:33:45] um spend you know just not have to worry [01:33:48] about that committee so uh bill I think [01:33:51] you and I both have known Glenn for a [01:33:54] number of years I've known Glenn for a [01:33:55] number of years [01:33:57] um he's a smart man he's someone that I [01:34:00] trust and I believe will [01:34:02] bring some renewed Vigor and life into [01:34:05] the finance committee I would like to [01:34:07] I'm going to tell you this folks [01:34:10] I've been moderator since 98 and if [01:34:12] somebody wants to start running down [01:34:14] meeting by all means come and see me and [01:34:16] I'll help you [01:34:18] um but a lot of times you know Julie [01:34:20] you've been on it Rob you've been on [01:34:22] everybody I think has been on it [01:34:24] but in the past a lot of times you know [01:34:27] it wasn't uh [01:34:29] you know people that wanted to get on we [01:34:31] were we were missing people we've had [01:34:32] people on there that couldn't [01:34:34] um attend meetings Etc I'm not making [01:34:37] excuses I'm not saying people were were [01:34:39] bad Etc but I honestly feel now that [01:34:42] I've got a proactive finance committee [01:34:45] that is going to ensure that [01:34:49] our financial picture isn't something [01:34:52] that's going to catch us off guard [01:34:55] um we need proactive people out there [01:34:58] ensuring that if there is going to be [01:35:00] something happening being up you know [01:35:02] the school budget increasing by x amount [01:35:05] or you know a capital planning uh [01:35:08] expenditure Etc [01:35:10] um it's been very difficult trying to [01:35:12] get people on that committee I used to [01:35:15] say it was 70. I actually created a list [01:35:19] I'm almost at a hundred people in this [01:35:21] town [01:35:22] that I talked to or asked about serving [01:35:25] on the committee [01:35:26] and those people didn't want to so it's [01:35:29] it's a tough committee assignment nobody [01:35:32] wants to be up there saying uh no [01:35:35] potentially to all these different [01:35:37] boards but [01:35:39] historically [01:35:41] finance committee you know town meeting [01:35:43] trusts their decision because of of the [01:35:46] process that they go through and and how [01:35:48] they examine [01:35:49] each department and when they hold their [01:35:52] meetings you know it's basically when [01:35:54] you come to town meeting it's like a [01:35:55] finance committee says yes you [01:35:57] understand that they have done the due [01:35:59] diligence with each respective [01:36:01] department head so [01:36:03] um [01:36:04] I feel very good about the people that [01:36:07] are on there Leon Smalls the other [01:36:08] member as well as Vinnie nastasi and [01:36:11] Keenan young Keenan as everybody knows [01:36:13] is a former selectman for many years he [01:36:16] has a lot of the uh Municipal knowledge [01:36:19] that I think is necessary that other [01:36:22] members don't have [01:36:24] um so every meeting is is posted you can [01:36:27] go to [01:36:28] mytowngovernment.org and I tell [01:36:30] everybody that if there is a particular [01:36:33] board that you are interested in finding [01:36:35] out when their meetings are is a very [01:36:37] simple link you can click subscribe to [01:36:40] this board and by doing so when you [01:36:42] enter your email address you will [01:36:44] receive a notification whenever a [01:36:46] meeting is posted whenever a meeting [01:36:48] agenda has been changed when a meeting [01:36:50] is canceled Etc so the town of Harvard [01:36:53] certainly has the tools to ensure that [01:36:56] those that are interested in the process [01:36:58] are kept well in forms and I hope that [01:37:01] answers your question Bill sorry to get [01:37:03] a little bit long-winded thank you I [01:37:05] think they're great assets appreciate [01:37:06] your explanation [01:37:10] thank you Ryan and Bill [01:37:12] so Nicole [01:37:15] well while Ryan was speaking it sort of [01:37:17] brought to mind we have a couple of [01:37:19] resignations that have been tendered we [01:37:20] historically improved the res [01:37:23] um resignations can we get ozon even [01:37:25] though we know that they've been filed [01:37:27] we have to approve the resignations I [01:37:30] believe [01:37:32] um am I correcting that Ryan [01:37:35] uh no if it's an elective position no [01:37:39] elected or appointed so long as they [01:37:41] file the resignation with my office [01:37:43] there's no quote unquote approval and [01:37:46] now it's filed but you know it it's a [01:37:48] it's effective [01:37:49] um you can certainly say we accept Etc [01:37:52] but once it's filed in my office that is [01:37:55] that is it so you don't have to do [01:37:56] anything with Eric snore with nezi's [01:37:59] okay I just we typically acknowledge [01:38:01] them I think but if you don't think we [01:38:03] need to do that I think that's fine [01:38:06] I think we have in the past whether we [01:38:08] maybe just to be conservative we may not [01:38:10] have needed to do that but okay [01:38:13] thank you [01:38:16] anything else on this [01:38:22] um it will be nice to have a [01:38:24] um [01:38:26] I I don't want to use the word [01:38:28] functioning finance committee because if [01:38:29] the finance committee has always been [01:38:31] functioning but [01:38:33] um a proactive and engaged finance [01:38:35] committee we haven't really had a full [01:38:38] Committee of those folks for a while so [01:38:41] this is sort of exciting [01:38:43] um so with regard to Nicole with regard [01:38:46] to Rachel [01:38:48] um has Rachel [01:38:50] um [01:38:50] Rachel's appointment to the Council on [01:38:52] Aging has a Council on Aging actually [01:38:54] reviewed that [01:38:56] um it's on their agenda I don't remember [01:38:58] exactly when it is but I did see it on [01:39:00] their agenda so when they meet and [01:39:03] recommend it I'm sure that Eileen will [01:39:05] send it off to me okay so um I guess [01:39:08] we'll take that under advisement for a [01:39:10] future [01:39:11] um future appointment [01:39:13] after the um the council meets [01:39:17] um discussion intervote relative to arpa [01:39:20] funding I don't think we have anything [01:39:21] there Nicole do we [01:39:25] okay [01:39:27] um so we have a series of meeting [01:39:28] minutes [01:39:30] um and I know there's been Corrections [01:39:31] that have gone back and forth are are we [01:39:34] comfortable in voting on the minutes [01:39:35] from October 3rd October 4th October [01:39:37] 10th October 24th November 7th November [01:39:41] 9th and November 21st [01:39:45] I am [01:39:52] yeah [01:39:54] okay so [01:39:56] um I think it's okay if we vote on them [01:39:58] in a group [01:39:59] so [01:40:01] um I won't entertain a motion that we [01:40:05] um approve the meeting minutes of the [01:40:07] board of Selectmen [01:40:10] 3 2022 October 4 2022 October 10 2022 [01:40:15] October 24 2022 November 7 2022 November [01:40:20] 9 2022 and November 21 2022. [01:40:25] I would make a motion to approve the [01:40:28] meeting minutes as stated by Julie [01:40:32] second [01:40:34] second any discussion on the minutes [01:40:39] hearing none I'll call the roll [01:40:42] um Kelly you are now first on my screen [01:40:45] Kelly Kemp yes [01:40:49] Rob froggles yes yes [01:40:55] foreign [01:40:58] that was a sorry my internet's unstable [01:41:01] again [01:41:04] by Kelly yes by Rob and uh Julie quink [01:41:08] as a yes also so those minutes have been [01:41:10] officially approved Nicole can we make [01:41:12] sure that those get filed where they [01:41:14] need to go and made publicly available [01:41:17] yes ma'am [01:41:20] thank you [01:41:27] yes we had our next meeting [01:41:29] meaning minutes to approve to get us [01:41:32] closer to being a report [01:41:36] I think you said are we going to be [01:41:38] current at the next meeting yes we will [01:41:40] with minutes and then did you ask about [01:41:42] the Town Administrator report [01:41:46] yes sorry so I I made a comment that [01:41:49] we're getting closer we will have [01:41:50] minutes on the agenda hopefully for our [01:41:53] next meeting and that will bring us [01:41:55] closer to being current and I did ask if [01:41:58] you're [01:41:59] um wanted to go through your [01:42:00] administrator report [01:42:02] yes thank you I'm sorry there is no [01:42:05] report in your packet [01:42:08] um I we had a holiday I was sick I had a [01:42:12] conference that I went to that I Was [01:42:13] preparing for because I presented and I [01:42:16] just wasn't able to get everything in [01:42:18] there that I wanted to get to you [01:42:19] without doing my due diligence and [01:42:21] getting everything in there [01:42:23] um if you don't mind in two weeks I'll [01:42:24] have a nice robust report for you for [01:42:26] the entire month of January or the [01:42:29] January into February [01:42:32] nothing really extremely [01:42:35] serious or [01:42:38] um you know that I I felt that needed to [01:42:41] be in the report [01:42:43] um to you [01:42:44] was [01:42:45] extremely important I mean I do have [01:42:48] a little bit more of an update from USDA [01:42:50] but uh once these easements are are then [01:42:52] recorded I will have even more of an [01:42:54] update so [01:42:55] um I I certainly can it's it's probably [01:42:58] 75 finished if you would like me to send [01:43:01] it to you or if you don't mind it going [01:43:03] into the next agenda [01:43:06] that would be more ideal for me [01:43:10] I have no issue with it I mean as long [01:43:12] as there's nothing it most of the things [01:43:14] are just an update from meeting to [01:43:16] meeting so I have no issue with [01:43:18] deferring until the next meeting unless [01:43:19] there's nothing anything pressing that [01:43:21] we need to be aware of or discuss [01:43:25] ion [01:43:26] good [01:43:31] Rob I just have I'm sorry sorry [01:43:40] okay sorry Nicole no no I'm sorry Zoom [01:43:45] is extremely difficult [01:43:48] um I did send you all reports today we [01:43:51] had our boiler inspections and we have [01:43:53] some violations uh not quite so serious [01:43:57] some certificates weren't issued but uh [01:44:00] most of them were like carbon monoxide [01:44:02] detectors need to be installed so I've [01:44:04] sent that off to VEC and we are also in [01:44:09] contact with [01:44:10] um the electricians because there's they [01:44:13] have to be hardwired so I just wanted [01:44:15] you to be aware but we are on top of [01:44:18] that [01:44:19] um it was the [01:44:20] municipal building is had you know you [01:44:24] can read it as me is still building fire [01:44:25] department library and townhouse each [01:44:28] had a separate violation so we will get [01:44:32] to we will correct those and and those [01:44:34] will be in compliance [01:44:36] probably hopefully by the next meeting [01:44:38] if we can actually get the labor to [01:44:41] happen but maybe within a month [01:44:48] great thank you [01:44:55] um [01:44:58] signatures and approvals I know we have [01:45:00] the winter recovery Grant reimbursement [01:45:02] and I believe there are others Nicole [01:45:04] that are requiring signature one of them [01:45:06] is one of them being the easement the [01:45:09] updated easement [01:45:11] so for the signatures that will be in [01:45:13] your box will be there were no [01:45:14] certificate for the ABC the grant of [01:45:17] easements and easement agreement which [01:45:20] again are dependent upon each other the [01:45:22] Mayflower evaluation and um and the [01:45:26] winter recovery [01:45:34] um so tell me a little bit about the [01:45:36] winter recovery [01:45:38] the winter recovery was a D.O.T grant [01:45:42] that was sort of um [01:45:45] just given to towns [01:45:48] um it was it's a rap program we went to [01:45:51] recovery assistance program we got a [01:45:53] hundred thousand dollars a hundred [01:45:55] thousand seventy seven dollars and [01:45:56] sixteen cents it's a reimbursement grant [01:45:59] grant [01:46:01] um the funds have been [01:46:04] 35 of the project funds have been [01:46:06] completed for stone seal [01:46:08] and 14 420 feet of Grant Greenwich Road [01:46:14] has been used to preserve the roadway [01:46:18] um [01:46:19] Marty has signed Lori delolio has signed [01:46:24] um the the turnover the accounts payable [01:46:27] are in here and [01:46:30] um exactly you know what was spent by [01:46:33] all states which was Stone seal and [01:46:34] asphalt adjustment [01:46:36] so it's a it was it was a I don't even [01:46:39] know that it was a grant I certainly [01:46:40] don't want to take any credit away from [01:46:42] Marty because he's amazing at what he [01:46:44] does with the grants I think this was [01:46:46] more of a [01:46:48] um you know [01:46:50] um it was just like an assistance [01:46:52] program through dot that was given to [01:46:54] municipalities based on their [01:46:56] um population [01:46:57] uh but Marty does do great things and I [01:47:01] would love to just say that as well [01:47:02] through all these storms [01:47:04] um they are working so hard they're so [01:47:06] they're so short staffed and they're [01:47:08] keeping all the roads clean they've been [01:47:10] out all night they're still out [01:47:13] um they've been out cleaning our [01:47:15] Municipal lot I just looked out there [01:47:18] because I thought I saw somebody and [01:47:19] actually cleaned off my car so please [01:47:21] um [01:47:22] I have so much respect I like am so [01:47:25] happy because my car was filled with six [01:47:27] feet of snow so I'm really happy about [01:47:29] that those guys do are working really [01:47:31] really hard even when we think that [01:47:34] um you know it's sewing an inch or it's [01:47:36] freezing rain they still have to go out [01:47:37] they have to sand so they're doing a [01:47:38] great job [01:47:41] it has certainly been a killer winter [01:47:45] just the small storms actually are worse [01:47:47] than [01:47:48] 18 inches of snow [01:47:50] so they are busting their butts [01:47:53] they do a great job and [01:47:55] um sometimes it's it's hard to remember [01:47:57] that when you're driving down the road [01:47:59] and there might be a little snow on it [01:48:01] and it might not be perfectly clean but [01:48:03] we don't really [01:48:05] realize the effort that goes into to try [01:48:08] to keep all of our people safe so I [01:48:11] agree Nicole and and Kelly [01:48:16] um [01:48:19] so uh anything else under signatures and [01:48:22] approvals Nicole [01:48:25] no that's all [01:48:27] I'll save the uh [01:48:29] dis for the next meeting so you can have [01:48:31] it in your packet and review it okay and [01:48:33] you'll leave anything that needs to be [01:48:35] signed in the Box for us to sign yes I [01:48:38] have it all right here to put in the box [01:48:39] when the meeting's over great thank you [01:48:43] uh under selectman Roundtable [01:48:45] um I know I had a couple thoughts that I [01:48:46] wanted to share on this but [01:48:48] um it's been a very long day so I cannot [01:48:51] remember what they were [01:48:53] um which is unfortunate I wrote them [01:48:55] down [01:48:56] um and I don't have it in front of me [01:48:57] um a couple of thoughts we've started [01:49:00] back up the monthly select meet with the [01:49:03] Selectmen [01:49:04] um Rob will be doing that this week on [01:49:07] Wednesday I believe at three [01:49:09] um which is basically our the [01:49:11] opportunity for our boards um to get [01:49:13] together with um the board Kelly has [01:49:16] already done a meeting Rob will do this [01:49:19] meeting and I will do the next meeting [01:49:22] um [01:49:24] what am I missing Kelly and Rob under [01:49:27] selectman Roundtable is there anything [01:49:30] or anything you want to add [01:49:34] I'm having the same brain issue I swear [01:49:37] there was something and now I can't [01:49:39] um [01:49:42] although I think it was maybe just the [01:49:44] Committees and boards that I'm thinking [01:49:46] about [01:49:47] um actually I did I just when you said [01:49:49] that it reminded me so now that the [01:49:51] board of selectman the Sewer Commission [01:49:53] has um is no longer in existent and and [01:49:55] the board of Selectmen are [01:49:58] um the sewer Commissioners Nicole can we [01:50:00] put a regular [01:50:01] um Peace on our agenda to deal with any [01:50:04] Sewer Commission business [01:50:06] um I'm presuming that we've got [01:50:07] abatements and things that we should be [01:50:09] authorizing that are coming through [01:50:12] um and Rob as the former chair of the [01:50:16] Sewer Commission if there's anything [01:50:18] else that we should be addressing as a [01:50:19] board [01:50:21] um can you reach out to Nicole and make [01:50:23] sure those things get on the agenda for [01:50:25] us to address [01:50:35] I think the only thing we really got to [01:50:36] do is make sure the abatements get taken [01:50:38] care of at this point [01:50:39] um [01:50:41] we should probably check in with Scott [01:50:43] he usually does a monthly um sewer [01:50:45] report it was superintendent [01:50:49] um [01:50:53] and there have been several issues in [01:50:55] Gilbertville [01:50:56] that they've been taken care of [01:50:59] so far [01:51:00] hopefully they'll get fixed next summer [01:51:04] that's the kind of stuff we just gotta [01:51:06] stay on top of [01:51:09] does it make sense to allocate like a [01:51:13] half hour or so of one meeting a month [01:51:16] to you know [01:51:18] to this [01:51:21] probably be a good idea and he could [01:51:24] come if we need more time we can just [01:51:26] run it and yeah [01:51:29] Julie yeah that's fine because it would [01:51:31] be part of our normal agenda anyways so [01:51:34] um maybe if we want to do it on the [01:51:36] front end of our agenda [01:51:38] and that way anyone that's involved [01:51:40] specifically for [01:51:42] um someone attending for specifically [01:51:43] for Sewer Commission doesn't need to hit [01:51:45] through the whole board meeting to to [01:51:47] get to the topic and I mean I think it [01:51:50] would be good if Scott could keep coming [01:51:53] to them I don't are Mondays okay for him [01:51:55] I know you guys switched up your [01:51:57] meetings at one point [01:52:00] um he did request not to do Mondays I [01:52:02] believe he has a [01:52:04] conflict with child care [01:52:08] um [01:52:10] maybe we could do a zoom meeting [01:52:12] or something or at least yeah his his [01:52:16] report and then be able to review it [01:52:20] yeah [01:52:23] well I mean he can [01:52:26] sorry no no I'm sorry [01:52:29] no I'm just saying he could always call [01:52:32] in or something for even if we're having [01:52:34] a live meeting [01:52:38] yeah make it I mean whatever's easy for [01:52:40] him but just so he has you know the [01:52:43] communication with us too [01:52:45] [Music] [01:52:47] Nicole could you check in with Scott and [01:52:49] see if the what we're proposing will [01:52:51] work for him if we do it once a month [01:52:53] and if if Mondays you know maybe let us [01:52:56] know if Mondays don't work and maybe we [01:52:58] can just as Rob mentioned maybe it could [01:53:00] just be a quick phone call in [01:53:03] um to review any questions we might have [01:53:05] on his report [01:53:07] yeah [01:53:08] absolutely [01:53:10] um and then you know in the back end [01:53:11] we're working uh yes we have abatements [01:53:14] that we've been saving [01:53:15] um that should be coming to you [01:53:17] absolutely uh we're working on rates [01:53:20] we're working on uh policy and procedure [01:53:22] uh today Angie was going through the [01:53:26] sewer [01:53:27] um [01:53:28] but not by law policy I guess it is [01:53:32] maybe it's a bylaw I'm not sure and um [01:53:35] and kind of looking at other towns [01:53:37] seeing what we should Implement uh been [01:53:40] working with Lori Stevens we've we've [01:53:43] essentially only had one meeting this [01:53:45] Friday I believe Scott and I are going [01:53:47] to review what she proposed that I sent [01:53:50] to you that will be coming to you but we [01:53:52] would like to have more clear [01:53:54] definitions and you know answers for you [01:53:57] before we bring it to you because it's [01:54:00] so preliminary I don't think anybody [01:54:02] um quite understands everything so and [01:54:06] Scott had some some concerns over some [01:54:08] of what Lori had presented so you know [01:54:12] we're sort of working on the back end [01:54:13] before we bring it to you as the sewer [01:54:15] Commissioners on uh going forward with [01:54:18] everything sewer so whether it's [01:54:22] um you know the rates the abatements how [01:54:25] we should go forward with abatements [01:54:27] um betterments [01:54:29] uh just a regular policy and proced [01:54:32] teacher even laying pipe you know [01:54:34] everything that um we feel could use an [01:54:37] update so we've been working on the back [01:54:40] end too as well certainly want to bend [01:54:43] Rob's ear a little bit also you know [01:54:45] with his expertise uh before we formally [01:54:48] bring it to you so we can have all [01:54:50] clear-cut answers when we bring it to [01:54:52] the board with Lori [01:54:54] so probably I guess a meeting in [01:54:56] February [01:54:58] maybe the second meeting so we have some [01:55:00] time to digest extremely technical [01:55:04] it's fine with me [01:55:08] sounds good [01:55:13] uh anything else under selectman [01:55:15] Roundtable [01:55:18] I don't think so I don't think I have [01:55:21] anything [01:55:22] Rob [01:55:24] you're good [01:55:27] all right so the last on the item on the [01:55:30] agenda is um adjournment [01:55:33] motion to adjourn [01:55:35] say again [01:55:37] moved and seconded [01:55:39] um [01:55:40] uh Kelly [01:55:42] yes [01:55:43] Rob [01:55:45] yes [01:55:47] Julie's yes so the meeting is adjourned [01:55:49] at 8 25. thank you everybody thank you [01:55:52] everybody attending thank you thank you [01:55:55] thank you