Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Selectmen Meeting 6/21/23

Hardwick Selectmen Address ARPA Funds, Budget, and Town Meeting Articles

Original title: Hardwick, MA Selectmen Meeting 6/21/23

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

June 23, 2023

Duration

1h 27m

Decisions

7 recorded

Action Items

8 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Selectmen met with the Finance Committee to finalize the FY24 budget and prepare for the upcoming town meeting. Key discussions included the allocation of ARPA funds for snow and ice expenses and vehicle leases, with a decision to defer a highway truck purchase. The budget review highlighted a disagreement regarding funding for police detail at the annual fair, which will be put to a town vote. The board also addressed issues with the annual report's timeliness and format, adjusted free cash allocations to stabilization and reserve funds, and set dates for the annual town election and meeting. An easement agreement for the Mass Trail was also reviewed.

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Discussion Highlights

Review of ARPA fund balance and proposed allocations for vehicle leases ($63,421.86) and snow and ice expenses ($154,313.83).
Uncertainty regarding a $9,000 allocation for the Fire Department for "prior non-operational issues," with the Chief unable to recall specifics.
Discussion on the FY24 budget, noting contractual raises (2%) and level funding for most departments.
Disagreement between the Select Board and Finance Committee on including $3,000 for police detail at the annual fair in the budget, with the matter to be decided by town voters.
Concerns raised about the timeliness and formatting of the Annual Report, with a commitment to improve the process for next year.
Finance Committee's recommendation to disapprove a debt exclusion for the Quaboag Middle School HVAC system, proposing to fund it from Capital Stabilization over five years instead.
Clarification of prior year bills (FY22) to be funded from retained earnings and free cash.
Review of the sewer budget, with an updated total of $928,678.81, and discussion on the impact of interest on sewer debt.
Reconciliation of free cash balance ($207,087.28) against proposed transfers to Stabilization ($105,000), Reserve Fund ($50,000), and Capital Stabilization ($70,000), which exceeded available funds.
Proposal to move the Annual Town Election to the first Saturday in May and the Annual Town Meeting to the first Saturday in June.
Review of a permanent easement agreement for the Mass Trail, which provides a benefit to the town without monetary exchange.

Transcript (11,781 words)

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

00:00:01
Foreign just let me know when everybody's in Nicole and I'll start the meeting yep everyone's in
00:00:20
All right all right it's June 21st at 6 30. uh I'd like to open the slack board meeting the first order of business here is let's pledge allegiance
00:00:55
For all right okay next sort of businesses are meeting with the finance committee about the budget
00:01:13
Are they here I don't see anybody here I don't know who the I don't know all right well if we're not ready for that do we want to do the eight eight arpa money sorry yeah so I'll bring up
00:01:31
The balance let me share my screen about the posture
00:01:53
Okay here's the ARP of balance I went through everything as best that I could we've sent Laurie delolio was keeping track of this and is gone and that's the end of that so I've gone back
00:02:14
Through all of the approvals and added them in here I'm not positive what was what was actually spent but this was allocated so this is what I see as the balance
00:02:32
Let me just in your packet there are three different invoices for contracts for the vehicles one is for two two are for police so
00:02:55
Sideways 17 5 6 9 41 yeah and thirty six five six five
00:03:13

[00:00:01] foreign [00:00:13] just let me know when everybody's in [00:00:15] Nicole and I'll [00:00:17] start the meeting yep everyone's in [00:00:20] all right [00:00:22] all right it's June 21st at 6 30. uh I'd [00:00:27] like to open the slack board meeting [00:00:30] uh the first order of business here is [00:00:33] let's pledge allegiance [00:00:38] um [00:00:55] for all [00:01:01] right [00:01:02] okay next sort of businesses are meeting [00:01:05] with the finance committee about the [00:01:07] budget [00:01:13] are they here I don't see anybody here I [00:01:16] don't know who the [00:01:17] I don't know [00:01:19] all right well if we're not ready for [00:01:21] that do we want to do the eight eight [00:01:23] arpa money sorry yeah [00:01:28] so I'll bring up [00:01:31] the balance let me share my screen [00:01:36] about the posture [00:01:53] okay here's the ARP of balance [00:01:59] I went through everything as best that I [00:02:02] could [00:02:03] um we've sent Laurie delolio was keeping [00:02:06] track of this and is gone and [00:02:10] that's the end of that so I've gone back [00:02:14] through all of the approvals and added [00:02:17] them in here I'm not positive what was [00:02:20] um [00:02:21] what was actually spent but this was [00:02:23] allocated so [00:02:25] um [00:02:27] this is what I see as the balance [00:02:32] um let me just [00:02:34] in your packet there are [00:02:38] three different [00:02:41] invoices [00:02:43] for contracts for [00:02:45] um the vehicles [00:02:49] one is for two two are for police so [00:02:55] sideways [00:02:57] 17 5 6 9 41 [00:03:01] yeah [00:03:03] and [00:03:07] thirty six five six five [00:03:13] thirteen for the second [00:03:15] and the last for highway is nine two [00:03:19] eight seven thirty two [00:03:22] these are for all of the [00:03:25] um [00:03:27] these are for all of the leases [00:03:31] I'm gonna let everybody else in just a [00:03:34] second [00:03:35] Here Comes one of the finance anyway so [00:03:38] that that's a total of 63 [00:03:41] 421.86 for the leases [00:03:49] and we have [00:03:51] snow and ice [00:03:53] and I verified this earlier with our [00:03:56] financial software Lori is correct with [00:04:03] I should have done these totals sorry [00:04:08] they are in Chris's [00:04:11] um tabs but [00:04:23] um [00:04:28] 154 [00:04:29] 313 and 83 cents that's snow and ice [00:04:37] thank you [00:04:38] so we decided on Opera for that [00:04:45] yes I can well that's not you are [00:04:48] deciding on that great [00:04:51] um let me just minimize this and [00:05:03] I can bring up [00:05:06] the model here [00:05:08] yeah I just wrapped that up [00:05:19] do you see this now all the tabs at the [00:05:21] bottom [00:05:24] or are you still seeing my no we're [00:05:26] still seeing the Opera one okay [00:05:34] I see you yeah [00:05:42] I'll get there [00:05:49] yes [00:06:05] so nice it's gonna come from arpa [00:06:10] oh my gosh [00:06:19] I'd like to see if you don't mind Rob if [00:06:22] Chris would like to [00:06:24] um [00:06:27] jump on and kind of start talking about [00:06:29] this [00:06:31] okay I I kind of want to go over the [00:06:34] arpa numbers okay yeah [00:06:37] what's our total with arpa is what I'm [00:06:40] I'm wondering because it says snow and [00:06:44] ice use arpa funds but [00:06:47] what would you say it was again [00:06:51] um it's like 387 or something [00:06:58] what do you mean Chris is going to [00:06:59] explain arpa now no I don't no I don't [00:07:03] think so I just we have a little bit of [00:07:05] a difference in the balance from arpa [00:07:07] but it's really not that much and uh [00:07:09] they're still going to be left over so [00:07:11] it does it's not really that important [00:07:13] like to go over this [00:07:16] um throughout the spreadsheet that was [00:07:18] up earlier is 389 307. [00:07:23] for a balance [00:07:34] all right this is not easy to do this [00:07:36] okay [00:07:37] so this is what I have these are all the [00:07:39] approvals that I have the most recent as [00:07:41] a 5 8. [00:07:43] um [00:07:44] and [00:07:49] that we were going to use arpa for the [00:07:51] leases and for snow and ice [00:07:57] sure [00:08:00] so do you not have a total for what that [00:08:03] number is [00:08:05] for the lead between the leases and snow [00:08:08] and ice [00:08:09] yes 217 735 69 [00:08:13] 17. [00:08:17] 7 35 69. [00:08:26] yeah that's the snow and ice plus the [00:08:28] leases [00:08:33] I can't remember if there was anything [00:08:34] else [00:08:36] now what's the the highway Truck Yeah [00:08:41] for 112. the highway truck was going to [00:08:44] be he's [00:08:46] um Marty doesn't have the quote yet he [00:08:48] said it's going to not not to exceed [00:08:49] 120. he's waiting for the newest quote [00:08:56] that should be here by Friday [00:09:01] it puts us around 3 40. [00:09:07] 337 735 69 [00:09:14] 344 422 is the number we had [00:09:18] say again please [00:09:21] 344 [00:09:22] 422. so what's the difference because I [00:09:25] just added everything up and it's 337 [00:09:28] 735 112 for the highway was what we were [00:09:32] given 63 422 for operating lease buyouts [00:09:37] so that number's a little bit different [00:09:39] but close enough well if he rounded up [00:09:41] to the next dollar [00:09:42] 160 was it snow on Ice that we had oh [00:09:46] snow and ice is 154 313 83. okay and [00:09:50] then we had uh the chief had requested [00:09:53] some additional funds to clean up some [00:09:55] prior issues that were non-operational [00:09:56] so we had nine thousand dollars going [00:09:58] there [00:10:12] what time is that Chris [00:10:14] other Revenue sources [00:10:28] that means that's how much in uh arpa [00:10:42] so what's the what's the [00:10:45] what are the issues that were from fire [00:10:51] I I don't I forget what the details were [00:10:53] I was a while ago that we talked to them [00:10:55] about that but that's who's requesting [00:10:59] I I almost feel like that's the reserve [00:11:02] transfer but [00:11:03] or it should have been [00:11:08] I feel like the Opera funding we've been [00:11:10] funding [00:11:11] more [00:11:14] Capital yeah [00:11:19] yeah and just my two cents [00:11:27] but with all of that what does it leave [00:11:30] us in arpa [00:11:37] now the suspect before [00:11:39] yeah where are where are are you um [00:11:43] am I not sharing the right screen do not [00:11:45] see other resources and other free cash [00:11:49] okay [00:12:00] great so the net balance of Opera is 54. [00:12:04] 573 after funding [00:12:15] yeah because I think you messed up your [00:12:18] number here for our profunds he didn't [00:12:20] adjust it because you got 398 995 [00:12:26] and then you told us it's 389. yeah [00:12:33] what's the number Nicole 389 what [00:12:37] 307.28 [00:12:42] this is what I calculated today I have [00:12:45] to figure out [00:12:47] because at this moment [00:12:50] we don't have access [00:12:53] to the Federal [00:12:56] um [00:12:57] arpa [00:12:59] so I will [00:13:01] make sure this is accurate tomorrow [00:13:06] because Lori was reporting for us so I [00:13:09] don't have access I asked her today if [00:13:12] she has specific Hardwick access or if I [00:13:14] have to request my own and I haven't [00:13:16] heard back [00:13:20] well should we [00:13:22] just put and leave the highway truck out [00:13:26] of us at this point and and put through [00:13:28] the snow and ice not since we don't know [00:13:30] the firm number of the balance [00:13:34] um that gives us some room and we can [00:13:36] deal with the truck at a later date it [00:13:39] doesn't have to be dealt with today [00:13:43] especially without a without an updated [00:13:45] quote [00:13:46] we could do snow and ice and we could do [00:13:49] the um the leases [00:13:51] right just take that number make sure we [00:13:54] at least clear our budget get everything [00:13:56] ready for next year's because that's [00:13:58] really what's in the way for what we're [00:14:00] going to do with the budget coming at us [00:14:01] yeah agreed [00:14:12] so oh sorry no that's okay go ahead so [00:14:16] then the total for the leases [00:14:18] is 63 for I just round up the whole [00:14:21] budget's rounded up and that's typical [00:14:24] um accounting so 63 422 that would be [00:14:28] your total [00:14:35] so let me do we handle snow and ice at [00:14:37] 150 4 3 14. [00:14:39] yes [00:14:41] 154 314. yep that's the final number [00:14:44] okay and you got to do [00:14:47] um fire department [00:14:59] foreign [00:15:22] does that mean this year [00:15:25] that we're closing out or does it mean [00:15:28] last year it's not prior year I think [00:15:31] it's all about the whole labor and [00:15:34] just [00:15:36] I don't know if we're not budgeting [00:15:38] properly or what's happening but [00:15:41] they go over [00:15:43] yeah [00:15:48] and like I said I mean I see that as a [00:15:51] as a reserve issue but if I mean if this [00:15:54] is what income [00:15:56] normally the reserve would go through [00:15:58] fincom so [00:16:01] it wasn't a reserve Kelly it was [00:16:03] something [00:16:04] um in addition you wanted in his budget [00:16:06] that we decided to pull out [00:16:08] it was non-operational it's not going to [00:16:10] be not it's not recurring [00:16:13] but if he went over his budget [00:16:17] from this prior year [00:16:19] we talked him in back in January so it [00:16:22] wasn't it wasn't a current budget issue [00:16:28] well but now I guess I'm curious what it [00:16:30] is then I don't [00:16:33] need to be more calls kind of a more [00:16:37] labor than he had planned no it wasn't [00:16:40] labor I'm trying to remember what the [00:16:42] exact details but it was more [00:16:45] he had some he had some non-operational [00:16:47] issues to clean up that he's been trying [00:16:49] to do on his budget and [00:16:52] um so the the additional nine was what [00:16:55] he needed to kind of claim those pieces [00:16:57] up and we said all right well there's a [00:16:59] good use of our funds in this in this [00:17:00] case it's not operational it's and it's [00:17:03] non-budget it's not currently a budget [00:17:05] so [00:17:06] that's why we put it in there and we [00:17:08] didn't run it through the budget [00:17:11] good [00:17:30] yeah [00:17:32] the same boat from fire on [00:17:35] the chief or anybody [00:17:45] so we have a meeting before the the [00:17:47] annual meeting still scheduled correct [00:17:51] all right yeah thank you it's up to you [00:17:55] to I say we put the leases through let's [00:17:57] put the snow and ice through [00:18:01] find out what this nine thousand dollars [00:18:03] is I just it's probably something that [00:18:05] could be easily cleared up by the chief [00:18:07] but [00:18:08] uh just a lot of talk about it so we can [00:18:11] move on we can just [00:18:19] I think he's at the station hey Eric [00:18:20] anything [00:18:21] yeah I just I'm I'm more Curious again [00:18:25] they just want me to call I'm gonna call [00:18:28] him [00:18:31] and I could do that [00:18:38] I mean if you guys want to vote on it [00:18:40] that's fine too I'm I'm just curious [00:18:44] yeah I I agree with you [00:19:03] hello so um uh we're going over the [00:19:06] budget uh we're in a selectments meeting [00:19:08] uh we're looking at arpa funds there's a [00:19:12] nine thousand dollar item that fincom [00:19:15] seemed to uh say that uh they were okay [00:19:19] with uh but we don't know what it's for [00:19:22] do you remember [00:19:24] said to uh clean up prior issues [00:19:28] non-operational [00:19:33] okay [00:19:35] all right we'll see if what [00:19:41] foreign [00:19:50] we're doing a zoom meeting so you don't [00:19:53] you you can't [00:19:55] pull out a reason for that [00:19:58] okay [00:20:04] yeah call call me back or uh uh try to [00:20:07] come up with it uh at worst uh before [00:20:11] the town meeting that morning [00:20:15] okay [00:20:17] okay all right see you bye [00:20:21] he doesn't remember [00:20:25] okay [00:20:29] well I'm happy to make a motion for snow [00:20:31] and ice and and the leases if if you're [00:20:34] looking for that Rob [00:20:36] that would be excellent [00:20:38] um I would make a motion that we fund [00:20:40] snow and ice at 154 314 dollars [00:20:46] um out of Opera funds I would also make [00:20:48] a motion that we fund the leases as read [00:20:51] by Nicole previously in the amount of [00:20:53] sixty three thousand four hundred and [00:20:55] twenty two dollars through Opera funds [00:20:58] a second a second I'll second it any [00:21:01] more any more discussion [00:21:07] uh all right in that case uh I'll do a [00:21:09] roll call vote since we're online [00:21:12] uh Kelly Kemp [00:21:14] yes [00:21:16] Eric bollheim yes [00:21:19] Rob Ruggles yes [00:21:21] all right so that passes uh all right [00:21:26] well let's get to the budget then [00:21:28] we're done with our but I assume Nicole [00:21:31] there's nothing I'm missing nope [00:21:33] okay thank you all right let's move on [00:21:36] to the budget with Defiance committee [00:21:39] I'm gonna pull it up right now [00:21:47] and then I'm gonna hand over uh host to [00:21:49] you okay [00:21:51] um [00:21:53] Chris [00:21:57] just share my screen [00:22:00] oh if I share my screen that's not gonna [00:22:01] work [00:22:02] do you happen to have it up Chris [00:22:07] yeah I can share it if I share my screen [00:22:10] then it's not going to stay well you are [00:22:13] host [00:22:18] so the um the one that's in our format [00:22:21] yep okay [00:22:44] all right can you see [00:22:47] [Music] [00:22:52] which one of you [00:22:57] and you see the budget is what's coming [00:22:59] up the camera doesn't say there's a ton [00:23:01] of Windows all you have to do is share [00:23:03] screen here's the one that you want to [00:23:06] share which would be fy24 budget working [00:23:09] workbook [00:23:27] I think it's [00:23:29] this one there you go [00:23:31] yep [00:23:35] okay [00:23:37] all right so Nicole and I uh worked [00:23:40] pretty close on uh basically getting [00:23:44] both the Border selectment or the [00:23:47] original requests in the fincom aligned [00:23:52] we've got [00:23:54] um all the races are in at whatever the [00:23:57] contractual rates were [00:24:00] at two percent [00:24:05] um [00:24:08] there's not a lot to [00:24:10] talk about here [00:24:15] um [00:24:35] any questions we've got we got [00:24:38] um [00:24:42] is really [00:24:46] there's really nothing out of the [00:24:47] ordinary [00:24:55] youth we increase the number of hours in [00:24:58] the rate based on their recommendation [00:25:01] we were in agreement with that [00:25:04] everything else is is pretty much [00:25:09] level funded with uh with raises [00:25:14] and we put the [00:25:17] Fair yep because you see the fair detail [00:25:19] so that's it been included [00:25:24] yeah what what do you what'd you say [00:25:25] Kelly [00:25:26] the fair the detail for the fair and the [00:25:28] PD yeah we're we're not in agreement [00:25:31] with that would that get added in [00:25:33] yeah that's an area that we need to [00:25:35] discuss because we're we're not in favor [00:25:37] of it [00:25:45] I know okay [00:25:48] if there has been existence for 200 plus [00:25:50] years without any details and all of a [00:25:51] sudden this year it shows up [00:25:53] um you're setting a precedent that I [00:25:54] think is going to uh not be good for the [00:25:57] town going forward [00:25:58] it's not a town it's not a Town Fair [00:26:01] it's not a town expense and the the [00:26:04] Harvard Fair should be paying for it [00:26:06] like every other [00:26:07] every other [00:26:09] um activity that's non-time related in [00:26:12] town [00:26:12] so [00:26:14] and it's the fear has been going on for [00:26:17] hundreds of years without it so why all [00:26:19] of a sudden this year [00:26:23] well their point was that the police are [00:26:26] charging them [00:26:28] more and more [00:26:30] they're having a hard time [00:26:32] getting over [00:26:34] the plague [00:26:37] so they're looking for money [00:26:41] okay I thought it'd be a good [00:26:45] a good way to go to support the fair it [00:26:47] is it's part of the Town folklore [00:26:50] so it is kind of ours [00:26:54] I guess that's could be an argument with [00:26:57] no end [00:27:01] yeah you can look at it both ways I just [00:27:03] think we're setting a precedent we don't [00:27:05] want to we don't want to we don't want [00:27:06] to do [00:27:09] well when the mayor when the legion was [00:27:12] going [00:27:14] this was a constant [00:27:16] argument [00:27:18] that we would [00:27:20] fund [00:27:22] the legion to some amount 900 bucks a [00:27:26] thousand bucks [00:27:28] the Gilbertville Library as well [00:27:32] so [00:27:33] they're not part of the town [00:27:38] both residents have been set anyway [00:27:44] it goes in front of the voters [00:27:47] um the fincom wants to bring it up I [00:27:51] completely respect that and understand [00:27:53] that and uh let the voters decide at [00:27:56] this point I think but I think we should [00:27:57] put it in there so the voters can decide [00:27:59] on it they want to remove it [00:28:02] I would agree with you Rob it's it's uh [00:28:05] it's not our decision it's the town's [00:28:07] decision [00:28:08] um we just think it's financially [00:28:10] prudent not to include it so that's [00:28:13] going to be our position [00:28:15] yeah I I completely understand [00:28:18] but I like I said we've put it in there [00:28:21] for the town more or less to decide so [00:28:23] yeah I totally agree with you on that [00:28:28] foreign [00:28:32] so basically besides that three thousand [00:28:34] dollars everything's the same as what we [00:28:36] talked about already and [00:28:38] we have no really any changes in funding [00:28:41] or anything correct correct [00:28:48] um anybody else got any questions on the [00:28:50] budget [00:28:54] uh Mr chairman it's it's Ryan the clerk [00:28:58] yeah [00:29:00] go ahead and run are you going to are [00:29:02] you going to go over the motions [00:29:04] yes that's what I wanted to do next I [00:29:06] just want to make sure we're like going [00:29:08] to budget and then we'll start just [00:29:10] going over the Motions making sure we [00:29:12] everybody's got the right directive for [00:29:14] the Motions [00:29:16] make sure we're going we got everything [00:29:18] correct [00:29:23] all right so if Chris if you're all set [00:29:25] do you mind if we go over the motion now [00:29:27] and it kind of [00:29:29] have fincom here with you and uh we have [00:29:32] you guys stay because there's a couple [00:29:34] things that I want to say or budget we [00:29:36] just wanted to make sure you guys were [00:29:39] in line with what was going on yeah [00:29:41] absolutely [00:29:43] thank you [00:29:46] I'll share my screen in just a second [00:29:50] [Music] [00:30:08] all right [00:30:11] so article one did we figure out we're [00:30:14] going to table this correct [00:30:17] yeah this is where usually the snow nice [00:30:19] comes in [00:30:22] right for this year's but we took care [00:30:25] of that so now you can just disable it [00:30:30] so r equal 2 is some money so we got [00:30:35] retained earnings [00:30:38] Renewables fourteen thousand pre-cash [00:30:45] these are all bills I'm sorry I'm just I [00:30:47] don't let me see if I can find those [00:30:49] warrant articles so I can explain what [00:30:51] that is and not just so we have the [00:30:53] motions [00:30:56] yeah they're in the [00:31:01] sorry folks oh [00:31:03] yeah you mean the actual um [00:31:06] yeah just so I can say I think this is [00:31:08] this year's or [00:31:10] this the first one was this is prior [00:31:13] Year sorry correct article two yes [00:31:16] yep [00:31:17] yeah so FY 22 below the free cash it [00:31:20] says of the previous FY 22 and [00:31:24] um [00:31:25] I've always had a problem with East [00:31:27] National Water Well I don't can't say [00:31:30] always this is my second time but I had [00:31:32] a problem with him last year we we [00:31:33] thought we did it all I have all the [00:31:35] backup I'm not sure I can send it to you [00:31:37] I'm not sure that you wanted to tell [00:31:38] meeting or what happened I don't [00:31:39] remember [00:31:41] um and EDP Renewables we were not [00:31:43] receiving any of the invoices at all so [00:31:48] um you know so we've got even this year [00:31:51] but we've cleaned that up and these are [00:31:52] last year [00:31:54] um and [00:31:56] more Communications were two bills that [00:31:58] I didn't get it either that were minor [00:32:02] um [00:32:02] one was for the police and one was for [00:32:04] Ryan they called with just some issues [00:32:07] with their telephone [00:32:09] okay [00:32:15] and that's why it says [00:32:17] so Hardwick Center water district [00:32:19] because that's where East National water [00:32:21] comes from all boards is more [00:32:23] Communications and EDP Renewables and [00:32:27] then wpcf is their EDP Renewables [00:32:33] all right so the first one the retained [00:32:35] earnings [00:32:41] is going to come out of retained [00:32:43] earnings in the amount of 14039 and then [00:32:46] go to the account for [00:32:48] um [00:32:49] Yeah well yeah [00:32:53] okay yeah and then just making sure I'm [00:32:56] reading this right now yeah that's I was [00:32:58] a little I was a little confused at [00:32:59] first but now so then then we're using [00:33:02] free cash for [00:33:03] Frederick Center water expense and all [00:33:06] boards expense [00:33:07] exactly okay but the the bills are [00:33:10] what's listed above [00:33:12] yes okay all right that makes sense okay [00:33:15] so if I can jump in here so the bills [00:33:19] are on the top line EDP Renewables those [00:33:21] four is that correct that's correct [00:33:24] all right so we need to we need to swap [00:33:27] that around so they are going to come so [00:33:31] the motion is going to be to transfer [00:33:32] the sums of money from wpcf expense hcw [00:33:36] expense [00:33:38] Ryan it's not coming from those expenses [00:33:41] so ADP Renewables is being paid at a [00:33:45] retained earnings for [00:33:47] waste pollution [00:33:50] expense [00:33:51] and then for more it's coming out of [00:33:54] free cash [00:33:55] and that's an all boards expense [00:34:00] but but the way that it's listed Kelly [00:34:02] it's it's stating that [00:34:04] right we have it needs to be raised but [00:34:07] it's not coming out of [00:34:10] I just want you to understand yeah and [00:34:13] other so we don't need to list EDT EDP [00:34:17] Renewables and all that we need to say [00:34:19] 14 039 from retained retained already [00:34:21] correct correct and then tell and then [00:34:24] tally up those three items for free cash [00:34:26] correct that will be the two funding [00:34:29] sources to those three there okay at the [00:34:31] bottom all right okay [00:34:34] yeah so it just has to be a little bit [00:34:36] Yeah cleaned up yeah not so detailed I I [00:34:39] see [00:34:41] yeah we just have Nicole we just have to [00:34:43] list return earnings for that amount and [00:34:44] then tally up to three on the free cash [00:34:46] and that will take care of it got it [00:34:54] all right so we're all good there now [00:34:56] okay [00:35:01] all right so article three [00:35:04] is to authorize to acquire Perma [00:35:07] easement and that's something okay [00:35:08] that's not a money article [00:35:12] uh so can you scroll that screen or [00:35:15] something and we have the um we have the [00:35:18] sketch now [00:35:19] yes we do I gave it to Ryan okay [00:35:24] and you have the you have the actual [00:35:28] um easement in your packet [00:35:32] that you could always do Saturday too [00:35:38] all right I think that's the last item [00:35:40] on our agenda is not to kind of discuss [00:35:42] the easement thing [00:35:47] okay [00:35:48] I thought that was another one [00:35:53] I don't know what I just did [00:35:55] oh well just moving everything around I [00:35:59] can't keep up [00:36:00] um article four six [00:36:03] except the what was it annual annual [00:36:06] report the 2022 annual report yeah [00:36:12] so just uh just a comment on that Mr [00:36:16] chairman if I can uh yeah go ahead so [00:36:21] you know I I volunteered to jump in on [00:36:25] this [00:36:26] um Julie Marquette is is working on this [00:36:29] with me now [00:36:30] because there's some formatting issues [00:36:33] and this is you know this is [00:36:35] in essence making the sausage but next [00:36:38] year we really got to do a concerted [00:36:40] effort to [00:36:42] um explain to everybody that these [00:36:45] reports have to come in a certain way we [00:36:47] don't need fancy formatting we don't [00:36:49] need we just need information and then [00:36:52] we can put it into a report that's [00:36:56] readable principle for the for the [00:36:58] citizenry that we can get out much [00:37:01] sooner than the annual town meeting the [00:37:03] treasurer's report the accountants [00:37:04] report I mean they just they look [00:37:06] nothing like what they used to and I'm [00:37:08] not saying that's anybody's fault I [00:37:12] think what it is is we just need to have [00:37:14] a better [00:37:16] rip on how these reports are created [00:37:19] because what was received is just it's [00:37:22] it's it doesn't work and it's not fair [00:37:24] to the residents that actually do read [00:37:26] these reports quite thoroughly and enjoy [00:37:30] digesting them so [00:37:32] um I think what we need to do is come [00:37:36] February March of next year really make [00:37:38] certain that we've checked off everybody [00:37:40] right now [00:37:41] recycling Hardwick [00:37:44] historical commission and the wiring [00:37:47] inspector are not in the current format [00:37:49] recycling said that they had sent it I [00:37:52] confirmed with Nicole she hadn't [00:37:53] received anything she was going to drop [00:37:55] off a hard copy I'll try and scan it and [00:37:58] get it into the report the wiring [00:38:00] inspector he said he sent it I told him [00:38:02] to please resend it and then Emily [00:38:04] doesn't have email so [00:38:07] what we what [00:38:09] the plan is is to put a hyperlink [00:38:11] hopefully by tomorrow after you folks [00:38:14] kind of review it I mean this isn't some [00:38:16] open meeting loss thing but I'm going to [00:38:17] send you the draft of it and I'm going [00:38:20] to ask each of you to review it and make [00:38:22] certain that it's okay it's basically a [00:38:24] compilation of all the reports that have [00:38:27] been gathered from all the different [00:38:28] parties [00:38:30] um the last item you know your report [00:38:32] I've reached out to Nicole just to [00:38:34] finalize and make certain that [00:38:35] everything's okay because the idea is [00:38:37] that I at least want to let everybody [00:38:39] know via listserv [00:38:41] Facebook Etc that hey here's a link to [00:38:44] the report [00:38:45] go check it out at least you'll have a [00:38:47] couple days to see what's out there I [00:38:49] don't have the time to print them off [00:38:52] like I did the last two years with the [00:38:54] manual hole puncher it's just it's not [00:38:55] feasible with given my schedule and [00:38:58] what's been going on but In fairness to [00:39:00] the residents they're entitled to this [00:39:01] report a lot sooner than they've been [00:39:04] getting it over the past few years [00:39:06] and they're also entitled to get it in a [00:39:09] format that is easily shareable [00:39:13] um [00:39:13] in in the past you know and and I'm [00:39:16] sorry if I'm running on here but [00:39:18] we had a lot of citizen participation [00:39:21] because people receive these reports [00:39:22] they looked at them and they'd be like [00:39:24] hey this isn't right or this is right or [00:39:26] I want to get involved and [00:39:28] um [00:39:29] this is the shareholder report you guys [00:39:33] are the CEO and and the citizens of the [00:39:36] shareholders and this is the opportunity [00:39:37] to say all right what's been going on [00:39:39] over the past fiscal year what it you [00:39:42] know what have you been doing and we [00:39:44] need to present that to these people so [00:39:45] if it boils down to having to mail these [00:39:48] things to households again I'm going to [00:39:50] advocate for that because people might [00:39:52] say well we shouldn't be spending two or [00:39:53] three thousand dollars well we're [00:39:55] spending eighteen thousand dollars a [00:39:58] year on a police vehicle you know what [00:40:00] informed citizenry makes for better [00:40:02] government and that is what I'm [00:40:05] advocating in the long run [00:40:08] uh to to summarize I I apologize for [00:40:11] going off on a tangent we should [00:40:13] hopefully have everything put together [00:40:15] tomorrow for you to review to authorize [00:40:18] to have it go out and then what I plan [00:40:20] on doing is doing a sign up if people [00:40:23] you know how many people want to have [00:40:25] the report in either I could print them [00:40:27] manually in my office or we can send it [00:40:29] off to a printer through all boards [00:40:31] expense or the town report line item I [00:40:34] don't even know if it's still there [00:40:34] anymore and uh make them available but [00:40:38] um this is something personally and as [00:40:41] Town Florida that kind of bothers me [00:40:43] this needs to be done a lot sooner than [00:40:46] it is and um you know everything's [00:40:49] everything's fine now but let's let's [00:40:51] make a concerted effort for next year to [00:40:53] make certain that we get this done much [00:40:55] sooner than later [00:40:59] understood Ryan thank you [00:41:04] all right [00:41:06] um [00:41:08] is there maybe there's a just a note or [00:41:11] something I I know you've probably sent [00:41:12] it out no but maybe just if you guys can [00:41:18] remind us to discuss it at [00:41:20] like one of the select board meetings I [00:41:23] don't ever think we brought it up at any [00:41:25] point this year [00:41:26] but maybe we can as a board try to push [00:41:29] the [00:41:31] the Departments to make sure they get [00:41:33] that information to you [00:41:36] absolutely I will certainly make sure it [00:41:38] should be coming out of the selections [00:41:39] office and I did have it all [00:41:42] um but I will certainly make sure that [00:41:44] it's done before town meeting next year [00:41:47] for sure [00:41:48] I won't I won't let any other department [00:41:50] handle it [00:41:52] yeah this this is and this isn't this [00:41:55] isn't a uh criticism of any it's just [00:41:58] there's a lot that's going on right now [00:42:00] and and things happen all that I'm you [00:42:02] know I don't mind doing this I've done [00:42:05] it before and the reason why I [00:42:06] volunteered was because I know what [00:42:08] needs to be done and I have a vested [00:42:10] interest [00:42:11] um so I just I just want to make certain [00:42:13] that we take steps so that when we move [00:42:17] forward that it it becomes like [00:42:19] clockwork it's like okay January [00:42:20] February boom boom this is what we're [00:42:22] doing and then we're done with it [00:42:25] yeah [00:42:26] yeah no no I understood [00:42:28] and uh I I we appreciate the fact that [00:42:31] you kind of took the ball and ran with [00:42:33] this because [00:42:34] obviously with everything going on you I [00:42:37] mean you know [00:42:38] so I appreciate it [00:42:40] no no thank you that I'm not looking but [00:42:43] thank you [00:42:45] [Music] [00:42:47] um all right I'm gonna move on to Oracle [00:42:50] five [00:42:52] I'm not too authorize the treasure to [00:42:55] approve [00:42:57] one time anticipated Reverend all this [00:42:59] is our borrowing or for the treasure [00:43:02] Revenue yeah to the treasurer [00:43:05] that's not a real money article but it [00:43:08] is uh the revolving fund accounts which [00:43:12] we have a whole sheet of [00:43:13] yeah [00:43:15] then this seven is the Board of Health [00:43:18] revolving the new one [00:43:21] um okay eight is the appropriation for [00:43:25] the [00:43:26] HVAC system at quavo Middle School [00:43:31] um I know the fincom had some thoughts [00:43:34] on that so [00:43:36] I don't know what you guys were thinking [00:43:38] or what you kind of decided [00:43:46] Keenan can you yeah can you jump in on [00:43:48] this because you had some good thoughts [00:43:50] on this one the thought was we were [00:43:52] going to um [00:43:54] uh disapprove it and we're going to use [00:43:57] Capital stabilization each year to pay [00:44:00] the approximately 18 000 a year for the [00:44:03] five years [00:44:05] can you see the can you see the um [00:44:08] debt repayment [00:44:10] um oh they got it for 10 years [00:44:13] pay in full [00:44:16] five years [00:44:18] seven years [00:44:20] 10 years [00:44:24] oh [00:44:25] so we would do the five years [00:44:27] yeah it tends to make sense it's not a [00:44:30] lot of money each year [00:44:32] and [00:44:33] what if it gets approved [00:44:38] like what if it's you know I'm thinking [00:44:40] like the school budget always gets [00:44:42] approved [00:44:43] that's the school budget but if we [00:44:45] explain this to proper way okay we don't [00:44:49] want a debt exclusion just for [00:44:51] uh I I don't disagree but you know how [00:44:53] 61 [00:44:55] 000 it makes no sense right it's a whole [00:44:58] much extra paperwork and a lot of uh I [00:45:02] don't disagree well no that's what needs [00:45:05] to be explained why we want to we want [00:45:08] to uh disapprove it and we'll pay it but [00:45:11] we're going to pay it over five years [00:45:15] that sounds good to me [00:45:19] so Keenan is finance going to make the [00:45:22] motion on that [00:45:23] I'll be glad to stand up and explain the [00:45:25] whole thing [00:45:26] all right and again if if the if it must [00:45:30] be [00:45:31] I move to disapprove approval is not [00:45:34] necessary we do not have to approve it [00:45:37] but if we make a motion to approve and [00:45:39] it's voted down that is not a [00:45:40] disapproval [00:45:41] so I will make a motion to disapprove [00:45:45] okay thank you [00:45:50] can we make sure we make a note on that [00:45:52] so yeah maybe take a proof right out of [00:45:54] motion yeah [00:45:56] okay exactly and that would that was why [00:45:59] I had on there I needed to discuss so [00:46:00] yeah just strike that off and put [00:46:02] disapprove [00:46:05] thank you guys [00:46:12] okay [00:46:14] uh article 9 is a point assessor to the [00:46:19] assess the assessing board appointing an [00:46:22] Assessor [00:46:25] yeah yeah [00:46:28] article 10 is transfer [00:46:30] [Music] [00:46:31] 1275 dollars [00:46:33] and sell Lots fund account to cemetery [00:46:37] expense account [00:46:40] can we take [00:46:41] out the extra zeros on that so it [00:46:44] doesn't look right [00:46:45] a million [00:46:49] when you look at it quickly [00:46:52] uh [00:46:55] article 11 is [00:46:58] 1275 to [00:47:02] Perpetual care [00:47:04] area code 12 okay this is transfer 50 [00:47:08] 000 from free cash to reserve fund [00:47:11] we'll kind of discuss that [00:47:14] I think we were questioning where that [00:47:16] money was coming from the other last [00:47:18] meeting were we not [00:47:21] yeah the funds yeah we didn't know if it [00:47:24] was from fee cash [00:47:26] correct correct yeah [00:47:31] um [00:47:31] oh sorry did you want to look at the [00:47:34] free cash or if you just want to are you [00:47:35] good with that [00:47:39] oh [00:47:41] why don't we look at the end because [00:47:43] then I think you I think Chris spelled [00:47:45] it all is this Chris's document that he [00:47:47] spelled it all out with yes [00:47:51] all right [00:47:52] Oracle 13 is basically chapter 90 money [00:47:58] for 350 [00:47:59] 000. sorry [00:48:02] yeah article 14 did we [00:48:06] on the suit all right so this is the [00:48:08] sewer budget for 933 [00:48:10] 000. [00:48:12] um do we know what our finance rates or [00:48:16] that interest rate is or payment do we [00:48:19] ever get a clarification on that well we [00:48:21] haven't gone out to bid yet but so USDA [00:48:23] has not authorized to pay that amount so [00:48:26] it's in the budget do you want to see it [00:48:29] it's in the yeah [00:48:31] it's in the soil budget yep yeah [00:48:36] yeah just anyone on right now that's [00:48:38] looking at it I just want to make sure [00:48:40] they understand what kind of we're [00:48:42] looking at [00:48:53] oh [00:48:54] now [00:49:00] to bring it up in the collar now yeah I [00:49:02] am I'm I'm trying to bring it up right [00:49:04] now I have too many windows open yeah [00:49:07] I'm just well you're getting that I'll [00:49:09] just Article 15 is the budget that we [00:49:12] already discussed all right [00:49:15] Rob [00:49:16] so yeah is that that number there [00:49:20] does that include the 3000 or does it [00:49:22] not include the 3000 on the police [00:49:24] detail [00:49:25] it does [00:49:27] I just was looking at you yeah all right [00:49:30] so technically finance committee is not [00:49:32] going to recommend approval of that [00:49:35] um [00:49:37] so I I think that morning we could [00:49:40] certainly discuss as to whether or not [00:49:42] what what option needs to go so [00:49:45] at the end of the day [00:49:47] that includes the 3000 technically their [00:49:49] recommendation would be to not recommend [00:49:52] and then perhaps one of them would make [00:49:55] a motion to [00:49:58] um subtract the three thousand and then [00:50:00] if it if it passes it would be taken out [00:50:02] if it doesn't it would stay in and then [00:50:04] we would go to the main motion and just [00:50:06] for those that haven't been part of it [00:50:09] the way that I run things is moderator [00:50:11] when it comes to our budget [00:50:13] we will do the amount listed based upon [00:50:17] a certain column [00:50:19] if people have questions or discussions [00:50:22] or amendments on each respective line [00:50:24] item I allow it [00:50:26] only happened a couple times in the past [00:50:28] so [00:50:30] um if the finance feels that strongly [00:50:32] about it they will have to [00:50:35] state that they don't recommend and that [00:50:37] they would offer an amendment to that [00:50:39] specific line item and then we would [00:50:41] vote upon it so I just want to make sure [00:50:44] that everybody's on the same page [00:50:45] regarding that [00:50:51] yeah I think we've done this before with [00:50:53] different things over the years so but [00:50:59] can I make a record can I make a [00:51:01] recommendation [00:51:03] what if we [00:51:05] pay this out of Opera and keep it out of [00:51:07] the operating budget [00:51:08] because it's just going to show up there [00:51:10] next year again and all we're doing is [00:51:12] adding to budgets that we're trying to [00:51:13] get our handling getting handled on [00:51:16] that's how we started this that was [00:51:18] myself yeah why can't you legally we [00:51:22] cannot we've already we've already asked [00:51:25] um KP law of that opinion is that [00:51:27] because it's going to a private [00:51:29] organization [00:51:30] correct [00:51:33] so we can't donate our Opera funds to [00:51:36] them [00:51:37] but we can pay a bill once it's incurred [00:51:39] that's that's my bonus contention anyway [00:51:42] is we're trying to fund a private [00:51:45] organization which we should not do with [00:51:47] people's tax money well like the [00:51:50] Gilbertville library and and the legion [00:51:53] before you you look at that's Memorial [00:51:56] Day Memorial day and those are Town [00:51:59] those are town uh owned properties for [00:52:03] the memorial day that we spend the money [00:52:05] on [00:52:07] the library is used by Town citizens [00:52:11] in the hard work Affair is the oldest [00:52:13] fair that people come back here you know [00:52:15] what you know what raise their prices so [00:52:17] they can pay their bills [00:52:21] I don't think we just no different than [00:52:24] the water system in the center of [00:52:26] Hardware [00:52:28] hold on everybody hold their horses [00:52:31] let's just [00:52:33] let's the voters deal this I think we [00:52:35] were just putting out there for the [00:52:37] voters if they they voted down [00:52:39] that's their their choice [00:52:42] I I understand both sides of this [00:52:45] I absolutely do [00:52:47] so [00:52:49] chairman Ruggles just as a point of [00:52:51] clarification regarding the American [00:52:53] Legion that was uh Massachusetts statute [00:52:56] that allowed [00:52:58] for municipalities [00:53:00] to donate monies through the American [00:53:03] Legions now originally it was only [00:53:05] supposed to be for five years and Henry [00:53:07] gainly the past veterans officer had [00:53:10] brought up the fact that the town had [00:53:12] been doing it basically for you know 60 [00:53:15] 70 plus years but I just for the record [00:53:17] the money that was given to the American [00:53:19] Legion was established by a [00:53:21] Massachusetts statute that wasn't [00:53:23] something similar to what the Harvard [00:53:25] Fair situation is [00:53:34] right [00:53:37] all right [00:53:38] um [00:53:40] before I go back to the super budget do [00:53:43] do we have anybody else want to comment [00:53:45] I'll give one more chance for someone to [00:53:47] comment and then I want to move on if [00:53:49] there is one [00:53:53] nope okay I'm gonna move on to sewer now [00:53:57] foreign [00:54:01] the uh [00:54:03] the number we're talking about is [00:54:07] I mean Rob I have to apologize there was [00:54:10] two fy24 budgets and I was looking at [00:54:13] the wrong one because [00:54:15] Scott adjusted some um of the [00:54:20] of the uh expenses and so it went down a [00:54:24] little bit [00:54:26] so I went down to 928 678 81 instead of [00:54:29] the 933 [00:54:31] so I I'll change that on the motion [00:54:35] all right so it's so we put that the [00:54:38] numbers the big number we were talking [00:54:40] about is in the interest on sewer debt [00:54:43] yeah [00:54:44] yeah we [00:54:46] can but [00:54:47] maybe we'd have a professional town [00:54:49] meeting or something I'm not sure but we [00:54:50] could remove it if USDA approves us [00:54:53] paying the ban [00:54:55] off [00:54:57] once the plants come back [00:55:02] um bid out and the prices come back [00:55:04] right yeah [00:55:07] I mean I think we have to carry it [00:55:10] yeah I I agree [00:55:13] it's just I mean I think it adds about [00:55:16] another hundred dollars to an edu if not [00:55:19] maybe a little more so [00:55:21] it's it's actually a little more [00:55:24] it's disappointing all right and uh [00:55:27] anyone else questions on the store [00:55:28] budget [00:55:31] no all right [00:55:34] Nicole can you bring me back to that [00:55:36] screen please motion screen [00:56:09] can you see [00:56:11] yep yeah okay [00:56:13] okay here we go [00:56:15] all right so we we just kind of I think [00:56:17] we went over the budget issue we have [00:56:20] um so I think we're good there we don't [00:56:22] need to keep reliving that [00:56:23] um article 16. [00:56:25] um I'm sorry I do have one question can [00:56:28] we just open it up so make sure that I [00:56:29] have the right number there I did Nicole [00:56:32] it is from what I can see on my phone [00:56:35] because now I'm I've got three different [00:56:37] things open [00:56:38] okay thank you it does look like the [00:56:41] right okay [00:56:43] um just wanted to make sure I was [00:56:45] choosing the right one okay great total [00:56:49] raise and appropriate line all the way [00:56:51] over is that number matches okay thank [00:56:54] you [00:56:56] [Music] [00:56:58] are you all set now [00:57:00] yes thanks okay [00:57:03] article 16 the town transfer of 105 000 [00:57:07] from free cash to stabilization [00:57:12] uh do we have any questions on that [00:57:14] anybody [00:57:16] no okay article seven [00:57:20] transfer seventy thousand from free cash [00:57:22] to Capital stabilization fund [00:57:26] is is there a balance already in capital [00:57:28] stabilization [00:57:31] does anybody know like four thousand [00:57:33] dollars yeah it's really small [00:57:36] if you remember we tried putting it in [00:57:38] last year but we forgot to put it on [00:57:40] here so it all went into stabilization [00:57:43] all right [00:57:46] um all right and article 18 [00:57:50] do you want to run through that again [00:57:52] Ryan [00:57:54] certainly Rob um [00:57:57] I'm I'm [00:57:59] recept so I'm speaking as town clerk I'm [00:58:02] receptive to you know any numerical date [00:58:07] you know upon further review [00:58:10] it was 18 and 19. I personally would [00:58:13] like to see van does town clerk I'd like [00:58:15] to see the first Saturday in May for the [00:58:17] election [00:58:18] on the first Saturday in may excuse me [00:58:21] in June for the town meeting [00:58:23] regarding the election [00:58:26] once that is set that is set it can't be [00:58:29] moved regarding town meeting [00:58:31] the board of Selectmen always has the [00:58:33] right to vote to postpone that so [00:58:36] if we did in fact adopt it to the first [00:58:38] Saturday in June and something came up [00:58:41] where we had to push it out the board of [00:58:44] selectment still reserves the right to [00:58:45] postpone it and pick a date and it's [00:58:47] choosing [00:58:49] um but regarding the election it needs [00:58:51] to be not during the week when the kids [00:58:54] are there [00:58:56] um and Saturday seems to work it's [00:58:58] worked in the past with our special [00:59:00] election I've spoken with other clerks [00:59:02] it's worked well [00:59:04] um you know it's still within the [00:59:06] board's right to set the hours and [00:59:09] depending upon if there are races or not [00:59:11] uh you you can have the polls open for [00:59:14] as little as four hours uh at a minimum [00:59:17] no later than noon no uh and it can't [00:59:19] close later than eight o'clock so [00:59:22] given [00:59:23] given all that information I think the [00:59:25] first Saturday in May would be [00:59:27] acceptable so that's what I'm requesting [00:59:30] if someone from the board wants to make [00:59:33] a motion or I can find someone else to [00:59:35] make the motion uh you know just please [00:59:37] let me know what your pleasure is [00:59:42] I I feel like I'm okay with moving it to [00:59:44] like the first Saturday [00:59:49] I would agree [00:59:52] gives me three more weeks [00:59:55] yeah exactly and the main thing is it it [00:59:58] gets it gets [01:00:00] it gets us to where the kids aren't in [01:00:02] the school I mean communication with the [01:00:04] school committee let's talk about when [01:00:06] when the state of luck you know we we [01:00:08] already we've got a special primary [01:00:10] coming up the day after Columbus Day and [01:00:12] a state election on November 7th for in [01:00:15] goby's seat [01:00:16] um and you know I'll work with the [01:00:18] school committee regarding not holding [01:00:20] School in those days but my hands are [01:00:22] tied regarding when elections are held [01:00:24] and where we can have them because [01:00:26] they're physically is no other place [01:00:29] that in in hard work that we can hold an [01:00:31] election there isn't [01:00:34] so um I appreciate that I'll certainly [01:00:37] revise the Motions to to list it as [01:00:39] first if that's what you're in agreement [01:00:40] with [01:00:42] yeah Eric you good with that yep and [01:00:46] I'll make the motion if you want [01:00:48] sure [01:00:49] thank you your honor I will make note of [01:00:51] that [01:00:55] I only say that because we're both [01:00:57] justices of the peace that's no other [01:00:58] reason [01:01:01] it was a secret [01:01:06] um all right as far as the annual town [01:01:08] meeting [01:01:09] Yeah so basically you're saying if if we [01:01:11] just set it for the first weekend of [01:01:14] June [01:01:15] yep um the select board is still has the [01:01:18] option to move it [01:01:21] that is correct [01:01:23] all right so I am fine with that also [01:01:26] because we never seen we never have had [01:01:29] a main meeting that I can remember I [01:01:32] agree [01:01:35] so do you want to put it for the first [01:01:37] Saturday in June [01:01:40] yeah there's nothing else that [01:01:42] we can correct memorials [01:01:48] well Memorial Day is the last Monday in [01:01:51] May so it will [01:01:53] run to that [01:01:57] probably won't conflict no I'm I think [01:02:00] it's early enough in the you know Season [01:02:02] that people may go away for that weekend [01:02:04] but maybe probably not the week [01:02:08] yeah it would actually be going away the [01:02:10] weekend before if right yeah [01:02:15] all right [01:02:21] all right anyway any more discussion on [01:02:24] that are we good [01:02:28] okay [01:02:32] and uh [01:02:35] I moved to town to adopt the article as [01:02:39] printed in the annual Town work [01:02:42] am I missing something [01:02:45] oh that's the motion what is it Brian [01:02:47] wrote that [01:02:49] yeah what is the what's article 20 again [01:02:52] change from selected [01:02:56] it's oh yeah [01:03:00] all right [01:03:03] so this we're pretty we're in pretty [01:03:06] good shape [01:03:07] I would say [01:03:09] um [01:03:11] the only thing we should probably do [01:03:13] before the Saturday meeting as far as [01:03:15] any of this stuff is concerned is the [01:03:18] fire department stuff [01:03:21] um [01:03:24] Maybe [01:03:27] maybe the highway truck if we want but [01:03:31] if design changes we just should I know [01:03:34] Nicole's been working hard to make sure [01:03:36] the numbers are correct but [01:03:39] just make sure that article number is [01:03:42] correct I don't wanna overboard on that [01:03:45] and that would not be good for the town [01:03:48] and what's the balance in free cash [01:03:50] before [01:03:52] all the [01:03:54] do you have that Nicole yeah it's [01:03:58] 207.063 I think [01:04:00] so we've gone over that just from moving [01:04:04] money to [01:04:05] Reserve stabilization and capital [01:04:07] stabilization we're at 225 and Article 2 [01:04:12] also uses free cash [01:04:14] so that doesn't jive [01:04:21] yeah oh let me bring it up [01:04:58] sorry it's a long one [01:05:11] for 230 000. yeah we're two three two [01:05:15] eight five one forty three [01:05:21] foreign [01:05:36] are you all seeing the line item budget [01:05:38] yep that's the budget yeah [01:05:42] okay [01:05:46] um [01:05:48] Chris [01:05:49] are you on [01:05:52] yeah [01:05:55] can you go through this because you [01:05:58] understand it better than I do [01:06:01] so maybe we have to take one of those [01:06:03] motions and say that it's coming from [01:06:06] raise and appropriate [01:06:13] yeah that would that would make sense [01:06:15] because you only got two you only got [01:06:17] two yeah [01:06:19] let me get 207 087 and free cash so [01:06:25] so I have to I have to [01:06:28] take it we could cut how much is going [01:06:30] to the reserve fund by 25 [01:06:33] 000. right [01:06:40] you want to be careful with your Levy [01:06:42] limit unfortunately Jennifer's not here [01:06:44] to confirm and unfortunately yeah so [01:06:50] we're 9969 [01:06:55] oh yeah but [01:06:57] it's always good to have a little [01:07:01] bit of meat left on this bone so we're [01:07:04] gonna cut something by call it 26 000. [01:07:11] that's the easiest way out of that we've [01:07:14] never funded a hundred and something [01:07:15] thousands of Reserve [01:07:17] well they were they were looking for 50. [01:07:21] initially yeah and I understand putting [01:07:24] more in there if we have it but if we [01:07:25] don't have it do you mean stabilization [01:07:28] Rob because they're putting 100 in [01:07:30] stabilization and 50 and preserve into [01:07:33] reserve and 70 into capital [01:07:35] all right then stabilization sorry I'm [01:07:38] trying to find the information while I'm [01:07:40] talking talking out my butter yes [01:07:43] um we we talked to Jennifer to this [01:07:46] today about the levy we've had we have [01:07:49] room there [01:07:50] we've got [01:07:52] um [01:07:53] we're [01:07:54] we feel we're fine with [01:07:57] where things are coming from so [01:08:00] um we're not in in favor of touching [01:08:03] stabilization [01:08:05] and we're putting extra money in to [01:08:07] reserve account because we're level [01:08:09] funding budgets this year so it gives us [01:08:12] a little more control in terms of if [01:08:14] people are going over [01:08:16] we have the ability to be able to uh [01:08:19] justify that that overage [01:08:22] if we take that out [01:08:24] yes we'll have more free cash for next [01:08:26] year but we have less [01:08:28] we have less room if people are going [01:08:30] over [01:08:33] well yeah I'm sorry I misspoke I was [01:08:36] thinking it it's 105 000 going into [01:08:39] stabilization but [01:08:41] we don't if we take 25 from there it's [01:08:45] still giving you 50 000 for the reserve [01:08:47] fund [01:08:48] yeah we we're gonna we have to build our [01:08:50] stabilization account where but we're [01:08:54] building it on debt at this point we [01:08:56] don't have the free cash [01:09:02] take 15 uh take 15 out of stabilization [01:09:06] and take 10 out of capital stabilization [01:09:12] foreign [01:09:21] yeah it doesn't really matter to me [01:09:23] either I'm just I just want to make sure [01:09:25] the number is balanced because yeah it's [01:09:27] going to be 10 and and 16. that's fine [01:09:31] okay well it's 25 764 so if you round [01:09:39] but what about all of our our article oh [01:09:42] you know that'll leave you your money [01:09:44] for your articles doesn't it [01:09:46] yeah because I thought you you left me [01:09:48] eighteen thousand [01:09:50] for prior year bills right Chris [01:09:53] yeah and we're using eight [01:09:56] yeah I got extra money there [01:10:01] so I've got [01:10:03] we've got can you pull up this whatever [01:10:06] you're talking about for the way you're [01:10:08] what your your calculations are so we [01:10:10] can understand what your [01:10:15] yep just one sec [01:10:18] that gives us twenty thousand dollar [01:10:19] cushion [01:10:20] foreign [01:10:34] oops [01:10:45] I don't know where it is let me let me [01:10:47] share my screen please okay [01:11:18] all right [01:11:22] so [01:11:23] we put almost ten thousand dollars in [01:11:26] Levy limit cushion [01:11:29] Nicole and I talked about that today [01:11:33] we reduce the articles of Prior bills to [01:11:36] 8 000 that gives us [01:11:40] twenty thousand dollars this ten [01:11:42] thousand plus this ninety nine hundred [01:11:44] dollars in Levy limit cushion [01:11:51] yeah I'm not talking about the levy [01:11:53] limit I'm I'm talking about the free [01:11:55] cash what comes out of it well you got [01:11:58] you have you have additional funds and [01:12:00] raising appropriate to fund the Articles [01:12:02] and [01:12:04] uh to fund the Articles so [01:12:07] and the difference in stabilization [01:12:14] I don't I'm personally I don't think [01:12:17] it's worth cutting it that close if [01:12:19] we're just moving [01:12:23] I'll take five thousand dollars out of [01:12:25] out of um [01:12:28] out of capital [01:12:31] and that gives you a twenty five [01:12:32] thousand dollar Delta [01:12:35] I don't think that's a good idea [01:12:38] you're taking your your free cash you're [01:12:41] bringing everything right to the Bone [01:12:44] and if anything goes wrong you got 25 [01:12:47] 000. you needed 25 we got 25. [01:12:50] but you're going half your numbers are [01:12:52] off the estimates [01:12:56] assumed you know there's a lot of [01:12:58] assumption in a budget [01:13:01] so what what's what size question do you [01:13:03] want [01:13:04] sure can I just back up here a little [01:13:06] bit Yeah the bottom line is we can't [01:13:08] take 225 [01:13:10] 000 out of free cash it's not there we [01:13:13] only have 207. well [01:13:17] we're down to [01:13:21] [Music] [01:13:24] well I just got you back 25 I just got [01:13:26] you back twenty five thousand dollars [01:13:30] that's what you're looking for [01:13:40] if you make a motion if we make a motion [01:13:42] to take it out of free cash on those [01:13:44] articles and it's more than what we have [01:13:47] in free cash that's the issue yeah I [01:13:50] understand we have we have reason [01:13:52] appropriate [01:13:54] then then that's got to be where the uh [01:13:57] article State it's coming from yeah [01:14:05] to ask a question okay Chris why [01:14:12] do you not we have another like usually [01:14:15] fall meeting [01:14:16] so why don't we just take the money [01:14:20] from free cash just reduce the money [01:14:22] that you're putting to your between [01:14:24] stabilization and capital stabilization [01:14:28] and then if there's any additional free [01:14:30] cash left [01:14:31] we can revisit putting money into those [01:14:34] accounts at another [01:14:36] meeting that makes that makes perfect [01:14:38] sense Rob I didn't realize that you had [01:14:40] a fall town meeting so yeah we can [01:14:43] definitely do that [01:14:44] so let's and then we're not [01:14:46] let's go ahead let's do the numbers the [01:14:48] way I said take them out of take them [01:14:50] out of those two line items [01:14:52] would you say 10 out of [01:14:55] yes reserved Keenan [01:14:59] no 10 10 out of 10 out of the capital [01:15:02] account there's Capital stabilization [01:15:04] and then the 16 out of 16 out of [01:15:07] stabilization yes [01:15:13] because I just have a feeling where we [01:15:16] have cut the budget to the bone on most [01:15:18] expenses [01:15:19] I'd be shocked if we don't use up to 50 [01:15:22] by the end of the year because you know [01:15:24] we're using we're using a portion of it [01:15:26] just for the and Goby uh that special [01:15:29] election to replace her yeah you know so [01:15:32] it it [01:15:33] needs to we basically want to keep it [01:15:36] there [01:15:37] have a cushion moving through the air [01:15:40] so Chris [01:15:42] I think we're all perfectly fine with [01:15:45] you know having 50 000 in reserve and [01:15:47] you know we get it I just feel like we [01:15:51] shouldn't be trying to raise and [01:15:53] appropriate to some of these things if [01:15:54] we're that close right yeah this will [01:15:57] bring us in line now so we're good yeah [01:15:59] we do absolutely [01:16:01] so that that brings us to 207 and there [01:16:04] was what 207 870 yeah so 87 87 let's [01:16:09] just put in 47 put 87 back in one of [01:16:13] those because you do have to use it all [01:16:14] up otherwise you lose it no you don't [01:16:16] absolutely not I definitely looked into [01:16:19] that because [01:16:23] okay all right yeah it just rolls it [01:16:27] rolls over to the next year [01:16:29] as long as we know that because in the [01:16:31] prior years we've been told otherwise I [01:16:33] know and when Jen said that to me I was [01:16:35] like I don't no way you don't lose it [01:16:37] and so I found out from here to state [01:16:42] yeah okay so article 16 is going to be [01:16:45] 89 000 and article 17 will be 60 000 is [01:16:49] that correct correct that's that's [01:16:52] correct [01:16:57] and again if we feel like we have a lot [01:16:59] of free cash which I really doubt we [01:17:01] come up with we can discuss doing [01:17:03] additional stuff at a later time [01:17:11] I do think it's good that we're able to [01:17:14] fund these accounts this year period [01:17:17] [Music] [01:17:19] step in the right direction for sure so [01:17:22] thank you fincom [01:17:25] yes thank you guys [01:17:28] well three of us this leaves us roughly [01:17:31] forty six thousand dollar cushion for [01:17:34] uh what we're spend what's coming in and [01:17:36] what's going on [01:17:42] good that's fine because if we don't use [01:17:45] it up it'll turn into free cash for next [01:17:46] year yeah [01:17:53] and I've been told our values are going [01:17:56] up a lot by Jen so [01:17:58] foreign [01:18:00] it's okay you can come through [01:18:07] as long as people pay their taxes [01:18:14] ah all right so we we're pretty good now [01:18:18] free cash is all set we got I think we [01:18:22] got all the Articles all the Motions all [01:18:23] set [01:18:24] and he [01:18:26] anyone got any additional questions on [01:18:28] it [01:18:31] what time do you feel better than what [01:18:34] we're looking at [01:18:40] I believe there's a meeting for both [01:18:42] fincom and the select board at 8 30 [01:18:44] isn't there yeah [01:18:46] okay yeah [01:18:49] so if we find out something different we [01:18:52] can always change it then change yeah [01:18:54] right [01:18:56] but I prefer leaving here tonight making [01:19:00] sure that we at least [01:19:01] with the information we have we're doing [01:19:03] the correct thing [01:19:07] agreed uh [01:19:13] all right sorry I'm [01:19:16] um [01:19:17] let's let me try to move down the agenda [01:19:19] if we got any more stuff but we [01:19:24] finance committee are you guys good [01:19:26] we're all set [01:19:28] you all set Chris [01:19:29] all set yep thank you everybody [01:19:31] appreciate all the things [01:19:33] thank you thank you thank you thank you [01:19:36] Nicole for for all the other hard work [01:19:38] yeah thank you Chris for all of your [01:19:40] hard work and for finding [01:19:42] uh a better way or a different [01:19:46] a good way to do this [01:19:49] oh glad glad to be part of it thank you [01:19:53] thank you guys thank you all [01:19:56] uh all right so let's just go over that [01:20:01] easement agreement for the mass Trail we [01:20:04] we all got the [01:20:10] I'm trying to bring it up on [01:20:13] Nicole can you bring up that sketch yeah [01:20:18] um [01:20:19] do you have it available yeah I just [01:20:22] have to bring the packet up [01:20:31] and this is not money this is just [01:20:34] giving an easement to [01:20:37] who [01:20:38] no money at all [01:20:40] um [01:20:43] it's [01:20:45] I don't know if I can [01:20:47] no [01:20:50] this is so we the town can have the [01:20:54] walking trail down by Hardwick House of [01:20:56] Pizza and when the railroad [01:20:59] abandoned they [01:21:02] um [01:21:03] you know the this parcel got some of the [01:21:05] land so you'll see it's really really [01:21:08] tiny and they're getting a stockade [01:21:10] fence so they're happy the no money was [01:21:13] exchanged [01:21:15] um they already signed it [01:21:18] uh they're good [01:21:20] and [01:21:21] now the town will be able to use it [01:21:25] um this was through conservation [01:21:28] they got a grant and so now this is [01:21:31] going up near [01:21:32] it's about a half a mile [01:21:37] good [01:21:38] Becky worked really hard on this [01:21:43] I can't oh wait can I there we go can [01:21:47] you see that yes that's better thank you [01:21:49] it's on my other screen so what's [01:21:52] happening here [01:21:53] uh yeah so it's a really tiny area it [01:21:56] should be done by next week [01:22:00] Becky had come into my office earlier [01:22:02] today and said should be available for [01:22:04] the questions and basically [01:22:06] brought had [01:22:08] Nicole had given me the final plan and [01:22:10] then once it's adopted by town meeting [01:22:13] the surveyors will you know put on their [01:22:16] adopted by town meeting record Etc so [01:22:18] just echoing what Nicole said Becky's [01:22:21] been the point person on this and it's [01:22:23] really just the town accepting that [01:22:26] small portion to allow the trail to you [01:22:29] know be unimpeded [01:22:38] I think it's helpful to have the sketch [01:22:40] are we going to have that available for [01:22:42] the meeting Ryan [01:22:44] I I can certainly make I'll make copies [01:22:47] available I've got it on 11 by 17. uh [01:22:51] you really can't see that much at that [01:22:54] level but these people are quite serious [01:22:57] yeah yeah I mean it's [01:22:59] I mean basically we could almost say you [01:23:02] know as you drive by and you look to the [01:23:04] right and you're as you're going across [01:23:06] from the from the from the old VFW but [01:23:08] yeah the sketch will be there in case [01:23:10] anybody has any questions perfect [01:23:15] we don't have any way to project [01:23:19] anything at the school correct [01:23:22] uh I mean I could but it's a matter of [01:23:26] is it necessary is it well and it's I [01:23:29] think it's really hard to see when when [01:23:31] it's light I think you really forgot [01:23:34] about that yeah [01:23:36] it's very hard to see up on the screen [01:23:39] yeah I remember that now because of the [01:23:42] lightning yeah yeah [01:23:44] and it's not it's not [01:23:48] making it seem less important but it's [01:23:51] not like the town is giving up thousands [01:23:54] of Acres [01:23:56] where we are receiving a benefit we're [01:23:58] getting an easement from Property Owners [01:24:00] to allow for this Trail so it's a [01:24:02] benefit to us [01:24:04] foreign [01:24:10] I was more thinking for like the budget [01:24:12] stuff but [01:24:14] um [01:24:17] Rob I'll make certain between Nicole and [01:24:20] and Christopher that [01:24:23] what I receive is what's actually you [01:24:26] know what's being proposed because [01:24:28] when when I was moderator and Paula with [01:24:31] Clark I always made certain that the [01:24:33] record reflected that everybody had [01:24:35] received the budget based upon color Etc [01:24:39] so [01:24:41] um I will make certain that there are [01:24:44] printouts of the budget for everybody to [01:24:47] have so that when we're going through [01:24:48] that they're able to see and if I'm able [01:24:51] to confirm tomorrow [01:24:54] that [01:24:55] um the numbers are what they are I'll [01:24:58] have Julie put it up on the web and I'll [01:25:00] share it it's you know throughout [01:25:01] whatever social media we can so that [01:25:03] people will be able to see it ahead of [01:25:05] time [01:25:06] um [01:25:07] that's you know typically you know what [01:25:10] we do so people aren't going to be [01:25:12] blindsided when they're sitting there [01:25:13] voting they will have all that budgetary [01:25:16] information in front of them [01:25:20] okay perfect thank you [01:25:25] thank you all right [01:25:27] so [01:25:30] does anything else the from the select [01:25:33] board [01:25:35] I'm good [01:25:39] okay that's good [01:25:41] um [01:25:42] nobody has a question right I don't need [01:25:45] nobody really involved [01:25:48] uh so basically Saturday morning 8 30 [01:25:52] we'll meet at the school [01:25:54] go over [01:25:56] kind of hopefully just a quick just make [01:25:58] sure nothing's changed we don't have to [01:26:01] and then nine o'clock meeting [01:26:04] be out by 905 and enjoy our weekend [01:26:09] 9 30. good idea 9 30. all right I'm I'm [01:26:14] counting on 9 30 Ryan that's [01:26:19] me too Kelly [01:26:22] there aren't any 700 items so it could [01:26:25] go quick [01:26:27] yeah yeah I mean the budget might get a [01:26:30] little [01:26:31] um but it is what it is we'll we'll put [01:26:33] it out to the voters [01:26:35] yeah and then honestly it's really just [01:26:39] one issue and [01:26:41] I I would hope that people can just [01:26:43] agree to disagree and just vote on it [01:26:45] and yeah and Ryan's always pretty good [01:26:48] at moving those things along when they [01:26:49] get hung up [01:26:52] yep [01:26:55] all right do I maybe have any emotions [01:26:58] from the I make a motion to adjourn [01:27:01] um [01:27:03] okay all those in favor Kelly Kemp yes [01:27:08] Eric wilheim yes [01:27:11] Rob Ruggles yes [01:27:14] okay guys you all have a good night [01:27:16] thank you for coming [01:27:18] see you soon