Thumbnail for Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 4/10/23

Administrative Transitions, Financial Approvals, and Community Development Initiatives

Original title: Hardwick, MA Board of Selectmen Meeting 4/10/23

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

April 11, 2023

Duration

1h 26m

Decisions

15 recorded

Action Items

15 assigned

Summary

The Hardwick Board of Selectmen meeting on April 10, 2023, covered a wide range of administrative and financial matters, alongside a farewell to a departing official. Key discussions included ongoing issues with Church Street properties, approving a letter of support for a Division of Fish and Game land purchase, and tabling a decision on a WWTP mower trailer due to concerns about its suitability. The board approved the Eagle Hill sewer commitment, multiple sets of meeting minutes, and new fee schedules for the Building Department and Tax Collector. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to a comprehensive performance review of the Town Administrator, highlighting numerous accomplishments and areas for development. Further financial decisions involved approving ARPA funding for a highway shower and a Parks & Recreation mower, while deferring a decision on paying off police vehicles. The meeting also saw the appointment of Dr. Neil Haylen to the Conservation Commission, updates on Mass Central Railroad projects, discussions on rural town representation, EV charger malfunctions, and progress in combining the Hardwick and Barre Councils on Aging. Concerns were raised regarding a new fee structure's impact on local businesses, and the meeting concluded with an emotional farewell to a departing Selectman.

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Discussion Highlights

A visitor publicly expressed gratitude and appreciation for a departing official's 45 years of service to the town.
The Chair acknowledged the challenges of the position and thanked supporting colleagues, confirming she is taking a break but will not be 'gone forever.'
Church Street properties remain an agenda item due to ongoing issues, including severe tax arrears and falling shingles from the property.
The board considered providing a letter of support for the Division of Fisheries and Game land purchase along Carver Pond.
A quote for a WWTP mower trailer and accessories raised concerns about the proposed model's durability and horsepower for municipal use.
A board member raised concerns about a buyer needing to understand the weight specifications of a trailer.
Initial confusion regarding an interest charge on the Eagle Hill sewer commitment bill was clarified as payments are made on time.
Multiple sets of meeting minutes were reviewed, with a correction noted for a misspelled last name in the January 9th minutes.
Proposed new fee schedule for the Building Department aims to align fees with those of surrounding towns, as current fees were considered low.
A proposal was made to implement a fee for document requests from the Tax Collector's office due to frequent interruptions.
The Town Administrator's performance review highlighted accomplishments such as securing the USDA contract, establishing a YouTube channel, securing MVP grants, implementing a new IT firm and website, and streamlining financial processes.
Areas for the Town Administrator's development included continuing to learn town history and culture, strengthening relationships with townspeople and employees, and balancing rule-following with the town's historically casual culture.
The importance of thoughtful communication and continued team building was emphasized, with a 'wellness room' established to facilitate engagement.
The Administrator detailed ongoing efforts to secure grants from various organizations, including the largest USDA grant ever awarded in the country.
The Administrator is speaking at the annual STAM (Small Town Administrators of Massachusetts) meeting and serves on three STAM committees.
The Administrator identified her 'quick tongue' as a personal area for improvement, acknowledging a lifelong effort to calm down and avoid speaking 'from the hip.'
A speaker reflected on the importance of thoughtful communication and professional conduct, noting significant progress in relationships with department heads and residents over the past two years.
Mass Central Railroad Corporation announced a main rail track rehabilitation project starting April 3, 2023, with an estimated completion by July-August 2023.
Discussion revolved around using ARPA funds for highway, a Parks & Recreation mower, and a proposal to pay off existing police vehicles.
The Parks & Recreation mower is reportedly destroyed, indicating an urgent need for replacement.
An issue was identified where a 'hard stop' in the payroll system prevented Worcester Regional Retirement contributions from being sent.
The town's assessment will increase in the year after next due to previously unassessed individuals.
A meeting with Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll focused on creating a Rural Policy Director position to provide greater recognition and support for rural communities.
EV chargers at Town Hall and on Lower Road are broken and need replacement.
Progress has been made in combining the Hardwick and Barre Councils on Aging into a single entity, with the combined senior center to be located in Barre.
Concerns were raised about a recent public meeting where residents and businesses expressed opposition to new, cost-prohibitive permit fees, reportedly causing food trucks and vendors to be unwilling to do business.
An emotional farewell was extended to departing Selectman Julie, acknowledging her six years of service and contributions.
The importance of the unseen work done behind the scenes by selectmen, including meetings and volunteering, was highlighted.

Transcript (14,324 words)

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

00:00:11
I'm gonna have a fun old other old business new business wwtp mower trailer and accessory quotes Eagle Hill sewer commitment meeting minutes October 27 2022 December 5 2022 December 19 2022 January 9 2023 January
00:00:30
23 2023 February 13 2023 February 27 2023 March 13 2023 March 27 2023 so many Department fees effective July 1st 2023 of the 2023s in here collector fees for documents and home
00:00:49
Review of Town Administrator other new business discussion and or vote relative to ARCA funding committee reports miscellaneous correspondence Mass Central Railroad Town Administrator report signatures and approvals resignation of Vincent nastasi from the finance committee annual dog Town annual
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Dog warrant town clerk selectman Roundtable adjournment if you would all wouldn't mind all
00:01:26
One nation under God ready comments from visitors relative to anything that is not on the agenda tonight yes I just want to publicly for any other
00:01:46
Reason but when I told you that that's a job the town is losing a valuable person on that board that is going to be missed and I understand the reasons for it I'm saddened by it hopefully there'll be some sort of learning listing out of this but I just
00:02:04
Want to thank you personally and professionally for everything that you've done for the town and I've known you for 45 years so you know Selectmen we've worked well together in finance and moderate and I just want to publicly say thank you and I wish you the best and I I hope you come back soon
00:02:22

[00:00:11] I'm gonna have a fun old other old [00:00:14] business new business [00:00:16] wwtp mower trailer and accessory quotes [00:00:18] Eagle Hill sewer commitment meeting [00:00:21] minutes October 27 2022 December 5 2022 [00:00:25] December 19 2022 January 9 2023 January [00:00:30] 23 2023 February 13 2023 February 27 [00:00:35] 2023 March 13 2023 March 27 2023 [00:00:41] so many Department fees effective July [00:00:43] 1st 2023 of the 2023s in here uh [00:00:47] collector fees for documents and home [00:00:49] review of Town Administrator other new [00:00:51] business discussion and or vote relative [00:00:53] to ARCA funding committee reports [00:00:56] miscellaneous correspondence Mass [00:00:58] Central Railroad Town Administrator [00:01:00] report signatures and approvals [00:01:02] resignation of Vincent nastasi from the [00:01:04] finance committee annual dog Town annual [00:01:07] dog warrant town clerk selectman [00:01:09] Roundtable adjournment [00:01:12] if you would all wouldn't mind all [00:01:15] um [00:01:26] one nation under God [00:01:36] ready comments from visitors relative to [00:01:40] anything that is not on the agenda [00:01:41] tonight yes [00:01:43] I just want to publicly for any other [00:01:46] reason but when I told you that [00:01:48] that's a job the town is losing a [00:01:51] valuable person on that board [00:01:53] that is going to be missed and I [00:01:56] understand the reasons for it I'm [00:01:58] saddened by it [00:02:00] hopefully there'll be some sort of [00:02:02] learning listing out of this but I just [00:02:04] want to thank you personally and [00:02:06] professionally for everything that [00:02:07] you've done for the town and I've known [00:02:10] you for 45 years so you know [00:02:14] Selectmen we've worked well together in [00:02:16] finance and moderate and I just want to [00:02:18] publicly say thank you and I wish you [00:02:19] the best and I I hope you come back soon [00:02:22] and I'd like to second that Julian thank [00:02:24] you thank you thank you [00:02:27] um looking back [00:02:28] um I'll just say that many of you saw my [00:02:31] post today [00:02:32] um you know it's not an easy job and I [00:02:34] think people who run for this position [00:02:37] um I don't think they think it's easy [00:02:39] but I also don't think people quite [00:02:41] understand really how hard doing at [00:02:43] times and it's nice to be surrounded [00:02:45] this job is impossible unless you have [00:02:48] two people sitting next to you that are [00:02:49] incredible and I've been very lucky to [00:02:52] have two incredible people and we have [00:02:54] an amazing Town Administrator on board [00:02:56] and wonderful people in other elected [00:02:58] positions like the town clerk [00:03:01] um and that's what sort of makes it all [00:03:03] work it's all about Iraq we're here [00:03:05] because we love Hardwick and um so take [00:03:08] a break but I won't be gone forever I'll [00:03:10] come back and do something else maybe [00:03:11] but thank you Ryan thank you madam chair [00:03:13] I'm gonna go back to the polls [00:03:16] thanks Ryan I think so any other visitor [00:03:19] comments [00:03:22] okay uh hearing them we will go to Old [00:03:25] business so we have kept as a [00:03:28] placeholder on the agenda Church Street [00:03:30] Properties just because the question has [00:03:32] come up and we want to just be keep that [00:03:35] mindful is there anything new on that [00:03:37] Nicole no I hope to see Bill tomorrow he [00:03:40] was he did look at it and said he wants [00:03:42] to go there with [00:03:44] um the bill the fire department and the [00:03:47] police and just you know get the history [00:03:48] of it so hopefully we'll be moving [00:03:50] forward [00:03:51] um [00:03:52] and working with Jessica to get a hold [00:03:54] of the current owners you know because [00:03:56] they're so severely in the rears with [00:03:58] taxes so we're working on it but we we [00:04:01] don't have any firm update yet [00:04:06] yes [00:04:07] um the uh owner of the salon next door [00:04:11] first came to the boy when Rob [00:04:15] first came on so that it's been a while [00:04:20] because Keenan was still on when she [00:04:23] came [00:04:24] it's been a nightmare for a long time [00:04:26] and when we went and looked at the [00:04:28] properties when I went with our cat we [00:04:29] sat with her for a bit and she you know [00:04:31] set up the shingles fall off they hit [00:04:33] her building it's it's definitely a [00:04:35] problem that we need to address and I [00:04:37] think techs was in the process of doing [00:04:39] something and then unfortunately [00:04:42] you know I think it means [00:04:45] so we just have to stay on top of it [00:04:49] especially [00:04:52] anything else on the Church Street [00:04:53] preference [00:04:56] next is the letter of support division [00:04:58] of Fish and Game land purchase of one [00:04:59] part of fund [00:05:01] um we've talked about this several times [00:05:04] and [00:05:06] um [00:05:07] the transaction is already occurring so [00:05:10] what they're looking for is a letter of [00:05:13] support [00:05:14] um I did disclose that I do have a role [00:05:16] in the finance committee for the land [00:05:18] trust however the finance committee has [00:05:20] no authority over approval so I feel [00:05:24] comfortable in voting on this Rob do you [00:05:28] feel comfortable in moving this forward [00:05:29] as long as you feel comfortable I do I [00:05:33] do [00:05:35] [Music] [00:05:38] I'll make a motion then we write a [00:05:41] letter of support to the division of [00:05:44] fisheries and game the land purchase [00:05:46] along carbon pond [00:05:48] s [00:05:53] I'm sorry [00:05:55] um [00:05:55] all in favor [00:05:57] I [00:05:59] am abstaining abstaining okay so thank [00:06:03] you can we just make sure [00:06:09] um and you'll put that together for a [00:06:10] circle yes okay [00:06:13] um anything on the under other or [00:06:16] business that we want to talk about I [00:06:19] don't need to get on the agenda as a [00:06:20] placeholder for next time [00:06:23] so I just got my [00:06:29] I couldn't think of anything [00:06:32] if I couldn't think of anything [00:06:34] I know you've got a couple of things on [00:06:36] your report that I think [00:06:38] we were questioning but so I think [00:06:41] they'll get hit upon then [00:06:45] okay if there's nothing under other old [00:06:48] business let's go into new business the [00:06:49] wwtp mower trailer accessory quotes yeah [00:06:53] you should have a um quote in your [00:06:55] packet [00:06:57] um [00:06:58] it's [00:06:59] it's about 22 [00:07:02] 361.30 the quote reflects a [00:07:06] a um [00:07:09] snow blower but that is not included in [00:07:11] the fruit in the uh he doesn't want that [00:07:15] um we could absorb this in the in the [00:07:18] sewer budget [00:07:19] this year [00:07:23] my personal feeling about this this [00:07:26] particular model he's looking at he has [00:07:30] a problem owner [00:07:31] model [00:07:33] it was not [00:07:35] very rugged [00:07:37] I know it's keeps the price down but [00:07:43] not knowing exactly what he has to do [00:07:45] with it I [00:07:47] I'm a little leery on buying something [00:07:49] that's served lightweight or in this [00:07:52] Blues [00:07:53] this is my personal opinion [00:07:55] well you would know more than we would [00:07:57] so I'm gonna take that [00:08:01] um [00:08:02] and I I guess when you say you we can [00:08:05] absorb it [00:08:07] how well like in in expenses [00:08:11] there's enough money in the budget I've [00:08:13] gone over it with Laurie so that well [00:08:16] under their Budget Engine say retained [00:08:18] earnings would constitute a vote at Town [00:08:20] meaning yes okay [00:08:22] so we can do that I mean if it comes [00:08:25] down to it or we can just take it out of [00:08:28] the budget um but you know obviously it [00:08:31] should be something that's a commercial [00:08:33] or industrial type [00:08:35] um I don't know what it is so so [00:08:38] can I put my two cents in do you like do [00:08:41] you think you could talk to Scott to see [00:08:44] if if this is adequate for what he's [00:08:47] using it for there's no sense in buying [00:08:49] something it's just going to get worn [00:08:50] out in a year because of the juice yeah [00:08:52] I mean this is like a [00:09:01] they do make [00:09:03] like a step up and it's a big difference [00:09:05] right [00:09:07] cost wise I don't know what it is [00:09:09] I know this state John Deere usually has [00:09:13] a state bid out [00:09:15] for tractors and stuff I don't know if [00:09:18] this size tractor is included or [00:09:20] something close to this yeah [00:09:23] but like even the horsepower it's only [00:09:25] got 15 horsepower PTO which is that's [00:09:28] not American yeah yeah it's not not much [00:09:31] I know that at least [00:09:34] and I can't leave somebody to spend [00:09:37] twenty two thousand dollars [00:09:39] but maybe if they had a farm or [00:09:41] something right [00:09:42] well [00:09:43] I mean probably not a lot of money I [00:09:46] don't even know [00:09:48] not well [00:09:50] yeah so uh then we could just table it [00:09:53] and come back to it later after if you [00:09:56] want yeah I mean unless he wanted to [00:09:58] just get the trailer [00:10:01] he's really buying a trailer on the [00:10:03] weight of the mower you should probably [00:10:07] know what you're getting into [00:10:10] I mean if they're just [00:10:12] yeah I don't know I think [00:10:15] I would probably feel better if [00:10:17] if someone had a conversation with them [00:10:19] so that and maybe he understands that [00:10:21] but maybe not yeah I mean I almost have [00:10:24] the same one with a different brand I've [00:10:26] looked at this model that's so very [00:10:28] familiar with it but to use at your [00:10:30] house right to use them right house and [00:10:32] yeah I kind of know how whatever it is [00:10:36] vibration [00:10:41] fair enough okay so um we'll table this [00:10:45] and we'll leave it on the agenda Nicole [00:10:47] and okay grab your follow-up let's go [00:10:49] see if there's also our next meeting [00:10:52] would be a sewer meeting so he'd be [00:10:53] there all right so we could always [00:10:55] address it then yes [00:10:56] yes [00:10:59] so maybe I'll try to reach out to him so [00:11:02] we can get quotes on yeah maybe [00:11:05] something a little bit more rugged yeah [00:11:08] great great thank you [00:11:10] next item on the agenda is Eagle Hill [00:11:12] sewer commitment [00:11:15] the quarterly [00:11:17] bills that we have [00:11:19] um [00:11:20] and [00:11:23] 44 56 and videos [00:11:31] interest otherwise they're interested [00:11:35] I do not know [00:11:38] I didn't even see that [00:11:42] um there shouldn't be because they pay [00:11:44] on time so [00:11:47] um and the commitment [00:11:48] she only wrote the commitment for the [00:11:50] amounts [00:11:53] and they she handles this with the [00:11:55] collector and she knows the software [00:11:57] pretty well so I think it shouldn't be [00:12:00] on there right I know they're not late [00:12:01] on their bills so we'll have to I'll [00:12:03] have to [00:12:05] yeah but the right amount is here if you [00:12:09] don't guys 34.05 6 and 15 cents yeah [00:12:13] right yeah yeah [00:12:15] please I would make a motion to approve [00:12:18] the um [00:12:21] sewers commitment for Eagle health [00:12:23] in the amount of thirty four thousand [00:12:25] fifty six dollars and fifteen cents [00:12:27] billing date of today 410 due date [00:12:31] um [00:12:49] and Carries [00:13:04] um next time on the agenda are several [00:13:06] minutes [00:13:07] um [00:13:09] we can approve them in a block I believe [00:13:12] or do you want some [00:13:15] entirely up to you [00:13:18] why don't we do does anyone have any I [00:13:20] had one [00:13:23] Todd January 9th [00:13:26] I believe it was Judy corsic that asked [00:13:29] the board to agree to turn down any [00:13:31] additional proposals for the racetrack [00:13:33] I think it's just a [00:13:35] misheard last name [00:13:37] okay [00:13:39] so [00:13:46] um as long as everyone's had a chance to [00:13:49] review them I'll entertain a motion to [00:13:52] approve the support of selectment [00:13:54] meeting minutes for October 27 2022 [00:13:57] December 5 2020 2022 December 19 2022 [00:14:03] January 9 2023 January 23 23 February [00:14:08] 13th 2023 February 27 2023 March 13th [00:14:12] 2023 and March 27 2023 [00:14:17] I will make that motion for the meeting [00:14:20] minutes as read by Julie quick [00:14:24] back into any other discussion on the [00:14:26] minutes [00:14:28] hi [00:14:32] motion Aquarius [00:14:34] it's my system somehow get minutes we [00:14:37] still have some to do but we're getting [00:14:39] more we're up to date right now [00:14:42] I don't know about before I got here [00:14:44] yeah since I've been here they're up to [00:14:47] date okay so did you have a fun yeah [00:14:50] yeah [00:14:52] someday we'll hopefully maybe have time [00:14:55] to go back and do all of these opens [00:14:57] there's somebody maybe we could have [00:14:59] seen your workout for something or [00:15:01] something they should be done they are [00:15:03] they should be done yeah [00:15:05] they've done the building department [00:15:07] fees affected July 1st 2023. [00:15:11] so we had talked about this [00:15:14] um quite a bit ago and [00:15:17] um [00:15:24] and ask him to come back [00:15:28] have you guys had a chance [00:15:35] the thought process was that we were our [00:15:37] fees were low correct [00:15:40] um as compared to towns other towns [00:15:43] around us it was great [00:15:45] she's bringing us up to [00:15:47] where other towns were [00:16:03] I mean this is what we've seen before [00:16:16] I'm okay with us [00:16:18] he kind of explains this a little bit [00:16:20] the last time he was here [00:16:22] a little fear arguments [00:16:26] will be accepted [00:16:34] I don't think it was I don't think it [00:16:36] was crazy increases by any means no not [00:16:40] compared to everything else right [00:16:43] do you want emotions [00:16:45] I would make a motion to approve and [00:16:48] accept the new fee schedule for the [00:16:51] building department that will be [00:16:53] effective July 1 2023. [00:16:57] as proposed by the building inspector [00:17:00] Bill Campbell [00:17:02] okay [00:17:05] thank you [00:17:08] [Music] [00:17:13] all in favor [00:17:16] aye [00:17:17] motion carries [00:17:20] um [00:17:28] thank you [00:17:29] I won't give up tomorrow for sure [00:17:32] next item on the agenda collector fees [00:17:34] for documents if you want to mention [00:17:36] anything about this so [00:17:39] um you know the tax collector's office [00:17:40] is busy and they're constantly [00:17:43] interrupted [00:17:45] um to for [00:17:47] um you know documents that need [00:17:50] something to do their own taxes or just [00:17:53] you know they've lost something they [00:17:55] forgot you know they threw it away [00:17:56] whatever and so just as a little bit [00:18:00] possibly is of a deterrent it's a dollar [00:18:02] so I don't know it's going to deter them [00:18:04] but at least [00:18:06] um you know it might make people think [00:18:08] twice about throwing something away and [00:18:10] then having come back I mean they must [00:18:13] it must really they must commit a lot if [00:18:16] uh if she actually says let's start [00:18:18] charging for this because anywhere you [00:18:21] go even Banks charge if you need a copy [00:18:24] of your station or a check or you know [00:18:26] everywhere you go it's [00:18:31] I don't know [00:18:36] would you like promotional please I [00:18:39] would make a motion to adopt [00:18:41] um [00:18:43] let's see a fee of a dollar per copy for [00:18:47] any tax bills or history of payments as [00:18:49] requested by the treasurer collector's [00:18:52] office [00:18:55] before we vote on it what is this [00:18:58] [Music] [00:18:59] assignment [00:19:07] last two in the train [00:19:10] um any other discussion [00:19:13] one favor hi [00:19:17] the next item on the agenda we've been [00:19:20] so a little history Nicole came in as [00:19:23] you might know when I'm sure you all [00:19:26] know when we are at the height of our [00:19:29] sort of uh [00:19:31] USDA engagement and trying to get the [00:19:34] funding back and [00:19:37] um Nicole was to have a review in July [00:19:42] um [00:19:44] of 2022 and that didn't happen because [00:19:46] we were still in the midst of working [00:19:48] through that so [00:19:50] um [00:19:54] but I felt it was important that this [00:19:57] being my last meeting it really falls on [00:20:00] me it should have been done before but [00:20:02] like to just sort of Kelly and Rob and I [00:20:04] have [00:20:06] completed [00:20:07] in anticipation of your review in July [00:20:10] of 2022 some thoughts and maybe to have [00:20:14] this serve as an interim review with a [00:20:18] formal review to fall in July but [00:20:22] um so sort of some of the things and [00:20:25] Nicole also put together a list of her [00:20:26] accomplishments and things so I'll just [00:20:29] sort of read [00:20:30] um some of the accomplishments and we'll [00:20:32] go through and then you can certainly [00:20:34] add in anything [00:20:35] so [00:20:36] um I think first on the list is getting [00:20:38] the USDA contract back underway [00:20:41] a YouTube channel [00:20:43] MVP grants with Eric walheim a new I.T [00:20:48] firm and a new website that I think is [00:20:50] uh you know bringing the town forward [00:20:52] with technology [00:20:53] getting an audit contract in place and [00:20:56] getting audited financial statements up [00:20:58] to date which are required for USDA [00:21:01] uh successfully getting the treasure [00:21:05] collector position combined and getting [00:21:07] an assistant for that role took more [00:21:09] streamlined the process for the town [00:21:14] contract negotiations for five contracts [00:21:18] budget preparation and participation and [00:21:20] keeping things on track and identifying [00:21:22] cost savings really diligent in that [00:21:25] regard [00:21:26] [Music] [00:21:27] in the past [00:21:28] um [00:21:29] you know department heads I've been sort [00:21:32] of allowed to manage their budget which [00:21:35] they should be but it's always good for [00:21:37] either to be oversight or questions [00:21:39] asked just to understand them I think [00:21:41] you're going through that process [00:21:44] um Personnel plan implementation with [00:21:46] the Personnel committee which was a [00:21:48] two-year process for us [00:21:51] um [00:21:51] Community engagement involvement and [00:21:53] Nicole's very very involved in making [00:21:56] sure that things happen for the [00:21:59] community the the latest one that comes [00:22:01] to mind is the Easter egg hunt and a [00:22:05] word of thanks I should have said at the [00:22:06] last meeting to some of our board [00:22:08] members who have contributed [00:22:10] um funding to make sure that things [00:22:13] happened on time so thank you [00:22:16] and thank you everybody who donated and [00:22:18] participated in that that's just one [00:22:20] example of what Nicole has been [00:22:22] successful and sort of continuing and [00:22:25] engaging and being present at different [00:22:28] events [00:22:30] um [00:22:30] previous Town administrators might not [00:22:32] have you might not have seen him at the [00:22:34] Harvard fair or different events and [00:22:35] Nicole has tried to be present and and [00:22:38] be out in the public and engage in the [00:22:41] rain on Christmas and economy yes yes [00:22:44] and also doing things for her own [00:22:47] personal professional growth she just [00:22:49] recently [00:22:50] um [00:22:51] I think it's MMA if I say that wrong but [00:22:54] she was recently asked to present at an [00:22:56] MMA conference which [00:23:00] um is you know a big feather in Nicole's [00:23:02] cap because you know she was leading a [00:23:04] discussion [00:23:06] um with [00:23:07] um you know the the eyes towards someone [00:23:09] who has experience and knowledge on the [00:23:10] topic so I think that's also great for [00:23:12] the town of Hardwick that we've got [00:23:14] somebody who is presenting in front of a [00:23:16] group of people on and knowledgeable on [00:23:18] subject matter in the radio station that [00:23:21] she does in the radio station I just [00:23:24] thought of that huh I forgot all my [00:23:26] things that I wrote down [00:23:29] um yeah w-a-r-e right 97 97.7 [00:23:36] so we'll go through Nicole and then [00:23:38] we'll sort of let you go through and [00:23:40] fill in the gaps first so what we see as [00:23:43] strengths for Nicole our budget process [00:23:45] and streamlining interaction with the [00:23:48] board has been good has been seen as a [00:23:51] leader and has presented at MMA events [00:23:54] uh Nicole is good at seeking out [00:23:56] assistance with issues or guidance from [00:23:58] others to help with the process and [00:23:59] moving forward many meetings that we [00:24:02] have been at she's mentioned that she's [00:24:03] put something on the list serve looking [00:24:05] at you know talking to some of her peers [00:24:07] about better ways to streamline talking [00:24:10] to other communities bury [00:24:13] um engaging with cmrpc so really seeking [00:24:16] out guidance and on issues that can help [00:24:19] her better do her her job and better [00:24:22] like two cents there because she's also [00:24:25] really good about [00:24:26] the law like just looking up the law and [00:24:29] following through like this is what Mass [00:24:31] General law states that and well that's [00:24:34] how we should be doing you know they're [00:24:36] very diligent about that [00:24:42] Nicole is very committed to the town and [00:24:44] doing what she believes is in the best [00:24:46] interest of the town as a matter of fact [00:24:48] the board received an email today from a [00:24:51] town employee [00:24:53] um [00:24:54] uh saying that they really enjoyed [00:24:57] working with Nicole felt like Nicole has [00:25:00] helped them learn a lot and [00:25:03] um you know recognizes that we all [00:25:07] recognize [00:25:08] it's a good thing to recognize that [00:25:09] we're not perfect and when something [00:25:10] happens quick to correct and quick to [00:25:14] apologize and redirect so again a little [00:25:18] humility is a great thing and [00:25:20] a leader so [00:25:22] um [00:25:23] engaging Town employees and Department [00:25:25] had meetings I think at the beginning it [00:25:27] was a little rough sort of getting the [00:25:29] the momentum and the [00:25:31] you know sort of the logo going but [00:25:33] attendance has improved that these and [00:25:35] people are really engaging and talking [00:25:36] about those and then you ultimately [00:25:38] bring those forward to the board [00:25:41] um [00:25:42] probably should have been first on the [00:25:44] list but continuing to move the USDA [00:25:46] project forward you've remained [00:25:47] steadfast in getting things done [00:25:49] listening to the board you may not have [00:25:51] always agreed with the approach that the [00:25:53] board was going to take but you [00:25:55] diligently followed through and did what [00:25:58] needed to happen and we are moving [00:26:00] forward the project is continuing to [00:26:02] move forward [00:26:03] she's in the community trying to engage [00:26:05] and participate [00:26:07] extremely committed to her position I [00:26:10] think probably working long hours [00:26:13] and maybe being in the building or being [00:26:15] at home working when others are not have [00:26:18] already packed their things up and gone [00:26:19] for the day one of the other things sort [00:26:22] of related to this that I didn't make a [00:26:24] note for myself is is also sort of um [00:26:27] keeping a [00:26:29] keeping a structure developing a [00:26:31] structure here in the building in the [00:26:34] past it's been a little bit free but [00:26:37] stated hours so that residents know when [00:26:39] they can come in or other folks who need [00:26:42] to engage with our town employees and [00:26:44] sort of mentoring our team to fit into [00:26:47] that mold and making sure that we're [00:26:50] available for serving the public land in [00:26:53] public expects it [00:26:55] um [00:26:58] she spent a significant amount of time [00:27:00] and resources and her job [00:27:03] rolls up these are my notes rolls up her [00:27:05] sleeves to get things done she's a doer [00:27:07] and a mover willing willing to learn and [00:27:10] grow [00:27:11] um [00:27:12] anything else you guys want to add on [00:27:14] strengths [00:27:20] so [00:27:21] um I don't like the term weakness it's [00:27:24] always going to as a negative [00:27:25] connotation so I always call them to [00:27:28] work on areas to work on so [00:27:31] um because you're not you're not a town [00:27:33] excuse the language but you're you know [00:27:36] you're sort of you're here and you know [00:27:40] you're working on [00:27:41] your third year [00:27:44] no second third second year it'll be two [00:27:47] years in July [00:27:49] um you have to forgive me it's tax [00:27:50] season taxi can bring numbers all four [00:27:53] together [00:27:55] um so there's a lot of character and [00:27:58] there's a lot to learn about the town of [00:27:59] Hardwick and how things have run in the [00:28:01] past and doesn't necessarily mean that's [00:28:03] how they have to work in the future but [00:28:05] just sort of learning that history and [00:28:07] momentum and so that's always something [00:28:09] we're all doing we're consistently doing [00:28:12] it here when we're coming up with issues [00:28:14] continuing to develop relationships with [00:28:17] towns people and strength and [00:28:18] relationships with Town employees [00:28:20] um [00:28:22] balancing job and responsibilities as [00:28:24] Town Administrator with the culture of [00:28:26] the town so one of the strengths that [00:28:28] Kelly mentioned was you're very good at [00:28:31] um you're a rule follower following the [00:28:34] law that's your job you know you feel [00:28:37] very strongly with in that [00:28:40] um and sometimes they're you know it's [00:28:43] it's sort of I think you and I have had [00:28:44] this conversation sort of gauge your [00:28:46] audience and um you know continue to do [00:28:50] that gauge your audience because [00:28:53] um [00:28:53] we've we've operated a certain way for a [00:28:56] very long time it doesn't mean we [00:28:58] weren't following the rules but we've [00:28:59] been a little more casual a little more [00:29:01] fluid a little more [00:29:03] um and and we need to we do need to move [00:29:06] it to a more professional more [00:29:08] structured more [00:29:10] based and and sometimes changes really [00:29:12] hard so I think that's something to sort [00:29:15] of balancing what you know where we need [00:29:17] to get to with how fast we get there it [00:29:20] might take a little hand-holding and [00:29:21] coaching and and I think honestly I [00:29:24] think that was probably a little rough [00:29:26] at first because you know you're trying [00:29:28] to do your job and Implement and you've [00:29:31] probably got a little push back and [00:29:33] um you know why do we have to do this [00:29:34] but I think you're you're really doing a [00:29:38] good job at balancing that and I think [00:29:39] you're learning [00:29:41] um [00:29:42] I think this is a area to work on for a [00:29:45] lot of us stepping back before engaging [00:29:47] in writing our oil to organize your [00:29:49] thoughts and to respond [00:29:51] um Nicole and I have had very you know [00:29:53] and you may you too have may have had a [00:29:56] conversation with her but [00:29:57] um [00:29:58] you know when I when I'm engaged or [00:30:01] passionate about something and I just [00:30:03] need to get it out I type it out [00:30:06] and I do a 10 second read and I delete [00:30:08] the late delete because I've got now all [00:30:11] of my passion maybe [00:30:12] um The Not So Nice wording I want to say [00:30:15] out and then I reframe it and re that's [00:30:18] a tool that works for me but you know [00:30:20] maybe a suggestion is just sort of our [00:30:23] um natural reaction I think is to [00:30:25] respond immediately and and if this is a [00:30:29] skill that I learned working in the [00:30:30] courtroom so when you're being [00:30:32] interrogated or you're being questioned [00:30:34] or deposed you know it's being [00:30:36] thoughtful about what you're going to [00:30:38] say before you say it because what [00:30:40] happens is somebody's always listening [00:30:42] to what you say and if you happen to you [00:30:46] know your brain's still formulating and [00:30:47] it comes out you don't necessarily and I [00:30:50] think this has happened to us a few [00:30:51] times you don't necessarily get out what [00:30:54] you mean there's going to be someone to [00:30:56] to jump on it right away and then you're [00:30:58] back pedaling and it it it may lead to [00:31:01] you know you're not someone thinking [00:31:02] you're not credible and that's not true [00:31:04] so maybe just a suggestion [00:31:07] again I practice it you know stepping [00:31:10] back before you write something or you [00:31:12] speak something and just kind of make [00:31:14] sure it's formulated in your in your [00:31:15] mind and continue to engage in team [00:31:17] building [00:31:18] um to solidify the team [00:31:20] um you've done you know a really nice [00:31:22] thing with getting a room here for [00:31:25] people to engage in [00:31:28] um on the break room to break grown up I [00:31:30] didn't know what the official was a [00:31:32] restaurant [00:31:37] but a place where people can be together [00:31:40] around this room a wellness well let's [00:31:43] check it out before we leave we do to [00:31:45] sort of engage in team building and to [00:31:47] solidify the team so I think any one of [00:31:51] these five suggestions or [00:31:54] um things that we're constantly moving [00:31:56] forward with as well anyone should be [00:31:59] working on any of those instead of just [00:32:01] keep better at whatever you're trying to [00:32:04] accomplish absolutely yeah I would agree [00:32:08] um I think organization I don't have [00:32:10] that on it but I think organization I [00:32:12] think with the help of an assistant that [00:32:14] got a little better [00:32:16] um because you know you had a lot on [00:32:19] your plate and so learning and and [00:32:22] having a lot on your plate at the same [00:32:24] time was difficult but it you seem like [00:32:26] you're sort of getting your momentum on [00:32:28] that yeah [00:32:33] it's definitely a um [00:32:35] it's just a lot thrown at whoever's in [00:32:38] that scene it's a lot it's every day [00:32:41] it's just a lot [00:32:43] a lot and not every day is the same a [00:32:44] lot every day is a different a lot [00:32:48] and you know I think the other [00:32:50] suggestion is some people like to [00:32:52] communicate more than others so you may [00:32:55] have I guess as as the board changes and [00:32:58] as things occur us [00:33:01] um [00:33:01] you know communicating [00:33:03] um and you know you're working as [00:33:07] you know the representation of the board [00:33:09] and then just you know keeping the [00:33:11] continue to keep the Border prize of [00:33:13] what's Happening [00:33:15] um [00:33:16] if at least for me I don't like [00:33:18] surprises so and you it's not happened [00:33:21] that someone's come up and said well [00:33:23] this happened you know you've kept us [00:33:26] informed but I think that's you know as [00:33:28] bigger issues and issues continue to [00:33:31] come before the town that's going to be [00:33:33] key to make sure that their board's [00:33:35] informed and I think you do a good job [00:33:36] they may prefer a different style of [00:33:38] communication than you know texting or [00:33:41] calling or whatever it's just sort of [00:33:43] being through with what that is but they [00:33:45] should the board should set that [00:33:47] expectation for you so [00:33:49] anything else I missed I just want to [00:33:52] add [00:33:53] um the letter that we did receive [00:33:55] D very positive [00:33:57] um I just had one comment on it because [00:33:59] the person questioned well who's Nicole [00:34:02] supposed to go to [00:34:04] us [00:34:05] always know as a board [00:34:08] if there's ever something that's [00:34:10] overwhelming too much too you know [00:34:13] you're getting everything thrown at you [00:34:14] any one of us would step in and help you [00:34:17] hands down you know that so just [00:34:19] continue to know that that that's what [00:34:21] we are here for is your support yes [00:34:24] thank you we are here to support you [00:34:27] so don't excellent thank you [00:34:30] I just thought well wait that's us we're [00:34:33] her support yes because you're [00:34:35] supporting everybody else so you need [00:34:37] support too and that's what we're here [00:34:38] for so I just I just wanted to say that [00:34:41] thank you so is there room for any of us [00:34:44] to add our thanks [00:34:47] to sort of get through [00:34:49] um [00:34:50] one of the things one of the things that [00:34:53] was that the board collectively the [00:34:55] board has been sort of [00:34:58] um [00:34:59] admonished about in the past is not [00:35:02] being supportive of the administrator [00:35:03] and whether that's in what in [00:35:08] you know [00:35:10] we shouldn't have to defend you because [00:35:12] hopefully nobody's attacking you but in [00:35:14] response to different things that come [00:35:16] up [00:35:17] um you know we may not be responding [00:35:19] right away and that's the you know sit [00:35:22] back regroup kind of thing and um [00:35:25] and um but you know Kelly is absolutely [00:35:29] right but this board is here to support [00:35:31] your work yes thank you [00:35:34] I tell people all the time the best [00:35:36] sport I've ever had [00:35:42] and I encourage that I encourage you [00:35:46] um to so we'll I'll put something very [00:35:49] basic I'll just put bullets down [00:35:52] um if that's okay with you guys this [00:35:54] will go into the record and you guys can [00:35:56] just update it I'll leave the um I'll [00:36:01] leave the notes that I had with you so [00:36:03] you guys can yeah I had my I actually I [00:36:06] couldn't believe I still have a folder [00:36:08] so I do have mine so I was sweating [00:36:10] your notes earlier today and my big blue [00:36:13] folder so um [00:36:16] did you want to add anything that you've [00:36:19] missed or I don't I don't think I need [00:36:20] to really add anything I don't need like [00:36:22] Kudos or anything like that I did want [00:36:24] to just mention [00:36:26] um excuse me [00:36:28] grants because I I did write down the [00:36:31] grants that I've gotten excuse me [00:36:35] so when people are saying does Nicole [00:36:37] apply for Grants [00:36:39] you think you can get a grant for this [00:36:40] anytime we think we can get a grant we [00:36:43] definitely apply if I don't think [00:36:45] there's a grant out there I still ask [00:36:47] everybody cmrpc pvpc and Gobi anybody [00:36:52] I get this money for this so I am trying [00:36:55] to constantly get grants um if we can so [00:36:59] I guess obviously the USDA Grant which [00:37:02] is the largest Grant ever awarded Grant [00:37:04] loan awarded to anyone in the country so [00:37:08] we're really proud of that everybody [00:37:10] worked really hard for a year to get [00:37:12] that back so um there's that [00:37:15] um FEMA 22 000 Meyer chainsaws 4 000 [00:37:19] open space and Rec plan [00:37:22] to then be eligible for part grants such [00:37:24] as acquiring land or even just upgrading [00:37:27] or buying new equipment for Parks 10 750 [00:37:30] MVP 10 000 Municipal vulnerability [00:37:33] preparedness so we were uh we now can [00:37:35] get action grants which we'll be getting [00:37:37] 10 000 Maya Wellness five thousand [00:37:41] um and now we're starting this spring [00:37:43] around for Green community up to 200 000 [00:37:46] Community one stop for 130 000 that's [00:37:49] going to write our um [00:37:51] master plan and [00:37:53] VP action grants that we're currently [00:37:56] working on sent an email to concom sent [00:37:58] an email to Emergency Management [00:37:59] director [00:38:01] um you can we can get up to three [00:38:03] million dollars but there's a 25 match [00:38:05] well that would be 750 000 so that's not [00:38:08] you know it wouldn't go that far we [00:38:09] don't we're not going to go for the [00:38:11] limit but you know so we're always [00:38:14] looking to to get grants [00:38:17] um the conservation guide Grant to [00:38:19] finish some Royal Trails so you know [00:38:21] that we are I just want everybody to [00:38:24] know and everybody at home that we are [00:38:25] working on grants and anytime we can [00:38:28] think we can get one and not use our own [00:38:31] funding then we absolutely do that and [00:38:34] excellent [00:38:37] and I am speaking at this annual [00:38:38] stamptown meeting too they asked me to [00:38:41] come back [00:38:42] that's great so not just the MMA that's [00:38:44] the that's the whole state of [00:38:45] Massachusetts but Stan is small town [00:38:47] administrators in Massachusetts so [00:38:49] that's anybody under we're just [00:38:51] rewriting the bylaws right now but any [00:38:52] any Community Under 12 000 is eligible [00:38:56] to me so you're also on the stand [00:38:58] committee I'm on two committees on stem [00:39:01] and a member but I've had that in my [00:39:03] report after a little more detailed okay [00:39:09] um so I guess I would ask the question [00:39:10] for you when we I just about to put you [00:39:12] on the spot but if I whenever we [00:39:14] interview somebody we always say if your [00:39:16] friends wanted to [00:39:18] um we were to talk to your friends about [00:39:20] you what would they say one of your your [00:39:23] one of your to work on did we hit what [00:39:25] you think you're to work ons are or do [00:39:28] you think there's other things that we [00:39:30] or people would say about you that you [00:39:32] know you're constantly mindful of and [00:39:34] trying to work on I absolutely think [00:39:36] it's my quick talk [00:39:38] hmm [00:39:40] that's it it's the only fly I have [00:39:44] no I think um you know my husband comes [00:39:48] to my mind but it's definitely you know [00:39:51] so I've always had to work on it and [00:39:52] it's been my whole life like calm down [00:39:55] take a minute and I and so sometimes I [00:39:59] shoot from the hip when I really should [00:40:00] be just being quiet and you know [00:40:03] thinking it out that you know [00:40:06] properly before I [00:40:08] speak to anybody and you know and being [00:40:10] on TV and memorialized forever it's a [00:40:13] big deal you know so you want to always [00:40:15] or even just an email response you know [00:40:18] sometimes you just need and and I know [00:40:20] and you'd probably be sure I know you've [00:40:23] reached out to me to sound off and [00:40:25] that's great yeah continue to do that [00:40:27] we're here to help you yeah because if [00:40:29] that keeps it in check yep then you're [00:40:31] winning yeah it's [00:40:34] um definitely one of my weaknesses [00:40:37] um other than that you know I feel like [00:40:39] I come to work every day excuse me [00:40:43] um and give 125 so that's just my [00:40:46] character it's who I am [00:40:49] um so if I think I'm doing something [00:40:51] wrong I certainly don't continue to do [00:40:54] that thing that is wrong so it's not so [00:40:56] I do learn from you know what I my [00:41:00] mistakes [00:41:01] um but that there's that one thing [00:41:03] there's that one thing that sometimes [00:41:05] I don't I just give that quick knee-jerk [00:41:08] reaction when I could really just say [00:41:09] yeah you saw the pushback maybe from [00:41:12] some other departments and and other [00:41:14] people in town [00:41:15] initially and I think you have been [00:41:18] working on it and so things to over the [00:41:22] last two years it has come [00:41:24] not full circle but we I think we're in [00:41:27] a really good place now me with my [00:41:28] department heads and with you know [00:41:31] residents uh you know the change is hard [00:41:34] and I did come in and make some major [00:41:36] changes right away and you know it's [00:41:39] hard so I really have slowed down I [00:41:41] really haven't you know done big giant [00:41:44] things like so I didn't originally when [00:41:46] we first got your back at my notes and [00:41:48] you had given us what your what your [00:41:51] goals were going to be upcoming and I [00:41:54] think my comment was these are great [00:41:55] goals I think they may take more than [00:41:57] just one meal [00:42:00] and I get it because you know you want [00:42:03] to move mountains and you will but it's [00:42:05] not going to be in a year that might be [00:42:08] the five years right you know because [00:42:10] you also have to engage people [00:42:12] absolutely you need you have to get [00:42:14] buy-in and you know people start seeing [00:42:17] things and you know as of late we've had [00:42:20] a lot of roadblocks that have come up or [00:42:22] obstacles the building is one of the [00:42:25] and the Damage that's been here that it [00:42:28] takes your you know it's time that hey I [00:42:30] have to spend but it takes your focus [00:42:31] off things that you know have to happen [00:42:34] as well so [00:42:35] um [00:42:36] you know maybe extend your gold timeline [00:42:38] or maybe a suggestion for your July [00:42:41] meeting is [00:42:43] you update your goals and be thinking [00:42:45] about what you want to I have no idea [00:42:47] [Music] [00:42:49] we were going to have the budget done by [00:42:51] April 1st oh yeah but I said I'd like to [00:42:54] see that right so obviously not this [00:42:58] year and that's because the budget is [00:43:00] looks like it's going to be a pretty big [00:43:02] battle this year but you know maybe you [00:43:04] know next year we get even closer on the [00:43:06] year after we get even closer so it just [00:43:08] and you know we closed [00:43:10] thinking of anybody than in recent [00:43:13] history yes so you knowly I was like [00:43:16] this class is as fast as we've done it [00:43:18] but you know sometimes I have to keep a [00:43:20] fire under people to keep them motivated [00:43:22] and keep them focused and that's not [00:43:24] always popular so sometimes people will [00:43:27] either complain or I don't want to say [00:43:29] complain but have an issue where you [00:43:32] know I'm really not the issue or I need [00:43:35] I expect my expectations are higher than [00:43:38] theirs are and they need to come up to [00:43:40] what mine are so sometimes I'll get you [00:43:43] know but I think again I think now [00:43:45] people know me I know them much better [00:43:48] and I think we're in a really good spot [00:43:51] at least you know uh professionally [00:43:54] and I think it's partially all about the [00:43:56] balance when you first know it learning [00:43:58] them something you want to do something [00:44:01] correct [00:44:03] um [00:44:04] you know you want to do it correct and [00:44:06] there's always some swing one way or the [00:44:09] other and so you know if it is it we've [00:44:12] asked for this in this format is exactly [00:44:14] in that format no but does it have all [00:44:16] the right information yes and I think [00:44:18] you've done a good job at sort of maybe [00:44:21] initially you know like it should be [00:44:23] this format but sort of recognizing who [00:44:25] your audience is and [00:44:27] sort of knowing that's a compromise [00:44:28] knowing that you've got the information [00:44:30] isn't exactly perfect on what it should [00:44:32] be like but it's there and I think that [00:44:34] will come as people continue to grow and [00:44:37] as you continue to develop relationships [00:44:39] with them [00:44:42] excellent thank you I'm sorry this was [00:44:45] very very long overdue but um [00:44:49] I I honestly think if we had had your [00:44:52] review in July of 2022 it might look a [00:44:54] little different because you've come a [00:44:57] long way I would agree with that um and [00:44:59] so I I think it's good you know if if I [00:45:02] were to say this it's maybe [00:45:04] um they should be timely to be following [00:45:07] the rules and requirements but it's [00:45:09] given you a sort of a chance to work out [00:45:11] on your own [00:45:12] the dynamic and um that's great [00:45:16] it's great so I'll put this in writing [00:45:19] to you and give us so you have just our [00:45:21] notes and our thoughts [00:45:24] um [00:45:24] and you guys will have it for join them [00:45:27] again [00:45:29] film did you want to say something [00:45:32] just a thanks to Nicole I don't think [00:45:34] there has been a time as a board chair [00:45:36] well I shouldn't call a support as a [00:45:38] commission chair [00:45:40] that I have gone to her and she hasn't [00:45:43] put things down momentarily you know [00:45:46] unfortunately like [00:45:47] distracted her at times and broken her [00:45:51] Focus but she always drops things to [00:45:54] help figure something out [00:45:56] or look something up [00:45:59] I hear the same thing from Peggy that [00:46:01] Peggy looks to her sometimes [00:46:04] [Music] [00:46:06] I hear the same thing from Becky who has [00:46:10] been working very hard with the swab and [00:46:12] land trust taking the lead on the [00:46:14] the eco-tourism aspects of having some [00:46:18] Ware River Park parcels and developing [00:46:21] the rail trail and the blue the blueway [00:46:23] trail and she has worked with Nicole [00:46:25] quite a bit on [00:46:29] thank you for helping her [00:46:31] it's pretty important to us to team up [00:46:32] with these Supply and land trust and [00:46:36] you know with our Parklands and um [00:46:41] try to help you know attract activity to [00:46:45] Town the right types of activity and [00:46:47] economic economically benefit [00:46:49] potentially the town people who use [00:46:53] canoe Trails stop to get sandwiches at [00:46:55] lunch time [00:46:57] Etc anyway you've never refused me when [00:47:00] I needed to ask a question so thank you [00:47:02] again I never will [00:47:07] thank you anything else anything else [00:47:10] from the board anything else for Nicole [00:47:15] thank you [00:47:18] anything other under other new business [00:47:21] I have something yes [00:47:23] um today I had Peggy come in and ask [00:47:27] that I could put if I could put this in [00:47:29] front of you the Conservation Commission [00:47:31] has um asked that you appoint Dr Neil [00:47:34] Halen part of the president of the [00:47:36] commission Dr Halen has attended [00:47:38] meetings to the commission of the [00:47:39] commission as a member of the general [00:47:41] public questions he has asked in [00:47:42] insights he has provided at meetings led [00:47:44] the commission to believe he would be an [00:47:46] excellent addition to our membership he [00:47:48] has science background and an [00:47:49] understanding of the importance of the [00:47:51] work of the commission and a great [00:47:52] interest in being meaningfully involved [00:47:54] in town activities it has been several [00:47:57] years since we've had a full complement [00:47:58] of five Commissioners and we [00:48:00] wholeheartedly endorse Neil Halen to be [00:48:02] the fifth member of our commission we [00:48:04] respectfully ask that you appoint him to [00:48:05] the Conservation Commission respectfully [00:48:07] submitted for the commission Rebecca [00:48:09] bottom League chair Vice chair [00:48:12] do we know what the term is [00:48:14] um [00:48:17] so funny we get asked so much in the [00:48:20] meetings that Angie's like here just [00:48:21] keep this on you I think we're up to you [00:48:24] know we're up for two years [00:48:30] so this one would be 2025. [00:48:34] something between June of 2025 and then [00:48:38] two years two-year appointment and just [00:48:41] can you just say his last name yeah [00:48:44] um [00:48:45] Halen h-a-l-i-n [00:48:48] um I would make a motion that [00:48:50] um we accept [00:48:52] um the conservation commission's [00:48:54] recommendations will appoint Neil Hamlin [00:48:56] to the Conservation Commission for a [00:49:00] term expiring June 30th 2025. [00:49:05] so there's a motion in a second any [00:49:07] other discussion [00:49:09] hearing none I'll call Purple all was in [00:49:11] favor [00:49:12] aye aye [00:49:13] great fantastic [00:49:16] this is the first time I've seen that [00:49:18] we've been up to five [00:49:20] I just want to remind him that he needs [00:49:22] to get sworn [00:49:28] anything else under other new business [00:49:35] uh committee reports [00:49:39] we were emailed the police department [00:49:42] one [00:49:43] yeah Greece Highway [00:49:47] um [00:49:53] I think she forgot the library [00:50:10] are we focusing on this highway is that [00:50:12] going to be under the Arca the highway [00:50:14] yeah okay [00:50:31] miscellaneous correspondence Mass [00:50:33] Central Railroad [00:50:37] um [00:50:48] oh [00:51:01] for immediate release the Massachusetts [00:51:03] Central Railroad Corporation in [00:51:05] conjunction with the mask Massachusetts [00:51:07] Department of Transportation is to [00:51:10] rehabilitate its main rail track [00:51:12] starting Monday April 3 2023. this [00:51:15] project has an estimated time for [00:51:17] completion to be somewhere between July [00:51:19] August 2023 the daily train schedule [00:51:22] will operate Monday through Friday [00:51:23] starting at 5 PM up to a possible [00:51:25] 12-hour period service our real [00:51:27] customers from Palmer to South area to [00:51:30] then return to Palmer while this rail [00:51:33] track Rehabilitation project is [00:51:34] completed the train schedule will resume [00:51:36] back to daytime service beginning at 7 [00:51:39] A.M up to a possible 12-hour period if [00:51:42] anyone should have any questions please [00:51:43] contact your business office phone [00:51:45] number from 6 30 to 3 2 30 PM sincerely [00:51:48] David Ray operations manager [00:51:56] no I don't think I don't have anything [00:51:59] um [00:52:00] uh on to your Town Administrator report [00:52:03] um are we doing anything with iPhone [00:52:08] it was [00:52:10] I'm so anxious because there's stuff in [00:52:12] here so I don't know if we're supposed [00:52:13] to be doing it [00:52:15] so let's rewind and go back to the [00:52:18] discussion in a vote relative to our [00:52:19] book [00:52:21] um [00:52:23] in your packet you should have [00:52:26] two [00:52:27] um requests from Highway one is for [00:52:31] mower which is [00:52:33] for more for the parks [00:52:36] and wreck [00:52:37] um [00:52:38] it's with tech it's technically I guess [00:52:40] be a parking lot more but my [00:52:43] body for twenty thousand one hundred [00:52:45] forty nine dollars and ten cents and [00:52:47] then a shower for the highway [00:52:49] for eight thousand seven hundred and [00:52:51] sixty dollars that you did discuss [00:52:53] the last meeting but then we were [00:52:55] talking about article funding and the [00:52:57] vote never came [00:52:59] so it was just discussion [00:53:03] yeah and I thought [00:53:06] I'd say night the finance committee was [00:53:09] going to recommend to me to come to you [00:53:11] that we pay off our cars so we don't [00:53:13] have them in next year's budget so I [00:53:15] have that here and I still think it's a [00:53:18] good idea but they didn't recommend it [00:53:21] to me yet so okay [00:53:23] that's with the 63 587 74. that's paying [00:53:27] off all vehicles and putting a freeze on [00:53:30] purchasing [00:53:34] and we could use the Opera funding for [00:53:36] that yeah [00:53:38] people are using towns I'm seeing are [00:53:40] using Urban funding to supplement their [00:53:41] budget [00:53:43] big big towns with 50 million dollar [00:53:46] budgets [00:53:49] and that's only good for one year right [00:53:52] like [00:53:53] it's like worry about it next year [00:54:00] um so I don't know what you if you want [00:54:02] to vote on just the highway requests or [00:54:05] if you want to also vote on paying off [00:54:08] the vehicles [00:54:16] I think that so I think the vehicle [00:54:19] discussions probably allow your [00:54:20] discussion though because if these are [00:54:21] paid off or if you're probably going to [00:54:24] like the [00:54:26] in the name the wave Highway and then we [00:54:29] have police [00:54:32] um [00:54:33] so maybe if it's a little larger [00:54:35] discussion of what they're going to do [00:54:37] for a vehicle replacement or when that's [00:54:39] going to happen when we talked about a [00:54:41] freeze on purchasing but [00:54:44] um [00:54:44] I don't know what you guys think about [00:54:48] does anyone have in their budgets for [00:54:51] this year new vehicles [00:54:53] do you know I don't think so I think [00:54:55] that these the two for the police are [00:54:59] existing [00:55:00] um [00:55:01] I'm gonna bring it up I have it on my [00:55:02] spreadsheet [00:55:04] um existing Vehicles it's like you're [00:55:07] three and you're something of of the [00:55:11] Vehicles it looks like one's a 21 and [00:55:14] one's a 22. 22 has two more payments and [00:55:17] the 21 has one more payments right so we [00:55:19] did there wasn't and there I would take [00:55:22] this out of their budget like I'm taking [00:55:24] it [00:55:38] I wouldn't mind hearing finances inputs [00:55:40] before we made a vote on that yeah just [00:55:43] to see what they [00:55:45] I mean it kind of it maybe makes sense [00:55:47] for the year considering how over we are [00:55:49] right now but certainly not against it [00:55:52] but did we get their input too but when [00:55:55] we having a joint meeting with them [00:55:56] anytime soon I talked to Keenan last [00:55:58] week at last Friday and he said they [00:56:01] should have their budget To Us by next [00:56:04] week or the week after and uh [00:56:07] then you'll want to have a discussion [00:56:10] like what what they're putting in the [00:56:12] budget or what they're taking out I mean [00:56:14] we're into April like we have to have [00:56:16] this [00:56:17] I it's pretty much [00:56:19] put together but that we do have to make [00:56:21] some Cuts right that's [00:56:23] everything [00:56:30] um [00:56:32] there's a lot of work to be done on it [00:56:37] there's [00:56:38] I would hope for the first meeting in [00:56:40] May that we meet with them [00:56:44] I think that's about what they are [00:56:45] expecting [00:56:49] someone hold on the vehicle [00:56:52] um discussion until the budget's [00:56:53] complete [00:56:56] and what about the shower [00:56:59] for perhaps and Records [00:57:05] well I know about the mowers the one we [00:57:07] have is destroy [00:57:10] destruction [00:57:12] we need to do something [00:57:16] no [00:57:20] I mean I don't have an issue with either [00:57:22] one is there right [00:57:24] the reason behind the showers is there [00:57:27] any does anyone know like what the [00:57:31] um [00:57:33] technically it's a 24 hour [00:57:36] operation so you're supposed to have [00:57:39] them okay yeah and I'm just crying at [00:57:43] one point he wanted maybe some cots in [00:57:44] there too for for when they're plowing [00:57:47] and stuff so that you know I don't know [00:57:49] if that ever happened and it hasn't [00:57:50] because I haven't seen that come talk to [00:57:52] him about that too I made it in my last [00:57:54] town [00:57:56] um but they he says typically they'll go [00:57:59] home they're close enough [00:58:02] to like power nap yeah or whatever I [00:58:06] mean they do some heavy duty yeah work [00:58:09] and not just Plumbing but I mean getting [00:58:11] really really scrubby yeah [00:58:15] I think it's really the um [00:58:18] the difference in the shower itself [00:58:22] one of them is a 32 inches yes by 36. so [00:58:26] he wanted to go if you wanted to because [00:58:27] they're the size of it yeah you know [00:58:29] that makes sense [00:58:34] I don't have a problem with the mower [00:58:36] either if our existing one is junk [00:58:38] either [00:58:39] well I think his thought process was he [00:58:42] might be able to get through another [00:58:43] year but we don't have our money next [00:58:45] year yeah and if it breaks part way [00:58:48] through this season and our fingers you [00:58:50] know our hands are tired what are we [00:58:51] going to do so honestly all the [00:58:54] purchases that you guys have approved [00:58:56] really have been Capital that we really [00:58:59] need so we're not using our investments [00:59:01] and we're trying to [00:59:06] I would make a motion to [00:59:10] um approve Opera funding and the amount [00:59:13] of [00:59:14] 87.60 for the highway to contact Pioneer [00:59:19] Valley environmental for the shower that [00:59:21] was quoted [00:59:23] second then [00:59:28] yeah I just I remember the last time we [00:59:30] talked about this you I think we're [00:59:32] looking for the balance of unexpected [00:59:35] Urban money and didn't know it then I [00:59:37] wondered what it is now for one thing [00:59:40] and then somewhere in minutes or [00:59:42] someplace I saw some [00:59:44] question raise about whether departments [00:59:46] couldn't share a vehicle like the mower [00:59:49] so here you talk about the Wastewater [00:59:51] and that of a highway was there some [00:59:53] talk about tractor and mower that could [00:59:55] be used in both cases Maybe [00:59:57] um [01:00:00] was looking for was more like cutting [01:00:03] brush like uh something that we used a [01:00:06] couple times a year [01:00:07] who is this particular motor is like a [01:00:10] lawn mower this is your turn [01:00:15] lost up I think he also mentioned that [01:00:17] he wanted a really strong [01:00:19] to get into those spots yeah [01:00:25] but I obviously [01:00:28] they they will be because park and rec [01:00:31] will be using the smaller [01:00:34] and the island [01:00:37] but Marty's essentially going to be [01:00:38] doing it his department will be doing [01:00:40] the mowing four approximately [01:00:45] good [01:00:47] so we'll get back to your question in a [01:00:48] second and we're just going to um [01:00:51] we should finish the motion I just [01:00:53] didn't know Jersey [01:01:07] aye [01:01:09] great [01:01:10] um [01:01:15] yeah so [01:01:17] um I think the balance [01:01:19] if we approved everything including [01:01:23] the vehicle payout which is 63 000. it [01:01:26] would be [01:01:27] 365 but we're not approving that so it [01:01:30] would be four [01:01:33] uh 38 to 28. [01:01:37] about 428 [01:01:40] roughly [01:01:43] so right here [01:01:45] it's 458 404 [01:01:48] and then [01:01:50] if [01:01:51] yeah all of these requests get paid wait [01:01:54] it would be 365. and yep so I just added [01:01:58] the 63 back for them [01:02:05] I would also make a motion to approve [01:02:07] after funding for a Kubota diesel serum [01:02:10] turn lower in the amount of 20 149.10 [01:02:18] any other discussion on the motion [01:02:21] hearing that I'll counselves all in [01:02:23] favor hi hi motion carries [01:02:27] um and there are some um so to keep this [01:02:30] on there's some I think cleanup that has [01:02:32] to happen on our book so the 16 is from [01:02:36] the Vader [01:02:39] um [01:02:40] conversion [01:02:41] and the Thousand footasers I don't know [01:02:44] just cost more I guess and then the fire [01:02:47] hydrants [01:02:49] that money will be spent because they're [01:02:51] coming back to do that last hydrant okay [01:02:54] so in the Tripper obviously we're just [01:02:56] paying for fire name that's not paying [01:03:00] for yet [01:03:01] um [01:03:02] the new website will be taken out of [01:03:05] there so that will all be gone [01:03:08] um the water meters [01:03:10] I just want to make sure that because we [01:03:13] have to be trained in East National [01:03:14] Water has to come back out so I don't [01:03:16] know if that but other than that that's [01:03:18] the only thing that'll come out of that [01:03:19] and that'll be done [01:03:25] so do you want to wait to see all these [01:03:27] other projects how they roll out or do [01:03:29] you want to get the [01:03:31] um approved over I guess I mean I know [01:03:34] it's not a lot but I'm just wondering [01:03:35] why the tasers went over they they had a [01:03:38] quote that they proposed to us I'm just [01:03:39] curious if we could just get away sure [01:03:42] and then I don't have to maybe cleaning [01:03:45] this up next time and staying on top of [01:03:47] cleaning it up as we go [01:03:50] ahead and question why well we got a [01:03:52] quote something that was straight right [01:03:55] so just what happened I mean maybe it's [01:03:58] just an unforeseen expense but it's just [01:04:00] 50 questions [01:04:17] just in case we run past [01:04:21] um yeah sure [01:04:28] I can't imagine Ryan and the new person [01:04:31] coming down driving and getting this [01:04:33] morning [01:04:34] I was sworn in 10 minutes after really [01:04:38] should we have to vote on this I think [01:04:40] yeah I'll make a motion to um [01:04:43] approve the annual dog warrant for 2020 [01:04:51] . [01:04:53] yeah [01:04:56] yeah annual dog warrant yeah so it's all [01:04:59] the same okay it's just we do that we do [01:05:03] this every year [01:05:04] it just allows the dog officer to be [01:05:07] able to do what she needs to do a second [01:05:09] okay moving second in any other [01:05:11] discussion on the [01:05:12] um manual document no okay all in favor [01:05:16] bye [01:05:39] okay do you want to go through your [01:05:41] report sure [01:05:42] um so for USDA the equipment for project [01:05:46] two or parts [01:05:48] some of the equipment one piece [01:05:51] is out to bed it's just you know hanging [01:05:54] out there until notice to proceed from [01:05:56] USDA has occurred and I do believe [01:05:58] they're going to want to see rates [01:05:59] before they allow that to go out [01:06:01] but we are keeping up with [01:06:04] um I have been in contact with USDA and [01:06:06] giving them updates on you know the [01:06:08] rates that were presented to you and [01:06:09] next time we're going to talk about [01:06:11] veterans and you know go over the rates [01:06:13] again if you want to change them or if [01:06:15] you want to keep them safe [01:06:17] um our cap is right now working on the [01:06:19] betterments I I don't have anything at [01:06:22] all for her I have no I don't have any [01:06:25] insight on how much assembly or would [01:06:27] there be we certainly are [01:06:30] um [01:06:31] you know my instruction to her was that [01:06:35] we need to be defensible right so so I [01:06:38] don't want somebody coming back and [01:06:39] saying well I'm not even bettered by [01:06:41] this and I'm not better by that you know [01:06:43] if the whole system is getting better [01:06:45] everybody will receive the same [01:06:47] betterment I don't think it's a matter [01:06:49] of how much it is right now because we [01:06:50] won't know yeah [01:06:52] we're going to assess them so was it [01:06:55] just the pump station just this and it [01:06:59] makes no sense to me why just one part [01:07:02] when the whole thing is getting better [01:07:04] so Gilberto will be getting hit twice [01:07:05] we'll write it just doesn't make any [01:07:07] sense it's so much thank you uh to just [01:07:10] have the whole system so that's what [01:07:11] we're working on and working on getting [01:07:13] some case law just so recovered and so [01:07:16] we're working on that [01:07:18] um so if you know don't don't boom from [01:07:20] USDA he is really in touch with me very [01:07:24] frequently to make sure [01:07:26] um the rfps for the oversight I I I'm [01:07:29] still I gave you the we have to have [01:07:31] some more discussion I think between us [01:07:33] to see exactly what you want I you know [01:07:36] I get the very comprehensive oversight [01:07:38] of the whole thing [01:07:40] um and then just sort of a check-in kind [01:07:42] of thing where they don't where they're [01:07:44] not totally 100 involved so [01:07:49] um you know because I have reservations [01:07:51] I'm letting somebody you know make a [01:07:54] decision that we should really be you [01:07:57] know most involved in making so we have [01:07:59] to have a bigger discussion about that [01:08:01] but then um in your packet should have [01:08:05] the new [01:08:06] the new one was in the bottom when you [01:08:08] have it right so I sent out an outdated [01:08:11] report on Friday after [01:08:13] um Julie had asked me to update [01:08:15] everybody on a couple of issues one of [01:08:17] them was our Worcester Regional [01:08:19] retirement [01:08:21] um [01:08:22] uh contributions and [01:08:25] something happened in our payroll system [01:08:28] that stopped [01:08:30] sending the money over to the retirement [01:08:33] at a certain number and I want to say 2 [01:08:35] 000 I [01:08:36] it just it was set up in Harper's in our [01:08:38] payroll system to have a hard stop and [01:08:41] we don't know why we don't know who set [01:08:43] it up first uh you know I I don't know [01:08:46] we just don't know what and why [01:08:48] Worcester County Retirement has all of [01:08:50] our names and all of our information in [01:08:52] the system yet no money being deposited [01:08:55] um [01:08:56] so you know the accountant didn't [01:08:59] realize that the treasurer didn't [01:09:01] realize that we have corrected it just [01:09:03] really quickly up we have corrected it [01:09:05] with their monthly reconciliations now [01:09:07] for these um the all of these liability [01:09:11] accounts [01:09:12] um Bob offense accounting and treasure [01:09:14] collector aren't both doing their [01:09:16] monthly uh but I spoke I spoke with them [01:09:18] today with Whistler Regional and [01:09:22] um oh I have this for you I printed this [01:09:24] out this was from their website they had [01:09:25] a presentation a couple of years ago and [01:09:28] um this is what we pay in interest to [01:09:31] 2020 2021 [01:09:33] in 2022 we're all point one percent [01:09:36] so that's what we're getting now they [01:09:38] invest they they their return is much [01:09:40] higher seven and a half eight and a half [01:09:42] you know our pensions get paid eighty [01:09:45] percent by the pension fund and 20 by [01:09:48] our contributions and that's just how [01:09:49] pension systems work so [01:09:52] our [01:09:53] they met last week they meet on the [01:09:56] first two [01:09:57] and we were on their agenda and they [01:09:59] voted to waive all of the fees they're [01:10:02] not going to assess us with um [01:10:05] didn't didn't have so I mean the good [01:10:09] thing is that the withdrawals were [01:10:11] coming out of our checks and but just [01:10:13] staying in this liability account [01:10:14] instead of getting released to Lister [01:10:16] retirement so it really had a lot of it [01:10:20] it's it's no not one person's fault [01:10:23] nobody that I could blame and say it was [01:10:26] their fault when really it could have [01:10:27] been accounting it could have been [01:10:28] treasure it could have been Harpers it [01:10:29] could have been with regional so you [01:10:32] know and I've asked around mindless sir [01:10:34] of my to my to I'm on an HR was serve [01:10:37] too and none of them nobody reconciles [01:10:41] they're like we probably should I'm like [01:10:43] yeah you probably should and today I [01:10:45] said this has happened she says it [01:10:46] happens sometimes but you're lucky that [01:10:49] you know you had all the money at least [01:10:50] and you know so now we're in there the [01:10:53] money's in there [01:10:55] um [01:10:55] and we got no penalty because it was [01:10:58] really a relatively small amount so [01:11:01] we're just moving forward as normal [01:11:03] um [01:11:04] and the P the the other thing though I [01:11:07] mean our assessment will go up with the [01:11:08] it's we're not it's not 13 people [01:11:10] anymore [01:11:11] it's um they don't work here anymore [01:11:14] some one two three four six of us so I'm [01:11:18] included in this group [01:11:20] um [01:11:21] it will our assistant will go up because [01:11:23] we haven't been being assessed so it [01:11:25] will go up by whatever for the extra six [01:11:28] people not next year what the year after [01:11:32] so yeah that was a big deal it was a [01:11:35] really really big deal but we handled it [01:11:38] I attended a meeting with lieutenant [01:11:40] governor Kim Driscoll Saturday April 1st [01:11:43] for [01:11:44] um rural towns the conversation was [01:11:47] really around that creation of the [01:11:48] director of rural Affairs that I had [01:11:51] told you about in my last report when we [01:11:54] were in Deerfield with the governor when [01:11:56] she announced that she's got this rural [01:11:57] direct rural policy director a position [01:12:00] that they really want to [01:12:03] um recognize the rural communities more [01:12:06] than they ever have and you know just by [01:12:10] a state of land just all the in [01:12:12] inequities that we have uh Suffolk [01:12:15] County I think gets [01:12:17] five thousand dollars an acre and we get [01:12:19] like thirty you know we're the Clean Air [01:12:22] and clean water of the state so we [01:12:24] really need more recognition and so it [01:12:26] was really writing a job description is [01:12:29] actually sort of what we were doing that [01:12:31] day [01:12:32] um but hopefully we'll get better [01:12:34] representation and we'll get you know [01:12:35] the cities with all the money [01:12:38] get all of the benefits while we out [01:12:42] here struggle when we should really be [01:12:44] you know sharing that benefit but it [01:12:47] comes down to politics and the you know [01:12:52] the auditor was there [01:12:53] a new auditor and she says it's Beacon [01:12:56] Health it's the fights on Beacon Hill [01:12:58] they want to keep their friends happy I [01:13:00] mean it's literally the case so this [01:13:02] Administration really is trying to [01:13:03] change us so we will have this real [01:13:04] director World policy director and I [01:13:07] don't know where they will be but we [01:13:09] have all said we think that they should [01:13:10] be out in central western Mass not on [01:13:13] Beacon Hill [01:13:15] um so that was it was fun it was [01:13:18] Saturday and the weather was terrible [01:13:19] but it was fun [01:13:21] um I have a the state speaking of Stan [01:13:23] the bylaw committee tomorrow morning [01:13:24] we're going to submit them to the full [01:13:26] stem [01:13:28] um commission so we have when we have [01:13:32] our uh annual meeting in June they will [01:13:35] adopt these hopefully and that's also [01:13:37] the legislative committee that I'm on to [01:13:39] to move this policy forward to be able [01:13:41] to you know recognize the small towns [01:13:44] and all of the struggles that we have [01:13:46] that we Face there's several of them [01:13:49] um the EV charger at Town Hall is broken [01:13:52] they said we need to replace it I've [01:13:55] reached out to Green community to see if [01:13:56] they will fund a new one because that [01:13:59] was a green Community Grant in 2017. I [01:14:01] don't know but um I just spoke with him [01:14:04] today about it so I don't have any [01:14:05] answers for that but that's not working [01:14:07] I'm hoping that the one on Lower Road is [01:14:10] working Ryan wanted to take the car the [01:14:13] electric car to something on Wednesday [01:14:15] and of course he goes to start it to [01:14:18] bring it to little road to church and [01:14:19] the battery's dead so now I have [01:14:22] I have the fob and I will go buy [01:14:24] batteries or maybe I even have one at [01:14:26] home and then hopefully charge the car [01:14:28] tomorrow a bit Lower Road [01:14:31] um I met with Hardwick's Council on AJ [01:14:34] I've been going to all of their meetings [01:14:36] um they were and I think you know right [01:14:38] they were they had a little bit of a [01:14:40] struggle because Barry was so doing [01:14:42] their own thing hard work is doing their [01:14:44] own thing and nobody's sharing nobody's [01:14:46] communicating and then they don't feel [01:14:48] comfortable going there they don't you [01:14:50] know to go to Barry and [01:14:51] there was talk like well maybe we're [01:14:53] going to get our own Senior Center and [01:14:55] I'm like not for a while so let's work [01:14:58] on being a good partners so first and [01:15:01] foremost why don't we start having [01:15:02] meetings together one meeting both [01:15:05] boards and so I just wanted you know I [01:15:08] want them to combine and be hard with [01:15:11] very Council of Aging that's it not hard [01:15:14] with not very but one so we're working [01:15:16] with the state to see exactly what we [01:15:18] have to do to be able to just be [01:15:19] Regional and combine there now that it's [01:15:22] been a few months and we've been meeting [01:15:24] much it's much better it's not [01:15:27] contentious they're friendly they listen [01:15:30] they're much much better and I think [01:15:32] even when I go there once a month [01:15:35] um and hardly can bury people are [01:15:37] sitting together they're playing pool [01:15:38] together so it's getting better you know [01:15:41] here we go with the change and too fast [01:15:43] so I didn't want to um say you should [01:15:47] confine right now so originally it was [01:15:49] just let's have meetings together both [01:15:50] Works have meetings at the same time [01:15:52] talk about events and things that you're [01:15:54] going to do so now they're very much [01:15:56] this this last meeting they're very much [01:15:59] um [01:15:59] looking forward to combining so they're [01:16:01] just waiting in next month when I go [01:16:03] I'll have some answers talk to Town [01:16:05] Council on exactly what they have to do [01:16:07] to be a combined board and just know [01:16:10] that our home is going to be in hard in [01:16:12] Buried that was such a [01:16:16] undertaking to get folks to go to Barry [01:16:19] yeah nobody wanted to go I mean it was [01:16:23] bad [01:16:24] and then when they went [01:16:26] they were like oh this is great this [01:16:29] place is great and everyone I mean [01:16:32] Gloria would come in and be like yep I [01:16:34] was wrong this was great and [01:16:38] so I don't know I I wonder what kind of [01:16:41] going on with it [01:16:43] did another roller coaster there's still [01:16:46] some people who want something of their [01:16:48] own in Hardwick [01:16:52] um [01:16:52] they questioned me about the townhouse [01:16:55] and when the Council on Aging and the [01:17:00] senior center was at the white school in [01:17:02] Gilbertville [01:17:04] um I actually got kicked off board [01:17:06] because I suggested regionalizing at [01:17:08] that time [01:17:10] and [01:17:12] we're just coming to the point where the [01:17:16] uh group that went to the Regional [01:17:19] School the first years it opened it's [01:17:23] just reaching age to join the senior [01:17:26] center so there may be uh more [01:17:30] cooperation but there isn't little [01:17:32] undercurrent [01:17:33] uh interesting people who would like to [01:17:36] meet [01:17:38] um and there used to be another group [01:17:41] that was housed in the white building [01:17:43] too and it was the Golden Angels and [01:17:46] they met in the afternoon and if they [01:17:48] were like a little frog [01:17:50] that's it that's fine for you know our [01:17:53] Municipal Council on Aging [01:17:56] um we need we need what we have we need [01:17:58] staff we need a home they need a we need [01:18:01] structure and so [01:18:03] it was really you know the the fact was [01:18:06] that you know hard work wasn't feeling [01:18:08] comfortable and welcome in very and you [01:18:13] know they kept thinking they were going [01:18:14] to get a home here and I'm like if you [01:18:16] look at our priorities this Council on [01:18:18] Aging is low because we have so many [01:18:22] more of them right very dire things that [01:18:24] need to happen we don't even have a [01:18:25] PlayStation so I mean new Braintree [01:18:27] isn't even a police station so you know [01:18:29] there's a lot of things that need to be [01:18:30] done and this is working well they are [01:18:33] swipes so we know how many people go we [01:18:34] know how many new people we have [01:18:36] um and they're they're [01:18:39] um looking to do more trips together and [01:18:43] really be what they're really trying so [01:18:45] it's hard change is hard never mind you [01:18:48] know after you've been doing something [01:18:50] so long so I did hear today Angie went [01:18:53] to vote and Alice mobile was there and [01:18:54] Alice said she's resigning so but [01:18:56] because she has she's moving so [01:18:59] um so we'll have another opening um but [01:19:02] there's an associate who is that Rachel [01:19:06] and Associate members apparently don't [01:19:08] get appointed they just get go on from [01:19:11] the Council on Aging then when there's a [01:19:12] full of position [01:19:15] then it comes to the board of sleptment [01:19:17] so I believe probably maybe at the next [01:19:19] meeting we'll have uh Rachel to be a [01:19:21] full member there I met her for the [01:19:24] first time last week [01:19:26] um [01:19:27] okay so construction has begun again I'm [01:19:29] sure everybody knows with Global [01:19:31] Construction and Mass DOT [01:19:34] um [01:19:35] just expect delays like better go around [01:19:37] if you know the other way which I don't [01:19:40] um so you know that should hopefully [01:19:43] wrap up by August but Marty already said [01:19:45] he thinks he sees some extensions [01:19:48] um [01:19:49] Nancy lamp has returned to the library I [01:19:52] will be attending their meetings from [01:19:53] now on as well [01:19:56] um [01:19:57] the Board of Health [01:20:00] um [01:20:01] redid their fees and their fee structure [01:20:03] and [01:20:06] um [01:20:07] Ryan didn't think that it was [01:20:08] appropriate for them to just put fee [01:20:10] structure on their agenda and not be it [01:20:12] or it wasn't even fee structures fee [01:20:15] it didn't look like it was actually [01:20:18] something was changing so he you know [01:20:20] asked them to possibly do it again [01:20:22] Thursday night they had a huge showing [01:20:24] at their meeting because [01:20:26] some people are coming in to get permits [01:20:28] and realizing that they've changed them [01:20:30] and they're cost prohibitive and so now [01:20:33] we're getting you know food trucks and [01:20:36] vendors that just won't do business here [01:20:38] because it's too expensive so Stan I was [01:20:41] told that Stan listened and he's going [01:20:43] to rethink things hopefully they'll have [01:20:45] another public meeting that's better [01:20:47] advertised about fee structures and [01:20:49] really getting the public input to [01:20:51] before they make the changes hopefully [01:20:54] um [01:20:55] so [01:20:56] I have the old list I'm not sure if I [01:20:59] just don't think this is [01:21:03] he usually gets back pretty quickly so I [01:21:06] haven't had an update since January 20th [01:21:09] um but I called him Thursday and I [01:21:11] caught I emailed him first I called him [01:21:13] Friday and called them this morning so I [01:21:15] hope he gets back to me soon otherwise [01:21:17] I'm going to reach out to somebody else [01:21:18] so we'll get an update for that [01:21:21] and I'm working on an MVP Grant we [01:21:23] haven't selected the project yet I have [01:21:25] forwarded off to contribution and [01:21:27] emerging management because it's like I [01:21:30] it's not my wheelhouse it's really like [01:21:32] should we do covert management or should [01:21:36] we you know there's something there that [01:21:38] is worthwhile but not for me to choose [01:21:41] so I just did you forward that recently [01:21:43] I did I forwarded it either Friday or [01:21:46] today [01:21:48] um because they're working cmrpc will be [01:21:50] working with us and uh it's due by me [01:21:55] yeah well your first guess was pretty [01:21:58] good [01:21:59] we could use help with money to replace [01:22:01] culverts on some of our some of our yeah [01:22:04] I had asked learning last week and [01:22:08] um [01:22:09] all right so everything else is ongoing [01:22:12] if you have any questions again these [01:22:14] are up on the website online page I have [01:22:16] my own page now apparently I have 10 [01:22:18] administrator page [01:22:20] so they're up there for everybody to see [01:22:23] committee [01:22:38] hi [01:22:50] anything I'm just looking around table [01:22:57] well [01:22:59] I would just like to acknowledge the [01:23:02] last six years with you [01:23:04] and thank you I don't want to cry I'm [01:23:08] gonna cry I'm gonna cry [01:23:21] definitely [01:23:28] like a strawberry [01:23:30] [Music] [01:23:34] thank you that's very sweet [01:23:36] very very sweet [01:23:38] um [01:23:39] hasn't been easy but you guys are I [01:23:42] would not sit up here with anybody else [01:23:43] but I said beside me so you know that [01:23:47] um you need to know that because that's [01:23:48] important [01:23:50] um and for people who don't understand [01:23:52] how important this seed is [01:23:54] um I encourage you to engage with these [01:23:57] people and find out really what happens [01:23:58] behind the scenes you only see this part [01:24:01] of it but there's a lot of stuff that [01:24:03] happens [01:24:04] meetings that people sit in on their own [01:24:07] and do a lot of things so you the town [01:24:11] is very very fortunate that they have [01:24:12] Kelly and Rob here [01:24:15] um in addition to Nicole to go to the [01:24:19] town forward we've been through some [01:24:21] rough issues but they're going to be [01:24:23] more coming that's out that's how life [01:24:25] is so [01:24:27] but thank you everyone thank you Julie [01:24:29] thank you Julie [01:24:32] I would actually possible [01:24:34] I know it's only been two years [01:24:38] it may have been [01:24:42] Miserables [01:24:44] that wasn't great when you started [01:24:48] you guys pushed me over there [01:24:52] it's been interesting I appreciate all [01:24:55] the time you've given me [01:24:58] do your job here it's been fun [01:25:02] I'm all used to work yeah [01:25:09] you can next time you're sitting here [01:25:12] watching us no [01:25:16] [Music] [01:25:18] no I I would say that I would take a [01:25:20] little break a little bit um but I'd [01:25:23] like I like the town I mean all three of [01:25:26] us cut our teeth sort of on finance and [01:25:28] yeah we've come full circle we have so [01:25:32] you know I think it's important that [01:25:34] people who live here volunteer here and [01:25:38] you know because it's people who give [01:25:41] their time that make a difference so [01:25:42] thank you guys both thank you everybody [01:25:45] thank you so if there's nothing else [01:25:49] um I will entertain a motion to [01:25:54] adjourning [01:25:55] okay so I'm always in favor of returning [01:25:59] all right all right so we are turned at [01:26:01] 7 58