00:00:05,000	S1:
You're going to get out of here. All right.

00:00:06,870	S2:
Good evening everybody. Today is Monday, September the 8th. It is 702. And we'll open up our select board meeting. Uh, Bill. What's up? Yeah. I'm sorry. We'll do a roll call. Yeah. Uh, Bill Olson is running late this evening at a meeting. He will be here, but late, so I'll kick us off. Um, I believe, uh, Tom Myers is on line.

00:00:31,530	S1:
Do we have to do.

00:00:32,530	S2:
So why don't we do a roll call to open the meeting, starting with you. Ben. Ben. Melissa. Here. Uh, Rosemary.

00:00:38,369	S1:
Rosie Kennedy here.

00:00:39,899	S2:
Uh, Tom. Tom Myers here. I'll be in person.

00:00:43,469	S3:
In about ten minutes.

00:00:44,770	S2:
Okay. Thank you. Tom. Uh, and Bill Wilson is present as well. So, uh, we'll kick off the meeting with board and committee openings. Uh, we have an affordable housing trust. One opening conservation Commission. There are two openings. Community preservation committee. One opening for members of Historic District Commission. Finance and Advisory Committee. Two openings through and those are appointed through the moderator. Historic district commission there are two openings for three year terms. Two openings for two year terms. One must be a resident of the historic district and one must be a resident realtor. There's also two At-Large openings for the humans Right Commission. Alrighty, so those are the openings. I encourage everyone to participate where they can. Um, next we have public comment. So under our new policy, we will take uh, 30 minutes up front here. No speaker will be will speak more than three minutes at a time. Then after important topics I think will a lot ten minutes for potential additional discussion. So with that, do we have anybody in the room or online for public comment?

00:01:58,200	S4:
Yes. I would like to make a comment.

00:02:05,230	S4:
Yeah. My name is Keith Doyle. I'm 22, Leigh Parks. Hamilton. Can you speak up? Yeah. My name is Keith Doyle. 22 Lee Park, South Hamilton. Hey, Joe.

Sorry. 00:02:18,099	S5:
When Tom was speaking as well, it was a bit dim. Can we have the volume turned up in the room for us?

00:02:25,099	S4:
Oh, why don't I just fill up, please?

00:02:27,969	S1:
Please hold.

00:02:28,870	S4:
Oh, God.

00:02:30,169	S5:
Oh. Thank you. I wasn't sure.

Yeah. 00:02:33,000	S4:
I was done.

00:02:34,169	S1:
That's it.

00:02:43,669	S4:
Are you able to hear me? Is it okay to speak?

00:02:45,969	S1:
Yes, yes. Much better.

00:02:48,969	S4:
Okay, great. My name is Keith Doyle. I live at 22 Leigh Park, South Hamilton. and I would just like to ask the board to move forward with the rezoning of the seminary area for the apartments so that the seminary can move ahead with the full sale of the apartments. And also, I really believe this would be a great win for the for the town. I know that there's a lot of issues of funding, but I believe some of the income that through tax and other means could be a real benefit for the town. It obviously would also be a benefit for the seminary. I see it as a win win and that the sooner that we can move forward, that it would really benefit the town. So that's the the in some my comments, is just to encourage the select board to make it a priority to move forward with the rezoning and a lot of the work that has tremendous work you've all done and others that have done just to move forward with that as soon as possible. Thank you.

00:03:59,370	S2:
Thank you.

00:04:03,500	S2:
Anybody else online or in the room?

00:04:05,129	S4:
Nobody else online.

00:04:11,169	S6:
Josh Blake, Sagamore Street. My comment is about the Hamilton Development Corporation or HTC, and possible changes to its charter and the public interest of clearly defining its geographical jurisdiction and its mission going forward. Given the concern cited by different town officials quoted in the recent HW news article regarding the HTC, my longtime understanding and that of some long, long serving officials in town, including select board members Rosie Kennedy and Bill Wilson, concurring with each other at the last Select Board workshop. That HTC jurisdiction is limited to the downtown, limited to the downtown business district referred to in the AC DC charter as the Development Zone. AKA the now defunct quote Business Zone B district. Quoting H.W. news. I also recall other public officials, maybe Rick Mitchell or Bill Olsen, publicly stating that the HTC jurisdiction is limited to the, quote, downtown only, unquote. Though I haven't yet found a video of that. But just to keep in mind, town lawyer Thomas McInerney, who favorably cited the some contradictory, more expansive, if vague allowances to the DCS jurisdiction in his charter may be unaware of town officials routinely over time. Describing the HTC non-profit affecting only the now deleted downtown business Zone B district voters who over the years appropriated Mills tax revenue for the HTC to use for the business zone development, should be reassured going forward that Mills tax revenue will only be used for development in the same boundaries, and not to be redirected to unauthorized, potentially unauthorized uses like developing the Winthrop School site, etc., which is outside the former downtown business zone. If the HTC decides to post-hoc expand its jurisdiction from what was commonly publicly understood to be a jurisdiction, legally all revenue already appropriated could theoretically be clawed back by town voters who had a reasonable understanding of the FTC's operating area boundaries. Limits. I asked that the select board in HTC move at some point too soon to clarify the FTC's mission and amend the contradictory existing charter. Should the HTC not be dissolved? And I understand that is the intent of HTC members and board members to clarify the language in the charter, possibly, and also its mission, and define the boundaries of the HTC zone. So it would be good for voters to know what the limits are, and that'd be great. Thank you.

00:06:44,170	S2:
Okay.

00:06:50,470	S2:
Any other public comments.

00:06:55,970	S1:
Don't push it to the agenda. In the end, it doesn't matter.

00:07:01,199	S2:
It doesn't matter. Um. We'll do we'll hit the hit the agenda items as well later after the agenda item. But you can certainly come up now to speak to it.

00:07:11,699	S1:
Expense down the road.

Yes. 00:07:19,600	S1:
Put that down. Thank you.

00:07:22,170	S7:
And I'm Sandra Fisher Greenberg Road. And I also I just want to thank you ahead of time for the ability to have public comment. Appreciate it very much. I'd just like to speak about the 911 option for regionalization. I would really love to see it kept locally. Um, I understand that, uh, there's a desire to save money, but I think that the $80 or so. Per person, per year that it will cost to retain is well worth the personal touch. I did a Citizen's Police Academy a couple of years ago, and was very impressed of how well the dispatchers know the people of the town. Sometimes they're frequent flyers with health issues and different things like that. They know them. And actually, probably 20 years ago, maybe it was more. Um, uh, there was a fire in my neighbor's house, which my daughter saw the smoke and came and said, mommy, the smoke coming out of the roof, not out of the chimney. Um, I called 911. The dispatcher in Hamilton knew that they were. The firefighters were doing an exercise right down the street. They came immediately and they put out the fire. They were there within a couple of minutes that I'm convinced that would not have happened if it was regional, because they wouldn't have known about that and it would have gone phone call to phone call to phone call, and the house probably would have been lost. So anyway, I really would encourage you to, um, well, keep spending the money to keep it close by. Keep it local. Keep it personal. Anyway, thank you very much.

00:09:10,169	S1:
Thank you.

00:09:15,970	S2:
Any other comments?

00:09:20,870	S2:
Okay, we'll move on then. Seeing none the consent agenda, I see the approval of a book sale banner and a sign board use for the digital sign, I assume. I believe that's running the event is September 19th through 23rd. I'm not sure the dates if we have them Joe off here, but there's that and a couple of sets of minutes, one for August 13th, 2025 and another for August 18th, 2025.

00:09:50,330	S2:
Would anyone like to remove or speak of anything on the consent agenda? If not, I'll entertain a motion.

00:09:56,200	S1:
I know that we accept the consent agenda as listed.

00:10:01,000	S2:
Was there a second?

00:10:01,970	S5:
Second.

00:10:02,799	S2:
Second. By then we'll do a roll call vote starting with you, Tom Myers.

00:10:09,399	S3:
Tom Myers.

Yes. 00:10:11,169	S2:
Ben.

00:10:12,000	S5:
Ben. Glazer.

Yes. 00:10:13,169	S2:
Rosemary.

00:10:14,169	S1:
Rosie. Kennedy I.

00:10:15,929	S2:
Bill Wilson I. Okay. That is unanimously approved. All right. My favorite part of the agenda is we have department reports this evening. I think we'll start with Police Chief Edward Guy. And he's going to provide a report on parking plan for the school district election on September the 15th, 2025.

00:10:37,669	S4:
Yes. Thank you very.

00:10:38,570	S8:
Much. Good evening to everybody. Edward guy, I'm the police chief of the Hamilton Police Department. And, um, so I'm here to talk about the Monday, September 15th election for the school vote, uh, which will be here, um, here at the Hamilton Rec Center. I have, uh, Officer Jake Santarelli, um, with me today. And the reason for that is because I just want to let everybody know when it comes to any type of special events that are happening in town. Uh, we take those very seriously. We we have a plan that we put together. We look at things such as, uh, traffic, such as parking, um, event patrons at different types of events that are going on to ensure that we have, uh, the requisite, uh, personnel resources. Um, you know, working with the DPW, working with the fire department to make sure that we have a good plan in place. And then that way we can make sure that everything is taking care of any contingencies or anything like that. And he does a great job. He was doing that under Chief Stevens, and he's going to continue doing that under my command. And so he's done. He's done a great job with several events that since I've been here already. So what we are doing that day as far as personnel wise. So we're going to have two officers for the vast majority of the time it's going to be from noontime to eight. For those who might not realize that it's not typical voting hours, it is going to be condensed. So there's a concern, obviously, for the amount of people that are going to be showing up during that time. Library is going to be open, and then we have to have concerns about people with handicap parking and things of that nature. So we will have a third officer, an additional officer come on at 4:00. So two of those officers will be outside the exterior, handling, parking, any type of traffic. If people are just getting dropped off, they'll be able to manage the inflow of traffic. The ingress and egress of traffic. Um, handicapped parking spaces. We will be adding some. So there's only two out there, I believe, right now. So we'll add probably another four or so just to make sure that we do have enough. Uh, in the in the past. Voters have parked across the street in Pingree Park. Um, speaking to, uh, Sean Timmons, there is a concern about some afternoon type of activities over there, but they'll be there will be hopefully some parking over there that they'll be able to do to have over there, uh, if necessary, side streets such as Lorenzo Ave, Margery Street and also Union Street will be utilized for overflow parking as well. Uh, access road to the rec center will be for pedestrian traffic. Uh, town clerk, staff and emergency vehicles only. The gate will be closed throughout the day. Also, like I said, the library will be open during that time. But the two, like I said, the two officers that are going to be outside, they'll be assisting with traffic, making sure that everybody is able to get around safely, park safely, and if there's any questions or any concerns, they'll be able to address those as needed. That's it. Any questions?

00:13:59,600	S2:
Any questions from the board? Welcome, Tom.

00:14:03,029	S8:
Thank you.

00:14:03,370	S2:
Very much. I appreciate the update. Thank you.

00:14:09,100	S2:
Also see, we have another department report from Recreation Director Sean Timmons to provide an update on summer programs and a look ahead for the fall. Sean. And he's on zoom.

Okay. 00:14:22,100	S6:
Yep.

00:14:22,269	S4:
I'm on.

00:14:22,629	S6:
Zoom. Can you guys hear me? Okay.

00:14:24,169	S1:
Yes.

00:14:26,429	S5:
Yes.

00:14:26,970	S2:
Yes, yes.

00:14:27,769	S6:
Good. Okay.

Perfect. 00:14:28,769	S4:
All right. Good evening.

00:14:29,799	S6:
Everyone.

00:14:30,200	S4:
So, Sean Timmons.

00:14:31,269	S6:
Hamilton Windham recreation.

00:14:32,370	S4:
Director. So do you want to just.

00:14:35,230	S9:
I know you guys have a lengthy agenda, so. But I do want to, you know, hit on a few things from this past summer, uh, as well as talk about some of the things that we have on the horizon here coming up, as well as, um, a few different projects that we've either just recently completed, uh, or in the process of hopefully getting to, uh, to completion here coming up. So, um, obviously this summer is one of our busiest times. Um, we run, as everyone knows, our Patent Park summer park program. Um, so this year, like, uh, like most summers, uh, we averaged over 200 kids per day. Um, and we were also able to employ, uh, about 51, uh, seasonal employees as well as part of that program. So, again, um, you know, I think each year has its own challenges, uh, and variables, uh, this particular summer, the heat was one. So I think our first week, our first three days was in the middle of a heat wave. Um, you know, when we when we opened the summer. But, um, you know, I think overall, the program, uh, ran well, ran smoothly. Uh, and, you know, obviously with I think we had three heat waves actually, this summer. Um, you know, I think, you know, keeping the kids cool, keeping the kids hydrated. Um, you know, really was kind of first and foremost in our minds this summer. But again, you know, I think another successful summer, um, you know, we're looking forward. You know, believe it or not, we'll probably be starting planning for the next, uh, camp season coming up here, uh, after the new year as well. So, um, so that's kind of a just a quick recap. Recap on the camp program. The pool again. Um, you know, just as I mentioned with, uh, with the heat at the camp, obviously, I think we had our busiest three day stretch or four day stretch that I've been involved with at the pool, or the history of this new pool, at least kind of right off the bat at the beginning of the summer. Um, you know, right around that June 10th holiday, um, with another heat wave, I think we had close to, like 500 or 600 patrons, uh, in a three day period. Of course, at the start of the season, we're doing a lot of deep end swim tests because it was, you know, a lot of the the patrons first times at the pool. So, um, again, we employed about 30 to 32 staff members at the pool, uh, season employees a lot. Um, you know, a local, um, you know, local high school students, local college students. So again, really, you know, happy with the way that the pool operations went this year? Just a couple of highlights on the pool. We did add an additional free senior swim time on Wednesday mornings, as well as the ones that we've run on Saturday mornings and Sunday evenings, where we had three, uh, free senior swim times this summer we were able to reinstitute our swim lesson program. So last year we were unable to to operate swim lessons, mostly due to due to staff and and their, I guess, ability to teach swim lessons. Right? We don't want to just offer swim lessons just to offer them. We want to make sure that our staff are trained and comfortable in teaching them. We were able to hire enough staff this year that that sort of fit that bill. So we were able to reinstitute our Saturday morning swim lessons. Um, hurricane swim team again three years in a row, went undefeated and also won the all star meet again this year came in first place. So we have close to 80 kids on our swim team again. Um, so really proud of those those kiddos that work, you know, extremely hard during the summer. I don't know if anyone was able to see it, but we also had a nice article in the Hamilton Windham News, uh, about the hurricane swim team Towards the end of the summer. So that was really great to, you know, for the kids to see. A lot of them were quoted. So it was really nice to see them, um, you know, be recognized in that sort of fashion. So, um, that was a really great season again. Um, we were fortunate enough this year again to stay open until Labor Day. Um, so, uh, you know, not a lot of, uh, community or municipal pools, um, are able to do that. So, again, you know, we were fortunate enough this year to to open through Labor Day. So we did have a lot of the same, uh, staff working that last week. Um, you know, like I said, we started at about 32 staff. I think that last week we were down to 5 or 6 staff that were, you know, available to work. But they worked a lot of staff work. You know, 5 or 6 days in a row to make sure that we were open, uh, through Labor Day. So again, I'd say, generally speaking, uh, you know, we had a busy season down there. Uh, certainly, as I mentioned before, with the camp, with the heat waves. Um, you know, I think the pool offered a good, um, option for folks to, to come down to, to cool off. Um, so, again, you know, a successful summer, it's obviously a busy time, uh, you know, a hectic time for us all. Uh, but I think, you know, overall, the summer was a success. Um, our fall programs, a lot have either already started or have are starting this week. Um, a couple of the different things that we're doing this year is we're working with the Hamilton's, uh, CoA on a grandparent day program, which is going to be a week from today over at the Council on Aging. Uh, so we're excited about that. So we're going to look to do a little more push, um, promotional wise on that this week in conjunction with the CoA. Uh, but we already do have, you know, folks can register through our department for that or also register at the CoA directly. So we're looking forward to that. Uh, next Monday we are going to be we'll start seeing more information about Pumpkin Fest again. So Pumpkin Fest is, as always, will be the last Saturday in October. Again, we'll do pumpkin carving, we'll have music games. And we've the last three years we've been able to run a successful trunk or treat. So we'll be bringing that back again this fall over there for the pumpkin fest. So again you know more to come on that. But you know hopefully we'll have good weather for that. We've been lucky again the last 3 or 4 years and it's always pretty well attended. Uh, a couple of the projects that we have that are either ongoing or have just finished up. Um, as we do each year, we just re screened and refurbished our gym floor. Um, so we did that last Thursday, so we have to take the weekend off. But, uh, the gym was available today. Uh, for a handful of our programs. So it came out great and it's just a lot of preventative maintenance, maintenance type of things that we do. But we do it each year right around this time. Um, so we're able to get that knocked off on Thursday. Uh, the HVAC, the capital HVAC replacement at the rec center. Uh, the HVAC units are currently on the roof right now. Uh, we're waiting on one part on the controls. Uh, but we're hopeful that we'll have those up and running really soon. Uh, that project did come in under budget, so we were, you know, excited with the bid prices that we got back on that project. Uh, we replaced both units. So we have two brand new units on the roof now. Uh, and you know how that works as one unit will run while the other unit rests and they switch back and forth. So, um, we're hoping for, uh, no issues with the heat in the rec center gym this winter. Um, so we're excited that that project kind of was able to finish up over this past week. Really, to be honest with you, um, the last project that we have ongoing is the Patent Park Master plan. Um, so, as you may remember, the three main kind of, uh, items that we focused on or that we were focused on, on as part of the first phase of the master plan was, uh, the drainage, uh, as well as accessibility throughout the park, as well as work to refurbish the gazebo. So all three of those different items, we've gotten the draft plan back, the draft schematic drawings. We just got the last one today. Um, so we're going to be setting up the time with the architects to review, uh, and go over all three of those phases and sort of tie it into a, you know, hopefully, which will be, uh, you know, a project coming up, but, you know, more to come on that. But just so you know, we've gotten through sort of the draft phase and we're back now we're starting kind of the review of that, coming up. And last but not least for me, for our end of the high school athletic facility or our departments and obviously the facility. Once school started was up and operational. This past weekend, we had our first youth games at that at that facility. So our youth teams have access to that facility Saturday late mornings, through the afternoons, into the evenings, as well as all day on Sunday. So this past Sunday, even with the weather, our youth football team, the tackle youth football team was able to have their first home game, quote unquote home game in about, I think 3 or 4 seasons. So they were really excited about that. We did have to cancel our youth field hockey games there on Sunday, but our youth field hockey program will be there, uh, this upcoming Sunday. Uh, we'll also, uh, the following Saturday. Our fall baseball and our fall softball will also be using the facility. Like I said next Saturday. So excited to see everybody, the high school athletes, but as well as our younger athletes in town, being able to use that facility with hopefully, you know, more uses to come. Um, so that's sort of it in a nutshell for me. I don't know if anyone had any questions on any specific item or, you know, any item at all.

00:24:43,430	S1:
Couple of comments.

00:24:44,500	S2:
Yeah. Go ahead. That was right.

00:24:46,099	S1:
Hi, Sean. Rosie here. Hi. I just have a couple of comments. Um, first of all, thank you for the senior swim, um, expansion. I think it's great that the seniors get to use the pool a bit more. Um, I also noticed that there has been was a lap swim for adults on Sunday mornings, and I have two friends who are triathletes, and they took advantage of that. And so I wanted to thank you for that opportunity as well.

00:25:17,470	S6:
Yeah.

00:25:17,670	S9:
No, I met them down. I know exactly what you're talking about because we met them and they were there religiously on those Sundays.

Yes. 00:25:24,730	S1:
Yes. So so that was a really good thing. And it increases sort of intergenerational participation, which I know that many of our residents, all of our residents appreciate. And also kudos for Grandparents Day. Thank you. And then one other, just a quick little comment about the pool area and the littlest peanuts. I thought the most adorable things that I saw this summer during the heat waves were the bubble pool and the dinosaur shower. Oh my gosh, they were so cute! So thank you for for that.

00:26:01,799	S2:
Excellent update Shauna. We have such great programs here in our community, whether it's for youth Use right through our seniors. So that was very exciting to hear about the camp program. Um, exceptional. Did you? Sorry if I missed it. Did you mention how many campers were in the program this year?

00:26:19,230	S9:
So I don't have the number? I wasn't able to, uh, to get the total number, but it was just because we have to do week to week numbers to know how many. You know, how many kids are there each week? Um, you know, we averaged between 210 to 220 each week, but I'm not sure I can get the number, but I'm not sure how many total or how many different, uh, children, uh, took advantage of it, of course, like, you know, one child can go eight weeks or one child can go five weeks, but I don't have the exact number on how many different children went this summer.

00:26:54,130	S2:
Yeah, really, what I was looking for was, uh, how many attend weekly? What? You answered. So I appreciate that. No need to follow up. I guess where I'm going is from a capacity perspective. Is that the right number? Should it have been less? Could it have been more? You know, any thoughts of of the number for next year and how we go through the registration process. And it was sold out pretty quickly if my memory serves me correctly. But any thoughts from going through this year on changes or the same thing size of the groups for next year?

00:27:25,799	S4:
Yeah. So I mean, it's.

00:27:26,700	S9:
Something that we, we look at each and every year. And to be honest with you, it's the thing that I struggle with the most. Um, you know, obviously we want to be in a position where we're trying to have as many kids as possible in the camp. Um, but I do think from a capacity standpoint, from a group size standpoint and just logistics around the park, uh, as well as the pool area and the different things that we probably I think we have, I think our largest week, uh, was like 223. Um, and That I, you know, to be honest, we were probably pushing it a little bit with that. But I do think the 210 to 220 range is probably, you know, that's the range where I think that we can be safe and we can, you know, make sure that our group sizes are correct as well as allowing the most kids in possible. Um, so I would say and then of course staffing as well. But I would say, you know, over these past three years, it's the thing that we struggle with the most. But like 210 to to 20 is probably, you know, a decent number for us to shoot for.

00:28:43,769	S2:
Yeah. That sounds about right. Great. And you mentioned the youth football teams and baseball and others are utilizing the new facility up on ice. Well, that's awesome to hear. You know, I was fortunate to attend the first home game under the lights Friday evening. Super exciting. Well done, well laid out. It's a beautiful facility, so I'm glad to hear. You know, a wide span of people in the, in the community get to utilize and take advantage of that, uh, that beautiful, uh, athletic facility. Is there any date on the rescheduling of the ceremony? I'm looking for nothing. Okay.

Um. 00:29:18,130	S9:
Not that I know of.

No. 00:29:19,670	S2:
That's all I had for, uh, Sean. Anybody else?

00:29:22,369	S5:
Nothing for me, though. Thank you. Sean. Excellent update. Good work.

00:29:26,569	S9:
All right. Thanks, everyone.

00:29:29,299	S2:
All right, we'll move on to our agenda items. I see the first item is the approval of proposed updates to our EV charging fees. Yes. We have three stations, one behind town hall to a car park. I believe we're said to have a fee structure that covers our operating costs. It looks at a glance at the schedule that we have that what's our work tonight? Um, just.

00:29:53,470	S4:
So you have a.

00:29:54,000	S10:
Memo from, um, Vicki Mazzoni, our energy manager, and, um. We had some changes to what we what we get charged by National Grid for the electricity that we're using there. We have costs associated with a maintenance contract that we have to make sure the stations are ready. So she has proposed an update to the fees based on all those factors and wanting to cover our operational maintenance costs. The goal isn't to make money on it though. Currently, the the station behind Town Hall isn't used because the grounds are under construction. So we really are for part of the year at least, going to only be collecting the the two stations at the park. So until you pass these, we have to stay with the old rates. And as you can see from the tables that you provided in the memo, those won't those old rates won't cover all the costs. So, um, we'd ask you if we had it on the agenda last meeting. We paused it to vote this this month hopefully that you guys have your questions answered. Vicki was not able to join tonight. She had another commitment. As you know, she's only part time, so, um.

00:31:04,099	S2:
So it looks like, as you mentioned, it's a per kilowatt hour, um, fee. Correct. And we're getting in line with the new rates at National Grid are charging us. On top of that, there's a parking fee. Is that.

00:31:16,369	S10:
So? Each car gets charged, uh, per car for per hour that they're there. And, uh, and then the amount of electricity that they use. So. Okay.

Um. 00:31:29,200	S2:
Just curious, do we track is it same vehicles? Mostly.

00:31:33,670	S5:
I don't think we we.

00:31:34,569	S10:
Don't we.

00:31:35,000	S5:
Don't track that.

00:31:36,099	S2:
Just curious. Any questions or discussion on the rate changes for the EV charging stations?

00:31:45,029	S1:
Well, I think just my only question is, ah, I, I didn't do this math out myself. I'm going to guess. Joe, you have it. What's the difference? Um, for this past year, the difference in between what our revenue was and what our costs were. So what was our net? I guess is what my question.

00:32:07,029	S10:
So, um, you know, we what we were, what we were able to say, this is our first year, um, with, with the fees. So we were able to show you that we took in a combined, you know, 30, $30,000, $31,000 in the first year. And that was based on the old electricity results. So Vicki felt like we pretty much covered our costs last year. But the change in rates is going to be going to be an issue for us going forward. Um, as well as you know, we're already in the FY 26, so we're still charging the old rates, uh, about two, 2 to 4 months into the new fiscal year. So, um, where she's projected out what she expects the cost to be. Um, she's expecting a cost for FY 26 of to the town of $46,229.

00:32:51,670	S1:
46,000.

00:32:52,769	S10:
And then the fees if had if were in place for the entire year, would have potentially raised 58,000 if based on the same usage. But it's not exactly. It really depends on usage. Usage goes up or down. We'll make more or less based on that, but the rate is the rate, not the. Each car gets changed the charge same amount for parking in the space, but the rate for the use of electricity is the same and it's fixed to the. It's a fix to the actual rate that we're getting charged by National Grid with a little bit to cover the O&M costs, okay.

00:33:21,500	S1:
And so on. And also, just out of curiosity, the the, uh, EV chargers at the, uh, tennis court seem to be utilized quite heavily. And I'm just wondering, um, and I noticed that we have a parking fee for them now in this proposed new fee structure, but, um, do they need to move along once they've charged, or can they?

00:33:44,269	S10:
Well, I believe the fee structure is per hour, so it behooves them once the current vehicles charge, to move the car, because otherwise they're paying for parking. And normally they wouldn't pay for parking if they just pulled across from where they're charging. They could park for free because we don't have parking fees in the parking lot. So, um, I think it's more incentive than anything else. Most, most folks want to get their car back just once it's able to be used.

So. 00:34:06,369	S1:
Okay. Thank you.

00:34:08,400	S2:
Are there hours of operation or is it.

00:34:10,230	S5:
20 to 20%?

00:34:11,570	S1:
I remember seeing them there at 5 a.m..

00:34:14,230	S2:
Yeah, I would imagine.

00:34:15,530	S1:
Yeah.

00:34:18,130	S2:
Any other thoughts? And, um, I believe Mister Olson has joined us online and is in transit here. Not sure if he has a comment as well.

00:34:30,769	S9:
Obviously.

00:34:31,469	S11:
I'll be there shortly.

00:34:33,730	S1:
What was that?

00:34:35,099	S10:
I think he said no. He's just listening right now.

00:34:36,929	S5:
Okay. Is it the one thing that jumped out to me was the projections of this year for fiscal year 26, O&M costs

00:34:49,400	S5:
of 46,000.

00:34:53,429	S5:
So that's the total projection for this year. Is that right?

00:34:56,570	S10:
It's a total projection for the current fiscal year, FY 26. It started for July 1st. It's going to be based on past years usage. Unfortunately we don't have a deep history to call from, so we have to just go by the most recent year. The longer we are operating, the more we'll be able to average it out and predict the better than a better projection.

00:35:16,969	S5:
If people were able to park at them and use them fully based on past years down at the bottom of the table, the projection would then be 58,000, right? 615. So there's a $12,000 difference there. But that kind of just trying to understand the distance between those two numbers. What happens to the money?

00:35:36,469	S10:
If the money would the money would fall to the general fund if there is money. But that's a that's really it's a projection. It's not real money. Right. So the only actual cost that we absolutely know that we have to pay for the maintenance contract, with track for the two stations and the warranties and the networking fees.

00:35:54,130	S5:
So those are all the fixed costs.

00:35:56,469	S10:
Those are all the fixed costs at the top. Then the other costs are all related to the amount of electricity usage. So if we base everything based on last year, you get to that bottom line dollar. But the important thing is we need to cover the 13 for 78, because that's what we know we're going to pay. Well, even if nobody plugs into it all right.

00:36:15,730	S5:
And we expect it sounds like that maybe the amount that we dispense is going to be lower than this.

00:36:24,000	S10:
And potentially the amount that we collect. It really depends on usage. So, you know, a year ago we would have probably said that EV car usage is on the upswing, and we may want to look to put in more charging stations and the current environment. I don't know if that's true anymore. We may get less usage. Some people I've talked to anecdotally, it's not scientific data, but talk to some people who've gotten rid of their EVs and gone back to gas cars. So I don't know. We can't predict. We can only based on the information we've had. The most recent information suggested that number of hours. So we're trying to base it off of that.

00:36:55,099	S5:
Okay. So any access goes into the general fund, any shortfall comes out of comes out of the general fund. General fund as well.

Okay. 00:37:07,099	S2:
And I believe there are two charging stations at the middle school. These in line and they're public access I believe. Are they in general. Are they in line with the fee structure?

00:37:16,199	S10:
I don't know, they're owned and operated by the middle school or by the school district, and they're there. I would imagine that their fees would be based on what their contracts require and what they're paying for electricity. So, you know, the district has different contracts for provisional electricity. They have different contracts for they'll they'll have different contracts for the warranties and maintenance contracts. So I imagine they would base but I, I didn't consult with the school on their fees.

00:37:43,929	S2:
He's not, that's fine. Um, yeah. Like Ben said. I mean, the delta in between. I understand it's just a forecast and we don't know. Um, you know, I'm sure we looked at Vicky, looked at, you know, minimizing the increase. Like you said, it's not a revenue, uh, a revenue source, but it's covering costs. So and we would look at this annually and we adjusted whether either up or down to opportunity. Yes. And I'll cry.

Right. 00:38:08,400	S4:
Okay.

00:38:10,800	S2:
All right. Any other further questions or are we ready to take a vote on the new fee structure?

00:38:20,570	S2:
Yes. Okay. I'll entertain a motion.

00:38:22,530	S1:
Then I move that we accept the fee structure for the town owned charging stations.

00:38:32,429	S4:
Second.

00:38:34,469	S2:
Um. I guess we'll still take a roll call with Mr. Olsen online. So, Bill, I'll start with you.

00:38:42,400	S5:
I oils and I.

00:38:44,099	S2:
That's a that's an I from Bill Olsen. Um Ben.

00:38:47,769	S5:
Ben a I.

00:38:48,800	S2:
Tom.

00:38:49,469	S10:
Tom.

00:38:49,769	S3:
Meyers I.

00:38:50,699	S1:
Rosie Rosie Kennedy I.

00:38:52,500	S2:
And Bill Wilson I so the fee structure is voted and approved unanimously. Thank you, thank you.

00:39:03,670	S2:
Okay. Next is further discussion on the North Shore 901 decision and possible vote this evening to join the regional call center. So as most everyone is aware, you know, we've been reviewing this now for I don't know when does you bring us the feasibility study?

00:39:23,230	S10:
The feasibility came to the select board in June. I think the first meeting we discussed, it was at the beginning of July.

00:39:28,300	S2:
So we've had the opportunity of going through the feasibility studies. We've gotten a lot of recommendations from other communities. We've had a lot of good feedback and comments for from folks who have come into meetings. I have personally talked to a lot of people involved. And just to further educate myself, myself on pros and cons. Um, so with that, is there any right now we do know this, right? The current budget of the facility is around 625,000 or so.

00:39:55,670	S10:
650.

00:39:56,630	S2:
Yeah. And that's currently for full four full time personnel in two part time.

00:40:01,570	S10:
And and all the other operating costs associated with equipment.

Okay. 00:40:06,070	S2:
I heard mentioned earlier down to a per person, which probably is right on a per person. But we we actually tax at a taxable parcel. I think that would come up to a much different number. But honestly I don't look at it's a big part of it, don't get me wrong, but I look at it as the sustainability of a program, which is not only the cost, but keeping up with technology and the ability to provide, you know, the best service we possibly can for our citizens. Um, so I'd like to weigh that into my discussion as well. And I don't want people just to think it's all $80 We're saving per person, or it's probably more like 250 per parcel. But even that, I think would be worth paying. It's can we sustain and staff, because it's my understanding in these discussions that, you know, to properly staff this would have two people on, you know, all the time. So essentially we'd have to double our staffing or, or largely increase it. So you'd be looking at I would, I would say if we were to keep this here and vote to do that, I would actually recommend to relook at the staffing situation for the call center. I'm not sure how you manage or person A 24 over seven operation with a few people. Um, some is did I also hear that there's been there's some additional attrition going on in the group or we had full staff still are we?

00:41:20,699	S10:
We have a member of the staff that's leaving to take a position with another community.

00:41:24,400	S2:
And, and do you even have a plan to kind of cover night out of the period. Right. And so it's just a yeah, sounds to me like it's a difficult chat.

00:41:33,369	S10:
And I think most of the seven years I've been here that we've been in some state of trying to hire people to. To keep it safe. So we got.

00:41:40,030	S1:
How can.

00:41:41,730	S2:
I so. Oh, well. So is that better if I pull that closer?

00:41:47,030	S10:
Oh.

00:41:50,000	S12:
That's great.

00:41:52,630	S2:
Hey, John. Any better?

00:41:53,599	S5:
John, are you able to hear us online?

00:41:57,230	S4:
Yeah.

00:41:57,469	S9:
How are you doing?

00:41:57,969	S4:
Ben?

00:41:58,630	S1:
There we are. Those likes.

00:41:59,630	S12:
Are. Can we.

00:42:00,929	S2:
Uh, anybody.

00:42:01,730	S5:
Like our speakers went kind of down again. They were. We had them turned up, and now they're in the room.

00:42:07,170	S10:
Yeah, well, I think the concern is feedback with the zoom loop.

00:42:10,769	S5:
So we can hear you fine.

00:42:12,400	S9:
On on.

00:42:13,269	S5:
Online.

Right. 00:42:16,429	S1:
Yeah. Especially in the back.

00:42:18,769	S5:
Okay.

00:42:19,929	S2:
And this doesn't help either.

Right. 00:42:21,829	S10:
Because if they could have this app, it'll create.

00:42:23,829	S5:
Oh, we just have to speak up.

00:42:25,030	S2:
Okay. Um, and there's room up front if those people want to move up. Uh, I welcome that this seat right here. Um, So I'd like to open it for discussion. Actually, first of all, you know, are we on a clock of some sort not to manage by a clock or a calendar, but the feasibility study, does that have a lifespan? Is there a certain date?

00:42:46,869	S10:
Yes or no? It has a lifespan. It originally came to us and we had 90 days a after your meeting in August, when you said that you wanted to wait until September to vote. We contacted 911 and they said that that would be fine. They didn't create a new clock, but the longer this goes, the more that they would want to do another feasibility study before they could extend the offer much longer. So they understood that based on what the chair had said after the last meeting, that this would likely be voted tonight and they were fine with that. I don't know how much longer they'll be fine before they'll want to do another feasibility study all over again.

00:43:21,000	S2:
So I thought the chair had mentioned to me September 23rd being a critical date. What is that date?

00:43:26,269	S10:
It would be 120 days from the issue of the.

00:43:30,030	S2:
Okay. Um, okay. So let's just kind of go around the table, uh, and, uh, get some discussion. Any other questions can be asked. Um, and just further debate the topic before we make a decision. I think we still will make that decision wherever we vote. I know Bill Olson will be here in a few minutes, too. I'd like to make sure a vote of this, uh, consequence, you know, is, you know, fully discussed by the entire board. So I want to hear from Bill as well. So any other we can go down the line or anybody just want to, like, you know, make any comments on their thoughts. Pros and cons of doing it. Um, or open questions they might have.

Okay. 00:44:17,130	S5:
I'll wait.

00:44:17,829	S2:
Oh, I thought you were just trying.

00:44:20,670	S5:
Okay.

00:44:24,269	S3:
No, I don't have any specific questions. I am curious if there's anyone here that's going to. I know we have a public comment designation for this one. So I am curious if there is anyone that's willing to speak. I certainly would like to hear that. I too have spoken with people, um, you know, on both sides of the issue. And I know that what I'm seeing is there's some preference from people to keep it local. Um, I also know that there are people that, you know, look at our, you know, budget and look at look at us as a board to find cost saving measures. And while there's, you know, some talk about whether this is, you know, a massive savings for the, the town and it's, you know, it's not, you know, a going to make a massive difference in probably someone's budget. But it is, you know, a couple hundred dollars on the average tax bill a year. Um, so I think what I look at in this situation is are we going to get the same or better services at a better price? Right. And you know, everything that I've seen from the feasibility study from, um, you know, from, you know, hearing from the, um, you know, looking through the, the study is that, you know, they, you know, there is technology that can pinpoint where folks are. And I know that was a big concern from, from people about whether moving to regional would, you know, um, delay the response time. And I haven't seen anything that points to that. But I am curious to hear from folks that are involved in dispatch and involved in this area to get more feedback. Um, but but ultimately, that's what I'm looking for. I'm looking at do can we do something? Can we have cost savings and still get equal level of services or better services? So, um, again, I'd be curious. You know, I know there's a lot of folks in the room today if anyone's willing to, you know, provide comment. I think that would be helpful.

00:46:14,469	S10:
Okay.

00:46:14,829	S2:
I would agree.

Rosemary. 00:46:18,570	S1:
So, yeah, I looked through this feasibility study again, and I have probably more questions stand anything. But the first thing I noticed was that the original 911 takes about 92,000 calls a year from seven towns total, and in Hamilton we take annually all calls, all contacts, 18,200, which is pretty significant. Um, the, um, I, I believe the essence of this initiative was to see what we could regionalized to, to save money. But I think going along with that, my question is, have there been problems with the nine our, our local 911 call center? Um, I myself, um, personally have not heard about any problems with our local service. Um, I think there are lots of things that it provides to the residents of this town that would not be duplicated by the regional 911 call center. That's a concern to me as a very sort of locally oriented person. And so I guess the first question is, is meeting our needs? And was this just to save money? And I wonder, do the two coincide? Um, we cannot rely on the current three fee structure. Um, after 2028. And I think there are concerns that if the state, um, becomes the, uh, uh, managing person in this regional 911 center, that it could be, um, farmed out to a private company, and then we wouldn't be able to control the costs. Like we can control our costs now. Um, and I also noticed that the chair does not want to fully integrate with regional 911, but maintain some services here. So it seems like there is a concerted effort to maintain the service that we have in the best interest of the citizens of this town. I know that people some people complain about calls and walk ins for sort of town problem solving issues, but isn't that what a small town is about? Knowing that you can go somewhere and get answers and have your problems solved? I know that I've done it myself. I think that it's very helpful, reassuring to our residents to be able to have that available. Um, and So I know that we have one person right now for shift that handles all the 911, the administrative calls of dispatch and the ancillary duties. And is that meeting our needs? And if it is, why go regional when we will have much less control? If it's not meeting our needs, then let's talk about it. Is there a way that it could meet our local needs without necessarily giving up control and going to the regional? On the other hand, I've heard I've read letters from surrounding communities that have been happy with the service. So that's the other side of the argument. So it's definitely a conundrum for, for me. Um, and so my feeling is we should really discuss this more because honestly, I've not heard from any residents who think it's a swell idea to rationalize. I've heard from people who really, 99% believe that we should keep local because it's in keeping with our small town. It provides services that are needed and appreciated, and it does not break the bank to do that.

00:50:39,429	S2:
That was a lot. Thank you. Did you catch some of that? Any response from kind of how we looked at it? I think a couple things. One, how it's funded and the risk of, you know, one year from now getting a big bill if it's privatized, is there have been any discussions, even within the state on on looking to privatize the program and my understanding. You know, it's pretty it's paid for by fees on your cell phone bills. And my understanding those will be there forever if you're not growing. So I'm unaware of any funding risk, but I couldn't rule it out. But do you have anything to add on the funding or in discussions of potentially. Yeah, we could absorb it now. But if things. Special needs or technology needs down the road, that funding source could dry up.

00:51:26,030	S10:
Know mostly what the what's been expressed to me is that the funding source is through a legislative direction through 2028, and there's questions about whether about whether this the legislature will renew it at a current rate or change the rate. Um, I haven't heard ties. I haven't heard of anybody. Nobody's told me privatization. I when you mentioned it was the first time I've heard it. Um, so nobody at the state said anything about privatization, in fact.

00:51:51,000	S1:
Just out there as a potential.

00:51:54,300	S10:
Um, so, you know, the funding service funding stream seems solid. The legislature typically renews these things once they have them in place. They don't normally, but anything's possible. And so there doesn't seem from even from our partner communities around us that are all in it, there doesn't seem to be a lot of concern from them on their part that this funding stream is going to go away. It's, uh, Massachusetts. It's a funding stream that the legislature put in place, and they don't expect it to leave, so.

00:52:23,530	S2:
Yeah, that's my understanding. I haven't heard the privatize, but I'll look into that as well. Um, another interesting point Rosie brought up was about, um, the fin com. Um, I know, I don't know if John's on. Hey, John, do you want to comment on the discussions that were had within the fin com and, and recommendations on next steps?

00:52:44,329	S10:
Yeah.

00:52:44,570	S4:
Hi, Bill. Thanks. Um, yeah, we did discuss it. Um, and our recommendation is to move forward with the proposal. But, uh, as Rosie mentioned, um, we thought at least.

00:53:02,300	S9:
In year.

00:53:02,769	S4:
One, we should attempt to blunt any kind of, um.

00:53:09,670	S9:
Negative.

00:53:11,369	S4:
Uh, Service by retaining some.

00:53:14,969	S9:
Kind.

00:53:15,369	S4:
Of staffing, um, in the town. So, for example, if the savings was $650,000.

00:53:24,829	S9:
Um.

00:53:26,000	S4:
Let's not go after 100% of it, but let's, um, let's let the program roll out. Um, but attempt to continue to deliver some personalized service. Um, at least in the first year. So the way I look.

00:53:42,199	S9:
At.

00:53:42,369	S4:
This is put a three year plan together. Um, and try to maintain, uh, the service level either at or above where it is today. At the end of three years, you know, you can always reinstate the program if if the state program goes south. So I think we owe it to the taxpayers to, um, pursue This doesn't mean that five years from now, we're still in the program. So, um, I just think we need to, um, give it a shot, maybe think outside the box a little bit. But let's strive to maintain, um, a real, uh, solid service level and not let that slip through our fingers. So, uh, that's what we discussed. Um, and we think we should sign up and monitor the program really closely and go forward with it.

00:54:47,670	S2:
All right. So I know that was a little bit hard to hear. I think, um, what the comp does recommend, you know, moving into the facility, I think the partial thing, from what I just heard was more a phased approach where you would take year one and leave some money in your operating budget, you know, provide some additional services and have that phase out, you know, as we see the transition take place and we. And we make sure that we don't have any gaps in service and to make sure we provide always at level or better services, regardless of what the decision is. And that's what I just heard, you know, from John in that point.

00:55:26,769	S5:
Can we clarify that point though on like phased out because I think, yeah, what what we're hearing the dialogue as well though, is that people really value having a presence here. And I know in the previous meeting as well, there was some discussion of, well, maybe, maybe it's two FTEs for the first year and then it phases down to one FTE to maintain up a presence. It sounded like that. That was something that was under consideration as well, to continue to maintain it as opposed to going to zero. So I just wanted to wonder what that could look like.

00:56:02,000	S10:
So this is coming out. So our.

00:56:04,329	S4:
Vote.

00:56:04,699	S2:
Tonight would be.

00:56:05,369	S4:
To decide.

00:56:05,829	S10:
To go regional.

00:56:06,599	S4:
It's not the transition plan.

00:56:09,000	S2:
That's a different.

00:56:09,599	S4:
Discussion.

00:56:10,769	S2:
We could try to have the same discussion.

00:56:12,099	S10:
Today.

00:56:12,400	S5:
But I'm not sure.

00:56:13,099	S10:
That we have enough information to talk about. We can talk about the fact we want to have a transition. We're not actually going to vote on a.

00:56:18,969	S12:
Transition plan tonight. But just to the first step is just decide, and then we can make a plan with them on what that transition looks like. So we can talk about the plan. If we go that far. But that really wasn't on the way. We're ready to finalize that at the same time. So that's part of the dialogue. We think it's good. I recommend the transition plan. It's just not something that we're that's not part of the vote.

00:56:45,900	S5:
That's understood. I think it's important for us to be, you know, based on the level of service that we're currently providing and the aspects, you know, from the community that we're hearing are important to them, that, you know, we have a clear intent. It doesn't mean that we're finalizing what a phasing plan looks like, but that we're taking a broader view. I think that's important to them.

00:57:09,170	S12:
And I agree. But you just want to make people look at what we vote. We're not voting on a budget for next year, voting on on the transition going to the region. So I want to make that work.

Right. 00:57:19,829	S2:
Yeah. But there were discussions. I think you mentioned one personnel staying on board or something.

00:57:25,099	S12:
Right. Hours of we probably agree with the recommendation. I just want to make sure it's not part of the right of the bottom vote.

00:57:31,030	S2:
Understood.

00:57:32,769	S5:
I would imagine, John, when you're looking at these different options and scenarios, the last meeting you kind of mentioned AA5 year look back and a ten year look ahead. And so when you're doing a projection of what are these scenarios look like if you're keeping your staff on like that would be in that financial scenario. Right. So I'm I'm curious though of, you know, if we're spending if it's 650 K a year now, over ten years, you know, That's 6.5 million. But if we're only keeping two people, what is that scenario look like? Right? I mean, that's a big part of the decision making and the trade off. You know, the only it seems to be the there'd be a couple of different reasons to do it, but one of the main reasons would be for for tax savings as well as access to a larger pool of staff and better resiliency and some of those other things that people have brought up. Um, but the benefits of keeping it local really are about that, that personal touch that seems to be very important, at least in terms of the letters that we're receiving in the commentary that we've we've heard so far. And I think we'll probably hear some more as well, hopefully this evening.

00:58:47,829	S3:
So I.

00:58:49,199	S5:
I know that it's what we're voting on is like, do we move forward with it? I hear that, but I think it's important for us as a board to have a very clear intent on what our roadmap looks like, you know, so that we can provide that level of service. So that's my point of view on it a lot. I understand the semantics, but I.

00:59:08,300	S12:
Agree with you. I just want I just want to. I just wanted to lay out the the pathway for different discussions. But they're both very important. I just want to maybe focus on staffing transition. We we can we can say we're going to have a transition plan. You know, we talk about what that plan is.

Yeah. 00:59:27,000	S12:
I mean my my thoughts. And if I can jump in.

00:59:28,900	S2:
Yeah.

00:59:29,099	S12:
It's on you. I just kind of echo what I said last time is that this this discussion is not a rebuke or a review or a or any sort of, you know, negativity towards current staff or the current department. Right? We've done our best and we've done it. We've done a great job. It's about sort of moving forward to whether or not we are set up to move forward successfully with the right budget, based on what we're doing right as part of it. Right. Number two is our goal has been since Joe's been here and we've put out this every year, sort of regionalized and consolidate to be more creative with our budget and stretch our dollars because we don't have many dollars in town. So this is a very solution to, we think either get the same level of service or improved level of service in terms of a safety level of service. Based on surrounding, we always look to the surrounding community to know what they're doing right. And I think the only community that touches ours that has their own service right now is everybody else's, has gone to this regionalization. So we've done a conservative approach and waited and see how we didn't jump into. We've sort of waited and done our research. So I know it's a balance and I agree with the transition. I think we need to think about what that means. We want to choose our citizens, which is 911. Is it local? Is it regional? So I think the transition needs to be important about not to confuse and have two different systems, but to have one cohesive play it. I think that's why I think it needs more discussion about what that means. When you go into the, you know, if you go to a police station who calls and you know who calls, 901 is does the person working? Is there a phone there? So we can't confuse the two issues. So it's important that we have a transition. But but I think it is thought out if we go in the direction. Um, but we have producer responsibility to sound and say that $50,000 would pay for a lot of things in this town. And if we're up against, um, you know, a tax issue, um, which we think we may be, this is an opportunity to solve some of that problem without being creative with it. So once again, it's not about the people. People have done a great job and it's hard to make tough decisions. But, um, I just don't know that we're set up in the future to, to have the right program to be safe. But we don't have enough people on staff as it is right now. So become a difficult situation. So it's tough. It's a tough balance. But those are the things I've thought about.

01:01:43,530	S2:
Yeah I agree. I mean it's the sustainability that that I worry about. I think the single dispatcher model is difficult. You know, somebody calls in somebody. Somebody leaves with the volume of personnel we have there, I don't think is sufficient. Um, so I. Well, concerns me is the ability to end the cost to staff it appropriately and as well as keep up with, you know, ever changing and improving technology. You know, what is that step function of cost down the road, you know, versus a regional facility that, you know, can get the benefit of, you know, buying in synergy and mass, if you will, of purchasing different systems and programs. So I question the sustainability of the great service that we get today. I echo what Rosie said. I grew up in this town. I love the fact that it's a secure and safe failing to know, you know, we have a somebody in that building 24 over seven. The idea of an ability to walk in, the idea and ability, they know what's going on in town. I do think they're opposed to that. But again, I, you know, can you maintain in an ever changing world, you know, and cost to support all the programs, you know, can we keep up with that cost? It works today, but the staff we have, I truly believe the staff we have is Herculean and that they make it happen. I don't know how going forward you're going to you can tell me three full timers and two part timers if that's the accurate number. You know, after. After the person who gave notice leaves, you know, how do you get back to the four again and then probably get to 6 or 7, which is probably the ideal number to staff a 24 seven facility. So I worry about that cost. Um, but I also, you know, to Ben's point, think that, you know, we have talked at this table about it. Not maybe it's not transition, but what would the plan be? You know, does the one, two, one, two numbers stay? Is there somebody in the building either transitional or long term? That is a position for the town that would, um, would, would would, you know, be there if someone were to someone were to walk in? I don't look at that as transitional. But, you know, is that an attempt and is that something the town would still look to offer or try to offer for at least the next, you know, 12 to 18 months to keep part of that, at least during normal business hours, that, you know, ability to get a live person, you know, behind the glass if they were to walk into the building.

01:03:59,130	S12:
That's a good point. We actually mentioned transition. We actually set up one foot that would stay there right at full 40 hours a week.

Right. 01:04:06,099	S2:
Yeah. Yes we did.

01:04:07,300	S12:
That's right. And then maybe something that addition to that, maybe it'd be two people for the first year. Right. But I agree I think the transition plan may not be transition may just be put put an additional person on, you know, in the building that'll be there during that.

01:04:21,170	S2:
That's where I was going with that. Yeah. And then aside from that, you know, are there other positions that you're even thinking about that you would need in that public safety building, uh, as part of the savings, or is that money earmarked just to go back into, you know, the population of either savings or or, you know, I'm trying to get at. Are there other things we, you know, would use or need with some of that savings? Because I've been asked that question as well. So I don't want it to appear that, you know, we're looking to save here, right? And put it somewhere else. That's not there's no earmark for any of the savings or is there?

01:05:01,170	S10:
So in past years already, I've had requests from the other public safety departments to add staff. It's something I intend, I expect that we'll continue to deal with going forward. We haven't been able to add more staff because we don't have the funds. Um, if we had another source of funds, um, for additional flexibility to use funds differently, that's part of the conversation. During any annual budget process, we'd have that conversation with the board based on your priorities and the goals you sent us.

01:05:28,300	S3:
Yeah.

01:05:28,969	S10:
That conversation with Pinkham, based on the goals and priorities they want to see us focus on, we'd have that conversation with all the department heads and all the needs that everybody's asking for. We have annually. We have requests for more funding for the Council on Aging. We have requests for more funding in the DPW. So there are plenty of places that are asking every year for more money. And we said no to everybody because we're trying to maintain our spendings.

Right. 01:05:53,769	S12:
Okay, perfect.

01:05:54,829	S5:
Um, can I ask you another question? Sorry. Yeah, absolutely. Um, John, this question for you. Um, if you don't know, off the top of your head, it's all right. But of the 650 K per year, do we know what percentage of that is personnel cost?

01:06:10,030	S12:
Reason.

01:06:12,599	S10:
Fortunately, we have our assistant town manager in finance right with us.

01:06:17,199	S5:
He might be.

01:06:20,429	S4:
Maybe.

01:06:21,369	S5:
With a total or a total amount. I mean, like I was going to convert it to a total, but I suppose it's.

01:06:26,429	S10:
Probably.

01:06:26,769	S12:
At least two.

01:06:27,429	S10:
Thirds if.

01:06:28,130	S5:
I'm at least at least two thirds.

01:06:30,030	S2:
I would say the vast majority.

01:06:32,929	S4:
Vast majority, and we expect.

01:06:36,329	S10:
Two thirds of all our classes, associated.

01:06:38,599	S5:
Personnel and usually.

01:06:39,730	S13:
All right. Wendy Markowitz, for the total loaded cost is what we call it. Which means it's about.

It's. 01:06:48,429	S4:
Yeah. You got to set it up.

01:06:49,670	S13:
And individuals, um, salary and but right around 78% to, um, employ another individual. So it's on top of the salary that includes benefits, that includes retirement. So you're talking about $120,000 for each employee. That's the loaded cost. So for full time employees it's about $480,000. So that's where the majority of the costs are.

01:07:17,599	S5:
And so that's where, you know, if what we have right now is not plain enough and is potentially creating risk, it's the headcount that we have if it's four FTEs and, uh, two part time. So is that a total of five FTEs or.

01:07:34,230	S13:
This is four this is four full time. So then the department overtime because of, you know, vacations and whatnot, sick time is another 60,000. And then part time despatches another 40,000 so that it's all personnel based. The actual, um, you know, cost to run the operation is about 60,000. As far as the in-house technology and what but but from what I understand, that's going to increase because we don't have the technology. We need to continue to sustain the program.

01:08:05,099	S4:
Okay.

01:08:06,170	S5:
And that would be amortized. Or is that a one time cost for the technology upgrades?

01:08:12,530	S10:
We know in the in the past, number one grants have helped us, uh, cover a lot of the costs. But what. But generally when you buy radios, you don't advertise the costs. You pay for them upfront. Gotcha. Generally, there might be a way to do it, depending on how large.

01:08:25,869	S5:
But yeah, I didn't know what kind of infrastructure we're talking about. That makes sense.

Okay. 01:08:30,829	S12:
So yeah. So 584 580 ish for the staff, 68 for service technology. That's that's the six six four divided by six points in their routing numbers here. But that's the that's the percentage.

01:08:47,770	S10:
And that's the cost for this year. So as you know our fixed costs go up. Our cost for employees go up. As for the FY 27 budget, there's a negotiated contract increase for all those. And that's across all departments not just not singling them out, but that cost will be more in 27. It'll be more again in 28 2930.

01:09:11,869	S2:
Eight okay. Did you have anything else to add on that? I mean, it was this a point? I know, Tom, you were interested in hearing, you know, some comments from folks as well. Is it is it a good time to do that?

01:09:21,930	S3:
Yeah, I'm interested in. Oh, good.

01:09:23,399	S12:
Well, no.

01:09:24,270	S4:
Go ahead. Oh, I.

01:09:25,069	S3:
Was going to say I'm interested in opening up for comment. If people are willing to.

01:09:29,000	S12:
Go in, my account would just. I know it's hard to your job, but is there anything else? You know, John, you're hard to hear. So you have to be succinct and loud with anything. But is there anything else you want to the the meeting to hear from your point of view. If council wanted to move on to public comment.

01:09:46,630	S4:
No, we just recommend to go forward with the 911 program, so leave it at that.

01:09:57,130	S1:
So I just had one other question. Um, I didn't notice it in the, um, in the document that we had, but would we be able to resume our local 911 after a set contract time? And I guess, is there a set contract time that we join that we would join the regional?

01:10:20,329	S10:
If you vote tonight, the 911 will generate an email similar to the ones that you've seen in the past packets. I think that was one in this week's packet to that. And we did be an email addendum is for a ten year term. Um, but there are, you know, as with any email, any contracts, there are a ways to get out of it. But, you know, that's it would be a significant cost to leave and go back on our own. They have to be honest about that. The state is picking up all the costs of transmission, as you saw from the feasibility study, and that that that doesn't mean that they pick up the cost of transmission us out. So we'd have to be able to manage that on our own if we ever decided to get to that point.

01:10:59,500	S4:
Okay.

01:11:00,170	S1:
So this is, um, there's there's not a problem with our local 911 system. As as I understand it, there's not a current problem. This is, um. Right. I mean, we're anticipating perhaps problems in the future, but right now, this the renaissance of this was regionalization as a cost saving measure versus the inadequacy of our local 911. Do I understand that correctly?

01:11:34,430	S10:
The idea was to look for opportunities to realize. And this was an opportunity for us.

01:11:37,670	S1:
And okay. And just to reiterate all of the comments that we have received as a board and I have received personally have been to retain the system because people greatly value what our local 911 system offers.

01:11:59,029	S12:
Just that. Not all. Not for me. Not all the comments I heard. Some of the comments.

01:12:03,329	S4:
Are.

01:12:04,000	S1:
Okay for me. For me.

01:12:05,300	S4:
Yes.

01:12:05,729	S12:
Things as a board. No. Yes for me. I've heard comments on both. It's a it's a blend of balance of that. Yes, I've heard both comments.

01:12:13,300	S3:
And I just want to clarify that a lot of the comments that I received were not necessarily saying we prefer regionalization over local, just for the services alone. They were, you know, conversations I've had with folks who are like, well, if that's a cost saving measure, that's going to, you know, allow funds to be put elsewhere towards, you know, other things in town that they support the cost savings of it? Not necessarily. I think that this is a better, you know, service option overall that I don't think they're going to provide, you know, much superior services. I think they're overall satisfied with the services. But I think when they're looking at it is can you get the same level or better for reduced cost. And I think they're looking. So what I'm hearing is pursue a cost saving measure in the benefit of the town. So I think that was the the difference. I didn't say they weren't necessarily. Yes. Do regionalization because that's better. More of it's more based on the cost.

01:13:08,699	S2:
Um, yes. I want to open it up to public comment then. So this is an opportunity. We'll take ten minutes for public comment.

01:13:28,100	S1:
I only want to stand up.

01:13:29,300	S7:
With all you all.

01:13:29,970	S2:
Here. Yeah. We'll follow the same rule of like, what do we do? 2 minutes or 3 minutes.

01:13:34,430	S10:
Virginia has your hand on the. On June we have our tickets.

01:13:37,930	S2:
Well, let's go with two minutes each person and we'll make sure that we within the ten, we get enough people to come up.

01:13:43,100	S7:
Okay.

01:13:43,229	S14:
I have a lot of thoughts I hope I can. Is this working?

01:13:46,569	S13:
Okay.

01:13:47,369	S14:
Um, Deb Safford, Maple Street. So thanks for this discussion. It's really an interesting discussion. And I guess one of the overarching questions I have is this concept of regionalization as being a goal. And it's it's pretty clear to me when you look at the school and you look at other things that have regionalized, what happens is that there's an initial cost reduction, but then over time you lose all sorts of control over it. And as things get farther from the center, they're harder to maintain and you in general get less good service. You can see that really in almost any aspect of your life, that the closer you are to someone who you're getting help from, the better help it's going to be because they have a vested interest in serving you because you're their neighbor, or you see them all the time. And I just think in general, having a goal of regionalisation for the town manager, I would just throw that back and ask if maybe that could be rephrased to more like look for cost reductions or cost savings or something else a little different if the cost is the issue. Um, no. We can go there with the school, but but I won't. Um, so the phrasing is to accept this, and I hope that everyone is open to maybe not necessarily accepting it. I just saw it as an item on here. Um, Rosie, your comments were like all of my comments, so I don't have to repeat it. I'll just say ditto to Rosie's comments about, you know, why is this an issue? And just to remind everybody again that if it's appealing right now, um, that's because they want to grow their regional organization and get more critical mass. If they're tied into the government and the government funding, you can bet your bottom dollar we're going to lose all sorts of control and we won't have any autonomy and really how services are going to be provided. We've seen how our government is dictating deadlines for votes, and they're dictating how things get funded and what things get regionalized. And I think we really has a people have to understand that and question if if we, as a town of Hamilton, are going to be a town that really governs itself, or are we just an entity that's sort of feeding off of the state and doing whatever the state wants us to do? It's really a philosophical one. I just want to raise it up as a question, because I think it's important that we be empowered to make different decisions, maybe for others. I'd also ask the select board to consider using some of the monies from the meals tax to help fund this organization.

01:16:04,470	S2:
Just wrap it up as you can just.

01:16:05,729	S14:
Okay. And and again the the 1212 number. You've already addressed that. I just I had a story about using them and how appreciative I was because they helped a neighbor elderly neighbor situation where they didn't take them by ambulance, which is what they were supposed to do, but they saw that this was a really critical situation with someone who was dying and and they did the right thing because they knew me and they knew them. And it was really impactful that that ambulance had done what they had to do by the letter of the law. Those people would have died. And instead, they were able to have dignity and die in their own home. And and it just matters having people close by. Let us not lose control. Let us not lose the respect of having people near us. Thank you so.

01:16:48,300	S2:
Much. I do appreciate your comments.

01:16:55,300	S15:
Hi Janet Jones, Bradford Road. Very well said Deb. It definitely is all about the finances and the sustainability and I understand that and I get that as a taxpayer. Um, my husband is a dispatcher for the town. Um, and all those, they say, um, the, the one, two, one, two does not stay in town. That is in the feasibility study. When you now call one, two, one, two, it will go to regional. You will end up in a queue. There could be five calls in front of you. There could be none. There could be ten in front of you. Sometimes senior citizens don't want to bother 911 because they don't think it's an emergency, even though their husbands had, you know, heart pain for two days. So they call the one, two, one, two number. Now you're going to be put in the queue and possibly wait. I don't know if anyone can speak to how long anyone's ever waited on the queue for one, two, one, two. And it's my understanding that once you go to regional, even though Joe just said after ten years that you can't get the 911 back like it's a done deal, so it's not in three years when we don't like it, we can get it back. So I don't know if people are misinformed if I'm misinformed, but that's something that I think people need to know going forward, like it's a permanent situation.

01:18:03,800	S2:
Thank you.

01:18:04,569	S7:
Yeah.

01:18:06,000	S4:
Chief Burnett.

01:18:06,670	S10:
Hamilton I.

01:18:07,470	S8:
Also live at 44.

01:18:08,430	S5:
Grand.

01:18:08,729	S10:
Ave.

01:18:09,630	S8:
Um, this.

01:18:10,199	S16:
Was a difficult decision how I was going to recommend. And I haven't spoke yet, and I recommend that we go to regional for several different reasons. I'm going to answer one comment about, um, local control about this. The police and fire chiefs for the communities that are in this, um, regional nine one center have a say, a vote, and we create the policies and procedures and how we want it to be directed. Um, as a regional center, they try and do do this as a whole. So we all have the same policies and procedures. So they're not different for every town. They do care. Um, and we do have control in the system. I just wanted to clarify that, um, one of the reasons why this was a difficult decision is because I know all the personnel. I've lived in Hamilton my whole entire life. Um, I've been on the fire department for 36 years. All right. I've watched the Department dispatch go from what it was to what it is now. All right. There are several different reasons why I recommend that we go to regional. All right. We have great dispatches right now. All right. Um, things have changed. All right. Dispatch used to be a platform where we hired dispatchers who are longing to be longing to become and wanted to become police officers. They work their roles in their way into the auxiliary or the reserve police department, and they work their way to become a full time police officer. That's mainly what we've hired in the past, right, because of reimagining policing. That is not the case anymore. You cannot have a reserve officer. They have to be hired full time. We have pretty much disbanded our reserve officers. All right. In the town, they are going to have to hire more full time officers to cover what the reserve officers did. All right. So that's primarily who we hired. We have hired other people that have stayed and love to be dispatchers and do not want to become reserve officers. Um, but that is few and far between. We had more part time officers. We had more firefighters also that were in dispatch. Some of our best fire dispatchers have since left. Um, and we don't have that core group. Um, I feel that we lack on the fire side as far as dispatches go. I'm not saying the dispatchers don't know what they're doing. They're excellent dispatchers. But we have.

01:21:12,569	S16:
Gone to a different level, and I believe that the dispatch center is unsustainable. Looking forward in the future, and I think now is the time for us to do something while this regional center is still able to take us. Um, we have one dispatcher that just left or is about to leave. He was one of our better dispatchers. Um, we have a couple other dispatchers that are very, very, very good part time dispatch. That's a very good. We have another part time dispatcher that highly takes any shifts. I've watched it go steadily in a direction I did not want to see in my lifetime. I love to to have the sustainability that we have had in the past, but I just don't see that happening. And that's it pains me to make this recommendation, but I feel as a fire chief, I have to do it. Um, and those are my comments. And I really didn't want to speak on this because I know each and every dispatcher, and I hate to see them lose their job. So thank you.

01:22:21,699	S2:
Chief. I appreciate you standing up and speaking.

01:22:28,699	S17:
Good evening. Christian Hassell, fourth Street, Hamilton. I have been on the Hamilton Fire Department before. Currently serve as the Essex Fire Chief. So I'm a user of the system. So kind of a unique subset or place to be speaking from. Um, hey. Chief spoke well on the way that the the program is managed. So we meet as part of a group police and fire. And we do control the, the destiny of of what's going on. So we have an opportunity to advocate for what's best for our communities. I've also spent some time in the Hamilton Communications Center. I've worked alongside a lot of those people over there, and it's very important to know that this is not a you had mentioned it. It's not a judgment of what their job, the job that they're doing. The reality is you have a police and fire department that have competing priorities. You get dispatched to a call. You've got a police department, a fire department and an ambulance. Depending on what's going on that are all competing for for time on the air to communicate what their priority is. Right. And you have one person trying to relay all that information, document that information. It's it's a very stressful and almost impossible job to for one person to do. My experience with the regional department is the opposite. I know I have a dedicated person listening to my problems. If I have a larger scale event, say a fire or whatever the case may be, they have the opportunity or the ability to flex up. So now I've got multiple people not only answering the 911 calls, which takes a significant amount of time, they have to MD the calls, which is a whole subset of questions. So there's a lot of value in having them be able to flex up. I've never waited for a call. I've never waited for transmission to come back to me. I've actually had them take proactive approach of going above and beyond to have coordinated plows in the middle of a winter snowstorm to transport a cardiac arrest. So I heard the buzzer. I'll stop.

01:24:42,699	S2:
Hey. Thank you.

01:24:43,500	S12:
Thank you, thank you.

01:24:47,300	S5:
Good evening.

01:24:48,300	S4:
Tom Shamrock.

01:24:49,170	S3:
18 Crescent.

01:24:49,869	S5:
Road.

01:24:50,100	S17:
I'm the chief of police in Essex.

01:24:52,300	S16:
Um, one of the.

01:24:53,170	S5:
Questions.

01:24:53,600	S18:
I had, it's hard to have a discussion in this form of public comment, but what control do you have now that you're not going to have after the fact? And like the other chief said, it's control is dictated by the chiefs that are in it. So the control is no more or less than you're going to have currently that you do some fake propaganda out there is this one, two, one, two going away? What do you mean by that? When you call one, two, one, two it's going to be answered. It's 6200. In Essex you still get a dispatcher and you still get connected to an officer. And then also what private companies take nine one calls that would be outsourced. That's also false. So I think there is a lot of false information out there. And I agree we should have some more discussion. But I do recommend as a resident and as a chief of police that Hamilton go forward. Thank you.

01:25:46,800	S12:
Thank you.

01:25:48,229	S10:
Chair Linda Virginia I believe Virginia Clarkson.

01:25:53,399	S13:
Hello.

01:25:54,369	S4:
Can you hear me?

01:25:55,270	S5:
Yeah, we can hear you.

Virginia. 01:25:56,930	S4:
Okay.

01:25:58,930	S19:
My question seemed to change as I listened to other people, um, presenting their ideas Um, but, uh, I was thinking that you could find some of the answers to your own questions by talking to the emergency people in town. Okay. Um, as well as, of course, people call you, email you. That's fine. Um, secondly, you talk to people in other towns and how they are appreciated or not. How do we know that that those towns are really like ours? As far as we'd like to think, we have, um.

01:26:47,899	S19:
An aura or an attitude that being a small town, we we are closer and we communicate with each other better. Uh, I happen to think that that's true. Um, but just because, uh, another town is approximately, you know, near us and fairly close in population, which I don't think too many of them are, um, that they're going to be have the same number of people in their town. They want to keep it, uh, in town. So there's another thing just to consider. Where where is your opinions and information coming from? Um, Leslie, uh, someone else mentioned that control is is leaving the town, and, um, I think that is really, really obvious. Uh, the the state apparently would like to be in charge of how to run every city and town in the state. That's my opinion. But what they keep doing is to take over things. Uh, supports my thinking. This is this is you. If you give up this particular, um, service, uh, and hopefully it's not any Worse. We will never get it back. Our town is going to lose its small town appeal, and people are not going to be able to go in to the any of the office in town and actually be able to talk to a real person. And yes, the one, one, two, one, two. She's not going to answer it. Or if it's part of the the emergency system, it's going to have to go to the emergency site in Middleton. They're going to be put on hold. I don't know about you, but I really hate being held. And if it's an emergency, well, it's ten times worse, so I obviously would prefer to see it kept in town. I think it's come down to money. It's always seems to come down to money. And if we go, we're going to save some money. Well, how much is it going to cost? When we, when we join, you must already know that. And then every year go up.

01:29:03,229	S2:
I do think we're out of time. I apologize, but we did hear your point. So, you know, relatively interesting keeping it in town. Thank you. Financial situation in the small town field. So I do appreciate your feedback. All right I look to the board at this point on any now that you've heard, you know, from five or so people in the community, we've had some powerful statements by, uh, by several chiefs and, uh, firefighters and residents. Um, any other thoughts or comments? Uh, any desire for additional information or people feel like they have, um, researched this, looked at it enough, and are ready to make a decision or are there any open items? So, um, then we'll start on the left and work our way this way.

01:29:52,270	S5:
Uh, just want to thank everybody who got up and spoke tonight and, provided their feedback to us based on what life is like for them and their professional experiences as well. To help educate us so and so on. Say thank.

01:30:09,100	S10:
You.

01:30:09,630	S5:
Um, I have everything I need.

01:30:14,170	S2:
Appreciate it.

Tom. 01:30:16,270	S3:
Yeah. Echo. Ben. Sentiments on thanking everyone for all the feedback we've gotten over the last several weeks while we're discussing this, but I also think I'm I have enough information.

01:30:25,300	S5:
I don't have any further questions.

01:30:27,500	S2:
Okay.

Rosemary. 01:30:29,630	S1:
I remain torn. I I'm still very torn. I see both sides of the issue. I understand the financial concerns. I also highly, highly value the town's concerns of feeling that there's somebody physically there when they need something. I think that's invaluable. So I'm. I'm just torn.

01:31:00,630	S2:
Yeah. I think, you know, it is an emotional and difficult decision. And I too, appreciate everybody's feedback.

Um. 01:31:10,170	S2:
You know, I do like the idea. And I know we're not talking transition, but I love the idea of not even a transition, but, you know, assuring we keep some of that local small town feel and have somebody in the building, at least during normal working hours. I'm pretty, uh, I think that's pretty important. Not just transitional, but even longer term. For as long as we think that is a benefit to maintain, you know, at least during the working hours, some of that person, uh, right there in the building. But with that also said and there were some powerful statements made here today by people in the business, by chiefs of departments. Um, I have to take the people out of the situation because I think the team that does it is exceptional. And that's the only reason why, you know, we're we're able to provide the service we do today. But I don't believe it's a sustainable model. You know, I think the way the world is going, you know, we're able to plug in to a regional dispatch center that is fully and appropriately staffed. We heard that, you know, you're going to get a live person every every time you're going to get, you know, the latest and the greatest of technology behind it, that's going to make sure it routes and and maps and make sure that, you know, all calls are addressed swiftly and accurately. So I do think that I don't know how we as a small community, you know, with 7500 or so residents, uh, keep up with that. You know, they're growing technology and the staffing requirement for a 24 over seven operation. You know, I think the people that still show up at the door in the times of emergencies are going to be your local fire and police. You're going to get that that service and feel and the person who knows you who's going to show up at your door, you know. But I do think that plug in, you know, from the dispatch is something that it's hard not to take advantage of, of that resource, that technology that is funded. And I believe this is a sustainable funding model that it won't privatize. I know of no other private party that handles 911 or could with that liability, but not to say it couldn't happen, but I think our cell companies are going to pay for it for as long as it needs. And it's either going to be $3 on your bill or $20 on your bill, but it's going to get paid by everybody, not just the person who needs it. So I'm sorry for it.

01:33:26,770	S2:
I think I have what I need to vote.

01:33:29,569	S12:
No, I think it's not the time of the questions or for things we've all thought about and tried to address ourselves. Um, I don't want to think we're voting for eliminate jobs because we're not voting for limited jobs. I mean, I think that they were trying to maybe leave position, right? We have maybe three times three of four people. One has already left. We have three people left now. Maybe maybe we've gone two over the next part of the transition. Maybe you have this person who decides to move on. I know they're gonna be hiring at the regional, so I don't look at it as a limited job. I'm looking at sort of restructuring the group to be more efficient and more successful in the future. Um, I was prepared to to move. We told Joe we get an answer by the end of September. I prepared to move the vote at the board. We wanted to have more discussion. Sounds like everybody has what they need. So I gather I'm ready to vote tonight. I'd rather spend future discussion talking about what this transition means and how we can do a good job because we have well developed. We have 90 days. So I think we should spend all those nine days making sure we have a good transition and good plan if we vote for it.

01:34:37,500	S12:
I make a motion to approve the regionalization of our one.

01:34:48,069	S12:
And so what would you say to me today.

01:34:51,229	S10:
If you if you take a boat and it's a successful boat, we notify 911 and they'll be in touch with laying out the terms for the AMA and how that gets signed and everything else. But the boat you need to take is to accept the offer to join 911.

01:35:03,529	S2:
Is the AMA something we influence or have it's.

01:35:06,029	S10:
Standard AMA as an amendment to it to? It's difficult when you join after ten other communities already in to modify the terms that ten other committees already agree to. You'd be but you've seen the AMA it's been in in your previous packets. It's the same document. It's not going to change.

01:35:20,670	S5:
Okay.

01:35:22,000	S2:
So we have a motion. Is there a second.

01:35:23,930	S3:
Second.

01:35:26,430	S2:
We're all present. So we'll just, uh all in favor say aye. Aye aye. All those opposed.

01:35:36,170	S2:
Any abstentions. So it passes 401 extension, if that's the right word.

Sorry. 01:35:45,300	S5:
Yep.

01:35:51,600	S2:
Okay. Do you want to take over, sir, or do I keep talking? I can't even talk anyway.

01:35:57,729	S12:
Kevin, you want me?

01:35:58,600	S2:
No. That's okay. Um. All right. Next up is a scheduled special town meeting to consider the overlay district for Browns Hill. And adopt a proposed SDM calendar to discuss and vote. Now, I was not at the last meeting, so I was this an article or discussion?

01:36:16,130	S4:
So we are.

01:36:17,800	S12:
We have our ad hoc, uh, steering committee meeting with the parties. We'll we'll pause for 30s subdividing their homes.

01:36:28,770	S10:
So I'll be right back.

01:36:32,670	S12:
You have a minute? Sorry.

01:36:35,300	S9:
I.

01:36:37,770	S19:
Missed a day. There's nothing.

01:36:45,770	S4:
Well.

Good. 01:36:49,529	S4:
We'll go.

01:36:51,569	S20:
Come on.

01:36:54,800	S2:
You can do that. Yeah. You're my favorite.

01:36:57,329	S5:
Oh, man.

Basketball. 01:37:00,069	S2:
Transcript.

01:37:14,529	S12:
We have an ad hoc steering committee. We're working with the Gordon representative. Um, they're mostly sitting down in the fall and have asked us to come in. We're trying to take advantage of the fact they're motivated to hopefully put some things on the in the bylaw and in the, in the the agreement, the development agreement that is beneficial to the towns. Um, so we're in the final stages of doing that. Um, and so we need to get on the A meeting schedule because we've identified the night of December as a as a date that works right now. So we want to make sure we have that's you know, three months ago we had a lot to do with the next 90 days. So we have public meetings. We have to finalize the agreement. You know, we gotta, you know, get the community on board or it's not on board, but just informing on what it is. Um, that what it means and what the protocols are. And so that's where we want to get the meet together. So it becomes a on everybody's radar and people are focused on it's an important thing. It's an important piece of property trying to maintain a lot of good characteristics on that property. The development agreement and the bylaws. We're trying to hopefully take care of our, um, affordable housing issue by getting 209 units to count towards our affordable housing. Um, we're trying to get some funds to, to reimburse us for the work we've done on the property over the years. So a lot of things are trying to work for. So but the the goal of this just to schedule the town meeting is the only topic we have right now for the beast. So, um, so we'll be very focused. We we've done enough recently to know how to how to be efficient with them. And I get them and and I was also asked Lee Gordon if they were willing to help fund the, the meeting in terms of make some sort of, um, you know, payment or donation or something.

01:39:03,800	S10:
Reimbursement costs.

01:39:04,569	S5:
Or something.

01:39:05,270	S12:
Or reimbursed costs or when it's not their obedience, our meeting. But anything we can do to help, you know, to help reimburse costs of that time. So that's the reason why we're putting this on. And if we don't get there, um, so we don't have it, will not have a meeting. Um, but at this point, it makes sense to put it on the calendar. And Warren was very keen to motivate him and ask him to motivate us to get this done and benefit the town and benefit Gordon so they can be successful, their periods that we can be more successful on that property.

01:39:37,029	S10:
Can I?

01:39:37,899	S12:
Yeah.

01:39:38,170	S10:
So the draft calendar that's in your, um, in your packets. We did miss one thing on it. We we have to put on there a date to make sure that the warrant gets signed, finalized. And I've just handwritten in here that since the last date for the warrant to be finalized is November 21st. That would be the last day to have the select board signatures. Um, you wouldn't want to. You would want to do it after it's completely finalized. So we would our effort would be to try to get it done by November 27th, but you'd have a couple if it missed that you'd have an almost 4 or 5 days to to sign it after that, before we'd have to get it ready for the clerk to post. So just let you know. We'll amend this. If you set the meeting like we're asking, we'll amend this calendar to include that date.

01:40:22,170	S5:
Um.

01:40:26,470	S12:
So yeah, I mean, we can get questions, right. So right now we're not going to necessarily debate the agreement or the zoning, but debate, just scheduling a meeting and looking at the calendar, because we have a lot to do in 90 days, so I don't have to date what we're going to do nowadays, but just make sure we have enough time and that we think it's worth, um, working with the seminary to do it this fall. All right.

01:40:50,470	S5:
Well, we've got the next agenda item is just a quick vote on that.

01:40:55,569	S10:
So if.

01:40:56,300	S5:
You list the agenda item.

01:40:58,270	S10:
If you vote that you want to set a meeting, you could follow it up by making a motion to set the call to open a town meeting warrant.

01:41:04,970	S2:
So yeah.

01:41:06,529	S5:
So I know that you had the meeting with those like two people from this do Rosemary.

01:41:12,130	S12:
And Rosemary has been on the committee for a long time. I joined it recently.

01:41:15,329	S5:
And then two people from the planning board.

01:41:17,130	S12:
Right. That's correct.

01:41:17,930	S5:
And council? Yeah.

01:41:19,369	S12:
And we have our own council. So we had Gordon Council and then we have our own zoning council.

01:41:27,369	S5:
I didn't get a chance to watch the most recent planning board meeting, but was there a discussion there at that at that time as well about.

01:41:35,930	S10:
I believe there was some mark corners of planning. Land use director is on the zoom if you want to ask him a question.

01:41:42,000	S5:
Um, Mark, I was wondering if you might be able to comment. I know the last select board meeting Marnie was on, and she had mentioned kind of, uh, around matching up the the overlay district map with the, the document, uh, the development agreement. And I think in particular the tables and uses that would then be matched up against that overlay map. And so that was just kind of one of my thoughts, because it seemed like that was kind of an important piece. But did we have a kind of a road map? But were we able to not have to share any particulars? I don't know what's sensitive or not, but is there a roadmap to getting that completed?

01:42:22,270	S12:
Yeah. Look, Joe talk and Mark what you talked about the the audio stuff. So Joe will talk and you can add if he missed something.

01:42:29,800	S10:
So based on your question and what was said at the last meeting by the planning Board chair, the the task force meeting that we had last week with folks from the seminary, I think, and Rosie and Bill can correct me if I'm wrong. We made good progress. So we talked at great length about the issues that the zoning board has that they want to address in the overlay district, a great length about issues that we want to address through the development agreement and how those things will work coming out of the meeting. The Planning Board representatives agreed with Bill and Rosie that going forward, the seminary would continue to work with us to refine what we agreed to about the development agreement. And the Planning Board would continue to work with the seminary folks to come to an agreement on what the zoning would look like. That zoning then has to go through the public. The planning board's public hearing process before it gets presented for a final vote to everybody. So so it's a little bit, um, a lot going on, but there's two separate boards that handle separate things. And now that the boards are aligned and the seminary understands where they're aligned. I think that will make it easier, and I'm sure Rosie and Bill may have a comment. And then I can let Mark can talk briefly about what the planning board discussion was at the last meeting.

01:43:44,100	S4:
Okay.

01:43:48,670	S10:
Do you want to let Marco do you want to talk?

01:43:51,170	S1:
And then I'll throw in and.

01:43:53,130	S12:
You speak loud and succinct. It's hard to hear.

01:43:55,930	S4:
Okay.

01:43:56,770	S3:
Um, so the.

01:43:57,670	S21:
Planning board did discuss it last week. We also had three meetings at the patent House with two members of the planning board and myself, just to sort of, as well as with Gordon Cardinal to sort of iron out these details. So I don't think we're quite yet at a place where we know that we're 100% aligned. But, um, everyone's at the table and everyone's cooperating, and I think we'll have a better idea by next week. Next week is when the planning board will have to schedule the public hearings. So they have to be comfortable enough doing that. Um, and then the next kind of timeframe would be, uh, mid-October or early November, when they know for sure if they want to pull the trigger. But, um, good discussions. Gordon. Controls come in multiple times to talk with us. They're being very cooperative. The planning board is obviously very invested in this, but, um, at the end of the day, the the planning board has to, you know, really be fully on board and supportive of this. It needs two thirds majority at town meeting. That's a that's a tough threshold to get. So we need sort of broad based support on the board. We need to be supportive as well. So um we're working towards it. But I don't know that we know 100% for sure if it will but will do it.

01:45:18,770	S2:
So that's not that's a little discouraging. So we don't we're not sure we can get this done and to work out what happens if. So if you're.

01:45:26,770	S10:
On.

01:45:26,930	S4:
On.

01:45:27,100	S10:
The week so that I think that's a good question. So we can definitely get a town meeting together in this window. The agreement is going to be between the Select board and the planning Board. And the seminary is going to be in the next couple of weeks. If if we don't come into agreement, you know, you can always cancel the special time. You can always get a special time.

01:45:49,430	S12:
So yeah. So let's talk about that a little bit. Right. So we get the town meeting on the books. Doesn't really cost anything at this point. It just gets on the books. We open it up. It's not a it's not a big dollar cost. Right now we have until November 27th to cancel the meeting without huge monetary investment of any sort of any sort. Um, then we, we, we have the, the schedule ahead of us for to make sure everything fits within the required public notice, timelines and all the means that need to have. Um, but there's two documents we need to have. Right. One is, the one is the bylaw. Right. Which comes from the planning board and the planning Board voted to recommend it in a public hearing. The other one is a development agreement. The agreement we we agreed to. So Rosie and I will bring this development to you to debate and talk about when we think it's at a point that we agree with it. Right. So you will have the opportunity to vote and talk and debate about how many meetings we have for it. I'm not sure I can say we're not going to do it in one meeting, but over the course of 2 or 3 meetings, we'll be able to talk and vote and discuss it.

01:46:48,770	S10:
I think we've talked about having the draft development agreement ready to be presented to the board at your next meeting on the 23rd, and then, you know, you could take the next meeting or two after that to discuss the and make a vote on it. So the goal would be to have you have an agreement that you could authorize the chair to sign, and the seminary could choose to sign by the end of October. So the development agreement part would be settled. And that's something you could talk to the public about. But if we go forward with the zoning, but the zoning sale has to happen in tandem with that.

01:47:18,500	S12:
Yes, they both have to work together.

01:47:20,970	S5:
Right. And will we have fin com able to take a look and advise. Is there anyone else that that should be taking a look at and advising us as far as, um, the structure of the deal like we have.

01:47:39,329	S10:
So we have, we have zoning a council on board. Had they been on board for two years helping us in the background on this. So Jonathan would continue to work to help us frame the development agreement. He's actually built a lot of the frame that's there now, and we would continue to refine it through the negotiations and then present you with something. So it would be a legal it would be a legal document that the our Council has said would satisfy our needs. When it gets to you.

01:48:03,100	S5:
And the financial structure of that would.

01:48:06,270	S10:
Be Finca would be asked to make a recommendation as well.

01:48:08,699	S5:
They'll have eyes on that before we are needing to sign, or.

01:48:13,500	S10:
Once it comes public, we can send it to them and ask them to meet and deliberate about it as well.

Yes. 01:48:19,470	S12:
Okay. Um, and then a good question for John McGrath. John, what was your involvement been today? What do you need your involvement to be to make? I don't know if you've seen our special time meeting calendar, but just take a look at it and you can comment now or to me and Joe later. But we want to make sure you're involved at the right times. I'm not sure if there's how many fin com notes are on here. Joe, we might need to add some notes.

01:48:43,670	S10:
I'm sure with only three meetings there, which seems a little like we might need to add. How many times you plan to meet in the four months, John? In the fall.

01:48:51,569	S4:
Uh, we're going to meet twice a month. I mean, we'll be able to, um, review, be involved and make a recommendation so I don't have any problem plugging in to the process. Um, and provide a recommendation. Thank you.

01:49:14,670	S1:
So how hard and fast is this, Plan to have this development agreement finalized for our next meeting. I think I thought there were still some issues that we needed to resolve.

01:49:29,869	S10:
I think we're waiting. So we at if you recall, at the last meeting, we had addressed everything that we wanted to see included and why. And the seminar was supposed to be responding to us with written right, written options. And then we're going to meet again.

01:49:46,930	S1:
And we.

01:49:47,170	S15:
Need.

01:49:47,399	S10:
To the three of us need to meet again and with John and then with with seminary. So I'm, I was sort of not to put anybody on the spot, but I was sort of expecting a draft back from them. But I know that they were really I know they were in deep with the planning board last week, so I'm hoping that tomorrow I'll have the comments back from the seminary so that I can disseminate them to you and council. Then we can schedule our meetings as need to be, because I did express it the last meeting with all of us that I thought.

01:50:15,470	S1:
We needed.

01:50:15,930	S15:
To.

01:50:16,000	S10:
Get, we need to get this in front of the select board as soon as possible. So.

Um. 01:50:20,630	S1:
Okay. I just, I just want to raise the issue that perhaps we're going to certainly, um, plan where we're going to move toward it being available for the next meeting. But if it's not, then it may have to wait until the meeting after that.

01:50:38,829	S10:
August 6th. October 6th of the next meeting after that? Yeah.

01:50:41,699	S1:
We would hope that it would be resolved before then.

01:50:45,229	S10:
Yeah. I mean, we start to run out of time if we're not, if the select board isn't beginning talking about it and deliberating and asking for recommendation by our meeting on October, your meeting on October 6th, I would think that we start to run out of time, because that agreement being in place is going to be important for the planning board to feel comfortable that all the issues that were discussed are going to be addressed.

01:51:05,430	S1:
So great. I just wanted to I think that we are on a short timeline, but we also need to make sure that we've properly reviewed all of the issues.

01:51:16,569	S5:
Absolutely.

01:51:17,130	S1:
Okay.

01:51:19,569	S2:
Yeah. Now, this is well thought out. Calendar. I did find a joint meeting with the planning board useful when we were going through three items. I don't see that here. Is that not needed?

01:51:29,729	S4:
Um.

01:51:30,369	S2:
It's necessary, you know.

01:51:32,300	S10:
It's up to you. We can add it. It's not. It's not standard. During most time meeting prep. It can. We can add one if you want it. I got time in there to add it. So, um.

01:51:40,529	S12:
Let's, let's yeah, let's let's pencil then. Joan, we can finalize everything. It's a great idea.

Okay. 01:51:45,500	S2:
I think one of the select board meetings with theirs and make it a shared one. We don't have to add something.

01:51:50,029	S12:
They meet on. We meet on Mondays. They meet on Tuesday so we can figure something out.

Yeah. 01:51:53,430	S10:
So I'd I'd probably aim for the November 3rd and fourth meeting potentially as find some way to reschedule that. That might might work for them as well in that um, and this will come up a little bit going forward for the rest of the remainder of this fall and into the winter. The Wenham Selectboard is going to need to start to use this meeting as well, because their meeting room is currently under. Is currently involved in the construction that they're doing for geothermal, and this becomes the only space that they could possibly do a, um, hybrid meeting. Their meeting date, though, was the same days of the month that the planning board is. So we're trying to work out opportunities to allow them to use it sometimes while we still have it when we need it. So we're still working that out. But maybe if we can talk to the planning board about having a joint meeting on November 9th, that gets at least one conflict out of the way.

01:52:42,899	S12:
Yeah.

01:52:43,529	S1:
Joe, um, just the planning board had said that they wanted two opportunities for public meetings, so October 21st and November 4th. However, looking at this calendar, November 12th is a possible additional meeting date. So that so that might be the good day to have the joint meeting. Things hopefully will be far enough along.

01:53:03,729	S12:
I think we should think about that. I think we should probably have it, like I said, scheduled for a third, but we can always move it to the 11th if we don't have enough time. So let's.

01:53:11,970	S10:
Okay, well, you have to be the 12th because the 11th is a Veterans Day.

01:53:14,970	S12:
I mean, sorry.

01:53:16,170	S10:
But yeah I mean.

01:53:17,130	S1:
Yeah.

01:53:17,329	S12:
Yeah, yeah, I agree with you. We should. It's good to have float in the in the schedule. So I agree like we should now we should we can do it earlier. We can do it earlier. But the good news we have until the 12th between third and fifth.

01:53:25,970	S1:
And I suspect the planning board will have the form of some public comments right there and public meetings.

01:53:32,369	S10:
So they will.

01:53:33,600	S1:
Yeah. So so that's why I thought maybe the fourth wouldn't be a good time, allow them to do their work and then maybe the 12th might be helpful.

01:53:42,829	S3:
Okay.

01:53:45,270	S2:
Yeah I think it makes sense to schedule. I'll just have a go no go date in there somewhere. They don't feel like they'll make us have progress.

01:53:53,270	S12:
It's easy. I posted three days before, so.

Correct. 01:54:01,470	S12:
You to a motion.

01:54:03,930	S10:
I think we'd love to have a motion like schedule.

01:54:06,970	S12:
Do I have a motion to, uh, schedule a special meeting for December 9th, 2025. So moved to have a second.

01:54:15,569	S2:
Second.

01:54:16,500	S12:
Any further discussion or questions? All those in favor say aye.

01:54:20,500	S5:
Aye.

01:54:21,970	S12:
Aye.

01:54:23,199	S10:
Um, we'll put you there.

01:54:24,899	S12:
I'm here. I see you're here tonight. Do you have any comments or questions you'd like to make to the board?

01:54:30,029	S10:
And I would just note that you had we had an asterisk here to allow public comment, and we just skipped over that for you. But I think there may be folks here that might want to.

01:54:36,300	S12:
Yeah. All right. We'll open up for public comment to go ahead. Do you want we'll open up for public comment. I apologize. All right.

01:54:40,829	S22:
Well, thank you very much. Thanks for putting that on. We're we're very close to have a meeting tomorrow with with the seminary folks. So we should be able to get a draft back of the development agreement to you all. And it's been great working with with both of you on that. We also had those meetings with the planning Board representatives. And so we're down to the last bits, I hope on that. Of course, it does need to go to the whole planning board and we understand that. But they've been the chair and Mr. Dahlquist have been very helpful. They've been working really, really hard on it. So I think we're very, very optimistic that we'll be able to get an agreement that everybody can work with. And, you know, it's it's there's something in there for everybody I think. And and given the conversation about the tax, we always come back. This is going to be one of the big taxpayers in town once it all goes through for those apartments. So we look forward to that and working to get it over the finish line.

01:55:28,829	S12:
Okay.

01:55:29,170	S22:
Thanks. Thank you.

01:55:30,430	S12:
Any public comment? As we as we go.

01:55:33,930	S10:
Sorry about that. They weren't trying to ignore you. It was an accident.

01:55:36,569	S12:
It's a new it's a new policy. So, um. So go ahead. Yeah. Name and address, please.

01:55:41,500	S23:
Nancy Gaskin, 215 Woodbury Street, Hamilton. I've been a neighbor of the seminary since 1988. I have probably one of the most long term neighbors, and I am one of the active butters concerned about what's going on. I have attended via zoom or listened After the fact to the recordings of all the planning board meetings, and I am encouraged by some of the planning board members recently that recognize how difficult a decision this overlay proposal is and how many issues are part of it, including those that have to deal with the environment, particularly water usage and wastewater treatment. Where I live, I'm very, very concerned about wastewater treatment since it's directly across from my property, and I have lived with an inadequate system for as long as I've lived there. And I know some of the planning board members are worried about density. We a Buttars, whether it's my particular location or any other of the locations on Woodbury Street, are particularly concerned about the density proposed because of the narrow streets, the lack of entrance and egress, And the general sense that this is not in my backyard sort of issue because many people think, oh, it's just over there and there aren't that many butters, so it doesn't matter. And we can get a lot of revenue out of this. Well, it's very disturbing to a neighborhood that's been pretty happy with seminary, you know, over time and really have, you know, managed pretty well and granted, don't want to see, you know, 600 cars a day and stuff. And like I'll reiterate, some of the planning board seems to be aware of that. But we have Butters have gotten very little information as this process has moved forward. We've been at meetings for years, but when it suddenly comes up at the end of August that there's a meeting coming up. It's like we haven't heard anything. So I just want to bring up the fact that, yeah, you think it's a win win for everyone. There's part of that. Everyone that doesn't feel like we're winning or that we're informed. So I really hope that we could have a little more, um, exposure, a little more information going to the whole town. Because if it's such a big deal, I think it would be helpful because you're going to have meeting on December 9th, if that's possible. With so much that has to be done December 9th. Count the days before a major holiday. Will you get a quorum? Is that the best time to have something like this go before the townspeople of Hamilton for a two thirds vote? We've got some history. About two thirds. I just want you to think about those things and do the right thing at the right time. Thank you.

01:58:34,500	S12:
Thank you. Yeah. I mean, good point. Right. So that's why we're doing this now because there's all these meetings. So make sure you get a meeting schedule and you attend all these meetings because that's something we talked about. Number one. Number two is a good point. It is a two thirds vote. Right. So to to you know so it is it is a barrier right. It's not a 51%. This is two thirds. So um, you know if if this is going to go through it. There needs to be consensus and knowledge in town about the pros and cons.

01:59:05,329	S10:
Just said Mike. Mike, part of my goal for wanting to get this in front of the select board in the 23rd is that we're negotiating a contract, and until the negotiations have settled and we're ready to present something to you, we can't really comment publicly about it. It hurts our negotiating position to do that. But I want to get this out so we can share more information with the public. But we're stuck in that limbo right now. And for various reasons, that's continued off and on over the last couple of years. Other than the planning board meetings, when they were considering the overall district a couple of years ago, there hasn't been an opportunity to have those public conversations, except that we present a draft and then talk about it a little, and then we go away and go shoot some more. So I would love to get this to the point where the board has a final draft in front of you to consider and deliberate and make changes on, and we can get comment from the public on it, because we really can't until we're out of negotiations.

01:59:56,029	S12:
Okay. Any other comments?

02:00:02,470	S5:
Are there?

02:00:05,199	S12:
Okay.

02:00:07,069	S5:
Um, are there any additional studies being done? Like, there were just a couple of items mentioned around. Around traffic or around, uh, runoff or or wastewater. I wasn't sure if there is part of this deal.

02:00:22,670	S2:
I mean.

02:00:23,170	S5:
Diligence being done around those types of items.

02:00:25,500	S12:
I mean, there's a good planning board, but there's once again, like, there's we sometimes mix the mix two issues, right. We have we have a health department which manages our, you know, certain aspect of it, but it doesn't actually go into the zoning bylaw because you have to be compliant with the health department to build something. So it's not necessarily all encompassing, but there's different avenues and different ways that we have to enforce things regardless if it's a new or existing or, you know, whatever. So I mean, so do we. We can talk about the plan, but probably.

02:00:57,729	S5:
It's not great. As opposed to.

02:01:00,270	S12:
If there's something we can put in there in terms of an improvement that doesn't get covered by another code, that's something we should talk about and get common on.

02:01:06,170	S10:
But I think that the important part is that the planning board has and we've seen we've seen it in the past when they were when they spent months deliberating the the body, they've been very deliberate about trying to plan for, you know, what could possibly happen, depending on what zoning you put in there, but you can't respond to you can't really respond to traffic impact until you know what the project is right now, all you could potentially generate a traffic, a real traffic report on it would be the anticipated use of the apartments as they are. But until we have until there is.

02:01:36,569	S5:
A.

02:01:37,029	S10:
Request to do something additional in the future, it's hard to know for sure what that impact would be. Um, Seminary is saying that they're not planning to do anything new to the property expansion in the next in the coming years and the next few years, at least that remains to be seen. That's one of the things that we've heard. So we can consider, try to consider as much as we can in the zoning and the development agreement. But until there's an actual proposal, we want to build this. You can't do a traffic study on because you're not going to get a real, real answer on that. We know what we can generate a traffic report for anticipated traffic for the apartments.

02:02:17,970	S5:
Yeah, I.

02:02:20,869	S5:
Understand we're under a tight timeline, and I'm.

02:02:26,569	S5:
Expect that there's probably an answer before, but it's a you know what's driving I guess there's a question on like what's driving like the timeline. But if we do start to have a map, an overlay district, and we do start to have like potential uses and densities and there's an existing condition, I would start to think that there'd be enough data and information there They're to form a basis of an opinion about whether or not some additional improvements need to be made as part of a kind of restrictions around the sale of the of the assets. Like if that's where it's headed eventually. And so I don't know if those types of things are being included in development agreement. You know and I know not that you have to discuss them if you're in the middle of negotiations. But I think what we're hearing, you know, is that there are people in our community who want to make sure that they're not left being impacted in an outsized manner. So. And I'm not saying that you have to have any answers to any of these questions. It's just if there's an opportunity for us to make a consideration for those people in the structure of the development agreement that it should be done. And if there's I guess I'm sorry I haven't asked this question sooner around the timeline, but it's probably been said before. But you know what.

02:03:41,770	S12:
I mean at the timeline, right? We talked about it, but this is not a new thing. It's been going on for years. Right. So it's not we're trying to not we're trying to bring it to closure and not start it and rush through it. We're trying to bring it to closure. But the essence is that if the person we're trying to negotiate with is is being motivated to make a sale, that at the end of the day, can motive, can, can benefit the town. It's in our best interest to to see if we can benefit the town as much as possible by motivating them to sign an agreement that's in our benefit, because they want to make the sale to to developer that probably going to time out at a certain time. So if we don't get there, we don't get there. But it's a good opportunity to negotiate. Yeah. To get because if something's going to happen with that property. Right. And we need to protect the town for years and years to come. That's right. So this is the right time to do it. Right now, if there's things we need to add to it in terms of improvements that need to be made, that maybe don't get covered by a zoning bylaw or regulation or delegate, we'd love to hear those things. So send you an email if there's something that you want us to add to it. But we haven't heard those things in two years, so if we're hearing it today, it's not too late. Let's get them into our into our negotiation. So we can talk about this.

02:04:50,770	S21:
And that has been talked about at the planning board level, that the traffic. We realized that the concern particularly for the butters. So we've talked to one time about doing some traffic studies based on what a bill that would be based on the use of the land will be. We're not quite at that point where we know exactly what the usages will be, but I think we're getting there. So I think it's certainly something that's been discussed in the planning board, and we would have a plan to address it at a special time if it comes to that.

02:05:23,869	S16:
I had a.

02:05:24,930	S4:
Thought, but I can't remember what was.

02:05:27,600	S5:
Triggered by that. I think that's.

02:05:29,000	S12:
Sad. So the next, the next. So to the next item on agenda was actually open the warrant. All we need to do is make a motion to open it.

02:05:36,270	S2:
All right. So I moved that we open the warrant for December 9th, 2025 special town meeting.

02:05:41,869	S12:
I have a second.

02:05:42,569	S1:
Second.

02:05:43,529	S12:
Any further discussion. Any questions or comments on.

02:05:49,170	S12:
The trout here. Okay, so I will. I was in favor of opening the Warren. Say a bye bye. Okay. Bye bye. Okay, Joe, anything else needs to do on this topic today?

02:06:00,800	S10:
Not today.

02:06:01,630	S12:
Okay. We're good. All right, I'm gonna turn it back over to Mr. Wilson so he can tell us about our zoo cell tower. Lease bids that came in recently that look favorable to the town.

Yeah. 02:06:12,829	S10:
Can I just create that real quick? So I had a conversation with town council. Um, they have some questions about the term that's being requested because they want to look a little more closely at the leases that's already been signed. And the authority for the lease that was authorized by the special town meeting in 2017, I think it was 16 or 17. Um, so we just I ask that we don't take any votes tonight, but you can update the board on on the status of the offers.

02:06:42,500	S2:
That's interesting. So I agree. And was there anything confidential in that lie that we looked at or you shared?

02:06:48,329	S10:
Me? No, he's reviewing the whole lie. He's worried about the contract term. Um, no. Nothing. Nothing confidential?

02:06:54,100	S2:
No. From the person who gave it to us. It was.

02:06:58,029	S10:
They thought that I know she knew. I had to have in front of you as a public meeting.

02:07:01,670	S2:
By way of update, as you guys know, we own the media. We have a lease behind the town hall. Um, we got. It's been close to a year now, I think, uh, offers from the company who built it, Everest, to buy it out. It's not uncommon in the industry for, you know, um, co-location companies to own towers to try to buy out their assets, especially the ones they think are, you know, long term sustainable that they sell to other carriers or cell phone providers to go on it. So they've been going back and forth. You know, I won't go through all of it. You know, we've had discussions at this table before. Uh, we did get the offer, you know, pretty high, you know, by waiting and negotiating with Everest. Joe did a great job at that. You know, there was a reason. Probably two months ago, they brought the offer back down, which we did not agree with. So at that point, we came to this board, this table and said, you know, there are services we can. We can have others, you know, do an RFP, a semi-formal one, and just test the waters. There are many co-location companies that look to buy towers. That was done. There were three responses, one being the same Everest who stayed firm on their price. It was $627,000. Right? Um, we got two other bids. One higher, one lower. Um, but it showed the flexibility of the range of offers that are out there. I do think we got an offer. I don't know if we want to get into the numbers, but, um, because I do think that with the confidentiality thing in there.

02:08:27,770	S10:
But I probably should have said.

02:08:30,369	S2:
But anyway, it's, um, we did get a better offer, and I think we got an Loi in front of us. It's a 30 year easement that buy out the lease, you know, for I guess for 650,000. So 23,000 higher, you know, than, than the, the initial buyout offer that we had from the building company. But I do think that that's a fair offer with a blunt signing in life. I can't even talk to anybody. I take on my throat.

02:09:00,470	S4:
So.

02:09:01,430	S12:
So let me ask a couple questions. What you've had to drink there. But, um.

02:09:05,229	S5:
So currently, right now.

02:09:07,329	S12:
We get a yearly revenue. Yeah. And that your revenue grade into our.

02:09:12,130	S10:
General fund.

02:09:12,630	S12:
And our general fund. If we did a one time set, where would that money go?

02:09:16,270	S10:
It would, it would have to go into a fund for a capital.

02:09:20,000	S12:
So, so in that sense, even though we're making money, we can't use it for the same stuff.

Right. 02:09:25,930	S10:
But but the impact of it becomes great. So proceeds from the sale of land or an interest in land have to go into a into a fund to fund capital projects. They're not allowed to be spent in the general fund.

02:09:38,569	S2:
So you couldn't have asked. And I'm glad you asked the question. We didn't get that far on this, but, um, you couldn't say, well, that, you know, 20 plus thousand a year, uh, was applied to these expenses going forward, and we couldn't earmark that same funding to prepay for those.

02:09:54,699	S10:
No, no, we don't we. It goes into the general fund and becomes part of all of our annual revenue. And then we then we develop our budget based on the total of our revenue and try to back into that number. So I think it winds up being around $40,000 or so right now that we're getting annually based on the monthly payments. If the if Everest adds or subtracts antennas on the on the pole, that goes up or down, and we've got about 26 years or so left on that current lease. Um, it would be if you added it up over the course of the 26 years, it would be more than the offer in front of you, but it's only about $40,000 a year, going up a little bit at a time each year. So it's a very tiny percent of your actual annual operating budget. A 625 to $650,000 lump sum payment that you would.

02:10:46,170	S12:
Use.

02:10:46,770	S10:
Toward a capital project is something that would impact you in terms of not having to spend that money out of your general fund in the future, you take care of a project that.

02:10:56,229	S12:
Would go into one of our existing funds.

02:10:58,069	S10:
Yeah, we'd probably have you. It would probably until we got a town meeting vote. We'd go into our capital stabilization fund because that's the only fund we have set up for stable.

02:11:06,529	S2:
For now, we just want to make sure we're not just like, I get it. We make sure we apply that to something that's unique. Because, you know, there's two ways to look at this. You have an annuity ongoing with that 40 ish thousand per year that grows 3% annual or you take a long term value. This is a very good lump sum value and a base time value of money. It's a good thing to take until you spend it. You lose it. And then all of a sudden there was money coming into your general fund on an annual basis that you can apply.

02:11:34,770	S10:
But the amount that's coming in to our annual general fund is is essentially lost in the margins. I mean, it's not an amount that would make us have to make a cut in the department or anything like that.

02:11:45,270	S2:
Now you're getting a usable lump.

02:11:46,800	S12:
Yes, that's my only thing because I was like, okay, let's say we get the I'm going to make up those things. Don't quote me, but we need a new fire truck. Fire truck? About $650,000. We can buy a new fire truck.

02:11:56,329	S5:
Yeah. You're actually.

02:11:57,199	S12:
But the next.

02:11:57,899	S2:
Year.

02:11:58,600	S12:
The next year, we have to raise another $20,000 in tax because we're losing that yearly revenue as part of our as part of our budget. So but still, if you bought the fire truck and got a loan and a lease of the tire, track your pain. You're paying for that over so many years. You're going to pay more for the than $600,000 for you're probably not paying over $1 million for the fire truck, so you can't. But that's why we have the illustrious John McGrath here. So you can tell us. I'd love to hear the best use of our money.

02:12:22,869	S10:
Just so this hasn't been for a minute.

02:12:25,600	S12:
No, sir. John. John. Yeah. John, walk us through what you need to look at and how long you needed to look at it before you can give us a recommendation.

02:12:33,329	S4:
Well, I need, you know, you need a, um, a firm, public, um, you know, proposal. So. Sounds like we might have that. Um, but I I'll tell you right now without opening up my laptop. This makes good sense for town. So we'll we'll crunch the numbers. But I think, um, I think it would make sense to take the money and, um, hold it and reserve for the right capital project so that that's my initial gut reaction without looking into the details.

02:13:19,770	S2:
Well, we'll send that to you. I appreciate your your lens on it as well.

02:13:24,770	S12:
And your time. Time frame to the offer, Joe.

02:13:27,329	S10:
Um, they They did. Initially, I expressed to the consultant that we needed to have this public discussion. She said that the offer would be, um, a little bit flexible. Uh, and but more to the point, we haven't got. I wouldn't ask you to take a vote tonight because I haven't had a sign off from town council.

02:13:46,000	S12:
Yeah.

02:13:46,829	S4:
Yeah, we need to find out what his concern is.

02:13:48,800	S12:
So my goal would be to vote in the next two meetings.

02:13:52,300	S2:
Yeah.

02:13:52,569	S12:
I don't know.

02:13:53,199	S2:
If I have to.

02:13:53,829	S12:
Meet, depending upon the.

02:13:55,270	S2:
Uh, just because of the sensitivity of.

02:13:58,829	S12:
The next meeting. So, I don't know, one thing. Council meeting between now and our next meeting, but, um, but John will have to circle back off the line and see if we can make that happen.

Yep. 02:14:07,300	S2:
Yeah, I think that. Yeah. I think if we get to the next meeting and we're not ready, I think we probably want to, you know, vote to give the right to, you know, to you and or and or Joe to sign this thing because I do think there's some time sensitivity in an offer like this. I've seen them just fair.

02:14:26,500	S12:
Yep.

02:14:27,170	S2:
And go either way.

Um. 02:14:29,670	S12:
Yeah, there might be. There might have been somebody. They might be buying so many towers.

02:14:33,500	S2:
Yep.

02:14:33,699	S12:
Yep. And if somebody's right and all of a sudden they've bought somebody else's, the only money left. So, Joe.

02:14:39,270	S4:
What do you mean? You have two offers that were within $20,000 of each other.

Right. 02:14:45,329	S10:
It's about $40,000, I think. Right now, based on what we get annually. Um, there are two. It's based on the base lease. And then there's a second, uh, array on the on the tower right now. And then that grows annually by about 3%. So, um.

02:14:59,529	S2:
And the revenue share.

02:15:01,270	S10:
Right. Yeah. The revenue share on the second tier, on the second tier tenant. So, um, so we're we're caught up with payments. Ever been making their payments on time? There was a period where they were off limits, but they they made amends and they've been.

02:15:13,029	S5:
On time.

02:15:13,329	S2:
So. And even signing this would keep the revenue share on the second way.

02:15:17,270	S10:
Yeah. But it would just divert it to the people that were selling at.

02:15:19,500	S12:
Least to it.

02:15:20,069	S2:
Yeah. But they offered to like send that back. Well, to do that until just everything's fine.

02:15:24,770	S10:
All I'm.

02:15:25,300	S4:
Just worried.

02:15:27,930	S12:
My mind is.

02:15:29,369	S2:
Okay. Let's turn that to bed.

02:15:31,899	S5:
Get some real clarity on this. Receive the offer sometime in the past week. With the offer good for 30 days.

02:15:38,300	S10:
It was. It was like they were expecting us to act in 14 days. But I'll just go back to the consultants, tell.

02:15:42,899	S12:
Them we.

02:15:43,130	S2:
Need more time. Why? It could go.

02:15:44,600	S10:
Tomorrow. It could go tomorrow. We'll ask them to do it as quick as we can. I'll ask them to. I'll ask them to extend it as long as possible. But impress upon them that council hasn't signed off on it yet. So we're not in a position to sign.

02:15:55,470	S12:
So I say what? Just give them a date that we will, we will. We will vote something by the next meeting. It should be window.

02:16:03,270	S5:
But could we all.

02:16:04,000	S10:
Tuesday the 23rd.

02:16:05,399	S5:
All right. Do we as a select board need to need to review it.

02:16:10,130	S2:
I would almost recommend we authorize town manager and chair to, you know, providing positive feedback from the Centcom interaction document.

02:16:21,069	S5:
And council as well. Right.

Joe. 02:16:23,170	S2:
Yeah. Yes, 100%.

02:16:24,970	S12:
And I told you that.

02:16:27,000	S10:
Um, you know, I would. I would say with the caveat that we report back to you what's done in when it was done.

02:16:33,370	S5:
One more question. The the person who ran the RFP for us. Um, gets a fee. Is that right?

02:16:39,530	S10:
Uh, if we take that offer, we'll go. It will be on there and on the on the buyers and not on ours.

02:16:44,770	S2:
Yeah, we might get it.

02:16:45,629	S5:
But otherwise, if we're not in a position to accept the offer for just physical reasons, or if the lie goes away after these 14 days or 30 days or whatever, we're able to negotiate, then we don't have to pay the consultant fee.

02:16:59,770	S2:
No, I think we owe a consultant.

02:17:01,229	S12:
I think.

02:17:01,770	S10:
You think it's $5,000.

02:17:03,030	S2:
Offer and we don't.

02:17:04,030	S10:
I think it's $5,000, but I have I have a consulting line to handle stuff like that. So if we wound up in that position, we have it in the budget to manage it.

02:17:11,469	S5:
Okay.

02:17:12,399	S2:
Should I see about that? So maybe I do think.

02:17:16,129	S5:
It would be fun.

02:17:16,770	S2:
But not at.

02:17:17,799	S12:
All good.

02:17:19,030	S2:
In fact, meeting. That's all. Then maybe we just if you can come back to. Maybe that's what you. You know, explain to the third party that we need a legal team to look at it as well. But the board looked at it favorably, but had a few open questions from legal and often gone.

02:17:34,469	S12:
Okay, good.

Yeah. 02:17:36,000	S2:
The other good news is there was a sidewalk behind the safety building and public safety building. So if there's a real good shot soon to get out there here, which will get us another annuity going on leases. So great potential sale if we wanted to.

02:17:51,430	S10:
So yeah, they're, they're planning to apply to the, to the planning board by the end of October for a special permit to begin construction of a second tower behind a public safety building.

So. 02:18:04,399	S10:
Which is great, which is great news.

02:18:07,170	S5:
Decide whether we're to authorize chair and go to just.

02:18:10,629	S12:
I think.

02:18:11,000	S10:
Bill just said that we would would ask try to.

02:18:13,870	S12:
Bring it back and said we should have two more weeks.

02:18:16,569	S2:
So yeah, the next meeting.

02:18:17,870	S12:
Next meeting.

02:18:18,969	S2:
If you hear. Yeah. I mean, yes, I think we can do that safely.

02:18:24,670	S5:
Not that it matters. I'll be out of town next week on that. For the.

02:18:30,270	S10:
Meeting on the.

02:18:30,770	S5:
23rd.

Yes. 02:18:31,870	S10:
Well, I may as well say now it's going to come up under new business. Um, the meeting on the 23rd. We're going to have to do remotely because there's a conflict between us and our planning board. We're meeting on a Tuesday night. That's their night there. We're going to be here. Now, they also still have to manage a conflict with the One Select board as well. So I think discretion be the better part of valor. I think we that should be a fully remote meeting on the 23rd.

02:18:54,870	S5:
I might be able to call in for a chunk of that then, Jeff.

02:18:59,170	S12:
All right. Anything else on that one, Joe? Nope. Good work. Do other questions come? Okay. Uh, we have two more items on the agenda talking about, uh, uh, administrative type stuff. So the next one is the schedule select board policies review and timeline.

02:19:15,670	S10:
So in your packets is a list of all the current policies that we've been able to identify on the town website. It came up during the workshop and goal setting in August that we thought that there were a couple of items that were outstanding that we wanted to get back to, and we thought that the board thought that maybe it was time to go back and revisit some of the old policies and see if they needed updating. And some of these policies go back several years, some several, before my inclusion as your town manager. So, um, I think it's a good idea for you folks to say, hey, let's start talking about this on. And then you could set that at that meeting. You could identify two members to work as a subcommittee to identify priorities and or or when you do that, when you talk about an ex, you can set your priorities, looking at that, that list and then designate a subcommittee to start helping us bring them forward. So, um, doesn't need a lot of conversation tonight, but hopefully you'll pick a date for us to target in an upcoming meeting.

02:20:18,870	S5:
But.

02:20:23,600	S2:
Do we have a policy on setting policies?

02:20:29,270	S2:
No. I'm serious. Like a lot of them, I think this district.

02:20:32,500	S10:
Not that I know of. Yeah, not not that I know of.

02:20:37,170	S2:
No. Because some of these are old.

Yeah. 02:20:41,329	S2:
I think that's a good plan to try to prioritize these and create a schedule to attack them.

02:20:49,000	S5:
Uh, how many are on the list?

02:20:51,530	S13:
25.

02:20:52,370	S2:
So there's a lot. And I would suggest we look at the financial impact ones.

02:20:58,100	S10:
There's still three outstanding that we need to adopt to financial policies that we haven't that we were going to that we haven't got to yet.

Right. 02:21:04,569	S5:
So five of.

02:21:07,370	S10:
Those.

02:21:07,770	S4:
Eight. This one.

02:21:10,729	S2:
Would your team and Andy have a recommendation on how to attack these and prioritize them more.

02:21:17,129	S10:
Currently there's 34, including the five financial policies. So and there are some that the board's talked about doing that we haven't ever finished, including, uh, you know, facility use policy, etc.. So signage policy bills, favorite policy. Yeah. Um, got to try to get that done before his time on the boards.

02:21:41,229	S10:
Um, so I.

02:21:42,799	S12:
Think that is something we should be doing. It's just things have taken priority over it.

02:21:48,200	S5:
But the financial ones, do they affect the budget setting at all?

02:21:52,370	S2:
Budget policy is important because we have to.

02:21:54,729	S19:
Stand there and do that.

02:21:56,469	S12:
Yeah. So I think.

02:21:57,399	S10:
That what we'll be trying to do.

Right. 02:21:58,670	S12:
And we should start with those. Yeah. It's my opinion.

02:22:01,629	S5:
And when, when would you want us to have reviewed and adopted those by then.

02:22:06,129	S10:
Does a budget policy we want adopted this fall no later than December? Um, we're going to be presenting your draft for. You will be presenting the FY 27 budget in January. And we want to have that budget policy help guiding that, that process. So, um, the others.

02:22:21,700	S5:
Comments and on those ones by like I'm just trying to break it down. If we had comments in by November 17th on the the budget related ones, that we'd be able to review them and have them voted in by December 1st.

02:22:36,030	S12:
Well, we're starting the process or ending the process in December, and.

02:22:42,229	S10:
We want to end the process of.

02:22:43,299	S12:
December, right? So we're ending the process. So getting the policy the same day you.

02:22:47,799	S10:
Currently have five financial policies. There's another policy that's known as the budget policy that we haven't adopted. And there's two others after that that were recommended by the state that are also recommended, by the way, that that we're trying to get included in your current list of policies. The budget was the most pressing one, because it's the one that actually kind of gives gets us credit with the CoA. Way. And and it's one that we've been wanting to get to for a couple of years.

02:23:12,500	S12:
So I'm going to get it drafted right now.

02:23:14,670	S10:
We had drafts of all of them from the state. You guys, before I got here, the title received a grant from the Community Compact grant program with.

02:23:24,100	S2:
Drafts.

02:23:24,569	S10:
Of all of them, but you needed to Hamilton them, and most of the time we've done a pretty good job of bringing it in 1 or 2 a year. We this past year, I think we've had a lot of other things occupying us.

02:23:36,500	S12:
And can you can you circulate those three to the board on an email and then maybe the next meeting we can talk about, we get to read it. We can talk about what you want to do first and what.

02:23:46,930	S10:
We're going to. We're going to ask you to do the budget one first.

02:23:48,870	S2:
I wish.

02:23:50,069	S23:
They could.

02:23:50,469	S2:
Come.

02:23:51,030	S10:
Yes, absolutely.

02:23:53,069	S12:
So just send just that one out and so we can focus on just that one. If you want to do all three, send all three so we can at least read them, understand what we can remember. I mean, I remember the five, I think Rose Mary run some of these. And Bill, you were probably on some of these, but we passed the first five. It was really good workshopping dialogue and and they and they and they work very well. We've done great with those policies.

02:24:13,799	S10:
So they've been they've been really helpful to us as staff in helping to shape the budget process and explain things. When people ask questions about, well, why did you do this? We have a policy for that, and it's a policy that's based on best practices and standards in the industry and standards with the state finance law. So it makes it easier to explain why we make decisions, which is helpful. The budget policy would be a major one. There's two others. Um, could we ask the board to consider maybe having some time on the October 6th agenda to set a prioritization schedule for policies in general, and maybe pick a policy subcommittee that would work with staff? Myself included.

02:24:57,399	S12:
Um, it gives you I'm going.

02:24:59,600	S10:
To give.

02:24:59,870	S5:
You a.

02:25:00,569	S4:
Horse.

02:25:00,870	S10:
Trading girl who's going.

02:25:01,700	S5:
To get.

02:25:01,899	S4:
Stuck.

02:25:02,100	S12:
I nominate Ben.

02:25:03,569	S5:
Everybody turn to the new the night sky.

02:25:06,569	S12:
I mean, how many band did you know?

02:25:08,399	S2:
It's always a good way to learn like that.

02:25:12,229	S12:
I mean.

02:25:12,469	S2:
The.

02:25:12,569	S12:
Good news is good news. Bad news. Right? The good news is there's no deadline. It's a goal that we have. And so it's a good goal to work towards. We have a year to do. We can do it two years. We do it a month. But. So I think it's a good opportunity for you to do because. Yeah because there's no.

02:25:26,270	S5:
Really good opportunity.

02:25:29,170	S12:
You can exceed the goal or you can push it out. But but yeah, let's, let's.

02:25:32,770	S5:
Let's aim to have at least the budget one done on time. And I'm fine a lot.

02:25:37,469	S12:
And then on the six we'll talk about and maybe Joe, you can talk with Ben offline about what is this.

02:25:43,829	S10:
Subcommittee of one. I don't hear anybody else summing up.

02:25:47,229	S2:
Their policies in a, in like some type of document that they're.

02:25:50,930	S10:
All, yeah, they're all right. Now on the website you can search all of them.

02:25:54,030	S2:
Like we're asking Ben to go write them out.

02:25:55,870	S12:
No no no. Just have a schedule are.

02:25:58,469	S5:
Just the same schedule. And you.

02:26:01,799	S10:
Talk through, like, what makes some revisions and then bring that revise back.

02:26:05,100	S12:
And listen to schedule it a process, but not yet. Not to write about. Yeah, I.

02:26:09,500	S2:
Would say though. Well, I'm sure there's got to be some changes like this leaf policy from 1993. I bet is I'm going to go find that one. Should we should put that on the list.

02:26:20,399	S5:
So are you.

02:26:21,399	S2:
That's the oldest one I can see on here from eyeballing the list. Leaf collection.

02:26:25,299	S5:
Backpack leaf blowers.

02:26:26,899	S2:
Dated October 12th.

02:26:28,000	S4:
Oh, yeah.

02:26:28,770	S12:
We have. Hey, we're going to buy electric leaf blowers for everybody in the community.

02:26:32,770	S2:
But people feel they have an expertise or input or feeling towards any of these. Start thinking about it and we can all kind of help divide and conquer if, if it comes to that.

02:26:42,870	S5:
So I think you have to say something more. John, you said I wasn't sure if you were going to offer to help me.

But. 02:26:52,500	S5:
Shakespeare said, no. Absolutely not.

02:26:56,069	S4:
Yeah. Ben. Ben, just give me a ring. I'll. I'll help you, buddy.

02:26:59,370	S10:
Hey, Josh. Well, that's that's great.

02:27:01,569	S5:
I love it. Yeah. Thank you John.

02:27:04,170	S4:
It's good.

02:27:04,670	S5:
Man. All right.

02:27:06,930	S12:
All right. So I think so. Yes. We're going to summarize. We're going to focus on the budget policy regret that circulated. We're going to focus on that. So they can use that as a tool for this fall. And we'll talk next week. So before next week just read it understand it. And then we'll kind of talk next week about what about what next steps are. And then you're going to meet with Joe on the following me on the sixth. You might have a priority of what ones you want to tackle this year and the next steps for it. Does that make sense to everyone?

02:27:34,370	S4:
Yes.

02:27:34,899	S18:
Yep.

02:27:36,430	S12:
And John's going to help assist. All right. Then the last item on the agenda is the 2027. Believe it or not we're saying the 2027 out loud 27 budget goals discussion.

02:27:50,469	S5:
Um.

02:27:52,299	S12:
So, Joe.

Yeah. 02:27:54,170	S10:
So every year we begin the budget process by having goals set by both the select board and the income. Um, um, basically really the, the select board gives us schools that we review them with. Um, they may make recommendations for alterations, changes. We'll circulate all those by the end of in time for the next meeting on the 23rd. We'll, um, we're actually a little bit late. We did this at the first meeting in September last year, so we're going to be off by, uh, we're going to be off by a week or by a meeting this year. But, um, our goal is to have you update your goals based on the feedback we got from the workshop. And, uh, you know, take that feedback at the workshop with you and the last year's goals and update them and get them ready for FY 27 consumption. And that's where we'll start. And so I guess really, I'm asking you to just giving you a heads up more that we're planning to begin the discussion for FY 27 with the board and the fin. Come on. Uh, September 23rd.

02:28:55,500	S12:
On.

02:28:56,569	S10:
A meeting I plan to take in my pajamas since we're going to be online now.

02:29:05,030	S10:
I'm just. I'm just kidding. I'll have all the professional on the zoom pajamas.

02:29:11,000	S2:
Um, I think that's a good plan. I would just say do everything you did last year.

02:29:17,170	S10:
Well, that'd be great.

02:29:17,799	S12:
And no, no, no, we're.

02:29:19,530	S2:
Talking about the.

02:29:20,100	S12:
Process and no overrides. You know.

02:29:22,770	S10:
If I.

02:29:23,469	S12:
Can say this.

02:29:24,129	S4:
Out.

02:29:25,200	S10:
We're going to try to ratchet up this year all the goals that you give us for the budget setting process. We're going to try to tie throughout the departments to their annual spending so that we need to be a little bit more, um.

02:29:40,629	S10:
Detailed, focused on what we're telling them that we want them to do this year so that we, they can identify what they're doing as tied to a budget goal for the year. So, you know, we did we did receive a. At a budget award.

02:29:57,629	S5:
This.

02:29:57,799	S10:
Year, but budget presentation award this year. But they had comments and things that they wanted us to do, and they wanted to wanted us to do a better job of tying our goals to our actual departmental spending so that we need need your input so we can have them have our department heads at the same time.

02:30:12,600	S5:
Okay, I like that. Is there? I know it doesn't extend into the world too much, but I know that's a.

02:30:22,299	S10:
We have goals. We can ask them to help. Yeah yeah yeah. Help meet them.

02:30:27,170	S12:
So that's.

02:30:28,030	S2:
Our.

02:30:28,200	S12:
Goal. So yeah. Um, under new business and I had missed the first half an hour of the meeting tonight, but I know it was talked about. I just want to just reiterate again that we do have an a hole open on next Monday night, the 15th, for a vote in town, just to make sure people are aware of that. Joe. The pulling hours or what time?

02:30:55,770	S10:
12 to.

02:30:56,430	S12:
8. It's a school district. It's a school.

02:30:58,500	S10:
District. Vote managed by them. The hours have to be eight hours. They can't be more than eight hours by state law.

02:31:04,030	S12:
And the town location is.

02:31:07,229	S10:
The location is that the rep for Hamilton? Is the rec center like it always is?

02:31:10,170	S12:
Okay. And there's only one thing on the.

02:31:13,700	S10:
One item on.

02:31:14,229	S12:
The agenda we want to move up.

02:31:15,370	S4:
Because.

02:31:18,329	S12:
Um, also, I made a commitment to make, uh, finalize the notes from our town manager review meeting from a few weeks ago and get that circulated to that next week. We can finalize, um, toggle manager. So I will get that off to everybody by next Monday. So you can think about it and we can discuss it the following Monday, as I give you a week to think about it after I get my notes together.

02:31:43,229	S2:
I think we owe a discussion to Josue on this contract. Right. That's in his.

02:31:46,629	S4:
Talked about.

02:31:48,729	S2:
Potentially extending the year. It's that it's a successful years.

02:31:53,270	S12:
Okay. We'll put those things on the agenda for next.

02:32:00,870	S2:
Speaking of the district vote and such, the agreement is there. We had a point for any feedback from this board on discussions that are taking place, and that some representation with that group, with Joe and I believe, Tom. Is there anything to report back to this group yet, or is that still.

02:32:20,700	S10:
So after the after the regional meetings that were held with representatives of the Select Board of Incomes from the towns and the and School Committee? Um,

02:32:31,569	S10:
we have a we have a red line version of the previous agreement with all of the things that people wanted to include in it. Um, we are trying to schedule a meeting for, I believe we have scheduled meeting for next Tuesday morning, the 17th or Wednesday, the morning, the 17 17th, Wednesday morning to engage with Wenham and our representative, which is now Tom, and town council to get Hamilton and Wenham aligned and what we'd like to see come out of that redline version, and what we are willing to push back and and dispense with this fact is we felt it was important that the towns were represented by the same council, and we don't want to have to hire outside counsel if we can avoid it. So we thought it was important to have a meeting to make sure that we're on the same page with what we're seeking, because there were there were things put in by Wenham representatives that were things put in by our representatives, things put in by the school committee. We want to make sure that Hamilton Wenham are on the same page and seeing the same song, because.

02:33:35,569	S5:
I don't.

02:33:35,770	S10:
Want to have to fight about it if we don't have to. So we're going to try to have a meeting with council lowering. Lauren Goldberg from Cape Law is been cleared to represent both towns. And so we'll be meeting jointly with Lauren next week, and then after that, we'll have a meeting with the school district again, and then after that we'll be bringing something hopefully back to you guys. The goal has always been to have some hearings on it once we have an agreement and get some public input, but but to finalize the process with a vote at annual town meeting in April. So I.

02:34:11,670	S12:
Put.

02:34:11,969	S10:
That mildly optimistic that we can make.

02:34:13,370	S12:
That 51%. Or is that do we know I.

02:34:17,469	S10:
I think it's only going to need a 51%. I don't think it needs two thirds.

02:34:22,770	S10:
Oh.

02:34:25,030	S2:
Okay. Thank you.

02:34:26,270	S12:
We have some things to sign. We've got some cemetery deeds, and and Rosemary has got some work.

02:34:34,100	S10:
To.

02:34:34,229	S12:
Sign. Yeah. Anything else on new business? Mayberry.

02:34:38,600	S1:
Um, not necessarily new business, but just a follow up. Um, I have been, um, Appointed to the Pen Homestead Task Force, and I'm just wondering if there's anything going on with that yet. I've not heard anything.

02:34:55,129	S21:
Um.

02:34:56,500	S10:
We need to get that. Um, we need to get that going again. So, um, trying.

02:35:01,229	S4:
To.

02:35:01,899	S10:
Have it.

02:35:02,430	S4:
Heard.

02:35:02,870	S10:
Today. I was supposed to have some. I'm supposed to have something more in writing from, uh, folks that were interested, and I. I have to follow back up with them to follow up on what they've already given us. But, um, yeah, we need to get a meeting on the books, so.

02:35:15,229	S1:
Yeah. Is this a.

02:35:16,629	S15:
General.

02:35:17,569	S1:
Plan for the patent homestead, or is it just with this particular entity?

02:35:23,870	S10:
I think I think it needs to be. I think we need to talk in general about what the task force thinks. The best way forward for the town is with the with the patent homestead property. And and then as part of that discussion, does the do the various options provided by the interested party make sense for the town?

02:35:42,930	S4:
Actually not.

02:35:45,399	S10:
I mean, I don't don't have a firm.

02:35:48,000	S5:
Someday I'll bring up.

02:35:52,469	S10:
My list of movies to watch on Netflix before. Sorry about that. I'm sorry. That's my personal movie list.

02:36:00,399	S12:
That's like. That's quite a message.

02:36:02,770	S4:
You read of the movie. Yeah. The stranger pig.

02:36:05,600	S10:
Or the dog?

02:36:07,170	S5:
Do you need both copies signed or.

02:36:08,899	S10:
Yes. On the on the on the cemetery.

Sorry. 02:36:12,069	S12:
Both signed. I didn't send it back.

02:36:16,930	S2:
Yes. Just seeing if you're awake down there.

02:36:20,129	S12:
Gold star. Nicely done.

02:36:22,569	S5:
That was a.

02:36:22,899	S2:
Test. Well, is that a policy? We're gonna have time. Both copies.

02:36:27,670	S4:
Well done.

02:36:29,930	S12:
Make sure we sign copies.

02:36:33,670	S2:
Yes. You doing?

02:36:34,670	S12:
Yes. Do I have a motion to return? I have a second.

02:36:38,069	S5:
Second?

02:36:38,469	S12:
All those in favor.

02:36:39,500	S2:
Sign these yet.

02:36:40,069	S5:
Right.

02:36:40,299	S12:
All right.

02:36:41,500	S1:
Oh.