00:00:00,501	S2:
She's getting used to saying that meeting of the Wyndham Select Board. Uh, commencing at 6:03 p.m.. Uh, present from the Select Board here this evening. Our vice chair, Gary Cheesman, secretary Deirdre Peretti, treasurer Peter Clay, member Karen Anger. And my name is Ben Simon. And we have a few things on the agenda, but we are very happy to, uh, fast forward to the reason that I think 95 or 98% of you are here, unless you really want to hear, you know, a review of meeting minutes and exciting things like that. Um, so we're going to move right to, uh, item A on the agenda. The swearing in ceremony for Four of our officers, and I will turn it right over to you, chief, to begin the festivities.

00:00:53,901	S3:
Thank you. Ben. I appreciate it. I can't tell you how incredibly proud I am to stand here in front of this, this group, uh, to to be a part of what we've built here with the men and women that are working for this police department and the support we get from this community, this select board, and so many people in this room. I can't tell you how much it means to me and Deputy Chief Luke Anthony to stand up here. This is an incredible event. Just obviously looking looking out into the crowd and see the support that we have. And some folks drove quite, quite a long way, is a true testament to the support that our officers have. And so again, I can't thank everyone enough for taking the time the family members, friends, relatives and for some of the citizens that are here just to support the men and women of this police department makes me makes me super proud to be a part of the a small part of what we're building, because we're only as good, myself and the deputy as the men and women that work with us and for us. And I'd be nothing without the hard work that they do every day. And along with what other men and women in law enforcement do every day just to keep the the people of this state safe. So thank you again. I really, really appreciate it. Um, without further ado, we're going to start with officer Bob Connors, uh, soon to be formally Sergeant Connors. Uh, yes. And wife Christal and daughters Leila and Aubrey to come up to assist. No pressure.

00:02:42,300	S4:
Thank you.

00:02:44,200	S1:
The second practice.

00:02:46,167	S5:
Am I doing it now?

00:02:47,000	S3:
No. Yeah. I'll. I'll walk you through it. I'm just going to slow walk from one minute till our, uh, clerk just takes care of a few more items. Um, while we're doing that, please eat the humongous cake in the back. Um, and did you guys eat any cake yet?

00:03:05,100	S4:
Yes.

00:03:05,701	S3:
Okay. That's all I could tell. Um, it is, without a doubt, to start with. But I couldn't be more proud of the process that the five officers went through. Uh, to be standing up here today, to be recognized, to be one of our two newest sergeants for the women police department. It was stressful and strenuous to to say the least. It is a testament to their hard work, their character, their dedication of this agency, how much time they put in to get to where they can stand before everyone in this room and be pinned. It it means a lot. And it recognizes what they've put to be here. Um, to start with. But as a result of the retirement of Sergeant Marsh, a promotional process was conducted to select his replacement for the next full time one police sergeant. Officer Connors was ultimately selected after a thorough process that was fully conducted by Public Safety Consultants of Boxford, Massachusetts. Officer Connors, as an experienced police officer with six years of full time police experience and 99 years part time police experience, he has a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology from Suffolk University and a master's degree in Criminal Justice administration from Boston University. Uh, Sergeant Connors worked on the ERT unit from oh 3 to 25. He also is heavily involved with new recruit and in-service training for the Municipal Police training Committee. Uh, he two assists at numerous area departments with CPR and defensive tactics, training many people in this room and people I meet in my travels in the state will constantly mentions bots name because of the interaction they've had with him in some type of training component and beyond. Just saying, hey, I know Officer Connors are now Sergeant Connors. They they speak to his character, his training ability, how they he makes them feel when he's teaching these new recruits and this in-service training in the area police department, the class that he represents himself in our agency. So I can't thank him enough. And I'm pleased to formally present Bacone as as one of our newest sergeants, who was appointed to the position by our Select board effective Sunday, November 9th, 2025. And I now have Clerk bucko who's going to come on up and swear bite in so he can be pinned by his.

00:05:38,367	S6:
Congratulations. Do you solemnly swear that you will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the bylaws of the town of Windham, and that you will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon you as a police sergeant for the town of one, up to the best of your abilities. Yes, ma'am.

00:06:26,367	S3:
Yes.

00:07:00,767	S3:
And brother Joe, I ask you to please come forward.

00:07:08,901	S3:
I can. Absolutely.

00:07:12,901	S4:
Yeah.

00:07:21,200	S3:
Now, I imagine if I asked you to raise your hand who drove a long distance from Michelle, there'd probably be a bunch of people that would raise their hands. So that in itself speaks to the impact that she's made in her career with the folks down the Cape. And since she's been here, I'm approached on a regular basis by citizens of all ages that talk about interactions the they have with Michelle, and it's all positive. It's all good stuff, and it's everything that we're trying to do. And Michelle's been a big part of that whole community policing model that's been in place for a while. If you looked up in the book, it would be a picture of Michelle there. So, uh, super, super proud to be standing before you to present Michelle as well. Um, again, I thank you all for coming here and taking the ride. I want to personally further specifically recognize some people in the room. Major. Um, Craig Scheck, Director of Operations, 203rd Intelligence Squadron. Um, thank you, sir. Uh, Chief Master Sergeant Dinah Shore, senior enlisted leader, 203rd Intelligence Squadron for the US Air Force. And then Master Sergeant Morgan Marconi 102nd Intelligence Wing. First Sergeant. So thank you very much.

00:08:41,667	S3:
Again, we as as mentioned before, we we had a recent vacancy that, um, caused us to move forward with the process that Michelle was a big part of. I think she was studying, preparing for her first day here. Um, and if you have a question about a law or something motor vehicle related, just go to Michelle and she will answer it in two seconds. Uh, she was ready. Prepared. This is something that I have the utmost confidence that Michelle is going to be an incredible sergeant moving forward. Uh, she's an experienced police officer coming to us with 11 years of full time police experience. Uh, she has Bachelor of science degree in criminal justice from the University of South Carolina and a master's degree in criminal justice from University of Massachusetts Lowell Michele has also worked as a crisis negotiator for Nemec from 2023 to 25. She is also currently a master Sergeant, first Sergeant for the 203rd Intelligence Squadron of the United States Air Force Air National Guard.

00:09:52,367	S3:
She too received the prestigious Levittown Award in 2019. It should be known just doing the research that I was doing and be prepared tonight, that the eligibility for this award is reserved for those graduates who rank in the top 1% of their class. So I ask everyone if you do have a second to look that up. I didn't know it because Michelle's not the type to talk about it, but when I found it out and did the research on it, it's pretty incredible. So that should definitely be acknowledged. With that said, I'm pleased to formally present Michelle Princi as one of our newest sergeants who was appointed to that position of patrol sergeant with effective start date of Sunday, November 23rd, 2025. And I now ask Clerk bucko to move forward.

00:10:45,300	S6:
Do you solemnly swear that you will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the bylaws of the Town of One. And that you will faithfully, faithfully, and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon you as a member of the Police Board in the town of London, to the best of your knowledge. Thank you.

00:12:06,367	S3:
Marissa, you're up next.

00:12:10,467	S4:
Where are we? All right.

00:12:25,000	S3:
So I'd like to recognize

00:12:28,601	S3:
Marissa's mother, Jenny, and her father, Anthony, along with her sisters Ashley and Jessica, who are here to support her on this big achievement. And I also would like to formally introduce Marissa's grandmother, Marianne Cosgrove, who's here to help assist with the pinning as well. Thank you for for being here. Um, so again, you know, there's certain people that that, you know, are so passionately, genuinely excited to be a part of this field and this profession. And Marissa exudes that every single day we see her at the police department every day since day one, whether it was her first interview, whether it was part of the field training process, whether it was, um, you know, just a day to day learning the job. She's always positive, she's always upbeat as a as a chief of police. And I know the deputy feels the same way to have those interactions and to genuinely when this field has been tough as of late, to see someone that is so proud and happy to be a part of this profession, to make the citizens of one I'm safe, and that of Massachusetts as well. I can't tell you how incredibly lucky I am, and we are as a community and a police department to have Marissa on board. So in May of 2025, as mentioned already, Sergeant Moss retired after a 30 year career. This created the vacancy to immediately need to fill that position with a full time candidate. At that time, when a police department conducted a recruitment process and identified Marissa as an excellent candidate to fill that void. Uh, she's a resident of Topsfield, a full time certified police officer, and she graduated from the Lynnfield Police Academy in February of 2025. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in criminal justice from Southern New Hampshire University, and a master of science degree in criminology from Merrimack College. Officer DeLucia passed all portions of the background process without incident. Did great. I'm proud to present Marissa to be recognized as a full time police officer, and we are super lucky, as already mentioned, to have her a part of our team.

00:14:42,000	S6:
Solemnly swear that you will uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and the violence of Elena. And that you will faithfully and impartially discharge and perform all the duties incumbent upon you as a police officer to the best of your ability.

00:15:48,100	S3:
Officer Brian Pratt.

00:16:07,300	S3:
So Brian is up here with his wife, Kelly, and unfortunately, his son Brayden and daughter Emily weren't able to make it. They were out of state. But I know they are here in spirit. Um, so thank you, Kelly, for coming to help the cause. Now, Brian has been a reserve police officer for 20 years. For probably the last 5 or 6 the deputy have been. And I have been beating down his door to take the next step to, to make that full time commitment. And when he approached us, when this vacancy presented itself and said that he was interested in doing that, I couldn't have been happier. Universally, across the board from our other police officers and from neighboring police departments, I can't even tell you how many times I've been approached by people that heard Brian was going full time, and how happy they were because of his character, because of his work ethic, because of how he represents himself in this agency and because of his interaction with the members of the community, even chief level, the Davis chief, where Brian's worked for quite some time now, you know, he's like, it's obvious. It makes sense. This is a natural move for him, he says. I'm not happy because I don't want to lose him, but I'm certainly happy because it it makes absolute sense. So to stand before you with this at this time, to have Brian making that leap, I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to to stand before you guys. When this vacancy presented itself. As mentioned, Bryan was selected as an incredible candidate from Danvers, Massachusetts. He's been a Windham Reserve officer for over 20 years now. Bryan has also been a full time dispatcher for the Danvers Police Department for 15 years, having served in a supervisory capacity since 2017. Prior to working in Danvers, Officer Pratt was a full time dispatcher in Hamilton for ten years. I won one of them. He's been a dedicated member of the department, conducting himself professionally and representing the London Police Department in the best possible light, officer Pratt passed all portions of the background process. If he didn't, we would've had a problem, since he's worked here for 20 years, but I would have had some explaining to do. It's an absolute understatement to say how happy I am to have Brian, as mentioned, finally make this this next leap. I am respectfully requesting Brian Pratt be formally approved tonight to for full time hire as a one and full time police officer with a formal start date of Sunday, January 18th, 2026.

00:18:46,767	S3:
Not Brian yet, so yeah, yeah. So we're we're a little out of order. So I.

00:18:53,167	S4:
Don't know.

00:18:54,267	S2:
Him now and then he can get sworn.

00:18:55,467	S1:
In. Yeah. Why don't we do that okay.

00:18:57,167	S2:
All right. So we're going to, um, entertain a motion to appoint Brian Pratt as a full time officer of the one I'm police department. It's. Do I hear such a motion?

00:19:07,100	S1:
So moved.

00:19:08,367	S6:
Second.

00:19:09,901	S2:
All those in favor, Karen?

00:19:12,000	S6:
Of course.

00:19:12,467	S2:
Yes, Peter. Yes, Deirdre. Yes, Gary. Yes. And Ben is. Yes. Congratulations again in the swearing in.

00:19:32,300	S1:
Yeah. Well, I mean, I think we did was right.

00:19:35,067	S4:
It's hard to mess it up. I think it really.

00:19:42,267	S4:
Is. Yeah, right.

00:20:31,400	S3:
I just want to thank everybody again for taking the time out of your busy schedules to be here tonight. It means a lot to these officers and to us. Without a doubt, you have to stay for the whole Select Board meeting now, if you don't, if.

00:20:43,167	S4:
You.

00:20:43,300	S3:
Don't mind.

00:20:43,801	S4:
Thank you.

00:20:52,801	S2:
So I'll move for a five minute recess.

00:20:55,167	S1:
So moved.

00:20:56,200	S2:
Second.

00:20:56,767	S4:
Second.

00:20:57,801	S2:
All right. All those in favor? Everyone's in favor.

00:21:02,767	S1:
Yeah. Wouldn't everybody go to?

00:21:16,100	S1:
An annual event? Yeah.

00:21:24,701	S1:
Oh, sorry, chief, I, Mr. Calder. We're, uh, swearing in, y'all. Okay. All right. Yeah, we just had a five minute recess, so you're plenty of time. Thank you.

00:21:36,100	S1:
I guess. Hey, how's it going? You two big town meeting, huh? Yeah.

00:21:49,968	S1:
I know,

00:21:52,868	S1:
yeah. When I first drove in, I had my stomach truck, and I thought we doubled booked. Like, I didn't think I was like, oh, no, I don't think.

00:22:06,667	S1:
You have that.

00:22:10,667	S1:
Population ice cream.

00:22:23,667	S1:
About eating. So I feel like she might not work. Like eating before the holiday.

00:22:35,968	S1:
I forgot to have that. I forgot to put that back.

00:22:50,968	S1:
By street? Yeah. You already said this to Michelle. Yeah. Michelle, they just have that ready to pull up if we need it to, as I see it. Amen.

00:23:32,267	S1:
Yeah, right. Yeah. It could have been fireworks. Or luckily, it's just a happy thing.

00:23:43,100	S1:
Yeah, I drove in. I was like, oh, no, I thought we got double booked. Like the school had something else going on in the room because I pulled it in like there was no parking. All the people in here, I'm like, oh, no.

00:24:03,000	S1:
Um. What's that? Yeah, I was going to kick open a door. Yes, I do.

00:24:07,901	S6:
But the select board.

00:24:12,367	S1:
Air force first. Here you go. Yeah. Congratulations.

00:24:17,667	S6:
Congratulations.

00:24:19,968	S7:
Yeah, yeah. Airport.

00:24:31,267	S7:
26. Oh, my God, I missed that.

00:24:46,868	S7:
Very much. Let's go. Everybody in.

00:24:54,567	S1:
He's all said he's here. She's having us here.

00:24:59,767	S7:
Crying. Why are you crying?

00:25:08,667	S1:
Congratulations.

00:25:09,467	S7:
Thank you so much. Thank you. Hello, my.

00:25:17,868	S1:
New year. Happy new year, sir. Good. I'm doing well. You have a good new year. Yeah. Excellent. Yeah.

00:25:25,267	S7:
Anthony.

00:25:26,767	S1:
Yeah.

00:25:27,400	S7:
Adult children.

00:25:28,868	S1:
Very good.

00:25:33,067	S1:
Here we got little ones.

00:25:36,667	S7:
Anthony. Anthony.

00:25:40,968	S7:
Today.

00:25:44,601	S7:
And today. Hurry up.

00:25:47,801	S1:
Okay, so we got your.

00:25:50,200	S7:
Son.

00:25:51,767	S1:
Right here. Oh my God. Yeah. My god.

00:25:53,767	S7:
Yeah, Okay.

00:25:54,567	S1:
Yeah. My oldest.

00:25:57,167	S7:
Son.

00:25:58,200	S1:
Basically had a job for, like, software.

00:26:03,167	S1:
And then she lives in Brooklyn. Oh, yeah, she does like, she's kind of like, you know, like.

00:26:14,701	S7:
Yeah.

00:26:17,567	S1:
She's still. Yeah. Yeah. Um, uh, I'll send you to send you something. I got it.

00:26:28,100	S1:
All right. So I feel like it's less hot now. Yeah.

00:26:43,000	S1:
Yeah. So, like I said.

00:26:47,667	S7:
I think I want a little longer. Yeah.

00:26:52,667	S1:
Here you go. Yeah.

00:26:58,701	S1:
I don't like Anaheim. Why are you thinking about it?

00:27:06,801	S1:
So she's in graduate school.

00:27:10,367	S7:
Can I take one more?

00:27:12,868	S1:
Probably. Cheers.

00:27:29,901	S7:
I'm gonna shake.

00:28:10,267	S1:
I was like.

00:28:13,667	S7:
Oh yeah.

00:28:15,367	S1:
We're going to.

00:28:17,801	S1:
How's it going?

00:28:27,167	S7:
Oh.

00:28:29,467	S7:
Thanks, Abbey. Can we get a picture? Yeah.

00:28:34,667	S1:
Oh. They're here. Oh, perfect.

00:28:37,100	S7:
Oh my God.

00:28:40,367	S7:
Yes!

00:28:40,801	S1:
Yes!

00:28:46,400	S7:
Over here!

00:28:48,367	S1:
I did.

00:28:52,868	S7:
Yes.

00:28:56,200	S1:
You will be able to.

00:29:00,801	S1:
Do it. It's so awesome. By the way. Yeah, exactly.

00:29:10,567	S1:
I'll send you a check this season.

00:29:23,167	S7:
Oh.

00:29:23,767	S1:
Yeah?

00:29:27,567	S7:
Yeah.

00:29:27,701	S1:
You know.

00:29:32,300	S1:
The game. Right?

00:29:33,501	S7:
I love you.

00:29:35,367	S1:
Yeah.

00:29:43,767	S7:
Absolutely. So the car keys. Take the car keys. Unlock the car. Get the stuff from Whole Foods and then leave the keys in the car. Do not lock it because I do not have keys are the only keys I have. Yes.

00:30:02,367	S7:
No. Dad's coming right from work.

00:30:08,167	S7:
Got it?

00:30:20,400	S1:
Yeah, right.

00:30:28,067	S1:
I don't know what's wrong with.

00:30:33,400	S1:
Them? Yeah. Yeah, I think this is the way to go.

00:30:38,000	S7:
Yeah, that's.

00:30:38,267	S1:
What I thought I.

00:30:39,300	S7:
Said. She's so excited to be here.

00:30:42,901	S1:
They need some cookies on top. Okay.

00:30:46,167	S7:
Yes. Yes.

00:30:49,367	S1:
Yeah. Yeah. Dana and I talked about the football teams that were here. Yeah. Yeah. And then he came after me. Yeah. Awesome. Yeah. No, no. Oh, wow. The rivals down the water because they lost. Yeah. Yeah. Oh, yeah.

00:31:08,667	S1:
Yeah. Oh, yeah. Looks like it's air quality. This is air quality. Yeah. Yeah. No, I when I set that email to I kind of. I knew a lot of that history. Right. Yeah.

00:31:19,467	S7:
He's been on air quality engines for like four years.

00:31:22,968	S1:
You look at his LinkedIn. He's unbelievable. Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. You know, it sounds like it's kind of bad.

00:31:29,968	S7:
Just because you're snark doesn't mean you're a good guy.

00:31:33,868	S1:
Big screen. Oh, yeah. Yeah, yeah.

00:31:36,567	S7:
Hello, sir. How are you? Oh, I want to give you a hug.

00:31:41,567	S1:
Yeah. It's all That's.

00:31:42,901	S7:
Good. That's.

00:31:45,701	S1:
Good.

00:31:46,100	S7:
I like a winter wonderland.

00:31:47,367	S1:
Yeah. January. February. Right, right. Right, right. We should. We should have.

00:31:53,267	S7:
I don't know where they got it. It's huge.

00:31:55,567	S1:
Yeah. Sure. Must be lovely. No, no, we're lucky to have you.

00:32:00,067	S7:
You should ask Diane how Mallory is.

00:32:05,067	S1:
Yeah. Oh, yeah. Congratulations. It shows. You know how.

00:32:11,367	S7:
Good.

00:32:17,067	S1:
I gotta get. I wish they got it by. But. Yeah.

00:32:24,367	S1:
Yeah. Oh! Chargers.

00:32:25,767	S7:
Chargers on the website. All right. I think that's probably right. I for some reason, my spreadsheet doesn't say that, but I think you're right. I'll confirm for sure tomorrow.

00:32:37,100	S1:
I hope so. Buffalo. Don't. Yeah.

00:32:49,300	S1:
Yeah. Feel free to. I got some. Yeah, yeah. You read my mind.

00:33:06,701	S1:
Yeah. First three years. She was like.

00:33:10,100	S7:
Pretty sure. Although, did you find.

00:33:13,100	S1:
Out once you lose that safe? You know, it's.

00:33:17,267	S1:
Just too quiet, you know? No one knows when it's gone. One vote. One vote.

00:33:24,901	S1:
Just. Oh, yeah, I'll do it. I'll do an excellent interview. Or if you want someone else to do it, if you feel like that's a quick one. Um, I'm looking up some questions online. Like. That's one. One thing. I wonder if Deirdre did have the time to do it, but she's probably she's the most kind of invested in like HR protocols or what have you. I haven't talked to her about it. I don't know what that would be. I mean, no, she said to me, I feel like we could. I mean, you know, part of it was that we have, like, the same kind of going.

00:34:04,367	S1:
On a person right there.

00:34:06,000	S7:
Are they all going somewhere now? Is there like a party, or is the chick.

00:34:09,767	S1:
Having trouble getting him to keep moving? Right. The only thing that I think does.

00:34:14,267	S7:
No, wait a minute. Is this their first stop or is this.

00:34:16,801	S1:
It doesn't handle it. I think I need the floor chairs. What's up man? Family planning? Yes, please. You said a couple struggles here separate from the life. Okay.

00:34:34,467	S1:
Okay. That's a good title.

00:34:54,067	S1:
Tournament. Oh, right.

00:34:55,067	S7:
Turn around.

00:34:56,667	S1:
Oh! The breeze. Yeah. Open the door and let it get across it.

00:35:11,567	S2:
All right, we're going to reconvene the meeting. So next on the agenda is public input. Public comment. Are there any members of the public who wish to speak on an issue that is not otherwise on the agenda?

00:35:33,267	S2:
I don't see any. And this isn't a hybrid, right? It's not a hybrid meeting. It is. Oh it is. Anybody else?

00:35:39,000	S4:
Sorry, Ben. Did we give the thumbs up to H.W. Campbell? Yeah. Okay. Okay. It is a hybrid. Yeah. No, no one online. Okay.

00:35:44,801	S2:
All right. Seeing that there are no public comments either in the room or on zoom. We will move now to the town administrator's update and town announcements.

00:36:16,467	S1:
I see that.

00:36:22,067	S8:
You need a twist. There you go. Yeah. There you go.

00:36:32,501	S6:
Ladies.

00:36:34,767	S9:
Thank you, Mr. Chair. A couple updates tonight. I just want to let folks know that, like, every year, the DPW runs a Christmas tree recycling at Pingree Park.

00:36:46,167	S4:
Yep.

00:36:46,501	S6:
I can't even hear you.

00:36:48,367	S2:
I'll just give it. I think.

00:36:50,467	S9:
Give it another.

00:36:50,868	S4:
Minute.

00:36:51,367	S10:
You just say we're going to resume.

00:36:53,467	S9:
What's up?

00:36:58,667	S4:
I'm.

00:37:04,367	S11:
So sorry.

00:37:15,000	S2:
All right. Resuming the meeting. Steve, if you could please give the town administrator's update.

00:37:19,267	S9:
Yep. Sure. So every year, the DPW runs a Christmas tree recycling program. It's at Pingree Park, and this allows residents to dispose of their Christmas trees or wreaths so you can bring them down to Pingree Park anytime between now and the 23rd of January. The CPC is meeting and going over applications for and requests for funding through the Community Preservation Act. They meet tonight, actually, as we speak in next Thursday, the third, next Tuesday, excuse me, the 13th. They'll be reviewing applications. Reminder that winter parking is in effect. It remains in effect until March 31st. That means that there is no on street parking for more than one hour between midnight and 6 a.m..

00:38:14,767	S9:
I'm happy to report that we've extended an offer, and it was received to a driver operator at the in the DPW, Gary Bramford, and this is pending a physical and drug screen which is consistent with our hiring practices. I also want to make the board aware that our energy consultant, Vicki Mason, was just recognized and awarded, um, a recognition award in celebration of her sustainability and clean energy work. Uh, this is through the Haley Driscoll administration to the Commonwealth. Uh, and, you know, Vicki has worked works for Hamilton. And when I'm in the same capacity, we share her. And, you know, she's she has really helped facilitate, uh, getting the HVAC project done with the $500,000 green Communities grant. She's received the town hundreds of thousands of dollars in energy efficiency upgrades over the over. You know, the 4 or 5 years that I've been here. She's, you know, been instrumental in exploring our solar options, including the solar array that is likely to end up at the ion rail facility. Moving us towards our net zero goal. Um, you know, it's interesting. It's something we want to you know, I want to point out that, you know, in talking to Vicky and also, you know, through our discussions with the various state agencies as we promote these projects and look for funding sources that, you know, really not a lot of communities are doing this. There's a lot of communities that have made, um, the commitment to pursue net zero. But the, um, you know, the logistics of actually doing so can be cumbersome and difficult. And one of them has, you know, made great strides, uh, in that and, uh, in large part to Vicky Mason. So, you know, thank you, Vicky, for, for all your hard work. And that's all I have for updates tonight.

00:40:19,200	S2:
Thank you. Steve. Um, on December 22nd, the town was notified by the Municipal Division of the Massachusetts Attorney General's office that hour. Three. A bylaw was approved by by that office. It did make one um, not unexpected amendment to um to the bylaw, but that has been officially approved at that level. We await review and hopefully approval by the Department of Housing and Livable Communities. And once that occurs, then the three a bylaw will be officially in place. It took a little bit longer. Some people may have read that Hamilton three. A bylaw was approved I think in October or November. It took a little bit longer at the AG level, and I think perhaps also at the state housing department level for Wenham, because there was a property owner abutting one of the parcels that's been designated as a multifamily housing parcel. Whoo! Um, certainly within totally within his rights. Uh, had an attorney submit a letter with some concerns and comments that the reviewers at the state had to work through. So it took a little bit longer to get that approval. Um, but that is good news. And a again, a testament to all of the staff. Um, Steve Jo, Kate Mallory, Margaret Hoffman and others who work very hard to get the three a zoning proposal over the finish line. That's all I have. Gary.

00:42:00,067	S12:
I'll just say, uh, happy New Year to all. And thank you to all the citizens that, uh, had a safe Christmas holiday. I think we did very well. And to those that provide a lot of decorations and lights and point out my favorite was on, uh, Arbor Street there. Steve and Natalie Cavanaugh.

00:42:20,601	S10:
Indeed.

00:42:21,267	S13:
All

00:42:24,667	S13:
Does a good job.

00:42:26,567	S10:
She does

00:42:29,701	S10:
so on. This is a great night for awards and I want to add congratulations to Vicky Mazzoni and thank her for all of her efforts on behalf of Wenham. It's a tremendous accomplishment. I also would like to recognize when am resident Patrick Crockett, who is a high school student at the Essex Tech. On December 3rd, Cadet Captain Patrick Crockett earned the Amelia Earhart Award, one of the most prestigious and challenging honors in the Civil Air Patrol cadet program. Patrick is part of the Beverley Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol. Fewer than 5% of Cap cadets nationwide ever earn this award, making it a rare and significant accomplishment. The award marks that cadet's promotion to the rank of Cadet Captain, a senior officer leadership position within the program. To reach this milestone, cadets must demonstrate excellence in leadership, aerospace education, physical fitness, and character development, along with successfully completing rigorous written testing and leadership evaluations. I'd like to congratulate Patrick Crockett and he was also featured in the HW news, so thank you for that.

00:43:43,767	S2:
Thank you Peter.

00:43:46,901	S2:
Karen.

00:43:48,767	S14:
I just wanted to congratulate the community House for a successful kickoff to the Ski Bradford program. Lindsey and the team over there have done an amazing job. I had the luxury of chaperoning the first night last night, which was successful. Everyone came home safe and on time. So I look forward to the next six weeks of skiing and having over 100 kids participate in a great program.

00:44:14,567	S2:
Thank you. That moves us to our consent agenda. There are two items on the consent agenda. Item A pertains to the Hamilton Regional High School's annual tradition of placing placards along route one A for the approximately 109 graduating seniors scheduled to graduate this coming spring. And item B are open session meeting minutes from November 4th, November 13th and November 18th of 2025. Is there any member of the board who wishes to have either of those things pulled from the consent agenda for individual discussion? Seeing none. Entertain a motion for approval of the consent agenda in a single motion.

00:44:55,667	S10:
Move to approve items A through B in the consent agenda as printed in this evening's agenda.

00:45:01,100	S12:
Very seconds.

00:45:02,267	S2:
I will take a roll call. Vote. Karen.

00:45:04,000	S4:
Yes. Peter. Yes.

00:45:05,200	S2:
Deirdre.

00:45:05,767	S4:
Yes.

00:45:06,267	S2:
Gary. Yes. And Ben is. Yes. Thank you. All right. That moves us to.

00:45:13,000	S9:
We could do B the second part of.

00:45:14,968	S4:
B.

00:45:15,167	S2:
Okay. great.

00:45:15,968	S9:
Just the motion down to Corey. Chuck. Effective today.

00:45:20,000	S4:
January 6th.

00:45:21,100	S2:
Okay. The appointment.

00:45:21,901	S4:
And the. Yeah.

00:45:22,567	S2:
Okay. So item B, um, is discussion of an appointment of Michael J. Wilson to the position of probationary firefighter pending a physical. And Corey check. And Chief Cavanaugh is here. Would you like to speak to that, chief?

00:45:36,100	S4:
That's fine.

00:45:45,567	S15:
Michael Wilson comes to us from the city of Beverly. Lives close to Beverly Hospital. He's 24 years old, and he's already a certified EMT, which is going to be great for the ambulance. So I'd like to hopefully get him appointed tonight.

00:46:03,200	S2:
Great. Sounds like an excellent addition. Um, I would like to make a motion.

00:46:11,667	S10:
Move to a point. Michael J. Wilson to the position of a probationary firefighter pending a physical and quarry check, effective today, January 6th, 2020 six seconds.

00:46:25,868	S2:
We have a motion and a second. We'll take a roll call. Vote. Karen. Yes, Peter. Yes. Deirdre. Yes. Gary. Yes. And Ben is. Yes. Congratulations to, um, Mr. Wilson. And that will now bring us to item D discussion and potential vote to grant Massachusetts Electric Company.

00:46:45,400	S9:
It's part of.

00:46:46,000	S4:
C.

00:46:46,667	S2:
O, C and D are together. Okay. So we're moving to E. All right. I'm sorry.

00:46:50,300	S4:
Proclamation. Proclamation.

00:46:52,767	S2:
All right. So we're C and D are together, but we have to wait until 7 p.m. because it involves a, uh, a hearing. So, uh, item E discussion, potential vote to sign the 2025 Arbor Day Tree proclamation.

00:47:07,467	S9:
So every year that we are designated a Tree City, USA. And as part of that, the requirements for this designation, the select board needs to, uh, sign and make a Arbor Day Tree proclamation. We planted the tree at the grand opening of West Windom Park, and this here is the annual proclamation that the town makes. Uh, it's not super clear, unfortunately. Yeah. Um, can we try to zoom it in enough that we can? Yeah, I think that's. There we go. I'm not sure if one of the board members wants to read it, or I'm happy to read it. I mean, to read it. All right. Whereas in 1872, the Nebraska Board of Agricultural established a special day to be set aside for planting of trees. And whereas this holiday, called Arbor Day, was first observed with its planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska and whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the nation in the world, and whereas trees can be a solution to combating climate change by reducing the erosion of our precious top soils by wind and water, cutting heat and cooling costs, moderating the temperature, cleaning the air, producing life, giving oxygen, and providing habitat for wildlife. And whereas trees are a renewable resource, giving us paper wood for our homes and countless other wood products, and whereas trees in our town increase property values and beautify our community, and whereas trees, wherever they are planted, are a source of joy and spiritual renewal. Now, therefore, we, the Wenham Selectboard, hereby proclaim October 18th, 2025 as Arbor Day, and we urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands. And further, we urge all citizens to plant trees, to glad the heart and promote the well-being of this and future generations. Dated this day, January 6th, 2026.

00:49:20,067	S2:
Thank you. Someone want to make a motion.

00:49:22,667	S12:
Move to sign the 2025 Arbor Day Tree Proclamation?

00:49:26,467	S8:
Second.

00:49:28,000	S2:
Take a roll call. Karen. Yes, Peter. Yes.

00:49:31,200	S12:
Yes, Gary. Yes.

00:49:32,501	S2:
And Ben is. Yes.

00:49:34,400	S16:
So can I just ask a clarifying question? Why does that say 2025 on it?

00:49:42,000	S9:
It is because we make the proclamation when we send in the certification, which is for 2025. We did clarify that with Kate in the Arbor Day and that is that is correct. 2025 date is correct.

00:49:58,267	S8:
Got it.

00:50:02,000	S2:
All right. Um, it is 653. We'll move on to item F, which is our town clerk, to present a memo on a number of different election related topics.

00:50:19,400	S2:
And dog registration and a few other things. And dog registration and a few other questions.

00:50:24,868	S6:
It's January. I have a lot to say, but I'll try to say it quickly so I don't make you late. Um, the the memo in the packet had a couple errors that I'll go over in just a minute. But in general, happy New Year to everybody. January is always a busy time in the clerk's office, with a number of important announcements that I'd like to briefly highlight this evening. First of all, for all residents, the state mandated annual census forms will be arriving in mailboxes in the next few weeks. The form is very straightforward. Please review it and be sure all your household residents are listed. Then sign and return it to my office as soon as possible. Residents can return the forms by mail, scan them to an email, or drop them off at town hall. Next, for our dog owners resident dog owners, bylaw dogs must be registered annually and in one of them, January is dog registration month. As our year goes from January to December, dogs may be registered online at the town clerk's counter or by mail. The fee is $15 for neutered or spayed dogs and $20 for neutered dogs. And for dog owners age 70 and above. There's no charge for our approximately 33 elected officials, some of whom are sitting right here. The campaign finance year end report is due no later than January 20th, and I have a form that you can sign right at the office. And if I was smart, I would have brought it with me. But I forgot for all of Town of Wenham employees, all of our officials appointed and elected and all of our volunteers. The State Ethics Commission has an annual online requirement. Everyone will need to log in to the Ethics Commission website to determine whether they are required to complete the training, or submit the acknowledgement. I'll send an email tomorrow with all the instructions and would appreciate everyone's timely compliance. If not, the state will send you emails every month. Not me. Just that almost every week. So now moving on to my errors and to the 2026 election information, which is all available on the town meeting and town election page of the website. Our annual town meeting has been moved to the second Saturday in April due to Easter, and will be held at 1:00 on Saturday, April 11th, and the annual town election will take place on the following Thursday, April 16th, 2026 from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.. The seats that are appearing on the annual town election ballot include. This is where the error is. Three Planning Board seats. One library trustee seat. Four school committee seats. Two select board seats. And one water commission seat. So that's ten. Ten seats.

00:53:25,167	S4:
On board.

00:53:26,667	S6:
At this time, I'm requesting a Select board vote to place these ten seats on the April 16th, 2026 annual town election ballot. Do you think we could do that?

00:53:39,467	S2:
Would someone like to make a motion to that effect?

00:53:46,267	S2:
I'll move to move to place the ten positions just outlined by Clerk Bucco that are up for election in 2026 on the spring 2026 ballot.

00:54:04,067	S12:
Every seconds.

00:54:05,667	S2:
We'll take a roll call. Karen. Yes, Peter. Yes, Deirdre. Yes, Gary. Yes. And Ben is.

00:54:11,367	S4:
Yes.

00:54:11,767	S6:
Thank you so much for anyone interested in running for any of these ten positions. Nomination papers will be available at my office beginning Monday, January 12th, which is next Monday. And lastly, due to the requirements of the Votes Act, I'm requesting the Select Board to vote to delegate the authority for assigning police details for all 2026 elections to the police chief in consultation with the town clerk, because that's in the law now. Would you be interested in doing that too?

00:54:44,267	S2:
Um, sure. I'd entertain a motion.

00:54:48,501	S12:
So that, uh.

00:54:50,467	S6:
Want me to repeat that?

00:54:51,367	S12:
Yes.

00:54:51,667	S8:
So it's there.

00:54:53,167	S6:
That the Select Board delegate the authority for assigning police details for all 2026 elections to the police chief, in consultation with the town clerk.

00:55:04,267	S4:
So moved.

00:55:07,868	S2:
To a second.

00:55:08,868	S10:
Second.

00:55:09,868	S2:
All right. A roll call vote. Karen. Yes. Peter. Yes. Deirdre.

00:55:13,801	S4:
Yes.

00:55:14,100	S8:
Gary.

00:55:14,567	S2:
Yes. Venice. Yes.

00:55:15,701	S4:
Perfect.

00:55:16,367	S6:
So. And with that, I'm happy to answer any questions. If anyone has.

00:55:21,167	S2:
Any questions from the board.

00:55:23,901	S12:
What other elections this year for the public.

00:55:26,567	S6:
So in the fall, we will have a the state primary, which will be the Monday.

00:55:34,667	S6:
September 3rd. I think that's before Labor Day. Is that possible? Gosh, I should have had that ready. Um, so we'll have the state primary in September and the state election, which includes the governor's race and many ballot questions on November the 1st Tuesday in November.

00:55:53,100	S2:
I think the there's an open congressional seat in the sixth district this year, and that's probably on the same calendar. Is that right? A primary in September and a yes in the November general election? Yes.

00:56:06,767	S6:
September 1st. September 1st. Thank you.

00:56:10,000	S2:
Oh. It's early. Yeah. Okay. Any other questions from the board? Any questions?

00:56:16,167	S4:
Thank you.

00:56:17,000	S8:
Nice tie.

00:56:19,367	S2:
All right. It is just about 7:00, and we have on the agenda. Um, item C, Select Board in the town of Wenham will hold a public hearing related to the petition by Mass Electric Company doing business. National Grid and Verizon New England of 1101 Turnpike Street, North Andover, mass. To consider a request to locate poles, wires and fixtures, including the necessary sustaining and protecting fixtures along the following public way. Maple Street National Grid to relocate one J.O. Pole on Maple Street, beginning at a point approximately 935ft, plus or minus, southwest of the center line of the intersection of Puritan Road and continuing. Five feet plus or minus in a southwesterly direction and then installation of another. J o poll number 113 one and all appurtenances in Maple Street, Wenham. And I think we have a National Grid representative or representatives to discuss this.

00:57:28,968	S17:
Good evening everyone. My name is Michael, and I'm representing National Grid at 44 River Street in Beverly. And, um, yeah. So we're petitioning to install, um, one pole, pull 113 dash one between existing poles, 114 and 113 to use that pole as a tap point for primary. And we will run that primary and to tap off. Sorry to tap out that poll with primary to feed power to the new development going in at Cynthia Circle.

00:57:59,767	S4:
Yeah. Great.

00:58:04,000	S12:
Open it. What is the time frame for doing the work?

00:58:07,067	S17:
So, um, once it goes through the petition process, it's a job like this would take about three weeks for our guys to get out there, do the work.

00:58:16,868	S2:
Um, we will open this matter up for public comment. If there are any members of the public, either here in person or virtually, who wish to be heard on this proposal.

00:58:30,000	S18:
Uh, no one on zoom, Mr. Chairman.

00:58:31,767	S4:
All right. Great.

00:58:34,367	S2:
Um, was that, uh, everything or. Yes. Okay, terrific. Thank you very much. Appreciate your time. Um, yes. If you could, um, Introduce yourself, please.

00:58:50,701	S19:
Hi, I'm John Jenkins. I'm the new designer for Wenham, so I'll be involved in the majority of the work to come, and we'll be here for any petition coming up.

00:59:01,968	S2:
Excellent. Welcome.

00:59:03,400	S19:
Just wanted to introduce myself.

00:59:05,567	S2:
Appreciate you doing that. Thanks for coming, and I look forward to seeing you and working with you.

00:59:10,400	S19:
Yep. Thank you.

00:59:11,167	S2:
Thank you. John. All right. Discussion and potential vote to grant Electric Company, DBA National Grid and Verizon New England. Permission to conduct the poll work that was just presented.

00:59:24,467	S4:
Okay.

00:59:25,200	S16:
Move to Grant Massachusetts Electric Company doing business as National Grid and Verizon New England. Permission to conduct poll work to relocate 1JO poll on Maple Street, beginning at a point approximately 930ft

00:59:42,000	S16:
southwest of the center line of the intersection of Puritan Road and continuing approximately five feet in a southwesterly direction. Installation of one jail pole. 113 one and all appurtenances in Maple Street. One a mass. Oh 194.

01:00:03,567	S12:
Jerry seconds.

01:00:05,367	S2:
Roll call. Karen. Yes, Peter. Yes, Deirdre.

01:00:08,267	S8:
Yes, Gary.

01:00:09,100	S2:
Yes. And Ben is. Yes. All right. Thank you very much, gentlemen. Appreciate your time. And, um, I would entertain a motion. Thank you. Gary. To close the public hearing.

01:00:21,968	S12:
So moved.

01:00:23,267	S2:
Is there a second? Second roll call. Karen. Yes, Peter.

01:00:26,667	S8:
Yes.

01:00:27,067	S2:
Deirdre. Yes. Gary. Yes. Yes. And that moves us to item G. Discussion and potential vote to sign a letter to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation planning and support for designating the Usbr one through one.

01:00:44,667	S16:
I moved to approve and sign a letter to Massachusetts. We want to discuss.

01:00:49,667	S10:
I think just let Steve explain it.

01:00:52,367	S2:
Do you want to say anything about that, Steve?

01:00:55,267	S9:
Um. This is the cycling route.

01:00:57,467	S4:
Make me.

01:00:57,801	S9:
Laugh. Yeah. So this was the. This was the presentation that the board heard at our last meeting, and, um, the reviewed the draft letter and voted to have it finalized and bring to a vote at this meeting. Um, to have the letter signed by the board and sent on behalf of the town.

01:01:21,267	S2:
Thank you. Any questions for Steve? Questions from the public. And, um, Peter, do you want to read that motion?

01:01:31,868	S16:
Move to approve and sign a letter to Massachusetts Department of Transportation planning and support for designating us BR 131M

01:01:43,100	S16:
Three seconds.

01:01:44,000	S2:
Roll call. Karen. Yes. Peter.

01:01:46,100	S8:
Yes.

01:01:46,501	S2:
Deirdre. Yes.

01:01:47,400	S8:
Gary.

01:01:47,901	S2:
Yes. And Ben is. Yes. That moves this item. Age, discussion and potential vote on updates to the snow removal policy. Do you want to start that off, Steve?

01:01:57,601	S9:
Yeah, sure. So a, um, a working group at the request of the board convened. Um, one time, a couple actually, probably about a month ago now, it was comprised of, uh, select board member Karen Anger, member Peter Clay, Joe Amato, myself, Rick Souza, our DPW director, Eric Tracy, superintendent of schools.

01:02:22,400	S4:
Uh, Michelle.

01:02:23,868	S9:
Michelle, Michelle McGovern, executive assistant. And, um, you know, we worked through the snow removal, uh, current policy, um, and which the current policy effectively states that the, uh, the road snow removal and the it gets priority. And once the snow, once the the roads are deemed safe for passage by the DPW director, he breaks off labor at his discretion to start the clearing of sidewalks where he initially targets, um, the Ada walking route that surrounds the school that we're in tonight as first priority, and then work systematically out in what he deems to be the most efficient way possible from, you know, kind of the center of working to towards the outskirts of town. Um, the working group was set up to take a look at that, to see if there were any improvements that could be done, given, uh, some concerns that were raised during the snowstorms last year about, uh, children, um, you know, having to walk on the roads or being unable to get to their bus stop due to snow being on the sidewalks. So we we did just discuss that in the group in general supported a recommendation of select board members anger and Clay to, you know, continue to, um, prioritize the downtown or the Ada working group around, um, the Buca school and then move operations to the end of Topsfield Road and work in, uh, out that way. Um, and in addition to that, uh, Rich has spent probably what we if last year was to repeat itself, he's dedicated about $10,000 of existing funds in his snow and ice removal budget. That will work with a contractor that has a trackless machine, which is the machine that drives around and clears your snow off the sidewalks. And he has also spent about another $10,000 equipping equipping a skid steer that is already owned by the town to conduct snow operations, although not as efficient as a trackless machine. It certainly is better than nothing. So we're looking at, you know, roughly, you know, again, labor is always, you know, the kind of the bottleneck as labor is available roughly three times the snow clearing capacity than we've had in in years past. We we also did want to note that, you know, looking at towns around us, there was discussion in the working group of what can we learn from surrounding towns. We did look at all the towns bordering um Wenham, and they all have, you know, some sort of bylaw or city ordinance that, um, requires, uh, the snow that the, the person who lives in the home that has the sidewalk in front of them, it's their ultimately their responsibility to clean the snow off it. And although do all five communities I believe that border with them, uh, do have a snow removal policy where they do snow plow the sidewalks in limited capacity. However, none of them, um, clear them to the extent that Wenham does and that we do all the sidewalks in town, uh, including on the side roads, not just the business district and the surrounding the schools. Um, so with that, I'll turn the discussion over to the select board.

01:06:24,767	S2:
Thank you. Um, Karen and Peter, given that you were on the working Group two, would one of you like to speak next about the recommendation for a change in sidewalk priorities.

01:06:39,167	S14:
Yeah. The one thing that we didn't dive into, and we said that we would continue our conversations through the working group, was the situation of whether or not individuals should be required to clear the snow directly in front of their property. That was something that we kind of tabled. The first working group session was really focused on the safety of the sidewalks from a school and children walking on highways perspective. We took a look at 97 specifically, as well as route one. Um, I'm sorry, one a and taking a look at how we could better dive into that from a DPW perspective. Um, it was really good to have Eric and and, um, lieutenant on the call to be able to have the police and school districts perspective. There were some, uh, good talking points that that were addressed during that working discussion. What we came up with was there were certain aspects of the DPW

01:07:40,968	S14:
sidewalk removal equipment that truly couldn't get to certain sections because of limitations of the equipment. And so the DPW is going to be able to reroute that to be able to help. More on 97 and one a right after the initial Arbor Street and right around bunker was done, and then continuously move down Cherry Street down and head back into town to be able to make sure that no one else is left out.

01:08:14,067	S14:
It wasn't changing the policy as much as it was changing where they started.

01:08:20,267	S2:
In the memo that Steve prepared on the second page, it says, um, proposed adjustments to sidewalk priorities. The group discussed whether to revise sidewalk priorities. Buca school would remain first. After that, the suggestion is to shift the next priority to Topsfield Road, starting at the Topsfield town line and working back toward Wenham. Um, is there a rationale for a Karen or Peter? I just put it to you again, since you were on the working group, um, rationale for prioritizing Topsfield Road or Route 97 clearance over, um, Main Street one way. Um, like, why? Why would one be prioritized over the other?

01:09:02,868	S14:
So in a couple of different occasions last year, the police had to be called because kids were walking on 97. They in the opposite direction to be able to not only get to the school bus, but also once the school bus drop them off to be able to then work their way home. Um, and that is a massive safety issue. And that's really where Eric was able to jump in and say, um, you know, whether or not it was the the bus or the police or, or where the, the focus lied. But, um, as far as Topsfield Road goes, the DPW did not have enough. Correct me. Was wrong. Truly did not have enough gas to get to the top of the road. So they were not actually servicing anything after, um, after William Fairfield.

01:09:59,100	S9:
Broke a Cher pin and had to go back to get.

01:10:02,567	S4:
Repaired.

01:10:03,000	S14:
It wasn't being done at all. And so what's happening is, is because their priority was not Topsfield Road at all. They couldn't make it out after William Fairfield. So it was just never done.

01:10:15,200	S16:
In that section of Topsfield Road is the highest speed limit in the town. 40.

01:10:24,167	S2:
Okay, but you were saying, Steve, that that particular incident that Karen mentioned was a equipment failure that occurred once? Yes. Okay.

01:10:34,567	S12:
Could we have the the the draft policy or the policy up?

01:10:40,767	S4:
Right there.

01:10:41,467	S14:
I mean, the conversation with the DPW two was there was no, um, false assumption that, you know, 1in or 2in of snow was going to have them come out. But what was happening is, is that when you have 5 or 6 days of 2 or 3in of snow that now turn into ice, we've got kids walking on 97, right?

01:11:03,300	S16:
Karen, um, correct me if I'm mistaken, but I think one of the other things we thought talked about was, um, given the changes, um, that the DPW is putting into effect, we need to have a, like a 4 to 5 inch snow and see how it works.

01:11:24,267	S14:
Peter's right. We actually said once this was implemented that the working group would continue to work throughout the season, throughout the season and throughout the year to regulate and see what works and what isn't.

01:11:34,267	S16:
But we really don't have to meet again until we have a significant snow incident.

01:11:40,667	S16:
Otherwise, we're just.

01:11:43,400	S12:
You know, we scroll down to where it talks about the phases.

01:11:50,601	S2:
Oh yeah.

01:11:51,400	S12:
Right there. So I would suggest, just for future reference, that perhaps we need the word municipal where we put parking area in there just so that it's clear that we're just doing municipal work. And likewise, um, on roads, I know we have different policies on maintenance and so forth. Do we need to elaborate a little bit? Any differentiation on priorities between public roads and those other UN, perhaps unaccepted or private roads.

01:12:30,367	S9:
Um, yeah, I think it's not. Still, we can add that in the policy. It's not stated in this policy, but there.

01:12:37,901	S12:
It appears in other.

01:12:38,701	S9:
Places, it appears in other policies about plowing the private that they are. Yeah I agree. I will add that let me just pull for parking clarification.

01:12:48,367	S12:
And while we're at plowing and so forth, uh, you know, we encourage people to do some of their own work, but, uh, what's the status on the requirements to do a fire hydrants in front of your property?

01:13:02,968	S9:
We have no.

01:13:03,968	S12:
We have no requirement right now. All right. That's perhaps something.

01:13:07,801	S9:
That the committee.

01:13:08,601	S4:
To look, which is what?

01:13:11,200	S12:
Yes.

01:13:11,868	S2:
The water department clears the lines.

01:13:14,467	S4:
They ask us.

01:13:15,300	S12:
To. Yeah.

01:13:16,000	S9:
So in the DPI, I think it's sounds like a group effort, Right. I see Brendan out there doing the, uh, fire hydrants to.

01:13:24,767	S12:
The, uh, phase four, when it gets down to particular streets was just a is that a carryover from prior years?

01:13:33,567	S14:
We did not dive into that in the working group. Doesn't mean we won't. That wasn't.

01:13:39,868	S12:
Is that just going to suggest that perhaps we ought to look at that list at some point, given the density of, uh, or changing development around town? I'm sure that's from a long time ago.

01:13:54,100	S2:
And just because this particular document is a summary of the current policy, right in the your memo is a summary of what the working group proposes as potential changes to this.

01:14:07,267	S9:
Yeah. I mean, generally the working group didn't look at it. The working group really was well set up or in focused discussion around sidewalks specifically, we didn't cover. Streets. I think it was generally accepted and understood that streets got first priority, that you know, that clearing the streets and making sure public safety can get where they need to go timely and safely to, you know, in the event of an emergency, took first priority. And once Rich determined that the roads were clear enough for safe passage, that he could start pulling off some manpower, um, that he would then start the, um, sidewalks that I think was universally agreed to. And it was really just focused on once the sidewalk operations were started, the concern were, were a it took too long to do the entire town. So that Rich, you know, is trying to provide a solution to that. And again, we'll have to test it this year because the manpower is the bottleneck. But he has contracted with a vendor that has a track list that has said, you know, probably within 24 to 48 hours of the ending of the storm. His tracklist will be free to shift to Wyndham operations to assist in clearing the sidewalks, along with one, uh, self operated trackless machine. And then, you know, probably a number of days after the storm, given the significance, you know, depending on the significance of the storm, because with two machines already out there, they may already be done. But if a third machine is needed, then we can set out, send out the bobcat skid steer that has been converted, uh, for snow operations, such as enclosing the cab to some different tires for, you know, right now has agricultural tires that are more suited for dirt work. And he'll have street road, excuse me. Snow, appropriate snow and ice, appropriate tires and a snow blower on the front of it. And so really the focus of the conversation was, you know, that the time which we believe we have addressed the time issue with the additional machinery, assuming we can get the labor, that remains to be seen. But that is that that's the idea. And then the group, you know, everybody understood that the schools needed to get first priority as far as clearing of the Ada walking route around the schools immediately adjacent to the schools. And then where would the the the question was is where does what Rich is looking for feedback from us? And again, I you know, I just want to flag this. As you know, I think the board wants to consider that it does want to remain flexible in the policy so that the DPW has the flexibility to make the judgment call given. You know, every storm is a little bit different, and he's kind of out in the thick of it and understanding what you know what. Where the pressure points are and what needs to be addressed before. But basically, once the school is done. Where do we direct the attention? You know, is there a priority in town that, you know, we want to shift all our resources because, again, probably that first 24 hours after the storm is going to still be that one trackless machine because it's going to still be guys on the plow. The backup trackless is going to be another community where it's already under contract, and we're not going to have the guys because they're in the plow trucks to run the bobcat. So where does that one trackless go for that first 12 or 24 hours that it's likely going to be out by itself doing sidewalks? Um, and the proposal was to go to top Topsfield, line out on Top Field Road and work its way backwards.

01:18:09,167	S2:
Um, any other members of the board wish to comment on this?

01:18:15,267	S10:
Yeah. Go ahead. Go ahead.

01:18:17,801	S2:
Oh, there you go. Oh, you can go first.

01:18:22,267	S10:
I mean, I'm hearing a few different things. It sounds like. So last year we had equipment problems. Labor shortages.

01:18:33,367	S9:
Yeah. Well, the equipment problem is normal. Like the shear pins on these machines break with some frequency when you get a ice chunk. So it's not uncommon for it to happen, you know, a few times a winter. So it's really not a big shutdown. They're made to be replaced. It does have to go back to the shop because it's a substantial piece of machinery, but to be replaced. But it's not a big repair. It's probably replaced in 20 minutes and then it's back out on the road.

01:19:07,968	S10:
I guess my concern is I'm not sure the select board should be dictating exactly where, which street and which order should be done. I mean, I think, you know, the the concerns have been raised about last year. I think Rick has heard them. There are changes underway to address the issues. I mean, I think we should see how those changes play out in the event of a snow emergency or situation. Before we go to the point of dictating, it should be here, here, here. Because, you know, I just don't think that that's our job to be dictating at that level what a department head does to manage. You know, that's why we have professionals here. And he's in the situation and in the thick of it and we're not. So that's my hesitation.

01:20:08,367	S2:
I agree with that, but it sounds like the state of play right now. Can anyone correct me if I'm wrong? Is that at the next snowstorm that Rich is going to be prepared to to deploy to Topsfield Road after Booker, and then that the working group is going to stay formed and sort of assess how that went. Is that a fair.

01:20:33,000	S14:
Reclaiming for the board to make that agreement and then to for what we said, what do we say within a couple of days after the next snowstorm, after the Selectboard had instituted that initial thought process, that we would then discuss how it went. The working group would work together and triage, you know, what worked, what didn't, and and the best route for that. I mean, essentially what it comes down to is, is that it's a it was a major safety issue. The reason Eric Tracy was involved is because children need to be able to get to and from school in a safe environment, and I politely disagree with Deirdre to say that at the end of the day, our job from a select board perspective is to ensure the safety of our folks within the town. And if we know that there is an absolute massive problem with children walking up and down streets that have a speed limit of up to 40 miles an hour, and we're doing nothing to combat that. I don't believe that that is anybody else's responsibility except for ours.

01:21:45,801	S4:
I agree.

01:21:48,300	S2:
I think we we did.

01:21:49,901	S16:
Let's just wear what we've suggested and see how it works. But we have to have a storm.

01:21:58,400	S2:
Right. Well, what I was saying is, I think I think that, you know. whether or not the board takes a vote to enact a particular policy, even if it's an interim policy that directs the DPW director to at the next storm, do X, which I wouldn't support, because I think that level of micromanagement, in my opinion, isn't the right way to approach it. But even without that vote, it sounds like he's prepared to to do that. Just, you know, based on the feedback of the working group and to see how that goes, and then that there would be a reevaluation. I mean, among the reasons I wouldn't want to try to lock in the DPW into a particular street sequence is that we've gotten some data from the school department about which streets have the most school children that live on them, and Topsfield Road is, you know, like fifth or sixth larch is 30, Maple has 30. Maine has 28. Cherry has 27. Cedar has 23 and Topsfield Road has 20. So there are more schoolchildren on other roads. And I recognize that 97 is a, you know, a major roadway with a higher speed limit. But, um.

01:23:16,167	S14:
Well, Ben, to be clear. Topsfield road also encompasses Puritan Conrad because the machine itself will not go past William Fairfield. So you're talking Mayflower Puritan Conrad Daniels. Um, there's there's not just those specific number of kids on Topsfield. You're talking another 20 or so children on those side roads that have to walk up to the main road.

01:23:40,667	S16:
And I would also say this, that on on like maple.

01:23:44,000	S4:
Right.

01:23:44,601	S16:
What's the speed limit. It's 25 right up till road. It's 40.

01:23:50,267	S2:
Didn't we, when you said that the machine won't go past William Fairfield, I thought that we had established that it didn't go past William Fairfield one time last season because one of the pins broke. Is that.

01:24:04,167	S4:
Is there.

01:24:04,501	S9:
Some.

01:24:05,400	S2:
Obstacle.

01:24:05,901	S4:
To.

01:24:06,000	S9:
It? Yeah. I mean, unless I'm misunderstanding, I believe the concern was last year it got out to William Fairfield. Uh, well, out to that roughly that area. The pin broke. It had to turn around and come back. And then we got another snowstorm and it kind of reset the cycle of moving out. And that's why the far end of Topsfield Road, from my understanding, went a couple storm cycles, because we had that week where there was like three storms, where it was kind of setting us back to or rich back to square one after every storm. And then you do the streets. By the time someone got the thing, you'd get the schools done, and then there'd be another storm and you'd be, you know, because it was every couple of days. Um, so that's my understanding of, of of that. Um, and again, I might be missing a step.

01:24:54,801	S14:
Well, to be clear, it was done once last year after multiple complaints. It was just done one time.

01:25:00,667	S2:
I think one problem with, um, you know, with designating a street as the top priority is that the lower priority streets at storm number one are going to be, you know, cleared more poorly than the higher priority streets. And then at storms number two and three, those are the streets that are going to need to get cleared more readily than the ones that were given priority the first time through. So I'd I'd want Rich to have the flexibility to, you know, at storm number three say, geez, you know, um, Cedar Street really hasn't we haven't able to get to Cedar Street in the earlier storms. And there's already, you know, a two inches of ice frozen on those sidewalks. So we probably should go and clear those. So I think it goes to the, the the flexibility point and the, um, you know, the interest in giving the DPW the ability to manage the streets. Um, but like I said personally, I if if the plan is that at the next storm, Topsfield Road is going to be done right after Bücker. I certainly have no issue with that. And especially if the working group, which I know is only met one time, um, plans to meet again to assess how that went and get Rich's feedback and Eric Tracy's feedback to the extent that he's has the time to devote to this. Um, then that makes sense. And I don't know that it requires any action by the Selectboard right now, but that's just my view.

01:26:34,367	S9:
I think some some support from the board for that directive would be helpful, possibly even a vote, just because we did get concerns or we get concerns. Every storm about the who who gets prioritized and how if the machine Drives by their house, and it's not on the sidewalk doing the sidewalk. You know, we've gotten calls almost every storm as to why, you know, it's out driving around. I see it driving around. Why is it not doing my sidewalk? So just again, just something from a staff perspective to be like, you know, this like, board is prioritizing this. You know it similarly, like the the discussion is, you know, the answer has been before. It's, you know, the select board. You know, we have a policy that prioritizes the book and school book or school Ada walking group walking route first the DPW, then at his discretion, work systematically in what he deems to be the most efficient way through the town. From there, you know, giving the equipment is centralized. Generally we works from the school out, um, you know, and that's why sometimes if he's moving equipment around, given priority issues. That's why it might be driving by our house and not plowing a road on its way by. So similarly, if it does the Bücker school and then drives down Main Street and down, you know, what is the Cherry Street down to Topsfield Road? You know, why is it going? You know, so we can just say that, you know, because the Bücker school, then it goes to the Topsfield line and works backwards. That's its prioritized route.

01:28:18,601	S10:
So in order to prioritize that part of town, the equipment would have to drive in the street, essentially not clearing sidewalks to get to the end point.

01:28:30,267	S4:
Yep.

01:28:32,000	S10:
Yeah. I mean, that doesn't strike me as very efficient. I mean, why wouldn't the machines start from where they are? If that's Bücker? Clear the sidewalks on the way to Topsfield Road and clear Topsfield Road. And I mean that. That doesn't seem to make sense to me, to drive past sidewalks on some of these roads and have people wonder why they're driving around town.

01:28:59,400	S14:
The machine does not have the capacity to reach the end of Topsfield Road.

01:29:04,167	S10:
But I thought that was an issue because the machine broke. They don't have the capacity to get.

01:29:10,767	S9:
I'm unaware of that, that that's a restriction on the machine.

01:29:17,467	S10:
I mean, they've cleared. They've certainly cleared Maple Street in past years so they can get past William Fairfield.

01:29:22,968	S14:
For your houses. Yeah, right.

01:29:26,267	S10:
But that's past William Fairfield.

01:29:29,167	S2:
How much does it cost to buy a second machine? Is that something that.

01:29:34,267	S4:
You know.

01:29:34,467	S2:
We're about to we're about to talk about our budgetary constraints next. But if we had two machines, one for West Wenham and one for a.

01:29:42,667	S4:
Couple.

01:29:43,167	S9:
A couple hundred thousand.

01:29:44,367	S4:
Yeah, yeah.

01:29:45,367	S2:
Pocket change for the.

01:29:46,300	S4:
Town.

01:29:48,167	S9:
And then then the the snowblower attachments. Probably another 10 or 15, I would guess.

01:29:56,767	S14:
From a safety perspective, I can't imagine that this board wouldn't institute something if someone truly got hurt in a week and this board didn't act, I would be beside myself. I don't know what it would.

01:30:09,767	S4:
Happen, but.

01:30:10,667	S12:
But the question is, you know, that incident could occur anywhere in town, right? You know, and if you say Topsfield Road, then someone on Dodges Road say, well, it's because you went that way in this way. So I think, you know, the the way to do this is let DPW manage it. What do this test run on the next big snowstorm. If we get one this year and let the the committee reassess.

01:30:42,767	S4:
Yeah.

01:30:43,000	S20:
That's So which was the. Which is the plan?

01:30:46,868	S4:
Yeah.

01:30:48,400	S2:
Okay. Well, I think that.

01:30:49,601	S16:
I don't know what we continue to talk about. Right.

01:30:52,167	S2:
So I think I think there's a sense of the board that, um, that as a test run for the next storm, that, um, proceeding to Topsfield Road after Booker is acceptable to a majority of the board members. And unless anyone objects to the recap that I just gave, I think that's the message to convey to Rich.

01:31:17,767	S4:
Okay.

01:31:18,868	S9:
Sounds good to me.

01:31:21,400	S10:
All right. I'm just going to want to make one more comment. I, I'm a little concerned that the suggestion is that we're not concerned about safety. I'm concerned about safety in the entire town for all children on all streets. So, you know, I'm not against safety. I think we all are in favor of safety.

01:31:41,100	S16:
And Whose do you think is not concerned about the safety of our kids?

01:31:46,167	S10:
I think that was just said. I'm saying I think we are concerned about all the streets, all the sidewalks. But I also think, you know, homeowners do bear some responsibility as well. We all need to be clearing.

01:31:59,601	S4:
Deirdre.

01:32:00,367	S10:
What?

01:32:00,968	S16:
We can't clear all the sidewalks in town. We can't. And if you actually go and look at, like, Manchester, there are a whole bunch of streets that they don't do.

01:32:12,400	S14:
The next conversation.

01:32:13,367	S16:
Would be like half and half the size of our area wise as us. We're going to get three times the employees in their DPW.

01:32:25,167	S2:
All right. I think we've, uh I think we've, uh yeah, we've exhausted this discussion. There's a consensus that has been, um, reached that Steve will convey and that moves us to item. I review the current status of the town and school budget.

01:32:43,501	S9:
Thank you, Mr. Chair. So first, I'm just going to start off, uh, briefly. We have the capital plan in front of you, and I'm not going to go through each each capital project. But what I do want to do if. Michelle, if you could just scroll to the last page, um, where it says highlighted, uh, go up one. Um, right there.

01:33:05,767	S14:
So can you I'm a little old. Can you make it a little bigger?

01:33:10,467	S9:
So really, it's just the bottom line. That bottom line is really all we need to see. So that's six two, two number. The 622,000 $100,000 is the free cash proposal. The right now the current estimate of free cash to be raised um or to to be spent on uh, it's already been raised but to to spend on capital improvements. The 344 next to it is we're lucky enough that some pretty relatively large projects, uh, fall into what we believe, at least in the Select Board's office, to fall into the CPC umbrella as an appropriate funding source. So we have these as requests to the CPC if they decide not to fund any one of these three, which amounts to $350,000. Those will likely be shifted into the free cash request, moving that total up to close to $1 million. And what I wanted to bring in and, you know, I don't want to, uh, ignore the debt exclusion, but that's that's outside the levy. But there's also likely going to be, uh, the, the school, the high school roof is going to have a debt exclusion article that will, you know, the project cost is about $10 million, I believe, and the town will be asked to raise $155,000 of that through debt service annually over 20 years. But really, you know, if you focus in on the 622 and the 344, that's almost $1 million. And as you know, if you want to go to the to the budget document.

01:34:52,567	S9:
And the reason why I wanted to bring that up is a lot of times, you know, when we go when you go through budget and you talk about budget shortfalls, if you go to this sheet.

01:35:00,901	S4:
Here.

01:35:02,267	S9:
And you talk about budget shortfalls, they'll say, well, we have $2 million in free cash, or we have, you know, whatever amount of money and free cash. So we have money. How can you say we don't have money? So I just want to point out that we spend roughly, you know, 800 to $1 million, maybe 700 to $1 million, given the year on capital improvements here in the town of Wyndham, generally they don't all fit in the CPC box, so they're being raised through free cash and that represents that million dollars represents about 4% of our budget last year, where our certified free cash goes into this town meeting, which is reflective of not the year that just closed, but the, uh, on January, July 1st of 25. But the year prior to that was, um, I think it was about 11. $8 million. So that leaves about $800,000, $800,000 left, left, left. So last year, if you remember, we increased local receipts about 5%. We also, um, uh, forced uh, departments were not forced but asked departments. And they were helpful in, you know, trying to accomplish this. We were unable to accomplish this in all areas, but we did mostly was to take any contractually obligated Costs and reduce their expenditure line items enough to cover so that the. The expenditures were level funded year over year, regardless of some of the line items going up due to contractual obligations. So what that did is is it basically ate into existing line items that were, you know, quote unquote, conservatively budgeted in the fact that they were historically somewhat under spent contributing to a free cash number. So we did that so that now you don't have a free cash number that's reflective of those changes. You don't have a free cash number that's reflective of the increase in the budget, the the revenue assumptions. So the likelihood is that free cash is going to further decrease. And this was this is this is by design. This was this was intentional. We were generating about 8% or close to 9% of our annual expenditures and free cash. The draft stated policy goal. And this is, you know, the Department of Revenue. So these are all best nationwide best practices. Commonwealth best practices is to target a free cash generation of about 4 to 6% 4%. Like I said before, is is the million dollars. So for us to continue operating as we do and, um, pay our capital costs and have a small rolling starting fund balance, which is basically the balance of free cash that you don't appropriate at town meeting for emergency purposes. You really need to generate that 5%. Right. So we're already at six with our adjustments. We're expecting our last year's adjustments to pull us down even more, probably bringing us close to the five of 5%, which is right smack dab in the middle. But this year, you know, we're looking at a budget. We're looking at a request from the Hamilton Winter Regional School District that exceeds our, um, our revenue growth by $1 million, about in the town with the current, with the current requests, which, again, um, contractually obligated only very few non contractual obligated uh, requests here that we'll talk about in a minute of about $300,000. So, you know, we're way over the levy limit, but we have no control over the Hamilton Wenham Regional School District. Ask I mean, you can put pressures and communicate with the school committee, but ultimately they set the request and town meeting, decides whether they want to fund it or not. But we do have control over is the town expenditures and really, the discussion I wanted to bring to the select board tonight was not to really make any decisions tonight, but just to illustrate kind of where we are this year. We're roughly $300,000 outside our means, which is about 4% revenue growth. So we're about $300,000 above that. And if the board wants to set a direction that avoids an override from the town, again, you don't want to. We're all in this together, so to speak. So you're not really pitting the schools versus the towns. But you know, ultimately I think that the talking point is that that, you know, that the town did what it could to stay within its means and has provided a budget that avoids an override to for town services, specifically in maintain service delivery. Um, you know, if if the select board wants to avoid well, this exercise kind of has to be done anyways because right now we're over the levy limit. If you decide to move forward with an overland ride request and it fails, you're going to have to have a supplemental budget that balances. So what we're trying to do here is to have some discussion on what, you know, things we looked we things we picked that we feel are minimally impacted as far as a service delivery. Um, you know, starting with Pleasant Pond Gatekeepers, we did a very thorough analysis of that last year or 2 or 2 years ago to show, you know, how lightly utilized that was. And, you know, there isn't a lot of folks that are taking advantage of it. I don't know if Diana is still here, but ticket sales or sticker sales to park their continued decline year over year. Um, you know, usage is trending down since we've done it. Not. Not up. Um, the clear govt budget software. So this is something that we've been working on for really Geoff in his finance team have been working on for close to two years now. Uh, and it's getting close to going going live this year. Uh, however, um, the residents have not felt the tools. So, you know, we can, you know, an option is to cut our losses there. You save the $20,000, it's a $20,000 licensing and maintenance fee for the software. Uh, we went ahead and modeled, what, a 1% essentially blind reduction of every department, uh, expenditures line item would look like. Uh, and then we have, you know, we have some staffing, uh, Proposals this year, and both the fire chief and police chief here to speak more to this. But the, you know, starting with the fire, the fire has. Um, you know, it's always been a progression, I think, with pretty much any small municipality in around here. It's not you know, it's kind of it's not it's not if you're going to go to a full time department, it's kind of when. And the communities that have call departments and fire are kind of fight tooth and nail to keep it because of, you know, just the the cost of going to a full time firefighter department. So I know that, you know, they're constantly the they're being the fire department are constantly up against it as far as overtime restrictions and also enticing or getting call firefighters to show up on calls, which then shifts the responsibility onto the full time firefighters and our chief and deputy chief. So they have asked this year to, you know, add an additional firefighter and additional firefighter overtime. Uh, given the trending of the, uh, call, firefighters lack of participation in the more reliance on the full time firefighters who, you know, ultimately would need overtime to fill out to fill the calls. The other option that would just putting out on the table, just so the board understands kind of the seriousness of the discussions we're having, is the, uh, we're projecting, um, to try to avoid any existing staffing reductions. The police department has operated for or will operate for majority of this fiscal year with nine officers as a result of, um, some, some medical, uh, situations that took place in a number of retirements. So they've been effectively one officer down will be one officer down for the majority of this year. So they've you know, we expect one more retirement at the end of this year, which will leave a one officer, um, patrol officer vacant at the start of the fiscal year. So an option there is to, um, unfunded that position. Uh, the police department has functioned at that level for almost a year at that point, but it has been. And that the police will speak, uh, more detail about this, but it has been very difficult on the police officers that have had to fill the overtime. As a result of the reduction, we have required, uh, staffing in shifts. So it you know, it's not like we can just say, well, we don't have enough guys, so we can't. We're just not going to send one out. We gotta, you gotta you gotta have the guys in or the girls as well. And um, so again, another year of that is certainly a hit on morale. Um, you know, officers are tired, you know, similar with the firefighters are kind of you can only can only go on for so long. So I guess what I'm trying to say is that they are under pressures that are kind of almost beyond, you know, monetary. You know, you look at it from a monetary perspective. It's like, well, if they've done it for a year, then they can continue to continue to do it. But, you know, it's not really true because it's they've done it for the year because they they have to. And I think the hope is that ultimately the ship will kind of right size itself and go back to a more traditional working schedule because, you know, I think our guys are tired. Um, but, you know, that's that's what I wanted to open up as far as discussion, I think this year in particular, given that this is going to be the first year in a long time, that there's going to be some hard discussions made not only for the town but the school district. If you've been following along with the school committee meetings, they're having similar discussions as this right as we speak. But to give some direction to the Finn, at least, you know, not that they may or may not agree with the direction, but to at least so everybody knows the direction that the Select board, as the policymaker and the, you know, the delivery of services to the residents of the town, you know, where they're going and what their where their support is, so that we don't get to a point months down the road. And the Finn comm has worked, you know, in one direction towards a solution and the select board, you know, there, you know, your thoughts have been going another. So you know, with that, I think I'll open it up for comments to the board. If anybody has has any questions on the spreadsheet. I know I didn't touch on all of it, but I'm not sure it's, uh, that level of detail is needed at this point.

01:47:27,267	S10:
So a couple of clarifications. I couldn't quite hear the Pleasant Pond piece. Did you say the seasonal stickers are declining?

01:47:37,400	S4:
Yes.

01:47:38,701	S10:
So there are fewer sales happening?

01:47:41,000	S4:
Yep.

01:47:42,567	S10:
Um, I guess I'd be curious what the drop is. And then there's implications to that. As we heard last year. Um, can you explain that line item that says budget addition? I don't really understand that disability.

01:47:57,767	S9:
Yeah. So what that is, is.

01:48:03,000	S9:
So we we kind of added 110,000. It's an offsetting adjustment. So we've moved $110,000 out of fire into benefits. That's for the 111 half disability. So that that the individual receiving that gets the their entire salary until they're retired and moved their way to the pension system. So that is a that is likely temporary. Um, we don't know if it's one year or two year, three years or five years. I don't think it'll be that long. But so for that reason, the reduction adjustment, which is why it's not reflected in the the -4746 at the bottom. We scroll down just a little bit. Michelle. So after you account for that, um, so what we've kind of we've kind of done here is what you don't see in the budget adjustments is a two things. Stabilization for trash increase. So we've planned over the last couple of years, we've been putting a little extra into the stabilization with the understanding that we're, well, we had to renew our trash contract and that trash contract was going to be more expensive than the one we're currently in. So Jeff has kind of devised a step in plan using those funds that we've put in the stabilization to kind of ease the pain, so to speak. So we've taken us we have a 20% increase in our trash in year one. We're taking a little chunk of that increase, um, and offsetting it with the $85,000. So we're not realizing that. So you can consider that like a revenue source. We're going to fund part of the budget with free cash. And then that year, then the next year that amount gets smaller and it slowly phases in the increase in an amount that we can, you know, have a better ability to account for in the existing budget. And similarly we're off. We're completely offsetting the 111 F disability in pensions. Because of the short term nature of the cost. So at least the proposal here in the Select board has to. Ultimately in the fin com have to ultimately adopt it and recommend it. But the proposal is that we use free cash, you know, this year possibly next year, possibly the year after. But eventually the idea is that that $110,000 will will fall off. So that's why it's really just we put it up there because it's a net zero, because when it falls off, the funding source goes away. So it's not like we have an extra $110,000 in the budget. And so with all that, it's so that we're still the four I mean, we're basically at zero. So you could you could find that for seven in a small revenue assumption adjustment, which, you know, equates to a fraction of a percent. But I would say that that those changes there would get you to zero or, you know, at least a talking point at town meeting to say, we've we've proposed a budget that fits within our means, or maybe the, the, um, you know, the strategy is to propose the budget, you know, proposed a balanced budget and then partner, um, I don't want to speak for the schools because I don't know where they're going to end up, but I think there's a high likelihood that they're going to have an override operational override request, partner with the schools and itemize, you know, these cuts and the impacts of them, uh, and let the residents decide. And, you know, it would be you know, it's kind of the the whole point of this discussion would be to get some ideas from the board and what direction they want to go. We also have and we're starting to explore with Hamilton is in the school district. Is what a shift to Maya? Excuse me not. We're in Maya now for health insurance. But what a shift to the GIC would look like, which would likely realize some savings. But that probably won't real. We won't. Probably won't realize the those savings, uh, to the extent needed, at least in this budget cycle.

01:52:35,167	S10:
Okay, so the disability is being shifted from the operating budget to the capital because it will eventually fall off. You have it listed twice, but it's not actually credited twice. Correct.

01:52:47,167	S9:
Yeah. Well it's it's a positive up top and it's a it's credited as a revenue down the bottom. So they offset each other so that when you take one away you don't you don't have $110,000 extra.

01:53:04,801	S9:
That makes sense.

01:53:07,167	S4:
Yeah.

01:53:08,868	S10:
You should probably.

01:53:14,801	S21:
So the reason we're moving that is this year, um, that the amount for that particular person's salary is in the police budget, and we're spending that money, but it's not actually helping the chief staff, the police department. So we're up to opportunity to do next year is now. It was unknown at the time of creating the budget for FY 26, so we couldn't deal with it. For FY 27, we're going to move that particular person out into like just a general benefits line. No, it may or may not get to $110,000. We don't know. But we're moving it out of the chief's budget. So that just that that the position and question is up there on that list. But that would allow full staffing there. That isn't you know, there's not $110,000 in his budget that he can't actually access. So we're moving it out to a different out of the police budget. But then we're we're addressing it with free cash. You know, you hear us say over and over again, we don't like to use free cash for the operating budget, but this is really a one time event. It might be a one year or a two year or a three year, one time event, but it's not part of our ongoing budget. So we want it sort of pulled out of that and funded with a different source, you know, depending on how things go. We might only spend $30,000 of that. And, you know, we'd have the rest of it would just roll back into free cash. But we wanted to take it out of the chief's budget so that he could be left with just actual salaries that are, you know, are on the street for him. So that's that. And that was was not accounted for in the original budget that was presented a couple of Saturdays ago. So we wanted to just bring it in. So, you know, it was an additional cost, but then also show you we have a plan to pull that out of, out of there. So it's not a it's not an override problem for us. It's going to be accounted for elsewhere.

01:54:56,667	S4:
Okay.

01:54:57,701	S10:
Thank you. That helps.

01:55:01,701	S2:
Any other questions or comments? Steve.

01:55:05,901	S22:
I just have a quick question regarding the regional school district.

01:55:10,267	S14:
Is that.

01:55:11,968	S22:
235.

01:55:14,000	S14:
For.

01:55:16,667	S22:
All.

01:55:17,100	S14:
Buildings, for all buildings, or is that specific for just the high school?

01:55:22,868	S9:
Know that. 235 actually, I didn't mention that. So that's I had been going with the one initially. Their first budget presentation was a was the 965 at the top, about $1 million over our, you know, kind of what we deemed to be our our living within our means, which is kind of how much revenue growth did we get in that kind of debt dictates. And that includes our 2.5% adjustment, new growth, local receipts, permit fees, like all of that. Everything that we have access to in revenue to either through taxation or otherwise, more than what we had last year, which accounts to be about a 4% increase. So that kind of sets the the target amount. Like that's what we can we know we can live within that without any special, uh, um, relief from the taxpayers such as an override. So their first budget was $965,000 over the levy limit. They came up with a first adjustment or a second budget revision, uh, that was reduced that original 965 by the 235,000, leaving the current as it currently stands in the most recent school district budget proposal at $730,000 above our levee capacity.

01:56:53,467	S14:
And that's operating cost and not commercial changes. Correct.

01:56:56,501	S9:
That's that's.

01:56:57,000	S4:
What.

01:56:57,200	S14:
That's operating cost. That's not a new roof. That's not.

01:57:01,367	S9:
No, that's that's not capital. That's. No. That's that. That's not capital. Although they do have some capital expenditures in jeopardy. You might know more about what's what's in their operating budget as far as capital.

01:57:13,767	S21:
Yeah. So the if you think about the Cutler vote not going through that led to the fact that we're going to need to have some more maintenance and some safety upgrades and things like that at the at the various schools. I believe that was about a $670,000 increase to the budget at the district level. So, you know, roughly speaking, we're about a third of that. So a little over maybe 200 is is already built into the budget that will cut, you know, the capital is in the operating budget. The roof would be a secondary actual capital. Ask for a debt exclusion. But as of this time, those are the only ones we know about. We don't know about any other large capitals beyond the high school roof.

01:57:54,467	S2:
Now, there was a. Excuse me. There was a five chairs meeting in December, um, that you and I attended. And at that meeting, there was an initial school budget that tentatively reduced some of the numbers. Um, has there been a subsequent reduction down to 730? Because I know the school committee met after the five chairs meeting and determined that they would, you know, sharpen their pencils some more and go back. So I'm not sure if.

01:58:26,801	S9:
Yeah. Well, that I don't think we've seen that budget yet, have you, Jeff? I know that I know that they did seem to support trying to go a little bit deeper, but we don't have those.

01:58:38,100	S2:
The 730 is what what they had at the five chairs meeting, I think.

01:58:42,868	S9:
Um, yeah. In their.

01:58:44,167	S4:
December.

01:58:44,601	S9:
And the subsequent.

01:58:45,868	S21:
Though, that's what was left for us at the five chairs meeting after they took out the 235. And I would say that's a correct kind of recap, is that they are open to, you know, looking for ways to cut more. I don't know if they're looking to cut the entire 730, but, um, finding us, um, you know, some deeper cuts. I mean, I think the challenge is as apportionment shifts to Wenham, you know, to get us the numbers we need, you know, takes some pretty significant effort on their part. I mean, because if you're if you think back, you know, it's somewhere in the range of 150 or 180 of our increase this year is related strictly to apportionment. And that, you know, they have to make deeper cuts to, um, you know, they I think when I sent it to Eric, uh, before they made the 235 cut, I mean, they would have needed to cut, you know, somewhere, you know, north of, like, $3 million to, you know, get us what we needed. And that's that's pretty significant, right?

01:59:38,267	S2:
Okay. Thanks. Yeah. Steve said, I mean, it is likely that there will be a in override in one of them this year for the school budget. And that's not at all because, um, you know, the leadership of the school department, Eric and Vinnie here, you know, a couple of free spending radicals. I mean, they actually, I know, have been working hard to, uh, to try to find places to, uh, to cut that doesn't, you know, decimate staff and the like, but they're dealing with obviously, uh, you know, insurance premium increases on a, on a very large scale, um, a new teachers contract that, you know, was not as generous as some of the surrounding towns that saw strikes and work stoppages and so on. So, um, to the extent that part of our thinking here at the town level is, you know, will there be any override? And we've already heard about the debt exclusion for the roof that we know is going to be there. I think there will very likely be one. And so, um, that may be something that we consider. Um, because as you said, Steve, we, you know, we don't want to have a situation where we're pitting town against school, um, because everybody's, you know, I think trying to row in the same direction and, and be as fiscally prudent as one can without gutting the kinds of services that people in the town have come to expect, both on the municipal side and in the, in um, with our education as well. So it'd be interesting to see what the next version of the school.

02:01:23,267	S4:
Budget is.

02:01:24,701	S2:
If it's trimmed a little bit.

02:01:25,667	S4:
More. Gary.

02:01:27,567	S12:
So I think we're emerging from a longer period of Covid, Arpa funds, federal grants that we had a lot of outside money at times, and now perhaps last year, but definitely this year. We're into a period of time where essentially we're on our own. And this really shows the the true picture of what municipal costs are. So I'm thinking that, uh, you know, we cannot request departments to operate with a little bit, cut a little bit more cut and so forth that that just creates stress and perhaps inequalities and inefficiencies within in departments. So yeah, sure, we can do a 1%, but I think we need to educate the public that because of the 2.5% rule, as compared to what's really going on in the world around us with the increases in insurance and everything down the line, that at some point this town and perhaps every town around is faced with an override. So the question is how to approach that override. And I think the way to do it is to make sure our government services are the right size, which I think we're very close to and perhaps compared to others, and say, look, folks, if you want the services that you have today, you were just going to have to fess up. The fact that it's going to cost more. And on this year we're going to need an override, because in the past few years we've had all these different assists, helps in different parts of money. And, you know, we've done all we've could in the past to better utilize the expenditures. And we also have realized better returns on our investment money. So what we have here, I think, is a true picture of how much money we have. And we are short unless we go to the override route. So I should think that some of these, as we've talked before, like Pleasant Pond, you know. You know, if you take it in 2 or 3000 and spend it 23. That's something that we just can't afford anymore. That we have a particular situation with a long term medical on a police officer. But I would ask the chief and the fire chief to that. You know, if we're going to bring on a second ambulance, then we need to right size those departments to utilize the equipment and provide the services. And we know in the fire department case that the ambulance use is actually a positive, so that, you know, I don't want to see us, you know, trying to squeeze the budget down to get below, which in one sense is an arbitrary levy limit, when in fact we know that if we don't do it this year, then certainly next year or the year after, at some point you just going to have to fess up and say, folks, we need the override. So I think that, you know, perhaps this is the year to do it, to just say, you know. You know, test the waters here and see if the public has the, uh, the willingness to go with the override. So, you know, we would go back with our list of red lines there. A lot of them can go to cuts. I certainly would like to see us get close to where it would be under the levee limit. But I would not want to see that we distress our departments or cause the longer term shortages in either efficiencies or capabilities just to meet this year's over this year's budget. So I think we're we're close to override, folks. And I'm just gonna have to fess up. You can't have 10% insurance increases covered by 2.5% tax levy.

02:05:27,167	S16:
I think you're right. We have to tell that story. And it's a multiyear story.

02:05:31,767	S9:
And Is something else to think about is, um. You know, this is this year an override to bring us to zero. Let's say we were able to rate. I don't know what we're talking about. $300,000 in an override this year. That will likely recreate itself next year with no additions. It's just turning. It's just turning the page. Um, we just have until we can get, you know. Our pension assessment continues to go up. It's fixed outside of our revenue assumptions, our health insurance. Again, we're trying to, you know, accommodate or make some changes there or see what we can do. So we, you know, we may be able to do something with that, but we have these fixed costs that every community is not just Wyndham is struggling with, that are growing outside our ability to raise revenue. So, you know, one thing that the board could consider, and I don't I don't know necessarily what the best way you would know the residents the best is. You know, how they would um, you know, seeing like a, a three or a five year modeled plan, you know, when you do one override on, you know, like every five years is kind of like an over if you look at, like in Arlington or something like that, they do they have planned overrides every five years because they, they, you know, they model out what they think they're going to need. They raise that in one year. They draw it down. They don't tax to the five years in that year one. But, you know, the residents have put trust in them that, you know, they use what they need in year one, two, three. And then on the fifth year, it's kind of like you reset the model and you see, you know, what's the what the snapshot looks. Because obviously the far further you go out in the model, the more inaccurate it is. Um, so it's hard to see really out even five years, I think is sometimes silly to try to model out that far. But, um, you know, something else to consider if that if override is the direction, whether we want to try to do one year at a time or try to account for multiple years. And what would complicate that, just as I'm talking it through, is the, you know, the school side of it. It's like the town might be able to get theirs. But how do you keep it separate the next year, knowing that there's levee capacity available in the schools have needs. I could it could I could see, you know, a politically a town meeting that being sucked up pretty quickly as accessible money through to be raised through taxation if that capacity is there.

02:08:16,000	S2:
Any other comments? Questions?

02:08:20,100	S16:
Not for me.

02:08:21,467	S4:
Okay.

02:08:22,300	S2:
Um, anything from the audience and anybody online? Joe.

02:08:27,601	S4:
No.

02:08:29,367	S2:
All right. Well, that was, uh, I think, a useful discussion. Appreciate you. Um, laying out the status, Steve.

02:08:36,000	S4:
And I think you.

02:08:37,567	S2:
Have, um, I hope, anyway.

02:08:39,167	S4:
A little.

02:08:39,467	S23:
Bit more.

02:08:40,667	S2:
You know, sense of the committee on.

02:08:42,767	S9:
Yeah. So I think what I took in. Jeff, hop in here if you have any clarifying questions or, you know, so we're going to, you know, kind of go back to the fin com and say, you know, uh, apparently the select board is not willing to consider the staffing cuts. Um, they are exploring the reductions in Pleasant Pond like clear, clear. Gov is that something you want to continue to pursue or not? I mean, again, you won't be held to the decision. But it's like.

02:09:14,567	S2:
I mean it's it's a it's the right long term investment. I think in the long run it's gonna.

02:09:19,567	S4:
Yeah yeah.

02:09:21,067	S2:
Save save money and, you know, be a much better system.

02:09:25,100	S4:
All right.

02:09:25,367	S9:
So outside of pleasant pond that you know you're looking at trying to. Obviously, we're going to have to have a plan B budget for the override fails, but at this point, you're looking to propose a budget that supports the departmental requests as reflected here.

02:09:45,801	S9:
In general.

02:09:48,267	S2:
Does anyone disagree with that?

02:09:49,801	S4:
So Steve.

02:09:50,267	S22:
The.

02:09:50,667	S14:
The proposed is to move forward with the gatekeepers and what else?

02:09:56,100	S9:
Well, no, I think the at least from what I heard, the only well, the reductions that we've that Lord Jeff has already made and proposed from the original budget that the select board saw, was he drew down the general insurance line by $17,000 or 8%. And that's just looking at like, we all you intentionally have like a buffer zone in there because you never know when you had a new employee there on a family plan, uh, employee has gets married, has a baby. Qualifying life event. You go to a single, to a family plan, or even they might not have insurance. And then they had a baby. The qualifying life event. They, you know, they're on a family plan. So like that can ebb and flow and pretty large swings. So it generally it's hard, but I think it's at a level there with that reduction. You don't want to go any lower. I just want to be you to be aware that that reduction is, is already taking place kind of in the background there, uh, to what we deem to be a safe level, but certainly a lot more closer to actual than it has been in the past. And but so my takeaway was that the Pleasant Pond gatekeepers, you know, there's seems like there's some consideration there to explore, uh, removing that. But as far as the rest of them, uh.

02:11:20,567	S2:
Well, the one, the 1% reduction in departmental expense budgets. I don't know that you're going to get much pushback from the board on that. I don't know whether the departments, you know, have identified how that might, you know, affect readiness, um, or, you know, training objectives. In the case of the.

02:11:41,901	S9:
Yeah, I mean, it's not going to be loved, I'll tell you that. But the, um, you know, the way I look at it is it's.

02:11:50,467	S9:
As you kind of have this pot of money and free with free cash and it's kind of, in a sense, everybody's money. So if you go over like there's always transfers in that, but as you reduce, as you reduce it globally, you're basically shrinking the excess that's going to contribute to free cash in the next budget cycle. So you know we're at six. We're at 6% of a generation. You know we buy going down that, you know, whatever that $34,000 is. Does that put us into trouble about not being able to fund our capital plan next year and not having a decent, you know, a few hundred thousand dollars sitting in there for any sort of special town meeting that you got a call to, you know, raise money for, you know, God knows what. Um, uh, yeah. Emergency takes place. Is that $34,000? I guess what I'm trying to say is probably not. So, like, we could we could reduce it by that. If the board is, you know, looking and not create any catastrophic, uh, impact to, to operations, it would be kind of like then you kind of figure out, like, it's like, all right, well, now we see who really overspent because we needed it and then who has the extra money. And you kind of shift it around and kind of rejigger it in the following year. Instead of targeting and being like, very well, you have to give up $5,000. You don't have to give up anything. You know what I mean?

02:13:29,367	S12:
So I should thank the.

02:13:33,467	S12:
Gov delayed or goes a little bit later. Pleasant pond goes library part time staff. And um, it's a very popular, but I think it's not absolutely essential. And I think if if we're going to go for an override, we need to go for those real core municipal services of fire and police and water if we need there and say, this is a this is a line, this is what we need. If that's the level of service you want.

02:14:09,868	S4:
Okay. Deirdre.

02:14:12,467	S10:
Yeah. Well, I think you started that recap by saying the Selectboard is unwilling. I mean, I think no one has an appetite for an override and no one is looking for an override. So I just want to make sure we're clear. But we're given, as Gary put it, I think the core issue is that given the confines of prop two and a half, it's very difficult to maintain your services within it. It's just and towns all across Massachusetts are struggling with the same issue. We can't afford ourselves capped at two and a half when everything else is escalating at much different rates, right? As we all know from our personal lives. Same story. Um, so it's not that we have an appetite or we're digging in or you know what I mean? It's it's that we're feeling like we need to face the reality.

02:15:08,701	S4:
Yeah.

02:15:09,000	S9:
Poor choice words. So.

02:15:10,167	S4:
Thank you.

02:15:10,501	S10:
Yeah. Just just so we're all clear. You know, it's sort of like we need to face the music and decide a way forward.

02:15:19,667	S2:
Thank you. Anybody else?

02:15:23,567	S2:
All right. Thanks very much. That moves us on to new business. There is no new business. And then item K, other matters as may not have been anticipated by the chair. There are none. I'd entertain a motion to adjourn.

02:15:38,167	S24:
Time is it?

02:15:39,868	S10:
Oh, there it is. Move to adjourn. 8:18 p.m..

02:15:43,667	S12:
Jerry. Seconds.

02:15:44,801	S2:
Roll call. Karen.

02:15:46,000	S4:
Yes, Peter. Yes. Deirdre. Yes, Gary.

02:15:48,601	S2:
Yes, Ben is. Yes. Thank you very much.