001Starting. >> Thank you. Good evening everyone. I call the February 4th, 2026 select board meeting to order at 7:01. This meeting is being recorded and broadcast live by WACA and livereamed on Facebook. Remote participation is available using the stream video conferencing platform. Any disruption with the video conferencing platform will result in the platform being shut down. In that event of a disruption, broadcasting will continue on WACA TV and livereamed on Facebook. Thank you all for being here. Uh I have to do ask if there's anybody here uh that's present that is recording, we would just like to know that. If not, we're good to go. I don't see anybody raising their hand. I don't see any recordings being done. See someone staring at me in the back row, but I guess that's Good evening, Kyle.
002Um, I guess we're good to go. All right. Uh, meeting's been called to order. So, citizens participation, if anybody's here, uh, either physically or on, um, Zoom, please, uh, raise your hand if you're on Zoom and or come up to the podium. >> Good evening, everyone. >> Good evening, sir. >> Rob St. Germaine, 64 Winter Street. I've been asked to speak about the uh 71 Franklin Road Zero Cross Street uh land issue. Um I've reviewed some of the documents. Uh not I don't think sufficiently to be certainly an expert in it, but it does appear that um there was a commitment on the part of the land owner. Um and so um I think we want to bear that in mind. But also very importantly uh thinking of the uh comprehensive plan that we just
003put together and the many many voices that articulated the uh the value of the trails that we have. Uh there is a trail in that area. It is it is a nice trail. It's well used and if there's any way that we can preserve it, I think it would be a good thing for the town. So >> thank you Rob. Ladies, if you have any uh comments or questions with respect to what Rob just said or we we're going to be discussing >> discussing it later in our agenda. So, >> yeah. So, we'll go to that. But thank you, Rob. Appreciate that. So, uh those that are here for that specific topic, we will be discussing it later on in our agenda. So, uh if you don't mind having a little bit of patience, we'll
004be getting on that very shortly. I see a hand raised. Joan Garrett, uh, if you unmute yourself and >> Yes. Joan Gonra on the historical commission speaking as an individual. Joe, I was wondering if you've gotten an answer from legal on the question that I asked um at the last meeting about um the my concerns with his answers on the application. >> I have not personally. I don't know if Michael has. No, we have not. >> And will you be getting one? >> I would hope so. I did ask. >> Okay. Um, I've been asking since November, so I think that it does shouldn't take this long. Um, I really would appreciate I think I think the people deserve to know. I mean, we we've now this is a huge project and um I think
005that that's a big issue personally. Um, the second question I have is um and I've been I want to thank Michael for sending me some of the information about wastewater. Um, but is the town going to do a complete comprehensive water sewer study starting with current availability and subtracting all proposed projects including the 40Bs to see how much water is left at the end if all are built? >> Uh, Michael has advised me that they they weren't planning on doing something like that in that in that magnitude. >> I don't think it's that big a magnitude. Um, you take all the projects, every project, at least the 40Bs, tells you how much water they're going to use. We know what we're starting with. We should have a it it's not it should not be that
006in my mind. It should not be that big a deal to say, okay, we have 190,000 gallons per day availability and this project takes 50,000 gallons and this project takes 20,000 gallons and this project takes 30 gallons. Is that not something that can be done? >> If it's if it's something of that simple in nature, then uh I don't see why we can't do something like that. >> Okay. All right. Well, thank you. I appreciate it. >> You're welcome. Thank you. >> Okay. All right. >> All right. Any any other citizens participation at this point in time? No. Okay. Let's move on then. Uh scheduled appearance. Uh, Verizon license renewal and ascertainment hearing. Okay. Now, I have something that I need to read. >> We haven't got five minutes yet. Oh, that's right. I'm trying
007to push it along. I see. Is that Mr. Silver? So, we're still waiting for one or two. All right, we have a few moments then and what I will do is I'll take something out of order. Consent. >> Sorry. >> I move that we approve the consent agenda as presented. >> Is there a second? >> I'll second that. >> All those in favor. >> That's 5. Thank you. I don't know if there's a [laughter] date for the select board volunteer appreciation breakfast. We want to look at that one. >> We can talk about that as well. >> That should be pretty quick. >> Yeah. >> Think we do it in March. That's what it's usually that date is is um Susan, >> there you are. We want to talk about the uh the dinner, >>
008the volunteer appreciation breakfast. >> So, typically you do it in March. I did check with the community center. They said all of the Saturdays in March are available, >> but you guys can do it whenever you want to do it. any specific Saturday more convenient for you folks than than any other >> the 14th I wouldn't be available but any other day any other Saturday >> I think we've got office hours on the 7th >> I was going to say yeah >> in the morning so I don't think that would be yeah not that day >> how about the 21st >> that seems is that no holidays or anything >> not that I'm aware of >> okay >> March 21st How's that work, Sue? >> That works fine. I'm not here, but I'm typically not
009here when you guys have it. I'll make sure everything's arranged prior. >> Okay. So, March 21st, >> I would say n >> 9. >> I think you normally do it like 9 to 11. >> Yeah. >> Okay. just text you. Okay. All right. We got a few more minutes left. >> Well, we just talked about it. You read my mind. >> Yep. Um just recently uh earlier this evening right before this meeting uh we had town of councel Lisa me uh present a open meeting law uh training and update and ethics training and uh there were some revisions that u that just took place not too long ago which is very very informative and uh some good questions were asked by those who attended and Um, I'll go around the board to see if anybody
010had anything else they want to add. Yeah, go ahead. >> I just and for I would like us to look at this for another meeting. So, one of the other things that Lisa talked about was public records requests. >> Y >> and I've had a couple people talk to me how they are getting charged for public records requests, but they know other people are not and how um or it's being differently done for different people. So, if I if we could at one of our meetings do a discussion of public records requests, what it looks like, what we're charging, what kinds of things might be charged for because, you know, Lisa said certain things you can't charge for, things like that. So, if we could add that to an agenda, I would greatly appreciate it.
011>> Thank you. You must have saw my notes because I did speak to somebody who had required or requested some records checks and some uh other permit issues. And I guess everything's being done online now. Is that correct? >> Yeah. Um, a lot. So, the records requests have been online for a long time. >> Yeah. >> Um, but yes, so moving to the open gov system. We're moving all of our permits over there, too. >> Okay. One of the one of the concerns that we had uh that this individual had was that uh they had to use a credit card and now that credit card is being monthly being build to this individual even though he's not requesting. It's coming out of Las Vegas. Okay. >> I would say that somehow his credit card got
012>> Yeah, that's what I'm thinking. >> taken, stolen. So, stop the credit card. >> Just I'll talk to you about that. >> Okay. At a later date, but yeah, that that was that just came to me this afternoon. So, >> so he's getting charged every month. >> Yeah, he's getting charged every month. >> Wow. >> Yeah. >> So, all right. Thank you. The only thing I would also add about the open meeting law training um is if you know we had included all boards and and committees on that training. Um Lisa's presentation was great if she if I I had asked her at the end of it um if it could be distributed to all the boards and committees. Um and she said that Susan was going to have it. So if if that can
013go out to everybody that would be great. So >> at least to the chairs and then they can divid out. >> I mean >> I would I would say send it out to everyone who has not just to the chairs. Send it out to every member of every board and committee so that they all have the PDF themselves and they can look at it. >> Can I interrupt? >> Yep. >> Um what we did the last time Lisa did this is we posted it on the website so that it was available to anybody that went on to the website. So we can put that back on there. That's why I asked Wacka to record it. >> I think that's a great idea. So it's a the video is available, but also if the PDF can
014be sent out to everybody on board or committee. >> Absolutely. >> We had what 37 online citizens. >> We did 37. >> Was good. That's good. We couldn't see how many were on because the presentation was being uh shown up there. Five more minutes. We may be done fast. No, it's good. We good. >> It's now 7:15. Y. >> All right. I'm looking at our old tele. So, >> all right. All right. That's the case then. I do have to read this. This is a public hearing on Verizon's cable license renewal, and it is up for the purpose of allowing the public an opportunity to comment on town and public cable needs. Verizon's current license is due to expire on July 11th, 2028. The federal and state law requires holding public proceedings and ascertain local
015cable needs as part of the renewal process. Notice was posted in the local newspaper on January 21st and January 28th, 2026. Copies of legal advertisements are entered into the record as ascertainment exhibits one and two. We will provide interested members of the public and other interested persons the opportunity to provide input about the cable related needs are important to Ashland and about how horizon has performed under the existing license. Before proceeding to public comment, I would like to thank Barbara Chisum of the Ashland community cable programming provider, Ashland TV and the Ver and Verizon for their participation and responsiveness in the ongoing license renewal process. In this hearing, the board will hear comments on all Verizon cable related matters, including customer service, license administration, local studio needs, community programming, pe access, and Verizon support of
016local programming, local facilities, and infrastructure. Please try and keep your comments limited to three minutes. If members of the public or other interested persons wish to provide comments following this hearing, they can send their comments to the select board town of Ash Mass Car of Sue Roby. At this time, we will proceed with welcoming public comment. Let's proceed to the public comment. >> We do have to open up the hearing. >> Motion to open the hearing on WACA's cable renewal. >> Is there a second? Okay. All those in favor, voice vote. I >> I thank you. That's unanimous. Okay. So, the hearing is open. >> Just one question before we go. So, we have a lot of information. We not a lot, but we have information in our >> packet. You know, a lot of
017letters of support. >> Um, so yeah, I I think we definitely want to limit the three >> at least three minutes or or two max, you know, depending upon the number of people that want to speak. I I noticed attorney August is here and let him have some some guidance on the best way to proceed. >> Okay, attorney August, good evening. >> Good evening. Good to see you all. Um this is um the purpose of this hearing under the cable act is to allow the public in and interested persons an opportunity to be heard about um community public uh mun and municipal uh cable needs. So, it's really just all about it's it's almost like a primarily a listening session because the public has to have an opportunity to be heard. However, that can also
018include comments from uh select board members as issuing authority. Um so, it's a very simple uh not very technical or complicated uh type of hearing. It it does not require any decisions at this point. It's really the kind of hearing which the cable act prescribes to get the ball rolling by inviting the public to be heard first and that that that's really about it. Um during the negotiations which come later um most of the time and energy of negotiations has to do with continuing the uh Verizon in a Verizon renewal. Verizon support for the local facilities such as the local channels, the studio, their equipment budget, their operating budget. So testimony pertaining to that can become relevant down the road. But um as contemplated by the statute, any cable related matter is a fair subject
019matter. So, that's basically my overview of this first hearing. We're required to have a hearing down the road after the negotiations of a proposed license to give the public uh an opportunity to comment on a proposed document, but we're not at that stage. And the Cable Act gets us started early, almost two two and a half years prior to expiration. So that's a a federally prescribed timetable. So that's what even though the expiration date is somewhat distant. Uh it the law does contemplate this early startup because in some communities it can be complicated where they're first creating a studio or locating a studio of place. Um here we have an ongoing operation that's been very vibrant. Uh the access your your community studio. So it's it's not as complicated. Hopefully it will uh continue uh
020or increase current levels of support. So that's really the overview that I have. >> Thank you, sir. Appreciate that. Thank you very much. Okay, we've opened up for public uh comment. If there's anybody here this evening that would like to speak on behalf of WACA TV and Verizon's uh um negotiated contract which is up 2028, please feel free to come to the podium and anybody that's listening uh via uh platform uh just raise your hand and we'll be happy to call on you. Just unmute yourself and identify yourself and you'll have the floor. Let everybody jump up at once. >> I I can get it started. >> Yeah, if you'd like to. Um, >> so I know the superintendent had sent a letter and and I think he was going to his intent was to
021try to be here tonight, but he didn't know if he was going to be able to, but um I certainly have drafted something um in support um Barbara [clears throat] and Bill's request, but uh so I can just read it into the record. So, um, as town manager for the town of Ashlin, I'm writing to express my strong support for WACA TV. It's an invaluable resource for Ashland's residents and an important partner in our efforts uh to promote local government transparency and civic engagement. WACA TV serves as a primary media outlet serves as the primary media outlet for public meetings and community programming that help keep residents informed and connected. Its coverage of government meetings, town events, and other civic programming provides reliable local access to information that people need to understand and participate in
022the decisions that shape our community. WAC Wacka TV's consistent local presence helps ensure that residents can follow key discussions about town services, municipal priorities, and budget matters even when they cannot attend meetings in person. This public service strengthens accountability, reinforces trust in the community, and supports an informed community as well. Thank you for your continued support of this important local resource. Uh, sincerely, Michael Herbert, town manager. >> Thank you, Michael. >> Anybody in the vote? Sure. >> I'm surprised I'm not seeing any hands or someone >> I know >> jump up. Maybe they didn't hear. I don't know. Um >> I I I think Rob Silver is here to um to speak. Um Joe, >> yeah, he hasn't raised his hand yet. >> He can unmute himself. >> Oh, >> there we go. >> All
023right, [clears throat] I did it. >> There you go. >> I'm not I'm not too techsavvy like your youngsters. [clears throat] >> Can Can you hear me? >> We can hear you fine. >> All right, let me see. if you want. There you go. My WACA TV's shirt. Uh um I'll try and be brief. Um just want to speak a little bit about why, you know, we should continue to support WACA and the impact that we make on the community. My name is Robert Silver. I'm a volunteer announcer and field reporter with WACA TV, primarily covering fall and winter high school sports. I volunteer because it's not always about the money. It's about doing the right thing and helping the community. My affiliation with WACA started back in 2015. My children grew up in Ashlin
024with their mom and stepdad. At the time, my son Jake was a freshman at Ashland High School. He wanted to become a broadcaster and WACA gave him the opportunity to get his feet wet. Announces were needed for winter and spring sports. the executive director, Barbara Chisum, brought Jake on board. Eventually, Jake would ask me to join him for a basketball broadcast. I've been volunteering ever since, about 11 years now. I want to speak about again why uh WACA makes such a big impact on Ashlin community and beyond. I'll start with a personal note. My son Jake, the announcer, was diagnosed with cancer towards the end of his sophomore year of high school. During his junior and senior years while undergoing treatments and surgeries, he continued to work for WACA. I truly believe this was a
025major part of his motivation to pursue his passion, graduate from high school, and in the fall of 2018 enrolled in the communications program at Springfield College. Fortunately, after a few weeks, his health took a turn for the worse and he'd ultimately lose his battle with cancer in February of 2019, seven years ago. this month. I mention it because I know how important it was for Jake to accomplish these goals of graduating high school and getting into college. And I believe because of the opportunity provided by WACA and Barbara Chisum, he was able to pursue his dream. That's WACA making an impact. And to honor my son's le leg legacy, I continue to volunteer and and do the announcing. Last season, the girls basketball team hired a new coach, Patrick Leslie. Coach Leslie relocated from Minnesota.
026Pat was thrilled when he learned that WACA offered live stream broadcasts. Over the years, he had forged many relationships with former players and colleagues who were excited to tune in to watch his new team. I often refer to the viewers there Pat's pals. One of the biggest fans was his dad. And coach Leslie made it a point to thank the crew time and time again and tell us how much his dad enjoyed watching the games from his hometown in Texas. His dead dad never missed a broadcast. Unfortunately, coach Leslie's dad passed away over the summer. Another victim of cancer. [snorts] When I finally saw coach at the start of the season, he made it a point to again say how thankful he was for the joy we brought to his dad. That was WACA making
027an impact. uh talk about a couple real uplifting experiences. Not every viewer of WACA passes away from cancer. I promise you. Um I've also made some many meaningful personal connections with the various crew members over the years. Paul Bowden, Jeff Paul, Connor Donovan, my announcing partners, Brian Sci, the legendary Bob Der, Josh Abrams, and his son Chase Abram. I mentioned Chase because he's a great story success story in the making. He volunteered with us, announcing with us during all four years of high school, graduating in 2024. Case is now a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island, enrolled in communications and broadcasting major, where he covers soccer and basketball for URI on one of the ESPN affiliates. I'm sure this is just the beginning of a very successful broadcasting career for Chase and another example
028of WACA making an impact. In keeping with the family theme, the last thing I've also had the pleasure of announcing basketball games with my daughter, Hie. She's a 2020 graduate of Ashlin High School and continues to be part of the WACA family with a production expertise of Paul Bowden. Allie helps to bring town manager Michael Herbert's weekly newsletter to life in a concise, fun, friendly video format. I'm just one person whose life has been greatly enriched by the small local community TV station WACA. But I want to point out that what this small local community TV station does has a huge ripple effect throughout the Ashland community and far beyond. And the ripple effect grows year after year, near and far, ultimately impacting the lives of thousands upon thousands and I might even venture to
029say tens of thousands of people. So I hope when it comes time to decide on the funding budget from Verizon that you not look strictly at how it affects your profit and loss because it's not always about the money. Sometimes it's about doing the right thing. So, I trust you'll do that. Thank you for your time and as always, good night and go clockers. Thank you. >> Thank you, Rob. Thank you very much. Appreciate that. You're welcome. >> I I know Yolanda, did you want to uh speak anything? >> Yeah, if I could. First of all, I've had the opportunity to work with uh >> Rob. I had the opportunity to do a few things with Jake and I just want to, you know, second what Michael has said and what what um Rob has
030said that WACA really has added to our community in the programming that they offer. But I also think since CO how they've been our partner in making sure that the community has access. I mean, I think about this this right now where people are being able to sit at home and and it's not just watch from TV, but they help us with our Zoom connections and they help us make sure that we get the information out to our residents. So, I think we need to make sure, you know, we go forward and and do what we can to to keep this license going. um and also look at if there are other ways we can support the station um as they look at their needs for space capital and potentially if there's other things they
031need to do. So I just want to offer my support as well. >> Thank you Makita. >> Uh yeah thank you Mr. Chair. Um I just wanted to chime in. Uh you know uh WACA is not just a nice resource to have. It's a vital community resource for all the reasons that everyone stated, but also um you know without WACA I I I completely believe that our community would not be able to remain informed. It is so vital especially in this time when we see lack of loss coverage in major newspapers. Everything's drying up. you know, when we have a community resource like WACA that can get vital information out to the public, allow um a certain amount of interactivity uh and allow people to participate as well as uh making sure that young people
032get some vocational training and communications as well. Um I I see this as not a nice to have but a vital to have and I wanted to uh speak on those supporting WACA and everything that they do here for Ashland. >> Thanks. >> Thank you Makita. >> I'm up. >> You're up. >> Yeah. First uh Mr. Silver I just want to say I remember Jake too and uh I just want you to know a lot of people remember him and I on u my computer I have a little video. we made videos uh at one point for him to send to him and uh every now and then I come across it for whatever reason but um anyways we remember him. >> Um so I just was really going to say a little bit of
033what Makita said in that um I remember many years ago being on the school committee and when we met there was a newspaper reporter in the room every single time and the next day there was an article in the newspaper and you know that's been long gone and so it's just such a critical way of informing our community and um I won't repeat what Makita said so eloquent eloquently but uh it is so important for informing our community. So uh 100% my support and I do know several students too who have have gone through uh the little whacker training and ended up in uh following it as a career path. So thank you. >> Are you ready? >> Sure. I know that pretty much my colleagues have have covered a lot of this, but um
034I did want to just say that, you know, I mean, we've been postcoid for a little while, but it hasn't been that long since since CO and just to add that WACA was literally our lifeline during CO. um we had, you know, whether it was videoing of the sports, whether it was um our town government, which was always in uh conversations about what was happening during COVID. Um it literally was our lifeline to the residents of Ashland while while we were trying to make the best of a of a really crazy situation. Um, and so, you know, when what really strikes me is when Rob was talking about just the community connection and when you think about Ashland and you think about all we do in Ashlin, it's like WACA kind of weaves itself through
035every single part of our community and brings us together. And so I'm really thankful for the work that they do for for for Barbara, for Paul, for the whole Wacka crew um and all the the volunteers that that give their time. It's it's a tremendous resource for the community and um I don't know how we could do our job without you. So um so thank you. I held I held my comments for for the last um the reason why I have done that is because WACA and I go back over 40 years. We started out at U Elliott Street going down a long corridor to get to a one room studio of a 390 Elliot Street and then from there the show started. So Ashland and WACA, like Brandy said, has weaved into our into
036our community in more ways than one. The different program programmings that have been offered the uh the constant upkeep with all the new shows or the different shows that have been provided over the years. Um I know some have been award-winning. I won't say that, you know. Some of us were recipients of some of those awards over the years and uh it wasn't the fact that Barbara and Paul uh were the mainstay of all that all that work and hard effort and the many other volunteers that were involved. Uh it was a very difficult time um to put on a show if when you have a co-host that was a microphone hog. And I won't say anything bad about Dave Irusi, but uh [laughter] but David loved the microphone and you know there would be
037constant battles getting that mic back and forth from one another so we could at least get our points across. And we had a great show. Uh it was a police and fire show and um you know those those were the beginnings and I know Barbara you uh you brought up some great things all the different programs that you provided us all the live streaming from all the different holiday festivals that we had Ashland day um Connor spot some of the programs that have been initiated over the years thanks to you folks people who weren't able to get to see it live were able to watch it later on in the Okay. All the different meetings that we you can't go to every meeting, but you can take a Saturday morning and sit back with a
038cup of coffee and listen to what's been going on uh throughout the week. And it's all because you folks made that happen. And Verizon, you folks I wasn't sure who said I think it was I think it was Mr. Silva that said something very very appropriate. You know, the bottom line is one thing, but your outreach is far greater than your bottom line and touching all these different people that that are affected by WACA and those who appreciate the work that you all do and look forward to it every every day uh to see the different things that have been going on and get updated on on a a daily or even weekly basis. I would I strongly support it. I always have. I always will. And um you know, we have different other other
039programs when you do uh when it comes to elections you have open open mic nights and uh citizens participation there and asking questions and Makita I've sat with you on different times and with your with your uh your shows that you've had podcast like Michael had on on different ones we were the we were the first ones to start that and it was it was it went off very well so you say weaved into our culture damn right and then So, without a doubt, without a doubt, strongly support it and I hope Horizon does the right thing and uh provides additional funding for you folks. Absolutely appreciate it. You're awful quiet up there, Barbara. >> Wow. I I just want to thank the select board in Michael and Jim Adams and Deputy Chief Morahan, Rob
040Silva and Joe White for their letters and words of support. We are proud to serve the town of Ashland as your community media center and we look forward to many many more years of our partnership with town government, the schools and to the residents of Ashland. Um, I can't thank you um enough. Thank you so much. >> Thank you for all the work that you and your your staff has done over the years. You've done a yman's job. >> Thank you, Joe. [laughter] >> It's always appreciated. Always appreciated for sure. Okay. Is there anybody else that would like to speak on WA WACA's behalf? No, we're good. If can I add uh two absolutely brief comments. >> One in the spirit of these comments, I do want to thank um you know profoundly thank uh
041Michael Herbert and Sue Roby. They could not be more responsive. There are a lot of twists and turns in a renewal process. you know, it's a long contract and in addition to all the local facilities language, uh, you know, the insurance, rightway management, record, they're just totally committed to being responsive. And Barbber Chisum has done the same. We have to provide budgets and itemized data to Verizon when we negotiate for the funds. And at every turn, she always comes through with her team, Paul and others. very high quality, careful, credible uh uh operating capital budgets, narrative support. So, the town uh is is really uh you know, a big player in this. And I also want to mention uh you know, we did the uh renewal with Verizon not that long ago. They only do
042five-year licenses unlike Comcast. They It's not an Ashland thing. They don't go over. So we we we you know we did a renewal with them. They came to the table recognizing that the access uh studio is very important. They they really did and they recognized that and they you know they from the get-go they were willing to just try to find you know a reasonable and strong uh way to support it that Verizon would allow. I hope the co the corporation continues in in that spirit this time around. they have in other renewals they have been similar there a lot of changes going on in the industry but the you know the local folks that they send out into the trenches are are committed to be being good negotiation partners so I want to just
043mention that in fairness to them too um one other thing for the benefit of the public uh even though the hearing closes the cable act says that apart from the hearing we can have an ascert a needs ascertainment record open uh on an ongoing basis outside of the hearing. It's a very interesting statute, the cable act um you know it really provides for different mechanisms for public input like that. So, if you can't make it to tonight's hearing, the law does contemplate that uh uh the issuing authority, you know, through its uh town administrator keep the record open for other data that we can receive as long as we make it public and share it uh with the with the lency. So, there are further opportunities and uh that's about it. >> Thank you, Bill.
044Appreciate that. Thank you very much. Um I guess it come down to discussion amongst us right now. >> Yeah. Will we go ahead and close this part of the hearing right the ascertainment? >> Yes. >> Right. Okay. Okay. >> Motion to close the hearing >> there. Second. >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> I. That's 5. [clears throat] So this meeting uh the hearing has been closed. Any further discussion on this? >> So we're just going to take a vote of support. I would assume at this stage >> I don't think we even need to do that. >> We don't need to do that. We already made a point. >> I think we need to look at in you know further down the road as we get more information on the >> on
045the license and funding and stuff is where we'll look at it. I don't think we need to do anything other. >> Yeah. Okay. All right. Very good. All right. Thank you. Thank you everybody who uh spoke on behalf of WACA. I appreciate it everybody. Good luck and uh I know Mr. Silva. Go Pats. >> [laughter] >> Thank you all. >> Thank you very much everyone. >> Those were great comments. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> And we're right on time. >> 7:35. It's 7:45. That clock is slow. >> Yeah, >> that's my time. >> We got to fix the clock. >> Whoa. Okay. Well, so there we are. Running behind a little bit. Sorry about that. Uh, next on our agenda is uh, Beth Reynolds and Katherine Bird with a presentation on the reconfiguration of space
046at the community center and the temporary relocation of the food pantry, >> which I think a lot of people are going to enjoy. >> Maybe, maybe, who knows? >> I, you know, I think it will. I've been thinking about how to introduce this for uh well, ever since we really started talking about it. Uh because there is so much to say about um you know what Katherine and Beth and Area and Candy and Kelly [clears throat] and everybody uh just the whole team what they have u what they've done. Um, so what Beth and Katherine and uh our community center team are going to present tonight is really just a lot a lot of information on changes that are happening both or changes that have happened both um in personnel and then changes that are
047coming up to the building itself. U I'll start with the building. Um that building's now 20 years old. you know, we think of it as a new building. Um, I think construction uh oversight, you know, some some days were better than others, I think, as it was being constructed. And so, we've had to deal with some issues, but also things are starting to fail. Um, so we've uh there's some things that need to be addressed there. But then, um, also I can't say enough about the team. This is a whole new human services team. Now, you know, the the rest of our community center is um you know, familiar faces, but this is going to be your chance to see a bunch of new faces for human services. Um completely new like last summer, basically
048all of our human services team departed for other other positions. So, ARA, you know, came in and basically had to rebuild a team with Catherine. has just done a remarkable job. Um the creativity that has gone into this um into what they're about to to talk to you about tonight and show you um has been very very inspiring. It's easy to think of that community center as just kind of like the place over on the western side of town, you know, sometimes because a lot of activity, a lot of meetings, our government meetings and everything, tax bills and everything are paid here. Um, but that community center is as alive as it has ever been and um that's thanks to the people there. But I'll turn it over to Beth and Katherine. Like I said,
049I I hope um I hope you will understand just the significance of what they're talking about doing here. And I can tell you like when Jen was here, we were talking about the fact that we needed to have more space. we needed to do things, you know, there to kind of fix some things up and and we were thinking it was probably going to be we threw in like a placeholder number of like a million I think eight years ago. So, it's probably 10 million now with the with the way escalation has gone, but I think you'll be really really happily surprised to see what they have today. >> Thank you, Michael. Um, so we're here tonight to uh present to you our plans for the community center improvement project. So our goal for this
050project is a comprehensive reconfiguration and refresh of the existing facility to address the challenges we're facing while at the same time improving and expanding upon services to our residents. um our since Beth and I started as assistant town managers, we've spent more time at the community center with the staff and the team over there just in our different uh role. Um we've listened to the team. We've heard from residents as well as volunteers and we realized that staffing needs weren't being met. We realized that the space was impacting or limiting what we as a staff could do to service the needs of the residents. But before I get into the presentation, I you know, you may have received, I know I've seen some emails or letters about some of the challenges at the community center.
051So, I just wanted to hear a little bit from you with the select board about some of the concerns and challenges that you've heard of. >> I know I'll I'll I'll start. I know uh back last summer or back last spring I had received a couple people reach out to me regarding the food pantry and how it wasn't quite big enough and how it was being used. I also know you know just some of the spaces have been harder to use or doing all the programming. And I have one question. that's not related to this so much is there's one room in the community center whose lights stay on at all hours and it's at the front of the building the end the room all the way at the end where they sometimes play cards
052and the reason I know that is because lately I've been driving by at 10 o'clock at night coming back from a rehearsal in Hopkin but I've noticed it before so I thought all of the lights at the community center were on timers so that if there's no one in the room, it goes off. And if not, I'd like to recommend that that room get added. >> Yeah, we can look into that. It could be the cleaners. They do come late sometimes, but we we'll look into that. >> It's every time I go by that building and it's late at night, that roomaf unless it's a safety light. >> It could be an emergency light. >> It's like it's like bright like it's No, no, not the whole building, just that room. So anyway, just something
053to look into because there's no reason for it to be lit up in us using utility costs. But >> thank you. >> And then I did look through the plan the the information beforehand and you probably can't provide this. Can we get an updated floor plan of what is being changed because >> talk about >> because that wasn't in the information we received beforehand. Thank you. >> Any other challenges or anything anybody want to bring up? >> Go ahead, Granny. So, I also heard about food pantry issues. Um, and also on the recreation side, like, you know, I think that, um, and it's been a while since I've had a [clears throat] school age kid in in that kind of age range. But, um, I have heard parents love the programming in the that that's
054offered through ARC. Um, but sometimes it's hard to get into things. and I think they want more services rather than less. Um, so it's it's a great ARC is a great program and and um so it's always it's always good if we can um give more on that side of the house as well. So, um, and then >> also, you know, just kind of on a technical side, I know we've had issues at the community center over the last year or two with some flooding and things like that. >> So, so it's so I know that there's been actual physical challenges with the building and >> all those things, too. So, um, and there's been some some construction and and and, um, I'm glad that that we're kind of in a somewhat stable place with
055that, at least I hope, for a little while. Um, but I know that that has also been a challenge for for folks that are that are using the community center and that work in the community center every day. >> Ay just wanted to use her interior design skills. [laughter] Yeah, you rose to it. >> Just one one other quick um quick thought at when you look at the building from Route 135 on the left hand side, uh the outside uh patio area seems to have some issues of disrepair and and safety issues that uh that are concerning uh especially for the seniors. um that was was brought up to my attention a while back and I haven't seen anything you know discussed about that yet. So hopefully that's part of your presentation as well. So
056I look forward to that as well. Thank you. >> I didn't want to take everybody's time by repeating what but I certainly have heard about the food pantry issues and also some space issues in general for I think the recreation department and being able to support kids I think particularly in foul weather during the summer months. Thank you. Okay, so now we're going to talk about some of the challenges. Some maybe what you've already discussed um and what you've heard. So there's insufficient office and meeting spaces. So the current layout uh certainly hinders staff and limits program capacity and this plan creates dedicated workspaces and flexible meeting areas. So right now, as I mentioned before, there's no dedicated meeting space for staff to meet or meet with residents confidentially um on a regular basis. So
057meetings typically have to be shuffled around due to activities or whatnot. And we don't have enough space for the staff that we currently have. So in our recreation department, we are short one office space and we currently have two employees sharing a very small space. And then moving to our prevention and human services team, our case manager currently doesn't have an office space and is sitting in a hallway. Our youth um coordinator currently sits at the school when school is in session. And so this plan, which we'll talk about the details a little bit later, will allow for a space for this physician to sit a couple days um per week during the year and then also during school breaks including the summer. And so I really want to just touch on this a little
058bit because this will be a gamecher for us. So, this will give us another set of hands to assist at the food pantry. It will allow for greater team collaboration for programming during the summer months and then also planning for the upcoming school year. This plan will also allow for space for our social work intern. And so, this learning and partnership with higher education is is invaluable to our staff. So, the two interns that we've had since I've been here, so they're here two semesters out of their school year, um have been lovely. They not only help us administratively, uh they assist our social worker and case manager in their work. They're an extra set of hands to help in the food pantry, answer phone calls, help with our holiday program, all while gaining real
059world experience. And then um the food pantry. So I know you all talked about the food pantry. So this space is in need of a refresh and reorganization uh for the benefit of our residents and the safety of our staff and our dedicated volunteers. Currently, um, our we have a lot of program interruption. And so what I mean by that is that our food pantry is constantly walking through recreation programming, causing a little bit of a disruption, not on purpose. Um, but when we get our food pickup or rolling um food out uh side, we have to walk through the programming um because of where they are. There's constant shuffling of spaces to meet as staff and also with residents. And then our prevention and human services team, they have to walk through senior services
060program programming to get out of their office space. And then another challenge is our aging infrastructure. So our building is about 20 plus years old and so a proactive replacement of worn elements such as the flooring and accessibility features just prevents costly emergency repairs. And then I'm going to turn it over to Beth. So, accessibility and uh pedestrian safety is always important to us. Um the outdoor patio has been um on the revitalization to-do list for many years. Uh currently, it's inaccessible and unusable. Um which means we're missing a valuable opportunity to provide a welcoming outdoor gathering space. Redeveloping this area will allow us to better utilize the full potential of the community center in our opinion and just add that nice third space for residents to enjoy outside. In addition, there are um ongoing
061challenges related to safe and accessible access around the building. The sidewalks surrounding the facility um specifically near the rear entrance are deteriorating and pose some safety risks for pedestrians. While our DPW team has made some temporary repairs, um this plan tonight um is addressing that long-term safety concerns that we have um to improve the accessibility, including access to and from that side entrance. All right. So, we're going to give you an overview of the project. We absolutely can provide you with what it's going to look like. Um but we're going to talk a little bit about it. I'm going to take on three of these and Beth will take on the remaining three. So, I'm going to talk about the food pantry reconfiguration first. So, what we're doing is we're moving uh the pantry to
062the opposite corner of the lower level of the community center. And so, it will be a different shaped space. It will allow us to reorganize how the food pantry is set up and it will allow for a more safe and efficient space. So, the flow will be better. So think of two wider grocery store aisles um that will have predefined space uh for all the goods. So you know talk about all the dry goods, the cold goods and um the carts as well. So everything will have its dedicated space. Um and then our prevention and human services team will come from upstairs and move down to the same side on the lower level. So, it sort of forms an L-shaped is the best way to describe it. They will they'll all be together. Um, we'll
063create office spaces for each one of them with a dedicated meeting space that will will also double as a space for our um youth coordinator as well as our intern when we have one. And then our weatherization project. So, we'll be adding some much needed um and updated insulation in the attic space that will assist in making the space more energy efficient when it comes to heating and cooling >> and hopefully less flooding. >> Yeah, no flooding. No more flooding. Uh the great room is the most heavily used space in the community center. Many of you have likely been there for meetings, celebratory breakfast, lunchons, um or exercise programs. Uh the flooring was installed approximately 15 years ago and over that time has developed areas of buckling. Um so again safety is our main concern.
064Um it needs to be addressed sooner than later. The outdoor patio again has been closed for more than two years and it's time to bring new life back to that space. This project will create an accessible ramp from the sidewalk to the patio area. Um, so that will connect the parking lot area, you know, the parking lot to the sidewalk so that people can um go right up to the patio um providing that safe space. Um, this space will also include a pergolo with a shade structure um along with tables and chairs. We envision this space being used for small meetings, casual gatherings like friends meeting for coffee or even select board office hours. Uh the patio will be open for use by both recreation programs and senior center programs. Uh the walkway connecting to
065the front of the community center to the lower um lot if you so as you go right into like as if you're going to the food pantry or to the recreation department. >> Um that is really what is most noticeable and what is deteriorating. Um and the patches are just a patch. Um, so this is going to create that safe, accessible walkway um, to everyone who visits the building. Given the high volume of pedestrian traffic um, with recreation programming, food pantry, volunteers um, and our staff, it's essential that these are safe, durable, and accessible. Oh, I forgot. And lastly, the recreation storage area. So that is where the food pantry is going into. So currently the new food pantry will be moving into a very large storage area that we use for the sporting equipment
066for recreation. So they're um essentially flip-flopping spaces. So recreation will all be on one side with recreation. So no more traffic going through the the main room um on the lower level. Um so that area will be organized. um it will be safe with the right size bins that we need to use that aren't too heavy. So, our volunteers, we have a huge staff in the summertime. Um we want to make sure that space is safe for them to use and when they're pulling out equipment. Um it will also create an art room. Um so currently the art room right now serves as both storage space and a limited tabletop workshop space. Um, and it's primarily used during summer programming, maybe um, vacation weeks. Um, but as Kelly and her team expand programming and develop
067new intergenerational opportunities, a redesigned year-round art room will support that creative growth. So, think paint nights and art classes. relocating um that recreation to the former food pantry again will um will just make it a lot more just the organization alone will just help um that department function so much better. So these improvements are going to create a safe more efficient environment for both staff and volunteers. >> We ask questions about the work that you're going to be doing. >> Can we save them until the end? >> Sure. Okay. >> Thanks. All right. So, next we're going to talk about funding. So, Michael talked about it a little bit. Um, but we did have a capital plan uh request for a few years. It was prior to me taking this role, but it was for
068uh $1 million for building out a space for just the human services team. Um, and so the thought was that we would take them out of that building and and make their own space. uh we estimated about $1 million for that project. And so uh you know when Beth and I started in this role, we really thought it was important to keep the team together. Um and we'll talk about that a little bit more in the next couple of slides. Um, and so when we were putting this together, our total estimated cost of reconfiguring and refreshing the space as it currently stands uh is uh $490,000 and 87% funded by non- taxpayer dollars and the remaining 13% are two previously approved capital projects. So the earmarks are for the overall improvement of the community center
069and pedestrian and for pedestrian safety. So thank you to our state legislators, Senate President Karen Spilka and State Representative Jack Lewis for their continued support and service to the community center and the town of Ashland. We have two approved capital projects. So that's the walkway repairs and the great room floor. We have insurance recovery funds from the two floods of 2023 that we'll be utilizing. We'll be utilizing some of the recreation revolving account and then the remaining will be grants, donations, and rebates. And we wanted to give a quick shout out and thank you to the friends of the Council on Aging for their generous donation towards the patio. And thank you to Sam Riley, our sustainability coordinator, for her work on the green communities grant. And we were recently made aware of another grant
070opportunity which we'll be applying for which could potentially go towards this project. It's in the amount of $10,000 and it's specifically for the expansion and improvement of the food pantry. So, thank [snorts] you to Ara who's here tonight and uh Yushi, our food resource coordinator on that great work. The timeline, so the food pantry moves tomorrow. Um they are all packed up and uh ready to go. Uh so that's fantastic. They are going to be moving to the police substation at 37 Pond Street in the Market Basket Plaza. Thank you to our Ashlin police officers for sharing the space to us. It's it is the best space that we could have asked for for this situation. Um so we are very grateful for that. Um sorting and organizing of the recreation storage and art room
071is going to begin next week and lead into March. Um bids are due for the construction piece of the human services office and storage um project on February 19th. Um so we have gotten a lot of interest in that. So we're hoping to get a great company to work with. Um construction will begin early March and go through May. Uh they will start with the recreation and senior center storage, move on to the art room, and then build out the human services office and food pantry. Uh the sidewalk work will also probably happen during this time depending on this crazy weather. Um and then we hope to have the food pantry back into its new space in May with the part project completion date of June 1st. Um we will also in turn put out
072an IFB for the um patio project by the end of March. Um as well as the great room floor um and that will be redone that will be um completed by June 30th. And then obviously um the patio and the walkway in the in the spring when the snow has has melted and the weatherization project um as mentioned will happen in the summer. So keeping the team together we cannot drive this home uh drive this home enough. We think of this building as one team even though it includes three separate departments. This team works together seamlessly and keeping >> [clears throat] >> them all in one building will continue the collaboration. The team together has an amazing energy. It's it's really fantastic to watch. There's this compassion and care and it's top-notch. The team knows
073the names and the faces of our residents and the team knows which direction to point the residents in when they need assistance. Our volunteers, this is a major hub at the center for volunteers. A lot of our volunteers work not only for the senior service or volunteer for the senior services department, but they also volunteer for our food pantry. It's okay. Um, we feel um these improvements are going to allow us to expand our capacity to serve even more residents. We consistently hear that the community wants more programming, more opportunities for both children and seniors, and these changes directly respond to those requests. They will enhance the diverse programming we already offer and improve the quality of care, services, and support we provide. On any given week, more than 60 volunteers are active in this
074building, at least 60. These updates uh will ensure the facility is accessible to all residents and provide a safe, functional working environment for both staff and volunteers. We feel the community impact is great. Um we are incredibly proud and of the work our team does every day. Our community is fortunate to have a facility that brings together so many programs, events, and essential services under one roof, supporting residents at every stage of life. Our staff works collaborative collaboratively in this shared space and it's essential that the building continues to function safely and efficiently. This plan builds on what we already have, a safe, welcoming community center while strengthening connections and reinforcing our commitment to delivering highquality municipal services. Taken as a whole, this project reflects our commitment to investing in spaces that bring people together,
075strengthen community connections, and support residents of all ages in meaningful ways. So, some of the cost savings, sustainability, and the long-term cost savings through preventative maintenance. Um, so we're doing the weatherization project that will improve the efficiency of the heating and cooling. We'll use a more efficient and sustainable way to heat and cool the new spaces. Um, we'll also be replacing any lighting that is not LED lighting. um including the new spaces will have LED lighting which will also have a long-term um cost savings to us. And so making these changes at the community center aligns directly with our comprehensive plan strategies. So to name a few, the expansion of our senior and recreation services and promoting aging in place. I know we've talked about this a couple times, but we really do have a
076great team. You can see um that we have some new faces up there. I don't know if you can see the picture, but I'll start with the person standing in the win with the winter hat. Um that's Yushi. And then we have Hannah, Mary, Kelly, Devin, Susan, Jill, Dena, Area, and Candy. And missing is Berlin, who's here in our audience tonight. And our social work intern is also not pictured there. Morgan [laughter] >> having fun. >> [snorts] >> Um, >> we have some of our community center staff represented here in the audience tonight, all of which have some fairly new staff um and have worked tirelessly to build a cohesive team and they've done just that. Uh, with some of the new and long-standing employees, we have a good mix of energy. Our newer employees
077are definitely bringing a new sort of excitement and fresh perspective and it's working and we are so proud of the work that's taking place. Lastly, we'd like to thank Doug Scott for assisting us with getting our plan to paper. Diane Mortonson for helping us put together our funding strategy to have the least financial impact on the taxpayer and our staff and volunteers for their hard work on prepping their space for the upcoming project and assisting in the temporary relocation of the food pantry. We feel that this project once complete will serve the residents and staff for years to come. >> Thank you. >> Very nice presentation. I just have one quick question. >> Um I know that you've did a lot of research and um design work with Doug. I'm thinking about the food pantry
078in and of itself and the number of people or families that we have serviced over the years is increasing yearly. Have you folks taken into consideration the you know extension or expansion of that of that area because of the number of families or potential new families that are going to be needing assistance? or has the has the uh design that you have presented will that take care of that for for a while? >> So the design that we um have now is going to make it just more functional um and it will allow more space. So we're getting creative in how we actually store things, better shelving. Um actually unit there are there are things out there that we can use um where it sort of puts the um the cans like like canned goods,
079right? we don't want to we don't want to get rid of expired food. So, this will help us organize it so that we're actually getting rid of that first. It's not going to the back of the shelving. So, we're we're hoping that this will help answer some of this increase um in need um just by really um reorganizing and training volunteers and staff um in a way that will make it a little bit more efficient. Um thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Appreciate it. >> Anybody else have any questions? >> Go ahead. Um, so first of all, thank you. This is it. This is a huge undertaking this like it's funny because a piece of cake. It's just Wednesday, you know, they're only moving tomorrow, you know, no big deal. Um, so, you know, it's
080funny because I was looking at the what was in our packet and I'm like I was kind of I kind of had the same feeling. I'm like, well, what are they doing? you know, and so, um, to get a sense of what what is going to happen to the space is really significant. Um, and to be able to to fund it all for what amounts to less than half a million dollars and have some creative funding mechanisms for it is is huge. So, um I think that it shows how much time and effort and care you put into making this a real um positive experience for everyone, which is great. Um I have two questions. One, um just because I'm trying to like visualize the space for recreation, do you you feel like you have
081enough space for them like >> We are not losing any recreation space. Nope. Okay, >> they're not losing anything um as far as space goes. So, they're still going to have that exercise room in the back. >> Okay. >> And then they're still going to have that big great room in the in the lower level. Yep. The only thing um if you remember where the exercise room is, there's like a half wall there and they store all of the um mats and things in that little side side area. That's the human services. That will be the human services offices. Okay. >> And then the food pantry will be the other side of the L, which is the art room sort of and um storage for the sporting equipment. >> So that will just shift. So
082they're they're actually not losing very much space at all. >> Okay. All right. That's good. Y >> uh my other question is >> um we were talking about the great room and how often it's used by community groups from the seniors to you know us when we have meetings there and things like that. How what's the timing of that basically being out of commission and how long would that be and what can residents expect with that? >> I've been told it would be out for a couple days. >> Oh, okay. >> It's not long to >> I was going to ask I was going to ask because you were talking about like March. >> I thought the same thing. >> Yeah. >> And we would never do it where it impacted programming that we already
083have scheduled. So, we'll try to fit it in creatively so it doesn't actually impact anything. >> Okay. Great. Y Thank you. Thank you for all your work and it's nice to see all the all the faces of the community center because we don't get to see you guys all that often. So I mean we see candy and you know but [laughter] but it's good to it's good to see you guys and thank you for all the work that you do. So and welcome welcome to Ashlin. So it's a good it's a pretty good town. We like it here. >> Yeah. So thank you very much. That was a great presentation and uh yes I I ditto welcome to Ashland. We're happy to have you here and there is such tremendous amount of commu community support
084that happens um in that building right it's really a very special place for the way it reaches so many different people of all ages and and needs and everything else. Um I just what what's going to happen to their space upstairs? I I maybe missed that that [snorts] you know those little offices that they have upstairs. So those offices will stay. Yeah. >> Um so currently right now u Mary is actually share it's it's a really strange office right so it was Susan's Susan has the office in the back and then um Mary has an office in the front but it's really not an office because Susan actually has to walk through >> Mary's space. >> Yeah. It was supposed to be like a little sitting area. So Mary will actually have her own office
085now um in that space and then we'll utilize that other office that's back there because they're fine offices. Um but you have to walk through the grumpy men's club to get to your office. It it kind of stinks, right? [laughter] >> So Oh, I'm sorry. Dull men's scrum. Not grumpy. Sorry. >> Dull men's club. Sorry. >> Grumpy men's [laughter] club. >> Sorry. I don't know that dull is any I I don't know. Is there a sign that says grumpy men's club? >> There was an article dull apparently >> because that's going to be my office then. [laughter] >> It's that movie. It's the movie Grumpy Old Men. >> Okay. [laughter] Sorry. My bad. I apologize to all of those lovely men. And I have gone I grumpy old man. So I'm >> That is like
086that is one of the best programs going right now at the senior center by the way. It is packed all the time. >> Um >> nationwide movement. >> It is packed. >> It is. It is packed. Don't be all >> at any rate. So, that will be used for veteran services. It will be used, we have someone coming in that works one-on-one um on taxes with our seniors and they don't have a private space to do that. And in order to to have that private space, then the computer room isn't you available to everyone. So, this will alleviate that and give them that extra space. It's a it's a little bit of elbow room, which is nice. >> Okay, great. And then just for clarification in terms of um the the capital project money, so
087that money has already been allocated for this purpose. >> Yes. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Hey folks, um first off, thanks for this great presentation. very lots of points clarified tonight and um you know I do want to echo my colleagues comments about um how how careful uh you all were in trying to make sure there was minimal impact to taxpayers by making sure but making sure that um our neighbors are supported uh as they should be. Um you answered one of my questions with Claudia's answer because I was wondering about like you know getting some making sure that there is some space where confidential conversations could happen as we all know for human services any you know any of the things that you mentioned plus you know food pantry people people don't feel comfortable
088really even initially like asking for help or asking for specific help. So that you've answered that question. Um the the only other question that I had is with the [clears throat] move of the food pantry. I I've noticed like there's been some some good communication about that out. Um how are you how are you going to keep residents informed like during the next moving process for where you know how and and when they can access that food pantry uh situation. >> Are you talking when we move back? >> Yeah, when you move back. >> Yeah. So we'll be >> and also while you're while you're you know the location is new so there may be some concern I know that there's a lot of communication up front but just to make sure that residents know
089that that's where folks can get help for food >> assistance. All existing ara help me with this but all existing um residents who utilize the food pantry have been notified. We've been putting flyers um in their uh orders. We've put out, you know, was it emails help? location. >> I'll tell her. >> Yeah. So, as >> we're also thinking about like a couple of events, too, like on location to highlight the fact that it's there now. >> Yeah, I think that's a good idea. >> One of our officers has has already reached out to organize an event, most likely around Valentine's Day. Um, I don't want to give it away because I feel bad, but [laughter] that will bring some attention that the the food pantry is there. So Valentine's Day is coming up very
090quickly and that's kind of next week or the week after. So we're looking to make sure that we sort of get the word out there as much as possible. And then in the reverse when we move back, we have a ton of signs up at the community center. We actually ordered signs for the new um the temporary space um the space at the community center that tells people, you know, when they can donate, where to go, um if they need food, who to call, all of those things. And so, like I said, we'll do that in reverse when we move back. >> That's great. Thank you. >> Thank you for the presentations. It's great to see that the building is getting a little love. I know it has a a lot of activity that goes
091on there. So, that's that's good to hear. Uh, a couple of my questions were answered about the space and how it was going to be used and the timing of how much is uh not going to be lost in the great room. So, that's good to hear. Uh so our breakfast won't be impacted apparently on the the 21st of March. Um two things. One, it because the food pantry is now going to be on the other side of the building. Does the walkway or access to the walkway underneath the building have to be improved at all? How do they how will they get in and out and not impact the wreck department? >> So that's the beauty of this. They no longer have to impact the wreck department. So there's actually its own entrance. >>
092Okay. >> At the very end of where where the >> where the bumpout is, right? There's a door like right into it. >> So there's going they're going to walk right in there. There'll be a little vestibule and then a hallway that goes down and then turn to the right to the >> If we could have a plan at least to the bottom floor, that'd be great to sort of to see that. >> Is there access from the other side of the building? >> No. No. >> We wish. >> Yeah. >> It's a steep hill on that side. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. The first floor is at ground. >> There's stairs. Yeah. But >> yeah, >> Inside. On the inside. Right. >> Right. >> Oh, yeah. And they'll Yeah, there's a door inside as
093well. So, >> Right. none of the doors are changing in the inside >> because there's stair you can go from upstairs to downstairs via the stairs and the stairs will put you closer to now where the food pantry is, right? Because it used to be the stairs where it was in the recreation area. >> Yes. Okay. Yeah. >> Okay. Uh the other thing is you were saying pergola and some tables and things at outside in the new patio area. I know there are Boy Scouts always looking for projects. And I think some of the tables that are already there might have been from Boy Scouts. So maybe reach out to the troop eagle scout who wants to create some tables for the area. Maybe I don't know even the Urgla. I don't know where you're
094at with the planning of that, but I would reach out to the Boy Scouts and see if there's someone who >> Yeah. >> wants to do a project >> for new potential scouts looking for >> Eagle Scout projects. So >> yeah, something to think about. One of the things we didn't have a chance to get into too much and and really I have to give credit to the team for this is you know one of the things we talked about during the whole comprehensive plan process is kind of expanding some of those recre recreational activities expanding um you know intergenerational programs and stuff and um so I can say not necessarily with the facility the improvements to the facility but I think you know the the team the team that we have now is um
095really looking at ways to expand that type of programming and offerings and everything like that. Again, trying to keep it consistent with the comprehensive plans vision. >> So, I mean, over the last 10 years, we have increased the staff and the programming at our senior center, >> right? So, we have we have put money there to to expand and to offer more services. is and part of that is because we're seeing a larger population of people 60. I mean, if you look at our numbers here in town, our population of 60 and over is larger than our school population. >> So, it's important that we support what goes on there, not for just the recreation, but also for the seniors and to give them more to do >> because they're they're more we want to
096keep them active and we want to keep them in town. I mean, there's great programs regionally for art and things like that, but if we can offer some things in town, that's a positive. I also think it shouldn't go unnoticed too that the amount of volunteers that go into this building and help that right there is a reason to get up in the morning. It is it's remarkable the amount of volunteers. I I'm I've learned a lot since I've started this. Um and I am amazed by how many people love going in there and helping out. >> Nice. >> Michael knows somebody that does. >> Yes. [laughter] And as a matter of fact, tomorrow morning the Lions have their their breakfast first Thursday of the month >> at 9:30, right? >> Yes. >> And I'll
097[snorts and clears throat] be attending my first >> um >> Oh, council on aging. >> Council on aging as leaison. >> I missed it the last time. >> You can go to If you let them know, you could have gone to breakfast first at 9:30. >> Oh, I already told them. >> Oh, okay. You let them know. >> I I never missed the opportunity for something to eat. Never. [laughter] You know, that's a beautiful photograph. >> That's a great shot of >> that building. But you know what's missing? >> Solar panels. >> Seriously, >> they're on there, >> aren't they? >> I don't see any. Is that one? >> I don't think so. So, >> sure. >> Think we have So, they >> I'd like to speak to I don't know if I'm father's project
098because the town forest would meet at the police substation and now we're homeless. >> [laughter] >> you could go to D men's club, >> but just kidding. I think it's fant. >> I think it's a fantastic project. Uh just a couple additional points. Um um uh tangent part of Ashton is United. We're looking for a place to have meetings on occasion. Luckily, Cliff Wilson is going to open up Ocean House for us. Um, I would say as as part of the facility thing, we also look at procedures. Uh, when the town forest committee hosted the statewide town forest um event for the DCR, um, Candi had to threaten to come in in her pajamas and open it up for us. So, uh, right. [laughter] So, it it would be really nice. For instance, right now
099for the town forest, you know, we are homeless. we'll find a place. But if if that could be open at night, if if there was a procedure for certain trusted people, >> chairs [laughter] of committees or something like that to be able to gain access. And then my third comment was going to be exactly right on u I'm the proud owner I mean in terms of solar and ground source geothermal. I'm the proud owner of a heat pump geothermal. I have two 400 foot wells in my driveway and solar on my roof. I'm not sure that roof is the best place to put it, but you have a parking lot out there uh that would offer uh not only coverage for the cars, but adequate solar space that would probably power the facility. Uh you
100have a lot of ground in parking lot that you easily could put in the geothermal wells. I think it would be a worthwhile uh capital project and would also be part of the town sustainability issue. Great idea. >> Thank you. >> Yeah. Thanks, Rob. >> Thank you, Rob. >> Thank you, ladies. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> This is great. Berlin and Ara and Candy, you know, >> thank you for all the work that you do. >> Greatly appreciated. >> Thank you again. All right. Um, under old and new business and moving along, uh, review and vote on the open meeting law response to complaints filed by, uh, Steven Morgan regarding executive session minutes dated January 3rd, 2024. January 31st, 2024, and February 7th, 2024. Now, I thought we had done something like this already.
101I don't why. >> So, here here's the thing that I sort of have to laugh at. He calls us the board of selectmen. I >> like right there. You would think that the the AG would go if you're going to site something at least use the correct name for the committee that you're doing. >> Right. Yep. >> So, yeah. Take us through if you want to. >> You want me to? >> Yeah. >> Sure. Sorry. Us. To Joe's point, there was um I believe a previous open meeting law complaint brought up about the January 17th meeting around the same subject, but this um this deals with dates other than that and I believe it was specifically around um uh my contract negotiations and um I think in the minutes that were provided the way it
102was worded looks like there were you know documents provided. Couldn't anything in my records? I didn't know if you guys had any. >> I think the only documents that you may have given us was uh your proposal. >> Yeah. Which is the one on the 17th. >> Right. >> So, I think one of the things we were, you know, we were thinking is that some of those references in those other minutes were they to the documents that were part of the 17th. >> All right. >> Right. That's what that's how I read it. Yeah. that and the um that they didn't get posted. >> Well, the it didn't list I think that's the complaint. >> The complaint is that they didn't get posted, >> right? And so if you had a chance to read Attorney
103Castro's draft response, >> he's making a couple of points. Number one, the timeliness of the complaint. >> Um number two, the fact that they don't nec they don't need to be posted. we have to make them available >> available >> upon request. >> So uh I think everybody's had a chance to hopefully look at the >> look at the response and if uh you know you didn't have any changes then the board would need >> No, it looks >> No. >> Fine. >> Okay. >> I move that we approve the response to the open meeting law complaint filed by Steve Morgan. Is >> there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> that's 5 Z. Thank you. >> Appreciate that. Uh, next on the agenda is um updates on 40B projects. >>
104Yeah, and I I know there hasn't been too too much that has gone on since our last meeting. And I think um I was able to get in your packet uh this time just some of the the major updates. Yeah. >> Did you want me to go through those or was that sufficient for you? >> I to me it was fine. I Unless you folks would like to. >> Is there anything I mean it was very good detail. Is there anything pertinent that it would be good for the public to know from the update that you gave us? I mean it'll get posted when we post our meeting minutes, but is there anything that it would be good for the public to be aware of from those do from the update you gave us, Michael?
105>> I don't think anything that's new. >> Okay. >> No, >> I did have a question. So, in your summary, we talked there was a that the 20-day appeal period will expire on February 3rd for 10 to 60 Main Street. Was there any appeal? Today is the 4th. >> Um, I was not notified of any appeal. >> Okay. Okay. I was just curious if >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. >> Okay. Okay. So, do we just want to kind of review a little bit for the public or I can. >> Yeah. So, currently 61 Waverly is at the conservation commission. >> Yep. They're they're at the concom 10 to 60 Main Street. Um, again, they just with the ZBA, their public hearing has been closed. Public comments closed. Like I said, the the >>
10610 to 60 is also in front of Kong, right? Not yet. >> They had not filed yet. Not yet. >> They did file. So, much >> and um >> thanks. >> You know the I will point out that the 55 West Union so the deadline to close that hearing is uh February 22nd. So that day is coming up but uh I think there's still a lot of information that uh there's still waiting >> be provided by the applicant. >> So most likely we'll have to have an extension filed. >> Yes. Okay. So Michael, could you just kind of explain a little bit to the public, you know, what the process is now? So those two projects have their public hearing with the ZBA is closed and now they are well 61 Waly has been with
107the conservation commission for a little while and then um 10 to 60 is going to start March the first your first meeting in March, right? Whatever that Monday is. Is that it? Um, and then what what exactly and maybe one of the gentlemen here could explain it a little bit. What does it look like when they go before the conservation commission? What kinds of things um does the conservation commission review with uh the the applicant? Yeah, I would probably defer to Gan or Carl to to give specifics, but I do know that it's um you know, so it is the conservation commission is hearing the application under the uh state wetlands uh protection act as opposed to the local bylaw. So it's it's whatever is associated with the with the wetlands protection act and also
108storm water if I believe so. water, groundwater. Um, you know, obviously you have a riverfront area that's right there that's jurisdictional. >> Sure. >> Thank you. Carl Hackinson, um, vice chair of the, um, conservation commission. It it really depends on the um uh on the application because all three of them are going to be very different. Um but basically speaking, it's the state law and not the local law. And the state law as it applies to wetlands and applies to um storm water, but they're different because of the different locations. Um 10 to 60 has a flood plane. 61 Wavely does not. Um, and there are a number of other issues that are specific to that site that are not specific to the other sites. So, it it really depends on the site. It'll be
109different for each one. But basically, what people should know that are watching is that it's the application of the state law and not the local law. >> Okay. What what are the biggest challenges that are faced by the 61 Waverly project? Well, there are three things that we've been concentrating on and one is uh the bedrock issue and you're aware of the bedrock issues in the past in that part of town. So, uh that's it's being thoroughly vetted. It's not totally vetted, but it's getting there. Um the second is something called peak discharge of of runoff. um which is the rate that that storm water uh leaves the site. There are certain um um performance standards that need to be met that are set by the state and we have to make sure that those
110standards are met. And uh lastly is um an an issue that came up that has to do with infrastructure of that's receiving the water, the storm water that's coming from the site and going onto Waverly Street. There were some issues there. um that came to light both in our sitewalk and in our subsequent peer review that um we'll say the applicant has worked with us on all three of these. We've made pretty significant progress. Uh it's I don't know if anyone's had a chance to attend any of the meetings or watch any of the meetings, but they're they're getting a thorough vetting um and will continue to as will the other two. If I may, Claudia, what's the uh response from the uh from the developer >> with regard to with the the water runoff
111um and the potential use of uh town piping to resolve that issue? Well, this is public record, so I guess I can elaborate on that, but uh as it comes, uh off of the site, um northeasterly um towards Waverly Street, um towards Kok's Garage, uh there's a storm drain there that connects to a subsequent storm drain that then goes into a covert underneath um Waverly Street and then drains down towards the railroad tracks. the condition of that pipe um that connects the two storm drains and the condition of the culvert are um uh they're not in good shape and we've brought that to their attention and um in the course of discussion they have offered to replace the pipe. >> Oh, so they changed their they changed their uh opinion. Well, they changed it uh
112somewhere between the sitewalk and when we talked about it at the meeting because we were going to raise the issue and they raised it voluntarily. >> Okay. >> Um we thought that um even though it it it it may be questionable whether it's directly jurisdictional for the conservation commission to talk about structural issues in the road. We thought that we would be derelct in approving something uh that was going to cause potential damage to the road and to the piping system and they knew that you know they knew that we were going to raise that and so they they preemptively volunteered to replace the pipe. We still haven't finished that discussion yet, but we furthered the discussion on um Monday evening >> and it's been that's that uh has also been continued to uh the
113first um the first week of March >> and that's when the 10 to 60 project will begin. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Uh Carl, real quick, so you mentioned that it's state guidelines versus local guidelines. If someone wanted to go look at the state wetland guidelines that you're working under, where might they go? Do you know? >> Yeah, the wetlands protection act. If if they if they Googled the wetlands uh Massachusetts wetlands protection act, it's all there. >> Okay. Um, >> in terms of the the the runoff and the the pipes are, you know, I know that we've had a lot of uh complaints from some of the neighbors and that are concerned about the flooding that already exists there and now the idea of building a structure that will >> one would think
114right decrease the amount of um or would increase the impervious area right and then there would be more runoff into the road. Um, so how do we know that what because right now it doesn't seem like we handle it well enough and now if there's going to be an increase. >> Well, without getting too nerdy about it, it's it's that is a common sense approach. If you take a hill that's pvious and turn it into impervious, that water has to go somewhere. So I just want to I just want to stay I just want to be careful because >> you know we don't want there to be any sort of deliberation >> that happens. I'm just I'm just careful about >> our agenda said update not detailed questions. So we just want to be careful.
115>> So and this is something that's in front of the conservation commission. So I just I just don't want to come into any issues with >> the applicant. Yeah. But these plans are already in the in the public domain, >> right? I know in essence, but the discussion I just want to be careful about it, that's all. >> Okay. Well, do do you want me to answer? >> I think I think you answer that question. So, we're pretty good. >> Okay. >> We're good with that. Thank you. >> Anything else? >> I I don't think so. Rob, do you did you have >> I want to just add to uh what Kyle said. Uh luckily, Concom is pushing back on them and they have conceded uh to replace the pipe. That saves the town from
116doing that. But the site is going to produce a heavier flow. That culvert is aging. It probably could last a few more years, but with the reduced flow, we have to bring that up to the top of the priority list. We could be talking half a million dollars. So stormwater is divided uh the function of stormwater divided between the concom which which concerns itself with construction storm water and then the storm water committee wears about what happens after the fact. So we're in the process of looking at at the effect of the various 40bs and other projects and to see what the um capital impact is and the ongoing impact is. >> Thank you. Because thanks just a follow-up question if you don't mind Rob because there's some new guidelines right in regards to culverts
117and what we're using for culverts and things like that right >> strangers should ask [laughter] uh I I wrote to uh Joe yesterday um Claudia came to our meeting last week um we've been waiting to um sort of get the storm water function back on a good even keel with uh after the um uh after Evan left um we're ready to come forth and make a presentation to the board on the current status of storm water as well as the the light at the end of the tunnel with the oncoming freight. There is a new contract, a new permit rather coming from the EPA. uh chances are it's being delayed um because the administration is not exactly proconservation and and EPA is under fire. So um that may buy us some time to do some
118other catchup types of things and we're factoring that in. But um I require I I mentioned [clears throat] to Joe in my email that we'd like to come either the end of March or beginning of April. Uh so Claudia's recommendation was come before uh town meeting. Yeah. Um and so we'll come and make a presentation >> in April. An in April meeting. >> Okay. >> So that way they can get their ducks in in line. >> Okay. Hopefully the [snorts] first one. >> Hopefully if they're ready when they're ready. >> Mr. Chair. >> Yes sir. >> 30 seconds. I can't let that hang there that the Claudia said that the whole hill is is pvious and now it's going to be impervious. It's our job at the conservation commission to make sure that that water
119goes someplace besides into the street and off. And that's part of the whole calculation of this. >> How we're going to do that, you'll have to tune in to the conservation commission. >> That's a leave it at that. >> But, uh, it's not a matter of just laying down a whole lot of, uh, asphalt and having that water just fly all over the place. that water can't fly all over the place under the um guidelines. >> Thank you, K. >> Thank you. >> Appreciate that. Thanks, Carl. >> Thank you. >> All right. [clears throat] All right. Update on Keith Tech. >> Yeah. Just uh >> school project. >> Yeah. I had advised you that um Keith Tech was applying to be a part of the MSBA program for uh this coming year and so they
120were accepted. And so if you do recall just from our own MSBA project not too long ago, um one of the first steps that you do is you go through and you do enrollment projections and you come up with essentially an an enrollment maximum number. Um and so we had um a meeting with the MSBA, Keith Tech did, as well as um members of their school committee as well as members of um the administration of all the member towns as well, just to kind of get an update with MSBA. Um the enrollment uh that Keith Tech is looking, they will not go over 1,200. Um so that is that is the figure that they have kind of drawn the line in the sand on. and they feel like that will give them um a little
121bit of room but not that much. They think uh you know if if everything got maxed out the enrollment could be somewhere as high as like 1,700 but as we all know with our Mendes school it doesn't that that doesn't just because it's the max doesn't mean that that's what the MSBA decides to right >> so um but anyway that so far is on track and I believe part of that um part of that presentation also included a timeline um for when the enrollment projections are supposed to be finalized and and that's that's really kind of a major step. So, just wanted to update you on that. >> Michael, could you just excuse me, could you just um explain how would would Ashland vote? So, say say that this goes forward and they're going to
122build a new school and then would Ashland um as one of the member towns, how does it how does it work? we vote for a debt exclusion similar to what we've done in the community. I think it's a little different, isn't it? >> It it is a little bit different. Um and quite frankly, I'm still trying to get clarity on exactly what what happens whether it can be a debt exclusion or not. Um I I've heard that it it could not go forward as a debt exclusion, but I heard that from I don't want to say a non-credible source, but a source that's just not very familiar with MSBA. So, um I would hope we'd be able to do a debt exclusion just because I think the impacts of having it inside the levy would
123be pretty pretty tough. >> Yeah. And do do all the towns or a certain number of the how many communities are there? Five. >> Um would three out of the five towns have to vote in favor of it or is there not that sort of choice? >> I I believe all towns have to vote in favor of it. >> Okay. >> So, it's unanimous. It has to be unanimous. >> I believe so. Yeah. And if not, they don't >> for MSB for for capital projects. I know like on the operating budget that that's what we've started seeing happening around the state. You know, some >> is it different for school building projects? I only asked because I I thought I talked to someone at MMA and they maybe it wasn't a regional school. I forget.
124And their town didn't vote for it, but the other towns did and they still had to go along with it. >> Interesting. So >> I feel like there's something >> I think so too. >> Yeah. >> I I feel back when we were building the high school that >> um there was conversation about how little power >> the member towns have. >> Yeah. So I'm like I'm still getting some clarity on that myself. So >> and and just also to for clarification sake the the five member towns wouldn't pay all into that equally. Correct. >> Correct. It's based on enrollment. >> I think that >> like participation, >> correct? >> Um, and remind remind me what kef tech has they've moved to a different process, right, for enrollment or are they looking to move to
125a different process or did they completely kill that process? >> They're Yeah, they're being forced to move to a different process, but then there's a process within the process that they're looking at adopting as well. that deals with aortionment. That's that's the technical term. Um that makes sure that the member towns have an ability to participate in the decision- making. It wouldn't just be dominated by like one large community, you know, like Framingham. >> You know, you don't want to get in a situation where Framingham has >> essentially all the all the power. So that's what they're worried about. >> Okay. And does MSBA treat a regional school like this any differently than like an individual school project? >> Not that I'm aware of, not that I've seen so far. Um, you know, MSBA process
126is really really detailed. >> Um, so I haven't seen anything that looks different, but that doesn't I mean I haven't gone that way that far through the flowchart, if you will. >> Um, but it's something that we definitely need to keep an eye out on. So now they're they're going to do a feasibility study. Is that what they're >> they're in the feasibility study process right now? Okay. Um right now they're doing the enrollment. >> Okay. >> Enrollment projections. >> Thank you. >> Good. Any anyone else? We're good. Michael, you okay? All righty. All right. Thank you. [clears throat] Well, friendly reminder that all warrant articles for the annual town meeting are due by February 27th, 2026. So, if you plan on submitting uh a warrant article, make sure you get it in by the
12727th. 28th is no good. >> It's not even a leap year. >> I know it's not even a leap year. Not yet, anyway. Okay. Next on our agenda, an open space per the town of Hockton special permit, 71 Franklin Road and Zero Cross Street. Um, we have received uh several correspondences and I know Susan is here. How are you? nice to put a face to the letter and um to support u a matter that right now the old and this is going back to the old folks that that lived in the area. The old Liberty Mutual headquarters, which is now 71 Franklin Road, uh had some open space land uh parcels and part of that parcel was a parcel in Ashland, which is zero cross street. Uh and it was dee it was deemed to
128be left as open space. Um and per the permitting process in Hopkin, and I'm and I'm trying to make a long story short here. Um the town of Carington voted that to happen that they would make sure that that property stayed in perpetuity as open space and that included the parcel and Ashland. From what we're hearing, that's not totally accurate and there's a possibility that the new land owner is trying to sell that parcel of land uh that's in Ashland that to be built on. So I know Susan has uh Susan, please come on up and and and introduce yourself and um I know you have some folks here that are supporting you as well. So >> indeed, Susan Thorne, 181 Cross Street, thank you for adding this to the agenda. Really appreciate it. >>
129It's not a problem. It's it's a concern for us and um we wrote a letter in support and I I did a rough draft, sent it along to town council. Uh I think it's in all your packets. There is a redline version and a clean version and um if we approve that tonight, we will uh I'll send that along to the uh select board and to the building commissioner as well. >> Greatly appreciate the board taking action as well as Michael Herbert's support on this uh topic because you're right, Hopkin had an opportunity to act to protect that land. And when Tony and I back in I think it was 2019 2020 went to the Hopkintown meeting when this whole solar project was about to happen we were assured by Seabard Solar who was the
130then owner oh yes don't worry about that that's all conservation land including abuing your property and then lo and behold agilityas bought it from Seabard solar and then I've got actually I brought some materials that are supplemental to what I had provided before but um back in 2024 in the registry, they characterized the property as potentially buildable, which I think sort of signals their intent, right, to put it on the market. And then >> they actually put it on the market last March, which was months before the town accepted the gift of the land, the Hopkin land. So, they looked out after their land only, which was disappointing. Um, but they have the authority, right? And they have really, in my view, the responsibility to get the Ashland land included >> right now. Has taken
131taken ownership of that property yet? >> I thought I talked with Mory Gasser because I thought Halt would be the recipient of all of the land, but he said, uh, no, that they decided to give it to the town of Hopington >> as open space. >> Okay. And so the posel in Ashland is in limbo. Uh, it's in limbo, but it's been on the market for a long time, and there is a a buyer lined up. I've talked with both Agilitas and the the prospective buyer, and he said, "Oh, I have a um purchase option contract to buy the land, and I think he has until the end of February to act on it." And um I I'm just astounded that they're able to put it on the market because it was supposed to be
132protected. And in fact, the the special permit is the legal, you know, that trumps everything. I know that the building commissioner in Hopkin mentioned this ANR and the certificate of occupancy, which they should not have granted it to them in my point of view because they didn't fulfill the special permit. So regardless that the the special permit is what governs that land. It runs with the land. I guess that's a legal term and that's what that's what Hopkin and you know with your support Ashland should be >> right concerned with right and push and pushing for that. Absolutely. >> Yes. Exactly. >> Yeah. >> So as of as of right now uh we don't know where where would the uh entryway uh the easement to that property be? Would it be in Ashland or would
133it be off of Deer Run? Oh, when you say the easement, the whole property is it's about 1.8 acres, >> right? >> But portion of that land is going to be open space. >> The the entire 1.8 acres that's in Ashland attaches to the rest of the Hopkins. I think it's supposed to be >> depending on which document you read, it's either 52 acres in total or over 45 acres. But that 1.8 8 acres. That little triangle was meant to be part of that whole parcel and they just through this ANR lpped that off. >> Um which you know >> I guess they can but the fact is it's still designated as open space. >> So is that land landlocked? >> Yeah. >> No, there's there's frontage and there's quite a lot of the as
134Rob was saying there's a lot of the trail system that goes through that land. >> Okay. I mean, it's a major access point for Ashlin residents to get into the trail system. Okay. And it connects. >> You might have seen that. >> Yeah. >> Sorry. So, >> no, I I've seen it. >> You've seen the map? >> Yeah, I have. Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Thank you. >> Sure. Yeah. So, I I mean, I've talked with neighbors. David Rosenlum is one of my neighbors who uses that trail all the time. I mean, we're confident that with the tools this town has available, zoning, conservation mechanisms, acquisition pathways, coordinated planning with Hopkin, that the town can identify an effective path to continue the long-standing, you know, commitment to preserving open space. Basically, um I we would
135like to respectfully ask that any municipal permits related to zero cross street be paused um until this matter is resolved. And then also that town council notify the prospective buyer and agilityas that that parcel is subject to a recorded it's in the registry of deeds special permit condition that requires open space use and that the town intends to uphold that condition. I mean that that's really uh the authority. Um and and I think that provides clarity early to the prospective buyer and it would avoid complications later. And then, you know, I guess last thought is if that buyer should actually take the property subject to those conditions which run with the land, we would simply ask that the town enforce the conditions. I mean, it's it's intended to be open space. It always was, >>
136right? Yeah. Right. >> I just have one question. Susan, you might know this. Um, so if there is, let's say, a builder who buys that property and wants to build a home on it, they would need to get a building permit. Yes. >> And they would need to get one from the Ashlin building commissioner. >> That's right. >> So, how could we issue >> Yeah, I was about to say I think there you go right there. >> How do you issue a building permit when there's already when there's conservation, >> right? Then there's conservation restriction on that. >> Exactly. I think that's why it's so important to communicate with this buyer to just make it clear what this town's position is so that they don't think they're just going to come in and railroad and
137put a building up where this No, this was supposed to be open space. >> So, it's recorded with the registry of deeds. >> Yes, it is. >> Yeah. So, I mean, I would think this person, >> right, would be doing >> that research. You would hope >> you would depends on the buyer, Claudia. It all depends on the buyer. >> Yeah. And and it depends upon what's told to them. >> No, I I get it depends on But I'm just saying >> it's there. >> Yeah. I don't see how the building commissioner could issue a building permit on land that's deemed conservation land. Well, that's why we were asking to hold on any m municipal permits related to that land because it shouldn't be allowed to be developed and and just that open communication with
138that prospective buyer and with the gillitas to let them know no, you know, we have the same understanding that that's not going to be developed. >> Did you spoke to the individual though, the potential buyer already? >> I did, but that's before I started investigating this whole Wait a minute. I think that's supposed to be open. Could you um >> I'd be kind of curious to know who that person is just in case we have >> receive any correspondences or or phone calls looking for something that >> Dominic Venudo is his name and JKJ Cross LLC is the um the entity that he's going by and he's he's already come in front of the the conservation commission about a wetlands delineation. Um, I've seen spray paint on the street, red spray paint that was put
139out there indicating he's, you know, moving forward, planning to do something. So, I think he needs to be level set in terms of what's going on. >> Would it be appropriate for us to send some kind of letter to him, Michael? >> That That's what I was hoping town council would do >> to him and agilityas to let them know where Ashland stands, >> right? >> Yeah. I think um really we probably limited to unless I mean I don't think the purchase and sales public you probably got a copy of it some >> um it Dominic said it was a purchase option contract and I think he said he had until the end of February to act on it. >> Yeah, I bet you I know who's financing it too. Um, so I I I
140might be concerned about sending something to a potential purchaser, but I have no problem sending something to tax and letting them know that our building commissioner >> wouldn't be in issuing a building permit property. >> That would be great. Well, and and that we would we are we are in support of >> the the agreement that the Hopkin Planning Board did and we do not want to see this built because there's already these restrictions put on it. And even though Hopkin feels that they can't enforce it because it's land in Ashland, we as the Ashland Select Board support >> that decision for this parcel. Exactly. >> That's that needs to go to this the current owner of the property. I mean, I wasn't saying that Doug would be like doing us a favor by not
141issuing a building permit. I just don't think he could legally because of the um >> you know, the restrictions, too. He would he could probably answer that question. >> Yeah. And we can ask Lisa that too. >> I also think like, you know, we had drafted this this letter that Lisa had given comments to. Um, >> I I would say at the very least on the CC line, we send a copy to Achilles too, you know, because >> because I think >> more information the better. >> Yeah. Um, and then if we if we send this letter to Agilityas plus the Hington Select Board plus the the the planning department there >> and then follow it up with a letter from the building commissioner, then it kind of makes sense, >> right? >> So I
142that would be my recommendation, >> you know, >> that's fine >> to just add add them to the distribution. part of this discussion is going to whether or not you approve the letter that was originally drafted and then Lisa made the revisions on it and we have the clear we have the uh the clear uh version of it. So, >> okay, >> that would be the letter that I would recommend sending because Lisa's already done the uh the read, >> right? But I think the the Oh, absolutely. >> Certainly because sending it to >> the Hopkin board does nothing. No, >> because they can't they they've already stated that they can't support or they can't enforce their restrictions in the town of Ashland. >> So, I think the current land owner >> Yeah. >> needs
143to get this. >> Yeah. >> Just Joe, um just to clarify conservation commission's involvement in this um someone came before us to delineate the wetlands. Uh wasn't the prospective buyer and it wasn't the land owner. There was somebody working I I suppose on behalf of one of them um that they had mapped the wetlands. They wanted us us to come out to confirm the wetlands. We didn't know anything about this at that time. Right. >> We found out shortly thereafter what was going on. >> Sure. >> Um so the um the only thing that's been approved are where the wetlands are. So, not only would this person have to go to the building inspector for a building permit, but they would have to go to the conservation commission >> and they would have to go
144to the board of health because they would need a septic permit in that lot as well. >> So, we became aware of this whole situation after we confirmed the delineation of the wetlands and it was explained to us and and it became very clear we we support Susan's position. >> Oh, absolutely. Then I would also say just to that point if um our building commissioner sends a letter that a copy of that also goes to the conservation commission and and our board of health too. Yeah. >> And I would also almost think that the conservation commission could also send a letter saying after we did this, we have come, you know, we've we've received new information about this parcel that it needs to stay as open space, >> right? Because of the deed restriction that's
145on it already from from past action. >> That makes sense. Y >> more letters they get better. Thank you. >> I just wanted to add one thing. I don't know if this is a matter of Hopkin didn't think that they could speak for Ashland's land or whatever, but they technically because that permit goes with the project, they did have the authority to enforce it. So anyway, the >> they are now saying that they don't feel like they have the ability to enforce it, but it's in >> they do have the they do have the ability. The other thing it's um I didn't get a chance to go to the uh Ashland Historical Commission, but I've been in contact with them and they said that there are articles of historical and cultural significance to the American
146Indians on that land as well, just as there is on the adjoining Hopington parcel because way back when in history that land and the house that I'm living in actually was part of Hopkin, but when Unionville bought surrounding land from communities that became part of became part of it. >> Yes. Yes. >> Okay. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Thank you, Susan. >> So, do we need to take a vote on this letter? I think we need to take a Have you all had the opportunity to read the >> I move that we submit the letter as presented by Joe and updated by by Lisa, but we include the recipients of the current land owner, the person who has the agreement to purchase the land. Um, as well as who else did we say? I
147think that's it. >> I think so. >> And Susan, you have that information addresses that we could send that out to. and conser and our the Ashlin Conservation Commission and our building commissioner >> second and board of health >> board of health because they're going to have to request the uh [clears throat] sewer permit. >> Okay. Is there a second? >> Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? >> That's 5. Okay. Thank you. >> Okay. >> Oh, yes. Robera, >> can I just ask a quick question? Who's that letter initially addressed to? I heard all the copies were >> it was originally addressed to the director in Hopkin, the director of municipal inspections. Um but we're going to send it to the current land owner and the people who have an agreement to purchase as
148well as um our boards here in town. >> Okay. Um, in May of 2025 at their annual town meeting, they accepted the gift of the land >> and they accepted the Hopington land to protect that, not the Ashlin land, >> right? But their open space chair is kind of checking into that and they have a meeting tomorrow night that I'm planning to go to because he seemed a little uncertain about whether they included Ashland and it's appears that they did not. But I'm wondering if he's going to >> want to be privy to the letter that >> we could we'd be more than happy to CC it to him as well. Okay. Open Space and Preservation Commission is what they're called. Okay. Over over there. >> If you can shoot me an email with that
149info now. >> Okay. And is that going to go out like real? >> I can get it out tomorrow. >> Goes out real soon. >> You can get it out tomorrow. We just voted on and approved it. The letter's already written. We just have to >> find the emails and send them off. >> Okay. Great. Thank you. >> You're welcome. Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you for bringing it to our attention too, by the way, Susan. This this would have easily slipped through the cracks, you know. >> Yeah. >> How funny. three three year three or four years ago it was it was you know they they made that part of a a project and all the work was done was approved. Now all of a sudden it's they forgot all about their
150their approvals. >> Well, it seems like they responsibility. >> Yeah. Well, >> you know, this goes back to the old fire truck that was always stolen back and forth. That's the rivalry back and forth, you know. So now when now we're going to be playing with land, we'll do the same thing. Right, Kyle? >> Fire engines. >> You can't trust those stone throws. [laughter] >> All right. But thank you for bringing it to our attention. It definitely has been acted upon. So thank you. >> All righty. >> Uh thank you. Thank you and thank you for your uh assistance with the other matter speaking on. We appreciate that. Thank you. Okay. Town manager report. MMA conference. Do you guys remember that? >> Yeah. Okay. >> I do. I do remember it very well. It was
151uh >> Catherine is laugh. Why would >> Yeah. >> Um Yeah. I think I think you know it was a good conference. Brandy and and Yolanda came. I don't know if you had a chance to to go. I know you're >> I did not. I was very very sick. >> So that's uh you're still lingering. You're Yeah. Um >> the snow did the matter. >> You know, the sessions were pretty pretty good this year. Um the the venue, [snorts] it's a it's a little tough to navigate, but um and there was a few of my few less of my colleagues there. Uh but um >> you also had that snowstorm to contend with, too. Did that affect that area at all? No. >> No, it wasn't that weekend. It was the weekend before. >> Oh,
152it was the weekend before >> or it was the Friday. It was the Thursday, Friday, Saturday. It wasn't the Sunday. We were all home by We were all home by Sunday. >> But I, you know, I will tell you obviously, you know, there's the events, there's the the programs, workshops, etc. But really the best benefit is kind of getting together with colleagues from around the state. And you know, I don't know about you, I but I mean a lot of the talk was around financial issues and what towns are are going through and and many of them are finding themselves in very similar situations as we do. Um and um yeah, I it the thing is is 27 is is one thing, but 28 looking looking couple years beyond could be could be even a
153little bit worse from a state funding perspective. Uh I think it all depends on what happens at the federal administration level and what money ends up flowing down and what money doesn't end up flowing down um from the federal government. But um yeah, so that was uh that was the MMA conference. Um budget update. Uh so it's been a couple weeks since we had the tribe board meeting. Um I feel like all systems are go feel like everybody's on the same page. Um we will have our general government budget uh so both of them done in a couple of weeks. So um and so that way we'll be able to start talking about okay this is what you know this is what a yes vote means. this is what a this is what a no
154vote means in terms of the general government side. >> Um and so I I know you know there has been an outside group that's been formed that's doing um a lot of work as well that's probably going to sponsor their own forums but you know I'm sure that we'll probably want to do our own forums as well once we get all the numbers kind of tied in and we get that narrative put together. So, um I don't did Did any of you have any other thoughts about the budget? Just we haven't really had a chance, I don't think, to really sit down and talk after [clears throat] >> the information that you provided us was, you know, straightforward and stuff is is easy to understand. I know that we have to >> Well, I know
155we had a presentation. >> Yeah, I was going to ask actually because because we didn't get that. >> Yeah, the back. >> Yeah, I was supposed to send that last week and I didn't do it. Okay. Um, but because I didn't get all the way through mine, which is fine. Um, but it had some information that probably would have answered some questions, some of your questions ahead of time. So, >> okay. So, we can get that out. >> Will it also be possible to get the information that the department's heads presented on Monday? Um we can um yeah I mean I think those are public documents even >> there were no names there were no specific things really discussed in the meeting. So I think if we can take a look at that. >> Yeah
156I I wouldn't see any issue with that. >> That would be very helpful actually. um as long as there's no >> I I also in regards to Michael you're talking about forums and things >> and I understand you know it might be a little more formalized but what the budget you know what the department heads presented I almost feel like if we could ask maybe not all of them but the highlevel department heads you know public safety um you know the two chiefs maybe public works maybe the senior center uh that we do a forum and almost have it be possible question, you know, a possible presentation and then with questions for the public. Okay? >> Because one of the things, you know, we're seeing a lot of good things happening the what's going on
157at the senior center. It's in support of the comprehensive plan. It's in support of what our community needs. But we've seen changes at the senior at the community center, right? We've increased staffing there because of needs in our community. And I think an ability for the public to ask questions about what that means and what the costs are and how it's impacting them would be very beneficial. And I think we could look at it at a forum, you know, end of March where we bring the department head. You know, I as I was listening on Monday, part of me said, you know what, it could be like, you know, me, I always try to figure out what's the best way to make this available to the public at the high school or at the middle
158school in the theater. Have them present their information and allow people to ask questions and, you know, moderate and, you know, things like that. I think, you know, have it filmed or have it be shown live from WACA or >> I just think that we want the public to understand what the needs are in a very informative and factfilled way. And I think it's important to present it that way, in an informative, factfilled way. Um, and not the, you know, oh my gosh, we're you know, falling off a cliff kind of thing, right? So keep the the emotion I mean and and it's very emotional and I know it's going to be very emotional for a lot of people either because they can't afford it or they can't afford it or or what they're going
159to possibly lose out, you know, with what happens. But I think we need to give as much information in a factfilled way as possible. >> Yeah. And so that's a good reminder. I I don't think we finalized it yet because we still have to check with the members of FinCom, but FinCon will be having their their televised hearing on the 20. We're hoping on February 26th. >> Okay. >> Um but we still have to poll all the FinCom members, make sure they can make it. >> Okay. >> So, I just I'm sorry. Um first off, Yolanda, I think that's an incredible idea. I think it's going to provide like even more transparency and to be able to open that up and make sure that the public is given the opportunity to to ask questions just
160and I think it's going to help for understanding and better understanding of what's happening and what needs to be done and in a more fact-based um kind of setting and give people the opportunity to ask the questions that or or even clear up some confusion about what might you know we may be issuing. So I would I would I think that that's a strong plan for for what specifically will be covered at the fincom meeting coming up. >> So typically we do police, fire, DPW. Um and usually we do another department we we rotate through. I'll have to see which one that is. But um >> can we have any of their budget dis Can we have all of their budget discussions this year on camera so that people could you know and via Zoom
161so people can sit and listen and hear the deliberation and >> Yeah. I I mean I don't know if we could do um do all the departments at that meeting. >> No, I'm not saying at that meeting. I'm saying that any meetings that the f the finance committee has this year related to the budget and their discussions with the departments, can they be put out on Zoom and filmed? Like, can we set that up that they're here in this room so they can be made accessible to the public? >> I can certainly ask John that. I mean, I think um >> Good idea. >> I mean, I think it's I think I think we would want to make sure that all boards and committees are doing that, too, you know, >> right? I mean, ideally
162we but we know that we sometimes have two groups meeting at the same time. So they can't I mean I think now downstairs though they can go out via Zoom, right? Downstairs or not? >> I don't believe we can't downstairs. >> Oh, we're not set up in BC. I thought we were I thought with the new equipment down there that we could go. >> We've got a lot of new equipment. I'm not sure if we could do if we could do Zoom though. I think we can do Zoom, but I don't know if we can do like a hybrid like a I think it's a Zoom meeting. It's just the owl the interactive. >> It's not interactive. >> Um Well, it can be interactive, >> but it's but it's a regular Zoom. It's not like
163a broadcast. >> No, no, no. I No, no. I I understand that. And I don't I'm not I mean, if it's coming from downstairs, it can be broadcast, right? It's not able to [clears throat] be out on cable, right? But if we could do an interactive Zoom downstairs, right? I mean, one of the things that we always keep talking about is people like the hybrid. People like being able to listen to our meetings and hear what's going on. And if we can look at that for, you know, if all of our meetings for all of our boards and committees, right, some of them are on Zoom because they don't even meet downstairs, right? They're all they're all hybrid. But if someone's meeting in person, can we >> But I think specifically >> being able to
164watch them Wednesday when they can, >> right? That's the other thing. Um, but the also is if we could schedule the finance meetings for the I mean, I think the finance meetings, it would be good for them to be filmed and on WACA and via Zoom all the time. But >> well, the other option is like, you know, if we can't get WACA downstairs, you can always record the Zoom and broadcast WACA. So that's another thing we can do. >> Yeah, I'll be happy to talk about with John and see what he thinks. >> So on a related note, um, you know, I know that that you guys were working with the Collins Center on a report. >> Um, is that are we going to have that in time for part of this discussion because
165I think that that would be really important. >> We should they did the final draft right of part one, [clears throat] right, Katherine? And part two, the public safety one is I know >> it's been what a year and a half that we've been waiting on this >> actually. I mean if if we can't get the report we need to get an update on what's happening because we haven't seen >> and the potential draft. >> Yeah. A draft or something. >> Yeah. So we have the final draft of phase one and then uh late summer they started their interviews on phase two which is public safety. And so that is about 90% done. We're just working um on the police side. We're finishing that piece up. So, we should have that soon. >> Yeah. >>
166Police and fire. >> What's part one and what's part two? >> Sorry. Part one is everybody other than police and fire. So, phase one is everybody >> um excluding police and fire. So, phase one, we just received the final draft. Um we have that. So, we're going through that. It'sund and I don't even remember. It's a lot of pages. And phase two, like I said, we're 90% there. We just need to finish up the um police portion and then we should be done. Would you mind sharing the project plan so that we have an idea of what's what the deliverables are and when and when should we should expect to see output outputs from them so we don't keep harassing you about that >> because I think that would help >> is it so we
167can understand in case any anybody has any questions we can answer those too >> and if and if we can kind of just have uh have a check-in because I'm I'm thinking as we go through this budget process, I think that that's really an important data point. >> Um and as we are discussing this with the public that is going to be needs to be part of it, which means we kind of need it sooner rather than later. So is there a time frame, do you think that we could review the first? >> Yeah, we got to make sure it's accurate. I think that's that's the key because we would much rather delay and make sure that it's accurate when it does come out as opposed to put something out that's not >> you know
168what it makes me makes me feel that we shouldn't have to worry about it being accurate now >> say aren't we >> I wasn't getting that it's accurate >> and if you've seen the draft >> have to check their work >> I would think that you were checking they were checking in with you along the way regarding the data >> oh that's Right. So I would think that this [clears throat] report that's coming out should be >> just tweaked >> accurate data if we've been working a little more involved. >> Yeah. That burden shouldn't be on you to verify their work. >> But it is because it is our resp like it will be coming out from the office. And so we we have I can't if it's wrong I can't say you know what
169Collins messed up. They're going to be like well you took a look at it right? Yeah. No. Yeah. I mean, I understand a spot check, but then like I I think Yolanda's making a good point like for for uh the next iteration, I think it's important to have like, you know, built into the plan >> different uh checkpoints, you know, to make sure that while you're constructing the draft in phase two, when you're constructing that draft, that data are used, they are accurate while that those are while it, you know, while you're in real time, then waiting till the end and then having to verify all at once which could be lengthy and >> difficult >> and we have we have been doing that doing that. >> Oh okay. >> So >> you guys not
170in a total duck. >> No not. >> Uh and then finally um some good news. Uh and actually it it is kind of um it is >> timely considering we're talking about budget stuff. Um so you know one of the things that we've tried to do similar to like our aggregation program is um you know where we can sign uh agreements with alternative suppliers. >> Um we we go ahead and do that enter into those um into enter into those agreements. Um and we get a report each year. Um, and so, you know, I'm very pleased to say that, uh, this year we saved, let's see, in the in solar, let's see, let's see, [snorts] uh, excuse me, in electricity bills, uh, we saved 143,000 and with gas, uh, we saved 18,000. So, not as
171much, but, um, but we still saved. So, >> 18,000 is build better. >> Yeah. Than none. >> And this is for all town town buildings. >> Um this is for most town buildings. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> So, um >> I'd be curious what the uh new public safety building what those [clears throat] what those for you as well. >> Uh it's a it's a lot of electricity. >> Yeah. >> You know, because it's it's geothermal. >> So, we use that compared to if >> what did we do differently because we contracted with different suppliers. Is that it >> for this thing? Not publica like the public safety building. Well, that's >> No, no, I'm talking about this. Yeah. >> Yeah. So, we contracted with different we'll go out to bid um and uh and
172look at different terms and everything and and it's it's um it's worked out well for us so far. So, >> and this is different than the rate that is set. So, the homeowners also we we opt in automatically or we can find the aggregation similar um similar concept you're going out to the market with a larger buying power to >> but that's just for private >> correct >> and this is just for our public buildings >> correct correct >> okay so yeah a little bit of good news and uh I >> somehow it's hard to feel good about utilities these days it's kind of like okay well we're going to give you a a discount of $50 this month >> this month >> but then we're gonna >> charge you later >> your supply fee
173There might be an interest just like my grandpa. >> Yeah, my grandpa would always say you can't I think I used this the other day. You can't cut the inch off the bottom of a blanket and tie it to the top and think you got a longer blanket. It just doesn't [laughter] work that way. >> That's I've never heard that one. >> I have. That's a new one on me. >> You haven't heard that? Well, you can always count on grandpa at the grumpy old men club. But uh so just last thing um uh I really have to give a shout out to RTPW. Oh my gosh. >> Um so we were talking a little bit just about how difficult this storm has been. Probably as much snow as as we've seen back, you know,
174in 2015, but the temperatures have stayed colder long up a lot a lot tougher. Um, so they have been going at it um, you know, pretty much all all week. So they they've got, I believe, pretty much all the sidewalks cleared and everything done now. But, um, >> just what they did, I think I don't know if it was Sunday night or Monday night and with downtown with removal of snow. When I came down in the morning, I was like, "Wow, they did a great job." >> They did. >> Yeah, absolutely. I I stopped by again on Sunday at around noon and they were just letting people go and they've been on like 24 hours. >> Oh yeah. It must have been Monday or Tuesday night. It was a few couple of days in because
175they couldn't possibly have gotten to the sidewalks initially, >> right? Yeah. >> And even when I was out driving, I guess this was on actually Yeah. Well, I think it was Monday and when I hit from went from uh you know, Ashland to Southboroough, there was it was like a somebody drew a line. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> I will say that's something we don't skimp on is snow and ice. So, um >> you know, we look so much better than Boston. Boston is still a mess. >> Boston is even now like it is still a mess. I I had to go pay [clears throat] for it from from the Pike >> and I got off at the Austin Brighton and you know how it's usually >> three lanes there. >> There was two and a
176half. >> Oh wow. From the snow. >> From the snow. And I'm like and this was a week after the storm. >> And I was there with a friend and I go, I can't believe they haven't cleaned this. And she goes, well, who would take care of it? I'm like, Boston Public Works should be taking >> Yeah. Mass Highway. >> Mass. So, >> crazy. It's crazy crazy. Yeah. No, but kudos to everybody in the DPW. You guys did an awesome job. >> That's my That's my report. I just wanted to end on that one. >> Thank you. Well, that was a good way to end it. >> You good? >> Board reports. >> Board. I'm sorry, Katherine. Do you have anything? You're good. [laughter] >> Okay, Yolanda, you're up. >> Couple things that I'd like
177to request that we have on our next agenda. I had already sent you an email about it. I missed the deadline. I lost track of time. Uh but just that people know. So I'd like us to put our comp plan discussion on creating the committee. Y we haven't done that and it's time that we create the implementation committee commission. >> I have that I have the you had two requests on my okay >> on my list. >> And then on 9:26 I guess the planning board is requesting that we do a joint meeting with them to review the housing production plan is what I've been told. Uh, Y Jasmine has asked and Trisha um on 9:26 that we join them to uh vote or review and I'm seeing faces from >> 226. >> I'm sorry,
178not 9:26. 2:26. >> Sorry, on February 26. It's a Thursday night. >> You say the February 26. >> That's what we're looking at. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Okay. So, planning board I mean it's their usual night. So, >> um so they've asked that we join >> Right. It's the fourth fourth Thursday. >> I Okay, then I might have the date wrong because I thought we were looking at Monday. >> Isn't FinCama usually Tuesday nights? >> Usually Tuesday, but we couldn't do that Tuesday. So, >> anyway, so they're looking for us to join their meeting and to look at >> look at the housing production and then vote the um look and look at the plans for the comp plan implementation committee. Um and we should decide at our meeting um who's going to be the
179select board representative for that. Uh, couple other things. I was also at MMA and it was a great event. It's always, to Michael's point, some of the sessions were good and some of them you go, okay. Uh, the they they coordinated things a little bit better this year. We didn't have to walk across to the hotel in the middle of the day to do the Wimo lunchon. It was held right there. So, that was helpful. But they did a lot of I mean they always have over overlapping sessions but they added a new sort of conversation session that Michael got to lead for Metro West. It was the same time as the Weimo lunchon. So it was hard to like I had already bought my tickets to Weimo. So anyway, >> don't don't worry, you
180didn't miss much. >> So I heard it was it was us. But still and but I think it's because they it wasn't planned well. So >> it was way off. >> Although we were the coolest table over there. Okay. Well, that's good to know. That's good to know, just to be clear. Um, so a couple other things. >> Very true. >> Uh, I'm doing office hours, I think, with Bry Saturday morning from 9:00 to 11:00 at the library. Tomorrow morning, there is a ribbon cutting at Tento. >> That's right. >> Yeah. At 8:30. I unfortunately can't do it. Um, but to let people know, there's a new business being celebrated. And then next week, uh, I'm going to be doing an in person. Again, I don't get to do this very often. I'm a part
181of the Mass Municipal Association Executive Board and they're having their in-person meeting in Boston. So, I'm going to do that and then >> go with them to the state house. I had the opportunity to do it in November as well. And so, and I think that's all I got. Thank you. >> Thank you. Thank you for what you do. >> Thank you, [clears throat] >> Makita. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um not much to report uh over the past uh since we've past met as I have been struggling with a with an illness but I am looking forward to office hours coming up. I'll be in the afternoon with I think Claudia on the 18th. Uh so we'll be at Duch De Lee from 3:00 to 5 and then uh again in in I think
182March 7th I will be with you Joe at the library. So, um, a lot of other things coming up, but um, oh, and I Oh, well, I don't know. Well, I'll check my dates, but it might be you. I don't know. We'll see. You'll see. You'll see some of us. You'll see one of us. You'll see two of us. Um, so >> um, [clears throat] that's all I really want to share for now, but looking forward to getting out to the community and uh, listening to folks uh, especially about our upcoming budget situation. So, thanks. >> Thank you, Nikita. >> Thank you. I I hope we get some public publicity. Maybe put it in your newsletter, Michael. Right. >> Just because it would be nice if uh >> it is in >> Yeah. What's I
183think it's >> just consistently. Yeah, that's great. Yeah, >> because we didn't have dates last week. >> No, we did. >> Oh, I missed it. >> We just we had dates. We just didn't have the people associated. >> Oh, okay. That's what I meant. Yeah. All right. Yeah. Yeah. No. Okay. I said I [laughter] >> Now we have people. I feel like I just signed up. You you you did. [laughter] >> I was going to say we miss >> Julie. The cruise director has put that out there. >> Thank you. >> And thank you for doing that. >> Thank you very [snorts] calling you Julie. >> No. [laughter and clears throat] >> All right. So I um I've you know been to a few meetings. I went to a couple of conservation committee meetings. I
184have um I signed up to be liaison to the con uh community um yeah CPC. Thanks president. Thank you. >> Um and I couldn't attend that because the storm water committee also meets they meet at the exact same time. So I might be looking to trade with somebody for for something. But >> conservation >> I have been doing the conservation so I wouldn't mind that. Um, and I I've reached um I did reach out to Aaron lad and uh let him know that I was but but I think I did tell him I also had a conflict. So anyway, so last night was Stormwater and I met with u Rob St. Germaine over the weekend to get a little get me up to speed a little bit faster, but it's going to take more than
185that. Um >> a lot of information things I haven't thought a lot about honestly. Um but it was very interesting. You know, there was a lot of talk about um you know, these are all state mandates. We're we're kind of living on our laurels at this point. The state hasn't released their new level of new permit and um that's going to happen sooner or later. We're working I guess we're doing pretty well with our replacing our storm drains, but we need to we still have a lot of work to do in that regard. Um, and then so that, you know, that's there's there's a lot more to it than I certainly realize and there's a huge uh huge number associated with that work, right? >> Um, [music] and that's why it's so important the conservation
186commission, you know, is working with these developers to make sure that, uh, they have some responsibility as they add to our storm water. Um that was kind of you know my my point earlier. Um and then the other thing that was interesting and is important for our budget and you know I've certainly seen this happen in in budgets is that so so Doug Small our DPW he's in charge of storm water. That's also something he >> is. Yeah. >> Yeah. And so um some of his some of the storm water uh so the storm water is what kind of a fund is that Michael >> I'm sorry >> enterprise fund and so some of the enterprise fund is associated with salaries for DPW people right and that makes sense but sometimes the allocation for some
187the storm water people might seem like it's a little heavy and they're not getting their money's worth so there was a little conversation last night about that and it was good conversation And as one might expect, they're both, you know, sort of, you know, advocating for what their the needs are. Um, but I think it's something that we probably should take a look at and because I think if we are really funding DPW uh in a way that from our sto storm water fund, then you know that's probably not the best thing to do. We need to fund DPW from our general fund as it is needs, right? But sometimes obviously you do things like that when things get tight and you kind of shift some of >> like that I can't tell you for
188how long that sharing that sharing that enterprise fund like that especially when it comes to salaries because they're doing that work. >> Well, I mean storm you got to take a step back, right? Because storm water is a fairly new fund. Yes. >> Six years. So as as the work that they were doing shifted then we started allocating we didn't I mean we didn't have it for a while right we were allocating either the general or it was being some of it was being allocated to sewer and water >> water right and that's been that that's been done for quite >> to Rob or Doug >> oh sorry >> I talked to Rob personally but at the meeting last night last night it was both Rob and Doug were there and so you know the
189conversation from Rob is we're paying in 80% of this person's salary and we're not getting 80% of this person's time. Right. Right. And and and does >> but Rob doesn't know about all the other things like the highway does that storm water for storm water. >> Well, that could be a piece of it. Right. >> So that's the problem when you have volunteers who like take such an active interest. They don't know and they're not they can't. It's just so much experience and so much >> stuff that goes into it. I think it's well then then it needs to be explained, right? They need to understand what employee >> or we could just let him do like do his work, you know, let Doug, >> you know, manage his manage his his budgets. >> No,
190no. I I I'm not suggesting we don't do that. I'm just saying if if the storm water committee feels like, you know, they're paying 80% of their this person's salary, but they're this person's only giving them 20% of their time or something. I don't know. Yeah. But but is the 20% of the seven highway guys that are going towards storm water does was that made apparent last night? >> Yeah. Yeah. The I don't I'm not sure what you're asking. >> So the seven guys that we pay through highway Yeah. that do storm water work. >> Oh that that are 100% through highway. >> Yeah. >> Oh okay. No no there wasn't that wasn't brought up really. Okay. They do some So Absolutely. And that was one of the things because at one point Becca Solomon
191who's very knowledgeable and she does a great job of managing everybody and you know she mentioned um I think it's Becca Navaro that I think 25% of her salary is paid from storm water. She doesn't do anything for storm water but Becca Solomon does and maybe that there should be a shift. Right. So, I think it's something that just needs to be looked at and certainly, you know, I I feel like Doug, I'm I'm sure and I think he needs to get have what he needs to have to do what they do in this community, right? But >> we just need to make sure that everybody understands. >> I think it's a it's a great question, but I think we have to be careful because we're just doing board reports and >> we want to
192make sure we don't get into too much detail and and ask questions because >> Yeah. Well, I was I just really meant it to be that was a conversation that was had and >> Okay. >> And that's that's it. Okay. That I thought it was >> interesting% of Becca's >> I think it was >> okay. >> I I I might have that. >> Okay. >> Um yeah, that's good. >> Thank you. Are you all set? >> Yeah. Thanks. >> Thank you, Claudia. Brandy. Um, so I was also at MMA and had lots of great conversations, lots of budget conversations. Budget has been on the minds of everyone. Um the governor released her budget um what this past week >> and I haven't had a chance to really look at it, but >> um I don't
193know whether or not it'll be interesting to see how that affects our budget um once that gets through all the the you know the House and Senate, >> right? We won't have final numbers until July. So, >> so, but >> if we're lucky, >> still has to go to the House, has to go to the Senate. >> I mean, I mean, it's quite a process. But um but you know I know it was funny because Governor Healey um was at MMA and had you know had and they talk they talk about the support to communities and you know I do wish and I know this is going to be kind of just whatever but I don't feel like they really are focused on all the top like getting the communities what they need and I
194I think that we we had talked MMA has talked about how kind of the system is broken um as far as how like unrestricted government aid gets gets passed down to to communities >> at the the chapter 70 funding like it's all >> this shell game that doesn't really give communities what they need to be able to to to [snorts] meet the needs of their their residents. So, it'll be interesting to see how that conversation evolves because um you know, I mean, her her her remarks at MMA were just kind of eh and and it's almost literally like not knowing exactly who your audience is. And >> she didn't even talk about the budget. She didn't even talk about >> the report that the MMA came out with about the financial storm and some suggestions
195as to what they can do. They totally ignored it which was >> she said she's like oh I know I know you guys are facing financial pressure and that was about it. >> So what precisely was covered that would have been >> talked about like like the grants like the like one-stop grants and you know what I don't even honestly I did not take notes because it wasn't it wasn't as memorable >> as I had hoped it would have been okay to put it that way. But um so that was MMA and um so as far as committee stuff goes, I'm going to go to sustainability tomorrow and I was at most of the concom meeting this last Monday. They were talking about 61 Waverly. Um, we had also received um an invitation from um
196Ryan Turnliffe >> for um Eagle Scout >> for an Eagle Scout Court of Honor. >> Um Ryan had reached out to me and I said, "Oh, send it send it to the select board," which he did. And then I like RSVPd. I'm like, "Am I RSVPing for the whole entire select board?" >> Um how they sent it to >> Yeah, I I called him on and he sent it individually. >> Okay. But I was like, "Oh, that wasn't what I expected to do." So, I just wanted to let you know. >> Ry's going. >> Yeah. [laughter] >> So, >> I know at least two of us are going, so I don't know about the others, but Yeah. >> So, um So, yeah. So, that's that's on Sunday, March 15th, I believe. So, >> um if
197anybody wants to be my plus one, just let me know and I'll >> I'm hoping to be I'm hoping to be your plus one. >> Okay. [laughter] >> And then I have Joe as my plus one, too. So, we, you know, um, so congratulations to Austin Turnliffe who's going to be going to be receiving his, um, Court of Honor. >> And, um, other than that, we'll be at the library this Saturday, 9 to 11. Um, come bring your questions, come bring your budget questions, come bring your >> concerns, issues, any concerns that you have. We're going to be we're going to be there um along with where the book sale is going to be. So, downstairs. >> Yep. And >> you be in El Cold >> somewhere >> wherever they put us. >> Yeah. The
198library folks are really good to they they're they're very supportive of us um hiding there in the winter time. So [laughter] it's true. Um and I think that's all I have for now. So um yeah, that's about it. >> Good. >> Thank you. Thank you for the updates. um my meeting with the uh the students that are involved with uh the new uh no um nic nicotine free generation. I'll be meeting with them uh on the 20 I'm sorry on the 10th uh next week at uh 3 to 4:00 and up at the high school conference room. Um I had to I had to cancel my previous meeting with them but definitely a meeting with them next next week on that. I met with the affordable housing trust. Um there'll be a presentation and a
199sitdown discussion with Beth Reynolds regarding your all the street property and the potential project with affordable housing trust uh and the Habitat for Humanity. Uh unfortunately I won't be there. I'll be out of state. Uh hopefully I'll try to hook up on Zoom if I I remember that that it's there and I'm not lavishing in a pool or whatever. Uh anyway, and um Council on Aging will be my first meeting with them tomorrow at 10:30. I'm looking forward to it. And um go Pads. >> Go Pads. Uh stay safe. And if you have senior citizens that live around you, please check on them. I know it's been very very cold. Um, if we have another cold snap, which they're talking about again, do we have warming centers for uh for folks if if need be?
200>> We're working with the emergency Keith. >> Yeah. Okay. >> To figure that out. >> All right. I just I just want to make sure we have some sort sort of plan available and ready for it to to go. >> Pockets. >> Hot pockets. Yeah. Yeah. [laughter] So, with that, uh stay safe everybody and uh I won't see you folks. Uh, so happy Valentine's Day to you you ladies will be coming up. >> Get your Valentine be away. >> And um I'll entertain a motion to adjurnn. >> So moved. Second. >> All those in favor? I I see you. >> Thank you very much. Good night everybody and stay warm.