Select Board - September 3rd, 2025

001Good evening and welcome to the September 3rd, 2025 select board meeting. I call this meeting to order at 7:07. This meeting is being recorded and broadcast live via WACA TV and livereamed on Facebook. Remote participation is available using the Zoom video conference platform. Any disc any disruption with the video conferencing platform will result in the platform being shut down. In that event of this disruption, broadcasting will continue on WACA TV and livereamed on Facebook. The meeting has been called to order. First uh uh part of the business is uh citizens participation. So, anybody willing to do or have anything you would like to say, please step up to the uh podium. Please identify yourself and you're on. Okay, thank you. Thank you. Good evening, Mark. Some people say I don't have to introduce myself, but

002I will anyways. Mark the only 119 Main Street. I have two things. First, I'd like to ask for the chairman to the town manager since I was here last. the um the mill building project. Am I um sending a letter to Senator Spieler and and a response that count? I know is on the agenda. This is going to be talked on a little bit. So that does that have an maybe maybe not from that letter might have a little thinking about what's going on. >> Want to respond to that? Mark, actually I don't have too much in the way of updates on 10 to 60. I got I got more on the others. >> Okay, then it's still that you you had that. Okay. Second thing, the comprehensive plan forums through the chairman I'd like

003to say thank you to Yolanda perfect form host open up everything was transparent very well explained and knowledged and let the people let the people speak and understand what was going on. You did a great job. You still got two more to go. Thank you, Mark. It's been uh it's it's actually been fun doing them. So, thank you for that. >> And and it shows on the camera and and the people here and on the Zoom like I was, they were they were fully vented and talked, which some places don't have to do that only give a certain amount of time. This was the time that you gave the people each time. Well, thank you and thank you. Good night. >> Thank you, Mark. >> Good evening, sir. >> Good evening. Uh Paul Kendall, six

004rebanacer. Uh obviously I'm here for something later on, but I did want to take this opportunity why I'm here to acknowledge uh the group effort that uh on our opening day at Mendez. We all now know uh the eventful day that was uh unfortunate incident, but uh you know, everybody saw it on the news uh the news cameras and and everybody were there looking for some juicy story and really what they came away with was how well we all function together. uh that so I just want to publicly thank the uh police, fire, EMS, and of course the school staff who just 100% uh was professional uh cared for all the uh students and staff uh without you know didn't let the distraction of the news media and everything um I know like I said

005they they came looking for one story and what I took away is just we should all be how proud we should be of the collaboration uh of all our groups. So, just uh thank you to everybody involved in that. >> Thank you, Paul. Paul, anybody want to comment on that? You good? >> I just want to say it was for, you know, not having kids in the schools and, you know, we we were hearing the helicopters overhead. Um, but then over the weekend, I ran into one of the staff of the Mendes building >> and she said that it it was worse than what we had originally thought. um because the nurse was actually allergic to bees and wasps, so it couldn't help. Um but people jumped in >> and what she was telling me

006was just but as Paul said, everyone jumped in and >> was taken care of and coordinated and no one >> they said thankfully not a single one of the students that was stung was allergic. No EpiPens had to be used or anything, >> you know, finding them in their hair. It was just so That was an interesting way to start the school year. >> It certainly was. >> Bees do seem to attract a lot of news attention. >> Well, and and you Well, and they weren't bees. They were actually wasps or some kind of >> brown wasp. >> Yeah. >> Remember at Montenegro Square, >> you got those? >> Yeah, there's some wasps there as well. >> Or do you are you saying that wasps from Ashlin tend to specifically attract a lot of media

007attention? That's I think pretty and then I was going to say then we've got 40 B's. >> Yeah, there you go. >> Um Oh my word. So >> are you trying to trump my rumble seat joke? >> Yes. >> Okay, it didn't work. >> Sorry. >> Failed. >> Okay. Thank you. Thank you, Paul. I appreciate that. That was uh I was going to put that on my board report, but we don't have to do that now. So, we'll save ourselves some time. Next on the agenda, we have 710 appointment and we're running a little late so I apologize. Uh to discuss the appointment of Ganer to the Open Space and Recreation Committee and I see uh Robera here and I believe this is uh Gan as well. So if you like Yeah, you can go

008with Robera if you would like please. Thank you. >> Good evening everyone. Good to be here. Thank you very much for your time. Um, we are the open space and recreation committee is recommending that Gene her be appointed to the final vacancy on our committee which will give us a full complement of members. Um, so we're really happy about that. I'm just going to talk a little bit about our pro why we're recommending her and then let Gan um talk about her background and answer any questions that you might have. Um, she's been very engaged with our committee for about the last four months. Um when someone expresses an interest in joining the open space and recreation committee, we have a meeting with them. We invite them to continue to come to our committee meetings

009so that they can make an informed choice about whether this is a group they really want to work with and spend time with and that this is work they really want to be able they really want to do. So, um, it's good for us to be able to check out candidates and it's good for the candidates to be able to check us out. And it's a chance for us to see how committed someone really is because a a lot of the talent bank forms that you get when you invite somebody, they've checked off six or seven committees and you don't really know where their interests are until they have to step up and make a commitment to participate with you before you'll recommend them. So since about April, Gina's been coming to our monthly committee

010meetings. She came to the open space and recreation forums. She helped staff our table at the farmers market um in June when the farmers market began. Um she's also shown interest in the open space aspects of the comprehensive plan and and the whole comprehensive plan by going to those forums as well. So, um, she's shown a real commitment and engagement and enthusiasm for our work and for, um, the goals of the open space and recreation committee for the town. So, we are really pleased to, uh, recommend her to the select board, um, as a candidate to fill our final um, vacancy. >> Thank you. I don't know. >> Um, basically I think I've lived in Ashland for like over well 40 years. Um, and I think one of the things that when we originally moved

011to Ashland, the thing that I liked about it is that there was open space and well I live on cross street so there was like nobody on cross street at that point. So I have seen the open space there diminish a little but I really like the fact that um the towns kind of maintained the open space the town forest had added to that the riverw walk um and then when I retired about it's been about almost two years ago one of the things that I thought well I'd always been interested in like volunteering and stuff anyway when my kids were little I helped out with like soccer the town soccer stuff even though I didn't know a lot about soccer at the time, but I learned um and kept one step ahead. Um but

012I think like I say, one of the things I've always enjoyed is being outdoors um and the importance of that. Um I worked in Boston for basically 43 years as a psychiatrist. Um so I got really tired of the commute, but it was always nice to get back to here where there was some green space. Um, and then one of the things that I did, I said, well, now that I'm retired, I'm going to see if I can do the Ashland Citizens Academy. Shout out to that. And I think as I learned that and learned a little bit more about all the different committees and things like that, I thought open space would be probably a, you know, something that I would be interested in. Um, so I kind of figured out, you know, did

013the talent bank form and stuff like that. So, um, I just feel like it's been great being involved with this group of people. I mean, their their vision, their interest really aligned with me. And one of the things that I've also learned about is like, you know, even on the committee, you can then sort of get involved with the town forest and the Charles River Trail Group. I mean, all of those things I would love to do because we really we like to bike ride and stuff, too. and the fact in terms of like kind of keeping it and improve continuing to sort of improve kind of open space and green space um in Ashland. Again, I I've was very impressed also about the comprehensive plan. I just I just said to Roberto, I says,

014"Wow, I took a look at the draft last week and I'm like, what a lot of work, but really neat to sort of see the vision that the that people have for the T." Um, so it'd be kind of nice. It'd be nice to really be involved with that and continue kind of make that happen. >> Nice. I'll open the board. Any questions? >> I don't really have any questions. I just wanted to thank you for stepping up to volunteer to do this, Jean. Um, one thing that caught my ear uh and reading through your materials and and hearing from uh Robera is that you've demonstrated commitment to this committee before you've, you know, formally decided to to apply. And I think that's really important. You've got an understanding of what it would take. uh

015you're very committed to uh the mission of the committee and you've demonstrated not just interest but willingness to roll up your sleeves and get to work before you even you were even appointed. So >> well again I think that in some ways I thought that was a a great idea to say come to the meetings see what it's about see what it's like um so I thought that was also really helpful for me as well. That's that's fantastic to hear and in fact we'll be uh part of our later discussion that's part of the recommendations that we heard from a lot of our committee chairs over the past few months about improving the committee experience recruitment and other and for recruitment and retention. So, so yes. Well, thank you. >> Thank you. We good. Any

016other comments, questions? No. >> Are you going to make a motion? >> I'm going to make a motion. >> I move that we appoint Jean Horn to the Open Space and Recreation Committee with a term to expire. That part I didn't see. >> We know what the term should be. >> I do not. >> I don't know if it's one year or three. If it's it's either 8 83126 or 83128 one year or three years. It's not on the agenda. >> It's not on the agenda. I don't see it. >> It's not in the backup item. >> That's why I'm checking real quick. >> Robera, do you remember which seat it is? >> Until after the >> after. Gotcha. Okay. >> Yeah. Full term. All right. >> Susan. Okay. Is it >> could be 28

017>> 2020? Okay. With with a um a term to expire 831 2028 >> three years. >> Second. Thank you. >> All those in favor of uh appointing Gan to that that committee. >> I that's 5. Congratulations >> and thank you very much very much. >> Thank you and thank for your uh volunteering. It's very nice. >> Thanks Jean. Thank you. All right. Nice to have somebody that's willing to take the interest and take that next step and continue is always a nice thing. Okay. Uh next on our agenda is uh old new business and se uh special town meeting warrant articles. They're due by uh Saturday, September 27th, 2025. So should I turn this over to Katherine or turn Okay. >> Yeah, Katherine. I I don't know how much of an update we have. Katherine?

018>> Yes. So, we don't have too much of an update. It's sort of the same um as last time. So, we need all uh warrant articles to uh my attention um to my email um by Saturday, September 27th. And then the next date would be the official closing of the warrant, which um would be October 16th. >> Okay. Finally, how many articles do we are we looking at now? And any any new additions? >> No. No changes? >> No changes. Okay. Good. Very good. Okay. Thank you. Uh update on uh Ashland Day and the select board's participation. So, I'll turn that over to uh either Brandy, Claudia, or Yolanda. All all all all three of you. >> Um so, just a real quick update on what we've been up to with with Ashland Day. Um

019which will be Saturday, October 4th at Stone Park from 11 to 4. um with a rain date of the the 5th um on Sunday the 5th. So when we started this about a month ago um we put out the request for volunteers and um we were kind of we I mean it's the support from the community has been pretty pretty amazing in in a couple ways. won the volunteers and then also um we had needed to raise the funds for Ashlin Day pretty quickly and um we did that through a couple of different ways. One through their businesses um who have offered to sponsor us and um the other part was asking individuals for donations as well. And so in the the less than three weeks since we first put out the call, um we

020hit our fundraising numbers. We're still waiting on some checks. So we have some donations that we're still waiting in, but we have commitments um for for the $15,000, which is amazing. So, um, and part of that is also, um, the select board had voted to, um, to donate $1,500 towards Ashlin Day this year. And as part of that, the reason I really wanted this on the the the um the agenda was to talk about how we as a board may want to participate. Um because one of the things that we did with the sponsorship levels is um anyone who gives $1,000 or more has their name associated with a with an attraction or something like that and also has the ability to have a booth. And so it's more like the question is do we

021want to host a booth? Do we want to try to partner with any other committees to host a booth? What would that look like? You need to commit to a if we were going to have a booth, we have to commit by default trying to everything is a very compressed time frame. So that was throwing it out to the >> So I mean just quickly um I know you're looking for volunteers to help on on the day. So, I don't know if that's something that you'd rather have us do that or man a booth and just stand there and not if if you understand. I think our better services would be better being out in the field to help out that way than maning a booth. >> I would I would agree with Joe on

022that. I think um you know the only thing I would say is if a booth could you know if we get a booth and we want to offer it to the school committee or some other committee >> so that they could have a booth >> or you know make it a town booth kind of thing. >> That's what I was thinking. >> You know say whatever whatever committees want to be there and have them commit people to participate. But to Joe's point, I mean, I know I'm going to be helping, you know, with the, you know, stuff on the stage and people are going to be helping direct traffic and whatever we're going to be doing. So, >> and what we're asking what we're asking groups and and folks who are doing a booth is

023to provide some sort of activity or game or something. >> Yeah. And so that that was going to be the question like like if we wanted to do like a town you know and partner with other >> committities >> um do that question of you know do we would you know to Joe's point do we want to just um all be there in support of the the day and >> I would some people that you know be watching the rights I don't know how you work it with them, but you know, monitor the rides and stuff. Some people need breaks. If you're selling tickets, people that are selling tickets at at a booth location, they may want to take a, you know, 5 minute water break or 10 10 minute break, you know, to continue

024doing what they need to do. And we could fill in that that type of thing just just to be there to give people a rest, give them, you know, give them time to rest up and then they can go right back to doing what they were doing. Could we could we ask could we could we ask the put a question out to the boards and committees that we appoint a point to ask if there's any interest in them you know in various boards and committees taking different shifts to promote their boards and committees and possibly recruit uh for any kind of open spaces any kind of open seats if if that's the situation um you know I think if you're talking about an interactive activity maybe there could be like a quick five question trivia

025game about what the boards and committees are and what they do that anybody could run. But like I just I I just don't want you you you sparked that idea of making that open to folks if we can ask them if there's any interest. If there's no interest then you know I don't think having a booth makes sense but if other boards and committees it might be a good resource uh just to kind of showcase volunteer opportunities and volunteer recruitment for for stuff here in town. But it also promotes the different organizations and groups within the in the government that we have these committees aren't don't get the uh the advertising like others do. So this is a time for them to promote who they are, what they are, >> you know, so as they

026walk as people are walking by them, oh what are you doing? Then they have the display and explain to them and that's how you generate a a potential interest in joining that committee. >> Absolutely. And you know, we could also get people to sign up if they're interested, you know, for we can let them know about citizens academy. We it could just be a volunteer clearing house. >> Yeah. >> Space, but we should ask if people, you know, if there's no interest and if people can't do it, then we won't do it. But I'd love to have them have the opportunity. >> Yeah. No, I think I think that I think that is good. We can we can kind of couch it as as like a a group a group booth. Um, I know at

027one point we were kind of joking around with the idea of like, you know, um, like pie in the face, like, you know, you could throw a pie at an elected official. >> Um, >> use your ticket to throw >> raise some good cash. I >> I do hear that banana cream is excellent for your pores. That may or may not be true. I'm a medical doctor. But >> but the point but but but maybe maybe there would be if we wanted to say do something like that and we had a few other boards that would want to >> put their put their faces on the line. >> Yeah. >> You know that could be that could I'm just throwing it out there. >> Well, no. I'm looking at you too. Looking at you. >>

028You could sub. >> I'll volunteer if if other if other people do it. I'll do it. Yeah. >> I'm serious. >> Yeah. >> Not all afternoon. >> Have like a schedule. If there's other If there's other groups that would be willing to do it, you know. >> Yeah. Put that out there, too. >> Yeah. >> I I feel that my relatives would probably buy up all the tickets, but I I'll still put my name in the hat to volunteer. >> It'll it'll mean fireworks for the 40th. Uh >> you're gonna generate 25 grand. Wow. That that would be awesome. >> Well, well, I guess I guess one thing at a time. One pie at a time. >> One pie at a time. >> So, what I'm hearing is definitely a booth. I think there's interest

029in the pie thing. >> Um, >> let's let's see if we can get a banana that really put me over the top. >> The banana cream did it. >> Okay. So, let's see if we can >> you know what was really a big hit about four or five years ago >> was a pie eating contest. >> See, then I would have to get the board a health >> me. I'm buying from tabletop and it's >> one of those things. >> May maybe at the 40th. >> Yeah. >> Pie eating contest on the 40th. >> Yeah. >> Ashland Dick. >> We could do a hot dog eating contest from New Jersey. >> Oh man. Oh man. >> Anyway. >> Okay. >> All right. Well, thank you. Thank you for the update. >> I just want to

030speak to that for a second. I just first of all um you know I really do want to echo Ry's thank you to the community. It it's really been amazing to watch um you know so many people come forward individuals and businesses to support this event. Um and then you know one thing that I've said to several people now is and Joe I want you to hear this. The reason that um we've been able to be successful in such a relatively short period of time at I think at raising the the money is because I'm just really good-looking. No, >> I thought this was going one direction. >> See what you did there. >> Yeah. >> No, really, Joe. Honestly, now this is from the heart. Um the reason is because you and others um

031have created something in these years that the community loved and they didn't want to see it go away. And so that this is really testimony to what a wonderful event you've created. And again, I know it wasn't you single-handedly, but but certainly you've been a significant force in that >> and um and and I just, you know, have to just tip my hat. Thanks. >> Because certainly it >> Thank you from from everybody that was involved over the years. And one of the things we're thinking of doing for next year um when the original committee gets back together is call back all the folks that are that are still around with us. to be part of uh the fanf fair share of giving us a last harrah type of deal and try to get the

032the original members though many of them are have gone from us but uh there's still quite a few still around and maybe just get them all together and get a recognition and get a picture of all of us together at one time. >> Great idea >> special moment you know so that's what we're thinking about. All right. Well, thank you, >> which is nice. But thank you for those those kind words and uh thank you for the uh enthusiasm that you guys created. I saw that that first meeting and it was pretty awesome that I got a little emotional because it brought back 1986 all over again something which is so thank you for that update. Let's hope we have good weather. That's I know really. Keep knocking keep knocking. I keep praying that barbie

033can Friday. No more rain. No more rain, chief rain dance. Um, all right. So, we're moving on. Uh, report and discuss, uh, incoming emails to the select board and how to handle them. I thought we had actually >> We did this last time. So, I think I think it kind of got I don't think it kind of was I I think when we drafted it, it kind of wasn't the right wording for it, but we had talked about having a standing meeting or a standing agenda item where we talked about >> communications and that's more of what I was trying. >> So, this would be an agenda item, >> an agenda item that we discuss >> like the incoming emails and how we've responded to them. >> That's that was Sorry. Okay. And I I'm

034I'm I apologize. I didn't really >> go through the um agenda quite as >> initially what we said what what was agreed upon was that I would draft a letter or send a letter off to them, but I would individually provide you those those emails. Now, do you want that? >> No, I don't think we said you'd provide it to us individually. I think what was said was that you would reply. Yeah. >> And that as part of our packet >> packet I would >> the response would be in the packet as these are the things that I've responded to. >> Okay. That's that's fine because I have two that I could have put in probably today, but I didn't do that because I wasn't sure. Right. So, >> and I would say either becomes

035the first item under old and new business or we do it just before consent or just after consent before town manager report so that it's always in the same place. >> Always in the same place. >> One of the two. >> All right, that's fine. We can we can do that at our next agenda set. >> Good. Okay. Thank you. Uh next uh update on the Dragonfly Street Fair uh which is uh Saturday, September 27th from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. It's always a a nice take. Again, hopefully the weather holds out for us and u once Mike, do you have an update on that for us with respect to that? >> Um other than just, you know, planning is still underway and I know there's been some discussion about road closures and everything. And

036I got an email today with respect to that saying that uh Doug was good with what he had some concerns at first, but I guess they worked them out uh at today's meeting. >> The roadway traffic >> roadway traffic safety committee meeting. Okay. Yeah. >> So So it's basically we're just in the the final stages and just tweaking >> y >> tweaking some of the logistics and plans, but we're really uh looking forward to a to a good day, >> good event. Cool. I'm sure there's something posted on the website that details it a little bit >> if somebody wanted to >> Check it out and see what it's what it's about. Yeah, >> I believe there's a I did go on the site and I saw I saw the the road map that they

037had with the lines and arrows directing where the traffic would be going to and stuff and I guess that was a concern especially with the tractor trail of traffic that sometimes comes through that in that area whatever given days but I guess it was worked out and we're happy with it. As long as Doug is happy then we're all happy. >> So which is good. Okay. >> I think we skipped over item D. Yeah, the planning board. >> Catherine, there's someone in the m in the waiting room. >> Oh, they're right. There is. I'm sorry. Sorry about that. >> Okay. Um, discussing how to handle that. I don't even have that on my thing. >> What is it? Isn't it the 40Bs next? >> No. Discuss date for a joint meeting with the planning board

038to fill vacancies. >> D potential date 911. >> Okay. Well, take a look at that. That's the one I just printed out. >> I don't have that. >> I don't have that. This was in the This was in the packet. >> This was the only agenda that that came with all the information. I don't have it either. >> Item D under my is update on the dragonfly that I was going right down. So this basically um you had talked to so it's um discuss a date for a joint meeting with the planning board. They have two vacancies. I don't know. Did you end up talking to Trish? >> I talked to Trish. I talked to Trish Friday night over at regarding >> Ashland after that. >> Is this regarding comprehensive plan? >> No, this is

039actually their board. So Camilo um moved out of town, right? >> So resigned. Um, and they also have an associate member slot open. And because they have they have so much that's going on, um, they're looking to to fill those vacancies pretty quickly and asked if um, we might be available, at least a quorum of us might be available to go to their um, their meeting on the 11th, which is a week from >> tomorrow. >> It's like Thursday tomorrow. um to join them at the front end of their meeting for a few minutes to interview and >> andote vote >> vote to fill those slots because they they're under the gun >> and we have done that before in the past. So >> Yeah. I I may not be able to be there for

040that. I I there's a possibility that I could be, but right now I couldn't. >> Okay. Could you be be a hybrid or >> I can be there. >> I can I can do September 11th >> at least. They have a quorum and I know I'm available if >> you're available. Yeah, I'm I'm good. >> Okay. >> Quum. >> Will we be at the beginning of their agenda? >> I think so. >> I asked I asked Trish that not to >> Did you you know not to put us back in >> 75 7:15 >> 7:15 >> Are you able to be there? Okay. All right. So, we had definitely more than we have. Good. All right. So, I'll I'll uh if she's listening, I'll Paul, you can pass that information on that. Uh we'll be

041there on the uh the 11th. Thank you. I appreciate that. All right. And I'm sorry I didn't have that on my And this was the one that I printed out. I'm sorry, folks. >> Yeah, it wasn't on the one that I pulled down from the share drive. >> Yeah. Okay. Okay, Anthony Henderson. Um, I see I I'm looking up on the board and I see an an Anthony Henderson. Um, Mr. Henderson, uh, if you can, uh, mute yourself. you had your hand raised. So, I'm wondering if you have a question regarding that. Hello. >> Okay. Well, see, we we do look at the board. All righty. All right. So, we will continue now. The next item that I have under E is discuss 4B projects. Is that what you have in yours? I just want

042to make sure we're back we're back to normal again. Okay, we're back to normal again. Okay, we're back in. Okay, >> go ahead. You're you're you're on board. >> We'll start off with 10 to 60 Main Street. Um, so I did hear back from the EPA and uh although we haven't affirmed everything up as in terms of whether they would be able to be there virtually or in person, but um they do plan on being at September at the next ZBA meeting um to answer any questions >> next Tuesday. >> Correct. September 9th um the EPA. Yeah. Lisa Thuit from the EPA um you know to answer any questions regarding you know, the plume and nanza. Um, she would uh not necessarily be in a space to speak explicitly or as as uh detailed as

043the applicant's LSP, George Campbell, would be on the, you know, the methods and the methodology that they are planning on using to, you know, protect and mitigate any kind of circumstances. But she can at least give an overview of the plume. um what kind of dangers it it could potentially present and what they're recommending in terms of mitigation factors. >> Okay. >> So, um thankful for her to uh to be able to do to do that. Uh those of you that were at the high school back in 2020 um when we discussed um that u the remedy what they what they term the final remedy for the um OU2 operable unit unit two which is the plume Lisa is the one from the EPA that was there and spoke and detailed everything. So just to

044give you a little idea of a reminder of who she is um it's 10 to 60 Main Street. So, uh, >> correct. >> Um, 61 Waverly Street, um, I know Jasmine was waiting for, um, an extension letter from the applicant because currently that is scheduled to close on September 21st. Um, our, if you recall, we had kind of a um, a citizen architect team, if you will, that worked on the 10 to 60 project. Um and they have been graciously willing to work on the um Waverly Street project as well. And um so we're setting up a meeting trying to figure that out. Um trying to uh to start that process off. So they have you know the architectural drawings and are reviewing those. Um and then 55 West Union Street. Uh the conservation commission

045did um send over a comment letter uh to the ZBA regarding that project. Um have you had a chance to look at that or have you have you seen that? I believe it's on the website. Not I can make sure you get a copy if not. Okay. >> All right. >> Thank you. >> Then um another another item related to the 40Bs here was how the projects affect our current housing plan. Um and I just I basically made an assumption that that is with relation to our affordable housing and our housing production plan and how it interacts with that and um so I did a little bit of calculations related to this. So um you know we have as of the 2020 census we had 7,456 housing units. Now, if you looked at the units

046that had already been built and if you add on 100 Chestnut Street, the potential units at 501 Pond Street and then the Arbella at Ashland project, um those um if you add all of those up with the units that we have, that brings us up to 753 affordable units. that would count as 753 affordable units um in total um in the town which would put us barely over 10%. So we would be slightly over our 10% according to the 2020 census without any of the 40B projects. if the 40B projects um moved forward as they're currently um basically um as as they have currently been um configured, if you will. That would add an additional 592 units onto our affordable housing inventory, which um would bring our total number of affordable units to 1,345 affordable

047units, which would equate to 18% of our housings. So, um, and just as a reminder, every 10 years, every dennial census, that's when they determine what your total housing unit number is. Um, so there would be quite a buffer there. Um, assuming the state didn't change, number one, assuming the state did not change requirements where the numbers change. Um, and you know, there wasn't a whole lot of building that happened here in town of multif family units that did not have an affordable. So, >> so one question for you. >> Sorry. >> Um, the So, when the first the first of the 40Bs get permitted, so which looks like it's probably going to be Waverly, correct? We think that'll be probably the first one that has but when I say permitted that will be the

048first one with the hearing closed and then they have to they have to draft a decision and all that assuming and I'm making an assumption assuming that goes through and that gets permitted um would we hit would we be able to be eligible for safe harbor when that gets permitted? Well, no. I know that, but I'm just saying I want I want to close >> I want to close the door. >> I believe we'd have to do an update to the housing production plan to include those numbers is my understanding. >> Yeah, I believe our current housing production plan is good until May of 2026. I need to double check that. >> Okay, >> that makes sense because we finished it in 20 in January of 2020. >> 2021. >> Uh 2021. >> Was it

0492021? Okay, so 2026. five year. >> Um so as long as one got permitted before then >> okay >> and it had a comprehensive and I believe the rule is just a comprehensive permit issue. um then yes that would uh and it was done before May of 2026 we would be in safe harbor and with any of these projects it would be for a two-year period >> unless that project didn't get built after a year had gone by then they drop off similar to what happened >> does that affect 501 that they haven't built anything yet how does that affect that. >> So 50 in affect it in what way? >> In the fact that it hasn't been built yet, >> right? That's it not getting built was one of the reasons we went out

050of safe harbor >> which is why we have some of these between that and UGC which is why we went into why we had 40 projects. >> Correct. But had have the permits been already issued that for 501. I said that's in the pipeline. So either >> so we can't count that. So, Michael, I I if you're done with updates there on that, I have a few questions um related initially, I guess, to 10 to 60 Maine. Um >> can I ask some generic questions related to affordable that that ties into that if you don't mind? >> You had your hand to sorry, I didn't mean to >> not call. Not maybe for tonight, but there's been discussion that there are some affordable units that are going to be losing their um affordability restrictions. Are

051we working on that? And what can we do to make sure they keep their affordability restrictions? >> I know that um Steve Greenberg was that for us. >> Okay. >> And some of those units have to deal with right up there. >> Okay. Oh, I'm sorry. >> Thank you. >> I'm sorry. >> Yeah. Pull it a little closer, Joe. >> Bite into it. >> So, I know that we're talking about the Galani way uh >> I don't know which ones. All I know is I've heard conversation that some of them are going to be dropping off that we need to figure what we can do. And um I know that he was in uh in contact with Rico from uh uh HDCD uh with respect to that and how we can continue keeping them on

052our side of the ledger instead of losing them and dropping them off. Yeah. >> And we haven't heard back yet from from her. So, okay. >> Waiting to hear back. And unfortunately, uh with Steve being out of the out of the loop for a while, um we'll have to uh uh maybe Dave uh Rosen Bloom step up and >> Okay. >> and check check that for us. >> Okay. >> Yep. And then the second thing related to um you were saying that the developer for Waverly Street has to ask for an extension. If we if they don't ask and we don't give it to them, does that mean our time to ask ask questions is up and then the ZBA has to do their deliberation and give them their conditions before they would give them

053a permit? Is that the next process? >> Yeah. So, it it's a little bit of the other way around. We're we're hoping to get the extension. We've asked for the extension. Okay. and hoping that the developer agrees because you're right if if we do not get an extension then the date for the hearing has to close September >> 20 or the hearing has to close on September >> 21. Okay. And we've been getting a lot of emails I'm sure you've all seen them from the gentleman who lives there and >> um I have not had the opportunity to follow that one as closely. Um, do we know has any has any discussion with the developer been had about sidewalks or improving the roadway or >> there will be. >> Okay. Because I'm like this is

054a to me this is an opportunity to say hey >> yeah absolutely >> put on put sidewalks in on 135 because it'll you know it'll improve the quality of life for your residents. >> That's been a bone of contention with respect to the roadway traffic safety committee. >> Right. >> Especially in that area and we've had that discussion several times. CL I think you said it on one of those meetings with us with respect to that. So um >> yeah so it's definitely on a rad uh it's definitely not going to get >> fallen through the cracks on >> great thank you >> and my understanding um not directly from the applicant but through uh some of our staff is that they're there's an openness um by the applicant to look at that they're they're

055looking to work with us. Yeah, I think, you know, it depends on how how long a sidewalk we're talking about. >> You know, I think probably from the public safety building to the Framingham line is is not going to not going to be um received very well. But by the same on the flip side, you know, I think one that's just the length of the development is not going to be >> Well, that's not worth it, right? If you're going to put in a sidewalk, it has to connect to other sidewalks, >> right, >> to make it beneficial. And there's no there's no other sidewalk on 135 at that location at all >> anywhere from the town from Ashlin Town line. Right. >> So if the developer isn't willing to do that, you know, go

056to the town line in Framingham, which there are no sidewalks on that portion of the road in Framingham their Waverly Street, then maybe make it up to uh the Hindu Temple driveway where a lot of people, you know, walk into that location. That may be a that may be a counter offer at some point. Who knows? But I'm just saying it would be >> Thank you. That's all I have. >> Thank you. Go ahead, Claudia. Hi. >> Um 10 to 60 main. The last uh hearing uh there was conversation. He was going to ask for an extension for that project. Michael, do you know if that's happened? >> Not that I'm a not that I'm aware of. >> So he there were two things that were going to happen. He was going to ask for

057an extension and then he was in favor and u Mr. Wter um sort of agreed to it at that point. He was in favor of leaving the hearing open. So you don't know anything about how that's >> I do not. No. >> Um we've also asked about he had very early on had asked um had said he would do a balloon test. You know if there's any movement there? >> Um no he has not responded as to whether or not he'd be willing to do that. I think the last um the last public exchange I think was at was it at the last CBA meeting or the one before >> and I think one of the ZBA members had had suggested a rendering. Yeah. >> And I believe >> I don't think a rendering really

058does it. It's very hard to capture perspective um in a rendering. Um, one thing I wondered about actually today I was looking at the church steeple and and um wondering >> where where could you where do you think I could find out how high that is? >> We might actually have that. >> Yeah. >> 128 million >> I believe. So I think we do have those those dimensions >> because um >> you know that's something I think the the building um to 60 main at its highest point will be just just shy of 70 ft. >> That is correct. Like 60 like literally like 69 ft and some change. Yeah. So, I think that it's important for to see more than a rendering. I think that Mr. England um you know likes to respond to

059questions with >> I don't know why he's so opposed to having a a balloon test because >> it was his I think I'm pretty sure it was his suggestion very early on. >> Um >> you know, I remember asking him very early on. Um and he he was very resistant to the idea at the time. I think, you know, I was hoping in this last exchange um just because he seemed um last couple of hearings seem to be a little bit more amendable to some of the requests that we had had that um that would result in a affirmation that he'd go ahead and do it. I received that. Um, and then the other the other thing was I know we had talked a little bit about um potentially bringing on a lawyer with some

060I know that our attorney has some experience with a significant amount of experience with 40bs and that maybe a another set of eyes might be helpful of I did you have a chance to chat with Lisa about that? >> Not again. That's not the second time around. But I also I also need some a little clarification with that because if if we're looking for something different from legal counsel and we need to communicate that to legal counsel as well because you know in talking about another attorney which you know if that's if that's the direction we need to go in. What are we looking for that attorney to do that we haven't and that we've asked our current attorney to do um that's not happening? Is that >> Yeah. No, I understand what you're saying.

061I think that um the attraction for some with the other another attorney or specifically even one attorney is that there was a lot of success with some of the uh waiverss, right? And so I think that that was um I don't know if if you know attorney winner or if attorney me have had the opportunity to look at that particular case. >> Um >> yes for for sure. Um and it's really interesting. I mean I went I believe it's attorney Poocci. >> I went to his website and he he doesn't cite that case as being one of his signature wins. So, um, because I think what was, so I think the case being made, you know, for attorney Pooie's, um, and I I want to say this as respectfully as possible. I don't know the

062man, um, but, you know, there was a project in Falmouth that I believe the applicant had applied for 900 units. Ultimately, what was built was 300. I think during the course of looking into that what was discovered was that >> right we know that they couldn't build more than 300 >> they couldn't build more than 300 right um and I think maybe >> we talked about that >> yeah I think maybe if you know if that if that got down to like 200 units you know compared to the 300 unit max that might be a win so that might be why he doesn't have it on on his website um he might not necessarily think it's a the way you know some other people are kind of thinking that that's >> you know one of

063the concerns that I have with respect to that but I don't interrupt your your flow of questioning is that on the deed it says there will be no apartments no living units there so how is that allowed if it's in if it's if it's written in the deed >> this is a great question for EPA um because that that is um that is the EPA um use restriction activity and use limitation, right? >> And so so how so how does that happen? So when they did the the cleanup um back many many years ago, they only cleaned up to the extent that the that they met the mass D standards to allow commercial and residential work to h or commercial and residential or commercial to happen there. Excuse me. commercial and industrial as well. If

064they want if an owner or an applicant wanted to do more like wanted to do residential, they would have to go in and do more clean up, do more or do more type of mitigation efforts. And so what happens is that so they submit that RAM plan um that's the remedial remedial action um that is that is reviewed and um if the EPA if it does not meet the standards of the EPA they're not going to remove that AUL restriction. So the risk is on the applicants. So, so does that mean they're creating a plan to I mean I we've heard about the barriers and stuff like that. Are they planning to do more cleanup before they start doing any construction? >> Um I know I I use the term cleanup. I went I meant

065to say corrected real quickly to say mitigation. I'm not sure. I don't remember seeing in their remedial action plan where there's an extensive >> clean after all this if the EPA does not like their remediation plan for the barrier and all that. The EPA could say you can't build here. >> That is correct. >> You can't process. >> So that happens during the construction process. >> During the construction process. So that means >> so what they do on the barrier there's the potential that they could start going they could tear down the buildings they could do what they're going to do for remediation and then EPA could say this is not enough and you can't build here >> correct but they're having the dialogue ahead of time to make sure that there is you know

066congruence I guess is the best word between what EPA would like and then bless you >> and then what is being proposed. I think we should look at a belt and sus suspenders approach and have as part of the ZBA decision, you know, the required um thickness for the vapor barrier and then also the vapor mitigation system >> because there's different thicknesses. >> Correct. You want to make sure that you have the, you know, I mean, I would think you want the thicker one to the mic so that it lasts longer. >> Which is why I'm still so interested that the EPA has allowed >> EPA >> or that the developer has gone this far. I'm like, it says no residential. So then how does I mean and I guess that's part of it. I

067mean, who understands why the h why this state does stuff like mass housing had this information. Yeah. that there's a deed restriction for residential that you you'd think that they would have said, you know what, go find a better property. >> It's very confusing >> and not necessarily logical either. >> Yeah. I mean, I and I couldn't tell you I can't I couldn't tell you specific properties where this has happened before, but I do know Jeff has said like they have encountered this situation before. Yeah. Well, >> and also I I'm glad uh I'm glad this this came up. I the applicant did send to Jasmine. I did see a copy >> of um the ma I know a question was raised about the >> lifespan that paper barrier and I believe a comment was

068made that it was 20 years. >> Um and the manufacturer states that it's significantly longer than that. >> Can I ask what? So what is it then? >> Yeah. >> Right. Yeah, >> because when I went I when I researched it, I came up with 20 years, too. I mean, >> obviously I'm just relying on Google for my information. But >> and >> did you have a question? >> I do have a question, but I'm waiting I'm letting Michael find the answer. But like while you're looking for that, uh I my other question is like so presumably if if presumably everything goes through and the mitigation is approved by the EPA, um when the structure is built, are potential renters required to be informed of the uh of the existing issue and mitigation taken before

069they uh go into a transaction. And maybe this is a a question for the EPA because I don't know what the rules are, but like you know, even if there's a mitigation uh in place, you know, if if someone's renting, you know, one of those apartments, like they is there a requirement that they they are informed that they are where their location is has a has a boom. >> I feel pretty confident in saying that there's not a requirement >> like like a statewide law that that requires that, right? >> Um I'm wondering if that's something that could be inserted in the decision. Yeah, I think that would be helpful. People need to make informed choices about >> where they live and if they're going to be raising children there. >> Exactly. you know, as

070as as someone who who would be if I were in that part of my life, I would be very I I want to know before I I rent something like that to know what potential risks could be there >> or mitigated risks are there before I rent. And the other piece I think you know and this is a question for the EPA really but because it is in a flood plane and you know there's a whole host of issues around flood it being in a flood plane but one of them in my mind is what does a flood plane what does a flood do to a barrier you know does it impact the lifespan does it impact its even ability to perform at that time um you know where does what does the water >>

071does it does it affect the integrity of the uh >> does the water somehow uh and honestly I don't know does the water get in anyways and and is it able to carry contaminants elsewhere to the properties surrounding it I mean >> and also what happens when there is a flood like is there a testing procedure is there something that they >> need to need to do to make sure that there there's still integrity. >> Integrity. Yeah. >> I don't know. Like may I guess that probably is a question for the EPA? >> Yeah. And I think maybe the best thing to do is if you do have these questions, if you could email it to Jasmine CC um Beth and I >> on that um we can make sure that Lisa Lisa Thuitt from

072the EPA and and answer those. Um regarding the specific um question regarding the vapor barrier. Um so this is from the manufacturer uh Jack Condan. So our vapor barriers have an indefinite life expectancy and come with our life of the building warranty. Um the main factor that contributes to this life expectancy is that our membranes are made of prime virgin poly olifhen resin blends. Try saying that five times. This means they contain all of the antioxidants that stop plastic from degrading. Um, as a comparison, most generic recycled poly sheeting products can start to become brittle and deteriorate underneath a concrete slab in as quickly as two years. >> And does that mean it degrades slowly over time? Is there a graph that shows until it, you know, reaches I mean it's it's just a >>

073yeah I think those are good questions. So this week in your newsletter then because this has been you know a big question from the community about having the opportunity to discuss some of the the you know safety concerns around this um would you'll put post that in terms of the meeting next Tuesday >> um and then maybe even offer them the opportunity to submit questions. Yeah, I want to say we actually did that in the in the most recent. >> It kind of rings a bell, but >> but I'm not sure. You didn't have a date last time. >> I probably did not. No. >> So, when is that happening? The EPA? >> Tuesday the 9th. Okay. Um, I just want to capture make sure I'm capturing a couple of things that we've talked about

074um just in discussion that we think should be included in the decision. Um, and so talking about the EPA's recommendations for the um, thickness of the vapor barrier as well as a vapor in what they call the vapor intrusion system um, including the provision about notifying potential renters um, about the location. Is there anything I missed regards to being in that decision? I don't know if I care about the thickness. I only care about how the what the thickness how well it performs performs. Right. So, I guess it'd be more of of a per performance um statement. >> Okay. And they should be the ones recommending. >> Yeah. I mean, it should come from the EPA, you know, somebody that doesn't have uh, you know, dog in the game. >> Nowadays, though, I guess everybody

075has a dog in the game. >> Yeah, this is true. Um, and so that was I don't think I I Oh, I did. Sorry. Okay. Any more any other questions regarding those? Are we good on the 40bs? >> Okay. Okay. We already talked about the housing project plan and that. So I we move on to um letter ref Mendes uh building committee. Um there has been a suggestion and a request to lower the number of members on the Mendes school building uh committee. And u as a result of discussion within their group. Uh there has been a number of individuals who were sitting on that board uh have uh sent a letter of resignation and I could read uh them off to you. >> Why don't we let Paul maybe address it real quick first

076>> they have to be included in the motion. >> Go ahead. >> Uh Paul Kendall 6aka Road uh current chair of the Mendes Building Committee. Uh so yes I I uh sent a letter uh requesting that uh the board consider uh reconstituting the committee in a smaller number. Clearly, we're at a different point in the project now. Uh we're we're a very large group. We're 18 members, 15 voting members. Um and given everyone's busy schedule and the kind of mundane erode uh nature of our current work, uh it's been difficult to get a quorum sometimes. and I feel bad chasing people to come on to, you know, do do this work. And um so I did approach approach the committee a couple times and and and ask them about uh what they wanted to do.

077Uh it was 100% voluntary. Uh and you know what I what I urged them to do is 100% unapologetically what they wanted to do, what was best for them. uh with nothing but appreciation for the work that this group's done. We should be incredibly proud uh of this group. We went through crazy times, unprecedented times uh through this process and I can tell you without hesitation that every single building committee member has made an impact on the on the project. So um so with that uh we just request that uh we you accept the letters of resignation with our gratitude and uh and then reconstitute it with the with the lower number. We're basically essentially keeping two community members positions that wanted to stick uh stay on and then um either the staff or the

078uh required and I'll use air quotes because technically nothing's required as far as the members but uh all the building committee needs to be approved by the MSBA and you will have to have justification why you don't have uh the town administrator on superintendent um principal uh uh MCPO for procurement and things like that. So, we're keeping the staff and and those positions on and then uh Miss Bennett and uh Mr. Kane wanted to stay on as well. So, >> thank you, Paul. >> Thank you. Any additional comments or questions for Paul? No, >> we're good with that. >> Y >> um would you like me to read >> We have to do this as a motion. >> Okay. >> Right. So I move that we accept the resignation from the Mendes school building committee

079of um Taylor Van Basker Bodio Nicholas Giovano Ed Harton Joshy Christopher Lee Tim McKay the lock subraham and Jenna Lurango who has left the district >> there a second >> I'll second that. All those in favor of supporting the recommendations. >> I That's 5 Z. >> And then I move that we the select board dissolve the current Mindes School Building Committee that was originally created on April 18th, 2018 and reconstitute the Mendes School Building Committee consisting of 11 11 members. the members to include Paul Kendall from the school committee representative. Yolanda Greavves, select board representative, um Jim Adams, superintendent of schools. Well, I missed something. Uh Michael Christopher Matthew, director of business and and operations. Michael Herbert, town manager. Uh John Murray, director of facilities. Michael Kyra, assistant superintendent, director of curriculum instruction and assessment.

080Claudia Bennett, community member, Michael Kaine, community member. Paul Carpenter, director of technology as a non- voting member, and Kate Kate Alman, the current principal of the Mindes Elementary School, as a non- voting member. >> You all those in favor? >> I 50. So, Paul, you have a new committee. Good luck. And uh I know that'll make it a little bit easier when you schedule your meetings. Let's hope. Thank you. And again to all those who uh sent their letter of resignation like Paul said, thank you for all your work uh and your commitment and sacrifice to get this building built and you all your efforts came into uh fruition and it's a beautiful building and I know that the children are enjoying it. The bees are also enjoying it. >> Um and I drove up

081>> wasps wasp. I'm sorry. Wasp. I know I'm giving bees a bad name. Sorry. I know. I >> can't do that. We have to be We have to be ecologically correct. Um I drove I drove up there the other day and looked at the fields. They're coming in very nice. >> You're getting there. >> They get >> Listen, I I I I know, but I have to tell you something. They they look good >> from what was there. They look good. I know there's a lot of work left to be done, but it it looks good. And I like the real and post fence along the other side of it. Very very nice. You know, and I I want to add that I I um was over there today actually for something and I the

082kids on the that playground is really spectacular, you know. I mean, I I was at a different angle than I'd been at before to to really look at it and see kids see it full. >> Um and it's really a spectacular playground. And um I did um you know ask if if Mrs. Alman thought that the kids miss the grass and she said maybe a little bit but they kind of all agreed that right now they're doing just fine with a playground but it's a really a spectacular playground if uh even if you don't have kids there you should go over >> well funny you should say that yeah the playground >> yeah I'll push you on the swing >> I actually we drove we drove up there on Sunday and my wife and I

083were looking at it also saw the area that was blocked off because of the wasps and um there was at least four families. They were sitting at the picnic tables. They were having like a brunch type of deal and the kids were playing and it great. It was it was wonderful to see being utilized, you know, even while the school wasn't in session. That was just it's a it's a focal point now. It's becoming a destination location >> and it it looked really good in all those news coverage of the bees. >> Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Look very nice. So again, thank you to your committee for job well done and we appreciate that. So good luck to everybody. Okay, next on our agenda, uh, discuss the boards and committee subcommittee recommendations previously discussed at

084our June 4th, 2025 select board meeting, and I will turn that over to Yolanda. >> Thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh, so uh, it is good to have uh, my fellow subcommittee member with me on this round as on June 4th, I had to kind of present our ideas on our own. Um so this evening we were hoping to get a little bit more specific about our recommendations and there's one particular recommendation that we wanted to discuss with the board. Um uh just to review uh we had uh for folks for the folks at home uh earlier this year we had met with uh our different uh committees uh select board appointed committees um chairs and and and members to get some recommendations on how we could improve uh the committee um the committee recruitment and

085retention uh process and we got a lot of really great suggestions. We also met with Sue Roby who manages that process for uh for recruit for uh recruitment and applications and such. Uh and we came up with some key recommendations which I shared with the board um on the fourth. Um these recommendations include but aren't necessarily limited to uh ensuring that uh before applicants uh put applications in that they should be required to attend at least two meetings of that uh border committee that they're interested in in being a part of so that they understand what the commitment entails. Um, we wanted to make some quick changes to the application, including uh allowing people to put their LinkedIn uh link or uh upload their CV uh just so that we could get a better picture

086of the the the candidates. Um that like I said, the the the one that we wanted to talk with y'all uh tonight about was uh select board liaison's two committees. Uh so uh Yolanda, I'm going to have you jump in here. Uh but the thought being like I like I I said in in June is that having more of formal liaison to committees may actually help uh these committees u with get you know make sure that they know that they're supported by the select board make sure that there's a connection if there's an issue they know exactly who to reach out to. um just making sure that uh predominantly communication and uh in helping these committees to execute what they need to do would be greatly uh enhanced I think with uh with specifically aons.

087Um we had a few ideas about how that could work but Yolanda why don't you jump in. Yeah. So one of the things in again looking in talking to the different committees and the members of those committees and also doing some research of other communities by having a specific liaison a select board member for each committee. Um and then they would be the contact. So you would attend a meeting you know either one a meeting every month or every other month whatever you feel is is going to work for you. And ideally, it's a committee that you're somewhat interested in that if you're there, you're at least discussing and participating in something that you want to help with. Um, but also to help that communication back and forth, right? How do we know how the

088how a committee is working and whether or not they need some assistance with what they're working on or how do we say, you know, how do we find out what they're doing? You know, we've for many years we've talked about having them all come and report to us. And we've done that a couple times where we've invited different committees to come and tell us what they're working on and how things are going and and sometimes it's worked and we've had one or two committees come and then because it's gotten busy or there's been a lot on our agendas, it's dropped off or or trying to communicate with them has been different has been difficult. So our thought was if we could think about the different committees that we have and you know the ones the

089committees that we appoint are the ones that we're looking at. So right >> open space and wreck upper Charles Trail Conservation CPC historical and I don't remember them all. >> Council council on aging >> um any ZBA any any of the committees that we appoint one one of us is their liaison. Um, >> I can tell too right off the top of my head. Housing >> affordable housing >> and a road rate traffic study. >> Right. Right. >> Right. >> And I'm on both of them. >> Right. You're on both of those. So those are those are right. Those are good ones. Right. For me, I I I'm already I've already done some with Open Space and Wreck as well as Upper Charles Trail. So those are two for me that I would that I

090would continue to do. Um, >> you know, for me historical and and you know, I I think cultural council would be something that I'd be interested in in leing with as well. But, you know, we can, like I said, I the one thing that Yolanda and I did discuss is that, you know, we wanted to make sure that this was something that was manageable uh for us, but also with the committees as well. um not talking about making every single meeting, but you know, making sure that whatever cadence you're on, you and the chair understand like what meetings you'd attend. Um and then making sure that you kind of keep your door open, you know, for the chair, the members of those committees to communicate and ask questions, um reach out, that sort of thing.

091because you know we we all do do a lot but you know so we want to make sure that if this is something that folks could do we don't want to like crush folks with with this as well. So I'd love to get your >> feelings on that. >> Yeah. >> I to me I think what you what you both suggested is great idea. I mean years ago we talked about doing something like that and and again it just it never came to fruition. Why? I don't know but it's always a good idea to happen. that connection. I think it was 10 years ago when I was asked to join the affordable housing trust and it was u you know there was some issues going on at the time and they wanted to make sure

092things were being done the way they were supposed to be done and so be happy to get on board and then when uh portable >> traffic safety committee came about came about um you know Eddie Ed Burman was was at the time and he was running the the program and he asked for and and I and I did as a liaison, right? >> So that way if there was any questions, concerns and basically they wanted somebody to be able to ask for funding for some of the things that needed to get done. So yeah, so I was the I was the dog to have to go and you know bite the hand that feeds them. Um so and it's and it's worked out well and unfortunately Eddie took the job as uh the chief in

093Whan and um he's uh so you know unfortunately by default I started I I had to take over as as as as the chair of the roadway traffic safety committee. But um it's I think your idea is a great idea and it's and it's a sound idea and it's >> and and it's actually not that many committees that need right >> like I'm looking at the A to H list >> and we already have um affordable housing covered. Makita is willing to take Ashen cultural council um that's not us CPC >> um and conservation and council on aging and historical. So that's I I don't know I have lost count but it wasn't that many when Makita and I were looking at these. >> Yeah. Um, so >> yeah, I mean I first off, uh,

094Brandy, Claudia, I haven't really heard from you all during this conversation, so like if you all could jump in and kind of share your thoughts, that would be awesome. >> Eye contact. We're making eye contact. >> Sure. I I'll I'll just I'll say like um I think it's a great idea. I think it's good. Um the the other thing I would say is that um once we take on these committees as liaison then we should make sure that we report back to the board in a like you know that that's part of yeah and and that's that's the other >> and that could be a standing thing too right once a month >> we all report on the meetings right as part of our board report and >> if something comes up, we can then

095ask to have it put on the agenda. >> Yeah, that sounds that sounds good. And I' I'd be happy to take on um a couple committees. >> Okay. >> I'm I'm counting 12. I kind of went through Is that similar? >> A couple more, but >> where did you get the exact list of 12? >> I just I went to the website and looked at the difference. >> Yeah, I'm looking at it, but I think >> Yeah, it doesn't indicate which are ours. So on the >> on the um >> on the second page on the >> M to what is it? >> K to Z. So land stewardship um they don't land stewardship, >> open space and wreck. Uh roadway traffic safety, >> storm water advisory, sustainability, town forest, Upper Charles and ZBA. >>

096Right. We we actually what I was going to suggest Yolanda is maybe what we could do is uh send out a list uh or a spreadsheet and uh have folks you know kind of sign in you know just sign up for what you're interested in and then the next meeting we can >> and if you know if two people are interested and we can discuss it >> we can just discuss it at the next meeting and get it straight out. >> Good idea. You know, in my years on the school committee, we always had liaison to different groups um to the schools and to uh the pack and the the u uh PTO. So, you know, in all each of the schools uh site council, one of us would sit on the site council. Um

097so, yeah, I think it's a great idea. Certainly it it's right now even now I feel like I don't have a full grasp of of what some what's going on with some of the committees. So um just even hearing even what other people's have to say it would be >> awesome. And I think the spreadsheet is a good thing too because like I need to I need to go in and look to see what days >> these committees meet and see if I can make those meetings before I commit to being a >> liazison. >> And like I said like you know don't plan on or don't you're not I don't think obligating us to attend every meeting. I mean my my suggestion would even be like once quarterly for a lot of them with

098any sort of other meetings or telephone calls or emails that you need to do with chairs or or members. But you know it the point is to make sure that you have a line of communication you understand what they need assistance with and how we can help them. So, you know, again, and you know, sometimes I, you know, for sometimes you're going to have to meet more frequently, other times you will not, but I think maybe just a minimum of once a quarter would get folks started. Um, just get that line of communication open. You know, it's a thought. >> Sounds good to me. >> First step is always the hardest. >> Exactly. So, uh, we owe you a spreadsheet. Um, the other piece of this is that we did I think we should meet

099with Sue again to talk through like how we can assist with the uh recruitment materials and and some of those. >> Yeah. And and the other thing I think we'd like to and I I think we've talked about this but maybe not officially is make it so that >> on the form you can only apply for one committee at a time. >> Yes. >> So that as you're as you're filling it out you can't fit, you know, select six, right? Right. You then pass those on to all the chairs and like who are you really interested in? >> Exactly. >> So, we'd like to do that and then also work on having a spot for either >> your LinkedIn >> um your LinkedIn link or or your your C, you know, your CV. Yeah. So,

100that we have a little bit more information from people as we're reviewing them. >> Yeah. And even and what we get from Susan too, it's not very friendly. I I think we should I I'm gonna someday maybe sit with her and see the what the back end of that looks like because when we looked at I think it was um the scholarships >> when we looked at the back end you could really take it as a spreadsheet and make anything you wanted from it. So I don't want >> you're willing to do that go for it. >> Yeah I mean you know we definitely want to coordinate with you so let's let's do that. >> Yeah. And the other thing um is there might be a spreadsheet floating around that lists all these committees because

101Yolanda if you remember >> um you had at one point asked us to rate which >> the importance of committees that we want to have right that that was last year and that might >> but yeah so yeah it won't be too hard to to create the list or or reconstitute it from something >> and Susan Susan put her camera on so maybe she has some >> Oh hi some input for us. >> Oh, we can't hear you though. Can you open your mic, >> Sue? >> There you go. >> Yes. I just wanted to let you know I already have that form. You guys had mentioned it before that you wanted the LinkedIn or resumes. >> Okay. >> I have the form created. I just haven't had it reviewed by you guys or gone

102live with it. >> Okay, that's awesome. >> And also the ability to restrict that they only get to pick one committee at a time. I didn't put that on there, but we can absolutely build that into the form. >> That's awesome. >> Thank you. >> Yep. Thanks. >> Thanks, Susan. >> We'll circle back with you on that, >> Susan. >> Good. >> Fantastic. >> Thank you, ladies. >> Tying up loose ends very nicely. >> Finish. >> Okay. Next, u the 2025 Boston regional NO municipal election uh discussed supporting the nomination of Mayor Charlie Syski uh to this to this position that would represent Ashland and the Metro West area. >> What is this? >> I'll tell you. I'll tell you. >> Let the cat out of the bag. Jumped right out of it. Go ahead.

103Well, it's so funny that this came on because at our our last Metro West regional collaborative meeting, we were having a discussion about this. So, the MO I I don't really what Metropolitan >> Planning organization, >> right? Metropolitan Planning Organization and they are the ones who they have this large committee where they review items that go on the TIP, which is the transportation infrastructure program, right? So, it's federal dollars coming in, state dollars coming in, they have this whole rating. Um what happens is and I think it's in the in our packet is that um every year or every couple years there's these different elections and each um the the elections have different types of seats. So there's city seats, there's town seats, there's regional seats, um there's large city, there's I don't know there's

104a bunch of different ones. So what happens is right now they're looking for people for nominations for the Metro West region seat and it's part of the Metro West Regional Collaborative. So the nine cities and towns that make up the Metro West Regional Collaborative. You mean to name them or are you okay? No. >> Um but Framingham So the MO >> People can Google that. >> Yes. The MO seat has been held by Framingham for a long time. And five years ago, six years ago, when there was a different mayor, um, actually, let me step back. So, Dennis GM Betty, who was a select board member in Framingham, had been the representative for a while. >> Yeah. when the new when the first mayor came into Framingham, they pulled Dennis from the seat and put

105someone else in it. And that was a time when I we were still very engaged with going to the MO and making sure our project stayed on board. And we actually we actually put our name in for Ashland to take the seat and we had support from Milis and Medway and a couple of other communities. Um unfort willing to do the seat I like it's anyway unfortunately when you go for the seat the name for the on the seat has to be the highest elected official. So for us at the time it was Steve Mitchell. So people saw Ashland Steve Mitchell even though we knew that I was going to be the designate. So people didn't know Steve because he wasn't as involved in some of the regional stuff. And um for Framingham, the designate

106was the mayor who at the time was Ivon Spicer. And again, people were like, you know, we're all excited because here it was Framingham's first mayor. It's very political. Um but after some review, Framingham kept the seat and finally Dennis got put back in as the design for Framingham. So he's been treating the commu the rest of the committees and the communities very well. He understands the communities. Um so the the only reason I would be hesitant about voting this today is I've heard that NATIC might be going for the seat as well. So um >> so what's the what's the timeline on this and what >> they have to have their nominations in by October 6th I believe. So we we do have another meeting that we could >> when do they Okay. So

107nominations by >> so nominations by the 6th and then the actual vote happens at the MA it's it's an MAP it's tied to MAPC. So the actual vote is happening at their fall council meeting on October 29th. I mean, c can we wait until we get the nominees in or I mean, >> yeah, I mean, I think we I I recommend we wait to vote this until we hear what's going on with NIT. Now, NIT has said that if it's going to continue to be Dennis as Framingham's design, they might support that, but they haven't decided yet. So, and if you have more questions on this, we can talk talk offline. Um, like I said, I mean, I think Framingham and Dennis have been doing well. >> October 6th is the >> Yeah, October 6th.

108>> October 6th. >> Like I said, Framingham and Dennis have been doing well, and I'm sure they're reaching out to the surrounding communities because they want to keep the seat and they've probably heard there's some potential for people. Um, >> so when you say they've been doing well, I mean, I don't want to be, you know, crash, but what have they done for us? Um, well, we haven't had Ashlin hasn't had anything new added to the tip since our Route 126 project. Okay. But Dennis when he was there advocated for us. He helped keep us >> um online, you know, moving forward and and he's always been a good advocate. He's helped us when there's been issues with Route 126. And that's the only thing that Ashlin has had on the tip. We we've talked

109about doing some other things on the tip, but we haven't gotten there yet because you have to have a certain amount of of engineering done before you can apply for the tip. >> Got it. >> And if you ever want a conversation about what the tip is and how the processes, let me know. We'll get drinks and I'll >> I would like to know that. >> Okay. Let me know. Let me know. So, I'd like to hold off on this if you guys don't mind. Um and then let me can finish my reconnaissance and see what happens and then >> Okay. Okay, >> we can go from there. >> All right, sounds good. >> And I will be attending the meeting on October 28th. So, whatever we decide, I would then vote for Ashley. >>

110Okay, >> thank you. >> Appreciate that. Thank you. Thank you for that clarification. That's >> greatly appreciated. Okay, moving right along. Uh, we have a consent agenda. Um, so if you've all read that consent agenda, I will accept a motion to accept. >> So moved. >> Is there a second? >> Second. >> All those in favor accepting the consent agenda as presented. >> I >> That's 5-0. Thank you. Okay, moving right along. We will go to uh town manager report FY 26 budget update. >> Sure. Thank you, sir. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, yeah, so just a couple of um just small updates regarding FY26. Um, we just, uh, Stephanie and Cindy have made a couple changes just operationally. Um, you know, each month, um, Stephanie would send out to department, uh, department heads like

111a copy of their budget, their year-to- date budget to make sure that it was, you know, made sure everybody aware was aware what they had within their budget. And so, you know, one of the things that we're doing now is we're changing things up and we're having actually we're having the department head sign it actually return it back to Stephanie. So they're acknowled they're acknowledging that they have received it, not just that they have been sent that. So um not that we've ever had any kind of issues with um you know overruns or any kind of anything like that, but it's just another another method of uh just accountability and um think you know transparency to a certain extent. Um, one question I did want to ask you is that we um what we have

112done is that quarterly we provide like a just a an update um a budget to actual update uh for the fiscal year and that's on the website typically. Would you like me to send that to you you know in directly or just send you like a link to the website when it gets posted? You know is there particular preference that you >> I'd be happy with a link. >> Yes, link. >> Link is fine. >> Okay. Um the the last thing related to this is that we do have a um ratings call with S&P on Monday. So that will be interesting. So that's where they, you know, take a look at our bond rating, look at any of the changes that have happened within the last year, basically make a determination about our creditworthiness. Is

113that just one meeting or is that a series? Like what's the process? Just so folks are familiar with how that works. >> Yeah, it's just it's it's really one meeting. Typically, it's a phone call. Occasionally, if they haven't done it in a while, they'll come they'll actually come out come out to the town and um you know they they look at basically the audited statements from you know the last couple of fiscal years. look at our performance. Um look at any you know growth trends that are happening any kind of development um that is that has happened recently or that's on the horizon any kind of budgetary pressures that we that we might any kind of changes in our policies or changes in our personnel. So obviously you know that's going to come up u

114with this you know with this round of calls. Um, and another thing that's going to come up is is the deficit. This will be second year in a row where we've had a pretty sizable deficit that we've had to manage. So, um, it'll be an interesting call. Um and uh hopefully we'll come out still with the AAA um AAA rating and um yeah that's uh we should know typically we know um probably by the end of the week what our rating rating is going to be. So what they do is they'll take in the analysts and everything. They'll take in all the information um start reviewing and analyze it and then what they do is they take it to what's called the credit committee at S&P um which reviews it and makes the final determination

115>> and that should be all done with week. >> Usually they can they turn it around within a week. What they'll do is they'll send us a draft um two hours before it goes live and just say if there's any got two hours to review this and if there's any kind of mistakes or got that much time to kind of >> basically let them know like there's a typo like a major typo here, you know, material typos. >> So, it can be a little a little hectic. It's uh it's been interesting. You know, if you had asked me uh, you know, a few months ago if Don, our assessor, would be the longest tenure department head in the finance team, >> I would have said whatever. But, um, yeah, it's just, um, you know, Cindy's

116new in her role. Obviously, she's been in town for a while. Stephanie's new in her role. She >> um, so it's been a great experience. um um tough experience for for everybody and uh and a learning experience. Now, do they usually wait to get the results from the S&P um with respect to the uh you know the rating aspect of it and they before they go looking for lower rates. >> So hopefully once you get that they can start looking for better bond ratings. Well, I mean, we're at the top right now, so um >> hopefully we'll maintain that >> and that helps us down the line. >> Yeah, that's actually a really a really good point I should make. I just sometimes assume everybody realizes this. Um, you know, obviously the higher our credit

117rating, the better rates we get when we go out to borrow. A few basis points can make a big difference when you're talking about tens of millions. Um so that's FY26 budget update. Um there uh were a couple of requests uh from the last meeting or in between the last meeting and this meeting uh regarding West Nile and just kind of a status update. Um so um the state was hesitant to give us the exact location of where um some of the the positive mosquito examples were, but um we were able to uh get them to let us know that it was more towards the south barrel line >> where they found that where those traps were. Um and uh so since that time also just in the last couple of days there have been

118there's been actual confirmed two confirmed cases of West Nile virus in humans. One was in Middle Sex County. The latest one which happened today was in Essex County. Middle Sex County obviously Ashland is in. Middle Sex County is also very very large stretches from the northern border to Rhode Island. Um that and then uh finally an update on the paving projects. So with the completion of the 135 project so we're done for this season. Um the only thing we have left to do is crack sealing. But the past season we were able to do six streets. Uh so Route 135, Olive Street, Spring Street, South Street, House Street, and Spy Glass Hill. Um we're we've also been um undergoing a pavement management plan u which uh we should be getting the draft report of pretty

119soon which will help inform paving projects in the future. And um >> the paving the paving plan um does that look forward like a certain period of time? Is it like a fiveyear plan or is it like more like the upcoming year? How does how is it going to be structured? typically more of a five-year plan and it's a where the bulk of the work goes is the assessment of the current pavement. So, I don't know. I think we actually put something in the newsletter not too long ago. I mean, you might have seen these funky vehicles in town that they actually are equipped with all these sensors. These vehicles drive over and that's how they measure the condition of the pavement >> is by actually driving it. I have a question about Fruit Street

120and the work that it's gas work that's being done. Yes. >> Do we require them to redo the whole road if they make a huge mess of it? >> Because Fruit Street right now >> is a mess. >> And they they've, you know, they've done the work and they've paved it over, but it's still >> bless you. >> Um It's just not >> I would agree it's not >> and you know and they've done you know some p some along the side and like it's made some of the side the side sidewalk a little bit smaller. Y >> um >> yeah it's very very rare that we have the opportunity to make them do curb to curb but I would agree Fruit Street that kind of like patch work >> it's awful it's not even

121well patched I mean you can patch something well >> when people drive over it they realize that this could be and they're slowing down that's that's the only good thing about it but that's >> it's almost as if this is just like the first step and then they're going to fix it that that's how bad it is it's just like they just did this because you know they got to fill in the >> Yeah, it's there's any way we can I mean and I know some of it's some of the patchwork that we do you know with the spraying and stuff like that. Um, but I was riding on that on on Fred Street the other day and it was >> it was a rough road. >> It was not safe. You know, if you're

122>> especially now with schools in session and the buses >> Well, and that's the thing, right? There's a lot of traffic on that road and it's just >> I don't think they're done yet. I think they're still because it was >> it was locked off part of today. >> Yeah. The metal thing. And they're still blocking the road part of the days because they're still doing some work, but if we can urge them to do better. >> Yeah. Really? >> I know. They said they were going to be done within that month and it Yeah. bragged out about >> summer. It's been >> almost the entire summer. >> I would say two months. It's been July and August. >> July and August. >> Maybe it was June, but I wasn't here. But it was July

123and August. Definitely. >> Kids get old late June anyway. So yeah. >> Okay. >> We can get an update or see what we can have them do. >> Yeah. Well, how about just get it fixed? That'd be good. That'd be better. >> Um, and then one last thing that's not on the agenda, just uh you might have have seen something about this, but the Metro West Chamber of Commerce is actually hosting uh MBTA general manager Phil Ing tomorrow um at 8:30. I think it's at the Berb in NICT. Um, so if u you know you you have some time and that's uh something that interests you um I believe um believe the tickets uh 30 or 40 but um opportunity to hear the general manager who I've heard good things about come in and you

124know talk about basically the vision for um transportation. >> There'll be a meal there'll be coffee and a meal and you know they have to rent the space and meet and greet. >> Yeah. >> And that's that is what I had. >> Can I ask a question before we move off of town manager reports? >> Water restrictions. >> Yeah, I that was I was going to ask you about that. >> I saw we're at stage level two. >> Like what does that mean? >> Um and you know what is the anticipated because I know I think technically water restrictions are until a certain point in time, but how does that work? I'm actually surprised we weren't asked to vote the extension of that. >> Yeah. Um, let me get some more information on like the

125>> but technically we shouldn't have any restrictions right now because we didn't vote to give you the unless we did it a long time ago to say anytime it happens, but I don't remember that. >> Yeah. Yeah. I don't remember that. >> Like if it's a an emergency or something. >> Yeah. >> I know. because I was surprised to see >> today I saw stage two. >> Yeah. >> On a sign. >> Yeah. It was on 135. >> And it also ends >> It was coming down the hill of Main Street. >> Yeah. It also ends um at some point in September, too. >> Yeah. >> And I don't have that date >> emlazed. Uh >> but right now we're we're we're considering stage we're considering in stage two. And that's because the wa the

126the the reason so the different stages relate to the level of the water at the reservoir >> and it's like inches within each other. >> Yeah. >> Between I think two and three. So we must have jumped we must have lost a lot from stage one to stage two. >> Yeah. Are we anticipating having to go to stage three? >> That's Yeah. >> Uh not that I've been made aware of. >> Okay. And can we remind people what it means with stage two? >> Yep, we can definitely put that out there. Um, no washing cars. >> Yeah. >> Well, it's no I mean, stage one, stage one is no washing cars, >> no outdoor watering unless you have food. Um, >> stage two is I don't even know what those other restrictions are. >> Yeah,

127that that goes back to like what does that actually mean? >> Yeah. So let's let's as in maybe in your newsletter this year this week you could let people know what that means and why. >> Yeah. Why is important >> considering we had what was it a week ago? We had rain almost all day. >> That's that's where I think people are going to be like what you know like >> it wasn't enough to >> I Yeah, I I I understand but like you know I think there may be some confusion around like how this works. >> That's a good point. Bring it up. >> Something else up for us. >> Yeah. I just I just went the the stage two restrictions. So, um unattended watering obviously is prohibited. Um car washing prohibited using municipally

128supplied water I should say. Uh washing of structures. Um the infamous filling and topping off of swimming pools. Um and then handheld uh water using municipally supplied water is >> and I guess that's the hard part, right? is that there are people who you think should be on town water that are not >> well >> that have their own wells. So >> don't yell at your neighbor until you're sure. >> That's actually a really important point, Yolanda. You know, I mean, people don't know and shouldn't make assumptions, you know, about what their neighbors are doing around this. >> There are there are a lot of neighbors right now, a lot of folks in in the area that made that that signs. Well, water in use. >> Yes. >> Yep. You know, now they could have

129town water and put well water to use. >> All All I'm gonna say, all I'm gonna say all I'm going to say is that, you know, we respect our our our homeowners as adults and we now that they are informed, we trust them to do the right thing. >> Absolutely. >> That Yes. So, >> no one waters on Mondays. >> That's right. >> Keith's going, "Really? You have you at the end. >> Okay. Thank you. Board reports. >> Okay. >> Things. Let's see. So, for the comprehensive plan, we've had two forums completed, not highly attended, but some good questions and input from in at both of those. Uh there are two more to go. One tomorrow night, uh Thursday the 4th at 7 o'clock and Monday the 8th at 8 o'clock. Uh, thank you to

130Brandy for sending out not one but two notifications uh because of a mixup that I had. Uh, but also thank you to Michael Kyra who sent one out to the schools. So, anyone who's on the school lists also received that which was great to see. So, >> um, that was good to see. Uh, I attended a meeting in prep for the new year for the Metro West Regional Collaborative. Our first meeting is the 25th of September at 8 o'clock in the morning. Some upcoming things. Tomorrow is the first senior breakfast of the year at the Ashlin Senior Center. I think there's a slight change. Instead of 9, I think that's serving at 9:30, but if you're there at 9:00, that's fine, too. And then two events coming up. We have on the 13th of September,

131we have both the Kitty Fenwall car show and the Hop the Hop Hop Ash Porch Fest. >> Say that fast three times. >> Yeah. No, thank you. Um, so yeah, two fun events on that on that day. So you can do is it ash hop? >> Ash hop. >> All I know is Ashlin and Hopkin working together for a musical festival on porches. >> There you go. Yeah. >> And then the summer concerts, the summer um the classical music event I think is this Saturday. I think it was 13th. >> Is it the 13th as well? >> Can we double check? Okay, let's double check. Music, I believe. >> The music festival. Okay. >> Um, and congratulations to everyone who started school. I think it's except for what happened at Mendes. My understanding is things

132went pretty smoothly. Um, so I hope everyone has a good year. And that's all I got. >> Thank you, Mikita. >> Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Um I have been uh traveling quite a bit but I did manage to participate in some Ashland day preparations. Attended the the last meeting and I've been running around trying to get quotes and pricing for various >> far the petting zoo. To be clear the petting zoo >> the petting zoo sound equipment all this stuff. very happy to volunteer uh to be able to do stuff even though I wasn't uh I've been in and out of town for the past couple of weeks. Um I too want to uh echo my colleagues congratulation to all the folks who have started school and I and I think we can say that

133everyone did start school successfully even even in light of the Wasp attack that occurred at Mendez. It was actually wonderful to see uh our community actually come together and help kids and get get them through it and great coordinated effort. Um so I congratulate and thank those folks too. That's all I have. >> Thank you, >> Miss Ben. >> Thank you, sir. Well, I I too have been very busy with little Ashland day activities. Um it is certainly uh you know it's a big job. So, in any case, looking forward to October 4th and um some good weather and a great day for to celebrate our community. Um I did attend the um con comprehensive plan uh session last evening. It was very good. Uh I wondered how many people did you have in the

134room? >> Oh, okay. All right. Well, >> it was actually good because there notes and then I Okay. >> Because I'm I'm presenting from the podium with the PowerPoint, so if I had to do that. >> Yeah. >> Oh, sorry. It's my fault. I think I was going to talk again. Thank you, Mackie. Um, yeah. I don't know. I think we had a good number, though, actually. Robera, do you remember how many people were on >> Yeah. via Zoom? >> Yeah, that's good. >> Yeah. >> Yep. Yeah, I was on Zoom, so I uh it was Yeah. So, thank you very much for doing that and uh you know, it's good stuff. It's been a lot of hard work and appreciate really what you and Brandy have done. So, thank you, >> Miss Brandy. >>

135So, um we've been busy with Ashlin Day. That's that that is that is the uh the general thought. That's the theme. Um, I did want to give a very specific shout out to um a lot of people that have been helping us on the town side. Um, Cindy Sincada, our finance director. Um, Stephanie, our accountant. Uh, Diane, who's been um depositing checks and um, you know, helping us keep everything in track, you know, because it's it's it's a lot. Um today we we met with um folks from uh DPW. So um Doug Small and Kevin Langmire. Kevin is like oh just >> knowledge. >> He's he's awesome. So um and >> he had several pictures one map specifically that he was moving things around with. >> Oh yeah yeah yeah. >> That's his new toy.

136He loves that. So, you know, he was he was great. And um and we had um Chief Roby and uh Deputy Chief um >> No, no, no. Lynn Moran um there and um Officer Manny Tusano from police and um and Raj Gupta from the department uh the health department and um it you know the it's a it's a it's an amazing group. So, I just wanted to just give a shout out to to everyone who has offered to to help and um and helped us a lot because it does take a village. So, um so we're meeting again on Sunday for another next next round of um of Ashland Day stuff. Um I'll have to send out an email. That'll be tomorrow's activity. Um, I did want to remind uh our group because I've lost

137track of things that this Saturday the 6th that we are scheduled to be at the farmers market for office hours. >> I have that. >> Ah, so I did ask Jordan to put together a flower a fly a flower a flyer. >> Can you tell? Can you tell I'm dying? >> And it's only nine o'clock. >> I know. I know. Um, so Jordan, I I asked her to put together a flyer for us, um, and put it in the newsletter. So, we'll have we'll have that in the newsletter. >> Um, and then I've also like we're kind of expanding the table a little bit, too, and including like folks from from Ashland Day to to join us, too. So, um, we should have a good a good group. So, and and have you removed us

138from October 4th at the farmers market? >> Yes, I have, actually. >> Thank you. So we are >> So what are our dates again? >> So it's this Saturday, September 6th, and then we are doing the last market of the season on Saturday, October 18th. >> Okay. Thank you. >> So thank you to Steve and um and Jean over at the farmers market for working with us and finagling the community tent stuff. So um and I think that is everything I think. And just and and I just did want to also give a shout out to Yolanda for doing these comprehensive plan forums. It's a lot of work. And um and I mean the whole project's a lot of work, but this particularly is is is >> I do have to give a shout out

139to Austin from the consultants because he gave me individual JPEGs of every page. So when I created the PowerPoint, I learned how to do some PowerPoint stuff that I had never done before. So when I created them, I could just like drag and drop the pictures into the PowerPoints from the JPEGs. So that was very helpful. >> Um they are going to get changed. The some of the beginning stuff is going to be different for the next two forums. I'm like, let's change it up a little bit. So, >> and I think we have our like last I think our last like working session as a committee. >> I would think we might need two. I mean I think we're done with the consultant as of the 18th of September. >> Um so I think

140there's still going to be have to be discussion about the implementation process. That's the only thing. >> Good to have the the goal line in sight. Yep. >> Seeing the light at the end. >> Okay. Are you all set, man? >> Thank you. >> Okay. Um I just want to send out u an acknowledgement to all the folks who put on a a great event uh last Friday night. Uh Ashland after dark. Was a great program. >> Oh yeah, >> it was a wonderful event. And uh just to see to see the downtown as vibrant as it was >> and seeing kids playing hopscotch and and and all these other little games along the along the sidewalk was it was it was really awesome. >> Wait, was that last week or two? No, it was

141two weeks ago. >> Last week or two weeks say it wasn't Labor Day, >> but we didn't have our meeting. But we haven't had a meeting since that was a great event. >> I was there. I thought that was before. >> I just don't. >> You guys were all there. space time is but it was fun but it was a great night. It was a great night. >> So I just wanted to say kudos to all those folks who put it together because again it's takes a lot of effort and a lot of work and they should be acknowledged. Thank you again. Um we're approaching the end of our summer con uh some uh corn sales. So this Saturday, September 7th will be the last time u that we'll be selling corn uh for the

142for the season. Um, so get your waters in early is the corn has been delicious this year. So very >> we had some on Saturday. It was very good. >> Yep. And um I don't have to say see farmers market because that's all done. Uh and just again a reminder um and the only reason why I wanted really emphasizes the school's back in session. Um, there's been a couple of incidences already where people just don't really care, how fast they drive when they go through a school zone. I was privy to to observe this white Tulsa and I wish I could get have gotten the plate number. >> You mean a Tesla? >> I mean a Tesla. >> Okay. flying through a school zone and nearly hitting the school school crossing guard that was out

143there having traffic stopped and having the kids cross the street. And this is in front of the Warren School. >> Well, that person who drives that car, >> shame on you. Really, shame on you because you almost caused an accident and these one young lady started to scream that she was going to get hit. >> Oh my gosh. That's how bad it was. So, I I offer this that just please remember what time of year it is. Kids kids are going to school. They're walking to school. You may be late for work, but keep your mind on the road. Keep your mind on the road, >> you know. Um it's it's it's it's important to do that. Um, so with that, I've been blessed having been married to my best friend for 44 years tomorrow.

144>> And I just want to wish her a happy anniversary. Congratulations. How she put up with me for 44 years. I have no idea how she did that. >> Okay. Gallery, I know you folks can't hear anything in the background, >> but no, I didn't meet her in a rumble seat. No, I did not. So with that >> motion to adjurnn. >> All those in favor? >> Second. >> Good night everybody and have a great weekend.