Select Board - June 18th, 2025

001Thank you. Good evening and welcome to June 18th, 2025 select board meeting. I call this meeting to order at uh 7:18. We apologize for the tidiness of this meeting. Um we had an executive session meeting uh before uh this current meeting and Um it went over a little bit but it was an important discussion that we needed to have and it just took a little bit longer than we anticipated. So we are back. Uh this meeting is being recorded and broadcast live by WACA TV and is livereamed on Facebook. Remote participation is available using the Zoom video conferencing platform. Any disruption with the video conferencing platform will result in the platform being shut down. In the event of a disruption, broadcasting will continue on WACA TV and livereamed on Facebook. So, now that we've called

002the meeting to order, I would ask for citizens participation. If anybody has anything that they would like to come up to the front uh podium, state your name, address, and tell us what you like or comment. Mark Soning, 119 Main Street, and give me a choice to say. Huh? I'm giving you a choice. Absolutely. It's Morg. Welcome to America and the and we have a constitutional right to speak. But you only have two minutes. Oh, I'm only kidding. M. Go ahead. Okay. This brief idea is coming about what tomorrow's weather is going to be. Is this town ready for any thing that's got to happen. Can it be prevented? Is there any places that are cooling spots? Can anybody answer that? You mean you're talking about June Junth? No, I'm talking about the weather. Oh.

003Oh, the heat. I'm sorry. Uh, that's a good point. I don't know. I hadn't had the opportunity to talk to Michael, but I would assume that we have some cooling locations. Go ahead. Yes. Um, thanks for asking, Mark. We do um we did meet with the team today and um we are prepared to have cooling stations set up at the community center and the library as we have in the past if needed and our board of health is ready case and any sort of um transportation problems or emergencies. Okay. Okay. And the other thing would be the um the last meeting meeting. It got talked about being working together for the future of the town. I want to thank you for that statement in public. I went to sub the comprehensive plan subcommittee meeting last

004night and it sounded a little bit better, but I still got a pretty good amount of time to go and they got report back to their um to the ghosting people. That's one. That's two. That's And this other one, three, is how good have I been being patient with everybody for 20 plus years with no certificate. I'll say it again. I like that comment. I said, I kind of chuckled. I do it for the love of the town, for the brief, for the belief that this town and the people are here for everybody. not on the boards. Everybody that's on the boards to be fortunate to live in a town like this. Um what on how people's attitudes can be changed is a problem sometimes. But there is a two-way street compromise position to hear

005everybody even though they may not be listening completely but they should be understanding. If people can't understand each other, then legally we have no leg to stand on and we're glad to have a good town council who knows his town inside out. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Don. Appreciate your comments. Is there anybody else? Yes. Hi, Kate. Hi, Katherine Terszik, 11 Rodman Road. Um, I'm just here to have a reminder. Maybe someone's watching. And I think you guys know the prominade on um solstice coming up Friday. Um love to have you participate. I do have um flyers if anyone has other place to put them. And Mark, I'm proud to say we we have stickers if you show up, but Mark shows up for everything. So he was the very first person to get one.

006you pass on that back way. Here you go. Thank you, Kate. I I'm just uh hoping, you know, as many people as possible show up. Civic Pride, it's just a simple, easy way. Civic Pride. Um, I published on the flyer there's places to eat that are open, but we're I mean, you do not have to come to eat. You just please come walk, meet your neighbors, enjoy the sidewalks, and that's rain or shine, right? Yep. Because I did promote it at our last meet report. Great. Thank you. That's it. Thank you, Kate. Let's hope for good weather. Absolutely. Okay. Uh we're a little way behind. Not a little a little a little way long way behind. Um, next on our agenda is uh town council evaluation and legal update. And um over this past year

007um when Yolanda was uh chair uh we had to do an evaluation uh town council's uh performance and evaluation which she did and she provided a summary uh report on the evaluation that was done and if I may I'd like to read what Yolanda had provided us. We're good to go with that. Good. You ready? Sure. Okay. If I No. Um, thanks, Joe. She She knew that was coming. I knew it. She knew she was That was coming. Okay. Now, I know you didn't, but All righty. Uh, the overall average scores and the evaluation included 10 scored questions on a scale from 0 to five. And the average scores per question, and the overall performance averages are summarized below. Uh, question one. Um, you got a 4.0 on question one. And I did have copy

008of what I was trying to look for. Can't seem to locate it. I'll find it after the meeting's over. Yeah. All right. Read question one for me, please. So that way everybody out there knows what that score was for. Does town council respond to the needs and requests of board members and staff in a timely manner? Okay. And that the answer to that the average score was four which was almost excellent. Okay. Uh question two. Does town council keep the board and staff advised of new legislation and judicial developments in municipal law as well as actions in other jurisdictions that may have an a impact on the town's activities? And the average score from the five board members was 3.8 on that on that question. Question three. Does town council encourage board members and staff

009to discuss projects and goals and problems with them as early as possible in the planning phase, including legal consequences of of alternative courses of action in the decision making process and the score on that question was 3.6. Yes, we practiced this. Question four, does town council maintain effective communications with the board? And the answer to that question is four. Uh question five, does town council have a proactive approach to legal issues? That is, do they guide the board staff with alternatives and innovative legal solutions rather than just raising problems? And the answer uh average answer to that was 3.8. Question six, does town council see themselves as part of the town's executive team? And the answer to that, which I find a little surprising, was 3.6 little. Question seven, does town council have the ability

010to select responsible attorneys in their offices to assist and provide the best expertise? And the answer to that was 3.8. The average score was 3.8. Question eight, how does the town council monitor their work quality and costs? And the average score was 2.4. Question nine, does town council favor preventive rather than corrective legal services? And the average score was four. And finally, question 10. Does town council communicate well with a wide range of persons, including citizens, board and committee members, town staff, and other attorneys? Are they comfortable working with community groups even in controversial situations? And the average score on that question was 3.6. So the a the overall uh average score was 3.66 uh for the 10 questions that were asked by the board members. Uh Yolanda also states that one of the board

011members did not feel knowledgeable enough about certain questions and put zeros which brought the score down which is one of the reasons why the scores were a little lower than I'd like to just respond to that. Um I indeed was a member who used some zeros because NA isn't um an option. I think the evaluation needs to be adjusted to reflect NAS. I will also say that as well. So yeah, I think we do need to improve the forms so that we can get a better there's just a more accurate sort of viewpoint view into performance. So I think if you had to leave a question blank that yeah I don't think let you leave a question blank. I would have done that and so the other thing is when the calculations were done to

012find an average the zero should have been removed but yeah right you're right. You're right. So so that's unfortunate. Maybe we should go back and do that. We could we could if that's if that's what the board feels would like to do. Yeah, we could do something like a zero wasn't intended to to be registered as a zero, right? As as a negative and a non-answer by default. Yeah, exactly. Yep. Maybe an NA. We need to update that instrument. Absolutely. Absolutely. Okay. I feel like David Letterman here because the next one is the top five most common themes and comments. Drum roll. Um, let's see. Strong legal knowledge and competence. Multiple responses emphasized the town council's deep understanding of municipal law, particularly with complex issues like the 40B and zoning, which is what we'll be

013dealing with for quite some time in the very now and near future. Clear, understandable communications. Several noted that the complex legal matters conveyed in a digestible way described as clear, personable, and easy to understand. Need for more facetime and updates. There were repeated calls for more regular in-person office hours or written updates, especially related to ongoing legal projects. And I'll raise my hand to that one. That's that's been a common theme for me for quite some time. So, and you and I have had that discussion personally, so I don't mind raising my hand on that one. Uh, helpful and collaborative partner. Respondents appreciated town council's role in advising various boards and departments proactively and responsibly. Opportunities to improve proactive legal strategy and transparency. Some desired more creative legal brainstorming and more visibility into legal costs

014and case status updates. Overall, the board is very satisfied with the representation Lisa Maid and her team have provided the town of Ashley. That's the bill. So, we thank you for and it's not this is not an easy process everyone especially for some of the newer members on the board uh that have come in you know midstream over over a year's time frame. Uh so we take that all into consideration with with Claudia and Makita especially. So, um it's it's not an easy task to be town council because you're getting pulled many many ways and at some at some at some point um we've had to really make sure that committees and board members or boards uh came to us to ask the okay to come talk to you because it's like, oh, we can

015pick up the phone and call you anytime. Well, that's not actually accurate. You have to get the okay from the from the board to do so. So there is a form and that that's another thing that we need to do is up update that form of you know using uh legal counsel you know so we we can add that to that list as well. Any comments from uh ladies with respect to town council. Um the only thing I would just add is that um you know for everyone watching just sort of what the process is is the reason that we're doing this is because town council and the town manager are the only two positions that we that we hire and evaluate on an annual basis. Um and so all board members fill out the

016survey. Um the chair at the time compiled all of this. Um I think she sat with with um with attorney me um before. So this is not news to not news to you. Um and then you know and then as part of this second part of this would be um you know um because the uh town council's contract is a one-year contract um and it expires at the end of June which is why we're doing all this now. So, just wanted to give that as background and then just say, you know, I you know, I've been on the board six years now and I feel like um you're a great part of our team and a great partner with us. So, um I just wanted to say that, you know, I think given the challenges

017that we've had, especially over the last year, it's um it's good to know that we have you in our corner to help help us navigate through some of these crazy times that we're It's my pleasure. you've got a great team to work with and I've been here in Ashlin for a really long time on every Wednesday for almost 20 years and so um it's you know I come in and I feel like it it's it's home right and um so it's it's always a great team and a lot of challenges but um staff is very professional and so it's it's it's easy to do. We appreciate that. Anything you want? I know I know you're the one of the new board members, but have you had any opportunity to sit with Lisa? Not individually, but

018you know during our meetings? Absolutely. So, um, yeah, I'm looking forward to continuing working with you, attorney, and you know, that's all I can say. Thank you. No, and I just uh too just wanted to say thank you. And um it's probably it's not a good thing if we really know you very well. So um so I appreciate that in some instances. I I did not feel as though I was well enough um versed with with some of uh what you do, right, to respond. So thank you. And I know time is precious and it's it's a commodity that we don't have a lot of when you're here. So I I find it difficult for me to come in and sit down and talk with you because you know you you have a pile of

019paperwork ahead of you and to take time to sit down and talk you know about things that that concern me as now as a chair. You know unless it's really really bothering me that's the only time you'll see me. And I do that the same with Michael and you know and with the other uh uh employees in the uh the selectman's office area because you know time is of the essence and it's I don't want to interrupt the flow of of of the work that you do because you have a very heavy case load so it's greatly appreciated and I've known you for a number of years as well it's been 15 years yep and u started out a little tenuous little rocky it was a little rocky yeah you know you know being a

020town employee at the time and it wasn't it wasn't an easy was an easy fix. But um we've come around. We've come around big time. Absolutely. You know, I'm still here, by the way. As am I. Yeah. Noted. And we'll leave it at that. Um but thank you. I appreciate all your effort and all your hard work that you do for the town. And a lot of people don't realize that, but they do it now. So, thank you. Um I will leave it up to you. You have some legal updates you want to provide us? Sure. do um a quick update knowing that you're um a little behind. So um just on some high level um couple pieces of litigation, not to get into the weeds, but um the the petition with NSTAR is still

021out there in front of the EFSB and that's where it's going to stay and nobody's rocking that boat, so leave it alone. Um that's been going since uh 2021 with no information. Um the legacy place, you know, there was some issues regarding the construction and erosion and a whole bunch of uh violations a couple of years ago. Um it's interesting the developer took um Hopkin Conservation Commission to court to challenge the fines and won. Um and so they are trying to do their best in Hopkin. Uh they have completed the work that was required under our enforcement order. Um and will be in front of the conservation commission for a certificate of compliance coming up. Uh and Becca is u monitoring that. Um the two cases regarding the UGC development on Memorial Drive. Um the

022one case was in January and everybody had hoped that there would be a decision um soon thereafter given the remarks of the judge. Um that case um just as a reminder was uh the gainer challenging the um validity of the purchase and sale agreement with GGC. And um so that trial happened um but there's been no decision yet. Uh the next part of that case is the that Gainner um appealed the CBA's issuance of a comprehensive permit to UGC based upon the fact that um he believed that they didn't have site control because he believed that the purchase and sale agreement was invalid. And so that trial is supposed to happen in September. Um so everybody was hoping to have the decision of the first judge before then because it would have a huge impact

023on the trial. Um to date we don't know. Uh the final pre-trial conference is scheduled for the last week in August and the trial date right now is September 4th. Um from real estate transactions just since the last time we've been in here uh the conservation restriction with SVT on the church land that was purchased um is now all complete. that's closed. It's done, wrapped up and protected. Uh the main street easements that were necessary with the abutter in order to bring the um underground wiring in that title issue was all cleared up. That was completed and Diane was just amazing on that project and that is done and moved along. Um the Hopkinson land trust parcels acquisition is now finally complete. So that was all done. So, um, those were all sold and, um,

024the or acquired, excuse me, and theou and lease with Firmingham State, uh, for Warren Conference, as you know, has been completed. And then we had to do an amendment on the brewery, um, lease to clarify some responsibilities. And so Beth worked with me on that to to finalize that. So that's, um, been done. Um, we over the last since town meeting, as you know, we did the ADU bylaw, we did the modifications to the site plan review changes in the zoning, uh, we did the flood plane reszoning, and um, we worked on the historic district uh, bylaw that was not passed town meeting, but uh, we had a lot to do with um, the work on that ahead of time. And of course um you know that we are up to our eyeballs in both

025the Main Street 40B and the Waverly Street um 40B projects um that are happening and ongoing. Um and then there's a case that the town is a part of only because there are taxes due to the town regarding a condominium at Spy Glass Hill. He's come a couple of times a year where um condominium fees aren't paid, taxes aren't paid, and the town's brought into the lawsuit, and usually we get dropped out of it. But um so there's one ongoing right now, and that's those that's a quick update on what we've done in the last couple of months. Appreciate that. Thank you. I just have a quick question. Sure. Um, so when you were talking about the UGC um lawsuit and I was thinking, you know, that that's part of the reason why we we

026uh fell off of right protection for 40B, right? And um so could we sue him for I asked that. I asked a counter suit against Gainor. No, we don't have a We can't do that. So um no, town can't do that. We're not a party. We're not a party to the purchase and sale agreement first of all. We're not a party to that. And then we are a party to the ZBA litigation, but it's an appeal of a permit. So there's not can't do a cross claim. Um there's a uh there's an anti-SLAP statute. What that's called is that developers, in this instance, boards couldn't do it anyway, but a developer can't turn around and sue an applicant for exercising their rights of appeal. Um, I I figured not. Yeah. I have one quick question

027for you. Uh, the folks up off of uh Bernham Circle, is that a class action suit that they that they're No, there's no class no class action. No, right now what's being worked is a potential settlement agreement with the developer and so once um so working with DPW department that's Steve Ross who is developer agreed to that that would come before the board. Okay. There been there were several developers that you know took over those projects. I didn't know Steve was the last one. Yeah. Steve DV was the last. So he was the contractor. He was the contractor. Interesting. Yes. Okay. I just feel bad. I walk up there. I drive up there and I go down. Yeah. They they've endured a lot. Yeah. They have very much so. Peter and Mike and Becca have

028been working hard trying to resolve. Oh, for sure. Thank you. Appreciate that. Thank you. Um, you're more than welcome to stay. I'll stay for your first item. I know you will. Okay. Um, our next all new business is a discussion vote on the appointment of town council for fiscal year 2026. I'll open it up for discussion for the current board members here. Um, I support um a renewal of contract for town council. Yeah, I would support um your current town council to continue for another year. I appreciate um some of the challenges that we're facing and and uh glad to know that you're working hard with us. Thank you. just echo the sentiments of my colleagues uh on that. So, absolutely. Well, we appreciate you uh doing what you have to do to, you know,

029support the different boards that are in this process right now with the 40B. So, we appreciate that. And I think they're greatly appreciative as well too because I think they're little underwater at that point in time, but now that uh come along and and offer to assist in in many ways, they feel much more relieved. So thank you. So with that, I'll entertain a motion to appoint town council for one year for 2026. So moved. Seconded. All those in favor? I I That's 4 Z and one absent. So, congratulations. Thank you, Lisa. And we appreciate all your all your Thank you again. Okay, I will turn this over uh for the discussion to uh town manager um Mr. Herbert to discuss and vote year end transfers. And maybe Michael, you may want to just explain

030what this is for some of the residents who may not know what this is all about. Um, I see I can't see that screen. So, no, I don't like that's the only thing I can see. I don't want to turn my my back on people. Um, it's okay. I'll just move forward with it at this point in time. All right. Um so just as a refresher for people here on the board and then also for those at home. So what happens at the end of the year is um where there are certain deficits in certain accounts and there are surpluses in accounts uh we have the ability with the approval of the finance committee and the select board to make transfers within different or between I should say different line items. Um, and so that's

031what has been put together and is in front of you right now, an accounting of that list. Um, I will say that it's actually a little bit less uh this year than it was last year. I think last year was a little over 350,000 in total transfers. Um, this year it comes in at 348. Again, this is not abnormal, but um, as you go through the list, I will highlight just a couple of um couple of larger items, if you will. um that you may have questions about. So, first I'd just like to highlight the assessor's department um which is looking for a $50,000 transfer in. Um so, a couple of things related to that. So, first of all, you know, we had a longtime employee that departed all um it took a while to

032find a new assessor and in between that time we had a contractor, I don't know if you remember Nate, who came in and did the tax classification hearing. Um, so to pay for Nate and then also Nate stayed on after we did hire our new assessor who met uh, Don Clark a couple weeks ago. Um, he stayed on to do some of these cyclical inspections, help us catch up with some of those. And then Don, our new assessor, was brought in at a different rate than our previous assessor, Rich. Again, just reflecting some of the market conditions that have changed. So that's number one. Uh number two, um one that uh that might stand out to you is the fire department with a transfer of $90,000. Um and you'll see the note that that is

033uh projected to the projected amount needed uh to cover things in the salary line. So what happens sometimes during the middle of the year is if we have a retirement and there's a large vacation the case of the fire department is sick buyout that will sometimes put that salary line in the red because it's it might be something that we had not anticipated. So that is what's happened in this case. So we had a couple retirements through the year um and so this transfer is to help cover that. Um and then um I will go to the some of the insurance lines. You'll see some of those um workers compensation and unemployment specifically. Um sometimes those are really hard to gauge uh you know as you're budgeting uh just because it's hard to anticipate who

034is going to be on unemployment and who might get injured. So uh so we have some transfers in for that. Um and then um obviously uh we budget each year at the beginning of the year a salary contingency. Know this comes up sometimes in in questions from a resident uh every year. So what happens is we don't make those transfers until the end of the year out of the salary contingency line. We don't do that that transfer until the end of the year after all the salaries have been adjusted. we know exactly what that liability is and that's a result of the collecting bargaining agreements, collective bargaining agreements or any adjustments in salaries. Hopefully that answers your question. Um you know Stephanie and Cindy are here as well but um just again a reminder is

035that uh the board would need to vote on this and then we are meeting with the finance committee next week. Who else? Yes. And so u if there are no questions I just ask for um a vote from the board to approve the transfers. Any member have a question? Um so I have a couple questions. One um so is there like they I I you know I understand the whole like union adjustments and things like that that are contingencies. Um if there's like salary raises that go into effect for for um employees, is that like non non you does that go into effect generally like the beginning of a fiscal year or is it kind of an adjustment like throughout the year or how does that work? So if it's a like a COLA, a

036cost of living adjustment or a merit adjustment that usually occurs at the beginning of the year. Okay. Um, and in some cases like if we bring somebody in at a higher salary or something that would obviously happen at beginning of the year or if we need to make a market rate adjustment for existing employee that would happen during the middle. Okay. And when you say the beginning of the year, you're meeting like July 1. July 1st, correct? Okay. Not January. Correct. Right. The fiscal year. Okay. That's that's that makes sense. Um, and then I just had another question. So the the line items, so like I'm looking at um the balances on some of the accounts, one of which is capital and it's listed at 2.8 million. So the, you know, the projected balance at

037the end of the fiscal year, does that flow to free cash or is that something else that we need to like? So, so I'm just curious about the about the money that's left in capital. Yeah. So, um, so actually, you know, Stephanie or or Cindy, if you want to you want to come up and just if I can answer this question to to help me out. Um, some of these, so we calculate the incumbrances associated with this. I don't think um, you should read this as anything flowing um, into free cash, right? We still have some projects that we still need to complete. Okay. So, like the that we expect will, you know, because we only have like a couple more weeks in the fiscal year, does that roll over to the next fiscal year

038or how does that work? In some cases, it will. So, like if we have a contract for work that needs to happen that can be encumbered and carried over until the fiscal year. Okay. The other thing just just to recall um we also utilized ARPA funds. We treated ARPA funds. We put that into capital as a way so it would flow to free cash in order to meet the requirements of the federal government that we had a plan designed by December of December 31st of 2024. So that's also part of why you see this large number here. Okay. So this large number here it's all accounted for in terms of spending projects. Yes. And would some of those projects be like the Menos and the public safety building or is that No, no, no. Some

039of those projects would be projects that are on like our regular capital plan. Okay. Um but then also some of the projects that we've talked about funding through our So these are outside of those debt payments. Yeah. Now, additionally too, we are I think we've already received some money tax credit based on the tax credit funds. Yes, we have received. And where where are those? That wouldn't show up here. Um Cindy, is would that be going into a special revenue account? Okay. I'm sorry, Cindy. Could you Could you go up to the mic? Yeah. Thank you. So folks can I just want the folks in that are home watching be able and we have a ban renewal in October. So what we would do is um we would subtract the the energy rebate from the

040remaining balance and we would just borrow less. Remember we're required to do that. Yeah. No, I know we had no no um room for any type of um spend expenditure from that money other than to put it back into Exactly. Okay. And it doesn't mature until October. So that's fiscal 26. So you won't see that um activity until next year. Thank you. When we decide to either renew it, you know, as a temporary borrowing or permanent, most likely it will be another temporary and it will be include other projects as well. So you will see that paperwork in the fall. Do we do we know and this you know probably not but do we know if we didn't have this money to put towards that borrowing right what what's what is the savings to the

041average taxpayer can we figure something out like that to be able to we could figure it out using our current tax rate um you know we can't anticipate what the future tax rate would be but we could figure that out with the with the current tax rate so give an idea Yeah, I think it would be nice at some point for us to, you know, make it more public in terms of that this rebate that the town has received from the hard work of, you know, um both committees and trying to do the right thing for the world too, you know, ecologically speaking. Um and that there's actually going to be a savings because of that to the tax to the you know, directly to the taxpayers, directly to the tax, right? It would be

042a lower debt exclusion amount, but it's also over 28 years. So, it's not as much. Yeah, it will be a savings obviously, but it is over the course of 28 years. So, right. Yeah. And yeah, I know it's not nobody's going to go, "Oh, wow." But what we could do individual bills, but it's a significant for sure. But what we could do is, and again, I think it would probably be more of an estimate than a hard figure, but what we could do is roll that up like over the 20 if if we do like a 20-year loan. You know, you could take what each year would be and then kind of roll it up and see what the total amount would be over the course of those years. Yeah, that might be a good

043way to do it, right? Yeah. So the current figures that we see in front of us right now, those those will be changing by by the end of June, I assume, but still using these funds now. So what we're talking about specifically are those tax rebate funds. Um energy efficiency tax rebates, correct? No, I was just talking about these Oh, you're back to the Okay. What? So repeat. So the um the debt line item, everything's been paid for the fiscal year of 25. So there's no no more payments to be made. Um, so there's I I think is it like $2,000? Yeah. Four. We're projecting to have a balance of 482 bucks, right? Okay. And some change. No, I was kind of curious. Oh, there were free cash. I was looking I was looking at

044uh the line item for the highway and it says 64,000. That's not part of snow and ice, right? So these numbers are um estimates to just kind of see whether they will or will not go um over budget um by year end, but the numbers will change um because there are other um expenses that uh maybe smaller expenses um that weren't calculated into the estimate. Um but we're just kind of making sure that they're not going to go over budget um by year end. So at some point in time when these figures change, can we get a copy of what the uh the bottom line is when Oh yeah, we could get a that'll be part of the balance sheet. Yeah. Okay. Once we um reconcile through everything and then that would flow to free

045cash. Okay. Any other questions? One just one other thing just before we get off this the topic of the the the capital line. Um, just thinking about it, because we're coming into a new fiscal year, would it be a good I Well, let me rephrase that. I think it might be a good idea for us to review the capital plan for this next year, like what that what the expenditures look like. Um, because I know, you know, we've had the the ARPA discussion and we've had, you know, things moving around. I think it might be good to just kind of have a snapshot of what the plan is going to look like for the year and I know we've talked about it like peace meal and I think we've even seen the proposal of how

046things are going to you know be spent but I think it might be it might be well worth it at like our next meeting if we can to just take take a little bit of time and I think um it would probably be more prudent to do it after the retreat after we have a discussion about the projects that we Yeah, that makes sense. Yeah, that makes sense. July 16th. Yeah, July 16th, which is our meeting. Which is our meeting and that's after the retreat. So, okay, that thank you very much. Appreciate all your help. Thank you. Thank you, Michael. Thank you. Okay, next. Take a vote. We need to vote. Oh, yeah. We do need to vote on this, right? Uh I I'll entertain a motion to accept the uh balance sheets here for

047um the year end transfer. So moved. Second. Thank you. All those in favor? I. That's 40. Thank you very much for all the hard work you all do to give us these figures. It's greatly appreciated. And people watching, oh look at the whirlwind of money we're going to save. Maybe not. Okay. Uh I will turn the next item over to uh Vice Chair Kinsman regarding uh the Ashland Police Department policy uh with immigration and custom enforcement. Randy, thank you Joe. Um so we wanted to to put this on our agenda tonight and so I what I'm um about to say is kind of it feel it's it's our feeling. It's coming from the select board. Um, but the select board is aware of community concerns regarding federal law enforcement. We want to reassure our residents

048and visitors that the Ashlin Police Department is committed to serving all individuals in our community with fairness, professionalism, and respect. Massachusetts law does not permit local law enforcement to detain individuals solely based on a federal civil immigration detainer. Our department follows this law as well as clearly defined policies that prioritize community trust and public safety. We believe it is essential to strike a thoughtful balance respecting both federal authority and the values of our local community. That's why the Ashlin Police Department emphasizes ongoing training and strict adherence to state and federal legal guidelines and the select board will continue to do our part to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents. Just wanted to um put that out there and if anyone has questions, you feel free to to come to us with any any

049issues that you may have and and several residents have contacted or asked questions about where do we stand on this and I think that's a very fair and balanced response to those questions. We're governed by certain laws and we're not in the we're not in the uh business of breaking laws. right, wrong or indifferent. So, thank you. Thank you, Brandy. Um, next on the agenda, uh, discuss an Eagle Scull project at Stone Park, and it's the repairing and repainting of the gazebo, and it's actually, um, replacing and fixing some of the wooden accessible tables built by the scouts under the under the pavilion. Now, the wooden tables that are there currently there uh was an Eagle Sculpt project because they're handicap accessible. You can roll a wheelchair underneath underneath tables. So there's two t there

050were two tables made that way. So um over the last three or four years those tables have seen um some destruction. They've been uh vandalized. They have cut. They have uh holes carved out in them. So, those boards will be replaced. Then they will all be repainted. Um, I know Aiden, who's requesting to do this work, he's looking to become an eagle an Eagle Scout, and that's his Eagle Scout project. He came to me and asked if uh he saw the gazebo and how much work it needed that he wanted to uh repair some of the uh the footings and stuff with respect to the the wooden rails around the gazebo and repaint it and and prepare what needs to be done and that's that's his project. I talked to Deggy Small after our roadway

051uh safety traffic committee and um he was all for it. He couldn't be any happier. Matter of fact, uh he along with Kevin Langmai said that u they want to be notified when they stop because they'll trim all the brush and bushes around it so make it look nice so they have better access to the uh to the gazebo and make the community and a lot of people do use the comm use that gazebo. We've had a couple of weddings. We've had uh a scout do their uh their their walk over carryover for their ceremonies and stuff to become scouts. And uh it's a very active uh area especially when the it's hot outside and the summer camp kids are out there playing soccer. It's a nice place to uh cool off especially in the

052shade. So, um, I would ask that the, uh, board support this project. I think it's a one list thing that the DPW has to do. Who did you say the scout is? Uh, Aiden. I'm trying to remember Aiden's last name. Sally. Thank you. Thank you. Remember, I was racking my mind before someone's going to ask me. Thank you. But thank you. Um, so I'll I'll entertain a mot unless folks have any questions or comments. So, um, first of all, like that's great. It's a great pro I think that's a great project because the gazebo definitely needs some love. Yeah. Um, so thank you to Aiden for bringing that bringing that to to you and to, you know, our town. Um, one question I do have, what do you know what his timeline is for for

053um for doing the project? Uh, he wanted to get it done before the summer was over. Okay. Because the only thing that I can think of that might be a potential issue is that we have that Stone Park music festival. It's in September. September 6th. September. September 6th. I thought it was August, but maybe it's September. Is it? Okay. September 6th. Okay. All right. That's the only thing because I know Grace puts the piano under the gazebo and we don't want there to be wet paint. Wet paint or in the middle of his project. Don't want to get that on the Steinway. No. No. No. No. So, so I just wanted to make sure like that was that was aware. And then just my other question is um so he'll work with Doug directly as

054far as Doug and Kevin Lang. Okay. Okay. So, yeah. No, I'm fully in support of it. Like I said, gazebo needs some love. It does. Does I'm tired. You're not going to paint Joe? No, I'm not going to paint you. So, not this year. Not with my shoulder. Um So, I'll I'll entertain a motion to approve the uh Eagle Scout project at Stone Park for the repairs and and uh fixing the uh two wooden tables. So, moved. All those in favor? I I that's 4 Z and one present. Okay. So, I'll let a no. Okay. So, I'll turn this over to Mr. Herbert. Update 40B projects. Mr. share. I'm actually going to turn this over to our assistant town manager, Beth. So, she'll give you an update. Y um thank you. Um so, as you

055know, I know you're all following these 40bs very closely. Um just a quick update. There's there's actually the last CBA meeting was quite quick and a little quiet. Um so, currently, uh Tuesday is their next meeting. currently um we're looking for um towards for for the 10 to 60 main um they will go over their signage package um that was just submitted. Um traffic will be um readressed as well and then that will they will also be looking at the sightelines and the landscaping in regards to that traffic issue. Um we have we have been working with the applicant to look at an extension for that. Um, so that will most likely come up in the meeting on Tuesday as well. As far as 61 Waverly, um, we're awaiting a response from them, uh, for

056the response to the peerreview questions. Um, so we are assuming that that will come up at the Tuesday meeting as well. Um, so they will address that as well as traffic and storm water. Um, 55 West Union, I believe we are still waiting. Our our letter has gone in to mass housing and we have not heard anything back yet. So just a quick update. Um they carry on. Appreciate that. Just a note, you know, I happened to be coming down East Union Street uh recently and watched a car in that intersection trying to take a right to go east on 135 and backing up, having to back up to get because the because of the excuse me, there were cars stopped that were coming westbound and he had to back up and I couldn't get

057my camera out fast enough to get a picture, but it was coming down the hill. Is that what happened? Yeah, he was coming down the hill. He's trying to take a right to go east and the cars are on the other side of the road going west and they're at a stop because they have a red light and he can't make the corner without backing up. Yeah. Yeah. into the other travel lane which is heading east into towards Framingham. Yeah, it was terrible. Yeah, it's not it's not an easy Well, he was trying to get into the eastbound. No, I know. as as the traffic is heading eastbound on well they were all stopped because the the light was green for anybody on East Union. Yeah. U Mr. Chair, there's one other thing I would

058like to just add to that is our new um director of planning and economic development starts on Tuesday. So I mean I'm sorry on Monday. She will be at the ZBA meeting on Tuesday. She's been u prepping for this so she can hit the ground running. So she's been reviewing all of these applications. Um and then our assistant town planner will start on Tuesday. Okay. So, we'll be fully planned fully staffed, which is which is always nice. One one less headache to worry about, but there's also a learning curve with new folks. So, we have to give them we have to give them a little bit of breathing room. Well, it is, but you know, just um you know, and we'll we'll bring Jasmine, you know, in front of the board um when she starts

059at the next meeting, but I think you know, she's very experienced planner seems um seems to have have it all together and best right she's actually been pretty engaged in Ashland for the past couple of weeks I think she's already met with the planning board um even though she hasn't officially started yet she's going to fit right in work ethic here so moving right along to the consent agenda and I know you want to take a specific line item Yes. So, um I would like to remove item B from the consent agenda and so we can discuss it separately. Okay. Um which is Yeah, we can do that. We don't need to vote on that, right? Well, so we'll discuss it and we'll vote on it separately. Okay. So having that said, uh I will

060accept a motion to accept a consent agenda without uh letter B uh for approval as as presented. So moved. There a second. Second. All those in favor? I. That's 401. Congratulation. Okay, Brandy. Okay. So I just wanted to um kind of give a little bit of background on on this. the the item on the cons under the consent agenda was to appoint Camilo Spicia as the planning board representative to the comprehensive plan steering committee. Um and so we had um uh the one of the you know for our comprehensive plan steering committee there's two members from the planning board that sit on that committee. Um one of which was was Kate Jerich who did not run for reelection this this past um May. And so um Camilo Espicia had run for the five-year seat and

061was um so he he's now a member of the the planning board and um so just to give a little bit of background on Camilo um he's the deputy director of planning and development for the city of lol um Trisha Kendall the chair of the planning board says that he is going to be a great asset so um so Camilo um diving right in has um offered himself to be um a member of the the comprehensive plan steering committee and be that one of the one of the two seats from the planning board. Um and the planning board met last week and voted unanimously to appoint him um to the comprehensive plan. So, um, I just wanted to give that little bit of background and so I had reached out to him as a fellow

062member of the comprehensive plan steering committee and said, you know, we'll put it on our agenda because, um, we do have to do joint appointments. So, um, the planning board voted and then we have to vote. We don't have to vote together, but we need to vote to appoint him. So, well, I I appreciate you pulling out this item so we could get a little bit more background. uh on on on Camilo. Uh it sounds I mean obviously with uh with the experience he has and um you know what he's done, what he's going to do. I think this is a this is going to be uh it's going to be good. So um but yeah, I do appreciate you uh taking a minute to uh share that background. I think that's important for us

063to understand before we vote on these appointments. So thank you. especially when Trish says he he I've known Camilo for a few years now and he is extremely talented published author. He's uh had a chance to talk to him and his wife uh Pam over the weekend and he's just super excited. I like do you know you know all you're taking on you know because I know what that commute to LOL is like and um so he's he's doing it for the right reasons. He's like he's wanting to give back to the community and be a part of it. Good. We appreciate that. Great fit. Well, at this point then I'll entertain a motion to accept uh Camello as uh the planning board representative on the comprehensive plan. So moved. All those in favor? I

064thank you. Thank you. Thank you to Camilo for for um for joining joining our merry bunch for hopefully Mary for for hopefully another five months and then we'll be done. That's hopeful. Oh no, you'll be starting right up again maybe because nope. Five months. Yeah. All right. If that's what you say. Okay. All right. I'll turn this over because the town manages a report update on open government system grant updates and flex grant awards. You're on, sir. Okay. Thank you very much. And Beth, feel free to to chime in if I missed something here, but um our open gov system. So, uh that is our basically internal permitting system that we have moved over to. Um so that transition is going very very well. We've completed the building um transition. Does that include plumbing and

065gas as well? Oh yeah, they are live and running. It's going very well. So it and so now we're going to be looking at expanding it to different departments. I think health is the next one. Again, a really great thing about this system is that it's electronic and so you know just for you know people who are interested and people who are wondering you know whenever like a permit or an application comes in it needs to be looked at by the various departments. So that is currently done via paper, email, you know, nothing. We we have a system but nothing automated say. So this automates that system and so for like a specific permit to move forward into the system, you know, certain departments are required to look at it and check off before it

066moves. So um we're glad to have that implemented. I really want to give a shout out to Paul Carpenter for securing a grant uh $150,000 going um as well as the team upstairs. I think Doug Doug's really been uh Doug Scott's really been doing a lot of work shephering this after Pete has left. So um yeah, it's again moving to the 20th century folks. Good thing that's a good thing. One quick question with respect to that Beth. So permit goes in the goes in the system And like Mike said, different uh committees have to sign off on it. Is there a sequential order that they have to sign off on or can someone sign off before another group does or is there an order of signing off? Typically there's an order. You can't Yeah, like

067Doug would be the last. Depends on what the project is, but typically the building commissioner would be the last and then everyone would go in and do their their part. And yeah, it'll just keep everybody really informed of where projects stand, what is, you know, still needed to be done um in order for projects to keep moving forward. And who who oversees that entire project of the new system of the new system? So, currently Doug Scott has been kind of leading the team on getting the training put together and answering questions. We've been working really closely with the town of NICT. Um they've been a great support system, too. Um yeah, the best part is people can pay online now for permits, which is huge. Huge change. Yeah. Convenience. Yeah. Yeah. And a lot of

068these um you know, contractors that are used to working with this system. It's it's very common in other communities. So, it's just kind of in line. Y that frees up a little more time for the folks that working in the office, other things that Oh, I wish I wish that were the case, but yeah, it's not the case. You never know. You never know. Thank My question um is from a like a um a flow standpoint for the average person that might need to pull a permit or whatever. Um have are we putting together some communications once it's like kind of all ready to go, you know, to let people know like what what the new process kind of might like? Well, there's actually I mean it's it's pretty straightforward. It would be going into

069our old system. It's pretty much the same thing. It's just it's just easier for the for the general user. Um there's really nothing to walk anybody through. You literally click like on it's all online and you just kind of click through the steps. Okay. Um so yeah, it's actually just not that much different I guess. And so it's more of an internal like it's it revolutionize revolutionalized whatever the the internal process. Yeah. From the outside in it's just a nicer probably looking system. um and they can pay online for the internal. It's just so much better for internal staff that we all can see um you know what projects are on there. It just helps with communication really and it should it should help with um expediency of the flow. I'd like to you know

070good stuff. Yeah, it is good stuff. Um so next I just wanted to give an update uh on recent grant that we received. Uh, so a flex grant award through uh, Maya, the Massachusetts Interlocal Insurance Association. And, um, I'm actually going to ask Sue to speak a little bit to this because Sue is the one who um, secured this and and and really put it all together. And Susan, if you don't mind explaining just a little bit uh, what uh, what uh, what this uh, grant is going to cover and I think that would be appreciated by everybody. Okay. So, um, as we have listed on the agenda, the grant is for $43,645. And this funding comes as a result of a collaboration of everybody that is employed here. We work all year long on

071training and documenting things that we do that reduce our risk. And as a result of all of those things, we get offered once a year grants, but they stipulate the risk factors that they're trying to address in that given year. And so this year, we decided to reach out to all the employees and ask them for suggestions. And then Michael and I reviewed those suggestions and we submitted the grant based on what people asked for. Nice. Yeah. And Sue, um, Sue is being a little modest. Uh, you know, she used some very she was very creative, uh, working with Maya and how to classify some certain things and, um, so we were able to get the that full aotment. So, thank you, Susan. You're welcome. Awesome. Okay, I'll move on. You're moving on. Yeah. So

072um so with regards to our uh retreat that's scheduled for July 12th um so what I had done is I put together a memo uh for the board just with a brief outline of um of the basically the early um the morning and the afternoon. Um and uh so just to explain kind of the approach um that we would use going into this is and I mentioned this before it's something called appreciative inquiry and it's really um whereas most traditional change management or you know strategic planning focuses okay on what's broken what do we fix um what um appreciative inquiry utilizes is more of a strengthbased approach. you know, it looks okay. What what are the things that we are doing well and what can we what can we do to basically expand that and

073build upon that as like the foundation and so um really it's designed around five different phases. Um that's called like define, discover, dream, design and then destiny or sometimes it's called deliver. Um, and so what you know we would spend the first part of the day really talking about is I think really our board and staff type of relationship. I think that's something that we really I think need to focus on as a foundation before we really start moving in and start talking about projects and what we're going to do. Uh, which is basically what we have been doing for the past 10 years. Um, and I think we have seen some holes and some flaws in that process as well. But I think it's important because I think we really, you know, two things

074that I was thinking about this and I think two things that we can really use as a foundation for our relationship are things like trust and the fact that we care about each other. Um, and I don't I don't say that lightly. Um, what I do think we could all utilize is an opportunity to really try to basically uh, first of all try to understand some of the pressures and what everybody is going through. And again, I'm not just talking about the board understanding where the staff is coming from, but I think the staff I think we could do a better job or get a little bit more insight as to what the board goes through a day-to-day basis in terms of how you interact with constituents and some of the pressures that you're under

075as well. So I think once we get a little bit better uh understanding of that and we spend some time doing that, what we can do is move forward and then co-create like what is our ideal working relationship, if you will, for lack of a better term. And again, I don't want to say this and make it sound like we have a bad relationship, but um I do think in some cases um we we we kind of uh miss the mark, I think, or kind of misunderstand I think what um basically what everybody is going through and what we're each going through in our respective positions. Um and then the second part is co again co-creating. I'll use that term, co-creating a framework with which to evaluate the projects that we're going to the current

076projects that we have that we're going to keep um and the ones that we are going to set aside and maybe even put aside for quite a long time and then also co-creating a framework with which we could use to evaluate new projects. What we have to understand is that I think all of us uh you know not just staff but I will speak specifically to staff in this in this specific example. So we have day-to-day things that we have to do that take up the majority of our time. Um wouldn't you say Beth I mean that's probably 70 80% our day supervisory conversations that have to happen simple signing documents time. So it's not just projects that we do to manage a hundred million dollar $90 million organization. Um and so we've got that

077and then we also have the projects that we want to do right collectively we want to do but then we also have these things that we don't anticipate which take a lot of work. 40B projects, you know, different different things. You know, despite what some people might think, the 40B projects are not initiated by the town, right? These are things that kind of get put on us. Um, and so we have to make sure that we maintain room for that. Um, and I think before what we have done is I've, you know, we've we've come up as staff like kind of a criteria or rating system. But I think what we need to do is actually work together to again I'll use the term co-create that framework basically that evaluation criteria together. So once we

078do that we can also then we can go through the process of taking those projects running it through that framework. So that's just a general outline in the any questions comments. Um, so first of all, I I really appreciate, you know, the work that went into putting all this together and and I I looked at this and I was like, "Oh, wow. This is a first of all a huge departure from what we've what we've done in the past, which is much more of a working session on like how we approach um things in town." And so some of this is incredibly I think I think incredibly useful. Um, I do think like there's some things in here that like I feel like it would be great to share to share the challenges because I

079think that that's um something that will help with the communication and I think that's um a a big thing. I do think we need to work on, you know, the board and the staff alignment. I think that is is a key. Um, you know, I do feel like a lot of this would be if we were all starting from scratch and we're we're kind of not. So, I do feel like, um, there's some stuff. I guess my question is like, you know, first of all, why did you feel like that? Because like for the first three hours of this, it's really, and I'm a, you know, you know me, I'm like a warm and fuzzy person. Like I like warm and fuzzy. I would say all of us probably are higher on the emotional intelligence

080than like your average people. We're very empathetic. We're trying to do the right thing except for Joe and Yolanda. No, no, no, no, no. No, I'm kidding. I'm kidding. She's not here. So, I just just a little dig. That's why I'm nuts. Um, we we miss you. I think there's a there's a lot of good stuff in here. I'm just I what concerns me well first of all like so why why you know why did you feel like we needed to have three hours of kind of that I guess want to call it building blocks you know upfront because I'm looking at the timing of all this and I'm like it's it's I think we can do a lot of that in about 45 minutes and I maybe that's me I think I so I

081I would agree with Thank you, Brandy. I I think that I would actually invert I would invert this um and put more emphasis on taking a look at, you know, some of the some of the the projects and issues and concerns that we need to tackle. It's not that I don't want to do the warm and fuzzies and I from a methodological point of view I see what you're doing but I'm also thinking that there are I think we do have to have a convers we have to have a conversation about that. I don't know if we need three hours of it. Um we might I I I could be wrong here but um you know when I when I reviewed this um a couple things kind of jumped out at me. Um, you know,

082and I and I'll just say this, you know, I think that we we we do need to set some time aside to make sure that we understand what the pressures on are on each other's plates, right? I think they're very real and they're operational. So, I think we have to identify those and make sure that we like get them up on a board and make sure that we we see uh staff issues and you see select board pressures as well. Can't really start without that. But I do want to spend some time on sort of getting to the meat and potatoes of what we need to get done. Like I I I I want us to be really clear about like what we want to accomplish as a group when we walk out. And and

083the one thing I I didn't see when I took a look at this was um well there are a couple of things. You know I think I want to talk about like what I want to take a look at like what we said we did last year. What we said we were going to do. I like to you know when we start talking about like setting our goals like we said we were going to do XYZ. Did we did we actually say that we were going to did we actually accomplish some of the goals that we set out for for that for that for this year? And if so, great. If not, why? And I think in that why, we're going to find out a lot of we're going to identify a lot of the

084issues that you're bringing up. And then from there, I think we can have those kind of conversations that that's just it's a preference of like how I' I'd approach it. um just so that I want to make sure that we can get um as much as we can out of the day from understanding like what we need to do going forward. And um you know I think and and maybe I'm wrong but I I I do think that select board and and and staff do understand some of these pressures uh that from an from an emotional standpoint like and what kind of taxing uh what kind of toll it can take on us individually and personally as professionals as humans. Um we do want to devote some time to that but we also I also

085want to see like how you know those specific time allocation specific emphasis specific like okay if we're doing XYZ you mentioned like we don't just work on projects we have day-to-day responsibilities too you know I think we can talk about that within the context of what we want to accomplish you know for the next year when we're planning about that you know um I I I think we can do that. Um because I think there is a I'd like to think that there is sort of like an underlying trust that we have. Um and to Bry's point, like I feel like, you know, if we were new to each other, I think this the amount of time that we'd spend on that that that that building that discussing that trust and building that trust would

086be necessary. But I think we've got at least I've had a chance to work with you all for a year and I'd like to think I'm appreciative of a lot of the pressures that our staff are under and some of the things that you've managed to pull off and I will say pull off uh with very limited resources. Um, you know, I again, we should definitely lay down that context, let each other know about any new or ongoing challenges that are happening and keep that in mind as we are prioritizing what we want to accomplish for the next year. But I want to that's how I would I would like to approach it, but I don't know how folks I don't know how I my you know, I'd love to get your feedback and I'd

087like to get the board's feedback on on on that approach. I mean, I can start. I I think I think it sounds very similar to approaches that we've used before. Um, and um I will tell you I think um I I hear what you're saying and what I what I hear is doing the same thing over over. Okay. So my question to you is you feel like pre and again I I'm I've been here for a year. So I want to preface that but if there is what specific what specific concerns about effectiveness are you trying to address here? Because maybe we can put together a construct that meets that concern and meets I think some of the concerns that I've heard from the board here about like you know concrete like goals and strategies.

088So what's this? What are some of the specific concerns we need to I I think so some of the specific concerns that we have is I think we continue to do the same thing over and over again. What is the same thing? The same thing is continue continually overextend ourselves. Okay. Um and we end up uh basically with um with basically projects that when we're done, we don't even feel with a few exceptions, we don't even feel that great about because because we don't necessarily we know we hear from the community their frustrations. Folks, we do a ton of stuff. We do a ton of stuff more than I think any other community of our size and of our resources. Um, we should that should be celebrated. But yet it doesn't feel like anybody can

089celebrate that because we're just moving on to the next thing. And I think if we continue we just had 26 years of Ashland experience walk out the door. Think about that. longtime employees who loved this place, who gave up their time, their family time, something's broken. And I think if we continue to do what we continue to do, we are going to get the same result. So I I would let me make sure I understand what you said and then I want to I want to kind of uh ask another question. Okay. Um so basically what I'm hearing you're saying is we've had these retreats and we've done our project planning. Uh staff has has done what has been asked of them and then some. But the staff is feeling there. There are many number

090of issues with staff around burnout around uh educ what the community understands what you've accomplished um and what what you've done for the town. You feel like like that's not communicated effectively. And it also sounds like uh staff sort of wants the town through the select board to understand like what strengths and weaknesses you you you you have in so far as um workload is concerned and what what can what what can be done what can't be done. You said something was broken and you want to identify what it is on the staff side to for what to to ensure that you can finish the sentence. To ensure that we're all on the same page from an operational level. Okay. I can't say um because you know it's funny you know we had a we

091had a conversation today with the department head and um it was very it was it was a good conversation because we took the time to say and it was just you know this is a little microcosm I think of what we what we could talk about but we took the time to understand where everybody was coming from and the pressures like maybe the board was under and then some of the staff concerns but anyway the Hey, that that discussion led to I think a compromise and an agreement that I think we all felt good about. But it was all because we understood at the at the foundational level. We all understood where everybody was coming from and what that was what was happening. And I know I know it really especially some of the language

092around here and that's just appreciative inquiry by design. sounds very fluffy. Let's let's let's let's use that term, right? Warm and fuzzy. I think it's a little bit more maybe if I provided a little bit more concrete um language around what that looks like and and what it entails. Um we could because right now it is okay, we got stuff we got to do. Let's do it right. And that's kind of where who's gonna who's going to do what and what are we going to do? I think I think first of all we have to understand where everybody's coming from first and then I think we need to understand why we're doing some of the things that we're doing and then then I think once that foundation is built I think that's when we can

093really have a discussion about okay what are we going to do and what we're not going to do because we're not talking about incrementalism here in terms of what projects we're going to be doing and what we're not going to be doing. We're talking about a very very different look of the activity that happens um moving forward. We have to so I mean I don't want to monopolize the conversation but like what one thing that that's coming clear to me in so far as listening to what those these concerns are I I feel like um I think rather that There seems to be something that's that's not happening between like com when we're committing to projects and we're committing to prioritization. There seems to be a disconnect between what we say we can do as

094to opposed to what we can realistically do and do well and do well. Um, I think I think that that that conversation is something that needs to happen and I think or rather that analysis needs to happen because um because it sounds like to me and I'm thinking with a project manager's brain a little bit here, right? And it's I'm thinking in terms of resources, not just not just time and materials, but but also just, you know, the human factor as well, because you're supposed to keep that in mind when you're when you're doing project management, like what can people can't work 24 hours a day, seven days a week, right? That just can't happen. Um, I think perhaps when we are having these discussions about prioritization, um, I think there needs to be maybe

095even a a more explicit and I'm thinking almost like a heristic like a rating going in like like resourcing level of difficulty why you know this this is what we want to do but realistically this is this is how much time these are the resources that are going to be needed. And here's why. Here's the the time that might be needed. And here's why. And here's why we're prioritizing this or we're recommending that we tackle this in this way or we don't. And and even last year when we had our conversation, we didn't get to that level of detail on our project planning. And I feel like that's what's going to address this issue explicitly and head on. And I think we have to have that kind of conversation um around the planning piece. And

096I think because I don't think there's been a mechanism for for for staff at least I mean like I said I'm new here but it doesn't sound like there's been an actual mechanism to actually contextualize prioritization in those terms and that makes it easy not just for the select board to understand but anyone who is kind of looking at the whole suite of what we're trying to accomplish why thing why we are prioritizing things the way we are and why certain things may not happened within his fiscal year. This is this is a great I I enjoy this. This is great because this illustrates exactly what I'm talking about. Makita, you know me. You know I'm a data guy at heart. I would love to do something like that. You clear off my calendar and

097I have nothing to do for the next couple months. I can come up with that. Oh, but I think that should be a collective process though. That's not something that you should do. I think for instance well I was just using that right so it's it what what I'm saying is there are tools out there that can help us like there are there we can you know there are different tools out there that we can borrow to use to come to that you know to be able to put those put those those things those factors on the table and have discussions around them and I think if we can have that kind of conversation that's going to actually allow select or to really see, you know, what's happening. I'm not talking about like Beth has

098to tell me exactly how many hours to complete task A, B, and C. Like I'm not talking about like putting together like massive Gant charts. What I'm talking about is like, okay, I don't know theoretical theoretical project A. Um, what departments would be involved? What kind of resource, how many people would, you know, just based on what we know, how many people would actually be needed for that? How many people like, you know, we're talking about like getting re, you know, if you need help, you need to get resources. Okay, let's let's let's let's, you know, blue sky, you know, let's blue sky this like ideally in an ideal world, what would this actually take? Oh, hey, guess what? We don't live in an ideal world. Let's take a look at what version of this

099is actually possible with the resources we have. and then agree to that. You know what I'm saying? And have a real conversation about it. It's not something that I I would expect you to bring to the table ready to talk about for that. I think that's something that we'd co-create. That's some You know what I'm saying? How would you suggest doing that and I would love to do that. I just don't know how realistic it is honestly. And I would love to do it. I mean, we should try and I think I think we all have to be open to trying trying something new. It sounds like what we've been doing exactly. do need to be open to trying something. Exactly. And so, um, you know, I think what I'm describing is sort of a

100combination of approaches of what you you may have done before, but again, I don't think we've done it like in the same on the on the level of detail that I'm describing. And we should do it exactly as I'm saying it. You know what I'm saying? Like, you know, get a spreadsheet out, get a whiteboard out. You know, there are, like I said, there are tools and and and and um, you know, um, templates and all sorts of things. Because I think between the the four of us, between on the board and and folks here in town hall, we've all kind of experienced some of that to a certain extent. We can find some tools. We can throw it together. We can just run it and try it and see and see. I think that

101will give a good picture of what we're up against as it were as far as like our ambition as opposed to what we can actually accomplish. Because when you see it when you see it out like on a board or on a spreadsheet and you see all that stuff and you're like, "Oh gosh, like that's not and then we have to be Oh, the other piece of that is that we all have to be realistic." You know, I one thing I think that our staff does really well is uh spin led into gold. Miracles happen regularly in Ashlin on the staff staff front. And I'm gonna ask y'all like when we have that conversation to refrain from miracle making and to not to not give the blue sky version of what you think can be

102done. But also expect push back and questions from the board because that's part of the inquiry process. That's part of the understanding. It's not necessarily like well we can't do this and we'll say why not. That doesn't mean like we don't trust you. It means please explain why this isn't possible in the way that we're asking. Right? And then we're like okay well if that's not possible then maybe there's a piece of that we can do or maybe we approach this in a different way. We make it smaller we make it lighter we make you know and then we say okay for fiscal this fiscal year this is what we can do. We can also scope it out over multiple years depending on what it is, right? But I'm just saying that it's a collaborative

103process. It it is and and I I do understand what you're saying. I I just um should be a collaborative process. It shouldn't be and I also think like it's it's I think it's a um challenging to do this once a year. I think I think like if we have if we have a plan and we revisit it quarterly. Yeah. I think I think that like will help with communications. I think that will help with um establishing expectations and adjusting them. I think like um because I because you know we're all starting from a I think a pretty decent place of of of trust and respect. Absolutely. like um which which makes me happy because I feel like our board is a very productive group and we and and if we come out of this

104um you know one of the things that I that I think about when we come out of this retreat is not just like a list of things to hand off to you and your team but it's a list of things that we own and that we need to take on. And so I think but I think having sort of a um like doing this one and done thing is not going to work but also looking at the agenda you know having 40 minutes to talk about what's on our plate is not going to be enough either. So yeah I would agree. I think I think we have to I think we have to um you know I think we do need to set the stage for you know talk about what the challenges are understand

105them a little bit more than obviously than what we do um talk about like you know what but you know I mean we're all and I mean this us and and you know and staff we are all looking to do the best we can for the community. All of us all of our intentions are really good. So, you know, when I look at some of this stuff, it's like, you know, you know, how do we improve things? Exactly. But, you know, but I'm looking but I but I am looking at this like, you know, you were talking fluffy and and you know, I like I said, I'm a warm and fuzzy girl, but I can't spend seven hours doing mostly warm and fuzzy. Well, it's not I mean to be fair, it's not. You okay?

106You okay back there, Mecky? Yeah. Okay. Okay. Um and I'm not saying that that's what it is. I'm just saying it is um Can Yeah. Go ahead. Can I just So this I I think it perfectly illustrates some of our frustration. So you're telling Makita like you're saying, you know, this is what you would like and everything and I'm saying we don't have the capacity to put that together for you and you're like I'm we're pushing back. We're telling you what we can and can't do and it like we're getting pushed back on that and at least that's what it feels like. So let's so that let's that's a good this is great. This is exactly what we need to to talk about. So this is a good retreat. This is a good retreat discussion.

107But but but um and I guess Mr. Chair, we should probably wrap this. But um what I'm saying is to clarify, we're not asking you to put it together. What Brandy has said is that we all need to take some responsibility and put this together. So it's not and and I want to I want to emphasize this. I think that some of the shortcomings that you've identified may have to do with the level of detail that we're doing in our planning and that's something that all of us need to do at the retreat. It's not something again that I would expect staff to come in and give a certain level of detail. I think we have to identify that level of detail together and talk. You know, I'm like I said, I'm not looking for,

108you know, Beth to come in and say like, I'm going to need 75 hours to do XYZ task that I identifi. It's like, no, okay, this is what we want to do. Great. Okay, realistically, like what's going on? And then from there, we can get to more specifics, but we have to, again, I think this this is a conversation. Also, what Brandy said, doing this once a year is is not a good it's not it's it's against best practices. And I think u you know taking some of my corporate experience and some of Ry's corporate experience like when we're setting when we're doing these sort of exercises I think with within the other jobs that we do like this is a quarterly thing but again it's we don't have the ability to do it no

109quarterly I'm saying quarterly like check-ins like hey like it's a conversation like this hey like what's going on oh this isn't happening why because we don't have these resources and we thought we did okay we're going to have to pivot we're going to have to not do that let's agree not to do that. Okay, take that off the plate. Let's keep moving. That's what I mean. It's another meeting though, Makita. It is another meeting and you know, but it doesn't have to be an all day meeting. So, I you I appreciate everything um that you're saying and how about this? Um, can we kind of meet in the middle here maybe? And can I take after taking this feedback, can I go and take a shot at revising this? And look, as your town manager

110who's been here almost 10 years has a lot of municipal experience, I am suggesting and based on everything I've heard, Beth, you know, I'm sorry I I've monopolized the conversation on this. I keep trying to draw Beth into it, but she's not biting. But Beth, but Beth's been at the meetings with our staff. Um, and and you'd be surprised. We used this approach um at the last one and it was so much more energizing, but neither here nor there. Why don't I take a shot at revising this? And like I said, I do think with my experience and kind of the way things are going, I do think this is the best approach. But I'm hearing what you're saying. Why don't I take a shot at revising this? Maybe diminish or or reduce some of

111what we do spend time on on the warm and fuzzy stuff, which I I agree it comes across. That's again, we're building on strengths. Um and do more on the project uh the project framework side and the project side. Would that would that work for everybody? Is the length of the meeting concerning the people? No, I mean that that's not a problem. No, I think if if we come out of this and we feel like it's been a productive use of time and we have a set like procedure. Yeah. If we have if we have if we have a very tight um goal and process that we're going to kind of approach to take with all this. I think it would be a great use of time. I I do worry that like reading through

112the agenda that we're not going to cover a lot of the stuff that we still need to cover after seven hours. So that is my that's my concern and I understand. Yeah. And I just want to make sure we get the the foundation built correctly because if we don't build the foundation correctly, everything else we do on top of it will crumble. We've already seen that crumbling happen. I I I think if if folks aren't diverse, like if if you want to go back and sort of meet, like you said, meet in the middle and kind of revise that and let us see what you know and and then we can go from there. Maybe that might be a a good way to start. And and again, I mean, I don't think I don't think

113that um it's not the warm and fuzzies that bother me. I'm I'm actually hoping that like I've I've had great planning experiences where like it's basically a warm and fuzzy experience even though there are some tough realities that folks have to face. Um so I think we can still hold you know being respectful making sure that we're listening to each other like we're trying to do tonight coming to the middle like we're doing tonight. I think if we can operate in that fashion and make sure that we consciously commit to that uh pursuant to some of the things that you've listed listed here in the agenda and make sure that we get some ground rules together and do that I think we might all come out with something that we are feeling good about yeah

114I just wanted to add a couple of things so you know I I can really relate to what you've said right in terms of you start your day and um you Having come from being a building administrator with you know 650 kids and 100 adults there were a lot of days when I wasn't doing much to do with actual education right it's there's a lot of things that that happen with people right that are need immediate attention immediate focus and and I spent a lot of time especially when I first became an administrator feeling like there was nothing that I did well that everything I did was got us by but nothing that I felt really, you know, good about. And um so I so I feel like I kind of understand what a lot

115of positions are like that in in the world unfortunately. Um, but I I do think that the whether it's we need another day or or whatever we need the balance is off in terms of maybe the balance isn't off. It's just that we need more time for to figure it out, right? Um maybe the warm and fuzzy stuff we need that amount of time, but then we need more time to do the other things. And and one thing maybe going into it too, I know you know last year you did some work and trying to get things organized and sort of uh in sort of a project management fashion. Um and maybe it would be a good thing to kind of send get some feedback from your department heads or that on some of these

116projects just where they are. Not I'm not talking any big huge you know we had worked together a little bit on um something that you could send out like once a month right to to different and each individual would go down and say okay here's what happened this month and and I think to have some of that feedback would be helpful to know what do what do we need look at we only got 10% done in this area okay that's not necessar necessarily has to do with somebody not working hard. It has to do with all these other things that they're working on, right? And so that sort of feedback's really critical because it also tells you, okay, so now let's look at if this is really that important to us, we need to push

117some more resources there. Um, so I mean I think it it might not be a bad idea to try to get some feedback based on some of those projects that were ongoing last year that we sort of had some kind of priority for. And again, I totally understand all that can get washed away in in a heartbeat and it just disappears. But um but you have to we have to at least start with you know that some basic understanding of where we are what it has taken even to get this far. If just if even if we looked at some of that data from last year and I think you could still push that out to people and and get some and get some feedback and then we could it would kind of give us

118an idea. look at we only got this amount done. We we've been collecting all that. Um and so we have that and we have that up to date. It's been monthly. I think you know one thing I I'll say is that one of the things I love about our team is Beth will speak to it as well. I mean they will they will run through walls for us. They will tell them to do it. They will sacrifice every single thing. And I get that. But nobody can survive exactly over the long haul like that. Right. That that's so special when you have that. But it, you know, people are just humans, right? Exactly. We got to take care of our staff. And really, you know what? That's really kind of where I'm coming from. And

119and so I know and I know you feel that as well. And I think that's what you're talking about too when you say, you know, sometimes when we use the term staff and I'm like, well, who's who exactly is that? Is that is that every person that I see in the building is that who who is who are we talking about? And then the other thing when you talk about losing 26 years and of experience and that it's huge is you know do I not fully comprehend um how much that has to do with we need to go into No, I'm kidding you. Um you know does that did I not fully understand their reasons for leaving? you know it maybe I did maybe I don't and so that's something I guess I I uh

120need to understand better as well to read between a lines so I mean Michael like you know what Claudia said like if you have that information that's something that we need to see you know because that's going to help our understanding and we we not like the day of the retreat but like that's something that we'd want to have as part of you know so part of it is like kind of prepping us you know and what what material materials. We have to identify like what materials that we you know like Brandy said like last time like what homework do we need to do. Yeah. You know you're saying like you you all need to understand where we're coming from. That data is going to help us understand where you're coming from. But what is

121going to be missing from that data is the human toll, right? I mean I think data tells a story and you know I think if you we I mean depending on what you've collected but it sounds like you've you know well it it show human toll. It doesn't show the birthdays missed. it doesn't show you know wait Claudia you I mean I know well actually we all understand I mean we do all understand that that's what it is so depending on what you're collecting like you know and then obviously you can you can add additional information but like I think we we understand that yeah and only and I I know we do have to move on um so is is it okay if I go and take a shot at at revising this based

122on this feedback and kind of kind of a beating of the mind discussion is about to get feedback and they come back to us. Yeah. No, absolutely. Absolutely. The one thing I would also say is that we need to be able to come out of this with some real action items like truly. agree. So like whether we're talking about, you know, um improving communications or what we can do like so I I I want to make sure that that's like a a a real goal of the retreat is to not just be like, oh, okay, well, you know, we're going to put this we're going to come up with this plan and this scoring system and all this stuff and then not revisit it and not like So it I think it's important that we

123have some clear what are our outcomes. Yeah. What we need to identify and when we are putting this together, what are our outcomes? We need to identify what we want to get out of this and then we want to do our periodic check-ins to make sure that we're we're still on target, if we need to shift, if we need to pivot, if we need to uh offload, if we need to, etc., etc. But like we've like we've said like you know we have to be clear about what do we want to accomplish in this session and then we have to be clear about what we want to accomplish next year and we're all committed to making it all work for everybody. Like I mean absolutely like that's that's without a doubt that's not one against

124I definitely want some warm fuzzies. Yeah, we we do have to have some warm fuzzies. Sorry I brought up the warm fuzzies. Some coffee. Yeah, we'll give you a coffee and a nice muffin. Yeah, I am for the record into warm and fuzzies. So, let the record show. One thing, just one more thing. When you talk about human toll, right? There's got to be something out there that we could you could when you get feedback and data from the people in your workforce. How there's got to be some way to to ask that. There there is. I mean that's why I'm curious to find out what data you've collected if you've got didn't we provide you the organizational development plan right so like but like if there's a questionnaire about like No we didn't get

125that in the center no the ones that we did as a staff no no um but are you asking people about like how they're feeling about their jobs like you know all those sort of um those those questions telling, you know, no, but I mean like document like is that documented like, you know, and and and so that's that's the kind of feedback I think that Claudia is referring to and that's what we want to see and that's what we want to understand because that's going to help us. I'm sorry. I really thought Katherine had I thought we had provided that and Katherine had provided an update at the a couple meetings ago. Go right back to what Makita said in one of her original statements communications. Yeah. Well, I agree. So, and I think

126also as long as we understand it's going to I think to get to that to that level because you're you know what I'm hearing is um you know still like a project focused thing and I guess I guess my thing has kind of I guess I've kind of shifted a little bit in that I just feel a little bit more protective of our of our staff and their well-being. I guess that's plenty of well I mean and that's a topic to discuss but going back to what you had originally identified you had said that there were like certain things what we were doing to plan and execute was not working and part of what you said was that you know the staff and how the staff is how the staff is perceiving and executing is

127a part of that. Yeah. You have some data that can help us understand that. So, we'd like to see that uh so that we can uh understand that and ask questions about it. But I'm also thinking, you know, when you take another shot at this, Claudia, something that you said, we may it sounds like we might have to we may have to split this session out like, you know, um because I I I think that if there is a spec there there seems to be a specific issue, this specific issue um seems to be uh that you've identified seems to be um something that impacts operations and and it sounds like maybe we need to devote some time to specifically address that from an operational standpoint. Um, and then from there talk about like where

128we can how we can execute, how we can plan and get our goals done. But it sounds like you you have identified um um a challenge that you are looking to get some assistance or guidance about. And so maybe that's that's a that that particular that particular subject uh is something that we need to discuss. But to Bry's point, we need to be very clear about what the outcomes of that discussion are going to be. So like if we talk about that, I mean even if it's whatever we're trying to accomplish, we need to before we enter into that discussion, I want to be clear about like what we're going to do about it after it, right? It can't just be like, well, we've all kind of shared our feelings about and we've identified the

129issue. We need to commit to addressing the issue somehow. I'm not gonna say that we have the we'll have the answer at the end of that session, but we have to have some action steps to get to an answer. We can approach that when you think about any other comments. Just one other question. Um, I had mentioned the Collins report. Do you know when that is going to be? Well, we're having a hard time getting the data from other communities because, in the words of one town manager, Michael, why would I do why would I spend all this time doing a report that's going to make you look good and us look bad? So that that is um so I'm I'm trying to call in some favors. It it is a pretty exhaustive uh it

130is a pretty exhaustive report. So just I'm I'm working working in things because just just because I think that's part of because that's that's talking about the staffing levels and and an analysis and so I think I think that's part of the discussion too and I don't know if it's part two that could be part two but I think to go back to the actionable things and like what what we're going to do like that that would be helpful like you know for context text at as part of this discussion. Not obviously not like in three weeks, but yeah, there's that probably I can I can get some data. It's just the real meat, the stuff that's really really important, which is that comparative data, I think, um would ah I just don't know if

131it's out of my control. That's that's part of the problem. Hey, I've got a great idea. Looks like it's going to be a two-parter. Let's book a trip to Aruba. We'll book a nice nice hotel. We'll do a two-day retreat. Listen, I'll rent two. I'm joking, folks. Yeah, I'm sure the taxpayers would really appreciate that, Michael. Exactly. We have the res. We have the rest. There you go. Yeah. Absolutely. Yeah. We can walk from Henry's place. We absolutely. There you go. You know, I And I will pick. Yeah. I will just say as as we close this up, you know, I think I think think we both have a few frustrations. Um, but at the same time, I really appreciated this discussion. What do you think about you? I mean, I thought it was good.

132You good? Um, yeah, I think um just Hey, let's move to something that we can all have fun with. How about town? Some warm and warm and fuzzies. How about time event time? Um, so yes, we did have the uh opening day of the farmers market um the Saturday. A nice uh Hey, it was a Saturday in Massachusetts, so it was a little bit drizzly. Um, but uh Joe and I had the opportunity there to join others uh our legislative delegation and um some officials from uh MDAR, Mass Department of Agricultural Resources in the opening day. And just congratulations to the farmers market board, all the volunteers. They did an excellent job. Um the corner spot also had its opening day that day. Um Jordan was f flying solo on that and she did a

133great job. We didn't have much in the way of attendance. Again, weather was not not very cooperative, but we did have a few people. I can appreciate that. Yeah. Yeah, that's going to be. So Jordan Yeah. So she's you know, was it two events in a row that were rained out? three three in a row that were rained out. So, um yeah. So, but uh but it it went off uh without a hitch. We did have, you know, a few few residents come by. Um something that's not a town event, but I did want to let you know um and the community know. So, the week of July 7th on 126, they're going to start working on the culbert. They're going to do a lot of that work at night and two of those nights,

134correct Beth? It's going to be a total shutdown of 126. So, they will be We need to vote on that. You don't need to vote on it. U But what it is is we do need to let the community know about. Okay. Get those electronic signs out there in the Yeah. Oh, there'll be so many signs. They they have that in their project. Masdot has to actually provide those that signage. Um so, Northern will be putting those up. Um we'll be doing uh there's going to be maps for the detours. Um, and we'll put that on on all of our communications. So, the AOSC will be notified because there will be extended traffic going through their private roads. So, it'll be open like they'll have to let local people go through, but it'll be uh

1351000 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. Local businesses, too. I believe McDonald's is still open past 10 o'clock. Okay. Yeah, you're right. They are. Thank you. Board reports. Miss Keegan. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Um, well, uh, a couple things. First off, I had the pleasure of attending opening day of our Metro West famous uh, farmers market in this in the in the torrential rain. It was lovely. Um, so, uh, I am actually very excited about the return of the farmers market. It's I personally think it's one of the best ones in Metro West and I'm a little biased. Um, couple other things. Uh, I had uh attended my first meeting with the historical commission uh last week and uh so uh they are um trying to figure out what their next steps are. I'm I'm having some

136follow-up meetings uh with their chair and a few other things. So um I know they'll probably be back before us uh at some point. So, uh, we'll keep you a breast on that. Um, let's see. Um, I've also, uh, been, uh, involved with, uh, decisions at every turn. I had a conversation with Kristen French. They've been a recipient of a stop grant, a federal grant, uh, to, um, you know, develop a prevention framework to support the community. And um so I'll be um kind of chiming in on those efforts as well. They do incredible work. Uh and um I know this is a little far off uh but uh the well the library is actually having an event around uh youth comics um coming up soon in July. And uh you know uh Mina um

137is trying to get the word out about the events and I had the dates here and I can't find them. So oh yes the the Ashland uh library young artist comics fest will be on Sunday July 13th. Um so they are looking to promote young artists and they're also looking for volunteers for the event. So please get in touch with the library for more information. And lastly, um I will be at the farmers market uh this Saturday um celebrating Junth uh with our friends from area. They I'm very honored to uh be able to uh make some remarks uh at the farmers market and of course tomorrow um is Junth and uh I wanted to acknowledge that holiday and um you know I think this is a great opportunity for the community to come together

138and celebrate history. So, um, that's all I've got. Thank you, Miss Bennett. Um, well, uh, Mr. Manyani and I were at class day recently to award the two select board grants, uh, of $2,000 each, uh, scholarships. Thank you. Um, still in grant mode, I guess. Um and uh Genesis Bkenya was the winner of one and Nate Berloven was the winner of the second. Uh we the candidates were all you know just uh it's really powerful reading I have to say and also um to think about what the the cost of going to college now it's um just unbelievable right um I also had the opportunity to have a group of boy scouts that had their leader had approached me about um they're working on a badge for elected officials And so we had they I

139had them come in here and uh we had a little conversation about um how one becomes elected and um just sort of the importance of local government and um I I really enjoyed meeting with them and I want to thank Diane managed to dig up some coins with the Ashlin town seal on them and I thought okay so doesn't matter if I say a word now when they see these things and they're well done. Yeah, they were um so it was really my pleasure to to meet them and and have a conversation with them. Um I did attend the ZBA meeting and the Mendes building committee uh had a meeting last evening. Um, you know, on on last Saturday, um, opening day for the farmers market, um, I also attended that we had a a

140no kings stand out here in Ashland, um, with, I would say around 300 people. Um, and I just wanted to commend really the police because the police were there to really help just with a lot of people in the area near the traffic. You, you know, everybody's right there. um they were just really very kind and very uh conscious about safety and um just they were u just very friendly and and I just wanted you know to I did go and and talk to them a little bit and thank them because you know that's not something that they necessarily are trained in or expect they're going to have to do. Um and and they were just uh they just did a great job. So I just wanted to thank them for that. Um they kept

141it they kept it everybody safe. That was totally their goal and it was clear that that was their goal. Um it's so it's nice to see um that our local police are worried about safety not other things. Um and then um and then you know I was invited to speak uh on Saturday for area and uh I'm look forward to that. Makita was she is actually the keynote speaker. So, let's just be straight about that. Um, so, uh, so you're going to represent the board? Yeah. Okay. They they reached out. So, in any case, um, that's it for me. Thank you. And, and what time is the the festivities start at the farmers market? 9:30. 9:00. 9 is when it opens. I think it's 10 is when it open. No, it starts before that because

142I think I'm on like at 9:15, 9:30, something like that. I'm like after you. So, we should probably make sure that those times are around. I have it here. Go ahead. And I have rumor rumored to believe that there's actually going to be some sunshine this Saturday. Do not spread false rumors and get hopes up. Knock down. Yeah. Jason Michael from Channel 4 says it's going to be a beautiful day on Saturday. Okay. Okay. Jason's pretty good. All right. I have it starting. Local speakers are at 9:30. Um, and then the keynote speaker Makita is at 11:15. But there's a host of uh there's some dancing poetry, uh, interactive hip hop, um, some educator acknowledgements, some book raffle winners. So, and so the whole thing runs from about 9:30 till noon. Yeah. Well, well, till

143till Yeah. till 1. Really? Right. Well, mine does. Yeah. To the I might not be looking at the most recent version, but in any case. Yeah. But it's basically whenever you come, you're going to be able to experience something. And area always does not speak is what time. I don't know. Let's see. Just show up whenever, folks. Okay. Show up whenever. Area does a great job. support the farmers market. Celebrate Junth. Doesn't matter when I'm going to be there. Well, thank you for for doing that and thank you for representing the pool. Are you done? Are you also good? Oh, okay. Okay. All right. Am I up next? You're up next. Um, so most of my life has revolved around graduation. Um, I was not there representing the board. I was there as a parent.

144And so, just congratulations to the class of 2025. Um and um you know, thank you to um Ashlin High School for putting together a great program as usual. There were a lot of great speakers and um entertainment as well, student performers. So, and um class day, a lot of a lot of good things happening at class day, too. So, um and I think school's officially out for the summer. I think today was the last was today the last day? Uh Friday. Monday's the last day. Okay. So, I was gonna say congratulations, but maybe that's a little preemptive. So, um but um so yeah, so you know, the school year is winding down apparently. So, um just you know, for everybody that's out there, just enjoy your summer and thank you to Ashlin Public Schools and

145all the teachers and administrators for working so hard all year. I know everybody's ready for a break. So, and then and then some and then some. So, um, we're having a comprehensive plan meeting, I think, next Thursday on the 26th at 7 PM. It's on my calendar, so I'm assuming. Okay. Okay. So, um, hopefully I would I hopefully it's a good meeting and we're in a good place. It's gonna be great. Positive thinking, warm and fuzzies. Yes, that will be the that will be the key to the whole thing. Um, and let's see what else. Um, I just wanted to um give a shout out to the um the girls 4x800 track um y relay team. Um they're going to the New Balance Nationals in Philadelphia this next week. That is awesome. So, you know,

146I think that um it's it's it's very impressive and and like I said, they're all juniors, so they'll be back again next year, but they're going they're going to Philly. I think they um they run on the Upen track. So, which is really cool. So, it is big time. So, good luck to the girls. Uh bring home a gold medal for for Ashley. Great. Um and I think that's that's it for me. So, that's it. Thanks. Thank you. She's still on cloud now. Graduation. Graduation. Yep. Uh I have some important reminders uh as part of our agenda. Uh Junth, we already talked about June 21st from 9 to 1. Bombers Market June 28th from 9 to 1. Open mic night at the Connor spot June 26 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Right. Weather permitting. Let's hope

147we don't have to worry about that. Hopefully. Um let's see. August 21st and September 4th. Uh that's also open. Mike Knight at the spot. Farmers Market Sustainability Day, July 12th, 2025, 9 to 1. And let's see, Farmer's Market Farm Day, July 19th from 9 to 1. And Wine Empire, the 10th anniversary wine and beer festival at the Connor spot, July 20th from 5 to 9:00 p.m. Uh, open mic night again. Uh, let's see. And Stone Park Music Festival. I was wrong. I said September 6. after September 13th, 2025. So, make that correction. My bad. And there are volunteer opportunities. Conservation Commission, uh, one seat available. Council on Aging, there's one seat. Cultural council, one seat. Incom, one seat. And that's a moderator's appointment. So, if you're interested, please fill out a talent bank form and

148uh get it in quickly so our moderator can uh make a decision. Open space and recreation committees, one seat. Stonewater Advisory Committee one seat, sustainability, one seat, and design review one seat. And that's a planning board appointment. So, uh, with that, uh, Joe, absolutely. That's okay. No, be remiss if I didn't mention this, but, um, so Ashland unfortunately lost. Um, were you going to say it? I have it right here. Never mind. Oh gosh, no. I still have a little more things to do. uh Ashland uh event uh Ashland Day committee event uh is celebrating a summer concert festival starting again uh June 24th from 7:00 to 9 at Stone Park. I will have the uh completed uh schedule hopefully by Thursday to get it to everybody. Uh we had some issues with a couple

149of bandits that we needed to reschedule around, so we had to change everything all over again. So I'll get that I'll get that to you ASAP. Okay. So, uh, and, uh, the band that's, uh, playing, it's called Wayne Dubai, and he's a railroad picker. Railroad picker. There's a lot of Monica banjo, string guitars, and uh, like America, Americana, Americana, bluegrass, blues. Yeah, bluegrass. Yeah. Thought it was the 24th, which is a Tuesday. No, June June 24th. Next Tuesday. Next Tuesday. And um we were all there for the uh grand opening for the farmers market. And happy Junth tomorrow for everybody uh who has the day off celebrating and thank you for being our representative and keynote speaker which is totally totally awesome. Uh with that um I want to extend our condolences to the families

150of uh Cheryl Delu Riby. Uh she was a very active committee member to the Ashlin Open Space and Recreation Department. She did a lot of volunteering as well throughout the town. Uh she passed away recently. Uh we're going to miss Cheryl. She had a great smile and she cared about a lot of people and her presence will be greatly missed. Also Moren Musgrave. Uh she worked for 25 years at the preschool in in Ashland. She later was a substitute teacher for the Ashland public schools and she supported the community in volunteering at the Ashland food pantry. And we lost two very dear friends and great friends to the the community of Ashland and our sincere condolences to all their families. And with that, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn. 5 to 7, I think. Yeah,

151I think 5 to 7 she said. Yep. 5 to 7. Friday. I'm sorry, Friday. Sorry, it's Friday. I'm sorry. I've already It's out Friday. Sorry. And it's rain or shine because I asked you rain or shine. Rain or shine. Bring your umbrella like I did at the farmers market. But I wore shirt out. Anyhow, entertain a motion to adjourn. So moved. Second. All those in favor? I Good night. God bless. Just to let people know, we're not meeting the first Oh, yeah. first Wednesday in July. 16th will be our only meeting in July. 16th. Yeah. Y. So thank you again.