[0:00] call this uh select board meeting to order on Monday, August 31st, 2026.

[0:07] This meeting/hering of the air select board will be held in person at the

[0:11] location provided on this notice. Members of the public are welcome to

[0:15] attend this in-person meeting. Please note that while an option for remote

[0:19] attendance and/or participation via Zoom is being provided as a courtesy to the

[0:23] public, the meeting/hering will not be suspended or terminated if techn

[0:28] technological problems interrupt the virtual broadcast unless otherwise

[0:32] required by law. Members of the public with a particular interest in a specific

[0:37] item on this agenda should make plans for in-person vers virtual attendance

[0:41] accordingly. This meeting will be live on Zoom in channel 8. The public may

[0:46] access the proceedings by joining uh Zoom meeting ID 978-772-8220

[0:53] or by calling 929-2056099.

[0:58] For additional information about remote participation, please contact Carly

[1:02] Antelis, assistant town manager at atmirair.mma.

[1:07] us or 978-772-8220

[1:11] extension prior to the meeting. Okay. Okay, if I could ask everyone to rise

[1:14] for the pledge of >> allegiance.

[1:17] Pledge of allegiance >> to the flag of the United States of

[1:21] America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God,

[1:27] indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

[1:31] » Thank you.

[1:38] » Back in. >> Okay, everyone have a chance to review

[1:42] the agenda. Mhm.

[1:44] » No changes. >> I have no changes. Okay.

[1:46] » I'll make a motion that the agenda be approved as submitted.

[1:50] » Second. >> Okay. All those in favor? I.

[1:52] » I. >> And the chair says I.

[1:55] » Okay. Um we have a couple of announcements.

[1:58] One is the state primary election is tomorrow uh September 1st. Um, it will

[2:04] be from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. So, unless otherwise stated, all elections

[2:10] are held on the second floor uh of the great hall uh town hall located on one

[2:16] main street. >> And then we have one more

[2:22] » one more announcement >> housing.

[2:25] » Okay. Uh the air housing forum is going to be Tuesday, September 29th again at

[2:32] uh great hall 6 to 8:00 p.m. So the second floor of this building. Um please

[2:39] come. It's a great chance to have your opinions heard. Everyone likes to voice

[2:44] their opinions, right? This is your chance. Um there will be pizza, I

[2:48] believe. Yes, pizza. So again, no one says no to free pizza. So, come join us

[2:54] uh on the 29th. Okay. Um

[3:00] public input. Is there anyone for public input on a issue that is not on the

[3:07] agenda?

[3:13] » Yeah. >> Okay.

[3:15] » Yes. >> Please come up

[3:22] here. State your name and address please for the record.

[3:24] » My name is Michael Harmon. I'm part of a seat. Mike

[3:29] and address please. >> Um 46 Central Lab Air.

[3:37] » Okay. >> I am um part of the Fourth of July

[3:41] parade committee. Um and we're looking to have funds released, I guess.

[3:48] Um and I was told I had to be here.

[3:53] Okay. >> Yeah. I don't understand that part.

[3:58] » Yeah. >> Yeah. I

[4:00] » He had sent me a note and I said the same thing and I said, "Oh, well, maybe

[4:04] something's changed." But >> Right. So I I think I sent an email to

[4:08] you, wasn't it? >> Um, yeah. A couple weeks back. So that's

[4:14] kind of confusion. It seems like you're being told something from not town hall.

[4:19] So >> I I'm not sure where that direction's

[4:22] coming from exactly. So >> anyways, that's why I'm here. [laughter]

[4:27] » Yeah. >> All right.

[4:28] » Okay. [laughter]

[4:32] » So I I want to thank you for you know trying to spearhead this um

[4:38] » no excuses now. [laughter] >> And um you know certainly we can be a

[4:43] resource try to help you out best we can uh within our ability. Um, so yeah,

[4:49] thank you for coming. >> Perfect. Thank you.

[4:51] » If I could just add one thing and as you're going along,

[4:54] » you know, come up to public input or send like a flyer to like keep everyone

[5:00] posted. >> That's keep interest high, especially

[5:03] when it comes to the volunteers, >> right? That's one of the plans. Keep

[5:06] doing that. >> Yeah.

[5:08] » So, Mr. Chair, we, as you know, we do have funds. They were not there were not

[5:14] funds in the fiscal 27 budget which we are in now.

[5:20] » Um there are funds in a um special revenue account about [clears throat]

[5:28] $16,000 I want to say in a special revenue account um from previous

[5:34] Fourth of July celebrations. So I I think that's the funds that

[5:39] you're alluding to. >> Yes. But the structure of the committee

[5:43] I think is all volunteer at this point. It's yet

[5:48] kind of to be defined per se. Um so I think it's up for bigger discussion

[5:57] at this point. it. >> Okay.

[6:01] » Well, just [clears throat] doesn't it, you know, is they get the, you know,

[6:06] we've hired people for parades who need to be hired or anything like that. They

[6:10] bring in the receipts and then get reimbursed.

[6:13] » I know that's how it works with Memorial Day

[6:16] » when the when the American Legion. >> I was told the same way with the 4th of

[6:21] July. >> Yeah.

[6:23] So that's I mean always double check because you know we we could be mistaken

[6:30] and we don't want to mislead. >> Two years ago um when we last had it my

[6:35] daughter was already written. She said that's what you had to do is basically

[6:39] » have them sign a form stating are they going to be there and then

[6:44] » give us a re a bill or something like that that then it gets paid here.

[6:49] » Um >> yeah I think it's all a reimbursement.

[6:51] So I if if I'm correct I say if >> okay if I am correct the money will not

[6:57] touch your hands >> right

[6:59] » okay you just bring in the receipt >> correct

[7:01] » and then you know so that's why it also keeps it you know safe

[7:05] » right I think the accountant's office was looking for some sort of sign off

[7:10] from the select board to get that process started as I understand it um so

[7:16] that's why I think you're here Mike um right Robert is that your understanding.

[7:22] » Yeah. Through the chair and Mike, we'll set up a time with the town accountant

[7:26] and so forth. And the the key takeaway is obviously there's approximately

[7:30] $16,000 that can be used towards the the Fourth of July effort and we'll also

[7:36] talk about fundraising efforts and and that fund. So, we'll we'll get

[7:40] everything uh teed up >> if we can do that sometime this month

[7:44] because I we're trying to be over here at the Newf Fest.

[7:49] » Yep. Yep. We can do that. >> Yeah.

[7:52] » Yes. So, I'll be in touch tomorrow. Again, we've met once generally speaking

[7:58] um just to start the discussion. So, we'll be in touch tomorrow.

[8:02] » All right. >> And then, uh we'll take it from there.

[8:05] » We'll [clears throat] set something up again.

[8:06] » All right. >> All right. Great.

[8:08] » Thank you. >> Thank you.

[8:09] » Thank you.

[8:12] » Okay. Any other public input? Not uh on the agenda.

[8:19] Okay. Uh, I have a feeling this is why most people are here. This next item,

[8:25] um, we have our discussion and vote on the flock cameras. Um, couple things I

[8:31] want to mention in the beginning. Um, if you've spoken on record already, um, and

[8:37] your opinion hasn't changed, I ask that you don't come up in the interest of

[8:43] time because, um, you know, you are on record. Um, if you um, you know, haven't

[8:51] spoken and and you do want to speak and and come up, uh, I'm going to probably

[8:56] put about a 3minut uh, limit because there's a lot of people. Um, so um, I

[9:02] will open this up if anyone does want to come up and and speak. I just ask that

[9:07] you say your name and your address for the record. Um, and then we'll move on

[9:13] to um, discussion.

[9:22] Yes. Come on. Yep. Come on up.

[9:31] » Hello. Hello. My name is William Barnes. I live at 52 Pleasant Street B. Um, and

[9:38] I have real concern about the implementation of unsecure surveillance

[9:42] equipment in our town. Town has 10,000 residents. Crime rates are low and flock

[9:46] has a history of misuse. So why do we have flock cameras in air? I'll tell you

[9:51] why. Under Massachusetts law chapter 44 section 53 a paraphrased an officer or

[9:57] department of any city or town may accept grants or gifts of funds from the

[10:02] federal government in towns with the approval of the board of selectment.

[10:06] Further, in the case of grants from the federal government or the commonwealth

[10:09] upon receipt of an agreement from the grantor to provide advanced payment or

[10:13] reimbursement, the officer or department may spend the amount to be reimbursed

[10:18] subject to the approvals required by this section. The board needed to vote

[10:22] on this grant. They were not allowed that opportunity.

[10:25] Chief Gil bypassed the select board and partnered with Mr. Point braid to secure

[10:29] a reimbursement grant without approval by the select board. Mr. Point Breate

[10:33] issued a payment from the town to Flock in the amount of $25,000 through a

[10:37] warrant. The town paid for those cameras.

[10:41] I was listening to a 404 podcast where Jonathan Paz, a former Flock employee

[10:45] and selectman of Wallfam, spoke about his experience with Flock. He described

[10:50] how Flock systematically targeted towns in Massachusetts, teaching departments

[10:54] how to circumvent their local municipal laws to effectuate the installation of

[10:57] these cameras. This is exactly what happened here. Lastly, I would like to

[11:02] touch on the transparency of the the police department and town manager.

[11:05] Public records requests were sent to both um specifically requesting flock

[11:09] related documents. No documents were provided, only a link to a frequently

[11:12] requested documents page on the air website. Publicly available emails show

[11:17] Chief Gil pitched the Flock Camera's idea to Mr. Point Brand in November,

[11:21] weeks after the order form was already signed by Mr. Point Brand. So, so why

[11:26] was Chief Gil emailing Mr. Point Brand that sales pitch weeks later? All right,

[11:30] I'm going to have to stop stop you there on time. Uh, as well as understood. Um,

[11:36] but I do want to just keep this on the flock itself and kind of not more of

[11:43] these uh attacks on employees. Okay. >> Okay. I just have one one more thing if

[11:48] that's okay. It's nothing to do with the employees.

[11:50] » Okay. Um, I'm formally demanding that the select

[11:54] board initiate a review into how the grant and contract were executed without

[11:58] section 53A approval and for the select court to investigate whether municipal

[12:02] funds were improperly dispersed. Thank you.

[12:04] » All right. Thank you.

[12:16] » Hello. >> Hi, my name is Tori Stevens. I live at

[12:20] 10 East Street and I didn't prepare any remarks, but I am vocal about being um

[12:29] anti- uh or against flock. I don't think that surveillance should come in the

[12:34] form of kind of this like China style surveillance that we're flock is. It's

[12:39] grabbing all this information and people are using this information um for

[12:44] nefarious reasons. And I would say that there's been multiple accounts across

[12:48] the United States where there have been individuals to abuse the flock system. I

[12:52] don't nothing like that has happened in air as far as we know and the police and

[12:57] air have been great. Um I've lived here for uh almost 10 years and haven't had

[13:02] an issue. This is the first time that I'm like wow I I can't believe something

[13:06] like this has happened. Um the town it it seems based on the Facebook page

[13:11] there's a lot of interest in this. So, it's not something and the fact that you

[13:14] all have um it on your docket means it's really important. Um so, I just wanted

[13:18] to say that I'm vehemently against uh flock and this kind of surveillance in a

[13:24] small town where there's low crime. I'm actually against it in even in a bigger

[13:29] town, you know? It's just something that's like it's almost like warrantless

[13:33] like you don't have a warrant to kind of like view and follow and track people

[13:38] and that just feels really really bad. Um, so just wanted to state that for the

[13:44] record. Um, I know that there's a good amount of residents in the I don't know

[13:48] what the actual number is, but there's a lot of people that I've talked to that

[13:52] really don't like this as well. >> Okay. Thank you.

[14:03] » Hello. >> Hello.

[14:05] » My name is Colleen Spinny. I live at 5 Oldcom Road. Um, I just want to follow

[14:10] up for clarity on what happened with my report with the flock stuff. Um, I

[14:16] hadn't heard anything from the chief. He was going to come back from vacation,

[14:19] review it, and get in touch with me, but I haven't heard anything. So, I don't

[14:24] know what's going on. So, I just want to know where that stands, if we can look

[14:28] into that. >> This is a little bit outside of the

[14:31] flock. I just wanted to bring attention that I haven't had an issue with

[14:37] » potentially most likely being searched on it.

[14:40] » So, I just wanted to bring that up. >> Okay. Point taken. All right. Thank you.

[14:51] » Oh, no. Please go ahead. Okay.

[14:58] » Hi. Uh Jessica Gino, 8 Mountain View Avenue. Um, I haven't spoken on this

[15:03] before. So, >> um, I know that the issue of public

[15:07] safety has been behind this a lot. What I'd like to support is the idea of

[15:12] public safety, but public safety from uh, surveillance operated by a private

[15:18] corporation that does not have a great track record.

[15:22] I think the one of the founders has been known to misrepresent or lie about the

[15:28] impacts of of flock. We have no control over what they do with the information.

[15:34] Like this gentleman said, there's been no issues with air police, but it's the

[15:40] behind the scenes private corporation. And my understanding is that the

[15:44] technology down the road can also be expanded

[15:49] potentially to facial recognition systems, not just automatic license

[15:53] readers. That's also extremely troubling. I would not feel safe as a an

[15:58] American citizen or especially as a woman with that kind of surveillance

[16:04] system going on. And I know as of uh this month 214 communities around the

[16:11] country have canled their flock cameras systems. I take take that very

[16:18] seriously. And also if you look at the Wikipedia entry on flock cameras or

[16:23] flack safety, you'll see among the many instances of abuse mention a single

[16:28] paragraph on Littleton and their effort to uh terminate their contract, have the

[16:34] cameras turned off and then finding that they've been turned back on again. So if

[16:39] there was So that's my my I'm against this.

[16:43] » Thank you. >> And there you have it. Thanks.

[16:45] » Appreciate it.

[16:53] Hello. >> Hi, my name is Kristen Feny. I live at

[16:56] 52 uh Central Street. I'm your neighbor right there. Um I'm here today to

[17:01] express my concern about the use of flock cameras in our town and the

[17:05] alarming rate with which they have been installed. Um [clears throat] in

[17:08] particular tonight, I know you've heard many comments about flock in general.

[17:11] I'd like to speak to my concerns of the flock camera that's placed facing my

[17:15] residents. Um, my questions tonight come from a point of wanting to understand

[17:19] why a residential neighborhood was chosen as a location for a flock camera.

[17:24] Um, the Flock camera that is facing down Columbia Street is facing directly at my

[17:28] apartment building as well as several others. Every time I go to and from my

[17:32] home, I am being surveiled. Every time I turn on and off my street, I am being

[17:36] surveiled just simply because of the place that I have chosen to live. I'm

[17:39] being surveiled at and quite frankly an alarmingly higher rate than many of the

[17:43] residents in this town just based off where I live. And I'm hoping to better

[17:46] understand why this location was chosen and what concerns you have with certain

[17:49] populations of people that make you think you need to surveil them at a

[17:52] higher rate. Uh such as those who live in the downtown area and are surrounded

[17:57] quite frankly by flaw cameras. Um I'm also concerned about my safety. These

[18:01] cameras do not make me feel more safe. They make me feel quite frankly a lot

[18:05] less safe. Um, I'd like to understand what reassurance the town is providing

[18:08] to ensure our safety, to ensure the privacy of our data. Um, and to address

[18:13] the many concerns that have come up with the inappropriate use of flock cameras,

[18:16] including many individuals, mainly women, who are being stopped by use of

[18:21] these cameras by police officers. I'd like to think that the police of air

[18:25] would not engage in behavior like that, but quite frankly, they absolutely can

[18:28] and they absolutely will, and they absolutely may. The locations of these

[18:31] spot camera in particular makes it incredibly easy for somebody to follow

[18:34] me around. to follow my neighbors around to know where I'm coming from, where I'm

[18:38] going every time I leave my house. That is incredibly uneasy feeling to live

[18:42] with and actually it has me reconsidering renewing my lease and

[18:45] leaving air um in the new year. Uh overall, I understand the need to

[18:50] increase safety in our town and that's why I'm here. Again, these block cameras

[18:53] do not increase my feelings of safety, especially as a single woman. They

[18:57] decrease them. I'm deeply concerned again at the choice to continue to use a

[19:01] system that we know is bad. There are plenty of stories. I don't need to

[19:05] reiterate them here to you tonight. Um, again, my main concern, not only with

[19:09] the vlog cameras in general, is the location of them and the surveilling of

[19:12] people at their private homes. I can't even stop and pick a package up outside

[19:15] of my front door without being clocked by your camera. Thank you so much for

[19:18] your time. >> Thank you.

[19:31] Hi, my name's Gwen Meiser. I'm from 1A wagon road and along with all the

[19:36] concerns that have already been discussed, I'd also like to bring up the

[19:39] fact that a lot of the time they are wrong. They use AI a lot and a lot of

[19:44] the time the license plates that are read are misread or misconstrued and so

[19:49] innocent people get tickets, get um harassed and everything like that. In

[19:55] addition, I want to um bring up again the fact that this is a private company

[20:00] that does not um that with Littleton at least did not accept the termination of

[20:07] the contract, turn back the um cameras and the town actually had to cut the

[20:13] power and that may happen again. And I do want to make sure that if that um the

[20:19] vote says that to take them down that we make sure that they actually get taken

[20:24] down. >> Thank you.

[20:29] » Well, at this point I would like to deliberate. We'll take one more person.

[20:45] which is pin 24 finger away. Um, again, I would go with the last person to take

[20:51] them down because they can be turned on. I don't trust anybody.

[20:55] My question, too, is how do they even get installed if we haven't even voted

[20:58] to put them on or put them up? Second, it's invasion of privacy. It's against

[21:03] the Constitution. We We are a constitutional republic, not

[21:08] a democracy. And I haven't talked to anybody or heard anybody know anybody

[21:12] that's in favor of these things. Like everything about it is wrong. Like it's

[21:16] just totally not what they say. You can't delete. You can delete things in

[21:20] 30 days. Nothing is deleted. Once it's recorded, it's there forever. Somebody

[21:24] can get to it. And then flock is not just by chance because the government

[21:29] treats us like sheep, which is a flock of sheep. So, it's a camera to watch the

[21:32] people. And we are just one step closer brother to a 10-minute city. Yeah.

[21:39] » So, there's nothing about this that is right and it's totally wrong. And being

[21:45] a constitutional republic, it's your guys' job to vote for us the way we

[21:50] want. I don't even know why this wasn't taken up to a turn election cuz this is

[21:54] some serious stuff that's going on here. >> Exactly.

[21:57] » It should have been. And if you vote for this, you're going against the will of

[22:01] the people. Trust me, nobody wants this. And it's totally illegal and wrong. And

[22:09] you should you should take heed because you guys will be paying the price at

[22:14] some point down the line if this goes wrong. And I want them dismounted. So,

[22:18] how many do we have? $25,000. Put it towards hiring another cop. How many

[22:22] cameras are in tile? >> Does anybody know?

[22:26] » I think it's eight. >> Do we know the location? Is it posted on

[22:29] the website? >> We're we're at about time. So, I think

[22:32] » quick quick 3 minutes, but how did it get put up without anybody saying put it

[22:36] up? You haven't even voted yet. How do you put it up?

[22:40] » This is just insane. Insane is what it is.

[22:45] » Thank you for your time. >> Thank you. All right. Um I think we've

[22:51] heard plenty. Um, so I will open it up to the uh my fellow select board

[22:59] members, opinions, thoughts. >> Yes, J.

[23:03] » Mr. Chair, I kind of made myself known uh at our last meeting too. Um, so I

[23:10] just want to kind of reiterate a couple of things. First of

[23:14] all, unfortunately, the way this was handled was bad. It was bad. I think we

[23:19] can all agree with that. Okay. So, that being said, um I know that I've heard a

[23:23] few people arguing about the fact, well, everybody's got a cell phone and

[23:26] videotaping, but there's a difference. And the difference is if I'm videotaping

[23:31] something outside with my own cell phone and you walk by, it's an innocent you

[23:36] got into my video. Now, if I'm chasing you, that's a little bit different. This

[23:40] was government sanctioned cameras. in the time that we have come aware of

[23:47] it nationwide

[23:50] is having a absolute meltdown with these things. Okay. I also I have to touch the

[23:57] the woman who talked about concerns. First of all, I really hope that you

[24:01] decide to stay in air because we are a good town and we are a safe town. Okay?

[24:07] I know that people are mad at Chief Gil and the police force and everything, but

[24:11] honestly, look at it from his point of view.

[24:14] He thought that this would be a good thing if something would happen. This

[24:19] would be another avenue into being able to solve whatever that crime was. So,

[24:24] let's all just remember he they're all good guy. We got we got a good force.

[24:28] We're really really lucky. So, let's all remember that. But I also understand

[24:32] what she's saying as you know just from the perspective of a woman. You know, it

[24:37] it is concerning. Um, we do get stocked when we're not, you know, we we ignore a

[24:45] lot more than what we say. Okay. Um, so that being said, I'm just going to

[24:51] cut to the chase. I'm I'm making a motion that the flock cameras be

[24:56] disabled, uninstalled

[25:00] immediately. And I mean by immediately I tomorrow morning at the latest call

[25:06] Flock and say get your over here get [clears throat] these cameras down and

[25:11] if they say oh we can't be here for a few days you say flock off

[25:16] » and get here anyways because if they don't

[25:21] » so >> they're coming to come town and the

[25:23] contract needs to be ended. So that's a really long- winded w motion. Let me try

[25:28] to clean that up. I make a motion that immediately the flock cameras be

[25:32] disabled, taken down, and the contract cancelled.

[25:38] Immediately. >> You have any comments?

[25:41] » No, I'll second it. >> No, I before I call for a vote, I mean,

[25:45] I do want to just go over a couple things. Um, I do want to thank everyone

[25:51] that has voiced their opinions. Um, this is how town government is supposed to

[25:56] work. Okay. So, just anonymously writing things on a website or, you

[26:02] know, kind of complaining to friends doesn't get things done. This kind of

[26:05] thing gets done. You were heard. Um, so I I thank everyone that took their time

[26:10] out to come up here and voice their opinion. Um, you know, I had some great

[26:16] uh texts and emails that came in citing uh a lot of different articles um that

[26:22] were verified. Um the constitution came up of which you know I reviewed the

[26:29] supreme judicial court the uh commonwealth versus McCarthy that talked

[26:34] about yes these are legal however it it's

[26:40] if you can start making a matrix on someone's movement

[26:44] » then it becomes illegal. So we're right on the tipping point. Um but then you

[26:49] know I read about the heat map that was found in Oshkosh Wisconsin where they

[26:54] found there is ability to track people with all these different cameras enough

[27:01] that I'm not comfortable with it being constitutional um from from my side my

[27:05] understanding. Um I do want to say again I support air police. I've never heard

[27:12] anything bad said about air police. They did this with the best intentions. Um,

[27:18] you know, Chief Gil said back in June, he didn't he wants to be able to solve

[27:24] crimes and not have people victimized once again when these um crimes can't be

[27:28] solved. So, that's how it was looked. Um, you know, all these uh statements

[27:34] were good statements. Nothing was against their police. Um, but I don't

[27:39] have trust in Flock. Um, so I I can't move on with this contract. So

[27:47] at that point, we have a motion. It was seconded. Uh, all in favor?

[27:51] » I. >> The chair says I.

[27:54] » SO [applause]

[28:03] moving on. And I hope everyone stays >> stay for the rest OF THE MEETING.

[28:08] » YOU CAN SEE >> IT'S AWFUL. YOU ALL LIKE VACATE LIKE THE

[28:12] MOVIE'S OVER. LET'S GO. YOU KNOW, >> thank you.

[28:16] » Thank you. >> They don't even stay for the credits.

[28:21] » And just for the record, too. And off record, they can they do use it for

[28:25] people. They zoom in on people walking and stuff and get their identities and

[28:28] stuff. So, >> good thing it won't matter in air

[28:31] anymore. >> Thank you.

[28:33] » All right. Okay. Um, so we're going to move to um a proposed tree preservation

[28:39] bylaw by um our conservation agent, Heather Hampson.

[28:45] » Thank you. >> Hopefully what I have for you is a

[28:48] little less controversial. One never knows.

[28:50] » You never know. [laughter] Yes. >> Uh like for the record, uh Demo knows

[28:54] I'm Heather Hamson, the conservation agent for the town of Air. And what I

[28:57] have for you this evening is a draft uh tree preservation bylaw uh for the fall

[29:02] town meeting. Um so first why we're here um just a few

[29:07] key points if you look at some of our key uh plans in town including the

[29:11] master plan and our MVP plan both make reference to the ability of the town

[29:17] that require and the ability not ability but the uh thought of the town to have

[29:21] be more uh flood protection um excuse me I'm sorry I I do

[29:28] presentations all the time I wouldn't be nervous but here I am a room full of

[29:31] people as if it's town um increased wildlife habitat, flood

[29:36] protection, clean water, um heat drought, flooding, heat resiliency, all

[29:41] those are listed. Trees help with all of those things. Um the town, as some of

[29:45] you know, we have three pocket forests in town that were done through an MVP

[29:48] grant. Um one which is up on East Main Street. If anyone has a chance to go

[29:52] look at it, it's actually flourishing quite well. um in both the site plan

[29:58] review regulations and our OSRD and I apologize for the one typo. I noticed

[30:02] that this morning. Um both give reference to the fact that we do need to

[30:06] have identified tree identification and mitigation though specifics for those

[30:10] aren't listed within those regulations and bylaws at this time. Currently the

[30:14] conservation commission um when I started we drafted a tree policy for

[30:18] applicants that's actually stricter this proposed bylaw that does get um utilized

[30:23] and done on site when those projects do come forward.

[30:27] Um for a quick summary uh this propos what we're proposing would only pertain

[30:32] to site plan storm water management permits and the OSRD um bylaws. It

[30:38] should not affect individual residents as it's strictly main to do for more

[30:42] larger development. the it'll actually the the tree

[30:46] protection fil will only take effect in the limit of work. It will not be for

[30:50] the entire site. It would only be for the amount of work that the limit of

[30:53] work of a proposed project. Um the trees

[31:00] sorry I know I had this practice several times. Uh so we will have a tree

[31:04] mitigate we have a mitigation for to trees that are removed. So if any tree

[31:08] that does need to remove there'll be a mitigation plan for those. Um, it'll

[31:12] help create a funding source for our tree management plan. If anybody knows

[31:15] that it exists, I've gone through a few times. It'll create a funding source to

[31:19] help us implement that plan that the town created back in had done in 2021.

[31:25] Um, the focus and purpose of the of this uh bylaw will be to

[31:31] it will help to encourage the pre uh pre preservation and protection of trees on

[31:36] a developmental site. When I say certain trees, we limit the size of a tree that

[31:40] needs to be reviewed and replicate to a certain size. And there is um

[31:45] definitions on what kind of tree. We will not allow for um

[31:51] the the we define what type of trees that will be preserved. It does not

[31:54] count to ones that are disease, dying, invasive items like that.

[32:01] The any tree that is removed in the protected area will have one of it will

[32:05] have multi will have different uh mitigation options that the applicant

[32:08] can follow. The goal of the bylaw is to retain mature trees on a development

[32:13] redevelopment site. And next slide goes through what some of

[32:18] the mitigation options are um to show that we're we're looking to do a variety

[32:24] of replications depending on the size of the tree. Um

[32:29] and

[32:35] so the the mitigation fund will be if you some of you are aware of the

[32:38] inclusionary housing bylaw that we have. If people choose not to do the

[32:41] affordable housing, they mitigate into a fund and then we'll help the town to uh

[32:45] supply affordable housing. This will do something similar to give some people

[32:49] some reference. If people do not choose to do the mitigation, they contribute to

[32:52] a fund and then that fund can be used by the town to plant more street trees

[32:56] throughout the town.

[32:59] There are exemptions to the bylaw. Those are listed here. Like I stated before,

[33:04] diseased uh dead or diseased trees, non um native species like the Norway maple.

[33:11] The state does have a uh list of trees on their website of um that we don't are

[33:16] prohibited trees and plants to be done in town. Norway maple uh in the state

[33:20] Norway maples are listed on there. Um it also has some exemptions including uh

[33:26] large scale solar projects which do have a mitigation uh decommissioning plan

[33:31] already in our current bylaw and to um affordable housing of up to a 25% which

[33:36] would be more like your 40b projects. These would not this bylaw would not

[33:40] pertain to them. Some examples of what we already

[33:44] currently have in town and how this will help with that. the uh section uh the

[33:49] tree clearing section of the bylaw the 9 site plan the 9.61 61 specifically has

[33:56] it listed in there that the pro the purpose of that section of the B section

[34:01] is to protect the specimens of trees and forested communities and to keep them

[34:05] removed from site but it doesn't give the detail of what size tree what needs

[34:09] to be replanted or anything like that. This new bylaw will help give more

[34:13] guidance to applicants on that side. Same with the OSRD rules and regulations

[34:18] state that we need to do a 12-in diameter tree shown on plans. What we're

[34:21] asking for now is six, which is similar to what the conservation commission

[34:25] currently already does. Um, which we do have a mitigation of a 2:1 no matter

[34:30] what tree is removed, whereas this bylaw actually is a little bit less than that.

[34:34] Um, some examples of projects that were done already approved in town that went

[34:38] through the conservation that had that 6-in diameter mitigation, the 2:1 was 12

[34:43] roller road that's currently under construction. um previously approved

[34:46] Skully Road and Third Street all had gone through the same process that the

[34:50] conservation commission has, but also went through the planning board with um

[34:54] little to no issue with the applicant.

[35:01] Sorry. And then lastly is where we're here tonight, what we're going to next.

[35:05] Um then we go on to the warrant. Hopefully the vote will be to bring this

[35:10] to the warrant for the town meeting for the fall. Um, and we'll go on from

[35:16] there. Um, if we have any questions, gladly answer them if anybody has any.

[35:24] » I just like to highlight, um, kind of the main thing that I think

[35:29] most people would be concerned about is it doesn't affect individual residences.

[35:32] » Correct. >> So, um,

[35:34] » unless a lot of residents are filing for site plan or storm water permits, it

[35:37] should they should be fine. >> Okay. All right. I just wanted to

[35:40] highlight that one. And I saw you had it underlined, but I thought maybe I'd bold

[35:43] it and and state it. >> Um, any questions?

[35:48] » Yep. >> Okay.

[35:51] » Well, thank you. >> Thank you.

[35:59] » Yes. >> Yeah. Come on up.

[36:12] my my candid 180 Washington Street thanking

[36:18] this is I understand the sequence that it goes

[36:21] through the board of selecting to the town you know to the town warrant and

[36:25] whatnot wouldn't it make sense to have someformational sessions held by the

[36:29] conservation commission so the public could understand more about the bylaw

[36:33] see the exact text instead of the summary that we're talking about here

[36:36] and concentrate on some of the individual features that are in the

[36:39] bylaw. >> Y

[36:41] » Mr. Chair, um through you to Mr. Diskin's point, I have discussed with

[36:46] the conservation agent doing some uh public outreach to that nature.

[36:51] » Also, the board will have it will be in your packet for September 15th. You'll

[36:56] have the proposed warrant language. So, it has gone through an interdep

[37:00] departmental review as Heather has worked on this. Town council's just

[37:04] doing a legal review. So, um, you will have, as will the public without the the

[37:09] full bylaw, but we can definitely do some public outreach.

[37:13] » Okay. Thank you. >> I think that's a good point.

[37:16] » Thank you.

[37:20] [clears throat]

[37:24] » Yes. Danny, >> are you coming up to speaker for your

[37:29] » Yeah. Uh, just to clarify, um, uh, Danny Ruiz, town planner. Um, I just want to

[37:35] clarify that this is not being specifically um, created through

[37:40] conservation. This was something that was created internally through myself

[37:43] and Heather. Um, Heather's really been the point person on putting this

[37:47] together, but it's not specifically through conservation. I just want to

[37:49] make sure that's clear. >> Okay.

[37:51] » Okay. Good. >> And you could probably stay right there.

[37:54] [laughter] Um so our next item is uh the vote

[37:59] regarding proposed zoning bylaw amendment for aquafer protection zone

[38:03] bylaw. >> Thank you Ruiz.

[38:06] » Um so the uh first proposed uh zoning bylaw amendment that we have for um

[38:13] brought to the select board is um two definitions. And the first definition we

[38:19] have is for the aquifer protection district. Um I'm not sure if you Oh, got

[38:24] I have it right there. Uh so the first definition is kind of just the

[38:28] explanation as to what the aquafer protection district is. The zoning

[38:32] district defined to overlay other zoning districts in the town of air. The

[38:36] aquafer protection district may include specifically designed recharge areas. So

[38:40] the on the zoning map, it's actually shown in a specific hatching shows what

[38:44] the area of the protection uh the aquifer protection district is, but this

[38:49] is to clearly define it. Um as well as the next one which is the imper

[38:54] impervious surface. We don't actually have a definition for that. Um any

[38:59] material or structure on or above the ground that prevents water infiltration

[39:04] to the underlying soil. Impervious surfaces include without limitation

[39:08] roads, paved parking lots, sidewalks and rooftops, comp uh compacted soils,

[39:14] hardpacked gravel, driveways and similar surfaces. Um so with these two

[39:20] definitions, the reason we're adding them in was back when the um state law

[39:26] changed from having the board of health be the governing body of the Oxford

[39:30] Protection District uh to the planning board. Um when that was transitioned

[39:35] over in the zoning amendments, these two definitions were never carried over.

[39:39] They were left over in the regulations that the board of health had. Um, and

[39:45] the board of health at that point felt it was best to keep their regulations in

[39:50] place until this had been transferred over to the zoning bylaw uh, definition

[39:54] section. And so now we're just trying to get that cleaned up so that the board of

[39:58] health can then remove that regulations off their books and um, that way it's

[40:04] all uh, cleaned up. >> Okay.

[40:10] Any questions? you going to be doing any public

[40:14] outreach? >> Um, so on this one, we've discussed it

[40:18] multiple times at the planning board. Um, we we can uh do a a table uh there's

[40:25] a plan to do a table at the um housing forum to do some of the to have some of

[40:30] those zoning amendments on there. Um the uh cuz there's potentially going to be a

[40:35] couple others that will come to the select board. Um, but we are just

[40:39] currently working on some of that language with town council. Um, so all

[40:44] of those will be put together and that way we can kind of discuss it with

[40:47] anyone who has questions at that point. We'll also have them during the planning

[40:50] board as well. >> Did you say the Newton Street Fair too?

[40:54] » Um, the housing, but if the >> Yeah, because Yeah, because there's

[40:58] people that'll attend that that don't necessarily pay attention to what you're

[41:02] saying here. Yeah. And so that's that's great.

[41:05] » Okay.

[41:08] Do you need a vote? >> I Yes. I believe also I think that um

[41:13] the general bylaw the tree preservation also needs a vote.

[41:16] » No. >> No. Okay.

[41:18] » Mr. Chair. >> Yes.

[41:20] » Um just uh through you. So the tree bylaw just declare is a general bylaw.

[41:26] So it does not require a vote by the board at this time. In other words,

[41:30] we'll do the public outreach. it will come back to you for consideration to be

[41:35] put on the warrant. This uh that Mr. Ruez just brought up because it's a

[41:39] zoning bylaw, we would be looking for a vote from the select board to refer it

[41:45] to the planning board for public hearing cuz all zoning bylaws require a public

[41:50] hearing with the planning board and then the planning board will report back at

[41:55] the approval of the warrant. Okay. >> And that public hearing is on September

[42:00] 8th. September 8th.

[42:09] » Okay. So, I'll make a motion that the zoning amendment to the section

[42:16] 2.2 definitions as presented be forwarded to the planning board.

[42:24] Second. >> Okay. Um, all in favor? I

[42:28] » I >> chair says I

[42:30] » Thank you. >> Thank you.

[42:34] » Thanks. >> Okay. Um we have the DPW director's

[42:38] report. >> Good evening, Mr. Chair. The board

[42:42] members, uh Dan Scott, public works director. For those who don't know, the

[42:48] first item I have for business is a petition for street acceptance. And it's

[42:52] been a couple years since we've had one of these. Um so just as a reminder,

[42:56] there's several steps. And the first step is for the board to vote intention

[43:00] to lay out the street. So the one we're talking about is Coler Place. It's also

[43:06] known as Rightway Extension. It's a short extension at the dead end of

[43:09] Rightway. Um and the developers actually here present as well, AJ and John. So um

[43:16] they have been working closely with DPW over the past probably almost year now

[43:20] on getting the the um street ready for acceptance. So the punch items have been

[43:25] substantially completed. Um and so the first step of this process for the town

[43:30] to take it over would be a vote for the select board of intention to lay out the

[43:34] street. From there the board asks the planning board for a report on the

[43:40] current status and uh and there and it's planning board's recommendation and then

[43:45] there's a few more steps comes back to the select board and then eventually

[43:48] town meeting would vote on it. Um so DPW is recommending that you move forward

[43:54] the board tonight and vote to intention to lay out um right road extension as a

[44:00] a public road. >> Well, you already answered my question.

[44:04] Are you in favor of it? So >> yeah,

[44:07] » you answered my one question. Any other concern?

[44:13] I'll make a motion that the select board vote the intention to lay up Colar Place

[44:18] subdivision also known as right road extension as a public way and refer the

[44:22] proposed layup to the planning board for its report there.

[44:25] » Second. >> All those in favor?

[44:28] » I chair says >> all right. Great. So I'll um we'll send

[44:32] the memo DPW will to the planning board and continue with them and then report

[44:36] back to the select board at a future meeting.

[44:40] Okay. The second item on the DPW agenda is a request for letter of support. So

[44:46] this um this came up at a previous meeting with the the shade structure at

[44:50] the air dog park and I got um the support of the select board to work on

[44:55] this project. And so since then um myself working with Robert the town

[45:00] manager have submitted an eligib an application for determination of

[45:04] eligibility for CPC funding. and we met with CPC August 5th. From that meeting,

[45:11] they set to continue. Um it is eligible and go forward with a full application

[45:16] to CPC. And so as part of that application, um it does require

[45:21] submissions of support letters. So I'm here tonight asking the board for a

[45:25] letter of support. Um I do have a copy of it. I think it did make it into the

[45:29] packet as well if the board is willing to to sign that support letter.

[45:35] » All right. Um, any comments? >> Really need this.

[45:39] » Okay. And it was kind of promised years ago when it first opened and you know,

[45:45] things happened, didn't happen. Um, there have been residents that have

[45:49] asked for it over the years and then to be honest, I started taking my dog here

[45:53] and I really started um poking the bear myself. Um, but I mean, seriously, it's

[45:58] I had to buy an umbrella similar to the ones that we use at town meeting

[46:02] [snorts] um to clip onto the chair. Um, but I mean those things are so hot, you

[46:08] really can't. And I think that if we add this, if the shade is taken care of and

[46:13] and who knows, maybe we can find a tree to plant or something. Um, I think

[46:17] you'll see even more people use it. And it really is a nice little dog park. So,

[46:21] I would like to make a motion that the select board approve this motion to this

[46:27] letter for the dog for you. >> All right. All those in favor?

[46:31] » I chair says I. Yeah. And and as part of the application, we have so since the

[46:35] dog park was constructed, there's been four trees that have had to be removed

[46:38] because they were dying or dead. So, we're going to include replacement of

[46:42] those four trees as well as the >> I'm going to keep the dog park people

[46:45] notified. >> Yeah,

[46:46] » they I've already told them I'm going to put a sign on that bulletin board that's

[46:50] saying this is what's going on and if you need to show up, this is when and

[46:53] where you need to show up for. So, I'm keeping them posted.

[46:57] » Good. All right. The next few items, they're all change orders. They're all

[47:01] for signature by the chair. Um the first one is related to the Bishop Road water

[47:06] main extension project and there were changes um related to drainage

[47:12] infrastructure um as well as uh water service and fittings that were required

[47:16] for the project and it increased the the time of the project contract as well by

[47:21] 60 days. So, we recommend moving forward with this change order one, $28,890

[47:28] for a signature by the chair with a substantial completion extension to

[47:32] November 8th. >> Okay. Any questions, comments?

[47:37] » Nope. I make a motion that the board vote to approve change order number one

[47:41] for the Bishop Road Water main Extension Project in the amount of 28,890

[47:47] and to extend date of substantial completion to November 8th, 2026 for

[47:52] signature by the chair. >> Seconded.

[47:54] » All those in favor? >> I

[47:58] did. >> Oh, I [laughter]

[48:00] » and the chair says I thought you were abstaining.

[48:02] » Okay. [snorts] I said draw the line. [laughter]

[48:06] » I said seconded and for some reason I thought it was done.

[48:11] » Okay. [clears throat] >> Okay. Uh the next item three, Mr. Chair,

[48:16] is um the final change order for the Mil Street drainage project. Um this was a

[48:21] drainage project which was substantially completed. We did have some issues with

[48:25] the drainage when it was finally put in place and we saw was going on out there.

[48:29] So, we did some modifications to improve the functionality of the drainage. Um,

[48:34] replacing castings from 6 in high to 4 in high to get better flow. Um, and the

[48:40] the change order also does include balancing of our estimated versus actual

[48:44] quantities. So, we recommend moving forward with change order 2 for $8,1474.

[48:53] » Seconded. I mean, shoot. I'll make a motion board vote to approve change

[48:58] order number two for the Mil Street Drainage Improvements Project in the

[49:02] amount of $8,1474

[49:05] signature by the chair. >> Seconded.

[49:08] » All in favor? >> I

[49:13] the chair says I. >> All right. [sighs]

[49:15] Um the the final change order on our um agenda here is rightway sewer pump

[49:21] station project. Um and so during the project we did have delays. There was

[49:26] some um issues. We had challenges with national grid and the electrical

[49:31] connection. So we had to run our sewer bypass longer than anticipated uh as one

[49:35] of the items and also some restoration items we we went over quantity on. Um so

[49:40] we do recommend moving forward with this. We have it in the budget the um

[49:44] change order for $20,50.31.

[49:49] » Okay. Any comments, questions? I'll make a motion that the board vote

[49:53] to approve change order number two for the rightway sewer pump station upgrades

[49:57] project in the amount of $20,50.31 for signature by the chair.

[50:03] » Seconded. >> All right. All those in favor?

[50:06] » I. >> Yes.

[50:07] » Chair says I got

[50:10] » Thank you. [laughter] That's all for tonight. Appreciate the

[50:13] dog.

[50:17] » All right. Um, we have the town manager report next.

[50:23] » Mr. Chairman, uh, members of the board, good evening. Um,

[50:29] you have the warrants. You have the warrants in your packet uh

[50:34] that have been reviewed and approved since uh the board last met. Uh in terms

[50:39] of the administrative update, since the uh board last uh met, um as the chair

[50:46] touched upon, the election is tomorrow. Uh early voting um has been very

[50:51] successful as always from the town clerk and and her team. Uh we'll talk

[50:57] momentarily on my second item. We're obviously in the full swing of fall

[51:02] special town meeting uh preparations. Um, and we're beginning to be prepare

[51:08] the process for the FY uh 28 uh budget process as well. I do want to just make

[51:15] a plug to mention again that the Newton Street Festival will be on Saturday,

[51:20] October 3rd from 10:00 a.m. to 300 p.m. And we will be ramping up uh the

[51:26] promotion for that uh great uh community event uh now that we're uh in September.

[51:32] Um coming attractions. So for September 15th, for your meeting on September

[51:36] 15th, um Mass Development uh would like to come before the board uh to make a

[51:42] brief um presentation on their recent Vixsburg Square uh buildings condition

[51:48] assessment and to discuss uh with the board um the planning uh for a super

[51:55] town meeting. As Selectman Livingston mentioned at the last meeting, we know

[51:59] one is coming uh for the spring, early spring, I think of 2027.

[52:06] Uh but as far as content and so forth, that'll be that discussion. Uh my goal

[52:11] is also to have for the board uh as mentioned earlier um like the tree bylaw

[52:17] and so forth to have sort of a draft warrant with the text for the board and

[52:22] you know the public as we move forward on that. Um, unless there are any uh

[52:27] questions, administrative questions from the board, uh, I just have a couple of

[52:33] updates, action items. But before I do that, I just wanted to mention that um,

[52:39] today marks the 2-year anniversary of the closure of the Nohoba Valley Medical

[52:45] Center, which was on August 31st of uh, 2020.

[52:50] four and it's been 2 years. The building remains vacant. We lost 5

[52:59] to 100 to 600 jobs. Those are still gone.

[53:03] Um, we're looking at based on preliminary estimations at an impact a

[53:09] loss of approximately uh, and don't quote me on this, but

[53:13] approximately $275,000 in revenue that would have come from a

[53:19] fully functional hospital will now have to be spread across um, all of the

[53:24] taxpayers. Um, additionally, our fire department and our emergency response

[53:29] folks, which are second to none, are working around the clock going to now

[53:36] Lemonster or Emerson, which is further more time, more costs. granted the state

[53:44] uh did authorize the $5 million to the emergency response system, but it's

[53:50] important to note that we the chiefs have estimated we need approximately

[53:56] $9.5 million over the next two fiscal years. So, in the future, I'd like to

[54:01] discuss with the board, not tonight, as well as some of our other towns um an

[54:06] approach for that second piece of funding because the costs to the

[54:10] emergency response system are not going um away. Uh lastly, the satellite

[54:16] emergency facility, which any investment in healthcare infrastructure, no matter

[54:21] where it is, um is welcomed and it's scheduled to open in February of 2027.

[54:28] However, and this is no more power to UMass Memorial for what they're doing.

[54:34] Um, but it remains unclear that that's going to solve the problem and so forth.

[54:39] Uh, we have not heard anything from Apollo that owns the the property as far

[54:45] as future plans. So, I just wanted to bring up I think it's important because

[54:49] it's been a significant impact uh to not only the community and the region. Um,

[54:55] and you know, when it was closing, there was all of this rhetoric, you know, from

[54:59] the state that we're here for you and you know, all of these things are going

[55:03] to happen. And I'm not begrudging the 5 million, which all of it obviously

[55:07] didn't go to air. Uh, but the healthc care situation has not not only not

[55:13] changed, it has improved out here. So, I appreciate the board just letting me

[55:17] bring that um up for the record. Um and we remain committed as I know many do

[55:23] for the future of that site. The question is funding operator in dealing

[55:30] with the poll. >> Did we ever get any response to our 37

[55:35] letters from the 16 communities? >> No response.

[55:38] » Did we talk to the post office? Maybe they're in the back room and and they've

[55:42] just gotten lost or something. >> Yes.

[55:44] » Nothing. >> Letter 38 is going to be the one.

[55:46] » Huh? >> Letter 38.

[55:47] » That's it. That's it. We We need letter 38. that's going to tip it over the

[55:50] edge. >> That's good to state on record again how

[55:53] many times we've reached out to the governor and heard nothing.

[55:55] » Sounds fair. >> So, I I like to keep on bringing that up

[55:59] as much as possible. >> And I got to and I got to bring up and I

[56:01] know I'm I'm interrupting the town manager's report and I appreciate his

[56:05] patience, but you know, you have some uh officials uh who were not in this

[56:10] district, okay? um that you know a couple months ago thought the problem

[56:14] was solved because you know this facility being built built and brought

[56:18] and now all of a sudden they're like oh yeah I'm keeping my eye on it. Um if you

[56:22] can't say you were keeping an eye on it a few months ago then I don't want to

[56:26] listen to you. Not in this district. It's not this person's not in this

[56:28] district. So and Mr. Chair I think the final point

[56:33] which and I went on record of saying this and I'll say it again. the fact

[56:39] that recently that the governor is going to has been authorized they're going to

[56:44] take the Norwood Hospital by eminent domain. I think it's important to note

[56:50] that in July July of 2024, a month well a month before the closure, people from

[56:58] this community, including myself, including others from other towns, that

[57:03] was one of the things we're pressing for is take it by eminent domain. UMass

[57:08] could at least operate the emergency room and as the moniker there were

[57:12] crickets that that can't be done, etc., etc. one of the very models then in

[57:17] October will give you the same consideration.

[57:20] Now we see fast forward two years in Norwood and I'm sure there are different

[57:26] variables or rhetoric to it but that exact model is being done in Norwood um

[57:33] but not in the show. And I think that just um it just goes to show that two

[57:39] years ago, if there had been a will and leadership on the state level that has

[57:44] the capacity and the powers to do this, we might have been in a different

[57:48] situation. >> They're inside a 128.

[57:51] » Yeah. >> Okay.

[57:52] » Yeah. >> So, um in the interest of time, so the

[57:55] town meeting update again the 15th, you'll have um more of a a draft of the

[58:00] warrant. Just want to pull put out there again, October 2nd at noon is the

[58:06] deadline for warrant articles and citizens petitions to the town clerk.

[58:11] Um, in terms of what we're looking at, and I put it in my memo just briefly of

[58:16] the topics of of art potential articles. And of course, as the board knows, this

[58:21] is a work in progress. Some things may happen, not happen, change. Um there are

[58:26] some uh housekeeping um articles needed um having to do with the DPW, the water

[58:34] enterprise fund. There is a prior year bill uh which we'll talk about in more

[58:38] detail at a future meeting for the spectacle pond pumping station. Uh there

[58:43] is the potential for the need for an appropriation from the water enterprise

[58:48] fund for the green sand filter media. uh wastewater enterprise fund uh for the

[58:55] receipt of private funds uh for the rightway pumping station. These are all

[58:59] under development right now by DPW um including for the wastewater enterprise

[59:05] fund the receipt of um some funding uh for Nawyer uh for some upgrades there.

[59:11] as mentioned the community preservation uh fund potentially the air the aird dog

[59:17] park shade structure uh the general a general bylaw on the tree preservation

[59:22] bylaw. Uh there is another uh for the 15th I believe the deputy chief uh

[59:29] police is a proposal for a general bylaw

[59:32] amendment to prohibit uh those fry currency ATM machines um in the town. Uh

[59:39] Westford recently did this as you probably watch. Most people don't do

[59:44] transactions in cryptocurrency and when they do it often prays on vulnerable

[59:50] populations and so forth, but I'll hold that for the the 15 police to do the due

[59:55] diligence on that. Uh we're looking at a potential zoning bylaw amendment for a

[1:00:01] moratorum on data centers up to two years. You may have seen this happening

[1:00:07] now that this issue with data centers nationwide is come to the forefront very

[1:00:14] quickly is allowing some more time for the planning board and for the town as a

[1:00:20] whole to fully get one's arms around this issue and and see what makes best

[1:00:26] for the future. Yes, you see on the news huge data centers and people have said

[1:00:31] well we don't really have the land for that in air but as a board is probably

[1:00:34] where there have been some small data centers as one in Lowel recently that

[1:00:39] has created all kinds of neighborhood issues. Um the aquifer protection

[1:00:45] district which you heard tonight um there was going to be potentially a

[1:00:50] zoning bylaw amendment for changing the AMI uh for the affordable housing.

[1:00:56] However, that a study is required by the state for that and we may not have the

[1:01:01] time on that, but at the time I put this together as a placeholder. And then of

[1:01:06] course the street acceptance. So those are under development. On the 15th,

[1:01:11] we'll have uh more um substance and of course we'll keep uh the board and the

[1:01:16] public updated as there may be new articles or citizens petitions.

[1:01:24] the budget calendar. Uh not looking for again any unless there's any questions

[1:01:28] from the board since we last met. I did send it to all departments uh to review

[1:01:34] and offer input and it also has been sent to the finance committee uh to

[1:01:39] review and for their um input and they are meeting I believe tentatively on

[1:01:44] September 17th. Don't hold me to that but we're

[1:01:48] going to talk about that and then we'll come back um to finalize that. Some of

[1:01:52] the committees that are listed in the budget calendar are going to be having

[1:01:56] their first meetings for the year in September. So, we'll have some of those

[1:02:00] dates as well. Unless there's any questions on the budget calendar from

[1:02:04] the board. The last item wanted to get on the radar screen at least is your

[1:02:10] November schedule. So, normally you would meet the first and third Tuesdays

[1:02:15] of November, uh, which would be November 3rd and November 17th. There's no issue

[1:02:20] with November 17th. In fact, that's the night we're planning for the tax

[1:02:25] classification hearing uh with the board of assessors. However, um November 3rd

[1:02:31] is the election and per the secretary of state, there supposed to be no public

[1:02:35] meetings in a polling place during an election. So, the board doesn't have to

[1:02:40] tonight. It's the perview of the board. I just want to flag that that we'll need

[1:02:44] a different date for that first meeting in Nobel. All right. Um, want to discuss

[1:02:50] now? Does >> Sure. Sure.

[1:02:53] » Second or the fourth work? >> The second would be great.

[1:02:57] » Monday the second. >> Okay, perfect. Cuz that's the one I was

[1:03:00] going for. So, >> all right. So, Monday,

[1:03:02] » we'll change that to Monday the second. >> November

[1:03:06] 2nd.

[1:03:10] » Okay. Monday, November 2nd at 6. >> What?

[1:03:15] » Day of the dead. >> Observe. Good. [laughter]

[1:03:21] » All I heard was dead and I was like, "What?"

[1:03:24] » So, Mr. Chair, unless there's any questions um from the board, that

[1:03:28] concludes my report for this evening. Thank you.

[1:03:32] » I have none. Thank you. Okay. Thank you very much.

[1:03:36] Okay. Uh any new business or select board member questions?

[1:03:40] » I don't have any. >> I have none.

[1:03:44] All right. at the approval of the meeting minutes from our last meeting on

[1:03:48] August 18th. >> I had sent a correction um into the

[1:03:54] office that I did not call the or call to order the meeting on the 18th.

[1:03:59] » Mr. Chair, we fixed that this morning to reflect that you called the meeting to

[1:04:03] order. >> Okay.

[1:04:05] » I don't think I noticed anything else. >> Yeah. Under public input, just a very

[1:04:09] minor thing at the bottom of the first paragraph, it's that Tavarus asked him

[1:04:13] to confirm which town meeting that he intended the article for. I believe that

[1:04:17] was your question. I don't remember asking that question,

[1:04:23] but >> Oh, yes, that was me.

[1:04:26] » Yeah. >> So, that would be Janice instead of me.

[1:04:30] It's a good question and I want to take credit for it, but

[1:04:34] » let the record show that was all J. >> We can make that change.

[1:04:38] » Okay, that's all I have.

[1:04:44] » I'd like to make a motion that the meeting minutes from August 18th be

[1:04:48] approved as amended. >> Second.

[1:04:50] » Okay. All those in favor? >> I.

[1:04:52] » I. >> Chair says I.

[1:04:54] » Okay. They are approved. >> Mr. Chair,

[1:04:57] » yes. I make a motion that we adjourn. >> Second.

[1:05:01] » All those in favor? >> I

[1:05:02] » I >> chair says I. Good meeting.

Ayer Select Board Meeting: August 31, 2026

Transcript