1 00:00:00,840 --> 00:00:06,120 Good evening and welcome to the June 23rd, 2026 meeting of the East Amity 2 00:00:04,640 --> 00:00:10,080 Town Council. I'll call the meeting to order and ask that we stand for the 3 00:00:07,240 --> 00:00:10,080 Pledge of Allegiance. 4 00:00:12,360 --> 00:00:19,640 » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 5 00:00:16,720 --> 00:00:25,520 republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and 6 00:00:22,400 --> 00:00:25,520 justice for all. 7 00:00:31,040 --> 00:00:35,440 » I know what I asked that we take a brief moment of silence 8 00:00:33,640 --> 00:00:38,280 on all of the events going on both at home and abroad. 9 00:00:42,840 --> 00:00:47,440 Thank you. In accordance with Mass General Law, this meeting is being 10 00:00:45,760 --> 00:00:51,280 recorded by LCAT and if there's anyone else in the audience recording, if you 11 00:00:48,840 --> 00:00:54,000 could identify yourself. [clears throat] Seeing none, 12 00:00:52,480 --> 00:00:57,840 public comments. Is there anyone in the public audience that wishes to make a 13 00:00:55,440 --> 00:01:01,280 comment this evening? Seeing no one online or no one on Zoom 14 00:01:00,040 --> 00:01:04,559 with their hand raised. >> Oh, actually, Connor, can you mute pause 15 00:01:02,920 --> 00:01:09,240 for one second? I >> Now, if there's anyone on I don't see it 16 00:01:07,280 --> 00:01:14,760 yet, but Council comments. Is there anyone in the 17 00:01:10,840 --> 00:01:14,760 council that has a comment this evening? 18 00:01:14,800 --> 00:01:18,960 Yeah. Seeing none, town manager's report. 19 00:01:18,480 --> 00:01:21,440 Um >> Hi. 20 00:01:21,880 --> 00:01:28,040 Uh good evening. Um 21 00:01:25,320 --> 00:01:34,160 So, uh attached are the project reports for weeks uh of June 1st and June 8th 22 00:01:31,280 --> 00:01:39,600 for the high school and the auditorium. Uh not lost in the excitement of our 23 00:01:36,800 --> 00:01:42,920 beautiful shiny new school, uh we're reminded of fond memories and 24 00:01:41,120 --> 00:01:46,360 appreciation for just how much our old school meant uh to the people of this 25 00:01:45,160 --> 00:01:52,560 community. Um it is sad to watch as the bricks come 26 00:01:49,080 --> 00:01:56,440 down, but uh progress for the future and uh the building of many new memories for 27 00:01:54,480 --> 00:02:00,000 future generations is where we turn our focus. 28 00:01:57,640 --> 00:02:03,320 Uh onward and upward. Uh and just a reminder you can get all your 29 00:02:01,600 --> 00:02:08,920 scheduling and progress information at any time on the website uh easton meadow 30 00:02:05,920 --> 00:02:08,920 ma.gov/lhsbuildingproject. 31 00:02:09,360 --> 00:02:14,600 Uh every time I go by there's like another section of the school that's 32 00:02:12,640 --> 00:02:18,160 down, so that's happening fast too as we've been 33 00:02:16,680 --> 00:02:21,360 going with every [snorts] phase of this project. 34 00:02:19,720 --> 00:02:24,280 Um and as we say goodbye to the old high 35 00:02:22,800 --> 00:02:28,640 school, we also say goodbye to the person who has led the way for the 36 00:02:25,720 --> 00:02:33,160 school department for the last 16 years. Uh congratulations to Gordon Smith 37 00:02:31,160 --> 00:02:39,000 uh as he completes an amazing career and leaves us for retirement. Um it's really 38 00:02:36,600 --> 00:02:42,600 impossible to quantify the impact that Gordon has had on the school system and 39 00:02:40,600 --> 00:02:46,880 the people of Easton Meadow. Always smiling, always dapper. Uh they 40 00:02:44,920 --> 00:02:50,000 talked about his hair a lot in his his retirement party. 41 00:02:49,440 --> 00:02:54,840 Uh still perfect. Uh it's hard to imagine 42 00:02:53,160 --> 00:02:59,880 him not being around and seeing him all the time, but um very few can lead with 43 00:02:57,400 --> 00:03:02,280 their head and their heart uh and he was a master class. 44 00:03:01,519 --> 00:03:06,280 Uh he'll be greatly missed and we certainly 45 00:03:04,000 --> 00:03:09,320 wish him the best. Uh I'd also like to acknowledge that the 46 00:03:07,840 --> 00:03:12,640 first meeting of the school committee in July will be the first meeting of the 47 00:03:10,800 --> 00:03:16,000 school committee in 20 years without Greg Thompson. 48 00:03:14,239 --> 00:03:20,680 Uh Greg has served our community with vigor and his passion for the education 49 00:03:18,239 --> 00:03:24,600 of our youth has been unparalleled. Uh two decades of service to a community 50 00:03:22,840 --> 00:03:28,000 is enough to garner a maximum level of respect in its own right, uh but Greg 51 00:03:26,760 --> 00:03:31,800 will leave behind a legacy of improvement, advancement, and one of and 52 00:03:30,200 --> 00:03:36,807 was one of the champions for the new high school. Uh thank you for the your 53 00:03:34,200 --> 00:03:39,959 service to your community, Greg. >> [clears throat] 54 00:03:37,080 --> 00:03:44,920 » Uh we're also wishing well to our planning director, Wael Abdelchilla. 55 00:03:42,360 --> 00:03:48,160 Uh Robin and his wife will be moving to uh the eastern part of the state. Uh he 56 00:03:46,800 --> 00:03:50,840 has accepted a position to be the planning director for the town of 57 00:03:49,560 --> 00:03:55,600 Wellesley. Uh Robin has advanced operations of the 58 00:03:53,960 --> 00:03:59,240 planning department by leaps and bounds in his short tenure here. 59 00:03:57,320 --> 00:04:02,360 Uh, his knowledge, organization, and passion for his field will certainly be 60 00:04:01,280 --> 00:04:06,720 missed. Um, we wish him the best of luck as he 61 00:04:04,200 --> 00:04:10,520 starts a new chapter in his life. Um, there's a flyer attached. I'll take 62 00:04:09,000 --> 00:04:14,440 a break from saying goodbye to people and things. 63 00:04:11,880 --> 00:04:16,762 Uh, there Actually, it's for hazardous waste cleanup day, so you can say 64 00:04:15,720 --> 00:04:18,782 goodbye to some of your things. [laughter] 65 00:04:19,280 --> 00:04:26,600 Attached is a flyer for the hazardous waste day. It's uh, August 22nd from 66 00:04:24,400 --> 00:04:31,440 9:00 until noon at the fire station. Uh, as you recall from last year, um, 67 00:04:29,800 --> 00:04:36,919 you do need to pre-register for this event. You cannot just show up. Places 68 00:04:33,840 --> 00:04:41,280 with hazardous waste as a rule. Um, but there's a certain amount of stuff they 69 00:04:38,560 --> 00:04:46,600 can take on site, so you have to sign up. Uh, 70 00:04:42,680 --> 00:04:51,560 there is a uh, QR code on the flyer. Uh, and also you can reach out to Elizabeth 71 00:04:48,680 --> 00:04:56,773 Bone at the health department uh, with any questions that you might have. 72 00:04:54,753 --> 00:04:56,773 » [sighs and snorts] 73 00:04:58,160 --> 00:05:06,320 » Last and certainly in no way least, uh, I want to say thank you and an 74 00:05:03,720 --> 00:05:11,480 emotional farewell to our colleague and dear friend Marilyn. 75 00:05:09,400 --> 00:05:15,240 Uh, words can't express what you have meant to this community for the last 76 00:05:13,280 --> 00:05:18,240 nearly half of a century. >> It's a lot of years. 77 00:05:17,023 --> 00:05:20,640 » [laughter] >> You [clears throat] always did what was 78 00:05:19,400 --> 00:05:24,360 right. You did it with grace. You did it 79 00:05:22,360 --> 00:05:28,360 unabashedly. There isn't a person that knows you that 80 00:05:26,000 --> 00:05:32,400 doesn't carry the utmost respect for your passion for our community, 81 00:05:30,560 --> 00:05:37,880 the sheer breadth of your institutional knowledge, and the shining example you 82 00:05:35,080 --> 00:05:41,840 always set for us all. Thank you 83 00:05:39,919 --> 00:05:45,520 from the bottom of my heart for the support you have given me over 84 00:05:43,640 --> 00:05:49,640 the years. And I promise to wait until at least 85 00:05:47,480 --> 00:05:53,080 July before I start asking you to join any more boards and commissions. 86 00:05:51,083 --> 00:05:58,200 » [laughter] >> Uh sincerely, um 87 00:05:55,120 --> 00:06:00,680 I I think I speak for everyone. Um thank you for everything. We love you so 88 00:05:59,960 --> 00:06:02,880 much. >> Thank you. 89 00:06:01,160 --> 00:06:05,960 » Um don't be a stranger and I will be calling you soon. But thank you for 90 00:06:04,840 --> 00:06:07,040 everything, Marilyn. >> Very nice. 91 00:06:06,560 --> 00:06:10,040 » Appreciate it. >> Appreciate it. 92 00:06:08,640 --> 00:06:12,044 That's it. I made it through without a tear. 93 00:06:11,440 --> 00:06:14,064 » Me, too. >> [laughter] 94 00:06:14,440 --> 00:06:18,840 » All right. Thank you, Tom. Any questions? 95 00:06:17,600 --> 00:06:22,320 Comments? I'll just echo a lot of those same 96 00:06:20,720 --> 00:06:27,760 sentiments. It was nice to go to Gordon's uh retirement party on the 97 00:06:24,919 --> 00:06:32,480 council and it was well attended and then it was a nice ceremony. Um 98 00:06:29,919 --> 00:06:37,760 likewise, it's both sad, but wishing both of them well, 99 00:06:35,280 --> 00:06:42,760 both Gordon and and Greg in their next chapter of life beyond town 100 00:06:39,880 --> 00:06:47,000 service. Um now communications, correspondence, and 101 00:06:44,560 --> 00:06:52,840 announcements. That moves to our first item is to recognize Marilyn formally 102 00:06:51,280 --> 00:06:55,960 for her years of service. >> Woohoo! 103 00:06:53,964 --> 00:07:00,120 » [laughter] >> Was that my son? 104 00:06:58,549 --> 00:07:03,560 » [laughter] >> So, first on behalf of the council, we 105 00:07:01,960 --> 00:07:08,160 the East Longmeadow Town Council hereby extend our congratulations to Marilyn M. 106 00:07:05,640 --> 00:07:11,919 Richards to commemorate her 46 years of service to the town of East Longmeadow. 107 00:07:10,160 --> 00:07:16,440 Marilyn began her service to the town on the Council on Aging Board in 1980, 108 00:07:14,760 --> 00:07:21,520 served as the first woman elected to the Board of Selectmen in 1988, then served 109 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:24,320 on the Planning Board in 1997, and served on a myriad of additional 110 00:07:23,000 --> 00:07:28,200 committees before joining the Town Council in 2019. 111 00:07:26,160 --> 00:07:32,560 Marilyn's hard work, dedication, and expertise have contributed to the town's 112 00:07:29,919 --> 00:07:36,240 success over her tenure, and she will be deeply missed. The Town 113 00:07:34,600 --> 00:07:39,080 Council extends our best wishes to Marilyn in her retirement from elected 114 00:07:37,880 --> 00:07:43,000 office, and myself as your president. 115 00:07:44,400 --> 00:07:46,420 » [applause] 116 00:07:49,360 --> 00:07:57,240 » Good morning. >> Now, I know we have some additional 117 00:07:53,680 --> 00:08:00,160 representatives with us this evening. >> Some additional. 118 00:07:58,810 --> 00:08:06,160 » [laughter] >> We we didn't get the memo about wearing 119 00:08:03,440 --> 00:08:09,945 red. So, I'm not a red tonight. So, first of all, we apologize for that. 120 00:08:08,480 --> 00:08:13,240 » We're here for the free shirts. >> [laughter] 121 00:08:10,880 --> 00:08:15,600 » I'm coming out I'm coming out here so I can hug. 122 00:08:14,530 --> 00:08:17,760 » [laughter] >> I'm just glad to see 123 00:08:16,560 --> 00:08:22,560 » Congratulations. >> Thank you. 124 00:08:20,080 --> 00:08:22,560 You too. 125 00:08:23,320 --> 00:08:29,480 » Well, first of all for Marilyn, you know, I'm so pleased to be here 126 00:08:27,600 --> 00:08:33,919 tonight because after reading the article and the reminder about your 127 00:08:31,760 --> 00:08:37,919 years of service, I was doing a little math. I'm not a math guy. 128 00:08:36,479 --> 00:08:43,039 Um but the town of East Longmeadow has been around for 132 years. 129 00:08:40,000 --> 00:08:43,039 » Jeez, you're not [laughter] that 130 00:08:43,640 --> 00:08:49,800 » For all of it. But you've literally dedicated your life to a third of the 131 00:08:47,240 --> 00:08:54,800 history of this entire community. Uh for 46 years, whether it was as someone who 132 00:08:52,880 --> 00:08:59,600 was advocating for streetlights within this town coming back from nursing, 133 00:08:57,120 --> 00:09:04,800 whether it was making sure that planning boards, which is one of the unsung 134 00:09:01,880 --> 00:09:09,560 heroes of a community in a town form of government that has to deal with it, 135 00:09:06,839 --> 00:09:13,200 whether it was the first female member of the board of selectmen, which aren't 136 00:09:11,320 --> 00:09:18,520 really called selectmen anymore because of that reason, called select boards, 137 00:09:15,640 --> 00:09:22,680 and then your later service on the town council in a new form of government, 138 00:09:20,600 --> 00:09:26,680 you've dedicated your life, your adult life, to the town of East Longmeadow, 139 00:09:25,240 --> 00:09:30,839 and it's just an honor for me representing the state Senate side, and 140 00:09:28,600 --> 00:09:34,920 I know that Brian and Angelo will have words to share as well, but you've 141 00:09:32,560 --> 00:09:41,680 dedicated your life to this community. You have contributed to everything that 142 00:09:38,600 --> 00:09:46,000 you have within this community for from, you know, the midnight early 1980s all 143 00:09:43,800 --> 00:09:50,320 the way till today. But, the one thing that I think makes you stand out amongst 144 00:09:47,840 --> 00:09:54,160 everything else is that, you know, we all serve, whether you're sitting on 145 00:09:52,120 --> 00:09:58,080 this town council, whether you're a state legislator. 146 00:09:55,880 --> 00:09:59,960 In these roles, you can you don't make a lot of friends sometimes. 147 00:09:59,400 --> 00:10:03,560 » That's true. >> And you can 148 00:10:00,960 --> 00:10:07,840 disagree, but the one thing that makes you stand out is that you can disagree 149 00:10:05,560 --> 00:10:11,960 without being disagreeable. And that is something that is important to have in 150 00:10:10,360 --> 00:10:15,720 local government, it's important to have in state government, it's important to 151 00:10:13,760 --> 00:10:18,720 have at every level of government. So, on behalf of the Massachusetts Senate, 152 00:10:17,800 --> 00:10:22,920 be it known to all that the Massachusetts Senate hereby extends its 153 00:10:20,480 --> 00:10:27,120 congratulations to Councilor Marilyn M. Richards in recognition of your 154 00:10:24,520 --> 00:10:31,520 distinguished service on the East Longmeadow Town Council and your more 155 00:10:29,600 --> 00:10:35,080 than four decades of unwavering dedication to the betterment of this 156 00:10:33,280 --> 00:10:38,240 community and the residents who are in public service. And be it further known 157 00:10:36,840 --> 00:10:42,120 that the Massachusetts Senate hereby extends its very best wishes for 158 00:10:39,800 --> 00:10:46,600 continued success and that this citation be signed by the President of the Senate 159 00:10:44,080 --> 00:10:50,422 and by me, your state senator. Keep on staying involved, and I know you will. 160 00:10:49,160 --> 00:10:52,442 » Thank you. Thank you. >> [applause] 161 00:10:55,007 --> 00:11:00,247 [applause] >> Uh you can take this, but I'm going to 162 00:10:57,920 --> 00:11:03,880 turn it over to Representative Ashe and >> [laughter] 163 00:11:01,640 --> 00:11:08,360 » Thank you, Senator. Marilyn, um obviously Jake stole my notes there and 164 00:11:06,560 --> 00:11:12,800 said everything we wanted to say, but sincerely, um you know, as Jake alluded 165 00:11:10,720 --> 00:11:15,320 to, working in in politics and anything like that, it 166 00:11:14,040 --> 00:11:18,400 it's tough to know who your friends are. It's tough sometimes to work cuz you're 167 00:11:16,720 --> 00:11:21,640 on different different angles with things. 168 00:11:19,760 --> 00:11:25,280 But, personally for me, from the bottom of my heart, it's been an absolute 169 00:11:23,200 --> 00:11:29,080 pleasure working with you, whether it is coming to some Veterans Day, Memorial 170 00:11:27,200 --> 00:11:31,960 Day, or any of the events here, or coming in here. I think the last time I 171 00:11:30,480 --> 00:11:34,362 was here, I was late cuz I went to the wrong door. [laughter] 172 00:11:34,400 --> 00:11:41,480 Yeah, I know, right? But but it really has been a joy working 173 00:11:38,400 --> 00:11:45,080 with you and it is easy to see whether speaking with you or whether 174 00:11:43,120 --> 00:11:48,920 seeing what you're doing in a meeting, how much you care about the community, 175 00:11:46,720 --> 00:11:51,960 how much you care about a town you you know you love and it would have been 176 00:11:50,280 --> 00:11:55,720 easy to have the time that you had before and call it quits. But you 177 00:11:54,200 --> 00:11:59,000 didn't, you want to give more and and that is so 178 00:11:56,920 --> 00:12:02,600 so commendable and to see somebody that that wants to keep giving back to the 179 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:05,840 the community that you feel has given so much to you. 180 00:12:04,200 --> 00:12:08,423 We hope we get a red shirt before we leave but 181 00:12:06,403 --> 00:12:08,423 » [laughter] 182 00:12:08,920 --> 00:12:13,560 » I told you. >> Don't tell him that. You'll be back 183 00:12:12,480 --> 00:12:19,360 tonight. >> It's been an absolute joy working with 184 00:12:16,560 --> 00:12:23,600 you. I wish you nothing but success and and fun whatever you decide 185 00:12:21,640 --> 00:12:26,053 to do. I know this pulled so much time from you. 186 00:12:24,600 --> 00:12:28,880 » Thank you. >> [laughter] 187 00:12:27,320 --> 00:12:31,280 » No, it has been a joy and I will read the citation after 188 00:12:30,400 --> 00:12:34,480 Angela's >> After Angela's. 189 00:12:32,360 --> 00:12:37,040 » So just again, I want to thank all the town council members obviously being 190 00:12:36,160 --> 00:12:40,600 here, the town manager, the clerk, everybody 191 00:12:38,960 --> 00:12:43,600 and all the veterans, everybody that's here tonight. There's no place that us 192 00:12:42,360 --> 00:12:47,600 three would rather be than be here tonight certainly to say thank you 193 00:12:45,560 --> 00:12:51,480 Marilyn but it's a couple things. I I I did a lot of research because 194 00:12:50,000 --> 00:12:56,480 I thought Well, [laughter] I I do some it's easy 195 00:12:53,200 --> 00:13:00,240 with you know chat GPT, right? I did a lot of research and I and I I 196 00:12:58,240 --> 00:13:03,920 thought there was an age requirement when you started working because there's 197 00:13:02,360 --> 00:13:06,520 no way I said you started when you were like 198 00:13:06,009 --> 00:13:10,520 » [laughter] >> two or three years old but seriously you 199 00:13:09,240 --> 00:13:13,960 know again it's an honor and privilege to be here and all of us had served on a 200 00:13:12,560 --> 00:13:17,160 local level too and I think that's important. So we know that's really 201 00:13:15,560 --> 00:13:20,480 where you know the rubber sort of meets the road if you will. I mean you you 202 00:13:18,600 --> 00:13:23,720 know as Jake alluded to I mean there's a lot of tough decisions in the town. 203 00:13:22,440 --> 00:13:26,440 A lot of tough decisions that you're you're on the front line, right? And you 204 00:13:25,320 --> 00:13:29,640 know people come at you whether it's at a dinner, whether it's here, whether 205 00:13:27,640 --> 00:13:32,240 it's there. We've got the beauty of that in our district-wide, next week 206 00:13:30,920 --> 00:13:35,440 statewide. People come up to us no matter where you go. But when we were 207 00:13:33,960 --> 00:13:38,440 local and you're local and you know, and everybody here I think realizes the fact 208 00:13:37,120 --> 00:13:42,520 that, you know, you're on the front line. When something doesn't seem the 209 00:13:40,440 --> 00:13:45,309 way, you know, some resident may want, they they're at you, right? And uh 210 00:13:44,120 --> 00:13:47,520 » They give them your phone number. [laughter] 211 00:13:46,440 --> 00:13:49,920 » Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, that's good. You know, that's 212 00:13:48,680 --> 00:13:54,280 good. But but no, I mean, that's the point, right? 213 00:13:51,840 --> 00:13:57,800 And and to be involved for so long, 40 years, and all the hard work and 214 00:13:55,600 --> 00:14:01,520 dedication, and commitment really does, you know, uh transpose into a love 215 00:13:59,960 --> 00:14:04,960 affair, obviously, with the town, but obviously a love affair with helping 216 00:14:03,160 --> 00:14:08,400 people, constituent service, and making sure that, you know, the place uh that 217 00:14:06,760 --> 00:14:11,640 you call home here in East Longmeadow is is continues to be a great place. And as 218 00:14:10,560 --> 00:14:14,800 I think we've all said, we're going to certainly miss you. We've enjoyed 219 00:14:12,720 --> 00:14:17,440 working together. Uh we've had a great relationship, and we're going to 220 00:14:15,920 --> 00:14:21,334 continue on. We hope that you continue to stay involved. Uh and they may have 221 00:14:19,520 --> 00:14:23,560 to bring you back as a consultant. >> [laughter] 222 00:14:22,120 --> 00:14:25,919 » They may need some help at some point, right? That's what everybody does, 223 00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:28,320 right? They'll get back as a consultant. [laughter] 224 00:14:26,680 --> 00:14:31,560 Uh but again, seriously, congratulations on behalf of myself, the Commonwealth of 225 00:14:29,800 --> 00:14:34,280 Massachusetts. And again, no place we'd rather be here tonight than just to 226 00:14:32,800 --> 00:14:36,560 simply say thank you. >> Your work is appreciated. 227 00:14:35,440 --> 00:14:40,385 » Thank you very much. >> And thank YOU VERY MUCH. 228 00:14:38,365 --> 00:14:40,385 » [applause] 229 00:14:42,680 --> 00:14:47,360 » AND BEFORE HE HANDS YOU THAT, I GOT TO USE MY LITTLE LINE, 230 00:14:46,360 --> 00:14:49,240 RIGHT? >> OKAY. 231 00:14:47,720 --> 00:14:51,465 » Jake'll give you one, too. It's the only thing for you'll ever get from the 232 00:14:50,320 --> 00:14:55,600 Commonwealth of Massachusetts. [laughter] So, enjoy it while you can. 233 00:14:54,200 --> 00:14:58,920 » You know, when you made a joke about Anzu too, I think that's so important. 234 00:14:57,680 --> 00:15:02,200 Everybody here knows you have to have a sense of humor. If you don't, it'll be 235 00:15:00,720 --> 00:15:05,839 tough. I know you I know you don't do this job for the money. 236 00:15:03,910 --> 00:15:09,240 » [laughter] >> Um so, on behalf from the House of 237 00:15:07,800 --> 00:15:12,520 Representatives, be it here by known to all of the Massachusetts House of 238 00:15:10,360 --> 00:15:14,240 Representatives, offer What's the M stand for? 239 00:15:13,280 --> 00:15:16,040 » Oh, jeez. >> Uh-oh. 240 00:15:15,700 --> 00:15:20,200 » [laughter] >> Apparently no G's. 241 00:15:18,880 --> 00:15:23,920 » Matilda. >> Matilda. Oh, that's a lovely name. 242 00:15:21,960 --> 00:15:26,200 » It's a strong name. That's a good strong name. 243 00:15:24,200 --> 00:15:30,765 » even know what to say. That's what you Everybody Everybody 244 00:15:27,720 --> 00:15:35,280 needs Saugus Matilda. >> [laughter] 245 00:15:31,760 --> 00:15:38,625 » Hereby known to all of Massachusetts. I said I had you whisper to me. 246 00:15:36,840 --> 00:15:40,645 » It would be funny if it WASN'T AN M. >> [laughter] 247 00:15:41,400 --> 00:15:48,720 » UM IT'S A SINCERE congratulations to 248 00:15:45,160 --> 00:15:52,320 Marilyn Richards. Believe me, I'm not. Your tenure on the Town Council serving 249 00:15:50,760 --> 00:15:57,320 the residents of East Longmeadow for over 40 years of commitment to public 250 00:15:54,680 --> 00:16:01,280 service leading with grace, style, and unparalleled dignity. The entire 251 00:15:59,520 --> 00:16:05,000 membership extends its very best wishes and hope for future good fortune, 252 00:16:02,920 --> 00:16:09,000 continued success in all your endeavors. Signed by the Speaker of the House, by 253 00:16:06,880 --> 00:16:13,240 Angelo Puppolo, and by Mike Brian Ashe, state reps, and uh 254 00:16:10,960 --> 00:16:17,640 serious It's sincerely It's been an absolute pleasure working with you. And 255 00:16:15,560 --> 00:16:21,911 they're going to be a big loss when you Congratulations. 256 00:16:19,891 --> 00:16:21,911 » [applause] 257 00:16:24,476 --> 00:16:26,496 [applause] 258 00:16:26,560 --> 00:16:30,480 » I SHOULD PROBABLY GET IN THE FRONT. >> How about all the town councilors 259 00:16:29,560 --> 00:16:33,720 coming, too? >> I suppose. By the way, this is the first 260 00:16:32,240 --> 00:16:36,760 time that I've been to a town council meeting where everybody's here in 261 00:16:35,440 --> 00:16:39,800 person. So [laughter] >> Yeah, we're always in person. We must be 262 00:16:38,120 --> 00:16:42,520 troubling Marilyn if they all showed up today for you. 263 00:16:42,720 --> 00:16:48,000 » Just come around front. >> No, we going around front? 264 00:16:45,040 --> 00:16:50,480 » Yeah, let's come around front. >> I do apologize. 265 00:16:50,520 --> 00:16:57,040 » Thank you. Thank you. >> How you doing, Marilyn? 266 00:16:54,160 --> 00:16:57,040 » I'm fine, thank you. 267 00:16:57,480 --> 00:17:01,480 » How you doing, sir? >> I know. 268 00:17:00,640 --> 00:17:03,360 » Line them up. >> Line them up. So much red. 269 00:17:02,880 --> 00:17:05,439 » I know. >> I know. 270 00:17:03,880 --> 00:17:07,560 » Thank god you guys didn't wear red. >> Oh, yeah. I'm wearing red. 271 00:17:06,439 --> 00:17:09,439 » If we know Where we going? Come on in. 272 00:17:08,560 --> 00:17:11,360 » Oh, yeah. >> Okay. 273 00:17:10,199 --> 00:17:14,480 We're all short. >> Marilyn, you got to be up front. 274 00:17:13,040 --> 00:17:16,959 » Then the people are everybody else. Otherwise, no one will see them. 275 00:17:15,560 --> 00:17:19,496 » You go in the middle. If you can see your arm. 276 00:17:17,360 --> 00:17:21,516 » of on this side. >> [laughter] 277 00:17:23,400 --> 00:17:26,400 » I'll take up the whole side. 278 00:17:28,920 --> 00:17:34,640 » All right, ready? 1 2 3 279 00:17:32,680 --> 00:17:37,000 This way. Okay, phone number one. 280 00:17:36,527 --> 00:17:40,880 » [laughter] >> Okay, ready? 1 2 3 281 00:18:00,640 --> 00:18:03,800 » That's you, Marilyn, in the picture. 282 00:18:04,520 --> 00:18:07,200 » No, no, we're good. >> All right. 283 00:18:06,320 --> 00:18:11,297 » All right, we're good. >> All right, so just pick up Marilyn. 284 00:18:09,277 --> 00:18:11,297 » [laughter] 285 00:18:13,280 --> 00:18:18,840 » Thank you so much. >> Are you good now? 286 00:18:16,440 --> 00:18:18,840 » How's everybody? 287 00:18:21,067 --> 00:18:23,087 » [laughter] 288 00:18:26,520 --> 00:18:29,080 » Yes. 289 00:18:34,167 --> 00:18:36,187 » [laughter] 290 00:18:36,360 --> 00:18:40,280 » All right, I'll see you. >> Thank you. 291 00:18:39,440 --> 00:18:43,400 » Always here. >> I'm always here. Thank you. 292 00:18:42,040 --> 00:18:47,080 » Got it. >> He's coming. 293 00:18:45,160 --> 00:18:50,600 » Thank you, Victor. >> Are we I don't want to rope you in. 294 00:18:51,198 --> 00:18:53,218 » [laughter] 295 00:18:53,960 --> 00:18:58,458 » It's like moving your computer over. >> [laughter] 296 00:19:01,023 --> 00:19:03,043 [laughter] 297 00:19:03,880 --> 00:19:09,593 » Do you think I can keep going another 27 years to even catch up? 298 00:19:07,573 --> 00:19:09,593 » [laughter] 299 00:19:11,040 --> 00:19:15,360 » Okay. >> No, you don't. 300 00:19:14,840 --> 00:19:17,280 » No, no, no. >> That's okay. 301 00:19:16,480 --> 00:19:18,640 Okay, you ready? >> Yes, we have one final 302 00:19:18,400 --> 00:19:23,160 » Okay. >> Oh, [laughter] no. 303 00:19:20,680 --> 00:19:28,280 » So, Marilyn, on behalf of the East Longmeadow Town Council, um 304 00:19:25,800 --> 00:19:30,000 we have decided to place a banner along the parade route for you 305 00:19:29,843 --> 00:19:34,280 » [laughter] >> and I wanted to show you um it proudly 306 00:19:32,520 --> 00:19:35,738 celebrates your service for the town. >> serious? 307 00:19:34,920 --> 00:19:37,640 » Absolutely. >> [laughter] 308 00:19:36,240 --> 00:19:41,000 » But, this is what you're going to see when you walk in the parade. 309 00:19:43,598 --> 00:19:45,618 » [applause] 310 00:19:48,680 --> 00:19:54,920 » You've all been really great. Um it's been a real pleasure. 311 00:19:52,680 --> 00:19:59,600 As I said in the reminder article that the neat part about serving is 312 00:19:57,640 --> 00:20:03,520 as colleagues we become friends and I really believe that. Um 313 00:20:01,720 --> 00:20:06,160 we've been through a lot, but it's been really great. 314 00:20:04,800 --> 00:20:09,143 And thank you. Thank you very much. Thank you everybody. 315 00:20:07,040 --> 00:20:11,163 » Thank you. >> [applause] 316 00:20:15,039 --> 00:20:17,059 [applause] 317 00:20:21,589 --> 00:20:23,609 [applause] 318 00:20:25,560 --> 00:20:29,840 » Last but not least. >> Marilyn, I thought you 319 00:20:28,794 --> 00:20:33,680 » [laughter] >> I thought we might as well add one more 320 00:20:31,320 --> 00:20:38,000 citation to the pile. Um so, [clears throat] I I I think I speak 321 00:20:35,600 --> 00:20:42,720 for everybody here. You've been like such a mentor. Um 322 00:20:40,000 --> 00:20:47,000 I have always loved government, but like having somebody to lean on to, you know, 323 00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:51,320 talk about the issues, talk about the things both here and when I was on the 324 00:20:49,080 --> 00:20:55,040 planning board, uh you have always been I consider you now a friend and and and 325 00:20:53,280 --> 00:20:59,640 a colleague um and just so great to work with. Um so, 326 00:20:57,360 --> 00:21:03,600 in that in that vein uh on behalf of the governor and lieutenant governor, so you 327 00:21:00,920 --> 00:21:05,680 have all forms of government represented tonight here. 328 00:21:05,000 --> 00:21:08,280 Um Marilyn Richards, on behalf of the 329 00:21:06,960 --> 00:21:11,920 residents of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I am pleased to confer 330 00:21:10,080 --> 00:21:15,880 upon you this governor's citation in recognition of your 46 years of 331 00:21:14,280 --> 00:21:20,520 dedicated service to the town of East Longmeadow. We commend your tremendous 332 00:21:18,040 --> 00:21:24,400 contribution to the town's success, serving in various capacities throughout 333 00:21:22,400 --> 00:21:27,880 your tenure, including as the first woman elected to the select board, and 334 00:21:26,320 --> 00:21:32,240 now retiring from the town council, which you've been a part of since 2019. 335 00:21:30,240 --> 00:21:36,240 The Commonwealth thanks you for your time and talent and wishes you all the 336 00:21:34,000 --> 00:21:40,560 best in the years to come. The 23rd day of June in the year 2026. Maura T. 337 00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:43,400 Healey, governor, and Kimberly Driscoll, lieutenant governor. 338 00:21:44,119 --> 00:21:46,139 » [applause] 339 00:21:48,705 --> 00:21:50,725 [applause] 340 00:21:51,980 --> 00:21:54,000 [laughter] 341 00:21:57,560 --> 00:22:01,805 » Okay. Congratulations. 342 00:21:59,720 --> 00:22:06,120 » Thank you. I don't believe this. >> [laughter] 343 00:22:03,800 --> 00:22:10,000 » Uh next under communications, uh was just the 4th of July parade. We'll all 344 00:22:08,360 --> 00:22:13,680 be participating in that again this year. Um 345 00:22:11,640 --> 00:22:17,240 Thank you, Ralph, for securing the golf cart, and Cathy again for the 346 00:22:15,080 --> 00:22:22,720 decorations as usual. Um we [clears throat] can meet um 347 00:22:19,960 --> 00:22:26,520 church parking lot as usual. >> With the cart. With the cart. 348 00:22:25,385 --> 00:22:29,400 » [laughter] >> See everyone then. 349 00:22:28,360 --> 00:22:34,080 » Awesome. >> All right. Next, uh we do have a public 350 00:22:32,400 --> 00:22:38,800 hearing this evening. Was scheduled for 6:15. Uh this is a 351 00:22:37,160 --> 00:22:43,320 public hearing for a proposed bylaw amendment amendment chapter 500 fee, 352 00:22:41,400 --> 00:22:48,160 fine, and penalty schedule as a second reading. And I would ask the clerk to 353 00:22:44,880 --> 00:22:52,360 read the legal notice into the record. >> The East Longmeadow Town Council will 354 00:22:49,600 --> 00:22:57,960 hold a public hearing on June 23rd, 2026 at 6:15 p.m. in the media room of of the 355 00:22:55,480 --> 00:23:01,040 Council on Aging, located at 328 North Main Street 356 00:22:59,320 --> 00:23:06,840 for a required second reading of a proposed bylaw amendment, chapter 500 357 00:23:04,440 --> 00:23:11,360 fee, fine, and penalty schedule. For the purpose of an annual update of 358 00:23:08,800 --> 00:23:15,440 all fees, fines, and penalties for the town of East Longmeadow. 359 00:23:13,600 --> 00:23:19,480 The public hearing may also be attended via Zoom webinar. 360 00:23:17,680 --> 00:23:24,680 Information relating to this bylaw is available for public inspection at the 361 00:23:21,560 --> 00:23:24,680 town clerk's office. 362 00:23:24,800 --> 00:23:28,120 Oh. Sorry, for the council clerk. 363 00:23:27,611 --> 00:23:32,000 » [laughter] >> Oh, the council clerk. For the council. 364 00:23:30,560 --> 00:23:35,200 » Thank you, Jackie. Uh the members from left to right this evening are Jim 365 00:23:33,560 --> 00:23:38,920 Leyden, Kathy Hill, Anna Jones, myself Connor O'Shea, 366 00:23:36,800 --> 00:23:41,560 Marilyn Richards, Ralph Page, and John Torsha. 367 00:23:40,120 --> 00:23:45,760 And then since it is a second reading, we will quickly do that reading this 368 00:23:43,760 --> 00:23:51,800 evening. Um under section 500-6 fire department 369 00:23:49,160 --> 00:23:58,320 fees, fines, and penalties, we have the I'll say it in the form of 370 00:23:54,600 --> 00:24:03,120 item and then the new fee would be the BLS emergency and emergency transport is 371 00:24:01,280 --> 00:24:08,040 now $1,000 445.09. 372 00:24:05,480 --> 00:24:11,040 BLS emergency transport Medicare is $473.92. 373 00:24:12,080 --> 00:24:22,840 BLS non-emergency Medicare $296.20. ALS one emergency non-emergency 374 00:24:19,040 --> 00:24:22,840 transport $2,309.26. 375 00:24:22,960 --> 00:24:27,800 ALS emergency transport Medicare $562.79. 376 00:24:27,840 --> 00:24:33,320 ALS one non-emergency transport Medicare $355.44. 377 00:24:33,360 --> 00:24:38,520 ALS two emergency transport $3,475.70. 378 00:24:38,920 --> 00:24:44,120 ALS two emergency transport Medicare $814.56. 379 00:24:44,247 --> 00:24:51,320 » [clears throat] >> Mileage per mile $38.99. 380 00:24:47,520 --> 00:24:51,320 Intercept fee $321.36. 381 00:24:52,360 --> 00:24:56,200 And if we go down to 382 00:24:59,160 --> 00:25:07,680 Sorry, many pages later, if we go to What chapter is that? Uh 500-12 public 383 00:25:06,240 --> 00:25:09,800 works department, fees, fines, and penalties. We were 384 00:25:09,120 --> 00:25:11,800 skipping that one. >> Oh, you are? Okay, stop. Yep. 385 00:25:11,280 --> 00:25:14,880 » Oh, okay. >> Then 386 00:25:13,160 --> 00:25:19,720 under section G, water, sewer, and storm water 387 00:25:17,320 --> 00:25:27,920 rates, water standard rate would now be $4.97 per 100 cubic feet. Water 388 00:25:24,480 --> 00:25:35,080 agricultural rate be $3.73 per 100 cubic feet. And sewer rate is 389 00:25:30,800 --> 00:25:38,760 $5.06 per 100 cubic feet. And that is it. 390 00:25:37,160 --> 00:25:43,360 At this time, it is a public hearing, so if there's anyone in the public audience 391 00:25:40,440 --> 00:25:48,680 that wishes to make a comment, now is an opportunity to do so. 392 00:25:45,920 --> 00:25:51,680 I don't see anyone online or in person. That will close the public input portion 393 00:25:50,320 --> 00:25:56,640 of the hearing. Now, it is the council's opportunity to 394 00:25:53,920 --> 00:25:59,800 make any comments, questions, concerns. I would just first add that um 395 00:25:58,917 --> 00:26:02,680 [clears throat] we're not changing any of these at this 396 00:26:01,480 --> 00:26:05,920 time um above and beyond. These are really just 397 00:26:04,240 --> 00:26:11,280 copied from what we appropriated in the town budget last month and updating them 398 00:26:08,680 --> 00:26:15,640 in the town bylaw because chapter 500 is a place that residents can see anything 399 00:26:13,760 --> 00:26:19,360 that the town would charge you all in one consolidated place. This is really 400 00:26:17,400 --> 00:26:23,960 just to keep it in sync with with the budget. 401 00:26:21,560 --> 00:26:26,880 Any other comments? >> So, I would make a motion to close the 402 00:26:25,640 --> 00:26:31,160 public hearing. >> Motion has been made and seconded. Any 403 00:26:29,160 --> 00:26:32,800 further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please say I. 404 00:26:32,520 --> 00:26:35,840 » I. >> I. 405 00:26:33,240 --> 00:26:39,680 » Any opposed? The motion passes. Close the public hearing. And then, is there a 406 00:26:38,120 --> 00:26:43,800 motion to approve >> I will move 407 00:26:41,200 --> 00:26:48,520 to adopt the proposed bylaw amendment chapter 500 the fine and penalty 408 00:26:46,440 --> 00:26:51,120 schedule as presented. >> I'll second that. 409 00:26:49,640 --> 00:26:55,000 » Motion was made and seconded. Any further discussion? 410 00:26:52,880 --> 00:26:55,840 Seeing none, this is a roll call vote. Jen? 411 00:26:55,400 --> 00:26:56,760 » Yes. >> Cathy? 412 00:26:56,320 --> 00:26:57,520 » Yes. >> Anna? 413 00:26:57,120 --> 00:26:58,920 » Yes. >> I say yes. Marilyn? 414 00:26:58,480 --> 00:26:59,760 » Yes. >> Ralph? 415 00:26:59,360 --> 00:27:00,920 » Yes. >> And John? 416 00:27:00,360 --> 00:27:03,840 » Yes. >> Motion passes. 417 00:27:04,960 --> 00:27:11,520 Okay. Next under orders of the day, financial 418 00:27:08,600 --> 00:27:15,360 matters, we have an appropriation to match donations received by the Veterans 419 00:27:13,840 --> 00:27:20,360 Memorial Committee. Um I know this was a topic that we've 420 00:27:18,080 --> 00:27:25,840 discussed over the last couple years uh with the Veterans Memorial Committee to 421 00:27:22,960 --> 00:27:30,160 try to get the Veterans Memorial project to completion. Um 422 00:27:27,800 --> 00:27:33,920 I don't know if you have anything to add to the topic, Ralph. I know you did 423 00:27:31,840 --> 00:27:38,240 some of the discussion and legwork here. 424 00:27:35,760 --> 00:27:41,200 » what we're planning? I I do believe so, but like I said, if you want to have to 425 00:27:40,040 --> 00:27:43,400 hurry up, that would be great. >> You're also welcome to come forward if 426 00:27:42,360 --> 00:27:46,360 you have any comments as well this evening. 427 00:27:44,840 --> 00:27:47,840 » I'm going to have a seat. So, um 428 00:27:47,040 --> 00:27:50,320 » Of course. >> Of course. 429 00:27:50,600 --> 00:27:57,920 So, I know uh this topic's gone around a few different times, and um 430 00:27:55,200 --> 00:28:00,640 we're we're coming close to the end, and so my thought was 431 00:27:59,920 --> 00:28:05,480 um in celebration of the country's 250th 432 00:28:04,240 --> 00:28:09,600 birthday, uh what better way to help us celebrate 433 00:28:07,640 --> 00:28:13,080 by remembering those from East Longmeadow that have given their all at 434 00:28:11,680 --> 00:28:17,000 a memorial. And so, 435 00:28:14,800 --> 00:28:22,200 I asked Connor to put this on the agenda as a matching donation so that anyone 436 00:28:20,320 --> 00:28:27,360 that contributes, uh we would also contribute up to a 437 00:28:24,520 --> 00:28:33,200 total of 100,000. I know they're looking to generate the last $200,000 roughly, 438 00:28:31,000 --> 00:28:36,560 and uh I thought maybe this would be a great way, um 439 00:28:35,640 --> 00:28:40,880 that it it's for the town, um and I thought 440 00:28:39,280 --> 00:28:46,360 this was a good way to celebrate our birthday, and to give it a little push, 441 00:28:43,720 --> 00:28:50,520 and to also put some out there for the businesses, 442 00:28:47,920 --> 00:28:56,080 um knowing that it's a one-to-one match. So, if they made $5,000, 443 00:28:53,360 --> 00:29:00,600 $5,000 would also come from the town, and hopefully we get them there, and I'd 444 00:28:58,400 --> 00:29:02,840 love to see a shovel in the ground by Veterans Day this year. 445 00:29:01,960 --> 00:29:05,800 » That'd be nice. >> There you go. 446 00:29:04,360 --> 00:29:07,960 » That would be great. Is there anything you want to add on 447 00:29:07,400 --> 00:29:10,480 behalf of the committee? >> Well, 448 00:29:09,040 --> 00:29:12,800 you have all these guys in the red shirts 449 00:29:11,520 --> 00:29:16,000 on the side of the aisle. >> [laughter] 450 00:29:13,240 --> 00:29:16,000 » You got the email. 451 00:29:16,120 --> 00:29:20,520 » Seriously, we'd like to First of all, I want to say congratulations to Marilyn. 452 00:29:19,600 --> 00:29:24,520 » Thank you, Terry. >> On behalf of this committee, 453 00:29:22,400 --> 00:29:28,080 uh you've always been a strong advocate and supporter, showed up at our 454 00:29:26,200 --> 00:29:31,440 fundraisers, and uh we really appreciate that. 455 00:29:30,280 --> 00:29:35,480 Uh [snorts] but going forward on why we're here 456 00:29:34,360 --> 00:29:39,560 is [clears throat] uh this committee 457 00:29:37,080 --> 00:29:45,000 is strongly appreciative of the conservative concerted effort of 458 00:29:42,800 --> 00:29:50,640 what you're trying to do, especially trying to get us across the finish line, 459 00:29:47,400 --> 00:29:53,800 uh especially after eight long years of fundraising. 460 00:29:52,200 --> 00:29:58,440 And uh but working together now, I think it's 461 00:29:55,520 --> 00:30:02,360 really important that the strategy is that we 462 00:29:59,880 --> 00:30:08,120 get this word out to the community, we get it out to all the businesses, all 463 00:30:05,040 --> 00:30:13,200 the households, and all the veterans. And uh directly ask them 464 00:30:10,760 --> 00:30:16,000 uh through a donation request form that uh 465 00:30:16,400 --> 00:30:22,520 they support this East Longmeadow Veterans Memorial. 466 00:30:20,120 --> 00:30:25,360 And it's important, I know you all realize this, but there's people in the 467 00:30:24,120 --> 00:30:29,120 community, I think, that are 468 00:30:27,080 --> 00:30:34,320 somewhat unaware of what we've been doing for the past eight years. 469 00:30:31,440 --> 00:30:38,560 And this is really to honor the 20 East Longmeadow veterans who did give 470 00:30:36,520 --> 00:30:44,280 their life for this community, uh but also to honor and pay tribute to 471 00:30:41,360 --> 00:30:50,400 everybody who served, especially from the town of East Lyme East Lyme Meadow. 472 00:30:47,680 --> 00:30:54,520 And I think if we if we don't get this across the finish line, 473 00:30:52,360 --> 00:30:58,760 we're going to run the risk of forgetting. 474 00:30:56,440 --> 00:31:03,240 And there's the phrase that is in the common circle of all veterans, 475 00:31:00,800 --> 00:31:07,080 and that is three words, "Lest we forget." 476 00:31:04,520 --> 00:31:10,160 Because what those three words mean, it's a solemn promise 477 00:31:09,200 --> 00:31:14,960 to [clears throat and cough] perpetuate the legacy 478 00:31:12,320 --> 00:31:20,520 of the veterans who gave their lives. And it's always been a solemn tribute. 479 00:31:18,160 --> 00:31:22,880 So, thank you. Thank you very much, and uh 480 00:31:21,240 --> 00:31:28,200 I know you have asked for uh paper forms. Um I did bring 10 of them 481 00:31:25,600 --> 00:31:31,240 tonight. And if you need more, you can you can make copies. 482 00:31:29,880 --> 00:31:35,280 And uh also, Ralph, I can 483 00:31:33,360 --> 00:31:36,920 you know, once you generate that letter, >> Yep. 484 00:31:35,720 --> 00:31:40,440 » um I think we talked about corresponding 485 00:31:39,520 --> 00:31:44,800 with each other. >> Absolutely. 486 00:31:41,560 --> 00:31:47,720 » other's input. But I also um think it's important, and I'll give you 487 00:31:46,760 --> 00:31:52,600 this, is uh there's three documents 488 00:31:50,800 --> 00:31:55,880 that probably should be inserted to accompany that letter. 489 00:31:54,560 --> 00:32:00,040 And uh that is this flyer right here. 490 00:31:58,400 --> 00:32:06,720 It's uh really our symbol, the Battle Cross symbol, but it also uh specifies 491 00:32:04,480 --> 00:32:11,960 when, how, and where to make a donation. Uh many people can 492 00:32:09,120 --> 00:32:20,080 just walk in to People's Bank and make that donation. And this flyer also 493 00:32:15,080 --> 00:32:24,760 designates uh what our uh EIN number is, tax-exempt number, so that people can 494 00:32:22,680 --> 00:32:29,960 avail themselves of that number. Uh the other document is 495 00:32:27,400 --> 00:32:35,560 a picture of the memorial. And the last document is the actual 496 00:32:32,800 --> 00:32:38,080 paper form, which is very specific in terms of I don't know Maryland bought 497 00:32:37,080 --> 00:32:41,240 one and uh 498 00:32:39,800 --> 00:32:45,040 how to buy a day before. 499 00:32:43,080 --> 00:32:48,120 And uh so 500 00:32:46,880 --> 00:32:51,120 we do um 501 00:32:49,080 --> 00:32:54,720 we did make some uh small cuts 502 00:32:53,240 --> 00:32:58,480 to uh what we was originally asking for, 503 00:32:56,000 --> 00:33:02,200 $202,000. And those were uh 504 00:33:00,400 --> 00:33:05,880 to give up the $12,000 505 00:33:04,000 --> 00:33:09,200 in the benches that we were going to buy. 506 00:33:07,160 --> 00:33:13,000 And also to uh strip some of the uh bushes and the 507 00:33:11,280 --> 00:33:14,840 things of that nature. Although it's still going to look beautiful. 508 00:33:14,497 --> 00:33:18,080 » [clears throat] >> But uh since that happened in the 509 00:33:17,040 --> 00:33:21,920 interim, uh we had a donation 510 00:33:20,400 --> 00:33:27,680 of uh for almost $4,500 511 00:33:24,960 --> 00:33:32,480 from someone in the local area. And we went out and did buy three 512 00:33:29,920 --> 00:33:37,600 benches that one of our members uh Ed Brown coordinated with a company 513 00:33:34,960 --> 00:33:41,800 in another state. And we all we have the benches already. 514 00:33:39,400 --> 00:33:45,560 And they were delivered to the trailer where we have everything stored back 515 00:33:43,640 --> 00:33:49,280 there. So with all this cuts and everything, 516 00:33:46,960 --> 00:33:54,160 uh we came down to where we penny for penny, we actually need 517 00:33:51,160 --> 00:33:54,160 $186,349. 518 00:33:54,840 --> 00:34:02,920 But um having said that, 519 00:33:59,440 --> 00:34:06,000 all of the vendors who did bid on this project 520 00:34:04,440 --> 00:34:09,320 cannot hold to the price 521 00:34:07,280 --> 00:34:14,200 of what they originally gave. Uh I know this for a fact. Um out of the 522 00:34:12,480 --> 00:34:17,879 four or five vendors, uh there might be one or two right now 523 00:34:15,760 --> 00:34:21,720 that are going to have to increase. The longer this goes on, obviously we 524 00:34:19,560 --> 00:34:26,280 all know that that's going to impact the price, but hopefully not too much. Our 525 00:34:24,720 --> 00:34:30,520 our architect and uh 526 00:34:27,840 --> 00:34:35,159 which is Kevin Rochelle architectural we all, W.J. Quinn our general contractor. 527 00:34:33,679 --> 00:34:40,200 They're working feverishly to hold the line. Yeah. You know, with that. And 528 00:34:37,520 --> 00:34:44,600 they're doing an excellent job. So. That's That's all I have to say. 529 00:34:43,440 --> 00:34:46,040 » Thank you for the update, Terry. >> Thank you, Terry. 530 00:34:45,840 --> 00:34:48,639 » I think >> If I can come forward, I'll give you all 531 00:34:47,280 --> 00:34:51,000 this information. >> Sure. 532 00:34:51,760 --> 00:34:56,760 » I'll just step >> Oh, yeah. Be careful of the cord, too. 533 00:34:54,200 --> 00:34:59,080 That's Give it Yeah, give it a jump. >> All right. 534 00:35:01,640 --> 00:35:07,200 » Yeah, these are the 10. >> Perfect. 535 00:35:04,760 --> 00:35:07,200 » Um 536 00:35:09,680 --> 00:35:15,160 And these are the other documents. >> Awesome. 537 00:35:13,880 --> 00:35:18,720 » Okay. >> I think there's three. 538 00:35:16,600 --> 00:35:20,920 » Yeah, that's all three. So, thank you very much. 539 00:35:20,080 --> 00:35:23,320 » Thank you, Terry. >> Terry. 540 00:35:26,000 --> 00:35:30,000 » I asked Terry for the donation forms cuz I know we've heard 541 00:35:29,040 --> 00:35:32,720 about them in the past. >> But 542 00:35:30,800 --> 00:35:37,760 » at least for me, I wanted it for my own personal donation. 543 00:35:35,840 --> 00:35:39,909 » And that's very specific of where to send the money. 544 00:35:38,880 --> 00:35:41,929 » Exactly. >> [laughter] 545 00:35:42,640 --> 00:35:44,560 » Thank you again. >> Great. Thank you, Terry. 546 00:35:44,080 --> 00:35:49,120 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 547 00:35:46,160 --> 00:35:50,520 » If there's no other comments or questions. 548 00:35:49,640 --> 00:35:52,240 » Thank you. >> Hey, do you want to stick around for the 549 00:35:51,520 --> 00:35:53,080 motion? >> Here. 550 00:35:52,760 --> 00:35:54,319 » Yeah. >> Hey. 551 00:35:53,920 --> 00:35:55,760 » Terry. >> [laughter] 552 00:35:54,520 --> 00:35:57,280 » Why don't you guys stick around for a few minutes? 553 00:35:56,720 --> 00:36:01,960 » Don't go. >> Stick around. We're going to make a 554 00:35:58,200 --> 00:36:05,480 motion to actually do this. It hasn't been done yet, so. 555 00:36:08,280 --> 00:36:12,400 » Hopefully we can take it. >> Yeah. 556 00:36:10,320 --> 00:36:16,600 » I'm sorry. >> Yeah, it's not finalized yet. Come on 557 00:36:14,160 --> 00:36:20,120 in. Let's make sure this goes through. We still have to vote on it. 558 00:36:18,555 --> 00:36:23,640 » [laughter] >> My wife didn't feed me. Go ahead. 559 00:36:23,920 --> 00:36:32,840 » Okay, so I move to appropriate $100,000 from free cash to match donations 560 00:36:30,840 --> 00:36:39,320 received by the Veterans Memorial Committee between June 23rd, 2026 and 561 00:36:36,800 --> 00:36:46,120 October 1st, 2026 dollar for dollar up to $100,000 562 00:36:42,960 --> 00:36:50,480 to be used for the design, construction, and costs related thereto of the 563 00:36:48,680 --> 00:36:54,480 Veterans Memorial. Provided that all donations submitted 564 00:36:52,880 --> 00:37:00,200 for matching are supported by detailed itemized 565 00:36:56,800 --> 00:37:06,000 documentation identifying each donor and the corresponding contribution amount. 566 00:37:03,280 --> 00:37:11,320 Matching funds shall only be expended once sufficient total funding has been 567 00:37:08,440 --> 00:37:16,520 verified to fully complete the project. Any unexpected any 568 00:37:14,200 --> 00:37:22,360 any unexpended funds such as unused contingency shall 569 00:37:19,960 --> 00:37:26,720 revert to the town's general fund and shall not be retained by the committee. 570 00:37:24,640 --> 00:37:32,240 Prior to the release of any funds, the town's director of municipal finance or 571 00:37:29,680 --> 00:37:35,920 their designee shall review and approve all donation documentation. 572 00:37:35,040 --> 00:37:40,160 » Second. >> Motion is made and seconded. Any further 573 00:37:37,760 --> 00:37:43,720 discussion? Seeing none, do we want this as a roll 574 00:37:42,400 --> 00:37:44,520 » Roll call, please. >> Jim. 575 00:37:44,080 --> 00:37:45,400 » Yes. >> Kathy. 576 00:37:44,920 --> 00:37:46,080 » Yes. >> Anna. 577 00:37:45,760 --> 00:37:47,600 » Yes. >> I'm a yes. Marilyn. 578 00:37:47,160 --> 00:37:48,520 » Yes. >> Ralph. 579 00:37:48,040 --> 00:37:50,000 » Yes. >> And John. 580 00:37:49,160 --> 00:37:52,160 » Yes. >> It passes. 581 00:37:51,560 --> 00:37:55,960 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 582 00:37:53,280 --> 00:37:59,160 » Terry, if you'd come up for a minute. >> Oh, jeez. 583 00:37:57,960 --> 00:38:02,701 » That's good. >> Yeah, watch the cord. 584 00:38:00,960 --> 00:38:04,721 » He tried to get him. >> [laughter] 585 00:38:06,400 --> 00:38:13,000 » So, now that the town has agreed to matching grants, I'd like to make the 586 00:38:10,480 --> 00:38:17,360 first donation from my company Page Landscaping. I can let's work this 587 00:38:15,880 --> 00:38:19,760 together and let's get this done. >> Yeah. 588 00:38:17,960 --> 00:38:24,000 » Well, um when I stepped out into the hall 589 00:38:21,000 --> 00:38:26,480 uh there's a gentleman in the audience. And uh, 590 00:38:25,000 --> 00:38:29,480 sitting right there. His name is Thomas Flaherty. He's the 591 00:38:28,000 --> 00:38:34,080 general manager of Westfield Gas and Electric. And once 592 00:38:32,200 --> 00:38:37,960 we get the uh the donation request form and out, uh 593 00:38:36,320 --> 00:38:41,520 he's the company's going to give us a donation of $5,000. 594 00:38:43,966 --> 00:38:45,986 » [applause] 595 00:38:49,400 --> 00:38:53,400 » All right. Thanks everybody. You really Thank you. 596 00:38:52,240 --> 00:38:56,411 Yeah, you really don't know what this means to us. 597 00:38:53,960 --> 00:39:01,160 » Now now you can go. >> [laughter] 598 00:38:57,560 --> 00:39:01,160 » Thank you. Thank you for coming. 599 00:39:05,581 --> 00:39:09,000 » [laughter] >> Okay. 600 00:39:11,640 --> 00:39:18,680 Next we have approval of our June 9th open session minutes. 601 00:39:16,120 --> 00:39:21,320 » I move to approve the June 9th, 2026 open session minutes. 602 00:39:20,560 --> 00:39:24,560 » Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. Any 603 00:39:22,880 --> 00:39:26,480 further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please 604 00:39:25,880 --> 00:39:31,120 say aye. >> Aye. 605 00:39:27,360 --> 00:39:35,640 » Any opposed? The motion passes. Next under old business, we have the 606 00:39:32,800 --> 00:39:39,000 250th anniversary. Uh you'll notice this evening we're all wearing red, and 607 00:39:36,920 --> 00:39:42,880 that's because our polo shirts for the town council came in. Uh we're still 608 00:39:41,200 --> 00:39:45,520 waiting on a corrected version for the town manager, but 609 00:39:44,280 --> 00:39:48,040 » Oh my gosh, I didn't even notice. >> town councilor this evening. 610 00:39:46,847 --> 00:39:52,087 » [laughter] >> Thanks to your vote. 611 00:39:50,560 --> 00:39:55,040 » You're one of us tonight. >> [laughter] 612 00:39:53,040 --> 00:39:59,040 » But now we'll all have a consistent look for the 4th of July and 250th 613 00:39:57,120 --> 00:40:02,840 celebration this year. I don't know if you had anything else. 614 00:40:00,520 --> 00:40:06,720 » No, uh the banners are going up. Uh some of the bigger banners are going up 615 00:40:04,600 --> 00:40:09,600 tomorrow. Um the fence is up for the carnival, so 616 00:40:08,720 --> 00:40:12,720 we're we're pretty much got everything all 617 00:40:10,920 --> 00:40:14,960 planned out and ready to go. Um 618 00:40:13,560 --> 00:40:17,720 yeah. Looking good. 619 00:40:15,840 --> 00:40:20,760 » The the banners do look really good. >> They do look very nice. 620 00:40:18,800 --> 00:40:23,880 » Flags and towns um um it really makes a difference. You come in you can tell 621 00:40:22,480 --> 00:40:26,960 immediately. >> And I'm glad we did the three types. The 622 00:40:25,920 --> 00:40:28,760 different type you know, the different >> They look good. 623 00:40:27,600 --> 00:40:30,160 » They look very nice. >> Right. 624 00:40:29,320 --> 00:40:32,560 » Soon to be four. >> Yeah. Soon to be four. 625 00:40:32,043 --> 00:40:35,600 » [laughter] >> That one's Can I have that one after so 626 00:40:34,400 --> 00:40:37,938 I can hang in my office? >> Well, we didn't tell you that's 10 ft by 627 00:40:37,280 --> 00:40:41,840 15. >> [laughter] 628 00:40:39,280 --> 00:40:44,320 » Where's this going to be? >> You're left to find them all. 629 00:40:43,160 --> 00:40:47,720 » Oh, yes. >> Oh my [laughter] god. 630 00:40:46,280 --> 00:40:51,840 » Okay. >> Let's see. 631 00:40:49,280 --> 00:40:55,840 » Next under old business we had the town manager's 632 00:40:53,920 --> 00:40:58,360 performance evaluation. Um 633 00:40:58,520 --> 00:41:05,440 So, I had met with Tom earlier to kind of discuss 634 00:41:03,080 --> 00:41:08,480 we all collectively as a council had had talked [clears throat] about evaluation 635 00:41:06,600 --> 00:41:12,040 wise so he's not caught off guard by anything that we're uh 636 00:41:10,440 --> 00:41:15,600 thinking of here, but I had submitted a memo to you in advance of this meeting 637 00:41:13,640 --> 00:41:19,400 just to kind of summarize everything. I'll just read through it so the benefit 638 00:41:17,840 --> 00:41:22,520 of the public audience. >> Mr. Chair, I know we have an executive 639 00:41:21,200 --> 00:41:25,320 coming up. Is something that we could actually do 640 00:41:24,080 --> 00:41:30,240 after the executive? >> Sure, we can do that. 641 00:41:26,760 --> 00:41:34,960 » I would make a motion that we um out of order and 642 00:41:32,960 --> 00:41:37,840 come back to this after executive session. 643 00:41:36,360 --> 00:41:40,600 » Motion was made and >> Second. 644 00:41:39,040 --> 00:41:44,760 » Second motion made and seconded. Any further discussion? 645 00:41:42,560 --> 00:41:46,880 Seeing none, all those in favor to move out of order please say aye. 646 00:41:46,120 --> 00:41:49,840 » Aye. >> Any opposed? 647 00:41:48,240 --> 00:41:53,800 Motion passes. Um I would expect it should just be 648 00:41:52,960 --> 00:41:56,520 » Yeah. >> 5 minutes. 649 00:41:55,228 --> 00:42:01,880 » [laughter] >> Okay. Then I move to enter into 650 00:41:59,760 --> 00:42:07,240 executive session pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A 651 00:42:03,960 --> 00:42:13,760 Section 21A2 for the following purpose contract negotiations with non-union 652 00:42:09,440 --> 00:42:13,760 personnel town manager Tom Christensen. 653 00:42:14,080 --> 00:42:18,000 Is there a second? >> Second. 654 00:42:16,680 --> 00:42:22,000 » Oh. I was going to say, should we do all 655 00:42:20,240 --> 00:42:24,680 this then executive then instead of doing this? No? 656 00:42:23,320 --> 00:42:27,920 » It's only going to take a couple >> 5 minutes? Okay. All right. 657 00:42:28,400 --> 00:42:31,720 » A motion was made and seconded. Jim? >> Yes. 658 00:42:31,240 --> 00:42:32,760 » Cathy? >> Yes. 659 00:42:32,400 --> 00:42:34,320 » Anna? >> Yes. 660 00:42:33,120 --> 00:42:35,200 » I'm a yes. Marilyn? >> Yes. 661 00:42:34,800 --> 00:42:36,280 » Ralph? >> Yes. 662 00:42:35,680 --> 00:42:38,320 » And John? >> Yes. 663 00:42:36,880 --> 00:42:40,600 » We promise it'll be quick. >> Yes. [laughter] 664 00:42:39,280 --> 00:42:44,600 By the time you close the doors, you'll be able to walk away. 665 00:42:41,920 --> 00:42:44,600 » Almost. 666 00:42:52,240 --> 00:42:59,200 » Are you locking me in? >> Yeah, so if you just 667 00:42:57,640 --> 00:43:04,200 Uh yes. >> Yes. 668 00:43:00,480 --> 00:43:04,200 » Well, yes, yeah. 669 00:43:14,160 --> 00:43:18,120 » Oh, oh no, I just recorded and now I think Oh my gosh. 670 00:43:17,400 --> 00:43:23,120 Oh my gosh. >> You just what? 671 00:43:20,360 --> 00:43:26,880 » Recording in progress. >> Thank you, Jamie. Thank you all for your 672 00:43:24,560 --> 00:43:30,840 patience. Uh we are back from executive session. Um 673 00:43:28,840 --> 00:43:35,600 so just to quickly recap the town manager's performance evaluation, the 674 00:43:32,640 --> 00:43:41,320 subcommittee had met on Tuesday, June 16th. Um overall, Tom, out of the 10 675 00:43:38,880 --> 00:43:45,560 categories that we evaluate our town manager on, 676 00:43:42,760 --> 00:43:49,320 he scored 85 and 1/2 out of 100 if you add them up math-wise. 677 00:43:47,360 --> 00:43:53,840 Uh but in our breakdown, that falls into generally exceeds and always exceeds the 678 00:43:51,760 --> 00:43:59,840 performance standard in most categories. So, thank you for your 679 00:43:56,640 --> 00:44:03,160 deserved service to the town. Um each year the council has to put 680 00:44:01,400 --> 00:44:06,960 together goals that are mutually agreed upon by the town manager per the town 681 00:44:04,840 --> 00:44:10,400 manager's contract. So, this year's goals that we've agreed to 682 00:44:09,040 --> 00:44:14,800 uh the first one is to review health insurance costs, reconvene the insurance 683 00:44:12,800 --> 00:44:19,280 advisory committee, and evaluate potential stabilization funds. That was 684 00:44:17,160 --> 00:44:22,520 also an action item that came out of the financial oversight committee 685 00:44:20,480 --> 00:44:25,560 recommendation from this year. The second [clears throat] is to provide 686 00:44:23,600 --> 00:44:30,360 a municipal fiber build-out plan within 6 months due January 2027, which I know 687 00:44:28,360 --> 00:44:33,200 part of that is this evening, but we expect that there will be more reporting 688 00:44:32,280 --> 00:44:36,320 and uh planning. 689 00:44:34,800 --> 00:44:40,520 And then the third is to improve the town's online presence, including the 690 00:44:37,960 --> 00:44:44,880 town website, social media, and expanded use of open government code. 691 00:44:42,840 --> 00:44:50,720 Um Overall, the town manager's current 692 00:44:46,840 --> 00:44:50,720 salary was $147,680. 693 00:44:51,760 --> 00:44:56,960 Given his rating that the council all gave him, 694 00:44:55,160 --> 00:45:01,480 his contract says that he would get a minimum 4% increase, which would be 695 00:44:59,120 --> 00:45:03,800 $5,907. Um 696 00:45:02,360 --> 00:45:08,520 but then the council in executive session made an additional motion. So, 697 00:45:06,240 --> 00:45:11,400 for public transparency purposes, I will entertain that motion 698 00:45:10,280 --> 00:45:12,400 now. >> May I? 699 00:45:11,960 --> 00:45:13,720 » Sure. >> Okay. 700 00:45:13,041 --> 00:45:19,960 » [clears throat] >> I move to approve a 7% increase, 701 00:45:16,960 --> 00:45:19,960 $158,195, 702 00:45:20,640 --> 00:45:27,520 to the town manager's salary based on his performance evaluation score 703 00:45:25,880 --> 00:45:31,520 exceeding generally meets the performance standard, effective July 1, 704 00:45:30,240 --> 00:45:32,400 2026. >> Second. 705 00:45:31,920 --> 00:45:37,800 » Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. 706 00:45:35,000 --> 00:45:42,040 Just so it's explicitly clear, the 4% is built into that 7% number, so it's not 707 00:45:40,000 --> 00:45:46,320 an additional above the 11. It's really just 3% more for your 708 00:45:43,920 --> 00:45:50,760 exceeding performance above the line that we set. Thanks. 709 00:45:48,720 --> 00:45:53,360 Um any other discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please 710 00:45:52,320 --> 00:45:55,400 say I. >> I. 711 00:45:54,080 --> 00:45:58,880 » Any opposed? Motion passes. 712 00:45:57,400 --> 00:46:01,400 And then we have one more motion to adopt the goals. 713 00:45:59,840 --> 00:46:04,760 » I move to adopt the goals for the town manager for FY27 as presented. 714 00:46:04,080 --> 00:46:07,920 » Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. Any 715 00:46:06,280 --> 00:46:09,880 further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please 716 00:46:09,160 --> 00:46:13,960 say aye. >> Aye. 717 00:46:10,720 --> 00:46:15,922 » Any opposed? Motion passes. >> Thank you. 718 00:46:14,840 --> 00:46:17,720 » You all. >> [snorts] 719 00:46:16,440 --> 00:46:22,880 » All right, next under new business we have a municipal fiber update 720 00:46:19,240 --> 00:46:22,880 presentation from Whip City. 721 00:46:25,092 --> 00:46:27,112 » [clears throat and cough] 722 00:46:32,200 --> 00:46:37,440 » Brush coming up. >> [laughter] 723 00:46:35,000 --> 00:46:41,320 » Just want to let the record show that uh I thought I did that 724 00:46:39,480 --> 00:46:45,080 on the side the contribution and uh 725 00:46:43,240 --> 00:46:50,320 but it's something that we do. We're we're huge on the community support. Um 726 00:46:47,760 --> 00:46:54,280 in Westfield alone last year we donated close to $300,000. 727 00:46:52,240 --> 00:46:57,440 Uh plus a million dollars towards the uh high school field project. So 728 00:46:56,200 --> 00:47:00,480 Um we're doing the same in West Springfield. 729 00:46:58,600 --> 00:47:03,680 Helping out quite a few uh non-profit organizations there as well. 730 00:47:04,160 --> 00:47:06,560 Thank you. >> The town definitely appreciates the 731 00:47:05,960 --> 00:47:09,120 support. >> Yeah. Thank you. 732 00:47:10,520 --> 00:47:15,640 » Goes. All right. Well, uh 733 00:47:13,600 --> 00:47:19,520 thank you for having us this evening. Um my name is Andrew Shaw. I'm the key 734 00:47:17,480 --> 00:47:24,200 account sales manager for Westfield Gas and Electric Whip City Fiber. 735 00:47:21,400 --> 00:47:28,400 My left is Tom Flaherty, uh our general manager. 736 00:47:25,640 --> 00:47:31,400 My right, Jameson Carter, our fiber superintendent. 737 00:47:30,040 --> 00:47:35,832 From Mitchell, the assistant general manager, and I think you all know Ryan. 738 00:47:34,320 --> 00:47:37,852 » He's the top fiber guy. >> [laughter] 739 00:47:38,560 --> 00:47:44,360 » Um so yeah, so thank you for having us here this evening. The goal of tonight 740 00:47:42,240 --> 00:47:48,360 is to provide you with an update. Um I think the last time we spoke to the 741 00:47:46,160 --> 00:47:51,640 committee or the council was probably 2 years ago. 742 00:47:49,520 --> 00:47:57,200 Um so there's been a lot of work going on um that not necessarily that you see, 743 00:47:54,600 --> 00:48:00,000 but is actually foundational to moving the project forward. 744 00:47:58,920 --> 00:48:04,040 So, we'll start today. We'll give you some background and sort of some of the 745 00:48:01,520 --> 00:48:07,720 roles of uh Westfield Westfield Gas Web City Fiber. Give you an update as far as 746 00:48:06,000 --> 00:48:12,480 where we are today. Uh then we'll go into sort of, you know, 747 00:48:09,520 --> 00:48:16,720 what what does Web City Fiber do? What's the coordination that we provide? Uh 748 00:48:14,680 --> 00:48:20,560 talk about the FSAs, which are fiber service areas. So, the whole town, as 749 00:48:18,920 --> 00:48:25,320 part of the design and engineering, gets split up into a neighborhoods or fiber 750 00:48:22,560 --> 00:48:30,760 hoods, which are fiber service areas. Uh we'll talk about some build costs and 751 00:48:27,360 --> 00:48:36,800 expected revenue, anticipated income. Um and then uh we'll sort of close with 752 00:48:33,080 --> 00:48:42,040 some sort of next steps and how we plan the phased approach to the build of uh 753 00:48:39,840 --> 00:48:46,400 your fiber network. Um so, with that, we'll just jump into 754 00:48:44,080 --> 00:48:50,440 the first slide. Um so, we you know, we talk about 755 00:48:48,160 --> 00:48:54,440 completed engineering and design. So, what that meant is uh we actually mapped 756 00:48:52,640 --> 00:49:01,000 out every street, every house, every pole in the whole of uh East Longmeadow. 757 00:48:57,600 --> 00:49:06,320 And that equated to roughly 75 miles of overhead and 35 miles of underground 758 00:49:03,840 --> 00:49:11,880 construction that would be required. Um in all, there's about 7,300 759 00:49:09,840 --> 00:49:17,080 uh dwelling units, so potential customers. And we anticipate a take rate 760 00:49:14,480 --> 00:49:21,760 of around 50% of that. So, what you're seeing tonight is based on those sort of 761 00:49:18,840 --> 00:49:28,520 numbers. Uh that equates to 34 individual fiber service areas, FSAs. 762 00:49:26,800 --> 00:49:34,360 Um Moving from that, uh we then uh 763 00:49:31,840 --> 00:49:39,800 acted as the general contractor for that design company. So, not only do we 764 00:49:38,160 --> 00:49:45,640 uh manage the network and are able to build 765 00:49:42,640 --> 00:49:51,000 that network for you, we also manage the the uh contractors that are required for 766 00:49:48,120 --> 00:49:54,360 some of the work. We also um uh get involved with designing the hut, 767 00:49:53,000 --> 00:49:58,080 what goes in the hut, the equipment that's required, how many huts do we 768 00:49:56,320 --> 00:50:01,640 need, the placement of that hut. We worked in conjunction with with Tom and 769 00:50:00,480 --> 00:50:07,080 Ryan. Also during this period, we found that 770 00:50:04,960 --> 00:50:11,040 two things happened which kind of was a were a little bit of a delay. One was a 771 00:50:09,600 --> 00:50:15,200 company just came in and just started tagging 772 00:50:13,000 --> 00:50:21,320 every single pole. So that meant that they were the primary person on the 773 00:50:17,040 --> 00:50:26,840 pole. So we had to work to move them out so that East Longmeadow was the primary 774 00:50:24,560 --> 00:50:31,280 person on the pole. So that was a little bit of work that we did. 775 00:50:29,440 --> 00:50:38,200 On top of that, one of our utility partners changed the pole application 776 00:50:34,400 --> 00:50:43,000 process. So you batch the poles that you're going to strand onto that 777 00:50:41,280 --> 00:50:47,840 you're going to put your fiber onto. So you batch those. 778 00:50:44,920 --> 00:50:52,920 That had a number of I think it was 200 per application and they changed that 779 00:50:50,160 --> 00:50:58,600 halfway through to 125. So that meant we had to go back 780 00:50:55,040 --> 00:51:03,280 and rework all those fiber service areas and pole applications. 781 00:51:00,560 --> 00:51:08,240 Interestingly enough with the utility partner here in town, 782 00:51:05,160 --> 00:51:14,440 you have to go on a GIS map and individually peg every single pole that 783 00:51:11,760 --> 00:51:19,360 you want to run strand on. So it's a pretty laborious process. 784 00:51:16,600 --> 00:51:23,560 But that works all being completed. And we're at a stage now where we not 785 00:51:21,240 --> 00:51:28,600 only have a full design, full engineering build out. 786 00:51:26,640 --> 00:51:33,760 We're ready to go. We've worked on phased approach which 787 00:51:31,720 --> 00:51:40,120 Jamie will speak to. Which will provide the best 788 00:51:37,120 --> 00:51:44,520 way for the town to receive benefit quickly 789 00:51:41,400 --> 00:51:48,600 from building out the the fiber 790 00:51:46,520 --> 00:51:54,200 infrastructure. So with that, any questions so far? 791 00:51:53,200 --> 00:52:00,680 I just want to point out, I'm looking at some concerned and puzzled faces. We 792 00:51:56,680 --> 00:52:04,200 apologize. This is complicated stuff. There's 793 00:52:01,840 --> 00:52:09,520 our utility partners and the Department of Public Utilities and with your 794 00:52:07,480 --> 00:52:11,360 East Longmeadow Municipal Light Plant, you're now a utility. 795 00:52:10,936 --> 00:52:15,320 » [laughter] >> It's complicated. We're trying to make 796 00:52:12,640 --> 00:52:19,600 this as simple as possible. Trust us, we've done this before. So, 797 00:52:18,200 --> 00:52:24,320 if that helps. Yeah, I can give you some idea. 798 00:52:21,760 --> 00:52:29,040 We manage right now over 20 communities. We have just over 19,000 individual 799 00:52:26,680 --> 00:52:32,840 subscribers that we are supplying daily and that we keep active every single day 800 00:52:31,040 --> 00:52:36,600 of the week. I'd like to hand it over to Jamie just 801 00:52:34,960 --> 00:52:40,440 to talk about current state today. >> Sure. So, where are we today? So, right 802 00:52:38,720 --> 00:52:44,720 now we have bi-weekly meetings with National Grid. We also have meetings 803 00:52:42,560 --> 00:52:48,000 with Verizon and we have communication with Charter, who is your communication 804 00:52:46,360 --> 00:52:52,400 company right now. Through those bi-weekly meetings, we are conducting 805 00:52:50,520 --> 00:52:55,920 basically they're giving their estimates for the make-ready work that's supposed 806 00:52:54,120 --> 00:52:59,120 to be completed on the poles in order for us to provide a service to East 807 00:52:58,040 --> 00:53:03,880 Longmeadow. Those estimates are coming in. Lucky 808 00:53:01,360 --> 00:53:08,120 enough for us, we have four individuals that were ex-linemen, ex-gas guys that 809 00:53:06,520 --> 00:53:11,480 are used to doing the work. They understand what's going on in the poles. 810 00:53:09,960 --> 00:53:14,600 So, they're able to basically address the poles once 811 00:53:13,480 --> 00:53:18,880 not every so often, but once National Grid comes in, give us the estimates per 812 00:53:16,280 --> 00:53:21,920 pole and they call out maybe pole replacements, 813 00:53:20,320 --> 00:53:25,520 certain moves that need to happen, light replacements or light movements. We're 814 00:53:24,000 --> 00:53:28,720 able to go out there, take a look at those [clears throat] poles and say, 815 00:53:26,920 --> 00:53:31,720 "No, we don't need to do that. This needs to be done on this pole." So, 816 00:53:30,120 --> 00:53:36,360 we're able to shave some of that cost off because again, we have ex-linemen 817 00:53:34,480 --> 00:53:39,200 that are able to identify those certain things on those poles that need to be 818 00:53:37,880 --> 00:53:41,960 addressed and what doesn't need to be addressed. 819 00:53:40,280 --> 00:53:45,120 Also, there's forestry stuff that's been 820 00:53:43,600 --> 00:53:48,360 called out on some of those and we've been able to tackle those through our 821 00:53:46,240 --> 00:53:52,560 bi-weekly meetings. I did count a couple numbers here just to let you guys know. 822 00:53:50,560 --> 00:53:56,960 We had some forestry challenges in and 50% of those forestry challenges so far 823 00:53:54,920 --> 00:53:59,680 have been overturned to us in our favor. So, that's good. They don't have to 824 00:53:58,000 --> 00:54:04,040 perform those. Also, we've had 117 pole challenges and 825 00:54:02,720 --> 00:54:07,680 we're currently working on those today with National Grid. They have a 826 00:54:05,760 --> 00:54:11,680 ex-lineman themselves who's going out to these poles and we're riding out those 827 00:54:09,080 --> 00:54:15,760 poles with him to identify those issues and overturn those issues that the town 828 00:54:13,640 --> 00:54:19,640 will not have to pay for. So, >> If I may interrupt, what does a pole 829 00:54:18,520 --> 00:54:23,000 challenge really >> Sure. Yep, absolutely. So, if you look 830 00:54:21,840 --> 00:54:26,600 obviously when you go outside you drive around you see poles out there. 831 00:54:25,200 --> 00:54:31,600 What they're challenging is that there's enough make-ready room for us to attach 832 00:54:28,960 --> 00:54:35,360 a line. We need 40 in from the secondary. So, your your basically your 833 00:54:33,640 --> 00:54:38,880 electric line that goes from the pole to the house, your house, 834 00:54:36,880 --> 00:54:44,000 that's called secondary. If there's not 40 in on that pole between Arcom and 835 00:54:41,840 --> 00:54:48,920 electric, they need to change that pole out or perform some movement on the pole 836 00:54:46,840 --> 00:54:52,640 so that we can put our line in. So, again, each pole is being identified. 837 00:54:51,440 --> 00:54:57,160 Andrew was speaking to you guys about 125 poles. There's multiple 838 00:54:54,840 --> 00:55:00,800 applications. We're seeing all those surveys and estimates come to us and 839 00:54:59,440 --> 00:55:04,160 we're challenging those big ticket items. Those big ticket items are going 840 00:55:02,720 --> 00:55:07,760 to what's going to drive the cost higher and we're making sure that everybody's 841 00:55:06,120 --> 00:55:11,240 playing on the same even level playing ground here. 842 00:55:09,000 --> 00:55:14,200 Um so, with that, that's where we are today 843 00:55:12,680 --> 00:55:17,440 with the make-ready estimates. Uh discussing a phased approach to build. 844 00:55:16,160 --> 00:55:20,080 Obviously, um 845 00:55:18,200 --> 00:55:23,720 if you take a look at this map behind me, 846 00:55:20,960 --> 00:55:23,720 you'll see 847 00:55:24,280 --> 00:55:27,360 » Let me stop. You want 848 00:55:26,440 --> 00:55:31,320 » Yeah, I'll talk about it. >> Perfect. I'll get the other I'll get the 849 00:55:29,920 --> 00:55:33,000 other one for the other half. >> So, the poles 850 00:55:32,280 --> 00:55:36,040 » Thank you, Jim. >> Thank you. Vanna [laughter] White. 851 00:55:36,520 --> 00:55:40,320 So, the poles that we had 852 00:55:39,080 --> 00:55:43,240 we engineered it to the >> and based off the design we figured 853 00:55:41,848 --> 00:55:48,800 [laughter] that a great location for a hot site would be 854 00:55:46,440 --> 00:55:54,000 here on Vineland Ave. From Vineland Ave, we're looking to 855 00:55:50,480 --> 00:55:58,120 build out a phased approach to start off in this general vicinity and as make 856 00:55:56,200 --> 00:56:03,400 ready's being completed, we're able to basically start climbing out and build 857 00:56:00,680 --> 00:56:06,560 out other FSAs. Now, obviously as you build an FSA, a customer taking that 858 00:56:05,400 --> 00:56:11,680 service that service is now going to fund more 859 00:56:09,120 --> 00:56:15,440 FSAs to be built out. So, what I say phased approach, money's coming in, 860 00:56:14,280 --> 00:56:18,840 people are taking service, you're able to pay for more more FSAs to be 861 00:56:17,800 --> 00:56:23,160 delivered. So. 862 00:56:20,520 --> 00:56:26,240 » When he says Vineland, that's uh on the same property as the Vineland pump 863 00:56:25,560 --> 00:56:26,840 station? >> Yeah. 864 00:56:26,560 --> 00:56:30,960 » Yep. >> Um there [clears throat] was enough room 865 00:56:28,520 --> 00:56:33,960 for us to easily locate that sort of out of the way on our property, which was 866 00:56:33,360 --> 00:56:36,000 nice. >> Yep. 867 00:56:34,560 --> 00:56:39,040 » It's also on our municipal fiber backbone. 868 00:56:37,000 --> 00:56:42,840 » Correct. There's We've got We're able to work with Ryan here as well as Tom to 869 00:56:41,320 --> 00:56:46,440 identify that you guys have conduit already in place, which gives us 870 00:56:44,880 --> 00:56:50,520 transport to get to other parts of the town to then spider out to those other 871 00:56:48,640 --> 00:56:52,800 fiber service areas. Um 872 00:56:51,200 --> 00:56:56,520 » What are the um I see like the different colors, but I 873 00:56:54,360 --> 00:56:59,560 see the fiber service areas. What do the colors mean in relation to 874 00:56:57,840 --> 00:57:02,680 » So, if you look at this, >> Oh, okay. 875 00:57:00,440 --> 00:57:05,680 » So, this is based off the fact that let's say that National Grid performs 876 00:57:04,240 --> 00:57:08,360 their make ready work, all the poles are ready for us to start putting fiber 877 00:57:06,960 --> 00:57:11,960 service on there. Once they do that, these other areas are 878 00:57:10,200 --> 00:57:16,600 shaded based off of the areas that we would build out first. So, right here 879 00:57:14,360 --> 00:57:19,520 we're calling bid one in 2028, which which would be this section of town 880 00:57:17,800 --> 00:57:22,680 because it's the closest to the hot. That's where you're going to spend the 881 00:57:20,520 --> 00:57:28,560 money to get your make ready done and then go further out as you progress. 882 00:57:27,000 --> 00:57:33,160 Got you. Any questions? >> Yeah, this area made sense just because 883 00:57:30,960 --> 00:57:37,360 as Tom mentioned, there was already land that we could we could utilize and also 884 00:57:35,600 --> 00:57:41,640 when you looked at the the homes that are in this area your 885 00:57:39,440 --> 00:57:43,600 cost per passing with less. 886 00:57:42,400 --> 00:57:47,200 » They're very consolidated so there's a lot more 887 00:57:45,360 --> 00:57:49,200 homes in that area so you're able to get a higher take rate. 888 00:57:48,360 --> 00:57:51,320 » It's overhead. >> Right. 889 00:57:49,760 --> 00:57:53,880 » So it's cheaper to run. >> Return on investment. 890 00:57:52,360 --> 00:57:54,880 » It's cheaper than underground. >> Yeah, a lot. 891 00:57:54,440 --> 00:57:57,400 » Yeah. >> Yes. 892 00:57:55,720 --> 00:58:01,080 » And your return on investment is faster rather than building way out on the 893 00:57:58,840 --> 00:58:04,400 other side of town a lot of dollars to get your first customers. There's a nice 894 00:58:02,920 --> 00:58:08,000 density in there so your return on investment be quicker, reinvest, keep 895 00:58:06,720 --> 00:58:12,360 building. >> And so I see the the triangle where you 896 00:58:09,960 --> 00:58:15,760 have that first hut on Vineland. Would there be other triangle huts elsewhere 897 00:58:14,400 --> 00:58:18,000 throughout town as you expand the network? 898 00:58:16,320 --> 00:58:22,240 » So right now with talking to Ryan we had the original 899 00:58:20,080 --> 00:58:26,880 assessment of putting two huts but after talking to Ryan there is the 900 00:58:25,440 --> 00:58:30,320 possibility and I think it's a strong possibility that we could just utilize 901 00:58:28,240 --> 00:58:32,120 one hut only and be able to use use your current underground conduit. 902 00:58:31,720 --> 00:58:34,640 » Okay. >> And then express it out to the area 903 00:58:33,560 --> 00:58:38,480 where we thought your second hut location was going to be and then spider 904 00:58:36,440 --> 00:58:40,665 out from there. And it's underground which means it 905 00:58:39,800 --> 00:58:44,120 would be >> [clears throat] 906 00:58:41,560 --> 00:58:49,080 » less susceptible to pole hits, tree damage, etc. So that's where we would 907 00:58:46,440 --> 00:58:51,280 have your kind of safe haven. >> That area was down on the south side 908 00:58:50,800 --> 00:58:54,320 along the >> Yeah. 909 00:58:51,960 --> 00:58:58,600 » The second second location was the Chestnut Street pump station property. 910 00:58:56,800 --> 00:59:01,040 » Yeah. Okay. I like that. >> All right. 911 00:58:59,080 --> 00:59:05,440 » So from there we can hop into our conduit which goes under the bike trail 912 00:59:02,680 --> 00:59:09,240 which is even more protected from just being on the curb side and get up to the 913 00:59:07,600 --> 00:59:14,360 Vineland pump station. >> So you keep saying our underground 914 00:59:11,040 --> 00:59:18,600 conduit. Don't we already have conduit with fiber that runs through the 915 00:59:16,840 --> 00:59:22,080 town and connects everything? Are we hooking into our existing main fiber? 916 00:59:21,800 --> 00:59:26,080 » No. >> The thought would be to keep it 917 00:59:23,000 --> 00:59:30,880 separate. So fiber has a lifespan. It's 25 years. 918 00:59:28,080 --> 00:59:34,800 » Yeah, so 25 years and obviously it's we've had fiber in Westfield today that 919 00:59:32,440 --> 00:59:38,800 was put up in 1996 and it's still there today and works fine. 920 00:59:36,720 --> 00:59:42,560 So, and that was to basically handle our north ring and south ring. 921 00:59:40,760 --> 00:59:47,440 Uh we have we own the fiber in Westfield, so NBI does not run through 922 00:59:45,000 --> 00:59:51,240 Westfield. So, NBI runs on our fiber through Westfield. 923 00:59:49,480 --> 00:59:54,960 » So, I know Ryan when we first talked about it that was one of the benefits 924 00:59:52,800 --> 00:59:59,360 that we thought we'd be saving money basically already using our main line 925 00:59:57,200 --> 01:00:04,600 and the fiber. Is that one of the reasons why the price in 3 years 3 and 926 01:00:03,320 --> 01:00:09,320 1/2 years that we've already been looking at it? Initial [clears throat] 927 01:00:06,280 --> 01:00:13,360 we were hearing 8 11 million and now we're up to 31 million and it looks like 928 01:00:12,120 --> 01:00:18,120 we're not even going to start a build out for 2 more years. So, where are we 929 01:00:15,560 --> 01:00:22,240 going to be? I mean, let's be truthful. Where are we going to be with the total 930 01:00:19,400 --> 01:00:26,560 cost by the time this gets built out? I think the 31 million if that's today, 931 01:00:25,080 --> 01:00:29,000 you got to be looking at least another 10 million on top of that. 932 01:00:28,520 --> 01:00:32,800 Uh >> I don't believe that will grow that 933 01:00:30,600 --> 01:00:37,560 much. I'm I'm thinking around 2 million. However, with the 934 01:00:34,920 --> 01:00:41,080 um this includes the worst-case scenario from National Grid on the make-ready. 935 01:00:39,400 --> 01:00:43,200 So, if all all of our challenges come in, 936 01:00:41,920 --> 01:00:47,320 I'm not sure what the total amount that will come off maybe you know 500,000 to 937 01:00:45,120 --> 01:00:50,920 a million dollars will come off of that make-ready as well. 938 01:00:48,680 --> 01:00:54,080 » And like National Grid's make-ready if I got it right was like 7 million. 939 01:00:52,760 --> 01:00:57,280 » Yeah, it was 7 to 8 million I think. >> Yeah, I think so. Yeah. 940 01:00:55,120 --> 01:00:57,280 » Yeah. 941 01:00:59,280 --> 01:01:05,320 » Just the make-ready is almost what we were discussing at the beginning the 942 01:01:03,520 --> 01:01:10,040 total cost of everything. And the longer this goes, I mean, we 943 01:01:08,000 --> 01:01:13,360 rushed through, we made sure we got our votes in time to start the plant and 944 01:01:12,000 --> 01:01:17,400 everything. Um I was at the meetings when we first 945 01:01:15,120 --> 01:01:22,680 met and we were talking total 5 years for the make-ready and total build out 946 01:01:20,040 --> 01:01:25,560 and like I said, we're close to 4 years in and 947 01:01:24,080 --> 01:01:29,120 I mean, we're we're still sitting here talking about, [clears throat] you know, 948 01:01:27,640 --> 01:01:33,440 what's got to be done with make ready and all that. It's very frustrating, um 949 01:01:31,480 --> 01:01:37,920 at least for myself. Like I said, some counselors were here, some weren't, but 950 01:01:36,360 --> 01:01:39,600 um for a long time. >> those bi-weekly 951 01:01:38,760 --> 01:01:44,040 » bi-weekly meetings. >> Yeah, so working with the utility, it's 952 01:01:42,280 --> 01:01:47,560 been challenging, but we've been trying to drive 953 01:01:45,680 --> 01:01:53,000 in your favor. >> Is that typical to have to 954 01:01:50,320 --> 01:01:58,120 um wrestle with the utilities if I >> I I I hate to say, unfortunately, yes. 955 01:01:55,600 --> 01:02:01,960 Um you know, we had established relationships when we were building out 956 01:01:59,600 --> 01:02:06,440 our 19 Hill towns, but those established relationships were also pushed by the 957 01:02:04,320 --> 01:02:09,880 government, you know. The governor, the lieutenant governor 958 01:02:08,280 --> 01:02:12,200 was pushing that to make sure that those towns are built because they were under 959 01:02:11,040 --> 01:02:15,040 served, right? >> Under served. 960 01:02:12,960 --> 01:02:18,760 » So, again, we are still pushing that same momentum. 961 01:02:17,560 --> 01:02:22,440 We have a great relationship with Eversource. They're working well with us 962 01:02:20,600 --> 01:02:27,120 right now. National Grid, we haven't worked with them since we've done this. 963 01:02:24,840 --> 01:02:30,240 I think we're starting to get in a momentum where things are going to work 964 01:02:28,680 --> 01:02:33,760 in our favor. Um so, we through those bi-weekly 965 01:02:32,280 --> 01:02:36,680 meetings and they're and like I said, by us going out with their line folk, 966 01:02:36,468 --> 01:02:40,160 » [clears throat] >> discussing the challenges, that's also 967 01:02:38,960 --> 01:02:43,920 working in our favor as well cuz they see that again, we're not 968 01:02:42,520 --> 01:02:48,440 Gateway, we're not Joe Schmo off the street. We are a utility that's coming 969 01:02:46,000 --> 01:02:52,320 out and we have knowledge of the utility electric line department. 970 01:02:50,240 --> 01:02:57,160 So, we're able to give them that insight and they agree with us on 971 01:02:54,200 --> 01:02:57,160 most of the causes. 972 01:02:59,000 --> 01:03:02,600 » Well, >> Yeah. 973 01:02:59,840 --> 01:03:10,040 » I would like to assume that these numbers are at a 50% participation rate, 974 01:03:05,800 --> 01:03:14,440 but were to go to 60% or 65, then monthly cost for [cough] 975 01:03:11,760 --> 01:03:18,080 um a subscriber would be lower. >> Or you would make more money to pay off 976 01:03:16,160 --> 01:03:22,280 the the bond sooner. Um some of the towns that we work with 977 01:03:20,920 --> 01:03:24,720 in in the Hilltowns have already paid off their debt 978 01:03:23,880 --> 01:03:29,200 you know, 10 to 15 years prior to what was 979 01:03:27,560 --> 01:03:33,680 originally planned. Um they're also working on an an 85 to 980 01:03:31,440 --> 01:03:36,360 95% take rate because they had absolutely nothing. But you have towns 981 01:03:35,600 --> 01:03:40,880 that like New Ashford up in up by 982 01:03:38,240 --> 01:03:45,040 Williamstown, they have 96 customers. You know, they had but I think a 983 01:03:42,320 --> 01:03:48,960 potential of 99 customers in in that in that one town. 984 01:03:47,040 --> 01:03:52,320 Like that's that's one of the towns. Building out West Springfield, we're 985 01:03:50,280 --> 01:03:56,480 already seeing from the pilot area take rate of 50%. So that that payback is 986 01:03:55,560 --> 01:04:01,880 going to be that much better. In Westfield, we're just over 55% and we 987 01:04:00,480 --> 01:04:07,240 we're actually just doing a study to find out what what it's taking for for 988 01:04:04,400 --> 01:04:12,080 people to to change over. What I've found in in kind of beating up some of 989 01:04:09,160 --> 01:04:17,200 my friends that haven't switched over is they're just they're used to pressing, 990 01:04:13,800 --> 01:04:22,200 you know, 822 for for NBC or or you know, 849 or whatever it is for for 991 01:04:19,280 --> 01:04:26,080 ESPN. And I'm like, but you're okay paying, you know, upwards of 450 992 01:04:24,680 --> 01:04:30,480 dollars a month for this and I'm like, 993 01:04:28,480 --> 01:04:32,880 your savings, you know, verse what I I I have a 994 01:04:31,440 --> 01:04:36,080 I said it before and I think Ralph heard it. 995 01:04:33,680 --> 01:04:41,480 I have an an antenna in my house which gets about 40 plus channels. 996 01:04:38,720 --> 01:04:46,160 10 of them are bilingual channels, but a lot of like the 22s and 40s and channel 997 01:04:44,680 --> 01:04:50,600 3 out of Connecticut and stuff like that, they have a bunch of sub channels. 998 01:04:49,000 --> 01:04:54,000 Um but you know, streaming, we were just talking out on the hallway about 999 01:04:51,880 --> 01:04:57,600 watching the World Cup. You know, so for a month and a half, I bought, you know, 1000 01:04:55,440 --> 01:05:01,040 Fox One so you can stream all the all the World Cup games and then you can 1001 01:04:58,920 --> 01:05:06,000 cancel it. So you decide what you want to watch, what bundle of of programming 1002 01:05:03,720 --> 01:05:09,320 you want to watch. There's a lot of one of our biggest take rates in 1003 01:05:07,480 --> 01:05:14,440 Westfield, which was a concern at first, is actually people over 65 because 1004 01:05:12,120 --> 01:05:17,080 they're on fixed incomes. We help them. We told them you know how to get an 1005 01:05:15,640 --> 01:05:20,280 antenna, you know, to get the local channels, but then they have the 1006 01:05:18,520 --> 01:05:24,640 internet and we taught them how to how to stream. We hold 1007 01:05:22,480 --> 01:05:28,200 you know, we still hold programs on that. We started holding those in multi 1008 01:05:26,520 --> 01:05:33,360 languages in in West Springfield as well. It's a huge bilingual community. 1009 01:05:31,560 --> 01:05:37,120 So we hold those and they're very well attended a lot of times by the by the 1010 01:05:34,920 --> 01:05:40,760 same people. Some you know, it's that's their day out or whatever 1011 01:05:39,000 --> 01:05:44,000 you know, at the senior center. But they're the the take rate has been going 1012 01:05:42,800 --> 01:05:49,320 really well. >> How long has Westfield had fiber? 1013 01:05:46,480 --> 01:05:53,920 » So Whip City Fiber proper is 10 years old this year. So 1014 01:05:51,360 --> 01:05:58,120 » So after 10 years you're at 55%. >> After 10 years we're at 55%. 1015 01:05:56,080 --> 01:06:02,040 » Cuz I know originally talked we were talking around 30% would basically cover 1016 01:06:00,960 --> 01:06:04,520 all our costs. >> Yeah. 1017 01:06:02,520 --> 01:06:08,120 » Anything above that would be >> And that was our original business plan 1018 01:06:05,960 --> 01:06:10,960 for for West So I was for Westfield I was on the the board at 1019 01:06:09,800 --> 01:06:16,000 the time the municipal light board and our 1020 01:06:13,720 --> 01:06:19,840 projected take rate was going to be 30% and that would that would pay off the 1021 01:06:18,200 --> 01:06:24,840 debt service. Our original debt service was 15 million. To totally build out 1022 01:06:22,040 --> 01:06:29,520 Westfield was just over 40 million and everything over that first 15 million we 1023 01:06:26,640 --> 01:06:34,400 paid with cash. We also are the ones doing doing the work, doing the installs 1024 01:06:32,120 --> 01:06:38,240 and and and all of that. So we're we're a little bit different, but we're also 1025 01:06:36,160 --> 01:06:46,440 running that business and and going out to 22 and 22 total communities today 1026 01:06:42,440 --> 01:06:49,640 that we didn't plan on back in 2013 when we were originally doing the business 1027 01:06:48,120 --> 01:06:53,920 plan. So it's a little bit of a of a 1028 01:06:51,480 --> 01:06:58,200 difference and again our business plan might be different than other people's, 1029 01:06:55,200 --> 01:07:02,760 but you the the town of East Long Meadow own all the infrastructure. We just 1030 01:07:00,680 --> 01:07:05,960 provide all the services. The money that comes in goes directly into East Long 1031 01:07:04,680 --> 01:07:09,600 Meadow's account or West Springfield's account or any other community that 1032 01:07:07,680 --> 01:07:13,080 would that we work with on top of that. >> And the principal. 1033 01:07:10,720 --> 01:07:17,080 » Right. That Yep. So, you have to pay pay off your bond, and you you get a monthly 1034 01:07:15,480 --> 01:07:22,640 bill from us. >> Um kind of Can I um So, I'm looking at 1035 01:07:19,840 --> 01:07:23,400 your construction schedule. Um 1036 01:07:23,361 --> 01:07:30,040 » [clears throat] >> at first five uh colors up on top and 1037 01:07:27,640 --> 01:07:33,720 going through 2030, and then you have a to be determined in yellow, which looks 1038 01:07:32,000 --> 01:07:37,080 like half of our town. >> Yep. 1039 01:07:34,520 --> 01:07:42,280 » So, do we have a a general idea of 1040 01:07:40,280 --> 01:07:46,480 how long before the entire town would be built out? 1041 01:07:44,240 --> 01:07:50,760 » So, that would be based off of that what National Grid works. They've been giving 1042 01:07:48,400 --> 01:07:55,640 us estimates of how fast they can work. So, if they work fast, we can follow 1043 01:07:52,720 --> 01:07:58,680 behind them as fast to build it out. >> And 1044 01:07:56,960 --> 01:08:00,600 the other thing is underground. >> Yes. 1045 01:07:58,920 --> 01:08:05,440 » So, obviously you want to do the poles, it's cheaper, you get a lot of take 1046 01:08:01,960 --> 01:08:09,120 rate. Um my concern is um truthfully, I'm hearing from the public, and 1047 01:08:08,080 --> 01:08:13,200 they're getting a little tired of waiting. 1048 01:08:10,200 --> 01:08:17,120 Um is there a location, let's say Great Woods, where there's 1049 01:08:15,360 --> 01:08:21,600 a lot of houses condensed together, the big houses, the take rate would probably 1050 01:08:19,319 --> 01:08:26,960 be good, where we can start doing underground and not wait for National 1051 01:08:23,680 --> 01:08:29,839 Grid, and maybe hook it up to the main line under the bike trail? 1052 01:08:28,400 --> 01:08:33,600 » So, the underground we don't have to wait for National Grid, but we have to 1053 01:08:31,640 --> 01:08:39,080 fund it. And get to it. 1054 01:08:35,520 --> 01:08:43,279 » I I mean it's one of those where if you put some in and people like it, 1055 01:08:41,880 --> 01:08:47,680 they're going to be talking, and then everyone's going to be excited about 1056 01:08:45,279 --> 01:08:51,480 hey, what's going forward. Um people can't get excited about me telling them 1057 01:08:49,520 --> 01:08:54,120 that it's another 2 years, maybe another three, and they're like, you told me 1058 01:08:52,640 --> 01:08:56,640 that 4 years ago. >> Yeah. 1059 01:08:55,000 --> 01:08:59,200 » So, that's that's why we're here, because we're at that point. 1060 01:08:58,799 --> 01:09:02,200 » Mhm. >> So, Grid is finally 1061 01:09:01,520 --> 01:09:06,040 uh we we have an understanding with Grid 1062 01:09:04,000 --> 01:09:07,400 now, I think, Uh after the last couple meetings that 1063 01:09:06,960 --> 01:09:09,359 » Cheers. >> uh huh? 1064 01:09:08,600 --> 01:09:12,319 » It's a couple beers. >> Allegedly. 1065 01:09:10,640 --> 01:09:17,560 uh that we expect and fully expect a partnership 1066 01:09:15,839 --> 01:09:20,640 with the town of East Hampton, right? National Grid is 1067 01:09:19,120 --> 01:09:25,640 on our property and that we want to start a utility in 1068 01:09:22,920 --> 01:09:30,560 town and and therefore uh we expect a certain level of 1069 01:09:28,200 --> 01:09:35,560 collaboration. And so they have been working to change the way they do things 1070 01:09:33,880 --> 01:09:40,240 to allow us to build this in a way that GoFiber, 1071 01:09:38,080 --> 01:09:44,560 GoNetSpeed, or whoever wouldn't be allowed to do because that's 1072 01:09:43,000 --> 01:09:48,839 what we expect. So we're at this point now where we've been 1073 01:09:46,480 --> 01:09:53,080 challenging and fighting and scratching and clawing and waiting from 1074 01:09:50,640 --> 01:09:58,040 last June to get our estimates to this June to get our estimates. 1075 01:09:55,680 --> 01:10:04,040 And now we're here. And so now's the time to sort of look at 1076 01:10:00,920 --> 01:10:08,760 how this can be funded and let's let's hit go. We we don't we don't 1077 01:10:06,360 --> 01:10:13,880 have to wait for Grid anymore. We're we're at that point where we can 1078 01:10:12,600 --> 01:10:17,240 figure out what the other agreement looks like and how the construction is 1079 01:10:15,760 --> 01:10:22,160 going to go. Um that that specifically is I think why 1080 01:10:19,960 --> 01:10:26,800 we're here to say let's go. Um I think there's a little 1081 01:10:24,720 --> 01:10:32,640 bit of a a spreadsheet there that it's probably hard to read to that that shows 1082 01:10:29,680 --> 01:10:37,600 the the cost of things. And again, uh we had sort of earmarked quite a bit 1083 01:10:34,320 --> 01:10:41,560 of free cash. Um and that uh a couple months ago about 1084 01:10:39,880 --> 01:10:45,680 maybe putting two like a couple million dollars towards this project. Uh Kim and 1085 01:10:43,960 --> 01:10:52,360 I have been talking with bond counsel about our options. Um 1086 01:10:49,160 --> 01:10:56,200 Of all the things, uh ca- capitalizing interest is allowed for this type of 1087 01:10:54,240 --> 01:11:00,480 project. Um and and pretty much the only way you get 1088 01:10:58,200 --> 01:11:03,920 these things off the ground to to get this much money. We don't borrow 1089 01:11:02,080 --> 01:11:08,440 interest payments or or it just increases the cost of the 1090 01:11:06,760 --> 01:11:11,000 project. However, like we've been saying since the 1091 01:11:09,440 --> 01:11:15,160 beginning, this is a project that is going to generate revenue for us. 1092 01:11:13,240 --> 01:11:19,480 Um, so it's a whole different animal. But, like Kim was saying or like I was 1093 01:11:17,520 --> 01:11:25,840 saying, Kim and I were talking uh with bond counsel about our options. Um, 1094 01:11:22,960 --> 01:11:29,960 and it and it appears that uh we're we're all we're likely to have 1095 01:11:28,240 --> 01:11:34,240 another couple million dollars in free cash available 1096 01:11:31,520 --> 01:11:39,600 um when we certify again in September. Um, if we want to uh use that to fund 1097 01:11:37,280 --> 01:11:44,920 this project. But, uh we are at the point now where it's time to go. 1098 01:11:42,960 --> 01:11:47,720 Um, grid's almost there. The design is done. Um, 1099 01:11:47,329 --> 01:11:52,560 » [clears throat] >> uh Whip City has been doing a ton of 1100 01:11:50,000 --> 01:11:57,480 work on our behalf for the last uh year and a half checking in, uh taking 1101 01:11:55,480 --> 01:12:01,640 meetings, having phone calls, you know, fighting the good fight. Uh, but we're 1102 01:12:00,160 --> 01:12:05,720 here. Um, this is what it cost. I think somebody 1103 01:12:04,360 --> 01:12:10,160 asked the question before. I think we said we we sort of 1104 01:12:08,080 --> 01:12:15,600 added escalation a little bit into the pricing of that. So, if 1105 01:12:12,640 --> 01:12:18,920 uh the $31 million is what, you know, some sort of escalator of what you'd 1106 01:12:17,240 --> 01:12:21,320 think the cost would be 3 years from now. That that's sort of in the 1107 01:12:20,400 --> 01:12:26,320 equation. >> Right. And also, when we originally 1108 01:12:23,240 --> 01:12:30,640 priced it, um the the mileage for the underground was half of what the actual 1109 01:12:28,440 --> 01:12:35,560 came back on the engineering study. That was the largest largest increase in 1110 01:12:33,040 --> 01:12:39,800 addition to the um the increase in the in the uh estimated make ready. 1111 01:12:37,560 --> 01:12:42,680 » Yeah, so the the underground piece while while 1112 01:12:40,960 --> 01:12:47,840 we wouldn't have to wait for grid, and that I can't disagree with you on. 1113 01:12:45,440 --> 01:12:52,360 It I mean, the cost is three to four X to try to build it. Um, it is extremely 1114 01:12:50,760 --> 01:12:54,920 expensive. Um, 1115 01:12:53,160 --> 01:13:00,200 and I still think this is the right plan. And we've talked about this a 1116 01:12:57,320 --> 01:13:03,760 bunch of times. This is the way to spend our money wisely and have revenue 1117 01:13:02,400 --> 01:13:07,600 generating within a couple years of of giving a 1118 01:13:06,200 --> 01:13:11,080 check to Grid to start moving their stuff out of our way. 1119 01:13:09,120 --> 01:13:14,560 » And in the first areas, if Grid moves quicker, you'll see the the bid 1120 01:13:13,160 --> 01:13:18,520 timeline. You know, right now we're we're doing 10 fiber service areas. A 1121 01:13:16,320 --> 01:13:22,480 fiber service area is about 250 locations. But we're doing 10 a year in 1122 01:13:21,000 --> 01:13:28,200 West Springfield, and that plan's working fantastic with that partnership 1123 01:13:25,040 --> 01:13:33,680 that we've developed through with with Eversource and Verizon. Verizon was 1124 01:13:30,760 --> 01:13:36,880 a little bit slow at first, but they've they've even come to the table. Verizon 1125 01:13:35,840 --> 01:13:40,880 is it's kind of that snail, 1126 01:13:38,880 --> 01:13:44,560 you know, going going through and they're they're tough to work with. 1127 01:13:42,320 --> 01:13:48,360 Here, that's not as big of an issue. You do have two utilities to deal with. 1128 01:13:46,200 --> 01:13:54,440 Eversource is up on that right on that Springfield line. But if we can get 1129 01:13:50,960 --> 01:13:58,920 those built out faster, we can we can the make-ready work faster, we can bid 1130 01:13:56,240 --> 01:14:02,080 those out faster. And great part about it, we do all the installs. We're just 1131 01:14:00,800 --> 01:14:06,320 talking about that in the hallway. We do 100% of the installs. Our direct 1132 01:14:04,680 --> 01:14:11,240 employees. We don't contract that out. The only we we do contract out the you 1133 01:14:09,240 --> 01:14:15,160 know, putting the strand in in the distribution system out there. 1134 01:14:13,200 --> 01:14:20,680 Everything else is done by us. >> So, what did you just say about 250? 1135 01:14:17,760 --> 01:14:22,960 » 250 in each fiber service area. So, each puzzle piece 1136 01:14:21,480 --> 01:14:23,800 » That's what you can do in a year? >> No, no, no. 1137 01:14:23,280 --> 01:14:28,480 » No, no, no. >> Each one of those puzzle pieces, the 1138 01:14:25,560 --> 01:14:31,440 FSA, like if you look at FSA 7, >> 50. 1139 01:14:28,840 --> 01:14:35,240 » that's about 250 locations. It can >> We're doing 10. 1140 01:14:32,680 --> 01:14:40,520 » So, we're doing 10 about 10 a year in in West Springfield. However, with 1141 01:14:38,200 --> 01:14:45,680 with that, it's it's built it's capable of 288 1142 01:14:42,800 --> 01:14:49,240 connections. We we leave that many open. So, you'll see 1143 01:14:47,120 --> 01:14:54,040 I know Mr. Page, you're on the the south side of town if I remember correctly at 1144 01:14:52,080 --> 01:14:58,592 one point in our conversation. No, but if you look at that you look at the 1145 01:14:56,000 --> 01:15:00,520 growth Yeah, I know. I know. >> [laughter] 1146 01:14:58,760 --> 01:15:05,320 » But, you look at that area, you know, that that area is expansive. So, when we 1147 01:15:02,680 --> 01:15:10,920 build that that fiber service area might only have 225 cuz there's potential for 1148 01:15:09,080 --> 01:15:15,040 that growth in there. And and the key is, you know, when we have 1149 01:15:13,200 --> 01:15:18,920 the fiber cabinet there that has the 200 and 88 connections, you don't want to 1150 01:15:16,960 --> 01:15:22,480 put another cabinet. You want to size every area correctly so that you can 1151 01:15:21,120 --> 01:15:25,920 expand when that load comes in. 1152 01:15:23,640 --> 01:15:29,120 » Roughly 300 acres close to me that will be all developed within, well, by the 1153 01:15:27,840 --> 01:15:31,960 time fiber is done. >> There you go. Perfect timing. 1154 01:15:30,800 --> 01:15:33,880 » That's building code. >> Uh building code. 1155 01:15:33,160 --> 01:15:35,640 » Development. >> Yeah. 1156 01:15:34,200 --> 01:15:41,240 » When you when those developments are announced to speak with that developer 1157 01:15:38,560 --> 01:15:45,000 to have conduit put in as part of that development and then that's 1158 01:15:42,520 --> 01:15:47,080 » And Connor, I I think I think Ryan had mentioned that once before at a planning 1159 01:15:46,560 --> 01:15:52,080 board meeting. >> Yeah, about 2 years ago. 2 years ago. 1160 01:15:49,440 --> 01:15:56,160 » We actually had it installed on Scarlet Drive, whatever that Oakwood Estates off 1161 01:15:54,480 --> 01:16:00,320 Parker Street. Tom Bratt agreed to put in conduit for 1162 01:15:58,520 --> 01:16:02,120 fiber. So, that's being installed. And again, 1163 01:16:00,720 --> 01:16:07,200 » We have a development going in Westfield now that has 20 20 homes. They're higher 1164 01:16:04,760 --> 01:16:10,360 end homes, but the developer physically bought the conduit from us 1165 01:16:08,640 --> 01:16:13,560 and is installing the conduit. So, that's, 1166 01:16:11,480 --> 01:16:17,960 you know, a big chunk of change that we don't have to invest in. 1167 01:16:15,480 --> 01:16:21,640 » It We're we're we're we're taking that leap again when we 1168 01:16:20,040 --> 01:16:25,840 built all our other infrastructure, water, sewer, storm water, like 1169 01:16:24,320 --> 01:16:30,560 this is this is a big moment for the town. 1170 01:16:29,080 --> 01:16:36,400 And again, it's got to start somewhere and we are at that point where we either 1171 01:16:33,040 --> 01:16:36,400 start or we don't. 1172 01:16:36,720 --> 01:16:43,680 And I think and I think everybody over there thinks that we should start and I 1173 01:16:40,640 --> 01:16:48,240 think we're in a good place financially to get there and have revenue coming in 1174 01:16:46,080 --> 01:16:52,400 be you know, maybe even before we have to make that first payment. 1175 01:16:50,720 --> 01:16:56,360 Um >> So I don't want to cut it short, but I 1176 01:16:54,520 --> 01:17:01,320 would suggest that this is a lot of information for us to to digest. So if 1177 01:16:59,560 --> 01:17:06,440 you're open to it, maybe we could schedule another meeting. Um maybe later 1178 01:17:04,560 --> 01:17:10,280 this summer or so where we can come back and have more discussions and give us 1179 01:17:08,520 --> 01:17:13,120 some time to think about it internally and 1180 01:17:11,360 --> 01:17:15,600 formulate any questions that we have. >> Sure. 1181 01:17:13,840 --> 01:17:18,560 » Yep. >> Mr. Chair, question for you, Tom. 1182 01:17:17,640 --> 01:17:22,120 » Um I'm fine with that. But is that 1183 01:17:20,520 --> 01:17:25,160 hindering us? Is it Is there a timeline you need something from us? Is there 1184 01:17:23,200 --> 01:17:29,280 » Well, we're still we're we're we're waiting a little bit to finalize things 1185 01:17:27,480 --> 01:17:34,400 with National Grid. I think we're making, like they said, uh more progress 1186 01:17:32,040 --> 01:17:38,000 in the last couple weeks or a month than we've made for a few months. 1187 01:17:37,200 --> 01:17:42,080 Uh based on sort of everybody laying their 1188 01:17:40,000 --> 01:17:46,880 cards on the table and and sort of expressing what we expect uh from the 1189 01:17:44,360 --> 01:17:52,840 partnership. Uh it seems like that those numbers will be coming probably by the 1190 01:17:48,800 --> 01:17:56,960 end of the month or or or yeah, so um at that point it's going to be 1191 01:17:54,280 --> 01:18:02,240 finalizing our agreement with Grid to start the work and finalizing our 1192 01:17:58,760 --> 01:18:06,800 agreement uh with Westfield uh for or Whip City. Um 1193 01:18:04,600 --> 01:18:10,760 and and we'll get rolling. Um 1194 01:18:07,640 --> 01:18:13,440 » So just to be clear, get rolling means get the poles [snorts] ready for 1195 01:18:12,560 --> 01:18:15,200 » Yes. Yes. >> Yes, that's right. 1196 01:18:14,280 --> 01:18:17,720 » Start the hut. >> So the hut's got to be there before you 1197 01:18:17,080 --> 01:18:21,160 do anything. >> So we've already established our first 1198 01:18:19,080 --> 01:18:25,240 13 applications that National Grid will start working on. That's already been 1199 01:18:22,920 --> 01:18:28,880 set in place for those first FSAs that we have on the map there. 1200 01:18:26,320 --> 01:18:32,080 » So 13 * 125 >> 125 1201 01:18:29,840 --> 01:18:35,560 » So if we start the make-ready, if you don't mind, um if we start the 1202 01:18:33,520 --> 01:18:41,040 make-ready, we're still looking probably 2028 before the people actually get the 1203 01:18:39,200 --> 01:18:43,800 high speed fiber. >> As long as they move if they move the 1204 01:18:42,200 --> 01:18:46,440 faster they move the faster we can move. That's all I can say. 1205 01:18:45,080 --> 01:18:49,000 » And this is all >> And I'm basing that basically on what 1206 01:18:48,800 --> 01:18:51,720 you >> Yeah. 1207 01:18:49,640 --> 01:18:56,760 » Our options that we can't start one of those colored areas until it's the the 1208 01:18:54,800 --> 01:18:59,720 full make ready work from the utility is done. So, we can't go out and start 1209 01:18:58,840 --> 01:19:02,800 hanging strand or >> We have to really be conservative with 1210 01:19:01,400 --> 01:19:07,120 our estimate uh based on 1211 01:19:04,520 --> 01:19:11,720 past experience, the fact that we didn't get the estimates for how much it was 1212 01:19:09,040 --> 01:19:14,840 going to cost for a year after. Uh I don't know how long it's going to take 1213 01:19:13,040 --> 01:19:18,160 to actually do the work. Uh so, that's that's a difficult thing 1214 01:19:16,800 --> 01:19:21,920 to gauge. Uh they they say that it can be done in 1215 01:19:19,920 --> 01:19:24,760 a certain amount of time, but >> The positive part about this town just 1216 01:19:23,320 --> 01:19:29,240 so you're aware is in West Springfield the pole setter is 1217 01:19:26,440 --> 01:19:32,560 Verizon. So, Verizon obviously has just Verizon workers doing that. The pole 1218 01:19:31,080 --> 01:19:36,720 setter here in town is National Grid. National Grid could contract out other 1219 01:19:34,600 --> 01:19:40,600 contractors to work the town, which means your make ready will go a lot 1220 01:19:38,040 --> 01:19:40,600 faster. 1221 01:19:40,900 --> 01:19:45,480 » [clears throat] >> I will put that on our agenda for our 1222 01:19:44,040 --> 01:19:49,960 next meeting that we can continue the discussion. Um that way that we're not 1223 01:19:47,920 --> 01:19:53,480 proceeding without making any decisions from a council level whether we want to 1224 01:19:52,280 --> 01:19:58,600 but I expect that we're going to stop the project but before we have a chance 1225 01:19:56,360 --> 01:20:02,120 to decide and discuss. >> Does council meet twice a month or once? 1226 01:20:00,440 --> 01:20:05,640 » Uh typically in the summer July and August we meet once a month unless 1227 01:20:03,800 --> 01:20:07,960 there's a special need uh but then starting in September we meet twice a 1228 01:20:07,040 --> 01:20:13,080 month again. >> When's our next meeting? July 14th? 1229 01:20:09,160 --> 01:20:16,600 » July 14th. >> Right after the holiday. 1230 01:20:14,200 --> 01:20:16,600 » Right. 1231 01:20:16,920 --> 01:20:20,240 » All right. Thank you for the update. >> Thank you. 1232 01:20:19,160 --> 01:20:24,520 » Thank you guys so much. Thank you. Appreciate the questions. Thank you. 1233 01:20:23,440 --> 01:20:27,800 » Thank you. >> Would you like your board back? 1234 01:20:27,000 --> 01:20:30,025 » What's that? >> Yeah. 1235 01:20:28,840 --> 01:20:31,800 » That was a lot. >> [laughter] 1236 01:20:30,720 --> 01:20:37,040 » Do you want to keep it? >> We can keep it in the chamber. 1237 01:20:33,960 --> 01:20:37,040 » The wall. What? 1238 01:20:37,120 --> 01:20:43,120 Yeah, sure. Let's do that. 1239 01:20:40,640 --> 01:20:45,600 Thank you, sir. Good to see you. 1240 01:20:46,880 --> 01:20:54,000 Next step I held it very well. I mean 1241 01:20:52,360 --> 01:20:57,560 Oh, next one's me, huh? >> Yep. Next we had the bylaw review 1242 01:20:56,400 --> 01:21:03,160 committee report with the recommended changes. 1243 01:21:00,240 --> 01:21:08,200 I will table this to the next meeting. I am through. I am doing chapter 315 1244 01:21:06,040 --> 01:21:14,080 right now, which I'm running into major issues um with the chapter cuz every 1245 01:21:11,680 --> 01:21:21,600 time I go to move something or adjust it, I lose columns and I am not really 1246 01:21:18,120 --> 01:21:25,400 good with word and it took me over 2 hours to figure out how to change the 1247 01:21:23,040 --> 01:21:29,520 color of some of these. But I got that down um and like I said 1248 01:21:27,960 --> 01:21:32,840 » It's not Ralph cuz I had that same problem with zoning bylaws to changing 1249 01:21:32,200 --> 01:21:38,120 colors. >> So I am literally writing all of 1250 01:21:36,320 --> 01:21:42,680 the corrections I'm doing in order to get it correct and I'm I'm 1251 01:21:41,000 --> 01:21:49,120 readjusting like uh we split up emergency services 1252 01:21:45,240 --> 01:21:53,080 to fire and police departments and so the police department is going under P. 1253 01:21:51,160 --> 01:21:58,040 So I've literally moved that to where it's supposed to be with all the 1254 01:21:54,920 --> 01:22:03,080 corrections and I'm trying to make it as easy as possible. So when we read it you 1255 01:22:01,280 --> 01:22:10,400 know, it'll be read. We're taking this out. We're adding this. And as it is 1256 01:22:07,880 --> 01:22:16,560 I can't tell you how many corrections. I believe I'm at close to 300 commas um 1257 01:22:14,720 --> 01:22:20,160 not to mention all the other wording and all and the commas are the hardest cuz I 1258 01:22:18,840 --> 01:22:24,360 I go through and all of a sudden it's like 1259 01:22:20,920 --> 01:22:24,360 that's a different color. 1260 01:22:24,520 --> 01:22:31,600 Um but I will have it ready absolutely no later than the next meeting and I 1261 01:22:29,480 --> 01:22:35,800 will circulate it ahead of time. The last third of the document I scanned 1262 01:22:34,360 --> 01:22:39,480 through and there's only 1263 01:22:36,680 --> 01:22:43,320 150 or so changes. So it'll go quick. 1264 01:22:41,160 --> 01:22:46,920 » Oh, that's good. I think more time is plenty fine. I think we still could take 1265 01:22:45,320 --> 01:22:51,200 the motion that we talked about at our last meeting though to allow us to 1266 01:22:49,480 --> 01:22:54,520 kind of split that report into two phases where this first one that we 1267 01:22:52,960 --> 01:23:00,600 would start talking about at the next meeting would be just the regular bylaws 1268 01:22:57,800 --> 01:23:03,440 and then zoning could still continue on. There are movement. 1269 01:23:02,400 --> 01:23:06,280 » Would you like a motion? >> I would. 1270 01:23:04,200 --> 01:23:10,120 » I move to authorize the bylaw review committee to submit its required report 1271 01:23:08,440 --> 01:23:14,720 in two phases. First with recommendations on general 1272 01:23:12,160 --> 01:23:19,960 bylaws submitted first, second for zoning bylaw recommendations submitted 1273 01:23:17,440 --> 01:23:23,520 at a later date. This shall satisfy the requirement of the charter 1274 01:23:21,960 --> 01:23:26,120 allowing additional time for more complex zoning review. 1275 01:23:25,280 --> 01:23:29,640 » Second. >> Motion was made and seconded. Any 1276 01:23:27,800 --> 01:23:34,920 further discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor please say I. 1277 01:23:31,920 --> 01:23:40,120 Any opposed? Motion passes. Next under new business, so per the 1278 01:23:37,720 --> 01:23:43,640 council rule five, we have to prepare the calendar for the upcoming year. So 1279 01:23:42,680 --> 01:23:47,720 I've done so as usual for July and August 1280 01:23:45,920 --> 01:23:49,880 we'll have the one meeting unless there's 1281 01:23:48,720 --> 01:23:54,960 » Very nicely done. >> any changes or things that pop up and 1282 01:23:52,800 --> 01:23:58,360 otherwise we'll resume to two meetings a month except for December. The last 1283 01:23:56,760 --> 01:24:03,360 couple years we've only had one because of the the holidays and being busy and 1284 01:24:00,920 --> 01:24:06,000 so forth, but um thankfully the spreadsheet's pretty nice. You just 1285 01:24:04,560 --> 01:24:10,763 change the year and anything that we have figured out that has to be done as 1286 01:24:08,120 --> 01:24:12,740 it automatically calculates, so >> [clears throat] 1287 01:24:11,000 --> 01:24:14,360 » It's great that you just volunteer to do [laughter] that every year. 1288 01:24:13,880 --> 01:24:18,623 » Yep. >> Appreciate that. 1289 01:24:16,000 --> 01:24:22,360 » You're never going to leave us. >> [laughter] 1290 01:24:19,160 --> 01:24:28,000 » All right. Then next action items for our next meeting, uh the first will be 1291 01:24:24,720 --> 01:24:31,960 reorganization that we do annually. We'll elect a new president and vice 1292 01:24:29,520 --> 01:24:35,653 president. Um for that meeting as well, we have to do our annual acknowledgement 1293 01:24:33,840 --> 01:24:37,040 of the council rules nation. So, [cough and clears throat] if you have 1294 01:24:36,160 --> 01:24:40,360 any suggested changes or if you think 1295 01:24:38,680 --> 01:24:44,800 they're fine as is, then for the next meeting, 1296 01:24:42,160 --> 01:24:48,640 um we'll have fiber on the agenda again to discuss. 1297 01:24:46,920 --> 01:24:52,120 Generally, we'll have the year-end financial report and any transfers that 1298 01:24:50,560 --> 01:24:53,040 are due cuz it's the 1299 01:24:52,683 --> 01:24:57,400 » [clears throat] >> had all that final year-end paperwork by 1300 01:24:54,800 --> 01:24:58,960 the following day, I believe. And then, um 1301 01:24:57,480 --> 01:25:01,920 » A lot of motions. >> a review report. 1302 01:25:00,720 --> 01:25:04,920 That's all I have so far. >> That's fair. 1303 01:25:02,880 --> 01:25:09,560 » We'll entertain a motion to adjourn. >> Marilyn, take us away. 1304 01:25:06,760 --> 01:25:12,520 » I move we adjourn. [laughter] >> Motion is made and seconded. Any further 1305 01:25:11,280 --> 01:25:15,480 discussion? Seeing none, all those in favor, please 1306 01:25:13,840 --> 01:25:20,240 say I. Any opposed? Motion passes and we are 1307 01:25:17,720 --> 01:25:23,680 adjourned at 7:42. >> Thank you. So, we're done.