[0:07] That needs to be said. No. That's all. All right. We want to start it off.

[0:13] I'd be more than happy to Mr. Chairman very quickly. As discussed in our meeting, I drafted preliminary

[0:21] letter for review. Susan Trucreen came back with some requested edits. So we're all made. And that letter

[0:29] was redistributed to the entire board for review before this meeting. And I haven't preceded any additional feedback.

[0:35] So my assumption is we are set currently with the current letter in favor of, you know, in support of this bill.

[0:47] Robert, anybody else?

[0:50] Yes, Mr. Chairman.

[0:54] I'd like to make a statement.

[0:56] I received a number of letters from residents so that we're urging me to vote to support the bill.

[1:01] I appreciate the fact that people are concerned enough to take the time to send an email.

[1:07] However, I still have some concerns about this change and whether or not it will provide the benefits of rate payers.

[1:15] As an elected official, I feel it's my responsibility to act on these concerns to ensure they are addressed.

[1:21] Therefore, I will support the select board sending the statements of the legislature.

[1:27] However, since it will be a statement from the select board, I respectfully request

[1:32] that any such statement include this brief statement expressing the minority position

[1:37] as well, and I will read that statement to you, which was previously sent to the board.

[1:43] As select board members, we wish to submit a minority opinion, relevant to HR-5654.

[1:50] In the two years since this has been discussed, including presentations and votes at two consecutive annual town meetings,

[1:57] the proponents have not indicated the benefits of such a change, nor have they presented a staffing chart or any details about how the change would be made,

[2:06] and what would be involved in such a change.

[2:08] It is our opinion that the current leadership structure of the Home Municipal Light Plant in

[2:13] effects since 1993 has worked well for the right pairs of our town.

[2:19] After studying this issue, we do not see any benefit to the right pairs.

[2:24] We believe such a change may prove to be disruptive without a detailed plan to go forward

[2:29] and without information on how this would benefit the right pairs.

[2:33] Respectfully submitted, great, great, or when necessary.

[2:36] If that statement is included, I will support sending this letter since it is a letter from the entire select board.

[2:46] Without including that statement, I cannot support the letter as presented.

[2:55] Perfect, anyone else?

[2:58] So respectfully, I thought we discussed this and we made a clear decision to write two separate letters.

[3:04] one in support in one in opposition. The feedback I have received from my contacts in the

[3:12] legislature have made it very clear that combining two opinions within one letter will just

[3:20] provide additional confusion to the legislature. So the advice has been to send in two separate

[3:28] letters that clearly state the reasons for support and with those signatures attached

[3:34] another one with opposition with those reasons and those signatures attached. So that's

[3:40] I mean that's my proposal that we stick with that point. That's fine.

[3:50] I just agree with

[3:52] Erwin if we're sending this statement this is no different than what the advisory board

[3:56] does, you know, there's four and against and it's clearly written and it's coming from

[4:02] one spot sending in two letters to me. Doesn't seem necessary.

[4:10] The votes, the vote, we've

[4:11] already taken that. The message for sending is why we voted the way we did. I'm fine with

[4:17] either way.

[4:22] I'm waiting for the chair to recognize me. Go ahead, please. Thank you.

[4:27] On June 30th, we voted to send a letter of support and that's what we've drafted here and I support

[4:38] sending the letter of support as we've written.

[4:45] So just a curiosity not to go around in circles.

[4:49] So we're sending something as the select board.

[4:52] So does that mean if Erwin and myself send the other letter that's still as the select board?

[5:00] I think so, Erwin, I see you hand up.

[5:03] Yeah, I first in response to what was said, I don't see.

[5:08] I have faith that the folks in the legislature can understand a letter with a minority opinion without them being confused.

[5:16] But again, my position is, if this letter is coming from the select board, it should reflect the opinions of the select board.

[5:24] It has a majority opinion, which is expensive and well written, and it has a minority opinion, which is very brief, to just state that there is a minority opinion.

[5:35] So if the letters, it's not coming from individuals, it's expressing the views of the select board.

[5:41] There are two different views on the select board.

[5:44] And what we're asking is that that brief statement being included that shows there are two views to the select board.

[5:52] And with that there, I would definitely support the submission of the statement to the select board, to the legislature.

[6:01] So I think I don't want to go around circles.

[6:04] I'm busy today,

[6:08] so we have either sending two separate letters or sending one letter, I could

[6:12] kill us either way. Is that what we're dealing with today folks?

[6:17] Yeah, we are, and sorry if I can weigh in momentarily, I think Greg said, which is the point

[6:25] I was going to make you are making your vote as a select board, and there seems that there is a

[6:30] supporting it is a sending opinion. Either way, you're sending one letter on the half of the board.

[6:36] It should be reflected of the board's vote. I concur strongly with Irwin.

[6:42] I have faith that the legislature can distinguish between the two.

[6:49] Mr. Chairman, I'm going to go far, Jerry.

[6:51] Yeah, I just was splitting hairs here.

[6:53] This is a letter from the select board letterhead with signatures from the three members in sport.

[7:02] very clearly states that there are members with an imposing view who may submit their

[7:07] own letter. So again, we're going to spend 20 minutes on this. I'm working today,

[7:12] we can take another vote. We already voted on this. This is another example of

[7:15] something we already voted on. If you guys don't want to support a letter of support

[7:19] by all means that you're right, I have no problem with that. But let's not take another

[7:23] 30, 45 minutes away from our all-aschedules to re-litigate something we already

[7:29] boat is on.

[7:30] Or one. Yeah, I think it's, you know, to rush through this because somebody doesn't have some time. That's not an appropriate way to withdraw.

[7:39] It's not rushing through any, but if the, if we do two separate letters, the second letter is an individual letter. It's not coming from the select board. It's not reflecting the select board opinion.

[7:51] So either, as far as I'm concerned, either it's one letter that shows a disset in favor

[7:59] and a dissenting view, which is the reflection of the select board, if we decide to do two separate

[8:06] letters as a minority of two votes, we cannot send a letter reflecting this on the letter

[8:21] I urge that we go with one letter that reflects the select board opinion and the select board vote.

[8:30] Do you think any thoughts?

[8:33] No, I express my thoughts. We voted to write a letter of support.

[8:39] And that's what we've done.

[8:40] In the letter, we state that the two members who were not in favor may be submitting their own letter, and we do say that we respect their opinions, and we do say that the committee should listen to those opinions also.

[9:05] So I think if we try to move down adding the language

[9:13] that's being proposed now,

[9:15] we're gonna have to redraft this letter

[9:17] and then we're gonna have to revote on all of this

[9:20] and I just don't think we have time.

[9:24] So I want to make a motion to separate letters or one letter.

[9:29] That's what I'm looking at, again,

[9:30] I can't let see the way.

[9:32] Right, can I make one?

[9:33] the other, so the alternative, I'm hearing everyone is supporting each other's position, the

[9:40] board could take a vote on two letters and the board, all five members, sign each of the two letters,

[9:48] which, in effect, is the same as if you did one letter, but it sounds like everyone prefer two letters,

[9:54] you just vote on the two letters. Gary, do you want to make a motion?

[9:59] Yeah, so again, I think this is a very simple, maybe a minor change, but at the end of the letter we could simply add a signature line for the two members in opposition on each of the letters in the letter from Greg and Irwin.

[10:14] It will be three members in opposition, right? So that particular letter.

[10:18] Again, either way we voted to send a letter of support. I think what the two select board members are suggesting is that we take a different kind of vote now.

[10:26] And again, we didn't get any of this feedback

[10:28] prior to this meeting.

[10:29] That's where I'm disappointed.

[10:31] This is...

[10:32] I did email, but I did email you.

[10:33] And I asked you to draft your own letter

[10:36] as we discussed in the meeting.

[10:37] And I didn't receive any feedback saying

[10:39] that we were going to argue this point

[10:41] for Uno's how long today.

[10:46] Merlin, I just want to be clear for the record

[10:48] that this statement was sent out to also all select board members.

[10:52] And it was in lieu of writing a separate letter,

[10:56] we never discussed that we would write a separate letter.

[11:01] We didn't because we voted to send a letter of support,

[11:04] and that was voted on, and that was passed.

[11:07] And so that is what is on the table right now.

[11:09] So I would like to make a motion to restate the last vote,

[11:14] which is the send a letter of support, which all members

[11:17] can either choose to sign or not sign,

[11:20] and then opposing views can be sent to the legislature

[11:24] in a separate letter by those members, and if it's customary or if it's protocol to have every select board member sign this,

[11:34] these two letters, fantastic, then let's do that.

[11:37] But I'm just going to explain to you once again, I am leaving tonight on a red eye, and I'll be going off the 10 days.

[11:43] And so, will somebody be a town hall, as I drag back in the town at 6pm to sign these two documents, will they be ready?

[11:50] Those are the questions I have.

[11:52] Is that a formal motion? Can you shorten it up?

[11:56] Yeah, I'd like to make a motion to send a letter of support for those members who would be in support of this bill and a separate letter in opposition for those members.

[12:07] That would be in opposition.

[12:09] And if a signature from all select board members is necessary for both letters to be considered legal and to be approved for a select board letter head,

[12:18] Then all members shall sign both letters separately.

[12:23] Do I hear a second?

[12:25] Can we have discussion on that?

[12:28] So, I feel, I don't know what the second letter is going to say.

[12:36] So I can't commit to signing that letter.

[12:40] Can this get exactly what our own just said?

[12:44] No, can I just, can I put my comment please?

[12:48] At our meeting, our meeting Wednesday, we discussed sending two letters.

[12:57] We were to write a letter in support and those who were not in support were supposed to write their letter.

[13:06] We were supposed to bring those letters here today to discuss those letters. All I saw was a letter of support

[13:14] It's a minute to us, and I support that letter, and I will sign that letter.

[13:22] So you're saying so what you're doing in effect, you're seconding Jerry's motion.

[13:28] No, I can't commit to signing a letter I haven't seen.

[13:34] I will sign the letter of support,

[13:37] but I can't commit to signing a letter I haven't seen yet.

[13:42] Yeah, so Jerry, Jerry, it's getting, this is getting, we're going off base here.

[13:49] We've sent us two separate letters. You don't have to sign, I don't think so,

[13:52] we have to sign the letter of against the two dissenting members.

[13:58] We have to sign the letter of that you're, that we're in, you know, we're in, I don't know.

[14:06] in favor, Brian, in, in, in, in, in, in, in, according to miss a mess off statement, he cannot send that letter with just two signatures on the document.

[14:17] That's the issue. Again, we don't have a lawyer here. I don't know if this is true or not.

[14:21] You know, I think this is, again, splitting hairs. I think it's perfectly acceptable to send each individual letter with the individual signatures.

[14:29] I don't see the issue with that.

[14:34] Yeah.

[14:35] I agree.

[14:36] I don't know where I stand still.

[14:39] Anybody have any any other thoughts?

[14:43] Yeah, if I may.

[14:44] I'd like to make a friendly amendment to the motion.

[14:48] That the letter as submitted by the majority.

[14:52] Just strike the term.

[14:54] The sentence that a separate letter will be sent.

[14:58] and that this

[15:00] Statement that the brief statement that was sent out, be added to the letter, and then we'll

[15:04] five of us can sign the letter. And it can go as the, as the will of this, as the opinion

[15:13] of the full select board. Okay. So Jerry's motion didn't get a second. Did anyone want a second,

[15:19] Erwin's motion? I'll second Erwin's. Okay. All in favour? Can we discuss this, please?

[15:28] I'm sorry. I just want to make sure I understand exactly what's going to happen here.

[15:35] I'd be comfortable if we have the letter of support written the way it is.

[15:43] The three signatures of those members who are in support then sign and then the letter continues

[15:52] with the statement that Irwin's making. And then those two members sign below that statement.

[16:01] Because I don't I think it's it's confusing if we don't divide it in such a manner.

[16:12] I don't have a copy of that letter and I don't know what the letter is that's being voted on.

[16:18] And don't believe that was in the packet.

[16:21] That was not shared with this office.

[16:24] And don't know how long the letter is,

[16:25] but I think it would be appropriate.

[16:27] Also, read the letters, everyone knows what they're clear

[16:30] on what they're voting on.

[16:33] Mr. Chairman, if I'm at Susan, I agree with you.

[16:38] And I think I just want to say the letter was sent out

[16:41] to the board members.

[16:42] We've had a chance to review it.

[16:45] And if we go with what Susan just proposed,

[16:50] I'd be happy, you know, the letter would then go out on letterhead with three signatures

[16:55] and two signatures representing the full range of the board's opinion.

[17:00] Okay.

[17:01] I'm going to do with that.

[17:02] Me too.

[17:05] I would stand by my original statement that it is a letter of support.

[17:11] It's not a letter and again, this is what we discussed previously and this is all new.

[17:18] So I'm going to stand firm that it should be two separate letters, the clearly indicate who is supporting it and who isn't.

[17:25] I know that would be made clear in the letter as well.

[17:28] But again, my discussions with my contacts at the legislature at clearly state that it would cause additional confusion if presented in this way.

[17:38] And it's much more profitable that they kept separate.

[17:43] Can I just add to that, because I also reached out to ask about how the letters should be structured and my source said two separate letters because it is confusing.

[18:02] So, I have to agree with Jerry on that, but I'm trying to work through this so that we can move forward as a board and get this completed.

[18:18] So, may I just may suggest that we accept my original motion, which allows us to move forward and send two separate letters.

[18:24] Very simply, very clearly, without any confusion.

[18:27] Mr. Chairman, there is an amendment to that motion on the table that has been seconded

[18:34] and the amendments should get voted on first.

[18:37] All right.

[18:40] So Susan, Jerry wants to spend two separate letters with three signatures in the A, two

[18:49] than the nay, are you good with that? Are you not good with that?

[18:53] I'm definitely good with, um, it's because you want a second Jerry's motion?

[18:58] Yes, say second Jerry's. Okay. All in favor of Jerry's motion, signify by saying aye.

[19:05] All in order? All done. All done. All done. There is a vote. There is an amendment.

[19:10] Well, I didn't wait yet. I'm waiting for the three people to say yes.

[19:14] You have to met. Are you vote on the amendment first?

[19:17] You know, we have the vote on that amendment first, which is to send one letter with a signature signature signature

[19:23] Okay.

[19:24] Okay.

[19:25] Okay.

[19:25] On that amendment.

[19:26] All signify be saying aye.

[19:30] Aye.

[19:31] Aye.

[19:32] Opposed.

[19:33] Aye.

[19:35] Susan?

[19:36] Okay.

[19:37] We have to do roll call votes.

[19:39] We have to say our names and then that we're saying.

[19:44] Okay.

[19:46] And the motion signify by saying, I roll call vote.

[19:51] That's so fine.

[19:53] Right.

[19:56] McCarthy, no.

[19:58] Okay.

[20:01] Now we'll go on to Jerry's motion.

[20:03] Jerry, you want to repeat it for the last time.

[20:05] Very, very briefly.

[20:08] Yes, I like the motion to send two separate letters to the legislature.

[20:13] one in support with the signatures from those select board members in support, and one in

[20:17] opposition with those signatures in opposition, the content of each letter written separately

[20:24] by the views that are

[20:29] expressed.

[20:30] Here is second, I second, all in favour.

[20:34] Can I speak a post?

[20:37] I think there's some discussion requested by Mr. Nassau.

[20:40] continue on please. I just want to state again that to be clear before we vote that folks

[20:49] understand that a minority opinion of two people cannot be sent on letterhead representing the

[20:55] select board. Mr. I like to make a friendly friendly amendment that the chairman add the signature

[21:03] to the opposing view with a little note saying that he is not aligned with this position, but he is

[21:09] So that the letter can be legally folded to the legislature with the majority of the select board included on that letter.

[21:19] Anybody want to second that?

[21:24] Nope.

[21:26] Yeah, I can't believe this.

[21:30] I don't know. What do you want to do?

[21:36] That seems to me that's a solution to the legal reality problem.

[21:38] If they can't send a letter with two signatures, we just add a third signature of the chairman.

[21:42] It's needed and the chairman can clearly indicate that he is not in favor of this product of this, you know, opposition letter, but he is signing it to make it legal to send, eliminating the problem.

[21:58] Anybody else, if you're not again?

[22:00] Well, hold on, I'm just curious, like if there's going to be a vote to say it's okay to send the in favor.

[22:09] I don't think the three of you, meaning Susan Brian and Jerry, are going to vote against us sending in our opinion.

[22:18] Like, why can't they just be in a vote that says, it's okay for Craig and Earl and to send in their opinion on a selectman letterhead.

[22:29] What's the legal issue?

[22:30] Or when do you think is it two signatures? Or is it the fact that we didn't vote to send the letter?

[22:36] I guess Greg's solution might work, which is the select board authorizes two members to send the letter using the letter at.

[22:45] Perfect, I have no problem with either one. I'm comfortable with that, but as long as I'm not asked to sign up that letter also.

[22:57] I'll sign in.

[22:59] You want to make that a motion.

[23:03] Just a simple motion that says there's a motion on the table for the in favor and the against to send in letters from the subject.

[23:15] board office on select board letterhead.

[23:19] We're going to check in there.

[23:21] I'll check in there.

[23:22] Can I just discussion?

[23:25] You know, I think that the letter that goes out by those against should be shared with the select board

[23:33] because they've had a chance to see the letter of support.

[23:37] And we still haven't had a chance to see what they're writing.

[23:41] And unless what they're writing is exactly what Irwin has read to us already.

[23:49] I don't know.

[23:49] I would stand on that.

[23:52] Irwin, I would say what you've said to your statement is all that needs to be on that letter

[23:55] other than the fancy letter head from the town of Hall, and that's signatures.

[24:01] Okay, so Greg made the motion, Irwin, check you in, all in favor, roll call vote.

[24:07] I agree.

[24:09] That's all fine.

[24:11] Got it.

[24:12] I agree.

[24:15] So then hold on next steps.

[24:18] I think a clean version or one if you could do a clean version for our side and that other version gets sent to the town manager so we can get to town all today and sign the ones that we got to sign.

[24:34] Yep.

[24:34] that don't think that we need a motion that I think that's-

[24:38] No, just so we have clear instructions for Jen.

[24:42] That's fine. Anybody have a problem with that?

[24:44] Nope.

[24:45] I don't know. As long as, again, somebody can make arrangements to have a document available to be signed

[24:49] between the hours of, I don't know, 536pm today.

[24:54] That's fine. I'm just who am I getting each letter?

[24:56] One from Irwin and they set the second is coming from who,

[25:01] which is like, I have a final version.

[25:03] That'll come from Egypt. I can send it to you. Again, I don't think there are any objections from Susan or Brian, but the letter at this point. So we have it. I can send that forward to you.

[25:15] Okay. So Jerry is going to send Jerry. You're going to send the letter to the town in early when you're going to send the letter to town.

[25:23] I haven't seen either letter. I haven't seen either letter. I'll be very very

[25:29] putting it here. I could kill us. So is that what's going to happen though? So you guys

[25:34] are going to send it one letter and then Earl is going to send another letter and then we're going

[25:38] to go up to town hall today and sign it. Is that what it is? But you'll sign yours up. We'll sign

[25:42] us. Perfect. Anything else?

[25:47] Motion to adjourn. Anyone? Second. Want to make a motion to adjourn?

[25:52] setness of second we'll call vote I look at you to adjourn I agree I

[26:00] mess of I to burn up I green later everybody thank you all have a good day

Select Board 9.22.26 Zoom

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