1 00:03:47,200 --> 00:03:52,000 online. I am ready when you are, my friend. 2 00:03:49,920 --> 00:03:55,120 » I am not online yet, but I'm here. Everything's working. I hope 3 00:03:53,680 --> 00:03:58,000 » you want to wait till you get online. >> One minute. 4 00:03:55,519 --> 00:03:59,920 » No, that's all right. It we can get pulled anything up. We'll take two 5 00:03:59,120 --> 00:04:02,879 seconds from here. >> Can we go ahead? 6 00:04:01,840 --> 00:04:07,040 » Go ahead. >> Thank you. 7 00:04:04,640 --> 00:04:11,840 » Uh, good evening everybody. This is the board of selectment meeting for 8 00:04:08,400 --> 00:04:18,639 September 8th. 2026. We remind you that we're being video recorded as are you. 9 00:04:15,680 --> 00:04:22,720 Um, and we always start with a moment of appreciation for our troops serving 10 00:04:20,239 --> 00:04:27,880 around the globe, especially at the moment when we've been at war for about 11 00:04:24,639 --> 00:04:27,880 six months. 12 00:04:29,759 --> 00:04:37,440 Thank you. Uh our first appointment is uh with Ian 13 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:41,199 Rogers, veterans agent, to present on how Medfield can become a Purple Heart 14 00:04:39,759 --> 00:04:45,120 community and request funding through the economic vitality fund if approved. 15 00:04:44,400 --> 00:04:48,120 » Oh, there he is. >> Welcome. 16 00:04:52,880 --> 00:05:01,759 » Thank you for having me. Um coming >> the first item that I have is 17 00:04:59,759 --> 00:05:05,520 uh I'm respectfully requesting that the select board consider designating 18 00:05:03,440 --> 00:05:10,400 Medfield as the official Purple Heart community through the military order of 19 00:05:07,840 --> 00:05:14,560 the Purple Heart. This designation recognizes the extraordinary sacrifices 20 00:05:12,720 --> 00:05:19,520 made by the members of the United States Armed Forces who were wounded or killed 21 00:05:16,960 --> 00:05:23,680 in action while serving our nation. Uh, becoming a Purple Heart community 22 00:05:21,759 --> 00:05:27,759 demonstrates Medfield's enduring commitment to honoring our combat 23 00:05:25,440 --> 00:05:32,960 wounded veterans and ensuring that their service and sacrifices are remembered by 24 00:05:29,840 --> 00:05:39,280 current and future generations. Um, it's a relatively simple process. 25 00:05:35,759 --> 00:05:45,759 Uh, step one would be adoption of the proclamation that I have uh, drafted up 26 00:05:41,919 --> 00:05:49,680 for you. Um, I would then submit to the military order of the Purple Heart for 27 00:05:47,520 --> 00:05:54,000 official recognition. And once we're officially recognized, 28 00:05:52,320 --> 00:05:59,520 um, we would then per purchase the Purple 29 00:05:56,320 --> 00:06:05,039 Heart community signage through the DPW. Uh, the estimated cost, which I believe 30 00:06:01,919 --> 00:06:11,600 I also provided to you, is approximately $172 per sign, including installation. 31 00:06:09,039 --> 00:06:16,240 Um, and my recommended placement at least at the very beginning would be up 32 00:06:13,600 --> 00:06:21,440 to and including both ends of 109 and both ends of 27. Um, and installation 33 00:06:20,240 --> 00:06:27,520 would be coordinated through the Department of Public Works. 34 00:06:24,880 --> 00:06:34,160 And then lastly, I think we don't want to rush anything, but if we take the 35 00:06:30,160 --> 00:06:40,560 time, we get the signs in. Um, Purple Heart Day is recognized annually 36 00:06:36,960 --> 00:06:48,720 on August 7th. So, my plan would be to uh have a Purple Heart um community 37 00:06:44,960 --> 00:06:54,319 event around August 7th every year. Uh as we know, August 7th is not always 38 00:06:50,960 --> 00:07:00,000 pleasant outside. So, I'm hoping to get an indoor facility. Um and just shoot 39 00:06:57,280 --> 00:07:06,400 for as close to August 7th as we can get. Uh luckily August 7th in 2027 is a 40 00:07:04,000 --> 00:07:13,199 Saturday. So >> uh I should be able to get um 41 00:07:11,199 --> 00:07:19,440 use of some buildings, some indoor facilities for August 7th and 2027. 42 00:07:16,639 --> 00:07:24,400 And there we would invite uh current Purple Heart recipients, um members of 43 00:07:22,560 --> 00:07:30,240 the community, town officials and representatives and just give ourselves 44 00:07:27,759 --> 00:07:35,800 um the opportunity to recognize and thank the Purple Heart recipients um in 45 00:07:32,800 --> 00:07:35,800 Medfield. 46 00:07:37,440 --> 00:07:44,639 » Okay. >> Uh Mr. Murby, 47 00:07:41,120 --> 00:07:49,120 » uh so just two questions. one. Have Have you talked to the Legion about the Is 48 00:07:46,479 --> 00:07:51,919 there any Have they expressed support or >> I have not spoken with the Legion about 49 00:07:50,960 --> 00:07:57,039 this? Um >> I'm thinking I'm assuming they probably 50 00:07:53,840 --> 00:07:59,759 would support it. So I'm I'm uh but I was just curious to know whether they 51 00:07:58,319 --> 00:08:01,599 had weighed in one way or the other on it 52 00:08:00,160 --> 00:08:06,319 » and I think that would probably be an ideal location for that that ceremony. 53 00:08:04,879 --> 00:08:11,039 » Well, that that was the next thought I had. But then on top of that, I'm 54 00:08:08,000 --> 00:08:16,560 thinking that I understand the desire to be close to Purple Heart Day, but I also 55 00:08:14,400 --> 00:08:22,319 am, you know, acutely aware of how empty this town is at the very beginning of 56 00:08:18,560 --> 00:08:25,759 August. So, I uh I actually'll be interested in how the 57 00:08:23,919 --> 00:08:29,360 two of you react to this. I'm a veteran, so I have I'm going to probably be 58 00:08:27,840 --> 00:08:33,839 supportive of it for sure. The only thing I was concerned about is whether 59 00:08:31,440 --> 00:08:37,360 depending on what that kind of a a recognition day was. And I think you're 60 00:08:35,760 --> 00:08:41,919 talking about doing it every year. >> Yes. 61 00:08:37,919 --> 00:08:46,640 » Um that's a hard time to draw people in for a meeting. Uh and it's specifically 62 00:08:44,800 --> 00:08:50,959 not a time that the Legion meets. Part of me almost was thinking, you know what 63 00:08:48,560 --> 00:08:56,160 I'm thinking back to is the Legion had a meeting about a year ago where they were 64 00:08:53,519 --> 00:09:01,519 recognizing different different veterans and and we actually had veterans come 65 00:08:59,200 --> 00:09:04,959 that were on the on the plaque and that was a regular Legion meeting so they 66 00:09:03,440 --> 00:09:08,800 could kind of make it during the year. That's the only reservation I had. Not 67 00:09:07,120 --> 00:09:14,080 that it's a bad thing to do as close to Purple Heart Day as we can make it, but 68 00:09:11,680 --> 00:09:17,760 it would be kind of a shame if either a lot of Purple Heart veterans can't make 69 00:09:15,519 --> 00:09:22,399 it because they're not in town or they all show up and nobody else is there. Uh 70 00:09:20,480 --> 00:09:25,600 to include probably some of the Legion. So I 71 00:09:24,000 --> 00:09:30,080 » So hopefully with getting this approval in early September, I'll have basically 72 00:09:27,519 --> 00:09:34,240 a year to try and find the Purple Heart recipients, see when would be the best 73 00:09:32,399 --> 00:09:40,080 time for them. I mean, I think the important thing is recognizing them, not 74 00:09:36,640 --> 00:09:44,800 so much that it's on that exact day. So, I'm definitely open to moving it to 75 00:09:42,560 --> 00:09:48,080 whenever we can get the most attendance and honor the most Purple Heart 76 00:09:46,240 --> 00:09:51,519 » receives. Let's just leave that part there to figure out down the road. And 77 00:09:49,600 --> 00:09:55,040 so, from a financial standpoint, you're asking for the town to pick up what 78 00:09:52,880 --> 00:09:59,040 looks like $684 to to at least for four the four signs 79 00:09:57,200 --> 00:10:02,800 you're recommending, which would be logical to me. There may be some other 80 00:10:00,959 --> 00:10:04,959 smart places to put signs, but before we do that, getting four up there. 81 00:10:04,560 --> 00:10:07,680 » Yep. >> I was, you know, the thing that 82 00:10:05,920 --> 00:10:11,360 surprised me, you go through towns and you'll walk through towns and go, "This 83 00:10:09,279 --> 00:10:15,519 is a Purple Heart community." And every time I do that, I go, "I wonder what 84 00:10:12,880 --> 00:10:18,800 they did to merit being a Purple Heart community." But I guess it's having 85 00:10:17,440 --> 00:10:21,120 somebody that's gotten the Purple Heart in town and being willing to buy the 86 00:10:20,399 --> 00:10:25,532 signs. >> So, yeah. And and just getting it 87 00:10:23,360 --> 00:10:27,920 approved through the select boards and [snorts] Yeah. and going through the 88 00:10:26,800 --> 00:10:30,959 official channels. >> Okay. and then just making the 89 00:10:29,519 --> 00:10:35,760 commitment to honor them every year, which I think is more than appropriate. 90 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:39,120 » Okay, that's those are my questions. >> Murphy, 91 00:10:37,040 --> 00:10:42,800 » uh I absolutely support it and uh and I wouldn't even be opposed unless you you 92 00:10:41,040 --> 00:10:46,560 meet with some Purple Heart recipients to give the first year a shot. You never 93 00:10:44,480 --> 00:10:50,560 know, like I I do see as we creep into August, people start coming back for 94 00:10:48,320 --> 00:10:54,399 their kids for sports and whatever. Uh June, end of June and July is a ghost 95 00:10:52,399 --> 00:10:56,880 town around here. Um, so I'm not opposed if we were to do it that day, but if 96 00:10:55,760 --> 00:10:59,760 you're talking to people and they say, you know, push it more towards 97 00:10:58,079 --> 00:11:02,399 September, it's just like as we get into September, October, everyone's back in 98 00:11:01,200 --> 00:11:07,920 town. They've got soccer, they've got this, that. So it's like anywhere around 99 00:11:05,360 --> 00:11:12,079 August 7th is the closer to that, I think, the more realistic it's going to 100 00:11:09,040 --> 00:11:15,440 be. Uh, but I think it's it's a it's an honor uh that this town should certainly 101 00:11:14,320 --> 00:11:19,519 recognize. >> Thank you. 102 00:11:17,519 --> 00:11:24,000 » So, thank you for bringing this forward. I think it's a good idea. Um, I just had 103 00:11:22,079 --> 00:11:27,680 one question which is do do you know how many Purple Heart recipients we have in 104 00:11:26,399 --> 00:11:35,440 town? >> I don't know the exact number. I know we 105 00:11:30,079 --> 00:11:38,880 have at least three. Um, so definitely worth honoring even if it's 106 00:11:37,680 --> 00:11:43,519 just those three. >> Yeah. 107 00:11:41,200 --> 00:11:45,680 » Considering we're celebrating our 375, I I think we probably had a few of them 108 00:11:44,800 --> 00:11:51,600 around, right? So, >> yeah. Yeah. 109 00:11:48,320 --> 00:11:55,680 All right. Uh do we have are anything further 110 00:11:52,720 --> 00:11:58,880 » on the Purple Heart community? No. >> Okay. Do we have a motion then to 111 00:11:57,920 --> 00:12:01,680 » motion so moved? >> Second. 112 00:11:59,519 --> 00:12:04,720 » All those in favor? I I >> thank you for bringing this forward. 113 00:12:03,040 --> 00:12:08,160 Good luck with executing. >> Thank you. 114 00:12:05,360 --> 00:12:14,560 » That is number two. >> He's not item two. 115 00:12:11,760 --> 00:12:20,079 And then number two is as we had talked about in the past um I 116 00:12:17,760 --> 00:12:24,959 we the town started the hometown hero banner program. Um, 117 00:12:22,800 --> 00:12:30,000 and the one thing that I, you know, I wanted to charge a reasonable amount per 118 00:12:27,120 --> 00:12:35,600 banner to keep the banner program going, not to make money, but um, the initial 119 00:12:33,200 --> 00:12:44,000 cost that I did not want to pass along to the initial applicants is the initial 120 00:12:39,440 --> 00:12:50,240 setup cost of the $700 for the hardware for the banners to be put up onto the 121 00:12:46,160 --> 00:12:56,079 poles. So my uh second item here is to request 800 or not to exceed 800. Um I 122 00:12:54,480 --> 00:13:04,240 believe the quote is somewhere in and around 700 uh from the economic vitality 123 00:12:59,440 --> 00:13:08,959 fund just for the initial hardware cost. >> Mr. Burby. So just I think this I think 124 00:13:07,120 --> 00:13:13,200 this is a rhetorical question. Uh because this is the start of the fiscal 125 00:13:10,320 --> 00:13:17,760 year. I assume we have a combined $1600 in the economic fatality fund to support 126 00:13:15,120 --> 00:13:21,920 both of these. Okay. Just uh good discipline to make sure we haven't 127 00:13:19,040 --> 00:13:25,519 already over spent our our budget. >> Yeah. I I think it's a good idea. 128 00:13:23,839 --> 00:13:28,880 » Yeah. No, I absolutely support it. We've gone this far. Why would we hold back, 129 00:13:26,880 --> 00:13:31,839 right? I mean, so thank you again. >> Thank you. 130 00:13:29,360 --> 00:13:34,160 » I'm in favor of doing this, too. Um do we have a motion then? 131 00:13:32,720 --> 00:13:36,480 » We do. Motion so moved. >> Second. 132 00:13:34,560 --> 00:13:39,279 » All those in favor? I >> thanks very much, Ian. Appreciate you 133 00:13:38,240 --> 00:13:42,959 coming in tonight. >> We got one more to do. Part of that is 134 00:13:40,480 --> 00:13:46,959 just authoriz whether 135 00:13:44,399 --> 00:13:51,200 » so in order in order to um do the hometown hero banners on utility pools 136 00:13:48,959 --> 00:13:55,360 we need to sign agreements with both Eversource and Verizon. So we don't have 137 00:13:53,839 --> 00:13:59,279 those fully prepared for them yet. But if you want to authorize me to sign them 138 00:13:57,680 --> 00:14:01,279 » Sure. Yeah. Do we have a motion to that effect? 139 00:13:59,600 --> 00:14:04,800 » Uh motion to authorize the town administrator to sign the agreements 140 00:14:02,639 --> 00:14:08,320 with Eversource and Verizon to utilize the utility polls for the hometown hero 141 00:14:06,959 --> 00:14:10,800 banner program. >> Second. All those in favor? 142 00:14:09,839 --> 00:14:15,600 » I. >> Okay. Our third appointment is with 143 00:14:13,360 --> 00:14:20,880 Deborah Herurwitz. Requests permission to display an outdoor electric manora 144 00:14:18,240 --> 00:14:24,079 approximately 6 to9 ft tall at Baxter Park during Hanukkah this winter, 145 00:14:22,399 --> 00:14:30,240 December uh 14 to 22nd, along with a brief public 146 00:14:27,519 --> 00:14:36,079 lighting celebration on one evening of the holiday and further to make this an 147 00:14:32,079 --> 00:14:39,639 annual event. Is Deborah here? >> Thank you for coming. 148 00:14:44,639 --> 00:14:51,040 moral support. Um, to be fair, I didn't know that I was 149 00:14:48,720 --> 00:14:54,240 going to be coming up and speaking. So, I sent that letter in and as you read 150 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:58,480 it, I'm recognizing that the dates are actually incorrect. So, um, it would be 151 00:14:56,480 --> 00:15:00,240 December 5th is the first night, the 12th is the last night. 152 00:14:59,760 --> 00:15:05,680 » Okay. >> Um, that's subject to every year. It 153 00:15:03,600 --> 00:15:09,120 does shift within the calendar year. Um, but just, you know, I think that I've 154 00:15:07,519 --> 00:15:14,079 been on the Festival of Lights committee for the past few years and we've been 155 00:15:10,720 --> 00:15:18,160 recognizing um, Hanukkah with teaming up with Parks and Rex. Um, and we've been 156 00:15:15,760 --> 00:15:23,920 using the COA as our location and I think just uh, to increase awareness and 157 00:15:22,079 --> 00:15:28,480 make Medfield all that community that we're hoping for and we know it is. Um, 158 00:15:26,320 --> 00:15:33,600 displaying a Monora in Baxter Park would be creating that inclusive environment 159 00:15:31,199 --> 00:15:37,760 for all people. Um I think there's a lot of information 160 00:15:35,120 --> 00:15:42,639 in the letter that I sent you. Um we would be fundraising for the manora 161 00:15:40,240 --> 00:15:46,720 ourselves. Um so we're not asking for anything. We're just ask well we're not 162 00:15:44,160 --> 00:15:53,440 asking for funding we're asking for the permission um to display that manura and 163 00:15:49,440 --> 00:15:56,800 then also um to have a one night event that we would instead of the festival of 164 00:15:55,360 --> 00:16:02,839 lights still continue the work with parks and wrecks but the location would 165 00:15:59,040 --> 00:16:02,839 shift to Baxter Park. 166 00:16:03,040 --> 00:16:09,600 Okay. Thank you, Mr. Murphy. So, so, >> so I have the letter. So, I have a 167 00:16:07,440 --> 00:16:15,040 number of comments. Uh, first off, I like the idea. Uh, but I want to broaden 168 00:16:13,040 --> 00:16:21,600 the idea and, and I think the three of us actually have a policy issue around 169 00:16:18,959 --> 00:16:26,240 how we want to approach the use of Back. We, the select board, now has care, 170 00:16:23,920 --> 00:16:30,480 custody, and control Baxter Park. So, parks and recck may be teaming with you 171 00:16:28,160 --> 00:16:34,079 for an event, but we kind of I just want to make sure you knew that that had 172 00:16:31,839 --> 00:16:39,519 changed. And I'm glad that Russ is here because uh part of my comments have to 173 00:16:37,199 --> 00:16:43,600 do with the fact that the events that take place over what I'll call the 174 00:16:41,040 --> 00:16:47,199 holiday season memo has the lead responsibility on that. So, my the 175 00:16:45,519 --> 00:16:51,360 issues I have around policy aren't about the idea. I actually like the idea. And 176 00:16:49,920 --> 00:16:56,480 I'm not sure if the reason I like the idea is exactly what you said, but it 177 00:16:53,199 --> 00:17:05,199 might be. Uh over the years the holiday season in my 178 00:17:01,440 --> 00:17:10,240 view has been gutted of much of its religious significance and it's kind of 179 00:17:08,000 --> 00:17:15,199 like we all in in government say oh it absolutely has to it's just a holiday 180 00:17:12,959 --> 00:17:18,400 and it's and and it becomes I think back to when I was a kid and the things that 181 00:17:16,799 --> 00:17:22,240 happened then and the impact it had on me and continues to have on me 182 00:17:20,400 --> 00:17:26,880 throughout my life around how I look at things and I look sometimes that what we 183 00:17:24,959 --> 00:17:31,360 have in our society today and some of the some of the despair and I can't help 184 00:17:29,679 --> 00:17:37,600 but think part of that is because we don't have the messages for for kids 185 00:17:35,039 --> 00:17:41,440 that we had when I was a kid. It's hard for government to step in because we 186 00:17:39,600 --> 00:17:45,840 have rules about separation church and state. But the difference is between my 187 00:17:43,360 --> 00:17:50,720 view is there is a difference between government promoting a religion and 188 00:17:48,559 --> 00:17:54,080 government enabling religion. And I'm not talking a 189 00:17:52,160 --> 00:17:58,480 religion. I'm talking about religious recognition this holiday season. That's 190 00:17:56,720 --> 00:18:02,799 what that that's where that came from. The roots are all there if you don't cut 191 00:18:00,240 --> 00:18:06,880 the roots off. It's hard and and Mark, I'll invite you to join and push in 192 00:18:05,039 --> 00:18:14,080 anything legal here if I'm going way too far out. But having finding a way for a 193 00:18:10,240 --> 00:18:19,360 town like us to allow the recognition of the religious and faith I'm not only see 194 00:18:16,720 --> 00:18:26,960 religious I'll say faith dimensions of this season I think is a good thing for 195 00:18:22,080 --> 00:18:31,679 us to do. So from my view, I started to think about, well, what would Baxter 196 00:18:28,320 --> 00:18:39,120 Park look like if we actually had a more liberal policy about what groups could 197 00:18:35,600 --> 00:18:44,640 do during the holiday season to make Baxter Park even better than Baxter Park 198 00:18:41,360 --> 00:18:48,480 normally is? And I said, and I Yes, Manoras, the one that had went over the 199 00:18:46,640 --> 00:18:51,760 road was one of the best things on that whole thing last year because it lit up 200 00:18:50,080 --> 00:18:57,679 and it flashed and it did all sorts of stuff. Uh but imagine the whole park 201 00:18:55,039 --> 00:19:04,080 having more of that and undoubtedly from a broader set of of perspectives. 202 00:19:01,280 --> 00:19:09,440 But the com my words and this is just a draft. My words as long as what we're 203 00:19:06,799 --> 00:19:15,440 doing in Baxter Park promotes the thought of peace on earth and goodwill 204 00:19:11,360 --> 00:19:21,360 to all and that. So I'm absolutely on board with the idea. I would like to see 205 00:19:18,480 --> 00:19:26,720 us figure out how to do that. I have a I drafted and this is absolutely a draft. 206 00:19:24,000 --> 00:19:30,320 I drafted some guidelines around how I would how I would approach it and this 207 00:19:28,880 --> 00:19:36,240 came off the top of my head and for starters the very first one is 208 00:19:32,799 --> 00:19:41,919 recognizing that memo has is the primary sponsor principal sponsor of what goes 209 00:19:39,679 --> 00:19:49,520 on at Baxter Park and what goes on during what I'm calling a holiday 210 00:19:43,520 --> 00:19:56,080 season. Uh, so I was reluctant to put us in the position of making specific 211 00:19:52,240 --> 00:20:00,080 decisions about what particular, you know, displays could go in, where those 212 00:19:58,080 --> 00:20:05,919 displays might be. And I'm talking about from a purely logistical standpoint. I 213 00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:10,640 would actually defer given the role that Memo plays as the principal sponsor of 214 00:20:08,559 --> 00:20:16,160 what goes on there for the better part of a month or more that Memo be the 215 00:20:13,520 --> 00:20:21,039 principal coordinator for that with the understanding that if if it becomes more 216 00:20:19,039 --> 00:20:24,000 than a logistical question oh we'll put you here oh you need that much room 217 00:20:22,880 --> 00:20:27,679 you'll give that to you and we can figure out how to make it work in the 218 00:20:25,840 --> 00:20:31,760 context of everything else if it's if it's not that kind of a thing it's like 219 00:20:29,440 --> 00:20:34,320 I'm not sure that your display is the right kind of display then it probably 220 00:20:33,360 --> 00:20:37,520 kicks up to us. >> Yes. 221 00:20:34,720 --> 00:20:42,880 » But otherwise it's sort of we recognize the principal role that memo plays. We 222 00:20:40,960 --> 00:20:46,960 reinforce the notion that you have that principal coordination role. We adopt a 223 00:20:45,360 --> 00:20:52,240 policy that says but we want to encourage that. Uh and and again I I 224 00:20:50,960 --> 00:20:55,039 haven't thought I'll tell you what I'll briefly tell you what my five things are 225 00:20:53,679 --> 00:21:00,720 because I only brought five copies of this and I did not intend it to be 226 00:20:57,280 --> 00:21:04,880 final. So, the first one had to do with we are we're introducing this on a trial 227 00:21:02,799 --> 00:21:08,320 basis. You asked it to be permanent. I'm saying, well, I I want it to be 228 00:21:06,159 --> 00:21:12,000 permanent, but I'd like to know that we know what we're doing before we commit 229 00:21:10,240 --> 00:21:17,600 to permanent. So, I'm suggesting it's a trial basis. Memo is the principal 230 00:21:14,720 --> 00:21:21,919 coordinator and we defer to that. Uh, all accepted displays support. It 231 00:21:20,559 --> 00:21:26,240 doesn't have to be these words, but I'm saying peace on earth, goodwill to all 232 00:21:23,919 --> 00:21:30,799 or something that captures the essence of the holiday season. Uh, we have to 233 00:21:29,200 --> 00:21:35,360 figure out, we have a couple things that we probably have to figure out in other 234 00:21:32,720 --> 00:21:39,600 in terms of what the holiday season is. I kind of random, not randomly, but I 235 00:21:37,760 --> 00:21:45,919 took a crack said from the 1st of December to the 6th of January. Uh, and 236 00:21:43,360 --> 00:21:50,000 what I wanted to check with is actually what first thing I'd look at is what are 237 00:21:48,080 --> 00:21:55,919 the dates that the town puts up the lights and what are the dates the town 238 00:21:51,440 --> 00:21:59,840 takes down the lights. And that would >> Yeah. So, I mean, I picked the 1st of 239 00:21:58,559 --> 00:22:02,880 December just because it was the 1 of December. I picked the sixth because 240 00:22:00,960 --> 00:22:07,280 it's epiphany and I don't think there's any major things I'm aware of that go 241 00:22:05,280 --> 00:22:12,720 beyond those bounds. And I think that's about what happens with the DPW. If you 242 00:22:10,720 --> 00:22:17,440 wanted to put a display up only for a portion of the time, you could. Uh the 243 00:22:15,440 --> 00:22:21,760 1st of December certainly encompassed the 5th of December, so I knew I was 244 00:22:19,120 --> 00:22:25,440 starting early enough on that. Uh if you didn't want to leave it up, okay, but I 245 00:22:24,080 --> 00:22:29,360 would think probably a lot of people would even if there's a principal time 246 00:22:27,039 --> 00:22:35,760 that it's significant. So, you know, okay. Uh if if the day of 247 00:22:32,400 --> 00:22:40,400 the normal major lighting of everything is not good enough to have the lighting 248 00:22:38,320 --> 00:22:43,360 of the manure, then heck, have a have another day. Yeah, it's going to be 249 00:22:41,440 --> 00:22:47,440 coordinated just to make sure that but great. If we have more events at Baxter 250 00:22:45,840 --> 00:22:52,640 Park, why not? Why? If we can do more over the 251 00:22:49,600 --> 00:22:58,320 course of the month, that's great. Um I I did make one thing one I do have one 252 00:22:55,679 --> 00:23:03,600 thing that I think you'd be able to do. I think requests for these displays 253 00:23:01,280 --> 00:23:08,400 should be submitted by a sponsoring organization. Now, obviously, religious 254 00:23:06,960 --> 00:23:13,520 institutions are going to be an easy one for some of it. I'm not saying some sort 255 00:23:10,880 --> 00:23:17,840 of a longestablished large organization. What I'm getting at is that from the 256 00:23:15,200 --> 00:23:24,320 standpoint of the town knowing who to hold responsible for what happens with 257 00:23:20,880 --> 00:23:29,520 the display, it's probably not us trying to chase down individuals who happen to 258 00:23:26,400 --> 00:23:35,440 be the one person out of 20 people who kind of got together one day. It's just 259 00:23:31,840 --> 00:23:39,600 have an identity that's the sponsor. Uh I don't think that's a scary 260 00:23:36,880 --> 00:23:44,159 responsibility. It's just it helps reinforce accountability. Uh so those 261 00:23:42,320 --> 00:23:49,039 are the five things I had. I I more than happy to share more. In fact, you can 262 00:23:46,080 --> 00:23:54,240 take one if you want. Uh and it's a draft. It's not intended as I'm not even 263 00:23:52,240 --> 00:23:59,039 I just tried to figure it out. >> And uh I'll send those to you too if you 264 00:23:56,400 --> 00:24:03,520 want to see it and one for you. And I have yet one more that I'll stick there. 265 00:24:01,200 --> 00:24:05,679 Uh >> anything else? 266 00:24:04,000 --> 00:24:08,240 » Now that I've now that I've given Russ everything he's going to need to do, I 267 00:24:06,960 --> 00:24:10,480 think he wants to react. >> He's got to take his turn. We're going 268 00:24:09,360 --> 00:24:13,039 to we're going to do the select board first. We'll get to you then later. 269 00:24:12,480 --> 00:24:13,919 Okay. >> Okay. 270 00:24:13,520 --> 00:24:17,919 » Are you done? >> I'm done. I'm done. 271 00:24:14,799 --> 00:24:22,080 » I won't be as long as him. Um I when I saw your requests immediately in my head 272 00:24:20,000 --> 00:24:24,799 I'm like the schools recognized the Jewish holidays, right? And then when I 273 00:24:23,279 --> 00:24:28,400 went to high school, they didn't. So I was like I was thrilled when I saw 274 00:24:25,919 --> 00:24:32,799 Medfield started doing that. So to have that inclusion in the center of town is 275 00:24:30,640 --> 00:24:35,679 a no-brainer. Um, so I appreciate the level of detail that you put into this 276 00:24:34,240 --> 00:24:40,080 Gus and I certainly we can review this, but I think in the spirit of um, 277 00:24:37,760 --> 00:24:43,440 absolutely it it it's talk about bringing the community closer together 278 00:24:41,440 --> 00:24:47,600 because I was at the the lighting the celebration of lights last year at the 279 00:24:45,760 --> 00:24:50,799 senior center and there was a lot of people there and I like wow like they're 280 00:24:49,440 --> 00:24:54,080 kind of like your and my my brother-in-law is Jewish, my niece and 281 00:24:52,080 --> 00:24:57,679 nephew were raised Jewish. Like I would much prefer to have that celebration 282 00:24:55,840 --> 00:25:00,400 with all the other kids in town than just have it set off to the side. Right. 283 00:24:59,279 --> 00:25:04,240 So, that was the first thing I thought of when I saw your letter. Um, I don't 284 00:25:02,480 --> 00:25:09,039 disagree with the whole concept of memo. If if you're looking to have it in a 285 00:25:06,640 --> 00:25:12,960 area that we already have activity, um, it's almost like with what's going on 286 00:25:10,640 --> 00:25:16,880 right now at the 375th parade, anybody that wants to be doing anything, we're 287 00:25:14,320 --> 00:25:19,600 deferring them to the committee just so that we're not tripping over one 288 00:25:17,919 --> 00:25:23,760 another. So, I think that's more out of respect that we don't want to have two 289 00:25:21,520 --> 00:25:29,279 parallel activities going on. Um, so if if Russ's group is is open to that, 290 00:25:27,200 --> 00:25:32,080 great. The one thing I would be 100% against is if they said no, we don't 291 00:25:30,799 --> 00:25:34,880 want them there because then it's like getting territorial and that would 292 00:25:33,279 --> 00:25:38,640 bother me greatly because that's I look at it as it's the community park. So I 293 00:25:37,279 --> 00:25:42,640 want to make sure that no one has authority to say no. But they may be 294 00:25:40,480 --> 00:25:45,919 saying well we this has already been set aside for the dance class thing that 295 00:25:44,720 --> 00:25:52,520 goes on. So we wouldn't want to put you in a certain area. Um but you know in a 296 00:25:48,159 --> 00:25:52,520 nutshell I absolutely support it. 297 00:25:53,679 --> 00:25:59,679 » Mr. Sell. >> All right. So I don't obviously park and 298 00:25:57,840 --> 00:26:04,880 rec control what they've done in the past in 299 00:26:01,520 --> 00:26:10,799 the past you have care custom control and it's ultimately your responsibility 300 00:26:07,760 --> 00:26:17,720 you want them to attempt to work it out that's fine but you have the ultimate 301 00:26:14,720 --> 00:26:17,720 authority 302 00:26:20,000 --> 00:26:26,320 » the potential for other requests so it's just going to be something else that 303 00:26:24,480 --> 00:26:31,520 you're going to have to deal Well, I I assume there at least over time there 304 00:26:28,640 --> 00:26:37,200 probably will be some other requests. Uh, and I think this is a case where 305 00:26:35,679 --> 00:26:40,799 hearing different traditions from different 306 00:26:38,880 --> 00:26:45,200 people who actually or different groups of people that have a connection with 307 00:26:43,440 --> 00:26:49,679 this broad thing I'm calling the holiday season is a good thing. 308 00:26:46,720 --> 00:26:54,320 » And Baxter Park is kind of a big park. So, I think we could probably figure it 309 00:26:51,520 --> 00:26:58,640 out. So, um, I'm an attorney and I don't 310 00:26:56,720 --> 00:27:04,480 always know the answers, the legal answers, but I I can spot issues. And 311 00:27:01,360 --> 00:27:10,559 so, for me, where my brain went, oops, religion, government, that's an issue. 312 00:27:07,679 --> 00:27:15,120 Um, and so I checked and sure enough, um, there's the establishment clause, 313 00:27:12,480 --> 00:27:19,840 which apparently says that that, uh, government's not allowed to establish 314 00:27:17,440 --> 00:27:24,400 religious things. And there actually is a 1989 315 00:27:21,919 --> 00:27:32,240 Supreme Court case about manoras in public property. Um, and they upheld the 316 00:27:28,720 --> 00:27:36,400 uh right of the town to have a manora on public property in I think it was in 317 00:27:34,240 --> 00:27:41,279 Pittsburgh. And it was very interesting in that case because there was another 318 00:27:38,320 --> 00:27:45,039 request for a crush and the Supreme Court said the crush could not be on 319 00:27:43,440 --> 00:27:50,320 public property because it was a religious symbol and they said the 320 00:27:47,520 --> 00:27:54,960 manura was not primarily a religious symbol and so um 321 00:27:53,039 --> 00:28:00,000 » I can I do you mind if I interrupt for one second? um on Zoom somewhere is one 322 00:27:58,320 --> 00:28:03,679 of the Habad representatives that we've been working with and she informed me 323 00:28:01,679 --> 00:28:09,679 which I didn't know that the Manura actually represents freedom and is not 324 00:28:05,760 --> 00:28:12,399 connected originally to any religious and I if she's on and could speak to 325 00:28:11,440 --> 00:28:19,200 what is her name >> um Roshi Ro hy 326 00:28:16,480 --> 00:28:22,960 um I don't know how to say I don't know she want to present she want to talk to 327 00:28:21,279 --> 00:28:28,000 us we didn't we didn't >> it's RMK Maybe 328 00:28:25,520 --> 00:28:32,799 » the only R one is RMK. >> It probably is then. I can go double 329 00:28:30,480 --> 00:28:36,399 check on my phone. I don't have her last name on my brain, but 330 00:28:34,159 --> 00:28:41,360 » So, it was it was very informative to me to to spend a little time looking into 331 00:28:38,640 --> 00:28:46,559 it and figuring out that uh it is an issue, but that the Supreme Court has 332 00:28:43,120 --> 00:28:51,360 said that manurs are are fine. And so and I know that in the past I had 333 00:28:48,159 --> 00:28:58,080 wondered because I in my m brain I think of them as religion related. So um I was 334 00:28:56,080 --> 00:29:00,720 » so I Google too. I [laughter] googled specifically in the state of 335 00:28:58,880 --> 00:29:04,640 Massachusetts and I googled specifically what the scenario is and as long as we 336 00:29:02,799 --> 00:29:07,679 are not funding anything we are not that's why as you put in your letter all 337 00:29:06,080 --> 00:29:11,120 the surrounding communities. If we said if you came to us and said could you 338 00:29:09,120 --> 00:29:15,039 cover the 2500 that's where we get into hot water. But as long as your 339 00:29:13,360 --> 00:29:20,159 organization brings it forth and we're just saying it's public property, to the 340 00:29:16,720 --> 00:29:24,559 best of my knowledge, we are not. >> Yeah. And a lot of the surrounding towns 341 00:29:21,840 --> 00:29:28,320 have um a similar display >> either in right in front of town hall or 342 00:29:26,720 --> 00:29:34,320 some other, you know, a local park, some prominent place around town. Um and 343 00:29:30,880 --> 00:29:38,880 Kabad helps out with organizing setting up physically setting up the actual 344 00:29:35,919 --> 00:29:43,440 monora and maintaining it and um putting together or helping put together like 345 00:29:40,880 --> 00:29:47,200 just a little celebration kind of akin to what has to do 346 00:29:45,200 --> 00:29:53,679 » and again my interest is to make sure that all traditions can be can get that 347 00:29:50,320 --> 00:29:58,480 down. So I I we we may have to if there's fine lines between something 348 00:29:55,279 --> 00:30:04,480 that is religious and isn't to me the courts and I'm not a lawyer but there's 349 00:30:01,520 --> 00:30:08,799 a difference between establishing government establishing a religion and 350 00:30:07,120 --> 00:30:13,600 government suppressing religion and we we have to 351 00:30:12,480 --> 00:30:18,640 try to figure out how to thread the needle maybe but the whole point is to 352 00:30:16,559 --> 00:30:24,399 be able to broaden that. I mean is is Quanza religious? I mean I'm I'm talking 353 00:30:21,360 --> 00:30:27,520 about I want all of that stuff >> by people who care about they want you 354 00:30:25,919 --> 00:30:32,559 know they have something Mark >> in previous years there's been um a 355 00:30:29,840 --> 00:30:36,640 large manora and a canara which is representative of Kwanza um in front of 356 00:30:34,880 --> 00:30:40,559 Park Street Books. One year we tried to do it in front of the library but it was 357 00:30:38,320 --> 00:30:44,880 too tippy. We have done in front of Park Street Books the past couple years. Um 358 00:30:42,240 --> 00:30:50,080 by we I mean just a couple people who have been looking to help out. Um but 359 00:30:47,360 --> 00:30:54,799 yeah so the the the want is there the desire is there for representation and I 360 00:30:52,080 --> 00:30:59,840 think this is a great first step for >> for everybody 361 00:30:56,880 --> 00:31:04,480 said in 1989 was that >> quote particular physical setting close 362 00:31:02,080 --> 00:31:11,360 quote was the really determinative factor for them and in that case the the 363 00:31:07,600 --> 00:31:16,320 manura was next to a a Christmas tree signing 364 00:31:13,440 --> 00:31:19,120 liberty yes Mr. it. 365 00:31:16,880 --> 00:31:25,039 » So, I am an attorney. I have dealt with these issues. They're very complex. 366 00:31:22,320 --> 00:31:33,039 There aren't not necessarily answers. There's more gray areas than there are. 367 00:31:28,960 --> 00:31:39,440 Uh however on the one extreme was the case out of uh uh Lexington 368 00:31:37,120 --> 00:31:45,039 where they basically uh shut down everything nothing because 369 00:31:42,720 --> 00:31:51,679 they they originally were allowed but it got so crazy they said okay nobody and 370 00:31:48,320 --> 00:31:55,679 the uh Knights of Columbus sued the town and that was upheld. So the starting 371 00:31:54,000 --> 00:32:01,760 point is if you if you don't allow anybody as with other situations we've 372 00:31:58,080 --> 00:32:10,480 discussed that's the cleanest situation. Now we've already we allow memo. They 373 00:32:05,519 --> 00:32:15,519 they put up uh lights. They also put up uh they're not all just lights. They're 374 00:32:13,679 --> 00:32:22,320 they're representations of various symbols and all. So we've opened it up 375 00:32:18,399 --> 00:32:28,799 to some degree. Uh so uh the there is you know as far as 376 00:32:25,919 --> 00:32:34,240 I'm concerned you're probably in a stronger legal position to permit it 377 00:32:30,799 --> 00:32:40,080 than not. Again also because virtually all the surrounding towns uh have been 378 00:32:37,679 --> 00:32:49,919 doing it for some time. Franklin included Medway, Hollist, Walpool, 379 00:32:44,640 --> 00:32:55,279 » Milis, you name it. So, uh, you know, it's ultimately your decision, 380 00:32:52,640 --> 00:33:02,320 but, uh, as I said, I I think there's already some, 381 00:32:58,880 --> 00:33:08,159 um, recognition of the holiday season that's been permitted. And so now, so 382 00:33:04,320 --> 00:33:13,600 it's not coming onto a fresh initial where nothing's been done before. 383 00:33:10,640 --> 00:33:18,399 basically that that 89 Supreme Court decision decided that it was a a 384 00:33:15,519 --> 00:33:22,559 celebration of the holiday season. >> Hopefully 40 years later we're good. 385 00:33:20,880 --> 00:33:29,000 » Oh, with the makeup of the courts right now that there's no question in my mind 386 00:33:24,720 --> 00:33:29,000 they'll support 387 00:33:29,760 --> 00:33:38,880 » celebrations >> an okay thing in schools I think. um 388 00:33:37,120 --> 00:33:44,320 » check with us. >> Let's see. We we do have Mr. uh Hales 389 00:33:42,240 --> 00:33:47,760 that wants to >> So, yeah, before I got too far along, I 390 00:33:46,799 --> 00:33:50,880 was going to say >> I can't speak. Is this on? 391 00:33:49,600 --> 00:33:53,919 » Yeah, you it doesn't echo for you. It helps people at home. 392 00:33:51,519 --> 00:33:59,039 » Oh, okay. Um I can't speak for memo on the spot here. 393 00:33:56,320 --> 00:34:07,120 I'm only one of a group of board. We have a board meeting on the 10th uh come 394 00:34:02,080 --> 00:34:14,399 uh coming up. Um, but I don't see why we wouldn't welcome being your sponsor for 395 00:34:11,119 --> 00:34:22,720 this. It's it fits very much like a hand and a glove for what we do. Um, and to 396 00:34:18,560 --> 00:34:29,839 be part of uh the planning of this with both parties together makes total sense. 397 00:34:26,800 --> 00:34:35,839 Um, we do have a manora hanging in the as a silhouette in the middle of the 398 00:34:31,919 --> 00:34:44,960 park. It had also been hung uh across the street for a number of years. Um 399 00:34:40,879 --> 00:34:49,839 so uh then the question is where is the best place to put it and I think it 400 00:34:46,800 --> 00:34:57,040 makes sense for both of us to contribute to that decision. Um it needs to be 401 00:34:53,919 --> 00:35:01,760 plugged in and so that's another factor uh on this. Uh I just want to get 402 00:34:59,760 --> 00:35:06,880 clarity. You were saying that you this is this particular year it's 5 to 12 is 403 00:35:05,520 --> 00:35:09,280 the holiday. >> Yes. 404 00:35:07,280 --> 00:35:15,359 » And you were considering having some sort of a presentation or 405 00:35:12,800 --> 00:35:18,880 » something going on on one of those days >> ideally. Yes. 406 00:35:16,160 --> 00:35:25,760 » So between the fifth and because on the I'll be asking for the Joy to the World 407 00:35:21,760 --> 00:35:30,720 concert uh to be on the fourth. So that wouldn't be a conflict. Uh we have a 408 00:35:28,240 --> 00:35:37,839 parade on the 5th and and that's it. So we w I think we would welcome 409 00:35:34,480 --> 00:35:40,640 having them be part of our group in the planning of this whatever year you want 410 00:35:40,320 --> 00:35:45,599 to be. >> So I just want to react to what you just 411 00:35:43,200 --> 00:35:49,440 said very to the words you said we'd be happy to be your sponsor and I'd said 412 00:35:47,680 --> 00:35:53,280 » you had said you were looking for a sp >> Yeah. And that's why that's why I'm 413 00:35:50,800 --> 00:35:57,839 making a distinction here. I'm saying that anybody who comes with a request 414 00:35:55,359 --> 00:36:02,880 should be that request should come from a sponsoring organization. So you 415 00:36:00,720 --> 00:36:08,000 shouldn't be the sponsor of this group's sponsoring organization. You're the 416 00:36:04,400 --> 00:36:12,320 princip memo is the principal sponsor of the entire season. All of the 417 00:36:10,880 --> 00:36:15,920 collaboration that you're talking about is exactly what I would hope would 418 00:36:13,839 --> 00:36:18,480 happen. But I would still hope that you could get and it's not because I'm 419 00:36:17,280 --> 00:36:22,000 worried about you. Actually, it's to your point if Lexington had stuff all 420 00:36:20,480 --> 00:36:26,720 over the place. If we have this thing open to where any individual can come in 421 00:36:24,320 --> 00:36:31,119 and say, "I got a display I want." That's how we're going to get to chaos. 422 00:36:28,800 --> 00:36:36,960 If we basically require groups to come in with sponsors and who will then work 423 00:36:34,240 --> 00:36:39,920 with with [snorts] memo, that's what I'm hoping for. And I'm 424 00:36:38,400 --> 00:36:44,000 hoping that would keep it under some degree of manageable chaos. This this 425 00:36:42,640 --> 00:36:48,880 year it might be real easy. It might just be you guys. But if this takes hold 426 00:36:46,960 --> 00:36:53,040 and people have time to think about it, I think we would see more over the 427 00:36:50,400 --> 00:36:56,480 coming years. So, uh, part of part part of me is saying Russ, you don't have to 428 00:36:55,040 --> 00:37:01,760 have everybody that wants to make a display be a member of me memo or be on 429 00:36:59,119 --> 00:37:05,440 the committee. It would be if you want them on that's fine, but it would be I 430 00:37:04,160 --> 00:37:10,320 didn't want to throw all that at you that you have to manage everything. It 431 00:37:07,280 --> 00:37:14,480 was that a matter if they came really well. Why was it I don't want to 432 00:37:11,599 --> 00:37:18,560 undercut your undercut memo by us making decisions here about what's going to 433 00:37:16,320 --> 00:37:23,280 happen when you're the guys that are actually driving the whole truck. We 434 00:37:20,160 --> 00:37:28,480 want you to be driving the whole train. >> So, a couple of thoughts. Um number one, 435 00:37:26,160 --> 00:37:33,200 uh I think it it makes absolute sense that you coordinate with memo. Um and 436 00:37:31,119 --> 00:37:39,680 I'm sure you guys can and Memo can do that. Uh the second one is I think 437 00:37:35,520 --> 00:37:43,119 asking it to be a a permanent event is not the right thing. I think that memo 438 00:37:41,520 --> 00:37:47,680 comes back every year and asks for permission. So I think uh permission a 439 00:37:45,599 --> 00:37:51,839 year at a time is probably the better the better course for the town to take 440 00:37:49,839 --> 00:37:57,040 instead of creating some sort of permanent thing. Um 441 00:37:54,720 --> 00:38:01,040 yes, Mr. Sell, you only you don't have authority for 442 00:37:59,440 --> 00:38:05,520 multi-year. you can't find a future select board. So 443 00:38:04,240 --> 00:38:08,720 » in addition to which we don't have authority apparently [laughter] 444 00:38:07,200 --> 00:38:12,800 » I think just because there would be a big financial obligation that we're 445 00:38:10,240 --> 00:38:15,920 taking on with fundraising. >> Yeah. So we want to know that this is 446 00:38:14,400 --> 00:38:18,960 some or hope that this is something that we can do year after year but we 447 00:38:17,599 --> 00:38:24,079 understand that >> and my last thing is I don't Mr. Murby 448 00:38:21,839 --> 00:38:28,560 cares about us sponsoring organization. I I care less about that. I mean I think 449 00:38:26,320 --> 00:38:31,359 that if a group of citizens are willing to do it that's fine. and that's all 450 00:38:30,240 --> 00:38:35,200 that's needed. So, >> so Pete, I think that's a policy 451 00:38:33,599 --> 00:38:39,119 decision we have to make as a select board to set the guidelines. So, I 452 00:38:37,280 --> 00:38:42,000 appreciate your opinion. You've heard mine. We haven't done what we need to 453 00:38:41,119 --> 00:38:45,760 do. >> Yep. We don't have a policy on this yet. 454 00:38:44,560 --> 00:38:47,920 » Okay. >> And this something that the audience 455 00:38:46,800 --> 00:38:49,440 will want to speak about. >> Say again. 456 00:38:48,320 --> 00:38:52,440 » You're you're good. >> Okay. 457 00:38:54,079 --> 00:38:59,440 » Anything anything further or >> That's it. Unless you have any more 458 00:38:57,599 --> 00:39:03,200 questions or We have a motion. 459 00:39:00,640 --> 00:39:04,320 » Yes. Motion to Yeah. Motion moved. So moved. 460 00:39:03,520 --> 00:39:07,680 » No, no, because >> Oh, we have to clarify. Okay. 461 00:39:05,760 --> 00:39:10,800 » Went beyond the first year. >> Just a motion to authorize them for this 462 00:39:09,520 --> 00:39:14,480 year. >> Oh, right, right, right. Yep. Yep. Yep. 463 00:39:12,160 --> 00:39:18,480 Good catch. Um, so motion >> subject to guidelines of the policies 464 00:39:16,720 --> 00:39:20,960 that we set. Still got work to do. >> So that would mean just every year we'd 465 00:39:19,839 --> 00:39:23,920 have to come back in front of the select board and do the same thing. Okay. 466 00:39:22,560 --> 00:39:26,720 » Yeah. And everyone does it for different events to to Mark's point that 467 00:39:25,839 --> 00:39:29,280 » email me. >> Okay. We we can't tell every future. 468 00:39:28,800 --> 00:39:31,920 Yeah. >> Well, to the 469 00:39:30,240 --> 00:39:34,880 » we can't commit future board members to our decision. 470 00:39:32,800 --> 00:39:38,000 » To the extent that the cost of this was was driving, please tell us we're going 471 00:39:36,800 --> 00:39:41,680 to be able to use it for more than one year. I hope what you've heard from us 472 00:39:39,760 --> 00:39:46,160 is our sentiment is that's what we want to see. We just need to kind of work our 473 00:39:44,560 --> 00:39:52,079 way into exactly how this works. >> Okay. Thank you. And just to clarify, I 474 00:39:49,040 --> 00:39:57,839 believe the manora we're request is solar um driven. So would not need to 475 00:39:55,440 --> 00:40:03,480 be plugged in. But even better. I love that. 476 00:39:58,400 --> 00:40:03,480 » I think you have somebody like 477 00:40:03,599 --> 00:40:09,599 » you have someone that has their hand raised. 478 00:40:07,119 --> 00:40:11,839 » Would you like me to is the rabbi? Do you want 479 00:40:10,640 --> 00:40:15,760 » No, I think they're two different people. 480 00:40:14,400 --> 00:40:19,440 You okay with her putting something up to speak? 481 00:40:17,760 --> 00:40:25,320 » They they're asking, "Do you want Someone's asking to speak?" 482 00:40:20,640 --> 00:40:25,320 » Oh, well, sure. Yeah, let them speak. 483 00:40:27,599 --> 00:40:39,000 Hi. Um I am the wife. We are responsible of all 484 00:40:39,440 --> 00:40:43,640 including village 485 00:40:44,000 --> 00:40:47,000 north. 486 00:40:47,280 --> 00:40:56,000 Um and um we do celebrations every year at a different 487 00:40:53,760 --> 00:41:01,200 And um just to give a little perspective, the way we dealt with all 488 00:40:58,240 --> 00:41:05,880 the towns is a lot of the town actually purchased the monora like Franken 489 00:41:06,400 --> 00:41:15,599 I think um Milis actually bought the monora the town bought the monora and uh 490 00:41:12,960 --> 00:41:19,680 puts it up every year and stores it and it's basically considered just like all 491 00:41:17,440 --> 00:41:24,400 the holiday decorations. um it gets put up by the town and gets 492 00:41:21,839 --> 00:41:29,920 put down by the town. So all the other monoras uh also gets Franklin we donated 493 00:41:27,599 --> 00:41:36,960 the minor to them and they store it and they put it up and every year I just um 494 00:41:33,599 --> 00:41:42,880 send paperwork for request but I don't have to go to the town and um ask every 495 00:41:39,839 --> 00:41:47,920 year for the you know if they would approve it. It's just paperwork that 496 00:41:45,280 --> 00:41:53,680 gets done every year and um it's been wonderful and we really been seeing a 497 00:41:50,160 --> 00:41:58,640 lot of inclusion and the town usually comes and a lot of 498 00:41:56,400 --> 00:42:03,240 town officials come and speak at at the minor lighting and it's been a great 499 00:42:00,240 --> 00:42:03,240 experience. 500 00:42:03,760 --> 00:42:09,920 » So I just wanted to put it out there maybe if we have you see the first year 501 00:42:07,839 --> 00:42:15,359 how it worked out maybe instead of coming up every year to ask for 502 00:42:11,839 --> 00:42:21,200 permission maybe maybe uh paperwork uh just like one of the application could 503 00:42:17,839 --> 00:42:25,359 be put um and could be sent in a year. >> A a lot of the things that we do are 504 00:42:23,119 --> 00:42:29,920 done on paperwork. People don't always have to show up. It's helpful the first 505 00:42:27,760 --> 00:42:33,280 time we do things that people show up to explain it and answer questions. But 506 00:42:32,000 --> 00:42:39,240 this is the sort of thing that would just get typically approved probably in 507 00:42:35,760 --> 00:42:39,240 subsequent years. 508 00:42:39,440 --> 00:42:46,880 the the the >> the logistic side of this I again 509 00:42:44,400 --> 00:42:52,319 speaking just personally I don't think the t I don't think it's a good idea for 510 00:42:49,520 --> 00:42:56,079 this town to get involved in buying holiday decorations storing holiday 511 00:42:54,400 --> 00:43:00,800 decorations uh because if what we're talking about 512 00:42:58,240 --> 00:43:05,440 here is opening this up this is not a matter of buying one decoration this and 513 00:43:02,720 --> 00:43:10,240 we don't we don't store I think memo memo is fully aware of how the challenge 514 00:43:08,079 --> 00:43:14,400 how challenging it can to store and maintain holiday decorations, but the 515 00:43:12,640 --> 00:43:18,400 the town has deliberately stayed out of that. I would actually think that if 516 00:43:16,720 --> 00:43:22,480 there's issues around separation in church and state, those issues would be 517 00:43:20,960 --> 00:43:26,640 compounded issue, >> right? Then we could make it an issue 518 00:43:24,160 --> 00:43:30,560 and then we could get in trouble. So I I my as a policy I don't think at least 519 00:43:28,800 --> 00:43:35,200 speaking personally I would want us to get into that business in any way shape 520 00:43:32,880 --> 00:43:37,920 or form both because it's a precedent for anybody else that wants to do 521 00:43:36,640 --> 00:43:41,040 something if we're talking about doing things the way we're doing it and 522 00:43:39,119 --> 00:43:46,720 because I think that does put us in legal jeopardy 523 00:43:43,920 --> 00:43:53,200 » anything like give an idea for the town of Medway they have the holiday 524 00:43:50,000 --> 00:43:57,760 celebrations right the tree all the lighting and then they have that they 525 00:43:55,520 --> 00:44:03,040 store and they also store a Quanza which the town actually bought a Quanza uh 526 00:44:00,400 --> 00:44:09,440 thing and what I think is just like the town stores all the holiday decorations 527 00:44:06,160 --> 00:44:13,280 which is Christmas decorations really what what does the town want to store 528 00:44:11,440 --> 00:44:15,839 » we don't we do not >> we don't you guys are like don't ruin it 529 00:44:15,119 --> 00:44:20,720 right like >> yeah no I I think at the end of the day 530 00:44:18,079 --> 00:44:24,160 like we we were very comfortable accepting the responsibility to fund 531 00:44:22,560 --> 00:44:28,720 raise um I think we have enough people in our community that would support a 532 00:44:26,400 --> 00:44:32,800 couple dollars towards a manora. So, I don't think that that's the I don't we 533 00:44:30,240 --> 00:44:36,880 don't want that to be the reason. And as far as storage goes, I think plenty of 534 00:44:35,119 --> 00:44:40,480 us have a basement. I know we this manora collapses down to minimal size. 535 00:44:39,119 --> 00:44:43,599 So, I think we're we're comfortable with taking that on. 536 00:44:41,760 --> 00:44:51,200 There there's another reason in my again my mind is that if if a town is 537 00:44:47,839 --> 00:44:54,480 dependent on a government to do stuff and that's the only way we get it done. 538 00:44:52,960 --> 00:44:59,440 The town buys it, the town stores it, the town decides how to do it. Something 539 00:44:56,480 --> 00:45:05,119 like this should be something that gives people who care the leeway to do things 540 00:45:02,800 --> 00:45:08,560 the way that they would like to do them. couple years ago when we had all the old 541 00:45:07,119 --> 00:45:12,319 lights, the question was, "Well, gee, we think the town should go and replace all 542 00:45:09,920 --> 00:45:15,680 the lights." And we basically said, "No, we're not we're not getting into the 543 00:45:13,760 --> 00:45:20,079 decoration business, we we're strapped enough as it is paying for the things 544 00:45:17,599 --> 00:45:23,920 that are essential." So, uh, for me, at least philosophically, there's another 545 00:45:21,680 --> 00:45:27,280 piece piece of this that says sometimes I'm I have a libertarian tendency here. 546 00:45:26,000 --> 00:45:31,040 The government ought to stay out of people's lives when it comes to things 547 00:45:29,440 --> 00:45:35,440 that people do because they want to do it. Let them have the room to do it. If 548 00:45:33,440 --> 00:45:38,960 you can support them, if you can't support them, stay out of their way. 549 00:45:37,440 --> 00:45:42,079 But, but if you can support them and make it a little easier for them to do 550 00:45:40,480 --> 00:45:45,599 it, give them the ability to do what they see fit. And that's how I look at 551 00:45:44,720 --> 00:45:49,066 it at least. >> So, motion, 552 00:45:47,040 --> 00:45:53,680 » tell me if I'm going to read the [laughter] Please go ahead. 553 00:45:49,839 --> 00:45:58,640 » Uh, all right. Uh, so motion to permit permission per uh permit 554 00:45:56,560 --> 00:46:03,359 a display of an outdoor electric monora in Baxter Park during Hanukkah this 555 00:46:00,720 --> 00:46:07,920 winter. um along the brief public lighting celebration on the evening of 556 00:46:05,200 --> 00:46:11,200 the holiday and further um pending and Gus can help me pending approval of the 557 00:46:10,000 --> 00:46:15,760 policy guidelines. >> Pend pending compliance with the policy 558 00:46:13,599 --> 00:46:20,079 guidelines set by the select board and in coordination with memo. 559 00:46:18,160 --> 00:46:22,880 » Okay. >> Before you do that, can I ask a 560 00:46:21,839 --> 00:46:24,960 question? >> Grab the mic if you wouldn't mind just 561 00:46:24,000 --> 00:46:30,240 so people at home can hear you. >> And if you can speak louder, I couldn't 562 00:46:26,400 --> 00:46:37,599 hear you. Sure, my voice is gone. But um the holiday is eight nights. Um is this 563 00:46:33,920 --> 00:46:42,960 is what you're reading does it preclude someone or a group of people for light 564 00:46:40,480 --> 00:46:47,359 from lighting the minora each of those eight nights? 565 00:46:45,520 --> 00:46:50,079 » I think that's what they typically do when the others 566 00:46:48,560 --> 00:46:52,240 » I'm fine with that. >> It's electric light, right? You're 567 00:46:51,200 --> 00:46:55,680 really not lighting it. So you're just flipping the switch. Yeah. All right. 568 00:46:53,912 --> 00:46:58,240 [laughter] All right. No firesation on one night and then 569 00:46:56,560 --> 00:47:00,640 » fire department go and 570 00:46:59,040 --> 00:47:05,599 » we're not letting >> Yeah, I think that that Yeah, 571 00:47:02,400 --> 00:47:11,040 » just wanted to check. Thank you. >> Actually, another thought occurred to 572 00:47:07,359 --> 00:47:17,200 me. So, our lights are on a timer. They go on at 4:30 and they go off around 1. 573 00:47:15,359 --> 00:47:20,800 How are you You're not going to have your manure on all night, are you? 574 00:47:19,760 --> 00:47:24,560 » She said they're solar. >> Solar. 575 00:47:21,760 --> 00:47:30,000 » I believe it's solar driven. Don't solar items stay on longer than the sun. 576 00:47:27,200 --> 00:47:32,400 » It probably have a light sensor on it as well? I don't know if 577 00:47:31,119 --> 00:47:36,960 » And there are multiple options. They're different. Um, 578 00:47:33,119 --> 00:47:40,480 » well, 4:30 is when sun goes down. It >> you're not going to want this to go off 579 00:47:38,560 --> 00:47:44,079 at 4:30. My thought. >> No. 580 00:47:41,599 --> 00:47:46,720 » Anyway, there should be consideration as to when this is going to be on and off. 581 00:47:46,400 --> 00:47:50,240 Y >> and how you're going to flip the switch. 582 00:47:48,960 --> 00:47:53,280 » Okay. >> My only thought. you're buying it in 583 00:47:51,599 --> 00:47:56,880 2026. There's got to be an app. >> Yeah, [laughter] I'm sure. Yeah. 584 00:47:54,880 --> 00:47:59,599 » You said it's being done in multiple communities. There's all kinds of 585 00:47:58,560 --> 00:48:02,079 resources. >> Yeah, we're good. 586 00:48:00,560 --> 00:48:04,160 » All right. So, we'll give that motion. >> Yep. Second. 587 00:48:03,119 --> 00:48:06,560 » All those in favor? >> I 588 00:48:05,680 --> 00:48:10,319 thank you. >> Thank you very much. 589 00:48:07,520 --> 00:48:15,040 » Appreciate you doing it. Our 590 00:48:12,480 --> 00:48:19,760 next appointment is with Rob Quinn, facilities director, and Ben Jackovitz, 591 00:48:18,000 --> 00:48:24,319 project and procurement manager, to request the following vote to sign the 592 00:48:21,359 --> 00:48:29,200 investment grade audit agreement with energy efficient investments, Inc. for 593 00:48:27,280 --> 00:48:33,440 project development services to identify economically feasible energy 594 00:48:30,960 --> 00:48:39,440 conservation measures. B. He vote to sign Green Community Standard 595 00:48:34,800 --> 00:48:45,440 Commonwealth contract for $212,537 to fund energy conservation measures, 596 00:48:41,839 --> 00:48:49,359 hybrid rooftop, heat unit, pump unit, heat pump, and roof insulation and 597 00:48:47,280 --> 00:48:54,559 ceiling and municipal facilities, including high school. C. Vote to 598 00:48:51,359 --> 00:49:00,559 authorize a six-year contract with Vadar Systems for tax collection software in 599 00:48:57,200 --> 00:49:05,079 the amount of $177,14. Annual cost of the contract is 600 00:49:02,079 --> 00:49:05,079 $28,452.32. 601 00:49:05,440 --> 00:49:10,960 Welcome and thank you for coming. Thank you for pursuing all of this too. 602 00:49:09,200 --> 00:49:14,739 » Thanks for [clears throat] having us. Uh so you want to start with the first one, 603 00:49:12,240 --> 00:49:16,240 I take it, the audit. So >> [clears throat] 604 00:49:14,880 --> 00:49:23,599 » uh we've been working on this for a few months now. Um the process was we did an 605 00:49:19,760 --> 00:49:29,149 RFQ um for uh energy management services. We received a handful of bids, 606 00:49:26,640 --> 00:49:32,160 review of those bid documents, and we [clears throat] determined after 607 00:49:29,920 --> 00:49:37,520 reviewing the bid documents that EI would best serve the town. So, with that 608 00:49:35,040 --> 00:49:45,119 being said, uh the next step in that process is this contract that's in front 609 00:49:40,160 --> 00:49:50,880 of you. um that would allow EI to do a full audit of each building 610 00:49:46,960 --> 00:49:54,800 independently in each building um and present that audit to the town with 611 00:49:53,119 --> 00:49:58,624 multiple projects independent projects in each building u with the goal of 612 00:49:57,119 --> 00:50:03,359 saving energy and upgrading [clears throat] equipment. Each project 613 00:50:00,880 --> 00:50:09,440 would be reviewed independently um and independent contracts will be 614 00:50:06,079 --> 00:50:16,160 signed to move forward on each project. I would just add that the audit is uh 615 00:50:12,640 --> 00:50:22,000 with this particular company is uh no charge. So essentially they would be 616 00:50:18,880 --> 00:50:27,359 doing a high level audit of every building you know with utility 617 00:50:24,559 --> 00:50:32,240 incentives and uh energy savings identified that would allow us to you 618 00:50:30,400 --> 00:50:37,040 know decide if the projects that they identify are worth doing or not. 619 00:50:35,359 --> 00:50:41,599 That's good. >> The other value of the audit for myself 620 00:50:39,040 --> 00:50:45,359 is um it's going to help us build a roadmap for our 20-year capital plan. 621 00:50:43,760 --> 00:50:49,760 We'll see a handful of projects. We'll see uh budgets thrown out over the next, 622 00:50:47,839 --> 00:50:53,040 you know, 10 to 12 years, figure out which projects we want to slate, which 623 00:50:51,599 --> 00:50:57,630 projects we want to move forward, and it'll also help us with green community 624 00:50:54,720 --> 00:50:57,630 submittals. [clears throat] 625 00:50:58,720 --> 00:51:04,559 » Okay. Thank you. Um Mr. Ricky, >> so these guys know what generally what 626 00:51:03,200 --> 00:51:08,400 I'm going to say. I've spent about two and a half hours with them going over 627 00:51:06,000 --> 00:51:12,960 this one particular contract and I'm going to make a few editorial comments. 628 00:51:09,920 --> 00:51:16,400 I I endorse recommend we approve it. So my position is that we should approve 629 00:51:14,319 --> 00:51:19,839 it, but it took me two and a half hours and two different conversations to 630 00:51:18,079 --> 00:51:24,079 satisfy myself on a couple things. Three. Well, I was [laughter] 631 00:51:22,640 --> 00:51:28,640 » I don't want to make it sound that bad, but yeah, it was probably three. The um 632 00:51:26,720 --> 00:51:33,119 the issue here, so as you just heard this audit, this company is doing it for 633 00:51:30,319 --> 00:51:40,079 free. There are terms in the contract that relate to what this downstream work 634 00:51:36,079 --> 00:51:43,520 will be if they get it. And so, as I I commented to the two of them, there's 635 00:51:42,000 --> 00:51:47,760 for me there's an issue around good faith contracting. Uh if you were to 636 00:51:46,640 --> 00:51:50,559 just say, "Oh, they're going to do this for free. We'll get that and then we'll 637 00:51:48,960 --> 00:51:54,559 just kick them out the door." There's an issue of this is on pure ethical 638 00:51:52,480 --> 00:51:59,599 grounds, good faith contracting. and potentially if they were like a 639 00:51:57,119 --> 00:52:03,920 fraudulent pre-notion that we weren't going to use them, there's probably even 640 00:52:01,520 --> 00:52:08,559 legal bad faith contracting. That's not what's happening here. I'm satisfied 641 00:52:05,200 --> 00:52:13,680 that's not what's happening here. Uh I don't like in principle, I don't like 642 00:52:11,520 --> 00:52:18,480 negotiating a contract for this piece of work that contains terms and conditions 643 00:52:16,720 --> 00:52:21,839 for what the follow-on work is going to look like because you're in that that's 644 00:52:20,000 --> 00:52:27,599 the weakest position you could be in to negotiate. Having said all that, Rob 645 00:52:24,240 --> 00:52:31,520 sent me the other two biders. Uh, and part of why they bid that way is because 646 00:52:29,599 --> 00:52:36,400 that was the format that the RFP called for. Uh, and in fact, I am convinced 647 00:52:34,880 --> 00:52:40,240 that this particular company of the three biders, they all did something 648 00:52:37,920 --> 00:52:44,640 very very similar in terms of in fact the third bidder did was worse on cost. 649 00:52:43,440 --> 00:52:47,040 I can't see how it wouldn't have been far worse. It was we're going to charge 650 00:52:45,920 --> 00:52:53,119 you for the audit. We're going to charge you more as our markup on the projects. 651 00:52:50,000 --> 00:52:58,000 So I I am satisfied that this we basically we got three bids and they 652 00:52:55,839 --> 00:53:01,359 were comparable bids and this was the only company that said we'll do the 653 00:52:58,960 --> 00:53:06,960 audit for free but their markup was at least in line with the other two uh and 654 00:53:05,280 --> 00:53:11,520 it was definitely better than one of them. So I'm holding my nose on the 655 00:53:09,920 --> 00:53:14,800 stuff I don't like about contract management uh and think we should 656 00:53:14,000 --> 00:53:21,440 approve this. >> Okay. Anything further 657 00:53:18,720 --> 00:53:23,920 » from myself? No, that's it. You're all set. 658 00:53:22,079 --> 00:53:26,319 » No, I'm good. I read through it. I understand what you guys are up against. 659 00:53:25,200 --> 00:53:31,119 I love the fact that it's going to help us sitting on the budget, the the 660 00:53:28,880 --> 00:53:35,240 capital budget. We have some challenging years ahead. So, I appreciate this. 661 00:53:35,359 --> 00:53:40,319 » I think you actually have a comment to speak. 662 00:53:39,599 --> 00:53:47,040 » Okay, >> go ahead. 663 00:53:43,200 --> 00:53:53,839 » Yeah. Hi, good evening 24 Marlin Road. Um, thank you so much to to to to Rob 664 00:53:50,800 --> 00:54:00,160 and the facilitative department for taking this on. I'm thrilled to see that 665 00:53:56,880 --> 00:54:05,920 the town is looking to uh work on energy efficiency in in our buildings. Um my 666 00:54:04,079 --> 00:54:14,000 first question relates to you know the audit you said it was a high level audit 667 00:54:10,000 --> 00:54:20,880 on energy usage, energy efficiency and utility incentives. Um, how is this 668 00:54:18,240 --> 00:54:26,480 different from the audit that was done uh what a year and a half ago or two 669 00:54:22,880 --> 00:54:31,760 years ago uh where we looked at the energy efficiency and the sort of 670 00:54:28,559 --> 00:54:35,680 potential costs of upgrading buildings. Um 671 00:54:33,440 --> 00:54:40,240 » I think that I believe that this audit's going to dig much deeper. Uh I believe 672 00:54:37,839 --> 00:54:46,559 that the audit that was done a year ago, we'll call it was more of an overview. 673 00:54:42,559 --> 00:54:51,599 This is going to be job specific. um much more in depth directly in get 674 00:54:49,200 --> 00:54:55,359 directly contact the utilities directly chase grants show the town how they can 675 00:54:54,000 --> 00:54:58,480 save energy on these maybe electrification who knows but at the end 676 00:54:57,119 --> 00:55:02,400 of the day it's going to be a much deeper dive than the audit we received 677 00:55:00,720 --> 00:55:06,400 in the past >> that that is fantastic I'm I'm very 678 00:55:04,240 --> 00:55:11,440 happy to hear that the other question I have um and that's something that the 679 00:55:09,040 --> 00:55:18,480 energy committee has has sort of talked about for for many years is the the um 680 00:55:15,520 --> 00:55:24,880 sort of calibration of existing equipment and then energy savings that 681 00:55:20,480 --> 00:55:31,760 could be done by adjusting uh efficiency of existing equipment of um educating um 682 00:55:28,880 --> 00:55:38,240 you know personnel even the users of a building on how to to use the equipment 683 00:55:34,960 --> 00:55:42,480 efficiency efficiently so we don't have heating to 80 degrees and windows open 684 00:55:40,400 --> 00:55:46,640 in the winter and that sort of thing. Um does that audit some of these questions 685 00:55:45,359 --> 00:55:51,040 as well. >> They'll address all those questions. 686 00:55:49,440 --> 00:55:57,200 » Fantastic. Thank you to both of you and to the 687 00:55:53,040 --> 00:56:00,640 department for um pursuing this. >> Thanks, Ellie. 688 00:55:59,359 --> 00:56:02,960 » You want a motion on that individual item? 689 00:56:02,079 --> 00:56:06,000 » I'm sorry. >> Chris, do you want in a a motion for 690 00:56:05,040 --> 00:56:07,040 that individual item? >> Yes, please. 691 00:56:06,480 --> 00:56:08,720 » Okay. >> Is there anybody else, Chris, or was 692 00:56:08,480 --> 00:56:12,960 that it? >> Nope, that was it. Just Hilly. Not just 693 00:56:10,880 --> 00:56:16,000 Hilly. It was Hilly. [laughter] >> Sorry, Hilly. wonderful thing that you 694 00:56:14,559 --> 00:56:19,599 guys are doing and I appreciate you doing it and seeing if we can save some 695 00:56:18,240 --> 00:56:22,880 energy, save some money. >> Absolutely. 696 00:56:20,880 --> 00:56:24,480 » So, want to have a motion then? >> Motion. So, moved. 697 00:56:23,920 --> 00:56:31,680 » Second. >> All those in favor? I I 698 00:56:28,079 --> 00:56:36,079 » B green communities money. >> Uh so it's it's RTU5. I don't have that 699 00:56:34,240 --> 00:56:40,144 literature in front of me. It's RTU5, which is the rooftop unit that feeds the 700 00:56:38,559 --> 00:56:43,599 auditorium at the high school. [clears throat] 701 00:56:40,880 --> 00:56:48,880 unit was installed in 1996. Parts are obsolete. The refrigerants 702 00:56:45,599 --> 00:56:54,400 R22. Um it's a difficult unit to to keep running and to um it's very costly. Um 703 00:56:52,960 --> 00:56:57,760 we've been working on this again for months. This is the submitt that we're 704 00:56:56,400 --> 00:57:02,079 we're putting forward for the green communities for this year. Um it's 705 00:57:00,799 --> 00:57:05,839 pretty cut and dry on what's in front of you. And um and then we're what we're 706 00:57:04,799 --> 00:57:10,160 looking to do is we're looking to get rid of a larger unit that's up there. 707 00:57:07,920 --> 00:57:15,119 Get a more efficient with a heat pump backup which will be the energy savings 708 00:57:12,640 --> 00:57:18,880 there. That's what that's the goal. >> Didn't we have to replace one of the 709 00:57:16,720 --> 00:57:22,480 units up there recently that we >> replace five this summer? 710 00:57:21,040 --> 00:57:28,119 » Now what you replace on the emergency basis was uh condensate tanks at Dale 711 00:57:25,119 --> 00:57:28,119 Street. 712 00:57:28,400 --> 00:57:34,400 Um the only [clears throat] question I had it was just a curiosity question was 713 00:57:32,799 --> 00:57:37,200 given that we just when we talked about the investment grade audit taking a 714 00:57:36,000 --> 00:57:40,319 comprehensive look at all the opportunities when I read this one is 715 00:57:39,200 --> 00:57:45,040 the next one I was saying yeah actually we've got a moving train and I was just 716 00:57:42,960 --> 00:57:48,960 curious about how a project like this does or doesn't intersect with the 717 00:57:47,280 --> 00:57:51,440 investment grade audit. >> Well we had to have a greens community 718 00:57:50,319 --> 00:57:54,240 submitt right >> and we knew that this had to be done. So 719 00:57:52,960 --> 00:57:56,780 we had to move forward with that because you know how long it takes to get that 720 00:57:55,440 --> 00:58:00,240 submitt and we weren't aware [clears throat] we weren't positive 721 00:57:57,680 --> 00:58:02,400 we're going to get this audit signed. So either we stand still and do nothing and 722 00:58:01,839 --> 00:58:06,960 we move. >> Okay. So maybe my question is is will 723 00:58:04,960 --> 00:58:10,480 this still be part of the audit or >> they will audit that? Yes. 724 00:58:08,000 --> 00:58:13,599 » Oh, they will. Okay. Okay. 725 00:58:12,079 --> 00:58:16,720 » Miss Murphy, any questions? >> No, I'm good. 726 00:58:14,640 --> 00:58:21,520 » I'm good, too. Do I have a motion then, please? A motion to vote to sign the 727 00:58:20,000 --> 00:58:27,040 Green Community Standard Commonwealth contract for $212,537 728 00:58:25,359 --> 00:58:32,079 to fund energy conservation measures, hybrid rooftop unit, heat pump and roof 729 00:58:30,000 --> 00:58:34,480 installation and ceiling in municipal facilities including high school. 730 00:58:33,920 --> 00:58:37,839 » Second. >> All those in favor? I 731 00:58:35,839 --> 00:58:44,160 » I >> and C the uh uh tax collection software. 732 00:58:43,285 --> 00:58:49,280 » [snorts] >> So, uh, the 733 00:58:47,520 --> 00:58:54,960 software that the town has used for numerous years informed us recently that 734 00:58:52,960 --> 00:59:00,799 they're discontinuing service at the end of this year. So, we put out an RFP to 735 00:58:58,640 --> 00:59:06,319 solicit bids for a new software that we could implement. Um, which was done 736 00:59:03,280 --> 00:59:11,599 recently and we received five bids and the consensus was that this software 737 00:59:08,640 --> 00:59:18,160 that Vadar uh is proposing was the best for the town. Um, so this 738 00:59:14,960 --> 00:59:24,480 contract is a three-year contract that would essentially get us the transition 739 00:59:21,760 --> 00:59:29,040 from Patriot Collect Pro over to this new Vadar system. And it would be for, 740 00:59:27,040 --> 00:59:33,440 you know, three years of, you know, maintenance and service and whatever 741 00:59:30,160 --> 00:59:35,760 else the town will need. Um, so 742 00:59:34,319 --> 00:59:37,760 » is it very >> So it's not a six-year contract. 743 00:59:37,119 --> 00:59:43,280 » It's not >> it's not a six-year contract. Um, where 744 00:59:40,160 --> 00:59:48,960 the six years comes from is as part of Vadar's proposal, they offered it's 745 00:59:45,839 --> 00:59:56,319 essentially six years of fixed pricing, um, which distributes the what would be 746 00:59:52,960 --> 01:00:01,040 a very expensive upfront cost. Um essentially we'll distribute that 747 00:59:58,000 --> 01:00:04,559 through uh you know three years which will you know give us the benefit of not 748 01:00:03,440 --> 01:00:07,760 having to pay right >> you know three times as much upfront. 749 01:00:06,160 --> 01:00:12,000 » Yeah. So, to give you a little a little more context, um, Ben, thank you. Uh, 750 01:00:10,640 --> 01:00:15,040 you summarized it better than I could, but to give you a little more context, 751 01:00:13,200 --> 01:00:18,880 when he says we've had collect for a few years, it was 26 years ago. Um, 752 01:00:16,951 --> 01:00:24,799 [laughter] when we put it in, and Ben probably wasn't born yet, but, um, 753 01:00:22,240 --> 01:00:29,839 it's killing me these days, people. Um, anyway, um, they notified us two years 754 01:00:28,160 --> 01:00:33,839 after town meeting. So, normally this is a request that you would have seen in 755 01:00:31,119 --> 01:00:37,920 the capital budget, um, especially for a cost this, uh, expensive. Um, we 756 01:00:36,480 --> 01:00:41,200 anticipated, if you'll remember last year, we upgraded AssessPro to 757 01:00:39,920 --> 01:00:45,839 cloud-based. We did that through the capital budget. Uh, we anticipated in 758 01:00:43,680 --> 01:00:49,200 talking to CollectPro, CollectPro, that we had three more years to do that. It 759 01:00:47,680 --> 01:00:52,559 was anticipated it would be added into the capital budget this year. They 760 01:00:50,960 --> 01:00:56,640 notified us, like I said, two weeks after town meeting and said, "We can't 761 01:00:54,559 --> 01:00:59,839 support it. We've tried repeatedly to get them to give us an extra year 762 01:00:58,160 --> 01:01:04,240 because we don't have an appropriation for this." Um, Ben immediately got the 763 01:01:02,640 --> 01:01:08,000 bid on the street, which was fantastic. We worked on it all summer and got this 764 01:01:05,760 --> 01:01:12,400 in front of you. I think that Vadar recognizes we're not the only town in 765 01:01:10,079 --> 01:01:15,119 this situation um that has a huge capital expense with no appropriation, 766 01:01:13,920 --> 01:01:20,640 which is why I think you see the generous six-year u payoff for that. Um 767 01:01:18,559 --> 01:01:24,559 I've talked to um the chair of the warrant committee and I will be be 768 01:01:22,319 --> 01:01:28,079 bringing a reserve fund request. We hate to do that right at the beginning of the 769 01:01:26,079 --> 01:01:32,480 year. Um but we also need to collect taxes in order to have a second year. um 770 01:01:31,119 --> 01:01:36,319 is probably the most key piece of software we have uh in the town. So I 771 01:01:34,799 --> 01:01:40,880 will be asking for a reserve fund request to fund the first year and then 772 01:01:38,480 --> 01:01:45,359 subsequent years will be uh budgeted in the IT budget going forward. Um and that 773 01:01:43,040 --> 01:01:49,359 will that cost will be offset by what we currently budget for the collect pro 774 01:01:46,799 --> 01:01:54,000 system. Um but this was definitely an emergency basis. 775 01:01:51,680 --> 01:01:57,359 » Thank you Mr. Burby. Any issues? >> Just just one clarify. You you and I 776 01:01:55,680 --> 01:02:01,839 have already exchanged an email. So just I'm doing this for the record. The 777 01:01:59,680 --> 01:02:07,520 agenda on the on our meeting agenda, this is a six-year contract. Is this a 778 01:02:04,720 --> 01:02:11,680 the contracting term that we're approving tonight is a three-year 779 01:02:10,079 --> 01:02:17,520 contract. >> They are provided for years four, five, 780 01:02:14,799 --> 01:02:21,440 and six, the pricing that will be in place. And the only question I have for 781 01:02:19,359 --> 01:02:24,559 you given in this conversation is when you and I exchanged the emails, it 782 01:02:23,119 --> 01:02:30,079 sounded like it was a three-year contract with three one-year extension 783 01:02:27,680 --> 01:02:33,200 options to make it six years. Is that the right way to characterize it? 784 01:02:31,920 --> 01:02:36,240 » Yes, that's correct. >> Okay. Just want to make sure. Okay, 785 01:02:35,440 --> 01:02:40,880 » M. Murphy. >> And then if I read correctly, the the 786 01:02:38,480 --> 01:02:45,520 challenge you have or the should we say uh the opportunity you have here is that 787 01:02:43,200 --> 01:02:49,680 26 years of using this software package, there isn't an easy transition. So, it's 788 01:02:47,680 --> 01:02:54,559 not like the two are mildly compatible and one can. 789 01:02:50,559 --> 01:02:59,280 » So, is that a little uh gut-wrenching or >> uh So, I it'll mostly be the treasur's 790 01:02:57,680 --> 01:03:02,400 office and assessor's office. >> So, George is ready. 791 01:03:00,160 --> 01:03:04,720 » Yeah, we uh Georgia actually um she might have had a fever today when she 792 01:03:03,520 --> 01:03:08,960 told me she was excited about this transition. Um but she is excited. Uh it 793 01:03:07,599 --> 01:03:11,839 comes with a lot more bells and whistles as you can imagine the software we've 794 01:03:10,319 --> 01:03:16,160 had for 26 years. >> Um she's excited about the transition. 795 01:03:13,920 --> 01:03:20,960 Vadar has done multiple transitions from Collect Pro um to the Vadar system. So, 796 01:03:18,640 --> 01:03:23,039 we feel prepared um that they can do this seamlessly for us. 797 01:03:22,000 --> 01:03:25,680 » Okay, great. >> It's funny. The question I did have for 798 01:03:24,400 --> 01:03:30,640 Christian earlier today is like how did Ben get roped into this? [laughter] 799 01:03:27,599 --> 01:03:32,559 » Because now our procurement specialist, so 800 01:03:31,119 --> 01:03:36,960 » just just you to help. >> Yeah, he moves things more than help. 801 01:03:34,799 --> 01:03:40,160 » Yes, he's moving projects along much more quickly than I can. So, I 802 01:03:38,799 --> 01:03:44,160 appreciate that. >> What's out of Actton? 803 01:03:42,240 --> 01:03:47,920 » Actton. Yeah. >> So, my question had to do with the fact 804 01:03:45,839 --> 01:03:53,039 that I saw that it was not compatible with Munis and with GIS and that we 805 01:03:51,119 --> 01:03:56,079 didn't get the 10-year data conversion that we were looking for. And I'm 806 01:03:54,559 --> 01:03:59,039 gathering that you guys don't care about that so much. 807 01:03:56,960 --> 01:04:04,400 » So, yeah, like I said, I was one of the three reviewers, uh, Georgia and Ivonne 808 01:04:01,280 --> 01:04:08,640 as well, and that was not a, you know, a dealbreaker by any means. So, 809 01:04:06,000 --> 01:04:14,559 » okay. Do we have a motion then? >> All right. Motion to 810 01:04:12,559 --> 01:04:17,760 authorize a six-year contract with >> threeear. 811 01:04:15,440 --> 01:04:20,880 » Oh, yes. Soon as I saw them to cross it out. Yeah. Three year. Uh vote to 812 01:04:19,599 --> 01:04:25,760 authorize a three-year contract with Vadar Systems for TA Collection Software 813 01:04:22,720 --> 01:04:30,119 in the amount of 177,14. Annual cost of contract is $28,452.32. 814 01:04:31,119 --> 01:04:37,280 » So I'm guessing that $177,000 is the sixyear number then. Is it 815 01:04:35,520 --> 01:04:40,960 » correct? Yes, that's the total six years. 816 01:04:39,440 --> 01:04:47,480 » Yeah, that sounds correct. >> So, we will vote to authorize a contract 817 01:04:43,200 --> 01:04:47,480 of three years at $28,452.32 818 01:04:47,680 --> 01:04:52,799 » per year. >> Per year. That which I read. Yeah. 819 01:04:50,799 --> 01:04:54,880 Annual cost of the contract is. >> Is there a second to that? 820 01:04:54,079 --> 01:04:58,559 » Second. >> All those in favor? 821 01:04:55,920 --> 01:05:00,000 » I I thank you so much. >> Thank you guys. 822 01:04:59,280 --> 01:05:05,039 » Thank you guys. >> For the town. Our next appointment 823 01:05:02,799 --> 01:05:10,640 number five is with Carolyn Casey, school building committee co-chair and 824 01:05:07,119 --> 01:05:15,280 Jeff Demo, Dale Street owners project manager to discuss market conditions for 825 01:05:13,119 --> 01:05:19,799 school construction projects and bills here too. Thank you for coming. 826 01:05:23,039 --> 01:05:26,559 » Miko, thank you for taking us on. I understand you're a Medfield resident, 827 01:05:26,079 --> 01:05:28,720 so >> proud resident of Medfield. Absolutely. 828 01:05:28,240 --> 01:05:31,680 It is. >> Do you want me to start sharing right 829 01:05:30,079 --> 01:05:35,440 away or do you want to introduce me first couple minutes? 830 01:05:32,880 --> 01:05:39,119 » Perfect. Thank you. Um Carolyn Casey 29 South Street Jeff 831 01:05:38,240 --> 01:05:42,160 170 Granite Street >> and co-chair with me Bill Warner 832 01:05:41,119 --> 01:05:48,480 » Ten Gary >> Tengary. Um thank you so much for having 833 01:05:45,039 --> 01:05:52,240 us here tonight. Um I was here just you know a couple weeks ago and gave you an 834 01:05:50,160 --> 01:05:55,839 update as to the what the school building is working on at the moment. 835 01:05:54,319 --> 01:06:01,280 And for those who don't know, we're started the design process which starts 836 01:05:58,480 --> 01:06:07,839 with gathering data. So there are many things happening. We're have um a forum 837 01:06:04,640 --> 01:06:15,039 on the 15th, a virtual forum to explain data about the space at Dale compared to 838 01:06:12,319 --> 01:06:21,520 what MSBA wants for space in a school building. We have a visioning session on 839 01:06:18,240 --> 01:06:26,400 September 29th. Everybody's invited. The focus of that visioning session is on 840 01:06:24,000 --> 01:06:30,480 the educational programming because you have to get your educational programming 841 01:06:28,400 --> 01:06:36,000 done before you can do your design because the educational program 842 01:06:32,640 --> 01:06:40,079 programming drives the design. So, as we've been gathering data um all over 843 01:06:38,240 --> 01:06:44,000 the community in that Dale, I've been talking to many people about what we're 844 01:06:42,079 --> 01:06:47,760 doing. Uh lots of interest, lots of enthusiasm, which we really appreciate. 845 01:06:46,160 --> 01:06:53,280 Uh but we also had a lot of questions about well what do schools cost and 846 01:06:51,039 --> 01:06:57,520 there's been all kinds of ranges that people have offered to me. So, I thought 847 01:06:55,839 --> 01:07:03,119 it might be helpful if we brought the expert who builds schools um in 848 01:07:00,960 --> 01:07:08,319 Massachusetts and elementary to just do a short presentation on the current 849 01:07:05,680 --> 01:07:12,960 market conditions to help everybody sort of understand for schools out there 850 01:07:11,039 --> 01:07:18,400 being built a couple years ago or right now or just out to bid what they are, 851 01:07:16,079 --> 01:07:23,039 what the size is, and what they cost. So Jeff's going to do that for us and then 852 01:07:20,400 --> 01:07:26,240 when he's done, Bill's gonna share a little more information. 853 01:07:25,119 --> 01:07:29,119 » Okay. >> All right. 854 01:07:27,200 --> 01:07:32,160 » We have a couple slides to cover. Um just before I jump into cost, I'll cover 855 01:07:30,880 --> 01:07:34,640 timeline because you know, now that I I'm in front of you as a committee, I 856 01:07:33,680 --> 01:07:39,520 want to talk to you about when we're going to engage you along the way, too, 857 01:07:36,079 --> 01:07:43,839 so you understand the road ahead. Um so as uh Britney brings up the slide, you 858 01:07:41,119 --> 01:07:47,839 can go to the third slide. Right there. Thank you. So up on the 859 01:07:46,000 --> 01:07:51,039 screen there is is a general timeline. So the overall process with the mass 860 01:07:49,440 --> 01:07:55,920 school building authority is broken into three major milestones. Uh each of them 861 01:07:53,119 --> 01:07:59,760 has acronyms that are alphabet soup. Um the first one is called the PDP. So 862 01:07:58,160 --> 01:08:03,440 that's the preliminary design program. That's just what Carolyn has explained 863 01:08:01,440 --> 01:08:07,359 to you just now which is information gathering and that's broken into three 864 01:08:05,359 --> 01:08:10,720 parallel tracks. One is what's happening on the existing 865 01:08:09,119 --> 01:08:14,400 site. You've already chosen Dale. So we're we're zeroed in on the site. We're 866 01:08:12,799 --> 01:08:17,920 looking at the existing building. That's been happening in August and through 867 01:08:15,839 --> 01:08:21,759 September. We're doing traffic counts, uh, geotechnical boring surveys, uh, 868 01:08:20,480 --> 01:08:24,719 combing through the existing building, looking at the mechanical systems. 869 01:08:22,880 --> 01:08:28,239 That's all happening in parallel. Now, we'll, uh, give the community an update 870 01:08:26,239 --> 01:08:32,400 for that and their forum on the 15th of September. In parallel to that, there's 871 01:08:30,400 --> 01:08:36,159 that educational visioning session. So, uh, many meetings with the various 872 01:08:34,000 --> 01:08:39,759 teachers, department heads, uh, leadership at the school to talk about 873 01:08:38,159 --> 01:08:43,359 how you deliver education today in Medfield with the four or five and how 874 01:08:41,279 --> 01:08:46,640 it's going to be delivered tomorrow. Um, that visioning session is broken down 875 01:08:45,120 --> 01:08:49,679 with the educators during the day and then there's a community session at the 876 01:08:48,319 --> 01:08:53,199 end of the month to be invited in to talk about the specifics of that 877 01:08:51,279 --> 01:08:56,960 program. And the third one, which is the most uh, desirable from the public, is 878 01:08:55,759 --> 01:09:00,799 what does it look like? And we're to start to do the long list of options. So 879 01:08:59,279 --> 01:09:04,560 looking at your existing site, where can a building massing go? So at this point 880 01:09:02,719 --> 01:09:08,000 in the stage, we're not nailing down what the building looks like or the 881 01:09:05,839 --> 01:09:11,279 geometry or exactly where it lands. We're looking at many addition 882 01:09:09,520 --> 01:09:15,600 renovation and new construction options on the Dale site and where those kind of 883 01:09:13,679 --> 01:09:19,359 amoeba shapes might bolt onto the existing building or where they can fit 884 01:09:17,279 --> 01:09:22,960 around that building or where modulars or swing spaces may need to be done as 885 01:09:21,359 --> 01:09:27,040 we look at all the various options that are on the table. That's the current 886 01:09:25,120 --> 01:09:30,560 phase. uh we're looking to wrap that up at the end of this year and submit that 887 01:09:28,560 --> 01:09:33,839 to the state. From there, we go into the preferred schematic option, which is the 888 01:09:32,080 --> 01:09:37,040 middle part of the of the leg. That's where the meat happens, right? That's 889 01:09:35,199 --> 01:09:41,199 where you really get to the grind looking at cost, looking at the actual 890 01:09:38,960 --> 01:09:44,640 ad rena and new construction options and come to a conclusion with the building 891 01:09:42,960 --> 01:09:47,839 committee about what's the most fiscally responsible and educationally 892 01:09:46,480 --> 01:09:51,679 appropriate solution for the town of Medfield. Uh we're looking to wrap that 893 01:09:49,839 --> 01:09:54,480 up in the spring time frame. Uh and hopefully by the beginning of April, 894 01:09:52,960 --> 01:09:58,320 we're at a point where we're able to make a decision about whether to go add 895 01:09:56,400 --> 01:10:01,280 rena or new construction. We'd then bring that back to the various other 896 01:09:59,679 --> 01:10:04,800 committees in town such as yourself and the school committee to make a 897 01:10:02,719 --> 01:10:07,920 presentation, explain the why uh and hopefully collect your endorsement 898 01:10:06,000 --> 01:10:11,840 votes. Uh at that point in the process, we'll then submit it to the state where 899 01:10:10,159 --> 01:10:15,120 they'll accept the recommendation. That becomes the option. That's when you've 900 01:10:13,520 --> 01:10:18,640 made the final decisionation on what you're building and where it's going. 901 01:10:16,880 --> 01:10:22,239 There's still a third leg in the process and that's schematic design. that 902 01:10:20,640 --> 01:10:25,840 ultimately dials in all the final decisions. What is the overall cost of 903 01:10:23,920 --> 01:10:29,199 it? What does the building start to look like? Uh are you going to pick a general 904 01:10:27,679 --> 01:10:32,640 contractor versus a construction manager? Uh what are the final decisions 905 01:10:31,199 --> 01:10:36,880 of the mechanical systems, the sustainability decisions? All that feeds 906 01:10:34,800 --> 01:10:40,960 into cost. Uh there's opportunity costs with that, but there's upfront versus 907 01:10:38,560 --> 01:10:44,640 longevity costs and life cycle cost. And we'll talk about that during that leg. 908 01:10:42,960 --> 01:10:47,520 uh we'll we'll have a recommendation from the school building committee on 909 01:10:45,840 --> 01:10:50,239 the final totality of that scope and budget and then again bring it back to 910 01:10:49,120 --> 01:10:54,320 the school committee and the select board for your support votes uh before 911 01:10:52,320 --> 01:10:58,480 we move it forward to the state and that's targeted for October of next 912 01:10:56,480 --> 01:11:01,199 year. Any questions on the overall timeline before we jump into costs? I 913 01:11:00,159 --> 01:11:04,480 know there's a lot there. >> Just had a quick one and it's probably a 914 01:11:03,040 --> 01:11:07,920 question you can't answer yet but I'm going to ask it. You were talking 915 01:11:06,000 --> 01:11:12,400 earlier about building massing and I'm just curious. Do you have have any sense 916 01:11:10,239 --> 01:11:15,840 not around the actual configuration of the footprint but about the square 917 01:11:14,640 --> 01:11:20,239 footage of the footprint? Is this building going to be 50% bigger than 918 01:11:18,000 --> 01:11:22,320 what we currently have? You have any you have anything that gives you an 919 01:11:21,520 --> 01:11:25,120 indication of that yet? >> Um we're at the start line of that now. 920 01:11:23,840 --> 01:11:28,800 We're having those conversations starting to develop. Really the 921 01:11:26,239 --> 01:11:31,920 educational program will dictate that. Uh we know that the building will be you 922 01:11:30,640 --> 01:11:35,600 know smaller than previous studies because the enrollment has been set. 923 01:11:33,440 --> 01:11:39,199 Right now we're only at 460 students which is a reduction from the prior 924 01:11:37,360 --> 01:11:42,800 program. Um so we know the building will be smaller but the final square footage 925 01:11:41,120 --> 01:11:47,600 of where we we're dialed in is not yet there. Um the MSBA program spits out the 926 01:11:45,600 --> 01:11:51,120 baseline which is your floor and then you customize it to to your town 927 01:11:49,600 --> 01:11:55,760 specific needs which will add some square footage. 928 01:11:54,239 --> 01:12:00,159 Right. So with that we'll jump into cost. Um there's a lot to digest with 929 01:11:58,640 --> 01:12:03,280 cost. I don't expect you or the viewers at home to really read this, but it's 930 01:12:01,600 --> 01:12:07,600 available on the MSBA's website, and that's um they've been trending data for 931 01:12:05,360 --> 01:12:11,360 20 years. So, the MSBA reformed back in in 2008. Uh and they've been trending 932 01:12:10,000 --> 01:12:15,679 their data. So, everything you see as an orange square is an actual bid dollar 933 01:12:13,760 --> 01:12:20,000 that was awarded to a contractor, whether GC or CM, it's all in there in 934 01:12:17,920 --> 01:12:25,199 the same data sheet. Um this is all new builds on this particular slide here, uh 935 01:12:22,880 --> 01:12:29,840 which has the greatest amount of data. the um the red bar in the middle is kind 936 01:12:27,920 --> 01:12:32,880 of the when we hit COVID. And I I bring that up as a data point because it 937 01:12:31,360 --> 01:12:37,520 really changed the trajectory of building in the in in the United States 938 01:12:35,040 --> 01:12:41,360 and in in Massachusetts. It used to be inflation was kind of up or down at at 2 939 01:12:39,360 --> 01:12:45,360 to 3% over the year. Sometimes you'd hit a high year and then it would dip down. 940 01:12:43,199 --> 01:12:48,719 Well, in 2020, we certainly throttled back that first year, but then it 941 01:12:46,880 --> 01:12:52,960 throttled forward and went to 8 and a half and then 10 and a half% and then 6% 942 01:12:51,120 --> 01:12:57,600 and that all compounded and it never recovered postcoid. It then normalized 943 01:12:55,520 --> 01:13:01,360 back at the pre-COVID uh escalations of 3% but has stayed on that stiff 944 01:12:59,360 --> 01:13:04,320 trajectory and that's been proven out with all the data that you see here on 945 01:13:02,880 --> 01:13:08,960 the slide and that is available for anybody at home on the MSBA's website. 946 01:13:07,360 --> 01:13:14,239 Important things to note that what's happened over time. So from 2008 uh to 947 01:13:12,159 --> 01:13:20,159 2029 which is where I think the graph ends over that 10 20 year uh horizon it 948 01:13:17,840 --> 01:13:25,120 went from $200 a square foot to over $1,50 a square foot. So the jobs that 949 01:13:22,800 --> 01:13:30,400 are currently being envisioned today to move forward for their funding boats are 950 01:13:27,040 --> 01:13:34,400 between $800 to $1,50 a square foot, which is an astounding number. You know, 951 01:13:32,159 --> 01:13:37,199 all of us that uh build at our homes understand that, you know, the cost of 952 01:13:35,920 --> 01:13:42,239 construction has gone up, but that's astronomical compared to where it's gone 953 01:13:39,360 --> 01:13:45,679 in 20 years. The why, well, a lot of things have changed over that time. Uh 954 01:13:44,000 --> 01:13:50,159 certainly codes have changed. So each year building codes both state and 955 01:13:47,679 --> 01:13:54,159 locally get increased. Um, individual towns opt into the specialized energy 956 01:13:52,159 --> 01:13:58,719 codes or or things related to that with sustainability goals, all electric. Um, 957 01:13:56,640 --> 01:14:03,199 the MSBA adds program requirements along the way such as, you know, second sinks 958 01:14:00,480 --> 01:14:06,239 and classrooms or other programs such as science and technology and things like 959 01:14:04,480 --> 01:14:09,679 that that get added along the way. And so that's some of the reasons at a very 960 01:14:08,000 --> 01:14:15,600 high level of where we went from the $200 20 years ago to the projected over 961 01:14:13,120 --> 01:14:21,199 $1,000 a square foot uh for for future projects. um what could we do to impact 962 01:14:18,400 --> 01:14:26,480 that? Um the next slide u probably kind of covers some u contemporaries as we'll 963 01:14:24,159 --> 01:14:29,760 call them. Um so these are the the all the recent elementary school projects 964 01:14:28,239 --> 01:14:33,520 that were approved within the last two years on the MSBA's website. And so I 965 01:14:31,760 --> 01:14:37,520 pulled out the data there to kind of show where the dollars per square foot 966 01:14:35,120 --> 01:14:41,440 are and also the total project uh budget. And so the dollars per square 967 01:14:39,360 --> 01:14:46,320 foot is related to just the construction dollars itself. So not the uh consultant 968 01:14:44,560 --> 01:14:49,360 costs, not the contingencies you carry, not the insuranceances, not the 969 01:14:48,000 --> 01:14:53,199 furniture, the technology, all those things are in addition to that. We call 970 01:14:50,880 --> 01:14:58,400 that the soft cost of the budget which is essentially if you want to do simple 971 01:14:55,040 --> 01:15:01,920 math, it's between 25 to 30% on top of the construction budget depending on the 972 01:15:00,159 --> 01:15:05,120 size of your job. If you have a much larger job, it'll end up in the lower 973 01:15:03,600 --> 01:15:09,760 end of the scale. If you have a smaller school, which Medfield does fit in the 974 01:15:06,960 --> 01:15:12,800 smaller school uh metric with 460 students, uh it'll be on the larger end 975 01:15:11,360 --> 01:15:16,239 of that range, but we'll dial all that in. Those will be decisions that the 976 01:15:14,320 --> 01:15:18,800 building committee will make. Um real proposals will be put forward with 977 01:15:17,440 --> 01:15:22,640 before we get to the final overall numbers. Another thing to consider here, 978 01:15:21,440 --> 01:15:26,480 when you look at the dollars per square foot, uh these are all the recent ones 979 01:15:24,400 --> 01:15:32,719 in the last two years. They run from $815 a square foot up to uh $964. 980 01:15:31,120 --> 01:15:36,239 That's projecting out two years from now when those jobs go out to bid. So when 981 01:15:34,880 --> 01:15:39,360 we get to the point where the Medfield needs to make their decision, you'll 982 01:15:37,520 --> 01:15:42,159 also be projecting out, you know, a year and a half at a minimum to when you 983 01:15:40,800 --> 01:15:46,080 would go out to bid from the time you lock in your overall budget. So that's 984 01:15:44,080 --> 01:15:50,000 why we build in contingencies and things like that that are occurred. 985 01:15:48,320 --> 01:15:54,080 Size of the building. One more important factor is that if it's a larger school, 986 01:15:51,840 --> 01:15:58,000 if it's a, you know, 600 700 person school, there's lots of fixed costs and 987 01:15:56,560 --> 01:16:01,440 so the dollars per square foot will go down. The gym is same size. the 988 01:15:59,840 --> 01:16:05,120 cafeteria is essentially the same size. The parking lots, the roadways, the 989 01:16:02,960 --> 01:16:08,719 circulation, uh the demolition of other buildings, those are all fixed costs. 990 01:16:06,480 --> 01:16:12,320 The elevator when you have a smaller job is a lot less square footage to spread 991 01:16:10,239 --> 01:16:15,280 that over with. And so that really is part of the reasons why the slide in 992 01:16:13,760 --> 01:16:20,480 front of you kind of runs that gamut from $815 to $964. Now along the way, 993 01:16:19,120 --> 01:16:24,560 the building committee make can make important decisions to help keep that 994 01:16:22,320 --> 01:16:27,440 number as low as possible. um what they skin the building with, what the 995 01:16:25,840 --> 01:16:32,080 finishes are look like in the building, you know, the approach we take for GC 996 01:16:29,360 --> 01:16:34,880 versus CM. Um but there's all trade-off costs and opportunity costs and we'll 997 01:16:33,600 --> 01:16:37,920 bring those decisions to the building committee to make and then bring it back 998 01:16:36,239 --> 01:16:43,360 to the public and let them understand the why. So I know I kind of threw a lot 999 01:16:40,640 --> 01:16:47,120 at you there. Um and that was what I wanted to kind of cover in terms of 1000 01:16:44,640 --> 01:16:52,080 overall cost. Oh, one other point I did want to make is that what was happening 1001 01:16:49,840 --> 01:16:57,040 precoid was there was a gap uh between what the MSBA was reimbursing and what 1002 01:16:54,400 --> 01:17:00,159 the market was bearing. And in postcoid, they've started to close that gap back 1003 01:16:58,640 --> 01:17:04,320 down. So that's good news for Medfield that the reimbursement rates that the 1004 01:17:01,600 --> 01:17:08,159 state is giving um has gone up uh for the dollars per square foot for the 1005 01:17:06,000 --> 01:17:11,440 building. At the time when CO had hit, they had never increased their 1006 01:17:09,679 --> 01:17:16,800 reimbursement rate for furniture or equipment and technology. it had stayed 1007 01:17:13,760 --> 01:17:20,239 the same from 2008 up through 2020. Uh and at that point they've actually now 1008 01:17:18,159 --> 01:17:23,520 increased it and that went up over 50% from what they were originally 1009 01:17:21,199 --> 01:17:26,719 proposing. So there are lots of benefits uh to where we are in the pipeline right 1010 01:17:25,120 --> 01:17:30,719 now that there is additional money from the state. Um the last and final point 1011 01:17:29,120 --> 01:17:34,320 I'll make is that the sustainability goals have changed. They used to offer 1012 01:17:32,320 --> 01:17:37,760 two percentage points for reimbursement. Now you can get up to 4% but you have to 1013 01:17:36,400 --> 01:17:42,159 do more to get that and so there'll be opportunity costs that the committee 1014 01:17:39,440 --> 01:17:46,159 will debate related to those. So, that's a lot. Um, I'll pause here if there are 1015 01:17:43,920 --> 01:17:47,920 any questions before I turn it over to Bill. 1016 01:17:47,120 --> 01:17:49,840 » Mr. Ky. >> Nope. 1017 01:17:49,199 --> 01:17:55,120 » Oh, Bill. >> Yeah. No, I I just wanted to add, um, 1018 01:17:52,560 --> 01:17:58,320 first of all, thanks for having us. Um, you know, I I remember when I joined the 1019 01:17:56,880 --> 01:18:02,320 committee and Augustus, I think we had a conversation one night. Um, my biggest 1020 01:18:00,480 --> 01:18:05,520 risk in terms of like getting this project done all along was like I see 1021 01:18:04,239 --> 01:18:09,440 where the costs have gone in our business every day and they just keep 1022 01:18:07,360 --> 01:18:13,280 going up. And the biggest risk the whole way along was that we were going to run 1023 01:18:11,679 --> 01:18:15,920 the perfect play, deliver the perfect project, and that, you know, the 1024 01:18:14,880 --> 01:18:18,880 taxpayers at the end of the day would say, "No, it's too expensive." Because 1025 01:18:17,600 --> 01:18:22,480 there's certain things we just can't fight. And there's a lot about that 1026 01:18:20,719 --> 01:18:25,280 curve that you saw that we're just not going to be able to fight. So that 1027 01:18:23,760 --> 01:18:29,600 that's the bad news. The good news, as Jeff mentioned, reimbursement rates have 1028 01:18:27,360 --> 01:18:32,480 gone up. That's good. The, you know, committee with the the support of the 1029 01:18:30,960 --> 01:18:36,000 warrant committee had the foresight for the tax mitigation stabilization fund. 1030 01:18:34,640 --> 01:18:39,440 that's going to pay dividends when we get to the vote in terms of helping the 1031 01:18:37,840 --> 01:18:42,880 taxpayers understand that we have put aside a down payment. I think that's a 1032 01:18:41,520 --> 01:18:47,040 great kind of structural thing to do for the long term. But like regardless, 1033 01:18:45,600 --> 01:18:50,800 we're going to wind up ahead on costs where we were the last time around. And 1034 01:18:48,560 --> 01:18:55,440 that's nothing. We have 12 like very very incredible people working every day 1035 01:18:53,040 --> 01:18:59,120 to get a great project delivered. Like we can't go back in time. Like we got to 1036 01:18:57,199 --> 01:19:03,600 deal with what we have. And so part of this education is for for this team, for 1037 01:19:01,440 --> 01:19:08,080 the public to make sure that we continue to just like sound the drum around it's 1038 01:19:06,880 --> 01:19:11,440 going to be more expensive. We're trying to plan for it. We're going to do the 1039 01:19:09,199 --> 01:19:14,480 best we can to mitigate costs, but we kind of have to come to realization 1040 01:19:12,800 --> 01:19:19,600 that, you know, the data is what it is and we have to move forward. So, um, you 1041 01:19:17,440 --> 01:19:24,800 know, I guess my one ask of, you know, this team is to continue to stay 1042 01:19:21,840 --> 01:19:29,199 involved, you know, raise awareness. Um, you know, M. Murphy has been a great 1043 01:19:26,960 --> 01:19:32,640 supporter from the select board. Um we've tried to do our best with 1044 01:19:30,480 --> 01:19:38,560 everything from letters to the editor in the hometown weekly to you know weekly 1045 01:19:35,040 --> 01:19:41,600 recaps to the videos. Um you know everybody tries to show up on the 1046 01:19:39,679 --> 01:19:44,320 videos. I think Christine just got the most likes of all time on the video from 1047 01:19:43,360 --> 01:19:46,480 the last time. So she may [laughter] become a permanent fixture on our 1048 01:19:46,080 --> 01:19:51,360 videos. >> A good thing or a bad thing for you? 1049 01:19:49,199 --> 01:19:54,640 But I think that like we've um we're doing our best on community engagement 1050 01:19:52,880 --> 01:19:58,560 and um you know it's been a little bit of a struggle so far because I think 1051 01:19:56,000 --> 01:20:01,040 people will show up at the end when the dollars and the plan are in front of 1052 01:19:59,760 --> 01:20:06,000 them and and you guys know that better than anybody in terms of um you how the 1053 01:20:03,440 --> 01:20:09,120 public engages. So um you know I would just ask you know the three of you as 1054 01:20:07,600 --> 01:20:13,440 huge proponents of what we're trying to do. You know stay informed like call us 1055 01:20:11,520 --> 01:20:16,719 with questions um you know read the newsletters, watch the videos. Um, we're 1056 01:20:15,600 --> 01:20:20,400 trying to get all the information we out that we can and the more that um, this 1057 01:20:18,480 --> 01:20:23,520 entire team can kind of raise the awareness of the town, the better we'll 1058 01:20:22,080 --> 01:20:26,640 be when we get to the vote because I think we all agree that we we got to get 1059 01:20:25,199 --> 01:20:32,880 this right and we can't deal with another failed project vote. So, 1060 01:20:30,239 --> 01:20:36,800 » Bill, I could make one comment just as because you didn't bring it up, but 1061 01:20:34,960 --> 01:20:41,440 couple years ago when this re was re-energized, um, even then the 1062 01:20:39,280 --> 01:20:44,960 projections this was is coming out of co the projections what you showed there, 1063 01:20:43,199 --> 01:20:49,120 Jeff, it's like all right, we're fighting we're fighting a strong current 1064 01:20:47,199 --> 01:20:54,480 and the one point that I made at the time is that unlike the last time around 1065 01:20:52,239 --> 01:21:01,440 where affordability total cost of the school was first and foremost on my 1066 01:20:57,120 --> 01:21:06,000 mind, a the impact on the taxpayer is first and foremost in terms of where 1067 01:21:04,080 --> 01:21:11,199 I'm coming from. And what I mean by that is if we're building a 50-year school, 1068 01:21:09,120 --> 01:21:15,920 I don't necessarily think we need to do 20-year financing so that people for 30 1069 01:21:13,840 --> 01:21:21,120 years have a school handed to them and they have to maintain it. So just 1070 01:21:18,960 --> 01:21:26,640 because I understand what you're showing here, the other piece of that eventually 1071 01:21:23,760 --> 01:21:31,199 will be what can we do to minimize the impact on the taxpayer? And I'm saying 1072 01:21:28,880 --> 01:21:34,719 upfront. If people are still paying for the school 30 years from now, they're 1073 01:21:33,600 --> 01:21:37,600 the ones that are getting the benefit from the schools 30 years from now. I I 1074 01:21:36,480 --> 01:21:41,040 don't want to go out 50 years because there's renovations, but you know, so 1075 01:21:39,840 --> 01:21:45,679 I'm hoping that we'll have some flexibility with through the state to be 1076 01:21:43,199 --> 01:21:48,560 able to look at that dimension as well. >> Yeah, I hope so. And again, this is why 1077 01:21:47,360 --> 01:21:51,679 we thought it was really important. I know there's a discussion at the 1078 01:21:49,520 --> 01:21:54,080 beginning of like MSBA, no MSBA, you know, I think with the reimbursement 1079 01:21:52,719 --> 01:21:58,159 rates and they've been a great partner so far. And so, um, it was just really 1080 01:21:56,960 --> 01:22:02,159 hard as we sit here today, right? Like shovels won't be in the ground until 1081 01:21:59,920 --> 01:22:05,280 this time, you know, hopefully two years from now. And so, like the projects at 1082 01:22:03,920 --> 01:22:08,800 work that we're working on in our buildings, like we're still projecting 1083 01:22:07,120 --> 01:22:12,400 10% inflation for the projects that we'll do two years from now. And so, all 1084 01:22:10,480 --> 01:22:14,960 the data that Jeff showed, like there's still more inflation coming. And then 1085 01:22:13,679 --> 01:22:18,480 the other barrier we have is interest rates, right? every point that the 1086 01:22:16,639 --> 01:22:21,280 interest rates move, you know, could go for us, it could go against us, but 1087 01:22:19,840 --> 01:22:24,320 we're just dealing with very much moving target. And so, again, the the more that 1088 01:22:23,040 --> 01:22:28,400 we can just make the public aware and have your support as we go through this 1089 01:22:26,239 --> 01:22:32,560 journey, uh, you know, it'll it'll serve us all well. So, 1090 01:22:31,120 --> 01:22:37,760 » anything else? >> M. Murphy. Uh, I just want to say being 1091 01:22:35,440 --> 01:22:44,080 the select board member that sits on the amount of work that Carolyn and Bill and 1092 01:22:41,760 --> 01:22:49,360 Michelle have done this summer, I the public needs to know between picking out 1093 01:22:46,880 --> 01:22:53,199 the OPM, picking out the design. There were a lot of meetings, a lot of 1094 01:22:51,440 --> 01:22:55,520 paperwork. There was a lot of time you guys put in when people might have been 1095 01:22:54,400 --> 01:22:59,840 sitting on the beach or in the mountains or on a boat. Um, I I I saw all the 1096 01:22:58,560 --> 01:23:04,080 meetings you had to sit in. I saw the the data that you had to crunch through. 1097 01:23:01,679 --> 01:23:06,480 Um, so I I would I want to thank you for that and I hope the town really 1098 01:23:05,120 --> 01:23:09,760 recognizes that there's a lot of work put in now. There's still a lot of work 1099 01:23:07,840 --> 01:23:15,440 ahead. Um, Jeff's team has been phenomenal. The design team came in the 1100 01:23:12,960 --> 01:23:19,040 last meeting. So the there's really good positive momentum. And I think the the 1101 01:23:17,600 --> 01:23:22,639 thing I keep hearing over and over and over is community involvement, community 1102 01:23:20,639 --> 01:23:27,120 involvement. They are thinking every which way, every angle they can to try 1103 01:23:25,040 --> 01:23:31,600 to reach out to all age groups. So I applaud that. So, the virtual meeting is 1104 01:23:29,040 --> 01:23:35,600 coming up on September 15th is huge. The they'll be at all the back to school pin 1105 01:23:33,120 --> 01:23:39,600 nights starting next week. So, look for the tables that we'll have the uh school 1106 01:23:37,840 --> 01:23:43,520 building committee members there. And then obviously Medfield day, we're going 1107 01:23:40,880 --> 01:23:46,560 to have two booths side by side. So, it you know, as parents are coming back 1108 01:23:44,960 --> 01:23:49,520 from the summer break and the kids are in school and people starting to 1109 01:23:47,760 --> 01:23:52,560 chatter. I chatted with my neighbor last night whose daughter started 1110 01:23:50,560 --> 01:23:56,560 kindergarten today and he was like, "Oh, wait. She actually might make Dale." So 1111 01:23:55,280 --> 01:24:00,960 like you think of it as these kindergarteners today and every you know 1112 01:23:58,960 --> 01:24:04,560 any pre kindergarten like these are the kids that this building can impact. So 1113 01:24:03,120 --> 01:24:09,280 um I just want to say thank you for you guys. I know you put a lot of work in. 1114 01:24:07,520 --> 01:24:13,920 » I'll second that because I know it's a huge amount of work. I've watched it a 1115 01:24:11,600 --> 01:24:17,440 couple times now and uh and thank you guys for doing it and and I want to 1116 01:24:15,920 --> 01:24:21,840 compliment you also for the amount of outreach you are doing. You are just 1117 01:24:19,440 --> 01:24:26,080 pushing huge amounts of information to the town. Um, so thank you for doing 1118 01:24:24,880 --> 01:24:30,468 that as well. >> The parade has a speed at this point. 1119 01:24:28,448 --> 01:24:30,468 [laughter] 1120 01:24:32,080 --> 01:24:39,000 » Can I say one thing too that I forgot? >> Grab the mic. Y [clears throat] 1121 01:24:35,679 --> 01:24:39,000 » let me turn. 1122 01:24:39,440 --> 01:24:47,040 » Maybe I said maybe I said it, but then I think maybe I forgot. So for people um 1123 01:24:44,960 --> 01:24:52,000 out in the community, we have to eventually choose the design as Jeff 1124 01:24:49,280 --> 01:24:59,280 mentioned. So you have to give us input now from now into December for the like 1125 01:24:56,400 --> 01:25:02,719 at least three designs. So if we don't hear from you or you don't take part 1126 01:25:01,360 --> 01:25:08,400 then we don't know what the committee wants. We are going to try to do surveys 1127 01:25:05,440 --> 01:25:12,880 and forums and visioning sessions but you need to sort of pay attention and 1128 01:25:10,880 --> 01:25:16,719 say oh I like this I don't like that I want this because that's the only way we 1129 01:25:14,960 --> 01:25:23,120 can make a decision that the community will support. And then from December to 1130 01:25:20,000 --> 01:25:28,080 April, we have to narrow down to one as Jeff mentioned the preferred design. So 1131 01:25:25,199 --> 01:25:32,880 again, we need your help to get three or more and then we're going to need your 1132 01:25:29,600 --> 01:25:38,080 help to get from three or more down to one um when we have to vote on the 1133 01:25:35,920 --> 01:25:43,360 preferred one. So I'm just going to tell the community if you wait till May, it's 1134 01:25:40,320 --> 01:25:48,880 too late. The design has been chosen. So please let us know. It will help us. 1135 01:25:44,719 --> 01:25:52,080 Thank you. So Carolyn, is is it by surveys that you are going to be pushing 1136 01:25:50,560 --> 01:25:55,280 out to the community? Is that how you're looking to get that in? 1137 01:25:53,360 --> 01:26:00,480 » We're we're going to look at it several ways. We're going to do forum. So people 1138 01:25:58,080 --> 01:26:05,600 come and tell us and we talk about it. Um we're going to do surveys 1139 01:26:03,199 --> 01:26:11,199 um asking about certain features as we gather data and begin to do the design. 1140 01:26:09,120 --> 01:26:15,440 Um we're also going to be doing some coffees. people have told me that they 1141 01:26:13,280 --> 01:26:19,120 will host a coffee and I can go to the coffee and talk to people and they can 1142 01:26:17,440 --> 01:26:25,040 we can talk about design and they can share some thoughts. Um and as the 1143 01:26:21,440 --> 01:26:30,560 design team Jeff and FAA start you know putting up uh examples of designs then 1144 01:26:28,880 --> 01:26:34,000 we have to say to people what do you like? Do you like this? Do you like the 1145 01:26:32,080 --> 01:26:38,080 building here? Do you like it here? Do you want to save this part? Do you want 1146 01:26:35,360 --> 01:26:41,040 a rena? Do you want new? There's so many decisions. Um, 1147 01:26:40,080 --> 01:26:43,440 » neighborhood captains. >> Neighborhood captains. Yes. I'm sorry. I 1148 01:26:42,480 --> 01:26:44,560 should have mentioned that. We have a neighbor. 1149 01:26:43,679 --> 01:26:47,679 » I was going to ask you that in two seconds. Just knowing pin night coming 1150 01:26:46,080 --> 01:26:49,920 back if we can put that list out so people can look at the list and be like, 1151 01:26:48,800 --> 01:26:53,040 "Oh, I didn't even know that so and so was my neighborhood captain." 1152 01:26:51,040 --> 01:26:58,080 » Yeah. Um, so I had neighborhood captains. They've been great. we just 1153 01:26:54,639 --> 01:27:03,679 met last Monday and they're going to um put out on Instagram and X and all the 1154 01:27:00,639 --> 01:27:08,800 different things um what's happening and also try to get you know coffees and 1155 01:27:07,040 --> 01:27:15,280 other ways to get people to give feedback that can be shared. So I mean 1156 01:27:12,560 --> 01:27:18,719 it's a big project it's a lot of money and we want voices to be heard and we 1157 01:27:16,960 --> 01:27:23,600 want a proposal in the end that everybody supports. 1158 01:27:20,960 --> 01:27:27,199 I think that uh uh the reality is that uh social media is the way for you to 1159 01:27:25,920 --> 01:27:30,800 connect with people. I mean, you can hold a forum and if you get a 100 1160 01:27:28,639 --> 01:27:36,880 people, that's a huge crowd, but that's not a huge crowd compared to our our 1161 01:27:33,440 --> 01:27:40,320 almost 10,000 voters now in town. So, >> 50 likes, 1162 01:27:37,600 --> 01:27:44,000 » you [snorts] guys are you guys just need to keep pushing it out the way you're 1163 01:27:41,840 --> 01:27:49,199 doing, I think. And the the videos that you do after your meetings are very 1164 01:27:45,600 --> 01:27:51,679 informative, very helpful. So, >> all right. Thank you for coming. 1165 01:27:51,040 --> 01:27:54,880 Anything? >> Just one one more. There's a comment in 1166 01:27:53,360 --> 01:27:57,920 the chat. Eileen, if you want to read the comments. 1167 01:27:55,920 --> 01:28:01,679 » Someone in the back. I don't know. Did that anyone have any questions? 1168 01:28:01,199 --> 01:28:06,000 » Question. >> Okay. Can you get the mic? 1169 01:28:03,600 --> 01:28:11,960 » I don't even know how to ask it. >> Hold on one one second. 1170 01:28:08,719 --> 01:28:11,960 » There you go. 1171 01:28:12,159 --> 01:28:17,040 » The question I have has to do with the current tariff environment. 1172 01:28:15,840 --> 01:28:21,840 » Yourself for the record, please. >> Sure. Robert Autry, 9 Caran Drive, 1173 01:28:20,080 --> 01:28:27,600 Medfield, resident since 1980. Uh the question I 1174 01:28:25,040 --> 01:28:33,360 have has to do with the uh the red line that you had on your chart going up this 1175 01:28:30,400 --> 01:28:38,000 way and you mentioned COVID, but how much of that red line in building costs 1176 01:28:35,920 --> 01:28:44,880 is influenced by the current tariff environment that we are experiencing in 1177 01:28:40,400 --> 01:28:50,639 this country and with Canada for and as I understand it a lot of our building 1178 01:28:46,639 --> 01:28:55,199 materials come from Canada now. So, how do you see that playing out over the 1179 01:28:52,560 --> 01:29:00,800 next two years? You said you would put a shovel in the dirt for about two years. 1180 01:28:58,000 --> 01:29:03,760 Uh, a lot's going to go on between now and then. How do you see all that 1181 01:29:02,719 --> 01:29:07,920 playing out? >> If I only had a crystal ball, right? No, 1182 01:29:06,320 --> 01:29:10,960 it's a great question. It's an absolute great question. You know, something 1183 01:29:08,880 --> 01:29:14,159 we've talked about internally, too. Uh, it does eb and flow with our current 1184 01:29:12,639 --> 01:29:18,159 federal administration. You know, as we all saw, tariffs were a very big thing 1185 01:29:15,920 --> 01:29:22,800 last year. Tariffs on almost everything across the board. it started to be creep 1186 01:29:20,320 --> 01:29:26,159 into the overall bid prices last year and then it got repealed and so now 1187 01:29:24,480 --> 01:29:29,520 we're trying to peel all that back out of last year's tariffs and then more 1188 01:29:27,600 --> 01:29:32,880 recently to your point uh the steel tariff has been put out there and steel 1189 01:29:31,280 --> 01:29:36,719 does come from Canada and that is an impact and something we're really 1190 01:29:34,159 --> 01:29:40,560 watching right now. Um the good news is that currently we're getting uh very 1191 01:29:38,719 --> 01:29:44,000 favorable bidding this current summer right now. So it hasn't hit the last 1192 01:29:42,560 --> 01:29:48,560 couple of months but it is part of the conversation that we're doing as we 1193 01:29:45,280 --> 01:29:53,360 project out. um we won't need to set our entire budget until fall of next year. 1194 01:29:51,040 --> 01:29:57,280 So, we'll have the benefit of writing this one out and seeing what the next 1195 01:29:55,040 --> 01:30:00,480 one is um that comes out there. But, um that's where we're going to rely on the 1196 01:29:58,639 --> 01:30:04,560 professional estimator. So, in order to set an overall project budget, we have 1197 01:30:02,320 --> 01:30:08,480 two data points. Uh we have an estimator hired by your own owners project manager 1198 01:30:06,639 --> 01:30:12,480 and one hired by the designer to make sure that they're both seeing the market 1199 01:30:10,400 --> 01:30:16,000 uh as appropriately. We also have a lot of relationships with many construction 1200 01:30:14,159 --> 01:30:19,360 managers and we pull their data points. they're more than happy to give us their 1201 01:30:17,280 --> 01:30:22,000 literature uh to we see where we see where their trend in the market is. And 1202 01:30:20,800 --> 01:30:26,400 so we bring that all back to the committee and then make an informed 1203 01:30:23,840 --> 01:30:30,159 decision. A few years pre-COVID we used to carry a lot leaner contingencies 1204 01:30:28,239 --> 01:30:35,199 because when you set the overall budget for an MSBA project it's at 30% design 1205 01:30:33,280 --> 01:30:39,440 and you've got to project out finishing design expecting whatever codes are 1206 01:30:37,520 --> 01:30:42,480 going to change locally and nationally, whatever market conditions are going to 1207 01:30:40,719 --> 01:30:46,239 happen and then project out the two to three years of construction. So that's a 1208 01:30:44,719 --> 01:30:50,960 risk conversation that the building committee will have about do we keep a 1209 01:30:48,080 --> 01:30:57,080 5% or 6% or 7% contingency in our back pocket to mitigate those waves that may 1210 01:30:53,280 --> 01:30:57,080 come at us or not. 1211 01:31:01,360 --> 01:31:07,440 » Um there's a comment from there's 1212 01:31:05,679 --> 01:31:11,719 » there's a comment on the board from Chris. 1213 01:31:08,159 --> 01:31:11,719 » You want to read it? 1214 01:31:11,760 --> 01:31:15,920 I thought the chair might, but okay. [clears throat] 1215 01:31:14,320 --> 01:31:22,560 » Jeeoff, can I just ask you while she's looking that up? Um, 1216 01:31:17,600 --> 01:31:27,440 » you mentioned that uh that uh the the sharing that the state the MSBA is 1217 01:31:25,679 --> 01:31:30,480 is going up. >> Yes. 1218 01:31:27,760 --> 01:31:33,760 » Is it Can you give us some sort of idea of the magnitude of that? 1219 01:31:31,679 --> 01:31:40,400 » Sure. So, uh great question. So, the uh most recent upgrade uh went up to $678 a 1220 01:31:38,480 --> 01:31:44,320 square foot. So, of that hundred thou of that $1,50 1221 01:31:42,239 --> 01:31:50,320 a square foot you saw, they'll participate up to $678 a square foot of 1222 01:31:48,080 --> 01:31:53,920 the total project cost. But you then have to multiply that by this is where 1223 01:31:52,159 --> 01:31:57,520 you need math. You got to multiply that by your reimbursement rate, which I 1224 01:31:55,679 --> 01:32:01,280 think you know Medfield's around 40% and then we start to get bonus points for 1225 01:31:59,360 --> 01:32:06,560 how well we maintain our buildings and then bonus points for um the uh the 1226 01:32:04,880 --> 01:32:09,760 sustainability goals that you choose or not to choose to pursue. you can get up 1227 01:32:08,000 --> 01:32:12,719 to another 4%. You can also get a few extra percent depending on the 1228 01:32:10,960 --> 01:32:17,360 renovation scheme that's out there if you choose that. So that will then be 1229 01:32:14,320 --> 01:32:20,000 multiplied by that uh $678 a square foot. There are other programs out 1230 01:32:19,040 --> 01:32:23,920 there. You started to talk about sustainability and the the pres 1231 01:32:21,600 --> 01:32:27,679 presenter before me. Um should the committee choose to go geothermal, there 1232 01:32:25,840 --> 01:32:31,280 are rebates out there, significant, you know, six figure rebates from the 1233 01:32:29,120 --> 01:32:34,960 federal inflation reduction act um that many of your neighboring towns have been 1234 01:32:32,880 --> 01:32:39,440 able to achieve. We were able to get $5 million back in Weston uh sorry, 1235 01:32:36,880 --> 01:32:44,239 Westwood for their Pineh Hill school. Uh I was able to get three million back for 1236 01:32:41,360 --> 01:32:47,600 Ashlin for their school. Um and then uh we have a couple more in the pipeline 1237 01:32:45,600 --> 01:32:52,159 right now. And the current federal administration renewed the geothermal. 1238 01:32:49,920 --> 01:32:56,639 They did not renew the solar last year. So the solar uh credits are are uh 1239 01:32:54,960 --> 01:33:00,800 phasing out this summer, but the geothermal has been funded uh to the 1240 01:32:59,199 --> 01:33:04,320 future. So those million dollars are still available should you choose 1241 01:33:02,000 --> 01:33:07,920 geothermal. and mass save is always available as well. So all that will be 1242 01:33:06,239 --> 01:33:11,120 part of the package that comes back in front of the voters, what the states 1243 01:33:09,679 --> 01:33:14,719 giving you, what the federal government may give you depending on your program 1244 01:33:12,960 --> 01:33:19,120 and what you can get from Eversource as well. 1245 01:33:17,120 --> 01:33:22,800 » This this is probably an unfair question to ask you, but I'm going to ask it. 1246 01:33:20,800 --> 01:33:28,159 When when you start talking about those kinds of incentives and rebates, do you 1247 01:33:25,520 --> 01:33:32,960 have a sense whether we would be able to do things that would take advantage of 1248 01:33:29,600 --> 01:33:38,000 those rebates that would at least have no net impact on the cost of the school 1249 01:33:35,440 --> 01:33:40,960 or not? Or is it we'll get rebates, but the school cost is going to go up 1250 01:33:39,440 --> 01:33:44,639 because of the things we're doing? I The reason I ask is because that was a 1251 01:33:43,120 --> 01:33:48,880 really important question to me last time around and when I started to look 1252 01:33:46,639 --> 01:33:52,639 for answers, nobody had their hand on the tiller. Um, 1253 01:33:50,639 --> 01:33:56,080 » I think I think >> like the world's going to change in the 1254 01:33:54,239 --> 01:33:58,400 next 12 18 months. So, I think we'll have to 1255 01:33:56,880 --> 01:34:01,199 » but that's why that's why I said you probably can't answer [laughter] the 1256 01:33:59,280 --> 01:34:02,880 question, but I figured I'd ask you to commit right now because we just don't 1257 01:34:02,239 --> 01:34:04,880 know what's going to happen. >> Okay. You got to you got to size the 1258 01:34:04,080 --> 01:34:08,000 building. You got to look at all the things. You got to look at the capacity 1259 01:34:06,159 --> 01:34:11,840 what you have and what >> I think with the electrification that's 1260 01:34:09,840 --> 01:34:14,400 going on today, you know, there's a wave coming of all the other communities. The 1261 01:34:13,199 --> 01:34:17,280 more people that are buying into it, the more the cost of that technology starts 1262 01:34:15,920 --> 01:34:20,320 to come down too. So, those are also things that we're looking at. uh you 1263 01:34:18,960 --> 01:34:23,280 know, if you're at the bleeding edge, you're going to pay more than if you're, 1264 01:34:21,679 --> 01:34:25,920 you know, riding the wave out. >> Okay. 1265 01:34:24,719 --> 01:34:29,600 » Most of the schools that are getting built now are all electric, aren't they? 1266 01:34:28,080 --> 01:34:33,120 » That's correct. So, to get those, you know, bonus points, a lot of the ways to 1267 01:34:31,600 --> 01:34:36,560 opt in there are an all electric building. So, they're choosing to either 1268 01:34:34,560 --> 01:34:39,920 go all electric or geothermal with electric. Uh, and that comes down to 1269 01:34:38,400 --> 01:34:42,960 even your kitchen appliances. Uh, because in order to be part of the 1270 01:34:41,120 --> 01:34:46,480 program, you know, it's fossil fuel free with the exception of a generator. So, 1271 01:34:45,040 --> 01:34:49,520 you get an exception for a generator, but the the building itself would need 1272 01:34:48,000 --> 01:34:53,199 to be all electric if you're depending on which of those programs you're 1273 01:34:50,560 --> 01:34:55,840 entering into. >> And there's just a comment in here from 1274 01:34:54,719 --> 01:35:00,719 uh Chris Cupott, [clears throat] 7 Curve Street. MSBA data is skewed 1275 01:34:58,480 --> 01:35:05,040 towards new builds and MSBA regulations allow for some degree of flexibility 1276 01:35:02,639 --> 01:35:08,480 with square foot requirements with AD rens. Just a couple of points that are 1277 01:35:07,040 --> 01:35:12,159 important for the public to know. Not to be taken as an advocate for AD or 1278 01:35:10,159 --> 01:35:15,920 Renault, but just assuring the community understands some of the nuances. 1279 01:35:16,159 --> 01:35:22,080 Yeah, the the data for new builds are much clearer, right? There's not a story 1280 01:35:19,840 --> 01:35:25,280 behind every one. That's why that data tells a good story of where the market 1281 01:35:23,679 --> 01:35:29,199 is going and what the construction costs are of the building. Whether you go AD 1282 01:35:26,719 --> 01:35:32,080 rena or new construction, the addition portions of those buildings are going to 1283 01:35:30,480 --> 01:35:36,639 be the same type of material, right? And so when you look at the ad rena uh tab 1284 01:35:34,560 --> 01:35:40,000 on the MSBA website, which does exist, it's very thinly populated because every 1285 01:35:38,480 --> 01:35:43,520 story, every building has a different story. And so you can't tell which 1286 01:35:42,000 --> 01:35:47,120 portion of it was renovated, what the percentage of renovation versus new. So 1287 01:35:45,600 --> 01:35:50,719 from a big picture standpoint, which is what we're presenting tonight. It's 1288 01:35:49,040 --> 01:35:53,360 about the market and that's but but appreciate the comment. 1289 01:35:52,080 --> 01:35:57,280 » Okay. >> Thank you for all the information, Jeff. 1290 01:35:55,120 --> 01:36:00,800 Thank you for taking the town on. >> No problem. 1291 01:35:59,520 --> 01:36:04,800 » Anything else, Carolyn? >> No. All set. Thank you very much. 1292 01:36:02,719 --> 01:36:09,600 » Thanks, Carolyn. Thanks. >> Thank you. As we go through the agenda, 1293 01:36:07,120 --> 01:36:13,120 it weeds out. >> And uh unfortunately due to a work 1294 01:36:11,760 --> 01:36:16,159 commitment, Bill Harvey has had to postpone for this evening. 1295 01:36:14,639 --> 01:36:18,960 » We had some last minute travel. >> Okay. 1296 01:36:16,639 --> 01:36:21,679 » Okay. Does that impact the ability for it doesn't take effect until the next 1297 01:36:20,880 --> 01:36:25,360 bill? So it's >> Yeah. No, they're they're all set. No, 1298 01:36:23,679 --> 01:36:27,600 it was just moreformational for you. Okay. 1299 01:36:25,760 --> 01:36:32,080 » Okay. So, we'll skip number six and we'll go to number seven. uh memo to 1300 01:36:30,400 --> 01:36:34,880 present its annual request for their holiday [clears throat] lights program, 1301 01:36:33,199 --> 01:36:40,800 joy to the world performance, holiday parade, and signage as detailed in the 1302 01:36:37,199 --> 01:36:44,480 packet materials. Mr. Alice, >> thank you very much for having me. So 1303 01:36:43,366 --> 01:36:52,080 [clears throat] those three basic uh things uh the 1304 01:36:48,560 --> 01:36:59,199 Friday night no I'm sorry the package of lights we generally start sometime in 1305 01:36:55,119 --> 01:37:05,360 November uh to hang them uh Stumpy we have to go by Stumpy's uh scheduling and 1306 01:37:02,880 --> 01:37:11,119 we're kind of kind of at their mercy and generally we find out like the day 1307 01:37:07,360 --> 01:37:15,679 before sometimes it's the morning of um but uh anyway way and we [clears throat] 1308 01:37:13,600 --> 01:37:22,000 schedule the the hanging of the lights in the canopies of the trees uh wi with 1309 01:37:19,440 --> 01:37:28,639 them and we you know need to get volunteers and and all for that. So um 1310 01:37:26,880 --> 01:37:37,199 so that's the first part of the request to use your trees to hang our lights on. 1311 01:37:33,360 --> 01:37:42,800 Also, we started LA we started last year with hanging our silhouettes of lights, 1312 01:37:39,520 --> 01:37:48,800 you know, the various forms of the lights and we have a wire that goes 1313 01:37:46,000 --> 01:37:52,480 across the park uh kind of in the middle of the park and so we hang them in 1314 01:37:50,960 --> 01:37:57,840 there. We used to hang them in the street. Uh but as you know for the 1315 01:37:55,199 --> 01:38:02,639 various reasons that we stopped doing that and 1316 01:37:59,840 --> 01:38:08,480 and it turned out last year to be a very great uh look I think for hanging them 1317 01:38:06,239 --> 01:38:16,159 there. You could they were very visible from the street uh as well. So that was 1318 01:38:12,719 --> 01:38:21,199 good. So hang them in the canopies, hanging them in the silhouettes and then 1319 01:38:18,480 --> 01:38:26,639 also in various bushes. So, we got bushes in Baxter Park, and I didn't 1320 01:38:23,280 --> 01:38:31,920 mention this, but we also do bushes in front of the library and in front of 1321 01:38:28,719 --> 01:38:40,719 town hall. So, I I guess I'd kind of add lib them in at this point and try to get 1322 01:38:35,360 --> 01:38:48,480 your permission to do that as well. Um, also last year we for the first time we 1323 01:38:43,280 --> 01:38:54,800 brought in a cut uh tree that was about eight or nine feet tall and that was 1324 01:38:51,920 --> 01:39:03,280 supplied by levels uh and and such. And uh that was done 1325 01:38:58,719 --> 01:39:10,239 because we had a lot of grief uh simply uh from social media uh the year before 1326 01:39:07,520 --> 01:39:17,360 when our lights were basically falling apart and burning out on our main 1327 01:39:14,880 --> 01:39:23,440 holiday tree that we were using for many years. Um, so we brought this one in, 1328 01:39:20,719 --> 01:39:29,600 decorated it all by itself, and I think it turned out to be a lovely uh 1329 01:39:26,560 --> 01:39:33,440 addition, and it really stood out uh very well. We had a lot of compliments 1330 01:39:31,360 --> 01:39:39,520 about that one. So, we'll be doing that one again uh bringing that in as a cut 1331 01:39:35,760 --> 01:39:45,360 one and and decorating it and stuff. So uh the second uh part of uh so the 1332 01:39:42,159 --> 01:39:50,960 second part of this particular request is the actual 1333 01:39:47,760 --> 01:39:57,600 used to be called the tree lighting uh midnight madness and now with the stroll 1334 01:39:54,480 --> 01:40:06,239 the night of the stroll Friday night uh we have a performance where we have uh 1335 01:40:02,159 --> 01:40:10,880 student uh dancers and student singers that are brought into the park and it's 1336 01:40:08,239 --> 01:40:16,159 about an hour ceremony. It starts about 6:00 and it ends up about 7 on the 1337 01:40:13,679 --> 01:40:22,159 Friday night. So in this case, December 4th, same night as the stroll makes 1338 01:40:19,440 --> 01:40:32,800 sense to be part of that because by itself it's it's nothing. Uh so uh 1339 01:40:29,199 --> 01:40:39,199 as we as you have uh decided the stroll will be on Friday the 4th. We would like 1340 01:40:35,040 --> 01:40:44,480 to have the tree lighting ceremony and Joy to the World performance on that 1341 01:40:42,080 --> 01:40:50,560 Friday night. Performance being for just about an hour. And then uh at the end of 1342 01:40:47,360 --> 01:40:57,040 the performance, we'll light the new style holiday tree. Uh at that point, 1343 01:40:54,239 --> 01:41:04,560 the lights will already be on Friday night uh before anybody gets to the 1344 01:41:00,000 --> 01:41:09,360 park. It's uh we used to have them off until we did the tree 1345 01:41:06,960 --> 01:41:14,880 lighting and switched them all on, but I felt that the park was too dark and 1346 01:41:12,719 --> 01:41:19,360 needed more lighting so people wouldn't bump into each other. It was really 1347 01:41:16,880 --> 01:41:25,440 dark. So now what we've been doing the past few years is turn them on four 1348 01:41:22,159 --> 01:41:31,040 o'clock that night for the first time and uh then the the park is very well 1349 01:41:28,639 --> 01:41:36,719 lit and then the holiday tree just gets lit at at the end. So that's my first 1350 01:41:34,320 --> 01:41:40,560 request if you'd like to take that in and of itself. And if you have any 1351 01:41:38,400 --> 01:41:46,080 questions, >> I just had one. I'm trying to when I 1352 01:41:42,719 --> 01:41:51,920 think Jean came in and we switched it. I think you So Jean moved the holiday 1353 01:41:48,320 --> 01:41:55,679 stroll to Sat to Friday and I think at that point in time the tree lighting was 1354 01:41:53,600 --> 01:41:59,760 still on Saturday. You've now moved the tree lighting to Sat to Friday. 1355 01:41:57,440 --> 01:42:03,520 » There was a mis miscommunication. The memo was never contacted. 1356 01:42:01,840 --> 01:42:08,639 » Yeah. What started this was the police 1357 01:42:05,679 --> 01:42:14,880 department wanted to have everything on Saturday because the concept of closing 1358 01:42:12,080 --> 01:42:20,960 the street to them was easier on a Saturday than a Friday. Jean went to her 1359 01:42:18,400 --> 01:42:25,760 » and and so the police tell you that that's what they'd like to do. That's 1360 01:42:22,719 --> 01:42:32,320 what seems to happen. So, it sort of happened that both events, the stroll 1361 01:42:29,119 --> 01:42:36,560 and the memo event were going to be on Saturday. 1362 01:42:34,880 --> 01:42:40,719 The next thing that happened is Jean came in because she went to her vendors 1363 01:42:38,639 --> 01:42:45,280 and they didn't want to be on Saturday. So, she came and said, "I really need to 1364 01:42:43,440 --> 01:42:48,480 be on Friday." And that's what you guys voted on. Um, 1365 01:42:47,920 --> 01:42:53,360 » so, so >> it was sort of a surprise to memo on how 1366 01:42:50,719 --> 01:42:58,960 this was transitioning. We probably should have been here for that for that 1367 01:42:55,840 --> 01:43:05,119 hearing three weeks ago. A little less confusion. So I I listened in on this 1368 01:43:01,679 --> 01:43:09,920 and I saw the conversations and the surprise as to why would memo want to be 1369 01:43:07,360 --> 01:43:11,920 in a different night. Exactly the case. Okay. 1370 01:43:10,400 --> 01:43:16,480 » So anyway, >> but this is so I apologize. It's I 1371 01:43:14,400 --> 01:43:19,360 really try to I don't trust my memory as much as I used to is the problem. be 1372 01:43:18,320 --> 01:43:23,679 confused. I >> So what what I'm what I think I'm 1373 01:43:20,880 --> 01:43:27,440 actually hearing is that actually things are staying pretty close to the way 1374 01:43:25,280 --> 01:43:30,239 they've always been once they're on a Friday. 1375 01:43:28,080 --> 01:43:32,080 » They'd be exactly the same as we've been doing them for years. 1376 01:43:31,520 --> 01:43:36,800 » Okay. >> Everything, you know, these events will 1377 01:43:34,239 --> 01:43:38,000 be on Friday and the parade on Saturday by itself. 1378 01:43:37,600 --> 01:43:41,840 » Got it. >> But the concern there would be is the 1379 01:43:39,679 --> 01:43:44,320 police we when that night we realized we weren't going to have any barriers. 1380 01:43:42,800 --> 01:43:46,960 There was going to be no reason to But now we have to worry about that. 1381 01:43:45,679 --> 01:43:48,400 » Now I've got to go back to the chief. Yes. Right. Okay. 1382 01:43:47,840 --> 01:43:50,159 » Okay. >> That's why I'm over here when you're 1383 01:43:49,360 --> 01:43:54,159 saying this. I'm like, "Wait a minute. I thought we agreed like what's just going 1384 01:43:51,520 --> 01:43:58,480 to be the everything down by the library and by on that up by Lord's area, but 1385 01:43:57,440 --> 01:44:01,280 now it's going to be the traditional stroll, which I'm fine with. I just I 1386 01:44:00,080 --> 01:44:04,320 need to make sure what's happening here." 1387 01:44:01,679 --> 01:44:07,920 » So, I'm not sure. So, two things. Number one, I don't think that we need to close 1388 01:44:05,760 --> 01:44:14,960 the street. We never closed it before. We tried it last year. Apparently, there 1389 01:44:09,920 --> 01:44:20,239 were issues. Um, and uh, Jean meant Jean ma made this comment. Her stroll was 1390 01:44:17,920 --> 01:44:22,159 only going to be on the one side of the street, 1391 01:44:20,719 --> 01:44:26,639 » right? >> I don't know if that's I mean that does 1392 01:44:25,360 --> 01:44:29,440 that's what she said. But >> yeah, 1393 01:44:27,119 --> 01:44:32,480 » are the businesses not going to do stuff on that side of the street? You know, 1394 01:44:31,600 --> 01:44:35,360 are other people >> that was thinking of like where um be 1395 01:44:34,239 --> 01:44:38,159 charmed and all that is they've been involved in the past if I'm not 1396 01:44:36,480 --> 01:44:41,600 mistaken. >> But I don't think there's a need to 1397 01:44:39,840 --> 01:44:44,639 close the street. I I don't think it was necessary last year. It seemed to be 1398 01:44:43,840 --> 01:44:48,480 fun. >> Police chief would disagree with you 1399 01:44:46,639 --> 01:44:50,960 » um about closing the street. She thought it was very necessary to close the 1400 01:44:49,920 --> 01:44:53,119 street for safety reasons. >> It was Yeah, it was so people could go 1401 01:44:52,320 --> 01:44:57,040 home the street. >> When Jean was here, it sounded like the 1402 01:44:55,280 --> 01:44:59,679 street was not going to be closed. >> Right. Because we thought you were 1403 01:44:58,000 --> 01:45:04,880 sitting thing wasn't happening. >> Our thing is only an hour from 6:00 to 7 1404 01:45:02,560 --> 01:45:10,400 and it's the same side of the street. People don't crumb and cross at our 1405 01:45:07,280 --> 01:45:15,520 event. It's more her event that people crossing are, you know, ours 1406 01:45:13,600 --> 01:45:16,960 historically ours are on one side of the street. 1407 01:45:15,840 --> 01:45:19,520 » I don't want I don't want to speak for the police chief. Why don't we have her 1408 01:45:18,400 --> 01:45:22,639 come in and have a discussion with you about why she wanted it closed? Y 1409 01:45:21,280 --> 01:45:25,360 » if the board does not want to close it, we won't close it. There was a concern 1410 01:45:24,080 --> 01:45:28,480 for safety. >> Even though we put the barriers around 1411 01:45:26,800 --> 01:45:30,880 that corner, you have people in the street. Yeah. 1412 01:45:29,119 --> 01:45:34,880 » And we have a lot of kids there. >> Um I think the police chief felt safer 1413 01:45:33,280 --> 01:45:38,000 when it was closed. I will have a conversation with her tomorrow and see 1414 01:45:36,639 --> 01:45:39,679 how she feels or how she wants to continue for this year. 1415 01:45:39,280 --> 01:45:45,199 » Okay. >> Well, again, our event is 6 to 7, 1416 01:45:43,360 --> 01:45:49,280 » but to me it's a community event, right? I mean, like everyone's doing their 1417 01:45:47,040 --> 01:45:52,320 thing at at they're down at at at Brothers, they're at the library, 1418 01:45:50,880 --> 01:45:55,920 they're roaming around, then they all merge down at the end, right? So, it's 1419 01:45:54,239 --> 01:45:59,760 not just everyone just goes right to the tree. It's really opening up the main 1420 01:45:57,920 --> 01:46:02,639 street for the community. Um, I don't think it's ever I've never felt like 1421 01:46:01,040 --> 01:46:06,400 it's two separate events. have always felt like Friday night it's one big it's 1422 01:46:05,040 --> 01:46:09,199 one big night. So >> when the [clears throat] 1423 01:46:07,520 --> 01:46:11,520 three meetings ago or three weeks ago or whatever it was 1424 01:46:10,159 --> 01:46:14,320 » I was like oh that's kind of a bummer. And then hearing you just now I'm like I 1425 01:46:13,360 --> 01:46:17,679 thought we were doing two separate dates. So if we go back together that's 1426 01:46:15,920 --> 01:46:22,560 great but my concern we'll be going back to the chief because I know last year 1427 01:46:19,920 --> 01:46:27,360 when they closed down between brothers and the CVS it allowed vendors to be in 1428 01:46:25,360 --> 01:46:31,679 the street. It allowed parents to not have to worry about their kids being too 1429 01:46:29,520 --> 01:46:35,199 close to the curb near where Noon Hill Girl gives out hot chocolate and people 1430 01:46:33,520 --> 01:46:39,520 are coming out of, you know, the the bank would to get their shirts for the 1431 01:46:36,800 --> 01:46:42,639 Angel Run that Sunday. So, >> we'll talk to the chief. Okay. 1432 01:46:40,960 --> 01:46:47,600 » Yeah. There. No, there it sounded like there were not going to be any vendors 1433 01:46:44,159 --> 01:46:50,080 in the street for for Jean, right? >> I don't I don't I can't even speak to 1434 01:46:49,119 --> 01:46:54,800 anything right now because I don't now that she's changed it. Now that this is 1435 01:46:52,639 --> 01:46:59,360 happening on the same night, it could change the dynamics of what's happening. 1436 01:46:57,679 --> 01:47:04,239 » Russ, when the when the street was closed last year, I the store I think of 1437 01:47:02,400 --> 01:47:09,119 is the butterfly tree, which is now not there either. But a lot of times when we 1438 01:47:06,719 --> 01:47:12,800 would go down, that was one store we always somehow or another always swound 1439 01:47:10,480 --> 01:47:17,760 up in. And that always had a great flow. when the street was closed, did you get 1440 01:47:14,560 --> 01:47:21,920 any feedback from memo members that they, you know, that they had improved 1441 01:47:19,679 --> 01:47:24,239 activity in the stores that exist there or 1442 01:47:22,400 --> 01:47:28,880 » Yeah, the memo members that we heard from all did not like the street closed. 1443 01:47:26,639 --> 01:47:32,960 They all felt it hurt their business. In particular, Noon Hill, uh, but even 1444 01:47:31,679 --> 01:47:35,520 Butterfly Tree, >> okay, 1445 01:47:33,520 --> 01:47:39,280 » felt that she lost business because the street was closed. 1446 01:47:37,520 --> 01:47:45,000 » Um, >> okay. 1447 01:47:41,679 --> 01:47:45,000 » Yeah. Anything 1448 01:47:45,520 --> 01:47:50,000 else? >> I'm not sure what we're doing right now. 1449 01:47:48,639 --> 01:47:55,280 » We got one. >> Well, we're asking to have the uh 1450 01:47:52,784 --> 01:47:57,440 [clears throat] holiday the holiday lights in the park. 1451 01:47:57,040 --> 01:48:02,880 » Okay. >> Number one. Number two is the Friday 1452 01:47:59,679 --> 01:48:04,719 night uh Joy to the World performance from 6:00 to 7. 1453 01:48:04,320 --> 01:48:10,719 » Okay. >> Uh with the lighting of the holiday tree 1454 01:48:07,760 --> 01:48:13,040 uh right after that. >> Okay. Do we have a motion to that 1455 01:48:12,400 --> 01:48:18,880 effect? >> Oh, and also as part of this, uh, we 1456 01:48:16,400 --> 01:48:23,360 bring a tent in, an entertainment tent in case there's inclement weather that 1457 01:48:20,719 --> 01:48:28,800 gets delivered on a Wednesday generally. So, the request would be to allow the 1458 01:48:25,440 --> 01:48:34,880 tent to be delivered on Wednesday uh, and up a few days before we use it. 1459 01:48:32,639 --> 01:48:37,199 » Yep. Do we have a motion to that effect? >> Uh, motion move. Some moved. 1460 01:48:36,719 --> 01:48:41,440 » Second. >> All those in favor? All right, 1461 01:48:39,679 --> 01:48:50,679 » Russ, have you guys given any thought to leaving the lights up year round? 1462 01:48:44,960 --> 01:48:50,679 » So, LED bulbs are much tougher. 1463 01:48:50,880 --> 01:48:59,520 » It had been mildly discussed and the negatives that came out was trees grow 1464 01:48:56,719 --> 01:49:03,520 » and so the lights get uh they don't really stay up all year. 1465 01:49:01,440 --> 01:49:08,639 They get blown down. I mean, even during the holiday season, we've had trees have 1466 01:49:06,400 --> 01:49:15,199 the lights blown off. >> Number two, and then they also break 1467 01:49:11,199 --> 01:49:20,320 » uh at times. So, uh it even though it would be a lot less labor intense, 1468 01:49:18,800 --> 01:49:23,600 » uh >> I think it's smart to take them down. 1469 01:49:21,760 --> 01:49:27,040 » It uh had had been thought it'd be better to take him down. 1470 01:49:25,920 --> 01:49:34,000 » Okay. >> Um yeah. So, the se next one is the 1471 01:49:30,239 --> 01:49:40,159 holiday parade. uh on Saturday as as usual uh starting at one o'clock at the 1472 01:49:37,040 --> 01:49:46,080 uh high school uh and then going downtown Pound Street and South on 1473 01:49:42,080 --> 01:49:52,000 December 5th, Saturday, December 5th uh goes down Pound Street, South Street, 1474 01:49:48,639 --> 01:49:57,280 Main Street, Park Street, Metac Comet, and then going into the high school 1475 01:49:54,800 --> 01:50:01,679 around uh 2:00. Um 1476 01:49:59,040 --> 01:50:08,719 we will invite the fire and the police departments as usual to participate with 1477 01:50:04,320 --> 01:50:12,960 their trucks and uh people. Um and then the high school marching band gets asked 1478 01:50:10,800 --> 01:50:18,639 and they they they participate unless it's inclement weather. Uh girl scouts, 1479 01:50:15,760 --> 01:50:23,440 boy scouts, some dance troops and then we invite businesses to enter their own 1480 01:50:20,880 --> 01:50:28,639 floats, their vehicles get get dressed up and then of course Santa and Mrs. 1481 01:50:25,760 --> 01:50:33,679 Claus will be invited to uh participate again to close out the parade and we'll 1482 01:50:31,840 --> 01:50:38,080 of course uh coordinate with this with the fire and the police departments for 1483 01:50:35,360 --> 01:50:41,920 the roads. >> Okay, Mr. Murphy. 1484 01:50:40,000 --> 01:50:44,159 » No questions, Mr. Murphy. >> No, no questions. 1485 01:50:42,880 --> 01:50:48,080 » Okay, how about a motion then? >> All right. Motion to approve the parade 1486 01:50:46,960 --> 01:50:50,960 on December 5th. >> Second. 1487 01:50:48,560 --> 01:50:55,840 » All those in favor? I I Thank you, Russ. And then the third piece of this would 1488 01:50:53,040 --> 01:51:02,880 be to place our sandwich boards uh around town um for the Joy to the World 1489 01:50:59,760 --> 01:51:09,280 performance and for the parade. So we'll have pairs of sandwich board signs uh 1490 01:51:06,560 --> 01:51:14,639 various places. So the request would be South Street and Route 27 1491 01:51:12,080 --> 01:51:21,119 uh corner uh the corner of North Street and Main Street and then the transfer 1492 01:51:17,600 --> 01:51:27,199 station driveway entrance uh exit pro the more the exit uh of the of the uh 1493 01:51:24,880 --> 01:51:35,280 driveway and then one of each of those signs and they're doublesided. 1494 01:51:30,719 --> 01:51:40,560 um one of each for the uh uh lights and the uh the joy to the world and the the 1495 01:51:37,440 --> 01:51:48,239 parade at each location and to place them uh nove Saturday, November 22nd uh 1496 01:51:45,119 --> 01:51:53,520 until Sunday, December 6th, the day after the parade. 1497 01:51:52,080 --> 01:51:55,760 Mr. Murby, >> no questions. 1498 01:51:54,800 --> 01:51:58,400 » Questions. >> How about a motion then? 1499 01:51:57,760 --> 01:52:00,239 » So moved. >> Second. 1500 01:51:58,960 --> 01:52:01,599 » All those in favor? I I >> I 1501 01:52:01,119 --> 01:52:02,560 » Thank you. >> Thank you much. 1502 01:52:02,080 --> 01:52:05,679 » Thank you, Russ. >> Be well. 1503 01:52:03,119 --> 01:52:10,080 » Thanks, Russ. >> Okay, we're on to our action items. 1504 01:52:07,520 --> 01:52:14,080 Board and committee appointments. First, appoint Lisa Thompson to the capital 1505 01:52:11,920 --> 01:52:16,800 budget committee. Chris, do you want to do these separately or all at once? 1506 01:52:16,320 --> 01:52:18,480 » All at once. >> Uh, I think you do them all at once. 1507 01:52:18,080 --> 01:52:24,239 Yeah. >> Okay. Uh, second is appoint uh Nick 1508 01:52:22,239 --> 01:52:29,119 Scaffarato as a full member of the historical 1509 01:52:25,760 --> 01:52:35,119 commission. Third is appoint Marian Tawa to the Medfield Outreach Advisory Board. 1510 01:52:33,199 --> 01:52:39,360 Fourth is appoint Doug Lawrence to the Medfield School Building Committee as 1511 01:52:36,880 --> 01:52:44,400 the planning board member. Five is appoint Kathy McDonald to the Medfield 1512 01:52:41,840 --> 01:52:48,159 Outreach as the Medfield Outreach employee on the committee for the 1513 01:52:46,239 --> 01:52:53,599 exploration of real estate tax relief for seniors. Six is appoint Ivonne 1514 01:52:50,800 --> 01:52:58,159 Remlard as the non- voting member principal assessor to the committee for 1515 01:52:55,679 --> 01:53:02,159 the exploration of real estate tax relief for seniors. 1516 01:53:00,480 --> 01:53:07,040 Do we have a motion to do so? >> Motion to move. 1517 01:53:04,639 --> 01:53:12,960 » Before I before I second, I just want to comment the two newest people that are 1518 01:53:08,960 --> 01:53:14,960 new appointees. Uh I just I suspect you also were impressed with their resumes, 1519 01:53:14,560 --> 01:53:18,480 but >> Oh, yeah. That was phenomenal. 1520 01:53:16,000 --> 01:53:21,760 » Couple I'm glad you said that. That was a note I had to myself 1521 01:53:19,440 --> 01:53:26,880 » an observation that I was sitting there saying it's good to see people of this 1522 01:53:24,320 --> 01:53:29,920 caliber wanting to volunteer committee. So, uh, anyway, second. 1523 01:53:28,880 --> 01:53:33,599 » All those in favor? >> I I 1524 01:53:31,599 --> 01:53:39,599 » um so, uh, I'll just mention to both of you 1525 01:53:36,800 --> 01:53:44,880 that, um, Sher Autry, who is here tonight, came to see me, uh, at my 1526 01:53:42,159 --> 01:53:51,520 office hours last Friday, and she's also interested, still interested, Sherry, in 1527 01:53:47,520 --> 01:53:56,239 being on the uh, um, committee to, uh, study senior real estate tax relief for 1528 01:53:54,080 --> 01:53:58,320 seniors. And Donna O'Neal is also interested. 1529 01:53:56,639 --> 01:54:01,840 » So you filled the three citizens at large at your last meeting. 1530 01:53:59,920 --> 01:54:03,520 » Yeah, we could add more. So if we wanted to. So 1531 01:54:02,400 --> 01:54:05,760 » yeah, that's up to you if you want to change the charge of the committee and 1532 01:54:04,800 --> 01:54:09,599 expand it. >> So there are two more people that are 1533 01:54:07,920 --> 01:54:13,599 interested in in being on that committee. Donna O'Neal, who used to be 1534 01:54:11,920 --> 01:54:16,080 part of the assessor's office, I think, wasn't she? 1535 01:54:14,719 --> 01:54:19,080 » She was the administrative assistant. Yes. 1536 01:54:19,520 --> 01:54:25,920 » With respect. This is the first I've heard of it. So I 1537 01:54:23,440 --> 01:54:30,080 kind of like to through the issue I have is first off not suddenly having 1538 01:54:28,960 --> 01:54:34,400 everybody that wants to be on a committee be able to just come in after 1539 01:54:31,679 --> 01:54:39,199 the fact when when we've already kind of populated. So this is not a reflection 1540 01:54:36,719 --> 01:54:44,080 on you. It's got more to do with >> this is a comm this is a committee that 1541 01:54:41,119 --> 01:54:46,960 if it just simply was as big as people, you know, anybody wants to be on it, 1542 01:54:45,599 --> 01:54:51,760 we'd expand it just because they want to be on. Uh and it's not I'm not coming 1543 01:54:49,760 --> 01:54:56,960 out against the idea. I guess it would help me a little bit. It would help me 1544 01:54:54,239 --> 01:55:00,080 to see background to know how you're adding something that the people we 1545 01:54:58,800 --> 01:55:05,599 haven't already tried to put on the committee are bringing to the table to 1546 01:55:02,320 --> 01:55:11,040 include uh Don O'Neal. Again, no disrespect, but we already have Ivon on 1547 01:55:08,480 --> 01:55:17,119 from the assessor's office. So, that's I don't think what she would be bringing. 1548 01:55:13,760 --> 01:55:20,719 I I just it's kind of this is Yeah. I I don't want to react just 1549 01:55:18,480 --> 01:55:24,320 » Yeah. So, why don't we uh I I suggested that they both submit Yeah. 1550 01:55:22,159 --> 01:55:31,679 » an expression of interest and >> uh but Sher came tonight anyway. So, um 1551 01:55:28,000 --> 01:55:37,199 » okay, our next item is to uh review and approve the intermunicipal agreement IMA 1552 01:55:35,520 --> 01:55:41,119 with Milis for the animal control services. Chris, 1553 01:55:38,960 --> 01:55:47,040 » this is due. We have um as you know, Jenny is on leave currently. So, we are 1554 01:55:43,920 --> 01:55:51,840 looking to um supplement our uh animal control services. So, this is um just an 1555 01:55:49,920 --> 01:55:55,599 intermunicipal agreement with Milis. They'll provide some on call services if 1556 01:55:53,840 --> 01:56:00,800 necessary. They also provide them to Medway as well. Um we may or may not use 1557 01:55:58,719 --> 01:56:04,400 them. We may not need them. Um but due to insurance purposes, uh they can only 1558 01:56:02,719 --> 01:56:07,119 respond to us if we have the IMA in place. So, we just wanted to go ahead 1559 01:56:06,159 --> 01:56:10,320 and put that in there. >> Makes sense. 1560 01:56:07,760 --> 01:56:14,639 » Mr. Murray, I had two questions uh on paragraphs three and four. Paragraph 1561 01:56:12,560 --> 01:56:18,320 three, obligations of Medfield says Medfield acting through it select board 1562 01:56:16,480 --> 01:56:22,159 shall appoint a on to work with the animal control officer. My question is 1563 01:56:20,239 --> 01:56:24,800 who are we appointing or do we not? >> The chief, I believe. 1564 01:56:23,280 --> 01:56:27,280 » Yeah, the deputy and the chief. >> Yeah, I think I would say the chief or 1565 01:56:26,400 --> 01:56:30,000 her designate. >> Yeah, that makes sense. 1566 01:56:28,320 --> 01:56:33,840 » Okay, so we haven't appointed anybody yet, but that's the plan. 1567 01:56:31,679 --> 01:56:37,119 » And then the next the next paragraph down term and termination. The initial 1568 01:56:35,679 --> 01:56:40,880 term of this agreement shall commence as of the date that both parties have 1569 01:56:38,400 --> 01:56:45,840 executed this agreement and shall end on and I'm guessing it's ending on June 1570 01:56:42,480 --> 01:56:48,880 30th because the next increment is June July 1st to June 30th. It just was a 1571 01:56:48,239 --> 01:56:51,679 blank. So >> yeah, I think we weren't sure how long 1572 01:56:50,239 --> 01:56:55,360 we would need it. We were going to we were going to pull it um yeah 1573 01:56:53,280 --> 01:56:58,639 » once Jenny returned. So I would say we could put in June 30th and then we can 1574 01:56:56,960 --> 01:56:59,760 always renew if necessary on the annual basis. Right. 1575 01:56:59,199 --> 01:57:04,159 » Let's do that. >> Or or cancel early. 1576 01:57:01,360 --> 01:57:06,639 » Yeah. Yes. that was it was just where I can 1577 01:57:05,280 --> 01:57:11,520 » I didn't know what the end was >> and it's just on a on a call out basis 1578 01:57:08,880 --> 01:57:14,560 so there's no there's no cost unless uh we use it. 1579 01:57:12,400 --> 01:57:16,639 » Okay. >> Any questions? 1580 01:57:15,440 --> 01:57:19,679 » Nope. I make sense. >> I'm all set. Do we have a motion then? 1581 01:57:18,560 --> 01:57:22,960 » A motion to approve. >> Second. 1582 01:57:20,080 --> 01:57:28,159 » All those in favor? I I >> Next item is approve amendment number 1583 01:57:25,360 --> 01:57:33,760 three to the VHB contract for Medfield State Hospital redevelopment lumpsum 1584 01:57:30,320 --> 01:57:36,880 tasks. And it's about $36,000 for crosswalks and sidewalks at the 1585 01:57:35,520 --> 01:57:41,520 roundabout. Is that >> That is correct. So this is um amendment 1586 01:57:39,599 --> 01:57:43,599 number three. We discussed this um I can't remember the date off the top of 1587 01:57:42,320 --> 01:57:48,080 my head. It was the day we had our goals meeting that we asked VHB to move 1588 01:57:45,840 --> 01:57:51,760 forward uh with taking the conceptual designs for the pedestrian improvements 1589 01:57:49,679 --> 01:57:55,840 and do the full design. Um they have done the full design and we are uh in 1590 01:57:54,239 --> 01:57:58,400 front of the conservation commission at the end of the month and then we will be 1591 01:57:57,280 --> 01:58:01,040 able to proceed with this. >> Oh, good. 1592 01:58:00,400 --> 01:58:06,320 » Mr. Ruby. >> Yeah. I was just idally curious. So the 1593 01:58:03,520 --> 01:58:10,320 total 39,000 is that the was does that represent the additional chapter 90 1594 01:58:08,320 --> 01:58:13,360 funds or did we actually I'm just curious where the money came. 1595 01:58:11,360 --> 01:58:16,239 » So uh right now we believe we are taking it from the actual grant from the 1596 01:58:15,040 --> 01:58:20,320 massworks grant. Okay. >> Um we've had some cost savings uh both 1597 01:58:18,480 --> 01:58:23,599 in the contractor's contract. So we are going to run out the grant uh until we 1598 01:58:22,159 --> 01:58:26,719 can and then the remainder of that will come from chapter 90. But we're still 1599 01:58:25,119 --> 01:58:29,119 working through the the final on that. But 1600 01:58:27,280 --> 01:58:31,840 » grant first, chapter 90 second. >> Got it. Okay. Murphy. 1601 01:58:30,800 --> 01:58:37,119 » Nope. No questions. >> Then a motion, please. 1602 01:58:33,679 --> 01:58:38,560 » Motion to approve. >> Is there a second? 1603 01:58:37,840 --> 01:58:43,920 » Second. >> All those in favor? I I. 1604 01:58:41,119 --> 01:58:47,840 » Uh number 11 requests the approval of the following contracts for capital 1605 01:58:45,599 --> 01:58:54,440 projects approved in the 2026 town meeting. A new Elgen Pelican Street 1606 01:58:50,639 --> 01:58:54,440 sweeper for $316,230. 1607 01:58:54,560 --> 01:59:02,520 and B a Ford F250 Superduty pickup truck for $61,938.3. 1608 01:59:04,320 --> 01:59:10,480 » Both are due to be delivered by November 18th. So, somebody's getting a new car 1609 01:59:08,480 --> 01:59:16,560 before Thanksgiving. >> We found particularly from since CO that 1610 01:59:14,400 --> 01:59:21,679 you absolutely have to put a deadline date in because otherwise you could be 1611 01:59:19,520 --> 01:59:27,280 waiting years on these things. >> All right, motion approve. Second. 1612 01:59:24,480 --> 01:59:30,639 » All those in favor I. >> Uh number 12, vote to approve the 1613 01:59:28,960 --> 01:59:36,840 Pleasant Street sidewalk replacement design contract with Beta Group, Inc. 1614 01:59:33,440 --> 01:59:36,840 for $223,900. 1615 01:59:36,880 --> 01:59:42,080 » And this is what Mo had presented uh when he was here at the last meeting and 1616 01:59:40,800 --> 01:59:44,880 we're moving forward on that. >> Great. 1617 01:59:43,040 --> 01:59:49,280 » And the plan is to have this done by is it December 27th or December? 1618 01:59:47,840 --> 01:59:50,960 » What's the deadline to get to spend this money? 1619 01:59:49,679 --> 01:59:53,440 » 30th 27th. >> Okay. September 27th. 1620 01:59:52,159 --> 01:59:56,560 » Good design. and then we'll move into the construction and once we get to the 1621 01:59:54,960 --> 01:59:59,840 construction phase that's where the the federal earmark will kick in uh with 1622 01:59:58,400 --> 02:00:02,800 mass DOT on the construction. >> Okay. Okay. 1623 02:00:00,560 --> 02:00:05,199 » So, chapter 90 for design on this one. Um construction through the federal 1624 02:00:04,320 --> 02:00:08,560 earmark. >> Okay. 1625 02:00:05,920 --> 02:00:13,360 » Chris my what this raised in my mind was I saw a reference to the federal earmark 1626 02:00:10,639 --> 02:00:16,400 of 500,000 and I thought the federal earmark had been higher than that at 1627 02:00:15,440 --> 02:00:19,920 some point. >> No, we had well we had requested more 1628 02:00:18,639 --> 02:00:24,159 for the Pleasant Street sidewalk project. I think we requested close to a 1629 02:00:21,599 --> 02:00:28,800 million and a half um 1.8 and it was brought down to 500,000 which is why 1630 02:00:26,159 --> 02:00:32,800 when Mo was at our last meeting >> told you the scope had to be uh brought 1631 02:00:31,040 --> 02:00:36,400 in a little bit >> and the town's going to kick in 125,000. 1632 02:00:35,520 --> 02:00:41,360 » Correct. We have a mass >> so that we get a for 125,000 we got 1633 02:00:39,040 --> 02:00:42,639 625,000 of sidewalks. >> Correct. 1634 02:00:41,679 --> 02:00:45,840 » So good. >> All right. Bennett will enjoy that. 1635 02:00:44,880 --> 02:00:47,840 » Any questions? >> No. Good. 1636 02:00:46,560 --> 02:00:53,553 » How about a motion then? >> A motion. So moved. Second. 1637 02:00:49,840 --> 02:00:56,960 » All those in favor? I I consent agenda. [clears throat] Vote to sign the 1638 02:00:54,639 --> 02:01:01,199 proclamation recognizing Mason Allen and Connor McDermott for the earning the 1639 02:00:59,280 --> 02:01:06,080 rank of Eagle Scout. Next, vote to approve the following sign request for 1640 02:01:03,520 --> 02:01:13,440 Hail Education at the intersection of North Maine and 109 in Hartford. Uh 1641 02:01:10,400 --> 02:01:19,840 September 29 to 20 Sep I'm sorry, September 9 to 23rd, fall equinox. 1642 02:01:17,119 --> 02:01:25,119 October 8 to 22nd alowen 1643 02:01:21,760 --> 02:01:29,440 and November 4th through 18th summer 27 program registration. Next request from 1644 02:01:28,000 --> 02:01:33,040 the friends of the library to use the gazebo green outside the library for the 1645 02:01:31,440 --> 02:01:41,360 friends Halloween fest uh October 25th 1 to 4 1646 02:01:38,320 --> 02:01:47,440 pm. Next, request to post signs at the usual locations. September 13 to 27 for 1647 02:01:45,199 --> 02:01:53,040 the First Baptist Church of Medfield celebrating their 250th birthday. The 1648 02:01:51,040 --> 02:01:57,199 small yard sign reads the following text. First Baptist Church of Medfield 1649 02:01:55,199 --> 02:02:02,080 celebrating 250 years of God's faithfulness. Next, request to post 1650 02:02:00,000 --> 02:02:09,599 signs for the Jouty Group advertising the annual townwide garage sale 1651 02:02:06,239 --> 02:02:14,400 on September 12th, 800 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. from September 9 to 12th at the 1652 02:02:12,080 --> 02:02:17,760 intersection of North and Maine. Next, request to post signs for Friends of 1653 02:02:15,920 --> 02:02:22,239 Medfield Theater at the usual locations, advertising for about two weeks, one 1654 02:02:20,560 --> 02:02:25,280 before the show and one during the show for both Blake Middle School 1655 02:02:23,679 --> 02:02:30,000 productions, a fall play performed in early November, and a spring musical, as 1656 02:02:28,239 --> 02:02:36,639 well as the three Medfield High School performances below. Guys and Dolls on uh 1657 02:02:33,679 --> 02:02:43,679 November 2nd through November 22nd, The Miraculous Adventures of Edward Tulain, 1658 02:02:39,520 --> 02:02:49,520 March 6 and 7, 2027. Student performance Medfield after dark on May 8, 2027. And 1659 02:02:47,920 --> 02:02:53,440 finally, a request for a block party permit on September 26 at the 1660 02:02:51,760 --> 02:03:00,480 intersection of Country Way and would end from 3 to 7. Do we have a motion? 1661 02:02:56,719 --> 02:03:05,280 » We have comments on two items. Uh 16 and 17. We'll start with 17. The 17. The 1662 02:03:03,280 --> 02:03:09,280 only question the only question I wanted to confirm is that they only want to put 1663 02:03:07,760 --> 02:03:13,760 one sign up in one place at the intersection north and Maine. just I was 1664 02:03:12,320 --> 02:03:18,000 surprised to see there was only one location that may be all they want. 1665 02:03:16,480 --> 02:03:21,599 They've been advertising on social media, so I know it's been 1666 02:03:19,440 --> 02:03:23,920 » Yeah, I thought I I thought when we talked to them it was just one sign, but 1667 02:03:22,960 --> 02:03:28,800 we'll confirm with them. >> So, there was just an observation. The 1668 02:03:26,080 --> 02:03:32,560 uh the number 16, given that I attend the Baptist church here in town, uh just 1669 02:03:31,199 --> 02:03:38,080 so you know, I can be a heavy with anybody in town. I I uh reached out to 1670 02:03:34,960 --> 02:03:43,440 Hunter Guthrie, the the pastor there, and said, you know, we use 1671 02:03:40,719 --> 02:03:47,840 We use these street corners to advertise events, not merely [clears throat] to 1672 02:03:45,599 --> 02:03:51,760 put up a sign making a statement. And the happened to be the assign that they 1673 02:03:49,360 --> 02:03:55,520 had was just that although actually they have a celebration on the should have 1674 02:03:54,239 --> 02:03:59,599 this up to my head. I think it's the 14th of October. Uh he said 1675 02:03:58,265 --> 02:04:02,560 [clears throat] that well probably that's fine if you can't if that's not 1676 02:04:01,119 --> 02:04:07,840 appropriate then don't worry about it. So we may withdraw that. I did tell him 1677 02:04:05,599 --> 02:04:11,280 that I would check to see I know we sometimes have people borrow We 1678 02:04:10,000 --> 02:04:15,360 basically said we wouldn't have time to make a new sign. Uh that's way too small 1679 02:04:13,840 --> 02:04:19,760 probably for the corner. Anyway, I did said I would check to see I think we 1680 02:04:17,360 --> 02:04:24,000 sometimes have had people borrow the kind of folding signs. I think we have 1681 02:04:22,320 --> 02:04:25,119 two of them or something if they're not being used. 1682 02:04:24,800 --> 02:04:28,800 » Yeah. >> I So I told him I would check to see if 1683 02:04:26,719 --> 02:04:34,159 that was a possibility. So you got a choice on this one. either to just say 1684 02:04:31,440 --> 02:04:36,159 no, which as it's written right now, I would recommend we not do it because 1685 02:04:35,599 --> 02:04:39,760 it's simply >> sets a precedent. Yeah. 1686 02:04:37,599 --> 02:04:43,520 » Or if you wanted to prove have yet having a sign and then leave it up to 1687 02:04:41,119 --> 02:04:47,599 him to try to, you know, come up with a bigger sign that would be better anyway 1688 02:04:45,360 --> 02:04:50,639 and maybe try to borrow the town's A-frames. 1689 02:04:48,639 --> 02:04:54,159 » If it includes a date, then it's meeting our if it's just promoting something in 1690 02:04:52,400 --> 02:04:57,119 general, it opens Pandora's box if everyone wanted to put something there. 1691 02:04:55,280 --> 02:05:02,480 » And he could always come back in in two weeks. He's trying to do this. He was 1692 02:04:59,599 --> 02:05:06,239 looking for September 13th and 27th. So the only thing I if we've approved the 1693 02:05:05,040 --> 02:05:08,960 idea of a sign, but with the understanding it's that kind of a sign 1694 02:05:08,400 --> 02:05:11,440 » we could do. >> It's got to be for an event. 1695 02:05:10,320 --> 02:05:14,159 » Yeah, it's got to be for >> an event. Yeah. 1696 02:05:12,239 --> 02:05:16,400 » Why don't we approve it with a sign subject to approval by the town 1697 02:05:15,679 --> 02:05:17,840 administrator? >> That's fine. 1698 02:05:16,880 --> 02:05:19,760 » Perfect. >> Okay. So we'll do that. 1699 02:05:19,199 --> 02:05:22,880 » So move. >> And 17. What's your issue? 1700 02:05:21,520 --> 02:05:25,199 » It was an observation. They'll double check. 1701 02:05:23,280 --> 02:05:27,920 » The the sign request is just for that one. 1702 02:05:25,679 --> 02:05:31,599 » Just for one spot. I just looked at said that's odd. only one they did. I've seen 1703 02:05:30,080 --> 02:05:35,119 their I've seen them advertise so much on social media. It struck me as odd 1704 02:05:33,520 --> 02:05:40,800 that it was only one place for an actual sign, but that's fine. U so I'll second 1705 02:05:39,440 --> 02:05:43,800 » all those in favor. >> I 1706 02:05:44,719 --> 02:05:51,520 uh gift, citizens comments, meeting minutes, town administrator updates. 1707 02:05:49,440 --> 02:05:55,920 » Uh a few things. Uh welcome back to all of our residents who were not with us 1708 02:05:53,280 --> 02:05:59,679 this summer. Um, as hard as it is to say goodbye to summer, we are already 1709 02:05:57,599 --> 02:06:04,239 starting to uh hit the ground running with our fiscal year 28 budget. Uh, 1710 02:06:01,920 --> 02:06:09,199 capital budget meets this Friday. Uh, and Warren committee starts meeting at 1711 02:06:05,920 --> 02:06:15,440 the end of September. So, we are moving. Um, I want to just call attention again 1712 02:06:12,239 --> 02:06:18,880 to the SBC forum on September 15th. Um, we just really need people to start 1713 02:06:16,960 --> 02:06:22,719 talking to us now. Now is definitely the time we need to hear from everybody. Um, 1714 02:06:21,040 --> 02:06:26,800 and that night will focus, as Caroline said, on the educational programming. 1715 02:06:24,880 --> 02:06:30,719 Um, I have some great news from the LOL Mason House. Um, as you know, earlier 1716 02:06:29,199 --> 02:06:34,639 this summer, we worked to get the lease signed so that they could apply for the 1717 02:06:32,079 --> 02:06:40,079 grant. Um, I met with Tom Reynolds this past Friday and Mass Cultural Council 1718 02:06:37,119 --> 02:06:44,320 um, awarded them $98,700. Um, and they are able to match that with 1719 02:06:42,239 --> 02:06:47,840 donations that they have in hand. So, they are starting to move forward with 1720 02:06:45,760 --> 02:06:51,440 their construction. We had a premeating to just get things forward. I saw the 1721 02:06:49,760 --> 02:06:56,000 design. and it looks fantastic. Great. Um, so really exciting that we got that 1722 02:06:53,840 --> 02:07:00,239 done in time to to get them included for that. Um, also our board and committee 1723 02:06:58,719 --> 02:07:03,679 appreciation night will be September 24th at Zulo at six o'clock. I 1724 02:07:02,159 --> 02:07:06,400 » forgot about that. [laughter] >> Put that in my calendar. 1725 02:07:04,560 --> 02:07:11,199 » Uh, invites will be going out to all of our board and committee member chairs uh 1726 02:07:08,159 --> 02:07:15,840 this week. And then I'm really pleased to announce we have 16 members signed up 1727 02:07:13,840 --> 02:07:20,639 for Citizens Academy. Uh, thank you to Britney and Cameron for running this. Uh 1728 02:07:17,920 --> 02:07:25,920 last year was our inaugural year and we I guess our freshman class um and we had 1729 02:07:23,840 --> 02:07:29,280 um eight people signed up uh that went through the program. So to have 16 this 1730 02:07:27,679 --> 02:07:32,480 year is just fantastic and >> and a wait list if I 1731 02:07:30,400 --> 02:07:36,079 » and uh and we did have we did have more than we could accommodate. 16 is the 1732 02:07:34,079 --> 02:07:40,079 maximum we can take um in order to provide the really um personal touch 1733 02:07:38,400 --> 02:07:44,400 that our department heads like to do, especially the fire and police chiefs. 1734 02:07:41,599 --> 02:07:49,119 So um 16 is the max. So, we're excited to sad to have to turn people away, but 1735 02:07:47,040 --> 02:07:53,840 we're ready for them next year. So, >> reputation there, Britney. [laughter] 1736 02:07:51,760 --> 02:07:58,079 » I think it's all about the t-shirts. So, that's all I have this evening. 1737 02:07:56,320 --> 02:08:02,159 » Okay. Thank you. Select board and reports. Mr. Murby, 1738 02:08:00,560 --> 02:08:05,760 » been fairly quiet for the last couple weeks. Uh, I already mentioned that I 1739 02:08:03,840 --> 02:08:10,480 spent apparently was three hours, not two and a half hours about the IGA 1740 02:08:07,440 --> 02:08:14,560 contract with Ben and Rob and then subsequently with just Rob. Uh, I tended 1741 02:08:12,960 --> 02:08:20,800 in for the water and sewer public hearing. So, the bill wasn't here today, 1742 02:08:17,199 --> 02:08:24,880 but I I uh without I just I just monitored it. Uh, but the fact there 1743 02:08:22,480 --> 02:08:31,599 were no questions at the end led me to conclude that the public is okay with 1744 02:08:28,880 --> 02:08:36,320 the two increases in the water and sewer rates. That will be an observation, an 1745 02:08:34,159 --> 02:08:40,239 assumption to be proven out when we get a little further actually having money 1746 02:08:38,079 --> 02:08:43,520 on the table. But uh at least I thought I thought Bill did a nice job of 1747 02:08:41,599 --> 02:08:49,119 explaining things really and I thought his slide in particular that showed that 1748 02:08:46,480 --> 02:08:53,520 relatively speaking the water and sewer rates for Medfield are, you know, 1749 02:08:51,840 --> 02:08:58,480 they're not the lowest of anybody, but they're on the low side of that curve. 1750 02:08:56,239 --> 02:09:03,840 And I think that's a a good point to make for people that don't like the 1751 02:08:59,840 --> 02:09:08,400 numbers that are showing up. Uh I have a Norfick County Advisory Board meeting 1752 02:09:05,520 --> 02:09:14,800 tomorrow night. So, more more to follow on that. And uh lastly, on a completely 1753 02:09:12,960 --> 02:09:19,920 personal note, has nothing to do with the town. I we were happy to learn late 1754 02:09:17,679 --> 02:09:23,840 on Saturday night that our daughter-in-law had a second son. So, we 1755 02:09:22,639 --> 02:09:27,440 have a second grandson. >> A That's awesome. Congratulations. 1756 02:09:25,520 --> 02:09:31,199 » I I will never think of Labor Day weekend in quite the same way. 1757 02:09:28,880 --> 02:09:34,079 » Neither will she. [laughter] >> So, so we're pretty happy. 1758 02:09:32,639 --> 02:09:36,159 » That's awesome. Congratulations. >> Name. 1759 02:09:34,800 --> 02:09:38,400 » Congratulations. So the name's interesting. It's Miller. 1760 02:09:37,760 --> 02:09:39,599 » It's Miller. >> Miller. 1761 02:09:38,800 --> 02:09:44,560 » Oh, I love that. >> Yeah. So I think a lot of people have 1762 02:09:42,400 --> 02:09:48,320 never heard it then and you know is that it first or last name, but no, it's the 1763 02:09:46,639 --> 02:09:50,079 first name. So yeah. >> Excellent. 1764 02:09:48,880 --> 02:09:54,159 » I love that. >> My first comment was well like my name 1765 02:09:52,400 --> 02:09:57,679 when you hear somebody call when you hear your name called out in a room, you 1766 02:09:55,840 --> 02:10:01,520 know they're probably talking to you. >> So that's a good good thing. Good thing. 1767 02:09:59,920 --> 02:10:04,960 » All right. So I think since our last meeting, we had the send off for Katie. 1768 02:10:02,960 --> 02:10:08,800 Yes. Nice gathering downstairs. So, it was a nice gathering, some nice police 1769 02:10:07,119 --> 02:10:11,679 representation, fire representation, a variety of folks from around the 1770 02:10:09,920 --> 02:10:15,679 community. Um, so that was that was nice. And she's off and running in her 1771 02:10:13,040 --> 02:10:20,000 new adventure. Uh, Wayfinder meeting we had last Friday, Wednesday, Thursday, 1772 02:10:18,320 --> 02:10:22,800 one Sunday last week. >> Um, I kind of chuckled when I saw sign 1773 02:10:22,159 --> 02:10:26,480 there. >> Uh, so the wayfinder group met in front 1774 02:10:25,199 --> 02:10:33,360 of the town hall. We had a chance to review the signs. Um, they're looking 1775 02:10:29,599 --> 02:10:37,840 good. uh what uh game plan to get those out in the public? Uh 1776 02:10:35,360 --> 02:10:42,480 » we were hoping by this fall, but at this point we don't also want to rush it. So, 1777 02:10:40,239 --> 02:10:45,119 we're going to see if it's feasible to get everything in before frost. 1778 02:10:44,560 --> 02:10:49,679 » Okay. >> But I also don't want to do like a a bad 1779 02:10:47,760 --> 02:10:52,239 job of it. So, if we have to move it to the spring, I think that would probably 1780 02:10:51,040 --> 02:10:57,280 be preferable. >> Okay. Uh school building committee, as 1781 02:10:55,040 --> 02:11:01,760 uh Carolyn and Bill just reviewed, we met last week. a lot of moving parts 1782 02:10:59,440 --> 02:11:05,920 there. Um they're they're they're doing a phenomenal job. So I just hope we 1783 02:11:03,440 --> 02:11:11,119 continue on a good path there. Um I too sat in the the board and water uh public 1784 02:11:08,960 --> 02:11:15,760 hearing. I thought that Bill did a really good job and I I know it's in our 1785 02:11:13,280 --> 02:11:20,639 meeting packet if anyone missed it. Um that does a really nice job of breaking 1786 02:11:17,599 --> 02:11:23,119 down the two rates people understanding when water's coming in their house, 1787 02:11:22,000 --> 02:11:26,800 what's happening, when water's leaving their house, what's happening. Um, and 1788 02:11:24,960 --> 02:11:29,920 you know, most people just take it for granted, but there's not a lot of towns 1789 02:11:28,239 --> 02:11:34,800 that have what we have. And not being a part of MWR, I personally am thrilled 1790 02:11:32,239 --> 02:11:38,719 that we're not. So, um, if those slides point out some of the costs that other 1791 02:11:36,159 --> 02:11:43,440 towns that are part of the NWR uh, have to live with. Uh, a couple of side 1792 02:11:41,760 --> 02:11:47,280 notes. I just want to say I love our freshly painted crosswalks. I'm walking 1793 02:11:45,679 --> 02:11:52,159 my furry friend a lot and you can tell that uh, Mo and his group did a lot of 1794 02:11:49,760 --> 02:11:55,679 work over the last two weeks with um, all of the significant crosswalks. I 1795 02:11:53,920 --> 02:11:59,040 can't see everyone in town, but I do a loop around here quite a bit now, my 1796 02:11:57,199 --> 02:12:03,280 furry friend, and I was thrilled. They did a fantastic job. Um, I was sad to 1797 02:12:01,440 --> 02:12:07,599 see the email this morning, um, seeing that Carolyn Stanley passed away. That 1798 02:12:05,520 --> 02:12:11,679 what a what a beautiful woman. And, you know, I sent you a note, Christine, 1799 02:12:09,599 --> 02:12:15,520 like, boy, this town's lost two absolutely positively lovely ladies with 1800 02:12:13,599 --> 02:12:18,639 Eve Pototts passing away a few weeks back and then Carolyn Stanley because 1801 02:12:16,960 --> 02:12:22,800 Carolyn and her husband did so much for this town. Um, so it just, uh, it's sad 1802 02:12:21,040 --> 02:12:24,239 to hear, but it's a true celebration of life. So, 1803 02:12:23,440 --> 02:12:28,880 » absolutely. >> Um, and I I'll too by I walk my furry 1804 02:12:27,679 --> 02:12:33,199 friend down the roundabout. I'm watching what's happening there. I think there's 1805 02:12:30,880 --> 02:12:37,599 um it's it's really coming together and I and I've watched the flow of traffic 1806 02:12:34,960 --> 02:12:41,440 and I it's so nice to see right now as school's kicking in that as people are 1807 02:12:39,599 --> 02:12:45,199 coming and going. It's um it's it's coming along nicely. So, it's great. And 1808 02:12:42,880 --> 02:12:47,440 then um the West Street Harding one looks like it's coming to a close. 1809 02:12:46,320 --> 02:12:51,040 They've done all the work they not needed to do down by the driveways. And 1810 02:12:49,440 --> 02:12:55,040 then uh the elections, just a shout out to Marian and her team because I know 1811 02:12:52,800 --> 02:12:58,960 that was a long week with having the elections, the walk-in elections here or 1812 02:12:57,119 --> 02:13:02,719 the early elections here and then everything that took place down at the 1813 02:13:01,280 --> 02:13:08,239 um senior center the day of the election. So kudos to everybody that 1814 02:13:04,719 --> 02:13:11,599 stepped up for that. >> All right, and on to you. 1815 02:13:09,599 --> 02:13:16,239 » Um and I would just mention about the water and sewer that Bill did a uh a 1816 02:13:14,639 --> 02:13:20,719 series of slides that I thought were just excellent to explain it. The thing 1817 02:13:18,320 --> 02:13:26,159 that that really struck me is that when you when he compares the cost that we 1818 02:13:23,920 --> 02:13:33,280 pay for water and sewer to other towns, we're paying a lot less than most towns. 1819 02:13:28,800 --> 02:13:38,000 So, um I would just mentioned that I I was looking at the Beacon, which is the 1820 02:13:34,719 --> 02:13:44,239 Mass Municipal Association monthly uh uh magazine. Um and I was interested that 1821 02:13:41,840 --> 02:13:50,560 there was a lot of state money that was being given away in grants. uh 45 1822 02:13:47,360 --> 02:13:56,960 million awarded for projects uh related to climate impact. South Adley got dam 1823 02:13:53,679 --> 02:14:03,360 removal money. Uh Plymouth and Devon's got tree planting money. Um 15 million 1824 02:14:00,639 --> 02:14:09,599 awarded for commercial to housing conversions. That's not really us, but 1825 02:14:06,159 --> 02:14:17,840 uh uh two towns split 20 million in library money. Felmouth and and uh 1826 02:14:13,360 --> 02:14:26,079 Hudson uh local infrastructure projects 900,000 for technical assistance uh 1827 02:14:21,360 --> 02:14:32,079 dredging projects. That could be us. Um and the state awards 368 1828 02:14:30,000 --> 02:14:36,800 million in loans for clean water projects, 1829 02:14:33,920 --> 02:14:42,000 890,000 for civic education. So there's a lot of money um and should maybe be 1830 02:14:39,920 --> 02:14:44,800 spending our time figuring out how to get some of it. So that's 1831 02:14:43,199 --> 02:14:48,800 » so we've applied to most of the programs that you listed there. We've applied to 1832 02:14:47,040 --> 02:14:52,079 um either through water and sewer or the town. The wayfinding project that we 1833 02:14:50,480 --> 02:14:55,679 were talking about was funded by a grant. Um we've had a significant number 1834 02:14:54,320 --> 02:15:02,719 of grants. We talked about the two federal grants, both Weston 27 and 1835 02:14:57,920 --> 02:15:05,360 Pleasant Street. So um the um uh 1836 02:15:03,840 --> 02:15:08,639 » we just did the >> the facade improvement. I'm like where's 1837 02:15:06,639 --> 02:15:12,079 that word? Uh the facade improvement. Yeah. So, I I you know, I I would say 1838 02:15:10,480 --> 02:15:16,400 kudos to our team. Um >> absolutely. 1839 02:15:12,719 --> 02:15:20,560 » You know, um we we did uh do a $15,000 earmark for landscaping. Um I did have a 1840 02:15:19,040 --> 02:15:24,159 person call me today who was concerned that some of our plants had died. Um we 1841 02:15:22,320 --> 02:15:26,719 are working on that. It's been a hard summer. As you know, our grounds 1842 02:15:25,360 --> 02:15:30,239 department, we did not get a second person in that. So, it's been hard to 1843 02:15:28,320 --> 02:15:34,239 have somebody dedicated. I know Britney spent a significant amount of time this 1844 02:15:31,599 --> 02:15:38,960 summer going out to water the plants. Um so we are we are trying to to fix that 1845 02:15:36,960 --> 02:15:43,119 but um you know that's kind of the level route but you know kudos to our team for 1846 02:15:40,719 --> 02:15:48,000 for going after the grants that we have uh been implementing and I you know not 1847 02:15:45,360 --> 02:15:50,960 to forget also the delineator grant would be me. So 1848 02:15:49,119 --> 02:15:54,960 » we're getting way more grants than we used to. So thank you for that. 1849 02:15:52,880 --> 02:15:58,159 » Yes. >> Anything else to come before the 1850 02:15:56,239 --> 02:16:00,480 meeting? >> Do we have a motion to adjurnn then? 1851 02:15:59,599 --> 02:16:04,400 » Motion to adjurnn. >> Second. 1852 02:16:00,880 --> 02:16:09,840 » All those in favor? I. Thank you. Oh, sorry. Killed that quick. Sorry. 1853 02:16:07,760 --> 02:16:14,239 » Christine is hot. >> Hot on that. 1854 02:16:11,760 --> 02:16:17,679 » I forgot last time. [laughter] >> Jesus. Was there was there an overunder? 1855 02:16:15,840 --> 02:16:21,754 I wasn't aware of that. It did flip the >> No goodbyes for you. [laughter] 1856 02:16:22,560 --> 02:16:27,880 » That was harsh. Start.