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Good evening and welcome to the Select Board meeting

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of Wednesday, June 10th, 2026.

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I'm gonna call the meeting to order at 6:03 PM

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The first item on our agenda is requested Action to vote

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to approve and confirm the sale of

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bond anticipation notes

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and General obligation Municipal Purpose loan of 2026 bonds

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and sign the associated documents and papers. Ari,

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Am I on?

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I think I'm on

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Try.

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Am I on right now? Is a green light on? Yeah.

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Oh, I think you're on. Okay.

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All right. I just didn't hear my echo. Okay, thank you.

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Madam Chair. The town staff held a ratings call with s

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and p on May 19th, may.

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I'm pleased to inform everybody that the s

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and p re reformed our AAA ratings.

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That's great news. Yes. The debt sale was held on June 3rd.

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There were two tranches bond anticipation notes

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and about the amount of 4,015,000 and geo debt

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and the amount of 4,510,000.

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The ban was for a variety of purposes,

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including the largest one being rotaries and sidewalks,

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but also space renewal, building exterior repairs,

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field design for the high school,

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and a portion of the memorial feasibility study.

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All projects that have been funded through the capital plan.

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The geo bond purposes were a combination of fire apparatus,

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water and sewer projects, landfill, some elevator,

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elevator stewardships too, and,

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and various other items as well.

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On the bands, there were three bids.

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The most favorable was

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with a group called Academy Securities

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for an net interest cost of 2.8289%

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included a $36,900 premium, a little less than that,

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actually $36,878.

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For the geo sale. There were five bids.

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The lowest most favorable bid was from SWBC investment

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services at a little over three point at 3.292766%,

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which included a $396,615 premium,

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$285,000 of that premium will we applied to projects.

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The rest, we applied to the issuance cost

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of the pro of the of the sale.

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Happy to answer any questions.

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We have staff here ready to assist with the signature,

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as well as the acting treasurer and the town clerk

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Board members questions or comments?

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Very thankful for the AAA bond rating.

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At this time, I'll entertain a motion.

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I move that we adopt the vote prepared

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by bond counsel in writing

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before the select board approving the sale and in

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and issuance of the town's 4,510,000 general

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obligation municipal purpose loan of 2026 bonds,

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and 4 million of 15,000

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and $15,000

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of general obligation bond anticipation notes dated

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June 18th, 2026.

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Second. All those in favor?

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Aye. Aye. Is that the correct amount?

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'cause it's different on here. That is the amount

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that was provided to us by Mr.

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Sky. The exact language we need to use given

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to us by bond council,

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There's a net premium that affects the, so,

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so it's 4,000,785,000 worth of projects,

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but 265,000 is applied.

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Two 85,000, I'm sorry, is applied towards the bonds for,

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to reduce the, the, the power ground a little

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bit. Saves us some money.

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Good question. Alright. No question. And your vote, Ms.

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Wal? Yes. So we are 5 0 0, and the vote to approve

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and confirm the sale.

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At this time, we'll take about a 15 minute recess so

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that the board can sign the

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associated documents and closing papers. Thank

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You.

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Calling our meeting back to order at 6:28 PM

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First step is announcements. Mr. Jacobs?

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Yeah. So I just wanted to make an announcement

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regarding Flag Day, which is coming up on Sunday, June 14th.

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This is courtesy

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of our old colleague reach Sidney, who wrote this.

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So I'm just gonna read part of it.

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So on June 14th, we honor one

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of our nation's most enduring symbols.

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The United States flag the roots of Flag Day, stretched back

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to 1885 when the formal observance was invented

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by a Wisconsin school teacher.

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Over the decades, communities across the

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country embraced the tradition.

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In 1916, the observance received national recognition,

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and in 1949 it became official when President Harry Truman

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signed the act establishing June 14th as National Flag Day.

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June 14th is also the birthday of the United States Army,

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founded in 1775.

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As we mark this day, we honor the generations of soldiers

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who sacrifice, whose service

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and sacrifice have protected the freedoms

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and ideals represented by our flag.

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Their dedication remains a

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cornerstone of our nation's strength.

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Respect for the flag also includes knowing how

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to reti retire it properly.

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When a flag becomes worn, torn,

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or faded, it should be disposed of in a dignified

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and respectful manner, traditionally

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through a formal retirement ceremony.

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Fortunately for anyone with a flag ready for retirement,

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the local VFW accepts worn or damaged flags

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and ensures that they're properly

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and respectfully disposed of.

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So let's take that day when it comes

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to reflect on our shared history.

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Honor those who served

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and show respect for the symbol that represents us.

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Thank you.

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Thank you, Mr. Jacobs.

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Does any, any other board member have

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an announcement they'd like to make or share?

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Okay. At this time we will go into public speak.

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I do have a couple, I'm

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Sorry.

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We're gonna stop public speak and go back to announcements.

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I just thought about these. There are Juneteenth events

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happening, and I'm saying this now

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because we won't have another meeting

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before the Juneteenth holiday.

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And so there is the Frederick Douglass reading

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that's happening on Juneteenth in the morning.

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I think it's 10 or 10 30.

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And then the Juneteenth activities,

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the actual event is happening on the 20th,

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which is Saturday from about 11

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to one, I believe, on the common.

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So if you have time, you should attend 10.

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Thank you so much. Sorry, I overlooked that.

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For public speak, any individual may raise an issue

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that's not included on tonight's agenda,

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and it will be taken under advisement by the board.

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There'll be no opportunity for debate

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during this portion of the meeting.

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Due to the requirements of open meeting law, the section

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of the agenda is limited to 10 minutes

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and any individual addressing the board during the section

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of the agenda shall be limited to three minutes.

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Why don't you come up, Mr. Scott,

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if you could introduce yourself.

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You have three minutes.

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Hello, my name is Roger Scott,

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precinct 10 town meeting member

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and resident of 40 Water Street.

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When I come to you tonight is you probably are aware

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of recent disclosure in the town

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of Needham about a town employee being accused

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of stealing $200,000.

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So I wanna bring forward the, the book that we are presented

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as a town meeting member, the

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April 28th town meeting manual that we followed.

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And on page 41 of this

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Booklet, we have no listing of any

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of these expenses.

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There is no breakdown of the expenses in this town.

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So as a town, we're trying to create town government

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and not allowing people to see what's in behind the scenes.

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For instance, the select board administrative support,

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it has a set salary of $1.489 million,

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but it has expenses of $889,000,

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which is 60% the equivalent of the salaries.

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With no explanation.

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People in the town we're supposed to vote on these things.

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And now that happens in Needham.

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We want disclosure, we what's, what's there to, you know,

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who's to say something's something

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isn't happening in this town.

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We have a finance $1.8 million

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and $438,000 in expenses.

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That's 25%.

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But if you flip over to the police department

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with an $8.8 million salary,

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they had 396,000 in expenses, which is an equivalent

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of a four and a half percent comparison.

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A fire department,

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$10,941,000,

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387,000 in expenses, less than

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the, the police departments in an equivalent of a three

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and a half percent margin.

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I don't know how people are expected

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to understand all this data and

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after having exposure in a RA neighboring town

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and the opportunity,

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but so many employees in this town that

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there's no transparency. There has to be some

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Mr. Scott, 30 seconds.

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Well, I'm just trying to say, I hope

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that the select board takes this under consideration

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and that people disclose information so

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that people in members

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of town meeting will have a proper thing to be able to vote

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and know what's going on in the town other than just being

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big items thrown before them to unanimously vote for.

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I, I think it's a discredit to the taxpayer in the town,

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and I think the taxpayer deserves better.

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So I hope you'll take that under consideration

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and print all these out expenses.

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So when we go to town meeting, we know.

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Thank you Mr. Scott. What's happening?

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Thank you very much. We will take that under advisement.

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Well, thank you for your time.

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Thank you. Is there anyone else in the room who would like

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to address the select board during public speak?

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Seeing none, I'll look online. We have one hand raised Mr.

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Alderson.

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Sorry.

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Thank you. Madam Chair.

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Doesn't look like I can start my

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video, so I apologize for that.

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All. I very briefly wanted to say that I wanna thank folks

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that had applied for the finance committee appointments

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that I make at the end of June.

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I had enough people applying to fill all the vacancies.

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And so that will be published

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and made available on July 1st on

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the finance committee website.

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I just also wanna put a plug in

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and encourage anyone that's still interested in serving on

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the finance committee to keep applying even mid se,

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mid-year, mid-season,

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because we do have the occasional vacancy from time to time

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that we fill with people that have applied.

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So again, thank you also to the select board for

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advertising the vacancy and making that available in your,

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in your minutes in your discussions. Appreciate that.

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Thank you. Mr. Alderon.

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Is there anyone else online

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who would like to address the board?

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Seeing none will close public speak

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and move to appointments.

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First series of interviews is

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for the Conservation Commission.

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There's one term expiring at the end of

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one term, which will expire 6 30 20 29.

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And we have three candidates. We'll take them in the order.

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They're listed in the agenda. So if I could ask Mr.

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Downey, are you, are you in the room or online?

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He's online. So we have very comprehensive packets

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and resumes from all of the applicants.

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So rather than repeating them into the record, I would ask

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that the candidates just tell us two

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to three sentences about why you wanna serve on

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the particular board or commission

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that you're applying to or committee.

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And then I will open it up

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to board questions for the candidates.

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So Mr. Downey, you, you're up.

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Thank you for that. I have been serving on the

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Conservation Commission as a member since 2014,

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and I'm looking to be reappointed.

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Thank you. Mr. Downing questions

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or comments from members of the public?

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00:13:01,785 --> 00:13:03,405
Mr. Jacob? I mean from members of the board.

264
00:13:03,405 --> 00:13:04,645
First, please, Mr. Jacobs.

265
00:13:06,735 --> 00:13:10,845
Thank you. Thank you for your service, Mr. Downey.

266
00:13:10,845 --> 00:13:12,285
And thanks for obviously reapplying.

267
00:13:13,225 --> 00:13:17,765
So I, I just have one question, which is in the,

268
00:13:17,785 --> 00:13:19,285
in late 2024

269
00:13:19,305 --> 00:13:21,445
and early 2025, the bo the,

270
00:13:21,785 --> 00:13:25,365
the Conservation Commission considered the concept

271
00:13:25,585 --> 00:13:29,205
of adopting a tree bylaw in Natick, which, you know, for,

272
00:13:29,325 --> 00:13:30,725
I mean, obviously I know you know what it is,

273
00:13:30,725 --> 00:13:31,805
but for those listening,

274
00:13:31,875 --> 00:13:34,365
it's like the idea is there's some communities,

275
00:13:34,365 --> 00:13:37,645
some municipalities have a bylaw that kind of prescribes,

276
00:13:38,625 --> 00:13:39,965
you know, when and how,

277
00:13:39,985 --> 00:13:43,165
and you know, the, the process for removing trees, you know,

278
00:13:43,165 --> 00:13:45,565
kind of regulates the removal of trees from, from,

279
00:13:46,195 --> 00:13:47,485
from private property.

280
00:13:48,665 --> 00:13:52,365
And ultimately the, the commission decided not

281
00:13:52,365 --> 00:13:54,805
to go forward proposing a bylaw like that at this time,

282
00:13:54,865 --> 00:13:57,605
but instead to kind of work through a process of maybe

283
00:13:59,185 --> 00:14:00,805
get building more public support

284
00:14:00,905 --> 00:14:02,565
or engaging like a, a tree committee.

285
00:14:02,625 --> 00:14:06,405
So I, I wanted to ask you kind of what your thoughts were on

286
00:14:06,555 --> 00:14:10,405
that decision and kind of what you think going forward

287
00:14:10,585 --> 00:14:12,125
as far as the prospects for

288
00:14:12,845 --> 00:14:14,525
considering a bylaw like that for Natick.

289
00:14:16,545 --> 00:14:19,365
That's a great question and it's, you know, it's aligned

290
00:14:19,365 --> 00:14:20,365
with my profession.

291
00:14:20,625 --> 00:14:23,605
I'm, I'm a licensed forester here in, in the Commonwealth

292
00:14:23,605 --> 00:14:27,925
of Massachusetts, and you know, I went

293
00:14:27,925 --> 00:14:29,365
to UMass Amherst for that.

294
00:14:29,585 --> 00:14:32,365
So, you know, trees are critically important

295
00:14:32,545 --> 00:14:34,125
to us as human beings.

296
00:14:34,665 --> 00:14:35,725
Not just for their shade,

297
00:14:35,725 --> 00:14:37,565
but also for the products that we derive from them.

298
00:14:39,695 --> 00:14:44,525
Trees are also important to our community identity,

299
00:14:45,345 --> 00:14:47,765
you know, so, you know, these, these are things

300
00:14:47,765 --> 00:14:51,885
that are very important to me personally and professionally.

301
00:14:52,225 --> 00:14:55,245
So, you know, a tree law, a tree bylaw and,

302
00:14:55,265 --> 00:14:56,565
and you hit the nail on the head.

303
00:14:56,585 --> 00:14:57,685
It is a regulation.

304
00:14:57,905 --> 00:15:02,205
And, you know, I think we're in an environment, you know,

305
00:15:02,205 --> 00:15:05,205
where we have to be very, very careful to balance

306
00:15:07,085 --> 00:15:09,925
a re an additional regulatory environment

307
00:15:12,065 --> 00:15:13,725
that's, you know, I would say in some

308
00:15:13,725 --> 00:15:14,845
cases in Massachusetts.

309
00:15:15,105 --> 00:15:17,845
And, you know, we're in a very regulated state,

310
00:15:18,345 --> 00:15:20,525
and I think we should always respect

311
00:15:21,285 --> 00:15:23,085
property rights first and foremost.

312
00:15:23,985 --> 00:15:26,805
That's at least how I was brought up here as a,

313
00:15:27,665 --> 00:15:31,765
as our family's been in Natick since, since 1920.

314
00:15:31,985 --> 00:15:35,085
So I've been here in Natick for a long, long time,

315
00:15:35,625 --> 00:15:38,725
at least the 55 plus years I've been on this planet.

316
00:15:39,785 --> 00:15:44,485
So, you know, I think that's, that's, I think, I can't speak

317
00:15:44,485 --> 00:15:45,685
for the commission,

318
00:15:48,505 --> 00:15:49,845
but I can speak for myself.

319
00:15:49,965 --> 00:15:53,845
I think that's why we took such a deliberate approach to

320
00:15:53,845 --> 00:15:56,885
that bylaw, because it does, it does have strong meaning.

321
00:15:56,945 --> 00:15:58,605
And especially if you take an approach

322
00:15:59,625 --> 00:16:04,285
as other communities have, it is ex extraneously regulating,

323
00:16:04,745 --> 00:16:08,445
you know, with regard to, you know, how many trees you have

324
00:16:08,445 --> 00:16:11,885
to put back costs and, and such.

325
00:16:12,065 --> 00:16:14,205
So I, I think we have to be very careful

326
00:16:14,305 --> 00:16:16,565
and very deliberate in terms of

327
00:16:16,565 --> 00:16:19,605
how we regulate private property specific to tree removal.

328
00:16:20,665 --> 00:16:24,245
And, you know, I do see a lot of trees being removed,

329
00:16:24,585 --> 00:16:27,445
you know, I think, you know, that sometimes is concerning,

330
00:16:27,445 --> 00:16:29,405
especially if it's in parts of our community

331
00:16:29,405 --> 00:16:30,765
that have heat island effect.

332
00:16:31,745 --> 00:16:34,125
You know, we have, you know, the town has been wonderful

333
00:16:34,125 --> 00:16:36,605
and generous in, in doing analysis of that.

334
00:16:37,305 --> 00:16:39,365
And I think those are things that should guide us

335
00:16:39,495 --> 00:16:43,445
where maybe trees that are in places

336
00:16:43,575 --> 00:16:46,085
where shade is not as robust,

337
00:16:47,065 --> 00:16:48,845
we should be very concerned about

338
00:16:48,865 --> 00:16:50,805
how much tree removal occurs in those areas.

339
00:16:51,045 --> 00:16:52,565
'cause you don't want to exacerbate that.

340
00:16:53,585 --> 00:16:56,605
Or in communities where there's, you know, income

341
00:16:56,605 --> 00:16:57,685
or language barriers

342
00:16:58,105 --> 00:16:59,525
or places where trees are,

343
00:16:59,625 --> 00:17:02,245
are very important environmental justice type areas.

344
00:17:03,625 --> 00:17:06,565
So, you know, I I do think it's, you know,

345
00:17:06,565 --> 00:17:08,805
you can take a broad brush stroke like

346
00:17:08,805 --> 00:17:09,885
other communities have.

347
00:17:10,825 --> 00:17:14,645
And I think, you know, there's examples where these,

348
00:17:14,745 --> 00:17:19,685
you know, very good peer ver peer reviewed research done

349
00:17:20,465 --> 00:17:21,645
on these bylaws.

350
00:17:21,645 --> 00:17:25,405
And, and in many cases they failed miserably because first

351
00:17:25,425 --> 00:17:28,045
and foremost, as you've thoughtfully identified,

352
00:17:28,575 --> 00:17:29,925
there is no engagement.

353
00:17:30,865 --> 00:17:32,405
And I think that's, you know,

354
00:17:32,405 --> 00:17:34,925
just like the engagement the town did has done

355
00:17:34,925 --> 00:17:37,805
with the South Natick dam conversation,

356
00:17:39,265 --> 00:17:42,245
that's the type of engagement I think the Conservation

357
00:17:42,245 --> 00:17:46,445
commission is looking to have before any bylaw

358
00:17:46,625 --> 00:17:49,885
or something is proposed to your body or town meeting.

359
00:17:50,945 --> 00:17:52,725
And I think that's a thoughtful approach.

360
00:17:52,945 --> 00:17:57,085
We, and I think that's inherently what we need to

361
00:17:57,915 --> 00:18:00,965
look for, you know, in terms of our approach to reg,

362
00:18:00,985 --> 00:18:02,325
you know, added regulation.

363
00:18:04,295 --> 00:18:09,005
Thank you very much. Are there any other questions?

364
00:18:09,695 --> 00:18:12,085
We'll go with Mr. Evans first and then Ms. Walner.

365
00:18:13,295 --> 00:18:14,485
Thank you, Madam Chair.

366
00:18:17,265 --> 00:18:20,525
My question's sort of a general question, which is

367
00:18:21,555 --> 00:18:24,005
what conservation or environmental challenges

368
00:18:24,035 --> 00:18:26,445
that do you believe are most important in Natick

369
00:18:26,445 --> 00:18:27,685
today and in the near future?

370
00:18:31,475 --> 00:18:35,165
Well, I think from a, from a perspective of open space

371
00:18:35,385 --> 00:18:38,285
and, and I'll use a word that we commonly use in,

372
00:18:38,465 --> 00:18:42,565
in my profession, which is maintaining forest as forest.

373
00:18:43,065 --> 00:18:45,845
So I think having open space

374
00:18:45,945 --> 00:18:49,125
and maintaining it in a, in a place that is

375
00:18:49,945 --> 00:18:54,685
not exacerbating some of the issues that we have in front

376
00:18:54,685 --> 00:18:57,565
of us, whether that be climate change

377
00:18:58,465 --> 00:19:00,325
or invasive species

378
00:19:00,865 --> 00:19:05,405
or habitat loss, you know, or biodiversity loss.

379
00:19:05,605 --> 00:19:07,965
I think those are the things that I look towards as, so

380
00:19:08,075 --> 00:19:10,245
what we have, are we stewarding it?

381
00:19:10,585 --> 00:19:11,725
Are we caring for it?

382
00:19:13,305 --> 00:19:14,885
And, and the stuff that,

383
00:19:14,945 --> 00:19:17,125
and the items that we're stewarding, you know,

384
00:19:17,145 --> 00:19:20,045
are we doing the best that we can to keep those in a,

385
00:19:21,625 --> 00:19:24,525
in a place where we could be proud and,

386
00:19:24,585 --> 00:19:26,605
and point to that we've taken good care

387
00:19:26,605 --> 00:19:27,805
of them and stewarded them.

388
00:19:28,025 --> 00:19:32,005
So I think main thing is don't lose any more land if we can

389
00:19:33,545 --> 00:19:35,245
and maintain open space.

390
00:19:35,385 --> 00:19:37,045
And then where we have opportunity,

391
00:19:38,705 --> 00:19:39,845
and I think in Natick

392
00:19:39,925 --> 00:19:42,765
where the opportunities lie is these areas that maybe

393
00:19:43,745 --> 00:19:48,125
are degraded or in areas that may be right now a parking lot

394
00:19:48,595 --> 00:19:50,165
that do we have an opportunity

395
00:19:51,145 --> 00:19:55,845
to create open space in those areas, especially in,

396
00:19:55,865 --> 00:19:57,925
in parts of Natick where clearly

397
00:19:59,625 --> 00:20:02,205
we have heat island effect on top

398
00:20:02,205 --> 00:20:04,285
of environmental justice neighborhoods.

399
00:20:05,705 --> 00:20:08,405
And that combination is very bad.

400
00:20:08,865 --> 00:20:11,885
You know, not just because of the heat island effect,

401
00:20:11,885 --> 00:20:13,445
but this is also affects human health

402
00:20:15,345 --> 00:20:18,205
and we have other issues associated with that.

403
00:20:18,785 --> 00:20:21,765
So, you know, our open space

404
00:20:22,945 --> 00:20:27,125
is a direct, you know, impact of

405
00:20:27,945 --> 00:20:30,525
how well this community is in terms of its health

406
00:20:31,505 --> 00:20:33,005
and of human health that is.

407
00:20:33,665 --> 00:20:38,285
And I think if we maintain a good piece of open space

408
00:20:38,345 --> 00:20:40,685
and we do the work that we've been doing historically,

409
00:20:40,685 --> 00:20:43,125
which is trying to create those, these connection points

410
00:20:43,305 --> 00:20:47,645
to these islands of open space, I think overall

411
00:20:49,895 --> 00:20:51,985
that would be something that I would continue

412
00:20:52,005 --> 00:20:53,305
to support here in town.

413
00:20:53,725 --> 00:20:57,385
And I think the Conservation Commission is always looking

414
00:20:57,405 --> 00:21:00,025
for ways to create better connection, connectivity,

415
00:21:01,405 --> 00:21:06,065
and, you know, I think that, you know, from my perspective,

416
00:21:06,295 --> 00:21:09,185
it's, it's really about kind of no net loss

417
00:21:09,405 --> 00:21:12,985
and making sure that we have the open space

418
00:21:13,205 --> 00:21:17,745
and the systems, the natural based systems to,

419
00:21:18,325 --> 00:21:21,065
to tackle what climate may be throwing at us in 60,

420
00:21:21,065 --> 00:21:22,425
80 years or less.

421
00:21:25,355 --> 00:21:30,065
Thank you, Ms. Salka. Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Downey.

422
00:21:31,555 --> 00:21:34,305
Based on your experience so far on the commission,

423
00:21:35,015 --> 00:21:36,145
what characteristics

424
00:21:36,145 --> 00:21:40,465
and qualifications do you feel make for an effective member?

425
00:21:43,245 --> 00:21:44,865
That's fantastic question.

426
00:21:45,145 --> 00:21:47,745
I, I, I think a passion to

427
00:21:48,915 --> 00:21:51,585
serve your community first and foremost.

428
00:21:52,085 --> 00:21:54,865
And, and what I mean in, in serving is that

429
00:21:55,885 --> 00:21:59,385
you attend meetings regularly, that

430
00:22:00,135 --> 00:22:02,465
when there's demands put on outside

431
00:22:02,465 --> 00:22:05,065
of the meeting schedules, whether those be site visits,

432
00:22:06,775 --> 00:22:10,585
volunteer work, trails, days, et cetera, that

433
00:22:11,325 --> 00:22:15,185
you take it, you, you have the ability to participate

434
00:22:15,725 --> 00:22:18,945
in those, you know, earth Day events, et cetera.

435
00:22:20,665 --> 00:22:25,345
I think the other piece is, is that is also being hungry

436
00:22:25,645 --> 00:22:30,105
for improving consistently your knowledge base about

437
00:22:30,415 --> 00:22:34,185
between the regulation that you are overseeing,

438
00:22:34,205 --> 00:22:35,505
the Wetlands Protection Act

439
00:22:39,965 --> 00:22:43,305
and being able to continue to learn,

440
00:22:43,535 --> 00:22:47,225
because I, I can say from a, from a natural resources

441
00:22:48,395 --> 00:22:52,105
profession and from a, from a professional standpoint,

442
00:22:54,575 --> 00:22:58,945
just like Mother Nature's not stagnant learning and,

443
00:22:59,125 --> 00:23:00,305
and adapting and,

444
00:23:00,445 --> 00:23:04,345
and reflecting upon your knowledge base is,

445
00:23:04,485 --> 00:23:06,665
is necessary in this, in this work.

446
00:23:08,185 --> 00:23:09,745
'cause the wetlands are not stagnant.

447
00:23:10,855 --> 00:23:12,505
They move and change over time.

448
00:23:13,475 --> 00:23:17,305
These systems, the forest changes over time in sometimes

449
00:23:17,305 --> 00:23:20,065
wonderful ways, sometimes in ways that we may not like.

450
00:23:21,525 --> 00:23:25,305
And I think that the regulation is always changing.

451
00:23:26,445 --> 00:23:29,785
And inherently when you're involved in anything

452
00:23:29,785 --> 00:23:33,065
that requires your complete understanding of the regulation,

453
00:23:33,065 --> 00:23:37,225
you have to be reading that and taking the proper training

454
00:23:37,365 --> 00:23:42,065
and attending professional engagement trainings and,

455
00:23:42,605 --> 00:23:46,245
and, and other opportunities like the, you know,

456
00:23:46,245 --> 00:23:47,325
the yearly conferences

457
00:23:47,345 --> 00:23:50,685
or the bi-yearly conferences that Massachusetts Association

458
00:23:51,665 --> 00:23:55,085
of Conservation Commissions hell hold.

459
00:23:55,305 --> 00:23:59,565
So I think that it's a life learning process,

460
00:23:59,865 --> 00:24:04,005
and I think that because you're appointed doesn't mean that,

461
00:24:04,155 --> 00:24:07,845
okay, great, I'm gonna learn by osmosis.

462
00:24:08,035 --> 00:24:11,365
It's, IIII can't imagine

463
00:24:12,665 --> 00:24:16,965
taking on a conservation commission position as a volunteer

464
00:24:18,155 --> 00:24:20,805
without digging really deep into the training

465
00:24:20,945 --> 00:24:23,245
and understanding the Wetlands Protection Act.

466
00:24:23,785 --> 00:24:25,405
I'm fortunate as a forester,

467
00:24:26,285 --> 00:24:29,365
I live in the Wetlands Protection Act every day.

468
00:24:29,705 --> 00:24:31,005
That's just part of my job.

469
00:24:31,245 --> 00:24:34,485
I work in a, an aspect of the Wetlands Protection Act,

470
00:24:34,485 --> 00:24:37,365
that is the agricultural section of that,

471
00:24:38,465 --> 00:24:41,445
but I still need to know every aspect of

472
00:24:41,445 --> 00:24:42,925
that in my day-to-day job.

473
00:24:43,105 --> 00:24:44,405
So I'm fortunate in that,

474
00:24:45,705 --> 00:24:48,885
but I also regularly attend the MACC conferences

475
00:24:49,945 --> 00:24:51,605
and take training with the Department

476
00:24:51,605 --> 00:24:52,765
of Environmental Protection.

477
00:24:52,785 --> 00:24:57,325
So I, I think it's a, a love for learning,

478
00:24:57,565 --> 00:24:58,805
I guess I would say, or,

479
00:24:58,865 --> 00:25:02,245
and a passion for serving this wonderful town and community.

480
00:25:03,255 --> 00:25:06,405
Thank you very much, Ms. Pope.

481
00:25:07,225 --> 00:25:09,485
Hi, Mr. Downey, thank you very much for your service.

482
00:25:10,665 --> 00:25:13,165
My question for you, based on what you said about, you know,

483
00:25:13,165 --> 00:25:16,885
the, the constant desire to learn and that this and,

484
00:25:16,905 --> 00:25:18,045
and your willingness

485
00:25:18,045 --> 00:25:21,565
and initiative to learn, what would you say,

486
00:25:23,025 --> 00:25:26,925
you know, how has your perspective on conservation evolved

487
00:25:27,425 --> 00:25:30,445
and how, since you've been on the commission

488
00:25:30,505 --> 00:25:34,085
and how would you say that pertains to NAIC specifically?

489
00:25:38,705 --> 00:25:42,965
So I think, you know, come, you know,

490
00:25:42,965 --> 00:25:45,125
being away from Natick for a period of time

491
00:25:46,105 --> 00:25:48,605
and living in other parts of the, of the country

492
00:25:49,825 --> 00:25:51,365
and other parts of the state and,

493
00:25:51,365 --> 00:25:55,645
and returning back home to Natick in, in 2013

494
00:25:57,115 --> 00:26:00,485
gave me a, I think a, a much better perspective of,

495
00:26:00,825 --> 00:26:02,165
of the challenges here.

496
00:26:02,505 --> 00:26:03,565
To be honest with you, I've,

497
00:26:03,565 --> 00:26:05,645
I've lived in very rural communities.

498
00:26:05,765 --> 00:26:09,445
I lived in a, in a town in, in western Kentucky

499
00:26:09,445 --> 00:26:13,285
that had 82 people in it, slaughters, Kentucky.

500
00:26:14,185 --> 00:26:16,325
And I was fortunate to live there for six years.

501
00:26:16,515 --> 00:26:19,445
I've, I've lived in Peru, Massachusetts, in the Berkshires

502
00:26:19,445 --> 00:26:21,485
that has barely 700 people in it,

503
00:26:22,545 --> 00:26:24,965
and 80%, 80 plus percent of

504
00:26:24,965 --> 00:26:27,045
that town is protected open space.

505
00:26:28,185 --> 00:26:31,205
And, you know, coming back home to Natick, a place

506
00:26:31,205 --> 00:26:33,485
that I care about and, and where my family

507
00:26:33,585 --> 00:26:37,485
and I, you know, where my family has been since, you know,

508
00:26:37,485 --> 00:26:39,245
the early parts of the 19 hundreds.

509
00:26:40,945 --> 00:26:43,925
And I, I do see

510
00:26:44,685 --> 00:26:48,005
conservation takes a different meaning here, you know,

511
00:26:48,065 --> 00:26:50,925
professionally it has a meaning to me as a forester.

512
00:26:50,945 --> 00:26:52,285
But here in this community,

513
00:26:52,285 --> 00:26:55,965
what it means is it's little pieces.

514
00:26:56,515 --> 00:27:00,605
It's trying to take little fragments of, of habitat

515
00:27:01,825 --> 00:27:04,285
and finding ways to connect that to people

516
00:27:06,265 --> 00:27:09,005
and so they can enjoy what I've been able

517
00:27:09,005 --> 00:27:10,405
to enjoy as a forester.

518
00:27:10,585 --> 00:27:13,325
And, and as somebody who, you know, is very fortunate

519
00:27:13,325 --> 00:27:14,365
to live in East Natick

520
00:27:15,025 --> 00:27:18,245
and I'm surrounded by open space, I'm very fortunate

521
00:27:22,185 --> 00:27:24,725
and, and I know there's folks in Natick that aren't

522
00:27:25,505 --> 00:27:27,085
as fortunate as I am.

523
00:27:27,505 --> 00:27:29,965
You know, I live on Oak Street, yes, it's a busy road,

524
00:27:30,705 --> 00:27:33,445
but within 30 seconds I can be on a trail

525
00:27:35,625 --> 00:27:37,005
within a minute

526
00:27:37,005 --> 00:27:40,365
and a half, I can be down at Piro Pond, you know,

527
00:27:40,705 --> 00:27:42,965
and I crossing Route nine I can be at, oh,

528
00:27:43,125 --> 00:27:44,605
I can be at, at the Town Forest.

529
00:27:44,865 --> 00:27:49,605
So to say I'm blessed is, is is remarkable,

530
00:27:49,865 --> 00:27:51,765
but that, that's the type of blessing

531
00:27:51,765 --> 00:27:54,765
that I believe everybody in Natick should have the

532
00:27:54,765 --> 00:27:55,765
opportunity for.

533
00:27:56,785 --> 00:28:00,205
So how do we find ways to conserve that?

534
00:28:00,505 --> 00:28:04,605
That's the conservation ethic that I'm, you know,

535
00:28:04,605 --> 00:28:07,125
that doesn't necessarily align with my profession,

536
00:28:07,125 --> 00:28:08,525
doesn't necessarily align with

537
00:28:08,525 --> 00:28:10,485
what I was taught about conservation,

538
00:28:10,505 --> 00:28:14,445
but it, it fits here in our community.

539
00:28:15,385 --> 00:28:19,765
So how do we find a way to conserve the areas

540
00:28:19,795 --> 00:28:21,085
that are meaningful to us

541
00:28:22,625 --> 00:28:25,685
and gives better opportunity for folks to be able to get out

542
00:28:26,625 --> 00:28:30,365
and enjoy and experience the things that I get to enjoy

543
00:28:30,365 --> 00:28:32,085
that I just take for granted sometimes.

544
00:28:33,265 --> 00:28:35,965
And, and that's, I think the uniqueness here

545
00:28:36,785 --> 00:28:39,205
versus other parts of the, the country

546
00:28:39,425 --> 00:28:40,565
and other parts

547
00:28:40,625 --> 00:28:42,845
of the state I've wor I've worked and lived in.

548
00:28:43,585 --> 00:28:46,965
So, and, and,

549
00:28:47,025 --> 00:28:50,525
and that's how conservation I think is interpreted is,

550
00:28:50,585 --> 00:28:51,725
is kind of where you are.

551
00:28:52,475 --> 00:28:55,805
Because I'll be honest with you, the conservation could mean

552
00:28:55,805 --> 00:28:59,205
to somebody in West Natick as having a couple

553
00:28:59,205 --> 00:29:00,965
of trees in their backyard in a garden.

554
00:29:03,155 --> 00:29:06,645
Yeah. So, you know, finding ways to connect people

555
00:29:06,745 --> 00:29:08,725
and maybe that's, maybe that's part of it too.

556
00:29:09,145 --> 00:29:12,125
You know, we do have some wonderful community gardens

557
00:29:12,145 --> 00:29:15,965
that's, you know, I I, you know,

558
00:29:15,965 --> 00:29:19,685
my first job in Natick as a town employee was,

559
00:29:20,665 --> 00:29:22,725
was working for a dollar an hour at the Natick

560
00:29:22,725 --> 00:29:23,805
Community Organic Farm.

561
00:29:24,225 --> 00:29:28,445
So, you know, it, I think those things,

562
00:29:28,945 --> 00:29:32,525
you know, those resources are so, so critical and,

563
00:29:32,625 --> 00:29:35,925
and I think some of us forget

564
00:29:36,105 --> 00:29:37,805
how important these places are.

565
00:29:38,285 --> 00:29:40,085
I probably wouldn't be where I am today

566
00:29:40,115 --> 00:29:42,125
without the organic farm.

567
00:29:43,025 --> 00:29:45,205
That's the reason why I went into forestry

568
00:29:45,975 --> 00:29:47,045
along with a few others.

569
00:29:47,265 --> 00:29:50,285
But, you know, Linda at the farm,

570
00:29:50,385 --> 00:29:53,565
at the farm was kind enough to take, take me under her wing

571
00:29:53,665 --> 00:29:57,885
and teach me about how to be a good person

572
00:29:58,145 --> 00:30:00,205
and how to work hard every day

573
00:30:00,985 --> 00:30:02,685
and how to show up for the community.

574
00:30:03,775 --> 00:30:05,085
Thank you. Thank you. Mr. Downey,

575
00:30:05,465 --> 00:30:06,525
do you have any other questions, Ms.

576
00:30:06,545 --> 00:30:07,965
Pop? No. Okay.

577
00:30:08,065 --> 00:30:11,645
I'd like to invite the second candidate,

578
00:30:11,715 --> 00:30:13,565
Michael Price, are you in the room?

579
00:30:13,755 --> 00:30:15,685
He's on line, I think. Is he on line?

580
00:30:17,465 --> 00:30:19,165
All is in the left second row.

581
00:30:19,705 --> 00:30:22,685
Oh, Mr. Price, you're going to be unmuted

582
00:30:22,685 --> 00:30:26,885
and I'd like you in two to three sentences tell us why you

583
00:30:27,755 --> 00:30:31,925
want to apply to the Conservation

584
00:30:32,445 --> 00:30:34,845
Commission to serve on that commission.

585
00:30:37,955 --> 00:30:40,205
Okay. Hello everyone. I'm Michael Price.

586
00:30:40,435 --> 00:30:43,485
I've been a resident of Natick for

587
00:30:44,715 --> 00:30:45,845
over 35 years.

588
00:30:45,985 --> 00:30:47,805
Our three children gone

589
00:30:47,805 --> 00:30:50,925
through the Natick Public Schools from K to 12.

590
00:30:51,525 --> 00:30:53,365
I was a town meeting member for 10 years

591
00:30:54,345 --> 00:30:57,085
and I've worked in the construction field

592
00:30:57,785 --> 00:31:01,165
as a senior project manager for general contractor.

593
00:31:02,185 --> 00:31:03,525
And I've been on the other side

594
00:31:03,525 --> 00:31:05,965
of the table from the Conservation Commission a lot.

595
00:31:06,465 --> 00:31:07,525
And I think I have a,

596
00:31:08,565 --> 00:31:10,325
a different perspective to bring to it.

597
00:31:12,445 --> 00:31:16,005
I know that contractors take it seriously.

598
00:31:16,005 --> 00:31:18,525
Different pounds have different reputations

599
00:31:18,705 --> 00:31:20,565
for conservation commission.

600
00:31:20,625 --> 00:31:22,045
Natick has a great reputation.

601
00:31:22,085 --> 00:31:23,765
I want to help to keep it that way.

602
00:31:25,345 --> 00:31:27,165
And I have a little bit more time

603
00:31:27,165 --> 00:31:29,725
because I recently retired a week

604
00:31:29,725 --> 00:31:32,645
before this posting came out last month.

605
00:31:33,905 --> 00:31:36,885
So I would like to have the opportunity to give back

606
00:31:36,905 --> 00:31:39,765
and offer my perspective and experience

607
00:31:41,995 --> 00:31:43,045
Members of the board.

608
00:31:43,785 --> 00:31:44,805
Mr. Jacobs,

609
00:31:46,485 --> 00:31:47,925
Thank you for applying Mr. Price

610
00:31:47,925 --> 00:31:49,365
and congratulations on your retirement.

611
00:31:50,585 --> 00:31:53,805
My, I'll, I'll just ask you a, a version anyway of the,

612
00:31:53,805 --> 00:31:55,085
of the same question that I asked Mr.

613
00:31:55,145 --> 00:31:58,445
Downey, which is, you know, what would you think about,

614
00:31:58,585 --> 00:32:02,245
how would you, how would you think about the, the concept

615
00:32:02,505 --> 00:32:06,125
of a tree bylaw for, for natick

616
00:32:06,125 --> 00:32:07,885
of a tree removal bylaw for Natick?

617
00:32:10,595 --> 00:32:15,485
Well, it's a good idea in concept in generalities

618
00:32:15,635 --> 00:32:18,485
that, you know, as the previous speaker said,

619
00:32:18,485 --> 00:32:20,085
we don't wanna overregulate things,

620
00:32:20,265 --> 00:32:23,245
but I know there are towns

621
00:32:23,945 --> 00:32:27,645
or colleges that actually get down to the point of numbering

622
00:32:28,415 --> 00:32:30,405
their trees and then putting a,

623
00:32:30,885 --> 00:32:33,085
a brass tag number on the tree.

624
00:32:34,985 --> 00:32:38,485
But maybe we could do something to identify trees

625
00:32:38,505 --> 00:32:42,085
of major significance that we wanna protect.

626
00:32:44,425 --> 00:32:47,445
And so there, I think there's a place for it,

627
00:32:48,785 --> 00:32:51,885
but to have to watch out for Overregulating.

628
00:32:53,455 --> 00:32:57,725
Thank you. Other members of the board? Ms.

629
00:32:58,185 --> 00:33:02,045
Slager? Kristen, that's a question. Okay.

630
00:33:02,105 --> 00:33:05,165
Hi Mr. Price and thank you for applying

631
00:33:05,505 --> 00:33:07,645
and again, congratulations on your retirement.

632
00:33:08,555 --> 00:33:11,165
What do you think in your background would make you a

633
00:33:11,165 --> 00:33:13,445
particularly valuable member of the commission?

634
00:33:15,245 --> 00:33:18,685
Well, in addition to general contractor experience, and,

635
00:33:18,745 --> 00:33:23,645
and several of my projects were large warehouses

636
00:33:23,645 --> 00:33:26,765
with a major site work component with

637
00:33:28,085 --> 00:33:30,445
retention ponds and drainage structures

638
00:33:30,945 --> 00:33:33,125
and the like.

639
00:33:34,425 --> 00:33:37,805
The other aspect of it is from the design side, I spent

640
00:33:38,315 --> 00:33:39,925
five years with a design company.

641
00:33:40,265 --> 00:33:44,885
I'm a, a graduate civil engineer with a master's degree in

642
00:33:45,485 --> 00:33:48,365
construction management, master's of engineering.

643
00:33:48,945 --> 00:33:53,165
So I think, so I understand the concepts in

644
00:33:54,435 --> 00:33:57,805
erosion control and, and controlling sediment

645
00:33:58,465 --> 00:34:02,285
and, you know, eutrofication and water clarity.

646
00:34:03,905 --> 00:34:06,325
So the engineering, the science

647
00:34:06,425 --> 00:34:10,245
and the experience that I've had, I think

648
00:34:11,035 --> 00:34:14,005
just dovetail right into the Conservation Commission.

649
00:34:17,815 --> 00:34:20,765
Thank you Ms. Pope. And then Mr. Evans.

650
00:34:21,065 --> 00:34:23,485
Hi, Mr. Price, my question

651
00:34:23,665 --> 00:34:26,245
for you is about the time commitment

652
00:34:26,465 --> 00:34:28,285
and the learning component.

653
00:34:28,985 --> 00:34:33,005
The charge for the commission requires quite a bit of time

654
00:34:33,785 --> 00:34:37,165
and additional opportunities for learning.

655
00:34:38,145 --> 00:34:39,365
Do you see that as an issue?

656
00:34:41,945 --> 00:34:44,565
You know, I've got a lot more time than I had

657
00:34:44,825 --> 00:34:49,685
and flexibility, you know, I am

658
00:34:50,275 --> 00:34:52,005
looking to do a little traveling,

659
00:34:52,105 --> 00:34:55,965
but I can work my schedule around that.

660
00:34:56,425 --> 00:34:59,045
And so that's,

661
00:35:00,305 --> 00:35:02,885
and also I like digging into articles

662
00:35:02,905 --> 00:35:07,885
and items to, to learn, you know,

663
00:35:08,405 --> 00:35:09,845
continue continuing education.

664
00:35:09,985 --> 00:35:13,165
But I have had to deal with

665
00:35:13,755 --> 00:35:16,805
Article 79 on the other side of the table

666
00:35:17,185 --> 00:35:21,765
and Wetlands Protection Act and, and providing these reports

667
00:35:22,705 --> 00:35:27,565
and doing the inspections before and after a storm event

668
00:35:27,825 --> 00:35:30,645
and, and then making the modifications

669
00:35:30,705 --> 00:35:34,845
to the ERO erosion control system and, and budgeting for it

670
00:35:34,905 --> 00:35:36,565
and having an understanding of it.

671
00:35:37,785 --> 00:35:39,645
So, you know, that's,

672
00:35:39,665 --> 00:35:41,965
that's my perspective from the GC side,

673
00:35:41,965 --> 00:35:45,725
but also as a resident when I drive past the job site

674
00:35:45,725 --> 00:35:48,765
and I see that they're not complying

675
00:35:49,065 --> 00:35:51,405
and there's silt running down the road

676
00:35:52,185 --> 00:35:57,165
and, you know, that that bugs me when, when,

677
00:35:57,315 --> 00:36:01,365
when we can't swim down at Memorial Beach

678
00:36:02,035 --> 00:36:05,245
because of the algae, you know, something's not right there.

679
00:36:06,105 --> 00:36:10,685
So I would like to be able to help out with that

680
00:36:10,745 --> 00:36:12,965
and I can arrange my schedule accordingly.

681
00:36:14,415 --> 00:36:17,085
Thank you Mr. Evans. Thank

682
00:36:17,085 --> 00:36:18,085
You Madam Chair.

683
00:36:18,085 --> 00:36:20,845
I'm gonna, in the interest of consistency,

684
00:36:20,845 --> 00:36:23,805
I'll ask the same question I asked earlier, which is,

685
00:36:24,475 --> 00:36:25,485
what conservation

686
00:36:25,505 --> 00:36:28,285
or environmental challenges do you believe are the most

687
00:36:28,285 --> 00:36:30,645
important in Natick today and in the near future?

688
00:36:33,875 --> 00:36:38,045
Well, I think enforcement of the existing regulations,

689
00:36:38,355 --> 00:36:41,045
like I alluded to at construction sites,

690
00:36:41,075 --> 00:36:43,405
that they follow the order of conditions

691
00:36:43,425 --> 00:36:47,485
or the project requirements and the various plans.

692
00:36:48,025 --> 00:36:52,765
But as the biggest challenges I see in the town are

693
00:36:53,195 --> 00:36:56,765
have to do with water quality issues, lake cot

694
00:36:57,905 --> 00:37:02,005
and, you know, avoiding minimizing the algae blooms

695
00:37:02,785 --> 00:37:05,965
and allowing people to swim in water

696
00:37:06,025 --> 00:37:07,805
and not have dangerous conditions.

697
00:37:09,905 --> 00:37:12,885
And then we have the DAM project in South Natick.

698
00:37:14,905 --> 00:37:17,605
The Charles River is a great resource running through town

699
00:37:18,505 --> 00:37:20,565
and it needs to be done right.

700
00:37:20,785 --> 00:37:23,525
That's gonna be a major construction project that

701
00:37:24,325 --> 00:37:27,525
absolutely has to have the proper sediment

702
00:37:27,625 --> 00:37:28,885
and erosion controls.

703
00:37:29,985 --> 00:37:33,805
So I think that

704
00:37:33,995 --> 00:37:35,645
that about covers it for me.

705
00:37:36,695 --> 00:37:41,445
Thank you. I had a question.

706
00:37:43,585 --> 00:37:45,645
Did, did you have an opportunity, Mr. Price

707
00:37:45,665 --> 00:37:48,925
to read the memo from the Department of Community

708
00:37:48,925 --> 00:37:51,405
and Economic Development that was sent to each

709
00:37:51,405 --> 00:37:53,485
of the applicants as well as a select board?

710
00:37:55,425 --> 00:37:59,765
Yes, I did. So for members of the public, this is,

711
00:37:59,765 --> 00:38:00,765
this memo is uploaded

712
00:38:00,825 --> 00:38:02,485
to the agenda if you wanted to read it.

713
00:38:02,485 --> 00:38:06,085
It talks about the time commitment.

714
00:38:06,185 --> 00:38:07,885
And unlike many boards

715
00:38:07,885 --> 00:38:09,885
and committees on which

716
00:38:11,015 --> 00:38:13,765
volunteers sit throughout town con com

717
00:38:13,825 --> 00:38:17,285
and a few others have some specialized knowledge that

718
00:38:17,345 --> 00:38:20,605
that's either a really steep climb to get caught up on

719
00:38:20,705 --> 00:38:25,005
or they, you know, should have a, a baseline

720
00:38:25,995 --> 00:38:27,165
understanding of it.

721
00:38:27,265 --> 00:38:31,325
So one of the key parts that our conservation agent

722
00:38:31,385 --> 00:38:33,165
and environmental planner mentioned

723
00:38:33,165 --> 00:38:35,445
that there were over 300 pages of laws,

724
00:38:35,625 --> 00:38:36,725
bylaws and regulations.

725
00:38:40,465 --> 00:38:44,965
And she mentions some of them, specifically the, the,

726
00:38:44,965 --> 00:38:47,925
the Wetlands Protection bylaw, then Article 79 A

727
00:38:47,925 --> 00:38:49,325
and the aquifer protection bylaw

728
00:38:49,585 --> 00:38:51,125
and then some other regulations.

729
00:38:51,565 --> 00:38:54,805
I was wondering if you had had a chance to review some

730
00:38:54,805 --> 00:38:57,725
of those and how comfortable you felt getting up to speed

731
00:38:57,755 --> 00:38:58,965
with the,

732
00:39:01,265 --> 00:39:02,805
the duties and responsibilities?

733
00:39:04,705 --> 00:39:06,005
So the, the answer is yes.

734
00:39:06,035 --> 00:39:09,765
I've gone through Article 79 and 79 A and

735
00:39:11,465 --> 00:39:14,405
and they, I'm very familiar with all of those,

736
00:39:14,705 --> 00:39:18,765
but they align with the typical practice

737
00:39:20,175 --> 00:39:24,845
throughout the state in conservation commissions.

738
00:39:24,985 --> 00:39:28,525
It, there's really nothing unusual there, just

739
00:39:29,265 --> 00:39:33,325
little customization for the town of Natick.

740
00:39:34,705 --> 00:39:38,845
And, you know, it's, I I,

741
00:39:39,865 --> 00:39:44,005
so I, I have read through those prior to today's call

742
00:39:44,225 --> 00:39:48,685
and I'm comfortable with reading

743
00:39:48,685 --> 00:39:51,525
through the other documents as well, some of the, the state

744
00:39:53,595 --> 00:39:57,805
regulations that they all feed into each other.

745
00:40:00,105 --> 00:40:01,965
So there's nothing, this is

746
00:40:01,965 --> 00:40:04,005
what I'm accustomed to reading through.

747
00:40:04,895 --> 00:40:06,165
Thank you Mr. Price. I,

748
00:40:06,365 --> 00:40:08,605
I also wanna congratulate you on your retirement

749
00:40:08,745 --> 00:40:10,405
and for seeing the time

750
00:40:10,405 --> 00:40:11,805
that you have available in your schedule

751
00:40:11,945 --> 00:40:14,965
and for submitting Stepping Up and wanting to volunteer.

752
00:40:15,115 --> 00:40:17,645
Have you applied for any other committees

753
00:40:17,645 --> 00:40:19,325
or boards that you'd wanna serve on?

754
00:40:20,685 --> 00:40:22,485
I applied to the Net zero Commission

755
00:40:23,995 --> 00:40:28,445
because for the last five years at the, at my company,

756
00:40:28,685 --> 00:40:33,045
I was working as a sustainability collateral duty,

757
00:40:34,935 --> 00:40:37,645
which in Massachusetts it's been important

758
00:40:37,665 --> 00:40:39,485
to have a sustainability department

759
00:40:40,145 --> 00:40:44,125
and it has become a, a

760
00:40:45,125 --> 00:40:46,525
specialty of mine of sorts.

761
00:40:47,005 --> 00:40:49,325
I was on the Association of General Contractors

762
00:40:49,945 --> 00:40:52,845
Sustainability Committee as a vice chair.

763
00:40:53,745 --> 00:40:56,965
And so

764
00:40:56,965 --> 00:40:58,845
that's why I think net zero is important.

765
00:40:59,675 --> 00:41:02,845
It's, I've gone to a couple of activities.

766
00:41:03,725 --> 00:41:05,565
I don't think it's nearly as heavy a lift

767
00:41:05,585 --> 00:41:07,245
as the Conservation Commission though.

768
00:41:08,335 --> 00:41:12,365
Thank you, Mr. Price. Now we'll move to Mr. Beatty.

769
00:41:15,435 --> 00:41:17,285
Same instructions. If you could just give us two

770
00:41:17,285 --> 00:41:19,125
or three sentences on why you decided to apply

771
00:41:19,125 --> 00:41:23,685
for this particular commission board or committee. Yes.

772
00:41:23,745 --> 00:41:26,885
Hi. Excuse me. I'm David Beaty, resident

773
00:41:26,905 --> 00:41:29,765
of 29 South Lincoln Street in Natick.

774
00:41:30,725 --> 00:41:33,005
Have been there since 1999

775
00:41:33,785 --> 00:41:36,725
and applied for this position for several reasons.

776
00:41:36,725 --> 00:41:39,965
Number one, un unlike previous candidates,

777
00:41:40,105 --> 00:41:41,885
I'm not professional in this space.

778
00:41:42,045 --> 00:41:44,165
I am a extremely enthusiastic amateur.

779
00:41:44,805 --> 00:41:46,405
I moved to Natick explicitly

780
00:41:46,405 --> 00:41:49,925
because of the amazing opus space

781
00:41:49,945 --> 00:41:50,925
and particularly the river,

782
00:41:51,045 --> 00:41:52,845
which I'm fortunate to live near.

783
00:41:53,705 --> 00:41:58,405
And was raised in a family, going back to my grandfather,

784
00:41:58,405 --> 00:42:00,285
which had a lot of activities in terms of

785
00:42:00,805 --> 00:42:02,685
forestry conservation.

786
00:42:02,685 --> 00:42:05,685
My dad was professional conservationist at TR Unlimited

787
00:42:05,745 --> 00:42:07,205
and Nature Conservancy and,

788
00:42:07,945 --> 00:42:12,645
and enthusiastic supporter of rail trails and, and,

789
00:42:12,925 --> 00:42:14,325
and did some big projects there,

790
00:42:15,005 --> 00:42:16,925
which I participated in in other states.

791
00:42:17,665 --> 00:42:20,045
And so since I've come to Natick, I've been very fond of

792
00:42:20,865 --> 00:42:22,045
the activities I see

793
00:42:22,585 --> 00:42:24,805
and the potential of this, of this area.

794
00:42:25,185 --> 00:42:29,285
And I've seen the value of the concerted effort

795
00:42:29,305 --> 00:42:31,285
of conservation specifically in the river

796
00:42:31,285 --> 00:42:33,685
and how much healthier it is in the, even in the,

797
00:42:33,705 --> 00:42:36,005
in the only 20 plus years I've lived here with the,

798
00:42:36,275 --> 00:42:38,725
with the conversion to septic system, I'm sorry,

799
00:42:38,725 --> 00:42:41,125
from septic systems and cesspools to sewer.

800
00:42:42,345 --> 00:42:46,005
And, and I've also been quite familiar with many

801
00:42:46,005 --> 00:42:48,845
of the projects the Conservation Commission has been,

802
00:42:48,995 --> 00:42:51,565
been part of, based on what's happened in my neighborhood,

803
00:42:51,585 --> 00:42:54,685
but also my, my acquaintance with Matt Gardner

804
00:42:55,385 --> 00:42:58,685
and based on his advice plus the advice in that memo

805
00:42:58,685 --> 00:43:01,165
that you mentioned would like

806
00:43:01,165 --> 00:43:02,325
to apply to be an associate member.

807
00:43:02,465 --> 00:43:05,085
So I have the chance to get up to speed on,

808
00:43:05,865 --> 00:43:09,845
on the substantial documentation I need to be familiar with.

809
00:43:10,425 --> 00:43:12,445
And lastly,

810
00:43:12,875 --> 00:43:16,685
I've just concluded my tenure on the MathWorks

811
00:43:17,185 --> 00:43:18,525
Con Scholarship Committee.

812
00:43:18,525 --> 00:43:21,245
Yes. And I'm looking for another opportunity to give back

813
00:43:21,245 --> 00:43:24,165
to the community in anticipation of my retirement,

814
00:43:24,325 --> 00:43:26,325
which is at the end of July.

815
00:43:26,775 --> 00:43:29,765
Thank you. So before I open up, up to board questions,

816
00:43:29,845 --> 00:43:32,085
I want to clarify for members of the public that

817
00:43:32,945 --> 00:43:35,565
the select board does not vote on associate members

818
00:43:35,745 --> 00:43:40,005
to the the con com, the but the, the chairs, Mr.

819
00:43:40,485 --> 00:43:42,325
Beatty, am I saying that right? Is it B is

820
00:43:42,325 --> 00:43:43,765
Beatty. Thank you for asking

821
00:43:44,585 --> 00:43:48,125
My neighbor's Beatie and I call him Beatie, so apologies.

822
00:43:50,745 --> 00:43:53,885
So the chair, you know, and, and Mr.

823
00:43:53,905 --> 00:43:55,685
Beatie as you mentioned, had a conversation about

824
00:43:55,685 --> 00:43:56,845
serving as an associate member.

825
00:43:57,065 --> 00:43:59,525
That's something that the chair decides.

826
00:43:59,715 --> 00:44:01,805
It's not something that we vote on. Thank you.

827
00:44:01,805 --> 00:44:02,885
It's not an official part.

828
00:44:03,065 --> 00:44:05,685
So I wanted to throw that out also to the board so

829
00:44:05,685 --> 00:44:07,685
that when we do take our votes, we understand that

830
00:44:07,995 --> 00:44:10,285
that is a possibility for someone to serve

831
00:44:10,285 --> 00:44:11,805
as an associate member for a year

832
00:44:12,405 --> 00:44:15,365
under the guidance of the chair. Ms. Evans, just

833
00:44:15,405 --> 00:44:16,405
A clarifying question.

834
00:44:16,825 --> 00:44:20,085
Is my understanding that there's no limit on the number

835
00:44:20,995 --> 00:44:22,895
of people who can be an associate member?

836
00:44:23,005 --> 00:44:25,015
That is correct. That that is completely under the

837
00:44:25,015 --> 00:44:26,455
jurisdiction of the commission.

838
00:44:26,595 --> 00:44:29,175
And it's similar to the NA Affordable Housing trust,

839
00:44:29,455 --> 00:44:31,725
although I think they built in a certain number

840
00:44:31,725 --> 00:44:32,885
in their specific charter.

841
00:44:33,075 --> 00:44:34,725
Yeah. But yes, associate members,

842
00:44:35,165 --> 00:44:39,205
unless they're members that we appoint by charter or bylaw.

843
00:44:39,545 --> 00:44:41,005
So thank you.

844
00:44:42,505 --> 00:44:44,285
So now I'll open it up to questions

845
00:44:44,465 --> 00:44:49,405
for the applicant from members of the board, Mr. Jacobs.

846
00:44:50,115 --> 00:44:52,445
Alright, well again, thank you for calling. Is it Doc? Dr.

847
00:44:52,445 --> 00:44:55,685
Beatty? Dr. Beatty. Okay. Apologies, doctor, thank No.

848
00:44:56,955 --> 00:44:58,005
Yeah, so thank you.

849
00:44:58,005 --> 00:44:59,885
Thank you, thank you for applying,

850
00:45:00,285 --> 00:45:01,685
obviously appreciate your interest.

851
00:45:01,735 --> 00:45:03,925
Again, to be fair, I'm gonna ask you the exact same question

852
00:45:03,965 --> 00:45:05,605
I asked everybody else, which is,

853
00:45:05,605 --> 00:45:06,845
what would you think about the concept

854
00:45:06,905 --> 00:45:08,765
of a tree bylaw and natick?

855
00:45:09,705 --> 00:45:12,165
So I appreciate the comments made by the other applicants,

856
00:45:12,505 --> 00:45:13,965
so I'll try to just add to them.

857
00:45:14,485 --> 00:45:17,045
I, I see tremendous value in it in that

858
00:45:18,315 --> 00:45:20,645
from maybe getting ahead to the other

859
00:45:21,225 --> 00:45:23,045
select board members' questions regarding what are some

860
00:45:23,045 --> 00:45:24,125
of our pressing issues here?

861
00:45:24,245 --> 00:45:27,845
I think, I think maintaining green space, maintain,

862
00:45:28,125 --> 00:45:30,165
maintaining our healthy tree population is very important.

863
00:45:30,705 --> 00:45:34,485
We have a tremendous number of in, of non-native species.

864
00:45:34,755 --> 00:45:38,845
Some very abundant, I have some on my property quite large,

865
00:45:39,705 --> 00:45:41,525
and they provide all sorts

866
00:45:41,525 --> 00:45:42,965
of advantages and all sorts of disadvantages.

867
00:45:43,245 --> 00:45:44,845
I would like to think about that concept

868
00:45:44,945 --> 00:45:48,165
of a bylaw in a more maybe holistic way in which we became

869
00:45:48,635 --> 00:45:50,085
more stewards of the, of the,

870
00:45:50,465 --> 00:45:53,085
of the trees rather than necessarily only talking about

871
00:45:53,085 --> 00:45:54,925
removal and,

872
00:45:55,225 --> 00:45:57,445
and talk about instead about evolution of our,

873
00:45:57,585 --> 00:45:58,845
of our tree population.

874
00:45:59,365 --> 00:46:01,605
I would adore it if I drove into town in Natick

875
00:46:01,605 --> 00:46:04,045
and I saw the sign that said Tree City, like you do some

876
00:46:04,045 --> 00:46:05,285
of our neighboring towns, like, you know,

877
00:46:05,395 --> 00:46:06,885
that would be a great evolution

878
00:46:06,885 --> 00:46:08,965
for us if we became more planters than cutters.

879
00:46:09,705 --> 00:46:11,045
So I would like to view the,

880
00:46:11,235 --> 00:46:13,925
that bylaw concept in a larger way to say how do we,

881
00:46:14,225 --> 00:46:17,205
how do we evolve our, our tree population

882
00:46:17,205 --> 00:46:19,645
to be a more healthy one, more native one and,

883
00:46:19,865 --> 00:46:23,005
and provide the necessary value we get from it,

884
00:46:23,005 --> 00:46:24,645
what we already have right now and more.

885
00:46:25,175 --> 00:46:26,645
Great. Thank you very much. Appreciate it.

886
00:46:26,975 --> 00:46:29,245
Other board members? Yes, Ms. Pope.

887
00:46:30,585 --> 00:46:32,205
Hi Dr. Beatty. Thank you for being here.

888
00:46:32,215 --> 00:46:34,365
Thank you for the service you've already given to the town.

889
00:46:34,795 --> 00:46:37,165
What new or different perspective do you think you would

890
00:46:37,165 --> 00:46:40,525
bring to the Conservation Commission?

891
00:46:40,715 --> 00:46:42,565
Well, I don't know all their perspectives,

892
00:46:42,565 --> 00:46:43,805
but I can talk about my own perspective.

893
00:46:44,765 --> 00:46:47,725
I am a very enthusiastic outdoors person.

894
00:46:47,965 --> 00:46:51,205
I appreciate all aspects of the, of Natick's green space

895
00:46:51,225 --> 00:46:53,005
as well as our regional green space and, and,

896
00:46:53,825 --> 00:46:57,805
and regional, I mean, even all of New England, I have a

897
00:46:58,405 --> 00:46:59,765
training in natural sciences and I,

898
00:46:59,785 --> 00:47:02,125
and I bring a lot of understanding of, of biology

899
00:47:02,225 --> 00:47:03,365
and natural biology, even though

900
00:47:03,365 --> 00:47:04,525
it's, again, not my profession.

901
00:47:05,065 --> 00:47:09,445
And I, again, have seen a lot of the value of,

902
00:47:09,665 --> 00:47:13,845
of systematic projects in, in, in, in,

903
00:47:13,905 --> 00:47:16,285
in the northeast regarding waterways.

904
00:47:17,125 --> 00:47:20,085
I will say, for the record, I'm an enthusiastic fan of the,

905
00:47:20,105 --> 00:47:21,485
of the spillway removal project.

906
00:47:22,125 --> 00:47:24,725
I was there last weekend fishing

907
00:47:24,825 --> 00:47:27,165
and I saw fish trying to get up over the spillway,

908
00:47:27,165 --> 00:47:28,325
which is of course impossible.

909
00:47:29,185 --> 00:47:31,645
And that really struck me of the value of that.

910
00:47:31,705 --> 00:47:33,205
And I would, and I've seen a lot

911
00:47:33,205 --> 00:47:34,445
of migrating fish in the streams.

912
00:47:34,525 --> 00:47:38,005
I think art, my, my dedication to the waterways of Nader go,

913
00:47:38,165 --> 00:47:40,085
I think are gonna gimme a lot of enthusiasm for the role

914
00:47:40,585 --> 00:47:44,325
as well as the experience

915
00:47:44,325 --> 00:47:45,405
living in other parts of the country.

916
00:47:45,565 --> 00:47:46,605
I grew up in the southeast.

917
00:47:46,605 --> 00:47:48,445
I grew up in a town where in Atlanta,

918
00:47:48,445 --> 00:47:50,165
which is famously not focused on

919
00:47:50,165 --> 00:47:51,405
conservation when I was a child.

920
00:47:52,005 --> 00:47:54,885
And the, and the results speak for themselves as well as in,

921
00:47:54,945 --> 00:47:56,085
as when in the Midwest.

922
00:47:56,505 --> 00:47:58,085
And again, being involved in projects there

923
00:47:58,085 --> 00:47:59,285
that I can bring some wisdom to.

924
00:47:59,395 --> 00:48:01,405
I've, I've been involved in some

925
00:48:02,765 --> 00:48:05,765
invasive species eradication projects as volunteer work.

926
00:48:06,345 --> 00:48:08,245
And that's something that I, it's, it's,

927
00:48:08,275 --> 00:48:10,645
that may be more on the, on the labor side than on the

928
00:48:10,945 --> 00:48:13,765
policy side and on the, the leadership side,

929
00:48:13,765 --> 00:48:15,565
but it's, it's, I think it's my experience in, in,

930
00:48:15,585 --> 00:48:17,085
in other aspects and in and

931
00:48:17,105 --> 00:48:21,685
and in defending conservation more broadly across the

932
00:48:21,685 --> 00:48:24,845
country and bringing that back to my town of meeting.

933
00:48:25,215 --> 00:48:27,805
Thank you Ms.

934
00:48:28,065 --> 00:48:30,125
Slager, don't really have a question

935
00:48:30,125 --> 00:48:31,765
because I think you've already covered that.

936
00:48:31,765 --> 00:48:33,405
Okay. Thank you for being a thorough Dr.

937
00:48:33,405 --> 00:48:36,445
Beatty and I just wanna say thank you for being willing to

938
00:48:37,845 --> 00:48:39,325
consider the associate role.

939
00:48:41,425 --> 00:48:43,085
Any other questions for members of the board?

940
00:48:44,645 --> 00:48:48,045
I got a ditto for that one and he answered my question.

941
00:48:48,275 --> 00:48:49,365
It's part of Cody's.

942
00:48:49,505 --> 00:48:52,165
Yep. Okay. Wonderful. Okay.

943
00:48:52,165 --> 00:48:56,405
At this time I, I've handed out to members of the

944
00:48:57,255 --> 00:48:59,125
board a ballot, so we will vote.

945
00:48:59,125 --> 00:49:01,165
Thank you. Right. Thank you so much, Dr. Beat.

946
00:49:01,165 --> 00:49:04,715
Thank you Beatty.

947
00:49:06,625 --> 00:49:08,115
It's gonna take me some time 'cause I've got,

948
00:49:08,265 --> 00:49:10,235
I've got Beatie on the brain. Yeah. Know it's,

949
00:49:10,625 --> 00:49:12,515
Once it's there it's hard to err era.

950
00:49:12,765 --> 00:49:14,355
Write your name on the back or

951
00:49:14,415 --> 00:49:16,115
on, so that your name on the

952
00:49:16,115 --> 00:49:17,115
Back.

953
00:49:17,115 --> 00:49:18,795
Yeah. Just so I don't

954
00:49:20,295 --> 00:49:22,395
No, you're You gonna announce your

955
00:49:22,625 --> 00:49:23,625
Vote.

956
00:49:23,625 --> 00:49:25,275
Oh, that's true. Yeah. We, we'll all remember LL announce.

957
00:49:25,975 --> 00:49:27,595
Oh, yes sir.

958
00:49:34,725 --> 00:49:35,195
Thank you.

959
00:49:52,855 --> 00:49:56,235
The vote was unanimous For Michael Downey,

960
00:49:58,215 --> 00:50:00,315
I'd like to thank all of the candidates for applying.

961
00:50:00,515 --> 00:50:03,155
I encourage you if you are interested in the conservation

962
00:50:03,155 --> 00:50:04,355
commission to speak

963
00:50:04,355 --> 00:50:06,315
with the chair about serving as an associate member.

964
00:50:06,575 --> 00:50:08,355
And I wanna thank all of you for putting in the time

965
00:50:08,355 --> 00:50:11,235
and effort to fill out the application, attach your resume,

966
00:50:11,415 --> 00:50:13,595
and, and to be with us here tonight for interviews.

967
00:50:14,015 --> 00:50:17,275
So I wanna thank you so much Mr. Evans.

968
00:50:17,665 --> 00:50:20,675
Just a quick comment. I wanted to more

969
00:50:20,675 --> 00:50:23,195
or less echo what you're, you're describing is

970
00:50:23,865 --> 00:50:27,485
very seldom do we get, I shouldn't say very seldom.

971
00:50:27,565 --> 00:50:31,125
I said it's infrequent that we get such qualified people

972
00:50:32,425 --> 00:50:34,485
for openings.

973
00:50:36,065 --> 00:50:39,925
Having said that, it was a unanimous vote,

974
00:50:40,505 --> 00:50:43,925
but that's not a repudiation of anyone, for example.

975
00:50:44,625 --> 00:50:49,245
Not at all. Mr. Price is to me is,

976
00:50:49,345 --> 00:50:53,165
is a great fit with the net zero committee

977
00:50:54,345 --> 00:50:56,245
and they will have openings coming up

978
00:50:56,705 --> 00:50:59,885
and I encourage him to follow up with them on that.

979
00:51:00,395 --> 00:51:04,485
Similarly, Dr. Beatty wanting to be an associate member,

980
00:51:05,845 --> 00:51:09,685
I to look forward at the Conservation commission

981
00:51:09,685 --> 00:51:11,045
and I think there are either two

982
00:51:11,045 --> 00:51:15,045
or three openings, not this year, but the next year.

983
00:51:15,145 --> 00:51:18,205
So as an associate member, you'll be up to speed

984
00:51:18,705 --> 00:51:22,965
and be a tremendous candidate in the future year.

985
00:51:23,265 --> 00:51:25,245
So thank you. That'd be great. Thank you. Yeah.

986
00:51:26,755 --> 00:51:27,845
Next up we have interviews

987
00:51:27,845 --> 00:51:29,485
for the math work scholarship committee.

988
00:51:29,485 --> 00:51:34,285
There are three vacancies, two terms expire.

989
00:51:34,355 --> 00:51:35,685
June 30th, 2027.

990
00:51:36,105 --> 00:51:39,525
One term expires June 30th, 2029.

991
00:51:39,945 --> 00:51:42,605
So we're gonna do all four interviews together

992
00:51:42,985 --> 00:51:47,645
and then vote the first two terms expiring at the end

993
00:51:47,645 --> 00:51:49,885
of 2027, and then the second vote will be

994
00:51:49,885 --> 00:51:52,525
for the term ex expiring on 2029.

995
00:51:53,105 --> 00:51:56,645
So going in order of the names on the agenda,

996
00:51:56,825 --> 00:51:58,205
can I ask Dr.

997
00:51:58,445 --> 00:52:00,405
GL to come to the podium

998
00:52:01,345 --> 00:52:03,685
and following kind of the same format,

999
00:52:03,905 --> 00:52:05,965
we have your resumes, we have your applications.

1000
00:52:06,225 --> 00:52:09,085
If you could just talk a little bit, maybe three

1001
00:52:09,085 --> 00:52:11,725
to four minutes about why you wanna serve on this committee.

1002
00:52:12,695 --> 00:52:13,765
Thank you Madam Chair.

1003
00:52:14,185 --> 00:52:17,085
So everybody here knows, but maybe other people don't.

1004
00:52:17,145 --> 00:52:21,445
I'm Carol gl. I've lived in Natick since 1992

1005
00:52:21,545 --> 00:52:23,285
and I currently live at 20 South Avenue,

1006
00:52:23,465 --> 00:52:24,765
so about a block from here.

1007
00:52:26,065 --> 00:52:27,325
One of the reasons I would like

1008
00:52:27,325 --> 00:52:29,565
to serve on this committee is I am a scientist.

1009
00:52:30,525 --> 00:52:32,605
I have my bachelor's degree in pharmacy.

1010
00:52:32,705 --> 00:52:35,005
I'm old enough so that you needed a five year bachelor's

1011
00:52:35,005 --> 00:52:36,885
degree to be able to work as a pharmacist.

1012
00:52:37,625 --> 00:52:39,125
And then a few years later I went

1013
00:52:39,125 --> 00:52:41,565
and obtained my PhD in pharmacokinetics.

1014
00:52:41,785 --> 00:52:42,965
And for those of you who are

1015
00:52:42,965 --> 00:52:44,085
thinking, what the heck is that?

1016
00:52:44,835 --> 00:52:47,725
That is looking at how the bo how your body handles drugs,

1017
00:52:47,745 --> 00:52:49,405
how it absorbs them, gets rid of them.

1018
00:52:49,745 --> 00:52:52,725
It involves a lot of math and math is something that I love.

1019
00:52:53,545 --> 00:52:56,285
So the other reason that I'm interested in this,

1020
00:52:56,335 --> 00:52:57,405
there might be a couple of others,

1021
00:52:57,465 --> 00:53:01,005
but anyway, is this scholarship was established

1022
00:53:01,835 --> 00:53:03,405
over 10 years ago now,

1023
00:53:04,185 --> 00:53:07,885
and at the time I thought, oh, this is a great scholarship.

1024
00:53:07,905 --> 00:53:10,205
As a somebody who went to school, both undergrad

1025
00:53:10,205 --> 00:53:14,125
and grad on scholarships, fellowships, part-time jobs,

1026
00:53:14,775 --> 00:53:17,925
loans, scholarships are so important

1027
00:53:18,345 --> 00:53:22,085
and there's such a need for training in the STEM areas.

1028
00:53:23,065 --> 00:53:24,845
So I thought that's really important.

1029
00:53:25,105 --> 00:53:28,885
Now I feel like is a time when I could perhaps contribute

1030
00:53:29,425 --> 00:53:31,885
to the review of the scholarship applications

1031
00:53:32,265 --> 00:53:34,685
and do a part on this committee.

1032
00:53:35,095 --> 00:53:36,645
Happy to answer any questions.

1033
00:53:37,635 --> 00:53:41,085
Members of the board. Mr. Jacobs?

1034
00:53:42,395 --> 00:53:46,325
Yeah, so the thank you for applying, of course the,

1035
00:53:47,585 --> 00:53:50,125
you know, the, the criteria for the the scholarship,

1036
00:53:50,485 --> 00:53:52,685
you know, is, is you know about people as you,

1037
00:53:52,685 --> 00:53:54,525
as you mentioned to excel in STEM fields.

1038
00:53:55,465 --> 00:53:57,285
But you know, I think we're fortunate in Natick,

1039
00:53:57,285 --> 00:53:59,325
there's a lot of people like that as, you know, we just,

1040
00:53:59,355 --> 00:54:01,965
they, they just came and did the award

1041
00:54:02,145 --> 00:54:03,365
the other, the other night for that.

1042
00:54:03,385 --> 00:54:05,045
And you know, we heard from the committee about

1043
00:54:05,045 --> 00:54:07,565
how there were so many really qualified applicants.

1044
00:54:07,625 --> 00:54:10,845
So if you were on the committee, how would you decide

1045
00:54:10,845 --> 00:54:13,045
between many different applicants who were

1046
00:54:13,635 --> 00:54:16,165
extremely qualified in, you know, in the STEM fields?

1047
00:54:17,385 --> 00:54:20,085
So I believe the committee has, is it five members?

1048
00:54:20,985 --> 00:54:22,565
So I expect there would be some,

1049
00:54:23,145 --> 00:54:25,525
we would have different perspectives of

1050
00:54:25,825 --> 00:54:29,285
who are the best candidates reasons why we should

1051
00:54:30,135 --> 00:54:31,245
offer it to one or another.

1052
00:54:31,345 --> 00:54:34,765
It would be a, a lot of negotiation and collaboration.

1053
00:54:35,805 --> 00:54:40,045
I would be looking for someone who is clearly shows

1054
00:54:40,045 --> 00:54:41,765
because these are high school seniors

1055
00:54:41,825 --> 00:54:45,165
who are applying clearly shows in their background

1056
00:54:45,165 --> 00:54:47,325
that this is the direction they wanna go in.

1057
00:54:48,045 --> 00:54:50,605
I realized people get into college and change their plans

1058
00:54:51,265 --> 00:54:52,325
and you know,

1059
00:54:52,485 --> 00:54:54,485
I didn't end up doing that, although I thought about it.

1060
00:54:55,225 --> 00:54:58,685
So, but it, it would require really looking into the

1061
00:54:58,685 --> 00:55:01,285
applications and looking at

1062
00:55:01,515 --> 00:55:04,325
what I think is really needed in the STEM areas.

1063
00:55:05,185 --> 00:55:06,485
I'm a science and math person.

1064
00:55:08,025 --> 00:55:09,325
I'm not an engineer

1065
00:55:10,105 --> 00:55:11,765
and technology, A couple

1066
00:55:11,765 --> 00:55:13,325
of you heard me talking about getting a new

1067
00:55:14,345 --> 00:55:15,525
iPhone a few days ago

1068
00:55:15,665 --> 00:55:18,005
and not really having it all understood yet,

1069
00:55:18,005 --> 00:55:19,365
but hopefully I'll get there eventually.

1070
00:55:19,705 --> 00:55:22,205
So I realize that's not a definitive answer,

1071
00:55:22,425 --> 00:55:24,245
but it would, I would need to work

1072
00:55:24,245 --> 00:55:27,685
with my fellow committee members to figure it out.

1073
00:55:27,825 --> 00:55:29,525
Who would be most worthy of that,

1074
00:55:30,105 --> 00:55:31,765
of those two scholarships each year.

1075
00:55:32,455 --> 00:55:35,165
Thank you. Are there questions for members

1076
00:55:35,165 --> 00:55:36,485
of the board, Ms. Pope? Yes.

1077
00:55:37,065 --> 00:55:38,565
Hi Dr. Lov, thank you for

1078
00:55:39,215 --> 00:55:40,765
being willing to serve on this committee.

1079
00:55:41,315 --> 00:55:43,525
What role do you think that personal circumstances

1080
00:55:43,665 --> 00:55:45,365
and overcoming maybe any kind

1081
00:55:45,365 --> 00:55:47,565
of adversity should have in the scholarship decisions?

1082
00:55:50,025 --> 00:55:54,885
You know, I have not looked at what the requirements are.

1083
00:55:55,115 --> 00:55:58,765
What, because I come from a background

1084
00:55:58,765 --> 00:56:01,525
where I depended on scholarships as I've already said,

1085
00:56:01,525 --> 00:56:02,725
and loans, et cetera.

1086
00:56:03,765 --> 00:56:07,365
I personally think that there's some value to that,

1087
00:56:08,665 --> 00:56:12,765
but I recognize that that's not fair to only in,

1088
00:56:12,985 --> 00:56:14,685
to put up a heavy emphasis on that.

1089
00:56:15,285 --> 00:56:17,485
I will say the most recent scholarship committee

1090
00:56:17,485 --> 00:56:20,285
that I on which I've served is the Metro West Health

1091
00:56:20,285 --> 00:56:24,405
Foundation Scholarship Committee, which offers scholarships

1092
00:56:24,585 --> 00:56:28,565
to anybody in the metro West catchment area.

1093
00:56:28,635 --> 00:56:30,365
It's 23 communities I think.

1094
00:56:31,025 --> 00:56:34,005
And you can be trying to get trained at Mass Bay

1095
00:56:34,145 --> 00:56:37,165
to become a certified medical assistant.

1096
00:56:37,165 --> 00:56:40,445
That's not the right terminology or up to medical school,

1097
00:56:40,445 --> 00:56:44,045
dental school there we didn't have to make decisions.

1098
00:56:44,785 --> 00:56:49,365
So there wasn't a lot of emphasis on what it do.

1099
00:56:49,365 --> 00:56:50,805
You really need the money, basically.

1100
00:56:51,865 --> 00:56:55,165
But this might, depending on

1101
00:56:55,165 --> 00:56:57,125
what the description allows,

1102
00:56:57,845 --> 00:56:59,325
I might want to have that information.

1103
00:57:00,335 --> 00:57:03,685
Thank you. Other members of the board?

1104
00:57:07,015 --> 00:57:08,525
There is the board this year.

1105
00:57:09,165 --> 00:57:11,045
I mean the scholarship committee this year

1106
00:57:11,675 --> 00:57:13,845
over the last year and a half have come up with a set

1107
00:57:14,365 --> 00:57:16,045
criteria and rubric so

1108
00:57:16,045 --> 00:57:19,325
that everybody's judged on the same items.

1109
00:57:20,085 --> 00:57:23,205
And so that's, I think it's something they're also still

1110
00:57:23,205 --> 00:57:24,245
working on developing

1111
00:57:24,265 --> 00:57:26,245
and continuing to reiterate

1112
00:57:26,305 --> 00:57:30,365
as they know more, just share that. Yes. Mr. Evans

1113
00:57:30,515 --> 00:57:31,885
Have question, quick question.

1114
00:57:32,935 --> 00:57:34,645
Thank you Dr. Gla for applying.

1115
00:57:35,835 --> 00:57:40,325
Also there, there are a number of

1116
00:57:41,315 --> 00:57:43,645
very highly qualified candidates

1117
00:57:43,665 --> 00:57:45,165
who apply for this scholarship.

1118
00:57:45,795 --> 00:57:50,205
It's, it's promoted very well within the high school,

1119
00:57:50,905 --> 00:57:53,805
so we get an a pool of excellent candidates.

1120
00:57:54,105 --> 00:57:59,085
How would you attempt to differentiate from

1121
00:57:59,095 --> 00:58:02,685
among a pool of very intelligent,

1122
00:58:02,795 --> 00:58:04,365
very qualified candidates?

1123
00:58:06,075 --> 00:58:07,925
Good question. I don't know

1124
00:58:07,925 --> 00:58:09,725
that I have a definitive answer at this point

1125
00:58:09,725 --> 00:58:11,845
because A, I haven't looked at the rubric,

1126
00:58:12,005 --> 00:58:13,325
I don't know if it's publicly available,

1127
00:58:13,385 --> 00:58:15,205
but even if it is, I have not looked at it.

1128
00:58:15,585 --> 00:58:18,405
I'm glad to hear that the committee has been working on

1129
00:58:18,865 --> 00:58:23,445
coming up with a way to maybe prioritize,

1130
00:58:23,505 --> 00:58:27,565
but more perhaps a better word, better terminology would be

1131
00:58:27,625 --> 00:58:29,245
to make certain that everybody is,

1132
00:58:29,425 --> 00:58:32,565
is being evaluated on an even footing so

1133
00:58:32,565 --> 00:58:34,925
that we're all looking at them in a, basically the same way.

1134
00:58:34,925 --> 00:58:36,805
We're all still gonna have our same,

1135
00:58:36,865 --> 00:58:38,685
our committee, our own opinions.

1136
00:58:38,685 --> 00:58:41,205
And I say we, but I realize I may not be selected

1137
00:58:41,225 --> 00:58:44,365
for this committee, so I apologize for use of the royal we,

1138
00:58:45,945 --> 00:58:48,445
so it's a, it's a tough one.

1139
00:58:48,545 --> 00:58:51,805
You know, I, I have been through this with a couple

1140
00:58:51,805 --> 00:58:53,605
of other scholarship committees, not

1141
00:58:53,605 --> 00:58:54,805
with Metro Trust Health Foundation

1142
00:58:54,805 --> 00:58:57,485
because again, we've had the money to be able to

1143
00:58:58,955 --> 00:59:01,325
provide scholarships to anybody

1144
00:59:01,325 --> 00:59:03,565
that we felt was going into an appropriate area.

1145
00:59:03,985 --> 00:59:06,645
And I should say that in past tense, I am no longer on

1146
00:59:06,645 --> 00:59:08,725
that board, the Metro Trust Health Foundation board.

1147
00:59:09,165 --> 00:59:12,125
I hit term limits at the end of December of 2025

1148
00:59:12,505 --> 00:59:14,925
and at that time I dropped off the scholarship committee.

1149
00:59:15,025 --> 00:59:17,765
So I'm, when I say make it sound like it's present,

1150
00:59:17,915 --> 00:59:20,525
it's not, but with a couple of others that I've worked on,

1151
00:59:20,705 --> 00:59:22,965
the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education,

1152
00:59:23,665 --> 00:59:25,725
we give out fellowships and scholarships.

1153
00:59:25,865 --> 00:59:27,805
I'm no longer on that scholarship committee

1154
00:59:28,265 --> 00:59:30,205
and fellowship committee, but I served on it

1155
00:59:30,205 --> 00:59:33,205
for about 10 years and served as chair for a few years

1156
00:59:33,225 --> 00:59:35,605
and during that time we worked on trying to make certain

1157
00:59:35,605 --> 00:59:37,325
that we evaluated people evenly.

1158
00:59:37,625 --> 00:59:41,045
In addition, I worked on, served on,

1159
00:59:41,105 --> 00:59:43,285
and for part of the time served as chair

1160
00:59:43,785 --> 00:59:46,285
of a scholarship awards committee for the University

1161
00:59:46,285 --> 00:59:50,245
of Buffalo for the University of Buffalo Alumni Association,

1162
00:59:50,245 --> 00:59:52,285
which is, those scholarships are not science

1163
00:59:52,805 --> 00:59:54,325
oriented, the others are.

1164
00:59:54,825 --> 00:59:56,725
So, but I, sorry,

1165
00:59:56,805 --> 00:59:58,925
I don't have a more definitive answer for you.

1166
00:59:58,925 --> 00:59:59,925
That's a good answer.

1167
01:00:01,785 --> 01:00:02,845
Any other questions from the members

1168
01:00:02,845 --> 01:00:05,165
of the board? Thank you Dr. Cloth.

1169
01:00:05,895 --> 01:00:09,605
Thank you very much. The next applicant is Jasmine Huck

1170
01:00:09,855 --> 01:00:13,405
Ahmed, you in the room to come to the podium?

1171
01:00:13,505 --> 01:00:17,405
You may need to slide the, the microphone down a little bit.

1172
01:00:17,895 --> 01:00:20,445
There we go. If you could talk, just,

1173
01:00:20,545 --> 01:00:21,645
we have your application

1174
01:00:21,665 --> 01:00:25,165
and your resume, just a little bit about why you applied

1175
01:00:25,165 --> 01:00:26,605
to this scholarship committee.

1176
01:00:27,605 --> 01:00:30,005
Good evening board. Thank you for having me.

1177
01:00:31,245 --> 01:00:34,605
I am a native resident since 2012.

1178
01:00:34,795 --> 01:00:36,245
I've been here about 14 years

1179
01:00:36,345 --> 01:00:37,885
and I have two kids that are young

1180
01:00:38,865 --> 01:00:40,405
in the school system here.

1181
01:00:41,445 --> 01:00:45,285
I personally have a strong love of learning and education.

1182
01:00:46,365 --> 01:00:49,005
I have two bachelor's degrees and two master's degrees.

1183
01:00:50,285 --> 01:00:53,285
I was somebody who was very passionate about health sciences

1184
01:00:53,785 --> 01:00:56,965
and I switched careers just due to family circumstances.

1185
01:00:57,105 --> 01:00:59,045
So my original plan

1186
01:00:59,185 --> 01:01:02,125
or original track was I went to Northeastern,

1187
01:01:02,285 --> 01:01:03,485
I did behavioral neuroscience.

1188
01:01:04,365 --> 01:01:06,765
I also did a master's in public health at Columbia

1189
01:01:06,765 --> 01:01:08,805
University and I worked in many hospitals in

1190
01:01:08,805 --> 01:01:10,045
Boston and in New York City.

1191
01:01:11,645 --> 01:01:13,365
I thought I was gonna become a pediatrician.

1192
01:01:13,685 --> 01:01:15,725
I changed plans because I took care of a parent

1193
01:01:15,725 --> 01:01:17,925
with leukemia and a parent who had a stroke.

1194
01:01:18,425 --> 01:01:19,685
So I decided, hmm,

1195
01:01:19,805 --> 01:01:21,925
I still wanna go into healthcare, what can I do?

1196
01:01:22,925 --> 01:01:25,405
Reapplied went back, went through the grind again.

1197
01:01:25,445 --> 01:01:28,685
I got another bachelor's degree from Northeastern in nursing

1198
01:01:29,265 --> 01:01:32,285
and I got a master's degree from Simmons University

1199
01:01:32,425 --> 01:01:33,485
as a nurse practitioner,

1200
01:01:33,505 --> 01:01:35,085
so a master's of science and nursing.

1201
01:01:35,905 --> 01:01:37,765
So I love learning

1202
01:01:38,125 --> 01:01:40,765
because I am alu for punishment for education,

1203
01:01:41,065 --> 01:01:45,245
but I also understand the nuances of getting colleges

1204
01:01:45,385 --> 01:01:47,085
and degrees paid for.

1205
01:01:47,945 --> 01:01:49,925
It is a very difficult process

1206
01:01:50,945 --> 01:01:53,005
and I also know that you can be smart

1207
01:01:53,585 --> 01:01:54,845
but also not smart enough.

1208
01:01:55,485 --> 01:01:59,525
I also know that meeting students is very important.

1209
01:01:59,625 --> 01:02:02,125
And the other reason I was gonna chime in,

1210
01:02:02,405 --> 01:02:04,645
I work at Suffolk University,

1211
01:02:05,025 --> 01:02:07,525
but I'm a nurse practitioner, so I actually work

1212
01:02:07,525 --> 01:02:09,085
with a college student population.

1213
01:02:09,085 --> 01:02:12,045
So I understand the difficulties of getting into schools now

1214
01:02:12,065 --> 01:02:14,925
and the financial difficulties that students have.

1215
01:02:16,495 --> 01:02:20,445
Thank you. Questions for members of the board, Mr. Jacobs?

1216
01:02:21,435 --> 01:02:23,085
Yeah, thank you for applying.

1217
01:02:23,635 --> 01:02:26,845
I'll ask you the same question which I'm gonna ask everyone.

1218
01:02:27,745 --> 01:02:31,245
So there are many people who excel at math and science

1219
01:02:31,545 --> 01:02:33,005
and are interested in STEM careers

1220
01:02:33,005 --> 01:02:34,285
that apply for this scholarship.

1221
01:02:34,305 --> 01:02:36,245
And I under, you know, taking, taking the point

1222
01:02:36,245 --> 01:02:38,325
that there is, that there may be a rubric

1223
01:02:38,325 --> 01:02:39,365
being developed and things like that.

1224
01:02:39,365 --> 01:02:42,805
But what would be your perspective on how you would kind of

1225
01:02:43,605 --> 01:02:47,005
separate, you know, figure out who to give the scholarship

1226
01:02:47,005 --> 01:02:50,725
to given the strong pool of applicants?

1227
01:02:52,485 --> 01:02:56,005
I believe in the humanistic component, I think

1228
01:02:56,035 --> 01:02:58,885
that you have to meet with the students

1229
01:02:59,105 --> 01:03:01,125
and really see what they're interested in

1230
01:03:01,185 --> 01:03:02,525
and what their passions are.

1231
01:03:03,125 --> 01:03:05,445
I think, you know, people on paper can look the same,

1232
01:03:05,585 --> 01:03:07,165
you can have the same SAT score,

1233
01:03:07,185 --> 01:03:09,645
you can have the same clubs extracurriculars,

1234
01:03:09,645 --> 01:03:11,645
but you really have to see what drives the student.

1235
01:03:12,265 --> 01:03:15,205
So I think one of the nice things is that we're,

1236
01:03:15,205 --> 01:03:19,445
we're in a very hospitable, communicable town

1237
01:03:19,445 --> 01:03:21,725
that we can get to know the students on, on, you know,

1238
01:03:21,965 --> 01:03:23,805
a short term basis just to say, Hey, what are you,

1239
01:03:23,805 --> 01:03:25,005
what are you actually passionate about?

1240
01:03:25,005 --> 01:03:26,325
What do you wanna do? And

1241
01:03:26,345 --> 01:03:29,485
how can this scholarship actually apply to your education?

1242
01:03:31,135 --> 01:03:34,205
Thank you very much, Ms. Pope.

1243
01:03:34,205 --> 01:03:35,365
I'll ask the same question as well.

1244
01:03:35,575 --> 01:03:38,165
Thank you for applying. What role do you think personal

1245
01:03:38,165 --> 01:03:40,725
circumstances or overcoming adversity should play in

1246
01:03:40,725 --> 01:03:41,805
the scholarship decisions?

1247
01:03:43,645 --> 01:03:48,245
I actually think that's a, a strong criteria

1248
01:03:48,515 --> 01:03:53,045
because I, I don't feel that college or

1249
01:03:53,065 --> 01:03:56,005
or higher education should, should be unattainable

1250
01:03:56,185 --> 01:03:57,365
for anybody who wants it.

1251
01:03:57,945 --> 01:04:00,885
So I think that we have to take that into consideration.

1252
01:04:00,905 --> 01:04:03,445
And again, knowing that the rubric may change

1253
01:04:03,465 --> 01:04:06,165
and may evolve, I think we have

1254
01:04:06,165 --> 01:04:08,365
to look at the whole candidate, just like,

1255
01:04:09,065 --> 01:04:11,485
I'm gonna say AI tries to just summarize

1256
01:04:11,545 --> 01:04:15,885
and skim off the top and you know, get a, a quick result.

1257
01:04:16,405 --> 01:04:18,565
I really think we have to look at the whole candidate

1258
01:04:18,565 --> 01:04:20,365
and the whole student just to see

1259
01:04:20,365 --> 01:04:21,685
what are they actually applying for,

1260
01:04:21,685 --> 01:04:23,725
what is the career track do they have in mind?

1261
01:04:23,825 --> 01:04:25,845
Are they just applying just to apply

1262
01:04:25,905 --> 01:04:27,645
or do they actually have an understanding of

1263
01:04:27,645 --> 01:04:29,165
what the career needs are

1264
01:04:29,165 --> 01:04:31,605
and what the job opportunities are with that degree.

1265
01:04:31,945 --> 01:04:34,725
Now I know this is a big ask for a high school student,

1266
01:04:34,945 --> 01:04:37,725
but usually high school students deep down kind of know

1267
01:04:37,725 --> 01:04:39,445
what they wanna do and they know what their passions are.

1268
01:04:39,665 --> 01:04:41,845
So I think that is really important to consider.

1269
01:04:42,185 --> 01:04:43,965
And I would try to look at the students'

1270
01:04:45,015 --> 01:04:46,245
background situations

1271
01:04:46,245 --> 01:04:48,845
and figure out, yeah, you know, cost

1272
01:04:48,845 --> 01:04:50,325
of higher education is ridiculous.

1273
01:04:50,325 --> 01:04:51,645
Doesn't matter where you go unless you're,

1274
01:04:51,645 --> 01:04:52,765
unless it's a free program.

1275
01:04:53,425 --> 01:04:55,445
All colleges right now are very expensive.

1276
01:04:55,465 --> 01:04:57,925
So I think there's value into the scholarship,

1277
01:04:58,185 --> 01:04:59,365
but I also think we need

1278
01:04:59,365 --> 01:05:00,645
to look at the circumstances of the

1279
01:05:00,645 --> 01:05:01,925
individual students. Thank

1280
01:05:01,925 --> 01:05:02,925
You.

1281
01:05:03,865 --> 01:05:05,765
Any other questions from members of the board?

1282
01:05:07,605 --> 01:05:12,165
I have one question. You indicated

1283
01:05:12,165 --> 01:05:14,365
that you had attended or watched Adic 1 0 1

1284
01:05:14,365 --> 01:05:15,765
and I was just curious which one?

1285
01:05:17,385 --> 01:05:19,045
Oh my goodness. Ugh.

1286
01:05:19,145 --> 01:05:20,165
And I hate to put you on the spot

1287
01:05:20,165 --> 01:05:21,285
if you don't remember, don't worry about it.

1288
01:05:21,845 --> 01:05:22,845
I actually don't remember. It's been

1289
01:05:22,845 --> 01:05:23,965
going on for two years so

1290
01:05:24,035 --> 01:05:25,285
It's, yeah, I don't remember.

1291
01:05:25,305 --> 01:05:29,165
And I think, I think I was recommended

1292
01:05:29,705 --> 01:05:33,165
to watch by one of the select board members here just

1293
01:05:33,165 --> 01:05:35,245
to be a part of the native community.

1294
01:05:35,245 --> 01:05:36,565
And I don't even remember what I watched,

1295
01:05:36,585 --> 01:05:38,525
but I just remember logging in from work

1296
01:05:38,585 --> 01:05:40,405
and then going, ah, I need to log back out.

1297
01:05:41,655 --> 01:05:43,285
Thank you. It's perfectly acceptable.

1298
01:05:43,635 --> 01:05:44,805
It's probably the select word.

1299
01:05:45,045 --> 01:05:46,445
I was just thinking the same thing.

1300
01:05:47,585 --> 01:05:49,005
That's, yeah, I've done the same thing.

1301
01:05:49,005 --> 01:05:51,885
Logging in and then logging right out. So yes. Understood.

1302
01:05:53,175 --> 01:05:56,685
Wanna appreciate you putting your, your name forward.

1303
01:05:57,615 --> 01:06:02,445
Thank you so much. Our next candidate

1304
01:06:02,465 --> 01:06:04,045
is Shrudy Kakar.

1305
01:06:04,785 --> 01:06:05,805
If you could come to the podium

1306
01:06:05,905 --> 01:06:07,245
and same thing, just a few minutes

1307
01:06:07,265 --> 01:06:08,485
on why this particular one.

1308
01:06:08,585 --> 01:06:09,485
And if you could also tell me

1309
01:06:09,485 --> 01:06:11,205
whether I said your name correctly. Yes,

1310
01:06:11,305 --> 01:06:12,305
You did.

1311
01:06:12,305 --> 01:06:14,885
Thank you. Am I audible? Yes. Okay.

1312
01:06:15,235 --> 01:06:16,565
Good evening, select board

1313
01:06:16,665 --> 01:06:18,325
and thank you for this opportunity.

1314
01:06:19,385 --> 01:06:21,205
My name is Shruti Kaka.

1315
01:06:22,005 --> 01:06:23,965
I have been working at MathWorks

1316
01:06:24,025 --> 01:06:26,165
for a little over 15 years now.

1317
01:06:26,765 --> 01:06:30,285
I have been native resident for the past three years.

1318
01:06:31,205 --> 01:06:35,045
I have a child in native public schools.

1319
01:06:35,475 --> 01:06:36,925
He's, he goes to Benham.

1320
01:06:37,225 --> 01:06:40,125
So I'm truly very grateful for our town.

1321
01:06:40,605 --> 01:06:43,685
I see my child thriving in our school system

1322
01:06:44,025 --> 01:06:47,485
and I feel this is my way of giving back to the community.

1323
01:06:48,245 --> 01:06:52,525
I am a deeply invested in our community.

1324
01:06:53,115 --> 01:06:56,325
Education is something I am very passionate about.

1325
01:06:56,785 --> 01:07:01,405
So beyond MathWorks, I have been doing extensive mentoring.

1326
01:07:02,355 --> 01:07:05,045
Notably, I want to call out two things that I do.

1327
01:07:05,905 --> 01:07:10,245
One, for the last two years I have been mentoring at MIT

1328
01:07:10,275 --> 01:07:13,045
through their breakthrough tech AI program.

1329
01:07:13,665 --> 01:07:17,245
So I've been working with students in MIT

1330
01:07:17,345 --> 01:07:19,685
who co come from all over the world.

1331
01:07:21,485 --> 01:07:23,565
I have been doing that for the last two years.

1332
01:07:24,085 --> 01:07:26,925
I have been in invited again this year as well.

1333
01:07:27,785 --> 01:07:29,405
Second thing, a place

1334
01:07:29,405 --> 01:07:33,325
where I mentor is Grace Hopper Celebration, which is

1335
01:07:34,345 --> 01:07:39,005
the country's biggest conference for women in tech.

1336
01:07:39,945 --> 01:07:42,445
So this is a place where I get to work with

1337
01:07:42,985 --> 01:07:44,405
underrepresented community.

1338
01:07:45,785 --> 01:07:49,885
So I feel that I bring a unique combination

1339
01:07:50,105 --> 01:07:53,965
of technical expertise, deep passion

1340
01:07:54,185 --> 01:07:55,285
for our community,

1341
01:07:56,065 --> 01:07:59,725
and I want to give back to our town, not just

1342
01:07:59,725 --> 01:08:03,445
as a math worker, but also as a parent of a child

1343
01:08:04,385 --> 01:08:05,845
who is thriving in our schools.

1344
01:08:06,505 --> 01:08:08,245
So that's little bit about me.

1345
01:08:08,655 --> 01:08:09,885
Thank you so much. Thank you.

1346
01:08:10,325 --> 01:08:11,605
Opening up to questions for members

1347
01:08:11,605 --> 01:08:13,925
of the board. Mr. Jacobs,

1348
01:08:14,815 --> 01:08:16,085
Thank you for applying.

1349
01:08:16,145 --> 01:08:19,765
Of course. And I'll again, you know, no surprise,

1350
01:08:19,765 --> 01:08:21,765
to ask you the same question, which is, you know,

1351
01:08:21,765 --> 01:08:24,085
we have a lot of people who are very qualified in math

1352
01:08:24,085 --> 01:08:25,365
and science and STEM fields.

1353
01:08:25,505 --> 01:08:27,165
And how would you go about kind

1354
01:08:27,165 --> 01:08:29,165
of looking at which candidates to,

1355
01:08:29,425 --> 01:08:30,685
to support for the scholarship?

1356
01:08:31,625 --> 01:08:33,525
So, that's a great question.

1357
01:08:34,365 --> 01:08:39,005
I would work with my fellow board members to come up

1358
01:08:39,005 --> 01:08:40,525
with a metric so

1359
01:08:40,525 --> 01:08:44,925
that we are looking at all candidates in the same fashion.

1360
01:08:45,765 --> 01:08:47,165
I have experience doing that.

1361
01:08:47,645 --> 01:08:51,645
I have done this as part of my MIT program

1362
01:08:52,305 --> 01:08:55,085
and I use that extensively.

1363
01:08:55,465 --> 01:08:57,125
So I I, I would do that.

1364
01:08:58,695 --> 01:09:01,165
Thank you. Other members of the board,

1365
01:09:01,865 --> 01:09:02,865
Ms.

1366
01:09:02,865 --> 01:09:04,605
Hope, thank you Shuri, for being here with us.

1367
01:09:05,115 --> 01:09:07,485
What role do you think personal circumstances

1368
01:09:07,585 --> 01:09:09,205
or overcoming adversity should play in

1369
01:09:09,205 --> 01:09:10,325
scholarship decisions?

1370
01:09:11,645 --> 01:09:14,325
I feel it should play a significant role.

1371
01:09:14,585 --> 01:09:17,405
And as I was hearing you ask this question,

1372
01:09:18,045 --> 01:09:20,565
this is a small story that I want to share.

1373
01:09:21,425 --> 01:09:23,325
So I have been working with

1374
01:09:23,835 --> 01:09:26,605
Christo Re it's an organization based in Boston.

1375
01:09:27,065 --> 01:09:29,725
It works with youth at risk.

1376
01:09:30,245 --> 01:09:32,965
I have been working with a couple of students from

1377
01:09:32,965 --> 01:09:35,045
that program via MathWorks.

1378
01:09:35,525 --> 01:09:37,485
I won't, I won't take the student's name,

1379
01:09:37,585 --> 01:09:40,485
but I just want to share how that is so important.

1380
01:09:41,405 --> 01:09:43,885
I was working with a student when she came in.

1381
01:09:44,145 --> 01:09:46,525
She didn't know what she was going to do with her life

1382
01:09:46,985 --> 01:09:50,565
and you know, she didn't, she had gone through some trauma.

1383
01:09:50,905 --> 01:09:53,765
She was not doing in a, she wasn't in a good space.

1384
01:09:54,465 --> 01:09:57,925
But via mentoring her, working with her, I worked

1385
01:09:57,925 --> 01:09:59,005
with her for a year.

1386
01:10:00,065 --> 01:10:01,165
We gave her scholarship.

1387
01:10:01,815 --> 01:10:05,765
She's now a senior in FSU, she decided to

1388
01:10:06,905 --> 01:10:10,285
do computer science and that was life changing for her.

1389
01:10:10,745 --> 01:10:15,405
So I feel that, you know, some scholarship can be, you know,

1390
01:10:15,635 --> 01:10:17,765
some monetary benefit for one person,

1391
01:10:18,145 --> 01:10:21,445
but it can be truly life changing for someone whose,

1392
01:10:21,455 --> 01:10:23,085
whose circumstances are different.

1393
01:10:23,425 --> 01:10:27,805
So I feel that personal circumstances play a big role.

1394
01:10:27,875 --> 01:10:31,845
Looking at a person holistically is very important.

1395
01:10:32,065 --> 01:10:36,885
And I am ready to talk to all the students, all applicants

1396
01:10:36,945 --> 01:10:38,925
and really get to know them better,

1397
01:10:39,215 --> 01:10:40,605
understand their background

1398
01:10:40,985 --> 01:10:43,725
and bring in diverse perspectives.

1399
01:10:44,535 --> 01:10:47,645
Thank you. Other members of the board,

1400
01:10:52,135 --> 01:10:53,445
thank you so much Rudi.

1401
01:10:53,445 --> 01:10:54,925
Thank really appreciate you. Thank you.

1402
01:10:55,745 --> 01:11:00,725
The last applicant is Hamma. Sura, Raja.

1403
01:11:04,195 --> 01:11:07,485
Hema, we're gonna, we are going to unmute you

1404
01:11:07,905 --> 01:11:10,365
and if you could do the same as the, the applicant's

1405
01:11:10,365 --> 01:11:15,125
before you, which is to just in three

1406
01:11:15,125 --> 01:11:17,365
to four minutes, tell us why you applied

1407
01:11:17,425 --> 01:11:20,965
to this scholarship committee and wanna serve on it.

1408
01:11:22,295 --> 01:11:24,245
Thank you. First of all, I would like to thank you

1409
01:11:24,385 --> 01:11:26,685
for interviewing me today for this position.

1410
01:11:27,025 --> 01:11:29,725
And I am an NAIC resident.

1411
01:11:30,125 --> 01:11:33,565
This is our 14th year living in Burning Tree Road Natick.

1412
01:11:33,825 --> 01:11:36,245
And I am a software QA analyst

1413
01:11:37,185 --> 01:11:38,645
for the past one and a half years.

1414
01:11:39,105 --> 01:11:40,365
I'm in between jobs

1415
01:11:40,585 --> 01:11:43,645
and I used to work with the state of Massachusetts,

1416
01:11:43,945 --> 01:11:45,165
the gaming commission.

1417
01:11:46,825 --> 01:11:48,325
I'm in between jobs.

1418
01:11:48,585 --> 01:11:51,845
I'm working on Natick service council volunteer currently.

1419
01:11:52,145 --> 01:11:53,765
And before I used to volunteer

1420
01:11:53,795 --> 01:11:56,525
with the Newton Homeless Shelter Place

1421
01:11:57,785 --> 01:12:00,845
as I have the passion towards the public service.

1422
01:12:02,085 --> 01:12:04,405
I definitely was looking for some opportunity

1423
01:12:04,465 --> 01:12:06,645
to serve the Natick Council.

1424
01:12:07,865 --> 01:12:12,045
My husband used to work for the Transportation Council for,

1425
01:12:12,225 --> 01:12:14,445
as a volunteer four or five years ago.

1426
01:12:14,465 --> 01:12:17,645
So that's when I came to know about this opportunity.

1427
01:12:18,865 --> 01:12:22,645
And have two daughters who went to medic schools

1428
01:12:22,865 --> 01:12:25,245
and they're 24 and 20 now.

1429
01:12:25,945 --> 01:12:30,085
And I wish I knew about the scholarship when my younger one

1430
01:12:30,185 --> 01:12:33,205
was in senior in high school two years ago.

1431
01:12:34,145 --> 01:12:36,365
And since I've been heavily involved

1432
01:12:36,365 --> 01:12:38,085
with the college application process

1433
01:12:38,505 --> 01:12:41,205
and the scholarship applications

1434
01:12:41,345 --> 01:12:44,725
and the reaching of the school counselor, et cetera,

1435
01:12:45,045 --> 01:12:48,085
I definitely have the involvement around the area.

1436
01:12:48,465 --> 01:12:50,485
So that's the reason I applied for this position.

1437
01:12:52,975 --> 01:12:54,965
Thank you so much. Questions from members

1438
01:12:54,965 --> 01:12:57,565
of the board? Mr. Jacobs?

1439
01:12:58,425 --> 01:13:00,045
Hi. Thank you very much for applying,

1440
01:13:00,045 --> 01:13:01,045
really appreciate it.

1441
01:13:02,825 --> 01:13:05,205
No surprise. What question I'm gonna ask, you know,

1442
01:13:05,225 --> 01:13:07,845
how would you look at the, you know, we got a lot

1443
01:13:07,845 --> 01:13:08,845
of qualified applicants.

1444
01:13:08,905 --> 01:13:10,525
How would you, you know, kind of look

1445
01:13:10,525 --> 01:13:13,005
to figure out which ones you would support among those

1446
01:13:13,145 --> 01:13:16,565
who excel, obviously in science, math and other STEM fields?

1447
01:13:18,565 --> 01:13:21,845
Definitely the, the holistic approach I would say.

1448
01:13:22,065 --> 01:13:25,085
And also collaborating well with the team members

1449
01:13:25,505 --> 01:13:27,325
who has prior experience with that.

1450
01:13:27,945 --> 01:13:31,685
And also looking at the previous scholarship

1451
01:13:32,525 --> 01:13:35,765
distributions, how they decided and things like that.

1452
01:13:36,445 --> 01:13:40,365
I would do my research as well in order to meet

1453
01:13:40,365 --> 01:13:41,365
with the student

1454
01:13:41,705 --> 01:13:46,005
or understanding their need, why they, did they really apply

1455
01:13:46,005 --> 01:13:47,605
for the scholarship in need

1456
01:13:47,625 --> 01:13:48,845
or do they just applied

1457
01:13:48,945 --> 01:13:50,725
as they looked at the scholarship

1458
01:13:50,795 --> 01:13:52,645
advertisement, things like that.

1459
01:13:52,825 --> 01:13:56,685
So I, I tried to do my best with the research

1460
01:13:56,945 --> 01:14:01,245
and the historic results,

1461
01:14:01,415 --> 01:14:02,845
everything collaboratively.

1462
01:14:03,465 --> 01:14:06,005
That's how I approach and decide.

1463
01:14:10,345 --> 01:14:12,605
Ms. Pop. Yes. And I'll ask the same question again.

1464
01:14:12,605 --> 01:14:14,165
Thank you so much for applying.

1465
01:14:14,645 --> 01:14:18,285
My question is, how would you appropriate

1466
01:14:18,995 --> 01:14:22,005
circumstances over overcoming circumstances

1467
01:14:22,145 --> 01:14:25,325
or personal issues in the application process

1468
01:14:25,665 --> 01:14:27,325
of scholarship applicants?

1469
01:14:28,435 --> 01:14:29,805
Sure. Yeah, definitely.

1470
01:14:29,865 --> 01:14:32,165
It definitely impacts significantly.

1471
01:14:33,225 --> 01:14:35,645
So in order to do that, definitely the,

1472
01:14:35,645 --> 01:14:39,645
the same like the holistic approach, understanding the need

1473
01:14:39,665 --> 01:14:44,005
of a student and what they exactly looking to do.

1474
01:14:45,065 --> 01:14:47,165
How the scholarship will help them in order

1475
01:14:47,165 --> 01:14:48,685
to succeed in their career.

1476
01:14:49,705 --> 01:14:52,045
And even meeting with the family

1477
01:14:52,185 --> 01:14:55,285
or sitting with the student, whatever it takes

1478
01:14:55,465 --> 01:14:56,925
to change their life.

1479
01:14:57,085 --> 01:14:59,885
I would definitely try to do my best for this.

1480
01:15:01,255 --> 01:15:04,445
Thank you. Any other members of the board?

1481
01:15:06,745 --> 01:15:07,925
My only question was,

1482
01:15:08,305 --> 01:15:10,365
did I pronounce your last name correctly?

1483
01:15:11,115 --> 01:15:14,845
Just wanna make sure. Yes, Raja. It's Hema Raja Sand.

1484
01:15:15,095 --> 01:15:17,925
Thank you. Yep. Appreciate you checking with it. Thank you

1485
01:15:19,615 --> 01:15:20,615
Excel.

1486
01:15:20,865 --> 01:15:23,285
Any other questions? Comments from the board?

1487
01:15:23,715 --> 01:15:25,645
Okay, at this time we will undertake voting.

1488
01:15:26,895 --> 01:15:31,565
Every member of the board gets a ballot with all four names

1489
01:15:31,665 --> 01:15:35,205
and you're to choose two for the term ending next June.

1490
01:15:35,825 --> 01:15:38,005
And then hand them to Mr. Erickson.

1491
01:15:39,585 --> 01:15:41,205
And then we will do the, and after we do this we

1492
01:15:41,205 --> 01:15:42,205
Do.

1493
01:15:42,205 --> 01:15:43,365
Yeah. And then after this we'll do the A longer term.

1494
01:15:43,585 --> 01:15:44,685
The longer term, exactly. Okay,

1495
01:15:44,705 --> 01:15:45,705
Got it.

1496
01:15:46,305 --> 01:15:50,805
And there's three here. Okay. Yep.

1497
01:15:52,425 --> 01:15:53,765
Thanks. Thank you.

1498
01:15:56,185 --> 01:15:58,965
So these are for the two terms ending next year.

1499
01:16:04,975 --> 01:16:05,445
Thank you.

1500
01:16:21,185 --> 01:16:21,645
All right.

1501
01:16:36,585 --> 01:16:36,805
Six.

1502
01:16:41,385 --> 01:16:42,385
Oh boy.

1503
01:16:49,305 --> 01:16:51,965
So for this photo, it was also unanimous

1504
01:16:52,185 --> 01:16:54,845
for miss.

1505
01:16:56,425 --> 01:16:58,125
I'm gonna butcher these names. I apologize.

1506
01:17:01,595 --> 01:17:04,085
Jasmine and Shruti. Yes, Jasmine. And

1507
01:17:05,145 --> 01:17:06,165
Say that's a great way to say it.

1508
01:17:06,545 --> 01:17:07,765
We the same thing. Yeah,

1509
01:17:08,835 --> 01:17:09,835
Yeah.

1510
01:17:09,835 --> 01:17:11,125
I mean I figured if it was unanimous I

1511
01:17:11,125 --> 01:17:12,165
could probably take a stab at it.

1512
01:17:12,305 --> 01:17:16,125
So no, thank you. Thank you Jasmine Shruti

1513
01:17:16,185 --> 01:17:18,725
and welcome to you'll be getting a, a letter

1514
01:17:18,725 --> 01:17:20,365
of appointment from the clerk's office.

1515
01:17:20,785 --> 01:17:23,005
Hey, my wonder really, thank you for putting yourself out,

1516
01:17:23,325 --> 01:17:24,725
applying, getting your resume.

1517
01:17:25,505 --> 01:17:28,125
Oh, we have second. Oh, we do not have, she's not yet.

1518
01:17:28,365 --> 01:17:29,925
I have no idea what I'm doing here. Clear

1519
01:17:30,235 --> 01:17:32,045
Running yet overtime. Yeah.

1520
01:17:32,505 --> 01:17:34,685
Wow. So I will pass out ballots.

1521
01:17:35,205 --> 01:17:37,605
I was about to thank Carol too. Dr gl.

1522
01:17:40,515 --> 01:17:41,515
Okay,

1523
01:17:44,345 --> 01:17:45,345
Thanks.

1524
01:17:56,915 --> 01:17:58,245
This time I'm doing a nurse.

1525
01:17:59,525 --> 01:18:00,365
I have learned about,

1526
01:18:03,785 --> 01:18:04,965
oh, I didn't write my, sorry.

1527
01:18:04,965 --> 01:18:05,925
I It's okay. We're we're,

1528
01:18:05,925 --> 01:18:06,925
that's we're gonna announce our votes.

1529
01:18:07,275 --> 01:18:11,525
Yeah, sorry, I thought you wrote it really small.

1530
01:18:11,865 --> 01:18:15,965
No, I didn't write it down. I forgot my thought's.

1531
01:18:15,965 --> 01:18:19,325
Gonna get rejected. That's it. We're have to have a recount.

1532
01:18:19,555 --> 01:18:20,555
It's gonna be two two.

1533
01:18:26,185 --> 01:18:28,525
The vote was unanimous for Carol.

1534
01:18:28,845 --> 01:18:30,165
I don't wanna butcher her last name either.

1535
01:18:36,245 --> 01:18:37,765
I would like to thank all of the candidates

1536
01:18:37,765 --> 01:18:40,085
for filling out the application, putting yourselves forward,

1537
01:18:40,095 --> 01:18:41,445
going through the interview process.

1538
01:18:42,745 --> 01:18:46,565
And I encourage you, Hema, to apply for other, can

1539
01:18:47,255 --> 01:18:48,405
apply for other committees.

1540
01:18:48,975 --> 01:18:50,965
Watch for an opening. There will be two terms

1541
01:18:51,245 --> 01:18:52,405
expiring next June.

1542
01:18:52,945 --> 01:18:54,085
So watch for openings.

1543
01:18:54,085 --> 01:18:56,565
And I'm really thankful that all of you have decided to,

1544
01:18:56,705 --> 01:18:59,565
you know, become involved in, in volunteer in the town.

1545
01:18:59,985 --> 01:19:04,765
So thank you very much. We will now

1546
01:19:05,435 --> 01:19:08,005
have the Natick Arbor Day proclamation

1547
01:19:08,185 --> 01:19:10,325
and I'd like to introduce our

1548
01:19:12,075 --> 01:19:13,405
tree guy, tree warden.

1549
01:19:14,025 --> 01:19:17,725
His title's very long. Art good. Hind.

1550
01:19:18,645 --> 01:19:21,285
Excellent. Thank you. How are you now? Doing alright.

1551
01:19:22,305 --> 01:19:23,845
All right. Thank you Madam Chair and the board.

1552
01:19:24,225 --> 01:19:25,565
My name is Arthur Goodine

1553
01:19:25,625 --> 01:19:29,645
and I serve as the supervisor of land facilities

1554
01:19:29,645 --> 01:19:32,965
and natural resources tree warden for the town

1555
01:19:32,965 --> 01:19:36,805
of ict department of public works here tonight to request

1556
01:19:36,805 --> 01:19:41,525
that the board proclaim Friday June 12th, 2026 as a day

1557
01:19:41,525 --> 01:19:45,885
of Arbor Day celebration, excuse me, in the town of Natick.

1558
01:19:46,595 --> 01:19:47,765
This request is important

1559
01:19:47,765 --> 01:19:49,645
to emphasize the important role trees

1560
01:19:49,825 --> 01:19:52,805
and tree canopy play in our quality of life and joy.

1561
01:19:53,505 --> 01:19:55,685
And this request is also important

1562
01:19:56,155 --> 01:19:58,045
because it is a key requirement

1563
01:19:58,045 --> 01:20:00,325
of our tree city USA designation.

1564
01:20:01,945 --> 01:20:06,165
The tree city USA designation is created at no cost

1565
01:20:06,165 --> 01:20:09,445
to the municipality by the Arbor Day Foundation

1566
01:20:09,505 --> 01:20:10,805
to recognize those cities

1567
01:20:10,865 --> 01:20:12,205
and towns throughout the country

1568
01:20:12,835 --> 01:20:16,445
that demonstrate a commitment to managing, preserving

1569
01:20:16,545 --> 01:20:18,725
and expanding their tree canopy.

1570
01:20:19,575 --> 01:20:23,005
There are four key requirements for the designation.

1571
01:20:24,225 --> 01:20:26,125
One, a tree department.

1572
01:20:26,185 --> 01:20:28,845
You must have a tree department with staff

1573
01:20:28,845 --> 01:20:31,885
that is legally responsible for managing public trees.

1574
01:20:33,445 --> 01:20:35,325
You must have a tree care ordinance.

1575
01:20:37,045 --> 01:20:38,965
You must have a community forestry program

1576
01:20:39,035 --> 01:20:43,405
that allocates at least $2 per capita for urban forestry.

1577
01:20:44,665 --> 01:20:48,565
And finally, why we're here tonight, we must have a,

1578
01:20:48,825 --> 01:20:50,965
for the application, an Arbor Day

1579
01:20:50,965 --> 01:20:52,485
observance and proclamation.

1580
01:20:52,785 --> 01:20:56,325
And that's why I'm here tonight. For this calendar year.

1581
01:20:56,595 --> 01:21:00,605
Nate celebrates its 19th year as a tree city, USA

1582
01:21:00,865 --> 01:21:04,565
and this proclamation will be used for the application

1583
01:21:04,585 --> 01:21:07,605
for our 20th designation.

1584
01:21:09,335 --> 01:21:12,085
Thank you Mr. Goodine. Madam Clerk.

1585
01:21:12,425 --> 01:21:15,725
Yes. I will read the Arbor Day proclamation.

1586
01:21:17,595 --> 01:21:19,805
Whereas in 1872,

1587
01:21:20,745 --> 01:21:23,925
Jay Sterling Morton proposed to the Nebraska Board

1588
01:21:23,925 --> 01:21:27,285
of Agriculture that a special day be set aside for,

1589
01:21:27,625 --> 01:21:28,885
for the planting of trees.

1590
01:21:29,625 --> 01:21:33,205
And whereas this holiday called Arbor Day was first observed

1591
01:21:33,315 --> 01:21:36,245
with the planting of more than a million trees in Nebraska.

1592
01:21:36,905 --> 01:21:40,285
And whereas Arbor Day is now observed throughout the

1593
01:21:40,285 --> 01:21:41,525
nation and the world.

1594
01:21:42,025 --> 01:21:44,645
And whereas trees can reduce the erosion

1595
01:21:44,745 --> 01:21:49,005
of our precious topsoil by wind and water cut heating

1596
01:21:49,005 --> 01:21:52,845
and cooling costs moderate the temperature, clean the air,

1597
01:21:53,275 --> 01:21:55,045
produce life, giving oxygen,

1598
01:21:55,345 --> 01:21:58,805
and provide habitat for world for wildlife.

1599
01:21:59,145 --> 01:22:03,205
And whereas trees are a renewable resource giving us paper

1600
01:22:03,715 --> 01:22:06,485
wood for our houses, fuel for our fires,

1601
01:22:06,825 --> 01:22:08,845
and countless other wood products.

1602
01:22:09,225 --> 01:22:12,445
And whereas trees in our town increase property values,

1603
01:22:12,955 --> 01:22:16,125
enhance the economic vitality of business areas

1604
01:22:16,745 --> 01:22:18,485
and beautify our community.

1605
01:22:18,825 --> 01:22:22,485
And whereas trees, wherever they're planted are a source

1606
01:22:22,505 --> 01:22:24,285
of joy and spiritual renewal.

1607
01:22:24,905 --> 01:22:27,525
Now therefore, we, the select board of the Town

1608
01:22:27,525 --> 01:22:32,165
of Natick do hereby proclaim Friday, June 12th, 2026,

1609
01:22:32,415 --> 01:22:34,725
Arbor Day in the town of Natick.

1610
01:22:34,905 --> 01:22:37,645
And we urge all citizens to celebrate Arbor Day

1611
01:22:37,645 --> 01:22:41,245
and to support efforts to protect our trees and woodlands.

1612
01:22:41,625 --> 01:22:44,565
And further we urge all citizens to plant trees

1613
01:22:44,665 --> 01:22:47,645
to gladen the heart and promote the wellbeing of this

1614
01:22:47,985 --> 01:22:50,965
and future generations dated the 10th of June,

1615
01:22:51,625 --> 01:22:53,405
2026.

1616
01:22:55,105 --> 01:22:59,805
And I move to approve this. Do I have a second? Second.

1617
01:23:00,905 --> 01:23:04,325
So all in favor please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

1618
01:23:04,755 --> 01:23:09,405
5 0 0 onto year 20 of Tree City. Much thank Mr.

1619
01:23:09,405 --> 01:23:10,525
You very much Mr. Heim for being here.

1620
01:23:10,565 --> 01:23:11,645
I appreciate it. I appreciate

1621
01:23:11,645 --> 01:23:12,645
It.

1622
01:23:12,645 --> 01:23:12,725
Thank you. Thanks Arthur.

1623
01:23:15,415 --> 01:23:18,165
We're going to change the agenda just a little bit.

1624
01:23:18,295 --> 01:23:21,605
We're gonna move the, well first we'll do the public hearing

1625
01:23:22,475 --> 01:23:24,205
item a under discussion decision,

1626
01:23:24,225 --> 01:23:25,245
and then we'll move the water

1627
01:23:25,245 --> 01:23:28,805
and sewer abatement appeal to G.

1628
01:23:29,715 --> 01:23:33,525
Next item of the next item of business.

1629
01:23:33,855 --> 01:23:35,245
Madam Clerk, if you could,

1630
01:23:36,385 --> 01:23:37,385
I'm Sorry.

1631
01:23:37,385 --> 01:23:38,245
Read the public hearing. Yes,

1632
01:23:49,575 --> 01:23:50,575
Sorry.

1633
01:23:51,125 --> 01:23:52,765
I think it is here. Okay.

1634
01:23:55,035 --> 01:23:57,685
Okay. The select board will hold a public hearing on

1635
01:23:57,685 --> 01:24:02,245
Wednesday, June 10th, 2026 at 6:00 PM upon the

1636
01:24:02,245 --> 01:24:05,525
application of epilogue L-L-C-D-B-A epilogue books

1637
01:24:05,545 --> 01:24:08,565
and wine for a new S 12 wine

1638
01:24:09,145 --> 01:24:12,445
and malt with cordials on-premise restaurant license.

1639
01:24:13,025 --> 01:24:15,645
The restaurant will be located at 21 Summer Street,

1640
01:24:15,715 --> 01:24:19,925
unit two, Natick MA 0 1 7 6 0.

1641
01:24:20,545 --> 01:24:25,245
The premise consists of 23 2300 square feet of total,

1642
01:24:25,395 --> 01:24:29,605
including Cafe bookstore, bar and seating for 13

1643
01:24:30,185 --> 01:24:31,765
and cafe seating for 12.

1644
01:24:32,465 --> 01:24:34,565
One entrance exit on Summer Street,

1645
01:24:34,945 --> 01:24:36,645
one exit in the back of the building.

1646
01:24:37,105 --> 01:24:38,325
The hearing will be held,

1647
01:24:38,435 --> 01:24:42,085
held in the Edward Delo room meeting room 13 East Central

1648
01:24:42,085 --> 01:24:44,245
Street as well as remotely anyone wishing

1649
01:24:44,245 --> 01:24:46,285
to be heard on this matter can participate in

1650
01:24:46,285 --> 01:24:47,445
person or through Zoom.

1651
01:24:47,815 --> 01:24:51,085
Login instructions will be published on the June 10th, 2026

1652
01:24:51,385 --> 01:24:52,485
select board meeting agenda.

1653
01:24:52,625 --> 01:24:55,445
All persons interested in this application may appear

1654
01:24:55,465 --> 01:24:58,645
and be heard at the time and place mentioned above

1655
01:24:58,745 --> 01:25:00,565
or may submit written comments

1656
01:25:00,665 --> 01:25:04,125
to the select board at 13 East Central Street, Natick,

1657
01:25:04,225 --> 01:25:07,805
MA 0 1 7 6 0 select board@natickma.org

1658
01:25:07,865 --> 01:25:09,725
by June 10th, 2026.

1659
01:25:10,785 --> 01:25:12,285
And I move to open the public hearing.

1660
01:25:13,385 --> 01:25:16,925
Second, seconded by Ger. All in favor, please say aye.

1661
01:25:17,025 --> 01:25:20,045
Aye. Aye. Any opposed? Public hearing is now open.

1662
01:25:20,625 --> 01:25:24,125
I'd invite those who are here to come to the podium.

1663
01:25:24,225 --> 01:25:25,365
If you could introduce yourself

1664
01:25:25,625 --> 01:25:28,085
and limit your comments to just the application

1665
01:25:28,085 --> 01:25:29,565
for the news Section 12, wine

1666
01:25:29,865 --> 01:25:32,285
and Malt with cordials on-prem license.

1667
01:25:32,825 --> 01:25:34,725
And then we will take up the other three votes

1668
01:25:34,875 --> 01:25:36,045
outside of the public hearing.

1669
01:25:37,915 --> 01:25:39,565
Good evening. Ladies and gentlemen.

1670
01:25:39,565 --> 01:25:40,765
My name is David Rubin.

1671
01:25:40,965 --> 01:25:44,245
I am legal counsel for epilogue

1672
01:25:45,465 --> 01:25:50,405
To my immediate left is Maya Hoag, the owner,

1673
01:25:50,865 --> 01:25:54,925
and her left is Sean Morgan,

1674
01:25:55,305 --> 01:25:58,565
the proposed manager of Epilogue.

1675
01:26:00,025 --> 01:26:04,925
The property is located at 21 Summer Street,

1676
01:26:04,925 --> 01:26:06,765
just around the corner from here.

1677
01:26:07,715 --> 01:26:11,605
It's, the concept is a bookstore that sells

1678
01:26:12,205 --> 01:26:16,365
alcoholic beverages, beer and wine and cold food.

1679
01:26:17,425 --> 01:26:20,805
As you pointed out, we are seeking a

1680
01:26:21,685 --> 01:26:26,405
chapter 1 38, section 12 alcohol license for beer and wine.

1681
01:26:28,575 --> 01:26:30,965
There are a few specifications

1682
01:26:31,315 --> 01:26:32,485
that you might be interested in.

1683
01:26:32,485 --> 01:26:36,285
The bar seating is for 13 people. Cafe seating is for 12.

1684
01:26:37,305 --> 01:26:40,245
So the total seating capacity is 25.

1685
01:26:41,425 --> 01:26:46,085
As far as the hours are concerned, my client would like

1686
01:26:46,085 --> 01:26:49,765
to be open from Sunday to Wednesday, 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

1687
01:26:50,505 --> 01:26:54,245
and Thursday to Saturday from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM

1688
01:26:55,585 --> 01:26:59,125
The credentials of

1689
01:26:59,945 --> 01:27:02,125
Mr. Morgan are impressive.

1690
01:27:02,905 --> 01:27:06,005
He has managed four

1691
01:27:07,645 --> 01:27:12,085
restaurants and facilities that serve alcohol.

1692
01:27:13,275 --> 01:27:14,445
I'll just name 'em quickly.

1693
01:27:15,035 --> 01:27:19,125
Lola Hospitality in the Boston Seaport District, which also

1694
01:27:20,225 --> 01:27:24,325
has businesses in Florida and Nantucket.

1695
01:27:24,545 --> 01:27:27,245
And he was the manager and assistant general manager there.

1696
01:27:29,065 --> 01:27:33,365
The, that business has high profile customers, athletes,

1697
01:27:33,365 --> 01:27:34,725
billionaires, he tells me

1698
01:27:36,345 --> 01:27:40,765
and other well off folks.

1699
01:27:41,985 --> 01:27:43,125
He managed the Franklin,

1700
01:27:43,135 --> 01:27:45,325
which is a neighborhood bistro in Boston.

1701
01:27:46,555 --> 01:27:50,805
They served alcohol, alcoholic beverages there until

1702
01:27:51,905 --> 01:27:55,645
2:00 AM It's a, a big industry environment

1703
01:27:56,755 --> 01:27:58,645
with a combination of both the neighborhood

1704
01:27:58,865 --> 01:28:00,845
and an affluent flavor.

1705
01:28:02,105 --> 01:28:06,365
He managed the speakeasy group, which was not

1706
01:28:07,035 --> 01:28:11,325
managed very well, and he quit, which I was impressed with

1707
01:28:11,765 --> 01:28:15,645
because this indicates to me somebody

1708
01:28:15,645 --> 01:28:18,205
that has the management and experience to know

1709
01:28:18,545 --> 01:28:20,885
how things are done right and how they're done wrong

1710
01:28:20,985 --> 01:28:23,645
and to walk away from it if they're not done properly.

1711
01:28:26,145 --> 01:28:30,485
He has also been a bartender at the surf in,

1712
01:28:30,545 --> 01:28:35,205
in Woburn and is looking forward

1713
01:28:35,265 --> 01:28:36,805
to this opportunity here.

1714
01:28:37,425 --> 01:28:42,045
So in essence, I think that this proposal

1715
01:28:42,675 --> 01:28:45,325
will be an asset to the community.

1716
01:28:45,885 --> 01:28:47,085
It's something that is needed here.

1717
01:28:47,625 --> 01:28:50,925
And I encourage

1718
01:28:52,585 --> 01:28:55,125
the, the board here to approve it.

1719
01:28:55,125 --> 01:28:57,925
And I'm here to answer any questions that you may have.

1720
01:28:59,505 --> 01:29:00,765
I'd like to open up questions

1721
01:29:01,025 --> 01:29:03,325
or comments from the members of the public first

1722
01:29:03,345 --> 01:29:05,085
and then we'll revert back to the board.

1723
01:29:06,125 --> 01:29:10,845
I believe there is one person, Mr. Mr. Laval? LaValley?

1724
01:29:10,945 --> 01:29:14,285
Yep. Mr. LaValley. Mr.

1725
01:29:14,285 --> 01:29:15,325
LaValley, we're, you're going

1726
01:29:15,325 --> 01:29:18,285
to be unmuted, I understand you want to

1727
01:29:18,285 --> 01:29:19,445
Address this agenda item.

1728
01:29:21,185 --> 01:29:23,245
Can you hear me? This is David LaValley,

1729
01:29:23,705 --> 01:29:24,705
Yes.

1730
01:29:24,875 --> 01:29:27,045
Okay, great. Thanks very much.

1731
01:29:28,315 --> 01:29:30,525
Well welcome to NAIC Center.

1732
01:29:32,545 --> 01:29:34,805
By way of intro introduction, my name's David LaValley.

1733
01:29:34,805 --> 01:29:38,605
I'm the ex, have been the executive director for the Center

1734
01:29:38,705 --> 01:29:41,645
for Arts in Natick across the street from your location

1735
01:29:43,025 --> 01:29:45,805
for the last 22 years, recently retired.

1736
01:29:46,305 --> 01:29:49,445
But I do have a question for you, Tecan

1737
01:29:50,135 --> 01:29:54,565
hosts performances year round that typically would conclude

1738
01:29:54,565 --> 01:29:59,365
between around 10 and 11 on weekend evenings.

1739
01:29:59,945 --> 01:30:04,205
And I'm, I'm glad to hear that you're considered, you know,

1740
01:30:04,565 --> 01:30:07,685
maintaining hours that would allow our theater goers

1741
01:30:07,685 --> 01:30:11,405
and concert patrons to, you know, frequent your,

1742
01:30:11,405 --> 01:30:13,045
your a location.

1743
01:30:14,445 --> 01:30:17,245
I guess my question is, do you see opportunities for

1744
01:30:18,245 --> 01:30:21,285
collaboration with neighboring Natick center businesses,

1745
01:30:21,715 --> 01:30:24,725
including cultural organizations like TAN

1746
01:30:25,905 --> 01:30:27,765
I'm going to, that's a good question

1747
01:30:28,145 --> 01:30:32,645
and I am going to have my clients answer answer that.

1748
01:30:33,975 --> 01:30:38,125
Thank you. Thank you Mr. LaValley.

1749
01:30:39,235 --> 01:30:41,765
It's an excellent question. I have also managed the beehive

1750
01:30:41,765 --> 01:30:42,765
in Boston, the South end.

1751
01:30:43,125 --> 01:30:45,165
We did a ton of business with the Calderwood Theater

1752
01:30:45,265 --> 01:30:46,405
and the Boston Center of the Arts.

1753
01:30:46,795 --> 01:30:49,925
When I spoken with Maya about this initially, that was one

1754
01:30:49,925 --> 01:30:52,245
of the partnerships about which I was the most excited

1755
01:30:53,235 --> 01:30:55,165
because it was such a great partnership

1756
01:30:55,165 --> 01:30:56,285
between us at the Beehive

1757
01:30:56,285 --> 01:30:57,885
and the Boston Center for the Arts called World Theater.

1758
01:30:59,195 --> 01:31:00,195
Does that answer your question?

1759
01:31:01,995 --> 01:31:04,125
It's good to know you've had experience in that.

1760
01:31:04,165 --> 01:31:06,405
I guess I'm, I'm, I'm wondering, have you

1761
01:31:07,605 --> 01:31:09,285
invested any effort in understanding the rest

1762
01:31:09,305 --> 01:31:13,485
of the retail businesses, the restaurants, the or or tecan

1763
01:31:14,545 --> 01:31:16,885
and develop some of those strategies yet?

1764
01:31:17,025 --> 01:31:21,725
Or are, are you open to connecting on this in the future?

1765
01:31:22,465 --> 01:31:24,245
So you were my next stop.

1766
01:31:25,525 --> 01:31:26,205
I have looked at your,

1767
01:31:26,475 --> 01:31:27,685
I've looked at it in the 80 Center for the Arts.

1768
01:31:27,875 --> 01:31:30,485
I've done as much as I could as far as a Google search

1769
01:31:30,545 --> 01:31:31,965
and some AI will allow,

1770
01:31:33,505 --> 01:31:34,965
but I was really looking forward to coming down,

1771
01:31:34,965 --> 01:31:39,565
just meeting you in person, assuming this meeting went well.

1772
01:31:41,835 --> 01:31:43,685
Well, we look forward to connecting with you,

1773
01:31:43,985 --> 01:31:45,685
so we're definitely open to it and,

1774
01:31:46,425 --> 01:31:49,285
and hope to hear from you in the, in the near future

1775
01:31:49,785 --> 01:31:51,045
and the best of luck to you.

1776
01:31:51,175 --> 01:31:55,405
Thank you, sir. Any other comments

1777
01:31:55,465 --> 01:31:56,925
or questions from members of the public?

1778
01:31:59,725 --> 01:32:02,005
I can't see online, so I'm not logged in.

1779
01:32:02,025 --> 01:32:05,445
Can you guys, I don't see is, is there anyone in the room

1780
01:32:05,585 --> 01:32:07,645
who would like to direct questions to the applicant?

1781
01:32:09,425 --> 01:32:12,045
So I will turn this over to the board, questions

1782
01:32:12,045 --> 01:32:15,565
and comments from members of the board?

1783
01:32:17,145 --> 01:32:20,605
Yes. Can you just tell us a little bit

1784
01:32:20,605 --> 01:32:21,845
about the business concept?

1785
01:32:22,845 --> 01:32:25,525
I think this is something that's fairly new to Natick

1786
01:32:25,705 --> 01:32:28,685
and just like to understand a little bit more

1787
01:32:28,745 --> 01:32:29,845
and it sounds very exciting.

1788
01:32:30,875 --> 01:32:32,845
Well, the, the, the, the gist of it is

1789
01:32:32,955 --> 01:32:36,965
that it's gonna be a combination bookstore

1790
01:32:37,465 --> 01:32:42,445
and cafe and Maya, maybe you'd like to Yeah.

1791
01:32:42,445 --> 01:32:43,525
Comment a little bit on that.

1792
01:32:44,075 --> 01:32:48,725
Sure. So one of the reasons why I picked Natick was

1793
01:32:48,725 --> 01:32:50,365
because of, you know, the sense

1794
01:32:50,365 --> 01:32:51,725
of community that I see around here.

1795
01:32:52,265 --> 01:32:54,805
And I think one of the greatest thing,

1796
01:32:54,805 --> 01:32:57,965
especially since COVID is the rise of third places.

1797
01:32:58,545 --> 01:33:00,045
You know, it's not just a bookstore,

1798
01:33:00,155 --> 01:33:02,045
it's not just a wine bar or a cafe.

1799
01:33:02,335 --> 01:33:05,845
We're trying to sell the experience of welcoming people in

1800
01:33:05,865 --> 01:33:08,525
and having all these conversations about books, about wine,

1801
01:33:08,525 --> 01:33:09,565
about anything really.

1802
01:33:09,905 --> 01:33:11,485
You know, I will personally be there.

1803
01:33:11,625 --> 01:33:14,645
The staff will be sounding boards

1804
01:33:14,645 --> 01:33:16,165
and people to have discussions with

1805
01:33:16,625 --> 01:33:19,365
and it's going to be a community hub more than just,

1806
01:33:19,365 --> 01:33:21,485
you know, a retail space or a hospitality space.

1807
01:33:23,495 --> 01:33:27,405
Thank you. Any other questions?

1808
01:33:28,165 --> 01:33:33,085
I have one, but I'll go last. Nope. One question I had.

1809
01:33:34,745 --> 01:33:35,805
Can you talk a bit about the menu?

1810
01:33:36,045 --> 01:33:37,525
I, me you mentioned cold plates.

1811
01:33:37,525 --> 01:33:39,445
Can you gimme an, a sense of what that means?

1812
01:33:39,995 --> 01:33:42,725
Yeah, so we are looking to do charcuterie

1813
01:33:42,985 --> 01:33:46,925
and tin fish with basically cheese boards

1814
01:33:46,925 --> 01:33:48,285
or like charcuterie boards.

1815
01:33:48,285 --> 01:33:50,365
There's gonna be bread, there's gonna be cold prep.

1816
01:33:50,505 --> 01:33:52,965
So nothing that would require, you know, heavy cooking.

1817
01:33:52,975 --> 01:33:55,245
We're not cooking anything from bra, we're doing other

1818
01:33:56,055 --> 01:33:57,685
appetizers and sandwiches as well.

1819
01:33:57,775 --> 01:34:00,285
Light fair that is meant

1820
01:34:00,285 --> 01:34:02,325
to really accompany the experience of a book.

1821
01:34:02,395 --> 01:34:04,245
It's not, you know, a big sit down meal

1822
01:34:04,245 --> 01:34:06,325
where everybody is, you know, just eating.

1823
01:34:06,545 --> 01:34:09,285
We want people to be able to like pick up a book

1824
01:34:09,625 --> 01:34:11,005
and then pick up some snacks

1825
01:34:11,005 --> 01:34:12,485
and be able to enjoy both at once.

1826
01:34:13,575 --> 01:34:18,565
Thank you. Yeah. I had a question about the wine list.

1827
01:34:19,865 --> 01:34:22,925
Oh, I shocked somebody had that was coming.

1828
01:34:23,585 --> 01:34:27,565
Please. Can you talk a bit about the distributors you

1829
01:34:27,725 --> 01:34:29,405
envision using for and what type

1830
01:34:29,405 --> 01:34:31,005
of wine list you curate for?

1831
01:34:31,505 --> 01:34:32,765
So the program is highly curated.

1832
01:34:33,675 --> 01:34:35,405
Like my said, this is finger foods,

1833
01:34:35,545 --> 01:34:39,485
but we're going locally sourced coastal Atlantic.

1834
01:34:40,545 --> 01:34:43,005
The wine lists are highly acidic and highly mineral.

1835
01:34:43,255 --> 01:34:47,165
We're going with a lot of Koolis, Linas, Eno, Verdes,

1836
01:34:47,515 --> 01:34:48,685
skin contact wines.

1837
01:34:49,705 --> 01:34:52,245
The biggest message we wanted to convey is

1838
01:34:52,245 --> 01:34:53,565
that wine doesn't have to be overly expensive.

1839
01:34:53,905 --> 01:34:56,285
You know, I've sold 25,000 bottles of wine.

1840
01:34:56,995 --> 01:34:58,285
It's great, it's very good.

1841
01:34:58,825 --> 01:35:01,405
I'm not gonna lie, but you know, I've had $85 bottle

1842
01:35:01,405 --> 01:35:02,725
of wines that are that good.

1843
01:35:03,395 --> 01:35:04,925
Well, and and also you'd have

1844
01:35:04,925 --> 01:35:07,125
to have a very sophisticated palate to tell the difference

1845
01:35:07,125 --> 01:35:10,445
between a $25,000 bottle of wine and an $85 bottle of wine.

1846
01:35:10,565 --> 01:35:13,565
I don't, So yes, I I'm guessing that's not a,

1847
01:35:13,565 --> 01:35:14,805
that's, that's a rare talent.

1848
01:35:15,105 --> 01:35:17,405
It was, it was a very specific expensive talent

1849
01:35:17,455 --> 01:35:18,845
guest experience.

1850
01:35:19,505 --> 01:35:21,965
But our whole wine program is built around value.

1851
01:35:22,745 --> 01:35:25,045
The distributors through whom we're partnering are,

1852
01:35:25,225 --> 01:35:27,645
you know, the basic was Martini, Ruby Wines, Southern

1853
01:35:28,155 --> 01:35:31,565
Horizon, Ms. Walker and Atlantic.

1854
01:35:32,285 --> 01:35:33,525
I have worked with all of them in the past

1855
01:35:33,985 --> 01:35:35,445
for the last 15 to 20 years.

1856
01:35:36,305 --> 01:35:37,525
We have excellent deals on it.

1857
01:35:37,545 --> 01:35:38,805
So the point is to bring

1858
01:35:39,585 --> 01:35:42,245
the best wine program we could possibly bring to Natick

1859
01:35:42,265 --> 01:35:43,965
for the most affordable price.

1860
01:35:44,345 --> 01:35:46,885
You know, the idea is $15 a glass max.

1861
01:35:47,775 --> 01:35:48,885
Thank you. Yes Ma'am.

1862
01:35:50,005 --> 01:35:51,245
That's all of the questions I have.

1863
01:35:54,145 --> 01:35:55,405
Mr. Evans? Yeah,

1864
01:35:55,425 --> 01:35:57,525
I'm just, it's, it's really not a question.

1865
01:35:57,595 --> 01:36:01,965
It's a point of, of clarification on the hours that I like.

1866
01:36:02,265 --> 01:36:05,005
I'm searching through it again and I can't find it.

1867
01:36:05,715 --> 01:36:10,085
Yeah, the, the proposed hours are Sunday

1868
01:36:10,915 --> 01:36:14,645
through Wednesday from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM

1869
01:36:15,825 --> 01:36:20,805
and then from Thursday to Saturday, 11:00 AM

1870
01:36:20,905 --> 01:36:22,725
to 11:00 PM Okay.

1871
01:36:22,955 --> 01:36:27,845
Alright. Thank you. If there

1872
01:36:27,845 --> 01:36:31,045
are no other questions from the board I

1873
01:36:31,185 --> 01:36:33,445
or comments from the board, I'd like to

1874
01:36:35,975 --> 01:36:37,685
close the public hearing and take a vote.

1875
01:36:39,185 --> 01:36:40,885
Do we have a motion to close public hearing? Move

1876
01:36:40,885 --> 01:36:41,885
To close public hearing.

1877
01:36:42,385 --> 01:36:45,005
Second. Moved and seconded to close the public hearing.

1878
01:36:45,005 --> 01:36:48,925
Hearing all in favor, please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

1879
01:36:50,705 --> 01:36:51,725
Is anyone ready?

1880
01:36:52,065 --> 01:36:53,485
Do you wanna engage in discussion

1881
01:36:53,485 --> 01:36:54,645
or are you ready to take a vote?

1882
01:36:55,345 --> 01:36:56,405
Is there somebody with a motion?

1883
01:36:59,555 --> 01:37:02,725
This is for the, yeah, I can do this.

1884
01:37:04,555 --> 01:37:07,245
Move to approve the

1885
01:37:09,565 --> 01:37:11,125
S 12 wine in malt

1886
01:37:11,155 --> 01:37:14,125
with cordials on-premises license application

1887
01:37:14,865 --> 01:37:18,925
for epilogue LLC doing business as epilogue books and wine.

1888
01:37:20,825 --> 01:37:24,765
Is there a second? Second. Seconded by Mr. Jacobs.

1889
01:37:24,865 --> 01:37:28,165
All in favor please say aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

1890
01:37:28,305 --> 01:37:29,645
Passes 5 0 0.

1891
01:37:30,805 --> 01:37:32,645
I would just request that pursuant

1892
01:37:32,665 --> 01:37:37,565
to the Deputy Chief's request that you send to our office,

1893
01:37:38,265 --> 01:37:42,165
the town administrator's office, alcoholic

1894
01:37:43,125 --> 01:37:45,445
a alcoholic beverage training certification,

1895
01:37:45,715 --> 01:37:47,325
because I don't believe that was part

1896
01:37:47,325 --> 01:37:49,045
of the original application package.

1897
01:37:50,005 --> 01:37:52,165
I, I might be mistaken

1898
01:37:52,385 --> 01:37:56,805
but my, my paralegal that was working with me on that

1899
01:37:57,685 --> 01:38:01,805
provided a copy of the TIP certification.

1900
01:38:02,905 --> 01:38:05,325
But if, if you don't have it,

1901
01:38:05,465 --> 01:38:06,525
It may have already been received.

1902
01:38:06,665 --> 01:38:08,645
I'm just, if, if Mr. Erickson, we

1903
01:38:08,645 --> 01:38:09,645
Can just confirm that in the office,

1904
01:38:09,645 --> 01:38:12,565
That'd Be great if you, would you like,

1905
01:38:13,735 --> 01:38:16,565
would it be a good idea to have my assistant call you

1906
01:38:16,585 --> 01:38:18,765
or call somebody else at the time? I can call. Confirm that

1907
01:38:19,005 --> 01:38:20,165
Billy in our desk. Yep. In our office.

1908
01:38:20,635 --> 01:38:22,205
Call Billy Walsh in our office. Billy Walch.

1909
01:38:22,355 --> 01:38:23,445
Call Billy Walsh. Okay. And,

1910
01:38:23,445 --> 01:38:24,725
and just confirm that he has it.

1911
01:38:24,725 --> 01:38:27,245
That was one thing. And then the second thing was ensuring

1912
01:38:27,245 --> 01:38:31,165
that Mr. Walsh provides the license holders

1913
01:38:31,195 --> 01:38:33,325
with the current liquor license policy.

1914
01:38:33,585 --> 01:38:34,585
So that you'll have that.

1915
01:38:35,995 --> 01:38:39,685
Okay. And then we have three other items to vote on,

1916
01:38:39,685 --> 01:38:41,405
which are not required to be part of the public hearing.

1917
01:38:41,905 --> 01:38:44,085
One is on the 2026 Common Vic license.

1918
01:38:44,265 --> 01:38:47,805
One is on the 2026 non-live entertainment license

1919
01:38:48,185 --> 01:38:51,725
and one is on the 2026 live entertainment license.

1920
01:38:53,705 --> 01:38:56,645
And do they need all need separate votes? Not necessarily.

1921
01:38:57,085 --> 01:38:58,685
I can take a motion on all three for one. Okay.

1922
01:38:58,685 --> 01:38:59,885
They're usually on the consent agenda.

1923
01:39:00,065 --> 01:39:02,245
But Mr. Jacobs and then Mr. Evans,

1924
01:39:02,765 --> 01:39:04,085
I actually just had one question about

1925
01:39:04,105 --> 01:39:05,245
the, the Common Vic license.

1926
01:39:06,145 --> 01:39:10,165
It said on there that there was expected to receive a board

1927
01:39:10,165 --> 01:39:14,845
of health permit by 6 1 20 26 and obviously that has passed.

1928
01:39:15,045 --> 01:39:16,685
I was curious if that had happened.

1929
01:39:17,875 --> 01:39:21,365
Yeah, so we did get You need to on the mic.

1930
01:39:22,825 --> 01:39:25,325
So yeah, we did get approval from the Board of Health.

1931
01:39:26,215 --> 01:39:27,965
Everything should be squared away

1932
01:39:28,185 --> 01:39:29,645
and you know, we're now working

1933
01:39:29,645 --> 01:39:31,085
towards with the building department.

1934
01:39:31,185 --> 01:39:33,405
So all, all good with Board of Health.

1935
01:39:33,635 --> 01:39:37,525
Okay. Great. Thank you Mr. Evans.

1936
01:39:37,605 --> 01:39:40,765
I was just looking to do the omnibus motion here.

1937
01:39:41,235 --> 01:39:42,685
Okay. Are there any other questions or comments

1938
01:39:42,685 --> 01:39:46,445
before we get an omnibus motion for Mr. Evans?

1939
01:39:46,485 --> 01:39:47,485
Mr. Evans, go ahead.

1940
01:39:48,795 --> 01:39:51,205
Okay. I move to vote to approve

1941
01:39:52,025 --> 01:39:54,165
the epilogue LLC application

1942
01:39:54,305 --> 01:39:57,245
for a 2026 common UAL orders license

1943
01:39:58,265 --> 01:40:01,365
in the 2026 non-live entertainment license

1944
01:40:01,745 --> 01:40:04,885
and 2026 live entertainment license.

1945
01:40:05,265 --> 01:40:09,245
Second, Can I just, sorry, it,

1946
01:40:09,395 --> 01:40:10,765
this could be a friendly amendment to all

1947
01:40:10,765 --> 01:40:11,925
of them 'cause it applies to all of them.

1948
01:40:11,925 --> 01:40:14,445
But Deputy Chief Luon had recommended

1949
01:40:14,445 --> 01:40:17,165
that it be issued contingent upon a successful site visit

1950
01:40:17,165 --> 01:40:18,685
once the location is upfitted.

1951
01:40:19,465 --> 01:40:21,405
Should we put that into it or? Yeah,

1952
01:40:21,405 --> 01:40:23,245
That should be in, Is that common

1953
01:40:23,425 --> 01:40:25,205
for the police department to do an onsite

1954
01:40:25,205 --> 01:40:26,525
inspection of the premises?

1955
01:40:27,565 --> 01:40:29,325
I think if there's not a license,

1956
01:40:29,485 --> 01:40:31,165
I mean I understand it attached to the license,

1957
01:40:31,305 --> 01:40:34,005
but I think it's really uncommon to have the deputy chief

1958
01:40:34,005 --> 01:40:37,725
of police come out and inspect an eatery when the board

1959
01:40:37,725 --> 01:40:39,765
of health does, the building department does. Yeah.

1960
01:40:40,145 --> 01:40:41,605
It seems someone else That's,

1961
01:40:41,605 --> 01:40:43,285
that's fair enough. I, you know, I

1962
01:40:43,645 --> 01:40:44,645
I appreciate you bringing that

1963
01:40:44,645 --> 01:40:45,405
Attention.

1964
01:40:45,405 --> 01:40:46,365
Yeah, it was, it was put on in in his,

1965
01:40:46,365 --> 01:40:47,925
I don't know if in his, he put the reasoning

1966
01:40:48,065 --> 01:40:49,685
so I don't know why he said that

1967
01:40:50,145 --> 01:40:51,685
but you know, I guess he's not here

1968
01:40:51,685 --> 01:40:53,045
to ask so I, you know, know.

1969
01:40:53,045 --> 01:40:54,005
I don't feel strongly about it.

1970
01:40:54,045 --> 01:40:54,885
I just brought it up 'cause it

1971
01:40:54,885 --> 01:40:55,885
Was in there.

1972
01:40:55,885 --> 01:40:57,485
I appreciate you catching that these,

1973
01:40:57,485 --> 01:41:00,245
these licenses are usually on a consent agenda. Okay.

1974
01:41:00,595 --> 01:41:03,405
Okay. It's probably covered by the health department.

1975
01:41:03,515 --> 01:41:05,285
Okay, fair enough. That was a good point.

1976
01:41:05,835 --> 01:41:08,445
Yeah. So Mr. Evans moved and Ms.

1977
01:41:08,945 --> 01:41:12,005
Vos motion, who is a second? Ms. Slager was a second.

1978
01:41:12,105 --> 01:41:14,645
All in favor please say aye. Aye. Any opposed?

1979
01:41:14,915 --> 01:41:17,765
5 0 0 on the other three licenses. Thank you so much.

1980
01:41:17,795 --> 01:41:20,525
Look forward to you opening. Yes. Anticipated opening date.

1981
01:41:20,665 --> 01:41:23,645
Did we, we close public hearing, we close

1982
01:41:24,055 --> 01:41:25,565
Light of that is gonna also perfect.

1983
01:41:25,625 --> 01:41:30,005
Depend upon BC approves the application

1984
01:41:30,105 --> 01:41:31,485
as you know once.

1985
01:41:32,465 --> 01:41:36,165
So the next step is for the town to forward the application

1986
01:41:36,165 --> 01:41:37,205
to the A, B, CC

1987
01:41:37,545 --> 01:41:41,525
and then I'll have to push them as forcefully

1988
01:41:41,525 --> 01:41:45,445
and nicely, nicely as I can to be a pass,

1989
01:41:45,445 --> 01:41:47,405
keep the process going and then if

1990
01:41:47,405 --> 01:41:50,685
and when they approve it, then the license

1991
01:41:51,355 --> 01:41:53,005
will be approved and issued.

1992
01:41:53,435 --> 01:41:55,765
Okay. And so once it's licensed, I mean you're working

1993
01:41:55,765 --> 01:41:56,765
with the building department, are you

1994
01:41:56,765 --> 01:41:58,285
still doing your build out? So

1995
01:41:58,285 --> 01:41:59,485
We're starting our build out Soon.

1996
01:41:59,675 --> 01:42:02,605
Okay. So maybe a fall opening date? Yeah. Okay.

1997
01:42:02,665 --> 01:42:03,845
Sounds great. Well thank you so much.

1998
01:42:04,465 --> 01:42:05,765
Deeply appreciate you coming in.

1999
01:42:06,655 --> 01:42:08,805
Thank you so much. Thank you. Thank care.

2000
01:42:08,805 --> 01:42:11,645
Thank you. Thank you. Next item on the agenda is the water

2001
01:42:11,665 --> 01:42:12,965
and sewer abatement appeal.

2002
01:42:12,965 --> 01:42:16,205
Arthur Arvin Arvin. Is he present?

2003
01:42:23,745 --> 01:42:24,965
I'm not saying anything.

2004
01:42:26,185 --> 01:42:29,325
So. So the last meeting we agreed

2005
01:42:29,345 --> 01:42:31,765
to hear it again if the application came in

2006
01:42:32,705 --> 01:42:34,765
and we agreed to put it at the end of the agenda.

2007
01:42:35,525 --> 01:42:37,605
I understand that Ms. Arvin was here

2008
01:42:37,625 --> 01:42:38,965
for two hours at the last meeting

2009
01:42:38,965 --> 01:42:40,605
because we had a front loaded agenda.

2010
01:42:42,625 --> 01:42:47,285
My understanding is that our office confirmed with Mrs.

2011
01:42:47,295 --> 01:42:49,165
Arvin that they would be here tonight

2012
01:42:49,625 --> 01:42:52,605
and also confirmed that we would move them up on the agenda

2013
01:42:52,865 --> 01:42:54,285
so they weren't here till 10 o'clock.

2014
01:42:55,785 --> 01:42:58,565
So going once, going twice.

2015
01:42:58,785 --> 01:43:00,405
Moving on to the status update on

2016
01:43:00,435 --> 01:43:01,565
Main Street Improvement project.

2017
01:43:05,065 --> 01:43:06,245
Mr. Griffiths. Thank you.

2018
01:43:22,665 --> 01:43:24,565
All right, thank you Madam Chair.

2019
01:43:25,535 --> 01:43:28,645
Hello and thank you all for your time tonight.

2020
01:43:29,265 --> 01:43:31,965
My name is Morgan Griffith and I am the Transportation

2021
01:43:32,105 --> 01:43:34,645
and Economic Development Planner for the Town of Natick.

2022
01:43:35,785 --> 01:43:39,045
I'm here tonight to provide you an updated briefing on the

2023
01:43:39,045 --> 01:43:40,685
main street improvement projects

2024
01:43:40,945 --> 01:43:43,525
and to walk you through our potential design concepts.

2025
01:43:43,835 --> 01:43:46,765
Tonight's presentation serves as a kickoff for a discussion

2026
01:43:46,765 --> 01:43:48,325
that will ultimately provide staff

2027
01:43:49,035 --> 01:43:50,885
with guidance on which design concept

2028
01:43:51,585 --> 01:43:53,605
to advance into the formal design process.

2029
01:43:54,385 --> 01:43:55,565
During this presentation,

2030
01:43:55,765 --> 01:43:57,325
I will review the project background,

2031
01:43:57,395 --> 01:44:00,845
provide a high level overview of the four design concepts,

2032
01:44:01,145 --> 01:44:02,925
and finish with our projected next steps

2033
01:44:02,925 --> 01:44:05,405
before turning it over to you for questions and comments.

2034
01:44:06,235 --> 01:44:07,925
Also, a quick note on terminology.

2035
01:44:09,165 --> 01:44:11,085
Tonight I will reference the transportation

2036
01:44:11,085 --> 01:44:12,685
improvement program or tip.

2037
01:44:13,195 --> 01:44:15,405
This is the five year capital plan used

2038
01:44:15,465 --> 01:44:17,805
by Boston's Regional Planning Agency

2039
01:44:17,825 --> 01:44:19,205
to allocate federal funding

2040
01:44:19,265 --> 01:44:21,045
to local transportation projects.

2041
01:44:21,765 --> 01:44:23,725
You can think of it as a major regional grant

2042
01:44:23,725 --> 01:44:25,405
program for transportation.

2043
01:44:28,385 --> 01:44:30,925
So first, the basics for those who may be unfamiliar.

2044
01:44:31,385 --> 01:44:33,285
The main street improvement project is a roadway

2045
01:44:33,685 --> 01:44:36,765
reconstruction project along Main Street

2046
01:44:36,825 --> 01:44:40,285
or Route 27 in Natick Center stretching from Cottage Street

2047
01:44:40,385 --> 01:44:41,405
to Middlesex Avenue.

2048
01:44:42,035 --> 01:44:45,205
This project aims to improve pavement sidewalk quality

2049
01:44:45,305 --> 01:44:49,085
and drainage safety for all roadway users, bicycle

2050
01:44:49,225 --> 01:44:52,485
and pedestrian connections, way finding lighting

2051
01:44:52,545 --> 01:44:54,045
and overall street scape design.

2052
01:44:56,465 --> 01:44:58,125
So why are we doing this now?

2053
01:44:59,545 --> 01:45:02,485
The primary driver for this project is that this stretch

2054
01:45:02,485 --> 01:45:05,445
of Main Street is aging from the surface asphalt.

2055
01:45:05,445 --> 01:45:07,045
You drive on to the utility

2056
01:45:07,065 --> 01:45:10,685
and drainage systems to quantify pavement.

2057
01:45:10,685 --> 01:45:13,605
Quality engineers use the pavement condition and index

2058
01:45:13,705 --> 01:45:16,965
or PCI, which scores erode from zero to a hundred.

2059
01:45:17,695 --> 01:45:19,765
Right now segments along Main Street score

2060
01:45:19,765 --> 01:45:21,485
between 49 and 77.

2061
01:45:22,345 --> 01:45:24,885
In school terms, that's a B through a D

2062
01:45:24,955 --> 01:45:27,205
with most segments sitting at a C.

2063
01:45:28,105 --> 01:45:31,205
So while the road is structurally sound deterioration

2064
01:45:31,275 --> 01:45:34,525
accelerates rapidly once a road drops below a score of 60.

2065
01:45:35,155 --> 01:45:37,805
This means that while we don't need a total replacement this

2066
01:45:37,805 --> 01:45:40,445
year, repaving will be necessary within the next three

2067
01:45:40,445 --> 01:45:42,645
to five years for a lowest scoring areas

2068
01:45:43,065 --> 01:45:45,245
and within 10 years for the higher scoring areas.

2069
01:45:46,225 --> 01:45:49,245
Now we could just mill these sections and leave it at that.

2070
01:45:51,075 --> 01:45:53,045
However, this infrastructure needs,

2071
01:45:53,395 --> 01:45:56,405
this infrastructure need opens a unique timely window

2072
01:45:56,425 --> 01:45:59,365
of opportunity rather than simply repaving.

2073
01:45:59,505 --> 01:46:02,445
We can use targeted interim maintenance like microm milling

2074
01:46:02,445 --> 01:46:04,365
and patching to keep the worst sections

2075
01:46:04,365 --> 01:46:05,805
of the roadway safe and stable.

2076
01:46:05,815 --> 01:46:09,285
Right now, this intentional maintenance strategy effectively

2077
01:46:09,395 --> 01:46:11,805
buys us time, the time we need to design

2078
01:46:11,805 --> 01:46:14,005
and implement a larger comprehensive project

2079
01:46:14,355 --> 01:46:16,445
that solves multiple town goals at once.

2080
01:46:18,065 --> 01:46:20,765
By utilizing these short term fixes to hold us over

2081
01:46:20,765 --> 01:46:23,685
during the design process, we gain the opportunity to

2082
01:46:24,215 --> 01:46:25,365
align the roadway layout

2083
01:46:25,435 --> 01:46:27,165
with NATICK'S Complete Streets policy,

2084
01:46:27,645 --> 01:46:29,765
ensuring we safely accommodate all modes of travel,

2085
01:46:30,475 --> 01:46:33,525
deliver on the goals of the Natick 2030 plus master plan

2086
01:46:33,525 --> 01:46:35,485
to expand our bike and pedestrian networks

2087
01:46:36,585 --> 01:46:39,725
bridge a major connectivity gap since our existing bike

2088
01:46:39,725 --> 01:46:42,205
infrastructure currently stopped abruptly right before

2089
01:46:42,505 --> 01:46:45,045
and right after the specific section of Main Street

2090
01:46:45,915 --> 01:46:47,045
calm traffic speeds.

2091
01:46:47,045 --> 01:46:48,485
While providing improved access

2092
01:46:48,485 --> 01:46:50,605
to our newly renovated MBTA station

2093
01:46:50,665 --> 01:46:52,525
and the constituent rail trail extension.

2094
01:46:53,765 --> 01:46:55,005
Optimize the overall functionality

2095
01:46:55,065 --> 01:46:57,605
and efficiency of the main and central street intersection

2096
01:46:58,265 --> 01:47:01,645
and refresh the downtown street scape with updated signage,

2097
01:47:01,925 --> 01:47:02,965
lighting and landscaping.

2098
01:47:03,085 --> 01:47:05,725
Transforming a standard paving job into an economic

2099
01:47:05,725 --> 01:47:08,245
development tool to drop people into Natick Center

2100
01:47:08,345 --> 01:47:09,525
and encourage them to stay.

2101
01:47:11,505 --> 01:47:13,605
So this is a three phase projects.

2102
01:47:13,985 --> 01:47:15,925
We are currently nearing the end of phase one,

2103
01:47:16,105 --> 01:47:18,645
the planning phase during which the project team has been

2104
01:47:18,645 --> 01:47:20,085
analyzing existing conditions

2105
01:47:20,145 --> 01:47:21,565
and gathering community feedback

2106
01:47:21,565 --> 01:47:23,165
to create possible design concepts.

2107
01:47:23,995 --> 01:47:26,565
Once the select board approves a preferred concept,

2108
01:47:26,895 --> 01:47:29,165
we'll advance it into full design in phase two

2109
01:47:29,465 --> 01:47:30,965
and construct it in phase three.

2110
01:47:32,005 --> 01:47:34,245
A comprehensive project of this scale takes time.

2111
01:47:34,695 --> 01:47:37,085
While future timelines are subject to change,

2112
01:47:37,225 --> 01:47:40,925
we estimate working on phase two up through the early 2030s

2113
01:47:41,115 --> 01:47:43,525
with construction starting in the mid 2030s.

2114
01:47:45,115 --> 01:47:48,925
This is a ways out, but by using small targeted fixes

2115
01:47:48,945 --> 01:47:51,565
to manage the worst stretches of asphalt in the short term,

2116
01:47:51,865 --> 01:47:54,765
the town can safely navigate this multi-year design process

2117
01:47:55,325 --> 01:47:57,685
required to bring these major downtown

2118
01:47:57,685 --> 01:47:58,885
improvements into reality.

2119
01:48:00,865 --> 01:48:03,485
So let's look at phase one in a little bit more detail,

2120
01:48:03,485 --> 01:48:05,725
which has been our focus since 2023.

2121
01:48:06,505 --> 01:48:09,085
The goal of this phase is to assess existing conditions

2122
01:48:09,105 --> 01:48:10,925
and collect community feedback in order

2123
01:48:10,925 --> 01:48:13,245
to create a preferred design concept for the project.

2124
01:48:14,145 --> 01:48:15,245
To be entirely clear,

2125
01:48:15,525 --> 01:48:19,205
a preferred design concept is not a final construction plan.

2126
01:48:19,705 --> 01:48:22,765
Rather it is a high level conceptual framework

2127
01:48:23,395 --> 01:48:24,845
that serves as our foundation.

2128
01:48:24,845 --> 01:48:26,445
Before we jump into multi-year,

2129
01:48:26,465 --> 01:48:28,605
the a multi-year technical design process,

2130
01:48:29,905 --> 01:48:32,285
we started this phase by using existing conditions

2131
01:48:32,345 --> 01:48:33,885
and initial community feedback

2132
01:48:33,985 --> 01:48:35,685
to draft two initial concepts.

2133
01:48:36,265 --> 01:48:38,685
We then gathered public feedback on these concepts

2134
01:48:38,685 --> 01:48:40,285
and blended them into what we are

2135
01:48:40,285 --> 01:48:41,565
calling the hybrid concept.

2136
01:48:42,375 --> 01:48:44,645
After conducting engagement on the hybrid concept,

2137
01:48:44,825 --> 01:48:47,565
we are now transitioning into the final part of the phase

2138
01:48:47,825 --> 01:48:49,325
during which the board will decide

2139
01:48:49,325 --> 01:48:52,005
what concept it would like to be taken into design.

2140
01:48:53,755 --> 01:48:55,405
Community voices have shaped this

2141
01:48:55,405 --> 01:48:56,565
process for over three years.

2142
01:48:57,155 --> 01:48:58,445
Between 2023

2143
01:48:58,585 --> 01:49:00,965
and 2025, we held listening sessions,

2144
01:49:01,445 --> 01:49:03,245
launched a community survey and presented

2145
01:49:03,245 --> 01:49:04,405
to various town committees.

2146
01:49:04,835 --> 01:49:08,405
This culminated in our June, 2025 presentation to the board

2147
01:49:08,405 --> 01:49:10,485
where you directed us to focus on refining

2148
01:49:10,485 --> 01:49:11,725
what we call the hybrid concept.

2149
01:49:12,945 --> 01:49:16,005
In 2026, we narrowed our focus to doing just that.

2150
01:49:16,395 --> 01:49:17,605
Over the last few months,

2151
01:49:17,615 --> 01:49:19,365
we've held multiple working group meetings,

2152
01:49:19,845 --> 01:49:20,885
utilized a flashlight survey,

2153
01:49:21,345 --> 01:49:22,805
hosted our second public meeting,

2154
01:49:23,155 --> 01:49:24,405
held business office hours,

2155
01:49:24,545 --> 01:49:27,565
and maintained an open project email for public commentary.

2156
01:49:29,345 --> 01:49:32,565
All of this feedback has directly shaped the four design

2157
01:49:32,565 --> 01:49:34,445
concepts summarized on this slide.

2158
01:49:36,215 --> 01:49:38,485
First is the mill and overlay option.

2159
01:49:38,915 --> 01:49:40,765
This is the basic repaving of the road.

2160
01:49:40,795 --> 01:49:43,605
With limited sidewalk work, it's projected to cost

2161
01:49:43,605 --> 01:49:44,765
around $2 million.

2162
01:49:46,505 --> 01:49:48,605
The next three options all fall under a

2163
01:49:48,605 --> 01:49:49,965
full reconstruction model.

2164
01:49:50,225 --> 01:49:53,165
You'll notice that all three carry an identical estimated

2165
01:49:53,405 --> 01:49:55,005
construction cost of $11 million.

2166
01:49:55,635 --> 01:49:57,485
This is because the physical footprint

2167
01:49:57,625 --> 01:50:00,485
or the total amount of roadway and sidewalk being taken up

2168
01:50:00,485 --> 01:50:03,605
and rebuilt remains nearly identical across all

2169
01:50:03,605 --> 01:50:05,525
three re regard.

2170
01:50:06,005 --> 01:50:07,485
Regardless of which layout is chosen,

2171
01:50:07,825 --> 01:50:10,405
all three feature a full overhaul of pavement

2172
01:50:10,405 --> 01:50:14,285
and drainage, likely utility relocation, curb bumpouts

2173
01:50:14,285 --> 01:50:17,885
to shorten crosswalks, new street scape elements, signage re

2174
01:50:17,885 --> 01:50:21,445
or signal reconstruction a A one-way westbound configuration

2175
01:50:21,445 --> 01:50:23,725
for Cord Street and narrowed travel lanes.

2176
01:50:24,465 --> 01:50:27,725
And here's how they differ. So the limited bike option

2177
01:50:27,925 --> 01:50:32,085
proposes shared use travel lanes or shares where bike bikes

2178
01:50:32,085 --> 01:50:33,205
and cars share the road.

2179
01:50:33,785 --> 01:50:35,445
It introduces reverse angle parking

2180
01:50:36,265 --> 01:50:38,725
and increases sidewalk width across most of the corridor.

2181
01:50:40,395 --> 01:50:43,645
Both the hybrid and enhanced bike options take a dedicated

2182
01:50:43,845 --> 01:50:45,085
approach to cycling infrastructure,

2183
01:50:45,515 --> 01:50:48,845
proposing an on-road bike lane from cottage to Pond Street

2184
01:50:48,845 --> 01:50:51,885
that transitions into a protected sidewalk level bike lane

2185
01:50:51,885 --> 01:50:53,685
from Pond Street up to Middlesex Avenue.

2186
01:50:55,065 --> 01:50:57,605
The hybrid concept maintains the current parking footprint

2187
01:50:57,635 --> 01:51:00,285
through a mix of parallel and head angle parking.

2188
01:51:01,075 --> 01:51:03,245
However, to fit both the bike lanes

2189
01:51:03,245 --> 01:51:05,405
and the angle parking within the right of way,

2190
01:51:05,705 --> 01:51:08,085
it requires decreasing sidewalk widths across

2191
01:51:08,105 --> 01:51:09,325
the majority of the corridor.

2192
01:51:09,765 --> 01:51:12,925
Although two sections would see an increase crucially,

2193
01:51:12,925 --> 01:51:15,885
however, every single sidewalk section will remain at

2194
01:51:15,885 --> 01:51:17,325
or above five feet wide.

2195
01:51:17,965 --> 01:51:22,045
Maintaining a DA accessibility, the enhanced bike option

2196
01:51:22,635 --> 01:51:23,765
prioritizes sidewalk

2197
01:51:23,825 --> 01:51:25,605
and cycling space by converting all

2198
01:51:25,605 --> 01:51:26,805
parking to parallel spaces.

2199
01:51:27,595 --> 01:51:30,525
This allows us to greatly increase sidewalk widths north

2200
01:51:30,585 --> 01:51:33,405
of Central Street, though sidewalk widths south

2201
01:51:33,405 --> 01:51:35,205
of Central Street would see a decrease in width.

2202
01:51:35,815 --> 01:51:38,245
Again, no decrease would bring a sidewalk

2203
01:51:38,375 --> 01:51:39,845
below five feet in width.

2204
01:51:41,285 --> 01:51:43,045
Regardless of which option the board chooses

2205
01:51:43,045 --> 01:51:44,765
for Main Street Town staff recommend

2206
01:51:44,765 --> 01:51:46,605
that Natick should also look into the creation

2207
01:51:46,605 --> 01:51:48,005
of alternate bicycle routes

2208
01:51:48,005 --> 01:51:49,525
around Main Street and Natick Center.

2209
01:51:51,625 --> 01:51:54,205
So this matrix further highlights the core trade-offs

2210
01:51:54,205 --> 01:51:57,285
between each concept and we we can return to this

2211
01:51:57,285 --> 01:51:58,645
during our upcoming discussion.

2212
01:51:58,645 --> 01:52:01,165
There's also a link at the bottom of the slide

2213
01:52:01,165 --> 01:52:02,925
that will take you to a much more detailed

2214
01:52:02,925 --> 01:52:04,085
version of this matrix.

2215
01:52:05,385 --> 01:52:07,165
So to summarize, the mill

2216
01:52:07,165 --> 01:52:09,685
and overlay concept handles basic pavement repair,

2217
01:52:09,745 --> 01:52:11,285
but completely misses out on safety.

2218
01:52:11,615 --> 01:52:13,125
Pedestrian bicycle

2219
01:52:13,265 --> 01:52:16,485
or street scape upgrades, it is the cheapest upfront,

2220
01:52:16,905 --> 01:52:18,645
but the $2 million construction cost

2221
01:52:18,735 --> 01:52:20,125
rests entirely on the town.

2222
01:52:21,145 --> 01:52:24,365
The limited bike option maximizes sidewalk space throughout

2223
01:52:24,365 --> 01:52:26,285
the corridor and adds six parking spaces,

2224
01:52:26,705 --> 01:52:28,965
but offers no separated bicycle facilities.

2225
01:52:29,395 --> 01:52:32,045
Despite a projection co a projected construction cost

2226
01:52:32,045 --> 01:52:33,685
of 11 million, its lack

2227
01:52:33,765 --> 01:52:36,365
of dedicated bicycle facilities makes it ineligible

2228
01:52:36,385 --> 01:52:37,565
for tip grant funding.

2229
01:52:38,215 --> 01:52:40,725
While we could theoretically apply for individual grants

2230
01:52:40,865 --> 01:52:43,285
for certain components of the project, we would have

2231
01:52:43,285 --> 01:52:46,125
to patch together multiple smaller competitive programs

2232
01:52:46,235 --> 01:52:47,565
with no guarantee of success.

2233
01:52:48,055 --> 01:52:51,165
While this is an while, this is possible towns staff,

2234
01:52:51,165 --> 01:52:52,405
it is towns staff's understanding

2235
01:52:52,475 --> 01:52:54,005
that currently the majority

2236
01:52:54,105 --> 01:52:57,325
of this $11 million burden would likely fall directly on the

2237
01:52:57,325 --> 01:52:59,045
town once constructed.

2238
01:52:59,235 --> 01:53:01,885
This concept would increase long-term snow removal costs,

2239
01:53:01,885 --> 01:53:03,565
though not as much as the hybrid

2240
01:53:03,745 --> 01:53:05,205
or enhanced spike alternatives.

2241
01:53:06,505 --> 01:53:09,405
The hybrid concept delivers dedicated cycling infrastructure

2242
01:53:09,455 --> 01:53:11,925
while maintaining our current downtown parking footprint.

2243
01:53:12,425 --> 01:53:14,765
It is fully eligible to be covered by TIP funding

2244
01:53:14,825 --> 01:53:16,285
for construction, which could scale

2245
01:53:16,285 --> 01:53:18,605
with any future inflation or cost increases.

2246
01:53:18,995 --> 01:53:21,085
However, there is an important funding nuance

2247
01:53:21,105 --> 01:53:22,285
for the board to consider.

2248
01:53:22,755 --> 01:53:26,165
Well, the tip grant covers utility pole relocation.

2249
01:53:26,345 --> 01:53:29,245
It generally does not cover utility undergrounding.

2250
01:53:29,735 --> 01:53:32,565
While utilities are already underground on Main Street from

2251
01:53:32,565 --> 01:53:33,965
Common Street to Middlesex Avenue.

2252
01:53:34,305 --> 01:53:36,725
If the town wants to underground the remaining utilities

2253
01:53:36,725 --> 01:53:38,525
between cottage and common streets,

2254
01:53:38,985 --> 01:53:40,925
the specific cost would be ours.

2255
01:53:41,655 --> 01:53:43,965
Other trade-offs include space and maintenance.

2256
01:53:44,185 --> 01:53:47,085
The concept reduces sidewalk widths on seven out

2257
01:53:47,085 --> 01:53:51,045
of 10 segments and adds roughly $250,000 a year in

2258
01:53:51,045 --> 01:53:52,725
specialized snow removal costs.

2259
01:53:53,755 --> 01:53:56,565
Finally, the enhanced bike concept provides dedicated bike

2260
01:53:56,565 --> 01:53:58,845
infrastructure and creates wide sidewalks

2261
01:53:58,845 --> 01:53:59,925
north of Central Street.

2262
01:54:00,275 --> 01:54:02,605
However, it achieves this by switching entirely

2263
01:54:02,665 --> 01:54:06,005
to parallel parking, resulting in a net loss of 14 spaces.

2264
01:54:06,675 --> 01:54:08,925
Similar to the hybrid, it is fully eligible

2265
01:54:08,925 --> 01:54:10,085
for tip construction funding.

2266
01:54:10,755 --> 01:54:11,805
Once it is constructed,

2267
01:54:12,185 --> 01:54:14,685
the enhanced bike concept would increase snow removal costs

2268
01:54:14,745 --> 01:54:16,605
by about the same amount as the hybrid.

2269
01:54:18,745 --> 01:54:21,045
So because the board directed us last center to

2270
01:54:21,105 --> 01:54:22,765
or last summer to focus planning

2271
01:54:22,825 --> 01:54:25,765
and engagement work on the hybrid concept, I want

2272
01:54:25,765 --> 01:54:27,165
to spend a a moment, a moment

2273
01:54:27,485 --> 01:54:29,045
reemphasizing its core trade-offs.

2274
01:54:29,755 --> 01:54:31,725
Here the big pro is balance.

2275
01:54:32,065 --> 01:54:34,885
The hybrid concept provides dedicated bike infrastructure

2276
01:54:35,575 --> 01:54:38,645
while maintaining our recurrent downtown parking footprint.

2277
01:54:39,225 --> 01:54:41,485
It secures our eligibility for TIP grant funding

2278
01:54:41,545 --> 01:54:42,685
for construction as well.

2279
01:54:43,745 --> 01:54:45,485
The major cons are space driven

2280
01:54:46,065 --> 01:54:48,165
to fit everything into the existing right of way.

2281
01:54:48,395 --> 01:54:50,765
This concept reduces sidewalk widths on seven out

2282
01:54:50,765 --> 01:54:52,605
of 10 sidewalk sections along the corridor.

2283
01:54:53,065 --> 01:54:55,965
It also adds an additional $250,000

2284
01:54:56,065 --> 01:54:58,205
to annual snow removal costs.

2285
01:55:00,745 --> 01:55:02,245
So as part of our recent work,

2286
01:55:02,345 --> 01:55:05,325
the project team formed a 15 member working group consisting

2287
01:55:05,325 --> 01:55:07,605
of town staff, committee members, residents,

2288
01:55:07,605 --> 01:55:08,605
and local business owners.

2289
01:55:09,095 --> 01:55:11,085
Their charge was to review the hybrid concept,

2290
01:55:11,335 --> 01:55:13,285
share feedback and vote on whether

2291
01:55:13,345 --> 01:55:15,605
to endorse a ref refined version of it.

2292
01:55:16,625 --> 01:55:18,965
The group met five times over the past few months

2293
01:55:18,985 --> 01:55:21,085
and recently took an official endorsement vote.

2294
01:55:21,705 --> 01:55:24,485
The final tally was eight votes to endorse the refined

2295
01:55:25,005 --> 01:55:26,925
hybrid concept and seven votes not to.

2296
01:55:27,635 --> 01:55:30,925
This narrow margin underlines the very real competing

2297
01:55:30,925 --> 01:55:32,725
community priorities along this corridor

2298
01:55:33,315 --> 01:55:35,445
because their vote shouldn't be taken out of context.

2299
01:55:35,665 --> 01:55:38,205
The working group is compiling a comprehensive report

2300
01:55:38,205 --> 01:55:40,965
detailing their full deliberations, which they look forward

2301
01:55:40,965 --> 01:55:42,405
to presenting at your next meeting.

2302
01:55:44,385 --> 01:55:45,445
So where do we go from here?

2303
01:55:46,105 --> 01:55:48,245
The working group is finalizing its report

2304
01:55:48,385 --> 01:55:50,525
and the project team will work on answering

2305
01:55:50,525 --> 01:55:52,925
or providing answers to any questions the board may have.

2306
01:55:53,795 --> 01:55:56,125
Once the working group officially presents its report,

2307
01:55:56,645 --> 01:55:59,365
the select board we hope will determine which concept

2308
01:55:59,465 --> 01:56:01,365
to formally take into full design.

2309
01:56:02,065 --> 01:56:05,765
We project starting the formal 25% design process this July,

2310
01:56:06,065 --> 01:56:09,925
aiming to reach the 25% design milestone by June, 2028.

2311
01:56:11,785 --> 01:56:12,925
So thank you all for your time

2312
01:56:13,025 --> 01:56:14,645
and I will turn it back over to the board

2313
01:56:14,665 --> 01:56:15,925
for questions and discussion.

2314
01:56:16,655 --> 01:56:17,845
Thank you Mr. Griffiths.

2315
01:56:18,345 --> 01:56:21,325
So to set expectations about the process going forward

2316
01:56:22,105 --> 01:56:26,965
on June 24th, we will receive the working group's report.

2317
01:56:27,265 --> 01:56:29,325
The board will review it, the public will review it,

2318
01:56:29,325 --> 01:56:31,285
and we'll have questions and comments from both the public

2319
01:56:31,305 --> 01:56:33,285
and the board about the recommendations

2320
01:56:33,945 --> 01:56:37,405
and receive additional public input on both the process,

2321
01:56:37,625 --> 01:56:40,645
the design, and where we go from here on the,

2322
01:56:40,865 --> 01:56:43,845
at the following meeting, which would be July 8th.

2323
01:56:44,785 --> 01:56:46,005
If the board is ready

2324
01:56:46,385 --> 01:56:48,325
to take a vote, then we will take a vote.

2325
01:56:48,325 --> 01:56:50,125
Otherwise we'll have additional discussion

2326
01:56:50,585 --> 01:56:53,165
and comments amongst ourselves if there's

2327
01:56:53,165 --> 01:56:54,485
additional information we need.

2328
01:56:54,985 --> 01:56:56,525
And I'd encourage the board between

2329
01:56:57,065 --> 01:56:59,285
the time we receive the report, which will be in advance

2330
01:56:59,285 --> 01:57:00,485
of the June 24th meeting

2331
01:57:00,865 --> 01:57:03,445
and the July 8th meeting that any questions you, you have,

2332
01:57:03,505 --> 01:57:05,045
you run it past Morgan

2333
01:57:05,225 --> 01:57:08,725
and Jamie Erickson so that we can make the meeting as

2334
01:57:09,745 --> 01:57:13,165
as efficient as possible.

2335
01:57:13,265 --> 01:57:17,365
So going back, what I, what I'd anticipated tonight was

2336
01:57:18,005 --> 01:57:19,445
inviting the public and the board

2337
01:57:19,445 --> 01:57:21,965
to ask questions about this presentation only

2338
01:57:22,585 --> 01:57:23,845
and the pros and cons.

2339
01:57:23,845 --> 01:57:25,645
Looking at Mr.

2340
01:57:25,645 --> 01:57:29,765
Griffiths, if you could bring up page 11, the slide, yeah.

2341
01:57:29,765 --> 01:57:34,485
Slide 11 or another slide that the board needs

2342
01:57:34,505 --> 01:57:36,125
to ask questions about and

2343
01:57:36,145 --> 01:57:38,325
and kind of focus our attention on the new

2344
01:57:38,325 --> 01:57:39,805
information that we've received tonight.

2345
01:57:40,065 --> 01:57:41,965
We won't be talking about the working group vote

2346
01:57:41,965 --> 01:57:44,005
because we don't know anything about it except

2347
01:57:44,005 --> 01:57:45,245
for the vote tally.

2348
01:57:46,505 --> 01:57:49,125
So at this time I'd like to open comments

2349
01:57:49,145 --> 01:57:51,685
and questions from members of the public first in the room

2350
01:57:51,705 --> 01:57:56,165
and then we'll go online and I've got nothing in the room.

2351
01:57:56,545 --> 01:58:00,005
So online if you could raise your hand. Ms.

2352
01:58:00,135 --> 01:58:03,085
Dorin, could you? Thank you.

2353
01:58:05,545 --> 01:58:10,045
Hi, am I unmuted? Yes, you are. Okay,

2354
01:58:10,045 --> 01:58:11,045
Thank you.

2355
01:58:11,525 --> 01:58:15,045
I have a couple of comments and maybe a couple of questions.

2356
01:58:16,525 --> 01:58:19,205
A comment first, I think it's interesting

2357
01:58:19,205 --> 01:58:22,565
that the bike paths we're only looking at north to south

2358
01:58:22,565 --> 01:58:24,165
through Natick, not east to west.

2359
01:58:24,165 --> 01:58:26,205
That's just a comment, a reflection.

2360
01:58:27,235 --> 01:58:28,365
Also, I think,

2361
01:58:29,665 --> 01:58:32,685
I'm not really understanding why the limited bike path

2362
01:58:32,825 --> 01:58:35,565
option has to include reverse angle parking.

2363
01:58:36,155 --> 01:58:38,605
Sort of like if you take the limited bike path,

2364
01:58:38,605 --> 01:58:40,085
then it's automatically we have

2365
01:58:40,085 --> 01:58:41,490
to do the reverse angle parking.

2366
01:58:41,545 --> 01:58:46,485
That's a comment. I am concerned about the impact on

2367
01:58:46,485 --> 01:58:49,125
the DPW for snow removal

2368
01:58:49,905 --> 01:58:54,205
and I did have a conversation with someone at the DPW.

2369
01:58:54,405 --> 01:58:56,805
I see Mr. Spread is here, it was someone below his level.

2370
01:58:56,825 --> 01:59:00,445
But if there bump outs to the curves,

2371
01:59:01,005 --> 01:59:04,125
I think it becomes almost impossible for snowplows

2372
01:59:04,125 --> 01:59:05,325
to properly clear snow.

2373
01:59:06,145 --> 01:59:07,805
And so that's a concern.

2374
01:59:08,825 --> 01:59:12,205
And then I, I do have one concern

2375
01:59:12,265 --> 01:59:13,445
and I haven't seen it addressed.

2376
01:59:13,485 --> 01:59:16,645
I live off the opposite end of Pond Street as many

2377
01:59:16,645 --> 01:59:20,325
of you know and I frequently travel down Pond Street either

2378
01:59:20,345 --> 01:59:22,285
to take a left north on 27

2379
01:59:22,345 --> 01:59:24,805
or to go around to the common with my dog.

2380
01:59:25,265 --> 01:59:28,245
I'm really pretty adept at both directions and I'm concerned

2381
01:59:28,245 --> 01:59:30,805
because a while ago I heard a possibility

2382
01:59:31,355 --> 01:59:33,805
that we might not be able to take that left.

2383
01:59:34,705 --> 01:59:38,405
And so I have concerns about the backup cars needing

2384
01:59:38,405 --> 01:59:39,885
to go right or being forced to go right

2385
01:59:39,905 --> 01:59:41,245
or having to go through the parking lot.

2386
01:59:41,265 --> 01:59:45,165
So I hope this is part of the conversation anyway, yeah,

2387
01:59:45,325 --> 01:59:46,685
I just wanted to express my comments

2388
01:59:47,345 --> 01:59:49,165
and a couple of concerns. Thank you.

2389
01:59:49,855 --> 01:59:52,165
Thank you so much. I'd like to go through those one by one

2390
01:59:53,225 --> 01:59:54,685
Morgan or Ms. Erickson,

2391
01:59:54,785 --> 01:59:58,045
if you could address the question about why on the limited

2392
01:59:58,475 --> 02:00:03,045
bike concept, reverse angle parking would be required.

2393
02:00:03,465 --> 02:00:05,925
Yes, I can definitely talk speak to that.

2394
02:00:06,945 --> 02:00:10,765
So reverse angle parking has several safety benefits.

2395
02:00:11,145 --> 02:00:13,845
One of those is that when you are pulling out

2396
02:00:13,845 --> 02:00:17,125
of parking spaces, you can see what you're pulling out into.

2397
02:00:17,905 --> 02:00:20,405
And one of the reasons that it's included specific,

2398
02:00:20,635 --> 02:00:23,645
what we felt comfortable taking it out of the hybrid concept

2399
02:00:23,865 --> 02:00:27,085
but leaving it in the limited bike concept is the hybrid

2400
02:00:27,085 --> 02:00:29,405
concept removes bikes from the street.

2401
02:00:29,705 --> 02:00:31,645
It puts them between the sidewalk and the parking.

2402
02:00:31,985 --> 02:00:34,165
So it essentially removes the conflict between

2403
02:00:34,955 --> 02:00:37,445
cars pulling in and pulling out of

2404
02:00:38,065 --> 02:00:40,045
travel lanes and the bikes.

2405
02:00:40,745 --> 02:00:45,045
The limited bike concept essentially provides the only

2406
02:00:45,685 --> 02:00:47,285
accommodation for bikes it provides are

2407
02:00:47,305 --> 02:00:48,685
shares or shared lane markings.

2408
02:00:48,685 --> 02:00:51,765
Essentially bikes and cars are sharing the travel lane.

2409
02:00:52,835 --> 02:00:54,245
This essentially puts

2410
02:00:54,465 --> 02:00:58,125
and the cyclist cyclists at risk when cars are pulling out

2411
02:00:58,125 --> 02:01:00,125
of spaces and can't necessarily see them.

2412
02:01:00,505 --> 02:01:03,005
So the reason why reverse angle parking was added

2413
02:01:03,145 --> 02:01:06,405
or is included in the limited bike concept is to prevent

2414
02:01:06,405 --> 02:01:09,605
that conflict between cars backing out of spaces

2415
02:01:09,745 --> 02:01:11,085
and cyclists that may be passing

2416
02:01:11,085 --> 02:01:13,285
between them or behind them.

2417
02:01:13,755 --> 02:01:16,685
Then the second question I think has been covered in the

2418
02:01:16,685 --> 02:01:18,805
matrix, but if you could expound on the increased,

2419
02:01:19,145 --> 02:01:20,925
so limited bike and then the hybrid

2420
02:01:21,065 --> 02:01:23,605
and enhanced bike all factor in,

2421
02:01:23,605 --> 02:01:25,765
we're gonna have increased snow removal costs.

2422
02:01:26,225 --> 02:01:28,765
And I'm assuming that that's based on hiring

2423
02:01:28,835 --> 02:01:31,925
outside contractors not using current staff

2424
02:01:31,925 --> 02:01:33,485
and equipment. Is that correct?

2425
02:01:34,025 --> 02:01:37,765
Yes. So I believe Mr. Erickson and Mr.

2426
02:01:37,855 --> 02:01:40,165
Sprat can probably comment on this as well,

2427
02:01:40,845 --> 02:01:42,645
but my understanding from talking with Mr.

2428
02:01:42,775 --> 02:01:45,845
Sprat and also Brian Casey from the DPW is that

2429
02:01:46,365 --> 02:01:50,485
currently when the DPW performs snow removal operations

2430
02:01:50,485 --> 02:01:53,805
or there's a bit of a buffer zone between

2431
02:01:53,805 --> 02:01:55,245
where the parking is on Main Street

2432
02:01:55,305 --> 02:01:56,485
and where the sidewalk is

2433
02:01:56,785 --> 02:02:00,765
and DPW is able to pile when it's moving snow, it's able

2434
02:02:00,765 --> 02:02:04,925
to pile snow in that area as like a sort of staging place

2435
02:02:05,225 --> 02:02:07,485
and then we'll take that later on, we'll take

2436
02:02:07,485 --> 02:02:10,965
that snow elsewhere or keep it is able to keep it there.

2437
02:02:11,385 --> 02:02:15,205
But the hybrid concept essentially proposes putting a bike

2438
02:02:15,205 --> 02:02:17,525
lane where that buffer zone is.

2439
02:02:17,785 --> 02:02:19,565
So essentially in DBW would have

2440
02:02:19,565 --> 02:02:20,645
to keep that bike lane clear.

2441
02:02:20,785 --> 02:02:23,685
So essentially they would have to not just move snow

2442
02:02:23,705 --> 02:02:26,205
but also remove it entirely in my understanding.

2443
02:02:26,305 --> 02:02:31,045
And is that DPW currently does not have the resources to do

2444
02:02:31,045 --> 02:02:34,005
that, so they would have to hire outside help to do it.

2445
02:02:34,155 --> 02:02:35,485
Does that sound

2446
02:02:35,645 --> 02:02:36,645
Accurate in essence?

2447
02:02:36,645 --> 02:02:39,965
Yes. Basically during a typical storm event

2448
02:02:39,965 --> 02:02:41,645
where we're doing snow planning operations,

2449
02:02:41,645 --> 02:02:44,565
that would necessitate eventual removal

2450
02:02:44,585 --> 02:02:45,685
of snow in Natick Center.

2451
02:02:45,825 --> 02:02:46,885
That's not every storm event.

2452
02:02:46,885 --> 02:02:48,205
Usually it's things over six inches

2453
02:02:48,205 --> 02:02:53,165
or so, roughly even less often, even less often

2454
02:02:55,545 --> 02:02:59,045
we, the team snowplows stores the snow

2455
02:02:59,065 --> 02:03:01,605
and then a couple days later we'll go back at night usually

2456
02:03:02,225 --> 02:03:04,765
and then remove those piles when you don't have that.

2457
02:03:04,785 --> 02:03:05,925
So snow storage areas,

2458
02:03:06,665 --> 02:03:08,125
you pretty much have to do it during the storm.

2459
02:03:08,865 --> 02:03:10,645
We already use contractors

2460
02:03:10,785 --> 02:03:14,285
to augment our snowplowing operations even with,

2461
02:03:14,355 --> 02:03:16,285
without these, any of these changes.

2462
02:03:18,065 --> 02:03:22,445
And we also hire like, like retired employees

2463
02:03:22,465 --> 02:03:23,925
to even drive our current vehicles.

2464
02:03:23,925 --> 02:03:25,805
We have enough equipment, it's really getting the drivers

2465
02:03:25,825 --> 02:03:28,965
and the equipment as well as contractors.

2466
02:03:29,465 --> 02:03:32,965
So in essence, to keep up with the storm in Natick Center

2467
02:03:32,965 --> 02:03:35,485
with some of these changes with the expectations of having

2468
02:03:36,705 --> 02:03:41,005
travel lanes for all users open, we would likely intend

2469
02:03:41,005 --> 02:03:42,645
to do that during the storm itself

2470
02:03:42,835 --> 02:03:45,285
because we wouldn't have the flexibility to store the snow

2471
02:03:46,025 --> 02:03:47,765
and then go back on like, you know,

2472
02:03:47,785 --> 02:03:49,925
two days later at night when we do nighttime

2473
02:03:49,955 --> 02:03:51,045
removal operations.

2474
02:03:51,905 --> 02:03:53,245
So that's, that's where that's coming from.

2475
02:03:53,385 --> 02:03:56,485
The, the reason why limited bike versus hybrid is, is is

2476
02:03:57,735 --> 02:03:58,765
still additional cost

2477
02:03:58,785 --> 02:04:02,765
but less is just the sheer street scape, you know,

2478
02:04:02,865 --> 02:04:04,085
how the curbing works

2479
02:04:04,105 --> 02:04:06,245
and where the snow storage, it's really just a factor

2480
02:04:06,245 --> 02:04:07,685
of, of the design.

2481
02:04:08,105 --> 02:04:11,765
And these are all rough estimates based on current

2482
02:04:11,765 --> 02:04:12,845
concept designs.

2483
02:04:12,845 --> 02:04:15,525
Once you get into the formal design process, things will,

2484
02:04:16,075 --> 02:04:17,925
will adjust accordingly based on

2485
02:04:17,955 --> 02:04:19,525
what those final design details are.

2486
02:04:20,905 --> 02:04:23,445
And the last question just posed, I think that

2487
02:04:25,935 --> 02:04:28,165
we've all, there is no consideration

2488
02:04:28,265 --> 02:04:31,005
of forbidding a left turn from Pond onto

2489
02:04:31,985 --> 02:04:34,645
27 onto Main Street. There was at one point

2490
02:04:35,105 --> 02:04:36,805
We There been, but there isn't now, right?

2491
02:04:36,805 --> 02:04:38,565
Yeah, we've got in this

2492
02:04:38,565 --> 02:04:40,005
presentation in the last three presentations

2493
02:04:40,005 --> 02:04:41,285
It's been part of this, that's for sure.

2494
02:04:41,595 --> 02:04:43,925
Yeah. But several presentations have happened

2495
02:04:43,925 --> 02:04:45,205
and there's been discussion where

2496
02:04:45,505 --> 02:04:48,245
that's been taken off the table, is that correct?

2497
02:04:48,395 --> 02:04:51,005
Yeah, and we, we've looked at this turning movement

2498
02:04:51,185 --> 02:04:52,685
for years, even before I started

2499
02:04:52,685 --> 02:04:53,885
with the town over 11 years ago

2500
02:04:54,585 --> 02:04:58,525
and there's no real general consensus on exactly how

2501
02:04:58,705 --> 02:05:00,605
to really handle just Pond Street in general.

2502
02:05:00,815 --> 02:05:02,765
Right. You know, whether, you know,

2503
02:05:03,205 --> 02:05:06,325
attorney movement changes or even one way movement changes.

2504
02:05:06,395 --> 02:05:07,445
Like we've looked at everything

2505
02:05:07,465 --> 02:05:10,085
and it seems like it's really, I mean Morgan, I know

2506
02:05:10,085 --> 02:05:11,965
that you are more involved in more recent reviews,

2507
02:05:11,985 --> 02:05:14,125
but I've, I've looked at this in years past

2508
02:05:14,315 --> 02:05:15,765
with prior town engineers.

2509
02:05:17,205 --> 02:05:18,725
I dunno if you wanna comment a little bit more about

2510
02:05:18,725 --> 02:05:19,805
that or if I covered it.

2511
02:05:20,595 --> 02:05:22,165
Yeah, I think it, it's definitely been

2512
02:05:22,165 --> 02:05:23,285
discussed during this process.

2513
02:05:23,645 --> 02:05:25,605
I don't think anything concrete has been decided.

2514
02:05:26,155 --> 02:05:30,005
Okay. But it's not part of the, the design?

2515
02:05:30,465 --> 02:05:31,845
Not currently, not currently.

2516
02:05:31,845 --> 02:05:33,445
That's, that's under rev review. Okay.

2517
02:05:34,345 --> 02:05:36,205
Are there any other questions from members of the public?

2518
02:05:36,385 --> 02:05:39,525
Yes, let's go to Mr. Devereaux and then

2519
02:05:39,525 --> 02:05:40,885
after him to Mr. Gates.

2520
02:05:42,315 --> 02:05:46,125
Okay. Am I unmuted now? Yep. Yes. Yes.

2521
02:05:46,795 --> 02:05:50,525
Okay, thank you. First, I apologize a good presentation.

2522
02:05:50,685 --> 02:05:53,645
I apologize for not having been past one.

2523
02:05:53,705 --> 02:05:55,285
So I look forward to coming to others.

2524
02:05:56,525 --> 02:05:58,525
I believe I heard you mention to get to my question

2525
02:05:59,115 --> 02:06:03,605
that alternate bike routes that, you know, steer

2526
02:06:04,815 --> 02:06:09,045
bikes and other and other, you know, two wheel vehicles,

2527
02:06:09,815 --> 02:06:14,085
everything that are motorized, everything from e-bikes to

2528
02:06:15,125 --> 02:06:16,805
e scooters and so on

2529
02:06:18,775 --> 02:06:21,005
would be a consideration.

2530
02:06:21,105 --> 02:06:25,605
And I'm wondering if you had any, I mean this is a lot,

2531
02:06:25,635 --> 02:06:30,125
this process won't produce a finished main street

2532
02:06:30,225 --> 02:06:32,685
as I understand it, no matter which option you take.

2533
02:06:33,105 --> 02:06:35,365
Is that correct? First off, is that a good assumption?

2534
02:06:35,975 --> 02:06:39,005
It'll still be the mid 1930s or 34 or something

2535
02:06:39,025 --> 02:06:41,325
before it's scheduled

2536
02:06:41,325 --> 02:06:42,965
to be complete if it's completed on time.

2537
02:06:44,915 --> 02:06:45,935
I'm not filing in the question.

2538
02:06:46,475 --> 02:06:48,615
Is that a, is it safe to assume

2539
02:06:49,125 --> 02:06:52,895
that no matter which option of the ones he's laid out,

2540
02:06:53,715 --> 02:06:55,775
the job will not be finished

2541
02:06:56,465 --> 02:06:59,655
until the mid 19, 2030s,

2542
02:07:01,465 --> 02:07:02,465
40 Maybe.

2543
02:07:02,565 --> 02:07:04,415
Well go ahead Morgan.

2544
02:07:04,675 --> 02:07:08,055
So the, the full reconstruction options, that

2545
02:07:09,115 --> 02:07:11,495
is our current estimation.

2546
02:07:11,495 --> 02:07:14,255
Obviously timelines are fluid and, and, and can change.

2547
02:07:14,895 --> 02:07:17,015
The mill and overlay could probably be done

2548
02:07:17,705 --> 02:07:19,095
quite a bit sooner than that.

2549
02:07:19,245 --> 02:07:20,335
Yeah. In the next year

2550
02:07:20,335 --> 02:07:21,735
or two, probably depending on funding.

2551
02:07:23,845 --> 02:07:26,775
Okay. Well the reason I ask that as an assumption is that

2552
02:07:27,595 --> 02:07:30,575
things are changing in terms of transportation very quickly

2553
02:07:30,995 --> 02:07:35,285
and I'm all for people using motorized bikes and so forth

2554
02:07:36,105 --> 02:07:38,645
and, but they're gonna have to get off of sidewalks.

2555
02:07:38,665 --> 02:07:41,365
The state is probably gonna maybe gonna do something about

2556
02:07:41,365 --> 02:07:43,485
that first and lead towns we'll see.

2557
02:07:44,425 --> 02:07:48,245
But I imagine that these bike lanes are,

2558
02:07:48,305 --> 02:07:50,765
if they're only five feet, are going to be crowded

2559
02:07:50,915 --> 02:07:52,965
with vehicles that go different speeds.

2560
02:07:53,785 --> 02:07:58,085
And I just think there's an awful lot going on in a

2561
02:07:58,155 --> 02:07:59,165
very tight area.

2562
02:08:00,225 --> 02:08:03,365
So I wonder if you're sort of projecting ahead

2563
02:08:03,365 --> 02:08:06,445
and thinking about what transportation is gonna look like,

2564
02:08:08,305 --> 02:08:11,885
you know, you'll have a lot more, you know, driver assisted

2565
02:08:12,005 --> 02:08:15,605
or self-driving cars then that may help

2566
02:08:16,275 --> 02:08:20,365
traffic flow in that sort of bottleneck from cars.

2567
02:08:21,265 --> 02:08:25,165
But I don't know, I just think there's a, you're trying

2568
02:08:25,165 --> 02:08:28,165
to pack an awful lot with these bike lanes going

2569
02:08:28,165 --> 02:08:32,765
through there and since the town is a destination for some

2570
02:08:32,765 --> 02:08:33,805
of that bike traffic

2571
02:08:33,805 --> 02:08:38,245
because of the bike path rail trail coming in toward the,

2572
02:08:38,385 --> 02:08:40,045
the two, the T

2573
02:08:40,825 --> 02:08:44,285
and so forth, I think it would be a great, I I'd like,

2574
02:08:44,325 --> 02:08:46,725
I really look forward to hearing about the alternative

2575
02:08:47,305 --> 02:08:50,765
for those things, which I think would, the benefits of

2576
02:08:50,765 --> 02:08:54,965
that would be that it would help widen sidewalks a bit

2577
02:08:55,665 --> 02:08:59,845
and you know, not be a detriment not not

2578
02:09:00,625 --> 02:09:03,605
reduce parking and in improve the road

2579
02:09:03,705 --> 02:09:06,405
for vehicle transportation trucks

2580
02:09:06,505 --> 02:09:09,205
and all of that are going through that area frequently.

2581
02:09:09,805 --> 02:09:10,965
I just think it's, you know,

2582
02:09:11,125 --> 02:09:14,205
I just think it's too much stuff, you know, to not

2583
02:09:14,205 --> 02:09:18,085
to look seriously at an alternative which diverts the,

2584
02:09:18,145 --> 02:09:20,165
you know, there are plenty of other roads that are quiet

2585
02:09:20,385 --> 02:09:22,005
around downtown Natick.

2586
02:09:22,185 --> 02:09:25,965
I'd love to see bikes off of that whole common and,

2587
02:09:26,265 --> 02:09:29,725
and you know, main street area coming down there.

2588
02:09:30,225 --> 02:09:32,365
You know, that's my opinion

2589
02:09:32,665 --> 02:09:35,045
and you know, I'm happy to offer it another time at a

2590
02:09:35,045 --> 02:09:37,965
meeting, but if there's any answer to

2591
02:09:37,965 --> 02:09:40,165
that I'd love to hear it.

2592
02:09:42,805 --> 02:09:45,685
I think I would say that, you know, I think I agree

2593
02:09:45,685 --> 02:09:49,285
with you that alternate routes are very important regardless

2594
02:09:49,345 --> 02:09:50,965
of whatever goes on Main Street,

2595
02:09:51,045 --> 02:09:54,405
I think you're gonna have cyclists of all different ages

2596
02:09:54,405 --> 02:09:56,085
and abilities and I think ideally

2597
02:09:57,165 --> 02:09:59,605
a welcoming cycling community is one that

2598
02:10:00,565 --> 02:10:02,045
encourages all different types of people

2599
02:10:02,825 --> 02:10:04,165
to feel comfortable cycling

2600
02:10:04,165 --> 02:10:05,165
and some people are going

2601
02:10:05,165 --> 02:10:07,445
to be feel comfortable in different types of facilities.

2602
02:10:07,745 --> 02:10:11,165
So I think absolutely whatever design we go with

2603
02:10:11,305 --> 02:10:13,445
for Main Street, I think towns staff would absolutely

2604
02:10:13,685 --> 02:10:15,245
recommend looking at alternate routes as well.

2605
02:10:16,995 --> 02:10:19,725
Okay, thank you Mr. Gates.

2606
02:10:23,075 --> 02:10:24,075
Okay.

2607
02:10:27,655 --> 02:10:30,725
Sorry I didn't unmute myself. Thank you Madam Chair.

2608
02:10:31,435 --> 02:10:34,085
Just a question regarding the likelihood

2609
02:10:34,085 --> 02:10:36,845
that the grants will be available when we actually make the

2610
02:10:37,005 --> 02:10:41,765
decisions to do this, as well as what the cost would be,

2611
02:10:42,705 --> 02:10:44,605
you know, adjusted for inflation

2612
02:10:45,305 --> 02:10:48,965
and even if we were able to get the 11 million in grants, is

2613
02:10:48,965 --> 02:10:50,365
that gonna cover it or are you saying

2614
02:10:50,365 --> 02:10:52,485
that the grants will cover

2615
02:10:53,405 --> 02:10:56,725
whatever the construction inflation is as well?

2616
02:10:57,165 --> 02:11:00,405
I, you know, I just worry about the amount of spending

2617
02:11:00,405 --> 02:11:01,965
that the town is doing in general

2618
02:11:02,625 --> 02:11:04,805
and committing to something these days

2619
02:11:05,065 --> 02:11:08,485
that's 11 million today with the expectation of grants

2620
02:11:09,095 --> 02:11:12,365
could be 20 million or 25 million in the future.

2621
02:11:13,065 --> 02:11:14,445
And we don't have any grants.

2622
02:11:14,865 --> 02:11:16,805
So that's my concern. Thank you.

2623
02:11:17,575 --> 02:11:19,525
Thank you Mr. Gates, Mr. Erickson.

2624
02:11:19,755 --> 02:11:22,285
Sure. So typically for,

2625
02:11:22,625 --> 02:11:24,605
and in this case, the grants that are considered,

2626
02:11:24,625 --> 02:11:27,165
or the program I guess that's considered for the hybrid and

2627
02:11:27,165 --> 02:11:28,805
or enhanced bike is the tip

2628
02:11:28,865 --> 02:11:32,445
or transportation improvement program, which is part of our,

2629
02:11:34,225 --> 02:11:36,325
I'm gonna go into acronym crazy MPO

2630
02:11:36,345 --> 02:11:39,485
or Metropolitan Planning Organizations Funding.

2631
02:11:39,485 --> 02:11:40,845
These are state and federal dollars.

2632
02:11:41,455 --> 02:11:43,485
We've used these most recently, for example, to,

2633
02:11:43,665 --> 02:11:46,485
to rebuild North Main Street from the Natick Center

2634
02:11:46,485 --> 02:11:47,805
to the Wayland town line.

2635
02:11:48,565 --> 02:11:50,285
That was about 12 to $14 million.

2636
02:11:51,775 --> 02:11:53,525
Those funds in that program

2637
02:11:54,245 --> 02:11:56,885
actually factors in inflationary costs so that they continue

2638
02:11:56,885 --> 02:11:59,285
to cover the full cost of construction,

2639
02:11:59,585 --> 02:12:01,045
of approved construction costs.

2640
02:12:01,045 --> 02:12:05,405
There are typically what are called non-participating items

2641
02:12:05,475 --> 02:12:08,125
that a community might choose to add to that project so

2642
02:12:08,125 --> 02:12:09,685
that you get the cost of effectiveness of the bid.

2643
02:12:10,145 --> 02:12:12,965
But for participating items, they actually factor

2644
02:12:12,965 --> 02:12:14,925
that into their program and they,

2645
02:12:14,925 --> 02:12:16,325
and you can actually see it when they put,

2646
02:12:16,325 --> 02:12:18,285
when they push a project out on the tip is

2647
02:12:18,285 --> 02:12:19,565
what they call it, it's a five year plan.

2648
02:12:20,035 --> 02:12:22,365
They'll actually say, and we're gonna add our factor to it,

2649
02:12:22,425 --> 02:12:24,005
but then they, they provide the full cost.

2650
02:12:24,125 --> 02:12:25,925
It's an 80 20 split between federal

2651
02:12:26,065 --> 02:12:28,485
and state funding with no town.

2652
02:12:28,505 --> 02:12:29,805
But the town is obligated

2653
02:12:29,805 --> 02:12:33,005
to provide all upfront design and right of way costs.

2654
02:12:33,105 --> 02:12:36,005
So that, that's our, our, you know, share. Yeah.

2655
02:12:37,385 --> 02:12:38,445
The other program costs,

2656
02:12:39,715 --> 02:12:41,645
like the other grant costs for like limited bike.

2657
02:12:42,125 --> 02:12:44,445
Absolutely. There's a concern there with increased costs

2658
02:12:44,445 --> 02:12:46,765
that we have $11 million rough estimates today.

2659
02:12:47,615 --> 02:12:49,645
Those programs, in my experience,

2660
02:12:50,115 --> 02:12:53,565
haven't really budged in their dollar allotments in many

2661
02:12:53,565 --> 02:12:57,125
years and they just continue to get competitive.

2662
02:12:57,745 --> 02:13:02,045
So for, for our sake, the competitiveness is gonna be trying

2663
02:13:02,045 --> 02:13:05,085
to include as many of the things that the state's looking

2664
02:13:05,105 --> 02:13:06,205
for in our grant program.

2665
02:13:06,425 --> 02:13:07,565
And, and it depends on the

2666
02:13:07,565 --> 02:13:08,645
grant program, what they're looking for.

2667
02:13:08,665 --> 02:13:10,565
But you know, typically if it's like a complete Streets

2668
02:13:10,785 --> 02:13:12,885
or something like that, they're gonna be looking

2669
02:13:12,945 --> 02:13:16,445
for accommodations for all users and

2670
02:13:16,585 --> 02:13:19,165
or like in the case of like a Mass Works grant,

2671
02:13:19,715 --> 02:13:22,565
they've been in the range of 500,000

2672
02:13:22,585 --> 02:13:24,045
to $5 million ever since

2673
02:13:24,045 --> 02:13:26,445
that program really was put together 20 years ago.

2674
02:13:27,605 --> 02:13:29,845
I remember I worked for a community that got one

2675
02:13:29,845 --> 02:13:31,970
of those early grants and they've always been in that range.

2676
02:13:32,245 --> 02:13:33,965
That's just the reality of those programs.

2677
02:13:34,465 --> 02:13:36,845
So to your, to your point, it is very possible

2678
02:13:36,845 --> 02:13:39,445
and likely that if we see increased costs on

2679
02:13:40,065 --> 02:13:41,445
the project going forward,

2680
02:13:42,055 --> 02:13:43,085
those grant programs

2681
02:13:43,085 --> 02:13:44,325
aren't necessarily gonna increase with it.

2682
02:13:44,425 --> 02:13:46,005
The tip will, the tip will. Yeah.

2683
02:13:46,185 --> 02:13:48,525
But the other programs are, are less likely

2684
02:13:48,525 --> 02:13:49,925
to now anything can happen.

2685
02:13:50,265 --> 02:13:52,605
The state can put more resources towards those programs.

2686
02:13:52,635 --> 02:13:55,205
They can change the format of those programs.

2687
02:13:55,835 --> 02:13:57,045
MathWorks has gone through two

2688
02:13:57,045 --> 02:13:58,325
or three iterations through the years.

2689
02:13:59,585 --> 02:14:01,885
So, so anything can happen in the next couple years.

2690
02:14:02,985 --> 02:14:06,525
But, you know, based on today's sort of expectation,

2691
02:14:06,645 --> 02:14:10,165
I wouldn't expect there to be too much more funding coming

2692
02:14:10,165 --> 02:14:13,205
from those programs for something like this to cover

2693
02:14:13,725 --> 02:14:16,005
obviously the mill and overlay that's all town.

2694
02:14:16,225 --> 02:14:18,125
So that's not really a factor.

2695
02:14:18,195 --> 02:14:20,925
It's just a matter of us getting bid pricing as part

2696
02:14:20,925 --> 02:14:22,925
of our roadway improvement program, which we do annually

2697
02:14:23,705 --> 02:14:26,325
as part of our, the, the five year roadway plan

2698
02:14:26,325 --> 02:14:27,365
that this board votes on.

2699
02:14:27,375 --> 02:14:28,375
Sorry,

2700
02:14:31,265 --> 02:14:32,925
Mr. Gates, did you have an additional question

2701
02:14:32,925 --> 02:14:34,245
or is your hand just up?

2702
02:14:35,985 --> 02:14:37,405
No, I did. I, you know, I,

2703
02:14:37,645 --> 02:14:40,605
I actually don't think it's a bad idea to do the mill

2704
02:14:40,605 --> 02:14:45,245
and overlay just in case this doesn't work out.

2705
02:14:45,305 --> 02:14:48,285
So we've got the road in good shape if,

2706
02:14:49,105 --> 02:14:51,125
if the grants don't come through in the future

2707
02:14:51,385 --> 02:14:53,525
or things change so that the money isn't available.

2708
02:14:53,745 --> 02:14:55,645
That's just my opinion though. Thank

2709
02:14:55,645 --> 02:14:56,645
You.

2710
02:14:56,645 --> 02:14:59,365
Thank you. I appreciate that. Mr. Erickson or Mr.

2711
02:14:59,385 --> 02:15:02,285
Gr, do you have any comment on that? Nope,

2712
02:15:02,785 --> 02:15:03,785
No comment.

2713
02:15:03,785 --> 02:15:07,605
One thing that I believe to, to be mindful of,

2714
02:15:07,665 --> 02:15:09,605
of just the mill and overlay is we would

2715
02:15:10,445 --> 02:15:11,205
absolutely look at just the

2716
02:15:11,205 --> 02:15:12,365
ongoing conditions of the roadway.

2717
02:15:12,545 --> 02:15:13,645
And I know there's portions

2718
02:15:13,645 --> 02:15:14,845
that are actually in pretty decent shape

2719
02:15:14,905 --> 02:15:16,485
and portions that are in less decent shape.

2720
02:15:17,225 --> 02:15:19,605
And what we do with any of our roadway improvement programs,

2721
02:15:19,605 --> 02:15:21,045
we always try to get out there in advance

2722
02:15:21,045 --> 02:15:23,925
with any underground utility work that needs to be done.

2723
02:15:24,105 --> 02:15:26,525
So like our water sewer division would be looking at this

2724
02:15:26,545 --> 02:15:27,725
before we do any mill,

2725
02:15:27,865 --> 02:15:30,005
and this is true for actually all of these concepts, right?

2726
02:15:30,035 --> 02:15:31,605
We'd be doing that and we'd be engaging

2727
02:15:31,605 --> 02:15:33,365
with the gas company if there's underground gas

2728
02:15:33,425 --> 02:15:35,085
or other things that need to be done underground.

2729
02:15:36,145 --> 02:15:37,445
So that, that is something that

2730
02:15:37,445 --> 02:15:39,005
with all these concepts we would be doing.

2731
02:15:40,565 --> 02:15:42,285
I I just have a follow up question about that.

2732
02:15:42,585 --> 02:15:44,965
The $2 million estimated cost for the mill

2733
02:15:44,965 --> 02:15:47,565
and overlay, does that take into account

2734
02:15:47,675 --> 02:15:50,685
that while we're doing this patch process,

2735
02:15:52,065 --> 02:15:53,765
any underground utility work we're going

2736
02:15:53,765 --> 02:15:54,965
to need to do or pipe?

2737
02:15:54,965 --> 02:15:57,405
Because we're not gonna just like pave over something if in

2738
02:15:57,405 --> 02:16:00,205
five years we need to dig it up and do water and sewer and

2739
02:16:00,205 --> 02:16:01,205
Pipe?

2740
02:16:01,205 --> 02:16:01,445
That would be a separate cost.

2741
02:16:01,665 --> 02:16:04,485
So it will, it will likely be more than $2 million in

2742
02:16:04,485 --> 02:16:06,845
estimated construction cost if we do the mill and overlay.

2743
02:16:08,545 --> 02:16:10,965
So if there's water and sewer work that needs to be done,

2744
02:16:11,635 --> 02:16:13,965
that typically comes into water sewer enterprise fund

2745
02:16:14,305 --> 02:16:17,485
and we have annual capital dollars that go towards that type

2746
02:16:17,485 --> 02:16:18,605
of work already.

2747
02:16:19,985 --> 02:16:22,445
So we we're already doing some of that work that we do try

2748
02:16:22,445 --> 02:16:24,805
to do preempt proactively before we get in there.

2749
02:16:24,805 --> 02:16:26,685
Obviously emergencies can happen, so Sure.

2750
02:16:27,205 --> 02:16:28,805
Unfortunately sometimes you pave

2751
02:16:28,805 --> 02:16:31,005
and usually you put what's called a five year moratorium.

2752
02:16:31,075 --> 02:16:33,565
It's a, it's kind of the term the state uses onto a roadway

2753
02:16:34,225 --> 02:16:36,325
and then like six months later you get a water break

2754
02:16:36,325 --> 02:16:37,405
and you have to dig it up and that,

2755
02:16:37,405 --> 02:16:38,805
that's really just unfortunate.

2756
02:16:38,995 --> 02:16:39,925
It's not because we didn't

2757
02:16:39,925 --> 02:16:40,885
do anything, we did something wrong.

2758
02:16:40,955 --> 02:16:42,005
It's just that's what happens.

2759
02:16:42,005 --> 02:16:44,045
Unfortunately a water break happened and you have to do that

2760
02:16:44,105 --> 02:16:45,245
and they, they're unpredictable,

2761
02:16:45,925 --> 02:16:48,885
but to the best that we can, we'll get in there for water

2762
02:16:48,885 --> 02:16:50,565
and sewer, obviously gas line work

2763
02:16:50,565 --> 02:16:53,805
that's more on the gas company to cover the costs

2764
02:16:54,595 --> 02:16:55,845
depending on what it is.

2765
02:16:56,745 --> 02:16:59,005
If we were proactively like putting things underground,

2766
02:16:59,005 --> 02:17:01,605
that would likely be a town costs the stretch.

2767
02:17:01,605 --> 02:17:04,885
It's mostly already underground, so we're fortunate

2768
02:17:04,885 --> 02:17:07,485
that the town did that about 15, 20 years ago already.

2769
02:17:07,545 --> 02:17:08,885
So we don't have to cover those costs now.

2770
02:17:09,145 --> 02:17:10,485
That's extremely, extremely

2771
02:17:10,485 --> 02:17:11,645
expensive though, doing undergrounding.

2772
02:17:12,655 --> 02:17:17,205
Thank you. Questions

2773
02:17:17,205 --> 02:17:18,445
and comments from members of the board?

2774
02:17:19,185 --> 02:17:22,485
Ms. Slager, Ms. Pope, Ms. Evans

2775
02:17:22,485 --> 02:17:24,445
and then Mr. Jacobs.

2776
02:17:24,625 --> 02:17:26,725
I'm just gonna say that in the interest of time,

2777
02:17:27,185 --> 02:17:29,085
the questions that I have, I'm going to email.

2778
02:17:29,995 --> 02:17:33,125
Okay. Thank you Mr. Wils. Thank you Mr. Evans.

2779
02:17:33,395 --> 02:17:34,605
I've already sent my questions.

2780
02:17:34,985 --> 02:17:36,685
So I'll say that Morgan

2781
02:17:36,745 --> 02:17:38,725
and I are collecting questions that are sent over

2782
02:17:38,725 --> 02:17:41,045
and we've already received a bunch from, from board members,

2783
02:17:41,145 --> 02:17:43,285
not from everybody in the public, from board members.

2784
02:17:43,865 --> 02:17:46,725
And we'll put that together in some type of,

2785
02:17:46,925 --> 02:17:48,605
probably just copy and paste document for the board

2786
02:17:48,605 --> 02:17:50,325
for the next meeting or an upcoming meeting.

2787
02:17:50,815 --> 02:17:52,485
Thank you. Yeah, I've already sent

2788
02:17:52,505 --> 02:17:53,885
my questions in, so I'm set.

2789
02:17:54,125 --> 02:17:55,125
I can do that as well. Have a

2790
02:17:55,125 --> 02:17:56,125
List Okay.

2791
02:17:56,125 --> 02:17:57,845
With the q and a. We'll do both questions and answers.

2792
02:17:58,525 --> 02:18:01,125
I Sounds good. I did. I I did.

2793
02:18:01,125 --> 02:18:03,805
And continue to send many, many questions into you guys

2794
02:18:03,905 --> 02:18:05,325
and I appreciate you guys we're collecting us.

2795
02:18:05,345 --> 02:18:07,085
You've answered many, many of my questions already

2796
02:18:07,185 --> 02:18:08,405
and like you'll continue to do it.

2797
02:18:08,525 --> 02:18:11,045
I just, there was, there was just one thing, well, two,

2798
02:18:11,105 --> 02:18:13,605
two short things that I just might thought might be helpful

2799
02:18:13,865 --> 02:18:17,845
in this setting just to show one thing is on slides,

2800
02:18:18,045 --> 02:18:21,925
I think it's 22 and maybe 21

2801
02:18:21,925 --> 02:18:23,845
and 22, you go through examples of

2802
02:18:23,845 --> 02:18:26,045
what it actually looks like when you say

2803
02:18:26,045 --> 02:18:29,805
that there's a shared that the sidewalk is at that,

2804
02:18:29,945 --> 02:18:32,205
I'm sorry that the bike path is at sidewalk level.

2805
02:18:32,485 --> 02:18:34,445
'cause I think when people picture that,

2806
02:18:34,635 --> 02:18:37,325
they may not be picturing exactly what that looks like

2807
02:18:37,665 --> 02:18:40,365
and you know, you guys provide some great examples there

2808
02:18:40,385 --> 02:18:41,885
and if you want to, you know, if you,

2809
02:18:41,885 --> 02:18:44,085
if you have anything you wanna say about that to explain

2810
02:18:44,085 --> 02:18:45,725
that, I think that would be good.

2811
02:18:45,885 --> 02:18:48,325
'cause I think that conjures up images

2812
02:18:48,325 --> 02:18:50,445
that may not actually be what we're talking about.

2813
02:18:51,155 --> 02:18:52,565
Sure, yeah, I'd be happy to.

2814
02:18:52,585 --> 02:18:55,285
So I'm actually gonna go back to the previous slide,

2815
02:18:55,285 --> 02:18:56,485
which this graphic is,

2816
02:18:56,485 --> 02:18:57,605
There you go. That's, yeah,

2817
02:18:57,675 --> 02:18:58,885
This graphic is not as large

2818
02:18:58,885 --> 02:19:00,645
as I was as I would like it to be.

2819
02:19:00,705 --> 02:19:03,565
I'm happy to provide a a, a larger image,

2820
02:19:03,565 --> 02:19:06,325
but essentially this is taken from the MAs dot separated

2821
02:19:06,355 --> 02:19:08,085
bike lane planning and design guide

2822
02:19:08,685 --> 02:19:12,165
essentially is giving you a schematic diagram

2823
02:19:12,385 --> 02:19:16,725
of like if you were going to construct this kind

2824
02:19:16,725 --> 02:19:17,805
of separated bike lane,

2825
02:19:18,125 --> 02:19:20,245
specifically if it's gonna be at the sidewalk level,

2826
02:19:20,925 --> 02:19:25,645
A big concern is, you know, you'll be close to pedestrians,

2827
02:19:25,645 --> 02:19:27,005
you'll be at the pedestrian level.

2828
02:19:27,185 --> 02:19:29,045
So there's a sort of this expectation like,

2829
02:19:29,105 --> 02:19:33,165
oh there may be increased pedestrian and cyclist conflicts.

2830
02:19:33,545 --> 02:19:36,445
And so what the MAs dot separated

2831
02:19:37,955 --> 02:19:41,005
bike lane guide and also the NDO guide,

2832
02:19:41,005 --> 02:19:43,125
which I will reference I've referenced a few times

2833
02:19:43,685 --> 02:19:45,925
I think previously essentially does,

2834
02:19:45,945 --> 02:19:48,605
is suggests putting essentially buffer zones.

2835
02:19:49,025 --> 02:19:51,805
So there's a buffer zone essentially between parking

2836
02:19:52,065 --> 02:19:53,405
and the bike lane itself.

2837
02:19:54,005 --> 02:19:55,085
This is to prevent,

2838
02:19:55,325 --> 02:19:56,965
I think this is showing parallel parking here,

2839
02:19:56,965 --> 02:19:58,845
but it's essentially is to give some space

2840
02:19:58,845 --> 02:20:01,125
between the cyclists and people entering

2841
02:20:01,125 --> 02:20:02,165
and exiting their cars.

2842
02:20:03,405 --> 02:20:06,885
There's also a buffer zone between the bike lane

2843
02:20:07,025 --> 02:20:09,205
and the space where pedestrians would be walking.

2844
02:20:09,965 --> 02:20:13,965
Typically this will have things like street furniture,

2845
02:20:13,965 --> 02:20:15,445
you can see it in this image.

2846
02:20:15,805 --> 02:20:17,125
These are two examples from Boston.

2847
02:20:17,765 --> 02:20:20,245
There'll be street furniture lights, bike racks,

2848
02:20:20,245 --> 02:20:21,325
trees, things like that.

2849
02:20:22,065 --> 02:20:26,165
As well as different material on the ground essentially

2850
02:20:26,165 --> 02:20:29,485
to indicate that these are two separate areas,

2851
02:20:29,995 --> 02:20:32,245
that one is the sidewalk and one is the bike lane.

2852
02:20:32,265 --> 02:20:33,765
And kind of to both visually

2853
02:20:34,105 --> 02:20:36,925
and physically demarcate those spaces.

2854
02:20:37,685 --> 02:20:39,205
It's also a MAs dot requirement.

2855
02:20:39,565 --> 02:20:42,805
I believe that along with that sort

2856
02:20:42,805 --> 02:20:44,645
of texture near the bike lane, it has to be,

2857
02:20:44,965 --> 02:20:46,485
there's specific a DA requirements.

2858
02:20:46,485 --> 02:20:48,005
So folks that are visually impaired

2859
02:20:48,635 --> 02:20:50,405
know when they are essentially leaving,

2860
02:20:51,085 --> 02:20:52,565
if they're pedestrians, when they're essentially

2861
02:20:52,565 --> 02:20:53,805
leaving a sidewalk space.

2862
02:20:54,555 --> 02:20:56,965
It's not portrayed on this slide,

2863
02:20:56,965 --> 02:21:01,325
but typically when there are crossings

2864
02:21:01,325 --> 02:21:03,525
of the bike lane, those are typically striped

2865
02:21:04,105 --> 02:21:06,405
and often come with signage

2866
02:21:06,405 --> 02:21:09,485
and warnings essentially for the cyclists saying like,

2867
02:21:09,515 --> 02:21:11,205
slow down pedestrian crossing

2868
02:21:11,505 --> 02:21:13,685
and for pedestrians, like, you know,

2869
02:21:14,025 --> 02:21:15,445
you are about to cross a bike lane.

2870
02:21:15,445 --> 02:21:16,445
Things like that.

2871
02:21:18,255 --> 02:21:19,965
Thank you. And then just my last thing

2872
02:21:19,965 --> 02:21:21,125
and then I'll take the rest offline,

2873
02:21:21,145 --> 02:21:24,205
but just the, to, to clarify about the, this the exchange

2874
02:21:24,205 --> 02:21:26,445
that you guys had about the, about the snow removal.

2875
02:21:26,625 --> 02:21:29,845
So under the, the hybrid option

2876
02:21:30,025 --> 02:21:34,405
or the, the enhanced bike option there would, you know,

2877
02:21:34,405 --> 02:21:36,205
right now the, the current way that it's,

2878
02:21:36,235 --> 02:21:38,205
it's plowed from my understanding from discussion

2879
02:21:38,205 --> 02:21:40,685
with you guys is that, you know, the, the, the snow is sort

2880
02:21:40,685 --> 02:21:43,365
of is piled up in a major snow event.

2881
02:21:43,365 --> 02:21:45,765
It's piled up kind of in that space that's sort of in

2882
02:21:45,765 --> 02:21:48,645
between where you park and where the sidewalk is.

2883
02:21:49,665 --> 02:21:52,765
And under this plan, instead of being piled up for

2884
02:21:52,765 --> 02:21:55,285
however many days it is until you're able to remove it,

2885
02:21:55,795 --> 02:21:59,565
that would be removed the same time as the, essentially

2886
02:21:59,565 --> 02:22:01,525
with the, with the plowing with the snow event.

2887
02:22:02,345 --> 02:22:04,645
So there would no longer be those snow piles

2888
02:22:04,645 --> 02:22:08,765
between people's cars and the sidewalk. Is that right?

2889
02:22:09,675 --> 02:22:11,365
That is my understanding.

2890
02:22:11,805 --> 02:22:13,285
I think in part

2891
02:22:13,445 --> 02:22:16,765
because bike lanes are, they're a lane, they're like a,

2892
02:22:17,115 --> 02:22:19,525
like travel, right, like through, like through far.

2893
02:22:19,745 --> 02:22:22,325
So they would need to be cleared same as, you know,

2894
02:22:22,325 --> 02:22:23,725
the roads or the sidewalks as well

2895
02:22:23,945 --> 02:22:24,945
In in essence.

2896
02:22:24,945 --> 02:22:26,445
Yes. Yeah. That, that's, that's what we're kind

2897
02:22:26,445 --> 02:22:28,085
of expecting would be the expectations.

2898
02:22:28,145 --> 02:22:30,085
So we're trying to plan accordingly for that

2899
02:22:30,085 --> 02:22:31,325
and provide the expectations

2900
02:22:31,435 --> 02:22:32,885
that it's not a surprise afterwards.

2901
02:22:32,955 --> 02:22:34,805
Yeah, no, I mean it's the, I just wanted to clarify

2902
02:22:35,125 --> 02:22:36,605
'cause then yeah, people would no longer have that,

2903
02:22:36,605 --> 02:22:38,805
like it would for the person parking and walking.

2904
02:22:38,915 --> 02:22:40,725
They would, they would no longer have that in between, so.

2905
02:22:40,725 --> 02:22:41,845
Right. Thank you. Yeah,

2906
02:22:44,865 --> 02:22:45,865
Ms.

2907
02:22:45,865 --> 02:22:46,405
Schlager, that was a brilliant

2908
02:22:46,405 --> 02:22:47,725
idea and I thank you for that.

2909
02:22:49,345 --> 02:22:52,525
So we will see no more public comment.

2910
02:22:52,575 --> 02:22:53,925
We're gonna close this agenda item

2911
02:22:53,925 --> 02:22:56,605
and we're gonna take a three minute off camera break,

2912
02:22:56,605 --> 02:22:58,805
three minute recess and we'll come back for

2913
02:22:59,345 --> 02:23:00,845
our third quarter fiscal report.

2914
02:23:08,545 --> 02:23:10,415
Thank you. Welcome back to the select board.

2915
02:23:10,695 --> 02:23:13,295
We've had a slight change in order

2916
02:23:13,435 --> 02:23:15,735
and we are going to hear a,

2917
02:23:16,015 --> 02:23:18,615
a short presentation discussion about the historic

2918
02:23:19,135 --> 02:23:21,135
fountain on the common and then we'll go

2919
02:23:21,135 --> 02:23:22,375
to the third quarter fiscal report.

2920
02:23:23,985 --> 02:23:26,015
Thank you sincerely for taking us out of order.

2921
02:23:26,215 --> 02:23:28,735
Vince has young children and promised to be home by nine.

2922
02:23:28,835 --> 02:23:32,335
So thank you very much. We had some new developments this

2923
02:23:32,335 --> 02:23:33,815
afternoon just in the past few hours

2924
02:23:33,815 --> 02:23:36,055
that I think is gonna change the pathway

2925
02:23:36,245 --> 02:23:37,495
that this project will take.

2926
02:23:37,915 --> 02:23:39,215
So I just wanted to update you.

2927
02:23:39,735 --> 02:23:41,975
Initially there was gonna be a board ask

2928
02:23:42,275 --> 02:23:45,495
and I don't think that that's even necessary anymore.

2929
02:23:45,595 --> 02:23:46,895
So I'm happy just to tell you,

2930
02:23:47,375 --> 02:23:49,535
I've been using this format about the, oh, excuse me.

2931
02:23:49,645 --> 02:23:51,935
Andy Meyer, Vincent Victoria skipped all that.

2932
02:23:51,935 --> 02:23:55,335
Sorry about that. Thank you. Town volunteers working on the

2933
02:23:55,335 --> 02:23:58,295
restoration and renovation of a fountain

2934
02:23:58,405 --> 02:24:00,935
that was on Natick common for 70

2935
02:24:01,115 --> 02:24:04,855
or 80 years that was gifted to the town of Natick

2936
02:24:04,855 --> 02:24:08,055
by the ladies Temperance Union, 19 10, 19 11.

2937
02:24:09,315 --> 02:24:11,615
So I, I've been using this format of things we know

2938
02:24:11,615 --> 02:24:12,695
and things that we don't know,

2939
02:24:13,115 --> 02:24:14,975
and I think we had a big breakthrough today.

2940
02:24:15,035 --> 02:24:17,415
So essentially we know the history of the fountain.

2941
02:24:17,515 --> 02:24:19,695
It is a, it is a, a piece of history.

2942
02:24:20,245 --> 02:24:22,415
Many people in this town remember drinking out of it.

2943
02:24:22,435 --> 02:24:25,455
And the goal is to restore it on a night like tonight when

2944
02:24:25,455 --> 02:24:27,335
you see people walking across the common, having

2945
02:24:27,875 --> 02:24:31,255
an ice cream, you can just imagine how pleasant it would be

2946
02:24:31,355 --> 02:24:34,015
to get a drink of water on our town common.

2947
02:24:34,115 --> 02:24:35,495
So that's kind of why we're doing this.

2948
02:24:36,475 --> 02:24:38,695
We, we know the location of the fountain pieces.

2949
02:24:39,675 --> 02:24:42,495
We have a proposed location where it would be best

2950
02:24:42,515 --> 02:24:44,015
to put the fountain on town common.

2951
02:24:44,675 --> 02:24:45,815
We have an interested party

2952
02:24:45,835 --> 02:24:47,455
who has the skills to restore it.

2953
02:24:48,595 --> 02:24:50,935
We know now that the fountain does not need a sewer hookup.

2954
02:24:50,975 --> 02:24:52,415
I met with the Department of Public Health.

2955
02:24:52,445 --> 02:24:56,135
They were pretty clear that it can act as a drain, drain

2956
02:24:56,135 --> 02:24:58,295
through the ground and recharge the aquifer so

2957
02:24:58,295 --> 02:25:00,175
that we do not need a, a sewer project.

2958
02:25:00,955 --> 02:25:02,855
We know the approximate cost of the fountain,

2959
02:25:03,555 --> 02:25:06,095
the restoration as well as the installation.

2960
02:25:06,755 --> 02:25:08,775
We know that the approximately yearly cost

2961
02:25:08,775 --> 02:25:09,935
of maintenance is quite low.

2962
02:25:10,455 --> 02:25:13,335
We know that there's a funding source we would be proposing

2963
02:25:13,335 --> 02:25:16,095
to apply through the Community Preservation Act.

2964
02:25:16,385 --> 02:25:18,735
We've sent in a letter of interest

2965
02:25:18,835 --> 02:25:22,375
and we note that our application checks off two boxes,

2966
02:25:22,815 --> 02:25:25,965
historic renovation and open space improvement.

2967
02:25:28,025 --> 02:25:31,925
We were initially advised to partner with a fiscal agent

2968
02:25:31,925 --> 02:25:34,645
that would handle the money and pay the invoices.

2969
02:25:35,315 --> 02:25:36,925
That is the Natick Center Associates.

2970
02:25:36,925 --> 02:25:38,285
And I've been working with, we've been working

2971
02:25:38,285 --> 02:25:39,405
with Steve Lavinsky on that.

2972
02:25:39,785 --> 02:25:42,845
The thing that changed today was the role

2973
02:25:42,845 --> 02:25:45,125
that the Nat Center Associates is willing to play.

2974
02:25:45,435 --> 02:25:48,085
They are willing not only to be the fiscal agent,

2975
02:25:48,425 --> 02:25:53,205
but they are willing to provide an

2976
02:25:53,205 --> 02:25:55,925
individual, which we would budget for, who would serve

2977
02:25:55,925 --> 02:25:57,005
as the project manager.

2978
02:25:57,345 --> 02:26:01,485
So that would mean that a recognized nonprofit,

2979
02:26:01,705 --> 02:26:05,365
Natick Center Associates would hire a part-time individual,

2980
02:26:05,375 --> 02:26:07,805
maybe somebody that has retired from the town

2981
02:26:07,805 --> 02:26:09,405
of Natick in an engineering capacity

2982
02:26:09,405 --> 02:26:14,165
or somebody like that to oversee the collection

2983
02:26:14,185 --> 02:26:16,085
of the necessary engineering documents.

2984
02:26:17,125 --> 02:26:19,485
Those documents could be procured

2985
02:26:20,545 --> 02:26:21,925
and once those are settled,

2986
02:26:22,985 --> 02:26:25,645
the Natick Center Associates would apply to the town of NA

2987
02:26:25,665 --> 02:26:28,125
for a building permit, at which point everything would be

2988
02:26:28,725 --> 02:26:32,605
approved, reviewed, organized, and finalized.

2989
02:26:32,945 --> 02:26:35,125
And then of course, once the work is complete

2990
02:26:35,645 --> 02:26:38,925
or is initiated, we'd be partnering the Natick Center

2991
02:26:38,925 --> 02:26:40,805
Associates with the Department of Public Works

2992
02:26:40,805 --> 02:26:43,365
to oversee the work that it's, that it's done correctly.

2993
02:26:43,905 --> 02:26:46,005
So we were going

2994
02:26:46,005 --> 02:26:48,125
to be asking tonight if the board would consider

2995
02:26:48,125 --> 02:26:49,205
making this a town project.

2996
02:26:50,185 --> 02:26:52,885
We don't need to do that because I believe this path forward

2997
02:26:53,375 --> 02:26:55,125
eliminates that entirely now

2998
02:26:55,125 --> 02:26:57,405
that we have Natick Center Associates stepping up willing

2999
02:26:57,405 --> 02:26:58,565
to serve in that capacity.

3000
02:26:58,665 --> 02:27:00,205
So the task

3001
02:27:00,225 --> 02:27:02,845
before us is that there is an a 27,

3002
02:27:03,225 --> 02:27:06,325
an efficient 27 page application that is due

3003
02:27:06,465 --> 02:27:08,285
for the Community Preservation Committee.

3004
02:27:08,545 --> 02:27:10,085
And I believe the deadline is the end of June.

3005
02:27:10,585 --> 02:27:12,845
So we would be partnering as volunteers

3006
02:27:12,845 --> 02:27:14,285
with the Natick Center Associates

3007
02:27:14,585 --> 02:27:15,805
to fill out that application.

3008
02:27:16,105 --> 02:27:17,925
And then we would go through the public process, which,

3009
02:27:17,925 --> 02:27:19,525
which is public hearings

3010
02:27:19,525 --> 02:27:20,925
and eventually a vote of town meeting.

3011
02:27:21,905 --> 02:27:25,445
But I believe we have a pathway now

3012
02:27:26,035 --> 02:27:28,285
that resolves many of the questions we had about

3013
02:27:28,285 --> 02:27:30,645
how exactly are we gonna do this and it's new information.

3014
02:27:30,745 --> 02:27:33,845
So essentially there's no ask to be made tonight.

3015
02:27:34,075 --> 02:27:35,365
It's an update of where we are

3016
02:27:35,625 --> 02:27:38,765
and I, I feel like this is a viable way to pursue it.

3017
02:27:39,305 --> 02:27:41,925
I'm reminded of the words of the great Bob Eisenmenger

3018
02:27:41,925 --> 02:27:43,525
who said, what's wrong with that.

3019
02:27:44,385 --> 02:27:45,925
So there we are.

3020
02:27:45,925 --> 02:27:47,685
That's our update and we are happy to answer any,

3021
02:27:47,855 --> 02:27:50,725
there was a question about whether this qualifies

3022
02:27:50,725 --> 02:27:55,605
as a historic project and out of, out of a saving of time.

3023
02:27:55,705 --> 02:27:57,485
We don't need to go into it, but Vince is here

3024
02:27:57,485 --> 02:27:59,925
and he could, he could explain why we feel this is very much

3025
02:28:00,205 --> 02:28:03,005
a historic renovation project, the, the actual piece

3026
02:28:03,025 --> 02:28:04,365
to be restored back where it was.

3027
02:28:04,505 --> 02:28:06,645
So other than that, that, that, that's our update.

3028
02:28:07,215 --> 02:28:08,885
Happy to answer any questions if you have them.

3029
02:28:09,605 --> 02:28:13,365
Questions for members of the board. Mr. Evans,

3030
02:28:13,395 --> 02:28:17,685
Just a quick one, which is, if I understand correctly,

3031
02:28:17,685 --> 02:28:19,205
your application for

3032
02:28:21,185 --> 02:28:25,885
the CPC will be, will include both the restoration

3033
02:28:26,225 --> 02:28:29,645
and the hookup to water.

3034
02:28:33,145 --> 02:28:35,685
Is, is it going to be the whole concept in other words?

3035
02:28:35,745 --> 02:28:37,005
Yes, sir. I, I, I think it makes sense.

3036
02:28:37,325 --> 02:28:39,205
I, I'm, I'm thinking about how I might feel

3037
02:28:39,205 --> 02:28:40,325
if I was a town meeting member.

3038
02:28:40,695 --> 02:28:43,565
We're gonna be describing the project and,

3039
02:28:43,565 --> 02:28:45,765
and the project in its entirety includes

3040
02:28:46,915 --> 02:28:49,805
restoring the actual fountain and its installation.

3041
02:28:50,185 --> 02:28:54,325
So I, I thought it might be a touch misin, a disjointed to,

3042
02:28:54,425 --> 02:28:56,005
to do, to put in two applications.

3043
02:28:56,305 --> 02:28:58,885
So I thought it would be one application for the project,

3044
02:28:59,265 --> 02:29:00,565
but specifying that the ne

3045
02:29:00,635 --> 02:29:02,685
what the necessary steps are in order to make it happen.

3046
02:29:03,085 --> 02:29:06,765
Excellent. Okay. Just a follow up question, Mr.

3047
02:29:07,255 --> 02:29:11,845
Sprat actually, which is just have, have you reviewed the,

3048
02:29:12,525 --> 02:29:14,445
I know a while back we were talking about the

3049
02:29:15,365 --> 02:29:16,645
challenges in connecting

3050
02:29:16,785 --> 02:29:18,885
and location on the common, et cetera.

3051
02:29:19,385 --> 02:29:21,765
The view of any insight on

3052
02:29:23,665 --> 02:29:24,805
the feasibility of this?

3053
02:29:27,065 --> 02:29:29,285
We have been involved from the beginning, so yes,

3054
02:29:29,565 --> 02:29:31,765
I have been involved in and understand the full project.

3055
02:29:32,155 --> 02:29:36,845
Okay. And you're, you feel it's within the scope of what

3056
02:29:38,005 --> 02:29:39,085
DPW can handle?

3057
02:29:40,505 --> 02:29:44,645
The DPW would not be doing, I'm guiding the process,

3058
02:29:45,165 --> 02:29:47,325
but the DPW would not be making these connections

3059
02:29:47,325 --> 02:29:48,805
that would have to be part of the project

3060
02:29:49,105 --> 02:29:52,925
And, and Natick Center Associates would then manage

3061
02:29:54,025 --> 02:29:57,205
the connection to suppose there's, for whatever reason,

3062
02:29:57,205 --> 02:30:01,285
there's a difficulty who owns fixing the problem,

3063
02:30:01,725 --> 02:30:03,725
A licensed drain layer would have to do that project.

3064
02:30:04,105 --> 02:30:05,565
Let me ask Mr. Erickson to weigh in on this.

3065
02:30:05,795 --> 02:30:07,605
Yeah, I mean the, the program, sorry.

3066
02:30:07,605 --> 02:30:10,245
Thank you for, for, so in essence the,

3067
02:30:10,265 --> 02:30:13,565
the grant program would pay, would be a, a grant

3068
02:30:13,585 --> 02:30:15,965
to NA Center Associates for the project.

3069
02:30:16,555 --> 02:30:19,805
Okay. And then that project would include the installation

3070
02:30:19,805 --> 02:30:21,485
and connections and everything as part of that.

3071
02:30:22,265 --> 02:30:24,885
So essentially what, what DBW doing would be reviewing the

3072
02:30:24,885 --> 02:30:26,085
design plans once they're created

3073
02:30:26,465 --> 02:30:28,245
and overseeing the project once it's done

3074
02:30:28,465 --> 02:30:29,645
by private contractors

3075
02:30:30,245 --> 02:30:33,845
provided through, as, you know, through a gift to the town,

3076
02:30:33,865 --> 02:30:36,205
so to speak, as part of the grant program.

3077
02:30:36,345 --> 02:30:38,445
So we can grant through CPC, we can grant

3078
02:30:38,445 --> 02:30:39,565
to private nonprofits.

3079
02:30:39,565 --> 02:30:41,725
We do it. A good example of this is the one

3080
02:30:41,725 --> 02:30:43,405
that we're currently doing with the RY libraries,

3081
02:30:43,405 --> 02:30:45,645
whether we're doing the historic fence fence

3082
02:30:45,875 --> 02:30:47,685
that is partially on town property

3083
02:30:47,685 --> 02:30:49,805
because it goes on to public right of way,

3084
02:30:50,105 --> 02:30:51,485
mostly on private property

3085
02:30:51,485 --> 02:30:52,965
because the Bacon free library land

3086
02:30:53,025 --> 02:30:54,405
is actually nonprofit owned.

3087
02:30:54,515 --> 02:30:57,125
Yeah. And that's an example of how we gifted,

3088
02:30:57,705 --> 02:30:59,445
we granted the CPC

3089
02:30:59,445 --> 02:31:03,005
or the town actually granted money to a private nonprofit

3090
02:31:03,185 --> 02:31:05,525
to do that work and then they did all the work.

3091
02:31:06,075 --> 02:31:07,325
Okay, thank you. That will So

3092
02:31:07,325 --> 02:31:08,325
In essence cleared it up.

3093
02:31:08,435 --> 02:31:10,245
Yeah. The long-term maintenance is still on the town

3094
02:31:10,245 --> 02:31:12,525
because once it's, and the board would likely have

3095
02:31:12,525 --> 02:31:13,965
to take some action at some point in the

3096
02:31:13,965 --> 02:31:15,085
future to accept the gift.

3097
02:31:15,355 --> 02:31:17,165
Yeah. Probably before installation.

3098
02:31:17,165 --> 02:31:19,125
But we had to talk through legal counsel exactly

3099
02:31:19,360 --> 02:31:20,420
how that mechanism works.

3100
02:31:20,420 --> 02:31:22,525
But that's a, okay, you accept gifts a lot,

3101
02:31:22,705 --> 02:31:24,565
so it's probably a fairly straightforward process.

3102
02:31:24,755 --> 02:31:26,325
Okay. Thank you For that explanation.

3103
02:31:26,325 --> 02:31:28,725
That really helped Mr. Jacobs, I, I was just asking,

3104
02:31:28,745 --> 02:31:31,605
so if needed Center Associates is, is doing this in the way

3105
02:31:31,605 --> 02:31:33,685
that you guys all described, so do, do they, do they have

3106
02:31:33,685 --> 02:31:35,365
to follow this state procurement process

3107
02:31:35,785 --> 02:31:37,125
or No, because it's, if

3108
02:31:37,405 --> 02:31:39,005
It's handled as a grant Yeah.

3109
02:31:39,185 --> 02:31:41,285
And it, everything is done by the nonprofit

3110
02:31:41,505 --> 02:31:43,005
and then gifted to the town.

3111
02:31:43,705 --> 02:31:45,605
My understanding from legal counsel is no.

3112
02:31:45,755 --> 02:31:48,445
Cool. So then It's when we got into the, who's doing

3113
02:31:48,445 --> 02:31:50,845
what portion of the project and who's covering what

3114
02:31:50,905 --> 02:31:53,045
and is town staff involved,

3115
02:31:53,105 --> 02:31:56,485
that's when we started getting into where's the procurement?

3116
02:31:56,515 --> 02:31:57,845
Like where's that line?

3117
02:31:57,865 --> 02:32:01,605
We, we couldn't, we had to have a pretty, this helps

3118
02:32:01,675 --> 02:32:04,085
with having a very definitive sort of like, line for

3119
02:32:04,085 --> 02:32:05,085
It.

3120
02:32:05,085 --> 02:32:05,605
Well, this sounds like a really good outcome,

3121
02:32:05,665 --> 02:32:08,645
but just the only thing is just like you're, you know,

3122
02:32:08,975 --> 02:32:11,125
Jamie, just like, do you have, I mean,

3123
02:32:11,245 --> 02:32:12,445
'cause obviously eventually there, there,

3124
02:32:12,625 --> 02:32:13,965
and you know, even going through it,

3125
02:32:13,965 --> 02:32:16,285
like there's still gonna be work on the town side involved

3126
02:32:16,285 --> 02:32:18,525
with this, especially once they're ready to hook this up.

3127
02:32:18,525 --> 02:32:21,205
Right. But like, do you feel that it's like with, you know,

3128
02:32:21,675 --> 02:32:24,045
this concern about bumping other things to the side

3129
02:32:24,065 --> 02:32:27,365
or do you think like now with the, with you know,

3130
02:32:28,425 --> 02:32:30,005
Natick Center Associates hiring the people

3131
02:32:30,005 --> 02:32:32,085
and doing all that, that that, that takes enough off of it

3132
02:32:32,085 --> 02:32:33,285
that it's manageable.

3133
02:32:34,805 --> 02:32:37,525
I I mean time will tell through the project, so

3134
02:32:37,875 --> 02:32:38,805
Sure, sure. There's your

3135
02:32:38,805 --> 02:32:40,885
Crystal ball Not having enough. Having

3136
02:32:40,885 --> 02:32:42,285
To, it's not really a fair question, I

3137
02:32:42,285 --> 02:32:43,285
Guess.

3138
02:32:43,285 --> 02:32:45,645
Sorry. I mean this is definitely a, a benefit in the sense

3139
02:32:45,645 --> 02:32:49,125
that town staff isn't being relied on to do the procurement

3140
02:32:49,125 --> 02:32:52,565
to manage any sort of components of the project

3141
02:32:52,705 --> 02:32:53,765
to do the design work.

3142
02:32:54,025 --> 02:32:56,685
Yep. You know, reviewing project design is, is

3143
02:32:56,685 --> 02:32:58,645
what we do every day when we review private projects

3144
02:32:58,645 --> 02:32:59,725
that connect to our water lines.

3145
02:32:59,865 --> 02:33:03,725
So it's kind of like a similar role from that perspective.

3146
02:33:03,945 --> 02:33:05,445
Yes. It's also on town property.

3147
02:33:06,795 --> 02:33:08,365
Will there, will there be added, you know

3148
02:33:09,115 --> 02:33:10,245
Yeah, yeah, there will be.

3149
02:33:10,245 --> 02:33:13,765
But you know, that, that's having an

3150
02:33:13,795 --> 02:33:16,325
outside entity doing the work is,

3151
02:33:16,425 --> 02:33:18,045
is the bene is a net benefit.

3152
02:33:18,845 --> 02:33:21,125
There will still, there is still, you know, just the, the,

3153
02:33:21,185 --> 02:33:24,685
the reality that adding any component to the common

3154
02:33:24,685 --> 02:33:27,885
that's actually functioning is going to have long-term Yeah.

3155
02:33:28,035 --> 02:33:29,365
Maintenance costs as well.

3156
02:33:30,425 --> 02:33:31,925
So, and we need to understand that.

3157
02:33:31,925 --> 02:33:33,805
We don't fully know that quite yet,

3158
02:33:33,805 --> 02:33:35,205
but we do need to understand that eventually,

3159
02:33:35,265 --> 02:33:38,045
If I may just add one thing in our discussions with the

3160
02:33:38,935 --> 02:33:41,285
board of health, they, they confirmed

3161
02:33:41,285 --> 02:33:42,685
that there's enough water pressure in the line.

3162
02:33:42,685 --> 02:33:44,285
This thing doesn't need a pump, so it

3163
02:33:44,285 --> 02:33:45,525
doesn't really need any electricity.

3164
02:33:45,985 --> 02:33:48,245
So it, it, it, that's my understanding.

3165
02:33:48,245 --> 02:33:49,565
Yeah. That, that's, that's a net benefit.

3166
02:33:50,145 --> 02:33:52,965
But we do still, like we, with all water lines in town,

3167
02:33:52,965 --> 02:33:54,205
we do have to winterize them.

3168
02:33:54,265 --> 02:33:55,325
Oh yeah. And all that stuff,

3169
02:33:55,325 --> 02:33:56,805
There's a shut off and a turn on and,

3170
02:33:56,805 --> 02:34:00,245
and originally my my understanding is that that is a,

3171
02:34:00,475 --> 02:34:02,245
well they, they're they're, they're sprinklers on the town

3172
02:34:02,305 --> 02:34:04,525
com and they get turned on a shut so that Yeah, exactly.

3173
02:34:04,675 --> 02:34:06,445
It's, it kind of dovetails with that. So,

3174
02:34:06,625 --> 02:34:08,085
And we have water fountains in other park spaces,

3175
02:34:08,345 --> 02:34:10,565
so it's not, it's still That makes sense.

3176
02:34:10,675 --> 02:34:13,885
It's not the, the little added cost isn't much of a concern.

3177
02:34:13,885 --> 02:34:15,925
It's just when we have this plus plus, plus plus. Yeah.

3178
02:34:16,265 --> 02:34:19,125
But, but you know, I just wanna make sure the board's aware

3179
02:34:19,125 --> 02:34:21,085
that there, it's not as if it comes with no cost.

3180
02:34:21,085 --> 02:34:22,445
There is some cost, but of course.

3181
02:34:22,445 --> 02:34:25,285
Definitely. And I think his other image of this plan is

3182
02:34:25,285 --> 02:34:27,165
that the interested sculptor who,

3183
02:34:27,345 --> 02:34:28,885
who we've mentioned in the past, yeah.

3184
02:34:30,125 --> 02:34:33,525
I, I think we can definitely attract his attention now

3185
02:34:33,525 --> 02:34:35,285
knowing that he's not gonna go out to like a,

3186
02:34:35,405 --> 02:34:36,485
a three person blank bit.

3187
02:34:36,485 --> 02:34:37,925
That's why I asked that. Yeah. Yeah. So I think

3188
02:34:37,925 --> 02:34:39,805
as a private entity contracting with him,

3189
02:34:39,985 --> 02:34:41,725
we can almost assure that, that

3190
02:34:41,725 --> 02:34:43,005
that would be the person that would be doing the work.

3191
02:34:43,025 --> 02:34:44,965
And I think he's uniquely qualified for it. Yeah.

3192
02:34:45,345 --> 02:34:46,605
So interesting.

3193
02:34:47,065 --> 02:34:49,285
No, we again, no ask from the board, but

3194
02:34:49,945 --> 02:34:52,245
unless there's some horrible objection,

3195
02:34:52,245 --> 02:34:54,405
which there does not appear to be, we're gonna proceed

3196
02:34:54,665 --> 02:34:56,525
and we'll we'll kind of walk it through the,

3197
02:34:56,585 --> 02:34:58,005
the public hearing process in the fall

3198
02:34:58,465 --> 02:34:59,725
And as changes come up,

3199
02:34:59,725 --> 02:35:01,765
could you convey that to Mr. Erickson?

3200
02:35:01,765 --> 02:35:03,885
Sure. Will those issues come up? I'm sure you will. Just

3201
02:35:04,055 --> 02:35:05,055
Happy to.

3202
02:35:05,055 --> 02:35:06,725
That would be great. And Vincent,

3203
02:35:06,865 --> 02:35:07,965
you are probably grounded.

3204
02:35:09,315 --> 02:35:11,045
It's 9 0 4. 9 0 4.

3205
02:35:12,775 --> 02:35:13,925
Sorry About that. No, no,

3206
02:35:13,925 --> 02:35:15,005
I understand. My husband, thank

3207
02:35:15,005 --> 02:35:16,725
You again for taking us out. Appreciate

3208
02:35:16,725 --> 02:35:17,725
It very much.

3209
02:35:17,725 --> 02:35:22,125
Yep. Thanks for being here. Third

3210
02:35:22,125 --> 02:35:23,285
quarter fiscal report.

3211
02:35:23,905 --> 02:35:27,285
We invite Mr. Sky and to come on up.

3212
02:35:31,895 --> 02:35:33,405
Hello. Gimme just a moment.

3213
02:35:35,965 --> 02:35:37,125
I do my thing here.

3214
02:35:39,085 --> 02:35:41,125
Gloria's got it up and running. Oh,

3215
02:35:42,155 --> 02:35:43,365
Well Gloria does. Yeah,

3216
02:35:44,065 --> 02:35:45,065
Of course she does.

3217
02:35:45,065 --> 02:35:45,965
Of course. Of course

3218
02:35:45,965 --> 02:35:46,965
She does.

3219
02:35:51,115 --> 02:35:53,405
Good evening. Thank you board members for having us today.

3220
02:35:53,505 --> 02:35:54,525
We really appreciate it.

3221
02:35:55,455 --> 02:35:57,445
We'll try to be complete,

3222
02:35:57,445 --> 02:36:01,485
but expeditious, given the hour, this, the purpose

3223
02:36:01,505 --> 02:36:03,245
of our briefing today is to give you a,

3224
02:36:03,245 --> 02:36:04,565
just a quick update on third quarter

3225
02:36:05,145 --> 02:36:07,365
and some sense of what's to come in the next few months

3226
02:36:07,585 --> 02:36:10,685
as far as future presentations go and things like that.

3227
02:36:11,945 --> 02:36:14,525
So the first part's gonna be the, this overview

3228
02:36:14,585 --> 02:36:16,245
and then the second part will be a,

3229
02:36:17,625 --> 02:36:18,925
an updated financial outlook.

3230
02:36:22,275 --> 02:36:25,165
Okay. So this

3231
02:36:26,695 --> 02:36:29,805
slide shows you kind of a, gives you a sense of, of overall

3232
02:36:29,805 --> 02:36:30,845
what we're seeing this year.

3233
02:36:31,545 --> 02:36:33,405
Bottom line, we're generally on track

3234
02:36:34,505 --> 02:36:39,205
ma major revenue sources are up by about 7.5% over FY 25,

3235
02:36:39,385 --> 02:36:42,285
mainly due to the operational override, as well as some

3236
02:36:43,345 --> 02:36:46,125
higher numbers on some local receipts in state aid.

3237
02:36:47,075 --> 02:36:49,085
There's a detailed breakdown on later slides.

3238
02:36:49,745 --> 02:36:51,525
One thing that should be mentioned at this point is motor

3239
02:36:51,525 --> 02:36:52,685
vehicle excise tax.

3240
02:36:53,825 --> 02:36:55,325
So that's up by about 4%.

3241
02:36:55,495 --> 02:36:58,685
While other excise taxes like such as hotel

3242
02:36:58,685 --> 02:37:02,045
and meals tax are up by a bit more, we expect that

3243
02:37:02,045 --> 02:37:04,525
to continue given, you know, openings that are happening

3244
02:37:04,525 --> 02:37:08,205
around town, the license permits are

3245
02:37:08,205 --> 02:37:09,405
down rather dramatically.

3246
02:37:10,155 --> 02:37:13,925
That is not so much down below,

3247
02:37:14,095 --> 02:37:15,205
below the historical number.

3248
02:37:15,225 --> 02:37:16,805
But last year was an aberration of a year

3249
02:37:16,805 --> 02:37:18,485
because of the large projects that we had.

3250
02:37:19,705 --> 02:37:22,485
And the golf course continues to be doing well.

3251
02:37:23,355 --> 02:37:25,245
They're probably nearing a ceiling in terms

3252
02:37:25,245 --> 02:37:27,405
of their capacity to generate additional revenue.

3253
02:37:28,425 --> 02:37:30,165
You're seeing a big increase in here, mainly due

3254
02:37:30,165 --> 02:37:31,845
to rate changes, but they're probably,

3255
02:37:31,845 --> 02:37:33,845
they're probably reaching their max capacity

3256
02:37:33,845 --> 02:37:34,925
in terms of traffic.

3257
02:37:35,465 --> 02:37:38,925
So the, on the expenditure side,

3258
02:37:38,925 --> 02:37:41,085
general fund expenditure is about 67%.

3259
02:37:41,505 --> 02:37:45,685
The biggest obstacle we're facing there is snow,

3260
02:37:45,945 --> 02:37:47,125
is snow and ice costs.

3261
02:37:47,765 --> 02:37:50,365
We have about a $1.9 million snow and ice deficit.

3262
02:37:51,305 --> 02:37:53,685
We are confident that we'll be able to deal with that

3263
02:37:54,285 --> 02:37:55,405
through various transfers.

3264
02:37:55,405 --> 02:37:58,765
And Michelle Lowery's been working on that now, but,

3265
02:37:59,145 --> 02:38:02,805
but it will affect, it will probably affect our turnbacks in

3266
02:38:02,805 --> 02:38:04,605
subsequently our free cash number as well.

3267
02:38:06,315 --> 02:38:06,605
Okay.

3268
02:38:11,105 --> 02:38:14,285
Tax levy stated collections are generally on track tax.

3269
02:38:14,355 --> 02:38:17,085
Levy is is the third quarter with just over 75%.

3270
02:38:18,465 --> 02:38:21,765
And we have a number of prior year receipts

3271
02:38:21,785 --> 02:38:23,445
and real, real estate taxes

3272
02:38:23,465 --> 02:38:26,165
and personal property taxes from the tax title project.

3273
02:38:27,135 --> 02:38:29,685
Third quarter local receipts show significant increase

3274
02:38:29,685 --> 02:38:30,725
about 34%.

3275
02:38:30,725 --> 02:38:32,605
However, as indicated in the chart,

3276
02:38:32,605 --> 02:38:36,885
the biggest escalation was the large building project in 25.

3277
02:38:37,725 --> 02:38:39,205
This pace had been normalized in 26

3278
02:38:39,205 --> 02:38:40,325
after excluding that source.

3279
02:38:41,915 --> 02:38:42,915
Okay.

3280
02:38:43,715 --> 02:38:46,645
This Is a look at kind of major categories of revenue.

3281
02:38:46,865 --> 02:38:49,165
So select numbers, the there, this is,

3282
02:38:49,195 --> 02:38:50,445
it's a fairly dense chart

3283
02:38:50,505 --> 02:38:52,805
and I don't want to belabor it too much.

3284
02:38:52,825 --> 02:38:54,765
The thing to really focus on, I'd say is that

3285
02:38:55,965 --> 02:38:59,725
a couple things, the penalties

3286
02:38:59,745 --> 02:39:01,765
and interest are still doing well.

3287
02:39:02,365 --> 02:39:05,205
Mainly from for reise tax

3288
02:39:05,205 --> 02:39:07,925
and real estate taxes as well as on the tax title project.

3289
02:39:09,145 --> 02:39:10,565
We would've raised the base on that.

3290
02:39:11,555 --> 02:39:15,005
Also on investments, well you see a small increase here,

3291
02:39:15,005 --> 02:39:16,365
but we have with our,

3292
02:39:16,365 --> 02:39:18,125
with our ongoing project in the treasury's office,

3293
02:39:18,445 --> 02:39:19,645
discover some opportunities on,

3294
02:39:19,905 --> 02:39:22,085
on interest yield on our accounts

3295
02:39:22,115 --> 02:39:24,605
that we're taking advantage of, which should increase some

3296
02:39:24,605 --> 02:39:25,885
that number rather dramatically.

3297
02:39:27,115 --> 02:39:31,405
Okay. On the expense side,

3298
02:39:31,515 --> 02:39:34,205
general fund expense is about 67%, right?

3299
02:39:34,225 --> 02:39:38,405
At this point, towns about 73%.

3300
02:39:38,405 --> 02:39:41,925
Schools at 61% schools generally end up fully spent

3301
02:39:41,945 --> 02:39:46,245
by the end of the year pretty close and shares about 72%.

3302
02:39:46,675 --> 02:39:49,725
Most of the departments remain under 75% except

3303
02:39:49,725 --> 02:39:52,525
for public works, which is, that's strictly

3304
02:39:52,725 --> 02:39:53,725
'cause of the snow and ice issue.

3305
02:39:55,585 --> 02:40:00,525
And the line chart in the middle shows town,

3306
02:40:00,625 --> 02:40:03,645
school town and shared expense trends from FY 23

3307
02:40:03,645 --> 02:40:06,845
to 26 over the third quarter period, schools are up

3308
02:40:06,845 --> 02:40:10,325
by about 18%, town 13% and shared 11%.

3309
02:40:10,345 --> 02:40:12,365
That's a, an interesting data point

3310
02:40:13,345 --> 02:40:15,525
if you look at it in context as we go along as well.

3311
02:40:17,235 --> 02:40:22,045
Next chart, this is a closer look at third quarter

3312
02:40:22,045 --> 02:40:24,925
expense page operating function as you'll, as you can see,

3313
02:40:25,825 --> 02:40:29,205
public works is showing the big increase schools as well.

3314
02:40:30,005 --> 02:40:32,605
There's this budget related and public works.

3315
02:40:32,675 --> 02:40:34,285
It's the, the snow and ice deficit.

3316
02:40:36,675 --> 02:40:41,525
Okay. Enterprise funds remain

3317
02:40:41,525 --> 02:40:43,045
generally positive through the third quarter.

3318
02:40:44,095 --> 02:40:46,405
Water sewer has seen a more

3319
02:40:46,665 --> 02:40:48,845
so far seeing a more substantial surplus in the,

3320
02:40:49,025 --> 02:40:51,445
the golf course in terms of revenue to expense.

3321
02:40:51,675 --> 02:40:54,845
That makes sense. Golf courses, the golf course is big.

3322
02:40:54,845 --> 02:40:57,005
Revenue generation doesn't obviously happen over the winter.

3323
02:40:57,185 --> 02:40:58,285
It happens over the spring.

3324
02:40:58,545 --> 02:40:59,765
So they'll probably catch up and look

3325
02:40:59,765 --> 02:41:00,925
pretty good by the end of the year as well.

3326
02:41:07,825 --> 02:41:09,605
So that's the third quarter update.

3327
02:41:09,675 --> 02:41:11,765
I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have on that

3328
02:41:11,825 --> 02:41:13,525
or I can move on to the future budget

3329
02:41:13,805 --> 02:41:15,005
considerations discussion as well.

3330
02:41:16,015 --> 02:41:18,525
Let's go through the whole, okay. Yeah, let's do the whole

3331
02:41:18,525 --> 02:41:19,525
Thing.

3332
02:41:19,525 --> 02:41:23,565
Yeah, sure. So some thoughts just about what's

3333
02:41:23,565 --> 02:41:24,805
to come over the next several months.

3334
02:41:26,315 --> 02:41:30,445
Next slide please. So this is the five-year forecast.

3335
02:41:30,445 --> 02:41:31,485
You've seen this before.

3336
02:41:31,835 --> 02:41:35,605
This is basically the forecast that we showed you with the

3337
02:41:36,325 --> 02:41:38,525
preliminary budget back earlier this year.

3338
02:41:39,065 --> 02:41:40,925
The only difference is that we've updated it

3339
02:41:40,925 --> 02:41:45,005
to incorporate the FY 27 budget that was adopted, which had,

3340
02:41:45,005 --> 02:41:46,005
which obviously was a little bit

3341
02:41:46,005 --> 02:41:47,205
different than the preliminary.

3342
02:41:47,805 --> 02:41:49,205
It's a little bit different on the revenue side

3343
02:41:49,205 --> 02:41:50,285
thanks to state aid.

3344
02:41:51,505 --> 02:41:53,445
And it's a little bit different as far as health insurance,

3345
02:41:53,465 --> 02:41:56,205
as well as the new initiatives that were approved and, and,

3346
02:41:56,225 --> 02:41:58,245
and the way we allocated free cash and so on.

3347
02:41:58,545 --> 02:42:00,765
So this forecast incorporates that in,

3348
02:42:00,765 --> 02:42:02,085
but the numbers are generally pretty close.

3349
02:42:02,385 --> 02:42:04,885
The bottom line to where we saw what we saw in February,

3350
02:42:06,065 --> 02:42:08,565
as you'll note there are deficits in there

3351
02:42:08,785 --> 02:42:09,805
on the ongoing years.

3352
02:42:11,225 --> 02:42:15,525
The, there's some assumptions in this proposal that,

3353
02:42:15,545 --> 02:42:17,565
or there's a projection that we, that we showed you,

3354
02:42:17,815 --> 02:42:20,525
which were, which need to be kind

3355
02:42:20,525 --> 02:42:21,965
of taken into account when looking at that.

3356
02:42:22,025 --> 02:42:24,445
For example, the schools

3357
02:42:25,625 --> 02:42:27,885
are showing 5% a year annual increase.

3358
02:42:28,405 --> 02:42:29,885
That's based on the historic average

3359
02:42:29,885 --> 02:42:32,005
that we've seen over the past number of years.

3360
02:42:33,385 --> 02:42:38,285
The, we move forward in this projection with the

3361
02:42:39,485 --> 02:42:42,405
retirement with, with the retirement of, of the use of

3362
02:42:43,075 --> 02:42:44,165
operating free cash.

3363
02:42:45,065 --> 02:42:46,445
The three and a half million that we've been using

3364
02:42:46,465 --> 02:42:49,085
for the past several years for sustainability issues.

3365
02:42:49,085 --> 02:42:51,325
We tried to get that to zero, see what that would look like.

3366
02:42:51,585 --> 02:42:53,925
So that obviously affects the out year years as well.

3367
02:42:54,785 --> 02:42:56,885
And then also we don't use any of our,

3368
02:42:58,405 --> 02:43:00,445
we don't use our stabilization fund funds.

3369
02:43:00,445 --> 02:43:02,405
That's a, that's, that's, that's another point.

3370
02:43:02,905 --> 02:43:05,725
And of course, per the financial management principles,

3371
02:43:06,745 --> 02:43:10,245
any money that that, well the majority of the money that,

3372
02:43:10,565 --> 02:43:12,885
that, that's, that, that, that's freed up by

3373
02:43:13,735 --> 02:43:16,725
fulfilling the pension obligation is going toward oped.

3374
02:43:17,345 --> 02:43:19,165
So, which is why you see the

3375
02:43:19,175 --> 02:43:20,805
below the line item number going up

3376
02:43:20,805 --> 02:43:22,045
and the shared services number

3377
02:43:22,045 --> 02:43:23,125
going down in those out years.

3378
02:43:23,355 --> 02:43:24,355
Okay.

3379
02:43:25,265 --> 02:43:27,165
And, and why you see the continued deficit,

3380
02:43:27,925 --> 02:43:28,925
Right?

3381
02:43:28,925 --> 02:43:30,125
And the continued deficit in part because of that. Yeah.

3382
02:43:30,425 --> 02:43:31,845
And revenue assumptions overall,

3383
02:43:31,985 --> 02:43:34,125
of course are largely rather conservative.

3384
02:43:34,415 --> 02:43:36,605
We're showing we're continuing with the one

3385
02:43:36,605 --> 02:43:40,285
and a half million a year in new growth as well as,

3386
02:43:42,225 --> 02:43:44,245
you know, as I said, minimizing the free cash

3387
02:43:44,705 --> 02:43:48,965
and showing ongoing inflation in various other issues.

3388
02:43:48,965 --> 02:43:50,525
Things like healthcare and so on.

3389
02:43:51,105 --> 02:43:53,685
So this should be viewed as kind of a

3390
02:43:54,365 --> 02:43:55,805
sensitivity analysis more than anything else.

3391
02:43:57,755 --> 02:43:59,845
However, it also informs some of the things that we need

3392
02:43:59,845 --> 02:44:01,565
to look at going, going forward.

3393
02:44:01,665 --> 02:44:05,565
So next slide. You know, some of the issues

3394
02:44:05,565 --> 02:44:06,605
that we're focused on

3395
02:44:06,605 --> 02:44:08,805
and concerned about are ongoing growth.

3396
02:44:09,715 --> 02:44:13,485
There's about a half percent structural imbalance

3397
02:44:13,485 --> 02:44:14,765
between the rate of revenue growth

3398
02:44:14,765 --> 02:44:15,845
and rate of expansion growth.

3399
02:44:16,145 --> 02:44:17,885
It doesn't sound like much, but it's about equivalent

3400
02:44:17,885 --> 02:44:19,285
to about a million to million

3401
02:44:19,285 --> 02:44:21,125
and a half dollars a year, which compounds.

3402
02:44:21,905 --> 02:44:25,285
So, and that's driven largely by the fact that

3403
02:44:26,035 --> 02:44:28,325
revenue's been going up by about 4.4%

3404
02:44:29,325 --> 02:44:32,365
expenditures overall going up by about just under 5%.

3405
02:44:33,305 --> 02:44:35,125
The components of that are about five,

3406
02:44:35,305 --> 02:44:38,845
as you can see in the, the box here, about 5.4% schools,

3407
02:44:39,295 --> 02:44:42,285
3.7% town, 5.27% shared.

3408
02:44:44,265 --> 02:44:47,005
So those are all those, that's a structural gap

3409
02:44:47,005 --> 02:44:50,285
that we're seeing on the economic conditions side.

3410
02:44:50,755 --> 02:44:52,285
Look, receipts have been doing pretty well,

3411
02:44:52,345 --> 02:44:54,525
but there are, you know, inflationary pressures,

3412
02:44:54,905 --> 02:44:57,325
the economic issues, there's a lot of uncertainty right now.

3413
02:44:57,465 --> 02:44:58,605
So we need to keep a real close

3414
02:44:58,625 --> 02:44:59,685
eye on what's going on there.

3415
02:45:00,235 --> 02:45:03,565
Obviously things like utility costs, inflation

3416
02:45:03,585 --> 02:45:07,285
and so on are affecting our numbers for FY 26

3417
02:45:07,285 --> 02:45:08,645
and won't affect our numbers for 27.

3418
02:45:09,145 --> 02:45:11,525
One of the things that we did in the FY 27 budget was,

3419
02:45:11,525 --> 02:45:14,205
if you recall, we doubled the fi the fiscal reserve.

3420
02:45:14,745 --> 02:45:16,805
So that, and, and that's specifically

3421
02:45:16,805 --> 02:45:18,765
because we wanted make sure with the things

3422
02:45:18,765 --> 02:45:21,205
that were going on at the going started at the time

3423
02:45:21,205 --> 02:45:23,205
and they're going, it's still going on now out there

3424
02:45:23,205 --> 02:45:25,125
that we had some abil some flexibility

3425
02:45:25,125 --> 02:45:26,205
to handle costs like that.

3426
02:45:28,025 --> 02:45:31,805
The, and then of course the, the,

3427
02:45:31,805 --> 02:45:35,365
the town's policy priorities, both the, the, the, you know,

3428
02:45:35,425 --> 02:45:37,445
our decisions on capital and, and,

3429
02:45:37,465 --> 02:45:39,205
and the board's priorities as well

3430
02:45:39,205 --> 02:45:40,685
as the financial management principles

3431
02:45:40,685 --> 02:45:43,245
and looking at those going forward, making sure

3432
02:45:43,245 --> 02:45:45,485
that they are well attuned

3433
02:45:45,485 --> 02:45:46,765
and appropriate to what we're looking to do.

3434
02:45:48,065 --> 02:45:49,725
So next slide.

3435
02:45:50,905 --> 02:45:54,325
So next steps later this summer, probably August

3436
02:45:54,325 --> 02:45:55,725
or September, we'll give you,

3437
02:45:55,725 --> 02:45:59,565
we'll do our year end financial review also give you a sense

3438
02:45:59,565 --> 02:46:01,925
of what we're looking at for the preliminary outlook for 28.

3439
02:46:03,345 --> 02:46:06,005
We, we will probably be talk coming back to you at, around

3440
02:46:06,005 --> 02:46:08,885
that time with some thoughts about the financial management

3441
02:46:09,070 --> 02:46:10,390
principles and things that we can do there,

3442
02:46:10,585 --> 02:46:12,165
but to update them and possibly

3443
02:46:12,785 --> 02:46:16,165
po possibly revise within the context of where we're trying

3444
02:46:16,165 --> 02:46:18,205
to get to as far as our projections go.

3445
02:46:18,665 --> 02:46:20,725
And, and also of course look,

3446
02:46:20,725 --> 02:46:22,645
continuing our focus on long-term sustainability.

3447
02:46:24,215 --> 02:46:26,165
Thank you so much Mr. Skye. Thank you.

3448
02:46:26,545 --> 02:46:29,245
I'd like to open this to questions from the public,

3449
02:46:33,265 --> 02:46:34,445
seeing no one on Zoom

3450
02:46:34,465 --> 02:46:36,805
or in the room that has a question, like open up

3451
02:46:36,805 --> 02:46:38,405
to questions or comments from the board.

3452
02:46:39,665 --> 02:46:41,645
Ms. Slager. Mr. Jacobs.

3453
02:46:41,795 --> 02:46:43,525
Alright, no questions on this yet,

3454
02:46:43,585 --> 02:46:46,965
but I do wanna say every time we see this it gets better.

3455
02:46:47,745 --> 02:46:49,965
And so just wanted to say thank you to Gloria

3456
02:46:49,965 --> 02:46:51,445
because we all know it's Gloria.

3457
02:46:51,705 --> 02:46:54,005
Oh, it's definitely

3458
02:46:54,005 --> 02:46:55,005
Gloria.

3459
02:46:55,005 --> 02:46:56,045
You mean the presentation gets better?

3460
02:46:56,185 --> 02:46:58,525
The presentation presentation gets so much better.

3461
02:46:59,705 --> 02:47:02,005
The data gets better, the presentation gets better.

3462
02:47:02,015 --> 02:47:04,085
Definitely. Just wanted to make sure and and I,

3463
02:47:04,105 --> 02:47:06,365
and I have to say I really do like the future budget

3464
02:47:06,965 --> 02:47:11,325
considerations and, and adding that as a, as a topic.

3465
02:47:11,795 --> 02:47:14,405
It's extremely helpful. It's, it's very helpful

3466
02:47:15,185 --> 02:47:18,805
and I have a lot of questions, but it'll wait. Happy

3467
02:47:18,865 --> 02:47:19,865
To answer nine 15.

3468
02:47:20,345 --> 02:47:21,345
So,

3469
02:47:22,075 --> 02:47:23,075
Alright.

3470
02:47:23,075 --> 02:47:25,085
Well may maybe I'll take a cue from my fellow board member

3471
02:47:25,325 --> 02:47:27,605
and, and I'll, but I, I do have some questions that I will,

3472
02:47:27,725 --> 02:47:29,205
I will email, but I,

3473
02:47:29,445 --> 02:47:31,845
I dito on the appreciating the presentation.

3474
02:47:31,845 --> 02:47:33,245
Yeah. 'cause it is, I have seen

3475
02:47:33,245 --> 02:47:34,405
him over the years get better

3476
02:47:34,405 --> 02:47:35,405
And better.

3477
02:47:35,405 --> 02:47:36,885
You, you all know where to find me, so. Yeah. Yep.

3478
02:47:38,745 --> 02:47:41,165
Ms. Pope, I just Wanna say I appreciate you all

3479
02:47:41,725 --> 02:47:45,125
staying here so late to do this and to share this with us.

3480
02:47:45,305 --> 02:47:48,685
And I will ditto and send my questions.

3481
02:47:49,875 --> 02:47:53,885
Fair enough. Okay. Anyone else?

3482
02:47:55,205 --> 02:47:59,245
I did a mental ditto. I'm a ditto too. Thank you Mr. Skye.

3483
02:47:59,245 --> 02:48:01,285
Thank you. Thank you. It's a, it's a,

3484
02:48:02,465 --> 02:48:05,725
the presentation is just gives us a lot

3485
02:48:05,725 --> 02:48:07,525
to think about. It does.

3486
02:48:08,135 --> 02:48:10,485
There will be, you know, this, this is, we,

3487
02:48:10,545 --> 02:48:14,725
we felt it important at this stage to at least kind of

3488
02:48:15,235 --> 02:48:18,285
give me a little, little, little, little tease about

3489
02:48:18,285 --> 02:48:19,485
what we, what we need to be dealing

3490
02:48:19,485 --> 02:48:20,525
with in the next few months.

3491
02:48:20,985 --> 02:48:22,445
So, so we'll be coming back to you

3492
02:48:22,445 --> 02:48:24,645
with some more ideas and information at that point.

3493
02:48:25,455 --> 02:48:26,885
Thank you so much. Yes. We plan

3494
02:48:26,885 --> 02:48:28,325
to collect your questions as well and,

3495
02:48:28,425 --> 02:48:30,045
and the answers and then Okay.

3496
02:48:30,215 --> 02:48:31,325
Bring 'em to a future meeting

3497
02:48:31,325 --> 02:48:32,725
so the public can also see this. So yes,

3498
02:48:33,045 --> 02:48:34,325
I that. Thank you. That sounds

3499
02:48:34,325 --> 02:48:35,325
Good.

3500
02:48:35,965 --> 02:48:37,725
I was thinking that and it just didn't come you similar

3501
02:48:37,725 --> 02:48:40,285
To the main street, which our intent there was

3502
02:48:40,285 --> 02:48:42,005
to make sure that, that, that once we have them,

3503
02:48:42,015 --> 02:48:44,485
we'll actually include as a, an attachment to each,

3504
02:48:44,745 --> 02:48:45,745
An faq.

3505
02:48:45,745 --> 02:48:46,205
We do something similar here.

3506
02:48:46,405 --> 02:48:47,565
Okay. Awesome. That be awesome. Just

3507
02:48:47,565 --> 02:48:49,125
that the public can also see the questions

3508
02:48:49,125 --> 02:48:50,405
that you have and the answers.

3509
02:48:51,695 --> 02:48:52,965
Thank you. Which

3510
02:48:52,965 --> 02:48:55,245
You'll send individually not to each other, so that you're

3511
02:48:55,295 --> 02:48:56,805
Right. We send them to completely

3512
02:48:57,085 --> 02:48:58,085
Compliant with the mean law.

3513
02:48:58,185 --> 02:49:01,325
Yep. Send them to Mr. Sky and copy Mr. Erickson. Okay.

3514
02:49:01,605 --> 02:49:03,045
I don't need to see them. We

3515
02:49:03,045 --> 02:49:04,085
shouldn't be sending 'em to each other.

3516
02:49:04,875 --> 02:49:08,085
Next up is the update on trash and recycling study.

3517
02:49:09,055 --> 02:49:10,165
Thank you Ari. Thank you Gloria.

3518
02:49:10,345 --> 02:49:12,605
Yes. Thank you so much. You,

3519
02:49:13,905 --> 02:49:15,365
And then we can move to the consent agenda.

3520
02:49:15,705 --> 02:49:19,845
Not the rushing it just saying, just

3521
02:49:19,845 --> 02:49:21,845
to give you a preview where we are in the meeting.

3522
02:49:22,225 --> 02:49:25,805
You just want to hear go for. Okay. Putting Yeah. Yeah.

3523
02:49:26,065 --> 02:49:27,405
The late hour guys.

3524
02:49:27,825 --> 02:49:28,685
No problem. It's my job.

3525
02:49:32,105 --> 02:49:33,085
You don't have to come in tomorrow.

3526
02:49:34,475 --> 02:49:35,485
I'll just make that decision.

3527
02:49:36,885 --> 02:49:39,645
I can't see that. Just did,

3528
02:49:40,065 --> 02:49:42,365
that's directly managing. We can't do that. That's,

3529
02:49:43,305 --> 02:49:45,245
So I'll do my best to keep this very brief.

3530
02:49:46,655 --> 02:49:48,525
Where is this? For some reason I didn't share.

3531
02:49:49,305 --> 02:49:51,325
You shouldn't be able to. I I did share.

3532
02:49:51,325 --> 02:49:52,605
Hold on two seconds. Okay.

3533
02:50:02,395 --> 02:50:05,925
Okay. It's gone. Here we go.

3534
02:50:09,155 --> 02:50:10,725
Okay. Thank you. I'll be very brief.

3535
02:50:12,585 --> 02:50:14,125
Really this is just an update.

3536
02:50:14,525 --> 02:50:18,125
We'll be back in front of you probably in August just

3537
02:50:18,125 --> 02:50:20,845
to get some feedback on some of the data we're collecting.

3538
02:50:20,865 --> 02:50:22,725
But this is our recycling

3539
02:50:22,725 --> 02:50:25,885
and trash services study, affectionately known

3540
02:50:25,885 --> 02:50:27,405
as the Rats group.

3541
02:50:29,945 --> 02:50:32,005
So it is a working group that we put together.

3542
02:50:33,145 --> 02:50:35,285
It includes myself, Ari,

3543
02:50:35,285 --> 02:50:39,245
who just spoke from the financial side, Steven Marshall,

3544
02:50:39,885 --> 02:50:41,525
director of Finance and Operations for DPW,

3545
02:50:42,695 --> 02:50:44,805
Brian Casey, Jillian.

3546
02:50:45,385 --> 02:50:47,605
We have two members from the public, one

3547
02:50:48,195 --> 02:50:49,725
that is on the net zero committee.

3548
02:50:50,465 --> 02:50:54,885
And then Missy is from DEP.

3549
02:50:55,665 --> 02:50:57,765
We acquired her services through a grant.

3550
02:50:58,705 --> 02:51:00,325
So, which has been really helpful

3551
02:51:00,805 --> 02:51:03,485
'cause she has the data from every single town

3552
02:51:03,485 --> 02:51:05,045
and city in the, in the Commonwealth.

3553
02:51:06,025 --> 02:51:09,285
So pulling, pulling our data is, is very easy

3554
02:51:09,315 --> 02:51:10,365
with, with her there.

3555
02:51:11,465 --> 02:51:13,645
One of the tidbits that I'll just share that we've learned

3556
02:51:13,905 --> 02:51:17,445
so far, Natick is one of three communities.

3557
02:51:17,465 --> 02:51:21,005
The picture on the screen shows us using staff members

3558
02:51:21,185 --> 02:51:23,485
to put trash municipal solid waste in the truck.

3559
02:51:23,815 --> 02:51:25,325
We're one of three communities in the

3560
02:51:25,325 --> 02:51:26,365
commonwealth that still do that.

3561
02:51:26,585 --> 02:51:29,365
So just an interesting tidbit. I was surprised by that fact

3562
02:51:30,065 --> 02:51:31,065
As well.

3563
02:51:31,065 --> 02:51:31,885
Just point of clarification, you mean as opposed

3564
02:51:31,885 --> 02:51:34,325
to having a truck actually pick it up and put it in.

3565
02:51:34,325 --> 02:51:36,725
Correct. We use human beings to do that. Yes. Thank

3566
02:51:36,725 --> 02:51:37,725
You.

3567
02:51:37,725 --> 02:51:39,085
In in-house, right? Isn't that also part of it?

3568
02:51:40,355 --> 02:51:43,925
Well that's, that's we one of three communities

3569
02:51:43,925 --> 02:51:45,565
that still do in-house trash

3570
02:51:45,675 --> 02:51:47,005
with people on the back of trucks.

3571
02:51:48,905 --> 02:51:51,325
Wow. So part of,

3572
02:51:51,575 --> 02:51:54,685
we're looking at a comprehensive review of our trash

3573
02:51:54,705 --> 02:51:56,165
and recycling programs.

3574
02:51:56,165 --> 02:51:59,685
Municipal solid waste, curbside recycling, bulk pickup.

3575
02:52:00,745 --> 02:52:03,245
All of the above are being looked at here.

3576
02:52:03,605 --> 02:52:07,245
We're benchmarking ourselves against other communities and,

3577
02:52:07,265 --> 02:52:09,325
and learning is essentially what we're doing.

3578
02:52:09,995 --> 02:52:11,765
This started out really with a question,

3579
02:52:13,265 --> 02:52:14,845
are we doing this the right way?

3580
02:52:15,905 --> 02:52:17,965
Are we consistent with other communities?

3581
02:52:18,065 --> 02:52:20,205
Is this financially responsible? Is this safe?

3582
02:52:20,475 --> 02:52:21,685
Kind of the whole gamut.

3583
02:52:21,745 --> 02:52:26,565
And really there is no pre-made decision.

3584
02:52:27,095 --> 02:52:29,125
We're really letting the data follow

3585
02:52:29,145 --> 02:52:30,205
the recommendations here.

3586
02:52:31,025 --> 02:52:32,205
Ah, fellow rat,

3587
02:52:35,585 --> 02:52:37,125
you're a fellow rat fellow.

3588
02:52:37,225 --> 02:52:41,045
The the rats group, fellow rat, well the rats group, the rat

3589
02:52:41,195 --> 02:52:43,045
Pack. Don't bad

3590
02:52:43,045 --> 02:52:44,045
About that.

3591
02:52:44,455 --> 02:52:46,325
These are the areas for review.

3592
02:52:46,485 --> 02:52:47,685
I just kind of went over that.

3593
02:52:47,745 --> 02:52:51,645
But really looking at collection methods, staff retention,

3594
02:52:51,715 --> 02:52:54,645
even safety, the pay as you throw program,

3595
02:52:54,945 --> 02:52:58,965
really comprehensive of look, even things like

3596
02:52:59,535 --> 02:53:01,485
route optimization and scheduling.

3597
02:53:01,485 --> 02:53:03,445
These are things we haven't looked at in decades.

3598
02:53:03,945 --> 02:53:06,165
So just a really great opportunity

3599
02:53:06,345 --> 02:53:08,685
to just make sure we're doing things the right way.

3600
02:53:11,475 --> 02:53:12,965
Here are potential outcomes.

3601
02:53:13,025 --> 02:53:15,485
As I said, we're, we're not pre-judging any of this,

3602
02:53:16,345 --> 02:53:19,685
but potential outcomes could include doing nothing,

3603
02:53:19,755 --> 02:53:21,085
just continuing going on.

3604
02:53:21,085 --> 02:53:22,085
As we, as we do things,

3605
02:53:24,145 --> 02:53:26,485
we could fully automate municipal solid waste.

3606
02:53:26,485 --> 02:53:28,285
Currently we have recycling programs

3607
02:53:28,285 --> 02:53:29,565
that use automated pickers.

3608
02:53:30,425 --> 02:53:33,245
We could do that as well on the municipal solid waste side.

3609
02:53:33,665 --> 02:53:35,325
We could have a, an outsource program,

3610
02:53:35,325 --> 02:53:36,925
we could have a hybrid outsource program.

3611
02:53:37,825 --> 02:53:39,885
Really those are potential outcomes

3612
02:53:39,885 --> 02:53:42,645
that could exist based on what other communities do.

3613
02:53:43,835 --> 02:53:46,645
Essentially what I'm here tonight is just to talk

3614
02:53:46,645 --> 02:53:48,045
to you about the project timeline.

3615
02:53:48,335 --> 02:53:50,485
We're in the benchmarking phase right now.

3616
02:53:50,495 --> 02:53:52,445
We've had two or three meetings.

3617
02:53:53,295 --> 02:53:56,005
We've learned a lot really in that short period of time.

3618
02:53:57,525 --> 02:53:59,925
I would anticipate by July

3619
02:53:59,925 --> 02:54:02,005
or so we'll have our benchmarking done,

3620
02:54:03,435 --> 02:54:06,045
hopefully coming back in the August timeframe just

3621
02:54:06,065 --> 02:54:07,605
to talk about those things,

3622
02:54:07,825 --> 02:54:10,765
get some feedback from you on the directions you'd like us

3623
02:54:10,765 --> 02:54:12,405
to, to go with this.

3624
02:54:12,625 --> 02:54:15,245
And then ultimately use that information

3625
02:54:15,245 --> 02:54:17,485
to come back maybe in the December timeline

3626
02:54:18,225 --> 02:54:20,125
for a final recommendation to the board.

3627
02:54:21,595 --> 02:54:22,705
Thank you Mr. Sprat.

3628
02:54:23,425 --> 02:54:25,545
I have comments or questions from members of the board. Ms.

3629
02:54:25,765 --> 02:54:27,505
Slager, just a really quick question.

3630
02:54:27,725 --> 02:54:30,345
As part of your comparison to other towns,

3631
02:54:30,345 --> 02:54:34,705
are we also looking at what the costs are

3632
02:54:35,645 --> 02:54:39,665
and and factoring that in not just, you know, their methods,

3633
02:54:40,205 --> 02:54:42,065
but we're also looking at, you know, what the cost

3634
02:54:42,065 --> 02:54:44,505
to the residents and what the cost of the programs would be?

3635
02:54:44,605 --> 02:54:46,065
So is this a full analysis?

3636
02:54:46,285 --> 02:54:47,625
So the the short answer is yes.

3637
02:54:47,625 --> 02:54:50,025
The, a full financial analysis being done, it's one

3638
02:54:50,025 --> 02:54:51,265
of the reasons we have RA on the team.

3639
02:54:52,045 --> 02:54:53,505
But even something simple

3640
02:54:53,645 --> 02:54:55,985
as when we started our pay asyou throw program,

3641
02:54:56,255 --> 02:55:00,025
what was the, what was the composition of our cost relative

3642
02:55:00,025 --> 02:55:02,305
to revenue then and what is it now?

3643
02:55:02,485 --> 02:55:03,605
So even things like that.

3644
02:55:04,095 --> 02:55:07,245
Great. Thank you Ms. Pope.

3645
02:55:07,975 --> 02:55:09,925
Thank you. And thank you for the,

3646
02:55:09,945 --> 02:55:11,125
the update and the presentation.

3647
02:55:11,125 --> 02:55:13,125
And this may roll into the question or,

3648
02:55:13,185 --> 02:55:15,245
or the, the statement you just made to Ms.

3649
02:55:15,705 --> 02:55:18,085
W's question is, there have been trash

3650
02:55:18,085 --> 02:55:19,445
and recycling studies before.

3651
02:55:19,515 --> 02:55:22,605
What are you trying to, to gather from this one

3652
02:55:22,605 --> 02:55:24,845
that maybe hasn't been gathered before?

3653
02:55:24,865 --> 02:55:26,805
So, to the best of my knowledge, there hasn't been one,

3654
02:55:27,685 --> 02:55:29,285
I wanna say since 2016.

3655
02:55:29,765 --> 02:55:31,245
I might be off on that date, but it's, it's

3656
02:55:31,725 --> 02:55:32,725
Actually earlier.

3657
02:55:32,725 --> 02:55:35,445
Okay. It's been quite a while. It's been a long time.

3658
02:55:36,305 --> 02:55:38,485
So it's really just kind of a refresh.

3659
02:55:39,145 --> 02:55:40,445
We will pull up old studies,

3660
02:55:40,625 --> 02:55:43,005
but we have the opportunity through this grant

3661
02:55:43,025 --> 02:55:44,205
to really do a deep dive.

3662
02:55:45,295 --> 02:55:47,445
Trash and recycling is not something I've looked

3663
02:55:47,445 --> 02:55:48,525
at in my two years here.

3664
02:55:48,585 --> 02:55:50,685
It just, we've been looking at other priorities and,

3665
02:55:50,685 --> 02:55:52,125
and now's the time we really, it's,

3666
02:55:52,195 --> 02:55:54,005
it's a fairly big portion of our budget

3667
02:55:54,065 --> 02:55:55,565
and it's time to take a deep look at that.

3668
02:55:55,695 --> 02:56:00,165
Thank you. We're also, one thing that that bill

3669
02:56:00,875 --> 02:56:02,165
sort of sort of talked through,

3670
02:56:02,305 --> 02:56:06,965
but not in too much depth is policy decisions as well.

3671
02:56:07,945 --> 02:56:12,005
So it just even discussing, discuss discussing the

3672
02:56:12,775 --> 02:56:16,005
ratio of revenue versus general budget going

3673
02:56:16,025 --> 02:56:17,285
to support the trash program.

3674
02:56:18,235 --> 02:56:19,645
That that could be a policy decision,

3675
02:56:19,725 --> 02:56:20,845
a financial policy decision.

3676
02:56:20,945 --> 02:56:23,125
Do we, do we con, you know, how do rates

3677
02:56:25,705 --> 02:56:29,045
for trash also like that needs to be discussed.

3678
02:56:29,045 --> 02:56:30,525
And then also just other things like,

3679
02:56:30,985 --> 02:56:32,965
and you mentioned this as well to a certain degree,

3680
02:56:34,305 --> 02:56:39,085
how we handle just overall trash pickup, not just

3681
02:56:39,705 --> 02:56:42,325
the mechanisms, but also we have some policies that,

3682
02:56:42,345 --> 02:56:45,405
for example, we pick up trash for up to I think a four unit

3683
02:56:45,965 --> 02:56:49,005
building and what does, what does that mean for the town?

3684
02:56:49,765 --> 02:56:51,325
'cause every town has something

3685
02:56:51,325 --> 02:56:52,445
different when it comes to those things.

3686
02:56:53,935 --> 02:56:56,765
Those are all categories we're benchmarking against it.

3687
02:56:56,765 --> 02:56:59,565
Yeah, you'll be actually quite fascinated by the amount

3688
02:56:59,745 --> 02:57:02,565
of benchmarking we're doing with with DEP right now.

3689
02:57:04,665 --> 02:57:09,245
Sounds good. There is a hand up from the public if

3690
02:57:12,025 --> 02:57:13,025
Ms.

3691
02:57:13,025 --> 02:57:13,495
Dorin,

3692
02:57:17,365 --> 02:57:18,365
Yes, thank you.

3693
02:57:20,705 --> 02:57:23,945
I cost hasn't been brought up tonight

3694
02:57:24,125 --> 02:57:25,665
and I may be jumping the gun,

3695
02:57:25,685 --> 02:57:27,505
but I just want to express my concern.

3696
02:57:28,105 --> 02:57:30,185
I remember hearing in previous months

3697
02:57:30,205 --> 02:57:34,705
or years the possibility that residents would have

3698
02:57:34,705 --> 02:57:35,865
to pay for trash pickup.

3699
02:57:36,325 --> 02:57:39,065
And a lot

3700
02:57:39,065 --> 02:57:43,105
of us are feeling the crunch financially with the override

3701
02:57:43,125 --> 02:57:46,545
and the pending debt exclusions and the increase in water

3702
02:57:46,565 --> 02:57:48,305
and sewer and, you know,

3703
02:57:48,305 --> 02:57:50,905
social security is not increasing at the same pace.

3704
02:57:50,965 --> 02:57:52,345
So I'm just gonna put it out there.

3705
02:57:52,565 --> 02:57:54,505
Please, please, please try not to do that.

3706
02:57:55,725 --> 02:58:00,265
I'm thinking about the $250,000 that snow removal would be,

3707
02:58:00,285 --> 02:58:04,605
you know, extra given the redesign of native center.

3708
02:58:04,665 --> 02:58:07,845
And I'm like, well can we like maybe take that two 50

3709
02:58:07,905 --> 02:58:11,405
and put it into trash removal rather than, you know, having

3710
02:58:11,425 --> 02:58:14,805
to pay snow removal people, contractors more for that

3711
02:58:15,125 --> 02:58:18,285
'cause Yeah, you're pushing us to the bring financial,

3712
02:58:18,365 --> 02:58:20,565
I just wanted to say that I also had a thought about

3713
02:58:21,005 --> 02:58:24,765
rescheduling because I, I can't remember if it's FedEx

3714
02:58:25,025 --> 02:58:26,685
or UPS, but a number

3715
02:58:26,685 --> 02:58:28,725
of years ago they changed their route scheduling

3716
02:58:28,865 --> 02:58:30,365
and the drivers don't make left turns

3717
02:58:30,425 --> 02:58:32,925
and they saved like millions, millions, millions of dollars.

3718
02:58:32,985 --> 02:58:34,165
So I don't know if you've thought of that Mr.

3719
02:58:34,485 --> 02:58:36,125
Frat and maybe it wouldn't work,

3720
02:58:36,385 --> 02:58:39,765
but I'm just gonna put it out there kind of humorously.

3721
02:58:43,255 --> 02:58:45,355
Mr. Sprat, could you address again

3722
02:58:45,415 --> 02:58:47,275
how you had talked about cost being a factor

3723
02:58:47,275 --> 02:58:48,315
that you're looking into this?

3724
02:58:48,545 --> 02:58:51,355
Sure. Thanks. Thank you for both questions and comments.

3725
02:58:52,055 --> 02:58:54,075
And, and I'm just gonna do the root one first,

3726
02:58:54,135 --> 02:58:56,755
but yes, we are looking at root optimization.

3727
02:58:56,835 --> 02:58:58,435
That's, that's a critical part of that.

3728
02:58:59,615 --> 02:59:01,075
But as far as cost, the,

3729
02:59:01,255 --> 02:59:04,315
the reality is we are a pay asyou throw program,

3730
02:59:04,455 --> 02:59:05,955
but not an enterprise fund.

3731
02:59:06,215 --> 02:59:11,115
So we do pay as you throw, which really subsidizes the tax

3732
02:59:12,095 --> 02:59:15,555
burden that covers the rest of the, of the trash.

3733
02:59:15,695 --> 02:59:18,675
So either way, the trash does cost money,

3734
02:59:18,695 --> 02:59:19,755
it either comes out of taxes

3735
02:59:20,055 --> 02:59:22,075
or it comes out of pay as you throw currently.

3736
02:59:22,455 --> 02:59:23,755
So we will be reviewing that,

3737
02:59:23,775 --> 02:59:27,675
but cost is certainly a factor of how, how we proceed

3738
02:59:27,675 --> 02:59:29,195
and it, and it's going to be something I'll bring

3739
02:59:29,195 --> 02:59:30,275
back to the board in detail.

3740
02:59:32,175 --> 02:59:34,995
And I know I could speak for me and not for the board,

3741
02:59:35,055 --> 02:59:37,435
but I know that all of us are very concerned with

3742
02:59:37,435 --> 02:59:39,155
however we approach whatever we

3743
02:59:39,785 --> 02:59:41,235
implement in terms of policy.

3744
02:59:41,335 --> 02:59:42,595
The, the financial impact,

3745
02:59:42,595 --> 02:59:44,155
especially coming out of the override.

3746
02:59:44,365 --> 02:59:48,555
We've worked really hard at a future meeting will be going

3747
02:59:48,555 --> 02:59:49,995
over our financial commitments

3748
02:59:49,995 --> 02:59:54,515
and what the town has been able to save

3749
02:59:54,775 --> 02:59:56,515
and what we've been able to turn back

3750
02:59:56,515 --> 02:59:58,475
and what, you know, the, the initiatives we've

3751
02:59:58,475 --> 02:59:59,595
undertaken in light of that.

3752
03:00:00,215 --> 03:00:02,835
So thank i, I wanna, you know, thank Ms.

3753
03:00:03,325 --> 03:00:04,915
Doran for raising that 'cause it is a,

3754
03:00:04,915 --> 03:00:06,275
it's a very important consideration

3755
03:00:06,375 --> 03:00:08,275
and if you didn't hear it in the presentation,

3756
03:00:08,275 --> 03:00:10,315
it is something we're deeply considering.

3757
03:00:13,015 --> 03:00:14,555
Any other questions for members of the board?

3758
03:00:18,425 --> 03:00:19,835
Okay, thank you Mr. Spratt.

3759
03:00:19,835 --> 03:00:22,155
Thanks for being here when I know you roll in around

3760
03:00:22,895 --> 03:00:24,595
six 30 in the morning, so, well

3761
03:00:24,595 --> 03:00:26,955
Not that early, but I appreciate,

3762
03:00:26,955 --> 03:00:28,195
Happy to, happy to be here. Thank you.

3763
03:00:28,475 --> 03:00:30,435
I think we all appreciate it very much. Thank you.

3764
03:00:30,435 --> 03:00:35,035
Thank you Bill. We are done with our discussion and decision

3765
03:00:35,035 --> 03:00:37,715
and we'll move on to the consent agenda. Agreed.

3766
03:00:38,455 --> 03:00:42,435
The consent agenda tonight reads item A approve meeting

3767
03:00:42,745 --> 03:00:45,435
minutes for May 27.

3768
03:00:45,435 --> 03:00:49,955
2026. Item B, approve Natick Police Department's request

3769
03:00:49,975 --> 03:00:51,635
to accept donations to be used

3770
03:00:51,635 --> 03:00:54,075
for the National Night Out event.

3771
03:00:54,075 --> 03:00:58,275
$250 from Middlesex Auto Body, $2,000 from Brigham

3772
03:00:58,995 --> 03:01:00,525
Gill Dodge Jeep.

3773
03:01:01,195 --> 03:01:04,085
Item C appoint Richard Sydney to the Audit

3774
03:01:04,605 --> 03:01:06,805
Advisory Committee as a select board representative

3775
03:01:06,865 --> 03:01:10,125
for a term ending of June 30th, 2028.

3776
03:01:10,635 --> 03:01:13,965
Item D approved the Cheesecake Factory Restaurants Inc.

3777
03:01:14,165 --> 03:01:17,925
DBA, the Cheesecake Factory Change of Officers, directors,

3778
03:01:18,005 --> 03:01:22,205
LLC managers application for their S 12 alcohol license.

3779
03:01:22,395 --> 03:01:23,965
Item E approve request

3780
03:01:24,065 --> 03:01:28,565
for exemption from town bylaws Chapter 41 S four,

3781
03:01:29,715 --> 03:01:33,445
Abigail Garrity, Kalin del Tufo.

3782
03:01:34,235 --> 03:01:37,165
Item F approve US Roadshow Inc.

3783
03:01:37,165 --> 03:01:40,405
Applications for a one day junk dealer's license

3784
03:01:41,625 --> 03:01:45,965
for June 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, and 19th of 2026.

3785
03:01:45,995 --> 03:01:48,325
Item G approved boards and committee norms.

3786
03:01:48,325 --> 03:01:50,845
Item H approve request to occupy a public way

3787
03:01:50,845 --> 03:01:54,365
for the Coolidge Avenue Block Party item.

3788
03:01:54,925 --> 03:01:58,125
I authorized the town administrator to sign the

3789
03:01:59,125 --> 03:02:02,445
RHSO, which is the regional housing services office.

3790
03:02:02,805 --> 03:02:05,725
IMA inter municipal agreement on behalf of the board,

3791
03:02:05,725 --> 03:02:06,925
including any items related

3792
03:02:06,925 --> 03:02:08,565
to the IMA over the three year term.

3793
03:02:10,115 --> 03:02:12,405
Does anyone wanna pull anything from the agenda?

3794
03:02:12,685 --> 03:02:13,805
I mean from the consent agenda?

3795
03:02:16,095 --> 03:02:19,945
Okay. No, I move the consent agenda for

3796
03:02:20,105 --> 03:02:21,105
Approval.

3797
03:02:21,105 --> 03:02:23,185
Second move.

3798
03:02:23,735 --> 03:02:27,145
Move by Kristen. Second by Linda.

3799
03:02:27,605 --> 03:02:30,385
All in favor please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

3800
03:02:33,655 --> 03:02:35,745
Next on the agenda is town administrator updates.

3801
03:02:38,065 --> 03:02:41,465
Just briefly and it's not in direct response

3802
03:02:41,525 --> 03:02:43,465
to a comment made during public speak,

3803
03:02:43,465 --> 03:02:46,945
but there was discussion around a Needham employee

3804
03:02:47,165 --> 03:02:50,585
during public speak and I just wanna note that the, the

3805
03:02:51,635 --> 03:02:55,225
issue actually dealt with a nonprofit, not a town entity.

3806
03:02:55,325 --> 03:02:59,705
Yep. It was a nonprofit for which that person was

3807
03:03:01,455 --> 03:03:02,905
sort of skimming some money, for lack

3808
03:03:02,905 --> 03:03:04,945
of a better term. We no

3809
03:03:05,025 --> 03:03:06,025
Evidence.

3810
03:03:06,025 --> 03:03:06,265
Thank for that clarification.

3811
03:03:06,795 --> 03:03:08,505
Thank You. Thank you for that clarification.

3812
03:03:09,305 --> 03:03:10,585
I thought I had read that but didn't

3813
03:03:10,585 --> 03:03:11,985
feel secure enough to say that. No,

3814
03:03:12,385 --> 03:03:13,625
Couldn't respond anyway.

3815
03:03:14,065 --> 03:03:15,265
I didn't even think it was a town employee. I think

3816
03:03:15,685 --> 03:03:17,385
It was technic discuss or debate.

3817
03:03:17,605 --> 03:03:20,705
So for example, a plausible response would be,

3818
03:03:21,335 --> 03:03:22,825
have you brought that up with FinCon?

3819
03:03:23,305 --> 03:03:26,465
Have you gone to the FinCon meetings when you're in town

3820
03:03:26,465 --> 03:03:27,745
meeting as a town meeting member,

3821
03:03:27,775 --> 03:03:28,865
have you raised these questions?

3822
03:03:29,065 --> 03:03:31,425
'cause it isn't, those are all perfectly acceptable.

3823
03:03:32,125 --> 03:03:34,705
The discussion would be no, of course we don't have that.

3824
03:03:34,725 --> 03:03:35,945
And no, we're not going to, I mean

3825
03:03:36,825 --> 03:03:38,505
I think there's a very narrow line

3826
03:03:38,725 --> 03:03:40,785
and we try to fall on the conservative side of it

3827
03:03:41,005 --> 03:03:42,025
and I think that's a good idea.

3828
03:03:42,685 --> 03:03:45,265
But I also think it means that people have to wait two,

3829
03:03:45,265 --> 03:03:49,705
eight weeks for us to have a contextualization as opposed

3830
03:03:49,705 --> 03:03:50,905
to a response or a discussion.

3831
03:03:52,095 --> 03:03:53,095
Town administrator.

3832
03:03:54,765 --> 03:03:55,825
I'm good. Other Than that,

3833
03:03:58,045 --> 03:03:59,285
I swear I didn't look at you

3834
03:03:59,485 --> 03:04:01,725
Threateningly select board updates.

3835
03:04:01,845 --> 03:04:03,565
I just have one and then I'll open up to anyone else.

3836
03:04:04,275 --> 03:04:05,925
I've asked Rich Sydney

3837
03:04:06,025 --> 03:04:08,525
and he's agreed to er, serve with Cody

3838
03:04:08,545 --> 03:04:12,125
and I on working with, looking at the bylaws in the charter.

3839
03:04:12,755 --> 03:04:14,645
Good. He has great experience on the charter

3840
03:04:14,645 --> 03:04:15,725
and bylaw review committee.

3841
03:04:16,345 --> 03:04:18,045
And I think he'll be an asset

3842
03:04:18,045 --> 03:04:19,365
to Cody and I working through that.

3843
03:04:19,475 --> 03:04:21,365
Cool. He's our consultant. Exci.

3844
03:04:21,625 --> 03:04:25,045
He really is our sixth member. An elected member.

3845
03:04:26,125 --> 03:04:29,885
And then he's like the fifth Beatle. Yeah, he is.

3846
03:04:31,345 --> 03:04:33,645
And then the, the other thing I was going to ask Mr.

3847
03:04:34,085 --> 03:04:36,565
Ericsson, since we've abor we've adopted the board

3848
03:04:36,625 --> 03:04:38,085
and committee's best practices

3849
03:04:38,085 --> 03:04:41,485
and norms, could you ask Mr. Walsh to send that out to all

3850
03:04:41,505 --> 03:04:43,125
of the chairs?

3851
03:04:43,345 --> 03:04:46,685
Chairs? Yes. And select board appointed or Yes.

3852
03:04:46,785 --> 03:04:49,285
Select board appointed in whole and

3853
03:04:54,425 --> 03:04:55,565
say that we've adopted this

3854
03:04:55,625 --> 03:04:58,085
and these are expectations for people we appoint.

3855
03:04:58,755 --> 03:05:00,645
Cool. I mean, we can't make boards

3856
03:05:00,645 --> 03:05:01,725
and committees adopt them,

3857
03:05:02,265 --> 03:05:04,965
but we can enforce say that these are the expectations

3858
03:05:04,965 --> 03:05:07,165
and ask them to kindly for that, to all the members

3859
03:05:07,435 --> 03:05:08,485
that are currently serving.

3860
03:05:10,465 --> 03:05:12,405
And that's, that's all I had.

3861
03:05:13,435 --> 03:05:16,685
Anybody else motion to adjourn? Oh, that was beautiful.

3862
03:05:16,765 --> 03:05:20,005
A motion to adjourn. Second. Wow. Moved by Ms.

3863
03:05:20,125 --> 03:05:22,005
Kristens, seconded by Mr. Bruce.

3864
03:05:22,105 --> 03:05:24,445
All in favor, please say aye. Aye. Aye. Any opposed?

3865
03:05:24,945 --> 03:05:26,885
We are adjourned at 9 35.