1 00:00:06,000 --> 00:00:12,160 Good evening. Welcome to the NF board meeting. In accordance with the 2 00:00:09,200 --> 00:00:15,360 provision of Mass General law chapter 38 section 20 is hereby given that the 3 00:00:14,160 --> 00:00:20,880 select board meeting will meet on Wednesday February 25th 2026 at 7 p.m. 4 00:00:19,359 --> 00:00:27,760 Members of the public are welcome to attend this in-person meeting in meeting 5 00:00:24,000 --> 00:00:31,760 124 one lifak mass or be remote by zoom connection provided below. Please note 6 00:00:30,080 --> 00:00:36,160 that in-person meeting will not be suspended or terminated if technical 7 00:00:34,079 --> 00:00:40,399 technological problems interrupt the remote connection. If attended remotely, 8 00:00:38,320 --> 00:00:44,960 please sign in by using the first and last name to request, ask questions or 9 00:00:42,320 --> 00:00:50,079 provide a comment. Please use a raise hand feature available when you click on 10 00:00:47,440 --> 00:00:55,600 the your name and the chair will address the request. Please be advised the 11 00:00:52,640 --> 00:01:00,559 meeting will be audio and video recorded for future rec broadcasting by Northark 12 00:00:58,480 --> 00:01:08,960 Community Television. I'd like to introduce our select board members. Uh 13 00:01:04,960 --> 00:01:15,680 Tais Hicksman, I'm Kevin Roach. Rob Gity is a town administrator. And Anita 14 00:01:11,920 --> 00:01:17,920 Metenberg is on Zoom. Ter, 15 00:01:16,000 --> 00:01:22,240 » you want to call the meeting to order? >> I'd like to call the meeting to order. 16 00:01:21,040 --> 00:01:28,920 We got to do a roll call vote or anything? Yeah. Let's see. 17 00:01:25,119 --> 00:01:28,920 » Like to pledge of allegiance. 18 00:01:29,600 --> 00:01:37,759 » I pledge of allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 19 00:01:34,640 --> 00:01:44,119 republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible with liberty and 20 00:01:40,560 --> 00:01:44,119 justice for all. 21 00:01:48,720 --> 00:01:53,720 » Okay. I'd like to let's see here 22 00:01:54,960 --> 00:02:04,240 a mo a motion to accept a motion to open the public hearing regarding transfer of 23 00:02:00,799 --> 00:02:09,280 the section of section 15 of off- premise package store alcoholic beverage 24 00:02:07,600 --> 00:02:13,120 license of 25 00:02:10,800 --> 00:02:20,319 shim variety incorporate DBA lenders variety to Lexom 26 00:02:16,400 --> 00:02:23,959 market inc DBA main Tree Cave >> convenience. 27 00:02:20,959 --> 00:02:23,959 » Convenience. 28 00:02:24,000 --> 00:02:27,959 » You need a second. >> Second. 29 00:02:28,000 --> 00:02:32,640 » Roll call vote. >> Roll call vote, please. 30 00:02:31,040 --> 00:02:35,920 » Anita Mcklinberg. I. >> Ty Sigman. I. 31 00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:41,040 » Kevin Roach. I. >> So, we have a transfer of a um section 32 00:02:39,040 --> 00:02:46,440 15 off premises package to our license. Uh the attorney and the applicant are 33 00:02:43,440 --> 00:02:46,440 here. 34 00:02:47,440 --> 00:02:55,920 The applicant is actually well known to us as she has worked uh at Linda's 35 00:02:52,160 --> 00:03:00,040 Variety um locally and will be taking over. So 36 00:03:02,879 --> 00:03:08,720 » good evening. >> If I may, uh for the record, my name is 37 00:03:06,800 --> 00:03:14,080 David Hearn Jr. I'm an attorney with the firm of Gellman and Cabral at 30 Walpole 38 00:03:11,440 --> 00:03:18,000 Street in Norwood. I'm here this evening uh representing the applicant Laxmi 39 00:03:16,480 --> 00:03:23,920 Market Inc. um which is represented by Shardivan 40 00:03:20,480 --> 00:03:30,959 Patel who is the proposed manager of the license if approved by you and um her 41 00:03:27,599 --> 00:03:37,680 daughter Crusie Patel who's um director of the corporation and um they are 42 00:03:34,640 --> 00:03:44,000 proposing to purchase from another Patel family um the operation at Linda's 43 00:03:40,959 --> 00:03:51,519 Convenience um which carries an AAP license under section 15 as a package 44 00:03:47,040 --> 00:03:55,200 for um we have filed the application. Um and uh I realize there may be questions 45 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:59,519 and all that. We're happy to take them, but I'll just give a little bit of a 46 00:03:56,799 --> 00:04:04,720 summary of what's involved. Um Mrs. Patel was said at the beginning was 47 00:04:02,400 --> 00:04:09,040 familiar to you folks, some of you. Um she's been associated with that store 48 00:04:06,959 --> 00:04:14,799 for a number of years, working there. Her husband uh whom I know is Joe Patel, 49 00:04:12,319 --> 00:04:17,600 um worked there also for a number of years. So, they have a long connection 50 00:04:16,239 --> 00:04:21,199 with this location. They're familiar with it. They're familiar with the 51 00:04:19,199 --> 00:04:26,240 community, with the operation of the store. 52 00:04:22,720 --> 00:04:32,400 Excuse me, I've got a cold. Sorry. Um, but um uh so they're seeking to purchase 53 00:04:29,600 --> 00:04:37,440 the uh the business itself with a new corporation that they've established uh 54 00:04:34,720 --> 00:04:42,400 and with it also the license. So, the application answers all I think answers 55 00:04:39,680 --> 00:04:50,479 all the questions that required under the ABCC forms. Um we pro provided some 56 00:04:46,240 --> 00:04:56,560 additional detail as requested. Um both uh Mrs. and Miss Patel are uh 57 00:04:53,600 --> 00:05:00,560 tipcertified and uh their intention is that anybody who's working selling 58 00:04:58,880 --> 00:05:06,800 alcohol in the store will be tipcertified. 59 00:05:02,479 --> 00:05:11,199 um they realize that until if and until this is approved by this board and then 60 00:05:09,199 --> 00:05:15,919 by the ABCC, it continues to be owned by the current 61 00:05:12,960 --> 00:05:20,479 owners and they don't have control over the store simply as employees until such 62 00:05:18,880 --> 00:05:27,360 time as everything is approved as we hope it will be. Um 63 00:05:23,280 --> 00:05:31,039 uh Mrs. Patella has been involved in uh the types of work that involve 64 00:05:29,440 --> 00:05:34,240 face-to-face dealings with people on a regular basis. She's worked at this 65 00:05:32,880 --> 00:05:38,080 store for several years. She's worked at a few Dunkin Donuts and other types of 66 00:05:35,919 --> 00:05:43,520 establishments. She has the experience to deal with members of the public uh 67 00:05:40,479 --> 00:05:46,479 and to uh know how to deal with members of the public, some of whom might be 68 00:05:45,039 --> 00:05:50,560 having a good day, some may not be having such a good day. Um, I've been in 69 00:05:48,960 --> 00:05:54,400 Dunkin Donuts enough at different places where some people are not having a good 70 00:05:52,080 --> 00:05:58,000 day and want their coffee right away. She knows how to deal with the public 71 00:05:56,000 --> 00:06:02,240 and and to do so in a careful and courteous way. And I think she is suited 72 00:06:00,800 --> 00:06:08,160 to be a manager of this type of operation which does require uh care and 73 00:06:06,400 --> 00:06:12,800 um an understanding of the people you're dealing with and a uh they understand 74 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:17,440 that this is a public trust of sorts that um a an alcohol license is and that 75 00:06:16,000 --> 00:06:21,680 it has to be operated in a way that serves the public need, serves the 76 00:06:19,600 --> 00:06:27,120 community and also hopefully is a good business for them. So, um, you have, I 77 00:06:25,360 --> 00:06:31,600 think, copies of the the lease that would take effect once the deal goes 78 00:06:29,039 --> 00:06:38,160 through. You have a we have a statement by Mrs. Patel regarding her experience. 79 00:06:35,440 --> 00:06:42,560 Um, the floor plan and a a brief description of the premises as a 80 00:06:39,919 --> 00:06:48,080 separate page has been added. Um, proof of their status. Um, 81 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:53,680 in terms of, uh, Mr. Patel is here with a green card. Uh, Pruce Patel is a 82 00:06:51,280 --> 00:06:58,160 citizen of the United States. Excuse me. Um, there the tips 83 00:06:56,639 --> 00:07:02,479 certificates are included, I think, in the package that we submitted to you. 84 00:07:00,319 --> 00:07:06,960 » We're happy to take any questions you might have, but I hope that you will 85 00:07:03,599 --> 00:07:12,319 find that um, this is an appropriate uh, transaction for you to approve and that 86 00:07:09,440 --> 00:07:20,240 Mrs. Patel is appropriate to serve as a manager of a uh of a license for the 87 00:07:16,479 --> 00:07:23,680 sale of all alcoholic beverages for uh package store type not to be drunk on 88 00:07:21,840 --> 00:07:30,160 the premises as opposed to the section 12 license. Um again I'm happy to 89 00:07:27,759 --> 00:07:33,599 stop and um before my voice gives out but uh also to answer any questions you 90 00:07:32,080 --> 00:07:38,160 might have. Um, >> are there any changes being made to the 91 00:07:35,360 --> 00:07:40,400 store or are you going to keep it as is as far as the floor plan or anything 92 00:07:39,919 --> 00:07:45,199 like that? >> I think the plan is to keep it pretty 93 00:07:41,759 --> 00:07:48,319 much as is. Um, maybe some cosmetic improvements uh you mentioned to me 94 00:07:46,800 --> 00:07:53,280 earlier when we were talking about it, but otherwise I think pretty much the 95 00:07:50,400 --> 00:07:56,879 same. The floor plan we've given you is pretty much the flow plan now and what 96 00:07:54,879 --> 00:08:00,720 is intended to be. And I know it's more important often for the licensing 97 00:07:58,800 --> 00:08:03,840 authority to see what we intend to have it and that's what we're showing how 98 00:08:02,080 --> 00:08:08,160 it's going to be which is what it is now. Okay. 99 00:08:05,440 --> 00:08:11,840 » Any of you have any questions? >> Yes. So first of all I'd like to say 100 00:08:09,680 --> 00:08:15,599 that I personally had um interactions with Mrs. Patel and she's completely 101 00:08:13,840 --> 00:08:19,840 lovely and have had really positive experiences. I wanted to ask her and her 102 00:08:18,319 --> 00:08:24,240 daughter if there's anything they wanted to share with us before we make this 103 00:08:21,599 --> 00:08:28,120 decision. >> No. Thank you. 104 00:08:28,160 --> 00:08:31,759 » Okay. I have I have no questions or concerns. 105 00:08:30,800 --> 00:08:33,360 » Okay. >> No other questions? No. 106 00:08:32,880 --> 00:08:35,599 » Yes, sir. >> The application was thorough and 107 00:08:34,640 --> 00:08:39,120 complete and everything was satisfactory. 108 00:08:36,399 --> 00:08:42,479 » Wonderful. If there are no other public if there are no other comments, I'd like 109 00:08:40,719 --> 00:08:44,640 to accept a motion to close the public hearing. 110 00:08:44,080 --> 00:08:47,200 » Second. >> So move. 111 00:08:46,160 --> 00:08:51,680 » Second. >> All in roll call vote. 112 00:08:50,000 --> 00:08:56,560 » Anita Meckllinmberg. I. >> Ta Hecman. I 113 00:08:52,880 --> 00:08:59,120 » Kevin Roach. I congratulations. It's all set here. 114 00:08:57,120 --> 00:09:02,959 » So, close the hearing and hopefully you'll vote. Do you vote now to whether 115 00:09:01,600 --> 00:09:06,320 to approve the transfer? >> It's on the agenda after one other item. 116 00:09:04,800 --> 00:09:10,959 » Oh, okay. Well, we'll >> which probably in about 5 minutes. So, 117 00:09:08,399 --> 00:09:16,000 » we'll we'll uh sit back and wait then. And uh thank you very much. 118 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:19,519 » Yes, it's good to see a business sustain in Norfol. So, 119 00:09:17,600 --> 00:09:23,360 » do we have anyone on Zoom other than Anita? 120 00:09:20,399 --> 00:09:26,720 » There's only one more person. Uh, 121 00:09:23,920 --> 00:09:29,519 » oh, that's that's for our next license. >> That's the next license. 122 00:09:27,680 --> 00:09:34,640 » Okay. So, we have no no one here for a public comment. Accept a motion to 123 00:09:31,920 --> 00:09:40,560 approve the transfer of the section 15 section 15 off- premise package to all 124 00:09:36,959 --> 00:09:47,440 alcoholic licenses from Shabbam Variety Inc. DBA Lind Variety to Lexum Market 125 00:09:44,640 --> 00:09:52,080 Inc. DBA Main Street convenience condition upon receipt of all required 126 00:09:49,519 --> 00:09:55,680 documentation. So moved. 127 00:09:53,279 --> 00:10:00,320 » Second. >> All in favor? Roll call vote. 128 00:09:58,720 --> 00:10:03,360 » Anita Meckllinburgg. I >> TA Hickman. I 129 00:10:01,440 --> 00:10:05,440 » Kevin Roach. I >> Thank you. 130 00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:06,399 » All set. >> Very good. 131 00:10:05,920 --> 00:10:09,920 » All set. >> And and Mr. Chair, I assume that 132 00:10:08,240 --> 00:10:12,160 includes the approval of the manager also as part of that. 133 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:15,200 » Yes. Yes. >> It was in the application. Thank you 134 00:10:13,519 --> 00:10:19,000 very much to all of you for your time. >> Thank you. 135 00:10:15,760 --> 00:10:19,000 » Thank you. 136 00:10:20,399 --> 00:10:28,480 Uh let's see. Vote to approve application for 137 00:10:24,480 --> 00:10:30,800 amendment requested by >> Sarthi 138 00:10:30,079 --> 00:10:34,959 » Sachi >> Sarthi 139 00:10:31,519 --> 00:10:40,720 » Sadi Convenience Inc. vote for change to DBA from Liquor World to Liquor Hub 140 00:10:38,880 --> 00:10:44,959 condition upon receipt of all required documents. 141 00:10:42,320 --> 00:10:49,680 So this is um an existing lency just wishes to change the name of the their 142 00:10:47,519 --> 00:10:51,120 their site from liquor world to liquor hub. 143 00:10:50,240 --> 00:10:54,240 » Okay. >> And we have all the documentation. 144 00:10:52,640 --> 00:11:00,320 » We have all the documentation. It's complete and satisfactory. And the um 145 00:10:57,279 --> 00:11:05,839 applicant is actually on uh we have him on Zoom. 146 00:11:02,720 --> 00:11:08,959 » Any questions or concerns? Anita, >> I just would be curious why we're 147 00:11:07,519 --> 00:11:13,920 changing the name. That's all. It's just a curiosity question. 148 00:11:12,800 --> 00:11:15,680 Hello. >> Hi. 149 00:11:14,800 --> 00:11:19,120 » How are you? >> Good. How are you? 150 00:11:16,880 --> 00:11:23,480 » Good. Good. Uh, thank you for allowing me to join the Zoom meeting. 151 00:11:23,920 --> 00:11:31,920 » Can you help us understand the purpose of the name change? 152 00:11:27,360 --> 00:11:40,079 » Yes, I can. So, I have we changed in a past name north of Purma to Liquor World 153 00:11:36,640 --> 00:11:46,240 uh five six years ago. That time um you know we had you know grocery sandwiches 154 00:11:44,079 --> 00:11:52,000 uh milk everything else and then you know we stop carrying that. So we 155 00:11:48,240 --> 00:11:56,800 changed to liquor world and now lot of liquor world you know coming in the 156 00:11:54,800 --> 00:12:03,200 people using the same name. the customer get confused between Millies and Medway 157 00:12:00,800 --> 00:12:07,839 and all that location and I have a store in Sharon Menon in 158 00:12:06,000 --> 00:12:13,040 Newton under liquor hub and I trademarked that so now customer don't 159 00:12:11,120 --> 00:12:16,720 get confused so that's why I'm just changing the name for our regular 160 00:12:15,440 --> 00:12:20,760 customer >> okay thank you 161 00:12:17,600 --> 00:12:20,760 » thank you 162 00:12:21,519 --> 00:12:27,360 » okay do I get it >> and um nope there's no need for other 163 00:12:24,720 --> 00:12:29,440 comment Okay, you're all set. The name change is all set. 164 00:12:28,720 --> 00:12:34,720 » Oh, you have to vote. >> Oh, okay. Roll call vote. 165 00:12:32,959 --> 00:12:40,800 » Anita, >> well, can I make the motion? I make the 166 00:12:36,639 --> 00:12:47,200 motion to approve the application for uh requested by Sari Convenience to 167 00:12:44,560 --> 00:12:51,360 change from DBA Liquor World to Liquor Hub. 168 00:12:49,440 --> 00:12:55,200 » Second. >> Roll call vote. 169 00:12:53,360 --> 00:12:59,519 » Anita Meckllinburgg. I >> Ta Hickman. I 170 00:12:56,480 --> 00:13:02,480 » Kevin Roach. I >> Congratulations. You're all set. The 171 00:13:01,120 --> 00:13:04,880 name change is approved. >> Thank you. 172 00:13:03,120 --> 00:13:09,200 » Thank you, Rob. Nice to see you. Hope you remember me. 173 00:13:06,639 --> 00:13:12,200 » Yeah. Oh, Nick. >> Yes. 174 00:13:12,560 --> 00:13:20,240 » It's been 26 years in location. >> Yeah. 175 00:13:17,760 --> 00:13:23,120 » Makes me sound like I go there a lot. >> I was going to say, how often do you 176 00:13:22,000 --> 00:13:24,720 frequent? Yeah. >> Thank you everyone. 177 00:13:24,079 --> 00:13:26,480 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 178 00:13:25,600 --> 00:13:35,040 » Thank you. >> Byebye. 179 00:13:27,680 --> 00:13:38,639 » I'd like to vote Amanda Johan MCP MCPO as a chief town chief procurement 180 00:13:37,040 --> 00:13:44,639 officer. >> So as you may um as you may know uh in 181 00:13:41,920 --> 00:13:48,000 towns without a town manager, the select board is actually responsible for 182 00:13:46,000 --> 00:13:53,760 appointing the CPO. We're required to have a CPO who is also an MCPPO. 183 00:13:51,200 --> 00:13:59,440 Um, and I've talked to Amanda. She's willing to take on the extra work and 184 00:13:56,240 --> 00:14:04,000 she'll be working with the other um, MCPPOS's we have on staff. Uh, currently 185 00:14:01,600 --> 00:14:08,160 we have two. Tim and Todd Lindmark are also MCPPOS. And I'm currently a third 186 00:14:06,720 --> 00:14:13,440 of the way through the training. So, we'll have a robust team to ensure that 187 00:14:10,720 --> 00:14:17,360 we we get things right on procurement. >> Wonderful. 188 00:14:14,480 --> 00:14:21,040 » Yes, I'm in favor of that. >> Me, too. 189 00:14:18,399 --> 00:14:25,120 » Okay. Any discussion? So, Okay. 190 00:14:21,600 --> 00:14:31,680 » No, I think Amanda is a great choice. >> I'd like to make a mission a motion to 191 00:14:27,279 --> 00:14:37,160 appoint Amanda Johan as MCPO chief procurement officer. 192 00:14:34,160 --> 00:14:37,160 » Second. 193 00:14:37,440 --> 00:14:42,959 » Roll call vote. >> Adita Mcklinberg. I 194 00:14:41,680 --> 00:14:48,320 » Ty Hickman. I >> Kevin Roach I. 195 00:14:44,959 --> 00:14:51,279 » Okay. Moved by Kevin, seconded by Tai. Very good. 196 00:14:49,199 --> 00:14:56,240 » Okay. Okay. So, item six is zoning amendments. Um, as is common practice, 197 00:14:53,839 --> 00:15:00,399 the planning board has created some amendments they'd like to put in front 198 00:14:58,160 --> 00:15:03,279 of town meeting. We have accepted them and closed the warrant. Now, we have to 199 00:15:01,839 --> 00:15:08,399 refer them back to the planning board for their hearing. 200 00:15:06,399 --> 00:15:13,360 » Okay. So, >> so just to clarify, Mr. Gity, this is 201 00:15:10,720 --> 00:15:14,720 just a logistical procedural um maneuver, 202 00:15:14,000 --> 00:15:19,760 » correct? Y. >> So, there's no changes to the language 203 00:15:16,560 --> 00:15:24,160 since we last reviewed it. Uh, no. Town council has seen them and has several 204 00:15:21,920 --> 00:15:26,560 minor scribers errors kind of changes they're making to it, but nothing 205 00:15:25,680 --> 00:15:33,800 substantive. >> Okay. 206 00:15:29,040 --> 00:15:33,800 » Okay. So, uh, 207 00:15:37,600 --> 00:15:45,519 » so I I can make the motion. Um, I will motion to uh refer the zoning amendments 208 00:15:43,920 --> 00:15:51,199 to the planning board in preparation for the May 13, 2026 annual town meeting. 209 00:15:49,519 --> 00:15:55,040 Second. >> Roll call vote. 210 00:15:53,360 --> 00:15:59,880 » Anita Meckllinburgg. I >> TA Hickman I. 211 00:15:56,160 --> 00:15:59,880 » Kevin Roach. I 212 00:16:00,720 --> 00:16:03,040 do >> you have to read all the street 213 00:16:02,320 --> 00:16:08,800 acceptance here. >> So uh this Yes. The next item is there 214 00:16:05,360 --> 00:16:14,959 are four street acceptances that um that the planning board will have to hold a 215 00:16:11,759 --> 00:16:18,639 hearing on. uh they have preliminarily accepted the uh think the streets are 216 00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:21,759 fine for acceptance. They're Norway Farms Drive, Bristol Pond Road, Blue 217 00:16:20,160 --> 00:16:26,959 Heron Way, and Malard Way in two separate subdivisions. Uh and the motion 218 00:16:24,079 --> 00:16:30,160 would be to send them again back to the planning board for their hearing. 219 00:16:28,880 --> 00:16:34,560 There's some different technical language in this motion that that's that 220 00:16:32,079 --> 00:16:37,920 we use on street uh acceptances, but it's the same idea. We're sending it 221 00:16:36,079 --> 00:16:41,199 back to the planning board for hearing. Okay. 222 00:16:39,440 --> 00:16:47,279 » Would you like to make the motion? >> Sure. 223 00:16:42,480 --> 00:16:53,120 Um, I'd like to make a motion to um refer the street acceptances back to the 224 00:16:50,959 --> 00:16:59,680 planning board for in preparation for the May 13th annual town meeting um as 225 00:16:56,560 --> 00:17:03,360 printed in the agenda. >> Second 226 00:17:01,120 --> 00:17:06,000 » roll call vote. >> Anita Meckllinburgg I. 227 00:17:04,880 --> 00:17:11,839 » Ta Hickman. I >> Kevin Roach I. 228 00:17:07,919 --> 00:17:17,520 » Very good. So that covers our voting items for today. Um we can we have a 229 00:17:15,679 --> 00:17:22,079 discussion items of general updates from both the select board and the uh the 230 00:17:19,120 --> 00:17:29,679 administrator and then just warrants um that you will have to move and vote. But 231 00:17:26,480 --> 00:17:34,400 Mr. Vice Chair, if you'd like, I can go after you. You wanted to say something. 232 00:17:31,600 --> 00:17:38,320 » I would just like to to thank the DPW for doing a good job during the 233 00:17:36,240 --> 00:17:43,440 snowstorm and everything else. and I'd like to thank all the town employees for 234 00:17:41,840 --> 00:17:48,720 trying to deal with the tough budget situation we have moving forward. So, 235 00:17:46,720 --> 00:17:54,880 » yeah, I'd like to echo that. I think the DPW did an excellent job with the storm. 236 00:17:52,400 --> 00:17:59,520 Um, I heard a lot of positive feedback from community members. I think we were 237 00:17:57,520 --> 00:18:04,160 well prepared and Rob, thank you for, you know, getting everybody where they 238 00:18:01,919 --> 00:18:08,559 needed to be and get, you know, with the communication. I think it, you know, you 239 00:18:05,760 --> 00:18:12,400 did a great job as well. So, um I just want to say well done. 240 00:18:09,679 --> 00:18:16,320 » Well, I get to stay safe and dry. So, >> appreciate the folks who are out there. 241 00:18:14,640 --> 00:18:21,520 » And I would just echo those those sentiments. Um we're very lucky to have 242 00:18:18,400 --> 00:18:23,120 the team that we have. >> Okay. 243 00:18:21,919 --> 00:18:28,400 » Any town ministry updates? >> I have um three updates. Uh we received 244 00:18:26,240 --> 00:18:35,280 last week a complete streets grant which will cover $499,000 worth of the project 245 00:18:31,679 --> 00:18:40,960 to bring the shared use path down Medway branch from I believe Tucker down to 246 00:18:37,440 --> 00:18:44,160 Barnstable. So that's it's actually an interesting project that will help 247 00:18:42,559 --> 00:18:48,480 access to the senior center for one part. We've actually when I visited the 248 00:18:46,160 --> 00:18:50,880 senior center last week we there was a person there who says she lives right 249 00:18:49,679 --> 00:18:52,640 around the corner and she can't walk there 250 00:18:51,440 --> 00:18:56,880 » because there are no sidewalks there. So, this will help that project along. 251 00:18:55,039 --> 00:19:01,760 We've also finally received the letter from the Department of Correction, which 252 00:18:58,559 --> 00:19:07,039 will help us secure the federal earmark um and the state match for the project 253 00:19:03,840 --> 00:19:12,880 that'll help us start looking at tying the prison sewer system to Town Center. 254 00:19:10,400 --> 00:19:17,360 » Wow. Can you repeat that again? >> Yeah. So, we got $900,000. It's This 255 00:19:15,360 --> 00:19:23,679 isn't going to pay for the project. Um and there's another I believe $200,000 256 00:19:20,320 --> 00:19:28,880 $240,000 state match. we we can obtain which will at least get us uh down the 257 00:19:26,080 --> 00:19:34,880 road on engineering and planning for bringing the sewer line which exists at 258 00:19:31,280 --> 00:19:39,520 the prison. They have a a a system down Main Street toward town center. 259 00:19:37,600 --> 00:19:44,000 » So they agreed to it. >> They they have agreed. 260 00:19:41,760 --> 00:19:46,720 They have agreed. We don't have we're you know there aren't negotiations on 261 00:19:45,360 --> 00:19:48,640 capacity or anything like that happening yet. We're going to deal with 262 00:19:47,440 --> 00:19:55,679 engineering. >> Wonderful. So what that 900,000 will 263 00:19:52,799 --> 00:19:59,200 allow us to do >> engineer. 264 00:19:57,679 --> 00:20:04,160 » So just the pre-work that pre-development work. 265 00:20:00,480 --> 00:20:06,160 » I don't expect the 900k will get us to spades in the ground. 266 00:20:05,440 --> 00:20:08,720 » Yeah. >> Um but 267 00:20:08,000 --> 00:20:11,440 » it's a start. >> We'll see. 268 00:20:09,679 --> 00:20:15,919 » That's great. And and just for people watching um you 269 00:20:14,080 --> 00:20:19,360 know people say we need more business in town. We need more business. We need 270 00:20:17,440 --> 00:20:24,480 more business. and our lack of sewer is a real impediment in terms of our 271 00:20:21,600 --> 00:20:28,400 attractiveness to um local business. So, this is very exciting if we can bring 272 00:20:26,480 --> 00:20:30,799 sewer to the center of town in terms of attracting outside business to our 273 00:20:30,240 --> 00:20:34,080 community. >> Yes. Yeah. We could 274 00:20:32,960 --> 00:20:38,880 » You're very welcome. We could have Rich McCarthy come in um and he'll be here 275 00:20:36,080 --> 00:20:41,600 next week actually anyway on Monday uh and he could I didn't want to steal too 276 00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:44,240 much of his thunder, but he could talk about both the grant and the DOC sewer. 277 00:20:43,840 --> 00:20:48,080 » Okay. >> For a project. Um and the final thing is 278 00:20:46,480 --> 00:20:52,400 uh Todd Linmark and I have been having our department head meetings as you know 279 00:20:49,919 --> 00:20:57,120 about the budget and trying to develop a preliminary FY27 budget. Um we'd like 280 00:20:55,120 --> 00:21:01,200 time on next Monday's agenda to to present an initial view of where we are. 281 00:20:59,280 --> 00:21:03,919 Now as you all know uh this is going to be a very difficult budget year for 282 00:21:02,640 --> 00:21:08,080 Norfor. >> We've asked the department has to come 283 00:21:05,360 --> 00:21:11,200 back with budgets that are essentially continuations of um current level of 284 00:21:10,320 --> 00:21:17,200 service, >> right? no expansions um but no drastic 285 00:21:14,480 --> 00:21:21,760 cuts either. We've had some good news in the form of health insurance costs 286 00:21:18,559 --> 00:21:25,919 coming in lower than we expected. Now, to be sure, we were expecting or 287 00:21:23,760 --> 00:21:31,200 budgeting for an 18% increase, which didn't happen, which is great. It turned 288 00:21:27,679 --> 00:21:36,720 out to be a 9% increase, which is still far too large to support. You know, it's 289 00:21:33,600 --> 00:21:41,200 it's unsustainable. Um, unfortunately, King Phillip numbers came back um, 290 00:21:39,360 --> 00:21:44,880 several hundred thousand higher than we had hoped, essentially erasing the 291 00:21:43,520 --> 00:21:47,919 reduction we saw in the healthcare costs. 292 00:21:47,280 --> 00:21:51,520 The result, >> the King Phillip school budget. 293 00:21:49,679 --> 00:21:55,440 » Yeah. Yes. The our our portion of the King Phillip school budget came in at a 294 00:21:53,360 --> 00:22:01,440 little Well, it's about there was some action this evening. Um, we think we're 295 00:21:58,640 --> 00:22:04,960 going to be at about a 6.9% increase over last year and King Phillip is 296 00:22:03,039 --> 00:22:08,559 actually they uh the initial increase they gave us was larger and we talked 297 00:22:07,120 --> 00:22:12,799 with the superintendent and the other town man uh town administrators for the 298 00:22:10,400 --> 00:22:18,400 district and um I believe they've made an effort to reduce that number. So 299 00:22:15,520 --> 00:22:23,200 that's very appreciated um on our part. I know our chair the chairman of the 300 00:22:20,320 --> 00:22:28,400 committee uh Jim Leehan who you all know very well um was essential in that. Um 301 00:22:26,559 --> 00:22:32,880 so but overall the town budget we're we're we're a town budget that grows by 302 00:22:31,200 --> 00:22:36,720 a little over 4%. >> Yeah. 303 00:22:33,440 --> 00:22:41,760 » This year. Um and and excluding the schools we're about 75% uh employee 304 00:22:38,960 --> 00:22:46,720 costs. So there aren't a lot of big drivers uh here that we can play with. 305 00:22:44,000 --> 00:22:50,400 the 4% overall growth is pretty much actually less than what you'd see from 306 00:22:48,320 --> 00:22:55,520 the normal cost of living and step increases that are inherent in the 307 00:22:52,080 --> 00:22:59,840 personnel costs. Um the four schools we contribute to King Phip Tri County, 308 00:22:57,200 --> 00:23:04,480 Norfol Aggie and Norfol local are about 55% of well last year they were about 309 00:23:02,320 --> 00:23:08,080 55% of our operating budget and there's not a lot of leverage available for us 310 00:23:06,080 --> 00:23:13,440 to move those budgets. Mhm. >> Um, and it's important to remember that 311 00:23:11,200 --> 00:23:19,039 starting in FY23, we've been using significant non-recurring revenue. First 312 00:23:15,520 --> 00:23:24,000 ARPA funds and and then uh free cash to balance the budget. 313 00:23:21,440 --> 00:23:29,440 When combined with the Tri County project, which we voted to support but 314 00:23:25,840 --> 00:23:32,480 never voted the funding for in any form, um, we're looking at a budget that is 315 00:23:30,880 --> 00:23:37,280 considerably out of balance this year. So next week Todd and I will walk you 316 00:23:34,720 --> 00:23:43,280 through that and um start to discuss with you what you feel the options are. 317 00:23:40,000 --> 00:23:47,200 Uh we were we are scheduling a meeting with our department heads and the 318 00:23:44,880 --> 00:23:55,440 advisory board for Saturday the 7th of March which is only about 10 days away. 319 00:23:50,400 --> 00:23:59,200 Um we have a place and a um a time and we're going to be hearing from 320 00:23:56,960 --> 00:24:03,440 department heads most department heads um and and discussing things with them. 321 00:24:01,120 --> 00:24:08,640 we won't be getting uh the elementary school won't have their budget set yet 322 00:24:04,880 --> 00:24:13,440 at that point. So, they won't be able to significantly participate. 323 00:24:11,279 --> 00:24:17,039 » But, >> Mr. Gity, can you share the place and 324 00:24:15,200 --> 00:24:23,360 time because the community is welcome to that meeting. Is that correct? 325 00:24:18,559 --> 00:24:28,000 » Yes. So, um the place will be the um will be the Freeman Kennedy uh school 326 00:24:26,240 --> 00:24:32,960 cafeteria and the time I actually don't have an 327 00:24:29,440 --> 00:24:39,039 exact time for yet, but we'll >> you can let people know in the second. 328 00:24:34,720 --> 00:24:40,320 » Yes, we'll post it as soon as possible. >> Okay. 329 00:24:39,679 --> 00:24:41,760 » Thank you. >> Thank you. 330 00:24:40,880 --> 00:24:44,799 » Anything else? >> Uh we have warrants. 331 00:24:43,120 --> 00:24:48,480 » Okay. Uh we have to move the uh approve the warrants that 332 00:24:46,799 --> 00:24:51,679 um would like to make a motion to approve the warrants. 333 00:24:49,840 --> 00:24:56,880 » I would like to make a motion to approve the warrants as printed in the agenda. 334 00:24:55,679 --> 00:25:01,200 » Second. >> Roll call vote. 335 00:24:59,279 --> 00:25:06,400 » Anita Meckllinburgg I. >> Taggy Sigman. I 336 00:25:03,039 --> 00:25:08,720 » Kevin Roach I. >> We do not have any minutes to approve 337 00:25:08,000 --> 00:25:12,159 this week. >> Okay. Okay. 338 00:25:10,159 --> 00:25:17,039 » Like to make a motion to adjourn the meeting. 339 00:25:14,480 --> 00:25:19,760 If there's nothing else. >> Second. 340 00:25:17,600 --> 00:25:21,840 » I'll save my I'll save my updates for March 2nd. That's fine. 341 00:25:21,279 --> 00:25:26,880 » You sure? >> I move that we adjourn the meeting. 342 00:25:24,080 --> 00:25:29,760 » Okay. Seconded. Roll call vote. >> Anita Meckllinburgg. I 343 00:25:28,720 --> 00:25:36,760 » Tman I. >> Kevin Roach. I 344 00:25:32,400 --> 00:25:36,760 » Thank you everybody. Thank you.