[0:00] Educating, informing, serving. Fact TV, keeping government [0:04] honest. [0:06] You are watching a Fact TV presentation of the Village of Saxton's [0:10] River trustees meeting. [0:15] So this is Amy Hewlett calling the meeting to order. [0:18] This is the Village of Saxton's River meeting March 16th, [0:22] 2026 at 7:00 PM at [0:26] 24 Main Community Building. [0:28] That's the call to order, and my name is Amy Hewlett. [0:33] And are there any adjustments to the agenda? [0:37] New items to be ratified at a later meeting? [0:40] Oops. [0:41] I don't think so. [0:42] I would suggest that since Inesa was here, we move [0:46] discussing the auditor's report to follow immediately [0:51] bills. Is that okay with everybody? [0:54] Yeah. [0:54] I think annual meeting will take a little bit. [0:58] We have a bunch of executive sessions at the end, [1:02] and I've marked those for my assumption about whether action will be [1:06] required. I don't know, of course, but there'll be that when we get to it. [1:11] And it sounds like Kristen. It is. [1:15] All right. Public comment. [1:18] Anybody on Zoom with public comment? [1:20] None. [1:21] And we got that TV that he says. [1:23] Yes. [1:24] Okay. [1:25] We do have [1:26] Stan is here, Stan Telstra. [1:28] Hey, Stan. [1:31] He's unmuted. [1:32] So do we have bills to approve? [1:34] Yes. [1:34] We're on to that. [1:35] They will start around. [1:36] Yes. [1:38] We'll give Inesa a beat to do that. [1:41] Different things. [1:42] Mm-hmm. [1:43] It looked to me like wastewater treatment was making up for lost time. [1:49] Yes. [1:54] So Amy, you've got [1:55] $7,289.70. [1:58] The warrant, which is online for everybody to- [2:01] To view [2:02] ... view is 20 items, $7,289 [2:06] and 78 cents. I'll make the motion that we approve the warrant [2:10] for tonight in that amount. Is there a second to that? [2:13] Second. [2:14] It's been moved and seconded to approve the warrant of [2:16] $7,289 and 78 cents. [2:20] I looked it over. [2:22] I didn't see anything surprising. [2:25] Inesa, anything you wanna draw attention to? [2:28] No, the OCT is a little bit late. I'm glad we caught that. [2:32] I'm glad you caught that. [2:35] I do not have a printout for, I just got an email [2:39] from Norwich for [2:42] wastewater treatment electric. So it's [2:45] $843. [2:48] Is this our solar? [2:49] But it's in a total. Yeah. [2:50] Yeah. [2:50] Yeah. So I don't have a printout. [2:52] Does it sometimes say Norwich Solar and sometimes Green Day? [2:56] Yeah. [2:57] Okay. [2:57] Green Day is financials. It's their [3:00] financial system. [3:02] Okay. [3:02] But it comes from Norwich as a company. [3:04] Yeah. [3:06] So electrical installations, I think the plant [3:10] also had some kind of emergency things you mentioned. [3:13] Yes. I don't remember the specifics, just that- [3:17] Troubleshoot [3:18] ... it took a lot of people working long hours over the weekend to get it [3:21] fixed. [3:22] So looks like- [3:23] What was it? [3:25] I don't remember, Matt. [3:26] Looks like troubleshoot [3:29] issues with the plant. [3:32] So it was kind of extraordinary expense- [3:34] Mm-hmm [3:34] ... I'd say. [3:35] Yeah. [3:36] And where are they coming from? [3:38] So that is the floor we're looking for, from New Hampshire somewhere. [3:41] Yeah. [3:42] That's about it. The rest is... So I'm passing on also [3:46] closure of our community national bank. [3:50] So they already issued $169. [3:53] I deposit it in our- [3:54] Great [3:55] ... operating. Yeah. [3:58] So that's that. And just for those in attendance, what [4:01] we're doing right now is we all take a look at the bills, [4:06] and then we sign off on them. [4:09] Are you ready for the vote, or would you like to wait for the bills to come [4:12] around? [4:13] I'm ready. [4:14] No, you can vote. [4:15] All right. The motion on the floor is to approve the warrant of [4:19] $7,289 and 78 cents. All in [4:23] favor, please say aye. [4:24] Aye. [4:25] Aye. Opposed? [4:26] The ayes carry the motion. All right, discuss the auditor's [4:30] report and recommendations. [4:33] So I went to the auditor's meeting, and [4:36] they were thrilled to see me, which was a nice [4:40] reaction. [4:41] The main thing they're concerned, this was my take, and I know you've worked [4:45] with them, so if you have a different one, please interrupt me. [4:48] I think the main thing they would like to see from us is a [4:52] step-by-step procedure that talks about what we actually [4:56] do. [4:57] So they were surprised to find out that Ellen Clark Lawrence was no [5:01] longer opening the mailbox and approving the mails and putting together- ... [5:04] a warrant. [5:05] Are you serious? [5:06] Yes, I am serious. So these are not things that we have written [5:10] down, Matt, and they would like a written procedure from us. [5:15] So this can be the business of the new [5:19] board if you want, when we have new people [5:23] on board. But I think the main thing is Inesa should not [5:27] be opening the mailbox and taking the envelopes out and [5:31] looking in them. We are too small for that to be good. [5:35] I believe completely that Inesa is honest, but [5:39] it allows a person to look at the mail, [5:43] substitute something, put it on the warrant, and have us [5:47] approve it, which is [5:50] something that happens all over Vermont in very small [5:53] towns. [5:54] So as I had said in the past, [5:58] years ago when I was on the board, the mail came, [6:02] and it was opened [6:04] And we [6:05] went through it all, three- [6:08] Open at the meeting. [6:09] Yeah. At the meeting. [6:11] Oh. [6:13] So [6:15] that would take care of it, right? [6:17] That would. [6:18] Right. [6:18] So I can go- [6:19] So someone can get the mail, just don't open it [6:21] ... and bring it to the meeting. [6:23] But then we need to establish- [6:26] No, somebody else should actually take it out. [6:30] And that's my feeling. [6:31] Okay. All right. [6:31] To get it on the fourth [6:32] But then- [6:33] Leave it here. [6:33] Yep. [6:34] Not open it. [6:35] Yep. [6:35] But then it has to be, um- [6:37] But then it has to be added up. [6:39] Added up. [6:39] Yeah. So Louise Lauren was doing that task when I took over the chair [6:43] from her. [6:44] Right. Yeah. [6:44] I took it on for the first year, and then it felt like too [6:48] much for me, and Ellen took it on for a year. [6:51] So I would suggest that you have this discussion at the reorganization [6:55] meeting, or the one following the reorganization meeting, and see what makes [6:59] sense. [6:59] So someone else get the mail, open it up, tally it up- [7:03] Yep [7:04] ... and bring the warrant. [7:05] Yep. [7:05] Whatever has been received at the [7:09] mailbox- [7:10] Right [7:10] ... prior to the meeting. [7:11] Yep. [7:11] And [7:12] enter the warrant. [7:14] Right. [7:14] Mm-hmm. [7:14] Okay. [7:14] And enter into the list. Right? [7:16] Enter it? [7:17] Yes. Ideally. [7:18] Yeah. [7:19] Yeah. Because- [7:19] Right, because there's others that are... [7:21] Right. [7:22] That was what I had been doing. [7:25] I was the one that made that [7:29] electronic warrant for everybody- [7:31] Mm-hmm [7:31] ... and giving everybody access to it. [7:33] Right. [7:34] But then you had wanted to change it and get rid of all the- [7:37] I think this is... [7:41] I just feel this is the way to do it. People can look at it, and I know [7:45] in the past, [7:48] board members, trustees have looked through it and say, "Well, didn't [7:52] we already pay this?" Or, "What is this for?" Instead of just [7:57] a line item- [7:58] Mm-hmm [7:58] ... and approve it. [7:59] The [8:02] spreadsheet that I had done made it very simple to search on. [8:06] Fabulous. [8:08] Yeah. [8:09] To prevent that from happening. So typically- [8:11] Oh, I have a question [8:12] ... Right. But we're- [8:12] As you point out, like at the meeting, somebody says, "Wait, didn't we pay [8:16] this?" [8:17] Right. [8:17] And then you say, "Well, that would've been in July. [8:20] Let's go back and look." [8:22] Right. It's pretty easy to look at this. [8:24] We don't carry those notes anywhere in the meeting. [8:27] Right. [8:27] So. [8:28] So it's pretty easy to look at a spreadsheet and go, "It's the same stuff, [8:32] and okay." [8:33] Yeah. [8:33] But if you look at it here- [8:35] As a new member, the spreadsheet was something [8:39] I didn't have time to decimate and look at. [8:41] I just kind of relied on everyone else. [8:44] Okay. [8:44] And this is more tangible, but I'm sure everyone's different. [8:48] Mm-hmm. [8:48] And I actually do have a question. [8:50] Mm-hmm. [8:51] These seem like three different bills, but you only signed the first one? [8:55] The amounts are different at the bottom. [8:57] You should add them all. [8:59] Yep. [8:59] So- [9:00] Thank you [9:01] ... my assumption is that the [9:05] charges from the wastewater treatment plant to the Village of [9:09] Saxton's River were held up for a period, and then they caught up [9:13] and sent us a bunch. [9:14] Mm-hmm. [9:16] From who? [9:17] Wastewater treatment plant. [9:18] Bill. [9:19] Our contract with Bell is involved. [9:22] Really? [9:23] Hmm. [9:24] So you'll see, for example, there are a couple for sludge removal. [9:28] Mm-hmm. [9:29] We don't do that every week. I mean, that's not- [9:33] Right. That's monthly. [9:36] It's periodic. [9:38] Yeah. [9:38] Yeah. [9:40] Are these different, or just three different $30? [9:43] I think those are the sloughs for these. Are they not? [9:47] No, the amounts are different. [9:48] When they- [9:50] Well, this isn't a bill. [9:51] Right. It's a sloughs. [9:54] They put them at [9:56] the monthly in the bill. I can find an example. [10:00] What's [10:02] the name for them? Do you have something? [10:04] Four Point? [10:07] Yeah. Four Point. [10:09] Okay. [10:12] Well, this doesn't look like a bill. [10:16] It is- [10:16] It looks like a receipt. [10:17] It isn't a bill. It is on monthly bill. [10:20] Come on. Let me just [10:23] have [10:29] a... Look natural. [10:32] Mm-hmm. [10:37] Here. 30 and 30. [10:40] Yeah. [10:40] So it's a statement. [10:41] Okay. [10:41] And those that's signed their tickets. [10:45] Right. So it's not on here? [10:47] 30. Nope. That is just the total. [10:51] Well, that [10:52] seems ridiculous. [10:54] This is February. [10:59] That's why they send those yellow things. [11:04] It's part of the process. [11:06] So we have separate bills- [11:09] Mm-hmm [11:10] ... for these. [11:11] Nope. [11:13] Well, it's in a statement. [11:14] Okay. [11:14] It's not a bill like this. [11:16] Right. So we should be signing the statement. [11:18] That's the bill. Right. [11:20] And not... [11:22] I mean, we should be signing this and not [11:25] these. If this- [11:27] Sure [11:28] ... and [11:29] this [11:32] is on there- [11:32] Right [11:33] ... that's what we need to be approving. [11:34] This eventually will be like this. Yes. [11:37] So this is February, compilation of February tickets. [11:41] Mm-hmm. [11:42] And then March would be compilation of all March. [11:45] So these three that we just approved, are they on there? [11:49] They're February. [11:51] 297. [11:54] 297. 297 was prior, actually, in February. [11:58] So this isn't what we should be signing. [12:02] That's what we need to be signing, because you're going to take that off and pay [12:05] it. [12:06] Right. [12:07] Yeah. [12:09] Yeah. [12:09] Sure. [12:10] Yeah. So I'll make sure I'll have- [12:12] All right. So you want these [12:14] signed? Okay. [12:18] I'll make sure I will have a statement with all the tickets. [12:22] Yeah. Right. This is what we're approving to sign. [12:28] I wondered if the auditors had issues with our portal, but they [12:32] didn't. They said, "No, we're used to electronic [12:34] payments." That's what they said. [12:37] And I do have the feeling that that's helped us out immensely with- [12:41] Mm-hmm [12:41] ... some of our routines. [12:42] Right. And we eliminated their billing because it was [12:45] all confusing. [12:48] Oh, goodness. It is. [12:49] Mm-hmm. [12:52] Just like this. [12:53] Back to the auditor's report. Anything else that caught your eye, Inesa? [12:56] Well, [12:58] I emailed you all about going back to the write-ups and policies. [13:03] I grabbed some examples from the VLCT, and we can adapt them, [13:07] make them simple, and I already start working on that. [13:10] I wonder if when I'm done, I can email you all. [13:13] We can have it on agenda, and then just go over them and nail [13:17] them maybe if you can. [13:18] That sounds good. We have a meeting scheduled for April 6th. [13:22] Does that sound- [13:23] Yeah [13:24] ... appropriate? [13:25] Yeah. [13:25] Okay. So let's do that on April 6th. [13:28] I'm sorry, what are we doing on April 6th? [13:30] Inesa's going to send us a week ahead of time. [13:33] Right. [13:33] Is that possible? [13:34] Just- [13:34] A proposed procedure memo. [13:37] Take a look at them, yeah. [13:38] For us to review and adopt or adjust or reject. [13:42] I'll just follow what they're saying. [13:44] Somewhere there is a list, the line up, so [13:48] those will be the policies. [13:50] Sounds good to me. [13:51] And then we go above and beyond. [13:52] No. [13:54] I mean, we can adopt them later. [13:57] And I would recommend going forward that we continue to name a trustee who [14:00] approves expenses that come up out of the blue, [14:05] if it's a while towards the meeting. [14:07] The situation, it didn't happen with the wastewater treatment plant, [14:10] but it is often the wastewater treatment plant. [14:13] Right. [14:13] Something has to be approved right away. [14:15] We get a phone call, discussion of what it costs, and we [14:19] make, I make- [14:20] Mm-hmm [14:20] ... or when Ellen was the person, we make that decision right at the point and [14:24] approve it. So that would be another recommendation to make sure [14:28] is included in the- [14:29] Yep [14:29] ... procedures. [14:31] Any other questions or discussion on the auditor's report [14:35] or the business of approving bills as we go [14:38] along? [14:39] No. [14:41] Okay. Thank you, Inesa. [14:42] Thank you for the auditors. The audit is approved. [14:46] Oh, they do a great job. [14:47] Amy, I brought this also was in a mail, random things that Faith [14:51] again mailed us. I'm not sure if you had a chance to deal with [14:55] them. [14:55] I dealt with them, and I referred them to Sean, [14:59] and- [15:00] Okay [15:01] ... [15:02] now they're our account is F2. [15:05] Because Faith sold us the [15:08] original rescue cab, they assume we still own it [15:12] in spite of phone calls, emails, et cetera. [15:16] Yep. [15:16] Maybe I have to go in in person. [15:19] Okay. [15:19] And there's also mail. I don't know if you want to hold onto it. [15:22] Just like information. [15:23] I'll look at it and make decisions. Okay. [15:27] Are we ready to move to the annual meeting? [15:30] Sure. [15:31] All right. I put down review of open seats, annual [15:35] report, and dedication, and [15:38] if there's anything else related to the open meeting, [15:43] I thought this would be the time, and it looks like Carl has it. [15:45] I have. [15:48] Like I've done in the past, the script or [15:51] motion. So just pass this around, [15:56] and if you could look it over before next meeting. [15:59] Any suggestions, [16:02] additions, changes, [16:04] typos, of which there will probably be many. [16:08] I like how you do it. [16:09] And- [16:12] I don't think typos are a problem. [16:13] Yeah. [16:14] If you want- [16:14] I think they're fine. [16:15] Yeah. They're not doing it phonetically. [16:16] For this, yes. [16:19] Here's an extra one. [16:20] Yeah. I made an extra copy. If- [16:24] So for the audience, this is a script, so we get through [16:28] the nominations and votes for the [16:32] openings [16:33] with a [16:35] relatively smooth [16:38] train of events. [16:40] So several of these have blanks. I nominate blank for the position. [16:45] So that will include the moderator because Ben's not going to be [16:49] available. [16:49] Mm-hmm. [16:51] And two trustees who are [16:55] retiring and not running for re-election. That'd be Amy and I. [16:59] Mm-hmm. [17:02] And I believe everyone else is up for re-election except for [17:06] Matt. [17:07] Yeah. Matt's the only one who's not. [17:08] So Ellen and Kristin- [17:10] Do you plan to re-up? [17:12] Yes. [17:15] And [17:16] Kristin, there now are two [17:19] two-year terms open. [17:21] Oh. [17:21] Oh, yeah. [17:21] If you are interested in two year- [17:23] Put her in [17:24] ... instead of one year- [17:24] Put her on that [17:25] ... let me know. [17:26] You can put me on a two-year. [17:28] Okay. I'll put you on a four-year actually. [17:30] I do have a question about Ben, and I will [17:34] double-check with him unless you guys have... [17:36] I thought he just was out for this particular meeting. [17:40] I didn't get the impression that he didn't want to serve. [17:42] No, just this meeting. [17:43] Yeah. [17:44] Right. [17:44] Just this meeting. [17:45] But we have to elect somebody for the year for the meeting. [17:49] Oh. [17:50] Yes. [17:50] It's a one-year position. [17:51] It's a one-year position. [17:52] And I thought his position went through this meeting, and then next year it would [17:56] be the other person- [17:56] Nope [17:56] ... so it's reversed. [17:58] No. [17:58] Okay. Got it. [17:59] Yeah. [17:59] Okay. [18:00] So what's your pleasure? I can put it on Facebook, Front [18:03] Porch Forum. [18:05] I think we found Ben through your- [18:09] Mm-hmm [18:09] ... activity, but we certainly have plenty of good people in town. [18:13] So the people who are serving for one year, they're basically saying, [18:17] "I'll do it for the meeting we're presently voting them in for." [18:20] Mm-hmm. Interesting. [18:21] There will be some other things that the moderator needs to [18:25] doThey're rare, but they're... [18:28] Swearing somebody in, for example, if we appoint somebody in mid- [18:32] Okay [18:32] ... in mid-year. [18:35] I think the main things are, if it turns into a [18:39] contentious meeting, you have those Robert's Rules things [18:43] at your disposal. So for example, [18:47] if you make a motion and the crowd disagrees with you, you have [18:51] to know how to handle that. [18:52] Right. But it's for that- [18:54] That being- [18:54] ... we're electing the person to do it right on the spot, right there at that [18:56] meeting. [18:56] That's correct. Yeah. [18:58] Yeah. [18:58] So I'm also happy to make phone calls. [19:02] I don't know if we have extra people here. Any of you interested? [19:06] It's best if you have- [19:10] What about- [19:10] ... Robert's Rules experience. [19:11] What about Guy Ping? He's not- [19:14] Possible. [19:15] Yeah. [19:15] I also thought of Pete Stickney. I have a feeling he did it for a while. [19:19] Anybody? [19:19] Pete would be a good one. [19:20] I think he has done it, yes. [19:22] Yeah. [19:23] It does seem like if you need to know Robert's Rules- [19:25] Yeah [19:25] ... that's a lot to take on to be voted on right then and there. [19:28] It is, yeah. It's a big help if you're running meetings. [19:32] I can contact Pete if you'd like. [19:36] Or I can. I live right across the street. [19:39] All right. You do it. [19:40] Oh, I will talk to Pete. [19:41] Okay. [19:42] I'd love to have some women considered also, and I'm wondering if Anne Mann or [19:46] McLarty might be interested. [19:48] Oh, okay. [19:48] It tends to be a one-shot slot. So it's [19:52] a great way to step in and get the feeling, and I've always thought it was kind [19:56] of fun. [19:58] I have a question. So I know that Laura's interested [20:03] in being on the board, and so is Andrew Dunbar. [20:07] I mean, on the trustees. [20:08] Are we jumping around here, or are we still on- [20:11] No, we're still on the annual meeting. [20:12] Yeah, we're still on the annual meeting. [20:14] So if they're interested, do we fill these in? [20:18] It's an open election from the floor. [20:20] Okay. [20:21] Those are the people that members of the board will nominate. [20:24] Okay. [20:24] But anybody else can be nominated from the floor. [20:27] Yes. And that's healthy. [20:29] Okay. [20:29] Hey, don't feel too cocky about your slot. [20:33] Oh, yeah, yeah. That's right. Oh, Ellen's out of here. [20:38] Sorry. Please run again. [20:43] Okay. So we'll put it- [20:47] Let me just ask- [20:48] ... out to the general. [20:49] Are you interested? [20:51] Mm-hmm. [20:52] Okay. [20:53] One year or two? [20:56] I can go two. [20:58] I can go one. [21:02] Rick Holloway, I discussed with him about running, [21:05] and he's interested also. [21:07] When was that? [21:09] What? [21:09] When was that? [21:12] When was that? [21:13] Yeah. [21:13] Well, I think you know because you made a comment about it, that I wanted him on [21:17] the board for the wrong reason. [21:20] I don't know about that. [21:21] Okay. [21:23] But I talked to him. [21:25] Yeah, but that's what I'm saying is how recently, because I talk to him at work, [21:27] too. [21:28] Okay. [21:29] And we're talking about board members. We're not talking about moderator. [21:33] Right. [21:33] That's correct. [21:33] Clear? Okay. [21:39] Okay. Well, it's great to [21:42] know ahead of time that there are people who are interested. [21:46] That's terrific. [21:49] And then once the board is elected, reorganization [21:52] happens soon after, and you fight over who gets to be [21:56] chair, who gets to be clerk. Although it's all appointed now. [21:59] No, the clerk is elected separately. [22:01] Oh, so the clerk doesn't run. [22:01] Has nothing to do with the board. [22:04] But that happens at annual meeting. [22:06] It happens at annual meeting. [22:08] So somebody could be clerk. [22:10] And not on the board. [22:13] Oh, that would be great. [22:14] That would be huge. [22:15] Great. [22:15] Mm-hmm. [22:15] It means coming to every meeting. [22:17] Yeah. [22:17] Doing the agendas, doing the minutes. [22:20] But it'd be wonderful if someone wanted to do that. [22:21] Oh, my God. [22:22] Oh, yeah. Absolutely. [22:24] So, and I wasn't sure- [22:25] I would recommend- [22:27] Mm-hmm [22:27] ... based on my experience, that you don't take on both jobs [22:31] of clerk and trustee. [22:33] Mm-hmm. [22:34] I think it's hard- [22:36] Overwhelming [22:37] ... it's hard to do both because I don't really participate much as [22:41] a trustee because I'm busy doing clerkish stuff. [22:44] Mm-hmm. [22:45] So I think it's best to be two separate people. [22:48] Yeah. I have to- [22:48] Now, in the [22:50] longest time, it's been the same person. [22:53] Right. [22:53] First me and then Celia Gordon. But- [22:56] Mm-hmm [22:57] ... I think it's not- [22:58] Mm-hmm [22:59] ... the wisest thing. [23:00] So if the clerk is not a trustee, the clerk has no vote? [23:04] That's correct. [23:04] The clerk has no vote. [23:06] The clerk has a lot of other authority, but no vote in the trustee business. [23:10] Mm-hmm. [23:10] And our use of you to do [23:14] the budget and the- [23:17] I do that as a trustee. [23:19] As a trustee. [23:19] Not as a clerk. [23:20] Not as the clerk. [23:21] So I inherited those jobs, [23:24] at least one of them from Ben. I think both of them from Ben, [23:29] who was not the clerk at the time. [23:30] Mm-hmm. [23:32] Okay. [23:32] So we could vote you in as clerk and not trustee. [23:36] Yeah, but I will decline. [23:39] So it sounds to me like we should put the word out about that one as well. [23:42] Yeah. Clerk, yep. [23:43] And that we get that cleaned up. [23:44] Yeah. [23:45] And did you say the clerk gets a nominal- [23:48] They get $325 stipend. [23:51] Perfect. [23:52] You should put that out there. You never know. [23:55] Well- [23:55] But that's for the whole year, right? [23:56] Yeah. [23:57] Yeah. [23:58] Right. [23:58] No, it's not per meeting, no. [24:01] Well, there's a- [24:02] There you go. [24:02] I understand. [24:03] Right. [24:03] There we go. [24:04] I understand that. I do understand that, but... [24:07] Maybe Anne would like to do it. [24:09] No. [24:13] And it's a one-year term. [24:14] It's a one-year term. [24:15] Okay. Like moderator. [24:19] Okay. I see it here. [24:21] It depends on how good you are at minutes. [24:26] As to how- [24:27] Well, and how good you have to be at minutes, right? [24:30] As you said, you [24:32] put a lot more into the minutes than [24:36] Yes, but you need to make- [24:37] Is legally required [24:38] ... right, but you need to be sure that you catch everything that's legally [24:41] required. [24:42] Yeah. Right. [24:43] And a few things that aren't legally required, but are absolutely essential to [24:47] put in. You don't need to put in as much as I do, but you should do more than the [24:50] bare minimum- [24:51] Mm-hmm [24:51] ... or the minutes won't mean anything to anybody who reads them. [24:54] Mm-hmm. [24:54] Yeah. I think you have been doing an amazing job. [24:57] Mm-hmm. [24:58] You have been. I hear that from everybody. Yeah. [25:01] They're really good. [25:02] I'm really worried what's going to happen when you guys go before the board. [25:05] Public acclaim will not bring me back. [25:09] Ditto. [25:09] What if we make it $500? [25:17] So tell me the statement again. [25:17] Well, if you come and clean my stables twice a week... [25:21] You said 325, right? [25:23] Yeah, I think. [25:29] Okay. Oh, I'm sorry, one more thing. [25:31] And so how many hours a week you think it is, [25:35] would you say on average, for the work that you've put in? [25:39] Well, [25:41] when I do these minutes, I listen to the entire meeting a second time. [25:45] Wow. [25:46] And it takes a little bit of time to jump back and forth. [25:49] Yeah. [25:51] But [25:53] I like to put everything in. [25:54] Mm-hmm. True. [25:56] And if someone is doing, like they have a clerk at many meetings, school board [26:00] meetings, they have a separate person who takes the minutes. [26:03] So if the person is only taking the minutes, it might be [26:07] easier. You have to go back and listen. [26:08] It's a [26:10] lot easier, yes, if you're not trying to- [26:12] Trying to do- [26:13] ... both [26:13] ... participate and take minutes at the same time. [26:19] Yeah. Now, I will say too that Zoom has got an AI [26:22] companion. [26:23] Mm-hmm. [26:24] And [26:27] my feeling about the AI companion is it's worthless for minutes. [26:31] But [26:32] somebody who's more adept at AI might be able to tweak it so that it worked. [26:36] Yeah. It's trainable, I think. But you would have to [26:39] really want to work with it. So [26:43] for example, I think it produces seven or eight pages. [26:46] I have it turned on, because why not? [26:49] It's extremely laborious to even read through it. [26:53] So you would have to say to it, "This is what good minutes look like. [26:57] At most two double-sided things. Must [27:01] have every motion, must have the person who makes the motion." [27:04] Mm-hmm. [27:04] "Must include a list of everyone who's present. [27:07] Use a decent vocabulary." And you'd have to work at it until [27:12] it understood that's what it would produce. I don't know. [27:15] I hear different things from people, but I understand it can be done. [27:21] Any more discussion about annual meeting? [27:24] I did not bring it with me, but the report is almost done and [27:28] should be out within the coming week. [27:30] As we discussed, there is a tribute to the fire [27:34] department and rescue squad on the front. [27:37] The only picture I've been able to get is [27:41] a great picture of Art and two or three other [27:45] firemen. [27:45] Mm-hmm. [27:46] And then I have the list of everybody who served. [27:49] Nice. [27:49] And then inside the cover, I have a great [27:53] picture of Louise Loring in flapper regalia- [27:57] Oh, no [27:57] ... for an event at Main Street Arts, and three or four quotes from [28:01] people. [28:01] Great. [28:02] Just a one-page summary. And you had mentioned doing it in [28:06] color. [28:07] Mm-hmm. [28:07] And so I thought we'd have that- [28:09] Yeah [28:09] ... to liven up the- [28:11] Yeah, just I need the... [28:13] When do you want to have it printed by? [28:15] Well, I'm almost there. I thought I was there, and then I realized [28:19] that [28:21] the table of contents was a page ahead of itself. [28:25] So these are just little formatting things. [28:29] If I get stuck, I have a couple of people I can- [28:32] Mm-hmm [28:32] ... but [28:33] it's a matter of pride at this point. [28:35] Mm-hmm. [28:36] I have a question. [28:37] Yes. [28:38] Are all three of the auditors willing to be renominated? [28:41] Yes. Yeah. I believe I asked that [28:45] question, that's what they said. [28:47] Okay. [28:47] Maybe I should double-check. I'll [28:50] see. [28:57] I could ask them too. I just didn't want to [29:00] bug them if you'd already talked to them. [29:05] Well, I was there, but there was a lot going on that morning. [29:08] And I believe we have to have two, and [29:12] the third is [29:16] somewhat arbitrary. [29:17] Mm-hmm. [29:18] Okay. [29:19] All right. [29:20] I think we're up to number seven. [29:24] Ooh. [29:24] Municipal energy [29:27] resilience project for the fire station, and you wanted [29:31] us to talk about what projects were the highest [29:34] priority. [29:35] I had thought we had done that [29:39] last meeting, which were the entryway to [29:43] the door. [29:44] Mm-hmm. [29:44] Windows, if possible. [29:46] Mm-hmm. [29:47] I did talk to the, or I didn't speak to, but I [29:50] email communicated with Windham Regional Commission, and they said [29:54] once we have [29:57] a bottom line of what's left, they thought it would be worthwhile [30:01] amending the grant and thought it would be doable to include windows. [30:05] Okay. [30:07] But it can be an ongoing... We're not really at the [30:11] point to make a decision because we still have other work that has to be done. [30:14] But if people have other ideas other than [30:18] those two, [30:22] just bring them to the meeting, and we can add them to the list, and then make a [30:26] decision later. [30:27] Art mentioned the gap under the small door that's to the right [30:31] of the major entrance. [30:35] Yeah.As far as what? [30:38] Air. Air coming in under the door. [30:40] It's spring here. [30:40] You mean [30:42] one of the doors that faces the street? [30:44] Yes. [30:45] So instead of the door that goes into the community room, it's the [30:49] door that goes into going up the steps? [30:51] Mm-hmm. [30:51] Okay. [30:53] And I think the overhead doors would be too much, but one of them has [30:57] a poor seal on the bottom. He pointed that out. [31:00] Okay. [31:01] But I think that would be a major expenditure. [31:04] Okay. [31:10] Well. [31:11] Thank you. [31:12] All right. [31:14] Question about the upstairs. [31:16] I stopped in with another drywall [31:20] contractor. [31:22] Is there areas that still need to be insulated? [31:25] Seemed like down towards the roadside, at the bottom of the [31:29] wall, there wasn't any insulation. [31:33] I will double-check- [31:35] Okay [31:36] ... on that. I know they were blowing down insulation- [31:39] Right [31:40] ... in those spaces, and then they're still going to do blown in on the [31:44] first floor at some point. [31:46] Right. [31:47] But I'll check. [31:48] Yeah, because there's foam in there now, but there's- [31:52] Yep, I know exactly where you're talking [31:53] ... there's an area- [31:55] And I think- [31:55] ... 10 inches or something [31:56] ... remember he left that to blow down- [31:58] Okay [31:58] ... to the other floor. Okay. [32:00] Okay. [32:00] Yep. [32:06] You say the gap was under or above the door? [32:08] Under. [32:09] Thank you. [32:14] We ready for group updates? [32:15] Sure. [32:16] Okay. Wastewater treatment plant, I have nothing. Anybody else? [32:21] Nope. [32:21] Recreation area? [32:22] Yeah. We had a meeting [32:25] the other night on Thursday, and [32:29] we had lots of participants. [32:32] We have new members. [32:35] Anna has joined the committee, [32:37] and also Juno Waite, and she [32:41] is 10 years old. [32:43] Oh, so Juno Waite and Anna Guile? [32:47] No, Anna Clark. [32:48] See? You have to say these things. [32:50] Yeah. [32:50] Otherwise... [32:51] Sorry, I looked at Kristen. [32:52] Oh, missed that. [32:55] And [32:56] Anne McClarty was there as well. So was Jared James. [33:00] Oh, great. The new recreation area. [33:03] Yep. I'll have the minutes all done probably by tomorrow, I hope. [33:07] And it was a great meeting. We got a lot of great ideas. [33:12] Juno did a presentation. She presented, and she did [33:16] the legwork, and her mom was right there. Do you know Rhea Waite? [33:19] Yeah. [33:21] With her. And [33:23] she [33:25] came to the board to make one presentation on two different topics. [33:29] The first topic was how to treat the water in the [33:32] pond. She had done all the research about getting these [33:36] organic options. She even had the [33:39] pricing for them. And then the second one [33:43] was planting flowers all along the bank to [33:47] reduce the amount of mowing that has to be done. [33:50] Nobody ever thought of that before. [33:53] So that was really a popular idea. [33:55] Yeah. [33:56] Yeah. So it was great. [33:58] That's wonderful. [34:00] Mm-hmm. [34:00] And Matt, to answer your question about the gates, I already did talk to Glenn. [34:04] Mm-hmm. [34:04] He's going to do it when the weather gets better. [34:06] Mm-hmm. [34:07] And you saw my email that we got the $2,000 from- [34:11] Yep. And I relayed that message as well. [34:13] Yeah. Mm-hmm. Cool. [34:14] Yeah. [34:15] Good. Sounds like the rec area is off and running. [34:18] Yeah. Anne McClarty did a great presentation as well, [34:22] because she wanted to help us with coming up, for [34:26] lack of a better term, a business plan, like how we should be [34:29] operating. She's volunteering her time to do this. [34:33] Great. [34:33] Yes. It really is. There was a discussion about possibly dogs [34:37] again at the rec area, but building an enclosed area [34:41] for them. So Anne's going to do a bunch of research, and the [34:45] committee was all on board to get the research, get the information, and then we'll [34:49] decide from there. [34:51] Great. Nashville is full of it. [34:53] What? [34:53] Nashville is full of it. [34:55] Oh, yeah. [34:55] It's a normal thing. [34:56] Yeah. [34:57] They even have dogs at the [35:00] apartment complexes. [35:03] Oh. [35:04] Sectioned out dogs, [35:06] clean, whatever. [35:07] Yeah. And so she's willing to do all the legwork on it and just come back to us the [35:11] next meeting. Well, she's hoping to get back to us at this meeting regarding that. [35:15] Great. [35:15] Mm-hmm. [35:17] Question. [35:17] Yeah. [35:17] Are these warned meetings? [35:20] Yes. No, let me rephrase that. I make the agenda, and I send [35:24] it out, but I have not posted them, so I haven't done that for the last one. [35:27] Yeah. [35:28] Yep. [35:28] Yeah. [35:29] So if you can send me those, [35:32] or the clerk when- [35:33] Yep [35:33] ... when I'm gone- [35:34] Mm-hmm [35:35] ... [35:36] they go on the list of agendas and minutes for [35:40] all of the- [35:42] Yeah [35:42] ... village meetings. So. [35:43] Yeah. And that's my fault, because I had done it before, like when we were having [35:47] more frequent meetings. I did post some at the fire department [35:51] and the [35:54] village market. So now, [35:58] yes, I will be more diligent. [36:01] Yeah. [36:01] We haven't had a meeting since last summer anyway, so [36:04] I would say. [36:06] So what usually happens is there's a mailing list of people who get agendas- [36:11] Mm-hmm [36:11] ... and I would send it to them, and I would put it up on the [36:14] website- [36:15] Thank you [36:15] ... in the list on the website. [36:16] Mm-hmm. [36:17] The other place that increasingly we can use is that e-newsletter [36:21] that comes out from the town. [36:23] Right. [36:23] There's a new person producing it, but it's the same [36:28] address to [36:30] email things you want included on the agenda. [36:32] It goes out about every two weeks. [36:35] Who does that? [36:36] Her name is Melissa. [36:37] Oh, she- [36:37] Used to be Megan O'Connor. [36:38] Yeah. [36:39] Yeah. [36:39] Okay. [36:40] And I think her email is something like executive assistant. I can... [36:44] It's easy to get for you. [36:46] Yeah. [36:47] The webpage, though, is on our list of official places where one [36:51] things are- [36:51] Mm-hmm [36:52] ... posted. So- [36:53] Mm-hmm [36:56] Are we going to add that at the newsletter? [36:59] This is not official- [37:01] We haven't [37:01] ... dissemination. [37:02] We haven't. It's just- [37:04] Okay [37:04] ... another way to get the news out. [37:07] Just wondering if it's something more I needed to do. [37:09] Yeah. [37:11] It's so easy to sign up if people want it. [37:14] I think the original intent was that if you were somebody who [37:18] went to the town of Rockingham website, Saxons River, [37:22] for whatever, you were interrupted by that pop-up that said, [37:25] "Hey, sign up for the newsletters." They're waiting if you try. [37:29] If you've already signed up. [37:30] Yeah. [37:30] And even if you signed up, it consistently doesn't sign you in. [37:32] Oh, yeah. It doesn't recognize you. Yeah. [37:35] It's just... [37:38] Okay. Fire department. [37:41] I have no updates. I ran into Art, who reminded me [37:45] that I did know where the key to the second floor was, so that was [37:48] good. [37:51] And I think at this point, our concern is more with the building [37:54] now that the fire department is part of the [37:58] municipal fire and rescue. [38:00] You asked me for an update on the town manager search, and I can give you [38:04] that. [38:06] The applications were due at the end of February. [38:09] We got 44. [38:11] Wow. [38:13] A mix. [38:16] So this is the three board chairs. We met to work [38:20] with Bill Frazier, who is our League of Cities and Towns [38:24] consultant, and if the name sounds familiar, he's the 30-year [38:28] town manager in Montpelier- [38:30] Mm-hmm [38:30] ... who resigned recently. But he does a lot of these searches and has been [38:34] very helpful. So he had scored all of the [38:37] 44 [38:39] resumes and cover letters [38:42] and then sent them all to us in batches so that we could go through [38:46] them, and from those, [38:50] we selected five that we thought looked good, [38:54] and we interviewed. In the end, it turned out to be four people, [38:58] one person withdrew, [39:00] including people who want to move up to be town [39:04] managers and people who are already serving as town managers. [39:08] So we narrowed the field to two. It was a [39:12] unanimous decision. We all felt very strongly that two people [39:16] were great. They will have more interviews next week, [39:20] one with all of the department heads, all of the internal department [39:24] heads, and one with the two boards [39:27] that employ the town manager, so the Rockingham [39:31] board and the Bellows Falls board. [39:35] And after those, it's up to the board to [39:39] either make a decision or schedule another interview or [39:43] go back to the drawing board. [39:44] Mm-hmm. [39:45] So... [39:47] And what is the timeframe where you think that the person- [39:50] Hoping that it will happen fairly soon. [39:53] There will be contract negotiations, [39:57] so one of the things is how long the person needs [40:01] to withdraw from their current [40:05] employment and- [40:06] Mm-hmm [40:07] ... begin new. Everything is confidential because- [40:10] Mm-hmm [40:10] ... all of these people are working. [40:12] Right. [40:13] But are you thinking summer, fall? [40:15] Oh, no. [40:17] Sooner than that? [40:18] Yeah. [40:18] Okay. [40:19] The days are a blur, [40:23] but we met on a Monday, and we [40:26] were able to line up everybody to meet with us, either in person or [40:30] in Zoom, on that Wednesday. [40:32] So- [40:33] Okay. Great [40:33] ... that's the pace we're trying to work at. [40:36] Great. [40:36] Nice. [40:37] Question? [40:37] No. [40:37] Okay. [40:39] So I hope we'll have good news out possibly by the [40:43] tri-board meeting on the 31st. [40:47] It would be nice to announce it at least. [40:49] Mm-hmm. [40:49] But contract negotiations may take a [40:52] while. We'll see. [40:54] Mm-hmm. [40:55] And the two boards are employing [40:58] Bill to do those contract negotiations, [41:02] informed by our feedback. [41:04] Mm-hmm. [41:08] Okay. So I'm sorry for the error. The number nine says [41:12] approve the minutes of the February 16th meeting. [41:14] Of course, we approve those. It is the March 2nd. [41:18] Can I hear a motion? [41:20] Motion to- [41:21] I move to- [41:21] Go ahead. [41:22] I move we approve the minutes of the March 2nd meeting. [41:25] Second. [41:26] It's been moved and seconded to approve the minutes of the March 2nd, [41:30] 2026 meeting. Is there any discussion? [41:33] They're good to me, Carl. [41:36] Anybody else? [41:37] Mm-mm. [41:38] Ready for the vote? [41:39] Yes. [41:39] Yeah. [41:39] All in favor [41:41] of approving the minutes for March [41:45] 2nd, signify by saying aye. [41:47] Aye. [41:47] Aye. [41:47] Opposed? The motion carries. [41:51] Thank you. [41:52] Okay. Thanks, Vanessa. [41:55] Thank you. [41:59] Oh, thank you. Other business from the trustees. [42:01] Polly, the tree warden who came and presented to us the night we [42:05] met at Vermont Academy, let me know that they will [42:09] not be planting trees in Saxons River this year. [42:13] A number of things have happened. They are short both on [42:17] trees and budget, but they are working with the town of Rockingham [42:21] to create their own tree nursery by the community garden, [42:25] and she hopes to be reaching out to us with a schedule for the fall. [42:29] Mm-hmm. [42:30] But just so you know. [42:35] Are there other business? Ellen? [42:37] I don't think so. [42:38] Kristen? [42:39] Mm-mm. [42:39] I just can't believe how quickly this has gone. [42:42] Well, we haven't gotten to the exceptions yet. [42:45] Carl? [42:46] No. [42:49] Okay. [42:52] Items for the next meeting and the tri-board meeting. [42:55] Last chance for the tri-board meeting. [42:57] I think we're going to be discussing the Hotel Wyndham and a [43:01] marketing effortFor that, [43:04] been kind of hovering in the background, and probably [43:07] a municipal fire and rescue update. [43:11] Is there anything else you want to see considered appropriate for the [43:15] three boards? [43:17] Can't think of anything right now, but we are... [43:20] Yeah. [43:21] Possibly one thing, but I want to mull it over first, about the recreation [43:25] committee. [43:26] So I think the recreation committee is on the agenda- [43:29] It is [43:29] ... for the Rockingham meeting tomorrow night. [43:31] Yeah. [43:31] For board members to weigh. [43:32] Yeah. [43:32] Okay. Good. [43:35] One question, I guess if you can't answer it, maybe at [43:39] that meeting, what's the latest on the [43:43] refurbishing of 121? [43:50] It's a great question. I'll try and come back to you for dates. [43:53] I didn't look at that- [43:54] Okay [43:54] ... for now. [43:59] I'm not sure whether it's [44:01] officially set yet. [44:04] Mm-hmm. [44:05] But the discussion was [44:07] how not to do it completely, but to do a [44:11] five-year [44:12] fixing project. [44:14] Ugh. [44:15] Yep. [44:16] But I don't think it's on the agenda- [44:18] Good [44:19] ... for tomorrow night. [44:20] Okay. [44:20] Tomorrow night is the discussion of the Depot Street Bridge, which has been [44:24] put off- [44:26] Mm-hmm [44:26] ... a lot. So, [44:29] they might be trying to break the new people in [44:32] involved. [44:35] It's a good question. [44:39] Anything else? [44:40] Mm-mm. [44:41] Okay. [44:43] Folks, it's fine with us if you want to wait outside, [44:47] but we will be in executive session. [44:49] You could also go home and Zoom- [44:51] Yeah [44:51] ... if you wanted to. I mean, we'll turn it off and turn it on again. [44:55] But it is executive session, so. [44:58] All right. So, [45:00] I move that we leave executive session, where we've been [45:04] discussing [45:06] matters appropriate according to Vermont statutes. [45:10] Is there a second to that motion? [45:12] Second. [45:13] All in favor, please say aye. [45:15] Aye. [45:15] Aye. [45:16] Opposed? All right. The [45:18] vote is unanimous to leave executive session. [45:21] So first, we will look at number 12, a village property contract [45:25] review for 7 Maple Street. [45:29] We are going to take action on this. [45:32] I remind everybody that we have already voted to [45:35] sign this contract once our corrections [45:38] were made. [45:41] We are still waiting for a vote at annual meeting, either [45:44] approving this sale or not approving it. [45:48] That is by Vermont statute, and then we will proceed [45:52] to the deed at closing. So I think what I'm [45:56] looking for is not a motion, but just an agreement by consensus [45:59] that I will sign this contract tonight for the [46:03] village, and that everything will proceed to the [46:07] annual meeting. Is that your understanding, Kristen? [46:10] That is my understanding. [46:12] Okay. [46:12] But we can [46:14] also move that you sign the contract [46:19] as it contains the revisions- [46:20] Okay [46:21] ... made by our attorneys. [46:23] So moved. [46:23] I'll make that motion right now. [46:25] Okay. So Kristen moves- [46:26] Yeah [46:26] ... that we have the chair sign the revised contract- [46:30] Yeah [46:30] ... with the changes approved by our attorney. Is that correct? [46:34] Right. [46:34] Is there a second to that motion? [46:37] I second that, yeah. [46:39] Okay. All in favor of the motion to have the chair sign the contract [46:42] tonight, the revised contract, signify by saying aye. [46:46] Aye. [46:47] Aye. [46:47] Aye. [46:48] Opposed? [46:49] Nay. [46:50] Nay. [46:50] Okay. I will sign the contract, and we go on to [46:54] bids for heat pumps and drywall. [46:58] I will make a motion that we [47:02] accept the bid for the heat pump [47:05] work for the fire station portion of the building, [47:09] submitted to us by DeCamp Plumbing & Heating, [47:14] in the amount of [47:14] $14,626.88. [47:18] Say it again, please. $14,000- [47:20] Mm-hmm [47:21] ... $626.88. [47:25] Is there a second to that motion? [47:27] I second it. [47:29] Still- [47:30] No [47:31] ... yeah? [47:33] Oh, you're welcome to come back. [47:37] We are voting on a... [47:41] It was seconded, correct? [47:42] Mm-hmm. [47:42] We are voting to award the heat pump contract to [47:46] DeCamp Plumbing & Heating in the amount of [47:49] $14,626.88, [47:53] and this is for the work at 44 Main Street, the community [47:57] building fire station. Are you ready for the vote? [48:00] Yes. [48:01] All in favor, please say aye. [48:02] Aye. [48:03] Aye. [48:03] Opposed? [48:05] And that one passes, as did the previous one, [48:09] although I don't think I [48:11] said, and let me say now, that that one was a three [48:15] to two vote for the contract signature. [48:20] Is there a further bid to consider tonight for drywall? [48:25] Drywall [48:27] bid for [48:29] $3,814 [48:33] from Chris Thomas, drywall contractor, for the [48:37] second floor of the fire station. [48:40] This is drywall for the second floor of the fire station. [48:46] Is there a second to that motion? [48:48] Second. [48:49] It's been moved and seconded that we award the bid [48:53] to Chris Thomas, drywall contractor, in the amount of [48:56] $3,814 [48:59] for the second floor of the fire station. [49:02] All in favor, please say aye. [49:04] Aye. [49:04] Aye. [49:05] Opposed? Motion passes. [49:09] Okay, there is no action on the personnel matter, and [49:13] I'm ready for a move to adjourn. [49:16] Motion to adjourn. [49:17] All in favor? [49:18] Aye. [49:20] Aye. [49:20] Opposed? [49:20] Thank you for watching this FAC-TV presentation. [49:23] If you would like a digital or DVD copy of the meeting, please [49:27] contact us by phone or email. Our phone number is [49:30] 802-463-1613, or [49:34] email us at fac810@gmail.com. Falls [49:38] Area Community Television, keeping government honest.