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Good evening. I'd like to call this meeting to order. This is the August 25th, 2026 meeting of the Shoesbury Select Board. We will start with introducing board members and staff members present. I am Teresa Flynn. Carlos Garcia. Michelle Conlon. Greg Richards. Han in the central. Kevin Mizekar, town manager. Keith Baldinger, assistant town manager, public works. Christian Ordon, assistant town manager, administration and finance.

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Yes.

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Tracy V.

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Do you see the system to the town manager?

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Select board.

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Thank you.

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The first item on our agenda is to approve the bills, payrolls and warrants.

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Move approval.

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Second.

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All in favor say aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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Motion carries.

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Item number two is to review and act to approve the minutes of the August 11th, 2026 select

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board meeting.

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Move approval.

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Second.

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All in favor say aye.

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Aye.

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Opposed?

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Motion carries.

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item number three is announcements and reports, board members, any announcements?

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Reports this evening? I think we just want to mention that we all just came

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from the ribbon cutting at the new Arrowwood playground and it was amazing.

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Hopefully there will be some pictures that are posted. I see some residents who

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were also there. It was amazing that once the ribbon was cut the gate was open and

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there was just a flood of children that went out there and started enjoying it.

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So many thanks to the residents and the CBC and just everybody that was involved town staff,

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Parks and Racken, not highway division, other town departments. So thank you to everyone

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and it was lovely to see. Item number four is the town manager's report.

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Ms. Mizzacar. I don't have anything this evening. Thank you.

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I have a number five is public comment pursuant to select board policy 31.

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We actually have four requests for this evening.

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So we'd like to start with Ms. Hilton.

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You're listed first on the agenda.

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So I will go in order.

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You wouldn't mind us getting your name and your address for the record.

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Certainly.

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Bridget Hilton and I'm at one Jacobson Drive here in Shrewsbury.

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Thank you all so much for the opportunity to comment on this proposal.

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So, I think every single person who knows me and she's

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afraid knows that I am a first-generation immigrant to this country,

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and that my grandparents came, my parents came, and there I am.

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When I think about this proposal, I think about in particular my grandmothers,

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both of my grandmothers were immigrants.

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Both were farmers before they came to the country.

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My mother's mother was a bit of an entrepreneur, she graced chickens, and she owned a little chicken

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business and sold eggs and things like that.

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So coming to the States at the time that they did in the 1980s, the landscape was significantly

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different than it is today.

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The immigration system was significantly different than it was today.

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They came primarily.

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Actually my mom came first, believe it or not, and her parents came afterwards to take care

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of me.

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And so neither my grandparents worked in this country, but they contributed something

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priceless to not just my generation, but through the work that they did for myself,

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or my friends, or my siblings, for their church, for their community organizations.

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They were vibrant members of this community to the point that I called the church on the

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comment to ask them to do me a favor and they go, are you any granddaughter? So they were vibrant

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members of our community, but they were also aware that they were coming from a place where

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they sounded different than everyone else. They look different than everyone else. And I don't

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know that despite all of their amazing qualities that they would have been able to articulate to

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somebody what their immigration status even was, it was something that my parents helped them

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to navigate and I think about in particular my grandmother who is busy chasing after

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five kids and one of five and helping my family and cooking and cleaning being called to

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task about whether or not a piece of paper said that she was allowed to live in this country

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or not in spite of all the things that she was doing and that's why I think it is so important.

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I think about that because there are other women and men like my grandparents living in our community,

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living amongst us who are valuable, invaluable members of our community who would be negatively

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impacted by such inquisition and I use that word intentionally.

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I know that it is, you know, maybe could be seen as a litmus test of kind of where our town

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is but it's not that and I wanted to put a face and a family to the lives that are impacted

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when you impose yourself into the lives of other people unnecessarily.

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I'm all for government. I'm all for building playgrounds

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and doing the things that we can do to help one another

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so that life is easier for the people living in our community.

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But what I'm not for is putting in people into undue fear

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over something that has become increasingly difficult

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and increasingly challenging, particularly for people that look like me.

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so thank you all for the opportunity to speak on this matter I hope that you

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will adopt it. Thank you.

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Next is Ms. Zair.

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Whichever you prefer. Okay.

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My name is

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Sana Zair and I'm here to voice my support for the DEIB recommended welcoming

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community's policy and statement. Sana, I'm sorry to interrupt you could you just

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My address is eight, Jimmy Lane.

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Thank you.

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So again, I'm here to voice my support for the DEIB

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recommended welcoming community's policy and statement.

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As someone who frequently works with undocumented people

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in the area, I have seen firsthand how fear shapes

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even the most basic decisions of daily life.

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I know parents who delayed taking a sick child to the doctor.

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I know survivors of crime and abuse

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who chose not to call the police.

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I know people who kept their children

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out of school activities, avoided public services, and quietly withdrew from community life.

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Not because they didn't need help, but because they were afraid that asking for it might

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expose them or someone they love to detention or deportation.

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This policy will not undo that fear, and it will not fix the underlying immigration system

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that produces it, but it can send a clear and meaningful signal that this community does

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not see immigration status as a condition for basic dignity, safety, or belonging.

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For a population that is constantly weighing the costs of visibility, that signal matters.

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For people who live with persistent fear that shapes nearly every interaction with institutions,

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even a small credible assurance of safety can open a door that fear had kept closed.

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That policy offers, this policy offers that assurance.

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It tells undocumented residents that their access to healthcare, education, and public safety

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will not be used against them, and it tells the broader community that we are willing

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to stand behind that commitment.

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I encourage you to adopt this policy not as a complete solution but as a humane step towards

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a community where everyone can access the services they need without fear.

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To those of you who may oppose this policy, I would ask a simple question, have you ever

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are actually sat across from an undocumented person

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and heard their story.

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Or is your certainty built entirely

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on what a headline or a comment section told you to feel?

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I think it is easy to vote against the statistic.

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It is much harder to vote against someone whose name you know.

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Thank you for your consideration.

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Thank you.

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Next, Mr. Roberto?

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Just state your full name and address for the record, please.

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My name is Luis Rodriguez, 465 Boston Turnpike.

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My name is Luis Rodriguez.

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I'm a town meeting member, the current vice chairperson and a concern, sorry, the current

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vice chairperson of the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging Committee and a concerned

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resident.

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I'm here to ask the select board to accept the welcoming committee's policy recommendation.

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The committee has put almost two years of hard work into this.

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With a lot of roadblocks along the way. This is an opportunity to build and strengthen our town

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I don't want and I don't want our immigrant neighbors

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To be a now to be an object or an after thought of civic renewal

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If we ignore

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If we ignore this we are choosing stagnation over progress if we ignore this we're limiting our potential

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Right now as communities push back against harmful federal policies

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We're also have that we also have the chance to imagine something better and start building it

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That starts by valuing the people that are already here no matter where they came from.

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We cannot afford to be passive anymore.

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The five of you today have the opportunity to leave and by example and make sure that

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this community makes everyone feel welcome.

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If you won't know tonight, understand the harm that you are choosing.

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People in our town are already living it.

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Residents in the main election poll asked by poll workers if they were citizens instead of

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registered voters, neighbors who avoid calling the police even when they need it because

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they don't trust the response. Family who hesitate to call SELCO to get their Wi-Fi fix

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because they fear of exposure. Residents who won't go into town hall to ask clarification

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about an official letter because they worry about consequences, not to mention many that

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have stayed away from community events because they don't feel safe or welcome. These are

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just a few of the stories that we heard during this process. The committee took this on because

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we heard these stories over again and again and again. Fear, exclusion, and longing to belong.

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This recommendation is simply asking this body or the terminator's office to take action

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and enact a policy that would help us build trust that we need so everyone can thrive during this

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volatile times. Adopting a policy, it is a straightforward step, towards a stronger,

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fairer community. The five of you today on this board can lead by example and stop making people,

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and stop making people choose between safety and civic life.

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Do not let this opportunity slip by.

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I urge this body to adopt this policy and show that you are committed to real change,

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to diversity, to equity, to inclusion and to belonging.

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Thank you so much for having me today.

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Thank you.

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Ms. Jones,

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could you state your full name and address for the record, please?

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Diane Jones, 29, Francis Avenue.

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So I'm here tonight because, well, they've already said all the reasons why I'm here tonight.

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But I just want to say that there is definitely a population within Shrewsbury that does not feel safe here.

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And one of the last things they need is to be asked what their immigration status is.

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because that is actually not our business, right?

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It's not our business, and it keeps them from,

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well, feeling safe enough to get help or to

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participate in civic life here in town, which makes all of us less safe.

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Our town is much safer when we just accept people as they are,

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as long as they're not breaking federal law, right?

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and and keep them in the community feeling safe. If they don't contact the police

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because maybe there was domestic abuse and they're afraid, oh my god, what

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happens if I called the police and asked for help? What happens if you don't

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to call the police and ask for help.

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It's really serious.

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Or at a smaller level, any kind of ability

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to walk into a building like this

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and get something administrative taken care of

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without being asked, what's your immigration status?

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Because that is not our business.

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And it's the same for the police.

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The police in Massachusetts are not supposed to ask anyone

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what their immigration status is.

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unless they've done something like break a federal law and that is really important because

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otherwise we have people who are incredible danger and they know they are so it's already

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the same this this policy is already in place for police basically it should just be in place

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for everybody. It's not a question that you ask.

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Thanks.

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Thank you so much.

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Appreciate the residents who came forward to speak this evening.

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We will be taking up this topic under agenda item number 10.

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Next item on our agenda is a 705 public hearing regarding a request to honor

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former town employee Dawn Shannon through the naming of a public space

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or building. Before we start, I thought it would be very important to clarify that the

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building will remain named in honor of World War I veterans, Sergeant First Class, Raymond

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Stone. This is not in any way a consideration of removing Mr. Stone's name from the building.

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the family of Don Shannon has requested that a portion of the building's

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interior be named in her honor. So that is what we are here to consider. So we

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I would like, I really don't want to cut off anyone. We would like to keep this public hearing to about 15 minutes. So I will ask anyone who is interested in coming forward. If you could state your name in your address for the record. And we generally like to keep people to about three minutes just so we can get as many people included as possible. Hello sir.

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Hi, I'm Rob Shannon, Don Shannon's son.

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Address, born and raised on seven-hour tours drive,

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and raised at 62 Homan Street.

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Worked for the town myself,

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and the cemeteraries for the parks,

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the various opportunities that was presented.

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My mom, God bless her past February 13th,

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of this year. And while she was here in Shrewsbury, she gave 30 years of her life to developing

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the Parks and Recreation Department, more on the Recreation Department side.

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What few

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knew was that mom would do this job with such love for the town residents and for the children

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and for the families and a lot of times we as our family we we got the short

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end of the stick because of it. The town could not afford to have the

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janitors stay in the facilities to open and close buildings at night so they

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could have adult or men and women or whatever recreation department

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office activities take place. She would get up from dinner and go open up the

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buildings. After the event she'd get up again and go outside and close the

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buildings. Nothing I would really want my wife or a single mother to do day after

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day, year after year. In top of that she was a town meeting member for many, many

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years. I just say she was over 30 years I believe with a town. She was present of

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of the special needs program, a town meeting member,

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a wonderful mother, but mentored to so many.

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One of my friends from Alaska, Jim Keegan from Shrewdbury,

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said it best in a letter to me that your mom

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always gave kids a point and right direction,

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a smile, some positive feedback,

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back and sort of gave the kids that needed that little extra oomph to do the right thing.

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I am thrilled that so many of her friends, the ladies over that have become very close

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to, have come tonight as well.

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I'm glad you mentioned that Chairperson Flynn that was never my desire to strip the building

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of the recognition that Ray Stone earned and still has.

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There's a separate entrance to the facility

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that I was hoping that we will see the Don Chan parks

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and recreational parks facility or park office

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and have a sign on the outside.

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If that is too much to ask, I understand and appreciate

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but I do believe that for all she's done for this town

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in first residence that it'd be fitting to recognize her with some sort of dedication,

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whether it's a park, part of the building, or what have you.

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But I'm going to yield the rest and sit down, but I very emotional about this, so I apologize.

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And thank you very much for listening and entertain us.

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Have a great night.

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Thank you so much.

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And thank you to your entire family.

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your mom was clearly very special. Are there any other residents that would like to

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speak?

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If

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you could please just state your name and address for the record.

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Good evening. I'm Fred Russell, 104 Oldenwood Road and I'm also the commander of the post 397

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Director Crowder Post. We do not have any objection to naming part of the building after Mrs.

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Shannon. That's all I want to say on record.

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Thank you so much.

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Carol McWilliams, 28 Colton Lane, true sorry.

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I wasn't planning on saying anything,

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but there's been such an undercurrent of information

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about Don Shannon.

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I know you've received lots of letters.

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And even though I don't do Facebook,

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I understand there's been lots of it.

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Bob was speaking about his mother.

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I know it's been very emotional for him.

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But any one of us that knew Don Shannon

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and probably three generations of anyone here would know her.

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She was vivacious, she was giving, she was funny,

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she always had a smile.

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She gave so much of herself to the kids.

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Ineemed the adults, the trips that she used to run.

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I mean, she could have been Mrs. Shrewsbury.

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So I hate to see us kind of dismiss this and do nothing,

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but something definitely should be done because she was.

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the parks and wrecked department for almost 30 years okay so thank you.

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Anyone

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else?

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Not? I would entertain a motion to close the public hearing. Second

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Holland favor say aye aye. Close motion passes. So this is part of our policy to

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hold the public hearing to receive feedback greatly appreciate the comments. We

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We have received a lot of correspondence as well.

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So we will add to a future agenda the opportunity for the Select Board to deliberate over all

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of the information we have and formulate our next steps.

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So we won't be doing that this evening.

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We have to do the public hearing and we greatly appreciate everyone who participated and came

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to attend.

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agenda

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item number seven is to review an act for the assignment of host community agreement

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for pharmacannis Massachusetts Inc. to Mealou or Myloo, M-A-L-L-C. Under the town's host

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community agreement and state law, the business cannot transfer its agreement to a new owner

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without written consent from the town. I see that we have some attendees so rather than

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kind of going through my summary. We will ask you to introduce yourself and tell us a

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little bit more about this transaction. Absolutely. Madam Chair and members of the

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Select Board, thank you very much. I'm Jesse Alderman. I am here on behalf of Mealoo

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Shrewsbury LLC which does business as very Mary and with me is the sole owner, the

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100% owner of Milu, Meredith Maghimi, and Adam Illman who is the current, one of the

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current managers at the store, has been for five years Adam, yep, and Avery Jones

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who's the operations manager at the store and has also been there for a while.

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As you stated, Madam Chair, section 10 of your host community agreement, which is a requirement

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of state law to have a cannabis license from the Cannabis Control Commission, states that

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that host community agreement cannot be transferred or assigned without your approval, which shall

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not be unreasonably withheld or conditioned. So we're here tonight to explain to you a little

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bit about the background of the transaction that's in process and Mr. Mizukar could I ask you to go

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00:23:45,120 --> 00:23:50,340
forward with the slides if you're able I'm sorry and thank you very much for hosting those for us.

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The company that owns the Verrolife Dispensary at 939 Boston Turnpike is Pharmacannis Massachusetts

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its Inc., which is a subsidiary of a company called Pharmacan, which is in essentially, and

305
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I'm not, and I, they've likely notified you in some measure of this, is in essentially

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what is the equivalent of Bankruptcy.

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So they have, through a public process, proposed to auction off many of their assets, those

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here in Massachusetts as well as in some other states.

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rates. And the selected winner of that bid process is Milu Shrewsberry LLC. And Milu

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is owned by Meredith who's sitting next to me and they are proposing to acquire all

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of the assets essentially of pharma-can Massachusetts. And that would include this host community

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agreement as well as the Cannabis Control Commission license and although there's

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four of us up here and I've probably rambled on for too long already we promise to

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be brief but Meredith and the team will very briefly introduce themselves so

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you can hear from them directly. If there's one point that I'd like to get

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across on this slide and the next couple it is that there will be no changes as

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you as the other town boards and departments experience them and as customers

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is experience them at the store.

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It will remain with the same management,

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with the same on-site staff, same physical layout,

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same number of parking spaces, same interior layout.

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If in the future there are branding changes, for instance,

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to be called very merry instead of a pharmacan

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and look something like this rendering up there,

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that has to go through a state approval process

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and would certainly go through any design review

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or other process that you would require.

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But for the near term and for the foreseeable future,

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no one will know that there has been a change

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in the parent level ownership of this company

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to Ms. Maghimi.

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With that, if we could just move forward in the slides a little bit,

333
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I just wanted to turn it over to Adam and Avery

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to very, very quickly orient you on the site

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in case there's any unfamiliarity.

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So as you can see on the entrance we have right off 939 Boston Turnpike Road, right near the Wegmans, I'm sure you're familiar.

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We have 20 spots plus ample parking, our security system is up to date with everything that the CCC requires for us to remain operational and function properly.

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And

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I know we're operational layout, if we want to move forward a little more so

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that we can slide.

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And then inside here you can see the layout of our store, the entrance, right down once

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you make your way into our parking lot, and then the vestibule, which is the first round

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of security before we have our multi-stack check, where we check everybody through the T's

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to make sure everybody is, of course, we're remaining up to all of the guidelines that the

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CCC requires.

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There's the operational history here of full compliance, no CCC violations, no to our

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awareness and to Adams Awareness, no incidents at the store with police or fire.

348
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And this is the host community agreement language that I've highlighted on the screen

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for you and I'll turn it over to Meredith and the next slide to introduce herself.

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Hello, I'm excited to be here with everyone tonight.

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00:27:35,230 --> 00:27:36,410
I'm Meredith Moghimi.

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The very Mary experience we want to bring to Shrewsbury brings you 24 plus years of

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cannabis experience, 30 plus years of leadership and retail, customer-focused leadership, curated

354
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menu and products, and community partnership that we're excited to be here and be part

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of your community.

356
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I have beta consultant here in Massachusetts working in the private and public sector for

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close to 15 years now. I'm excited to be working in cannabis and I am excited to

358
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bring a female forward cannabis product to Shrewsbury. Massachusetts is my

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home and I love doing business here and I've worked in everything all parts of

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the state and excited to be here in Shrewsbury with you all.

361
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This is the leadership team.

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I'm gonna let Avery introduce himself

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and then I will talk about Ali

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who unfortunately had a family obligation

365
00:28:49,510 --> 00:28:50,590
that you couldn't be here tonight.

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Hi, I am Avery Jones.

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I've been in Boston since about 2016

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going to Berkeley College of Music,

369
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pursuing a music business degree.

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That said, 2020, during the pandemic, I pivoted over to working at a local testing site in Boston area to get back to my community, and thankfully was able to actually go outside of it and work on some contracts as well with some of the local entertainment companies and some of the bigger entertainment companies, which has been fantastic, but after that all died down, I was able to focus back on retail and came into the canvas industry, which I absolutely love, and I love the community that it brings in.

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The remaining slides we have, I'll leave for the board to review if they'd like.

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They're just a summary of the security protocols at the store.

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And I would thank you for your time and your consideration of our request.

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We are also to go before the planning board.

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Next month, maybe next month, hopefully.

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We plan to submit an application in a matter of days to.

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00:30:00,000 --> 00:30:29,340
I'm going to transfer the special permit at the site, which was awarded in 2018, and unlike most special permits, this one has a condition that it doesn't run with the land, and it in fact runs with the operator. So we'll essentially have the same introduction and discussion with them. And like I said, the cannabis control commission is in the very final stages of its approval of this transaction, and there's no issues, and we expect to be on one of their forthcoming agendas,

378
00:30:29,340 --> 00:30:32,240
It is perhaps as early as next month to have this transaction approved.

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Thank you very much for your time, if there's any questions.

380
00:30:36,820 --> 00:30:40,660
That was very thorough and very respectful.

381
00:30:41,040 --> 00:30:43,620
Thank you for taking the time to give us all of that background.

382
00:30:43,820 --> 00:30:46,980
Board members, any questions for?

383
00:30:47,340 --> 00:30:53,060
So I have one question like you're transferring the business from one owner to the other one.

384
00:30:53,540 --> 00:30:59,020
So when you applied for the certificate or all kind of permits are going to do the same thing.

385
00:30:59,020 --> 00:31:01,440
again, the background checker?

386
00:31:02,500 --> 00:31:07,720
Ms. McKeeney has been background checked by the Cannabis Control Commission, she passed,

387
00:31:08,160 --> 00:31:11,080
and that process is complete with the CCC.

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00:31:11,720 --> 00:31:14,920
They will recommend this transaction for approval.

389
00:31:15,920 --> 00:31:22,040
The staff will recommend this acquisition, the transfer of the state asset, which is the

390
00:31:22,040 --> 00:31:27,800
Cannabis Control Commission license, to the full board of the Cannabis Control Commission,

391
00:31:27,800 --> 00:31:31,220
the full three-member board, which will vote on it at a public meeting.

392
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And we certainly don't expect to encounter any difficulty there.

393
00:31:35,060 --> 00:31:40,340
In terms of Mr. Jones and Mr. Elman, they've already passed their background checks in

394
00:31:40,340 --> 00:31:44,220
our registered agents for the dispensary with the Cannabis Control Commission,

395
00:31:44,680 --> 00:31:46,380
as is all the on-site staff.

396
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And since Ms. Mokimi is the only owner and the sole manager of the company,

397
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she's the only one that requires additional vetting by the Cannabis Control Commission.

398
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Does that answer your question?

399
00:31:56,580 --> 00:31:57,420
Thank you.

400
00:31:57,600 --> 00:31:57,760
Okay.

401
00:31:57,880 --> 00:31:58,460
Thank you so much.

402
00:32:00,550 --> 00:32:02,430
There are no other comments or questions.

403
00:32:02,890 --> 00:32:03,770
I will answer any motion.

404
00:32:04,690 --> 00:32:12,050
I move the board to authorize the town manager to execute the host community agreement amendment

405
00:32:12,510 --> 00:32:17,830
and assignment as substantially drafted with pharmacannis Massachusetts Inc. with me, Lu Shusbury,

406
00:32:18,210 --> 00:32:18,490
LLC.

407
00:32:19,150 --> 00:32:19,470
Second.

408
00:32:19,850 --> 00:32:20,830
All in favor say aye.

409
00:32:21,190 --> 00:32:21,350
Aye.

410
00:32:21,970 --> 00:32:23,650
Opposed motion passes.

411
00:32:24,010 --> 00:32:24,810
Thank you so much.

412
00:32:25,070 --> 00:32:26,210
We wish you all the best.

413
00:32:26,450 --> 00:32:27,310
Welcome to Shusbury.

414
00:32:27,310 --> 00:32:28,830
We're excited to be here.

415
00:32:29,050 --> 00:32:29,350
Thank you.

416
00:32:29,870 --> 00:32:30,970
Thank you very much.

417
00:32:31,110 --> 00:32:31,470
Thank you.

418
00:32:31,510 --> 00:32:31,770
Thank you.

419
00:32:32,870 --> 00:32:34,570
agenda item number eight is to review

420
00:32:34,570 --> 00:32:36,630
and discuss the year-end financial results

421
00:32:36,630 --> 00:32:38,930
for fiscal year 2026.

422
00:32:40,030 --> 00:32:40,470
Alex 20.

423
00:32:40,770 --> 00:32:41,210
Okay.

424
00:32:41,970 --> 00:32:42,410
Alex,

425
00:32:46,740 --> 00:32:48,160
you need a second to get set up.

426
00:32:48,400 --> 00:32:49,000
All right.

427
00:33:01,630 --> 00:33:02,530
Thank you board members.

428
00:33:02,730 --> 00:33:03,370
I'm Alex Martinez.

429
00:33:03,510 --> 00:33:04,650
I'm the director of fiscal planning.

430
00:33:05,190 --> 00:33:07,630
In this evening, I'll be walking through a handful of slides

431
00:33:07,630 --> 00:33:09,350
to provide a preliminary overview

432
00:33:09,350 --> 00:33:14,350
on the close-out of the fiscal year 26 budget that concluded on June 30th.

433
00:33:14,510 --> 00:33:18,010
You also have a memo in your drive that provides some further data and explanation.

434
00:33:19,490 --> 00:33:22,290
So some of the things that we'll touch on tonight are local receipt performance,

435
00:33:22,830 --> 00:33:28,010
general fund expenditure performance, and turnbacks, tax collection data,

436
00:33:28,510 --> 00:33:30,690
and a preliminary free cash balance estimate.

437
00:33:35,840 --> 00:33:42,060
So starting off with revenue performance, specifically schedule A local receipts.

438
00:33:42,060 --> 00:33:52,460
Local receipts are locally generated revenues other than real and personal property taxes and local receipts is the third largest source of revenue for the town after taxation and state aid.

439
00:33:53,500 --> 00:34:05,100
Within local receipts, the largest components accounting for approximately 85% are motor vehicle excise tax, investment income, building permits, and landfill revenue from the ash monofil.

440
00:34:05,920 --> 00:34:13,420
And the budget amount for local receipts for FY26 was $17,191,122.

441
00:34:14,340 --> 00:34:23,340
Actual local receipts came in at $19,875,826, exceeding the budget amount by approximately

442
00:34:23,340 --> 00:34:26,260
15% or just over $2.6 million.

443
00:34:27,570 --> 00:34:33,260
So I just want to pause on this slide just for a moment to see that between FY25 and FY26,

444
00:34:33,260 --> 00:34:39,300
We increased estimated revenue by just over 10 percent.

445
00:34:39,580 --> 00:34:44,780
This is the largest jump in budgeted year-rear local receipts that we've done in quite a few years.

446
00:34:45,320 --> 00:34:52,740
Just feeling confident in the double-digit percentage performance that local receipts have had over the past few fiscal years.

447
00:34:52,740 --> 00:34:53,860
and

448
00:34:57,020 --> 00:35:01,440
then just touching on a few so within the memo you received some revenue

449
00:35:01,440 --> 00:35:06,960
outperformers were highlighted as well as some revenue underperformers and I

450
00:35:06,960 --> 00:35:12,940
want to touch on just one driver of accessible receipts that we've been

451
00:35:12,940 --> 00:35:17,500
seeing for the past few fiscal years. So since fiscal year 23, investment

452
00:35:17,500 --> 00:35:22,120
income has outpaced the budget of the amount by over $2 million each year.

453
00:35:25,280 --> 00:35:25,880
The

454
00:35:25,880 --> 00:35:42,780
This trend has obviously significantly benefited the financial performance of local receipts but is just an outlier to take into consideration that the next closest over performer is licenses and permits in that generated 420,000 additional revenue.

455
00:35:49,520 --> 00:35:58,980
So although local receipts have shown a strong financial results we anticipate that the long term financial outlook should still maintain a more conservative stance.

456
00:35:58,980 --> 00:36:05,840
As you can see in this chart, we've trended up from FY22 to FY25, and have just maybe

457
00:36:05,840 --> 00:36:11,060
peaked in 25 and are starting to trend back down to a more normal average baseline.

458
00:36:12,510 --> 00:36:18,160
So we want to balance generating excess revenue, but not putting ourselves in a position

459
00:36:18,160 --> 00:36:20,760
where we're not accurately capturing recurring revenues.

460
00:36:26,230 --> 00:36:33,450
So now pivoting to expenditures, specifically general fund expenditures, the FY26 municipal

461
00:36:33,450 --> 00:36:40,190
pull in education budgets as of the fall 2025 special town meeting was 161

462
00:36:40,190 --> 00:36:45,970
million 873 thousand forty dollars. At the end of each fiscal year any funds

463
00:36:45,970 --> 00:36:49,930
they're not expended or encumbered within the operating budget have to be

464
00:36:49,930 --> 00:36:54,150
turned back get returned to the general fund. Town meeting control is

465
00:36:54,150 --> 00:36:58,810
expenditure appropriations on a fiscal year by fiscal year basis so those funds

466
00:36:58,810 --> 00:37:02,450
cannot be used for anything other than they're intended and appropriated use.

467
00:37:03,250 --> 00:37:07,930
So in addition to excess local receipt revenue that was discussed previously, turnbacks

468
00:37:07,930 --> 00:37:11,030
are a primary contributor to the town's free cash balance each year.

469
00:37:12,350 --> 00:37:16,950
Over the past five fiscal years, the average balance of funds that have been turned back

470
00:37:17,350 --> 00:37:23,610
is just over $1.7 million or approximately 1.2% of the annual operating budget.

471
00:37:23,610 --> 00:37:24,530
So,

472
00:37:29,950 --> 00:37:37,370
FY26 looked a little bit different, 0.51% of the FY26 budget was turned back, which

473
00:37:37,370 --> 00:37:39,570
results in just over $820,000.

474
00:37:40,210 --> 00:37:45,810
This is a pretty significant decline compared to the last two fiscal years, which had turned

475
00:37:45,810 --> 00:37:48,450
backs of over $2 million each year.

476
00:37:48,750 --> 00:37:54,290
So, although final department expenditures remained within the authorized budget, the turn back

477
00:37:54,290 --> 00:37:57,590
percent to highlight some of the challenges we did face in the FY26 budget.

478
00:38:01,890 --> 00:38:07,490
So just touching on those challenges quickly, we saw some budget pressures in utility costs

479
00:38:07,490 --> 00:38:12,630
specifically gas and electric to heat and cool, our schools and other municipal buildings.

480
00:38:13,310 --> 00:38:17,530
The challenging winter months also impacted snow and ice operation costs that are funded

481
00:38:17,530 --> 00:38:22,110
within the highway department, and we also experienced some pressures in recruitment and

482
00:38:22,110 --> 00:38:24,630
retention of staff that drove up some personnel costs.

483
00:38:26,210 --> 00:38:30,790
To address these challenges, we did seek approval from town meeting, the finance committee,

484
00:38:31,110 --> 00:38:35,070
and the personal board to ensure that department budgets stayed balanced and had appropriate

485
00:38:35,070 --> 00:38:36,610
funding to cover all costs.

486
00:38:38,110 --> 00:38:44,470
Throughout FY26, the finance committee considered and approved $360,000 in reserve fund transfer

487
00:38:44,470 --> 00:38:49,710
requests across seven departments, which completely utilized the entire balance of the reserve fund.

488
00:38:50,850 --> 00:39:06,050
The personnel board authorized just over $270,000 in transfers, which is about 65% of their available budget to cover performance appraisal adjustments, union contract implementations, and staff recruitment and retention efforts.

489
00:39:06,990 --> 00:39:13,050
So in total, between the fall 2025 special town meeting and the May 2026 annual town meeting.

490
00:39:13,470 --> 00:39:21,130
Town meeting also authorized a net of $972,000 in departmental transfers to cover necessary budget adjustments.

491
00:39:21,790 --> 00:39:26,430
Including $500,000 for additional funding for the pension system.

492
00:39:27,330 --> 00:39:32,050
$100,000 for staff recruitment, retention and training, and

493
00:39:32,050 --> 00:39:35,770
And then $300,000 specifically for those public building's utility costs.

494
00:39:37,030 --> 00:39:40,270
The total result of all those adjustments is about $1.5 million.

495
00:39:40,990 --> 00:39:45,330
And I just want to note that these funds were all encompassed within the appropriated

496
00:39:45,330 --> 00:39:47,750
FY26 budget using recurring revenues.

497
00:39:48,330 --> 00:39:53,510
So while there was no net increase to the operating budget, we still needed to rely on departments

498
00:39:53,510 --> 00:40:00,130
that had healthy surpluses to absorb and cover cost overruns with budget challenges in other departments.

499
00:40:00,130 --> 00:40:01,090
So,

500
00:40:05,420 --> 00:40:10,760
the town's largest source of revenue is taxation, and the chart on this slide highlights

501
00:40:10,760 --> 00:40:14,820
tax collects and performance as of the end of the fiscal year during the 30th of

502
00:40:15,440 --> 00:40:16,000
26th.

503
00:40:16,140 --> 00:40:21,840
I want to note that this data is a snapshot in time, and the year end balances for prior

504
00:40:21,840 --> 00:40:23,920
fiscal years are essentially moving targets.

505
00:40:24,720 --> 00:40:29,940
Tax collections that are received after the fiscal year ends do get retroactively applied to

506
00:40:29,940 --> 00:40:31,540
the tax year for which they were levied.

507
00:40:31,540 --> 00:40:49,220
So FR-26 on the screen might look like an anomaly, but on average between FR-22 and FR-26 we typically have ended each fiscal year at approximately a 98.6% collection rate for real estate taxes and 96% for personal property.

508
00:40:55,320 --> 00:41:03,300
And then lastly free cash. So free cash represents the portion of General Fund surplus revenue that is unrestricted and available for appropriation.

509
00:41:03,300 --> 00:41:14,000
for cash is certified on July, as of July 1st each year by the State Department of Revenue and all of the figures discussed in this presentation directly impact the free cash balance.

510
00:41:15,000 --> 00:41:25,180
Free cash is generated when the actual operating results compare favorably with the budget, such as when as actual revenues exceed the budget amount or when expenditures are less than appropriated.

511
00:41:26,440 --> 00:41:30,840
Freakash can also be affected by increases or decreases in uncollected property taxes,

512
00:41:31,520 --> 00:41:36,140
deficits in non-general fund accounts, and other legally incurred operating deficits

513
00:41:36,140 --> 00:41:37,200
or overdrafts.

514
00:41:38,480 --> 00:41:42,800
The Department of Revenue recommends that municipalities maintain a free cash balance

515
00:41:42,800 --> 00:41:46,400
of no less than 5% of the fiscal year operating budget.

516
00:41:47,160 --> 00:41:52,120
In 2018, the Select Board adopted a fiscal policy to generate free cash in the amount

517
00:41:52,120 --> 00:42:01,380
of three to five percent annually. The current free cash balance as of today is $6,152,852.

518
00:42:02,220 --> 00:42:07,320
This is after all of the intended use of free cash that was approved at the May 2026 annual

519
00:42:07,320 --> 00:42:15,640
time meeting and is prior to certification by DOR for 7-1-2026. Solely accounting for the excess

520
00:42:15,640 --> 00:42:21,200
local receipts and the turnbacks that were outlined in this presentation, it's estimated that free

521
00:42:21,200 --> 00:42:31,200
the cash will be certified at $9,654,603, which is 5.69% of the FY27 operating budget

522
00:42:31,200 --> 00:42:33,460
meeting the threshold to 5%.

523
00:42:34,440 --> 00:42:39,120
This is not account for the full reconciliation of the balance sheet, so it is very likely

524
00:42:39,120 --> 00:42:42,120
that free cash will be certified at a higher rate later this fall.

525
00:42:43,980 --> 00:42:50,520
So just to highlight and encompass the summary despite FY26 being a generally challenging

526
00:42:50,520 --> 00:42:55,060
year, the town is still in a very healthy and stable financial position.

527
00:42:55,620 --> 00:42:59,640
Between free cash, the override stabilization and general stabilization,

528
00:43:00,060 --> 00:43:02,340
the town has over $26 million in reserves.

529
00:43:03,400 --> 00:43:08,580
Departments strive to maintain appropriate budgets and strategically generate excess revenue.

530
00:43:09,540 --> 00:43:15,080
Despite the strong performance, we do recommend maintaining a more conservative longer term approach in our revenue projections.

531
00:43:16,120 --> 00:43:18,120
Thank you for your time, and I look forward to answering any questions.

532
00:43:18,120 --> 00:43:18,240
Questions?

533
00:43:19,260 --> 00:43:20,040
Thank you, Alex.

534
00:43:21,100 --> 00:43:23,520
Does Ms. Carr anything to add before we move on?

535
00:43:23,700 --> 00:43:23,960
Okay.

536
00:43:24,220 --> 00:43:24,620
Board members.

537
00:43:24,920 --> 00:43:25,700
Questions, comments?

538
00:43:26,600 --> 00:43:27,100
I have a couple.

539
00:43:27,220 --> 00:43:27,620
Thank you, Alex.

540
00:43:28,740 --> 00:43:33,400
The one question I have is just some clarification on the investment income side.

541
00:43:34,420 --> 00:43:40,300
What buckets of money make up the principle in which is earning that investment income

542
00:43:40,300 --> 00:43:44,200
or the, like, what buckets of money I'm assuming?

543
00:43:44,200 --> 00:43:47,300
I mean, I know this is a free cash stabilization,

544
00:43:47,760 --> 00:43:49,600
general stabilization, override stabilization,

545
00:43:49,760 --> 00:43:52,040
plus, is there, or what goes into that number?

546
00:43:52,540 --> 00:43:53,440
I'm gonna take that.

547
00:43:54,440 --> 00:43:59,020
So the vast majority of the investments that we have

548
00:43:59,020 --> 00:44:02,180
that we pull the interest off of in order

549
00:44:03,820 --> 00:44:06,560
is essentially what's called the operating fund,

550
00:44:06,840 --> 00:44:11,240
which is an excess, it's like the checkbook balance

551
00:44:11,240 --> 00:44:13,400
at the end of any month or quarter

552
00:44:13,400 --> 00:44:17,760
that the treasure does not feel that she needs to draw upon.

553
00:44:18,520 --> 00:44:23,160
So in total, it is about 60% of our annual revenues

554
00:44:23,160 --> 00:44:25,320
that we are able to invest

555
00:44:25,320 --> 00:44:28,100
because we can manage the cash flow on a monthly basis

556
00:44:28,100 --> 00:44:32,000
without kind of dipping into those other funds.

557
00:44:33,600 --> 00:44:36,340
And that differentiates from those other accounts

558
00:44:36,340 --> 00:44:38,860
like stabilization funds and trust funds

559
00:44:38,860 --> 00:44:42,900
because those accounts themselves retain their own interest.

560
00:44:42,900 --> 00:44:51,660
So, as the stabilization fund or the override stabilization fund earns interest, it is reinvested

561
00:44:51,660 --> 00:44:56,100
or added to that account balance every year.

562
00:44:56,920 --> 00:44:57,080
Okay.

563
00:44:57,080 --> 00:44:59,720
So yeah, so essentially

564
00:45:00,210 --> 00:45:27,490
Because the budget or that operating balance is increasing your over year because you're always effectively increasing because we're not drawing down from that. So unless there is some external impact that's going to affect overall interest rates, you should consistently see performance on that investment income because the base amount that you're using is always going up your rear. Yeah, that is, that is correct.

565
00:45:27,490 --> 00:45:30,810
in fact, barring a reduction in people paying their taxes,

566
00:45:31,190 --> 00:45:34,290
obviously, and the reason that has been a little bit elevated

567
00:45:34,290 --> 00:45:37,610
is because treasury notes have average between,

568
00:45:38,270 --> 00:45:39,690
you know, three and a quarter and four percent.

569
00:45:40,290 --> 00:45:42,490
So that has brought us additional revenue,

570
00:45:42,650 --> 00:45:44,110
but in theory, you're absolutely right.

571
00:45:44,310 --> 00:45:46,570
Like we shouldn't have to drop on these funds

572
00:45:46,570 --> 00:45:47,610
and they should be reliable.

573
00:45:48,230 --> 00:45:51,190
While we do with our financial advisor as every January,

574
00:45:51,530 --> 00:45:56,390
we sit down with them and we look at the date to maturity

575
00:45:56,390 --> 00:46:01,730
of those treasury funds and ensure that they provide us with a good estimate on revenues

576
00:46:01,730 --> 00:46:06,910
as we build the local receipts plan for that fiscal year.

577
00:46:07,630 --> 00:46:13,590
And we normally average about just less than four years to maturity on all those notes.

578
00:46:13,770 --> 00:46:18,770
So we do have kind of a leading indicator if once treasury notes turn, it's not going to

579
00:46:18,770 --> 00:46:19,690
turn on us immediately.

580
00:46:19,990 --> 00:46:23,690
And they would budget accordingly for that revenue source, right?

581
00:46:29,370 --> 00:46:35,050
I have two questions. So first question like you mentioned like 10% increase in local

582
00:46:35,050 --> 00:46:40,890
receipts. I would like to know what is the source of that increase like coming from the

583
00:46:40,890 --> 00:46:46,850
excise or some where it's coming from Germany. So definitely motor vehicle excise is a big

584
00:46:46,850 --> 00:46:54,030
contributor to us feeling confident in increasing that budget amount, also investment income and

585
00:46:54,030 --> 00:46:58,110
and then just knowing that the revenue lines

586
00:46:58,110 --> 00:47:00,270
that we've far exceeded the budget amount

587
00:47:00,850 --> 00:47:03,290
felt more confident in bringing up those baselines.

588
00:47:03,670 --> 00:47:05,390
So anything coming from the department like

589
00:47:05,390 --> 00:47:08,270
I heard a lot of ADU are coming and that also.

590
00:47:09,350 --> 00:47:11,130
Yeah, so licenses and like building permits

591
00:47:11,130 --> 00:47:13,990
thing that category has also been performing very well

592
00:47:13,990 --> 00:47:15,330
over the past few years as well.

593
00:47:15,530 --> 00:47:18,170
Well, the second question is like you've mentioned

594
00:47:18,170 --> 00:47:22,110
on the expenditure as a decline, that person,

595
00:47:22,110 --> 00:47:24,330
and I would like to know which department,

596
00:47:24,330 --> 00:47:28,550
just like if we had an artist spending or decline is there.

597
00:47:28,970 --> 00:47:31,570
Which departments turn back funds?

598
00:47:33,090 --> 00:47:35,170
No, no, you'd mention like a bit of expenditure

599
00:47:35,170 --> 00:47:35,890
also decline.

600
00:47:37,610 --> 00:47:38,230
Expenditure?

601
00:47:40,130 --> 00:47:42,190
I don't think so, no.

602
00:47:42,570 --> 00:47:46,570
So can you just summarize the total expenditures percentage-wise

603
00:47:46,570 --> 00:47:47,590
and what we did turn back?

604
00:47:47,590 --> 00:48:01,590
Yep, so we spent 99.49% of the FY26 budget, so that equates to essentially $820,000

605
00:48:01,590 --> 00:48:05,630
across all town departments was left unspent at the end of FY26.

606
00:48:05,950 --> 00:48:09,030
Please happen every year or this year isn't more or more like a different question.

607
00:48:09,210 --> 00:48:13,390
This year is lower compared to previous years, as far as what's been left unspent.

608
00:48:13,390 --> 00:48:16,250
And all my next question, where did you use it?

609
00:48:16,370 --> 00:48:19,890
What, for example, last time you used that money somewhere,

610
00:48:20,590 --> 00:48:22,730
why not this year, like, we have 800 back?

611
00:48:25,740 --> 00:48:27,000
Why is it lower?

612
00:48:28,260 --> 00:48:31,980
I think the, so the areas that we touched on with public buildings

613
00:48:31,980 --> 00:48:36,420
and increased utility costs, staff recruitment and retention,

614
00:48:36,680 --> 00:48:39,620
it was just, it was a year where a lot of departments

615
00:48:40,260 --> 00:48:43,160
were spending essentially very close up

616
00:48:43,160 --> 00:48:46,360
to their budgeted amounts just due to inflation

617
00:48:46,360 --> 00:48:47,820
and higher costs in areas.

618
00:48:49,760 --> 00:48:50,780
Thank you.

619
00:48:50,780 --> 00:48:51,400
Do it.

620
00:48:52,500 --> 00:48:53,500
Another question.

621
00:48:55,220 --> 00:48:58,160
Pivoting here on to the real estate personal property.

622
00:48:59,040 --> 00:49:01,840
I know we had talked, I know it was in a workshop,

623
00:49:02,280 --> 00:49:08,500
about let's say outstanding receivables that say on the tax

624
00:49:08,500 --> 00:49:08,960
side.

625
00:49:08,960 --> 00:49:17,700
If it shows here that where collections are, let's say, 99% in a given year, is there

626
00:49:18,290 --> 00:49:22,480
a separate, I'm obviously I think we're tracking it separately, but some of these years

627
00:49:22,480 --> 00:49:30,240
it seemed like there was a bigger gap than, let's say, $1,400 or, you know, $4,000 gap between

628
00:49:30,240 --> 00:49:35,640
what was built and what's actually collected, where is that kind of the historic tracking

629
00:49:35,640 --> 00:49:41,300
of that non-payment, let's say, is that, I understand what I'm kind of asking.

630
00:49:41,300 --> 00:49:41,880
I think I understand.

631
00:49:42,480 --> 00:49:46,260
Because you're showing, I guess, because my understanding was there was, there was

632
00:49:46,260 --> 00:49:51,940
essentially an un-build, or not say, I say unpaid tax balance, I thought it was over $2

633
00:49:51,940 --> 00:49:56,100
million in the entire town, but I don't know where that doesn't really show up here is

634
00:49:56,100 --> 00:49:56,380
how it worked.

635
00:49:56,460 --> 00:50:01,060
No, so it'd be, it'd be the aggregate of all, literally, all years prior.

636
00:50:01,860 --> 00:50:03,280
So it's, you know, some problems.

637
00:50:03,280 --> 00:50:06,840
Yeah, so all the 30 years or something like that.

638
00:50:09,680 --> 00:50:12,500
And it gets pulled into a tax title account.

639
00:50:12,580 --> 00:50:17,360
And once it's moved into tax title, it's no longer a show.

640
00:50:17,620 --> 00:50:18,800
OK, that's what I would.

641
00:50:19,080 --> 00:50:22,520
So does the actual build amount come off as well with this

642
00:50:23,000 --> 00:50:24,300
if it's in tax title?

643
00:50:24,940 --> 00:50:25,620
It does.

644
00:50:25,940 --> 00:50:26,900
OK, that's where I was.

645
00:50:27,020 --> 00:50:27,900
OK, that makes more sense.

646
00:50:28,440 --> 00:50:30,360
Now, the follow-up is in the personal property.

647
00:50:30,360 --> 00:50:34,600
Like, I don't know if we really, this is commercial property equipment, correct?

648
00:50:35,480 --> 00:50:39,740
What is our recourse on collection when it comes to personal property?

649
00:50:40,560 --> 00:50:46,160
I know it's, okay, it's $100,000, but it's still $100,000, so that's 7%, do we have any

650
00:50:46,160 --> 00:50:47,940
recourse on collection of that?

651
00:50:48,160 --> 00:50:48,620
Very little.

652
00:50:49,580 --> 00:50:53,420
Personal property law is almost an honor system.

653
00:50:53,800 --> 00:51:00,260
The businesses have to report to us on what's called form of list, which is all there

654
00:51:00,260 --> 00:51:03,480
listed assets within their buildings for their businesses.

655
00:51:04,920 --> 00:51:09,400
What we have been doing over the past four years since Ruth Anderson's been principal

656
00:51:09,400 --> 00:51:13,960
assessors, we've been spent in $10,000 a year to hire an external auditor to go out and

657
00:51:13,960 --> 00:51:23,900
physically audit, and that has yielded over $800,000, so it's just doing that extra work every

658
00:51:23,900 --> 00:51:26,780
year to go in and verify and then collect.

659
00:51:27,300 --> 00:51:32,000
And if they don't allow, you can estimate, you're allowed to do an estimate with that.

660
00:51:32,260 --> 00:51:32,320
Yes.

661
00:51:32,480 --> 00:51:32,620
Okay.

662
00:51:37,140 --> 00:51:37,820
I'm sure.

663
00:51:38,180 --> 00:51:38,420
Yes.

664
00:51:38,520 --> 00:51:39,780
I have some questions to start with.

665
00:51:40,860 --> 00:51:46,820
Director Martinez, thank you so much for being here with us and for this work and for

666
00:51:46,820 --> 00:51:47,320
the information.

667
00:51:48,620 --> 00:51:51,920
I had a question about the loss of somebody.

668
00:51:53,660 --> 00:51:57,420
I had a question about the revenue under performers.

669
00:51:58,880 --> 00:52:06,520
I'm in particular, I think, looking at the bottom three, which are about half-elected cannabis.

670
00:52:06,760 --> 00:52:10,260
I know as a new, relatively new for us to budget.

671
00:52:10,540 --> 00:52:15,040
Are we thinking of readjusting that to lower better expectations?

672
00:52:15,460 --> 00:52:20,980
Yeah, I would say the last two, specifically other excise and other departmental revenue,

673
00:52:21,160 --> 00:52:25,860
when we look to the FY28 revenue manual in the coming weeks,

674
00:52:25,860 --> 00:52:31,120
We would definitely make an adjustment, you know, those are things that maybe have fluctuated

675
00:52:31,120 --> 00:52:35,600
a little bit, but especially the other X size for cannabis, we've seen that trending

676
00:52:35,600 --> 00:52:37,680
down consistently pretty much every year.

677
00:52:38,040 --> 00:52:41,940
So we will write size these lines in the FI28 revenue manual.

678
00:52:44,260 --> 00:52:44,440
Great.

679
00:52:44,640 --> 00:52:50,760
And then I think I was a little bit surprised to see that the meal stacks was a little bit

680
00:52:50,760 --> 00:52:51,340
shy, too.

681
00:52:51,940 --> 00:52:56,960
Are we seeing that trending, is that stabilized, is that stable, or is that trending down

682
00:52:56,960 --> 00:53:05,040
work as well. We've seen that be pretty stable since COVID. Right. It's it's not off by by a lot,

683
00:53:05,040 --> 00:53:09,840
but you know, just something that we will keep an eye on, but it's it's remained pretty stable.

684
00:53:10,720 --> 00:53:14,320
I think and I think you may have sessioned it, but I think my last question was just on the

685
00:53:14,320 --> 00:53:19,120
turnbacks. Is there any trends within the turnbacks any departments in particular that are?

686
00:53:21,320 --> 00:53:26,780
Honestly, probably not this year that we could, that have been in previous years.

687
00:53:26,920 --> 00:53:33,180
So in previous years, I would say our big turn back categories were police and highway due

688
00:53:33,180 --> 00:53:34,780
to vacancies and due to the snow and ice.

689
00:53:35,020 --> 00:53:37,160
And so those were actually challenges this year.

690
00:53:37,860 --> 00:53:45,500
So much more like truly department by department, you know, maybe $50,000 here, maybe a vacancy

691
00:53:45,500 --> 00:53:53,540
that wasn't filled for half the year, so nothing really significant from, you know, one or two

692
00:53:53,540 --> 00:53:58,720
individual departments. That's helpful and I think, you know, I appreciate the culture that we have,

693
00:53:58,900 --> 00:54:05,500
where those budgets that we set for each one is a spending cap versus a target. I think that's

694
00:54:05,500 --> 00:54:07,700
really important to call out, so thank you.

695
00:54:10,760 --> 00:54:14,220
You mentioned we have about $26 million in reserves

696
00:54:14,220 --> 00:54:18,840
between our general stabilization, overhead stabilization and free cash.

697
00:54:19,760 --> 00:54:29,640
So we have a 5% our policy and free cash is to have at least 5% of our operating budget held in free cash.

698
00:54:30,440 --> 00:54:40,880
Can you talk to us about, we talk about overheads and needing an overhead in the future when we have $26 million in reserves.

699
00:54:40,880 --> 00:54:46,760
but understanding can you explain sort of what we're approaching with our

700
00:54:46,760 --> 00:54:50,520
over-ride stabilization, what our policies are in general stabilization, and why

701
00:54:50,520 --> 00:54:53,980
it's important to keep those in reserves. Like even while we have some of that

702
00:54:53,980 --> 00:54:58,860
funding in reserves, we may still start talking about needing an override and why

703
00:54:58,860 --> 00:55:04,800
that matters. Yeah, I mean I think talking first to the over-ride stabilization

704
00:55:04,800 --> 00:55:10,680
fund, which I think is just over $10 million, you know. When we get to the

705
00:55:10,680 --> 00:55:18,500
point of needing to draw down on that, it's going to go very quickly. So while it's a substantial amount,

706
00:55:19,360 --> 00:55:24,880
it's almost, you know, it's over the actual ask of the override, it will go quickly once we start to draw down on it.

707
00:55:25,860 --> 00:55:32,180
And that, I think, are we, can you remind me of when we're projecting to start drawing down on the override stabilization?

708
00:55:32,180 --> 00:55:33,640
You're 28. Okay.

709
00:55:38,530 --> 00:55:43,270
And can you talk a little bit about general stabilization and what we use that for like when we

710
00:55:43,270 --> 00:55:48,230
Use the funding in general stabilization and and why we hold that

711
00:55:48,810 --> 00:55:49,650
Yeah, so

712
00:55:49,650 --> 00:55:54,210
We aim to have general stabilization also at 5% of the general fund

713
00:55:54,770 --> 00:55:58,230
That's really the town's true rainy day fund to cover

714
00:55:58,930 --> 00:56:05,730
Emergencies and unexpected events or circumstances. I don't recall the last time we've actually drawn down on general stabilization

715
00:56:05,730 --> 00:56:12,450
We would prefer not to, so it'd really be, you know, something catastrophic to the town finances to grow down on that.

716
00:56:13,270 --> 00:56:13,970
Thank you.

717
00:56:14,390 --> 00:56:24,190
So, if you look at that $26 million of the appropriated budget for fiscal year, 27 year, at about 15%.

718
00:56:24,810 --> 00:56:30,690
If you're not at 15%, and you go for a bond rating, you won't get a AAA.

719
00:56:30,690 --> 00:56:41,870
I mean, 15% is the standard floor for a AAA bond rating, and so it's really in these

720
00:56:41,870 --> 00:56:48,890
three separate buckets that Alex talked about, and they can be used for specific purposes.

721
00:56:49,610 --> 00:56:56,090
But together, having them at 15% means that we're able to achieve a AAA, one of the reasons

722
00:56:56,090 --> 00:56:58,330
since we're able to achieve a AAA bond rating.

723
00:56:58,650 --> 00:57:01,290
And one of the reasons, one of the outcomes from that

724
00:57:01,290 --> 00:57:03,250
is much lower interest rates when we borrow.

725
00:57:03,770 --> 00:57:05,870
So we have to go out to borrow for something.

726
00:57:06,590 --> 00:57:08,390
We're saving, in some cases,

727
00:57:08,550 --> 00:57:10,730
depending on a major capital improvement project,

728
00:57:10,930 --> 00:57:13,010
hundreds of thousands of dollars every year

729
00:57:13,010 --> 00:57:14,650
because of that AAA bond rating

730
00:57:14,650 --> 00:57:16,390
versus a much lower bond rating,

731
00:57:17,190 --> 00:57:20,290
especially in a volatile municipal bond market

732
00:57:20,290 --> 00:57:21,170
like we're in right now.

733
00:57:21,390 --> 00:57:24,370
So we put all those three things together

734
00:57:24,370 --> 00:57:27,930
and that's why, as we're going through the budget process, we're advising the board

735
00:57:27,930 --> 00:57:31,590
how much money we're spending in free cash at Tom meeting.

736
00:57:32,030 --> 00:57:37,530
So we are using those reserves, but then replenishing them from the excess revenues

737
00:57:37,530 --> 00:57:40,970
and unexpended appropriations.

738
00:57:41,190 --> 00:57:44,790
So we're looking at that throughout the course of the year, making sure we line it up.

739
00:57:44,790 --> 00:57:50,450
And as you can see, this year, Alex's estimate is that we're 5.6% on a 5% policy level.

740
00:57:50,450 --> 00:57:56,470
So we're spending the resources that we have to provide services and maintaining reserve

741
00:57:56,470 --> 00:57:58,350
so we're flexible if something goes wrong.

742
00:58:02,180 --> 00:58:10,400
I appreciate the diligence in keeping us in budget very consistently when a lot of

743
00:58:10,400 --> 00:58:14,760
other cities and towns have not been able to do that and I know is that balance and we'll

744
00:58:14,760 --> 00:58:21,740
clearly go into those discussions when we start getting into fiscal 28 as to you know

745
00:58:21,740 --> 00:58:28,500
how to project with the appropriate balance of conservatism to ensure we can stay in

746
00:58:28,500 --> 00:58:35,780
budget, as well as being aggressive, where we don't want to, you know, ask for significantly

747
00:58:35,780 --> 00:58:37,580
more than what we need.

748
00:58:37,780 --> 00:58:42,820
And I think the good thing about our stabilization strategy is in years like 25, when local

749
00:58:42,820 --> 00:58:50,100
receipts were, I don't want to call it a normally high, but higher than expected, that money was

750
00:58:50,100 --> 00:58:56,240
pulled into that stabilization fund in order to prolong the time period of meeting to

751
00:58:56,240 --> 00:59:05,320
ask the community for a tax increase. So I appreciate the update and I'm sure we'll

752
00:59:05,320 --> 00:59:11,160
be reflecting on a lot of this as we go into this next budget cycle which we're kind

753
00:59:11,160 --> 00:59:15,700
of already starting. So look forward to those discussions. Board members any other questions

754
00:59:15,700 --> 00:59:17,040
or comments for Alex.

755
00:59:18,180 --> 00:59:18,860
Thank you for being here.

756
00:59:18,880 --> 00:59:19,780
Really appreciate it.

757
00:59:20,020 --> 00:59:20,360
Thank you.

758
00:59:23,780 --> 00:59:25,380
agenda item number nine.

759
00:59:25,780 --> 00:59:28,760
I am so excited for this.

760
00:59:29,020 --> 00:59:29,720
I've been waiting.

761
00:59:30,320 --> 00:59:34,640
Is to review and discuss the future use of 15 maple avenue

762
00:59:35,350 --> 00:59:39,260
known locally as Empire Dry Cleaners.

763
00:59:39,680 --> 00:59:40,800
Mr. Mugold or a cow are you?

764
00:59:41,220 --> 00:59:41,540
Thank you.

765
00:59:41,800 --> 00:59:44,060
Christopher Mugold, Director of Planning, Economic Development.

766
00:59:44,820 --> 00:59:46,280
Thank you for having me tonight.

767
00:59:46,280 --> 00:59:51,280
I'm equally excited to discuss this with you this evening.

768
00:59:56,780 --> 00:59:59,100
So, before we get started,

769
00:59:59,100 --> 00:59:59,860
and staff.

770
01:00:00,000 --> 01:00:29,680
This is in the process of finalizing recommendations regarding a 15-maple of property. For this evening, we've been asked to summarize the community engagement findings that we have gone through. The public outreach process consisted of an online survey, two community workshops, and we had one of the highest levels of public engagement for some of our other similar

771
01:00:29,680 --> 01:00:40,100
activities. So we received a 1,029 survey responses. The vast majority of those were residents.

772
01:00:41,080 --> 01:00:48,260
We also had strong attendance at the workshops, which were held on March 31st and April 14th.

773
01:00:48,260 --> 01:00:57,220
The goal of these exercises was to gather insights to guide the future decision making, ensuring

774
01:00:57,220 --> 01:01:11,120
that the community preferences are balanced against critical factors, which included environmental constraints, regulatory requirements, financial considerations, and really sought to see the community's idealized version of the property.

775
01:01:11,900 --> 01:01:17,600
And then we'll get those constraints in relation to the idealized vision.

776
01:01:17,600 --> 01:01:19,660
Next slide please.

777
01:01:21,460 --> 01:01:26,740
So as we engage with the residents, two distinct versions of the property and visions

778
01:01:26,740 --> 01:01:34,480
kind of emerged, there's very strong consensus along both of these two visions and it really

779
01:01:34,480 --> 01:01:40,360
developed around public parking or public recreation facilities.

780
01:01:42,180 --> 01:01:50,260
We had significant input in relation to operations, considerations, and amenities that would be useful in these areas.

781
01:01:52,120 --> 01:01:59,540
Concerns were brought up whether the two could be effectively balanced or combined or whether they would retract from each other.

782
01:02:00,140 --> 01:02:05,120
So there is a desire for both, but there is a desire to make sure that they're not detracting from each other.

783
01:02:05,120 --> 01:02:09,160
So they have to be balanced in the way that they would be developed.

784
01:02:10,520 --> 01:02:11,440
Next slide, please.

785
01:02:15,010 --> 01:02:19,290
As part of our analysis, we ran a correlation analysis on the survey responses.

786
01:02:19,530 --> 01:02:23,330
So with 1029 responses, we did go through most of those.

787
01:02:23,510 --> 01:02:28,370
But we did use that correlation analysis to help us kind of find what are the

788
01:02:28,370 --> 01:02:33,310
common themes related to some of the open-ended responses that we received

789
01:02:33,310 --> 01:02:37,150
and the questions that we had directed towards the community.

790
01:02:38,260 --> 01:02:42,290
One of the ways that we formulated the questions was around agreeing and disagree.

791
01:02:43,510 --> 01:02:48,650
What this shows is both what amenities receive the most engagement and the most discussion,

792
01:02:49,460 --> 01:02:52,730
as well as showing the public sentiment generally around each of those.

793
01:02:52,930 --> 01:02:59,570
So whether they were engaging with that, amenity and disagree with having that or agreeing

794
01:02:59,570 --> 01:03:00,170
with that.

795
01:03:06,220 --> 01:03:10,980
A number of other additional discussion points also emerged.

796
01:03:11,480 --> 01:03:16,500
A lot of the conversation again around parking versus recreational recreation.

797
01:03:17,550 --> 01:03:22,840
We saw that there was a weak negative correlation between those who prioritize parking and those

798
01:03:22,840 --> 01:03:25,420
who prioritize prioritized recreation.

799
01:03:26,600 --> 01:03:29,860
The site's limited size also necessitates trade off.

800
01:03:29,860 --> 01:03:34,220
So again, when it's in a tight site, how we're balancing efficient parking,

801
01:03:34,680 --> 01:03:41,420
providing enough parking spaces with providing enough recreational amenity that's useful to develop and maintain.

802
01:03:43,720 --> 01:03:50,460
The main tension is really how to design a layout that does not result in an ineffective half measure for either of those functions.

803
01:03:51,860 --> 01:03:55,220
In addition, parking management was a key discussion point.

804
01:03:55,560 --> 01:03:58,440
While there is a majority support for providing public parking,

805
01:03:58,440 --> 01:04:01,140
There is no consensus on charging for it.

806
01:04:02,040 --> 01:04:07,580
Slightly more respondents opposed paid parking than supported it, so there's a rough sentiment

807
01:04:07,580 --> 01:04:08,900
against paid parking.

808
01:04:10,400 --> 01:04:20,040
And then environmental constraints, there was conversation around the existing, whether

809
01:04:20,040 --> 01:04:25,280
the site's existing contamination makes public recreation or gardening inappropriate, or if

810
01:04:25,280 --> 01:04:29,120
represents an opportunity to demonstrate sustainable remediation techniques.

811
01:04:30,840 --> 01:04:41,660
It also had conversation whether the public recreation or gardening is inappropriate and does it present an opportunity to demonstrate sustainable remediation techniques.

812
01:04:45,300 --> 01:04:53,160
And then public versus commercial, I understand that the town is currently exploring public uses but there was some sentiment for

813
01:04:53,160 --> 01:04:57,620
the community that favored commercial redevelopment to generate tax revenue and support local businesses.

814
01:04:58,060 --> 01:05:04,540
So I understand that's not directive for the board, but that was a sentiment that did emerge in some sense.

815
01:05:10,620 --> 01:05:17,160
So we also saw strong community support for green space and recreation specifically support for

816
01:05:17,160 --> 01:05:23,640
the multifunctional design as long as it's compatible, supporting youth needs, specifically walking

817
01:05:23,640 --> 01:05:28,860
a home from school so those familiar with the area said a couple times, the middle

818
01:05:28,860 --> 01:05:34,440
schoolers will walk along this area towards the library, towards the Dunkin' Noenets, and

819
01:05:34,440 --> 01:05:36,720
it is a frequent travel area.

820
01:05:38,480 --> 01:05:44,760
We did have attendance of some middle schoolers at the actual workshops, and they indicated

821
01:05:44,760 --> 01:05:49,960
that there is interest in having a place to hang out and socialize that wouldn't be

822
01:05:49,960 --> 01:05:53,460
the impactful on a butters and this may provide that opportunity for that space.

823
01:05:54,120 --> 01:05:57,020
I did like the sentiment from one of the middle schoolers of keep it simple.

824
01:05:57,580 --> 01:06:01,680
They don't need too many of amenities and kind of crazy things, but

825
01:06:01,680 --> 01:06:04,180
just something to hang out in a space to be.

826
01:06:06,240 --> 01:06:12,240
And then there was also the sentiment that it needs to be designed to fit into the broader town center fabric.

827
01:06:12,560 --> 01:06:18,660
And how is that property really not just to the surrounding of butters but the town center as a whole.

828
01:06:20,280 --> 01:06:25,940
A key element would be supporting existing businesses and their operations and their

829
01:06:25,940 --> 01:06:26,520
vibrancy.

830
01:06:27,740 --> 01:06:28,780
Next slide.

831
01:06:30,560 --> 01:06:36,560
So as we evaluate hybrid alternatives, rather than selecting that single use option,

832
01:06:37,620 --> 01:06:43,060
staff intends to model conceptual alternatives that would combine compatible uses such as public

833
01:06:43,060 --> 01:06:49,340
parking with integrated green space and recreational amenities and define a parking policy.

834
01:06:50,680 --> 01:06:57,820
We do need to develop a clear policy decision regarding parking management, free versus

835
01:06:57,820 --> 01:07:03,900
paid, and set public expectations as the community is divided on that issue, despite the supporting

836
01:07:03,900 --> 01:07:05,520
the provision of parking itself.

837
01:07:14,290 --> 01:07:19,270
Future planning must reconcile community desires for features like community gardens or playgrounds

838
01:07:19,270 --> 01:07:22,350
with the reality of site contamination and remediation requirements.

839
01:07:23,670 --> 01:07:28,750
We recommend continuing engagement, so proceeding with the designs that reflect the strong interest

840
01:07:28,750 --> 01:07:35,230
and youth oriented spaces and third spaces, while remaining sensitive to the small quarter

841
01:07:35,230 --> 01:07:35,850
acre footprint.

842
01:07:37,070 --> 01:07:41,790
The principal community debate is not between dozens of unrelated amenities, rather it's primarily

843
01:07:41,790 --> 01:07:46,130
about the balance among community recreation space, parking, and green space.

844
01:07:46,130 --> 01:07:50,850
There's meaningful community support for providing public parking, but not a clear consensus

845
01:07:50,850 --> 01:07:52,150
that parking should be priced.

846
01:07:53,230 --> 01:07:56,750
And there's considerable public interest in better understanding the existing and past

847
01:07:56,750 --> 01:08:00,610
site contamination, especially as it relates to the reuse of the site.

848
01:08:01,150 --> 01:08:05,870
Clear communication and public education around the technical aspects of the contamination

849
01:08:05,870 --> 01:08:08,150
and cleanup strategies will be crucial.

850
01:08:08,810 --> 01:08:09,930
All right, next up.

851
01:08:13,290 --> 01:08:17,970
So the next steps are to provide staff with a clear direction on which option, recreation,

852
01:08:17,970 --> 01:08:21,370
or parking to prioritize evaluate opportunities

853
01:08:21,370 --> 01:08:23,130
for mutually supporting objectives,

854
01:08:23,350 --> 01:08:26,450
whether it's street trees, paving options, and more,

855
01:08:27,230 --> 01:08:30,630
to determine if staff should evaluate paid parking opportunities

856
01:08:30,630 --> 01:08:33,330
or pursue no paid parking.

857
01:08:33,890 --> 01:08:37,110
And then evaluate findings of the recent environmental reviews

858
01:08:37,410 --> 01:08:38,890
conducted by Beta Group Bank,

859
01:08:39,490 --> 01:08:41,150
the environmental site assessments

860
01:08:41,150 --> 01:08:43,090
and develop public communication materials

861
01:08:43,090 --> 01:08:44,630
around those findings.

862
01:08:45,830 --> 01:08:52,310
A draft report is anticipated by the end of August when we have some additional considerations

863
01:08:53,510 --> 01:09:00,030
that we may want to consider with some of the zoning and other matters coming down the

864
01:09:00,030 --> 01:09:00,330
pipeline.

865
01:09:00,690 --> 01:09:06,630
So one of the items that came up was solar canopy feasibility, especially in relation to battery

866
01:09:06,630 --> 01:09:11,550
energy storage and EV opportunities, if that's something that should be explored as a moving

867
01:09:11,550 --> 01:09:16,570
target, and then refining that preliminary schematic design in relation to the findings

868
01:09:16,570 --> 01:09:17,610
of the community engagement.

869
01:09:18,050 --> 01:09:18,610
So, first

870
01:09:21,430 --> 01:09:25,310
before I turn it over to questions, when you say a draft report is anticipated

871
01:09:25,310 --> 01:09:27,490
by the end of August, what do you mean?

872
01:09:27,810 --> 01:09:33,010
Is that the environmental report, is that a report that you're developing?

873
01:09:33,490 --> 01:09:38,690
Yeah, so it's a comprehensive report from our office, so it includes the findings and summary

874
01:09:38,690 --> 01:09:44,150
of the public engagement, it includes a summary of all of the environmental reports to

875
01:09:44,150 --> 01:09:48,570
date and then would provide recommendations for next steps. We've kind of previewed a few

876
01:09:48,570 --> 01:09:52,810
of those here but again we'll refine those in relation to the public engagement and

877
01:09:52,810 --> 01:09:59,370
kind of discussion with the board. Great. So when you say you want staff, you need clear

878
01:09:59,370 --> 01:10:03,150
direction. You're not looking for that direction right now. No. Thank you. Okay. I was

879
01:10:03,150 --> 01:10:09,270
a little worried at first. That's important. Board members, comments, questions?

880
01:10:13,440 --> 01:10:13,840
I think

881
01:10:13,840 --> 01:10:23,220
that having more details around aligning with what you heard for community preferences

882
01:10:23,220 --> 01:10:25,280
and what is realistic.

883
01:10:25,900 --> 01:10:31,620
So I heard you say that there's a preference for it to be not just parking or not just

884
01:10:31,620 --> 01:10:36,360
recreation or, and I do think that from a technical perspective, we need to define what

885
01:10:36,360 --> 01:10:37,780
green space is.

886
01:10:38,820 --> 01:10:42,660
But it would be interesting, you know, to call out the fact that it is a quarter acre

887
01:10:42,660 --> 01:10:49,560
I mean, we have to be mindful about what realistically can be done there, so I'll be very

888
01:10:49,560 --> 01:10:56,400
curious as part of your reporting to understand what some of those options are to, if it

889
01:10:56,400 --> 01:11:00,080
is an option to have multiple things there.

890
01:11:00,520 --> 01:11:04,560
Yeah, and to add a little bit of context and flavor to that, so part of the discussion that

891
01:11:04,560 --> 01:11:10,220
we had, we do have schematic designs, really preliminary, that kind of conceptual level,

892
01:11:10,220 --> 01:11:25,020
that DPW did develop for us that showed, I think it was 15 parking spaces on the lot leaves a little bit of green space that could be programmed and that was a lot of the discussion of, you know, is 15 spaces.

893
01:11:25,020 --> 01:11:34,500
Is that really providing the parking that we want to see in the center of town or, you know, if we do green space, you know, it is a small amount of green space left.

894
01:11:34,500 --> 01:11:40,300
So again, that kind of balance, I think one of the comments that kind of struck me was so

895
01:11:41,240 --> 01:11:45,400
struggling with that themselves and they said, you know, I want to have parking. I want to

896
01:11:45,400 --> 01:11:49,860
have green space. I know we can't have both, but why can't we have both? And I think we can

897
01:11:49,860 --> 01:11:56,920
try to look at how we can refine those for balancing those kinds of amenities that support parking

898
01:11:56,920 --> 01:12:01,220
and parking that supports green infrastructure and hopefully meet somewhere in the middle.

899
01:12:02,380 --> 01:12:04,300
I think understanding what those trade-offs are.

900
01:12:04,560 --> 01:12:10,080
So if you start with, if we do just exclusively parking, we get X spaces.

901
01:12:10,500 --> 01:12:14,240
And then sort of what the trade-off is, how many spaces we have to give up in order

902
01:12:14,240 --> 01:12:17,760
to accommodate some of these other options.

903
01:12:20,960 --> 01:12:30,820
I just have one, I guess, a comment or question, too, is, are you, because there is, I'd say

904
01:12:30,820 --> 01:12:37,280
surplus land, but from the actual Beal project, there's still at the backside of, let's

905
01:12:37,280 --> 01:12:41,900
say, Haskell, Wesleyan, town-owned, there's a remaining set of land there.

906
01:12:42,780 --> 01:12:49,780
Is there any connection, meaning like tying that remaining parcel to the quarter-acre?

907
01:12:50,080 --> 01:12:54,480
Because we do have, I mean, we gave up more than that, but I digress, we won't talk about

908
01:12:54,480 --> 01:12:54,860
that tonight.

909
01:12:54,860 --> 01:13:01,820
but to have, let's say, green space or what are we going to do with that left

910
01:13:01,820 --> 01:13:07,300
overland as well as what's left over for empire cleaners. Was there any plants

911
01:13:07,300 --> 01:13:12,660
that connected to? So in this scope we haven't looked at both parcels that was

912
01:13:12,660 --> 01:13:16,440
one of the sentiments that was raised of fitting it within the larger town

913
01:13:16,440 --> 01:13:23,320
center fabric. So as we look at possible disposition so I know that that remaining

914
01:13:23,320 --> 01:13:29,280
parcel we returned back to the town and we would do a similar process as this to figure out

915
01:13:29,280 --> 01:13:36,960
what the town wants to do with that parcel. But at this time and for this report we haven't

916
01:13:36,960 --> 01:13:41,040
connected those because that's not undetermined at the stage.

917
01:13:45,420 --> 01:13:51,560
Yes, in this case though I want to suggest like the laundry one we can use at the parking

918
01:13:51,560 --> 01:13:57,020
in this way. The second one, we can create the youth focus area where kids can come from

919
01:13:57,020 --> 01:14:01,920
the school and they can hang around that area. And we could have a parking, complete

920
01:14:01,920 --> 01:14:04,760
parking that down like people are looking for that option too.

921
01:14:09,680 --> 01:14:17,440
We good? Okay. Thank you. We really look forward to hearing more in, I guess, a few weeks.

922
01:14:17,440 --> 01:14:17,560
Next.

923
01:14:18,640 --> 01:14:18,780
Yep.

924
01:14:19,340 --> 01:14:19,560
Okay.

925
01:14:20,600 --> 01:14:21,320
Thank you.

926
01:14:21,580 --> 01:14:22,420
Thank you.

927
01:14:30,940 --> 01:14:35,680
agenda item number 10 is to review an act on the proposal for a welcoming community statement

928
01:14:35,680 --> 01:14:38,280
by the diversity equity inclusion and belonging committee.

929
01:14:38,720 --> 01:14:44,020
The committee has asked the town to adopt a welcoming community policy intended to affirm

930
01:14:44,020 --> 01:14:48,120
that all residents are welcome and treated fairly and choose very and reinforce expectations

931
01:14:48,120 --> 01:14:51,740
for interactions between town government, public safety and residents.

932
01:14:51,740 --> 01:14:59,720
So our discussion tonight is about whether adopting this policy is the right way to proceed given our existing laws policies and responses.

933
01:15:04,480 --> 01:15:12,540
I will turn it over to board members or any comments or discussion. Is there anyone who'd like to go first?

934
01:15:13,920 --> 01:15:14,960
I can go first.

935
01:15:15,940 --> 01:15:20,980
So I went to tell you from my side, I born in the small business where we don't have

936
01:15:20,980 --> 01:15:24,560
running water or toilet and I came from there.

937
01:15:25,340 --> 01:15:31,380
And when I came this town, this town is adapted me without asking my English, which is

938
01:15:31,380 --> 01:15:33,580
just what is my race, where I come from.

939
01:15:34,400 --> 01:15:38,300
And I've come also in the election time, also a lot of people, no one is right about where

940
01:15:38,760 --> 01:15:39,680
I come from.

941
01:15:39,680 --> 01:15:51,200
So, essentially, the government, moreover, the protect act is covered most of the things

942
01:15:51,200 --> 01:15:52,480
of what we are looking for.

943
01:15:52,860 --> 01:15:57,240
Even in the end, it says, all the down entity is come under that law.

944
01:15:57,460 --> 01:16:04,080
So, we have fully producted and we, I support this policy when in the June time, they came

945
01:16:04,080 --> 01:16:05,660
that time, it was not there.

946
01:16:05,660 --> 01:16:11,400
But now, you can see the eye act is covering most of the things for you.

947
01:16:11,520 --> 01:16:18,660
You can see like, we don't need that policy, but we can welcome that policy like it was before, and it was not there.

948
01:16:24,370 --> 01:16:25,210
Any other comments?

949
01:16:25,990 --> 01:16:26,710
Madam Chair, I do.

950
01:16:27,890 --> 01:16:28,810
Mr. Garcia, some comments.

951
01:16:29,750 --> 01:16:37,150
So I first want to thank the members of our diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging committee for bringing this matter to us.

952
01:16:37,150 --> 01:16:53,530
This recommendation for the town to create and adopt a welcoming community policy is one that the committee has worked on since December of 2024 and I commend them for gathering information in town as well as from the various communities across the Commonwealth that have adopted similar policies.

953
01:16:54,190 --> 01:17:06,110
I appreciated learning that since 2017 many other communities have taken action on accepting a welcoming community policy or similar and I commend them for their courage and sending up for the immigrants in their communities.

954
01:17:06,890 --> 01:17:12,710
I also want to thank the members of the public who have spoken in favor of this today either in public comment or by email correspondence.

955
01:17:13,330 --> 01:17:23,310
While we receive the handful of outreach in this, my thoughts are also with the folks in our community who might not ever reach out to us or come to public comment out of real concern that they have for their safety.

956
01:17:24,350 --> 01:17:27,710
I am in full support of creating a welcoming community policy.

957
01:17:28,370 --> 01:17:35,090
Through the many conversations I have had with community members, I know that there is real concern about the well-being of our immigrant neighbors and

958
01:17:35,090 --> 01:17:41,710
And those residents have expressed to me in confidence that they would like to see their own community take proactive steps to protect them.

959
01:17:42,510 --> 01:17:53,050
With ongoing fear stemming from federal immigration enforcement, I believe it is prudent that Shrewsbury stand up and write down in policy that we support the immigrants in our community that help make Shrewsbury the incredible town that it is.

960
01:17:53,930 --> 01:17:58,310
Supporting this policy is a matter of public safety and accessibility to our local government.

961
01:17:58,310 --> 01:18:04,590
We have here in Shrewsbury an increasingly diverse population where over one third of our residents are immigrants.

962
01:18:04,930 --> 01:18:09,630
These same folks are also more likely to view government as a threat rather than a source of support.

963
01:18:10,190 --> 01:18:13,890
As stated in our recent unanimously approved hazard mitigation plan.

964
01:18:14,830 --> 01:18:22,710
Adopting a welcoming community policy that expressly prohibits municipal staff from inquiring about immigration status is a proactive step that we can take.

965
01:18:22,710 --> 01:18:28,390
It would help us build trust with a segment of our population that already is inclined to not trust their local government.

966
01:18:28,970 --> 01:18:33,470
In conversations I have had with residents, there are folks who have real fear of showing up to town events,

967
01:18:33,890 --> 01:18:37,450
coming to town hall, or other public buildings, and participating in civic life.

968
01:18:38,270 --> 01:18:42,950
And I want to clarify something that appears to be misunderstood about what was sent over to us from the DEIB committee.

969
01:18:43,730 --> 01:18:47,450
In the committee's letter to us, they do not say that there is a policy that they have drafted.

970
01:18:47,450 --> 01:18:52,290
Instead, what they say is that they recommend that this board use the Native Select Board's

971
01:18:52,290 --> 01:18:55,070
policy as a blueprint for one that we would develop ourselves.

972
01:18:55,590 --> 01:18:59,750
I am confident that any concerns about encroachment into the town manager's responsibilities

973
01:18:59,750 --> 01:19:04,450
can and would be addressed in the work that would come if the board moves affirmatively.

974
01:19:05,550 --> 01:19:10,070
While it is expected that town staff do not collect information regarding immigration status,

975
01:19:10,630 --> 01:19:14,910
a written policy would demonstrate to the public our commitment to protecting our immigrant

976
01:19:14,910 --> 01:19:15,410
residents.

977
01:19:15,990 --> 01:19:20,430
As the only person on this board that grew up in town, I can proudly say that I wholeheartedly

978
01:19:20,430 --> 01:19:23,650
love this community, and I'm grateful for all the ways that this town has given back

979
01:19:23,650 --> 01:19:24,590
to me and my family.

980
01:19:25,370 --> 01:19:29,690
But as a person of color, I can tell you that throughout the course of my life, my family

981
01:19:29,690 --> 01:19:33,270
and I have experienced discrimination from the government and from the community members,

982
01:19:33,770 --> 01:19:34,630
even to this day.

983
01:19:35,330 --> 01:19:39,210
Those lived experiences are what motivated me to get involved in local government and what

984
01:19:39,210 --> 01:19:43,130
encouraged me to seek ways to help Shrewsbury become even more welcoming.

985
01:19:43,970 --> 01:19:49,550
exactly four years ago in 2022, well before I was elected to this body, I celebrated the

986
01:19:49,550 --> 01:19:53,630
select man at the time for establishing the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging

987
01:19:53,630 --> 01:19:58,670
committee. Their mission to help the town foster an inclusive and equitable community that

988
01:19:58,670 --> 01:20:03,750
enhances belonging for all residents is a noble one. This is the committee's second recommendation

989
01:20:03,750 --> 01:20:09,290
to this board, and as a reminder for my colleagues, this board chose to pass on accepting their

990
01:20:09,290 --> 01:20:10,730
first recommendation back in 2023.

991
01:20:11,790 --> 01:20:15,190
I respectfully ask my colleagues to consider what signal this will send to the committee

992
01:20:15,190 --> 01:20:19,890
and community members if, once again, this board chooses to decline accepting a recommendation

993
01:20:19,890 --> 01:20:22,670
that is in line with the charge that the board has set out for them.

994
01:20:23,670 --> 01:20:26,610
I do also want to commend the Commonwealth for enacting the Protect Act.

995
01:20:27,090 --> 01:20:31,690
This act expands ways that the Commonwealth will proactively protect our immigrant neighbors

996
01:20:31,690 --> 01:20:32,590
across the Commonwealth.

997
01:20:33,250 --> 01:20:38,130
The State Administration just today really skydends on how schools can keep immigrant students

998
01:20:38,130 --> 01:20:38,850
and family safe.

999
01:20:39,830 --> 01:20:43,790
I would like all shoes very, I would like shoes very to expand on this and establish a policy

1000
01:20:43,790 --> 01:20:47,910
that encompasses all municipal staff so that we are doing our part in standing up for

1001
01:20:47,910 --> 01:20:48,650
our immigrant residents.

1002
01:20:49,490 --> 01:20:53,410
I will be voting in favor of this recommendation to stand up for our immigrants here in town

1003
01:20:53,410 --> 01:20:55,350
and I strongly urge my colleagues to do the same.

1004
01:20:56,010 --> 01:21:00,210
I also respectfully request that any action on this item be by roll call.

1005
01:21:00,210 --> 01:21:01,070
Go

1006
01:21:05,680 --> 01:21:06,000
ahead, Michelle.

1007
01:21:06,360 --> 01:21:06,420
Sure.

1008
01:21:06,860 --> 01:21:11,260
You know, it's hard to follow Carlos, I don't have prepared remarks on this.

1009
01:21:12,400 --> 01:21:20,180
I am in support of articulating a policy on this as requested by the DEIB committee.

1010
01:21:20,780 --> 01:21:29,300
I think that it's important that essentially what they presented to us, a lot of what

1011
01:21:29,300 --> 01:21:32,540
they are requesting are things that we already do in practice.

1012
01:21:32,540 --> 01:21:40,320
And there are many things that last year, the police department issued a statement articulating

1013
01:21:40,320 --> 01:21:42,800
their policies around immigration enforcement.

1014
01:21:43,420 --> 01:21:50,480
And so what the DIV committee is asking us to do is to sort of reaffirm the statement

1015
01:21:50,480 --> 01:21:56,320
that the police put out last year and to articulate some of the practices that we already have in

1016
01:21:56,320 --> 01:22:07,080
place here at Town Hall and just get those, you know, sort of codified. And I think it's

1017
01:22:07,080 --> 01:22:13,560
really important. The thing that really impacted me in reading your recommendations and

1018
01:22:14,100 --> 01:22:22,980
the research and all of the references that you included in your presentation, that there

1019
01:22:22,980 --> 01:22:28,560
There are people who are victims of crime who don't seek help because they are afraid.

1020
01:22:29,400 --> 01:22:36,300
And having a family member who did work for several years working with unaccompanied

1021
01:22:36,300 --> 01:22:44,200
minors and doing work at the federal level helping to support and bring children out of human

1022
01:22:44,200 --> 01:22:51,660
trafficking situations, you see the reality of this really dark underbelly that exists in

1023
01:22:51,660 --> 01:22:55,280
in our world today, that we live in this beautiful community,

1024
01:22:55,380 --> 01:22:58,080
we go about our day and we don't see things that are happening.

1025
01:22:58,240 --> 01:23:00,340
You don't know what's going on behind closed doors,

1026
01:23:00,920 --> 01:23:03,720
and you don't know when people are in crisis

1027
01:23:04,360 --> 01:23:08,040
and they can't come forward and ask for help

1028
01:23:08,040 --> 01:23:09,020
because they're afraid.

1029
01:23:09,640 --> 01:23:12,780
And I think that if we were to adopt this policy,

1030
01:23:12,820 --> 01:23:14,880
or develop and adopt a policy,

1031
01:23:15,200 --> 01:23:17,520
just sort of affirming our commitment

1032
01:23:17,520 --> 01:23:27,600
to representing every resident of this community regardless of their immigration status and that our job is to support and protect members of our community.

1033
01:23:28,160 --> 01:23:31,140
If it only helps one person, it will have been worth it.

1034
01:23:39,220 --> 01:23:44,840
Okay, I do just want to second the, I do appreciate any time anybody comes and

1035
01:23:45,400 --> 01:23:47,580
comes and does public comment in front of our board.

1036
01:23:47,660 --> 01:23:52,760
I know it's not always easy to stand up in public and do that and I think as a board we really appreciate

1037
01:23:52,760 --> 01:23:58,440
the feedback, because oftentimes as many people think we know how people believing or how

1038
01:23:58,440 --> 01:23:59,900
people are thinking on things, we really don't.

1039
01:24:00,040 --> 01:24:04,280
So I do appreciate all the emails and the individuals who came tonight to speak.

1040
01:24:04,840 --> 01:24:09,040
I kind of look at this more from kind of an operational lens.

1041
01:24:10,800 --> 01:24:17,580
And I think the original meeting we have is back in July or July 6, I believe, when the

1042
01:24:17,580 --> 01:24:21,380
the IB community was in front of us, but I think it was as was mentioned before, you know,

1043
01:24:21,480 --> 01:24:26,980
since that time on, I think August 5th, you know, the state has passed the Protect Act,

1044
01:24:26,980 --> 01:24:31,940
which essentially encompasses a majority of what we're talking about today.

1045
01:24:32,100 --> 01:24:37,140
Specifically, some of the comments that were made here by the board as well as the residents

1046
01:24:37,140 --> 01:24:42,700
who came and spoke about, let's say, fear about where it comes to police or interaction with

1047
01:24:42,700 --> 01:24:43,240
law enforcement.

1048
01:24:43,240 --> 01:24:50,340
And now, to me, you know, as much as I think people believe that we have powers or ability

1049
01:24:50,340 --> 01:24:54,780
to enact whatever we want on top of Shrewsbury, you know, we are governed by Massachusetts

1050
01:24:54,780 --> 01:24:55,460
General Law.

1051
01:24:55,580 --> 01:25:01,880
That's a very strong act by having mass general law that's essentially saying that we,

1052
01:25:02,180 --> 01:25:07,540
as municipality, have to operate within those boundaries, and that's been very clear.

1053
01:25:07,540 --> 01:25:14,640
So by us as a board, I mean, my belief is ensuring that Mr.

1054
01:25:14,760 --> 01:25:19,200
Mizokar and town staff are abiding by the state law that was passed and

1055
01:25:19,200 --> 01:25:22,260
ensuring that we're following those guidelines.

1056
01:25:23,020 --> 01:25:27,860
In terms of the municipal employees, I believe in conversations I've had with Mr.

1057
01:25:28,060 --> 01:25:34,620
Mizokar along the way here is I'm not aware of any interactions or

1058
01:25:34,620 --> 01:25:47,660
any department that has ever asked or whatever need to ask the immigration status of anyone who would come into town hall and interact with the town of Shrewsbury as a government.

1059
01:25:50,240 --> 01:26:00,180
I don't believe that us putting a policy in place would change the way that we operate as a town.

1060
01:26:00,180 --> 01:26:09,160
or the way anybody and the member of the community interacts with any municipal employee or any member of the police department.

1061
01:26:10,240 --> 01:26:23,180
And I would much rather have us make a statement that we fully support the Protect Act and that we set expectations with Mr.

1062
01:26:23,180 --> 01:26:28,700
about how our staff should, in fact, interact with residents.

1063
01:26:29,680 --> 01:26:36,740
And for my standpoint, I just don't want to put in place a policy that doesn't really change anything operationally.

1064
01:26:36,940 --> 01:26:39,040
And I do feel that that would be the case here.

1065
01:26:39,640 --> 01:26:46,340
The state law is much more powerful, it's a much stronger ability to control behavior.

1066
01:26:47,100 --> 01:26:53,140
And so for me, I don't believe this is something that we as a board should take up.

1067
01:26:53,140 --> 01:26:57,740
and put in a place because I think we're already operating that way and, as I mentioned,

1068
01:26:58,680 --> 01:27:03,100
that the state law will be guiding us as how we operate as a community.

1069
01:27:09,920 --> 01:27:18,540
I also want to thank the DEIB Committee and the residents who spoke to us this evening and who wrote to us.

1070
01:27:19,000 --> 01:27:23,660
I fully recognize that I do not share every resident's lived experience.

1071
01:27:23,660 --> 01:27:29,740
So, I also appreciate hearing why this policy matters to members of our community.

1072
01:27:30,480 --> 01:27:36,920
For me, the question is not whether I support the values expressed in the proposal I do.

1073
01:27:37,340 --> 01:27:44,420
I share the belief that every resident should feel welcome, respected, and able to engage with town government without fear.

1074
01:27:45,020 --> 01:27:48,480
The question is whether an additional town policy is necessary.

1075
01:27:48,480 --> 01:27:53,960
As members of the select board, we serve as the town's executive policy making body.

1076
01:27:54,180 --> 01:28:00,380
Our responsibility is to determine whether a proposed policy is necessary to establish,

1077
01:28:00,740 --> 01:28:03,420
change, or improve how the town operates.

1078
01:28:04,200 --> 01:28:09,640
Massachusetts law, existing police department practices, and the town's current operations

1079
01:28:09,640 --> 01:28:13,080
already addressed many of the issues raised in this recommendation.

1080
01:28:13,080 --> 01:28:18,860
I understand why some residents would appreciate seeing these principles in a formal policy.

1081
01:28:19,420 --> 01:28:23,780
But it would not provide protections beyond those that already exist.

1082
01:28:24,180 --> 01:28:27,240
And it would not change how the town serves its residents.

1083
01:28:28,000 --> 01:28:34,920
And while I respect the intent behind this proposal, I am voting no from a new policy perspective.

1084
01:28:35,420 --> 01:28:39,920
I remain committed to our focus on ensuring that our actions, our services and

1085
01:28:39,920 --> 01:28:42,660
and treatment of residents reflect a welcoming community.

1086
01:28:43,200 --> 01:28:46,420
I would also like to point residents to the select boards,

1087
01:28:46,700 --> 01:28:50,320
DEIB statement that we issued in August of 2022

1088
01:28:50,840 --> 01:28:53,080
where we affirm this commitment.

1089
01:28:53,980 --> 01:28:58,060
Any implication that my decision represents me not supporting

1090
01:28:58,060 --> 01:29:03,260
or standing up for residents or not supporting the DEIB committee,

1091
01:29:03,660 --> 01:29:06,620
which I was a very active part in forming

1092
01:29:06,620 --> 01:29:09,220
is categorically false.

1093
01:29:13,030 --> 01:29:14,770
Yeah, I want to add also in the future,

1094
01:29:15,110 --> 01:29:18,510
if you have any issues regarding that welcoming policy

1095
01:29:18,510 --> 01:29:24,430
is not the criteria, the Governor-Packed Act for Protect Act,

1096
01:29:24,890 --> 01:29:27,610
if you see, please come again and we will hear

1097
01:29:27,610 --> 01:29:28,610
and we will work on that.

1098
01:29:29,130 --> 01:29:29,890
So, all are welcome.

1099
01:29:30,110 --> 01:29:32,750
As a immigrant, I support your concern

1100
01:29:32,750 --> 01:29:34,650
and everything and we want to support that too.

1101
01:29:35,470 --> 01:29:37,490
So, if you feel anytime, please come us,

1102
01:29:37,490 --> 01:29:39,910
that come join us and come here and we will support that.

1103
01:29:47,140 --> 01:29:49,920
There are no other comments.

1104
01:29:50,420 --> 01:29:51,480
I will entertain a motion.

1105
01:29:52,820 --> 01:29:55,720
I think there's my only comments or I guess questions.

1106
01:29:55,720 --> 01:29:59,120
I know that Mr. Mizikar dropped us a memo.

1107
01:30:00,000 --> 01:30:29,980
And so there are some items in there that I thought were, I think, the actions at the end were something of interest to me. In there, he states, perhaps the board could, if desired, pass a formal resolution on equal access to municipal services, declaring shoes were his vision as an inclusive community. I would be in favor of perhaps taking that on. And if my colleagues agree, you know, certainly,

1108
01:30:29,980 --> 01:30:36,280
working on that with them, and then making sure that the item B in here directs the

1109
01:30:36,280 --> 01:30:40,360
town manager to ensure all policies and procedures of the town are fully aligned with the resolution.

1110
01:30:41,180 --> 01:30:43,760
I think that that would be an important step. If we're not going to take up

1111
01:30:43,760 --> 01:30:50,660
what the DEIB expressly recommended to us, then I find that to be a good compromise.

1112
01:30:57,950 --> 01:31:04,150
Mr. Mizukar, can you just give us a little bit more context around this formal resolution?

1113
01:31:04,150 --> 01:31:06,270
and what

1114
01:31:08,920 --> 01:31:23,040
would necessitate it, I just look at this as, you know, there are so many things where we could take a step back and almost like reconfirm and restate, like I just can't be serious what you're thinking is here.

1115
01:31:23,040 --> 01:31:27,860
Well, I think necessitate is the board's conversation that you just had when you're

1116
01:31:27,860 --> 01:31:29,040
deliberating on that matter.

1117
01:31:29,480 --> 01:31:36,660
I wouldn't state that it was necessary or unnecessary for the board to consider this

1118
01:31:36,660 --> 01:31:38,260
action and I'm not trying to avoid this.

1119
01:31:38,400 --> 01:31:42,640
I think the true intent of my memo was to lay out two things.

1120
01:31:43,720 --> 01:31:47,940
If a policy was adopted, how it would impact operations.

1121
01:31:49,400 --> 01:32:01,960
and using NADIC as a template cautioning about the differences between NADIC's formal governance and Shrewsbury's formal governance, at least what I can see through the policy.

1122
01:32:02,220 --> 01:32:14,620
As it relates to day-to-day operations and the town manager's authority, within operations, it truly is a toss-up that you all have discussed this evening.

1123
01:32:14,620 --> 01:32:16,960
I don't envy the positions that you're in.

1124
01:32:17,120 --> 01:32:21,040
Sometimes I think my job is harder, and sometimes yours is harder, and that's the balance

1125
01:32:21,040 --> 01:32:22,340
that we have in our former government.

1126
01:32:23,330 --> 01:32:24,580
You win that this evening.

1127
01:32:26,820 --> 01:32:32,400
Operationally the tie we are complying with everything within the Protect Act, within

1128
01:32:32,400 --> 01:32:40,460
one versus Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and other statutory prohibitions at the federal

1129
01:32:40,460 --> 01:32:46,280
level under United States Code that prohibits us from asking immigration as providing government

1130
01:32:46,280 --> 01:32:54,160
services. My options at the end were to provide equal perspective to the diverse opinions of

1131
01:32:54,160 --> 01:33:00,760
the board so that you had a route forward that I thought wouldn't infringe upon any aspects

1132
01:33:00,760 --> 01:33:05,640
of our governance structure. I'm happy to answer any questions on that, but this wasn't

1133
01:33:06,420 --> 01:33:12,100
I'm not through this memo advising the board that one path or the other is necessary.

1134
01:33:12,100 --> 01:33:14,100
I'm trying to lay out the implications of either.

1135
01:33:15,980 --> 01:33:16,660
That's a good question.

1136
01:33:17,580 --> 01:33:25,760
Mr. Mizzacar, so I understand the Protect Act really applies to police officers and law enforcement.

1137
01:33:27,600 --> 01:33:32,840
But what we're talking about here is municipal employees.

1138
01:33:32,840 --> 01:33:38,820
So, you know, employees that the public could come in and interact with, on a daily basis

1139
01:33:40,160 --> 01:33:46,400
asking about or, you know, changing the services provided based on someone's immigration status.

1140
01:33:46,760 --> 01:33:52,040
Are there laws at the state level that prohibit that from happening currently?

1141
01:33:52,640 --> 01:33:58,740
And is there anything like in our employee manual handbook, you know, employee code of conduct,

1142
01:33:58,740 --> 01:34:03,620
anything that prohibits municipal employees from asking about immigration status?

1143
01:34:04,380 --> 01:34:10,040
No, there's a federal prohibition of asking an immigration status for providing federal services,

1144
01:34:10,380 --> 01:34:15,260
but there's not one at the state or local level. Okay. So you're right, the Protect Act is law

1145
01:34:15,260 --> 01:34:21,280
enforcement focused. Okay. There's a provision within the Protect Act related to us notifying

1146
01:34:21,280 --> 01:34:27,960
all employees if there's a search of I-9 records that we hold, but there's no other municipal

1147
01:34:27,960 --> 01:34:29,040
employee implications.

1148
01:34:31,480 --> 01:34:37,640
I honestly, in my several decades of experience, don't understand

1149
01:34:37,640 --> 01:34:43,800
why any municipal employee would ever have to ask an employee, or excuse me, a resident

1150
01:34:43,800 --> 01:34:49,760
or anyone seeking services from the municipality of their immigration status. There's no implication

1151
01:34:50,360 --> 01:34:50,940
either way.

1152
01:34:52,720 --> 01:34:55,880
Are we aware of any situations where it has been asked?

1153
01:34:55,880 --> 01:35:03,740
No, no, I'm not I just go back to what are we trying to solve for and I'm I'm struggling with

1154
01:35:05,180 --> 01:35:07,800
You know sort of what I've heard

1155
01:35:08,700 --> 01:35:14,560
From the residents. It's it's this isn't

1156
01:35:15,080 --> 01:35:21,300
Solving anything. It's not changing anything. It's not impacting our practices. It's more just a

1157
01:35:22,200 --> 01:35:29,420
Statement again, I I reflect on the statement that we've already made in our DE. I be statement and

1158
01:35:29,560 --> 01:35:33,160
And forming the DEIB committee, I feel like we have

1159
01:35:35,210 --> 01:35:35,630
done that.

1160
01:35:36,050 --> 01:35:42,950
So I'm concerned about sort of this additional step when I'm unclear on what it accomplishes.

1161
01:35:43,690 --> 01:35:51,410
I think just respectfully that commitment was passed in 2022, we have a different board.

1162
01:35:52,110 --> 01:35:56,090
And so I think what I would ask and I think what community members would welcome is for

1163
01:35:56,090 --> 01:35:59,790
this board to reaffirm that commitment in some way, in some formal way.

1164
01:35:59,790 --> 01:36:03,610
And that's not what's before us.

1165
01:36:04,390 --> 01:36:05,730
It's all part of this conversation.

1166
01:36:06,750 --> 01:36:07,790
You've raised it.

1167
01:36:09,130 --> 01:36:12,030
And again, as a car's memorized, one of the things

1168
01:36:12,440 --> 01:36:15,930
as step that we could take is passing some sort of resolution.

1169
01:36:16,250 --> 01:36:18,190
So that's why I say that.

1170
01:36:18,650 --> 01:36:19,350
That's why I say it.

1171
01:36:21,840 --> 01:36:22,720
But I'm happy to make a motion.

1172
01:36:23,580 --> 01:36:25,020
And I'm going to make the motion in the affirmative

1173
01:36:25,020 --> 01:36:27,220
because I think it's easier to vote in the affirmative

1174
01:36:27,220 --> 01:36:29,020
than making a motion in the negative.

1175
01:36:29,020 --> 01:36:34,400
So I move that the board, I

1176
01:36:38,720 --> 01:36:46,000
move that the board accept the diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging committees recommendation to develop a welcoming community policy for the Tunisersbury.

1177
01:36:46,560 --> 01:36:47,120
Second.

1178
01:36:47,900 --> 01:36:48,960
All in favor say aye.

1179
01:36:49,160 --> 01:36:51,620
And point of order I did request for this.

1180
01:36:51,620 --> 01:36:52,100
I know you did.

1181
01:36:52,380 --> 01:36:56,360
But where we'll take the vote as we typically do.

1182
01:36:56,700 --> 01:36:58,300
So all in favor say aye.

1183
01:36:58,300 --> 01:37:01,840
I think Madam Chair, respectfully, I think it's important that members of our committee.

1184
01:37:01,840 --> 01:37:05,560
We will, I am happy to summarize it at the end.

1185
01:37:06,880 --> 01:37:09,360
I think the minutes should reflect where-

1186
01:37:09,360 --> 01:37:14,920
They will, Carlos, I will, once we vote, I will confirm how we voted.

1187
01:37:16,100 --> 01:37:17,460
All in favor say aye.

1188
01:37:18,280 --> 01:37:18,540
Aye.

1189
01:37:19,200 --> 01:37:19,720
Opposed?

1190
01:37:20,000 --> 01:37:20,160
No.

1191
01:37:21,080 --> 01:37:21,500
No.

1192
01:37:21,840 --> 01:37:22,140
No.

1193
01:37:22,780 --> 01:37:23,080
Okay.

1194
01:37:23,080 --> 01:37:26,860
Okay, so the vote does not pass, three to two.

1195
01:37:27,600 --> 01:37:30,800
In Ms. Colin and Mr. Garcia voted yes.

1196
01:37:31,600 --> 01:37:35,460
Mr. Sharma, Mr. Richards and Ms. Flynn voted no.

1197
01:37:37,640 --> 01:37:38,800
Does that satisfy your request?

1198
01:37:47,270 --> 01:37:56,090
Gender item number 11 is to review and act on a one day alcohol license application submitted by Matthew Zebert.

1199
01:37:56,990 --> 01:38:02,090
On behalf of St. Mary's parish and school grounds for St. Mary's family festival to be held.

1200
01:38:02,090 --> 01:38:07,670
September 17th, 2026, through September 21st, 2026.

1201
01:38:09,590 --> 01:38:11,590
Second, all in favor say aye.

1202
01:38:11,930 --> 01:38:12,110
Aye.

1203
01:38:12,710 --> 01:38:13,190
Opposed?

1204
01:38:13,530 --> 01:38:20,290
Motion passes, and agenda item number 12 is to review an act to appoint precinct officers.

1205
01:38:20,610 --> 01:38:25,570
Town clerk Sharon Thomas has prepared a list of the recommended appointments for precinct officers.

1206
01:38:26,370 --> 01:38:29,570
All of the precinct officers are reappointments, except for three new members.

1207
01:38:29,570 --> 01:38:34,510
and this is for a one-year term expiring on August 31st, 2027.

1208
01:38:35,650 --> 01:38:36,450
Those are approval.

1209
01:38:36,830 --> 01:38:37,070
Second.

1210
01:38:37,730 --> 01:38:38,630
All in favor say aye.

1211
01:38:38,970 --> 01:38:39,130
Aye.

1212
01:38:40,010 --> 01:38:40,830
All good members.

1213
01:38:41,070 --> 01:38:44,730
I have the copy here if you can make sign before you all leave today.

1214
01:38:44,990 --> 01:38:45,170
Please.

1215
01:38:45,690 --> 01:38:46,150
Absolutely.

1216
01:38:46,470 --> 01:38:46,630
Thank you.

1217
01:38:47,010 --> 01:38:48,230
Motion passes.

1218
01:38:50,690 --> 01:38:52,230
Next is correspondence.

1219
01:38:53,310 --> 01:38:57,410
So as you will see from the agenda, there's a lot of correspondence.

1220
01:38:57,490 --> 01:38:59,670
I'm not going to list each one.

1221
01:38:59,670 --> 01:39:28,650
But items 13 through 24 are 22 emails that we received related to the public hearing that we had this evening regarding the request to honor Don Shannon so noted and items 35 through 40 are six emails supporting the welcoming community statement all in favor of the welcoming community statement.

1222
01:39:28,650 --> 01:39:35,270
and also noted, and if there is no other business before the board, I will entertain a motion to adjourn.

1223
01:39:35,550 --> 01:39:35,850
So moved.

1224
01:39:36,150 --> 01:39:37,610
Second, all in favor say aye.

1225
01:39:37,950 --> 01:39:38,110
Aye.

1226
01:39:38,990 --> 01:39:39,210
Opposed?

1227
01:39:39,770 --> 01:39:40,250
Passes?

1228
01:39:41,390 --> 01:39:42,510
That concludes our meeting.

1229
01:39:42,750 --> 01:39:43,470
Thank you and good evening.