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All right, we are live. Good evening, Swansea.

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This is the Swansea Board of Selectmen meeting for Tuesday, August 11th,

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2026, being held at the Swansea School Administration

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Building, 1 Gardner's Neck Road, Swansea.

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Please join me for a pledge of allegiance to the flag.

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I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of

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America and to the republic for which it stands, one

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nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and

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justice for all.

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This meeting is being broadcast live on Swansea Community

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Network on Comcast channel 96 and is being

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recorded for replay on the Swansea Community Network's Facebook

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page and at

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www.swanseacn.com.

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Are there anyone present who plans to record this meeting tonight?

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Hearing none, let's proceed.

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So item number one,

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starting tonight at 18:34,

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is a public hearing for National Grid Pole Petition

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31327853, Shepherd's Court,

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and we have Mr. Jeff Silva

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from National Grid here to speak tonight.

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And if I could, I got to

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make a motion to open the public hearing regarding National Grid Pole

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Petition 31327853.

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So moved.

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Second.

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And all in favor?

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Aye.

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Aye.

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And aye. You are ready to go, Jeff.

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National Grid is proposing to install two three-inch conduits

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from an existing pad number three on

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Shepherd's Court

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to run along

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the west side of the road for 250 feet

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to connect the new street of, I think it's

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Addison.

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Addison Way?

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Sounds familiar.

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It would all be underground. There is no poles.

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So technically the petition would've been just a petition for

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underground infrastructure.

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And excuse me for interrupting everybody.

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And Jeff, I forgot to ask you, if you could give your name and address

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for the microphone.

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Jeff Silva. I work out of the Hopedale office, which is 245 South Main

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Street.

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Thank you.

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You're welcome.

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So with that being said, I see on the map here that

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it's all underground. And what was it that you just added to that thought,

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Jeff?

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We're going to be feeding Addison Way, which is a new road

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development off of Shepherd's Court.

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Any discussion from anyone in the audience on this topic?

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No?

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Anyone from the board, any discussion or concern?

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No, this seems straightforward. I'm fine with this. Thank you.

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Fantastic.

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The only questions I have, so you're going to be coming out of a pad transformer

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underground to what?

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It's going to go to a

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hand hole in the road to make that transition to go down Addison.

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And then once it gets to Addison, where does it go from there?

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It goes into the roadway and then they pick up other transformers as the road gets

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built.

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Okay. So those transformers, those future transformers on Addison, will be

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coming before the board?

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I don't know, because it depends on if it's a public

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road at that point in time. So if it's not a public road, it would

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go under what the easement is for the developer, and

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then you guys would then take it over as a road after the fact.

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Okay. So the conduits running under grass as described here

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is within the right of way.

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Correct.

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Okay.

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That's all I have, sir.

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No further discussion?

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The chairman will make a motion to move to close the public

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hearing regarding National Grid Pole Petition

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31327853.

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And do I have a motion?

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Motion made.

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Second.

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Second. And all in favor?

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Aye.

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Aye.

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That is unanimous. Thank you, Jeff.

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Fantastic.

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Thank you.

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Have a good evening.

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Have a good night.

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Okay, so we have a little bit of time here before we get to our second

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open meeting.

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We maybe here can take something out of order.

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I could make a motion for

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item 5D and 5E.

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I had spoken with Chief Foley earlier, and it sounds like those would be quick

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ones, if that's something we wanted to do before the 7:00.

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If I-

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Or you think that's not enough time? Or what else is fast?

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I think the-

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Or 6?

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Minutes?

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... entirety of five we could do-

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Do together

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... just all together.

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Yep.

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We've got 25 minutes for the next hearing.

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Yeah. I'll do that. Oh, you want to do it now?

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Sure. I mean, we have 25 minutes-

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Yeah

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... for the next hearing, so let's-

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I'm fine with that.

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I suggest we look at item 12,

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perhaps item 11 and item 10.

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And six should be short, too.

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You're saying 10, 11, and 12?

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Mr. Chairman, I'll make the motion to take items 10, 11, and 12 out of order.

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Second on that?

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Second. Yep. Sure. Second.

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All in favor?

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Aye.

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Aye.

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That is unanimous.

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Okay, so with that, we'll go to item number 10, which is to vote

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on trash abatements.

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Okay, so item number 10.

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I can read these,

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and we can take a motion to vote.

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So this is item number 10.

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These are abatements,

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and they are the addresses as follow: Lopes at

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625 Hortonville Road, number

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37145.

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Stradvarola,

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41 Palmer River Road,

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number 113815.

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Shane, 16 Gardner's Neck Road, number

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47362.

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Patel, 103 Lafayette Street, number

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41021.

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And Paradiso, 41 Kyspek Court, number

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40375. These are all

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equal at $115

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amount exempted for dumpster contracts.

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The chair seeks a motion to

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approve to vote.

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So moved.

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Or discussion?

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Yeah. Just to also, not to clarify,

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but to point out perhaps in a motion that the total amount being

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abated is a total of $575.

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Agreed. Thank you.

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So, there's a motion. I'll second that motion.

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All in favor?

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Aye.

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Aye.

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Aye. It is unanimous.

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Number 10 is in the book.

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That brings us to number 11. Number 11 tonight

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is

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to vote to approve sale of surplus auction items.

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We'll see an attached list.

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Ms. Solitro, would you like the honors of reading that list?

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Sure.

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Okay, so the items are

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a 2015 Ford F550 dump truck with plow,

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2013 International six-wheel dump truck, 2000 Ford

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F550 dump truck with plow, 2014 Ford Explorer,

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Flag Wildcat zero-turn mower,

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Husqvarna zero-turn mower, 14 x 8 x 8

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dumpster can, two truck toolboxes, Exmark

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walk-behind mower, Clamper catch basin truck, small push mower,

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John Deere 430 small tractor, Fisher eight-foot

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mount plow,

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nine desktop computers, nine wired keyboards, four wired mice,

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one Dell laptop, two Sony DVD players, two HP printers,

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one Vizio TV, and one CD/DVD storage case.

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And with that, just information for the public.

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It says here, "Residents are welcome to check the town website beginning next

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week, where there will be a link provided to Auctions

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International.

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Residents will be able to view the surplus items

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available for auction and submit bids directly through

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that site."

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I would make a motion to approve the list of surplus property

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items presented and authorize of disposal

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of said items through the town surplus auction process.

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Do I have a motion?

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I'll make a motion, but I do have one question.

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How do we end up with one clam for a catch basin truck?

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You had to ask, huh?

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It just seems like an odd item. Like, "Hey,

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I have a clam for a catch basin cleanup truck."

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I just thought it was funny.

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I think maybe it was-

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Maybe it's me.

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No.

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Maybe it's the August 8th.

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Maybe that should be something just kept behind the building.

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I wish Mr. Anderson was here because I think that would be a funny response.

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Yes.

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But nonetheless, I'll make the motion to

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approve the sale of all the items as read off.

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Second.

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And second heard. All in favor?

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Aye.

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Aye.

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Aye. So, item number 11 is in the book unanimous.

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So that brings us to item number 12, approval of

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minutes, meeting minutes.

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And we can do these one at a time. We seem to have that time.

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Bear with me, please.

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Okay, so that'll be item number 12A and item number 12B.

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Discussion would be, has everybody had a chance to review these?

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I just want to double-check, so we're good with the dates.

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I know the

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dates were a little confusing with the ballot for November 3rd versus the town

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meeting October 19th. This is correct how it is here now?

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Right, this doesn't have to be modified? Just want to make sure it's right.

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Where are you on that?

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So,

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for 12A, I just want to make sure.

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Are you saying it was a typo last time?

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For the ballot language,

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that it's the right way. So, we have the town meeting is October 19th, and then the

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ballot is November 3rd.

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So, I think this is right, right?

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The town meeting is October 19th, and the ballot is November 3rd. Yeah.

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Yeah. I'm just making sure

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this is right here with the ballot language.

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Just making sure so we don't mess anything up with MSBA.

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I think this-

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Good call. That's correct

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... this is right.

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Yes, those two dates are correct. Yes.

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Okay.

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All right.

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Yep. That's right here, October 19th.

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I saw that. I just wasn't sure because the ballot, I didn't see November 3rd.

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I just wasn't sure if that was the problem that happened from last week.

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I just want to make sure it's right.

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This looks right.

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Okay

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So the chair will... Is there any further discussion on board of

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selectmen minutes meetings for July 14th, 2026?

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Nope.

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Ready to move, Mr. Chairman.

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Okay, I'll take that motion.

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Mr. Chairman, I move to approve the minutes of July 14th

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of board of selectmen's meetings for July 14th,

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2026.

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Second.

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And there is a second. All in favor?

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Aye.

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Aye.

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And that is an aye from chair. That is unanimous.

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12A in the book, unanimous.

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Mr. Chairman, I move to approve the minutes of the board of selectmen for

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July 21, 2026.

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I'll second it, but I wasn't here, so should I abstain from voting on that just

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because I wasn't here?

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Yeah, you would abstain.

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But I can still make the second and then you guys vote?

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Mm-hmm.

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Okay. Sure.

269
00:12:57,188 --> 00:12:58,038
The chairman would second it.

270
00:12:58,068 --> 00:12:58,938
I'll second that vote.

271
00:12:58,938 --> 00:12:59,528
Want to second it? Okay. Yeah.

272
00:12:59,968 --> 00:13:00,718
It's easier that way. Yeah.

273
00:13:00,718 --> 00:13:01,888
Easier if he seconds? Sure.

274
00:13:02,988 --> 00:13:04,608
And with that being said,

275
00:13:06,268 --> 00:13:09,468
we will go for a vote to approve.

276
00:13:09,888 --> 00:13:10,988
So I'll abstain please.

277
00:13:12,368 --> 00:13:12,728
Noted.

278
00:13:14,368 --> 00:13:15,508
The vice chair votes aye.

279
00:13:16,208 --> 00:13:20,188
And I am an aye. So that passes by majority, 12B in

280
00:13:20,208 --> 00:13:21,428
the book by majority.

281
00:13:22,428 --> 00:13:23,147
I just have a question.

282
00:13:23,208 --> 00:13:23,668
Yeah, sure.

283
00:13:23,688 --> 00:13:24,488
It would be,

284
00:13:25,708 --> 00:13:29,108
if the member is abstaining, it would still be a unanimous vote even if she wasn't

285
00:13:29,128 --> 00:13:29,258
here.

286
00:13:29,548 --> 00:13:33,368
Learning curve. So that, folks, what that was, is that would still be unanimous.

287
00:13:33,748 --> 00:13:37,628
Abstain and two to approve, still makes it a unanimous

288
00:13:37,668 --> 00:13:38,048
vote.

289
00:13:39,548 --> 00:13:40,188
Teachable moment.

290
00:13:42,648 --> 00:13:43,588
It just sounds better with-

291
00:13:45,288 --> 00:13:46,828
Makes us look important. It's perfect.

292
00:13:48,368 --> 00:13:49,848
Okay, so that takes care of 10,

293
00:13:51,148 --> 00:13:52,368
11, 12.

294
00:13:54,348 --> 00:13:56,108
So we're still in pretty good shape.

295
00:13:56,188 --> 00:13:57,328
Do we want to try to

296
00:13:58,528 --> 00:13:58,568
go-

297
00:13:58,608 --> 00:14:00,488
What about number six? Would six be fast?

298
00:14:01,408 --> 00:14:05,008
Yeah. The only reason I suggested five is because I know the chief and another

299
00:14:05,068 --> 00:14:06,428
individual is here waiting, so-

300
00:14:06,468 --> 00:14:06,558
Yeah

301
00:14:06,968 --> 00:14:09,088
... that's entirely up to the board's discretion though.

302
00:14:09,208 --> 00:14:10,758
I think a lot of these can go fast, but-

303
00:14:10,908 --> 00:14:13,748
Yeah, let's do five. That gives these folks a courtesy to-

304
00:14:13,848 --> 00:14:15,348
There's gonna be discussion on five,

305
00:14:16,488 --> 00:14:18,268
which I think will exceed 15 minutes.

306
00:14:19,668 --> 00:14:23,468
Okay. We can accept that. Bouncing around a bit, but

307
00:14:23,508 --> 00:14:24,068
that's fine.

308
00:14:25,148 --> 00:14:28,128
Let's go to item number six like suggested.

309
00:14:29,928 --> 00:14:31,708
So motion to take out of order item six.

310
00:14:32,168 --> 00:14:32,688
I'll second.

311
00:14:33,188 --> 00:14:36,248
And chair will agree. All in favor?

312
00:14:36,708 --> 00:14:37,068
Aye.

313
00:14:37,128 --> 00:14:37,368
Aye.

314
00:14:37,568 --> 00:14:41,468
And chair is an aye. So item number six is to vote on

315
00:14:41,508 --> 00:14:45,288
committee appointments, and we have Mitch Rossetti,

316
00:14:45,368 --> 00:14:48,458
which town administrator for a school building committee.

317
00:14:56,588 --> 00:14:58,988
Oh, if there's any discussion, I think it's a requirement of the

318
00:14:59,988 --> 00:15:03,028
MSBA, Mr. Chairman, that we have a

319
00:15:05,108 --> 00:15:06,868
member, the town administrator,

320
00:15:07,748 --> 00:15:10,288
be part of it out of normal practice.

321
00:15:12,008 --> 00:15:13,328
And I know that Mr.

322
00:15:14,648 --> 00:15:15,068
Hanson

323
00:15:16,048 --> 00:15:19,828
served in the interim until Mitch was

324
00:15:19,908 --> 00:15:23,788
on, Mr. Rossetti was on board and until obviously he came

325
00:15:23,828 --> 00:15:24,268
back from

326
00:15:25,248 --> 00:15:26,308
his time off,

327
00:15:27,568 --> 00:15:29,748
and now we can sort of close the loop and

328
00:15:30,728 --> 00:15:33,228
bring it to normal practice,

329
00:15:34,468 --> 00:15:37,788
if you will. The process is well along.

330
00:15:38,408 --> 00:15:41,108
As for those watching

331
00:15:41,988 --> 00:15:44,188
that have been following, we are far along in the

332
00:15:45,608 --> 00:15:49,568
process of the MSBA in getting our, hopefully, a

333
00:15:49,588 --> 00:15:50,148
new school.

334
00:15:51,128 --> 00:15:54,328
The school is going to go for a vote

335
00:15:55,288 --> 00:15:57,848
at town meeting on October 19th,

336
00:15:59,108 --> 00:16:01,208
followed by a ballot

337
00:16:02,148 --> 00:16:05,748
vote during the state elections or the midterm elections coming up in

338
00:16:06,048 --> 00:16:06,988
November 3rd-

339
00:16:07,308 --> 00:16:07,368
Yes

340
00:16:07,388 --> 00:16:07,388
...

341
00:16:08,368 --> 00:16:08,848
I believe.

342
00:16:09,808 --> 00:16:13,128
So I would encourage anyone who is not familiar with the school project

343
00:16:13,728 --> 00:16:14,668
to please monitor

344
00:16:15,628 --> 00:16:18,428
the local Swansea Community TV.

345
00:16:19,368 --> 00:16:22,808
There's a Facebook group post, there's town

346
00:16:22,908 --> 00:16:24,968
websites, there's the school

347
00:16:26,408 --> 00:16:29,548
has a dedicated site relative to

348
00:16:30,228 --> 00:16:34,217
the middle school project. There's, I'm sure, going to be a

349
00:16:34,267 --> 00:16:37,748
lot of questions regarding it, but there's a lot of information out there.

350
00:16:37,788 --> 00:16:39,308
It's a very complex project.

351
00:16:40,428 --> 00:16:43,328
It's a lot of moving parts and

352
00:16:44,208 --> 00:16:48,008
a well-informed citizenry when you come to town

353
00:16:49,248 --> 00:16:49,648
meeting

354
00:16:50,648 --> 00:16:52,938
is the proper way to approach this.

355
00:16:53,228 --> 00:16:57,188
So we're trying to take all of the guesswork out of this by

356
00:16:57,288 --> 00:16:57,778
flooding

357
00:16:59,028 --> 00:17:02,328
the community with as much information as possible.

358
00:17:03,348 --> 00:17:06,128
So, it would be incumbent upon yourselves to

359
00:17:07,408 --> 00:17:10,308
make yourselves familiar with that because it is an

360
00:17:10,368 --> 00:17:14,138
impactful and very profound decision that this community will

361
00:17:14,229 --> 00:17:14,689
intake,

362
00:17:15,588 --> 00:17:16,388
with that school.

363
00:17:17,888 --> 00:17:21,358
So I didn't mean to really get away from it, but I think it's very

364
00:17:21,429 --> 00:17:23,038
important that people really

365
00:17:24,068 --> 00:17:26,168
take this seriously. It is going to be a,

366
00:17:27,068 --> 00:17:30,548
I don't know how to say it anymore other than it's going to be a very

367
00:17:30,668 --> 00:17:34,228
profound decision that will be very impactful to this

368
00:17:34,268 --> 00:17:36,268
community for years to come.

369
00:17:37,768 --> 00:17:38,748
That's good advice.

370
00:17:40,048 --> 00:17:41,388
But relative to Mr. Rossetti.

371
00:17:41,828 --> 00:17:42,088
Mm-hmm.

372
00:17:43,048 --> 00:17:46,407
And Mitch, is there any-- Oh, sorry, Bob, go ahead.

373
00:17:46,478 --> 00:17:46,478
No, no.

374
00:17:46,478 --> 00:17:46,478
No, that's okay.

375
00:17:46,508 --> 00:17:50,308
Hopefully it's a positive vote which I'm sure it probably will be.

376
00:17:50,388 --> 00:17:51,498
And you'll be jumping in,

377
00:17:52,848 --> 00:17:55,748
I guess out of the pot into the fire or whatever that cliché is.

378
00:17:57,328 --> 00:17:59,968
And with that being said, is there anything you'd like to add, Mitch?

379
00:18:00,348 --> 00:18:01,148
No, I'm excited.

380
00:18:02,188 --> 00:18:05,678
The superintendent and I have hit it off very well in terms of our personal working

381
00:18:05,728 --> 00:18:06,308
relationship.

382
00:18:07,308 --> 00:18:10,848
I think he's a great fit and I love what he brings to the table, so I'm really

383
00:18:10,888 --> 00:18:12,648
excited to get to work with that group.

384
00:18:13,000 --> 00:18:14,160
Absolutely. Excellent.

385
00:18:14,740 --> 00:18:15,440
Can I add to that?

386
00:18:15,780 --> 00:18:16,140
Of course.

387
00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:20,440
So, yes, thank you. So this is very prescribed by MSBA, who makes up the committee,

388
00:18:20,620 --> 00:18:22,540
so thank you for stepping in. We have to have you on there.

389
00:18:23,680 --> 00:18:27,480
And I know you also serve on one in the community you live in, so you're

390
00:18:27,540 --> 00:18:29,640
familiar with that from a resident aspect,

391
00:18:30,620 --> 00:18:32,840
as well as a town administrator on our end.

392
00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:37,160
And to piggyback off what Mr. Madeira said, there is additional information on the

393
00:18:37,200 --> 00:18:41,020
school's website. I believe there's a school

394
00:18:41,060 --> 00:18:44,960
Facebook account too that will be putting out information as well as from the OPM,

395
00:18:45,019 --> 00:18:45,680
which is PNA.

396
00:18:46,840 --> 00:18:50,820
And as Mr. Madeira said, it's really important for people to recognize

397
00:18:50,880 --> 00:18:54,280
this opportunity for our community and the fact that the state is partnering with

398
00:18:54,360 --> 00:18:57,750
us and offering us about $60 million for a building that we desperately need,

399
00:18:58,320 --> 00:19:01,960
as we're out of compliance with DESE regulations for our current junior high.

400
00:19:02,160 --> 00:19:03,600
That's too small for the kids who go there.

401
00:19:04,460 --> 00:19:07,400
Really important to get that information, so please look at all those sites.

402
00:19:07,920 --> 00:19:11,780
And there is a community forum coming up next week, the 19th, August

403
00:19:11,800 --> 00:19:14,280
19th, at the junior high school, I believe 6:00 PM.

404
00:19:14,700 --> 00:19:18,360
Anyone is welcome to come to get information from the superintendent,

405
00:19:18,770 --> 00:19:22,760
the school department, the OPM, and the architects attend that to answer any

406
00:19:22,800 --> 00:19:23,340
questions.

407
00:19:24,500 --> 00:19:28,300
And to get the information out to you and the tax implication, we understand that's

408
00:19:28,340 --> 00:19:31,520
real, and we want people to have the correct information and avoid

409
00:19:31,600 --> 00:19:35,200
misinformation so we can move forward together for the best interest of our

410
00:19:35,360 --> 00:19:38,920
community. So, thank you for stepping into that role on this

411
00:19:39,080 --> 00:19:39,380
committee.

412
00:19:40,340 --> 00:19:42,440
Thank you, everybody. Any further discussion on that?

413
00:19:43,880 --> 00:19:47,640
Okay, with that being said, for item number six,

414
00:19:48,260 --> 00:19:51,920
the chair would take a motion to vote on committee appointments

415
00:19:52,500 --> 00:19:56,430
of Mr. Mitchell Affruscetti, town administrator, school building committee,

416
00:19:57,160 --> 00:20:00,680
with an effective appointment date of August 11th,

417
00:20:01,180 --> 00:20:02,100
2026.

418
00:20:02,520 --> 00:20:02,940
So moved.

419
00:20:03,180 --> 00:20:03,440
Second.

420
00:20:03,920 --> 00:20:07,500
And chair will call for all in favor?

421
00:20:08,080 --> 00:20:08,340
Aye.

422
00:20:08,530 --> 00:20:08,660
Aye.

423
00:20:08,970 --> 00:20:12,420
And chairs an aye. Item number six in the book,

424
00:20:12,660 --> 00:20:13,360
unanimous.

425
00:20:19,960 --> 00:20:22,240
Mr. Chairman, we have five minutes before the next

426
00:20:23,300 --> 00:20:26,910
public hearing at 7:00 PM. I make a motion that

427
00:20:27,140 --> 00:20:29,560
we recess for five minutes

428
00:20:30,440 --> 00:20:32,080
till 7:00 when we can reopen

429
00:20:32,940 --> 00:20:33,280
the meeting

430
00:20:34,400 --> 00:20:36,260
for the next public hearing at 7:00 PM.

431
00:20:37,780 --> 00:20:39,080
Chair will ask for that motion.

432
00:20:40,060 --> 00:20:40,600
Motion's made.

433
00:20:41,160 --> 00:20:42,280
Motion's made. And a second?

434
00:20:42,500 --> 00:20:42,700
Second.

435
00:20:43,370 --> 00:20:44,540
And all in favor?

436
00:20:44,840 --> 00:20:45,220
Aye.

437
00:20:45,280 --> 00:20:45,419
Aye.

438
00:20:45,440 --> 00:20:46,740
Okay, that's unanimous. Thank you.

439
00:20:48,640 --> 00:20:49,600
And we are in recess.

440
00:20:52,340 --> 00:20:54,340
Okay, welcome back, everyone. Thank you.

441
00:20:55,180 --> 00:20:58,220
So this brings us to item number two, which is

442
00:20:58,360 --> 00:21:02,120
a public hearing for fuel storage license

443
00:21:02,540 --> 00:21:06,020
at 2314 GA Highway, Swansea Mass

444
00:21:06,600 --> 00:21:09,520
LLC, 2314 GA Highway.

445
00:21:10,440 --> 00:21:12,580
And the chair will

446
00:21:13,820 --> 00:21:17,100
move to open this public hearing regarding fuel storage permit

447
00:21:17,240 --> 00:21:17,920
application,

448
00:21:18,840 --> 00:21:22,000
repeating here, but for 2314 GA Highway.

449
00:21:24,100 --> 00:21:24,560
And this

450
00:21:25,500 --> 00:21:29,280
open meeting will start at 7:03 PM.

451
00:21:29,800 --> 00:21:30,340
So moved.

452
00:21:30,440 --> 00:21:30,720
Second.

453
00:21:31,400 --> 00:21:33,060
And all in favor?

454
00:21:33,820 --> 00:21:34,180
Aye.

455
00:21:34,330 --> 00:21:34,330
Aye.

456
00:21:34,340 --> 00:21:35,500
That is unanimous.

457
00:21:37,180 --> 00:21:38,520
So we'll have discussion from

458
00:21:42,460 --> 00:21:42,860
Mr.-

459
00:21:43,360 --> 00:21:44,110
Abid.

460
00:21:44,240 --> 00:21:46,740
Sorry. Yep. Got your name, right? Yeah, sorry.

461
00:21:47,060 --> 00:21:50,500
Asif Abid if I'm saying that correctly, from Weymouth, Mass.

462
00:21:50,680 --> 00:21:51,280
Abid.

463
00:21:51,320 --> 00:21:52,160
Abid, sorry.

464
00:21:53,200 --> 00:21:56,320
Come up to the table with us. Guest of honor right now.

465
00:21:59,760 --> 00:22:02,800
And just state your name and address into the microphone for the record.

466
00:22:03,420 --> 00:22:04,680
So Asif Abid,

467
00:22:05,760 --> 00:22:07,300
26 Pan Ave, Weymouth, Mass.

468
00:22:07,560 --> 00:22:07,680
Okay.

469
00:22:07,800 --> 00:22:10,600
So we own the 2314 Republican Highway.

470
00:22:11,580 --> 00:22:13,320
So we're transferring the gas-

471
00:22:14,480 --> 00:22:14,500
Mm-hmm

472
00:22:14,520 --> 00:22:17,320
... permit to our name from landlord.

473
00:22:20,400 --> 00:22:23,400
So if I can just clarify, my understanding is this is just a transfer of an

474
00:22:23,420 --> 00:22:23,750
existing-

475
00:22:23,840 --> 00:22:24,060
Yes.

476
00:22:24,150 --> 00:22:24,150
Yes.

477
00:22:24,160 --> 00:22:27,760
It's an existing business already running, so we just need to transfer to our name.

478
00:22:29,780 --> 00:22:29,790
Yep.

479
00:22:30,660 --> 00:22:32,880
Is there anything that you folks would like to add to this?

480
00:22:33,820 --> 00:22:35,590
I don't think so. It all looks like everything has been-

481
00:22:35,830 --> 00:22:35,830
Yep

482
00:22:35,830 --> 00:22:36,660
... done here, right?

483
00:22:37,500 --> 00:22:38,780
So I have no problem with it.

484
00:22:38,920 --> 00:22:41,520
I think the insurance documentation we've been told-

485
00:22:41,600 --> 00:22:42,319
It's all here, right?

486
00:22:42,360 --> 00:22:43,140
Oh, here. Okay, that's good.

487
00:22:43,170 --> 00:22:43,430
Yeah. Thank you. Yeah.

488
00:22:43,440 --> 00:22:44,080
I just need a copy.

489
00:22:44,120 --> 00:22:45,820
Yep, we have the application and all the stuff in it.

490
00:22:46,640 --> 00:22:46,970
So I'll-

491
00:22:47,240 --> 00:22:48,000
I have no questions.

492
00:22:48,140 --> 00:22:48,720
Okay, thank you.

493
00:22:49,380 --> 00:22:52,160
Well, we have to make the gentleman's trip from Weymouth worth it.

494
00:22:52,920 --> 00:22:56,910
So this is a transfer? Is that my understanding?

495
00:22:57,180 --> 00:22:57,420
Correct.

496
00:22:57,540 --> 00:22:57,680
Yes.

497
00:22:58,300 --> 00:23:00,700
So you already store gas there, et cetera.

498
00:23:00,840 --> 00:23:01,000
Yes.

499
00:23:01,040 --> 00:23:04,980
So the request here is really not a request, but it's

500
00:23:05,040 --> 00:23:06,960
more so of a description-

501
00:23:07,240 --> 00:23:07,700
Yes

502
00:23:07,710 --> 00:23:11,280
... of what's there, and the reason for the

503
00:23:11,340 --> 00:23:13,380
transfer is because of?

504
00:23:14,460 --> 00:23:15,140
New ownership.

505
00:23:15,320 --> 00:23:16,000
New ownership.

506
00:23:16,180 --> 00:23:16,460
Yes.

507
00:23:17,700 --> 00:23:21,240
Perfect. So it's not like we are increasing storage capacity-

508
00:23:21,780 --> 00:23:21,810
No, it's not

509
00:23:21,810 --> 00:23:22,440
... or?

510
00:23:22,480 --> 00:23:23,360
Everything same.

511
00:23:23,400 --> 00:23:24,160
Everything's the same.

512
00:23:24,220 --> 00:23:24,420
Yes.

513
00:23:24,820 --> 00:23:28,170
So it's basically an application requirement-

514
00:23:28,520 --> 00:23:28,700
Yes

515
00:23:28,820 --> 00:23:32,640
... the reason that you're here.

516
00:23:33,200 --> 00:23:33,500
Okay.

517
00:23:37,740 --> 00:23:39,100
Yeah, Mr. Chairman, regarding

518
00:23:40,140 --> 00:23:42,340
other further questions, it's an existing

519
00:23:43,780 --> 00:23:44,520
business. No

520
00:23:46,720 --> 00:23:48,980
modifications to the systems and whatnot.

521
00:23:49,000 --> 00:23:50,760
It's, like I said, mostly a procedural

522
00:23:51,720 --> 00:23:53,620
matter. I have no further questions.

523
00:23:53,780 --> 00:23:55,790
And as you would say, is good housekeeping and all that.

524
00:23:56,040 --> 00:23:57,300
Not necessarily housekeeping,

525
00:23:58,420 --> 00:23:59,540
because we're not really cleaning up.

526
00:23:59,600 --> 00:24:02,320
It's a procedural matter that unfortunately,

527
00:24:03,260 --> 00:24:07,020
Mr. Abid had to drive down from Weymouth to do.

528
00:24:07,220 --> 00:24:09,460
But we're glad you made the trip here and

529
00:24:10,420 --> 00:24:12,460
how is business in Swansea for you?

530
00:24:12,920 --> 00:24:15,040
Good. It's picking up day by day. It's getting better.

531
00:24:15,420 --> 00:24:19,184
Very good. Very good. No, we appreciate you choosing

532
00:24:19,204 --> 00:24:23,024
Swansea as a place of business here, and

533
00:24:23,784 --> 00:24:26,764
obviously we wish everyone involved success.

534
00:24:27,084 --> 00:24:27,344
Thank you.

535
00:24:27,444 --> 00:24:29,224
And it's got to be very competitive out there.

536
00:24:29,504 --> 00:24:30,263
Thank you very much.

537
00:24:31,044 --> 00:24:31,263
Thank you.

538
00:24:31,304 --> 00:24:31,914
I have no further questions.

539
00:24:31,924 --> 00:24:35,704
Thank you. And I would just add, for the folks at home or here with us tonight,

540
00:24:36,284 --> 00:24:40,224
the following items have been received and completed for the fuel storage

541
00:24:40,304 --> 00:24:44,264
license application, and all paperwork's in order, which includes

542
00:24:44,404 --> 00:24:48,104
fire department inspections completed, fuel storage license

543
00:24:48,264 --> 00:24:51,864
application and supporting documents approved by town clerk,

544
00:24:52,404 --> 00:24:56,144
public hearing, legal notice published in the Swansea Spectator,

545
00:24:56,784 --> 00:24:59,823
certified abutters were listed, obtained for

546
00:25:01,144 --> 00:25:02,064
assessor's office,

547
00:25:02,924 --> 00:25:06,624
certified mail notice went out to all abutters, and certified mail

548
00:25:06,664 --> 00:25:07,944
receipts on file.

549
00:25:08,844 --> 00:25:12,824
With that being said, through discussion, the chair will motion

550
00:25:12,844 --> 00:25:14,304
to close this public hearing.

551
00:25:15,844 --> 00:25:19,344
I move to close this public hearing regarding fuel storage permit

552
00:25:19,744 --> 00:25:23,344
application, 2314 GAR

553
00:25:23,384 --> 00:25:25,084
Highway, Swansea, Mass,

554
00:25:25,964 --> 00:25:29,344
located at 2314 GAR Highway.

555
00:25:30,124 --> 00:25:32,724
And that also brings to...

556
00:25:33,804 --> 00:25:34,744
Excuse me.

557
00:25:38,404 --> 00:25:42,203
There's no effective date, so it looks like that is clean

558
00:25:42,304 --> 00:25:43,064
business there.

559
00:25:44,664 --> 00:25:46,804
The chair would make a motion

560
00:25:47,844 --> 00:25:49,064
to vote.

561
00:25:50,084 --> 00:25:53,964
Mr. Chairman, prior to any motion, and I apologize if

562
00:25:54,064 --> 00:25:55,184
I missed it, but if there's any

563
00:25:56,184 --> 00:25:56,964
questions from the

564
00:25:57,884 --> 00:25:59,724
audience or anyone wishing to speak on the matter?

565
00:25:59,754 --> 00:26:01,204
Yeah, that's true. We could call.

566
00:26:02,884 --> 00:26:04,224
Anyone here would like-

567
00:26:04,244 --> 00:26:06,644
I was just, is he connected to the max?

568
00:26:07,084 --> 00:26:08,904
Sure. Could you just come... Yeah, if you don't mind.

569
00:26:09,064 --> 00:26:09,804
Yeah. Oh, I was next.

570
00:26:09,844 --> 00:26:10,624
All right. Thank you.

571
00:26:10,724 --> 00:26:12,124
Yeah. Okay, you're next. Yeah.

572
00:26:12,304 --> 00:26:12,724
All right. Thank you.

573
00:26:12,824 --> 00:26:13,444
No worries.

574
00:26:14,324 --> 00:26:15,364
So, with that being said,

575
00:26:16,184 --> 00:26:16,444
should we-

576
00:26:16,544 --> 00:26:16,804
Close

577
00:26:16,844 --> 00:26:17,424
... Yep.

578
00:26:18,704 --> 00:26:21,084
A chair will make a motion to

579
00:26:23,064 --> 00:26:26,444
close public hearing. I think I just gave motion on that.

580
00:26:26,484 --> 00:26:27,204
Yep. So moved.

581
00:26:27,644 --> 00:26:29,133
So moved. And do I have a second?

582
00:26:29,304 --> 00:26:29,554
Second.

583
00:26:29,884 --> 00:26:30,804
All in favor?

584
00:26:30,904 --> 00:26:31,054
Aye.

585
00:26:31,054 --> 00:26:31,324
Aye.

586
00:26:31,364 --> 00:26:33,284
That's unanimous.

587
00:26:35,384 --> 00:26:35,664
Okay.

588
00:26:36,424 --> 00:26:39,884
Mr. Chairman, I move to approve the fuel storage license located at

589
00:26:40,044 --> 00:26:43,364
2314 GAR Highway, Swansea LLC,

590
00:26:43,724 --> 00:26:46,424
located at 2314 GAR Highway.

591
00:26:46,644 --> 00:26:46,924
Second.

592
00:26:47,364 --> 00:26:48,884
And all in favor?

593
00:26:49,124 --> 00:26:49,484
Aye.

594
00:26:49,544 --> 00:26:49,904
Aye.

595
00:26:49,984 --> 00:26:51,524
It is unanimous. Thank you, sir.

596
00:26:51,624 --> 00:26:51,804
Thank you.

597
00:26:51,824 --> 00:26:53,004
Thank you. Safe travels.

598
00:26:53,014 --> 00:26:53,384
Safe travel.

599
00:26:53,564 --> 00:26:55,564
Thank you very much. I appreciate it.

600
00:26:57,064 --> 00:26:57,124
Mr.

601
00:26:58,984 --> 00:26:59,444
Chairman,

602
00:27:03,224 --> 00:27:06,984
since I see Mr. Rodriguez in the audience here, I move to take

603
00:27:07,044 --> 00:27:07,884
item number seven

604
00:27:08,764 --> 00:27:09,264
out of order.

605
00:27:10,964 --> 00:27:14,924
Agreed, and you are item number

606
00:27:15,004 --> 00:27:16,934
three, ma'am, I believe. Are you stating that?

607
00:27:17,804 --> 00:27:19,334
Yeah. I'm an abutter, too.

608
00:27:19,384 --> 00:27:19,824
Oh, okay.

609
00:27:20,504 --> 00:27:23,144
But that one we can't do till 7:30, right?

610
00:27:25,764 --> 00:27:26,984
Yes, but-

611
00:27:27,184 --> 00:27:29,564
Okay. So we can't start until-

612
00:27:29,864 --> 00:27:29,874
I see.

613
00:27:29,904 --> 00:27:30,504
Okay, perfect.

614
00:27:30,784 --> 00:27:30,794
Okay.

615
00:27:30,804 --> 00:27:31,124
Thank you.

616
00:27:31,544 --> 00:27:31,724
All right.

617
00:27:31,824 --> 00:27:34,324
All right. So, we just agreed for-

618
00:27:34,504 --> 00:27:35,774
I think you need the motion

619
00:27:35,864 --> 00:27:36,964
I made a motion, Mr. Chairman

620
00:27:37,064 --> 00:27:38,364
... motion and a second.

621
00:27:38,484 --> 00:27:39,444
I'll second that.

622
00:27:39,724 --> 00:27:40,624
All in favor?

623
00:27:40,664 --> 00:27:40,804
Aye.

624
00:27:40,894 --> 00:27:40,894
Aye.

625
00:27:40,904 --> 00:27:43,103
For number seven. That's unanimous.

626
00:27:44,524 --> 00:27:47,944
So John, if you guys want to come up to the microphone, names and addresses for the

627
00:27:47,984 --> 00:27:49,124
record would help us out.

628
00:27:58,184 --> 00:28:01,784
My name is John Rodriguez, 179 Regina Avenue, commander of the

629
00:28:01,804 --> 00:28:03,404
VFW Post 2045.

630
00:28:06,764 --> 00:28:09,924
Brian Shea, 597 Stevens Road. I'm the adjutant,

631
00:28:10,484 --> 00:28:11,964
VFW Post 2045.

632
00:28:14,124 --> 00:28:14,864
The floor is yours.

633
00:28:18,304 --> 00:28:21,184
I'm not great on camera, so I wrote down what I wanted to say real quick.

634
00:28:21,224 --> 00:28:24,804
I wanted to do something different this time. Appreciate you guys seeing us.

635
00:28:25,084 --> 00:28:26,504
This will be our third year doing this.

636
00:28:28,564 --> 00:28:30,024
This is for the 5K this year.

637
00:28:31,324 --> 00:28:34,544
Last year's theme for the shirts was blue and white for the Air Force.

638
00:28:35,284 --> 00:28:38,664
This year, we went with the red and gold for the Marine Corps.

639
00:28:39,464 --> 00:28:42,944
I know we have two people here that have a special connection to the Marine Corps.

640
00:28:43,084 --> 00:28:45,564
I was in the Navy,

641
00:28:46,724 --> 00:28:49,844
but my dad was in the Marine Corps, so I can't get this one wrong.

642
00:28:50,144 --> 00:28:53,794
So I brought the shirt this year, so you guys can see what the shirt's going to

643
00:28:53,824 --> 00:28:54,264
look like.

644
00:28:54,504 --> 00:28:55,714
Oh, nice. Wow.

645
00:28:55,744 --> 00:28:56,864
So that's this year's shirt.

646
00:28:59,004 --> 00:29:00,644
And we also have

647
00:29:01,764 --> 00:29:03,884
a member of the town of Swansea

648
00:29:05,124 --> 00:29:06,324
who handmade these.

649
00:29:07,484 --> 00:29:08,984
I wanted to show them to you. Can I give them to you?

650
00:29:09,644 --> 00:29:10,304
Sure. That'd be great.

651
00:29:10,844 --> 00:29:14,364
These are the first, second, and third place medals that are handmade.

652
00:29:16,284 --> 00:29:17,584
You guys can take a look at those.

653
00:29:17,624 --> 00:29:19,564
Those are nice.

654
00:29:21,984 --> 00:29:22,984
Very

655
00:29:24,144 --> 00:29:27,304
nice. Do you want to do a shout-out for the gentleman or the lady that made these

656
00:29:27,344 --> 00:29:28,004
things?

657
00:29:29,264 --> 00:29:32,344
So I was going to mention that the gentleman that made these,

658
00:29:33,514 --> 00:29:35,273
he is a member of our post and a member of the town,

659
00:29:36,344 --> 00:29:39,424
but like me, he's camera shy, so he wanted to remain anonymous.

660
00:29:39,824 --> 00:29:40,624
Okay, that's fine.

661
00:29:44,824 --> 00:29:48,464
But those are the medals. Those are specially made for us for this year.

662
00:29:49,784 --> 00:29:51,754
Oh, that's nice.

663
00:29:52,744 --> 00:29:55,264
Do you want to explain the significance of the 22 that are on here and on the

664
00:29:55,324 --> 00:29:55,624
shirt?

665
00:29:55,744 --> 00:29:59,614
Yes. So the 22 Day 5K represents for the

666
00:29:59,764 --> 00:30:01,384
22 veterans that commit suicide a day.

667
00:30:02,884 --> 00:30:05,444
Like I just mentioned, this will be our third year hosting this.

668
00:30:07,504 --> 00:30:10,124
We make a donation. The funds that we raise, we make a donation.

669
00:30:10,224 --> 00:30:13,464
I'm wearing the T-shirt today. It's 22 Mohawks, is the name of the

670
00:30:13,504 --> 00:30:15,644
organization. There's several

671
00:30:17,004 --> 00:30:20,144
organizations throughout the nation that

672
00:30:20,264 --> 00:30:22,044
support veteran suicide

673
00:30:23,060 --> 00:30:24,260
When we first started this,

674
00:30:25,520 --> 00:30:28,680
I wanted to see if there was an organization closer to home.

675
00:30:29,200 --> 00:30:32,820
So I was able to find 22 Mohawks, which is actually 45 minutes up the road in

676
00:30:32,860 --> 00:30:33,590
Sharon, Massachusetts.

677
00:30:34,900 --> 00:30:34,910
Yeah.

678
00:30:34,920 --> 00:30:37,980
They support veterans. They support first responders.

679
00:30:39,480 --> 00:30:41,380
They provide services, counseling,

680
00:30:42,740 --> 00:30:43,610
different programs,

681
00:30:45,720 --> 00:30:48,580
teach a lot of them how to jump out of perfectly good airplanes.

682
00:30:50,320 --> 00:30:51,740
So they go parachuting.

683
00:30:53,000 --> 00:30:55,100
So it's a great organization, and they do a lot.

684
00:30:55,400 --> 00:30:57,040
They've been doing a lot in this community as well.

685
00:30:57,900 --> 00:31:01,380
They've been actually working with the American Legion, doing some things for the

686
00:31:01,420 --> 00:31:04,280
American Legion in town since they started working with us.

687
00:31:04,540 --> 00:31:06,780
We started working with them for the 5K.

688
00:31:07,900 --> 00:31:11,620
This year, we have the support of the Marine Corps League, which will be

689
00:31:11,720 --> 00:31:12,490
there this year

690
00:31:13,660 --> 00:31:14,420
for the 5K.

691
00:31:16,600 --> 00:31:17,740
So,

692
00:31:20,700 --> 00:31:24,220
as I mentioned, I wanted to find an organization that was closer to home.

693
00:31:24,420 --> 00:31:25,360
We have a lot of people that

694
00:31:26,480 --> 00:31:29,680
are supporting the... The back of the shirt right now is plain,

695
00:31:30,260 --> 00:31:32,380
but we have sponsors for the back of the shirts.

696
00:31:32,460 --> 00:31:36,280
The actual shirts the day of will have all local companies,

697
00:31:37,720 --> 00:31:38,340
Audrey's,

698
00:31:40,400 --> 00:31:44,320
Swansea Total Fitness, all sponsors, multiple sponsors that we have on

699
00:31:44,400 --> 00:31:46,200
the back of the shirts who will be sponsoring this event.

700
00:31:48,020 --> 00:31:51,660
And so it's a great cause. It's been doing really well, and we just hope to

701
00:31:51,700 --> 00:31:52,200
continue it.

702
00:31:54,160 --> 00:31:55,800
Excellent. Would you like to add anything?

703
00:31:57,100 --> 00:31:57,900
Not really, no.

704
00:31:58,080 --> 00:31:58,320
Okay.

705
00:31:58,420 --> 00:31:59,380
Damn sure not myself.

706
00:32:00,220 --> 00:32:01,420
Do you folks have any questions?

707
00:32:01,520 --> 00:32:04,200
I don't think so. It looks like everything that's needed is here.

708
00:32:04,220 --> 00:32:06,140
It's the same route as last year, I think I read.

709
00:32:06,380 --> 00:32:06,500
Yes.

710
00:32:06,560 --> 00:32:06,620
Yeah.

711
00:32:06,820 --> 00:32:07,280
Same route.

712
00:32:08,660 --> 00:32:12,360
I've reached out to the police chief, fire chief.

713
00:32:13,440 --> 00:32:17,040
Same route. They'll have the requirements for

714
00:32:18,940 --> 00:32:22,340
streets that they're going to take care of, and obviously, we would

715
00:32:23,180 --> 00:32:23,920
support that.

716
00:32:26,560 --> 00:32:29,820
I do have the insurance policy that is normally required.

717
00:32:30,140 --> 00:32:31,420
I've already received a quote for that.

718
00:32:31,560 --> 00:32:35,260
I did include the town, and I also included the

719
00:32:35,300 --> 00:32:35,840
YMCA,

720
00:32:37,040 --> 00:32:40,960
since a lot of our people that'll be participating will turn around in that

721
00:32:41,000 --> 00:32:42,600
parking lot. So we'll start at the VFW,

722
00:32:43,400 --> 00:32:45,000
go through the parking lot of the YMCA.

723
00:32:45,120 --> 00:32:48,200
So we included them this year to make sure they were listed as well,

724
00:32:48,800 --> 00:32:52,000
and then back to the VFW at 130 Main Street.

725
00:32:53,040 --> 00:32:53,520
Excellent.

726
00:32:53,560 --> 00:32:53,570
Awesome.

727
00:32:53,570 --> 00:32:55,740
And would you mind if I add to your story?

728
00:32:56,360 --> 00:32:56,540
Sure.

729
00:32:56,660 --> 00:32:59,640
So this is for the folks at home that aren't familiar with this.

730
00:33:00,340 --> 00:33:00,840
This is,

731
00:33:01,860 --> 00:33:04,660
if you don't mind me calling you like I like to call you, Johnny Rod.

732
00:33:05,680 --> 00:33:08,140
This is him and his staff and his members.

733
00:33:08,180 --> 00:33:11,880
It's their third year for this, like he said, and it is

734
00:33:12,180 --> 00:33:14,460
on September 19th.

735
00:33:14,540 --> 00:33:14,760
Yes, sir.

736
00:33:15,540 --> 00:33:18,800
And if you haven't been to one yet, I challenge everybody to

737
00:33:18,900 --> 00:33:22,710
just take an hour, maybe an hour and a half, and come and stand on the

738
00:33:22,800 --> 00:33:25,600
sidelines and watch this take place.

739
00:33:25,620 --> 00:33:26,900
There's a lot of veterans there.

740
00:33:27,760 --> 00:33:31,620
I believe Adam Kitchen, he's going to get back with me, is going to try to

741
00:33:31,660 --> 00:33:33,900
get there to televise this, this year.

742
00:33:33,960 --> 00:33:34,280
Yes.

743
00:33:34,360 --> 00:33:37,360
And I believe there'll be some local reporters that will be there with us this

744
00:33:37,420 --> 00:33:37,620
year.

745
00:33:38,580 --> 00:33:41,860
It's a great event. It's growing every year, and

746
00:33:43,160 --> 00:33:46,320
I'd also like to say I'm pretty psyched that it's Marine Corps colors this year.

747
00:33:46,380 --> 00:33:46,980
I'm sure you would.

748
00:33:47,100 --> 00:33:50,340
From a good Navy guy to a Marine, we got along real good with that one.

749
00:33:50,960 --> 00:33:53,680
So, thank you very much, and I'm looking forward to being there.

750
00:33:54,020 --> 00:33:56,420
We're excited about it this year. What I was able to do is,

751
00:33:57,720 --> 00:34:01,680
in typical Marine Corps fashion, I took a chance and reached out

752
00:34:01,720 --> 00:34:04,990
to the Marine Corps recruiter this year. Their office closes at 5:00.

753
00:34:05,020 --> 00:34:07,800
I called at 5:20, and they answered on the first ring.

754
00:34:09,321 --> 00:34:12,861
Spoke with the recruiter, and he mentioned that they're going to have

755
00:34:13,880 --> 00:34:15,100
new boots that are going to be going.

756
00:34:15,620 --> 00:34:18,580
They're going to be here, and so I thought it would be

757
00:34:20,301 --> 00:34:24,100
good to have first, second, and third place. They'll receive the medal.

758
00:34:24,180 --> 00:34:25,821
It'll be someone from the Marine Corps League.

759
00:34:27,580 --> 00:34:30,220
So Old Guard and New Guard will be providing the-

760
00:34:30,480 --> 00:34:30,690
That's great

761
00:34:30,690 --> 00:34:33,100
... first, second, and third place, which I thought would be

762
00:34:34,160 --> 00:34:36,120
great for those that are going to be there.

763
00:34:36,520 --> 00:34:37,350
Absolutely. I love it.

764
00:34:37,361 --> 00:34:37,740
That's great.

765
00:34:40,080 --> 00:34:41,140
Any further discussion?

766
00:34:41,160 --> 00:34:43,160
No, I think that's great. Thank you for your service.

767
00:34:43,199 --> 00:34:46,920
Thank you for having this event and for a great cause and awareness.

768
00:34:47,861 --> 00:34:51,830
So yeah, I would fully support whatever you need from us for dotting

769
00:34:51,841 --> 00:34:55,440
the I's, crossing the T's, right, for this to go forth on the 19th. September 19th.

770
00:34:55,620 --> 00:34:56,361
Yeah. Thank you.

771
00:34:58,180 --> 00:34:58,880
For myself,

772
00:35:00,060 --> 00:35:03,700
just to piggyback on what Mr. Beaudette has said, this is your third year.

773
00:35:03,960 --> 00:35:04,140
Yes, sir.

774
00:35:04,280 --> 00:35:07,440
The first year was fantastic. It was kind of awe-inspiring

775
00:35:08,160 --> 00:35:11,920
seeing how many people turned out for that in those bright yellow high-vis-

776
00:35:12,400 --> 00:35:12,580
Yeah

777
00:35:12,820 --> 00:35:16,340
... shirts. I

778
00:35:16,380 --> 00:35:20,030
participated in that. I did not have the pleasure of participating in a second one,

779
00:35:20,100 --> 00:35:23,940
but I will do my best to participate in the third one, not just because I like

780
00:35:24,060 --> 00:35:24,240
red.

781
00:35:24,720 --> 00:35:28,580
Right. And he sees me on the line not running, so it's kind of

782
00:35:28,660 --> 00:35:29,460
a win-win for him.

783
00:35:29,480 --> 00:35:29,820
But you,

784
00:35:30,700 --> 00:35:34,640
Mr. Beaudette, challenged people to come and give up their time to stand

785
00:35:34,660 --> 00:35:37,300
on the sidelines. I'd like to amp it up a little bit.

786
00:35:37,380 --> 00:35:39,620
I'd like to challenge people to actually participate.

787
00:35:39,630 --> 00:35:40,200
Thank you.

788
00:35:40,560 --> 00:35:41,340
How would somebody

789
00:35:42,240 --> 00:35:44,320
sign up to participate?

790
00:35:44,960 --> 00:35:46,100
They have a couple different options.

791
00:35:46,300 --> 00:35:50,180
So they could obviously come down to 130 Main Street and register in person.

792
00:35:51,220 --> 00:35:54,360
We have a GoFundMe. Our Facebook page has it on there. You can register.

793
00:35:54,380 --> 00:35:56,600
There's a QR code. You can sign up there

794
00:35:59,360 --> 00:36:02,070
right through the GoFundMe. They ask for the shirt size, and everything will be

795
00:36:02,140 --> 00:36:04,280
provided. So when you arrive, just give your name.

796
00:36:04,320 --> 00:36:06,400
You'll receive your shirt there on the spot.

797
00:36:07,160 --> 00:36:10,600
We're going to open it up a little earlier this year, so 8:00

798
00:36:11,200 --> 00:36:14,400
or 8:00, 8:30, you can start

799
00:36:15,320 --> 00:36:17,660
coming in and collecting your shirts, and then step off will be at 10:00.

800
00:36:18,280 --> 00:36:22,120
Great. And I mean, it's a 5K. It's literally up

801
00:36:22,140 --> 00:36:24,760
Stevens onto Shops Lot, U-turn-

802
00:36:25,160 --> 00:36:25,380
Yes, sir

803
00:36:25,540 --> 00:36:29,000
... at the YMCA, and then, actually, it's

804
00:36:29,120 --> 00:36:29,960
downhill from there.

805
00:36:30,470 --> 00:36:30,760
Downhill. Yeah.

806
00:36:30,770 --> 00:36:30,770
Yeah.

807
00:36:30,780 --> 00:36:31,600
To be honest

808
00:36:32,580 --> 00:36:32,900
with you.

809
00:36:33,280 --> 00:36:34,320
It's not as bad on the way back.

810
00:36:34,480 --> 00:36:37,760
It isn't as bad on the way back, and that's usually where you can pick up some

811
00:36:37,840 --> 00:36:39,600
steam, for us more heftier

812
00:36:40,460 --> 00:36:40,760
guys.

813
00:36:41,740 --> 00:36:45,260
No, it's a well-worthy

814
00:36:45,300 --> 00:36:45,780
event,

815
00:36:47,120 --> 00:36:50,550
as you know, for what you do, and the 22 being the,

816
00:36:51,520 --> 00:36:54,720
on average, 22 veterans that commit suicide-

817
00:36:55,520 --> 00:36:56,140
A day, yes

818
00:36:56,180 --> 00:36:59,460
... a day, which is a terrible number.

819
00:37:00,620 --> 00:37:04,170
And it's awful enough with the visible wounds that

820
00:37:04,860 --> 00:37:08,460
sometimes we see with veterans out there, but sometimes it's the less obvious

821
00:37:08,500 --> 00:37:08,780
wounds-

822
00:37:09,120 --> 00:37:09,300
Yes

823
00:37:09,310 --> 00:37:13,160
... that are, I don't want to say the worst ones out of respect for our

824
00:37:13,819 --> 00:37:17,760
veterans out there who suffer from physical wounds, but they're

825
00:37:17,860 --> 00:37:19,160
equally as difficult-

826
00:37:19,720 --> 00:37:20,290
Yes, sir

827
00:37:20,290 --> 00:37:23,880
... the non-visible wounds. And this right here hits to that

828
00:37:23,900 --> 00:37:24,360
cause.

829
00:37:24,660 --> 00:37:24,880
Yes, sir.

830
00:37:24,960 --> 00:37:28,860
To bring awareness to that. So for folks watching at

831
00:37:28,920 --> 00:37:32,890
home, if someone like me can participate and bang out five miles--

832
00:37:33,920 --> 00:37:34,280
I'm sorry-

833
00:37:35,300 --> 00:37:35,820
3.1

834
00:37:35,829 --> 00:37:36,170
... 3.1 miles.

835
00:37:36,250 --> 00:37:36,250
3.1.

836
00:37:36,780 --> 00:37:39,610
It's a 5K. 3.1 miles, it's not that bad.

837
00:37:39,700 --> 00:37:42,310
Come on down. It's so gratifying.

838
00:37:43,320 --> 00:37:46,420
You feel fantastic that you participated in it.

839
00:37:46,460 --> 00:37:49,700
For someone like me who, I didn't have

840
00:37:49,760 --> 00:37:51,940
the pleasure of serving

841
00:37:53,080 --> 00:37:56,500
in the armed forces, this is a way, a very small way,

842
00:37:57,120 --> 00:38:00,840
that I can contribute back to those brothers and sisters in arms who've

843
00:38:03,020 --> 00:38:06,640
devoted themselves to the service to this country. So thank you for what you do.

844
00:38:07,020 --> 00:38:10,000
In our flyer, we purposely leave off the word race.

845
00:38:10,700 --> 00:38:12,000
So it's walk-

846
00:38:12,160 --> 00:38:12,260
Walk

847
00:38:12,270 --> 00:38:12,810
... run,

848
00:38:13,820 --> 00:38:14,800
baby in a stroller.

849
00:38:15,340 --> 00:38:17,400
And you got the ruck thing. I'm going to-

850
00:38:17,460 --> 00:38:17,760
Yeah, we do

851
00:38:17,770 --> 00:38:19,260
... I'm going to try to work towards the ruck.

852
00:38:19,340 --> 00:38:20,440
Yeah, we do have the ruck as well.

853
00:38:20,450 --> 00:38:20,620
We do have the ruck as well. Yes.

854
00:38:20,630 --> 00:38:20,740
Well, yeah.

855
00:38:22,340 --> 00:38:24,940
Congratulations. Looking forward to a fantastic event again.

856
00:38:25,160 --> 00:38:25,400
Yes, sir.

857
00:38:25,470 --> 00:38:25,470
Yes, sir.

858
00:38:25,470 --> 00:38:29,240
And briefly again also, so people who sign up get

859
00:38:29,300 --> 00:38:29,820
that shirt-

860
00:38:30,260 --> 00:38:30,380
Yes

861
00:38:30,400 --> 00:38:34,220
... that they can run in. And folks that come down there,

862
00:38:34,680 --> 00:38:38,360
will you have a supply where someone on the street can buy one of those shirts from

863
00:38:38,400 --> 00:38:38,900
you that day?

864
00:38:39,140 --> 00:38:42,220
Yes. So what we do is we take the orders in advance, and then I submit

865
00:38:43,640 --> 00:38:46,920
within, they've given me a deadline of two weeks prior.

866
00:38:47,630 --> 00:38:51,060
And then what I'll do is I'll order multiple of, I'll add on

867
00:38:51,900 --> 00:38:55,700
20 more shirts of each size. So if people show up the day of,

868
00:38:55,940 --> 00:38:59,740
"Can I get a shirt for my family member?" So we will have extras.

869
00:39:00,280 --> 00:39:03,329
But I definitely recommend signing up in advance, so that way we can definitely be

870
00:39:03,340 --> 00:39:05,880
sure that you have your shirt.

871
00:39:06,100 --> 00:39:07,290
My last question is,

872
00:39:08,480 --> 00:39:11,560
being a member of the Marine Corps League in Somerset, John Van Guysen,

873
00:39:13,220 --> 00:39:16,980
have we got back to you yet with a list of people who want to buy a shirt from

874
00:39:17,020 --> 00:39:17,180
there?

875
00:39:18,040 --> 00:39:18,460
Not yet.

876
00:39:18,720 --> 00:39:18,960
Okay.

877
00:39:19,080 --> 00:39:21,060
Not yet. But I know they're collecting a list.

878
00:39:21,100 --> 00:39:21,180
Yeah.

879
00:39:21,640 --> 00:39:25,600
I didn't put a lot of urgency on it because I really don't need it until probably

880
00:39:25,640 --> 00:39:27,640
early September. It'd be nice to have an idea.

881
00:39:28,150 --> 00:39:28,150
Okay.

882
00:39:28,160 --> 00:39:29,860
And I can just add that to the list, so that way it'll be-

883
00:39:29,960 --> 00:39:32,640
We'll have a meeting by then where Bruce will get it to you.

884
00:39:32,800 --> 00:39:34,260
I believe you guys have a meeting first.

885
00:39:34,660 --> 00:39:34,920
Yes.

886
00:39:35,100 --> 00:39:36,480
Some day in the first week of September.

887
00:39:38,150 --> 00:39:38,150
Okay.

888
00:39:38,180 --> 00:39:41,300
Now, every participant that does sign up, they will get a medal as well.

889
00:39:41,340 --> 00:39:43,300
Those are just the first, second, and third place.

890
00:39:43,560 --> 00:39:44,500
Yeah. Those are

891
00:39:45,300 --> 00:39:48,920
the special medals that we had made specifically for first, second, and third, for

892
00:39:48,940 --> 00:39:50,180
the overachievers that want to

893
00:39:50,800 --> 00:39:52,380
My name will definitely not be on there.

894
00:39:53,280 --> 00:39:55,560
So I'll gladly take one of those finished.

895
00:39:55,600 --> 00:39:55,840
Yeah.

896
00:39:56,480 --> 00:39:56,720
Right?

897
00:39:58,060 --> 00:40:00,160
No, thanks, gentlemen. Appreciate it very much.

898
00:40:00,320 --> 00:40:00,600
Yes, sir.

899
00:40:01,980 --> 00:40:05,680
Mr. Chairman, if you're entertaining a motion, I will make a motion to

900
00:40:05,740 --> 00:40:08,980
approve the Veteran of Foreign Wars

901
00:40:09,560 --> 00:40:12,420
5K Road Race scheduled for September 19th,

902
00:40:13,100 --> 00:40:17,040
2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

903
00:40:18,020 --> 00:40:18,260
Second.

904
00:40:18,820 --> 00:40:20,840
And I hear a second. All those in favor?

905
00:40:21,160 --> 00:40:21,520
Aye.

906
00:40:21,600 --> 00:40:21,760
Aye.

907
00:40:22,200 --> 00:40:25,800
It is unanimous, chair is an aye. Thank you, gentlemen.

908
00:40:26,720 --> 00:40:27,440
It'll be a great day.

909
00:40:27,600 --> 00:40:27,860
Thank you.

910
00:40:27,920 --> 00:40:29,040
Appreciate your time. Thank you.

911
00:40:30,800 --> 00:40:31,180
Thank you.

912
00:40:32,700 --> 00:40:33,300
You guys are awesome.

913
00:40:33,420 --> 00:40:33,630
Thank you.

914
00:40:33,640 --> 00:40:34,940
Tell your anonymous person that-

915
00:40:35,180 --> 00:40:35,190
I sure will

916
00:40:35,190 --> 00:40:36,080
... very nice design.

917
00:40:42,020 --> 00:40:42,620
Thank you for your time.

918
00:40:42,980 --> 00:40:43,320
Thank you.

919
00:40:43,329 --> 00:40:43,800
Thank you. Have a good night.

920
00:40:43,810 --> 00:40:44,700
Thank you.

921
00:40:48,880 --> 00:40:50,540
Item number nine looks like an easy

922
00:40:53,140 --> 00:40:53,340
one.

923
00:40:54,220 --> 00:40:54,440
Nine?

924
00:40:54,500 --> 00:40:54,770
Item number nine.

925
00:40:54,780 --> 00:40:56,260
We do that in a few minutes? Item nine?

926
00:40:57,200 --> 00:40:58,780
Yeah, that should take 30 seconds.

927
00:40:59,000 --> 00:40:59,240
All right.

928
00:41:00,860 --> 00:41:04,580
So what we're doing, folks that are here for this next open meeting, is we can't

929
00:41:04,680 --> 00:41:07,580
start till the specific time of 7:30.

930
00:41:07,700 --> 00:41:10,300
So we're going to fill in with another thing we have to do.

931
00:41:11,780 --> 00:41:12,220
But you'll be

932
00:41:13,240 --> 00:41:16,850
not too far away. Thank you. All right, so that brings us to

933
00:41:17,540 --> 00:41:18,500
item number nine.

934
00:41:18,640 --> 00:41:21,620
Mr. Chairman, I'll make a motion to take-

935
00:41:21,630 --> 00:41:21,630
Okay

936
00:41:21,900 --> 00:41:23,180
... item number nine out of order.

937
00:41:23,520 --> 00:41:23,760
Second.

938
00:41:25,600 --> 00:41:26,159
All in favor?

939
00:41:26,300 --> 00:41:26,940
Aye.

940
00:41:27,350 --> 00:41:27,350
Aye.

941
00:41:27,380 --> 00:41:29,740
Chair is aye. It's unanimous. Number nine.

942
00:41:31,480 --> 00:41:35,260
So item number nine is to vote to sign the warrant for the 2026

943
00:41:35,300 --> 00:41:38,660
state primary on September 1st, 2026.

944
00:41:39,740 --> 00:41:40,900
Item nine.

945
00:41:54,880 --> 00:41:57,000
I don't know if this is anything that needs to be read.

946
00:41:57,040 --> 00:41:58,160
Do you guys think there's anything?

947
00:41:58,400 --> 00:41:58,900
No, we just-

948
00:41:58,960 --> 00:42:00,460
This looks pretty straightforward

949
00:42:00,500 --> 00:42:02,920
... make a motion. Yeah, we just need to make a motion.

950
00:42:03,400 --> 00:42:05,120
So chair will accept a motion

951
00:42:06,080 --> 00:42:07,960
to approve item number nine and vote.

952
00:42:08,600 --> 00:42:10,140
The motion language is right here,

953
00:42:12,420 --> 00:42:13,520
just for the clerk's records.

954
00:42:13,930 --> 00:42:13,930
Uh-huh.

955
00:42:14,000 --> 00:42:14,280
Okay.

956
00:42:14,600 --> 00:42:14,840
Yeah.

957
00:42:14,870 --> 00:42:16,540
All right. Here we go. Thank you.

958
00:42:17,720 --> 00:42:20,880
I move to approve and sign the warrant for the

959
00:42:20,980 --> 00:42:24,900
2026 state primary election to be held on

960
00:42:24,940 --> 00:42:27,080
September 1st, 2026.

961
00:42:27,280 --> 00:42:30,440
So you've made that motion, Mr. Chairman, I'll second that motion.

962
00:42:30,540 --> 00:42:34,420
And the second is, last for that step is,

963
00:42:34,460 --> 00:42:35,040
all in favor?

964
00:42:35,400 --> 00:42:35,580
Aye.

965
00:42:36,160 --> 00:42:36,540
Aye.

966
00:42:36,600 --> 00:42:38,440
And the chair is aye. That is unanimous.

967
00:42:47,376 --> 00:42:51,216
Mr. Chairman, I move to enter into a

968
00:42:51,336 --> 00:42:55,296
brief five-minute recess until the next scheduled

969
00:42:55,916 --> 00:42:58,456
public hearing at 7:30.

970
00:42:59,076 --> 00:42:59,356
Second.

971
00:43:00,196 --> 00:43:01,256
And all in favor?

972
00:43:01,656 --> 00:43:01,896
Aye.

973
00:43:02,076 --> 00:43:02,296
Aye.

974
00:43:03,156 --> 00:43:03,896
It is unanimous.

975
00:43:08,736 --> 00:43:11,976
Okay, welcome back, Swansea. This brings us to item number

976
00:43:12,036 --> 00:43:15,836
three, which is an open meeting public hearing.

977
00:43:15,896 --> 00:43:19,276
I move to open the public hearing regarding fuel storage permit

978
00:43:19,376 --> 00:43:23,336
application for Max Auto Service at 1025

979
00:43:23,776 --> 00:43:27,376
GAR Highway, and we will start that right now at

980
00:43:27,656 --> 00:43:30,396
7:30 PM.

981
00:43:33,836 --> 00:43:35,616
So I'm going to have a motion to enter into public hearing.

982
00:43:35,776 --> 00:43:36,216
Yep.

983
00:43:36,416 --> 00:43:36,656
Second.

984
00:43:37,365 --> 00:43:41,056
And the chair is also an aye, and all in

985
00:43:41,156 --> 00:43:41,476
favor?

986
00:43:41,796 --> 00:43:41,996
Aye.

987
00:43:42,196 --> 00:43:42,436
Aye.

988
00:43:42,996 --> 00:43:43,776
It's unanimous.

989
00:43:45,216 --> 00:43:45,756
So welcome.

990
00:43:46,176 --> 00:43:46,576
Good afternoon.

991
00:43:46,616 --> 00:43:47,596
Name and address for the record.

992
00:43:47,856 --> 00:43:51,456
My name is Russell Sampson, and I'm at 1025 GAR

993
00:43:51,515 --> 00:43:53,556
Highway, Swansea, Massachusetts.

994
00:43:54,256 --> 00:43:54,496
Okay.

995
00:43:57,016 --> 00:44:00,856
So we are here for your license for storage.

996
00:44:01,356 --> 00:44:01,556
Yes.

997
00:44:01,756 --> 00:44:05,336
In our packet we have, they give us, all seems to be in order.

998
00:44:06,276 --> 00:44:08,096
Is there anything that you would like to add tonight?

999
00:44:09,176 --> 00:44:12,956
No. It's all self-contained, and we have it in a fenced-in

1000
00:44:13,016 --> 00:44:13,356
area-

1001
00:44:13,956 --> 00:44:14,056
Yeah

1002
00:44:14,116 --> 00:44:17,316
... with barricades, and I think it should be good.

1003
00:44:17,376 --> 00:44:21,176
Excellent. And I think I saw somewhere in here that's for your own

1004
00:44:21,236 --> 00:44:22,936
personal use. You don't sell fuel-

1005
00:44:22,956 --> 00:44:23,116
Yes. No

1006
00:44:23,126 --> 00:44:23,606
... it's your own-

1007
00:44:23,876 --> 00:44:24,056
No

1008
00:44:24,076 --> 00:44:25,126
... use for your facility.

1009
00:44:25,276 --> 00:44:26,616
Just use for our facility, yes.

1010
00:44:26,676 --> 00:44:30,126
Okay. I open to the board for any questions, discussion.

1011
00:44:30,236 --> 00:44:31,736
I don't have anything. So it's just for

1012
00:44:32,996 --> 00:44:36,896
people at home, so it's just for one 1862-gallon diesel underground

1013
00:44:36,976 --> 00:44:39,616
tank at Max. Do you say Max or M-A-C?

1014
00:44:39,936 --> 00:44:40,336
M-A-C-S.

1015
00:44:40,416 --> 00:44:40,646
M-A-C-S

1016
00:44:40,646 --> 00:44:41,456
Max, that's fine. Yeah.

1017
00:44:41,536 --> 00:44:44,686
Okay. MACS Auto Sales and Service, 1025 GAR Highway.

1018
00:44:44,796 --> 00:44:46,666
So looks like everything that you needed

1019
00:44:47,616 --> 00:44:50,436
is complete, so I'd be fine with this.

1020
00:44:50,656 --> 00:44:50,916
Thank you.

1021
00:44:51,036 --> 00:44:51,856
That's all. Thank you.

1022
00:44:52,816 --> 00:44:54,996
Bob, are you all set with further discussion?

1023
00:44:56,296 --> 00:44:58,076
Mr. Sampson, how long have you been in business here?

1024
00:44:58,676 --> 00:45:02,176
I've been in business there since probably

1025
00:45:02,436 --> 00:45:06,196
2018. I used to rent the side lot for the trucking

1026
00:45:06,276 --> 00:45:10,016
part of it from the previous owner, and I bought the two

1027
00:45:10,056 --> 00:45:10,556
parcels.

1028
00:45:11,436 --> 00:45:15,356
So I now run Max Auto and the trucks on

1029
00:45:15,376 --> 00:45:16,786
the side there is where we store them.

1030
00:45:16,856 --> 00:45:19,116
And the trucks is for?

1031
00:45:19,956 --> 00:45:21,976
It's a small trucking company where I-

1032
00:45:22,556 --> 00:45:23,276
Excavation?

1033
00:45:23,456 --> 00:45:24,936
No, I'm sorry. It's over-the-road.

1034
00:45:24,996 --> 00:45:28,816
So I actually haul for Bimbo Bakeries, which is Thomas'

1035
00:45:28,996 --> 00:45:32,796
English Muffins, Entenmann's. Had that contract for 15 years

1036
00:45:32,856 --> 00:45:36,816
now, where I just pretty much take their product and bring them

1037
00:45:36,876 --> 00:45:40,616
to the distribution centers, from the bakery to the distribution

1038
00:45:40,676 --> 00:45:41,056
centers.

1039
00:45:41,236 --> 00:45:42,356
Okay. So the

1040
00:45:43,436 --> 00:45:45,706
trucks go out on the road. They come back-

1041
00:45:45,996 --> 00:45:46,196
Yes

1042
00:45:46,256 --> 00:45:49,486
... to Swansea, and you're able to fuel them up-

1043
00:45:49,486 --> 00:45:49,885
I have one-

1044
00:45:49,926 --> 00:45:50,976
... get them ready for the next day

1045
00:45:51,096 --> 00:45:54,806
... yes, I have one person that fills it up to minimize any spills or anything like

1046
00:45:54,876 --> 00:45:58,456
that. He's the only one that touches it, unless there's one of the drivers

1047
00:45:58,496 --> 00:45:59,716
were out of fuel or-

1048
00:45:59,836 --> 00:46:00,196
Sure

1049
00:46:00,206 --> 00:46:04,016
... missed that opportunity, but he's the one that oversees it,

1050
00:46:04,056 --> 00:46:04,426
locks it,

1051
00:46:05,616 --> 00:46:09,356
fuels the trucks. So just to minimize any sort of spillage.

1052
00:46:09,876 --> 00:46:12,496
Mostly coming from putting it in a tank or something.

1053
00:46:12,656 --> 00:46:13,376
Sure, because it's a

1054
00:46:14,556 --> 00:46:18,396
below-ground tank. How long does it take to empty out an

1055
00:46:18,416 --> 00:46:20,896
1,862-gallon tank?

1056
00:46:20,916 --> 00:46:22,496
It's pretty slow, believe it or not.

1057
00:46:22,616 --> 00:46:22,796
Really?

1058
00:46:23,096 --> 00:46:25,716
Yeah, it's just as fast as, say, the car pumps.

1059
00:46:27,216 --> 00:46:27,596
No kidding.

1060
00:46:29,156 --> 00:46:32,836
The tank is actually double-walled, so it keeps out of the

1061
00:46:32,896 --> 00:46:36,696
elements. If it ever did rupture, it's got the capacity to hold it all

1062
00:46:36,776 --> 00:46:37,656
inside that tank.

1063
00:46:37,996 --> 00:46:41,456
Right. And I'm sure those things are alarmed

1064
00:46:41,536 --> 00:46:42,796
properly and whatnot-

1065
00:46:42,836 --> 00:46:42,896
Yes

1066
00:46:42,906 --> 00:46:43,746
... so if there was-

1067
00:46:44,296 --> 00:46:44,385
Yep

1068
00:46:44,596 --> 00:46:45,346
... something to breach.

1069
00:46:45,376 --> 00:46:49,096
I have actually cameras right there, too, just surveillance cameras that is

1070
00:46:49,156 --> 00:46:52,676
overlooking it all the time. And again, it's in a locked, fenced-in area.

1071
00:46:53,096 --> 00:46:55,466
Okay. Yeah. Again, not open to the public.

1072
00:46:55,616 --> 00:46:55,676
No.

1073
00:46:55,756 --> 00:46:57,696
It's for your own business use.

1074
00:46:57,936 --> 00:46:58,576
Yes, absolutely.

1075
00:46:58,956 --> 00:47:01,016
Et cetera. And as stated by-

1076
00:47:01,046 --> 00:47:04,536
And it's all clearly marked of what's in it, and no smoking and all that.

1077
00:47:04,816 --> 00:47:06,016
Okay. No, that's

1078
00:47:06,976 --> 00:47:07,295
perfect.

1079
00:47:07,355 --> 00:47:11,416
What's

1080
00:47:11,476 --> 00:47:15,436
a typical operation? So if someone comes back in, it's gassed up the

1081
00:47:15,476 --> 00:47:15,766
next morning?

1082
00:47:15,776 --> 00:47:18,956
Well, it's only diesel fuel, and it would be in the morning.

1083
00:47:19,756 --> 00:47:23,566
My uncle, like I said, comes in, and he'll stop the trucks, bring them over,

1084
00:47:23,596 --> 00:47:24,316
checks the oil,

1085
00:47:25,136 --> 00:47:28,716
checks the coolant, and fills up the tanks for that

1086
00:47:29,496 --> 00:47:29,816
next-

1087
00:47:30,036 --> 00:47:30,476
Sure

1088
00:47:30,716 --> 00:47:34,056
... day. So we usually start really all hours of the day, but

1089
00:47:34,276 --> 00:47:37,416
basically it's in the early afternoon when everybody goes out.

1090
00:47:38,236 --> 00:47:41,576
Sure. No, I appreciate that. I've learned something,

1091
00:47:42,076 --> 00:47:43,936
and I'm glad you're here in Swansea.

1092
00:47:44,526 --> 00:47:45,316
Thank you. Appreciate it.

1093
00:47:45,416 --> 00:47:45,816
All right, sir.

1094
00:47:46,296 --> 00:47:49,456
I do believe there might be some discussion from the audience.

1095
00:47:49,466 --> 00:47:49,506
A little comment.

1096
00:47:49,506 --> 00:47:52,676
Yeah, if you folks want to come up, or we can hand you a microphone if you'd like

1097
00:47:52,716 --> 00:47:53,896
to speak right from there.

1098
00:47:59,956 --> 00:48:01,276
As long as you don't mind the guests.

1099
00:48:01,506 --> 00:48:02,156
No, not at all.

1100
00:48:04,796 --> 00:48:04,926
And

1101
00:48:05,776 --> 00:48:06,846
name and address for the record.

1102
00:48:07,276 --> 00:48:09,236
Louis Walton, 13 Royalwood Lane.

1103
00:48:10,536 --> 00:48:11,576
So my question

1104
00:48:12,836 --> 00:48:15,676
is basically with the town, not so much this gentleman.

1105
00:48:15,716 --> 00:48:17,856
He seems to have a tight run operation.

1106
00:48:19,456 --> 00:48:19,756
But

1107
00:48:20,576 --> 00:48:24,396
on Royalwood, there's three of us that live there, and I was given a notice

1108
00:48:24,776 --> 00:48:26,636
for abutters for the

1109
00:48:28,156 --> 00:48:29,016
Sav-On Gas

1110
00:48:31,076 --> 00:48:31,916
that he wanted to

1111
00:48:32,956 --> 00:48:36,926
put gallons in or renew his license, but I never received anything

1112
00:48:37,896 --> 00:48:41,836
about Max. Now, if you know where Royalwood is in relation to

1113
00:48:41,956 --> 00:48:45,836
Sav-On Gas, we don't abut at all. It's almost

1114
00:48:45,876 --> 00:48:46,916
at the other end of town.

1115
00:48:48,616 --> 00:48:50,435
Max is right in our backyard, and we didn't receive any notice.

1116
00:48:50,476 --> 00:48:53,566
So it seems like maybe we sent you the wrong-

1117
00:48:54,544 --> 00:48:57,644
I think so. Yeah. I was just curious.

1118
00:48:58,164 --> 00:49:02,124
And like I said, I'm not the only one in that area, but I

1119
00:49:02,164 --> 00:49:03,304
wonder how many other people

1120
00:49:04,204 --> 00:49:07,144
are in the same boat that didn't get the right notice.

1121
00:49:09,324 --> 00:49:10,384
That's a valid concern.

1122
00:49:10,404 --> 00:49:10,584
Mm-hmm.

1123
00:49:11,264 --> 00:49:12,564
If I can.

1124
00:49:14,144 --> 00:49:16,164
With the assessor's office.

1125
00:49:16,174 --> 00:49:20,114
The letter was sent out by, did you verify what the letter

1126
00:49:20,164 --> 00:49:22,684
stated with the envelope that was in Russell's possession?

1127
00:49:23,144 --> 00:49:27,143
Yeah. I got a packet from the town, and I went right to the

1128
00:49:27,304 --> 00:49:31,124
post office and gave the receipt of all the letters that they

1129
00:49:31,144 --> 00:49:32,264
gave me to mail.

1130
00:49:32,304 --> 00:49:34,984
So my understanding of the way this would normally work is you would receive a

1131
00:49:35,044 --> 00:49:38,984
certified abutters list from the assessor's office, and you would have to

1132
00:49:39,004 --> 00:49:42,524
mail to all of the individuals listed on that certified list.

1133
00:49:43,404 --> 00:49:46,973
If that wasn't correctly done or it didn't make it to those certified abutters,

1134
00:49:47,064 --> 00:49:48,284
even though everything else is in order,

1135
00:49:49,784 --> 00:49:51,564
you cannot vote to approve this-

1136
00:49:51,694 --> 00:49:51,694
Right

1137
00:49:51,704 --> 00:49:52,264
... unless we can verify.

1138
00:49:52,344 --> 00:49:54,004
I think it was also in the paper, also.

1139
00:49:54,324 --> 00:49:54,404
Yeah.

1140
00:49:54,724 --> 00:49:55,564
Yes. That would also-

1141
00:49:55,644 --> 00:49:55,653
Yep

1142
00:49:55,653 --> 00:49:56,424
... be a requirement.

1143
00:49:56,454 --> 00:49:56,544
Yep.

1144
00:49:56,824 --> 00:50:00,384
All those things being met and all of that considered, you would have to make sure

1145
00:50:00,424 --> 00:50:02,524
that the correct abutters have received that list.

1146
00:50:02,764 --> 00:50:03,264
Sure.

1147
00:50:03,324 --> 00:50:04,484
Without that in front of me,

1148
00:50:05,384 --> 00:50:09,344
even if we have the certified abutters list, if there was a disconnect and it

1149
00:50:09,364 --> 00:50:10,584
didn't go to the right addresses,

1150
00:50:11,484 --> 00:50:12,664
we can't vote to approve-

1151
00:50:14,324 --> 00:50:14,344
Yeah

1152
00:50:14,354 --> 00:50:15,704
... until that's done correctly.

1153
00:50:15,934 --> 00:50:16,084
Yeah.

1154
00:50:16,884 --> 00:50:18,784
Like I said, I just got a packet from the town.

1155
00:50:18,824 --> 00:50:22,404
They told me to go to the post office and give them the receipt, and that's what I

1156
00:50:22,444 --> 00:50:22,704
did.

1157
00:50:23,064 --> 00:50:23,724
Yeah. Same.

1158
00:50:23,734 --> 00:50:26,764
It very well may be that that was the case, and it was just a mix-up, but-

1159
00:50:27,644 --> 00:50:31,604
It was, I think if I remember correctly, I might have been maybe over

1160
00:50:31,644 --> 00:50:32,564
10 or so.

1161
00:50:33,604 --> 00:50:35,584
So just out of curiosity, if I may, everyone.

1162
00:50:35,934 --> 00:50:38,904
So when you received our packet, were these things already sealed up in an

1163
00:50:38,964 --> 00:50:39,324
envelope?

1164
00:50:40,444 --> 00:50:43,334
I believe so. And then I had to go to the post office and

1165
00:50:43,644 --> 00:50:44,964
individually

1166
00:50:45,804 --> 00:50:46,424
mail it out,

1167
00:50:47,244 --> 00:50:49,924
priority, each single one. And the postman

1168
00:50:50,784 --> 00:50:52,264
at the post right over there in Swansea-

1169
00:50:52,684 --> 00:50:54,104
Do we have the receipts from the certified-

1170
00:50:54,184 --> 00:50:54,484
And I-

1171
00:50:54,504 --> 00:50:54,724
Yeah

1172
00:50:54,784 --> 00:50:57,424
... gave all the receipts, turned them in the very same day.

1173
00:50:57,464 --> 00:50:58,604
Can I just ask? Because I don't know.

1174
00:50:58,824 --> 00:50:58,874
Yeah, sure.

1175
00:50:58,874 --> 00:51:00,944
So typically, in this process, it's

1176
00:51:01,744 --> 00:51:04,004
the applicant that sends it or is the town supposed to send it?

1177
00:51:04,104 --> 00:51:06,064
Applicant. The town provide, the applicant-

1178
00:51:06,124 --> 00:51:06,134
Town provides it

1179
00:51:06,134 --> 00:51:07,933
... has to pay for a certified list through the-

1180
00:51:07,984 --> 00:51:08,184
Okay

1181
00:51:08,324 --> 00:51:09,254
... assessor's office.

1182
00:51:09,364 --> 00:51:09,524
Okay.

1183
00:51:09,584 --> 00:51:09,653
Right.

1184
00:51:09,724 --> 00:51:11,264
Which is a service the town provides.

1185
00:51:11,364 --> 00:51:11,724
Got it.

1186
00:51:11,904 --> 00:51:14,104
It's then up to the applicant to send out the mailing.

1187
00:51:14,264 --> 00:51:14,884
Got it. Okay.

1188
00:51:16,644 --> 00:51:16,653
Yep.

1189
00:51:16,684 --> 00:51:19,804
I agree. It sounds like we can't vote on this because we need to make sure everyone

1190
00:51:20,144 --> 00:51:20,664
gets the right-

1191
00:51:20,713 --> 00:51:22,684
Well, if he's got the receipts and there was an error-

1192
00:51:23,244 --> 00:51:23,484
Oh

1193
00:51:23,624 --> 00:51:27,304
... we probably could, but we would have to verify.

1194
00:51:27,384 --> 00:51:27,564
Right.

1195
00:51:28,544 --> 00:51:30,764
I did hand in all the receipts. I did make copies.

1196
00:51:30,864 --> 00:51:31,433
I don't have them with me, though.

1197
00:51:31,484 --> 00:51:32,704
I don't have that here. Do you have that?

1198
00:51:32,884 --> 00:51:35,144
Yeah, we just have the article in the newspaper.

1199
00:51:36,124 --> 00:51:38,484
So do the receipts state the addresses that it was sent to?

1200
00:51:38,604 --> 00:51:41,984
I believe so. I think I took a... No, I don't know if it does.

1201
00:51:42,084 --> 00:51:45,044
I took a copy of all the receipts individual.

1202
00:51:45,344 --> 00:51:45,394
Yeah.

1203
00:51:45,444 --> 00:51:46,864
They may say the addresses.

1204
00:51:46,984 --> 00:51:47,264
Okay.

1205
00:51:49,364 --> 00:51:49,664
They do.

1206
00:51:49,724 --> 00:51:50,844
Okay.

1207
00:51:53,484 --> 00:51:55,694
But you do have that the envelope that he gave as well?

1208
00:51:55,694 --> 00:51:55,694
They do.

1209
00:51:55,694 --> 00:51:55,694
They are.

1210
00:51:55,694 --> 00:51:56,504
They're in. Okay.

1211
00:51:56,884 --> 00:51:58,854
So the receipts say the addresses, is what we're hearing.

1212
00:51:58,944 --> 00:51:59,544
But we don't-

1213
00:51:59,644 --> 00:51:59,653
But if-

1214
00:51:59,683 --> 00:52:01,744
... have the receipts, and you didn't get it.

1215
00:52:01,804 --> 00:52:01,963
Right.

1216
00:52:02,004 --> 00:52:02,384
So we-

1217
00:52:02,484 --> 00:52:05,084
This gentleman didn't get it, and he's a direct abutter.

1218
00:52:05,153 --> 00:52:05,153
Right.

1219
00:52:05,164 --> 00:52:07,104
There was clearly a disconnect somewhere.

1220
00:52:07,304 --> 00:52:07,974
Maybe someone else didn't get it. Yeah.

1221
00:52:07,984 --> 00:52:09,484
Just if I can clarify, Jim.

1222
00:52:09,564 --> 00:52:09,824
Sure.

1223
00:52:10,164 --> 00:52:13,204
We're not trying to give any pushback to Matt.

1224
00:52:13,213 --> 00:52:13,324
Right.

1225
00:52:13,384 --> 00:52:13,924
Like I said, we

1226
00:52:15,604 --> 00:52:19,524
believe he runs a tight ship. We don't hear anything from him at all, no noise

1227
00:52:19,584 --> 00:52:23,344
or anything like that. My question was just for the

1228
00:52:23,404 --> 00:52:23,704
town-

1229
00:52:23,804 --> 00:52:23,924
Mm-hmm

1230
00:52:23,984 --> 00:52:25,854
... what was the mix-up? I didn't-

1231
00:52:25,884 --> 00:52:26,084
Yeah. For sure.

1232
00:52:26,184 --> 00:52:27,524
So are you a direct abutter or?

1233
00:52:27,604 --> 00:52:27,924
I am.

1234
00:52:28,144 --> 00:52:28,324
Okay.

1235
00:52:28,474 --> 00:52:28,474
Okay.

1236
00:52:28,484 --> 00:52:28,724
Yes.

1237
00:52:29,144 --> 00:52:30,894
So what I would have to do is-

1238
00:52:31,104 --> 00:52:31,334
And you are.

1239
00:52:31,334 --> 00:52:31,334
So am I.

1240
00:52:31,334 --> 00:52:31,334
And you-

1241
00:52:31,384 --> 00:52:32,904
So is she. My other neighbor.

1242
00:52:33,924 --> 00:52:35,344
I got the same notice, wrong information.

1243
00:52:35,824 --> 00:52:35,834
Same notice, wrong information.

1244
00:52:35,864 --> 00:52:36,264
I don't know-

1245
00:52:36,324 --> 00:52:40,024
It was based on Saint Lawrence address, which I know that's where the sender-

1246
00:52:40,184 --> 00:52:42,424
Could you please just say your name and address for the record?

1247
00:52:42,664 --> 00:52:42,884
Yeah.

1248
00:52:43,004 --> 00:52:43,564
We'll give you the mic.

1249
00:52:46,304 --> 00:52:46,464
Susan Lister.

1250
00:52:46,484 --> 00:52:46,644
Yeah.

1251
00:52:46,664 --> 00:52:49,344
Is it on, Colby? Yeah. Sorry, there's a lot going on.

1252
00:52:50,884 --> 00:52:51,564
Sorry, Susan.

1253
00:52:52,704 --> 00:52:55,264
Susan Lister, and it's 10 Royal Wood Lane.

1254
00:52:55,744 --> 00:52:56,554
Thank you.

1255
00:52:56,564 --> 00:53:00,384
So again, I received the letter, certified

1256
00:53:00,464 --> 00:53:03,564
mail, but it didn't have the correct information.

1257
00:53:03,744 --> 00:53:06,444
So we weren't really sure what was going on, to be honest with you.

1258
00:53:07,704 --> 00:53:07,924
So...

1259
00:53:08,264 --> 00:53:11,224
Who provided the template of the letter that had to be sent out, sir?

1260
00:53:12,184 --> 00:53:14,424
I went to the selectmen's office in the town hall,

1261
00:53:15,724 --> 00:53:19,454
and they wrote it. It was all written out by them, just in an envelope

1262
00:53:19,544 --> 00:53:23,324
actually. I thought I just went to the post

1263
00:53:23,444 --> 00:53:27,344
office and did what I was asked with the receipts, mailed them all out,

1264
00:53:27,584 --> 00:53:30,864
and as soon as I left there, I brought the receipts right back to the town.

1265
00:53:31,264 --> 00:53:35,154
So you pulled the abutters list, typed

1266
00:53:35,624 --> 00:53:39,484
their names onto the assistant, to Matt's role, put it in the envelopes,

1267
00:53:39,504 --> 00:53:40,574
and got it ready to go to the post office.

1268
00:53:40,584 --> 00:53:41,394
There was a

1269
00:53:42,484 --> 00:53:44,804
disconnect in what was on the certified list.

1270
00:53:44,824 --> 00:53:48,484
We just kept the name on the template, so that's why we're not getting the address.

1271
00:53:50,504 --> 00:53:52,864
And you wouldn't have read the letters because you received them sealed-

1272
00:53:53,004 --> 00:53:53,274
I read them

1273
00:53:53,274 --> 00:53:53,944
... and you just mailed them.

1274
00:53:54,004 --> 00:53:54,184
Right.

1275
00:53:54,264 --> 00:53:54,844
Yeah. Got it.

1276
00:53:55,704 --> 00:53:59,464
So we need to resend them the correct information to the abutters and just

1277
00:53:59,484 --> 00:54:00,744
revisit this at a future meeting?

1278
00:54:01,524 --> 00:54:03,344
We're going to have to continue the hearing in-

1279
00:54:03,424 --> 00:54:03,664
Okay

1280
00:54:03,674 --> 00:54:06,944
... as soon as we, what I'm going to do is have to look into exactly what occurred

1281
00:54:06,984 --> 00:54:07,524
tomorrow.

1282
00:54:07,544 --> 00:54:07,964
Okay.

1283
00:54:07,984 --> 00:54:09,864
You remember when this was done, Melissa?

1284
00:54:09,924 --> 00:54:12,844
It was done the

1285
00:54:12,904 --> 00:54:14,164
same day as the voting.

1286
00:54:15,244 --> 00:54:15,524
What was-

1287
00:54:16,084 --> 00:54:17,264
7/29.

1288
00:54:17,524 --> 00:54:18,124
7/29.

1289
00:54:18,384 --> 00:54:20,104
July 29, 2026.

1290
00:54:21,504 --> 00:54:22,504
All right. So-

1291
00:54:23,324 --> 00:54:25,104
What's our next meeting?

1292
00:54:28,584 --> 00:54:29,024
We go back to-

1293
00:54:29,044 --> 00:54:29,464
After Labor Day?

1294
00:54:29,474 --> 00:54:33,234
... regular schedule, I think. Wait, does it say when we have-

1295
00:54:33,304 --> 00:54:33,684
The first-

1296
00:54:39,824 --> 00:54:39,834
No.

1297
00:54:39,864 --> 00:54:41,384
On the 15th is our next meeting?

1298
00:54:41,924 --> 00:54:45,504
What we can do, if I can make a suggestion, is we obviously don't want to hold up

1299
00:54:45,544 --> 00:54:46,224
this individual-

1300
00:54:46,384 --> 00:54:46,504
Right

1301
00:54:46,584 --> 00:54:48,524
... from opening his, doing what he needs to do.

1302
00:54:49,564 --> 00:54:49,574
Yeah, 15.

1303
00:54:49,964 --> 00:54:52,924
I have to verify what occurred and how it occurred, and how many people are

1304
00:54:52,964 --> 00:54:53,444
impacted.

1305
00:54:54,724 --> 00:54:57,344
We will send corrections immediately.

1306
00:54:57,524 --> 00:54:58,404
Okay.

1307
00:54:59,316 --> 00:55:01,376
On behalf of the town to the correct abutters,

1308
00:55:02,336 --> 00:55:05,856
once the legal requirements, whatever the days are that they have to

1309
00:55:05,896 --> 00:55:07,436
receive in advance-

1310
00:55:07,756 --> 00:55:08,116
Mm-hmm

1311
00:55:08,176 --> 00:55:08,966
... we could schedule

1312
00:55:09,776 --> 00:55:10,696
just a one-item-

1313
00:55:10,856 --> 00:55:10,986
Mm-hmm

1314
00:55:10,986 --> 00:55:11,806
... meeting or hearing

1315
00:55:12,736 --> 00:55:16,216
to get this individual on his way within the next week or 10 days, or whatever the

1316
00:55:16,296 --> 00:55:19,036
timeframe is, to just get him so he's situated.

1317
00:55:19,236 --> 00:55:19,436
Sure.

1318
00:55:19,516 --> 00:55:21,296
Because it sounds like from what I'm hearing,

1319
00:55:22,116 --> 00:55:24,666
this was a clerical error on behalf of the town-

1320
00:55:24,756 --> 00:55:24,826
Mm-hmm

1321
00:55:24,826 --> 00:55:27,666
... and not this individual's fault, so we don't want to hang him out to dry.

1322
00:55:28,066 --> 00:55:28,066
Right.

1323
00:55:28,076 --> 00:55:29,336
Is that acceptable to you, sir?

1324
00:55:29,376 --> 00:55:30,036
Absolutely. Thank you.

1325
00:55:30,716 --> 00:55:31,236
I apologize.

1326
00:55:31,276 --> 00:55:32,056
Yeah, sorry about that.

1327
00:55:32,296 --> 00:55:35,276
And it seems like you're not really receiving any opposition.

1328
00:55:35,285 --> 00:55:35,416
Is-

1329
00:55:35,516 --> 00:55:39,426
No, not at all. Like I said, to clarify, it's no pushback on him or

1330
00:55:39,456 --> 00:55:43,236
his operation whatsoever. It was just kind of weird that we got an

1331
00:55:43,296 --> 00:55:46,096
abut letter for Savon when we're

1332
00:55:47,056 --> 00:55:47,876
nowhere near that.

1333
00:55:48,176 --> 00:55:48,326
Mm-hmm.

1334
00:55:50,046 --> 00:55:50,436
So, thank you.

1335
00:55:50,516 --> 00:55:54,356
No, great. And this is basically more of a procedural matter on

1336
00:55:54,436 --> 00:55:57,176
the town side than it is on your side.

1337
00:55:57,206 --> 00:56:00,696
And just to make sure that we keep everything on a level playing field-

1338
00:56:00,776 --> 00:56:01,196
Absolutely

1339
00:56:01,976 --> 00:56:05,236
... and there's no legal implications, this seems to be

1340
00:56:05,476 --> 00:56:08,996
the proper suggested approach. And

1341
00:56:09,136 --> 00:56:09,976
I will

1342
00:56:11,236 --> 00:56:15,046
take on a special meeting, a one-item meeting as suggested.

1343
00:56:15,826 --> 00:56:15,836
Mm-hmm.

1344
00:56:15,876 --> 00:56:17,976
Your item only, just to-

1345
00:56:18,156 --> 00:56:18,166
Mm-hmm

1346
00:56:18,166 --> 00:56:22,116
... advance your situation as expeditiously as possible.

1347
00:56:22,476 --> 00:56:23,256
Thank you.

1348
00:56:23,316 --> 00:56:23,596
Yeah.

1349
00:56:23,606 --> 00:56:27,136
Yeah. And I would add, we appreciate you coming tonight, because this is why we

1350
00:56:27,256 --> 00:56:27,956
have these meetings.

1351
00:56:27,986 --> 00:56:27,986
Mm-hmm.

1352
00:56:27,996 --> 00:56:28,866
Sometimes it just

1353
00:56:29,976 --> 00:56:33,916
seems like just a bunch of blah blah, and sometimes it is, but we would

1354
00:56:33,936 --> 00:56:37,856
have never known that you folks had the wrong information

1355
00:56:37,896 --> 00:56:38,296
if you didn't-

1356
00:56:38,376 --> 00:56:38,556
Mm-hmm

1357
00:56:38,676 --> 00:56:42,596
... reach out tonight. So we appreciate you hanging tight and letting us know.

1358
00:56:43,276 --> 00:56:43,516
Thank you.

1359
00:56:43,996 --> 00:56:45,316
I don't think it's blah blah.

1360
00:56:45,756 --> 00:56:48,836
Well, maybe blah, blah, blah. Okay, let me clear that up.

1361
00:56:49,756 --> 00:56:49,946
It was nice to meet you.

1362
00:56:49,946 --> 00:56:49,946
Thank you.

1363
00:56:49,946 --> 00:56:50,216
Yes.

1364
00:56:50,276 --> 00:56:50,636
Appreciate you.

1365
00:56:50,656 --> 00:56:51,456
Thank you for your patience.

1366
00:56:51,526 --> 00:56:51,756
No problem.

1367
00:56:51,996 --> 00:56:52,296
Thank you.

1368
00:56:52,356 --> 00:56:56,056
So, Mr. Chairman, I move to continue item

1369
00:56:56,116 --> 00:56:58,136
number three to

1370
00:56:59,716 --> 00:57:02,076
a special meeting

1371
00:57:03,416 --> 00:57:06,336
at a date to be determined and publicized,

1372
00:57:07,216 --> 00:57:08,296
as required under

1373
00:57:09,096 --> 00:57:10,356
open meeting law regulations.

1374
00:57:10,696 --> 00:57:11,036
Second.

1375
00:57:11,816 --> 00:57:12,136
And

1376
00:57:14,576 --> 00:57:18,476
Chair asks for a vote. All in favor or...

1377
00:57:20,056 --> 00:57:20,256
Aye.

1378
00:57:20,296 --> 00:57:20,356
Aye.

1379
00:57:20,366 --> 00:57:20,876
Aye.

1380
00:57:20,916 --> 00:57:22,376
And the Chair is aye. That's unanimous.

1381
00:57:22,976 --> 00:57:26,056
Was that, I imagine that was an appropriate motion.

1382
00:57:26,296 --> 00:57:27,376
Yes, I think so.

1383
00:57:27,416 --> 00:57:28,036
Yeah. Thank you.

1384
00:57:28,616 --> 00:57:28,836
Thank you.

1385
00:57:28,846 --> 00:57:29,995
Continue the hearing.

1386
00:57:30,316 --> 00:57:31,055
Appreciate it. Thank you.

1387
00:57:31,376 --> 00:57:31,656
Thank you.

1388
00:57:31,896 --> 00:57:32,766
Yep, sorry about James.

1389
00:57:32,766 --> 00:57:33,216
Sorry about that.

1390
00:57:34,176 --> 00:57:35,196
It's

1391
00:57:36,796 --> 00:57:37,556
okay.

1392
00:57:37,745 --> 00:57:37,745
Thank you.

1393
00:57:39,856 --> 00:57:40,216
All right.

1394
00:57:41,156 --> 00:57:41,756
Good night, folks.

1395
00:57:43,216 --> 00:57:43,476
All right.

1396
00:57:44,056 --> 00:57:44,216
So-

1397
00:57:44,406 --> 00:57:45,666
We still have half hour till the-

1398
00:57:45,996 --> 00:57:46,076
We-

1399
00:57:46,245 --> 00:57:47,816
... the joint meeting, right? 8:15.

1400
00:57:47,856 --> 00:57:51,756
We have a, yes. We have a half hour until the 8:15 joint meeting.

1401
00:57:53,256 --> 00:57:54,276
Do we have to exit public hearing?

1402
00:57:54,856 --> 00:57:55,116
Yes.

1403
00:57:55,196 --> 00:57:55,936
No, we continue to-

1404
00:57:56,076 --> 00:57:57,296
Oh, it's continued. Yes.

1405
00:57:57,576 --> 00:57:58,816
Oh, so you just... Okay.

1406
00:57:59,076 --> 00:57:59,965
Yeah, just continue with.

1407
00:58:01,076 --> 00:58:03,596
So the Chair will make a motion to continue public meeting.

1408
00:58:03,776 --> 00:58:03,786
Hearing.

1409
00:58:03,816 --> 00:58:05,616
Oh, no, we already did.

1410
00:58:05,996 --> 00:58:06,336
Oh, you did?

1411
00:58:06,376 --> 00:58:07,965
Yeah, we already did. We continued it-

1412
00:58:07,996 --> 00:58:08,266
Oh, so that's-

1413
00:58:08,276 --> 00:58:09,236
... until the next one. So no.

1414
00:58:09,296 --> 00:58:09,316
Sorry.

1415
00:58:09,356 --> 00:58:10,316
Oh, got you. We did.

1416
00:58:10,346 --> 00:58:10,346
I gotcha.

1417
00:58:10,376 --> 00:58:10,525
Thank you.

1418
00:58:10,536 --> 00:58:10,756
Sorry.

1419
00:58:10,936 --> 00:58:10,996
Yep.

1420
00:58:11,036 --> 00:58:13,496
Okay, so we don't have to close it because we're continuing it.

1421
00:58:13,525 --> 00:58:13,896
We have to-- Got it.

1422
00:58:14,376 --> 00:58:15,496
A lot of pressure on that one.

1423
00:58:16,686 --> 00:58:17,556
Just making sure we're doing it right.

1424
00:58:18,976 --> 00:58:21,716
All right. So we have half hour till the joint meeting, so-

1425
00:58:21,836 --> 00:58:24,856
So, if we wanna take something out of order,

1426
00:58:27,716 --> 00:58:28,696
Mr. Chairman,

1427
00:58:30,496 --> 00:58:33,596
let's see. Do we think we can discuss item number eight

1428
00:58:34,316 --> 00:58:35,116
within 30 minutes?

1429
00:58:37,196 --> 00:58:38,796
Or what would you suggest?

1430
00:58:40,656 --> 00:58:42,436
It's really the board's discretion.

1431
00:58:42,476 --> 00:58:42,636
Okay.

1432
00:58:42,856 --> 00:58:44,056
We have individuals here waiting-

1433
00:58:44,456 --> 00:58:44,616
Yeah

1434
00:58:44,636 --> 00:58:45,576
... for appointments, so.

1435
00:58:45,736 --> 00:58:47,536
I'm fine to do five if we think we can do it.

1436
00:58:48,716 --> 00:58:49,776
I think we can get five done.

1437
00:58:50,576 --> 00:58:50,736
Okay.

1438
00:58:51,406 --> 00:58:51,406
Okay.

1439
00:58:51,456 --> 00:58:53,536
So motion to take item five out of order.

1440
00:58:53,976 --> 00:58:55,196
So moved. I mean,

1441
00:58:56,436 --> 00:58:56,796
second.

1442
00:58:56,856 --> 00:58:58,196
Second. All in favor?

1443
00:58:58,396 --> 00:58:58,576
Aye.

1444
00:58:58,896 --> 00:58:59,056
Aye.

1445
00:58:59,336 --> 00:59:00,836
It's unanimous. Number five it is.

1446
00:59:01,636 --> 00:59:04,016
So item five, vote on staff appointments.

1447
00:59:07,476 --> 00:59:08,936
So, if I can,

1448
00:59:09,956 --> 00:59:10,896
I'll open some of these

1449
00:59:11,796 --> 00:59:12,656
for explanations.

1450
00:59:15,456 --> 00:59:17,295
Number one would be for

1451
00:59:18,116 --> 00:59:19,956
Kelly Grant for Assistant Town Administrator.

1452
00:59:21,856 --> 00:59:25,316
We also have that position listed as the parking clerk historically with the town.

1453
00:59:27,436 --> 00:59:30,696
This position I had spoken to each of you about, we

1454
00:59:30,796 --> 00:59:31,556
posted.

1455
00:59:32,496 --> 00:59:35,276
I had reviewed applications. We received, I think, about 10 or 11.

1456
00:59:37,236 --> 00:59:38,355
A lot of which were not,

1457
00:59:39,376 --> 00:59:43,056
in my opinion, qualified or nor did they have the municipal experience

1458
00:59:43,096 --> 00:59:44,616
required for the position.

1459
00:59:46,236 --> 00:59:50,196
We have a great deal, a number of issues occurring in the town that

1460
00:59:50,236 --> 00:59:51,416
require that

1461
00:59:53,016 --> 00:59:54,036
position to be filled.

1462
00:59:55,196 --> 00:59:57,796
After speaking with some ANF folks and

1463
00:59:58,936 --> 01:00:02,316
our accountant about the budget, the office is being restructured a little bit.

1464
01:00:04,156 --> 01:00:07,856
We do think that there would be a request for ANF to minimize the department

1465
01:00:08,496 --> 01:00:11,716
next year, which we're kind of complying with and making it a little bit more

1466
01:00:11,756 --> 01:00:14,896
streamlined. There's been a lot of shuffling around over the last couple of years

1467
01:00:14,956 --> 01:00:18,596
with positions in that office. We want to ensure stability,

1468
01:00:19,436 --> 01:00:20,716
and the right folks are in place,

1469
01:00:21,796 --> 01:00:24,596
to get through some of the very challenging issues that we have in front of us.

1470
01:00:24,856 --> 01:00:28,716
So, this position historically had not been posted.

1471
01:00:29,756 --> 01:00:31,216
Did so at the request of the board,

1472
01:00:33,356 --> 01:00:37,036
but really reviewed all the information and the applications as they came in.

1473
01:00:37,996 --> 01:00:40,196
This would be my recommended preferred candidate

1474
01:00:41,136 --> 01:00:45,076
that's in front of you tonight. We have her resume and cover letter in the

1475
01:00:45,176 --> 01:00:45,636
packet.

1476
01:00:47,716 --> 01:00:50,856
So that's really where we are with that.

1477
01:00:50,916 --> 01:00:53,596
If you have any questions for me or the candidate, she is here,

1478
01:00:54,796 --> 01:00:55,616
in front of the board.

1479
01:00:57,136 --> 01:00:58,296
I have some questions.

1480
01:01:00,916 --> 01:01:03,536
Mr. Rosetti, how many applicants did you say there were?

1481
01:01:04,176 --> 01:01:07,826
I believe, just as a rough count, having gone through them, probably about 10 or

1482
01:01:07,876 --> 01:01:08,196
11.

1483
01:01:08,596 --> 01:01:11,096
10 or 11. And they

1484
01:01:13,276 --> 01:01:13,936
were reviewed.

1485
01:01:15,596 --> 01:01:17,656
I'm assuming you did this while you were on vacation?

1486
01:01:19,896 --> 01:01:20,416
I did this

1487
01:01:21,656 --> 01:01:24,276
briefly before I went on vacation. We had a few come in.

1488
01:01:25,456 --> 01:01:29,396
I did check some materials while I was on vacation, and then

1489
01:01:29,516 --> 01:01:33,225
I just confirmed everything when I returned, the weekend I returned,

1490
01:01:34,216 --> 01:01:36,456
just to make sure that there was nothing that I missed.

1491
01:01:38,496 --> 01:01:39,116
So yeah, it was

1492
01:01:40,036 --> 01:01:40,396
just

1493
01:01:41,376 --> 01:01:45,156
a, I would say, maybe a one to two-week kind of process of just double-checking

1494
01:01:45,416 --> 01:01:46,716
all of the materials we received.

1495
01:01:48,816 --> 01:01:51,656
No disrespect to Ms. Kelly Grant

1496
01:01:52,656 --> 01:01:56,396
here. The concern that I have relative to this

1497
01:01:56,416 --> 01:02:00,276
particular appointment is the optics that

1498
01:02:00,336 --> 01:02:01,636
may be construed.

1499
01:02:03,136 --> 01:02:03,236
I'm

1500
01:02:04,096 --> 01:02:06,636
sure that you're absolutely qualified

1501
01:02:07,856 --> 01:02:08,456
for this,

1502
01:02:09,416 --> 01:02:10,956
but my concern is,

1503
01:02:11,776 --> 01:02:12,696
again, the optics,

1504
01:02:13,556 --> 01:02:16,776
being from Hopedale, or a position that you had in Hopedale,

1505
01:02:19,756 --> 01:02:21,876
is how that will be construed.

1506
01:02:23,016 --> 01:02:26,936
And the last thing that I want, as I mentioned to you when you first came in, is

1507
01:02:27,576 --> 01:02:31,366
trying to set you up for success. And I want to make sure that this is one of those

1508
01:02:31,416 --> 01:02:33,416
ingredients that helps you

1509
01:02:35,036 --> 01:02:36,556
to be successful.

1510
01:02:39,036 --> 01:02:41,416
We've never had really a town administrator other than Mr.

1511
01:02:41,676 --> 01:02:42,996
Hanson, who

1512
01:02:44,396 --> 01:02:46,516
came on board. And yes, he was

1513
01:02:47,876 --> 01:02:51,796
just hired by the previous town administrator into that

1514
01:02:51,896 --> 01:02:52,396
position,

1515
01:02:53,616 --> 01:02:56,416
and it was an internal one, so it was sort of easier to

1516
01:02:58,476 --> 01:02:59,016
accept.

1517
01:03:00,856 --> 01:03:04,016
Is there anything that you can talk to

1518
01:03:04,856 --> 01:03:07,656
what could potentially be a perceived optics issue?

1519
01:03:09,035 --> 01:03:09,156
Well,

1520
01:03:10,216 --> 01:03:11,356
yeah, if I can be frank,

1521
01:03:14,116 --> 01:03:14,456
I think

1522
01:03:15,316 --> 01:03:17,856
there's an optics issue and there's an operational reality.

1523
01:03:19,156 --> 01:03:20,656
So, in making this decision,

1524
01:03:22,556 --> 01:03:23,336
and even

1525
01:03:24,596 --> 01:03:25,916
before I spoke to you folks,

1526
01:03:27,496 --> 01:03:28,376
had talked to

1527
01:03:29,416 --> 01:03:32,876
other department heads about existing relationships in the building,

1528
01:03:33,796 --> 01:03:37,216
how they felt workflow was progressing, and then me taking an operational

1529
01:03:37,256 --> 01:03:37,716
assessment

1530
01:03:39,476 --> 01:03:41,116
as to how workflow was progressing.

1531
01:03:41,896 --> 01:03:44,006
I will give you an honest opinion, though.

1532
01:03:44,016 --> 01:03:47,416
What I was left to deal with in terms of personnel, in terms of ongoing

1533
01:03:47,456 --> 01:03:48,026
litigation,

1534
01:03:48,856 --> 01:03:52,656
and issues that have been raised to this community, we are facing an unprecedented

1535
01:03:52,716 --> 01:03:56,045
amount of personnel issues that have to be dealt with now,

1536
01:03:56,796 --> 01:03:59,716
both through the town's insurance company and in the court process.

1537
01:04:00,336 --> 01:04:02,196
There's a lot of cleaning up that has to be done.

1538
01:04:03,276 --> 01:04:07,156
I was not left in a position, a personnel standpoint

1539
01:04:07,276 --> 01:04:08,136
that is positive.

1540
01:04:10,416 --> 01:04:13,016
So the optics issue, I'm less concerned about.

1541
01:04:13,116 --> 01:04:16,676
I'm more concerned about providing a functional service to the

1542
01:04:16,716 --> 01:04:18,156
taxpayers of this community.

1543
01:04:19,056 --> 01:04:22,676
So, look, this is on me. If we hire

1544
01:04:22,736 --> 01:04:26,456
someone, and this is in any executive position, and that person

1545
01:04:26,516 --> 01:04:29,576
fails, you fire me. You hold me accountable.

1546
01:04:30,226 --> 01:04:31,336
That's why I'm here.

1547
01:04:32,456 --> 01:04:36,056
Because you have to hire someone that you trust to make these decisions and someone

1548
01:04:36,096 --> 01:04:37,856
that I can trust to carry the workload.

1549
01:04:38,656 --> 01:04:41,956
Ultimately, it's my head that's at risk here, nobody else's.

1550
01:04:42,596 --> 01:04:44,436
And so I just want to be clear on that.

1551
01:04:45,296 --> 01:04:48,756
But the staffing model that I inherited was not functional, and it wasn't

1552
01:04:48,856 --> 01:04:49,376
working.

1553
01:04:52,396 --> 01:04:55,916
I don't disagree with you 100%. We have been faced with some

1554
01:04:55,956 --> 01:04:57,216
challenges as of late

1555
01:04:58,236 --> 01:05:02,136
within the confines of Town Hall.

1556
01:05:03,556 --> 01:05:07,056
And again, I'm talking about success for both

1557
01:05:07,096 --> 01:05:09,596
yourself and for Ms. Grant.

1558
01:05:10,476 --> 01:05:12,996
Because the last thing that we want is

1559
01:05:13,836 --> 01:05:17,396
the word on the street to be, "Here comes the new town

1560
01:05:17,436 --> 01:05:19,675
administrator bringing in his folks."

1561
01:05:20,496 --> 01:05:23,616
And as salty as that may sound, and I really don't mean to be

1562
01:05:24,196 --> 01:05:28,166
disrespectful, but I do want to prepare to be able to talk to it,

1563
01:05:29,016 --> 01:05:32,816
because ultimately it's the three of us here that are going to be

1564
01:05:32,876 --> 01:05:36,836
fielding calls and whatnot. And I can guarantee you,

1565
01:05:38,056 --> 01:05:41,216
I've already received calls from folks who are

1566
01:05:42,136 --> 01:05:46,016
gravely concerned with it. Not so much from

1567
01:05:46,116 --> 01:05:46,276
a

1568
01:05:48,516 --> 01:05:51,096
work product standpoint, because clearly you

1569
01:05:52,696 --> 01:05:56,116
have the proven ability to do it. But again, just purely

1570
01:05:56,236 --> 01:05:59,116
the optics of it are just

1571
01:06:00,096 --> 01:06:01,136
a little concerning.

1572
01:06:03,076 --> 01:06:05,096
Not knowing who some of the other applicants were.

1573
01:06:06,176 --> 01:06:07,816
We didn't have a chance to

1574
01:06:08,816 --> 01:06:11,016
see who the other applicants were. And I trust you.

1575
01:06:11,356 --> 01:06:13,116
This is your line of business.

1576
01:06:15,176 --> 01:06:17,816
And yeah, we're leaning on you to

1577
01:06:21,356 --> 01:06:24,176
go through all that stuff, put out a recommendation.

1578
01:06:25,096 --> 01:06:28,936
Just want to be absolutely sure that out

1579
01:06:28,976 --> 01:06:29,156
of

1580
01:06:30,076 --> 01:06:32,076
11 applicants that were submitted,

1581
01:06:33,236 --> 01:06:36,956
this is the right way to go. We can defend it.

1582
01:06:40,016 --> 01:06:43,336
We're trusting that all the cards are going to fall into place

1583
01:06:44,376 --> 01:06:45,316
by making this happen.

1584
01:06:46,176 --> 01:06:46,396
Again,

1585
01:06:47,756 --> 01:06:49,676
and please, I don't want to be the

1586
01:06:50,576 --> 01:06:53,556
guy that kind of throw this or you, Mitch,

1587
01:06:54,756 --> 01:06:57,256
Mr. Rosetti, for coming out of left field.

1588
01:06:57,336 --> 01:07:01,016
I don't want to appear that way. I'm just looking out

1589
01:07:01,136 --> 01:07:04,836
for the best interest of the town and making sure that we get the right

1590
01:07:04,896 --> 01:07:06,016
folks in place

1591
01:07:06,936 --> 01:07:08,216
so we can all succeed

1592
01:07:09,500 --> 01:07:11,000
Number one. Number two,

1593
01:07:13,420 --> 01:07:17,320
just to take any concerns out of the public realm that

1594
01:07:18,320 --> 01:07:19,260
we're just not bringing in

1595
01:07:21,400 --> 01:07:23,300
some folks that we're comfortable with

1596
01:07:25,620 --> 01:07:27,200
along with us. That's

1597
01:07:28,700 --> 01:07:30,420
the position that I'm coming from.

1598
01:07:36,560 --> 01:07:36,860
All set.

1599
01:07:37,760 --> 01:07:38,060
Elena?

1600
01:07:38,260 --> 01:07:38,460
Sure.

1601
01:07:39,520 --> 01:07:39,920
So

1602
01:07:41,540 --> 01:07:41,920
when

1603
01:07:42,740 --> 01:07:46,580
we were beginning the restructuring process and the question came up of

1604
01:07:47,120 --> 01:07:49,740
will this just be a direct appointment? Are we posting this?

1605
01:07:49,790 --> 01:07:52,980
And it was suggested to post it to be fair, so we did post it.

1606
01:07:54,040 --> 01:07:56,860
And then, as you said, you received 10 to 11 applications.

1607
01:07:58,660 --> 01:08:01,520
I asked some follow-up questions when we met today to make sure we're doing it the

1608
01:08:01,540 --> 01:08:04,760
right way, for optics or whatever. It does sound like Ms.

1609
01:08:04,840 --> 01:08:06,180
Grant is the most qualified person.

1610
01:08:06,340 --> 01:08:09,180
She has extensive experience as an assistant town administrator.

1611
01:08:09,500 --> 01:08:13,079
She has served as a selectboard member, a vice chair of her selectboard,

1612
01:08:13,800 --> 01:08:17,771
finance, capital improvements. She's overseen a $78 million budget, which is

1613
01:08:17,800 --> 01:08:21,290
greater than Swansea's budget. She also has experience with charter and

1614
01:08:21,360 --> 01:08:25,320
bylaws, which as a caveat, I think we need to improve ours because I

1615
01:08:25,380 --> 01:08:28,900
actually asked Mitch this today, we talked about, we only have two

1616
01:08:28,920 --> 01:08:32,280
bylaws for the selectboard, and it's very vague.

1617
01:08:32,820 --> 01:08:36,780
So it actually does not say that we are the hiring authority for this position.

1618
01:08:37,040 --> 01:08:40,420
It is you, and you recommend the appointment to the board.

1619
01:08:41,280 --> 01:08:45,021
So maybe that's something we look at making different in the future,

1620
01:08:45,061 --> 01:08:47,080
and you have that background.

1621
01:08:47,920 --> 01:08:51,700
Also in your cover letter and your resume, you filled multiple roles and you're

1622
01:08:51,721 --> 01:08:54,840
willing to be adaptable, and so it sounds like if something's maybe not your job,

1623
01:08:55,141 --> 01:08:57,960
you're willing to step in and do it, and refer to yourself as the fixer.

1624
01:08:58,440 --> 01:09:02,400
We have a lot of things going on, and I think it's very important

1625
01:09:02,460 --> 01:09:05,721
that Mitch is the new town administrator, and also I'm the newest selectboard

1626
01:09:05,760 --> 01:09:07,620
member. Trust is really important.

1627
01:09:09,260 --> 01:09:12,860
So I think at this point, I think it's also, Mitch, you've worked together in the

1628
01:09:12,920 --> 01:09:16,181
past. He trusts you. I think that's really important moving forward because we have

1629
01:09:16,221 --> 01:09:17,561
a lot of things to do.

1630
01:09:19,200 --> 01:09:23,061
And I feel like honestly for me as my three months in,

1631
01:09:23,800 --> 01:09:27,760
there's been a lot of time and energy on people stuff, and I want to

1632
01:09:27,780 --> 01:09:30,120
do good stuff for our community. So I

1633
01:09:30,141 --> 01:09:33,561
trust Mitch's judgment in this.

1634
01:09:34,160 --> 01:09:37,271
He was clearly the best candidate who applied for this, and I trust him if he's

1635
01:09:37,300 --> 01:09:40,021
saying you're the most qualified who applied for this role.

1636
01:09:42,681 --> 01:09:44,141
So that's really all I have

1637
01:09:46,620 --> 01:09:50,181
here on this. Because the only other way if we did interviews and stuff, that's

1638
01:09:50,221 --> 01:09:50,910
more meetings and

1639
01:09:51,820 --> 01:09:55,560
whatnot, but, I trust you if you say that this was the most qualified

1640
01:09:55,600 --> 01:09:56,480
person who applied

1641
01:09:57,320 --> 01:09:59,500
for this role, and you do have extensive experience.

1642
01:10:01,520 --> 01:10:03,940
Would you mind if I speak for a minute?

1643
01:10:04,020 --> 01:10:05,380
Through the chair. Yeah.

1644
01:10:06,960 --> 01:10:07,440
Mr. Chair?

1645
01:10:07,840 --> 01:10:09,130
Yes, of course. Yeah, of course.

1646
01:10:09,520 --> 01:10:12,420
So, Kelly Grant, I do live in Bellingham.

1647
01:10:14,160 --> 01:10:17,570
Additionally to what you had stated on my cover letter,

1648
01:10:18,140 --> 01:10:21,950
I think another couple of things that would be particularly relevant in this

1649
01:10:21,980 --> 01:10:25,920
situation, especially here in Swansea, is I was integral in

1650
01:10:26,000 --> 01:10:26,280
our

1651
01:10:28,180 --> 01:10:30,780
town hall office move that we did previously.

1652
01:10:30,820 --> 01:10:34,700
I'm also MC PPO certified, so you also

1653
01:10:34,740 --> 01:10:36,580
have that backup as well.

1654
01:10:39,080 --> 01:10:40,420
I like a challenge,

1655
01:10:41,540 --> 01:10:45,100
and I don't mind stepping into those additional

1656
01:10:45,180 --> 01:10:46,780
roles that are needed.

1657
01:10:47,720 --> 01:10:51,520
As I had said to Melissa when I met her, she has one of the

1658
01:10:51,580 --> 01:10:54,600
hardest jobs because I did that as well.

1659
01:10:54,680 --> 01:10:57,140
And I

1660
01:11:00,100 --> 01:11:04,029
see Swansea as a really good combination of

1661
01:11:04,060 --> 01:11:07,460
where I live and where I served, and where I worked

1662
01:11:07,540 --> 01:11:11,340
previously, and where I grew up. It's all very similar.

1663
01:11:11,460 --> 01:11:12,700
I grew up in Medfield, which is

1664
01:11:15,120 --> 01:11:17,420
very different, affluent community, which

1665
01:11:18,320 --> 01:11:21,920
we were not. And Bellingham has a very

1666
01:11:22,040 --> 01:11:23,800
similar level of

1667
01:11:25,460 --> 01:11:28,100
residential and commercial like you have here.

1668
01:11:28,260 --> 01:11:31,880
It's a similar budget. They also went through some of these

1669
01:11:31,960 --> 01:11:32,600
similar

1670
01:11:33,860 --> 01:11:36,360
personnel changes, and they're going through them again.

1671
01:11:36,720 --> 01:11:40,040
They have multiple interim positions at this point.

1672
01:11:40,680 --> 01:11:42,970
Charter bylaw. One of the things that

1673
01:11:43,800 --> 01:11:47,520
I always look to is the charter is like the Bible,

1674
01:11:48,140 --> 01:11:50,080
except for towns that don't have a charter, which

1675
01:11:51,040 --> 01:11:54,190
Hopedale didn't, and that was one of the biggest struggles when I got there was,

1676
01:11:54,270 --> 01:11:57,420
"Well, what does the charter say?" "Well, we don't have one." Okay, then.

1677
01:11:58,440 --> 01:11:59,700
And so bylaws are the

1678
01:12:00,540 --> 01:12:00,960
next

1679
01:12:01,880 --> 01:12:04,880
best thing, and those should be looked at every five years

1680
01:12:05,340 --> 01:12:09,260
in my opinion. It's a big undertaking looking at

1681
01:12:09,300 --> 01:12:09,860
bylaws

1682
01:12:11,360 --> 01:12:14,640
and charters, but I do have experience with that.

1683
01:12:15,340 --> 01:12:17,280
I enjoy community outreach.

1684
01:12:18,360 --> 01:12:21,210
And I don't take any offense to the questions.

1685
01:12:21,320 --> 01:12:25,210
I completely understand where everyone is coming from, because

1686
01:12:25,240 --> 01:12:27,800
there have been multiple personnel

1687
01:12:29,740 --> 01:12:30,320
changes.

1688
01:12:31,860 --> 01:12:34,560
But I'm happy to answer any questions that anyone

1689
01:12:35,700 --> 01:12:36,600
has while I'm here.

1690
01:12:38,260 --> 01:12:42,140
But I completely understand that you guys have a job to

1691
01:12:42,160 --> 01:12:42,680
do as well.

1692
01:12:46,540 --> 01:12:50,180
Thank you for that. Again, it's not a question of qualification.

1693
01:12:50,430 --> 01:12:50,840
Yep.

1694
01:12:50,860 --> 01:12:54,420
As you stated, it's a matter of trust.

1695
01:12:56,980 --> 01:12:57,260
And

1696
01:12:58,760 --> 01:13:02,650
I think one of the obligations that we have as a board is the trust of the

1697
01:13:02,720 --> 01:13:03,340
community.

1698
01:13:04,720 --> 01:13:08,680
And I just want to make sure that we're upholding that first and foremost,

1699
01:13:09,260 --> 01:13:09,940
aside from

1700
01:13:10,888 --> 01:13:11,088
The

1701
01:13:11,948 --> 01:13:14,548
staffing stuff. Again, no disrespect to Mr. Rossetti.

1702
01:13:14,988 --> 01:13:18,928
I'm sure that we want to get the right people in the right places to do the

1703
01:13:18,988 --> 01:13:20,868
right things all the time.

1704
01:13:22,828 --> 01:13:26,288
There were no internal options for the

1705
01:13:26,308 --> 01:13:28,768
position from the time that you've had

1706
01:13:30,108 --> 01:13:31,688
in town so far that could

1707
01:13:33,188 --> 01:13:34,568
fit this role?

1708
01:13:35,688 --> 01:13:39,248
There was one internal applicant, but it was conveyed to me that that applicant

1709
01:13:39,408 --> 01:13:41,908
applied because they were asked to by a board member.

1710
01:13:47,508 --> 01:13:48,088
So

1711
01:13:48,888 --> 01:13:49,308
is there a

1712
01:13:50,248 --> 01:13:53,248
plan for any other reallocation within

1713
01:13:54,608 --> 01:13:56,668
town should Ms. Grant come on board?

1714
01:13:58,328 --> 01:14:02,068
I've had a discussion with John Hanson about moving back to

1715
01:14:02,748 --> 01:14:03,887
the annex

1716
01:14:04,768 --> 01:14:08,188
because of vacancies over there in the planning department,

1717
01:14:09,948 --> 01:14:11,328
where his original,

1718
01:14:12,968 --> 01:14:13,788
I think, career

1719
01:14:14,828 --> 01:14:17,128
trajectory was in planning and economic development,

1720
01:14:18,228 --> 01:14:22,208
and combining his current work in economic development and the overlap there

1721
01:14:22,248 --> 01:14:25,118
with the planning position into planning.

1722
01:14:26,048 --> 01:14:29,768
And quite frankly, given the turnover at the annex, the annex needs

1723
01:14:30,148 --> 01:14:31,688
a stronger management structure.

1724
01:14:32,428 --> 01:14:35,948
So I've spoken to him about providing that in that position,

1725
01:14:36,688 --> 01:14:40,318
which would provide continuity for our ongoing development

1726
01:14:40,348 --> 01:14:40,808
efforts

1727
01:14:41,788 --> 01:14:43,608
and grants that he is currently stewarding.

1728
01:14:46,548 --> 01:14:48,168
In terms of our budget,

1729
01:14:49,348 --> 01:14:51,388
is Mr. Hanson going to be

1730
01:14:52,288 --> 01:14:54,548
doubling as the town planner?

1731
01:14:55,668 --> 01:14:59,408
Mitch, from a overall budgeting standpoint, are we putting

1732
01:14:59,428 --> 01:15:02,468
ourselves in a situation where we're carrying

1733
01:15:03,148 --> 01:15:04,648
a fairly decent salary?

1734
01:15:06,548 --> 01:15:09,728
Yeah, I think you are. I think, though, that

1735
01:15:11,908 --> 01:15:13,428
is the consequence of

1736
01:15:15,028 --> 01:15:18,168
personnel decisions that were made by the prior administrator.

1737
01:15:20,808 --> 01:15:22,388
And there's not much really,

1738
01:15:24,108 --> 01:15:25,368
to be fair to the employee,

1739
01:15:27,308 --> 01:15:29,487
that can be done about that.

1740
01:15:30,728 --> 01:15:33,808
I would say that the expectation is that

1741
01:15:34,788 --> 01:15:36,688
that position wouldn't simply be a planner.

1742
01:15:36,748 --> 01:15:40,668
It would be a development director position that would take on more

1743
01:15:40,728 --> 01:15:43,128
responsibility than simply a planning position.

1744
01:15:44,188 --> 01:15:47,448
I will also say just for

1745
01:15:49,388 --> 01:15:50,718
the purposes of background,

1746
01:15:54,188 --> 01:15:58,088
that if you were to go out to open market for a qualified planner

1747
01:15:58,188 --> 01:16:01,768
now, you would still be likely paying 100,

1748
01:16:01,828 --> 01:16:02,448
110

1749
01:16:04,028 --> 01:16:07,108
for someone qualified to take over that position in a community this size.

1750
01:16:07,788 --> 01:16:11,588
So the gulch is probably smaller than what you would think, though there is still a

1751
01:16:11,608 --> 01:16:12,108
gulch.

1752
01:16:13,208 --> 01:16:16,788
That's an issue that really I look forward to discussing with ANF for their

1753
01:16:16,828 --> 01:16:17,648
recommendations.

1754
01:16:20,088 --> 01:16:23,908
Just in reality, I'm not sure. I know that initially

1755
01:16:24,008 --> 01:16:27,668
in this office, I heard at one point that an HR

1756
01:16:27,688 --> 01:16:30,648
director that I think left after two minutes

1757
01:16:31,668 --> 01:16:34,268
or a few months, it didn't work out.

1758
01:16:35,168 --> 01:16:38,268
There was some shuffling around. There were positions that were added.

1759
01:16:38,628 --> 01:16:41,688
There were positions that were added prior to the administrator

1760
01:16:41,748 --> 01:16:45,728
leaving that weren't clarified in terms of what the roles were supposed to

1761
01:16:45,768 --> 01:16:49,748
be. So there was a lot of overlapping work, folks

1762
01:16:49,768 --> 01:16:52,408
stepping on each other's toes, inefficiencies.

1763
01:16:53,928 --> 01:16:57,268
And the reality was, after speaking to some members of ANF,

1764
01:16:58,748 --> 01:17:02,188
the request was going to be to cut that budget, which this move

1765
01:17:02,228 --> 01:17:04,028
effectively does in my office.

1766
01:17:04,968 --> 01:17:07,888
So the budget will reflect a smaller budget than it did last year.

1767
01:17:08,608 --> 01:17:12,468
But I do believe that this staffing model will be more efficient and provide

1768
01:17:12,508 --> 01:17:13,388
better services.

1769
01:17:14,388 --> 01:17:15,948
And that's really the goal.

1770
01:17:17,368 --> 01:17:18,768
From an optics perspective,

1771
01:17:19,908 --> 01:17:23,888
there is no benefit to me personally to hiring someone who can't do

1772
01:17:23,928 --> 01:17:27,408
the job because ultimately it's my name on the door and it reflects on my

1773
01:17:27,428 --> 01:17:28,707
position.

1774
01:17:33,828 --> 01:17:34,068
Okay.

1775
01:17:36,908 --> 01:17:38,508
I mean, I'm just one member of this

1776
01:17:40,768 --> 01:17:42,188
board and,

1777
01:17:46,648 --> 01:17:47,868
I mean, speaking for myself, I'm

1778
01:17:48,788 --> 01:17:50,988
not comfortable at this time. I just

1779
01:17:52,808 --> 01:17:55,648
think we need some further discussion to set this up

1780
01:17:55,688 --> 01:17:57,108
properly

1781
01:17:58,888 --> 01:18:01,148
for this. Again, speaking for myself, I'm just one member.

1782
01:18:03,908 --> 01:18:06,488
My colleagues can obviously choose to go in another direction

1783
01:18:07,768 --> 01:18:07,988
and

1784
01:18:08,908 --> 01:18:09,828
we'll just proceed along

1785
01:18:10,708 --> 01:18:11,068
that way.

1786
01:18:14,888 --> 01:18:18,698
Okay. So I will add this and I'll be brief, and I'm going to look at

1787
01:18:18,748 --> 01:18:20,288
this through a different hatch.

1788
01:18:21,468 --> 01:18:23,708
And the hatch I look at it through is,

1789
01:18:24,928 --> 01:18:27,508
no disrespect to people that were here prior,

1790
01:18:28,928 --> 01:18:31,328
I spent my first two years on the Board of Selectmen

1791
01:18:32,908 --> 01:18:34,328
kind of in a corner.

1792
01:18:35,448 --> 01:18:38,408
So there were a lot of things that happened there that I wasn't informed

1793
01:18:38,488 --> 01:18:42,258
with. Since we hired Mitch, I've been informed

1794
01:18:42,308 --> 01:18:46,248
on every step that's come along. And we talked

1795
01:18:46,328 --> 01:18:47,268
about

1796
01:18:48,188 --> 01:18:51,688
Ms. Grant and the possibility of that,

1797
01:18:52,408 --> 01:18:56,048
and I gave Mitch my full support on that, and I do tonight

1798
01:18:56,148 --> 01:18:56,608
also.

1799
01:18:57,508 --> 01:18:58,648
And the reason that is,

1800
01:19:00,408 --> 01:19:03,608
with everything that's been happening in Swansea with people

1801
01:19:03,868 --> 01:19:04,768
retiring and

1802
01:19:07,768 --> 01:19:11,568
people leaving and resigning, it's been a little bit of a challenge.

1803
01:19:12,508 --> 01:19:12,868
And

1804
01:19:14,208 --> 01:19:18,168
my humble opinion is one from a military perspective, if you don't

1805
01:19:18,208 --> 01:19:19,068
mind me using it

1806
01:19:22,298 --> 01:19:26,158
If Mitch doesn't have the ability to build the team that

1807
01:19:26,218 --> 01:19:27,038
he wants

1808
01:19:28,238 --> 01:19:29,118
to make his

1809
01:19:30,058 --> 01:19:31,198
foxhole solid,

1810
01:19:32,278 --> 01:19:35,698
because if you can't take care of your foxhole, you can't take care of anything

1811
01:19:35,758 --> 01:19:36,028
else,

1812
01:19:37,198 --> 01:19:40,398
from safety to perception and everything else.

1813
01:19:41,138 --> 01:19:45,058
So with that idea, because I listened to that from my father

1814
01:19:45,118 --> 01:19:45,598
growing up,

1815
01:19:46,418 --> 01:19:50,258
Navy nuclear guy, and he pumped it into me, and I ended up

1816
01:19:50,898 --> 01:19:53,398
not wanting to go into the Navy, so I joined the Marine Corps.

1817
01:19:53,498 --> 01:19:57,398
So I've got it in my blood to take care of a foxhole, and I

1818
01:19:57,438 --> 01:19:58,638
support fully

1819
01:19:59,938 --> 01:20:03,678
the decision, and I guess that's also like saying

1820
01:20:03,698 --> 01:20:05,178
that's my name on that, too.

1821
01:20:07,118 --> 01:20:08,218
So with that being said,

1822
01:20:09,058 --> 01:20:13,018
that's all I have to say, just from a different perspective of support for

1823
01:20:13,058 --> 01:20:15,698
Mitch and the decisions that he made on this.

1824
01:20:17,118 --> 01:20:20,238
I don't have any further questions. The resume is awesome.

1825
01:20:20,818 --> 01:20:24,318
I appreciate what you added. And unless there's any further

1826
01:20:24,338 --> 01:20:27,278
discussion, I think we will,

1827
01:20:29,858 --> 01:20:31,118
for item number five,

1828
01:20:33,018 --> 01:20:36,918
unless you have something else you wanted to add, or Mitch, if you

1829
01:20:36,958 --> 01:20:39,498
had anything else to add or any further discussion here,

1830
01:20:41,058 --> 01:20:41,158
the

1831
01:20:42,358 --> 01:20:45,018
chair would call for item number five

1832
01:20:46,378 --> 01:20:47,438
to appoint-

1833
01:20:47,518 --> 01:20:48,018
5A, sir

1834
01:20:48,458 --> 01:20:51,678
... 5A. Thank you. For item number 5A,

1835
01:20:53,358 --> 01:20:57,148
for an appointment for Ms. Kelly Grant as assistant

1836
01:20:57,238 --> 01:21:00,838
town administrator and parking clerk effective August

1837
01:21:01,118 --> 01:21:02,938
7th, 2026,

1838
01:21:03,738 --> 01:21:05,518
and I look for that motion.

1839
01:21:06,578 --> 01:21:06,588
17th.

1840
01:21:06,618 --> 01:21:07,858
August 17th.

1841
01:21:07,918 --> 01:21:10,078
17th. Sorry, spoke wrong. The 17th.

1842
01:21:10,838 --> 01:21:14,698
And the chair, if there is no more discussion, looks for

1843
01:21:14,938 --> 01:21:17,178
a motion to move forward.

1844
01:21:17,798 --> 01:21:18,718
So moved as read.

1845
01:21:19,998 --> 01:21:21,198
And do I have a second?

1846
01:21:22,798 --> 01:21:25,758
Chair will second that. And

1847
01:21:26,898 --> 01:21:29,397
chair asks for all in favor.

1848
01:21:29,478 --> 01:21:29,598
Aye.

1849
01:21:31,378 --> 01:21:35,278
And Mr. Beaudette is an aye, so that will pass by

1850
01:21:35,338 --> 01:21:35,938
majority

1851
01:21:37,438 --> 01:21:39,038
for the item number 5A.

1852
01:21:39,078 --> 01:21:41,658
And just for the record, Mr. Medeiros is a nay on that motion.

1853
01:21:42,638 --> 01:21:42,897
Okay.

1854
01:21:44,118 --> 01:21:44,978
Thank you very much. Thank you, Ms. Grant.

1855
01:21:48,098 --> 01:21:49,258
So that brings us to

1856
01:21:51,018 --> 01:21:54,858
do we want to go through each one of these, or do we want to do these as a block?

1857
01:21:55,898 --> 01:21:59,738
That's at the discretion of the board. The only item I will qualify is item B.

1858
01:22:00,718 --> 01:22:02,558
Bill has to be appointed as interim.

1859
01:22:02,958 --> 01:22:05,778
There are some things that have to be worked out with council

1860
01:22:06,718 --> 01:22:10,118
about the parameters of that position that were not

1861
01:22:10,138 --> 01:22:13,778
necessarily handled appropriately when that was moved from

1862
01:22:13,858 --> 01:22:14,918
elected to appointed.

1863
01:22:15,718 --> 01:22:19,658
So we have to make sure that we're in compliance with the model that was adopted

1864
01:22:19,678 --> 01:22:20,398
at town meeting.

1865
01:22:22,678 --> 01:22:25,258
That has nothing to do with Bill or even the prior tree warden.

1866
01:22:25,298 --> 01:22:27,578
That was just something that was an oversight that I don't think was

1867
01:22:28,578 --> 01:22:31,458
discussed at the time, but there are certain parameters that we have to ensure

1868
01:22:31,498 --> 01:22:32,198
compliance on

1869
01:22:33,298 --> 01:22:34,178
for a permanent appointment.

1870
01:22:35,138 --> 01:22:39,098
So he had asked that we revise the language to appoint him as interim tree

1871
01:22:39,198 --> 01:22:39,638
warden,

1872
01:22:41,658 --> 01:22:45,398
as most of the work conducted by that office is shade

1873
01:22:45,458 --> 01:22:47,558
trees that impact road traffic and things like that.

1874
01:22:47,578 --> 01:22:50,938
Highway is intrinsically involved with his work anyway.

1875
01:22:51,258 --> 01:22:54,858
It's the most logical fit for right now. But that is it for item B.

1876
01:22:56,198 --> 01:22:59,898
Okay. So if there is any discussion, chair will hear discussion now

1877
01:22:59,938 --> 01:23:03,778
on B for Mr. William Anderson as interim tree

1878
01:23:03,818 --> 01:23:07,218
warden effective August 11th, 2026.

1879
01:23:07,898 --> 01:23:07,988
Yeah.

1880
01:23:07,998 --> 01:23:11,398
A term to expire April 14th, 2029.

1881
01:23:11,618 --> 01:23:13,807
Discussion, Mr. Chairman. And Mr.

1882
01:23:13,968 --> 01:23:15,278
Resetti, I appreciate you

1883
01:23:16,458 --> 01:23:20,338
clarifying that it's an interim tree warden because one

1884
01:23:20,378 --> 01:23:23,618
of my first questions was going to be relative to Mr.

1885
01:23:24,078 --> 01:23:27,758
Anderson's tree warden experience, which

1886
01:23:27,958 --> 01:23:29,618
I've known Mr. Anderson for a little while.

1887
01:23:29,698 --> 01:23:31,358
I don't think he has

1888
01:23:32,498 --> 01:23:34,418
an official tree warden

1889
01:23:35,658 --> 01:23:39,117
certification. He's not an arborist to the best of my knowledge or

1890
01:23:39,158 --> 01:23:42,127
whatever. So I was going to take issue with his

1891
01:23:43,238 --> 01:23:46,638
appointment as a tree warden because I think the tree

1892
01:23:47,378 --> 01:23:51,278
program has evolved from what it was, where

1893
01:23:51,318 --> 01:23:54,398
we're taking a more proactive approach relative to trees.

1894
01:23:54,898 --> 01:23:58,838
We've expanded our budget so that we can identify

1895
01:23:58,898 --> 01:24:02,198
problem trees and put together an effective

1896
01:24:02,918 --> 01:24:04,958
plan on how to manage those things.

1897
01:24:05,778 --> 01:24:08,378
Again, no disrespect to Mr. Anderson or whatever.

1898
01:24:08,438 --> 01:24:11,258
I think he's a fantastic highway director.

1899
01:24:11,358 --> 01:24:14,528
He's an engineer by training and education,

1900
01:24:15,558 --> 01:24:18,778
but I don't think trees were his thing.

1901
01:24:18,838 --> 01:24:22,118
But if he's going to fill a slot in the interim, if trees

1902
01:24:22,818 --> 01:24:26,038
fall down in the middle of the road or are posing

1903
01:24:26,158 --> 01:24:29,658
an inherent danger or an

1904
01:24:29,698 --> 01:24:33,518
immediate danger, of course, Mr. Anderson and his

1905
01:24:33,578 --> 01:24:35,958
team would be the ones to respond

1906
01:24:36,818 --> 01:24:40,718
and take care of that. But I don't think he would have been long-term the right

1907
01:24:40,918 --> 01:24:44,698
fit for handling our tree management plan.

1908
01:24:46,298 --> 01:24:50,038
So- If I may inquire through the chair, just for historical

1909
01:24:50,098 --> 01:24:50,538
knowledge, I

1910
01:24:51,478 --> 01:24:52,018
don't believe

1911
01:24:53,338 --> 01:24:57,198
when the town moved from elected to appointed tree warden, the first appointed tree

1912
01:24:57,258 --> 01:24:58,078
warden you had was

1913
01:24:58,958 --> 01:25:02,558
neither an arborist or an entomologist

1914
01:25:02,918 --> 01:25:03,698
in the sense of

1915
01:25:05,358 --> 01:25:07,638
there is a pest control component as well.

1916
01:25:07,698 --> 01:25:10,598
So we were still out of compliance with the

1917
01:25:10,658 --> 01:25:14,398
statute. So we need to get into compliance, and I think what

1918
01:25:14,438 --> 01:25:18,418
the solution is going to be, if I had to take a guess, would be that some of

1919
01:25:18,438 --> 01:25:21,568
those services we're going to have to have a no-value service contract in the

1920
01:25:21,638 --> 01:25:21,968
instance of

1921
01:25:23,278 --> 01:25:26,278
Someone has to deal with an Asian longhorn beetle infestation, whatever.

1922
01:25:26,758 --> 01:25:26,768
Mm-hmm.

1923
01:25:26,778 --> 01:25:30,238
We would farm that out. We wouldn't have somebody on staff that's an entomologist.

1924
01:25:31,278 --> 01:25:34,638
So there's a way to do this that other communities deal with when they move from

1925
01:25:34,678 --> 01:25:36,888
these positions, from being elected to appointed,

1926
01:25:37,898 --> 01:25:40,638
and we'd have to strike the right balance to make sure that we get the right fit.

1927
01:25:40,708 --> 01:25:44,688
But even under the town's existing structure, I don't believe we are currently

1928
01:25:44,738 --> 01:25:45,458
compliant

1929
01:25:46,278 --> 01:25:47,078
with that statute.

1930
01:25:49,138 --> 01:25:49,318
I think

1931
01:25:50,498 --> 01:25:53,798
we did have somebody that was a certified arborist.

1932
01:25:54,618 --> 01:25:56,978
Unfortunately, due to circumstances, that

1933
01:25:57,798 --> 01:26:00,818
person has resigned their position. But I agree with you.

1934
01:26:01,298 --> 01:26:03,838
I think we do want to arm ourselves, especially with

1935
01:26:04,798 --> 01:26:07,298
trees. Trees are a problem in this town.

1936
01:26:08,618 --> 01:26:11,748
You remember some of the problems that we had with a citizen-

1937
01:26:11,898 --> 01:26:12,178
Mm-hmm

1938
01:26:12,188 --> 01:26:12,818
... that was

1939
01:26:13,898 --> 01:26:17,818
pretty long-lasting and a little contentious, to say

1940
01:26:17,858 --> 01:26:20,018
the least. But nonetheless, I think

1941
01:26:21,478 --> 01:26:23,138
by moving

1942
01:26:24,238 --> 01:26:25,658
from an elected tree

1943
01:26:26,498 --> 01:26:30,458
warden to an appointed tree warden, I think just

1944
01:26:30,498 --> 01:26:34,398
arms the town or equips the town with the leverage that it needs to bring in

1945
01:26:34,438 --> 01:26:35,038
the right people.

1946
01:26:37,258 --> 01:26:39,958
So again, seeing that we're not making a hasty decision-

1947
01:26:40,118 --> 01:26:40,958
Mm-hmm

1948
01:26:41,038 --> 01:26:44,598
... by appointing Mr. Anderson as an interim,

1949
01:26:45,458 --> 01:26:46,098
I have no issue

1950
01:26:47,518 --> 01:26:48,178
with that.

1951
01:26:51,698 --> 01:26:52,668
Any further discussion

1952
01:26:53,678 --> 01:26:54,238
on 5B?

1953
01:26:54,598 --> 01:26:56,558
No. So I was just going to say that

1954
01:26:57,778 --> 01:27:01,678
it was my understanding. So at this point, I agree with

1955
01:27:01,878 --> 01:27:03,878
having Mr. Anderson as the interim tree warden

1956
01:27:05,298 --> 01:27:08,998
to try to get us back into compliance with appropriate licensure

1957
01:27:09,358 --> 01:27:13,218
requirements, and I do feel like that aligns with his experience and

1958
01:27:13,258 --> 01:27:14,418
work within the highway department.

1959
01:27:14,658 --> 01:27:18,058
So this makes sense at this point in time.

1960
01:27:19,358 --> 01:27:20,938
So I would support that appointment.

1961
01:27:23,098 --> 01:27:23,438
That's all.

1962
01:27:24,118 --> 01:27:25,478
Any further discussion?

1963
01:27:27,218 --> 01:27:28,858
With that being hearing none,

1964
01:27:29,898 --> 01:27:30,678
the chair would

1965
01:27:31,758 --> 01:27:35,298
seek a motion to vote for

1966
01:27:35,308 --> 01:27:36,878
appointment of Mr. William

1967
01:27:37,938 --> 01:27:39,598
Anderson as

1968
01:27:40,498 --> 01:27:43,638
interim tree warden, effective August 11th, 2026,

1969
01:27:44,318 --> 01:27:46,958
term to expire April 14th, 2029.

1970
01:27:47,598 --> 01:27:48,058
So moved.

1971
01:27:48,518 --> 01:27:48,798
Second.

1972
01:27:49,498 --> 01:27:50,938
And all in favor?

1973
01:27:50,998 --> 01:27:51,218
Aye.

1974
01:27:51,398 --> 01:27:51,657
Aye.

1975
01:27:52,778 --> 01:27:53,978
5B is unanimous.

1976
01:28:04,978 --> 01:28:07,438
5C is Mrs. Sonia Araujo-

1977
01:28:07,558 --> 01:28:08,178
Araujo

1978
01:28:08,718 --> 01:28:12,278
... assistant to the building commissioner, effective August

1979
01:28:12,478 --> 01:28:14,298
17th, 2026.

1980
01:28:15,338 --> 01:28:19,058
And is there any discussion on this appointment?

1981
01:28:20,778 --> 01:28:24,158
I just have a question regarding the posting of the position.

1982
01:28:24,198 --> 01:28:26,078
Was the position posted

1983
01:28:27,518 --> 01:28:31,038
internally, and did we follow all the necessary procedural stuff from a

1984
01:28:31,178 --> 01:28:32,018
posting standpoint?

1985
01:28:33,378 --> 01:28:37,318
So, there's two

1986
01:28:37,328 --> 01:28:38,358
layers to that question.

1987
01:28:39,178 --> 01:28:40,058
First, this is a

1988
01:28:40,998 --> 01:28:44,818
union position, so the collective bargaining agreement stipulates that before

1989
01:28:44,858 --> 01:28:48,438
these positions are posted publicly, they would have to be posted

1990
01:28:48,478 --> 01:28:51,978
internally, and the hiring would be preferential to

1991
01:28:52,078 --> 01:28:52,638
existing

1992
01:28:53,598 --> 01:28:55,028
union employees internally.

1993
01:28:56,418 --> 01:29:00,238
So this position was filled by an internal applicant per the collective bargaining

1994
01:29:00,258 --> 01:29:00,838
agreement.

1995
01:29:03,098 --> 01:29:06,878
And the vacancy that that applicant is leaving

1996
01:29:07,078 --> 01:29:08,498
will be posted externally,

1997
01:29:10,518 --> 01:29:13,518
because there is now a shortfall of one union position.

1998
01:29:15,058 --> 01:29:17,138
So no, this position was not posted

1999
01:29:18,118 --> 01:29:21,538
externally. It wouldn't legally have to be, but we would've posted

2000
01:29:21,578 --> 01:29:23,538
externally if there were no internal applicants.

2001
01:29:23,558 --> 01:29:27,458
But the internal posting was simply because of our collectively bargained

2002
01:29:27,478 --> 01:29:28,098
obligations.

2003
01:29:29,998 --> 01:29:33,118
Okay. No, I appreciate that. I just wanted that clarification out there.

2004
01:29:33,538 --> 01:29:35,558
So it was posted internally.

2005
01:29:35,578 --> 01:29:35,778
Yes.

2006
01:29:35,838 --> 01:29:36,958
An internal applicant

2007
01:29:37,998 --> 01:29:38,468
applied,

2008
01:29:39,398 --> 01:29:42,568
and I think Ms. Araujo was fantastic in the clerk's office.

2009
01:29:42,858 --> 01:29:44,448
I think she'll be fantastic here

2010
01:29:45,598 --> 01:29:48,738
in the building commissioner's office as well.

2011
01:29:48,798 --> 01:29:50,978
Again, I'm just considering some of the

2012
01:29:51,038 --> 01:29:54,938
issues as of late. I just want to

2013
01:29:54,978 --> 01:29:58,808
make sure that we are all dotting our I's and

2014
01:29:58,878 --> 01:30:00,838
crossing our T's, so to speak,

2015
01:30:01,878 --> 01:30:02,738
and it sounds like we are.

2016
01:30:04,498 --> 01:30:05,298
I would agree.

2017
01:30:08,198 --> 01:30:08,958
Anything to add?

2018
01:30:09,418 --> 01:30:12,958
No, I just support this appointment, and just to clarify, that aligns

2019
01:30:12,998 --> 01:30:16,978
with one of our correspondence items, 15D, which is her resignation from her

2020
01:30:17,018 --> 01:30:17,658
current position-

2021
01:30:18,058 --> 01:30:18,098
Mm-hmm

2022
01:30:18,108 --> 01:30:21,838
... to then take this position at the building commissioner's office.

2023
01:30:21,898 --> 01:30:23,798
So I would support this appointment.

2024
01:30:25,718 --> 01:30:28,958
The only thing I would add is I'm sure she'll do just fine in that position.

2025
01:30:29,058 --> 01:30:29,198
Mm-hmm.

2026
01:30:29,898 --> 01:30:33,658
Building commissioner, there'll be a lot of day-to-day

2027
01:30:33,718 --> 01:30:36,938
learning through Mike, the new building inspector,

2028
01:30:37,658 --> 01:30:40,698
but I'm sure they'll make a good team growing into that position.

2029
01:30:42,298 --> 01:30:44,638
So with that being said, if there's no further discussion,

2030
01:30:45,858 --> 01:30:49,178
the chair would seek for a motion to move

2031
01:30:50,198 --> 01:30:53,938
to vote for staff appointment for Ms.

2032
01:30:53,958 --> 01:30:57,658
Sonia Araujo, assistant to the building commissioner, effective August

2033
01:30:57,678 --> 01:30:59,738
17th, 2026.

2034
01:31:00,258 --> 01:31:00,678
So moved.

2035
01:31:00,938 --> 01:31:01,238
Second.

2036
01:31:01,838 --> 01:31:03,138
And all in favor?

2037
01:31:03,438 --> 01:31:03,618
Aye.

2038
01:31:03,808 --> 01:31:04,018
Aye.

2039
01:31:04,298 --> 01:31:05,238
That is unanimous.

2040
01:31:08,318 --> 01:31:09,158
That brings us to

2041
01:31:10,138 --> 01:31:10,498
5D,

2042
01:31:11,838 --> 01:31:15,578
Mr. Derek Melosi, part-time

2043
01:31:15,658 --> 01:31:18,798
police mechanic effective August 31st,

2044
01:31:19,038 --> 01:31:22,698
2026. And we've got the police chief here with us,

2045
01:31:23,158 --> 01:31:23,838
Chief Foley

2046
01:31:25,010 --> 01:31:26,550
Good evening. Thank you for having me here tonight.

2047
01:31:26,890 --> 01:31:30,870
So you should have in front of you a request for an appointment for

2048
01:31:30,930 --> 01:31:34,330
Mr. Derek Malozzi, as well as a resume.

2049
01:31:36,930 --> 01:31:40,290
I respectfully request that he be appointed as a part-time

2050
01:31:42,290 --> 01:31:46,010
police fleet mechanic for the town of Swansea, which also includes some

2051
01:31:46,890 --> 01:31:48,650
maintenance duties within the department.

2052
01:31:49,370 --> 01:31:51,130
We've been quite a while without a mechanic.

2053
01:31:52,290 --> 01:31:52,710
We've

2054
01:31:53,690 --> 01:31:57,609
done the best we can to get by. Mr. Malozzi already has a

2055
01:31:57,650 --> 01:32:01,450
plan to get us up and dialed in with each of our cruisers so we can get ourselves

2056
01:32:01,490 --> 01:32:04,990
back to the point where we're doing routine maintenance rather than

2057
01:32:05,010 --> 01:32:08,950
expensive repairs. In the long haul, I believe this will save us a

2058
01:32:09,010 --> 01:32:09,470
ton of money

2059
01:32:10,310 --> 01:32:12,310
compared to what we've been doing.

2060
01:32:14,250 --> 01:32:16,250
Long-term goal, there were some talks.

2061
01:32:16,710 --> 01:32:19,490
This position, prior, was a union position.

2062
01:32:20,130 --> 01:32:23,990
Myself and the prior town administrator bargained it out of the union, so there

2063
01:32:24,030 --> 01:32:27,490
are some potential long-term goals of utilizing

2064
01:32:28,550 --> 01:32:32,389
this as an asset for the town between the highway department, potentially, and

2065
01:32:32,910 --> 01:32:34,210
again, that's down the road. But

2066
01:32:35,230 --> 01:32:38,630
big picture, hopefully more. Right now,

2067
01:32:39,990 --> 01:32:41,370
get us back to where we need to be.

2068
01:32:44,010 --> 01:32:44,690
Any discussion?

2069
01:32:45,350 --> 01:32:48,590
No, I support this, and we spoke earlier today.

2070
01:32:48,630 --> 01:32:51,550
I just wanted to just double-check with Chief about this appointment and the next

2071
01:32:51,610 --> 01:32:51,790
one.

2072
01:32:52,790 --> 01:32:55,900
And my understanding is they're both within the current budget and actually under

2073
01:32:55,950 --> 01:32:59,310
budget. And as you explained, it should save us money in the long run.

2074
01:32:59,390 --> 01:33:02,170
So I would approve this and the next one.

2075
01:33:02,190 --> 01:33:04,890
I know I'm jumping ahead, but it's already within approved budget.

2076
01:33:04,930 --> 01:33:06,530
It's not extra, so I would

2077
01:33:08,090 --> 01:33:09,170
support that. That's all.

2078
01:33:09,490 --> 01:33:09,730
Thank you.

2079
01:33:09,760 --> 01:33:11,570
Auto mechanics are worth their weight in gold-

2080
01:33:11,730 --> 01:33:12,610
I'm sure, yeah

2081
01:33:12,620 --> 01:33:14,400
... for town positions, so this is a really good hire.

2082
01:33:14,400 --> 01:33:14,720
Right.

2083
01:33:14,810 --> 01:33:15,210
I agree.

2084
01:33:15,950 --> 01:33:16,650
And I agree.

2085
01:33:17,970 --> 01:33:20,550
You did a good job doing what Steve Kitchen would've done-

2086
01:33:20,590 --> 01:33:20,600
What?

2087
01:33:20,600 --> 01:33:22,860
... making sure that that was all within its budget.

2088
01:33:22,930 --> 01:33:24,750
Oh, yeah. That was my-- Right? We talked about that.

2089
01:33:24,790 --> 01:33:25,200
I was like, "This is-

2090
01:33:25,380 --> 01:33:25,380
It was

2091
01:33:25,380 --> 01:33:27,320
... extra," right? Okay. Thank you.

2092
01:33:27,790 --> 01:33:28,450
All right.

2093
01:33:28,850 --> 01:33:32,770
If there's no further discussion, the chair would seek motion for

2094
01:33:32,790 --> 01:33:34,790
staff appointment of Mr. Derek

2095
01:33:34,829 --> 01:33:36,929
Malozzi.

2096
01:33:37,170 --> 01:33:39,310
I don't have any further discussion because Ms.

2097
01:33:39,370 --> 01:33:39,830
Solitro

2098
01:33:40,630 --> 01:33:41,709
took all my questions.

2099
01:33:41,810 --> 01:33:42,040
Yeah.

2100
01:33:43,230 --> 01:33:45,080
Let her grab a fire porter out or everything-

2101
01:33:45,110 --> 01:33:45,390
I know

2102
01:33:45,430 --> 01:33:46,450
... all in one shot.

2103
01:33:47,590 --> 01:33:48,320
Steve would be proud of you.

2104
01:33:48,330 --> 01:33:49,110
Get it done. You know?

2105
01:33:49,150 --> 01:33:49,240
Perfect.

2106
01:33:49,270 --> 01:33:49,770
Get it done.

2107
01:33:51,370 --> 01:33:53,130
Stop watching those old selectmen's meetings.

2108
01:33:53,530 --> 01:33:53,770
Yeah.

2109
01:33:55,330 --> 01:33:56,470
With that being said,

2110
01:33:57,510 --> 01:33:57,910
so for

2111
01:33:58,710 --> 01:34:02,290
Derek, part-time police mechanic, effective August 31st,

2112
01:34:02,810 --> 01:34:03,630
2026.

2113
01:34:03,750 --> 01:34:04,110
So moved.

2114
01:34:04,350 --> 01:34:04,610
Second.

2115
01:34:05,690 --> 01:34:06,270
All in favor?

2116
01:34:06,470 --> 01:34:06,720
Aye.

2117
01:34:06,720 --> 01:34:06,750
Aye.

2118
01:34:07,610 --> 01:34:09,910
5-D is unanimous. Thank you, Chief. Thank you.

2119
01:34:10,090 --> 01:34:10,899
Brings us to

2120
01:34:12,850 --> 01:34:16,060
5-E, which is Ms. Alexis Lopes,

2121
01:34:16,290 --> 01:34:19,490
full-time police dispatcher, excuse me,

2122
01:34:19,930 --> 01:34:22,050
effective August 12th, 2026.

2123
01:34:24,430 --> 01:34:27,610
Correct. So in front of you, you have a request to

2124
01:34:28,510 --> 01:34:31,550
appoint Alexis Lopes of Swansea as a full-time dispatcher.

2125
01:34:32,730 --> 01:34:36,390
She would be replacing our previous dispatcher, Mason

2126
01:34:36,430 --> 01:34:40,070
Medeiros, who the board appointed to attend the full-time police academy.

2127
01:34:40,890 --> 01:34:44,050
Alexis has been working part-time with us since October of

2128
01:34:44,190 --> 01:34:45,050
2025.

2129
01:34:46,390 --> 01:34:48,170
To be quite honest, she's been a rockstar.

2130
01:34:48,290 --> 01:34:52,250
Her professional development has grown in leaps

2131
01:34:52,290 --> 01:34:54,830
and bounds. She's learned to multitask.

2132
01:34:54,890 --> 01:34:55,210
She's

2133
01:34:57,170 --> 01:34:58,490
nailed this position.

2134
01:34:59,610 --> 01:34:59,890
She

2135
01:35:01,010 --> 01:35:04,570
was interviewed, she went through a process, and she was

2136
01:35:04,590 --> 01:35:08,490
chosen. She's closing in on a bachelor's degree in criminal justice

2137
01:35:08,550 --> 01:35:11,810
from Bridgewater State University.

2138
01:35:11,870 --> 01:35:15,730
She's a very respectful young woman, and we've been fortunate to

2139
01:35:15,770 --> 01:35:19,750
have her. So again, respectfully requesting that she's appointed full time.

2140
01:35:22,610 --> 01:35:23,209
Any discussion?

2141
01:35:24,090 --> 01:35:27,270
Just again, this is within budget. You're budgeted for four full-time dispatchers.

2142
01:35:27,330 --> 01:35:31,089
You have three, so this just completes what's already allotted for.

2143
01:35:31,170 --> 01:35:34,290
And this is a really important position, and we don't want people burning out.

2144
01:35:34,410 --> 01:35:37,520
So, I would support this appointment.

2145
01:35:38,110 --> 01:35:38,410
Thank you.

2146
01:35:38,570 --> 01:35:39,050
Mm-hmm.

2147
01:35:39,550 --> 01:35:43,230
I have nothing to add, Chief. Obviously, she's, like you said, a home run.

2148
01:35:43,700 --> 01:35:44,369
A home run, whatever

2149
01:35:45,390 --> 01:35:46,690
cliche you use. Rockstar.

2150
01:35:46,730 --> 01:35:46,929
Rockstar.

2151
01:35:46,970 --> 01:35:47,470
Rockstar.

2152
01:35:47,710 --> 01:35:48,160
Yeah, that's what I-

2153
01:35:48,190 --> 01:35:49,110
I was paying attention

2154
01:35:49,710 --> 01:35:49,780
... 100%.

2155
01:35:49,780 --> 01:35:50,390
She's a rockstar.

2156
01:35:51,150 --> 01:35:51,530
She is.

2157
01:35:51,850 --> 01:35:53,830
And within budget and all that other good stuff, right?

2158
01:35:53,970 --> 01:35:54,310
Everything.

2159
01:35:56,190 --> 01:35:56,329
Yeah.

2160
01:35:56,410 --> 01:35:59,750
Chief, I have no questions. With that being said, the chair would

2161
01:36:00,610 --> 01:36:01,870
look for motion to

2162
01:36:03,530 --> 01:36:04,850
vote for staff appointment

2163
01:36:06,110 --> 01:36:08,830
for Ms. Alexis Lopes, full-time police department

2164
01:36:08,890 --> 01:36:12,130
dispatcher, effective August 12th,

2165
01:36:12,290 --> 01:36:12,990
2026.

2166
01:36:13,350 --> 01:36:13,710
So moved.

2167
01:36:13,930 --> 01:36:14,190
Second.

2168
01:36:15,010 --> 01:36:15,590
All in favor?

2169
01:36:15,770 --> 01:36:16,110
Aye.

2170
01:36:16,150 --> 01:36:16,330
Aye.

2171
01:36:17,070 --> 01:36:19,710
Chair is an aye. That is unanimous. Thank you.

2172
01:36:19,770 --> 01:36:20,630
Thanks, Chief.

2173
01:36:20,670 --> 01:36:20,720
Appreciate your time.

2174
01:36:20,720 --> 01:36:21,490
Thanks, Chief. Good night, Chief. Thank you.

2175
01:36:21,510 --> 01:36:21,890
Thanks for-

2176
01:36:21,970 --> 01:36:22,390
Have a great night

2177
01:36:22,460 --> 01:36:22,810
... your patience.

2178
01:36:23,850 --> 01:36:26,990
And lastly, for item number five is 5-F,

2179
01:36:28,110 --> 01:36:28,850
Mrs. Linda

2180
01:36:29,750 --> 01:36:30,390
Carancho.

2181
01:36:30,430 --> 01:36:30,890
Carancio.

2182
01:36:30,990 --> 01:36:34,670
Carancio, deputy assessor, effective August 12th,

2183
01:36:34,870 --> 01:36:37,270
2026. Any discussion?

2184
01:36:39,730 --> 01:36:40,450
None at this time.

2185
01:36:41,690 --> 01:36:44,590
I know Mike, the assessor, speaks very highly

2186
01:36:45,550 --> 01:36:46,230
of Linda, so

2187
01:36:47,970 --> 01:36:49,590
very impressive young lady for sure.

2188
01:36:51,530 --> 01:36:53,610
She's already entrenched in the office.

2189
01:36:53,650 --> 01:36:53,750
Yes.

2190
01:36:53,819 --> 01:36:57,640
And I'm sure she deals with the full brunt of, I'm sure, the

2191
01:36:57,730 --> 01:37:01,070
many walk-ins and phone calls and whatnot that that office

2192
01:37:01,750 --> 01:37:05,110
has to field on a day-to-day basis.

2193
01:37:06,950 --> 01:37:09,050
And it didn't scare her off, so that's a good thing, I guess.

2194
01:37:09,190 --> 01:37:12,390
Yeah. As you were saying, she's been in there since August of

2195
01:37:12,530 --> 01:37:13,290
2025.

2196
01:37:16,730 --> 01:37:18,750
If there's no further discussion, Chair O'Regan

2197
01:37:19,630 --> 01:37:22,970
will seek a motion on staff appointment for Ms.

2198
01:37:23,090 --> 01:37:24,890
Linda Carancio

2199
01:37:25,730 --> 01:37:27,290
Am I saying that right? Carancho

2200
01:37:27,450 --> 01:37:27,460
Carancho.

2201
01:37:27,470 --> 01:37:30,890
Carancho, deputy assessor, effective August 12th,

2202
01:37:31,010 --> 01:37:31,710
2026.

2203
01:37:31,830 --> 01:37:32,310
So moved.

2204
01:37:32,390 --> 01:37:32,650
Second.

2205
01:37:33,470 --> 01:37:34,250
And all in favor?

2206
01:37:34,470 --> 01:37:34,790
Aye.

2207
01:37:34,830 --> 01:37:35,089
Aye.

2208
01:37:35,110 --> 01:37:36,950
That is unanimous. Five is in the book.

2209
01:37:38,950 --> 01:37:39,330
You're up.

2210
01:37:40,450 --> 01:37:44,290
So I would make a motion to go back to item four, which is our

2211
01:37:44,990 --> 01:37:47,730
B15 joint meeting, sorry, a few minutes late, with

2212
01:37:48,630 --> 01:37:50,210
Parks and Rec commission.

2213
01:37:51,470 --> 01:37:52,990
We've been out of order.

2214
01:37:53,030 --> 01:37:54,210
I'll second the motion.

2215
01:37:57,390 --> 01:37:57,970
All in favor?

2216
01:37:58,170 --> 01:37:58,389
Aye.

2217
01:37:58,570 --> 01:37:58,770
Aye.

2218
01:38:00,130 --> 01:38:00,450
You guys.

2219
01:38:01,030 --> 01:38:01,870
That is unanimous.

2220
01:38:02,590 --> 01:38:05,510
I don't know if you want to invite our colleagues to come up.

2221
01:38:05,520 --> 01:38:06,430
Yes, I'm looking for my

2222
01:38:07,610 --> 01:38:08,890
paperwork on that.

2223
01:38:10,390 --> 01:38:10,550
Hi.

2224
01:38:12,210 --> 01:38:14,030
This mic is working, it just doesn't always...

2225
01:38:15,410 --> 01:38:17,010
Sorry. Just spread out all my stuff.

2226
01:38:18,470 --> 01:38:18,570
No

2227
01:38:18,590 --> 01:38:22,930
worries.

2228
01:38:23,010 --> 01:38:26,380
I'm not sure. How does it work for calling the meeting to order, Mr. Chair?

2229
01:38:26,390 --> 01:38:27,090
I don't know how that works.

2230
01:38:27,430 --> 01:38:28,570
The chairman will need to

2231
01:38:30,050 --> 01:38:32,870
ask the Parks and Rec's chair to open his meeting,

2232
01:38:33,910 --> 01:38:35,070
and then we can proceed.

2233
01:38:36,310 --> 01:38:36,590
Hold on.

2234
01:38:37,810 --> 01:38:39,200
I am missing my

2235
01:38:40,530 --> 01:38:43,290
paperwork there, but I had it. Bear with me, folks.

2236
01:39:15,910 --> 01:39:18,710
Mr. Chair, do you want mine? Just two papers.

2237
01:39:20,850 --> 01:39:22,150
Okay. I have it. Thank you-

2238
01:39:22,230 --> 01:39:22,240
Got it?

2239
01:39:22,240 --> 01:39:23,950
... for your patience. Yep, that's yours.

2240
01:39:25,170 --> 01:39:28,280
Okay. So thank you everybody. Sorry for that little

2241
01:39:29,610 --> 01:39:32,170
digging of papers there. So,

2242
01:39:34,669 --> 01:39:38,410
I would make a motion to move that the Board of Selectmen enter into a joint

2243
01:39:38,470 --> 01:39:41,950
meeting with Parks and Recreation Commission to discuss the

2244
01:39:41,990 --> 01:39:45,930
appointment of a temporary commission member with

2245
01:39:45,970 --> 01:39:49,870
a term to expire April 12th, 2027, and to

2246
01:39:49,930 --> 01:39:51,970
take any necessary action.

2247
01:39:53,050 --> 01:39:53,530
So moved.

2248
01:39:53,930 --> 01:39:54,230
Second.

2249
01:39:54,810 --> 01:39:55,950
And all in favor?

2250
01:39:56,270 --> 01:39:56,410
Aye.

2251
01:39:56,670 --> 01:39:56,890
Aye.

2252
01:39:57,050 --> 01:39:57,850
That is unanimous.

2253
01:40:02,330 --> 01:40:06,220
At this time, I'll turn the meeting over to the Chair of Parks and

2254
01:40:06,270 --> 01:40:10,010
Recreation Commission to call their meeting into order and

2255
01:40:10,090 --> 01:40:14,070
proceed with their discussion and recommendation regarding

2256
01:40:14,090 --> 01:40:16,430
the appointment of a temporary commissioner,

2257
01:40:18,250 --> 01:40:19,530
temporary commission member.

2258
01:40:20,850 --> 01:40:21,850
The floor is yours.

2259
01:40:22,370 --> 01:40:24,950
Okay. Thank you for having us. We call

2260
01:40:25,770 --> 01:40:29,310
to order the joint meeting at 8:26 PM.

2261
01:40:30,810 --> 01:40:31,350
Roll call.

2262
01:40:33,110 --> 01:40:35,130
Philip Gigley. Ethan Gonzalves, here.

2263
01:40:35,490 --> 01:40:36,550
Joshua Harrington, here.

2264
01:40:36,730 --> 01:40:37,770
Cara Wichman, here.

2265
01:40:40,330 --> 01:40:43,210
So we are looking to vote to appoint Mr.

2266
01:40:43,530 --> 01:40:46,920
Jeffrey Wood as temporary member of the Parks and Rec commission,

2267
01:40:47,370 --> 01:40:50,110
term to expire April 12th, 2027.

2268
01:40:52,970 --> 01:40:53,790
I'll make a motion

2269
01:40:54,870 --> 01:40:57,470
to appoint Jeff Wood,

2270
01:40:58,310 --> 01:41:01,130
with the term to expire as previously said.

2271
01:41:02,850 --> 01:41:03,590
Second that.

2272
01:41:05,050 --> 01:41:05,630
All in favor?

2273
01:41:06,590 --> 01:41:06,830
Aye.

2274
01:41:06,840 --> 01:41:06,890
Aye.

2275
01:41:08,160 --> 01:41:08,160
Aye.

2276
01:41:09,030 --> 01:41:11,110
Motion to adjourn the Parks and Recreation meeting.

2277
01:41:12,110 --> 01:41:12,989
Second that motion.

2278
01:41:15,150 --> 01:41:15,710
All in favor?

2279
01:41:16,030 --> 01:41:16,209
Aye.

2280
01:41:16,600 --> 01:41:17,090
That's easy.

2281
01:41:17,270 --> 01:41:17,770
That was great.

2282
01:41:18,110 --> 01:41:18,870
Those in favor, aye.

2283
01:41:18,950 --> 01:41:19,730
Thank you.

2284
01:41:19,790 --> 01:41:23,410
So Parks and Rec has made a motion, Mr. Chairman.

2285
01:41:23,490 --> 01:41:26,410
I don't know if you want to open up any discussion.

2286
01:41:26,470 --> 01:41:27,550
Yeah, open for discussion.

2287
01:41:28,130 --> 01:41:28,510
Sure.

2288
01:41:29,530 --> 01:41:32,650
I'm great with this. Thank you, Mr. Wood, for offering to step in.

2289
01:41:32,730 --> 01:41:36,350
I read your letter. I know you have experience, and you're just willing to step in

2290
01:41:36,870 --> 01:41:40,350
and help at this point, so I would also support this appointment.

2291
01:41:40,650 --> 01:41:40,870
Thank you.

2292
01:41:41,050 --> 01:41:41,150
Mm-hmm.

2293
01:41:42,070 --> 01:41:44,210
And I was going to, through the chair,

2294
01:41:45,310 --> 01:41:47,630
Mr. Chairman, if Mr. Wood would like to say anything.

2295
01:41:48,150 --> 01:41:50,010
Why he's re-upping again.

2296
01:41:50,430 --> 01:41:51,110
Absolutely.

2297
01:41:51,330 --> 01:41:53,210
I think my wife asked me the same question.

2298
01:41:54,930 --> 01:41:57,990
No, I had just left this board. I think we had a lot of momentum during the time

2299
01:41:58,030 --> 01:42:00,230
that I was there. I really enjoyed it.

2300
01:42:00,590 --> 01:42:04,450
Obviously, I did not run again because of the time constraints that I've had.

2301
01:42:05,150 --> 01:42:07,599
That being said, when I found that someone had stepped aside,

2302
01:42:08,850 --> 01:42:09,790
I've been on a board,

2303
01:42:10,890 --> 01:42:13,670
where we have four members a lot of the time, and it can be difficult, and I didn't

2304
01:42:13,690 --> 01:42:17,310
want these guys to lose their momentum. I've worked with 75% of these guys before.

2305
01:42:17,340 --> 01:42:20,570
I've heard great things about the one that I have not worked with, so I'm very

2306
01:42:20,590 --> 01:42:24,550
excited to step in and close that gap until somebody else in town

2307
01:42:24,570 --> 01:42:25,970
steps in and aims it.

2308
01:42:27,770 --> 01:42:29,730
Nope. Very good. No, I appreciate that.

2309
01:42:29,870 --> 01:42:30,950
I didn't know you personally

2310
01:42:31,890 --> 01:42:35,830
at all, until the previous meeting that we had with

2311
01:42:35,930 --> 01:42:37,750
Parks and Rec on another matter.

2312
01:42:37,930 --> 01:42:38,289
Mm-hmm.

2313
01:42:38,550 --> 01:42:39,890
And I was impressed.

2314
01:42:39,930 --> 01:42:40,110
Mm-hmm.

2315
01:42:41,090 --> 01:42:44,730
And after I learned that you did hold a position on the

2316
01:42:45,290 --> 01:42:45,530
board,

2317
01:42:47,810 --> 01:42:51,430
seeing that you're coming up, I'm like, "It's fantastic." Perfect fit.

2318
01:42:51,650 --> 01:42:51,710
Mm-hmm.

2319
01:42:51,890 --> 01:42:53,900
No learning curve. Jump right in-

2320
01:42:55,490 --> 01:42:55,500
Mm-hmm

2321
01:42:55,500 --> 01:42:56,460
... and make things happen.

2322
01:42:57,070 --> 01:42:57,080
Yep.

2323
01:42:57,080 --> 01:42:57,630
Hopefully.

2324
01:42:57,690 --> 01:42:59,350
So, and again,

2325
01:43:00,230 --> 01:43:03,890
stepping up is something that I think is the backbone of this

2326
01:43:03,930 --> 01:43:04,370
community.

2327
01:43:06,370 --> 01:43:08,590
I'm thrilled when people do it.

2328
01:43:10,150 --> 01:43:11,290
And seeing

2329
01:43:12,450 --> 01:43:14,070
yourself jump back in, as much as

2330
01:43:15,070 --> 01:43:18,210
I hate to see folks, that we're recycling sometimes the same people-

2331
01:43:18,570 --> 01:43:18,650
Right

2332
01:43:18,670 --> 01:43:20,630
... but you know what? Clearly you enjoyed

2333
01:43:21,470 --> 01:43:22,510
doing what you did here-

2334
01:43:22,870 --> 01:43:23,130
Yep

2335
01:43:24,010 --> 01:43:27,330
... with the committee, so I'm pleased to have you back-

2336
01:43:27,610 --> 01:43:27,880
Thank you

2337
01:43:28,110 --> 01:43:28,910
... Mr. Wood, so

2338
01:43:29,810 --> 01:43:30,070
thank you.

2339
01:43:30,762 --> 01:43:31,042
Thank you.

2340
01:43:31,882 --> 01:43:32,322
Any further?

2341
01:43:32,622 --> 01:43:33,602
Actually, yeah. Can I?

2342
01:43:33,662 --> 01:43:34,322
Yes, of course.

2343
01:43:34,402 --> 01:43:36,842
I just want to say, you guys are doing a great job. You've done a lot.

2344
01:43:37,402 --> 01:43:39,142
Everything looks awesome over there.

2345
01:43:39,542 --> 01:43:42,162
And I don't know if you guys want to speak to it, but I've had a couple questions I

2346
01:43:42,182 --> 01:43:44,412
couldn't quite answer about the Family Fun Day. That's you guys, right?

2347
01:43:44,762 --> 01:43:44,792
Mm-hmm.

2348
01:43:44,802 --> 01:43:47,432
September 12th. Does anyone want to just quick shout out about that?

2349
01:43:47,502 --> 01:43:49,312
Because it's awesome you're doing that for the community.

2350
01:43:49,922 --> 01:43:53,042
I think people are really excited to have things that are offered, so thank you

2351
01:43:53,082 --> 01:43:55,802
guys for offering that, and I'm looking forward to going.

2352
01:43:55,822 --> 01:43:59,502
But I think it's at Veterans Memorial, but does anyone want to talk to

2353
01:43:59,562 --> 01:44:00,362
that? You were-

2354
01:44:00,462 --> 01:44:00,922
Am I able to speak?

2355
01:44:00,942 --> 01:44:01,132
Your wheelhouse.

2356
01:44:01,132 --> 01:44:02,402
We did adjourn our meeting.

2357
01:44:02,522 --> 01:44:02,702
Oh.

2358
01:44:02,831 --> 01:44:03,402
Am I able to speak?

2359
01:44:03,602 --> 01:44:04,162
Oh, yeah. That's right.

2360
01:44:04,202 --> 01:44:06,322
If you're just updating the community on an event-

2361
01:44:06,682 --> 01:44:06,762
Sure

2362
01:44:06,782 --> 01:44:09,762
... that's not deliberation, you certainly can speak to that.

2363
01:44:09,822 --> 01:44:09,982
Sure.

2364
01:44:11,062 --> 01:44:13,332
So we ran into some hiccups, but we're working through them.

2365
01:44:13,762 --> 01:44:15,102
We might have to move the date back.

2366
01:44:15,312 --> 01:44:15,312
Okay.

2367
01:44:15,322 --> 01:44:17,621
But we'll let the community know as soon as we figure that out.

2368
01:44:18,162 --> 01:44:21,532
Sounds good. Thank you. But thank you, and full disclosure, Mr.

2369
01:44:21,662 --> 01:44:24,222
Wood was my son's basketball coach. He had a great season.

2370
01:44:24,802 --> 01:44:27,662
So clearly you really care about giving back to your community and serving, so

2371
01:44:28,182 --> 01:44:31,522
thank you for offering to step into this vacancy for the interim. Mm-hmm. Yeah.

2372
01:44:31,862 --> 01:44:32,122
Thank you.

2373
01:44:33,762 --> 01:44:37,542
So I only have one thing to add, and I guess maybe I should paraphrase

2374
01:44:37,582 --> 01:44:38,622
maybe old business.

2375
01:44:39,442 --> 01:44:43,162
So I knew you folks were coming here today, and I, again,

2376
01:44:43,862 --> 01:44:47,842
would like to apologize to everybody in this room for the last time

2377
01:44:47,882 --> 01:44:48,982
we gathered as a group.

2378
01:44:50,222 --> 01:44:52,522
Because we actually called you the man of reason.

2379
01:44:52,822 --> 01:44:53,112
Oh, yeah, yeah.

2380
01:44:53,112 --> 01:44:57,002
But there are some very talented people on your board that are also men

2381
01:44:57,042 --> 01:44:58,262
and women of reason.

2382
01:44:58,382 --> 01:44:58,781
Mm-hmm.

2383
01:44:58,862 --> 01:45:00,722
And having to shut down

2384
01:45:00,782 --> 01:45:03,722
through what it became,

2385
01:45:04,522 --> 01:45:07,082
I apologize to all of you again as a great group.

2386
01:45:07,622 --> 01:45:11,382
Swanzey's lucky to have all of you, and I just thought I'd throw that out there.

2387
01:45:11,882 --> 01:45:12,202
Thank you.

2388
01:45:12,302 --> 01:45:12,542
Thank you.

2389
01:45:12,682 --> 01:45:13,122
Appreciate it.

2390
01:45:14,242 --> 01:45:14,642
That's it.

2391
01:45:15,322 --> 01:45:16,302
You're welcome, and thank you.

2392
01:45:16,602 --> 01:45:16,822
Thank you.

2393
01:45:17,142 --> 01:45:19,762
Well, I think we'll need a motion from the Board of Selectmen.

2394
01:45:20,262 --> 01:45:20,272
Okay.

2395
01:45:20,282 --> 01:45:20,762
So Mr.

2396
01:45:21,742 --> 01:45:25,542
Chairman, I move to appoint Mr. Jeffrey Wood as temporary member of Parks and

2397
01:45:25,602 --> 01:45:28,862
Recreations Commission with a term to expire April 12 of

2398
01:45:29,002 --> 01:45:29,762
2027.

2399
01:45:30,222 --> 01:45:30,542
Second.

2400
01:45:31,802 --> 01:45:32,902
And all in favor?

2401
01:45:32,982 --> 01:45:33,262
Aye.

2402
01:45:33,302 --> 01:45:33,562
Aye.

2403
01:45:33,622 --> 01:45:35,062
That is unanimous. Chairs an aye.

2404
01:45:35,562 --> 01:45:36,002
Thank you, guys.

2405
01:45:36,182 --> 01:45:36,362
Thank you.

2406
01:45:36,372 --> 01:45:37,822
Official. Thank you, everyone.

2407
01:45:39,762 --> 01:45:39,771
Bye.

2408
01:45:45,562 --> 01:45:46,962
Procedurally, do we need to-

2409
01:45:47,862 --> 01:45:48,591
Can we back seat

2410
01:45:48,591 --> 01:45:51,922
... make a motion to take number out of eight back in order, I guess?

2411
01:45:52,162 --> 01:45:53,602
Sure. That sounds right.

2412
01:45:55,702 --> 01:45:57,662
We don't need a motion because it's going back.

2413
01:45:57,782 --> 01:45:58,262
We're back in order.

2414
01:45:58,312 --> 01:45:58,842
Oh, no? Okay.

2415
01:46:01,342 --> 01:46:01,472
Okay.

2416
01:46:01,472 --> 01:46:05,402
Okay, so we've done everything on front of the page except

2417
01:46:05,422 --> 01:46:07,542
for eight, which we will hit now.

2418
01:46:08,602 --> 01:46:08,842
So

2419
01:46:10,162 --> 01:46:13,742
Chair seeks discussion and vote to

2420
01:46:13,782 --> 01:46:17,542
appoint KP Law, PC of Boston, Mass as

2421
01:46:17,582 --> 01:46:21,552
town counsel, and I think I would give the floor to you, Mitch,

2422
01:46:21,642 --> 01:46:22,382
on that.

2423
01:46:22,422 --> 01:46:23,102
Sure. So,

2424
01:46:24,622 --> 01:46:28,582
again, through the chair, the board had asked me when I started, there

2425
01:46:28,602 --> 01:46:31,062
were concerns about the legal budget to take a look at that.

2426
01:46:32,382 --> 01:46:33,102
And given the

2427
01:46:34,782 --> 01:46:38,522
amount of litigation or legal issues that are currently in front of us, I'm looking

2428
01:46:38,622 --> 01:46:39,462
at methods to

2429
01:46:40,862 --> 01:46:44,832
strengthen that line item, but also to potentially save money in that line

2430
01:46:44,862 --> 01:46:45,542
item.

2431
01:46:48,062 --> 01:46:48,542
And

2432
01:46:50,542 --> 01:46:52,462
in doing some research, looking around,

2433
01:46:53,942 --> 01:46:57,762
really in all bi-municipal positions, other than being in cities where you

2434
01:46:57,822 --> 01:46:59,952
have your own internal department,

2435
01:47:01,782 --> 01:47:05,242
about half the commonwealth is represented by KP Law.

2436
01:47:06,122 --> 01:47:09,622
The difference is this, is the days of, I think,

2437
01:47:11,502 --> 01:47:11,752
and

2438
01:47:12,842 --> 01:47:16,082
obviously the board tasked me with doing this, it was something that was on

2439
01:47:16,102 --> 01:47:16,862
everyone's mind,

2440
01:47:18,562 --> 01:47:20,962
but the days of having a general practitioner

2441
01:47:23,122 --> 01:47:26,722
for everything is kind of over. That over the last 50 years, things have

2442
01:47:26,762 --> 01:47:29,782
evolved. So, for example, we have myriad land issues

2443
01:47:30,662 --> 01:47:31,042
right now,

2444
01:47:31,942 --> 01:47:33,202
both at the court level,

2445
01:47:34,402 --> 01:47:34,962
and also

2446
01:47:36,182 --> 01:47:38,822
working back and forth with some issues with developers.

2447
01:47:41,082 --> 01:47:44,622
In an issue where a general counsel might spend five, six billable hours

2448
01:47:44,702 --> 01:47:45,502
researching an issue,

2449
01:47:46,582 --> 01:47:50,402
a firm like KP Law, who specializes in municipal law, will have a land

2450
01:47:50,462 --> 01:47:54,162
use expert on staff that an issue that otherwise might take six hours to

2451
01:47:54,202 --> 01:47:56,042
resolve could be a 15 minute conversation.

2452
01:47:56,802 --> 01:48:00,592
So instead of being billed six hours at $250 an hour, you're being

2453
01:48:00,622 --> 01:48:00,882
billed

2454
01:48:02,042 --> 01:48:05,242
for 15 minutes, in 15 minute increments.

2455
01:48:05,342 --> 01:48:07,122
So, for example, this past year,

2456
01:48:08,842 --> 01:48:09,682
the town had

2457
01:48:11,762 --> 01:48:12,062
made,

2458
01:48:13,102 --> 01:48:15,722
in my estimation of perhaps a poor decision,

2459
01:48:16,702 --> 01:48:20,522
to stop using legal services with about three months

2460
01:48:20,582 --> 01:48:22,522
left in the year because the budget ran out.

2461
01:48:23,302 --> 01:48:26,822
During that three months, there were a bunch of issues that have now ballooned into

2462
01:48:27,642 --> 01:48:30,662
much larger issues that could have been stemmed or handled

2463
01:48:31,362 --> 01:48:34,402
immediately had we engaged with legal services.

2464
01:48:35,062 --> 01:48:37,422
But we were unable to do so because of budgetary constraints.

2465
01:48:38,062 --> 01:48:39,902
The goal is to avoid that next year.

2466
01:48:40,022 --> 01:48:40,822
I will say that

2467
01:48:44,062 --> 01:48:45,982
this year might be tough because of the amount of

2468
01:48:46,802 --> 01:48:49,142
litigation and issues in front of this community.

2469
01:48:49,842 --> 01:48:53,792
But in a community this size, to have a budget that you have, I think

2470
01:48:53,802 --> 01:48:57,322
it's $160,000 for a leader of the line item is high,

2471
01:48:58,182 --> 01:49:01,282
and we want to reduce that, given the fact that we're at the level.

2472
01:49:01,982 --> 01:49:04,242
So, there's really only a couple of firms,

2473
01:49:05,242 --> 01:49:08,582
KP's one, that specializes in municipal and state law,

2474
01:49:09,282 --> 01:49:11,602
and that represents communities throughout the commonwealth.

2475
01:49:13,662 --> 01:49:17,522
And so my recommendation for money saving purposes and for

2476
01:49:17,562 --> 01:49:19,442
a more uniform product,

2477
01:49:20,422 --> 01:49:22,162
with the myriad challenges in front of us,

2478
01:49:23,462 --> 01:49:27,082
would be to move to KP Law. And again,

2479
01:49:27,242 --> 01:49:31,022
understanding that the board had tasked me with looking at this and providing

2480
01:49:31,042 --> 01:49:32,542
alternatives specifically.

2481
01:49:33,502 --> 01:49:36,412
So you have in your packet a letter from senior partner, Ms.

2482
01:49:36,462 --> 01:49:36,902
Goldberg

2483
01:49:38,214 --> 01:49:40,174
Some of you may have actually worked with in the past.

2484
01:49:40,734 --> 01:49:44,054
She's got a reputation in the Commonwealth as being a really good

2485
01:49:45,294 --> 01:49:46,234
municipal lawyer.

2486
01:49:48,214 --> 01:49:48,474
But

2487
01:49:49,274 --> 01:49:52,754
that explains the structure of where we're at. I'm very excited.

2488
01:49:52,854 --> 01:49:55,274
I did get a call about an hour before the meeting

2489
01:49:56,094 --> 01:49:58,254
from Brian Rowley and Tim Zessin, who are

2490
01:49:59,874 --> 01:50:00,754
associates in that firm,

2491
01:50:01,554 --> 01:50:05,413
asking if we needed them here tonight. They offered to come in person.

2492
01:50:05,514 --> 01:50:09,274
It's kind of a hike for one of them, so I said, "We have the letter.

2493
01:50:09,354 --> 01:50:11,334
We've done the vetting internally.

2494
01:50:11,914 --> 01:50:14,574
If you want to come to a future meeting, if the board's so inclined," they're

2495
01:50:14,634 --> 01:50:15,374
offered to do that.

2496
01:50:16,774 --> 01:50:17,354
But really, this

2497
01:50:18,334 --> 01:50:20,114
brings us into best practice with

2498
01:50:21,194 --> 01:50:23,874
more than half of the other communities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

2499
01:50:25,734 --> 01:50:28,314
Or about half, rather,

2500
01:50:32,504 --> 01:50:32,504
sorry.

2501
01:50:32,974 --> 01:50:33,644
Any discussion?

2502
01:50:34,814 --> 01:50:36,134
Sure. So

2503
01:50:37,054 --> 01:50:39,374
this was a concern of mine. And

2504
01:50:40,194 --> 01:50:43,314
when I was first elected, it was explained to me that typically in the summer, the

2505
01:50:43,334 --> 01:50:46,794
board brings forth their priorities. This was going to be one of my priorities.

2506
01:50:47,354 --> 01:50:49,654
And so you reinitiated that when we talked about that.

2507
01:50:49,894 --> 01:50:53,784
It is concerning to me that we exceeded our legal budget line item this year, and

2508
01:50:53,794 --> 01:50:56,594
we needed several year-end transfers. We obviously don't want that to happen again.

2509
01:50:56,654 --> 01:50:58,494
Obviously, next year might be a little difficult.

2510
01:50:58,554 --> 01:50:58,704
But

2511
01:50:59,534 --> 01:51:02,934
looking through this proposal, and thank you for highlighting too, that you did say

2512
01:51:02,974 --> 01:51:06,844
you vetted other law firms. This seemed like the best fit,

2513
01:51:07,154 --> 01:51:09,054
and I liked a few things about this.

2514
01:51:09,234 --> 01:51:13,164
So I liked the experience listed with how many cities

2515
01:51:13,174 --> 01:51:16,574
and towns they represent in Massachusetts and for how many years, and that several

2516
01:51:16,654 --> 01:51:20,394
actually returned to this law firm after going elsewhere for services.

2517
01:51:21,594 --> 01:51:24,154
Their hourly rate is comparable to our current hourly rate.

2518
01:51:24,534 --> 01:51:28,034
However, if a paralegal does the work, they only charge us half that amount of

2519
01:51:28,074 --> 01:51:31,674
money. So I think that's very fiscally responsible, and I've heard from a lot of

2520
01:51:31,714 --> 01:51:35,354
people in town and A&F members, they're very concerned about the legal

2521
01:51:35,364 --> 01:51:39,334
budget. There was one specific example that I was made aware

2522
01:51:39,414 --> 01:51:43,274
of where we were billed around $10,000 for something, and you explained to

2523
01:51:43,314 --> 01:51:46,934
me in your experience in Hopedale for something like that, you'd be billed

2524
01:51:46,974 --> 01:51:48,154
under $1,000.

2525
01:51:48,173 --> 01:51:48,914
It was a routine issue.

2526
01:51:48,994 --> 01:51:52,564
Yeah, a routine issue. So that is a 90% savings on one

2527
01:51:52,594 --> 01:51:56,514
thing. So I think if we're being fiscally

2528
01:51:56,574 --> 01:52:00,344
responsible and trying to do what's best in a timely manner with

2529
01:52:01,474 --> 01:52:03,334
very specific things that come up,

2530
01:52:04,614 --> 01:52:07,743
I think this is good. And one thing I did want to say also that I noticed on their

2531
01:52:07,774 --> 01:52:11,554
list of specifics is waterways. That's very important to some

2532
01:52:11,594 --> 01:52:15,494
residents in Swansea. And so I think that's helpful to know that they have someone

2533
01:52:15,514 --> 01:52:19,494
who can specifically maybe help us with that when we look at that at some

2534
01:52:19,534 --> 01:52:23,514
point. But that caught my eye, because that is important to some members of our

2535
01:52:23,534 --> 01:52:23,934
community.

2536
01:52:27,354 --> 01:52:30,924
And again, yeah, just the ability to have this specific counsel for specific

2537
01:52:31,034 --> 01:52:34,814
issues should help us respond to things in a timely manner

2538
01:52:35,414 --> 01:52:39,334
that's not frustrating to our constituents, where sometimes there's a delay

2539
01:52:39,794 --> 01:52:42,474
which may impact business or whatever it is.

2540
01:52:42,554 --> 01:52:42,604
So

2541
01:52:43,894 --> 01:52:47,654
I would support this. It makes sense to me.

2542
01:52:49,514 --> 01:52:49,834
That's all.

2543
01:52:50,754 --> 01:52:51,134
Thank you.

2544
01:52:53,794 --> 01:52:54,534
For myself, the

2545
01:52:56,434 --> 01:52:59,514
budget and the financial aspect of it does make sense.

2546
01:53:00,774 --> 01:53:01,994
We know that the town's been,

2547
01:53:03,854 --> 01:53:04,734
what's the word that I'm looking for?

2548
01:53:04,874 --> 01:53:06,114
Blessed with a myriad of-

2549
01:53:06,474 --> 01:53:06,534
Mm

2550
01:53:07,014 --> 01:53:07,274
... legal

2551
01:53:08,654 --> 01:53:09,274
issues that

2552
01:53:11,434 --> 01:53:11,794
we've been

2553
01:53:12,734 --> 01:53:15,674
forced to address, and clearly this

2554
01:53:16,334 --> 01:53:18,754
firm has the

2555
01:53:19,934 --> 01:53:23,634
breadth and width and bandwidth and all that other stuff

2556
01:53:23,734 --> 01:53:27,214
to be able to handle anything that this

2557
01:53:27,274 --> 01:53:29,574
particular town is able

2558
01:53:30,754 --> 01:53:31,794
to throw at it.

2559
01:53:33,694 --> 01:53:37,564
So I think it is financially responsible going with them, considering

2560
01:53:37,594 --> 01:53:40,334
some of their billings and their practices and their

2561
01:53:41,074 --> 01:53:41,594
experience.

2562
01:53:42,854 --> 01:53:46,794
And I do support this. But just another question,

2563
01:53:48,314 --> 01:53:52,294
only because I've had some time to think about it, and I think

2564
01:53:52,374 --> 01:53:56,294
back to my time on the planning board where

2565
01:53:56,834 --> 01:53:58,234
we'd have some of these third-party

2566
01:53:59,933 --> 01:54:03,894
review consultants who we used to

2567
01:54:03,954 --> 01:54:07,584
review applications and used to review submitting engineers'

2568
01:54:07,754 --> 01:54:11,614
work and whatnot. And we had, I don't want to call it a bucket, we

2569
01:54:11,714 --> 01:54:14,374
had less than a handful of firms that we would be able to-

2570
01:54:15,174 --> 01:54:15,274
Right

2571
01:54:15,294 --> 01:54:17,284
... go out to. And we did that

2572
01:54:20,554 --> 01:54:23,334
by design, which has sort of kept everybody honest.

2573
01:54:24,554 --> 01:54:27,834
I don't know if that's necessary here, but is it something that should be

2574
01:54:27,874 --> 01:54:29,114
considered where we have,

2575
01:54:30,054 --> 01:54:33,314
it's like, okay, KP, you are really strong

2576
01:54:33,394 --> 01:54:36,914
in dealing with this type of problem,

2577
01:54:37,494 --> 01:54:40,984
and then maybe there's a firm that is more apt to deal with another

2578
01:54:41,094 --> 01:54:43,034
problem and whatnot.

2579
01:54:43,294 --> 01:54:43,494
Yeah.

2580
01:54:44,334 --> 01:54:46,714
To address that specifically, because that's actually,

2581
01:54:47,534 --> 01:54:50,714
through the chair, a really good question, because there's a couple distinctions

2582
01:54:50,774 --> 01:54:54,494
there. And to bring it into your world as an architect,

2583
01:54:56,514 --> 01:54:59,494
for example, when towns need engineering services, they either go with Weston &

2584
01:54:59,554 --> 01:55:02,914
Sampson or Tighe and Bond. Those are the two. They have their market corners.

2585
01:55:02,924 --> 01:55:03,724
Sisson and Campbell. Some of those.

2586
01:55:03,724 --> 01:55:07,714
Okay. Yeah. In the central part of the state, heading east, it's

2587
01:55:08,214 --> 01:55:09,494
Tighe and Bond, Weston & Sampson.

2588
01:55:10,814 --> 01:55:14,254
Those services are exempt from procurement, but they've built such a strong

2589
01:55:14,314 --> 01:55:18,094
reputation in the field of municipal engineering that's who you

2590
01:55:18,194 --> 01:55:20,314
do. Now, for specialty services,

2591
01:55:22,374 --> 01:55:26,354
the way that I've normally seen this work in other communities is you have

2592
01:55:27,814 --> 01:55:31,694
somebody like KP that has a full stable of attorneys that could

2593
01:55:31,774 --> 01:55:32,134
deal with

2594
01:55:33,054 --> 01:55:36,954
zoning issues, land issues, labor law, a generalist

2595
01:55:37,014 --> 01:55:38,194
that's going to be your point person.

2596
01:55:38,594 --> 01:55:41,234
Should any of you have a day-to-day question, you would call the generalist.

2597
01:55:41,754 --> 01:55:44,974
If it's something they can't answer, they have somebody in the firm that can, and

2598
01:55:44,994 --> 01:55:46,674
you're only being billed once for the service.

2599
01:55:47,630 --> 01:55:51,430
Where you would go out to hire a specialist would be if you

2600
01:55:51,490 --> 01:55:53,850
enter into high-profile litigation,

2601
01:55:55,010 --> 01:55:56,030
specialty litigation,

2602
01:55:57,510 --> 01:55:58,270
something like

2603
01:56:00,070 --> 01:56:03,850
in Milford, who is self-insured, there was a discrimination

2604
01:56:03,910 --> 01:56:04,370
lawsuit.

2605
01:56:05,550 --> 01:56:09,270
General counsel, which Milford has internally, didn't have the capacity to handle

2606
01:56:09,310 --> 01:56:12,450
it, so they hired a firm out of Boston just for the litigation.

2607
01:56:12,470 --> 01:56:14,810
It would be special counsel for litigation.

2608
01:56:15,230 --> 01:56:16,930
In cases that are high profile

2609
01:56:17,930 --> 01:56:21,870
that require active court litigation, you might consider bringing in a firm that

2610
01:56:21,950 --> 01:56:23,870
specializes in a particular subfield.

2611
01:56:24,970 --> 01:56:28,189
For example, like an environmental concern. If you had an issue with the...

2612
01:56:29,710 --> 01:56:30,350
I'll use

2613
01:56:31,390 --> 01:56:33,670
just a hypothetical so we don't get in trouble.

2614
01:56:33,730 --> 01:56:37,030
But if you had an issue with a contaminated site or

2615
01:56:38,070 --> 01:56:38,810
a brownfield,

2616
01:56:39,750 --> 01:56:43,530
you might consider bringing in a specialty firm, a boutique

2617
01:56:43,590 --> 01:56:47,010
firm that handles that issue. Aside from those very

2618
01:56:47,130 --> 01:56:50,750
particular and narrow instances, which they're capable of handling, it's just not

2619
01:56:51,750 --> 01:56:54,969
in higher profile cases, you might want something more specialized.

2620
01:56:57,570 --> 01:56:58,190
Barring that,

2621
01:56:59,010 --> 01:57:00,970
this firm would have the capacity to handle

2622
01:57:01,810 --> 01:57:05,470
nearly 100% of the issues that we currently have that I'm aware of.

2623
01:57:06,770 --> 01:57:09,120
But to your question, yes, there are instances,

2624
01:57:09,200 --> 01:57:12,890
specialty instances, where I would come in front of a board

2625
01:57:14,510 --> 01:57:15,690
with KP and say,

2626
01:57:16,970 --> 01:57:20,170
"This case is going to require X amount of litigation, X amount of hours.

2627
01:57:20,710 --> 01:57:24,570
You might consider recommended firms to handle that." Those

2628
01:57:24,610 --> 01:57:28,150
are rare, and quite frankly, you probably don't want to be involved with them, but

2629
01:57:28,210 --> 01:57:30,090
if they occur, you have the option to do that.

2630
01:57:31,250 --> 01:57:32,609
It's entirely the board's discretion.

2631
01:57:32,850 --> 01:57:33,150
Sure.

2632
01:57:35,390 --> 01:57:38,070
Last question. How long are typical

2633
01:57:40,210 --> 01:57:43,770
contracts with the firms? I forget if we re-up it

2634
01:57:43,790 --> 01:57:45,030
annually or if it's-

2635
01:57:45,290 --> 01:57:45,950
It's normally annually.

2636
01:57:46,010 --> 01:57:46,850
It is. Okay.

2637
01:57:49,030 --> 01:57:50,150
That's all I have. Thank you.

2638
01:57:53,270 --> 01:57:53,850
Any further?

2639
01:57:58,750 --> 01:58:00,790
So with that being said, I don't really have any questions.

2640
01:58:00,870 --> 01:58:04,110
I think the two of you hit everything on the head pretty good.

2641
01:58:05,030 --> 01:58:06,590
Mitch, thank you for that feedback.

2642
01:58:07,430 --> 01:58:09,900
The only question I would have is how many

2643
01:58:10,810 --> 01:58:13,410
years did you have experience working with these folks?

2644
01:58:15,390 --> 01:58:18,190
I worked with KP Law when I was in Rutland.

2645
01:58:19,570 --> 01:58:22,730
I worked with them on opposing issues when I was in Worcester, for the City of

2646
01:58:22,770 --> 01:58:23,190
Worcester.

2647
01:58:25,250 --> 01:58:28,710
I was working with them on the periphery when I worked for the Commonwealth.

2648
01:58:29,630 --> 01:58:31,690
They do represent the town of Hopedale.

2649
01:58:33,490 --> 01:58:36,880
Really, anyone who's worked in municipal government, whether it's on their side or

2650
01:58:36,930 --> 01:58:40,650
opposing side, has worked with or around KP Law

2651
01:58:40,770 --> 01:58:42,030
in some fashion.

2652
01:58:43,290 --> 01:58:46,310
The business model for them is straightforward.

2653
01:58:46,880 --> 01:58:48,590
They specialize in municipal law.

2654
01:58:49,310 --> 01:58:50,039
In my opinion,

2655
01:58:51,270 --> 01:58:55,230
you work with, unfortunately, there's a lawyer joke

2656
01:58:55,270 --> 01:58:56,750
in here somewhere, but

2657
01:58:57,810 --> 01:59:01,010
in municipal realm, you work with a lot of attorneys for different issues on

2658
01:59:01,030 --> 01:59:01,610
different things.

2659
01:59:03,430 --> 01:59:07,259
And I think some of the most upstanding and ethical people I've worked with in my

2660
01:59:07,330 --> 01:59:08,550
career in the legal profession

2661
01:59:09,370 --> 01:59:13,330
have been at firms like KP Law because there's really no incentive

2662
01:59:13,390 --> 01:59:16,930
for them personally to do anything except represent

2663
01:59:16,990 --> 01:59:20,010
municipalities, because that's really all they do.

2664
01:59:20,850 --> 01:59:23,390
They're not taking anything for winnings.

2665
01:59:23,470 --> 01:59:26,270
They're not based on any sort of contingency model.

2666
01:59:26,330 --> 01:59:26,510
It's

2667
01:59:27,770 --> 01:59:30,530
just a good, honest service.

2668
01:59:32,110 --> 01:59:32,530
So really,

2669
01:59:33,730 --> 01:59:36,170
I'm comfortable with it because it is a best practice.

2670
01:59:36,570 --> 01:59:37,970
That's why they have so many communities.

2671
01:59:38,670 --> 01:59:41,730
But I really do think that if any of you have any questions

2672
01:59:42,670 --> 01:59:46,270
for them, and I want to hear the feedback, but I feel like the

2673
01:59:46,370 --> 01:59:47,810
services you're going to be provided

2674
01:59:48,630 --> 01:59:51,630
are going to be concise, they're going to be consistent,

2675
01:59:52,510 --> 01:59:55,610
and I do believe that the board's going to enjoy working with the folks that are

2676
01:59:55,650 --> 01:59:56,130
over there.

2677
01:59:58,170 --> 02:00:01,190
I do have one more question that just popped in my mind.

2678
02:00:01,250 --> 02:00:01,410
Sure.

2679
02:00:01,590 --> 02:00:04,199
What are we anticipating as far as setting on the savings?

2680
02:00:05,810 --> 02:00:08,550
It's hard to say because in a normal year,

2681
02:00:09,410 --> 02:00:13,330
I think you have a few abnormal situations that obviously the board's aware

2682
02:00:13,350 --> 02:00:13,670
of, but

2683
02:00:14,870 --> 02:00:15,870
that have to be dealt with.

2684
02:00:19,270 --> 02:00:21,050
I think in a normal year,

2685
02:00:22,610 --> 02:00:25,550
the 160 is high.

2686
02:00:25,990 --> 02:00:27,050
Yeah.

2687
02:00:27,790 --> 02:00:31,230
I would probably, if I just looked at the community

2688
02:00:31,250 --> 02:00:34,970
size and the structure of the town and knew nothing else about the

2689
02:00:35,010 --> 02:00:35,810
internal workings,

2690
02:00:36,650 --> 02:00:39,810
I would budget 120 for the legal line item

2691
02:00:41,250 --> 02:00:41,980
in a normal year.

2692
02:00:43,330 --> 02:00:46,870
Last year, we budgeted 160, and I think we had to

2693
02:00:46,910 --> 02:00:50,300
allocate two separate additional appropriations to increase that

2694
02:00:50,310 --> 02:00:52,250
number. I think that's

2695
02:00:53,350 --> 02:00:55,110
high. That's not to say there's not a lot of work.

2696
02:00:55,390 --> 02:00:58,490
I just think that we need to look at more efficient options,

2697
02:00:59,330 --> 02:01:01,350
which is why each of you had independently,

2698
02:01:02,570 --> 02:01:05,920
in a non-coordinated fashion, had, "We need to look at this, you need to look at

2699
02:01:06,130 --> 02:01:09,050
this, you need to look at this." I've heard the same thing from department heads.

2700
02:01:09,630 --> 02:01:11,290
That $10,000 incident that

2701
02:01:12,110 --> 02:01:14,570
Member Solitra brought up was a good example of...

2702
02:01:16,090 --> 02:01:16,510
That was,

2703
02:01:17,650 --> 02:01:18,350
in my opinion,

2704
02:01:20,690 --> 02:01:24,530
we should have contested that perhaps at the time.

2705
02:01:25,010 --> 02:01:28,260
Not to say it was dishonest, it's just I think you need to feel comfortable with

2706
02:01:28,290 --> 02:01:29,570
what you're paying for in that instance.

2707
02:01:30,570 --> 02:01:34,280
And just for the public's awareness, that incident in particular not

2708
02:01:34,310 --> 02:01:35,650
to have it shrouded in mystery,

2709
02:01:37,290 --> 02:01:39,900
a lot of times as a regular course of business,

2710
02:01:40,950 --> 02:01:44,730
police departments, and this is just a general comment, this is public, it's not

2711
02:01:44,770 --> 02:01:47,310
going to get anybody in trouble. Police departments get sued.

2712
02:01:47,850 --> 02:01:49,490
There are certain instances where

2713
02:01:50,446 --> 02:01:54,346
The chief and the department has to make a judgment call to remove

2714
02:01:54,406 --> 02:01:57,386
firearms from properties for myriad reasons.

2715
02:01:57,426 --> 02:02:00,966
Most of them are mental health, safety, there's children involved.

2716
02:02:01,226 --> 02:02:03,606
There's a whole spectrum of reasons why you would have to do it.

2717
02:02:04,606 --> 02:02:07,546
So you would go to the court, get permission to do it, and then do it.

2718
02:02:08,366 --> 02:02:08,746
Under

2719
02:02:10,446 --> 02:02:13,826
massive federal law, an individual has the right to contest that,

2720
02:02:14,366 --> 02:02:15,826
right? Because it's a federal

2721
02:02:17,126 --> 02:02:18,706
right, the Second Amendment.

2722
02:02:20,546 --> 02:02:24,526
And that's pretty cut and dry. Normally, a procedure, what you would have done

2723
02:02:24,586 --> 02:02:27,466
there is an attorney would come in, go in front of a judge.

2724
02:02:27,646 --> 02:02:31,546
99.9% of the time, the judge says the police department's actions

2725
02:02:31,566 --> 02:02:32,666
were justifiable

2726
02:02:33,586 --> 02:02:35,826
for XYZ, as long as it's documented properly.

2727
02:02:36,646 --> 02:02:38,486
That's a flat rate fee. It's a one-time appearance.

2728
02:02:38,846 --> 02:02:42,746
That happens probably in a community this size, it might happen five or six

2729
02:02:42,786 --> 02:02:45,766
times a year, and the public never hears about it just because it's a procedural

2730
02:02:45,806 --> 02:02:46,026
thing.

2731
02:02:47,186 --> 02:02:48,186
For whatever reason,

2732
02:02:49,006 --> 02:02:51,526
every community I've ever worked in that's had that happen, it's been

2733
02:02:52,386 --> 02:02:55,406
1,000 bucks because it's really like an hour or two worth of work and an

2734
02:02:55,446 --> 02:02:59,426
appearance. In this particular instance, the police chief got a bill for

2735
02:02:59,466 --> 02:03:02,286
over $10,000, and I've never seen anything like that.

2736
02:03:03,366 --> 02:03:07,166
So different departments have had different concerns about the services

2737
02:03:07,206 --> 02:03:08,706
being provided.

2738
02:03:09,686 --> 02:03:13,606
And we've also had instances where we've had to engage

2739
02:03:13,666 --> 02:03:16,236
in third party upon third party law firms.

2740
02:03:16,306 --> 02:03:19,746
So you're having one law firm do work for, let's say,

2741
02:03:19,846 --> 02:03:20,966
a report,

2742
02:03:22,126 --> 02:03:25,026
and then that gets reviewed by another legal entity, which then bills the town

2743
02:03:25,066 --> 02:03:25,786
again for it.

2744
02:03:26,666 --> 02:03:30,386
There's just been a lot of duplicity, and so to answer your question

2745
02:03:30,806 --> 02:03:31,646
directly, sir,

2746
02:03:33,246 --> 02:03:35,796
if I didn't know anything that was going on in the background and I just looked at

2747
02:03:35,826 --> 02:03:39,616
the town, its overall operating budget, and the population, I would say I'll budget

2748
02:03:39,706 --> 02:03:43,686
120, and if we have to maybe backfill it at the end of the year by 20 or 30, we

2749
02:03:43,746 --> 02:03:47,466
do. I would say that what happened over the last couple of years is kind of an

2750
02:03:47,506 --> 02:03:49,186
anomaly, and we have to correct that.

2751
02:03:51,826 --> 02:03:52,946
Appreciate that. Thank you.

2752
02:03:55,426 --> 02:03:56,386
Any further discussion?

2753
02:03:57,366 --> 02:03:59,966
I have one more thing. Sorry. I had it in my notes and forgot to read, was just

2754
02:04:00,026 --> 02:04:03,466
that I noticed also in their proposal that they provide free services and

2755
02:04:03,666 --> 02:04:07,146
information quarterly. If we want to take advantage of that, we can look at that

2756
02:04:07,186 --> 02:04:10,826
too. But I thought that was nice, just updates on best practice or

2757
02:04:10,946 --> 02:04:11,206
current

2758
02:04:12,126 --> 02:04:15,976
legal stuff. So I thought that was nice that they offer that if we wish to

2759
02:04:16,006 --> 02:04:18,246
take them up on that. That's something they provide for free.

2760
02:04:18,606 --> 02:04:19,046
Agreed.

2761
02:04:20,186 --> 02:04:21,066
That's all. Thanks.

2762
02:04:23,106 --> 02:04:25,846
Yeah, if I can through the chair, just add one more thing.

2763
02:04:26,366 --> 02:04:26,376
Of course.

2764
02:04:26,406 --> 02:04:30,286
KP Law, and I want the board to feel comfortable,

2765
02:04:31,546 --> 02:04:34,066
you're the client, not me, not my office.

2766
02:04:34,826 --> 02:04:38,476
So whatever issues you have, you're going to be dealing with them directly.

2767
02:04:38,526 --> 02:04:42,086
Now, I'm going to be the conduit to talk to them, but ultimately,

2768
02:04:42,946 --> 02:04:46,926
this is really you're the client, you're the hire, you're their priority.

2769
02:04:48,706 --> 02:04:48,966
So

2770
02:04:50,046 --> 02:04:53,726
when this switch occurs, I just wanted to make you aware that

2771
02:04:54,626 --> 02:04:58,275
you have the liberties as the client to make those connections, and I would

2772
02:04:58,286 --> 02:05:00,706
encourage you to do that with these folks.

2773
02:05:01,426 --> 02:05:03,646
Well, it sounds like they're not charging by the word.

2774
02:05:06,166 --> 02:05:06,406
Right.

2775
02:05:08,926 --> 02:05:09,406
Okay.

2776
02:05:10,186 --> 02:05:10,196
Okay.

2777
02:05:10,226 --> 02:05:10,926
So we need a motion.

2778
02:05:11,666 --> 02:05:12,076
Taking one.

2779
02:05:13,226 --> 02:05:16,826
Mr. Chairman, I move to appoint KP Law PC of

2780
02:05:16,926 --> 02:05:19,766
Boston, Massachusetts, as town counsel.

2781
02:05:20,486 --> 02:05:20,806
Second.

2782
02:05:22,506 --> 02:05:23,866
If no further discussion,

2783
02:05:24,666 --> 02:05:25,726
looking to see

2784
02:05:26,806 --> 02:05:28,566
a vote.

2785
02:05:30,346 --> 02:05:31,446
Seleca's an aye in favor.

2786
02:05:31,706 --> 02:05:31,966
Aye.

2787
02:05:32,846 --> 02:05:35,186
And chair's an aye. That is unanimous. Number eight.

2788
02:05:39,106 --> 02:05:39,586
Okay.

2789
02:05:41,366 --> 02:05:42,346
Four is done.

2790
02:05:43,806 --> 02:05:45,386
Down to 13, Mr.

2791
02:05:47,546 --> 02:05:47,576
Chairman.

2792
02:05:47,576 --> 02:05:49,986
Thirteen, old business. Any old business today?

2793
02:05:51,866 --> 02:05:52,726
None at this time for me.

2794
02:05:53,506 --> 02:05:57,386
Mr. Chairman, I have one item of old business to discuss, and that is

2795
02:05:57,446 --> 02:06:00,786
relative to a decision this board made

2796
02:06:00,846 --> 02:06:04,366
regarding the sale of the tax title

2797
02:06:04,406 --> 02:06:05,395
property over at

2798
02:06:06,486 --> 02:06:10,466
Peach Street and Wilbur Avenue. I've had some

2799
02:06:10,745 --> 02:06:14,466
local business owners reach out to me,

2800
02:06:14,806 --> 02:06:18,406
asking if there was any way that we could reconsider that vote because they

2801
02:06:18,626 --> 02:06:22,086
feel that utilization of that piece of

2802
02:06:22,126 --> 02:06:26,026
property for a municipal parking lot would be something

2803
02:06:26,046 --> 02:06:29,966
worth exploring. And it was actually kind of exacerbated,

2804
02:06:30,026 --> 02:06:31,766
or the question really came up also

2805
02:06:33,266 --> 02:06:35,686
for the folks that did watch, was that the

2806
02:06:36,866 --> 02:06:40,766
highway director really didn't have a lot of time to sort

2807
02:06:40,786 --> 02:06:44,325
of vet through that. It was taken on a recommendation

2808
02:06:46,226 --> 02:06:46,606
by

2809
02:06:48,426 --> 02:06:50,606
our collector, I believe it was, to

2810
02:06:51,426 --> 02:06:51,786
sell

2811
02:06:52,766 --> 02:06:54,046
the property.

2812
02:06:55,526 --> 02:06:59,306
I don't know if it's a matter of that ship has sailed,

2813
02:06:59,606 --> 02:07:00,746
and so be it.

2814
02:07:02,026 --> 02:07:02,366
But

2815
02:07:03,906 --> 02:07:06,906
again, I just wanted to bring it out there under old business that

2816
02:07:08,066 --> 02:07:11,906
there are some folks out there disappointed relative to the decision on

2817
02:07:11,926 --> 02:07:15,526
the subject matter, and that we missed an opportunity for

2818
02:07:16,406 --> 02:07:18,866
at least from a napkin sketch that

2819
02:07:20,606 --> 02:07:24,486
I did. I think we could have gotten at least a dozen cars in there with

2820
02:07:24,986 --> 02:07:28,786
maybe even some opportunities for some EV parking, which would have probably

2821
02:07:28,846 --> 02:07:32,806
turned into a funding mechanism. Not very large, to say the

2822
02:07:32,846 --> 02:07:33,956
least, but

2823
02:07:35,406 --> 02:07:37,456
for folks seeking a cup of coffee

2824
02:07:38,406 --> 02:07:41,376
over at Raya's, if you've seen that parking lot sometimes,

2825
02:07:41,786 --> 02:07:45,046
I can say that I've driven past it because there's no

2826
02:07:45,086 --> 02:07:48,986
parking. This right here would have helped an opportunity like that, and I'm

2827
02:07:49,026 --> 02:07:52,826
sure folks over at Black Salt and some of the other local

2828
02:07:52,906 --> 02:07:54,846
businesses would have probably appreciated that well.

2829
02:07:55,026 --> 02:07:58,436
And I think it would have fit into the Some of the visioning that we have for Route

2830
02:07:58,586 --> 02:08:01,446
103 to make it more shoppable, walkable,

2831
02:08:02,846 --> 02:08:04,126
et cetera. So anyway,

2832
02:08:04,926 --> 02:08:07,886
I don't know if there is such a means to

2833
02:08:08,826 --> 02:08:09,366
undo.

2834
02:08:10,266 --> 02:08:13,446
But again, if anything, I just wanted to bring it up that

2835
02:08:14,626 --> 02:08:18,106
this particular selectman has been reached out to on numerous occasions

2836
02:08:18,486 --> 02:08:19,206
relative to that.

2837
02:08:21,926 --> 02:08:22,706
Elena, do you have anything?

2838
02:08:22,946 --> 02:08:26,426
Sure. So, I also was reached out to by one of the business owners the day after

2839
02:08:26,466 --> 02:08:29,206
this vote. So for people not familiar, we did have

2840
02:08:30,086 --> 02:08:33,886
a split vote. It was a two-third majority vote to sell this

2841
02:08:33,946 --> 02:08:34,646
piece of property,

2842
02:08:35,826 --> 02:08:39,386
which I think the assessed tax value was around $132,000.

2843
02:08:40,666 --> 02:08:44,656
It was recommended by Bill Anderson of Highway and Scott Wolleberry, Assistant

2844
02:08:45,126 --> 02:08:47,946
Highway Department. Mr. Ricciti also recommended it.

2845
02:08:47,966 --> 02:08:51,706
I kind of asked, "What does everyone recommend to sell it?" To me,

2846
02:08:53,106 --> 02:08:55,346
we keep hearing FY28 is going to be very difficult.

2847
02:08:56,086 --> 02:08:59,926
So to me, if that's an opportunity to get a little bit of money back to the town,

2848
02:08:59,986 --> 02:09:03,916
that makes sense to me. And I also tried to think, if this question

2849
02:09:03,986 --> 02:09:06,546
went before the town at town meeting, how would that vote go?

2850
02:09:07,066 --> 02:09:10,726
I'm fairly confident to say that the town's people would vote to

2851
02:09:10,846 --> 02:09:11,466
sell this.

2852
02:09:13,486 --> 02:09:16,726
I did look into it, though, when we received an email asking if we'd consider

2853
02:09:17,306 --> 02:09:20,726
revisiting this. So I did some research.

2854
02:09:20,806 --> 02:09:22,246
I spoke with our tax collector,

2855
02:09:23,106 --> 02:09:25,866
just to be sure there were no procedural errors.

2856
02:09:25,906 --> 02:09:28,646
We did not make any procedural errors with that night in the vote.

2857
02:09:28,686 --> 02:09:32,606
There was no new information. We knew that number of the $132,000 that night.

2858
02:09:32,926 --> 02:09:36,446
Additionally, after a vote like this has taken place, it has

2859
02:09:36,466 --> 02:09:39,546
never been reversed at all in the state of Massachusetts.

2860
02:09:40,026 --> 02:09:40,266
So,

2861
02:09:42,726 --> 02:09:45,206
I stand by my initial vote. I think that

2862
02:09:46,986 --> 02:09:49,866
obviously there's interest in the property, so if it were to go up for sale, maybe

2863
02:09:49,906 --> 02:09:52,006
those business owners would be interested in buying it.

2864
02:09:52,946 --> 02:09:56,186
I think at that initial meeting, they also mentioned a family adjacent to it is

2865
02:09:56,206 --> 02:10:00,166
interested, so it seems like there are interested buyers if we were to

2866
02:10:00,186 --> 02:10:03,966
sell it. I just think it's acting in the best interest financially for the

2867
02:10:04,006 --> 02:10:04,846
town. So, I

2868
02:10:05,925 --> 02:10:07,506
stand by my vote that night.

2869
02:10:09,726 --> 02:10:11,046
So, is that it?

2870
02:10:11,586 --> 02:10:12,126
Yes. Thank you.

2871
02:10:12,616 --> 02:10:13,486
Okay. So I would

2872
02:10:14,326 --> 02:10:14,775
say that

2873
02:10:17,166 --> 02:10:20,006
I speak to both of my fellow board members here.

2874
02:10:21,426 --> 02:10:23,896
Bob, I know how hard you work on 103.

2875
02:10:23,946 --> 02:10:24,136
Mm-hmm.

2876
02:10:24,636 --> 02:10:28,426
And I definitely know that those merchants would have you as a contact to speak

2877
02:10:28,466 --> 02:10:28,726
to.

2878
02:10:29,526 --> 02:10:30,326
And I

2879
02:10:31,926 --> 02:10:35,726
don't mean to disrespect them and their concerns with what they have for space-

2880
02:10:35,886 --> 02:10:36,086
Mm-hmm

2881
02:10:36,106 --> 02:10:36,106
...

2882
02:10:36,946 --> 02:10:40,786
but I definitely agree with, I just don't think it would be a good

2883
02:10:40,926 --> 02:10:44,306
look for us to consider reversing that

2884
02:10:44,446 --> 02:10:44,946
vote.

2885
02:10:46,366 --> 02:10:47,926
We're new as a team,

2886
02:10:48,846 --> 02:10:52,586
and I think we should stick by our original vote

2887
02:10:53,226 --> 02:10:56,866
just for the image of being indecisive.

2888
02:11:00,046 --> 02:11:03,946
So, as chair, I would also stand by my

2889
02:11:04,006 --> 02:11:07,956
original vote on that, with all due respect to you, Bob, and your reference

2890
02:11:07,966 --> 02:11:07,976
document.

2891
02:11:08,006 --> 02:11:10,366
No, look, I'm not asking for

2892
02:11:11,346 --> 02:11:15,326
any apologies or whatnot. The vote at the table

2893
02:11:15,426 --> 02:11:15,846
stands.

2894
02:11:17,126 --> 02:11:19,046
I was literally just bringing it up.

2895
02:11:19,406 --> 02:11:23,226
So if you folks haven't heard from some of the people out there,

2896
02:11:23,466 --> 02:11:27,306
I have, and probably because I am sort of like a conduit for everything

2897
02:11:27,466 --> 02:11:27,946
103-

2898
02:11:28,366 --> 02:11:28,606
Yes

2899
02:11:28,686 --> 02:11:32,086
... for it. But look, opportunities come, and

2900
02:11:32,166 --> 02:11:33,146
opportunities go.

2901
02:11:35,666 --> 02:11:35,786
I'm

2902
02:11:36,686 --> 02:11:37,126
committed

2903
02:11:38,086 --> 02:11:40,566
to the betterment of Route 103 for this town.

2904
02:11:40,946 --> 02:11:41,106
As we all are.

2905
02:11:41,666 --> 02:11:44,606
And I'm going to keep plugging away.

2906
02:11:44,886 --> 02:11:45,086
Yeah.

2907
02:11:45,126 --> 02:11:45,686
Regardless.

2908
02:11:46,286 --> 02:11:50,006
Can I just add one thing? I appreciate the ability, too, for us to have

2909
02:11:50,026 --> 02:11:53,916
discussions like this and disagree, but be able to, I think you're doing a good

2910
02:11:53,966 --> 02:11:57,686
job of trying to bring forth the voice, right, of the

2911
02:11:57,706 --> 02:11:59,356
community or those people.

2912
02:12:00,306 --> 02:12:02,046
But I appreciate having the discussion.

2913
02:12:02,866 --> 02:12:05,606
And sometimes they're not always easy, but I think we're all working hard together

2914
02:12:05,626 --> 02:12:09,446
to try to do what's best or what we perceive to be best in the right way

2915
02:12:09,506 --> 02:12:09,995
moving forward.

2916
02:12:10,266 --> 02:12:13,346
If I can make this a little, through the chair,

2917
02:12:15,966 --> 02:12:18,065
for the sake of Bob's constituents.

2918
02:12:18,306 --> 02:12:18,446
Mm-hmm.

2919
02:12:18,606 --> 02:12:19,246
And I know that

2920
02:12:21,686 --> 02:12:23,706
there was a robust discussion, and I totally

2921
02:12:25,246 --> 02:12:26,186
understand

2922
02:12:26,986 --> 02:12:30,546
the desire to make that into parking, because there is parking that's needed there,

2923
02:12:30,626 --> 02:12:30,886
right.

2924
02:12:33,206 --> 02:12:33,936
I did talk to Beth,

2925
02:12:35,506 --> 02:12:37,346
I believe yesterday, on this issue

2926
02:12:38,246 --> 02:12:41,866
to see what our recourse was should the board decide to reconsider.

2927
02:12:42,466 --> 02:12:45,606
It has not been attempted before because we did owe a response

2928
02:12:45,666 --> 02:12:49,506
to DOR and then, I guess, the land court by August

2929
02:12:49,706 --> 02:12:49,866
7th.

2930
02:12:50,026 --> 02:12:50,036
Mm-hmm.

2931
02:12:50,036 --> 02:12:51,746
Which is why we took the vote when we did.

2932
02:12:53,646 --> 02:12:57,486
And it hasn't been attempted, and there's even a likelihood it would be

2933
02:12:57,626 --> 02:12:58,086
denied.

2934
02:12:59,686 --> 02:13:02,706
And then I did talk to Bill briefly this morning,

2935
02:13:04,366 --> 02:13:07,886
who reiterated that while he understands that it's

2936
02:13:07,926 --> 02:13:11,806
possible, we just don't have anything in the budget that would be able to make that

2937
02:13:11,826 --> 02:13:15,586
a reality without having to go back for an appropriation, whether it's asphalt, or

2938
02:13:15,626 --> 02:13:18,306
the charging stations, or

2939
02:13:19,206 --> 02:13:21,046
the work that would need to be done on that lot.

2940
02:13:21,146 --> 02:13:24,046
So it would, I think

2941
02:13:25,306 --> 02:13:27,506
the timing perhaps wasn't,

2942
02:13:29,446 --> 02:13:29,966
I would say,

2943
02:13:30,886 --> 02:13:33,426
optimal for all the things aligning for this.

2944
02:13:33,546 --> 02:13:34,346
But,

2945
02:13:35,586 --> 02:13:39,486
even if the board did make a motion to reverse this tonight, there's a chance the

2946
02:13:39,566 --> 02:13:41,026
DOR would just say no.

2947
02:13:42,926 --> 02:13:45,626
There's nothing to prevent that lot from becoming parking, because we are going to

2948
02:13:45,866 --> 02:13:46,206
have to

2949
02:13:47,186 --> 02:13:49,306
sell it. Somebody could buy it and make it into parking.

2950
02:13:50,626 --> 02:13:54,266
We are about $160,000 in expense having to even

2951
02:13:54,326 --> 02:13:56,066
prepare that and go through this whole process.

2952
02:13:57,282 --> 02:14:00,922
... and court systems. So this mechanism just allows us to recoup

2953
02:14:01,622 --> 02:14:05,462
about 80% of the taxpayer funds we've already spent

2954
02:14:05,522 --> 02:14:06,142
on the lot.

2955
02:14:07,802 --> 02:14:10,982
And that's really why I think the treasurer and highway

2956
02:14:11,002 --> 02:14:13,382
director recommended what they did.

2957
02:14:14,002 --> 02:14:14,012
We

2958
02:14:17,962 --> 02:14:19,682
all recognize that there's a parking need over there.

2959
02:14:19,712 --> 02:14:22,782
It's more just the unique circumstances around this lot in particular.

2960
02:14:26,442 --> 02:14:30,222
I appreciate the opportunity to, I guess just on the record,

2961
02:14:31,642 --> 02:14:32,422
state another case

2962
02:14:33,302 --> 02:14:36,702
relative to it, but I appreciate and respect everyone's decision.

2963
02:14:37,362 --> 02:14:39,502
And we appreciate your efforts on 103.

2964
02:14:41,842 --> 02:14:44,182
I don't think we have to do anything with that.

2965
02:14:44,482 --> 02:14:46,882
I think we just can go into new business. Is that right?

2966
02:14:47,122 --> 02:14:47,742
Yeah.

2967
02:14:48,022 --> 02:14:51,862
So for new business, we have discussion and vote on the Board of Selectmen's

2968
02:14:52,582 --> 02:14:55,102
2026, 2027 priorities.

2969
02:14:58,602 --> 02:14:59,402
I have no discussion.

2970
02:15:03,482 --> 02:15:06,802
Elena, do you have anything? I just have one note to add.

2971
02:15:06,882 --> 02:15:10,202
Yeah, I just had a couple, and I did speak with Mitch about, Mr.

2972
02:15:10,212 --> 02:15:11,682
Ricitti, earlier about this today.

2973
02:15:12,402 --> 02:15:14,322
And it's stuff that we've talked about, but I think in general...

2974
02:15:14,742 --> 02:15:16,812
I wasn't exactly sure. This is my first time doing this as like-

2975
02:15:16,842 --> 02:15:16,972
Yeah

2976
02:15:17,162 --> 02:15:18,222
... what our priorities are. So,

2977
02:15:19,402 --> 02:15:21,312
one of mine would just be to improve efficiency.

2978
02:15:21,422 --> 02:15:22,782
So we've talked about like DocuSign.

2979
02:15:22,822 --> 02:15:26,592
Like that's a very simple way, outside of our three professional lives, to get

2980
02:15:26,662 --> 02:15:29,122
stuff back that you guys need in a timely manner.

2981
02:15:30,982 --> 02:15:34,742
Two, this is very important for me as a member and priority for representing the

2982
02:15:34,822 --> 02:15:38,742
town, is doing what we can to support the school project.

2983
02:15:39,462 --> 02:15:42,862
I think it's very important for the community, but what's also really important to

2984
02:15:42,902 --> 02:15:46,702
me is that we do this in a way that really minimizes the

2985
02:15:46,762 --> 02:15:48,302
tax impact on our residents.

2986
02:15:49,442 --> 02:15:53,302
And so, Mr. Ricitti said he is going to be looking into

2987
02:15:53,342 --> 02:15:57,302
that with the superintendent to figure out a third stream of potentially

2988
02:15:57,322 --> 02:16:01,062
helping to pay for that school so we're getting it to the bare minimum for our

2989
02:16:01,082 --> 02:16:02,442
residents to have to contribute.

2990
02:16:03,642 --> 02:16:07,261
That's very important to me, and I think that's a very time

2991
02:16:07,342 --> 02:16:10,782
sensitive issue with the town vote on October 19th and the ballot November 3rd.

2992
02:16:11,802 --> 02:16:13,002
We made some headway on that.

2993
02:16:13,082 --> 02:16:13,362
Awesome.

2994
02:16:13,542 --> 02:16:14,372
So I'll wait to speak to you-

2995
02:16:14,462 --> 02:16:15,082
Yeah, and it's-

2996
02:16:15,312 --> 02:16:16,072
... tomorrow too. Yeah.

2997
02:16:16,082 --> 02:16:17,402
But I just wanted to at least put that out there.

2998
02:16:17,442 --> 02:16:20,862
It's important, and I appreciate you guys working together to try to really

2999
02:16:20,902 --> 02:16:24,662
minimize the impact for the people who live here so we can provide this for

3000
02:16:25,122 --> 02:16:27,482
the kids of our community for the next 100 plus years.

3001
02:16:28,642 --> 02:16:32,582
Number three for me, at some point, I think for us to consider or talk

3002
02:16:32,642 --> 02:16:32,902
about

3003
02:16:33,802 --> 02:16:35,642
public comment being added to our agenda.

3004
02:16:36,013 --> 02:16:38,252
I've had a lot of constituents ask me about this.

3005
02:16:39,142 --> 02:16:42,112
I worked, when I was on school committee, to get that on the school committee

3006
02:16:42,162 --> 02:16:44,523
agenda with a very

3007
02:16:45,343 --> 02:16:48,802
targeted policy of only three minutes, and you just let the people talk.

3008
02:16:48,843 --> 02:16:52,173
It's not a back and forth, and depending on what they bring forth, based on what's

3009
02:16:52,222 --> 02:16:54,962
on the agenda, we could say, "Okay, thank you for your input.

3010
02:16:55,122 --> 02:16:56,523
We'll connect you with Mr. Ricitti or

3011
02:16:59,362 --> 02:17:03,183
Mr. Anderson," whatever the most applicable person would

3012
02:17:03,222 --> 02:17:04,802
be. But maybe we could talk about...

3013
02:17:04,942 --> 02:17:07,892
We have a lot of stuff to do, but I just wanted to put that out there because I've

3014
02:17:07,923 --> 02:17:09,562
had a lot of people ask me about that.

3015
02:17:09,622 --> 02:17:12,812
So just something I just wanted to throw out there since it's a one-year

3016
02:17:12,882 --> 02:17:16,683
thing. And then the fourth thing is the

3017
02:17:16,722 --> 02:17:20,132
waterways. I think, again, we have a lot maybe ahead of that, but I've had people

3018
02:17:20,142 --> 02:17:23,962
come back to me about that, and it just jogged my memory with the KP Law

3019
02:17:24,062 --> 02:17:27,122
that that's one of their things. So again, maybe that could be something for next

3020
02:17:27,162 --> 02:17:29,923
summer, but that is important to some residents.

3021
02:17:29,962 --> 02:17:32,722
So those were mine in addition to kind of what's laid out here.

3022
02:17:32,822 --> 02:17:36,362
So I just wanted to share that, and we talked about that today, but that's it.

3023
02:17:37,843 --> 02:17:38,442
Duly noted.

3024
02:17:39,702 --> 02:17:43,062
And I would say with your list there, I agree with the three-minute

3025
02:17:43,763 --> 02:17:47,702
speaking 100%. That's big. I like that.

3026
02:17:49,222 --> 02:17:53,032
What I was going to do is just do a note. I'll check with Melissa.

3027
02:17:53,142 --> 02:17:57,042
We had a simple spreadsheet that we used to

3028
02:17:57,142 --> 02:18:00,982
use that had our priorities on it, and there was a column with

3029
02:18:01,362 --> 02:18:05,183
where we were on it and whether it was completed and so on.

3030
02:18:05,562 --> 02:18:09,423
And we used that as a worksheet, and maybe we find that, or

3031
02:18:09,562 --> 02:18:13,103
I have a copy somewhere. I've seen it in my stack downstairs.

3032
02:18:13,662 --> 02:18:17,162
I'll pull that, and maybe we can create that for so we can put our notes on

3033
02:18:17,182 --> 02:18:20,972
it to get it not only just on the record, but get it into the system to where

3034
02:18:21,523 --> 02:18:25,261
we all have it as a worksheet to state next time we bring it up for discussion.

3035
02:18:28,502 --> 02:18:31,162
With that being said, for new business,

3036
02:18:33,042 --> 02:18:36,523
discussion and vote for the Board of Selectmen 2026,

3037
02:18:36,593 --> 02:18:38,322
'27 priorities.

3038
02:18:39,462 --> 02:18:41,502
If there is no further discussion,

3039
02:18:42,662 --> 02:18:46,542
I would take a motion to take what we've put in the record and then

3040
02:18:46,642 --> 02:18:47,242
add to it

3041
02:18:48,103 --> 02:18:49,002
when we get a sheet.

3042
02:18:50,642 --> 02:18:51,103
Yeah.

3043
02:18:52,142 --> 02:18:55,763
Is it, I mean, is this it? These two pages is what we're voting on?

3044
02:18:56,142 --> 02:18:56,812
Yeah. Right.

3045
02:18:58,302 --> 02:18:58,972
I don't

3046
02:18:59,802 --> 02:19:00,023
know.

3047
02:19:00,052 --> 02:19:00,052
The general-

3048
02:19:00,082 --> 02:19:01,773
I think those are just ideas of things that-

3049
02:19:01,802 --> 02:19:03,052
Yeah. Right. Like an outline.

3050
02:19:03,052 --> 02:19:04,183
I think those are just ideas.

3051
02:19:04,312 --> 02:19:04,542
Right.

3052
02:19:04,902 --> 02:19:06,662
Well, then we really can't vote on it.

3053
02:19:07,862 --> 02:19:11,023
We're voting on an attack plan. Mr.

3054
02:19:11,173 --> 02:19:13,423
Ricitti, have you seen this? Are you in alignment with this?

3055
02:19:13,482 --> 02:19:14,662
Is this something you can execute?

3056
02:19:15,042 --> 02:19:18,942
Well, I looked a little bit at it today, but realistically, the way that I view

3057
02:19:18,982 --> 02:19:19,302
it is,

3058
02:19:20,722 --> 02:19:23,252
you folks can prioritize whatever you like, and then

3059
02:19:23,423 --> 02:19:27,382
I'm not expecting you to hold me just to that.

3060
02:19:27,462 --> 02:19:30,423
I mean, if there are things that you have individual priorities that you want to

3061
02:19:30,462 --> 02:19:34,062
come talk to me about, like, this is a fluid operation, right?

3062
02:19:34,242 --> 02:19:38,222
Exactly. And that's the thing. I think this isn't an

3063
02:19:38,282 --> 02:19:40,442
appropriate or an inappropriate

3064
02:19:41,462 --> 02:19:44,103
vote, and you're absolutely right. And I think you touched on it.

3065
02:19:44,183 --> 02:19:47,523
There is sort of like a spreadsheet out there of a

3066
02:19:47,562 --> 02:19:51,522
variety of priorities that have been

3067
02:19:51,602 --> 02:19:51,922
sort of

3068
02:19:53,042 --> 02:19:55,562
building since before my time-

3069
02:19:55,702 --> 02:19:55,882
Right

3070
02:19:56,282 --> 02:19:58,002
... on this board. And I think

3071
02:19:58,962 --> 02:19:59,662
what we do,

3072
02:20:00,702 --> 02:20:04,222
or we have been doing routinely, is we sort of cherry-pick

3073
02:20:05,438 --> 02:20:06,818
The ones that aren't complete-

3074
02:20:07,318 --> 02:20:07,518
Correct

3075
02:20:07,528 --> 02:20:11,258
... or the ones maybe that are close to completion, and we say, "Here's the

3076
02:20:11,318 --> 02:20:15,298
list that we'd like the town administrator to really hone in

3077
02:20:15,388 --> 02:20:18,708
on," and we sort of consolidate our efforts.

3078
02:20:19,058 --> 02:20:22,358
Right. You're on the right path. That's exactly what it was.

3079
02:20:22,698 --> 02:20:26,628
And if I could add, what we did with that spreadsheet last year and

3080
02:20:26,658 --> 02:20:27,458
the year before,

3081
02:20:28,538 --> 02:20:32,278
with Steve and the previous town administrator, was we would take that

3082
02:20:32,318 --> 02:20:36,258
spreadsheet and then we would bring it back up for discussion, bring it for a

3083
02:20:36,318 --> 02:20:40,137
third discussion, and we would see where we were with goals, where we

3084
02:20:40,218 --> 02:20:43,838
all had five things in common that we had as

3085
02:20:43,938 --> 02:20:47,658
priorities, and we would focus on those as what we would vote

3086
02:20:47,738 --> 02:20:49,838
on. If I have that correct, Bob, I think it was-

3087
02:20:50,078 --> 02:20:50,178
Yeah

3088
02:20:50,438 --> 02:20:51,478
... pretty close to that.

3089
02:20:52,178 --> 02:20:52,298
And-

3090
02:20:52,378 --> 02:20:55,058
And so for tonight, we could just motion to-

3091
02:20:55,358 --> 02:20:55,558
Sure

3092
02:20:56,418 --> 02:21:00,318
... to table this for a future review after this and get in that spreadsheet.

3093
02:21:00,798 --> 02:21:04,158
Exactly. And just to refresh your memory, the previous town

3094
02:21:04,218 --> 02:21:07,238
administrator, during her monthly report-

3095
02:21:07,538 --> 02:21:07,758
Mm-hmm

3096
02:21:07,878 --> 02:21:09,378
... remember the favorite part of the meeting?

3097
02:21:09,558 --> 02:21:10,438
Oh, yes. I do.

3098
02:21:11,518 --> 02:21:15,378
She would build that report and highlight or touch upon

3099
02:21:15,478 --> 02:21:19,338
some of these priorities and how we were

3100
02:21:20,638 --> 02:21:21,578
proceeding

3101
02:21:22,398 --> 02:21:25,398
with it. So again, I think it's a worthy

3102
02:21:28,318 --> 02:21:31,298
item or a worthy action, but I think I agree with you.

3103
02:21:31,718 --> 02:21:35,618
I would prefer to maybe table it or push it

3104
02:21:35,658 --> 02:21:37,558
to the next meeting to maybe give Mr.

3105
02:21:37,758 --> 02:21:41,498
Russiti time to really kind of digest some of that, and

3106
02:21:41,538 --> 02:21:42,398
maybe we can talk-

3107
02:21:42,538 --> 02:21:42,698
Yeah.

3108
02:21:43,338 --> 02:21:45,198
If I can, through the chair.

3109
02:21:45,458 --> 02:21:45,758
Of course.

3110
02:21:45,838 --> 02:21:47,298
What I found really effective,

3111
02:21:49,358 --> 02:21:53,258
and what I like to do, and I found that boards like

3112
02:21:53,318 --> 02:21:56,098
it, but I also liked it when I was a board member with my

3113
02:21:57,118 --> 02:21:59,448
town administrator, who's now the mayor of Gardner.

3114
02:22:01,838 --> 02:22:03,238
I like to provide you with

3115
02:22:04,838 --> 02:22:08,738
weekly updates in writing, via email on Fridays, with all of

3116
02:22:08,758 --> 02:22:10,098
the major initiatives going on in town.

3117
02:22:10,618 --> 02:22:13,378
Now, this could just be like a three-page dump as to here's everything that we've

3118
02:22:13,418 --> 02:22:17,218
worked on. Just so if you have constituents talk to you over the weekend at a

3119
02:22:17,258 --> 02:22:19,578
barbecue, whatever, you know what's happening.

3120
02:22:20,098 --> 02:22:23,878
In addition to that, on the agenda, if you'd like to put a,

3121
02:22:24,118 --> 02:22:25,898
when we get back into regular meeting time,

3122
02:22:27,058 --> 02:22:30,768
an item on the agenda for town administrator updates, I can then convey to the

3123
02:22:30,858 --> 02:22:34,638
public what I'm sending to you so that all of that information,

3124
02:22:34,798 --> 02:22:38,698
whether it's minutia or something big, but there might be

3125
02:22:38,758 --> 02:22:42,618
15 things going on in my office in any given week, and I want to update you on all

3126
02:22:42,638 --> 02:22:46,018
of them so that if a constituent pulls you over in the grocery store

3127
02:22:46,578 --> 02:22:48,198
and says, "Hey, what about XYZ?"

3128
02:22:49,038 --> 02:22:50,778
You at least have a point of reference.

3129
02:22:50,958 --> 02:22:51,398
I like that.

3130
02:22:51,407 --> 02:22:52,978
Because you get that every week on a Friday-

3131
02:22:53,298 --> 02:22:53,418
Mm-hmm

3132
02:22:53,438 --> 02:22:57,158
... they're all dated, so you can go back into your records and say, "Hey, what

3133
02:22:57,198 --> 02:22:59,518
about... Remember what we did back in April on this issue?

3134
02:22:59,598 --> 02:23:02,657
Oh, it's here." You have it in writing, so you can go back and review it.

3135
02:23:03,798 --> 02:23:05,478
That way, nothing gets lost in translation.

3136
02:23:05,678 --> 02:23:09,238
Your constituents are going to be better informed because you're better

3137
02:23:09,278 --> 02:23:09,718
informed.

3138
02:23:10,558 --> 02:23:12,418
The information's free-flowing back and forth.

3139
02:23:12,458 --> 02:23:16,198
You have questions, you obviously don't require all, but call me, contact

3140
02:23:16,258 --> 02:23:16,458
me.

3141
02:23:17,658 --> 02:23:21,498
And then come to the meeting, I would essentially give a public-facing

3142
02:23:21,518 --> 02:23:24,618
version of that under town administrator updates at every meeting,

3143
02:23:25,458 --> 02:23:28,778
to be able to inform constituents directly through this meeting.

3144
02:23:29,898 --> 02:23:33,878
I found that boards like that. If you have a different mechanism that you'd like me

3145
02:23:33,918 --> 02:23:37,418
to employ for that, I would say that that was pretty effective way to do that.

3146
02:23:38,898 --> 02:23:42,538
And it helped get information out, but just to give you as

3147
02:23:42,698 --> 02:23:42,938
much,

3148
02:23:43,878 --> 02:23:47,518
in fact, too much information so that if you ever need to refer back to it, you

3149
02:23:47,598 --> 02:23:47,907
have it-

3150
02:23:48,458 --> 02:23:48,588
Mm-hmm

3151
02:23:48,598 --> 02:23:49,218
... in your pocket.

3152
02:23:50,098 --> 02:23:52,838
Yeah, I think a summary at the meeting is good.

3153
02:23:52,898 --> 02:23:56,627
It educates the citizens, and it'll

3154
02:23:56,658 --> 02:23:58,998
probably give them information that they'll probably call us-

3155
02:23:59,278 --> 02:23:59,538
Right

3156
02:24:00,058 --> 02:24:00,058
...

3157
02:24:00,938 --> 02:24:01,778
on about you.

3158
02:24:02,498 --> 02:24:06,398
Also because I forget, because we work on so many things that if

3159
02:24:06,438 --> 02:24:08,518
something happens last week, I don't remember what it is.

3160
02:24:08,618 --> 02:24:08,808
Right.

3161
02:24:08,808 --> 02:24:10,978
So if I document it, that way, you know.

3162
02:24:11,778 --> 02:24:12,638
Right. Agreed.

3163
02:24:12,958 --> 02:24:16,268
Yeah, I think that's great. I think the weekly emails on Fridays with an update, I

3164
02:24:16,298 --> 02:24:18,888
think that's awesome. And actually, as you're saying, that aligns actually with

3165
02:24:18,888 --> 02:24:19,758
what the school department does.

3166
02:24:20,218 --> 02:24:20,338
Okay.

3167
02:24:20,598 --> 02:24:23,548
Scott does a weekly thing, and then the principals do a weekly, and that goes out

3168
02:24:23,558 --> 02:24:26,038
to the families. I know this is a little bit different, but then your version would

3169
02:24:26,078 --> 02:24:29,878
be giving us the info and then a forward-facing update at our meetings to the

3170
02:24:29,898 --> 02:24:31,338
community. I think that's great.

3171
02:24:32,318 --> 02:24:32,368
I like it.

3172
02:24:32,368 --> 02:24:35,498
I just have one question also. I was going to ask about your prior experience.

3173
02:24:35,858 --> 02:24:39,578
So did your board members give you priorities, or how did you build

3174
02:24:39,838 --> 02:24:41,238
the spreadsheet they're referencing?

3175
02:24:42,258 --> 02:24:42,778
Do you know what I'm saying?

3176
02:24:43,738 --> 02:24:43,998
Yeah.

3177
02:24:44,638 --> 02:24:44,948
For the-

3178
02:24:44,958 --> 02:24:46,998
A lot of it is really just contingent upon the board.

3179
02:24:48,358 --> 02:24:51,598
When I was a board member, then we had a, I guess, visioning session or whatever it

3180
02:24:51,678 --> 02:24:54,337
was, which was fine. That can be fruitful.

3181
02:24:54,538 --> 02:24:54,708
But,

3182
02:24:56,078 --> 02:24:59,278
if you have clear-cut work that everyone agrees on, I think there are certain

3183
02:24:59,298 --> 02:25:02,158
things obviously that everyone here would agree on and have to be moved forward in

3184
02:25:02,178 --> 02:25:02,858
the right direction.

3185
02:25:04,798 --> 02:25:08,318
It is fluid though. There are certain issues that come up that each of you have

3186
02:25:08,358 --> 02:25:11,778
been in my office with different concerns and different issues, and I'll prioritize

3187
02:25:11,818 --> 02:25:13,658
those, and we'll continue to do that.

3188
02:25:14,558 --> 02:25:18,398
So just because you put... The only benefit that it has is if you put

3189
02:25:18,418 --> 02:25:22,178
something in writing, it then gives you something to weigh

3190
02:25:22,218 --> 02:25:25,038
performance against when you have to meet your annual review requirement.

3191
02:25:25,308 --> 02:25:25,767
Yeah, that's right.

3192
02:25:26,378 --> 02:25:27,008
Other than that,

3193
02:25:28,538 --> 02:25:32,088
you can give as many outside of written priorities as you

3194
02:25:32,178 --> 02:25:32,657
want.

3195
02:25:33,658 --> 02:25:36,498
It just depends how the board wants to handle it.

3196
02:25:37,298 --> 02:25:37,998
All of you have,

3197
02:25:38,978 --> 02:25:39,518
I've noticed,

3198
02:25:40,738 --> 02:25:43,788
this board has worked really well together, but you're all very different and

3199
02:25:43,818 --> 02:25:44,918
coming from different backgrounds.

3200
02:25:46,118 --> 02:25:49,918
Bob, for example, he's big into the economic development and the infrastructure.

3201
02:25:50,518 --> 02:25:53,948
And so the things that he's talked to me about and we've worked on together have

3202
02:25:53,998 --> 02:25:55,398
focused on that.

3203
02:25:55,938 --> 02:25:56,318
Mm-hmm.

3204
02:25:56,358 --> 02:25:59,038
And that might be a little bit of a different focus for the two of you.

3205
02:25:59,178 --> 02:25:59,358
So,

3206
02:26:00,558 --> 02:26:03,618
it really just comes down to if you want to send them to me individually, if you

3207
02:26:03,638 --> 02:26:05,198
want to get together and have a meeting about it

3208
02:26:06,326 --> 02:26:10,016
... strategy session. If you want me to put together a collect from each of you

3209
02:26:10,106 --> 02:26:12,666
what you want, I'll put together a spreadsheet. You can all vote on it.

3210
02:26:13,126 --> 02:26:14,726
It just depends on what your preference is.

3211
02:26:15,046 --> 02:26:18,286
I don't mind whatever you think that you want to handle.

3212
02:26:18,866 --> 02:26:21,566
I can take a crack at it if it's helpful to get the conversation going,

3213
02:26:22,466 --> 02:26:25,026
taking a look at that old spreadsheet, building off of it, sending it to you.

3214
02:26:25,586 --> 02:26:27,526
If you want to revisit it and vote, you can do that.

3215
02:26:28,066 --> 02:26:29,426
But that's entirely up to the board.

3216
02:26:31,346 --> 02:26:34,646
I think we have a list pretty robust.

3217
02:26:35,286 --> 02:26:39,026
And what I would invite Ms. Litro to do

3218
02:26:39,066 --> 02:26:40,826
is pretty similar to what you just did here.

3219
02:26:40,876 --> 02:26:40,876
Okay.

3220
02:26:40,886 --> 02:26:44,526
Because I remember that was kind of like how I remember it when I was introduced

3221
02:26:44,546 --> 02:26:48,466
into the priority list. My other two colleagues were

3222
02:26:48,506 --> 02:26:52,026
talking about their priorities, and I

3223
02:26:52,086 --> 02:26:56,046
piggybacked on some, and I introduced new ones that became

3224
02:26:56,426 --> 02:26:57,446
Medeiros

3225
02:26:59,226 --> 02:27:03,056
priorities. That was just added to the list, and we just kept that list running.

3226
02:27:03,306 --> 02:27:03,526
Right.

3227
02:27:04,126 --> 02:27:04,286
Yeah.

3228
02:27:05,386 --> 02:27:05,926
Sounds good.

3229
02:27:11,966 --> 02:27:13,026
I think we agree to agree.

3230
02:27:13,886 --> 02:27:14,346
Great. So,

3231
02:27:15,246 --> 02:27:18,956
Mr. Chairman, I don't know if it's a votable or an actionable item,

3232
02:27:19,046 --> 02:27:21,506
but if we need a motion to

3233
02:27:23,626 --> 02:27:27,246
postpone, not postpone. Is it postpone the discussion or carry it?

3234
02:27:27,846 --> 02:27:28,986
No, you could table it.

3235
02:27:29,026 --> 02:27:29,566
You could table it.

3236
02:27:29,616 --> 02:27:33,086
But it's not even necessary because we could just have... We're all in agreement.

3237
02:27:33,146 --> 02:27:33,156
Sure.

3238
02:27:33,156 --> 02:27:34,126
We can throw it on the next agenda.

3239
02:27:34,286 --> 02:27:34,446
Okay.

3240
02:27:34,726 --> 02:27:34,866
Okay.

3241
02:27:35,106 --> 02:27:35,446
Very good.

3242
02:27:39,806 --> 02:27:42,326
Okay, so that's 14, old business.

3243
02:27:43,166 --> 02:27:43,326
That was-

3244
02:27:43,426 --> 02:27:44,306
New business rather.

3245
02:27:45,126 --> 02:27:48,766
That brings us to item number 15, which is correspondence.

3246
02:27:50,466 --> 02:27:52,506
We have several that are resignations,

3247
02:27:53,726 --> 02:27:54,326
and

3248
02:27:56,966 --> 02:27:59,946
based on that, I would like to just...

3249
02:27:59,966 --> 02:28:02,166
Bob, I think you had one you wanted to talk on.

3250
02:28:04,986 --> 02:28:08,106
I would like to make a motion to accept

3251
02:28:08,186 --> 02:28:12,046
these correspondence of

3252
02:28:12,086 --> 02:28:15,766
recognition and thank everybody for their service to

3253
02:28:15,806 --> 02:28:18,686
Swansea and accept them as a block.

3254
02:28:20,146 --> 02:28:23,726
But I would like to also bring up correspondence

3255
02:28:25,666 --> 02:28:27,206
from a Mrs. Brenda Bordeaux,

3256
02:28:28,926 --> 02:28:31,306
who sent an email to me,

3257
02:28:32,146 --> 02:28:33,666
and it was in reference to

3258
02:28:34,826 --> 02:28:38,126
Carol Hyland's letter that was sent to the Board of Selectmen,

3259
02:28:39,126 --> 02:28:41,686
and it was a request to

3260
02:28:42,586 --> 02:28:46,106
acknowledge service to the town of

3261
02:28:49,466 --> 02:28:49,846
Ms.

3262
02:28:51,446 --> 02:28:52,346
Brown, I believe.

3263
02:28:52,466 --> 02:28:52,986
Colleen Brown.

3264
02:28:53,326 --> 02:28:54,276
Yeah, Colleen Brown.

3265
02:28:55,926 --> 02:28:56,126
To

3266
02:28:57,706 --> 02:29:01,026
request for the town to possibly, and I'm

3267
02:29:02,046 --> 02:29:03,046
looking in memory because

3268
02:29:03,866 --> 02:29:06,026
I don't have the letter with me at the moment.

3269
02:29:07,426 --> 02:29:09,706
So I would like to read this one. Thank you.

3270
02:29:10,746 --> 02:29:11,486
So this is

3271
02:29:13,606 --> 02:29:16,466
from Caroline Hyland. So it's to the Board of Selectmen.

3272
02:29:17,156 --> 02:29:20,916
"Dear Board of Selectmen, I'm writing to bring attention to all the

3273
02:29:20,986 --> 02:29:24,815
hard work Colleen Brown did throughout the years for our

3274
02:29:24,946 --> 02:29:28,236
town for conservation agent and

3275
02:29:28,366 --> 02:29:31,326
chairperson for the Community Preservation Committee.

3276
02:29:31,886 --> 02:29:35,406
She wrote many grants, protected much of the land in Swansea.

3277
02:29:35,886 --> 02:29:39,366
Colleen always went above and beyond

3278
02:29:39,806 --> 02:29:43,406
her job requirements to obtain open land and preserve,

3279
02:29:43,446 --> 02:29:46,786
especially farmland, that was no longer being farmed.

3280
02:29:47,366 --> 02:29:51,186
I hope you are able to recognize her in some way as a

3281
02:29:51,226 --> 02:29:53,686
Colleen Brown Conservation Park

3282
02:29:54,806 --> 02:29:58,346
as part of the Medeiros Farm or in some other way you see

3283
02:29:58,506 --> 02:29:58,866
fit."

3284
02:30:00,646 --> 02:30:04,086
So I think that's a great idea. And if I could add a thought first, and then I

3285
02:30:04,186 --> 02:30:05,386
take feedback.

3286
02:30:06,666 --> 02:30:07,466
I remember when

3287
02:30:08,466 --> 02:30:12,406
I had a family member who had a brother that died young, and they wanted

3288
02:30:12,446 --> 02:30:12,826
to do

3289
02:30:13,706 --> 02:30:15,186
a bench in the park.

3290
02:30:16,046 --> 02:30:19,576
And when I talked to Parks and Recreation about it, and

3291
02:30:19,946 --> 02:30:21,366
Mallory to a degree,

3292
02:30:24,386 --> 02:30:27,086
what we were concerned with was setting a

3293
02:30:27,105 --> 02:30:29,286
precedent for

3294
02:30:30,906 --> 02:30:33,196
any other great people in Swansea and other people that

3295
02:30:35,146 --> 02:30:38,836
would want recognition either for a family member or someone with service to the

3296
02:30:38,946 --> 02:30:42,806
town. And we didn't really get too far with

3297
02:30:42,846 --> 02:30:42,986
it,

3298
02:30:43,946 --> 02:30:47,876
but I'd like to kind of tie it into this and maybe throw out the idea that

3299
02:30:48,946 --> 02:30:52,526
in the private sector of Swansea, maybe we come up with

3300
02:30:52,666 --> 02:30:56,266
a group of people like Friends of Swansea or something like that,

3301
02:30:58,546 --> 02:31:00,166
and have them help us

3302
02:31:01,606 --> 02:31:03,146
raise funds for these things

3303
02:31:04,426 --> 02:31:08,386
because I think the town in '27, '28 that we've all talked about a lot

3304
02:31:08,446 --> 02:31:09,726
is going to be challenging.

3305
02:31:09,766 --> 02:31:09,966
Mm-hmm.

3306
02:31:10,446 --> 02:31:13,406
And also a way that the town we can get organized

3307
02:31:14,566 --> 02:31:17,586
for when these things come up. Whether it be

3308
02:31:18,366 --> 02:31:22,346
something that's done at Veterans Green or in the park

3309
02:31:22,406 --> 02:31:26,046
or ballpark or Medeiros Park, wherever it might be.

3310
02:31:26,446 --> 02:31:30,386
So maybe what I'm trying to say is to consider this letter and use it as

3311
02:31:30,446 --> 02:31:33,886
a foundation for the idea going forward.

3312
02:31:35,886 --> 02:31:38,626
I just thought I would add that, and also that it was

3313
02:31:40,126 --> 02:31:43,686
nice speaking to another family member and talking about family

3314
02:31:43,726 --> 02:31:46,986
and taking care of mothers and grandmothers and such.

3315
02:31:47,086 --> 02:31:50,346
So, that was pretty nice too, to have that email

3316
02:31:50,446 --> 02:31:51,126
exchange.

3317
02:31:51,986 --> 02:31:55,826
That's all I wanted to add to that. And if you guys had some thought on

3318
02:31:55,966 --> 02:31:58,026
that, or maybe we could just use it as a foundation

3319
02:31:59,106 --> 02:32:00,726
to go forward with the idea.

3320
02:32:02,986 --> 02:32:06,106
Deal with maybe private sector funding and efforts

3321
02:32:06,598 --> 02:32:07,738
To help the town with that.

3322
02:32:08,158 --> 02:32:08,398
Sure.

3323
02:32:09,378 --> 02:32:11,858
So full disclosure, Carol Highland is my grandmother.

3324
02:32:12,578 --> 02:32:15,997
My grandfather was a selectman for nine years, and both my

3325
02:32:16,048 --> 02:32:18,538
grandparents volunteered in our community for decades.

3326
02:32:18,658 --> 02:32:21,758
My grandmother served on Beach Committee, Friends of the Bluffs, a lot of things.

3327
02:32:21,838 --> 02:32:25,138
So, I just want to thank the chairman for putting this on our agenda as

3328
02:32:25,158 --> 02:32:25,878
correspondence.

3329
02:32:27,518 --> 02:32:30,138
And I think, yeah, open to ideas for...

3330
02:32:31,418 --> 02:32:34,178
I don't know Colleen Brown. That was before my time here.

3331
02:32:34,738 --> 02:32:38,678
But I know the conservation and preservation, and I think she started to

3332
02:32:38,718 --> 02:32:41,667
help with Stony Creek Farm, and I think Robbie Alford has stepped in to help with

3333
02:32:41,718 --> 02:32:44,478
that, to just maintain some of that farmland here in Swansea.

3334
02:32:45,738 --> 02:32:49,618
So yeah, I agree with maybe a different way to

3335
02:32:49,678 --> 02:32:53,278
recognize or do things while still being fiscally responsible, as you said, with

3336
02:32:53,838 --> 02:32:55,918
our upcoming expenditures. But

3337
02:32:57,798 --> 02:32:58,638
thank you for including that.

3338
02:32:58,678 --> 02:32:58,908
Thank you. Of course.

3339
02:32:58,958 --> 02:33:00,238
I know it would mean a lot to her that you

3340
02:33:01,378 --> 02:33:02,358
read that, so thank you.

3341
02:33:04,798 --> 02:33:08,698
Colleen Brown is virtually a living legend in this community, for anyone that

3342
02:33:08,758 --> 02:33:09,738
has known Colleen

3343
02:33:11,818 --> 02:33:15,398
and her body of work on the conservation committee.

3344
02:33:16,658 --> 02:33:16,838
The

3345
02:33:18,358 --> 02:33:22,158
depth of knowledge that she has relative to

3346
02:33:22,198 --> 02:33:23,978
this town is

3347
02:33:25,198 --> 02:33:26,138
invaluable.

3348
02:33:27,218 --> 02:33:30,258
She knows every estuary, every waterway.

3349
02:33:30,378 --> 02:33:33,898
Everything.

3350
02:33:34,058 --> 02:33:36,238
Everything from a conservation standpoint,

3351
02:33:37,198 --> 02:33:38,658
Colleen has touched,

3352
02:33:39,898 --> 02:33:41,198
built something, or

3353
02:33:43,618 --> 02:33:45,478
did some form of action

3354
02:33:46,758 --> 02:33:49,278
for. The letter goes

3355
02:33:50,338 --> 02:33:54,298
from Carol, who I had the pleasure of

3356
02:33:54,378 --> 02:33:58,178
serving on the waterfront revitalization for, for 10-plus years.

3357
02:34:00,038 --> 02:34:03,178
This recommendation is almost to

3358
02:34:03,478 --> 02:34:04,978
consider almost naming

3359
02:34:06,298 --> 02:34:08,258
a park in town

3360
02:34:09,738 --> 02:34:13,578
after Colleen, which I think is well-deserving

3361
02:34:14,478 --> 02:34:17,738
for what she has provided to the town.

3362
02:34:18,738 --> 02:34:22,598
That said, I think throughout the decades

3363
02:34:22,678 --> 02:34:23,338
and

3364
02:34:24,518 --> 02:34:28,478
whatnot, there's many notable people in town that

3365
02:34:28,518 --> 02:34:32,118
deserve similar recognition for their

3366
02:34:32,478 --> 02:34:36,098
service in town. And I'm not just talking about some of the names that are on

3367
02:34:36,638 --> 02:34:37,978
relative to Main Street.

3368
02:34:39,798 --> 02:34:40,058
And

3369
02:34:42,478 --> 02:34:45,838
as deserving as it is, other folks are there as well.

3370
02:34:45,938 --> 02:34:48,178
I think this is something that we keep top of mind.

3371
02:34:49,338 --> 02:34:51,878
When the opportunity does present itself,

3372
02:34:53,878 --> 02:34:55,978
where there is a

3373
02:34:56,558 --> 02:35:00,158
conservation-connected element in town,

3374
02:35:00,238 --> 02:35:03,027
then I think we can action this pretty

3375
02:35:03,838 --> 02:35:04,238
simply.

3376
02:35:05,158 --> 02:35:09,018
But to your point about other opportunities

3377
02:35:09,078 --> 02:35:12,838
for folks to get involved, whether it be memorial benches or whatnot,

3378
02:35:14,578 --> 02:35:18,058
I think it was Carol actually, who did have an idea relative to the

3379
02:35:18,798 --> 02:35:21,358
town beach when we were wrapping that up.

3380
02:35:21,658 --> 02:35:23,098
And we actually

3381
02:35:24,118 --> 02:35:26,878
implemented a program where people could buy memorial benches

3382
02:35:28,478 --> 02:35:28,818
for

3383
02:35:30,218 --> 02:35:33,818
placing them along what was once going to be a boardwalk from end to

3384
02:35:33,918 --> 02:35:37,458
end of the beach. I think that program is still out there.

3385
02:35:38,978 --> 02:35:42,668
If people are interested, maybe they can connect through the

3386
02:35:42,738 --> 02:35:44,198
selectman's office. Maybe we can look-

3387
02:35:44,228 --> 02:35:44,228
Sure

3388
02:35:44,228 --> 02:35:45,658
... through some of our paperwork. But Mr.

3389
02:35:45,838 --> 02:35:49,448
Beaudette, if you have some folks out there who are interested in doing that,

3390
02:35:49,578 --> 02:35:50,568
there's an opportunity

3391
02:35:51,698 --> 02:35:54,918
pretty quick. I forget what the costs were or whatever.

3392
02:35:55,478 --> 02:35:57,178
But I'm sure if we reach out to Carol, she'll know.

3393
02:35:57,558 --> 02:35:58,758
She's-- I'm sure she does.

3394
02:35:59,558 --> 02:36:02,538
So there's an opportunity out there. No, I appreciate the letter.

3395
02:36:03,218 --> 02:36:05,958
Sometimes I think the town doesn't do a good job of recognizing

3396
02:36:06,878 --> 02:36:10,838
some folks, and this sort of reinforces that we need to do a

3397
02:36:10,878 --> 02:36:14,818
better job doing it. So Carol, thank you for

3398
02:36:15,398 --> 02:36:16,858
reaching out to us via the letter. I

3399
02:36:18,118 --> 02:36:20,738
have it. I think about it all the time. Thank you.

3400
02:36:20,798 --> 02:36:21,158
Agreed.

3401
02:36:23,117 --> 02:36:24,718
Thank you for the feedback on that.

3402
02:36:25,578 --> 02:36:28,198
So for item 15, if there's no further discussion,

3403
02:36:29,978 --> 02:36:33,478
the chair would call for making a motion to accept

3404
02:36:33,488 --> 02:36:37,238
these letters as a block and looking for a

3405
02:36:37,278 --> 02:36:38,358
motion to do that.

3406
02:36:38,838 --> 02:36:41,678
Can we just make the motion as noted on the agenda?

3407
02:36:41,848 --> 02:36:44,278
As noted on the agenda. Makes perfect sense.

3408
02:36:44,288 --> 02:36:47,098
Is that appropriate, Mr. Chairman? Motion made.

3409
02:36:47,438 --> 02:36:47,678
Second.

3410
02:36:48,598 --> 02:36:49,258
All in favor?

3411
02:36:49,498 --> 02:36:49,858
Aye.

3412
02:36:49,918 --> 02:36:50,358
Aye.

3413
02:36:50,398 --> 02:36:51,518
Aye. It is unanimous.

3414
02:36:54,518 --> 02:36:58,198
Chair will take a motion to close the Board of Selectmen's

3415
02:36:58,258 --> 02:37:01,918
meeting for August 11th, 2026. And a

3416
02:37:01,958 --> 02:37:04,818
shout-out to my brother Greg, whose birthday is today,

3417
02:37:05,718 --> 02:37:08,578
and looking for a motion to close tonight's meeting.

3418
02:37:08,878 --> 02:37:09,618
Motion to adjourn.

3419
02:37:10,218 --> 02:37:10,518
Second.

3420
02:37:11,258 --> 02:37:13,618
And chair has agreed it is

3421
02:37:14,518 --> 02:37:16,118
unanimous.

3422
02:37:17,258 --> 02:37:17,898
All those in favor?

3423
02:37:18,658 --> 02:37:18,938
Oh, yeah.

3424
02:37:19,098 --> 02:37:19,598
I'm an aye.

3425
02:37:20,358 --> 02:37:20,637
Aye.

3426
02:37:21,678 --> 02:37:25,278
Anything past 30, I get a little sleepy. So that is unanimous.

3427
02:37:25,338 --> 02:37:26,398
Thank you very much, Swansea.

3428
02:37:26,458 --> 02:37:26,778
Thank you.