1 00:00:00,080 --> 00:00:03,800 Please rise for the pledge. 2 00:00:04,400 --> 00:00:13,519 » I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the 3 00:00:10,000 --> 00:00:20,680 republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and 4 00:00:16,960 --> 00:00:20,680 justice for all. 5 00:00:29,199 --> 00:00:39,040 General information and recommendations. We are going to 6 00:00:34,880 --> 00:00:44,719 honor two young adults from the county worker who was named Eagle Scout. It's 7 00:00:42,399 --> 00:00:48,000 um an amazing accomplishment. They had a celebration for them on Saturday which I 8 00:00:46,480 --> 00:00:51,440 was supposed to attend and had something come up at the last minute and 9 00:00:49,680 --> 00:00:56,480 unfortunately could not. So, I wanted to make sure we celebrated them once again 10 00:00:53,760 --> 00:00:58,239 here tonight. Um, >> everybody here is Boy Scouts, Girl 11 00:00:57,920 --> 00:01:02,719 Scouts, >> Scouts of America, and it's been going 12 00:01:00,079 --> 00:01:08,000 on for so long. I think you might not understand that 13 00:01:04,400 --> 00:01:13,280 there's been 130 million scouts. Less than 2% of them earned the rank of 14 00:01:10,720 --> 00:01:17,439 Eagle Scout. So, that's an incredible accomplishment. And we're here tonight 15 00:01:15,360 --> 00:01:25,400 to talk a little bit about Stella, Stella Pellete, and Scott Buoie. So 16 00:01:21,119 --> 00:01:25,400 everybody get them around 10. 17 00:01:25,805 --> 00:01:27,825 [applause] 18 00:01:34,976 --> 00:01:36,996 [applause] 19 00:01:40,871 --> 00:01:42,891 [applause] 20 00:01:46,399 --> 00:01:55,336 Stellar is the first evil scout in the town of Wam. So 21 00:01:50,799 --> 00:01:55,336 congratulations on St. [applause] 22 00:01:59,280 --> 00:02:05,840 Also just found out Selfish Sweet Stella is a hockey player for the winter 23 00:02:02,719 --> 00:02:12,239 Vikings and I'm very passionate about that. Go Vikings. Um but I'll read a few 24 00:02:10,319 --> 00:02:17,120 things that Denise has prepared and then I'll say a few other things. But um over 25 00:02:15,680 --> 00:02:21,120 the years they've been involved in several service projects around Winthre. 26 00:02:19,360 --> 00:02:25,040 They helped move bricks from French Square so they could be repurposed for 27 00:02:22,800 --> 00:02:29,280 the Dean Winthrop House. They relocated some trees and plants from French Square 28 00:02:27,599 --> 00:02:33,519 um over to the grounds at the Winter House. They've done cleanouts, plantings 29 00:02:31,680 --> 00:02:38,319 at police and fire memorials and cemeteries as well as police station. Um 30 00:02:36,560 --> 00:02:43,920 they've served at Veterans and Memorial Day services, place flags on veterans 31 00:02:40,560 --> 00:02:48,800 gravestones. Stella's Eagle project uh conceived, designed, planned, and 32 00:02:45,680 --> 00:02:56,160 executed by her was to work with the DCR to build and install Sha uh Swallow and 33 00:02:52,560 --> 00:02:59,840 Kestrel houses uh in the Bell Ale Marsh. And Scott's Eagle project include 34 00:02:58,080 --> 00:03:06,280 cleaning, scraping, and painting the cafeteria at St. Michael's Parish. Do I 35 00:03:02,480 --> 00:03:06,280 have a job for you? 36 00:03:06,677 --> 00:03:08,697 [applause] 37 00:03:11,920 --> 00:03:18,959 look forward to graduation this spring. They're already looking to see how they 38 00:03:16,080 --> 00:03:24,080 can help the next generation of scouts. >> Uh and again, over 130 million scouts. 39 00:03:22,159 --> 00:03:30,000 Um they have to earn, I believe, 21 merit badges and 13 specific badges that 40 00:03:27,040 --> 00:03:34,000 they obviously have done. Um and just to think of of a couple of famous Eagle 41 00:03:32,400 --> 00:03:39,280 Scouts that you might not have heard that you might have heard of. Neil 42 00:03:35,680 --> 00:03:45,360 Armstrong, Eagle Scout. on the moon. Um Sam Walton, founder 43 00:03:41,920 --> 00:03:51,120 of Walmart Eagle Scout, President Gerald Ford, Eagle Scout, and Steven Spielberg, 44 00:03:48,560 --> 00:03:55,840 director Eagle Scout. So, you're in a pretty amazing company, but we do have 45 00:03:53,360 --> 00:04:01,360 citations here for you and I will read them both. And I will read Stella's 46 00:03:59,120 --> 00:04:07,519 first. Stella Pelletier, first women female Eagle Scout Troop 79. The town of 47 00:04:05,760 --> 00:04:11,760 Winth and the citizens of Winth are honored to congratulate you on achieving 48 00:04:09,360 --> 00:04:16,639 the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in scout. Since 2018, this 49 00:04:14,720 --> 00:04:20,880 distinguished achievement has been open to young women and you have made history 50 00:04:18,880 --> 00:04:25,120 as a member of Winter's first female Eagle Scout troop. Your dedication, 51 00:04:23,199 --> 00:04:29,680 leadership, and service to the scouting community are commendable, and we wish 52 00:04:27,840 --> 00:04:33,840 you continued success in your future endeavors and look forward to the 53 00:04:31,680 --> 00:04:38,080 positive impact that you will have as a role model, inspiring and guiding future 54 00:04:36,160 --> 00:04:43,040 scouts as they advance through the ranks. giving this sixth day of January 55 00:04:40,400 --> 00:04:47,520 2026 at Winter, Massachusetts, Jim Military, town council president and 56 00:04:44,880 --> 00:04:51,759 council members Pat Costigan, Kim Dimes, Joseph Romano, Suzanne Swope, Paul Ren, 57 00:04:50,160 --> 00:04:55,463 Max Tinari, and Curt Molas. Congratulations. 58 00:04:53,443 --> 00:04:55,463 [applause] 59 00:04:59,520 --> 00:05:05,759 And also be it known that the town council here by office is 60 00:05:03,199 --> 00:05:10,479 congratulations to Scott Buoie, Eagle Scout Troop 75. The town of Win and the 61 00:05:08,960 --> 00:05:14,479 citizens of Winter are honored to congratulate you in achieving the rank 62 00:05:12,080 --> 00:05:18,720 of Eagle Scout, the highest ranking in scouting. an accomplishment that brings 63 00:05:16,479 --> 00:05:23,199 great pride not only to our community but also to the Boy Scouts of America. 64 00:05:21,440 --> 00:05:28,320 Your dedication, leadership, and service to both the scouting community and your 65 00:05:25,280 --> 00:05:31,680 hometown are truly commendable. We wish you continued success in all your future 66 00:05:30,240 --> 00:05:35,840 endeavors and look forward to the positive impact that you will have as a 67 00:05:33,360 --> 00:05:40,720 role model, inspiring and guiding future scouts as they advance through the ranks 68 00:05:38,000 --> 00:05:45,039 given the sixth day of January 2026 with the Massachusetts military council 69 00:05:42,720 --> 00:05:50,560 president and council members Pat and Kim Dimes, Joseph Romano, Suzanne Swope, 70 00:05:47,759 --> 00:05:57,560 Paul Ren, Max Tassinary and Kurt Mala. Congratulations to both of you. 71 00:05:54,359 --> 00:05:57,560 [applause] CONGRATULATIONS. 72 00:06:03,529 --> 00:06:05,548 [applause] 73 00:06:09,424 --> 00:06:11,444 [applause] 74 00:06:14,800 --> 00:06:18,120 » Try to squeeze 75 00:06:23,120 --> 00:06:25,919 sometimes. 76 00:06:31,694 --> 00:06:33,714 » [laughter] 77 00:06:34,319 --> 00:06:41,479 » Don't move. >> Don't move. 78 00:06:38,240 --> 00:06:41,479 » Don't move. 79 00:06:43,280 --> 00:06:48,779 » Suzanne, a little bit to your left. There you go. [laughter] 80 00:06:49,120 --> 00:06:55,720 » Okay, cool. Thank you. Thank you, [applause] guys. 81 00:06:52,720 --> 00:06:55,720 Awesome. 82 00:06:58,560 --> 00:07:03,560 All good stuff. All good stuff. 83 00:07:11,680 --> 00:07:18,960 » Okay. If we have none in public comment, we'll open it up. 84 00:07:16,160 --> 00:07:25,759 » John, please be first. Hi, John Morgan, precinct 4. And I'd 85 00:07:21,520 --> 00:07:30,000 like to welcome the new counselors and like my name is John Morgan, but I 86 00:07:27,440 --> 00:07:34,960 prefer John. I look forward in the future to talk to each and one of you. 87 00:07:32,639 --> 00:07:40,560 Uh, but I'd like to invite you to a commission on disabilities meeting. Our 88 00:07:37,680 --> 00:07:46,400 next meeting is on the 14th at 6 p.m. at the heart hearing. Uh just so you know 89 00:07:43,680 --> 00:07:53,759 that that our commission uh since since 2023 has done more 90 00:07:50,880 --> 00:07:59,599 uh for disability community than it's done in years before and I want to 91 00:07:56,639 --> 00:08:03,395 continue this but uh but we need everyone's help. Thank you. 92 00:08:01,440 --> 00:08:05,415 » Thank you. [applause] 93 00:08:07,039 --> 00:08:15,240 Welcome. Um you've been council for about a half an hour now. We've solved 94 00:08:11,919 --> 00:08:15,240 the flood problem. [laughter] 95 00:08:15,360 --> 00:08:21,599 » That's all I have to say. [applause] >> Celeste, [snorts] 96 00:08:19,360 --> 00:08:26,479 » Celeste Huitt, precinct one. Congratulations to everyone. Happy New 97 00:08:23,360 --> 00:08:31,360 Year. And my first official request. Um, back on December 12th, the climate 98 00:08:28,960 --> 00:08:36,080 commission did submit a formal request to town council. Um, imagine people have 99 00:08:34,560 --> 00:08:39,120 been a little bit busy since then and most likely have been waiting to 100 00:08:37,440 --> 00:08:43,200 assemble this crew. So, I'm just going to take the opportunity to read out the 101 00:08:40,640 --> 00:08:49,680 request. I can uh forward it to the updated town council um tomorrow at some 102 00:08:46,480 --> 00:08:54,080 point. Uh dear Win Town Council, Council President Lati, Town Manager Marino, and 103 00:08:51,680 --> 00:08:58,000 Town Clerk Twist, the Citizens Advisory Commission on Climate, CACC, 104 00:08:55,760 --> 00:09:01,040 respectfully urges that you put forth the attached recommendation for 105 00:08:59,440 --> 00:09:04,959 consideration during the January town council meeting. for your backgrounds. 106 00:09:03,040 --> 00:09:09,040 The ACC was appointed by the town of Winthor 16 months ago and has held 107 00:09:07,120 --> 00:09:13,279 public hearings monthly. During that time and within those meetings, we have 108 00:09:10,800 --> 00:09:17,440 developed a climate action plan in which we identified and prioritized the top 109 00:09:15,279 --> 00:09:21,440 eight hotspots within Winthre that are most presently and imminently impacted 110 00:09:19,279 --> 00:09:24,560 by flooding and climate concerns. We've invited peers and colleagues from the 111 00:09:22,959 --> 00:09:29,440 climate, energy, and environmental sectors to dig into issues and 112 00:09:26,560 --> 00:09:32,640 initiatives including uh Kristen Holmire from resilience manager for the North 113 00:09:31,120 --> 00:09:37,600 Suffach office of resilience and sustainability to discuss the Morton 114 00:09:34,800 --> 00:09:41,120 Street study. Uh Connor Option from Woods Hole Group presentation topic was 115 00:09:39,680 --> 00:09:44,720 Winthre's vulnerability to climate change and the feasibility report for 116 00:09:43,040 --> 00:09:49,279 the proposed Morton Street resilience project. Mothers out front presentation 117 00:09:47,519 --> 00:09:54,320 on recent climate legislation in Massachusetts. First public presentation 118 00:09:51,839 --> 00:09:58,480 of the Olympic climate tracker uh climate action plan tracker and tool 119 00:09:56,240 --> 00:10:03,760 that the CACC developed led by former town councelor John de Ross uh took 120 00:10:00,560 --> 00:10:06,480 place in uh November 2024. Is that my timer already? 121 00:10:04,880 --> 00:10:10,720 » No. [laughter] >> Um we had a presentation from wind 122 00:10:09,279 --> 00:10:14,560 working together highlighting Wind residents climate and related health 123 00:10:12,240 --> 00:10:17,680 concerns and their desire to proactively address them. 124 00:10:15,839 --> 00:10:22,000 um with focus on transit, changes in environment, emergency evacuation, 125 00:10:20,399 --> 00:10:27,760 presentation of the updated climate action plan by the CACC, town manager 126 00:10:24,720 --> 00:10:31,440 Marino and DW Director Kala who answered commissioners questions and thoughtfully 127 00:10:29,600 --> 00:10:35,920 reviewed progress towards ongoing and new work in each of the hotspots. uh 128 00:10:33,839 --> 00:10:43,360 Wendy Mar Page came in and did a solid waste and recycling man um presentation 129 00:10:39,680 --> 00:10:47,440 um as along with uh Dylan Patel regional coordinator for green communities 130 00:10:44,640 --> 00:10:51,279 program. Um we have proactive planning collaboration equitable coastal 131 00:10:48,959 --> 00:10:56,640 relocation in Massachusetts by speaker Elar Gilstein climate adaptation 132 00:10:53,600 --> 00:10:59,680 specialist from the NE conservancy. Um there's a lot here that we're only 133 00:10:57,839 --> 00:11:04,800 halfway through folks. I'm going to send this over but very pointedly um towards 134 00:11:02,880 --> 00:11:09,920 the end of this we did submit requests. We have worked very hard and um enga 135 00:11:07,839 --> 00:11:13,600 engaged on all levels in town have presented materials and invited 136 00:11:11,839 --> 00:11:18,480 different groups from town um and presented materials to town council and 137 00:11:15,680 --> 00:11:24,240 we have not um reached a point where we are willing to identify resources to 138 00:11:21,200 --> 00:11:28,399 commit to um some of our most pressing issues. And at the top of the list, we 139 00:11:26,320 --> 00:11:32,320 started focusing on Morton Street and we've circled back around and we're 140 00:11:29,600 --> 00:11:36,480 still on Morton Street. Um, we found ourselves where we had saw resources 141 00:11:34,240 --> 00:11:41,440 earmarked for engineering of solutions. Those are no longer on the table. So, we 142 00:11:38,959 --> 00:11:48,640 respectfully ask town council to review this request and to commit to um a vote 143 00:11:45,279 --> 00:11:53,440 on a proposal to set aside resources for Morton Street um and other flooding and 144 00:11:50,959 --> 00:11:57,680 infrastructure concerns. Um once again I will forward this to all you folks for 145 00:11:55,360 --> 00:12:02,720 your consideration in your review and we respectfully look forward to a response. 146 00:12:00,079 --> 00:12:07,600 Um within the body of this request we have also stated that we are suspending 147 00:12:05,680 --> 00:12:10,800 our meetings and some of our activity pending response and meaningful 148 00:12:09,040 --> 00:12:15,628 engagement from town council. Thank you so much. Happy new year. Welcome. 149 00:12:12,639 --> 00:12:15,628 » Thank you [applause] 150 00:12:20,320 --> 00:12:28,399 Marcelos. 365. Um, 151 00:12:24,639 --> 00:12:35,120 um, welcome all. Congrats. And I just want to extend an invitation for all of 152 00:12:31,760 --> 00:12:39,839 the new counselors and any existing and also members of the community to join us 153 00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:45,760 on the bridge um, on Saturdays from 10 to 12 um, to find out why we're there. I 154 00:12:43,600 --> 00:12:48,720 know a lot of people drive by or hear something on Facebook and they don't 155 00:12:46,800 --> 00:12:54,320 really understand what it's about. The best way to find out is come come and 156 00:12:50,320 --> 00:12:57,839 join us. Um you everyone is welcome there. Um you don't have to bring 157 00:12:55,839 --> 00:13:04,079 anything. We usually have drinks. We have warm jackets. We have like blankets 158 00:13:00,639 --> 00:13:09,440 now. Um it's very cold. Um and we have signs. But come and join us. Find out 159 00:13:06,480 --> 00:13:12,559 what we're actually doing and why. That's all. Thank you. 160 00:13:10,639 --> 00:13:14,579 » Thank you. [applause] 161 00:13:17,799 --> 00:13:23,440 » [clears throat] >> correspondence Denise 162 00:13:21,440 --> 00:13:28,480 » I did get a letter from Karen Chavez that she requested me to read council 163 00:13:26,160 --> 00:13:32,800 president Lati councilors Costigan dimes Romano rar nimlar I'm unable to be at 164 00:13:31,360 --> 00:13:37,279 tonight's council meeting but want to wish you all the best for successful and 165 00:13:34,720 --> 00:13:40,800 meaningful term of office I know you can all help to make one of a place that 166 00:13:39,120 --> 00:13:46,639 people want to live in and do business in council tassinary and swope I am sure 167 00:13:44,880 --> 00:13:50,720 we'll help you adjust to your new role in This council will be one of the best 168 00:13:48,160 --> 00:13:53,920 in the last 20 years. Council president, I know you will lead and direct this 169 00:13:52,240 --> 00:13:58,240 council. I have complete faith and trust in you. Please feel free to call me if I 170 00:13:56,240 --> 00:14:04,600 can be assistance to any of you. Good luck and God bless the town of Winter. 171 00:13:59,839 --> 00:14:04,600 Karen Chavez. And that was it. 172 00:14:05,760 --> 00:14:14,000 » Courts are non school department. School committee just met about 15 173 00:14:11,360 --> 00:14:18,079 minutes ago. Uh it was a very brief meeting. The only purpose of the meeting 174 00:14:15,839 --> 00:14:23,199 was to like the chair which they did. The chair of the winter school committee 175 00:14:20,000 --> 00:14:27,600 is Petri and the vice chair of the winter school committee is Gus Vuchi. So 176 00:14:25,760 --> 00:14:32,880 congratulations and congratulations to everyone newly elected on the school 177 00:14:29,680 --> 00:14:36,800 committee. Um and school committee is still in the middle of negotiations with 178 00:14:34,720 --> 00:14:41,120 the window teachers association. So those meetings are open. We can check 179 00:14:38,720 --> 00:14:46,480 the calendar I believe to see when the next meeting is. Um so stay tuned for 180 00:14:44,240 --> 00:14:53,199 more details on that. update on policy committee. We have not 181 00:14:48,639 --> 00:14:56,800 over the holiday town manager report was um 182 00:14:54,720 --> 00:15:02,399 sent out by the T Tony if you could just give a brief overview. And first of all, 183 00:14:59,519 --> 00:15:07,440 we want to wish Tony the best on a speedy recovery after a bad fall in his 184 00:15:05,600 --> 00:15:10,240 driveway and some black ice. >> Black ice and poor judgment. Don't go 185 00:15:08,880 --> 00:15:13,519 and walk the dogs at 5:30 in the morning. 186 00:15:11,360 --> 00:15:18,160 » We wish you the best. And if you want to just update us on them also if you'd 187 00:15:15,760 --> 00:15:23,760 like to because there's definitely been um a lot of discussion out there. Real 188 00:15:21,279 --> 00:15:28,160 estate tax bills just recently went out >> and um you know there was some 189 00:15:26,399 --> 00:15:31,839 misunderstanding with the bills and the way they came storm but 190 00:15:30,480 --> 00:15:34,880 » you want to explain that or I'll be happy to but you can 191 00:15:32,880 --> 00:15:38,639 » I guess it was one of the items in my town manager report. Um yeah, what 192 00:15:36,720 --> 00:15:43,360 happened was is the not happened but um the way this happened is the we couldn't 193 00:15:41,360 --> 00:15:47,199 bill for the uh school override until we set the tax rate. Um which obviously is 194 00:15:45,040 --> 00:15:51,519 the first bill in January. So people got their standard you know last year's uh 195 00:15:49,680 --> 00:15:55,680 first two quarter bills based on what it was last year. Maybe your property value 196 00:15:53,600 --> 00:16:00,240 went up slightly um or not. Like so we took um and Sarah Johnson run some 197 00:15:57,440 --> 00:16:03,839 numbers today. We took our average home value in Winthre right now was $738,500. 198 00:16:02,861 --> 00:16:08,880 [snorts] So, we picked a random property out in 199 00:16:05,519 --> 00:16:13,519 the Shirley Street area. Um, their FY25 assessed value was 705,000. So, their 200 00:16:11,279 --> 00:16:16,519 total tax bill for last year was $7,275.60. 201 00:16:16,720 --> 00:16:23,600 That same home, uh, this is an offer tax bill, an actual tax bill, went their 202 00:16:21,040 --> 00:16:29,279 assessed value went up to $738,000 5 738,500, which was pretty close to 203 00:16:26,639 --> 00:16:33,040 the, um, assessed value for this year. Um, we're actually right on the money. 204 00:16:31,199 --> 00:16:36,800 And so for the first two quarters though, that house got built uh 205 00:16:34,639 --> 00:16:41,600 $1,818.90 for the first two quarters. We set the 206 00:16:38,800 --> 00:16:46,240 tax rate. So basically the full increase of the school override for your average 207 00:16:43,199 --> 00:16:50,800 home was around $950, you know, $1,000. That's what this happened to be, $951. 208 00:16:48,480 --> 00:16:54,000 Now that $951 is going to get added to the last two quarters. So everyone 209 00:16:52,639 --> 00:16:58,160 thinks that their tax bill is going up 25 30%, but in reality, it's just the 210 00:16:56,240 --> 00:17:02,639 whole increase of the annual bill is being built in two quarters. That will 211 00:17:00,079 --> 00:17:07,600 level out. So that same home got build for the third quarter $2,294 212 00:17:05,679 --> 00:17:12,319 for the bill same bill for the fourth quarter. Now next year when FY27 bill 213 00:17:10,079 --> 00:17:16,480 comes out uh their total taxes was $8,226. 214 00:17:14,319 --> 00:17:20,160 You divide that increase by four. Their new bill for the quarter will be 215 00:17:18,240 --> 00:17:23,600 $2,56.72 rather than the 2200 they got for the 216 00:17:21,919 --> 00:17:26,319 last two quarters. So it'll even out, but for these last two quarters it's 217 00:17:25,280 --> 00:17:29,200 going to be a little bit higher than it normally is. Um, in hindsight, we 218 00:17:28,079 --> 00:17:32,240 probably should have sent a letter saying that and with the tax bills, 219 00:17:30,640 --> 00:17:34,559 we'll do better job next time. But, you know, I didn't want anybody to think 220 00:17:33,120 --> 00:17:38,559 that there's any sort of shenanigans going on, but we did just that's the way 221 00:17:36,480 --> 00:17:41,520 it goes with these overrides. And keep in mind, like this doesn't include the 222 00:17:40,240 --> 00:17:44,960 fire station yet, which will come online, you know, in a few years, but 223 00:17:43,760 --> 00:17:48,720 there will be a little bit of interest that'll be built out like next year 224 00:17:46,400 --> 00:17:52,240 there'll be $147,000 in interest that will have to be built out. That'll add 225 00:17:50,400 --> 00:17:55,520 two or three cents to the tax rate, but, you know, that'll be minimal. But um you 226 00:17:53,840 --> 00:18:00,400 know this will happen in stages you know as we get further along probably fully 227 00:17:57,600 --> 00:18:04,559 vetted in FY28 but FY27 will have some of it FY28 and 29 will finish off the 228 00:18:02,799 --> 00:18:09,200 fire station. So everything's in line with what we said you know if you go on 229 00:18:06,080 --> 00:18:13,520 the DLS calculators and you put in the 1.45 million and the 3.5 million all 230 00:18:12,240 --> 00:18:17,200 these numbers are right in line with what the increases were you know for the 231 00:18:15,280 --> 00:18:20,480 average value home. So apologize for the confusion and certainly assessor's 232 00:18:19,039 --> 00:18:24,080 office has been fielding questions. My office has been fielding questions and 233 00:18:21,679 --> 00:18:27,120 if anybody has any more come on by but this is uh this will all you know come 234 00:18:25,600 --> 00:18:30,960 out in the wash once we hit to July's bill and everything will level out. So 235 00:18:29,520 --> 00:18:35,760 » and and just to understand a lot of people look at two and a half which has 236 00:18:33,039 --> 00:18:41,200 been around for almost 40 years now and so two and a half% is what the total 237 00:18:38,640 --> 00:18:46,240 levy for the town can go up. So if the town takes three bill three, 238 00:18:44,640 --> 00:18:50,320 » it's like3 billion dollars. Yeah. The total valuation. 239 00:18:46,960 --> 00:18:54,880 » So the valuations it's based on that. So a person's tax could potentially in a 240 00:18:53,039 --> 00:19:00,480 year where there's reevaluations, which we did. The evaluations could go up. The 241 00:18:57,600 --> 00:19:04,559 tax rate again could only be fixed at 2 and a half% increased over the levy from 242 00:19:02,960 --> 00:19:08,640 last year. But some people might see a 1% increase. Some people might see a 4% 243 00:19:07,120 --> 00:19:12,559 increase depending on how their homes got valued. But the homes are not 244 00:19:10,559 --> 00:19:15,200 reassessed every single year. So that's just, you know, once every five or 10 245 00:19:14,960 --> 00:19:20,240 years. >> Yeah, we did one in 2022. We'll do 246 00:19:16,799 --> 00:19:23,520 another one in 27. Um the one one thing to keep in mind too is that this this 247 00:19:21,919 --> 00:19:27,440 year sort of a perfect storm, right? But this year was based off of um fiscal 248 00:19:25,280 --> 00:19:30,880 year 24's real estate values where if everybody remembers postco, you know, 249 00:19:29,360 --> 00:19:34,880 the real estate values were going crazy. People were putting in offers on homes 250 00:19:32,480 --> 00:19:37,679 50 60 $70,000 over asking, no home inspections. So, you know, that was a 251 00:19:36,400 --> 00:19:41,760 really inflated real estate market, which is, you know, driving up the home 252 00:19:39,200 --> 00:19:45,600 values a little bit as well. So, >> and further on your report, 253 00:19:43,679 --> 00:19:49,360 » uh, just the fire station, uh, you gave a little update before in your, uh, 254 00:19:47,280 --> 00:19:52,559 state of the town speech there and, uh, we are going to start the demo. They 255 00:19:50,720 --> 00:19:56,080 took the last window out today and, uh, the demo will start shortly for 256 00:19:54,320 --> 00:19:58,880 anybody's interested. They are, as we talked about before, they're using a 257 00:19:57,440 --> 00:20:01,840 large, much larger machine than they normally would. And it has for 258 00:20:00,400 --> 00:20:04,400 essentially just a big pair of scissors on the end of it and they're going to be 259 00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:07,919 cutting the buildings up into sections rather than jackhammering. So, it's how 260 00:20:06,400 --> 00:20:10,640 they take bridges down. It's a similar machine that they used to take bridges 261 00:20:09,039 --> 00:20:13,360 down. So, it's going to be if you're into that sort of thing, it'll be pretty 262 00:20:11,840 --> 00:20:16,720 neat to watch cuz it'll come out in really, really large chunks rather than 263 00:20:15,280 --> 00:20:20,400 And the reason they did that was so we didn't have a lot of it's in a really 264 00:20:18,160 --> 00:20:23,360 residential area, so they wanted to make sure that they uh minimize the impact of 265 00:20:22,000 --> 00:20:27,919 the neighbors and try to keep the noise down. So, um, but that'll kick off soon. 266 00:20:25,760 --> 00:20:31,600 And, um, we also finally, as we got the permit, the, um, the dredging over at 267 00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:35,120 Fisherman's Bend is going to kick off. Uh, they started out there this week. 268 00:20:32,960 --> 00:20:39,360 They start pulling the material out and, um, our DPW crews will be hauling it 269 00:20:37,120 --> 00:20:43,760 away, but um, Northeast Mosquito Control is doing the dredging there as well. So, 270 00:20:40,960 --> 00:20:46,000 we got a lot of good stuff going on. I'm certainly open to answering your 271 00:20:44,960 --> 00:20:51,280 questions. >> Matt, Council Test, thank you, Mr. 272 00:20:48,320 --> 00:20:55,840 President. Uh, thank you, Mr. Manager. Sorry to hear about the ankle. That's 273 00:20:52,880 --> 00:20:59,440 not uh we we we get worried when we see you laid out because 274 00:20:57,039 --> 00:21:03,039 » No, don't worry. I'm not going anywhere. >> Um there's a question on the demolition 275 00:21:02,159 --> 00:21:07,039 of [clears throat] the middle school. Have we had a response to our request 276 00:21:05,679 --> 00:21:12,240 for the release of the $2 million earmark from the acts of 2024? Do we 277 00:21:10,240 --> 00:21:14,159 make that request being on an agenda? 278 00:21:13,039 --> 00:21:17,760 » We're working on the letter. I finally got the actual numbers from um the 279 00:21:16,640 --> 00:21:22,080 request is going in. It hasn't officially gone in yet, but it will go 280 00:21:19,280 --> 00:21:26,559 in. But I did talk to our finance chair and the A&E secretary and um we're 281 00:21:24,159 --> 00:21:30,880 accounting and fin secretary rather and it is going to be going in. Um you know, 282 00:21:29,600 --> 00:21:33,840 one of the concerns they have and I have is that you know, one of the boxes that 283 00:21:32,240 --> 00:21:36,880 they have to check off is, you know, is the town in compliance with our laws and 284 00:21:35,520 --> 00:21:40,000 that could be an issue with the 3A issue, but we'll find out. But um we're 285 00:21:38,880 --> 00:21:42,559 definitely putting the requests in and we're working the political back 286 00:21:41,120 --> 00:21:45,360 channels to try to get some support for it. 287 00:21:43,600 --> 00:21:48,720 » Okay. >> Thank you. 288 00:21:45,840 --> 00:21:48,720 » You're welcome. 289 00:21:49,039 --> 00:21:58,000 All right. Um, old business. We have none. New business. 290 00:21:54,960 --> 00:22:03,120 There's a motion here. We'll explain in a bit. A motion that the town council 291 00:22:00,000 --> 00:22:07,120 consider consider all interns of the town of Winter be considered special 292 00:22:05,200 --> 00:22:12,799 municipal employees of the town or take any other action relative there too. Um, 293 00:22:10,480 --> 00:22:17,120 we'll ask for a vote on that and just explain it. Uh we have interns that work 294 00:22:15,120 --> 00:22:21,520 here that might work for the state, might uh might be legislative aid, 295 00:22:19,679 --> 00:22:25,760 whatever. They do internships here. They're not allowed to be an employee of 296 00:22:23,919 --> 00:22:30,559 the town. They'd have to be considered a special employee. So this is an an 297 00:22:28,400 --> 00:22:35,679 exemption for some kids that are doing internships that, you know, might work 298 00:22:33,200 --> 00:22:39,120 at the state house or whatever. So it's uh not a big deal. It's just something 299 00:22:37,760 --> 00:22:43,520 that we want to make sure we're doing properly. So, um, if we're willing to 300 00:22:42,159 --> 00:22:47,919 take a motion, if we're willing to get a second for the motion and discuss it 301 00:22:45,679 --> 00:22:51,200 now, if not, we can put it off probably next meeting. 302 00:22:50,000 --> 00:22:53,919 » I have a second. >> Second. 303 00:22:51,840 --> 00:22:58,080 » Second by council tachary. Any discussion? Denise, would you like to 304 00:22:56,080 --> 00:23:01,200 weigh in on this to just if I didn't describe it exactly perfect? 305 00:22:59,440 --> 00:23:05,840 » No, that's exactly perfect how you described it. And we also we've already 306 00:23:03,039 --> 00:23:08,960 done this for the committee members. >> It's for the same reasoning for that. So 307 00:23:07,520 --> 00:23:13,120 this will cover mostly everyone that knows the non memberships of the 308 00:23:11,200 --> 00:23:16,320 committees. So we're good. [cough] >> Any other discussion? Seeing 309 00:23:15,166 --> 00:23:19,039 [clears throat] none, all those in favor say I. 310 00:23:17,440 --> 00:23:24,400 » I have. 311 00:23:21,440 --> 00:23:28,159 » Now the town council every year uh we vote on a vice president and 312 00:23:27,611 --> 00:23:31,120 [clears throat] this is per the charter. Nothing has 313 00:23:30,080 --> 00:23:34,799 changed. There's a question on the ballot last year that didn't pass. So 314 00:23:33,039 --> 00:23:40,720 even if it did, nothing would change in this runaround. This is a one-year 315 00:23:37,120 --> 00:23:43,986 position. Um, the role of the council vice president is to take over in the 316 00:23:42,880 --> 00:23:50,159 event that the council president [cough and snorts] is unable to perform 317 00:23:45,679 --> 00:23:54,159 his or her duties. Um, so I will open up nominations. 318 00:23:52,320 --> 00:23:59,039 » Motion to nominate Suzanne Swope for vice president of council. 319 00:23:56,080 --> 00:24:03,039 » There's a motion from council dimes to nominate council swoop. Is there a 320 00:24:01,600 --> 00:24:08,480 second? >> Second by council man. Any other 321 00:24:05,760 --> 00:24:14,880 nominations? Seeing none, I will close nominations 322 00:24:11,919 --> 00:24:20,240 and I will ask if anyone has anything they'd like to say about Council Swope 323 00:24:16,640 --> 00:24:25,279 before we vote. All right, I'll ask for a roll call 324 00:24:22,720 --> 00:24:27,440 vote, please. [snorts] >> Council Tineri, 325 00:24:26,960 --> 00:24:29,600 » yes. >> Council Costigan, 326 00:24:28,880 --> 00:24:31,039 » yes. >> Council Dimes, 327 00:24:30,720 --> 00:24:34,159 » yes. >> Councilor Romano, 328 00:24:32,080 --> 00:24:37,440 » yes. Council Swope. >> Yes. 329 00:24:36,400 --> 00:24:38,960 » Council Rearen. >> Yes. 330 00:24:37,919 --> 00:24:40,880 » Council Malar. >> Yes. 331 00:24:39,520 --> 00:24:44,957 » President Lati. >> Yes. Congratulations. 332 00:24:42,159 --> 00:24:44,957 » Congratulations. [applause] 333 00:24:53,200 --> 00:24:57,240 » Public is back. 334 00:24:57,760 --> 00:25:02,240 » Yes. Wendy. >> Hi. I'm Wendy Malar. Precinct 335 00:25:00,622 --> 00:25:06,880 [clears throat] 2. Just want people to know that we have a couple of things um 336 00:25:04,320 --> 00:25:13,360 happening this week and next. Please put your bare, very naked Christmas trees 337 00:25:10,000 --> 00:25:17,120 out on your trash day. And this is the first year we're doing it. But we are 338 00:25:14,880 --> 00:25:21,520 collecting your string lights that no longer work right at the DW in a bin and 339 00:25:20,080 --> 00:25:26,159 they're being recycled. So you don't have to put them in the trash. Please 340 00:25:23,360 --> 00:25:29,360 don't put them in the recycling bin. And we're getting more things out of our 341 00:25:27,840 --> 00:25:33,480 waist stream. >> Nice job. Thank you. 342 00:25:34,027 --> 00:25:36,047 [applause] 343 00:25:38,480 --> 00:25:45,440 » Same public relations. We have um a handful 344 00:25:42,640 --> 00:25:49,679 of committee openings now with uh different councils getting elected that 345 00:25:46,880 --> 00:25:54,240 were on different boards and such. Um we have openings on the board of license, 346 00:25:52,400 --> 00:25:59,600 board of appeals, conservation committee, board of registars. 347 00:25:57,039 --> 00:26:05,120 So, if um anybody out there is interested, please feel free to drop me 348 00:26:01,440 --> 00:26:09,919 an email at the council clerk. Um council discussion 349 00:26:07,279 --> 00:26:14,000 um which I'll probably put on the next agenda, but 350 00:26:12,080 --> 00:26:19,200 I'd like to appoint some liaison to committee to keep the town council up to 351 00:26:16,080 --> 00:26:24,320 date, especially maybe uh policym committee. So basically to have a 352 00:26:21,919 --> 00:26:28,559 representative from the council at a board of appeals hearing or at a we we 353 00:26:26,720 --> 00:26:32,000 try to do committee report updates. We're just getting updates as we see 354 00:26:30,240 --> 00:26:36,320 them through the minutes. Sometimes it's better. It might be um better 355 00:26:34,320 --> 00:26:39,360 information for the public. So we're looking potentially I'll probably be 356 00:26:38,080 --> 00:26:45,440 putting it on the agenda of the next meeting to have liaison from the council 357 00:26:41,600 --> 00:26:49,840 to be on for example uh conservation or planning board or board of appeals or 358 00:26:47,360 --> 00:26:54,320 such policy making committees like board license. Uh so gets us a little bit more 359 00:26:52,400 --> 00:26:59,360 detailed information in more timely manner and get us the ability to 360 00:26:56,880 --> 00:27:05,120 translate that to you guys. So that will be on the next agenda. Uh we are right 361 00:27:02,240 --> 00:27:08,480 on schedule. Young scouts are still here. I can't believe they stayed. Thank 362 00:27:07,200 --> 00:27:13,200 you very much. >> Do I have a motion to adjurnn? Motion by 363 00:27:11,039 --> 00:27:20,440 councilmano. Second by vice president swoke. Any discussion? Seeing none, all 364 00:27:15,520 --> 00:27:20,440 those in favor say I. No.