Berlin Selectboard - August 24, 2026 [BNS]

Uh, good evening everyone and welcome to the August 24th, 2026 regular Town of Berlin Select Board meeting. I'm Jared Couch. Uh, to my right we have Brian Daval Bliss and Carla Lou Weasel. To my left, Chris Hayward and Clo Smith. and our town administrator Vince Ki and I call the meeting to order. There any additions or changes to the agenda? Oh yes. So due to my lack of ability to proofread my own agenda that I that I put out. Um there's a big discrepancy in the in the times. So thank goodness that they're advisory only. Um but I would suggest that um we move the personnel policy, traffic policy, the skid steer purchase review, all those to the top of the agenda. >> Okay. >> Um that would give um Miss Frasier time because I'm sure she's expecting on a 620. I know that you reached out to reschedule that um to get here. Uh I ju just received an email probably five minutes ago from Mr. Schultz from the CDS group for that discussion. Um they're waiting on more information from VRAN so they will not be participating tonight so they can be completely removed from the agenda. Okay. And again thinking that we were going to have a longer meeting. I did have uh the capital improvement plan in there for additional review. I I would suggest that we also review that. There's not a lot to talk about additional right now. And I didn't put anything in your package for that. So, I'd recommend removing that. >> So, that being said, I would say skid steer >> purchase first. >> Um give give Craig the opportunity to stay or go as he sees fit, then the um personnel policy review second. >> Okay. >> And the traffic and vehicle ordinance third. and then hopefully by then we can get back to normal business. Okay. Thank you. Is there any public comment? >> All right. None. Okay. We will move to the skids purchase. Okay. So, in your in your package, see the uh proposed uh bill of sale. Um on that I'm seeking approval to purchase a skid steer 2023 T770 Bobcat um from Chris Hayward for $58,000. I priced out uh a new one is about $90,000. I found a used one uh in St. Alvin's uh similar making model that's $67,900. Um so I feel like this this price point is is good because it allows me to buy some of the attachments I'm going to need for it. I've got over a mile of sewer line uh that runs from Airport Road over to the hotel, runs out through the woods. It crosses Cous Trail and Warner Road. Uh historically, Henry Leu took care of that. He passed away a few years ago. Now it's fallen on the town and it's a lot of road to maintain with a shovel. So, it's a piece of equipment I can move with my pickup and trailer setup I have now. Um, I've been relying on Tim and his equipment. Um, and this this machine will enable me to do the brush hogging I need to do every year. Um, our raking some probably buy a file for it and use it in the parking lots. Um, and yeah, I'd really appreciate the uh approval to go ahead with the purchase. So again, the the funds will be from Craig's budget as well a shared cost. Anything out of the general funds at all? It's it's Craig is footing the bill on this one. >> Yeah, sewer and water. It's a 7525 sewer water split. >> It is something I think we add in the CIP plan or we're talking in Yep. Yep. Yep. So, it appears to me that enough due diligence was done to ensure there was no uh concern about it being Chris at selling it. So, I'll move to approve this the purchase of the skits. >> I'll second it. All those in favor? >> I I >> opposed. Thank you. Thanks for >> Thank you. I forgive. >> Thanks. Should talk a little bit more. Too fast now. >> Well, I mean, we can re-evaluate that. It sounds like I wasn't there enough. So, >> shook on. >> I know. I know. Uh, personnel policy. >> Okay. There's a copy of it in your package. Um, if you remember, we went through it about three times. made um made the revisions, but no revisions that were requested were made. It was sent back out. Um I don't know if we've had time to review it. It was um sent out probably three to four weeks ago at least. So, it's really just a final opportunity to look through it one more time, see if there's any other additional comments. Um and then we can go to signing on that. What was that one la? There was What was that one last change? It was to um >> I should have made notes. >> That's right. Uh something I Oh, it was about the >> That was something different. >> No, it was the in the order of which I believe. >> Yeah, there was like 305 607. We changed the orders, >> right? >> Evaluation pay and what that do. Yeah, >> I know that was one. >> Oh, yeah. And the alternative work schedule, we just narrowed that down. >> Yeah. Okay. >> Anything for this for some here on page 11? We change that. This is Mar. This is the old go. >> That was like we thought that was that conflicted right with something else. >> I think we updated. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Right there. >> Yes. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Copy. I'll tell my mom. be proud. >> That's all I had on my notes. Looks like it was changed. So, >> yeah, >> we better find something else to talk about. >> Oh, I bet it'll come. Maybe we can make this bigger. This thing Ready? >> Yeah. >> And we made the vacations the same as the contract, >> right? Yeah. >> Because we added Junth. >> Yeah. >> Okay. >> Yeah. They match >> vacation days. Yes. We'd have to change the date on the employee acknowledgement of the receipt of the policy too because it lists July 27th as as if that's the day that we approved it. So that date >> that date would have to be changed. >> That's on page 31. Look and the bait on the front too would change. in the front. >> Y sticks out to me. >> I do have a question actually. Is there any opportunity for employee review of this or is this just that you sign it and it goes into effect? >> Has it been sent out a draft? It is >> that that was >> Am I just forgetting? >> Yeah, it was it's been quite a while that you're >> I just was curious if there was any employee feedback or Good question. There there were a couple of comments from the office staff early on on this that were made. I I do that. I can't tell you which ones they were. I have to go back. >> Okay. No, that's fine. I was just curious. Um it's the first policy review I've been part of. >> Y and once once this is done, it'll go out to all the staff to so they can see. >> Yeah. So >> for those of you that can capture the old one, you compare the two. Gotcha. >> So I would consider this a living document and if there's ever any changes that you would want to propose, it's simply a matter of us revising it and voting on it. So >> yes, your point once once you get it and you look at it, if you have questions, thoughts about improving it, submit them and we get a few. >> Okay. >> We'll put it back out there again. >> Yep. just out. Thank you. >> Yeah, >> I do think that's a good point though. I think we do we should try to get that review and I know we did at one point. >> Yeah. >> Typically I I send when we're doing a policy like this, I send it to all the staff for for comment as well. I make a motion to accept and approve the personnel policy with the two date revisions as stated by FL. >> I'll second it. >> All those in favor? >> I opposed >> approved. Uh do you need us which copy do you need signed? >> I'll make the revisions. >> Okay. and then I will uh send it out to to the board to sign. I'll bring it to the next meeting. >> Next meeting. Okay. With the dates changed and then we'll sign it on the agenda then you can sign it there. Okay. Thank you. >> Probably the best way to do that. >> Yep. >> I don't think that's put on the agenda then. You can just sign it >> because we voted to approve it >> as of today. So >> yeah, I think it's all good. All right. Traffic and vehicle ordinance amendment revision, review, and decision. >> Okay. So, this one I would suggest you might want to take a little time. You've only reviewed it once. Um, and that was uh to add the comment was Brookfield Road and the speed limit on Cross Town Road where it was posted. Those two changes have been made. Um, I'd be I'd be happy but surprised if that's the only changes that come up in this um as well. Now, this this was also reviewed by uh the police for their comments as well to make sure um because there's been a lot of conversation in the past where either they haven't been able to enforce it or it's got rejected. Their their ticket that they served somebody um when when they got took to court taken to court may have gotten thrown out because of something not being clear in the ordinance. Okay. again, they've had their comments on this. Those have all been incorporated as well. Um, so that's that's kind of where we're at at this point with that. I don't think we changed anything on the uh on the fines as well. I think they're pretty standard. Let me talk to the chief on that in case that question comes into mind. just a few things that I've noted so far and I'll read through more but the spacing of the sections um to make them consistent. So it starts out where there's no space between like the title of the section and the data, but then when you get up to like section seven, there is. So just making that consistent whichever way it's going to be done. So like there's no spacing here between general information and the data below. >> But then when you get to section seven, there is spacing. And then I suggest the section 9 enforcement and penalties to have that align with the corresponding data that it so it's not sitting by itself and that might all change with the spacing anyhow but that's one thing that I noted >> okay so I was thinking this okay so you sent us the class four road thing but that's coming up >> that'll be later okay yeah >> that's what I was That's that's the one I was asking about changes on there too at the next meeting. >> But that one has been sent out. >> Yes. No. No. Time to >> That's the one I saw and I didn't know. I was thinking that's what we were talking. >> Now this one again once once we have it that because it's an ordinance, right? We'll have to hold a couple of public hearings. And then after the second public hearing, it's either 30. I'd have to look again again 30 or 60 days before it becomes fully effective forable. It gives it has to go through it. >> Chris, what's the parking like down at the fire station? Is it people just park along where they on the trail or do they ever >> they park all over the place? It depends. When it's really hot, it's a place to go. So, it can get a little congested, but never really an issue for me for the most part. Um, you know, the biggest thing would be if they're blocking the the fire guys, which I've never seen that. So, I don't I don't see any huge problem there. There's an occasional big truck that'll park there that's not always the most convenient, but it's temporary. So if it becomes some bigger issue, I'll let Tim Vince know. Unless you were referencing, is there something that should >> I didn't know if there I was just asking if there was anything. Was there something needed to be looked at? I just know we have an access like recreational access there and I was labeled where recreational park was or people just pulled in. >> I've never seen an issue there, but I've not down there all the time. So there >> there isn't a big issue. Um, some signage. Would it help? Maybe some, but I wouldn't say it's a big enough concern right now to to make a a big deal about it. >> It's easy enough to be resolved later. I I don't see a problem right now. I know things are going to change when the state starts working on that bridge. True. >> That's going to be that'll be interesting to see how that all pans out. But >> yeah, >> sometimes they block the mailboxes and it's probably inconvenient for some elderly people maybe, but >> yeah. >> Yeah. >> I don't you hook up the tow truck and listen to people? >> Uh, no. I I haven't dragged anybody out of my way yet. Parking is a big one. That was one of the things for them that we didn't have the right wording and signage for enforcement >> on Brookfield >> anywhere. Okay. Really? Um >> the only place I notice it mainly is because I live on the road, right, is landscaper. >> Oh yeah. >> They all park in the road. It's like they can't back that trailer up into a driveway. And that's a bit of a it's more of a safety thing I think >> than anything. And I know for Tim it's pretty inconvenient if he's trying to grade a road. >> Had to chase a field from downtown. >> Yeah. I mean it's one there today was coming back from school. >> Yeah. It's pretty much every week. I mean it's so it's relatively common. >> There's a there's a private road over off street. They one company mows three houses on the on the road and instead of using the private road that they're mowing on, they park in the town road and then their lawn mowers up the private road and do the lawn come back in. >> Wow. >> So, it's down there for a while then. >> Oh, yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, I don't I don't know if there's anything in reference to that and how you enforce that and all of that stuff, but >> if you want to talk about >> So, that's where section seven comes in. >> Okay. >> Areas of parking motor vehicle would interfere with the normal flow of traffic or obstruct movement of other vehicles. >> Mhm. >> Right. Kind of fits there. >> Yep. Okay. Section six talks about cross town road parking on both sides of the roadway. Is it section six cover cross town road? >> No, section section six covers pain turn bike south >> and then >> well yeah >> well I think that's two cross town. So turn right two both sides of the roadway. Uhhuh. Okay. If there's no other changes tonight, then I will um I'll work with the board to schedule the public hearings. >> Probably if the board wants se I guess what I'm asking from the board is do you want it to be separate or would you like it to be added on to a regular board meeting? start off with the public hearing then go into the regular board meeting. Again, I'll try to uh only on those meetings put the normal business and any urgent needs on the regular board meeting just so we minimize the length of the meeting as requested. >> Can I So, there's a yield intersection. It says the ramp from Vermont Route 62 entering Town Highway 6, Pusher Road. What is that? >> Where are you? under enter under yields and one ways >> stops and yields section five. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Vermont Route 62 entry >> and turn from emergency room >> like if you hospital Benjamin Falls and you turn to go >> to the hospital. >> Oh, okay. Okay. Okay. Okay. >> Gotcha. I was thinking trying I'm thinking of up here and I'm like where is there a >> whichever one stops I >> Yeah. Okay, gotcha. Thank you. >> We don't have to change the the date before the signatures. And I think it would be good for all the signatures to be on one page, but that may happen with the adjustment to the spacing, too. >> The date will be revised, >> right? Exactly. Yep. >> So, what what did we have to fix in terms of signing and language to make it enforceable? Well, I know that the last time this was done, there were there were some signs added on, correct me if I'm wrong, for the parking on uh turnpike south. We added signs. >> There's signs down here by the inter >> those are added. >> I think the ones that are missing still are on Mirror Lake. It's like 100 feet we said beyond the bridge. I don't think we have any there right now. >> So, we didn't have signs up till it wasn't in Portal. Is that what you're saying? Oh, okay. I missed the front. It's not for so all of Lady Road except for the little pull off where we parked the night. We went out there and visited and they did. >> So then I need to remove some language in this then >> short section on the south side of M Lake Road on the front side. There's a no spots for six parking there. There's no signs there because it's literally just bank water signs up because it's kind of an inconvenient no park. They all park the thing or over on the other side of the road. But we need to remove the language that's in here for that because it says it's no parking the entire length of both sides with the exception of signed parking which isn't signed starting 100 ft east of the culvert guard rails extending 185 ft on the southside shoulder of the road. Does that need to come out? >> Well, that's unless you want to leave it in there, but the road still there. >> Should probably add something by that pull out Tim was talking about. There's like a on the south end there's that cutout that people park in, right? Add something there. >> That's been our biggest problem lately because it always used to be people used to parallel park in there. Now everybody's perpendicular parking and leaving the vehicle >> three quarters of the road, three quarters out in the road. It's not deep enough to pull off the road. Everybody used to park with traffic inside. >> It's this summer that for some reason all of a sudden it's become a huge problem. We had that discussion about putting parallel parking only signs over there on either side of that pull off. I suggest for this meeting that we we kind of >> Yeah. >> work with Tim and decide what we want on Mirror Lake. We got to change that. >> We do for sure if we want it enforceable. >> Yeah. >> Whatever that's going to be, right? You just want them in that spot. We sign it and identify what that is. >> Anywhere besides that pull off. >> Yeah. In the parallel. It's probably a good idea too to put that on the sign. >> Parallel parking only in the pulloff. Put some wording for that. Uh the other thing is what happens there a lot. They'll either stop on just before or just after the bridge >> to load and unload their boats. >> Um, a lot of times they'll put them in the water and take off and stay there until they come back. >> So, do we want to put some wording in here? They'll park on the on say just on the east side of the >> They'll unload, go in the water, and go and >> leave it there. Do we want to put some wording in for that? >> Again, if we want it enforced, it's got to be in here, >> right? It's that simple. >> There's no parking just >> But are we going to let people load and unload there or no? >> Carry it over or do we let them give them 10 minutes to load or 15 minutes, whatever you reasonable time there. There's no park. >> Yeah. >> Right. I don't think I put a loading or unloading zone sign >> just no park. >> But we we need to put it in here though. They can they can stop there, offload their kayak, canoe, whatever, right? Go park their rig, then put it in the water and go, >> come back, put it on shore, go get their rig, come over, load load it back up. >> Yeah. But if somebody's with the vehicle, technically I would consider That's my >> I hear you. >> If it's unoccupied, >> is this more of like coming from like the police >> point of view is that it's importing >> go to court. Right. >> Right. >> The guy will say, "Well, nobody told me I couldn't leave it there." type of thing. Right. Right. Loading. Yeah. Loading and unloading. It's just an hour in between. two hours on >> signing and they distances that we were supposed to place them mile >> there's just not >> what there isn't is like saying you can park certain areas discussion. >> Yeah. Okay. >> It's not that big. >> So, so maybe the question is we only allow loading boats on the from the ramp from the access. >> She said it. I didn't. >> Why is that a big idea? I mean, I don't know cuz well, so here's the other sticky wicket is when we did our road inventory, we got dinged for the foot traffic over the side of the road >> causing erosion. >> Erosion. >> I used to >> Yes. >> Well, right there in the cover, you can see it where they go around. >> Exactly what it is. It's quite traffic. >> They want it fixed and and seated. >> And that's They want >> stone on that thing. >> Wow. >> Unloading. >> You'll never walk. >> Maybe I should do >> the ambulance will be out there. >> Yeah. >> It's a good question. >> We did get we did get dinged for erosion on all four corners of that culvert because of the foot traffic. Y >> so doing what they're recommending would eliminate people loading and unloading there. >> I'm sure people will still build it, but >> Oh, >> it'll be it'll be riskier for them. >> They want us. So, type one stone is 12 in min. >> I don't see too many people. There's probably a few that will risk an ankle to give it. >> They want 12 inch rock. >> Yeah, that's kind of the >> on the side of like >> Yeah. >> on the four corners of where the culbert is, right? To prevent the erosion. >> It's kind of st >> This sounds like something that maybe we should put on the agenda so that people have a chance to weigh in on them. >> Well, they will, right? Once we get the language. >> Oh, that's right. Okay. >> We got to have two public hearings on it. Well, that's if we put it in here. If we're just talking about fix doing that to the road, that's a separate conversation. >> I mean, if that's what the state's saying we have to do or we're going to continue to get dinged by it, isn't that kind of what we have to do? >> I know what I was thinking. What >> I mean, what's the So, what's the penalty, Tim? Like, what's the ding, if you will? Can you explain what >> I'm not sure if there's a dollar fine to it or it's just one of those things that when we go asking for grant money for projects they look and say oh >> you're not in compliance >> they're not in compliance with our own I >> I don't think it's ever happened so we can find out my guess would be they would say well this is on Mirror Lake Road and you get X number of mileage credits for that and that equates to this number of dollars until it's fixed you're not going to get this number of dollars I see for your permit that's my just Yeah, >> just speculating. I'm sure it'll be something like that. They probably have a formula of some sort. >> If it continues to happen again anymore, I don't think so. right? >> Anything of that nature, right? I mean, they're they're they're pretty against that access point anyways and just kind of get it through a loophole that it's all within the town right away. Allow it. >> Why can't they use the actual >> They can maybe >> choosing not to. It's a long paddle. >> It's a long ways. Yeah. >> On the other hand, it's a long paddle. >> Launch is dangerous. >> That side to the other side. >> Yeah. And the launch is the launch is is rough. I understand now. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Getting from that where the where the launch is down into your vessel. Good luck getting in. >> Oh, really? >> You can do it, but it's >> Yeah. Sometimes you got to step that far down into your kayak or canoe. Sometimes you got to step that far down >> depending on the water level and everything. Yeah. >> Yep. >> But >> that's what it's there for. >> Sure. If people reached out for technically the state of Vermont maintains that because it's a now dedicated fishing access and that's >> their deal is the fishing department. >> They blocked it. It's not a ramp. >> Oh yeah. It's a ledge. >> Oh, okay. Yeah, I got you. >> Nice. >> That's the issue with it. In my personal opinion, that's the issue with it. >> Safety is you're stepping off a wall instead of going down a ramp. >> Yeah. >> Oh, okay. Well, this is more complicated then. >> Well, we got to figure it out, >> right? >> Right. We got language. >> What do we >> I would do parallel parking only on that one side. All right. No, >> I agree with you. >> No exemptions. So, >> look out for bird watchers. >> Carry carry your boats. Don't pull over there to unload. I'm not a law officer, I guess. But as far as like I said, >> no, there's something >> somebody just taking a kayak out of the back of their car and putting it in the water and drives a car over there. I don't consider that to be a park. >> Right. Correct. >> The problem is I see it all the time and most of the time it's not even people that are putting boats in the water. It's people that are walking up park their car >> and then >> Okay. >> We come along and >> Yeah. >> road and you got a road half cut. >> Yeah. >> And here's >> I mean I'm okay with people unloading and loading there just not parking there. >> Yeah. Yeah. I don't I'm okay with the loading unloading just not the leaving threat. >> If you want to put wordage in there, it's unloading. You mean and then you mean you have the whole whole other scenario in there of the erosion that's >> Well, I was just going to say, isn't that also encouraging or accepting? But >> yeah, >> it's happening there and we're okay with it as long as you don't park there. >> And if we fix it, it might be a safety issue to unload, >> right? They're saying no parking. >> The liability actually fall on the town though from a safety standpoint if you're going down necessarily fall back on the town because of like >> that's the regulation. That's what we're supposed to have. >> I mean kind of at will if you're randomly >> right if you walked off the shoulder somewhere and stepped in a witch hole. >> Yeah. >> Except that we know it's happening and we're not prohibiting it. >> Right. So I don't know. I don't know what the answer to that question is. You're aware of it and you're not signing it to say it's prohibited. Are you right? >> You know, sort of. >> So, I guess we shouldn't >> we shouldn't encourage it's okay to unload your boat here. Um that worded should probably be left out. >> No parking. >> Period. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Other than the designated parking spot that Um, again, just because it's Mirror Lake Road, this happens a lot. Tim's point as well, they'll stop and if they want to take photos or whatever, >> um, on the bridge on the Culver itself, >> should we put verbiage in here that that is just under no circumstances stopping there? I mean, >> I would say it can be >> somebody's going to get out and take pictures, >> right? >> Take a picture. >> That's why I'm throwing it out there because we want to be that specific like because all the time. >> Hey guys. >> Hello everyone. >> Hello. >> Put verbiage in there for no stopping on the bridge. Period. come up with some creative language to send to you. >> Chris, come on. >> I can only speak for one of the road people, >> right? It is crazy. I also recommend on section 9 alphabetizing the find so they're in alphabetical order just because if someone's looking at that very easy to decipher and everything else is alphabetized so that they all corresponding >> but this is eight. >> Okay. Is that >> all right? So, we should wait for the next meeting of the final draft and then there's no other changes and I'll work with Tim on the language >> dragging you into it. Um, and then I'll send it out again in advance and there. >> Thank you. Thanks, D. >> Thanks, >> thanks Tim. >> One more progress here. Move to the right away. >> Yeah, absolutely. >> You guys good to go for the rightway? >> Right. >> All right. We're going to move next to the rightway permit. And there's there's a copy should be a copy in your package as well. Pretty I think it's pretty straightforward. But do you have anything? >> All good. >> And I don't know. You guys decide the first one or the second one? The old access or the new access? It'll be just >> Yeah. >> Yeah. If both locations had adequate sight distance in all directions. So it's good to think >> I think you guys >> I'll move to approve the um permit predicting within the town right away by Emily Frasier for hillry extension >> and I'll second that. >> All those in favor? I >> I >> Oh, sorry. I >> got it. >> All right. >> For their benefit, I'll >> get this on. >> Thank you guys. Appreciate it. Y >> nice of you to come even >> you don't want to stay for more fun. >> Nice to meet you guys. >> Thanks guys. Have a good night. >> Go stage and have some more fun minutes there a little bit. Uh, do you want to go to minutes? Sure. >> Only one set. Only one side. Yeah. Oops. I make the motion to approve the rec regular select board meeting of Monday, July 27th, 2026 as amended and presented to us this evening. >> I'll second it. >> All those in favor? I >> opposed. >> Thank you. >> The approval of licensed permit vouchers and applications. I make the motion to approve payroll warrant 27-04 for payroll from August 8, 2026 to August 22nd, 2026 to be paid on August 26, 2026 in the amount of $74,569.17. also payable warrant 27 GO4 with check number 26457 to 26500 and E check number 24 in the amount of $93,473.91 as well as payable warrant 273 with check number 4753 to 47561 in the amount of $4,55914. And lastly, payable warrant 2704 with check number 4762 and E check number 23 in the amount of 50 thou 58,000 even >> questions. Don't think so. Go ahead. >> Can I second the motion? All those in favor? I >> I >> opposed. Right. >> Chair, my suggestion at this point since we still have some time would be to take that second uh executive session and move it up. Sure. regarding the personnel issue for discussion and then and then >> come out of that executive section back into the normal meeting. Okay. >> And wherever here's the uh statement for the personnel regular session. Okay. Sorry. have to have two motions. >> We don't >> thought we always had to say >> the premature we don't have to do that for this one. >> Not not for a personel issue. >> Oh, okay. Thank you. >> Do you expect the the good issue to come up tonight? I I do the I don't expect to tell 6:05 or whatever. Okay. I guess they're going to show up at 6:05. Yeah. >> Going to be in the parking lot when I get you over there. >> I won't run. I'm going to walk. I won't run back in. I'll walk. Okay. You got it to >> We just need to invite Tim in >> for the executive session. >> Okay. So, >> have a great night. Let me just put some good move into executive session to discuss a personnel matter pursuant to one DSA 31383 and invite Vince Ki, town administrator and damn I'm blanking on your last name. >> Davis. >> Tim Davis. Uh um what's your title? >> Highway superintendent. Don't ask me to make these messages. I didn't >> have a second. >> A second. All those in favor? >> I >> I don't know what why I couldn't think of your last name. >> Executive session. >> So I move to >> What is the >> 4567 right here? >> Oh, >> 4567. >> 4567 hour. um to increase Tim Davis's salary to 4567 per hour and as of the effective >> immediately or effective immediately. >> Yeah. >> Or as of what's the pay date? >> Uh two weeks from today is the next payroll. payroll. >> So as of today, right, say the beginning of >> this will be the start of a new payroll. >> Okay. >> So effective immediately. >> Second. >> I'll second. All those in favor? >> I I opposed. >> I uh I'm >> okay. >> Thank you, Tim. I appreciate it. >> Thank you guys. >> We appreciate you, Tim. Item >> uh the the executive session folks know that action >> we were just talking about that >> was that warned >> the the action for this was not warned session. So >> thank you to her. >> Okay. >> We were debating that. >> Yeah. >> Whether it has to be or not. You don't mention. >> Okay. Uh so I think up next we have the good Samaritan tax exemption discussion. >> Okay. >> Hi. >> You want to move? >> Whichever you prefer. What are you comfortable with? >> Thank you. >> Hey everybody. Good to see you, too. >> Well, thanks for having us here to to talk about the welcome center and good work and all the fun stuff we've been doing over the past few years. It's been a while. >> Yeah, it has since been here to connect with you. So, yeah, it's over. Um so we are glad to share information about you know what we've been up to and the impact of the shelter over the last few years. Talk about our uh application for the tax exemption. Um and so that's what we hope to cover today. Um, you know, the information I think that Luke will share is a summary of the last three years of operation over um, you know, 247 365 operation. Um, so it it provides that just a slice of that shelter in particular. Um, we have four shelters operating across the tri- area, but um, just wanted to key in on this one. uh for Berlin. Um yeah, so um again that the work we're doing is also emergency shelter provision. So it's emergency response of a certain nature. Um so it is every single day all day in person. Um but I think we have some great numbers to share. So you want to dive into those and you think >> Sure. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And apologize. I think it's been a few years since we've um so we're we're happy to to do this annually just fell fell off our radar a little bit. Um but I have three years of numbers and just going to list some averages here to give you sense of operations there at the welcome center. Um so bed nights over three years. This is literally a bed a head on a bed. Um 28,488 bed nights. um kind of range from over 7,000 a year to over 10,000 a year. And we kind of expect that, you know, 9 10,000 numbers pretty consistent. Um that's typically at around 85 plus% capacity at on any given night. Um and usually on any given night there might be one or two beds that are under renovation. So almost never at 100% because there's usually some reason why we're not quite at 100%. So 85 to 90% is basically full essentially at capacity. Yeah. >> So over 28,000 bed nights in three years. Um our average length of stay for our guests has been um 152 nights. Um some folk at the welcome center in particular uh folks tend to stay a little bit longer in our shelter for variety of reasons. um primarily because they tend to focus on a little bit more complex care. Um people served on average per year about 81 people if you want to guess per year and um the biggest thing we are happy to report is 51 people housed um over three years which is a pretty big feat um in today's world in Vermont. And I think that the average stay so um across the state through the COVID era and beyond now um the average length of shelter stay has grown incredibly like it has just increased from you know our average of say a 90day stay to upwards of you know 152 average to 300 nights for some shelters in the state. So, it talks to some of the housing crisis, um, lack of vacancy that we're seeing, things like that. So, to get that many people housed is can be a feat just because there isn't any vacancy or it the complexity of needs is is pretty great. So um >> do you know if they continue to you know did it if if someone became housed do you follow up to make sure that they that continued or >> yeah with limited ability uh the state doesn't fund us to do housing retention which is much to our dismay and we've asked for many years to have it funded um a lot of our program um yes absolutely so it's it's really something that will help us prevent folks returning to us. Um, so we keep trying, you know, and we do what we can when when we're able, but it's limited because we're just working with our current >> that are in shelter at any one time. >> And do you think anyone at the state tracks that? >> They don't track it as they can track it as much as them funding the people to end to it, right? So if we were able to do more, we could track the success rate or the challenges that that befall somebody um that might result in in losing housing again. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> It's such a big problem. I'm just curious if you know that seems like something that we want to know or the state would want to know is how successful the rehousing retention process is. >> Yeah. So those are some of our our general numbers. Um any other questions around that kind of stuff or >> yes it um you stated that the average state of welcome center is >> 15 days some days. uh your original zoning application in 2021 said it'd be for a maximum of 30 days and then it be moved into addition, you know, to other longer term facilities. Um >> that's curious because our all of our programs are 90-day programs >> very specifically stated several times during those discussions are not um very several times stated in there was going to be for a maximum of 30 days. Uh so I question if you're still in compliance with your zoning permit for that facility. >> That's a good question. I don't know. I mean that would be something to to explore. Um I'm not sure since that's before my time and all of our programs have always been 90-day programs. So no language is exactly in that permit but we can pull the original to see >> I yeah I don't I maybe vaguely recommend I don't even recollect this application very well so but I'm sure to >> this >> was that from 2021 >> yes June of 2020 >> okay the only thing I have here was like some minutes from a select board meeting of May. Um right here's like 17th of 21 um stating that uh noted that there would be 35 people with a 30-day maximum stay. That's all it kind of states here. >> Great. And this was from the development review board hearing and the video is still available on That would be from July 19th. >> Oh, and then this one's from July 19th saying that there will not be a 30-day maximum stay requirement. So, I guess that's something we would need to look into on the zoning side. >> Just check in. Yeah. Have >> a take a look. >> So, what were you looking at that said there was not a 30-day >> That was on the July not be a 30-day maximum. >> Oh, a permit request change authorization. >> It's page two of this one here. >> Okay. So, it looks like you came to request change the from motel to congregate living upon approval by the DRB. So, we just need to see if the DR approved that. >> Yeah. Yeah. Go ahead. >> What's the date? >> This is a minutes from >> July 19th, 2021. >> 2021. Okay. We'll follow that out tomorrow. >> I think the other discussion um is about taxes. Um, you know, I think the town has done a fair job of trying to reach out to have discussions every year um where we've had different meetings or um and even in these minutes had where someone was going to come every year and talk about what could be paid towards taxes. Um, so I think that's one thing that, you know, we want to definitely discuss as well. Um, >> I don't think we've received an invitation to come, but we're glad to come anytime and talk about stuff. So, I mean, it's not something we've been avoiding. So, I'm not really sure. >> Well, I know when when um Rick was involved, that's that's when those discussions occurred with us. Um and and he he came and said that he was going back to the board to to organize that and have them reach out to the here when when they were ready to come and and start having those yearly discussions and schedule from that end. Again, that that's back in the very beginning when that occurred. >> So may not have been carried over. >> Sure. I mean I don't know. They've been paying taxes for three years now. I mean, do you want to share that information about how I mean, we paid over $92,000 in taxes, so we're definitely providing >> to the town of Berlin. Yep. We pay $31,000 a year in taxes as a nonprofit organization. >> So, that's a pilot pay payment of low taxes. No, no. It's a courtesy tax payment that we've paid for the last three years >> of operation. >> Why did I think I >> We're not needing to do but we do it. >> Depends on how it came in because I don't think there's a a record of it against the taxes. So when she checked the taxes, it didn't show up probably as a tax. >> Okay. So we were under the impression I was under the impression that there hadn't been. So I >> I certainly apologize. We just made our first quarterly payment for this year. >> Okay. So, we >> we need to >> follow up with >> Yeah, that this year I knew I knew about because that was that was a tax payment regarding the the tax bill and it came in and got posted that way. I have to go back and check how the how the others came in and and how they got posted as well because yeah, there was no um >> so I think I think there might have been an error on >> Gotcha. I've been paying them in one lump sum. So that could you know I don't know if that has a difference with coding on your end >> but at least for the last three years and it maybe before then I just am reporting on three years. Okay here in my notes >> um but for the last three years it's been one and some payment beginning clearing that up. >> Uh once again history uh May 171 select board meeting Mr. The Angelus stated several times during that meeting that they would continue to pay property taxes. So I'm questioning what has changed now between that agreement for or that stipulation that's now which was said in order to get uh tone support for a grant application in March. Yeah, I think that the difference is that agreement um you know was the understanding was it was a courtesy tax payment uh because we were starting up the program um and that it would be assessed from year to year and you know of course that's been somewhat on our end to to come back and assess that with you all. But we're at that stage and literally just taking that step through this property tax exemption application. And why are you unable to continue paying taxes moving forward? >> Um >> because the demand on our services are so great across the region that we don't have enough time, capacity, energy to respond to it all. And it's only going to get worse as the motel program decreases in a matter of weeks. uh with the federal and state decreases in our funding, we're still trying to make up that cost. So again, this is something where we're paying as a nonprofit emergency service to support, you know, our town presence. >> Yeah. And yet we need to fund raise all year round to make just what we're doing possible, let alone a massive amount. Like you said, housing retention, we're not paid for. Street outreach, we are not paid for. We have to fund raise for these things all year round. You know, any of our public programming outside of the community, outside of our bricks and mortar shelter, we have to fund raise for because the state does not fund that stuff. vital service that's only going to get worse because we have many people outside like over 150 people in this region out unsheltered. So that is why we're looking to do innovate without taxes because any little bit is going to help us budgetarily to keep doing this you know the public work the public presence out new field. So I haven't seen an an application but what I'm just curious what the federal funding world looks like now. Have they um do you get is it just cut back? >> We lost one of our major funding sources for our street outreach team uh this past year. And so that's a big part of what we're trying to make up. >> Yeah. um just in order to defeat that uh intrepid group of people 2.5 FTEEs 2 3 now 2.5 FTEES um work almost around the clock to care for both so >> that's one of the big pieces our food program grant um went poof in the night um at the beginning of the prior year and so that's another bit of our funding that we just lost overnight. Um, so there's these pieces that are big chunks that generally equate to an annual tax payment like this. Um, so it's a really important >> and I'm just I'm asking these questions just because I'm not um well informed, but is the does does the state provide much funding for you? >> Yeah, the state pro provides about 70% of our funding. >> Okay. >> Annually and the rest we have to fund >> Yep. >> privately and from various sources. But it's that's our that's >> and will that do you think that is there any chance that would increase with the motel program changing or no >> the funding? No. No. >> Just increase some. Right. Wasn't there a bill that was passed this year? >> The new bill has certain pots of funding that are for different types of shelter around the state. >> Okay. different capacity, but it's not it's not going to happen fast enough for individuals to, you know, respond to the immediate decrease in the shelter, sorry, the motel capacity for the winter season. So, it's >> yes, it's good. We've had that over the years that they'll have that in the legislation, but it's for very specific types of response. So if we get successful in funding that in this region, but we're not sure if that would happen. It's it's for the whole state. So it's kind >> figuring out where that's going to be distributed. >> Yeah. I because I have noticed an increase in Mont Pillar and the number of people that are you see on the streets and >> you see it in our own town. >> Yeah. It's unfortunate. Yeah. That's, you know, part of our hope is staying nimble enough to think outside the box to try to meet the needs as we can as a smallish organization. And, you know, when we when we're looking at fundraising, can we make up for those cuts while also fundraising so many citizens of the town that ultimately go to pay a property tax bill that it just becomes a difficult calculation for us to make, right? Yeah. >> Have you guys received a new um standard grant agreement from the state yet? >> Standard what? >> Grant agreement. I'm looking at one from last year it looks like. Yeah. >> From July 25 to 6:30 26. You should got a new one in July. >> Yeah. >> Okay. Because I have the old one. >> Did any of that I mean I don't know if you have not but that's the numbers that I'm looking at. Is that you said because this is new to me too. So you mentioned about things being cut or changed. Did any of these things disappear or do you remember? Do you have a copy of the new grant agreement? That's I think that just ended in June. >> Yeah, just ended June, >> right? >> Um >> and if you receive an updated one yet none of these things disappear as you're seeing them in terms of buckets and these numbers from last year to this year have an increase because we opened a new shelter. So we have a new year on shelter failure. So you'll see a positive change to those numbers because of that. >> Um >> well that was my one question. So this is for all shelters. >> This is for all shelters. Yep. Across our shelter and this represents one operational portion of our budget. It doesn't outreach team or community health staff. Uh but this yeah this is specifically the hop grant. >> Okay. >> The house committee grant from the state. >> Well thank you for explaining that to me. I just didn't know what it was. So we look at it. It's it's not the federal sources that I said. Okay. >> It's a state. >> Correct. >> So state and federal are different in terms of the funds you're received. Um >> some of the ones that we offer through mental health and food programs that are federal. >> But what what is still you know approximately accurate is this is the hop grant encompasses about 70% of our budget. >> Okay. It is the core of our operational >> but the there are many things within this hop grant that they do not pay for from an operational standpoint including repairs and maintenance on our buildings. >> So um within this you're not even seeing that part of our budget which is substantial. >> Okay. >> Do you know if anybody's analyzed the effectiveness of dollars spent? It just feels to me like there's been way too much money spent on the motel program. So, I'm just wondering if anybody's looked at like how effective the dollars are given to you are versus the dollars spent on them. >> I don't know what the analysis is. It's Yes, it's a it's a vast amount of money that they've spent and that's a state spending conundrum, not we receive in terms of >> just know if you've heard of any kind of analyses that they would have somebody might have done probably. I'm sure they have. Um, but you know, we we get a much smaller portion of money to to tens of folks. Um, >> the the motel program did and has and still does serve as the largest sheltering system in the state. >> Yeah. >> What it's worth. So during co it it was >> Yeah. the largest sheltering process, you know, just the model that we had um just simply the need the vital need during that time and it is ramping down right like commensurately to where we see ourselves in in society and community postco. So you're seeing that, but then you're also seeing that there still is the the same number of people in the system and no solution to kind of catch them as they come out of the hotels. Yeah, >> that's where we we were like, okay, we need to have a bigger net, but it it doesn't, you know, that's can't work as fast as the need is requiring of us, but we're trying. It's just >> there's a there's a lot happening right now, especially with the motel. um just as we speak. I mean, just this morning we were briefed on the changes to that program and it's it's pretty vast and it's it's very concerning. >> Did they cap the amount that gets paid? That was one of the things that I that was one of the issues I had. It felt like >> I imagine there's they always negotiate a cap, but what is most concerning is that they're removing 800 bed capacity from the sh from the hotel system um around the state. So imagineely that could be you know around 80 people in this region that will not have access to the hotels as they have um in past years. So um >> this is the first year they have a cap on during the winter time period. >> Yeah. I guess yeah anecdotally I just heard some crazy pay crazy rates that were being paid and that's where my concern came in is that it seemed like they that they weren't putting any kind of parameters around what was being paid. >> They were Yeah. They they spent a lot of time negotiating rates um especially two years ago as they were really ramping down the usage of the motel. So the the um states legal team was >> okay >> really doing a lot of work to negotiate. >> Yeah. Yeah. Can't speak to prior to that but I know >> Yeah. I just heard some and may you know and again it was anecdotal so take it with a grain of salt but I just heard some crazy rates that were being paid in certain areas of the state. No. >> Are there any plans uh or discussions on relocating people to a warmer place for winter versus trying to house people with a such a such a crisis and housing >> and and the and the cost. I mean, Vermont's one of the most expensive states to live in, right? So, if you're financially burdened at such a level and essentially you're homeless, um wouldn't that be a a better alternative thought to to relocate people to a place where it's easier? >> I mean, some people might have that option if they have family or other resources in another state, especially in a warmer climate. Um, you know, the the issue often tends to be, you know, if somebody were to relocate and they don't have a support system or a a shelter system to go to or a social service system to to get to, um, it's not going to it's just going to create burden somewhere else. It's a kind of a whack-a-ole scenario. So, I, you know, that's it's not for us to to really determine that. We're just trying to tend to the neighbors. I mean, most of the folks that we serve are verters and historicallyers. So, I think there's kind of a misnomer about there's a myth about like a lot of out of state or non Vermont folks um being served by the shelters. It's um you know what we see is is you know what we're trying to do is respond to like generational and systemic poverty and cycles of poverty. um hopefully you know for um our local Vermoners and so I mean some some folks do and we have some resources to do that you know if they have a a a supportive destination that does exist you know but it's it's few and far between it's not there's not a ton >> yeah you can yeah um So I don't know what you know we we have applied um you know for for consideration for tax abatement and you know we have some information about that and we put that out there for for you all to consider. Um you know it's just this is really a capacity thing for us. It's an ability to continue to serve given the greater need in the community um and our >> ability to do so. So um you know look forward to continue to partner around this stuff. It's just uh >> so sorry. >> Yeah, >> I somehow didn't I'm sure you sent it to me >> but I somehow one more question. Uh what was your net revenue year 12312 net revenue over expensive? >> I don't have that in front of me. So >> I have $173,000 >> $373,000 revenues over expenses. So I don't exactly see what the need is >> and anything like that is about trying to be fiscally responsible and respond to need to expand our capacity. So it's not that there's money rolling around, you know, without a use and we're, you know, dancing the streets. Like we have very proactive development process across the region in the tri- city area in particular to respond to the need. So any of that stuff allows us to be able to think and act proactively and not reactively and build you know additional shelters and respond to that and not be beholden to slow development processes if we need to act quickly. So I think that's a good thing. It shows that we are managing our money in a you know positive way >> contribute to um research which of course you also receive special appropriations from us as well. So you do receive money back from us in addition to paying property taxes, >> right? $600 to $800 a year, >> right? >> Okay. >> No details. >> Okay. and from 104 to those student >> and that you know part of that bottom line revenue was project related um a new shelter in Montier from 1231 20 um five would have been the midst of that project so we would have received some revenue while that project was ramping up acquisition of that property and so you know the numbers don't bottom line number isn't a direct reflection of our fundraising revenue said project related revenue shelter. >> Did you provide the board with >> active statements for last year of this year? >> This board >> I don't know that >> I'm not saying it. Yeah, I'm not saying >> I don't think that's part of the application packet because that wasn't a requirement. Um, you know, the boxes that are checked on that application are not related to you you mentioned systemic burdens on verers, right? So, I mean, if the state the state's supporting 70% of you guys' funding, feds have changed that for for whatever reason. So, on the local level, it gets impacted sometimes the hardest, right? And and speaking on systemic burden of verers and local people. So abating the taxes to me if you're you're making money and that's great and and you're managing it well which that's great too. Do you think it's helping the local level to affect the taxes? >> Do you see do you see the the concern there with the youth the youth coming up which is burdened tremendously with jobs housing expenses um on the local level. >> Mr. SH I'm going to raise a point of order uh payment of taxes is a separate process with the board of abatement and I think since all members of the SL board are members of the board of abatement your pros experiary communication having this conversation outside of a war of abatement we we do have those two issues at hand really is our property tax exemption application as well as since it's it didn't take effect for this year which was our intention um actual abatement for this year's property taxes as well which we've already made one payment for >> and that's that's good I'm glad you guys have done that but back to back to my question of do you think it's helping the local level to to evade taxes if your business or or is is doing you're doing okay you're not You're not a sinking ship. Essentially, >> we're not making money. Those are that's income that's used for a project, but when we're raising funds and grants, it's for a particular use, >> right? It's not like >> we we have all this profit like we're a nonprofit. So, those things go towards the specific use to increase capacity for the shelter because we need more beds because there's more need. So again, like I I don't know that our one non nonprofit when there's many many forprofits in the area that can support at a grander scale, you know, so that we can then use the funds in a very direct on the ground way. I think that that's beneficial to I think we're trying to use every dollar we can to respond to, you know, everybody in need that we can. So that's, you know, it's always going back in like it is a feeder of itself, >> right? It is a self feeder. That's what the nonprofit nature of it is and that's what our commitment is to the community. >> Um yeah. Um does you have other points that you haven't shared like into details or anything that might be helpful for them? um >> you don't know, >> you know, just knowing going back to the application that I think there's three tests um through the state um that are typical for property tax exemptions uh for nonprofits, including unconditional use, a benefit to society, and a confirmation that our property is owned by the organization for charitable purposes. Uh so I mean partly we're here just to reiterate that we're meeting those tests as an as a nonprofit in the community that is is through the Vermont statute with tests. >> Yeah. So, I mean, you can review re review our application. Um, let us know like what the next steps might be or any kind of additional response or conversation. We're glad to continue to talk through it. Um, >> yeah, >> thank you for coming. >> Yeah, we appreciate you being here being open to the discussion and all the feedback and information. Great. Appreciate it. >> Thank you very much. >> Good conversation. um you know if there's other additional things that would be helpful like on an anno basis to report that would be great you know for us to know and keep that in mind as we are kind of looking at our data points and deciding what to share um so that that would be helpful you know if there's more analysis like you're talking about or anything that'd be helpful >> I I do have another question what is the as as people come in what is their general reason for the situation that we're in. >> Oh gosh. You know, homelessness is as unique as one's fingerprint. Honestly, it's so there's so many reasons. Um it could be, you know, a building gets sold out from under people who've been renting in there for 15, 20 years >> and they get evicted for no cause eviction. Um that's happened many times to folks. loss of employment, loss of relationships, um you know, maybe a a medical emergency that makes somebody lose their financial stability. >> So many so many reasons like um it's really interesting to kind of understand and see that as we're working with people at the shelter. Um, I think what what people often see and perceive of homelessness is the chronic homelessness, >> which is only about 10% of the numbers generally of homelessness, right? You've got the 90% of what Julie's really describing of just unique situations and many people who are one paycheck away. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. So, as unique as as each person. Yeah, for sure. Sure. >> A good question. Question. >> Thank you. >> Thanks so much. >> Next step is getting some more information and then get some more information on her side. We'll have another meeting. >> Yeah. >> And then reach out to these folks again and Okay. >> Yep. >> Um all part time frame from your perspective. Obviously, you'd like to meet sooner rather than later again. >> Yeah, I mean it just be helpful to know just so we have a process um you know we for us it's helpful not to have to stretch out into additional um quarters. Um, so that would be helpful, but >> we can, you know, have a discussion at the next meeting. Uh, get some more information and then maybe a month from now, invite you guys back and have another discussion at that meeting as well. >> Y, >> is there information that we know we want or? >> Yeah, Vince is going to look into >> Yep. >> DRB stuff and permit the DRB stuff. Look at what they've already make sure it's beenated. Yeah. properly identified and uh they get credit for that. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Um >> yeah, critical from there. >> Thank you so much for coming tonight. We really appreciate you taking the time. Thank you and all the information provided. We appreciate it. >> Thank you. >> If I have any to meet you and visit with you. >> Okay. >> Yeah. >> Thanks. Have a good night. >> Thank you. >> All right. Thank you. >> Uh any round table I guess I can throw one out there. Thank you very much. >> Thanks. Good night. >> Has there been been any uh I guess follow maybe I've missed it from uh the easement request for the two cabinets by the river fire station. >> I haven't heard anything. >> We were supposed to do some measurements. Someone was from them, >> right? Vince was there. >> Well, sorry, I missed it. I was not paying attention. >> The ease was for two cabinets. >> Measure that out. >> Fiber deal. >> Oh, >> yeah. >> Yeah, they were supposed to measure. >> They are uh not sure at this point in time. They're going to get back to us on that. They wanted to explore other options in the area. >> Um but they'll they'll come back to us when they're have uh more thoughts in mind. there. If they do come back to the to that location, it's more than likely going to be behind the um post office boxes. >> I used to think they're not even that. So again, if they're going to do that, that's probably going to have to wait until after the bridge is done. >> Okay. >> Because of the work that's going to be gone on in in and around that area. But right now it's it's really kind of on hold enough back in their core >> to determine if that's a location they want or not. >> All right, that was my round table. >> So I'm probably not going to articulate this well because I'm tired, but I wanted to since it's on the meeting minutes, so I wanted to talk about why I brought up Pine Hill when we were talking about the sidewalk because I know Flo did not think that was appropriate. Um, the reason I brought it up is because my whole issue with um those that both of those subjects is about sort of the integrity of our decisions and I took a big issue with that Pine Hill thing because I felt like we had made a decision and they had gotten changed inappropriately and I feel like with so with this one I felt like we had made a decision and yes there was other board members but it's still a decision of the select board and I think as a the select board is a body made up of people but those decisions I think need to be held. We can't just constantly change our mind as a board and I wanted a principled means of determining that change by having the meeting where we could I know anecdotally we'd heard that people were against the sidewalk. I was just looking for a meeting so that we could say this is why we changed our decision was because we had a meeting and the public was not in favor of it. So, I was looking for the reason I thought the meeting was important was to have that basis for reversing a decision that we'd already made. It wasn't I wasn't trying to be, you know, be snideed. It was really that was why I said that because in that case, we we investigated it and we sort of looked into it and we and we decided even though we couldn't change the decision, we looked into why it happened because it was a change of our decision. And so, I was that was to me why I brought it up, FL. I didn't mean it wasn't a personal attack or anything like that. It's just that you were the only one that was on the board when we made that previous decision. So, I just wanted to kind of get that out in the open and clarify why I brought it up. >> Understood. And by the same token, the decision that was made on July 27th was based on I think it's been said numerous times now that we have a new board. This is a new board. And uh there are folks on the board, you and myself, that were on the old board, but we are a new board. And so it was a discussion that we were looking at now and making a decision on now based on our thoughts and our views and why. And I think that's how we came to it that night. So I appreciate you indicating that. >> But again, I view the slug board as a body and made up of individuals. Yes. But when those individuals change, it doesn't mean you can just go change a decision that happened through that previous body. Not that and not that you can't ever change your mind. I think you can, but I think it has to be based on the town's will. Right? That's why I thought that a public meeting was important. And I think at that meeting we looked at that aspect and we discussed it extensively and then reviewed other information and then out of it I chose to make that motion. Um and that's how it went forward with the second and the decision and it was moved and >> I'm over it. I'm leaving with it. But I'm just wanted to explain why I thought that was not the appropriate path >> and I do understand what you're conveying from your perspective and thank you. >> Yeah, and I agree with you on the public eating side. I was with you on on that for sure. >> I just think that gives us a basis to say look the town's not in favor of this. The select board should cancel it. Whereas just hearing from a few, you know, hearing from people here and there doesn't give people the opportunity to come forward in a group and and make that that clear. that it's done and I'm not going to rehash it. I just wanted to explain because I felt bad after the meeting that I didn't clarify or articulate why >> it wasn't a personal attack. >> Why I had brought up understandable? >> Yeah. >> And I didn't take it I didn't take it as a personal attack. I think I said um my thoughts at the time and that's recorded. Um I didn't see it as a personal attack by no means. um I just didn't think it was an appropriate way to handle it in that that way, but I do appreciate you bringing that forward tonight. So, thank you. >> Thank you. Well, >> my round table tonight is to thank Tim and his staff because I had an individual from Rowell Road come forward on behalf of other residents on Raul that they had wanted to see the road um graded again. And at the last meeting we discussed it and Tim had explained it had been graded before and the resident came back to me after um being aware of that uh that it had been graded before indicating that it had been graded more than once in past years and that this year again it was worse than it's ever been. So, I wanted to commend Tim and his staff because I learned this week that it has been graded again and um the residents that I'm aware of are very pleased and they said it's like a whole new road. So, they wanted to say thank you, Tim, to you and your staff. So, thank you, >> Chris. I'm good. >> Yep. And I'll try to be quick. One is a just an update from the state on the bridge painting here in town closer to the interstate. I 89 um bridge 37 north and south over cross town road and bridge 38 over the north and southbound I89 ramps for information. Right, they've completed the work on the final plans. um the traffic on cross town road when they're doing those bridges will be restricted to one lane of alternating traffic while the uh bridge those bridges are painted. Uh traffic will be maintained on the I89 on and off ramps while the other bridge is painted as well. All this work will be completed within the existing I89 right away. It's scheduled to be advertised for construction this fall with construction taking place in 2027 and 2028 construction season. So that's just information that that's coming should people ask what's going on if they see movement around there. And the other one again is just a reminder we have until August 31st to find and or recruit a health officer. I am speaking to um >> otherwise you know who it defaults to me. Correct. >> Just be clear. So >> uh I am speaking I am >> you want another job. Darren I'm trying to find somebody. I am speaking to an individual. Um she would like to come in and speak to both of us. >> Okay. >> Um about that and just get some more information kind of what that really entails and I'll pull information and start getting it ready. >> Okay. But yes, I did reach out to a couple people in town and she did say that she would be interested to have a conversation. So, >> good. >> Yeah, >> we'll have the conversation. Hopefully, we'll update you. >> Nice to hear. If that falls through, you should uh talk to one of my cousins. >> Okay. Yeah. Yeah. >> I don't know if she would, but she'd be good at it. >> She would be Yeah. Yep. >> I'll talk to her if you want me to if you need to. >> Yeah. need to she there I mean whatever you monetarily pay got be pretty healthy this can make them look >> yeah uh I don't have anything for round table tonight um so with that being said >> okay I move to find that premature general public knowledge of the police union contract replace the parties to the police union contract negotiations at a substantial disadvantage was sent to one BSA 313A1. >> Second. >> I'll second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> just before you continue, I just want to be clear that I I ran this language by the uh town attorney as well because there there was some question uh about how to do this the right way. Um and that that language came from back from him. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you. I make a motion to enter into executive session for labor relations agreements with employees employees contract negotiations pursuant to one DSA 313A 1B and invite >> all the participants >> all yeah >> right all the >> byite the police force members might be a good way to sum it and Mr. St. >> and the chief >> we'll be right back >> and >> Tony say hello >> and Tony St. Hello. Yeah. Okay. Into the meeting. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I I will move into executive session. Uh we are back from executive session. Make a motion to adjurnn. >> Second. >> All those in favor? I >> I >> opposed.