Berlin Selectboard - September 14, 2026 [BNS]

Good evening everyone and welcome to the September 14th regular meeting for the town of Berlin Select Board. I'm Jared Felch. To my right is Brian Davaliss and Carla Weasel. To my left, Chris Hayward Smith. And we also have our town administrator, Vince Ki. And I call the meeting to order. Any additions or changes to the agenda? >> Yeah, there's one um removal of the water system asset management plan close out. >> Oh, yes. Yep. >> I think you're you're probably aware of that, Mr. Chair. Um, yep. We're just removing that and sure have anything else. So, this is all around table. Any public comment? >> Okay. Jody Bailey, right away permit discussion and decision. copy of the permit here. Um Tim was Tim is here to speak to that as well. I'm just gonna say I didn't see him, but he's here. Tim, did you want to speak to this uh Bailey permit up on East Road? >> Yeah. Um it never was put in as uh temporary access. Correct. They're looking for permanent access. >> I I believe they are at this time. >> Okay. Um, so like I've spoke with Vince a couple of times on this one. Um, evidently there was an ancient access point that was uh abandoned over the years. Um, driveways up the road a little ways. Uh, it was causing a bunch of damage to the road because it was the culvert was non-existent and the ditch was non-existent. when we cleaned the ditch a couple years ago and um it was like a 8 inch pipe that was laid in the ditch. Um and then it was all good after that and then uh they came in this spring and wanted to know if they could put the access back and um I don't necessarily approve of it. Um most of our problems that we have on the roadside are from driveway culverts being unmaintained. Um people don't maintain their driveways at all. So >> um to >> add a to add a second driveway to a property just for an access to the other side of their lawn. Um I'm not in favor of. So, I hope you guys have any questions. >> Um, are the Tim, do you know if this, how am I trying to say this? Are the current property owners aware that it was a temporary? Was it them that got the temporary access or did somebody buy the property thinking that they had two access? They bought the property in the current owners bought the property in 25. >> Yeah. May of 2025 on the back side of >> and they're what they're looking at is because I went out and talked to them as well on site. Did a site visit. Um they are looking at doing a lot of work on that home and they have no access from their current driveway around for heavy equipment because it's either swampy or soft and and the lawn and trees without doing some major, you know, work to be able to get them around when that old comment was there. It was an old access. In addition to that, um they own the adjoining property as well. And the reason, one of the reasons they were thinking of not having it permanent is because they don't want to have to put another access into that other property should they either do something on it or eventually even sell it. Um, they were going to keep that access. They wanted to keep that access. Um, the only re, well, not the only reason, but when Tim and I talked, Tim thought, you know, probably to get the work done, at least a temporary one, but they'd be responsible obviously to take it out after as well. should it go that way. But they need the access, some sort of access temporarily to get equipment in there to they're going to excavate under their building and do foundation work. Um, you know, and have things in and out of there. It's an older home. I forget when it was built. I think in the uh 1800s at some point in time. Um, so that's what they're looking to do is to at least do that. So, I I would ask I know Tim won't like it, but I would ask at least give them a temporary approval. Um the concern there is will they ever take it out, right? Um if if it stays temporary, >> does the adjoining property have a an access >> and it's subdivided? >> So, couldn't they apply for an access for the subdivided lot? Yep. They they could, but that that's going to require there's an existing roadway into the back of the house. Now, the other one is wooded. If they put it in up above, they would have to clear trees and >> Okay. >> put in something. >> I got it. >> So, that's the issue with with that. >> So, like tempor temporary access I don't mind, but a per another a secondary permanent access >> because we have a cross pipe that's right there too. And it I went up there today and it was not marked out where they want it. So I'm I got a pretty good idea where they would like it to be, but it's not marked out or anything. >> Yeah, it's that mode strip that comes right down to the ditch. >> Yeah, I I got that part. That's what I figured it would be. >> Well, I don't see why we couldn't do at least a temporary and they're responsible for taking it out. If they don't, then next time Tim's through doing what he has to do. >> Is there any kind >> of it's money out of their pocket? >> Any kind of assurances to get to make sure they take it out? You think they >> I mean, we can, you know, certainly put a time limit on this, right? And say, you know, at the completion of the home renovation, it needs to be removed. >> What does that look like? >> Yeah. Correct. >> I don't know when they're going to start, right? >> I've been renovating mine for >> Yeah. And well, it may last. Right. I I don't think they're going to do >> I think they're going to do it in segments. Right. >> Right. >> So, it could be a couple of years. >> So, I'm confused now. Did is this is this access on the subdivided lot? >> No, it's on the main homes lot. >> But would it >> There is no access on the subdivided lot at this time. And if they pull one in for this purpose, they would have to basically construct access, cut trees and and all that where there's already an old road to the back of their house >> and this subdivided years ago. >> I guess my question is is there an easement associated with this to the other property to the other lot >> that they currently own? >> I have no idea. >> I mean, they they essentially put one in as they sell it, >> right? But if this is an easement already existing, I don't know that we can >> it it's not this is on the original home site, not on the second property. >> I I realize that, but sometimes when when you do that, you create a driveway on other property with >> that has not been done. >> The only question I have is where they say the ditch work in August of 2025 rendered the second driveway inaccessible. >> What is that referring to? Did I miss that? Yeah, there was no ditch there originally. >> None there. Okay. >> There wasn't last cover, but Go ahead, Tim. >> The ditch was completely sloughed in and filled in and the the it was all brush down that side of the road. So, there wasn't even like they were driving through it. There was all brush down that side of the road. And we removed all the brush and ditched it. And then that's when we found that the culverts were there. Well, a culvert. There was like a 8 in corrugated well used to be a corrugated pipe. It was rotted right out. There was only like the top regulations. That's how old it was. >> Gotcha. Thanks, Tim. >> Yeah. >> Tim, when you ditched that, was there any ledge there? >> Up up by the driveway that's there now. So, yeah, there's probably a little bit in there somewhere, but so the the lawn is 4T higher than the road. So we isn't like we can >> check >> lower lower the ditch anymore without >> check >> a giant ditch. >> Yep. >> And the road's narrow there anyways. >> So what what does kill from the road? >> What does driveway covert look like, Tim? As far as I know you guys do sound as kind of a gray area. people are responsible to pay for the covert. >> Sometimes you guys do it if you're going through there, but >> if we're in the area and we have a problem driveway, we try to work with the homeowner >> and while we're there doing the ditch work, if they want to, we will help them replace the culvert, but they got to pay for the pipe, >> right? Yep. >> So, if they hire a private contractor to to do this because you're not there, maybe you are, but you're not. Is there a standard or a spec written that or do you oversee will you oversee that project at all? Well, we we we check up on them once they file for a permit, then we know what's going to happen. And yeah, the the pipe is an 18inch pipe um and 30 ft of length. And it's supposed to I mean, and driveway is supposed to pitch away from the road at least 10 feet to avoid water running into the highway. Some you mean there is exceptions to that side of things. You mean there is some driveways that just physically can't go away from the road, but >> y >> Oh, yeah. But yeah, there's I mean we there's a standard. It's 18inch pipe and >> 30 feet in length for an apron. >> Okay, gotcha. And right now, like up there where that place is, you'd have to put in a pretty good deep ditch to get an 18inch pipe in there. Cuz like I said, it's all uphill away from the road. So there's a bank on the back of the ditch. It's not like it's a a flat from the road to a lawn. It's all uphill from the road out there. >> Do they understand at all? like that's being 18 installers all these factors >> they know the requ well well they they have the requirements they were they were provided of what what they are yet >> okay I don't have an issue with a temporary u easement there and Y as far as it becoming permanent, I mean that's I guess for another discussion and and maybe they should entertain they have the right to put in a driveway for the adjoining property. >> So yeah, it might be more work andor within that deed have to put in the easement. >> That's all stuff they'll have to look at. >> Yeah. Which I So I guess that'd be for followup. Yep. discussion meeting zoning application >> or Tim is it would the way it's do you think it's going to be a problem no matter how it's constructed or do you think if they did it appropriately it would be something that you wouldn't mind continuing >> well I I say this because we've turned down a lot of >> we've turned down a lot of driveways for this exact same reason secondary a secondary access to the same property. They're only a couple It's not even 100 feet apart. Like >> Gotcha. >> Some properties will have two different accesses, but they might be a quarter of a mile away from each other. But these two driveways will be less than 100 ft apart. So, I mean, that's >> okay. Understand. >> That's pretty close. >> It It's mainly just because I mean, if they're going to do a bunch of foundation work, they're going to work all the way around that house. They could come from their existing driveway around the front of the house to the back of the house. I mean, I don't know exactly what they're doing, but I mean, that's why I that's why I'm not in favor of it because these two driveways are going to be less than 100 feet apart. >> And we've turned down drive before because of the same reasoning as um I mean, and their current driveway is washed out and bellied and runs water to the road and everything else. So they don't even maintain the driveway that they currently have. >> So >> you're saying it's wet on the back side of the house like where their bulkheads are and that's >> on the side of the house. >> Their house sits like this. Their front driveway here. The back is here. The other access is over here. >> Few probably 50 feet from the other property line. >> That's probably a little more. Yeah. >> But and it just runs up to the back of the house. And on the other side of the house over here, it's soft, it's flat. Um there's trees there that would have to be moved to get big equipment around it. On the front kind of slopes and there's shrubbery in there as well that would all have to be removed to get equipment around the house. I mean, granted, it's old, but they bought it just a year ago, right? She bought it just to hear to get get to work on. >> Sounds like that's going to have some additional challenges of its own, but I guess that's for them to sort out, figure out. >> Okay. Y as long as it's temporary, so I assume this has to be rewritten. Uh, no. I will approve it whatever the board's wishes, but I'll put the temporary conditions on the permit to get back to her, let her know what it was approved for until construction is completed or >> whatever to both sides. I >> mean, I would I wouldn't mind seeing it with a year and then they can if it if everything's not completed just to come back and check in with us. I don't know if that what anybody else feels about that so there's some sort of you know checks and checks and balances with it. >> I would like a timeline. I think >> yeah we can look yearly. So it's >> are they are they uh are they in on the meeting at all or not? Yeah, I I don't disagree with the timeline for the >> one the one year checkin, >> right? >> Because I mean we're already we're we're as you know on the end of this year as far as the big projection uh project started this year >> that'll give them the summer to do the work next year. >> Yeah. and then revisit it, I guess, again at this time. >> And they're having to because it was looked into the deed to make sure that there was nothing already permitted there. Correct. Or >> for the access. >> Yeah. >> No, the only thing that was there is the new driveway. That was an old existing driveway. It seems like it was probably, you know, an 8 inch corrugated pipe that was put in probably before we even had zoning >> zoning regulations, you know, >> and it just filled in and it was never used. The house was built I think that house built in 187. >> Gotcha. >> It's an older home foundation problem. >> Yes. >> Well, that's that's part of it, right? Foundation. >> I know under problem. Yeah. >> No draining. >> Yeah. Yeah. Anybody want to make a motion? >> I make the motion to approve a temporary covert. um installed upon the town's specifications and guess Tim's approval after install to make sure it's up to his standards and it's not going to cause an issue on the next big storm and uh we set a one-year timeline >> check with a check in. Yeah, >> we'll second that. All those in favor? I >> post. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Thank you guys. >> Thank you. >> I'm gonna I'm gonna jump off. I got to go into another meeting. So, >> all right. >> Thank you, sir. >> All right. Thank you. Have a good evening, guys. >> Bye. >> Uh, high water sign followup. >> Yeah, I believe Miss Hook is with us. >> If I pull up a chair, come on over. over join the party. >> All right. Thanks everybody for your time. >> Um I have some small packets for everybody. You want to discuss some? >> Yes. >> Thank you. >> All right. My name is Tessa Yip. Um I'm with the state rivers program. Uh I do education and outreach for our team. Um also working on like flood plane management and river corridors. Um, but I've been working on this high water mark sign project with the town of Berlin as well as like five other Vermont towns um, since this past winter basically. Um, I have met a couple of you before, but I think it was Karen who came in like April or May to give give an update on this project. So, I've been working with Karen on this. Um, I'm here to give an update as well as to get the town's input on kind of specifics of these signs and locations. Um, it's very hard to to get this input over email. So, thank you for your feeding. Um, so on the map on the packet on the front, oh, also my colleague Asa Braden is online. Um, hi Asa. If you have things to chime in, please feel free to. Um, but the map on the front is just the three kind of decided on locations um that I believe the select board confirms this past spring. Um, so we have the Tiffy Junction Road site, which is a property buyout site. Um, we have the what's called Dog River Natural Area on on Google Maps. It's I guess mo mostly a river access site. Um, and then we have the VR garage um on Route 203. So, primarily what needs to be decided for all of these locations, thank you, is where exactly on these properties a sign is going to go. Um, we've done Thank you. Appreciate it. Um, we've done some initial surveying here and there as much as we can, but in order to get actual accurate elevations for these signs, we have to know the the spot on the property where the sign should go. Um, so we're collaborating with the National Weather Service from Burlington. Um, John Goff is one of our partners on this project. He's kind of our data expert in our elevation surveying expert. Um, we with the town's uh permission, we went out to the 50 junction road site this past August to just kind of assess the data we have and kind of see where we might want to survey uh for this sign. Um, I guess the biggest question that I have for the town though is if there's any, you know, planned reuse for the site, whether it's just having the site graded once, you know, demolition happens, plantings, anything like that. Um, we're just wondering, you know, will the elevation of the site change much in the next few years? Because we surveyed at a location on the site kind of by one of like the maple trees. Um, we figured that even if you know after demolition and if things get um, you know, the grade changes at all in the site, probably near the tree won't change all that much because it's a really large tree. Um, so yeah. Are there any plans yet for the 50 junction road buyout site? I know demolition hasn't happened yet. >> Nothing yet. Not that I'm aware of >> other than demolition. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Very good question. >> Yeah. I realized that, you know, FEMA buyout sites are incredibly limited is in terms of what you can do, which is more or less nothing. So, even if it's open space, I just wasn't sure if, you know, the town had ideas or plans yet. So, I mean, I think it would be best to just go with one of our survey locations. Um, we kind of did some redo surveying because the tree blocked too much um of the ability to actually to survey. there was just too much um you know blocked sky essentially from the tree. So John went out again and reserveyed uh like 15 10 or 15 uh paces out from the site. Um so we could either you know place the sign next to that one like big maple tree in front of where the house currently sits. Uh we could put it closer to like the driveway area. I assume if that area becomes just open space park, the driveway would probably stay the same. So, it's not having to be redone or remapped. Um, does anybody have any input in on that location on that property? >> Go ahead. >> I don't see elevation changing given I don't think you really can change elevation. If there's a seller hole, they have to be filled in and uh has to remain a permeable surface. So, I don't see the elevation changing drastically if any. Okay, >> that's I'm just speaking from the experience of seeing some of these sites, not actually from knowing. So, >> okay. >> It seems like the new site would be the one closer to the driveway, >> right? More visible. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Both junction. You think it's more visible there? >> Absolutely. >> Both ways. Yeah. >> Yeah. It's kind of an entrance sign, I guess, of the ways right there. Okay, we can keep that site. >> Great. >> Yeah. And I think with you know the elevation changes where it's the the sign itself is going to say like approximate high watermark just because you know we're basing it off USGS data. We have to do a lot of transferring of different points on the properties and then USGS even rates their data based on accuracy of like poor versus excellent. um just you know how >> what tenth are we off by things like that. Um so just putting approximate on there I think just gives good leeway. Um, >> the only the only other recommend recommendation I would have would be maybe put a a grade snake there and let fence or stem know to make sure it doesn't get taken out by plows or wings or what have you depending wherever any of these sites are that uh you're you're planning on putting signage. >> Yeah. >> Okay. It' be kind of a bummer if you put them up and then they get mowed over >> a little bit out of >> Yeah. Yeah, they should. Yeah, they should certainly be kind of out of the rightway. I would I would think unless like what's the height of the sign we're talking I guess >> you have dimensions on signage or >> this? That's up to you. I think our standard sign is like 18 by 24 of the actual sign itself and then we could put like a we call medallion right below that which I need to double check on uh the elevation we took but I want to say this is probably three feet maybe off the ground of where the actual water is. So we could always put the sign you know closer to the driveway but still towards the grass or in the grass so it's not you know too close to either road. >> Just something to think about. Yeah. Yeah, definitely point. >> Um Yeah. And that's that's a really good point too that um I've also just been talking to Vermont Emergency Management about reuse on buyout sites because they're having a lot of questions honestly for the entire state about how much, you know, permission you have to get from FEMA to do certain things like plant tanks for example. Um so they do recommend just completing one of their reuse applications. It's like a sevenpage application through VM. It doesn't look too bad. um just to document, you know, this sign going in and that, you know, we put it at a certain depth so in case another flood comes that we basically did our best to to help it withstand another flood. Um, and I think, you know, we're putting it on a part of the property that's not right next to the river. It's not in the floodway or something like that. So, at least we're keeping out of that like really dangerous area. Um, so as we basically confirm this location for the sign, I'll communicate that back to VM and just figure out what the next step on that would be >> just to make sure that's documented for the town. >> Sounds great. >> Great. Okay. >> So, should we delegate filling out the previous application? >> Maybe. Um, >> not yet. Let's let's see what's required and we could probably just get it done. >> Thinking Bethany could probably knock that out real quick. >> All right, so our next spot is that river access area on 12. >> Um, this one's kind of interesting. It's we looked at our data um from for USGS that's also 2011 data um I didn't specify the 50 junction road we're using hurricane Irene data and this is also hurricane Irene data as well um this originally I think we were thinking that we would kind of put a sign where kind of like the picnic tables are in this area you know people are sitting and hanging out um but the elevation from the USGS A probably only comes like 5 or 10 feet off of the river bank. So, if we're going to put a high watermark sign kind of in that picnic table area that's at a pretty like steep high elevation, it's like the high water mark would be below the ground basically. Um because it is so high up in that spot. So, we would have to put the high water mark sign about 10 to 15 feet up that like pathway down to the river. So, up the river bank about 10 to 15 feet if that makes sense. Mhm. >> So, which I think would be fine. Um, nothing there's nothing wrong with that. It's in a very visible spot. Um, John from the National Weather Service did realize when he was trying to survey for that spot that currently there's so much tree cover that surveying won't work there right now. I did ask him if, you know, going back to survey in late October if that would work and he said yes, most likely um when all the leaves are gone. So, that's an option. There is also pretty substantial bedrock in that area because it is so close down to the river. So, I don't know much about sign installation and, you know, putting in a post, but I'm wondering, you know, 10 to 15 feet up from the bank, could we put in a signpost that's deep enough without hitting >> better it's going to stay? >> I don't know if anyone has any insight into that and I can dig further into it or go out and look myself a little bit more, but that's one consideration for this location. Are are you talking about this? This is done by the fire station. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> So, when the state does the bridge project, they're taking all those trees out. They're going to drastically change landscaping there. >> When is this project happening? >> Next 2030. >> Okay. >> Yeah. Yeah. Right. 2030 or 2031. >> So, another one to maybe make a note of. >> I've heard of the Bridge Project. I didn't know much about it to be honest. That's >> So their temporary is going to be over in that area. >> Okay. Okay. >> So maybe we shouldn't put that in yet. Shouldn't put that. >> Just a a point to think about. It may or may not be. I don't know what the state's position is. I haven't heard. But the lady that owns the house on the other side >> Oh, yeah. >> is trying to is contacting the state to see if they want to do a buyout and take that house. >> Oh yeah. So she came up here to talk about that with us and I gave her the contact information to state that may change their plans on the location of that bridge as well. >> So >> it would be it's a big change on the left side >> facing on the right to Montier. >> Yeah. >> That little house that sits right on the bank. >> Yeah. >> The only issue I see there is all the power the power at the granite. as a grand j. >> Yeah, >> that's going to be a big >> Yeah. Yeah. >> deal for the state to have to deal with, but >> that's if it costs more money. I'm sure they'll go along with it. >> Yeah. >> So, that that may or may not be on the table for that bridges now. >> Okay. >> She was just in a week or so ago. >> Oh, yeah. >> That she wants to sell and move into the home. Easier to take care of. Yeah. >> Understandable. Which direction is that house across the river? >> If you're heading uh south on 12 towards Northfield, soon as you cross the bridge, that little house that sits right there on the left, they could potentially put the bridge on the other side instead of doing cutting or >> right >> move the bridge, but >> okay. >> Well, I mean >> either way, there's some risks there for you. >> That's what I'm getting. That might be this might be a tricky spot I think because we >> don't know what's going to happen with it >> and you could put in assignments there for a few years if the project isn't happening in the imminent future but >> Oh that's that's yeah >> it has to it's not a question of if it's when >> when we have a root bridge next to >> we could we could print a sign so basically I can get the signs printed and then it's up to the town to install them. So that could happen whenever you want it to happen essentially. Um we could print a sign that doesn't have the exact elevation on it and then could find a way later whenever you want to actually put up this sign to put the elevation like below the sign wherever it ends up going. That could be an option. Um, I think it's hard when we don't exactly know what the future of the site will look like, especially with all those trees gone or I don't think the grade is really going to change much because there's probably not much you could change, but I could be wrong >> because they are they are going to replant trees as well. >> Yeah. So, I guess I mean honestly, I would reconsider that site entirely. I think that would be the easiest thing to figure out, you know, are there other options? Um, or you know, if we go down to two signs, even one sign, that's okay as well. Um, I think it's great. There are a lot of different options in Berlin, but um, if we cut it down, >> that's okay. So, let's talk about the next one and then we can maybe revisit because I think there's a lot of questions on the the garage as well. Um, so we haven't done any sort of surveying um, at the BR garage. I mean, I think this could be a really great sign or great site for the sign because it was so impacted in 2023, but does anyone know the status of, you know, the town acquiring that property and when the garage is moving? >> I was just going to say we don't even own that land right now. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. State owns that. And what I've heard, granted, this is just rumor mill, is that they're going to tear down all of those buildings, all those buildings that we torn down. So, I mean, who knows what they're going to need for space and all that. Um, so maybe this sign is something that we hold on to. >> Well, my understanding is they're going to turn it into a flood plane buffer. >> Right. Right. So, there'll be nothing on there. >> I was going to say I didn't realize that that I wasn't even thinking about that. I think I'm the one that proposed that. I wasn't even thinking about the fact that we don't own the land. So, I don't know that we can decide to put a sign there unless you get approval from the state. >> I think it's the same thing though too where like the buildings are there. We have no idea when they're actually going to be demolished. So, we don't you know the sign could be fest in the middle of the property or something like that, but right now we couldn't do that. >> What about the parking lot on the other side though like across from CVS? Yeah, >> because I mean that that whole parking lot down towards Partridge Road is that's is that state property or is that town property there? >> State Partridge Farms. >> No, the parking lot across the little bridge bridge. >> They just took the asphalt out of there. >> Yeah, that's that's state property. Yeah. >> Is the one So on both sides of the bridge because there's a little Okay. So both state. So is the the bridge itself is that state property as well? I was wondering you could put a sign right next to that bridge that's, you know, get some good traffic there. Good traffic and traffic state. >> So the bridge could be an option. Yeah. >> And we have data for that area from USGS. So that could be a possibility. >> Oh, the bridge that goes to Park. Yeah. Sorry, not the foot bridge. I'm like, >> okay. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> The bridge for vehicles. >> Yes, that's a good idea. Yeah, I like that idea. >> Yeah, that could be a far easier one. And you're right by the stream, too. So, you know, I think the level of your of your watermark would be pretty impactful right there. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, I think that makes more sense. I think we should scratch the Dog River one, put one on the bridge. And >> yeah, >> my opinion. >> Vermont Transit or Dog River. >> I think that those two sides, >> scratch the Dog River and put this one on the bridge, >> Junction Road. And then that one by the road would be where more people are actually going to see the signs. Yep. >> I know a lot of locals near, you know, Riverton use the Dog River, but to actually go down >> Yeah. Right. >> I don't know how many are still going down that bank. So, >> plus it sounds like it might be a nightmare to actually or not even be possible to really install it tricky for sure. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I think those that's a good way to go. I think the bridge would be a great spot and then doing the 50 junction road buyout. I think those are both doable for sure. Um we're doing our best to wrap up this project by the end of the year. Um so I think if we can yeah get going on those two. >> Yeah. >> Um get our surveying totally done and then um >> designing the sign. I can talk to Karen again. I I don't know if Berlin has like >> branding you use for signage. Some communities do. they have just like, you know, a color palette or just kind of a sign that they put, you know, the same style everywhere. Not every town is like that, but um I'd be happy to coordinate with >> anybody on that. >> Maybe like the I mean >> on the website >> or like the welcome signs, something that would coordinate >> coordinate with that. >> Yeah. Yeah. No, I mean >> I mean either fontwise or I don't even remember what they look like. Is do you know who makes those signs for you? >> Uh on that topic, those were extremely expensive. I'm not sure. Uh the high water signs where does that >> No, no, no. I don't mean making them wooden and I just meant like the color visually similar. >> She was asking who made that. >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> So that I figured I would throw all that in there. I I can't get you that information off the top of my head. I don't remember. >> Yeah, but I can find out. >> Okay. Yeah. Who made it or designed it or anything like that? >> Yeah. >> Okay, great. >> I I vaguely remember the associated cost with the high watermark signs, >> the the budget or or where that money comes from. And >> yeah, so the signs themselves are free to the town if the town only pays for installation. So, this is part of >> um project funding from it's called Silver Jackets. It's basically a um state and federal partnership with uh my team and um the US Army Corp of Engineers, USGS, National Weather Service. Um and so we got funding back in 2022 for this project. Oh wow. >> Um yeah, and then we got flooded two years in a row and there was nobody to do this project so we got to pick it up last year. Um so yeah, so the signs themselves are funded. Um it's just the installation piece of it. >> Yeah. Thank you, Tess. >> The only correction I have for you on the back side, it's route 302. Just >> No, I appreciate it. >> Quick typing clearly. >> No, you're good. >> All right. Okay. Great. Thank you. >> Thank you all very much. That was really helpful. Um >> I'll get you that information this week and send it to you. >> Okay. Question. >> Oh, do you have something? >> Oh, sorry. >> Hey, I was just curious. So, we'll need to go back and do um the find the elevations for the specific site on the bridge that you were interested in. Do you have I don't know if you looked at it and I couldn't see it from here. Is there a specific um spot or uh like pole on the bridge that you're interested in putting the sign on just so we know where to survey? >> It's a great question. >> This is a very good question. I >> think if you could put it on the entrance to the on one side or the other right where cars are coming in. >> Yeah. That would be very minimal. >> And we would have to probably put it on something. Yeah. Instead of it being on the post of the bridge itself, it would have to be off. Yeah. >> The side of the bridge and on some kind of signpost. Yeah. >> Okay. Um, and by either side, do you mean on the CVS side or the other side or like the right or the left side? >> As you're entering the bridge on the right hand side. >> Okay. >> That's when you're going to be driving by and you can see it. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah, >> great. >> Well, that sounds good. We'll do our best to survey that probably in the next month or two. Um, you have questions, I will follow up. >> Awesome. >> Thank you so much. >> Appreciate it. >> Thank you. In the meantime, work on a we can work on a design. >> Appreciate. >> Thank you. Have a good night. >> Thank you. Thank you. Bye-bye. Uh, recreation committee update. Mr. Shay is with us tonight. >> Hello, Tim. Hi, Tim. >> Tell us all the wonderful things you're up to. >> Oh, man. All right. So, Tim Shay committee, sorry. Have you met the new board yet? >> Um, yeah. I was at the challenge place. >> Hi. >> Thank you very much. So yeah, just uh a few updates on where we are and um so we did last year we partnered with the school Berlin Elementary and put in the uh helped pay for the dugouts. this year. Um, we're partnering with them as well and are going to put in, uh, equipment sheds to store equipment for the soccer, softball, uh, and other, uh, nice other activities that Berlin athletics and the some degree the school will probably use it for some of their equipment, air uh, recess equipment as well. Um so that's um using some of our u budget to do that. Uh let's see what else do we have. Um, so one thing that the rec committee does is we help subsidize swim lessons for Berlin resident uh, kids down at the Mont Pillar pool to basically create a kind of level field or subsidizing it to where it would be the same cost if they were a Montilier resident. So the wreck committee uses our funds to kind of buy down if you will that we work with the monthly rec committee. So we had 23 participants for that. So that >> kind of helps our our residents that are participating in that. >> Um one new thing that the Berlin Athletics which is kind of a subset of the rec committee. So they organized kind of taken over for the school um to organize the fall and winter. We do soccer in the fall, basketball in the winter, similar what Eastmon Pillar and some of the other communities have done. So, uh, basically a group of parents has been organizing that, takes care of the fees, um, uniforms and all that. Uh this year the rec committee is also going to help uh pay for the referees that in the past volunteer but it gets hard to get volunteers to do that parents or teens or something. So we're going to buy the referees uniforms >> and subsequently also there's a stipen for them. It'll they won't be W2 or anything. It's the 999. It's just uh it's a low threshold as far as the fees, but we've worked with the town on that process so that we can uh reimburse the the referees for that. There's also an ebike share program that we're going to have a representative for. We're going to learn more about that in our next meeting. So, I don't know much about that at this point, but um certainly start rolling out more. Jeff Frell who's on the rec committee is going to be a participant on that program. So as we know more we'll certainly use the social media and other channels to get information out about uh that share program that will be available to residents. >> Oh much. Is that like people that own like car sharing or is it like a company that owns so >> like I own a bike and I let other people >> I think it's somewhat like you could buy a share to yeah to use it you know so kind of a use but as we know more going out Jeff's agreed to be the rep that's all I know at this point. >> Okay. >> Uh we'll learn more about that. They're having a kickoff meeting soon um for that. Uh we're right in the middle of our uh fall soccer program as I mentioned referees and then won't be long that we'll be kicking off the basketball programs as well for for the youth multiple I forget they're they're up like third grade up until they get to the middle school. Um >> and has participation been good? >> Yeah. Yep. and it's been growing. Um, you know, they obviously work through the channels of the schools, elementary school, >> and yeah, I think I don't have the numbers for the soccer, but I think last I heard there was like 50 kids. >> Wow. >> That were in there um participating. So, when they break it up based on the age groups and sometimes depending on the numbers, they'll combine with >> another smaller community, Dallas or something if they need to just to be able to fill out a full roster. That's really good. You guys have done really well. >> And then I know I didn't mention anything when she was here as far as the uh the 50 junction. Uh there's the other properties, the other buyout properties. So we haven't really done much with those. We thought about how we could certainly at 50 junction given its proximity to the bike path of what we could do from a recreation uh on that site. it. As you're well aware, there's a lot of restrictions on that for development. Uh we've talked about potentially a pump track or something um for you to put in. Um but we haven't really done much with that. Nothing this year, but that's something that you've been looking. >> Yeah, that we've talked about. There was a lot of u limitations. Obviously, the demo needs to happen in clearing the site. Um, but in the future, we'll look at what we could do down there that would still meet the FEMA uh restrictions, but potentially offer some recreation opportunities given the access to the river as well as close access to the bike path there, which obviously gets a lot of use. So, um, we'll think about that. And I think that's really kind of um all that I've got for where where we are at this judge. We do have a new in fact she came to that meeting um your uh open forum that you had a chestnut place and I talked to her there and we picked up a new member from that meeting. So that that's great to you know just build up >> y. So that's kind of nice. Yeah. So that was a nice nice win there. So appreciate you creating that opportunity and thank you for all your your work. I hope you have any questions or >> wonderful overview. Thank you. >> Membership. Do you still need some recruitment? >> We could certainly use more numbers. Yeah. I mean I think yes. Um, and the Berlin Athletics, so they've had some turnover there, but they kind of filled themselves, too. But that's always nice, the more hands in there to spread that load out because that work they're doing a lot of, um, there's a website for the intake, but there's a lot of work that is there. So, um, you know, if you hear of anyone or know of anyone that's interested, certainly send them our way and we'll see if it's a good match. Uh, but we can always use our bodies. >> Awesome. That's wonderful. >> Good job. >> Thank you. >> Thank you. Appreciate it. >> Yes, sir. >> Capital improvement plan review and updated. >> You should have a document in your folder. I hope >> Oh gosh. So happens I have some. >> I'm going to make this quick and >> I didn't even have time to go in my house. I had to drop off my dog and run over here. >> I'm going to get you thinking about it as we get closer and closer to budget season so we don't get bombarded. I think it's time to make a lot of quick decisions. So, thanks B. Yeah, you're welcome. >> Thank you. Thank you. >> Hopefully, it looks like the one I've still got. So, um quick overview of this document. Uh so, the tannanish colored right now because we've had lots of talks, there's been some adjustments made to what you were originally sent. These tan ones right now are this is just a draft proposal of what we would use the local options tax for ear market for for the capital plan. The white was in the capital plan but with the adjustments that we have made for the other costs right it would be above and beyond what we expect to intake for local options tax our estimates. Um so this would go back into the operating budget. So when we do the budget, you're going to see capital investment as one number and up and that additional money will be under the operational either under admin or town facilities or in highway operational budgets just to be clear because again I want to make sure it's very clear where the money is going to lie when we do the budget so one we don't make the mistake and put it in two places um and two we know exactly what we've got where going forward. for um what I'm not showing you in the capital budget. I'm just showing you fiscal year 28 right now the draft is the next five years what that looks like as well because it it's going to evolve. Some things are going to come off, some things are going to stay on. And the trucks, for example, for the highway, because we're just starting this, right? The next three years for the four trucks are going to be a catch-up, right? Because we want to we want to go seven years of savings for a truck, but we don't have seven years for some of them that need to be replaced for the next two or three years, right? >> So that's why those numbers are going to fluctuate for a bit of time as well. So, I just want to explain that when you're looking at it. Um, and then there's at the bottom there's still a Fiser Road uh Culver um loan that's being paid. And I I forgot to put on here the number of years that are left on that, but there's 41,000 that will need a decision on whether we readjust the capital plan or put it in the operational budget going forward as well. Again, the whole intent is to try to minimize the big jumps in taxes for this stuff and kind of smooth it out some. Um, so that's what this document is and what it shows you. >> Can can I just ask a question? >> You can ask confusing me. >> So the capital budget is the capital budget. The funding source is a completely different animal. >> Correct. Does this isn't just because it's on the capital budget capital plan doesn't mean that all the money has to come from the option tax. >> That's that that's correct. What I'm showing you is the recommendation for >> where the money's coming from >> and operational. Right. >> Okay. I just want to make make sure I'm understanding this correct because this is still part of the capital plan. It's >> this is all capital planning. >> It's just where the funding funding is. >> But we need to show both so that we understand it when we do the budget. >> Right. >> Yep. So the other question that I have is or one of the other questions that I have is on the planning side of the business, right? We've we've been talking for a long time, not this board, but multiple boards have been talking about town office space, police office space. >> Someday someday we talked about garage and that's coming a reality. We have to start talking serious about the cash for planning those and when we're going to budget for that to do a real plan for the town office and a real plan for a police structure. Um I have sent out an email to a uh the design architect on the garage and asked him for rough estimates to do a concept design for a new town office on the 3.8 acres. >> It's somewhere between 12 and 15,000. And I've asked for the police for a concept design in the location, approximate location of where this town office sits along with the new garage and what that would look like. And he said it's going to be about the same for a concept design about 12 to 15,000 just to get a concept done. The other thing I've done and I haven't got a response yet. Um, I sent a an email to I forget the gentleman's name at Norwich to see if there would be any interest in um students performing concept designs because they have licensed licensed um engineers on staff that can stamp those designs as well um to see if they're still interested in that. I know that we talked to them once before about the ice rink um design and they they were willing to to work on that. Um but I haven't heard back yet. I just sent that last week. Um >> I think it's a great idea. So very good. >> But at some point we need to start talking about that because we're again just to throw more in there. We have now have seven applicants for the town finance director position that are going to be reviewing and scoring and then presenting probably the top two or three to start an interview process. Um, but we're going to be running out of space. The only other thing I have with that is I know at one point it was brought up about rather than just a police station, a public safety building, right? Including the fire department. Mhm. >> looked into the lease on the fire department um because we we have that um it was originally to August of um 2039 at least was going to expire, but in June of 2019 it was extended to August of 2088. >> Wow. >> So I'm not sure we want to consider doing anything right >> with that at this point if the lease is basically a dollar a year. That's a land lease, right? >> That's a land lease. Yeah. From the school. >> We own the building. >> Yes. Right. Yeah. The land is the schools. Yeah. >> So, it's good out until 2088. That's a dollar a year. Yeah. I think it's like a dollar a year. >> We should have negotiated that land when we when we put when we got gave them did their septic or whatever. We did waste water. >> Yeah. So, I'm I'm just throwing that out there. Scott, I'm not talking about it unless the board wants to do otherwise at this point in time. I think with the 2088 lease >> technically, don't we only have to worry about an office for the chief? >> Technically, maybe. Although they might have to share a desk somewhere to do their paperwork because they have to file a lot of reports. >> Yeah. But did that come out of their budget? Aren't they working on cruisers? >> That cruisers yet? >> Yeah, mobile. >> We have a problem retraining officers now. >> Mobile off. >> That might be an issue. >> Well, I'm just throwing that out there information as we go forward and I I'll keep sending you updated documents as I get them done. You already have the wage one that was revised as well. >> Um that that reflects that. So again, um, kind of piecing the budget together so that when we do set, we can meet Carla's requirement of having everything there. >> Can you refresh our memory why the plow truck for 2028 is 350,000 and the one for 2032 is 68,000? >> Yes. Because >> to catch up 2028, we're we're buying one outright. That's due. >> Okay. Um, and then >> I figured I wanted to be sure >> 32 is the seven-year amount that we have to set aside to have the cash >> to to buy the one in that year. >> Mhm. >> That fiscal year. And that's why they're all different um for the next three to four years. You're going to see them different because of that, right? And then the year that we're purchasing it, you're going to see a double, >> right? Because we have that year's commitment and the and the purchase balance of the purchase price. But then then right after we've bought four four or five now, let's say five worst case, then there's a two-year break where all we have is just the payment. We're not buying a truck outright. So we don't have the big expenditure, >> right? >> Um for two years in a row and we start again. You see that pattern repeat with kind of a two-year break and then repeat again break on the highway equipment. that that'll be money that can be used, >> you know, obviously somewhere else. >> Uh on this one, the one thing that's not updated, I've been working with RB Technology because our server um is on a fiveyear replacement plan. Um it's not $25,000 anymore. All said and done, it's going to be almost double that, $45,000. Now, we have to start budgeting for that. So I I have put in for next year the full amount and then whatever it is over five years it's like 15,000 and something I think um a year to cover it every five years for replacement. >> That's the hardest thing about the things that get put off is the price is going to fluctuate drastically. >> That's why we have to revisit it every year to make those adjustments. >> Yeah. So again for your review comment questions u when you want I'll answer them but I'll I'll keep providing budget information as we go forward and then at some point probably in early October I'll um >> we need to have a budget >> ask for a separate meeting just for the budget. >> I'm not say I think we should >> start planning on doing a >> yeah I was separate budget meeting >> separate budget meeting I'm all for it. Yeah. And I'll schedule it for two hours, >> I think. Yeah. First one. I think it's good. Yeah. To get all the information together and start wrapping our heads around it. >> So, if if you can remember, I'll send a I'll send a note out if I can remember. >> Um to pick a date in early October. I have the first one. Unless you all want to decide tonight and I'll just get to work on it, but need time to look at it. I'll send out a member. >> I'm good with Thursday the 1st or that's early. >> Monday the 5th. >> I was going to say we could do Monday the 5th. I It doesn't I don't Doesn't matter to me. I'm not going anywhere till December. So, I'm flexible as well. Wait. Also, not a reminder. >> No comment. >> Okay. >> Keeping your options open. >> It depends on the weather. >> Yeah. >> I just think the sooner we get >> on it, the better it's going to be. >> Yeah. We don't want to be where we were last time to tell you that. >> Definitely. >> So, that's all I have on the CIP unless there's any >> No, that's good. >> Questions. >> What's happening with the garage? Is there the town garage? >> This one? >> Yeah. >> That's being built. Well, like one of they >> they've already started. >> They have. >> Yeah. If you noticed on the way in, >> you notice they did some >> That's That's for the excavation work to get the vehicle out. Their goal is still to have the the structure closed in by winter. >> Wow. >> Who's who's claiming ownership of that sweet job out there >> on the road? Yeah. I don't know who the sub is that they used on that. So, but they got to move it over. Tim's had a talk with uh Mr. corners as well and they're going to move that over. So, it's still a normal drive into the garage and out for the employees as well. >> What's the process of >> the garage together? Like when it comes down to them like picking contractors and everything on the inside of the building, does that ever come in front of us or is that >> solely dealt by the contractors? because I know that they are out to bid >> y >> on inside stuff right now. So, >> I haven't been asked. Yeah, >> on the inside stuff. >> Kind of interesting. >> Okay. Uh Feto Home Overlook Plaza wastewater allocation >> relinquishment letter. So, you all have received the letter that we got from Mr. effect though and then our response after review with the title attorneys. Any questions? >> Nope. >> No sense to me. It's no brainer. >> So I have since this has gone out, we've had no response from Mr. Proteto um regarding this. He hasn't requested a meeting with the board to discuss it further at this time. >> Perfect. >> So did this series allocated this way back then? >> Yes. That's the history. You have the history in the package. So, it's it I think it's pretty straightforward and pretty clear. >> What was the date of the letter to Mr. Fetto? >> Um I I would have to check. >> Okay. I think somebody's trying. >> Oh, someone got kicked out, it looks like. >> And maybe we should check that there isn't anyone trying to get in the meeting as well. Yes. >> Okay. Excellent. I know people have entered that from time to time. >> And I think this one is is pretty straightforward unless he wants to come before the board in his case. >> I I agree. I >> we're not we're not handling it any different than the policy procedure or anything in the past which is the credit but you reserve and spend. I'm just I'm just looking at these like somebody actually had to type these, >> right? >> That's how old they are. >> They don't have to do that. Okay. >> All right. We're good with this. >> Yep. >> Good. >> Okay. >> Thank you. Uh traffic and vehicle ordinance amendment revision and decision. um didn't bring notes with me, but I think the last revision was uh adding the um as to add the definition for the speed limits on cross town, right? >> And include cross town because it it's in there now in a couple of locations, right? Because different speeds in different locations. What did we do about the >> Is this the one where we were working on >> parking on? >> Yep. >> Mirror Lake >> parking regulations. Yep. That that is all on here now as well. Mirror Lake, if that's the one you request. Mhm. Mirror lakes entire length of both sides of the road with the exception of sign parallel parking spaces on the west side and the pulver guard rails on the south side shoulder. >> And the signs are up for that already as well. >> Okay, signs are up >> for the bar and then they're still parking. It's another story. >> Okay. So again, once once the board is okay with this, got to have two public hearings and then it goes into effect. I think it's 60 days after the last public hearing to finish. No objections to it. >> Okay. Get them on the schedule. >> Okay. >> Yep. >> Public hearings. >> Good. We don't have to vote on that, do we? >> I don't think so. >> I don't believe so. Any further changes public hearings? And then just further change. >> Excellent. >> Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Did it almost close? Very close. >> So minutes, I just want to throw out there um full disclosure. I uh tried my hand at using >> transcript and AI and then an edit review by myself and another staff member. Um and this is what we came up with. >> I knew you would. >> So sent these out, right? >> And it does meet all the requirements by the way. Now, now it comes down to personal preference of the board. If you'd like more details like who made the motion and who seconded it, which is, you know, I like them. >> And I will tell you, I did all three minutes. I did them myself, so it can't be all that hard. Um, in less than in a little bit less than an hour. >> You're saving office work, but you told us in the email. I think they saved a ton of office work, right? >> Oh, absolutely. Doing it this way. Yeah, it it took again they used to either the treasurer or the assistant treasurer would sit and watch the recording and do the minutes. So if the meeting was two hours long, it was two hours per minute, >> right? Per minutes getting it done two hours plus. >> Um I I took the transcript, you know, put it into AI said this format, spit it out. Then I went through and made a few corrections. >> I mean, it's it's actually written one like >> pretty accurate. I think >> it is. It's It's more generic. That's the old >> Yes, it's more generic, but I mean >> it covers what it's supposed to though. >> Yeah. >> The board voted was unanimous. Whatever. >> Part takes care of punctuation for you too, doesn't it? >> It does most of it. >> Yeah. Um, do we want where motions are made by who made the motions? I know that those have been in the past. >> My my my thought on that is if somebody's really interested, they can go to or watch the video. >> Okay. >> Right. And the details are there that they're seeing the person make it. But from a public records requirement standpoint, we just need to know that the board discussed it, made a motion, and it was seconded and voted on as a result. >> How come my name's in here? >> Twice. >> I guess AI like you >> or doesn't. One or the other. >> Yeah, I guess. I I did not add any names or delete any. I'm just >> Yours is too sometimes >> on this one. >> Well, I'll pay more attention next time. >> Oh, Chris. Oh, because the kids here was from you. Okay. Yeah, >> put your names in there. >> I do have to make a correction there, I believe. Right. The the D on the skid steer. Thanks for bringing that up, Carla. Is actually a T. A T. >> That's right. >> I will make that change. Are we on the same thing with like round table on which you know this says the board discussed the status of an easement the board member clarified prior comments where in the past we have said you know so and so and so did this so and so did that it's the boards I mean I can I can go through the can go through orca to pick that part of it up if that's the >> board's desire I mean, >> no, just a question. But so can anybody else that reads these if they just saying they're clean? I like them. Clean >> and they're efficient. I got to tell you, it I was I was surprised at really how easy it was. It probably took me longer to proofread it than it did to actually do it. I mean obviously the main thing is that they captur any votes. So, >> thank you. The general discussion topic >> and if any decisions were made, >> I make the motion to approve the Monday, August 10th, 2026 minutes as presented with just some changes. Like if a name is uh indicated under meeting call to order and Chris Hayward's name is listed, just moving Chris down so it's with his last name. it looks better and name should be together. And like at the bottom of page one where it says website update, just making that website update be at the top of the data. So moving that over to the other page and then just things like that. Just making sure the um things lead in well and don't just end um with one word like out there by itself. maybe starting a paragraph, but otherwise the data is all there and if the board all agrees not to have people's names included. Um, I would just say that if it's something that's brought to our attention at a later date that we should or people seek to have it included that we are open to that. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> But I think it's great and appreciate all your efforts. It's approved with the comments for the just the >> also a comma after Chris at the top >> I guess. Yeah. Period. >> Got it. Call me out. I've been naming Cath. >> I wonder if um if you pulled it to include the names of the people that Oh, no. Because we don't say our name. We have to say our name, >> right? >> Which we could do. Then it would just put it in there if we decide we want that, >> right? No, I think if going forward resire then I think it's a good way to send the link to >> I second the motion. All those in favor >> I want to go say where we consistently same on the 24th too. the comments already. Thank I'll move to approve the Tuesday, August 18th. That's just that one >> one correction of the period. Got it. >> I'll second. >> It should be commas, right? After each thing. >> Yeah, you can go either way on that one, but >> Okay. Try to remember for the next to be consistent. Sorry. Do we have a motion? >> Yep. And a second. Thank you. >> All those in favor? >> I post. I guess the only thing like with uh on the 24th for like guests is that just picking up people who introduced themselves. Okay. So if there were people here that like >> Yeah. It doesn't show up unless they spoke then theyel and then it's in the transcript. >> Okay. >> And then it carries over. >> Okay. Because I know there were other people here during that meeting. It might be good good to have a record of who is here for good Samaritan like if we're having people coming to present stuff >> like most there's if they're physically here we have the sign-in sheet that goes in with the minutes it's recorded filed in the clerk's office >> on page two under traffic and vehicle Ordinance Amendment Payne Turnpike South is spelled wrong. That's P A Y N E in the document. That should be P A I N E. >> Yeah, I missed that. >> Okay. Um, thank you. >> You realize though that if I that if I'm looking online and I say, hm, I want to know who was at the meeting for Good Samaritan, I'm going to call here and somebody's going to have to go look because it's not going to be >> it's not going to be in the recording if they didn't speak they spoke. So, I'm just wondering if we should put guests names like on when they're presenting. But just a question. >> Well, we did for this one. Emily Frasier, right? >> No, but not the Good Samaritan people, though. >> Speaking of Good Samaritan, did you see the bridge uh post? >> No. >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> Well, they're good at taking people's words out of context, >> right? Why? What' they say? >> Hammer guy. >> Huh? >> A hammer guy. >> You >> Oh, yeah. Yeah. I got slammed pretty good there out of the out of the gate. >> Really? >> Yeah. They took my words out of context. >> I'm gonna have to do that. >> Which is fine. Just see how things are. So, especially the comments that follow are even better. >> Yeah. >> So, wait. So, it's in the bridge. >> Yes. >> Yeah. Where did they get the information? Did they listen to the meeting or did they >> I don't know. >> I would have to say they didn't listen. >> I'd have to look at the attendance list. They may have been here for that. >> I don't think so. Don't think so. I don't like um I have one two two corrections for three corrections two corrections. So the D to a T on the 770 skid steer and the period at the end of Mr. language and move low from select board members present to the next line in front of her last name. And I would move personnel policy down to coincide with the majority of the topic >> under that >> and I would also suggest adding something under round table because there's some topics that were presented and discussed but um there was other things said too. So, like for example, the second bullet um regarding a board member bringing up a discussion and then it went on to something else. So, there's more more information there. Carl and I had a discussion back and forth, but it it lists the the opening of that discussion and then just moves on to the next topic. So, I think something needs to be entered there before we approve it. But that's just my view. If others want to approve it as is, that's fine as well. >> I mean, I think I appreciate what you're saying, Flo. My opinion is that typically it's just a like, you know, all these things are we talked way more about it than what's here. If there's something specific that you think should be in there, you should say because >> I think we can do it any way the board wants is fine. >> Oh, no. I mean, I just mean if if there was a, you know, like a >> particular >> something that you had we talked about because I honestly don't remember uh that that you wanted to add cuz >> because I know we did have a conversation, but I just obviously >> I just think that sometimes the minutes reflect some things and not all things and it comes across as >> it almost looks like avoidance. But that's just my perspective. That's all I'll say about that. Which is that? It's the page. >> It's the final page under table. >> But I think all those other things you mentioned are I have a motion. I want to approve Monday, August 24th, 2026. >> I'll second. All those in favor? >> I posted. >> I'm just going to abstain from the vote. >> Okay. >> Thank you, Vince. >> Nice. Nice uh innovation. Absolutely. Okay. Anything that say call it out of necessity this time. >> Uh is he any do we have we don't have a replacement? >> Do we at the desk? Yeah, >> yeah, but oh, so we're not replacing him. >> No, that was the news. Shel is >> Shelly is the replacement >> in essence to the Oh, the finance. Oh, Jesus. >> Don't mind me. >> We're doing that. >> Uh, approval of license, permits, vast applications. >> I hate this round table again. Sorry. All right, I got something. Does anybody want to read the I have ready? >> Yes, sir. Okay. I move to approve payroll warrant 2706 for payroll from August 23rd, 2026 to September 5th, 2026. Paid September 9th, 2026. 67,855.73. They have a warrant 27g05 for check number 26502 26573 and e check number 26 in amount of $348,830.78 payable warrant 2703 with check number 4763 to 4777 in the amount of $22,4634. There any questions? I had some. I don't have them in front of me though. Um, there was a workman's comp payout file. >> Maybe you want to look. >> Sure. There was a there was a pretty heavy workman's comp payout like 150,000 I believe it was. >> Yeah, that's probably our uh I'd have to look at it specifically, but that's typical our quarterly payment to BLCT. >> Okay. I wasn't I wasn't sure. >> 102 345 >> insurance. >> BLCT. Yep. >> I don't have it in I don't >> two payments work comp >> property and insurance. >> Yeah. >> So 70,000 for workman's comp and then 102 for insurance. >> Yep. It's a hefty payout. >> Yeah, it is. >> You're going to see it in the budget when you talk about it. what our insuranceances really are. >> I want to for $5,000 for removing a sand pile. >> Yep. It's not a small sand pile. I don't know if you've seen it. >> No, no, I have. >> We We had to hire some help to get it done in the >> Okay. No, that's fine. I was just >> Yeah. >> wondering we hired somebody or if we rented equipment to do that or something. >> We hired somebody. Okay. >> No, that's fine. I just we could keep working the streets. >> And then roadside mowing, is that something that we every year that we have to do just because we don't have the equipment to do it? Okay. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Is that something we've ever looked at? >> Yep. We have decided that at the time that it wasn't cost effective, but we can look at it again. It's a tractor, a unit with a over the guardrail arm to >> reach to do the and the mowing head, mulching head as well >> and more people and the employee. >> Yeah, first we're trained training an employee and all that as well. But again, at some point in time, that's something else that we need to start talking about, right? Is getting the highway superintendent >> out of the equipment operator seat and into the a little more on the uh admin supervisory side to right >> be looking at a lot of these things and be out on the road. And >> you know, we have >> how many culverts? 500 and something I think in town. And >> there's at least four I'm going to say 40 and I think I'm conservative on that. that the last time they were rated by the state were in in poor condition. Meaning they needed to be replaced. You know, we can do we're doing about four four five a summer. >> So, we're not we're not keeping up there either, but we're going to have that on the agenda. We're going to have a whole roads meeting early winter. Yeah. um when the dust settles a little bit on some of these other things, you'll have a a very specific road meeting with the highway superintendent here. We're going to talk a lot about what we just talked about and we're and talk about some of the one home roads that we maintain. >> Yeah. as well and and have a cost comparison what it costs us to maintain a one home road or two home road even because there's a there's a list of them we do right now maintain we plow but again that's that's for another discussion but we will have a an in-depth road discussion coming up early winter okay >> and that could be another topic right but it's I'll have to um do a cost analysis for you and alter that mean for roadside knowing what the contract is and what the cost and what the payback is. >> Okay. >> If we do it ourselves. >> Okay. I appreciate it. Thank you. >> Any other questions? >> I think we went to discussion before we had a second. So I'll second. >> Sorry. All those in favor. >> Thank you very much. Okay. I will move to ratify the highway superintendent pay increase. We have to specify what it was from the August 24th meeting which was >> right here >> which was >> you can read my writing >> 45 67 per hour and it was effective that day. So that was that day >> September 14th. Oh, no. We're on. This was done on August. >> August 28th. >> August 4th. Yeah. >> 24th. >> Okay. So, I move to approve the to ratify the pay increase that we approved on August 28th >> for Tim Davis effective I mean 24th effective August 24th to 40 >> 557 per hour. I'll second >> equivalent to 9494 a year but no over. >> All those in favor >> I opposed. Thank you very much. >> Uh round table. >> So I clearly can't speak tonight. I'm I'm abstaining. >> Okay. >> Ryan Um, I guess the only thing I had a resident contact me and I contacted Vince about um just what's the protocol there was there's a couple people jogging or walking around Berlin Pond. They found needle south pond the park the place where we just put the new signs down and um had uh this resident contact me. So like should I call the police? What should I do? I could definitely contact the police, but I'll take a minute and see what the I don't know if there's a procedure for that, but everything was taken care of. So, I mean, >> is there a drop off anywhere in Berlin for needles? >> It's a good question. I'm not sure. >> I've just not heard of that happening. >> I'm not sure that they don't have something right here too officer. >> I will look into that for you. >> Oh. Oh, look at Thank you, sir. Officer. >> Okay, I'll text Harry. Congratulations. >> Uh, until I find somebody. Yes, I've been in contact with a couple people. I thought I had one lady. She was really interested and she has offered to be a deputy health officer once we get a health officer in place um to help with just present this to our new temporary health officer. This is this is a >> get your own how it gets appointed, how they get chosen and all the responsibilities and expectations. >> Thank you. >> Um so I guess >> going forward >> I think that is a health concern. So I think that yes police get the police involved with that but the health officer should know about that too. But the chain would be contact the police. If I'm a resident, contact the police and they would probably contact you. >> Um, so both ways uh the residents could contact the health officer who then would get in contact with the police or they could call the police. >> Okay. >> It would then Yeah. Because if it turns into an issue then it kind of falls on the health officer. >> So yeah. How what what are the Is there a job description anywhere? >> Search that book right there. >> No, like a short one. >> You can go on site. That is a short one. >> This is a short one. Honestly, when you read into it, there's a lot to it. So, >> who do you go to for help? >> Resources. >> Looking into that as your new health officer. >> No, I mean like >> take a look at that book. It gives you a list >> of of who you can use for resources as a health officer. >> In the event of a an emergency, you should dial 911. >> Make a recording on at home. Jared, call 911. if you medical this is >> I mean and the lady I was speaking to who would like to be the deputy health officer did state she thought this would be something great for someone who is retired um who may have some more time on their hands during the day so I've actually reached out to a couple doctors who are retired now >> um see if they'd be interested they haven't got back to me yet but they're they're thinking about it so if you know of anybody >> I just texted Terry Okay. >> Yeah. There's so many people that would be so good. I think what I've heard is that because it's not a paid position, >> right? >> Some people lose interest and then there's others that would be more than glad to do it even unpaid. So, >> well, if you know of anybody, please send them my way. Love to chat with that >> and thank you for what you're doing. >> Yeah. >> Anything else, Ben? I don't have anything for you, sir. Can I get those back? Oh, there. Um, so I only have a couple things. The first thing I have is, um, the chair of the school board actually reached out to me today. Um, so there's a vacancy on the school board from the Berlin side. Um, they've only had one applicant put in. They're having a meeting, I believe, on second the 16th of this month to vote in. If you know anybody that may be interested, I'm not sure if they're still taking applicants, but she just sent me a letter stating that the representative had dropped out in March. They requested it in May and have only had one applicant. So, as of right now, >> are hard. >> Yeah. in any especially right now. I mean with everything that they're having trying to figure out and yeah and there's more to come. I mean there's I don't know if you guys saw the new article that came out last week >> about committees starting this fall with five schools to become one. I believe it's Harwood, U32, Montier, Twinfield, and what would be like Orange as well. So that committee starting this fall. So I what they do every day try to figure out their budget too is Yeah. So she she sent it to me. um there wasn't anything other than I guess just to let us know that there is a vacancy. If you know of anybody, maybe send them their way, but it's a hard time to be on a school board. I will say that. Yeah, >> I I honestly don't know anybody. I >> I think you almost have to be Well, you don't have to be, but I think you have the most likely candidates have kids in school and I was asked, but that's >> Well, I got too much going on. >> You don't have any more time here? >> No. >> No. And we homeschool our kids, so I felt like it should be someone who actually has >> I don't even know how you do everything that you do. I'm just kidding. You know that. >> Um, but yeah, so if you know of anybody, please send them. You can send them to me and I can get them in touch with the chair. um or you just want to send them to the chair. You had asked me about some maybe some meetings coming up. We had talked about maybe doing some more public meetings. >> Yes. Right. You wanted to have a followup with Riverton at some point as well. >> We owe it to them. I mean, we said we were going to have another follow-up meeting. >> Do we know anything? Did we get any information? Well, I think >> what happened with the with the Did they go look at the >> lover's lane? >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> You got two weeks. >> It's like radio silence, isn't it? >> Yeah, I remember. Two weeks. >> Yeah, I I hear you. So, I have some emails into the state guy to try to get some more information about bridge stuff and have him actually come to that meeting, too. Um, but I think just an update of like because the last time we were in front of them, granted the minutes and everything, there was still, you know, what was going to happen with the >> the sewer, what was going to happen with, you know, different things that they had asked about. And we when we were at that meeting, we said we would hold Yeah. >> I I I hear you. I understand. Um, >> even if it's just an update, >> if you choose a date, tell me the topics again. I'll go back and review and gather any history. >> Yeah. >> Or anything that's changed since the last meeting on every topics lane, >> septic system on steroids and whatnot. Put something >> together shared with the board. >> There's just there was two people I specifically just remember that felt like we would never come back and I don't want that. I don't want anybody to have that feeling >> especially for this board being >> meetings then because I have something on my >> round table regarding meetings coming up. >> So we have a public hearing already scheduled for the 28th on the charter change. >> Yeah. >> My question to the board is do you want to have the charter change and the regular board meeting again on the same night or do you want to just do the charter change and reschedule the board meeting for another time? I'm good with doing them both that night. >> Okay. Because again, I just have to the the public notice for the charter change has already gone out anyway and that starts at six o'clock. >> Yep. >> So my concern is if I give it an hour, depending on attendance, it might be anywhere from 15 minutes long to a half an hour. >> That would be our second meeting for the smoke. >> That would that's the date for our second meeting anyway. Um, but I I don't want to start it at 6:30 and have it start late either. So, there will be I'm sure if I schedule it to start the regular board meeting at 7 an hour later, I'm sure we'll be done with the charter change because it's it's a small amount of changes, but I don't want to cut it short in case there are people that show up that want to talk about something with the board regarding what's in the charter now and ask questions. If it runs an hour, I don't want to start a 6:30 meeting at 7 o'clock for us and look foolish. >> The only thing was that is if we scheduled for another day that week, we're already proposing October 1st for our first budget meeting that week, too. So, that would technically might put three meetings. >> Three meetings in one week. >> Well, in one week. Yeah. >> Um I don't know. So we we need to >> we could do the fifth for the budget, >> right? >> So can I just ask a logistical question? Do you have to put the times or can you just say select board meeting immediately to follow? >> I can can >> so that we don't I mean I just don't want to have schedule one for six and one for seven and sit here for 45 minutes. So I think you can just say public hearing at X select board meeting immediately to follow. >> Yeah, we can do that. It's vainly specific. >> Okay. We want to have it both on the same night. >> Yeah. I mean because because honestly I the likelihood of Well, the likelihood of a long public hearing is probably not great, >> right? Yeah. >> I mean, not that it wouldn't be great if we had had a lot of comment, but >> and I think actually doing it that way might promote additional attendance, more participation because if they're not sure what time the regular meeting is going to start, more people may come early that wouldn't have for the other. >> Yeah, I agree. >> I think I think that's a good move. kind of piggy backing back on meetings. So, with us doing a Riverton meeting, what I kind of had suggested to Vince, too, and we've kind of brought Bethany into this as well when she first started was doing different parts of the town. So yes, hold a meeting in Riverton, hold a meeting here, let's say, or Chestnut Place, and then picking another place in town. >> So that way it's not focused on just one area all the time. We can start making everyone feel like we're monster mosquito on that wall behind you that I keep seeing. Um, so Bethy's wants to kind of be a part of this too because she wants to kind of get herself out there, >> right? >> To kind of introduce herself to everyone. Um, so I know we've got a lot coming up as far as like budget meetings go, but I think part of the budget meeting process can be updating residents on being like, hey, this is what we're doing right now. We're coming to you to let you know that this is a board that from the very beginning has wanted to be very transparent, wanted to be open with everyone. So, we're holding orderly or by annually meetings in these three sections of town, one being Riverton, one being Chestnut at one place, and one being another part of town going forward to update you on these situations. Plus, just so you know, we are also having our regular meetings here. So, >> where would the next best part of town be, do you think, Derek? I was thinking somewhere down on the Barry Mount Pillar Road, >> you know, some somewhere down. >> So then you're covering >> Yeah. >> closer to Northfield side, Riverton area, the central area up here on top of the hill, and then somewhere down near the Berry area for Barry Mount Road. phone and I'm open to anything. >> No, I'm just ever since I was thinking the same thing and I'm sitting in my head trying to think of a place that's >> Where's the UVM extension office? >> Oh, that's down the Bmont Play Road. >> Said that might be something they can help us get. We want to have it down there. >> Yeah, that's works there. >> Oh, she does. >> Yeah. Where is it? It's where A&W or whatever they dates may suggest that >> Oh, yeah. I know that. >> It's uh Yeah, it's past >> Dunkin Donuts >> and the the the farmers market down there. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Building. >> Yeah. >> It's a Connor built it >> on the right hand side headed towards Berry. >> Oh, for the common. >> Yeah, I know where you're Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. But I think just having I don't think we need to do more than three. I think having Riverton, Chestnut Place, and maybe that UVM extension um I think would just be good going forward and bringing Bethany in as a part of it too, maybe for the first couple meetings. Um, >> yeah. I mean, I not don't not that I don't like the idea of having on the bar road, but well, there are people that live up on those side streets there, but there are >> lot of up there. Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah, you're right. >> You can pull from Partridge Road, too. A lot of people up there. >> Yeah. So, absolutely going out and we get drinks game. People have a place for the kids to go. Mhm. >> It's just it's it's kind of food for thought, but I think it's >> I think that's a good idea >> that we should look into. >> Yeah. Um I just need to know dates ballparks and that we want to talk about. Yeah, it might might be a good time to actually start talking about the budget as well. Well, listen, I mean having like we have our budget meetings here. Yeah. And we know how that goes with people coming to our meetings about that stuff. They'll be long meetings, >> right? But then being like, hey, we're holding this meeting to kind of go over what we're doing as a select board and go over that budget as well and being like, this is what we talked about our last meeting. This is what's going on and this is what we're going to be talking about at our next meeting. Encourage all of you to come even though we're holding this, you know, special meeting to come out and talk to you. >> Well, again, we're going to we're going to need to have soon, right, the two a public hearings on the traffic ordinance as well. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> Combine it with that. >> Yeah, we could definitely >> have one of the public meetings there in one of those locations. >> I think that's a great idea. Yeah. Have a public hearing at the, you know, UVM extension and then following the public hearing, we will also be doing an up board will be doing an update. >> Yep. >> In that area. Yep. >> Do a river do the same thing in Riverton and do the same thing at Chestnut Place. So that that being said, then on the 28th we have to have that first public hearing on the charter change as well. >> Yeah. >> Should we have that at a different location then other than here? >> But you've already put it out, right? >> I think here is fine. You've announced it already. >> Yeah, that has already been posted. No, sorry. Bad idea. Sorry. and and I if we can't get concrete answers about the issues that were discussed in Riverton, I think I think my recommendation will be to make a list of the things that we've done. >> I agree. Yeah. Yeah. >> Like we you know, we met with the state. We they told us this. I mean, let's be honest, the biggest concern from that meeting, I mean, there's definitely bigger concerns coming down the road as far as bridges and culvert replacements go, but the biggest concern for that meeting, I mean, you guys can correct me if I'm wrong, was that sewer project. >> Yeah. And the sidewalk, >> right? But I mean, we spent a long time just on the septic. Um, and that was their biggest thing of and I think for them to hear from us going there and saying, "Okay, yes, that project's not going forward." And we were able to take those funds that we were getting for that project and put them towards another project in town, >> right, >> to help our town's taxpayers. I think that's that's >> that's huge for a lot of people. >> Absolutely. So that's one thing to update them on >> and that was a big part of why people were there that night. >> Date. We have a date. >> You want a target for that? >> I think middle of October would be great to try to do something. I mean >> I think that's a great time frame >> you want me to have it with agenda garbage can. I think drones have a special meaning. >> Okay, >> we could do the public hearing on the traffic. >> Steel drones. >> Yeah, right. We could combine that with it and that knocks one of them off for an extra meeting anyway. So, we'll have a public hearing on the traffic ordinance and go right into a a special meeting. What I would love is for us to have that first like budget meeting before that. So if there's anything that we can kind of put in for that special meeting down there as well. >> Yeah. >> You know. >> Okay. >> Midocctober. >> Perfect. >> Sounds good. Sounds really good. >> I'll work on a couple of things and send it to you. >> Yep. >> Work it out and we'll I'll share it with the rest of the board. >> Sounds good. >> Whatever we come up with. >> Yeah. And if we can nail down either the first and the fifth for that first budget budget meeting. >> Thank you. >> Means I gota be ready too. >> Sorry. >> We'll have plenty to talk about >> budget number Christine. >> Well, no that's >> the hammer. >> That's all I have. I will I'll pass the rest on it. Chris, >> I I have a few. So unlike the uh the the current state garage location that FEMA's doing their thing with the buyout, do we have to take these properties over as a town? >> So the state owns it currently. Yeah. Do we do we have to take ownership of that? >> I don't know the answer to that. I'm gonna have to research and find out. I don't know that answer. Well, I think with the state owning that and that they already have the plan going forward of what they're doing with that property, it's just going to be >> green space. >> Green space >> essentially. >> Yep. That's right. >> Y. So the only my concern with these spaces moving forward, same with the one on Junction Road and and and wherever else as as things go on, the next time they flood and debris gets displaced there, is that going to become the liability, >> a town matter and expense? >> Good question. >> I think it's something we should look at before just saying, "Oh, this is going to be great." uh especially if we have boards that are looking at trying to do anything that's >> well that's what I mean and and I don't mean this in a in a way of in a negative way. I'm just thinking about the protection of the town and what's going to be associated with the cost of a cleanup potentially because it's all hazardous material against this place within flood generally speaking. >> So I think we should be a little cautious. >> Yep. I'll do some research on that >> find out. >> Uh so that was one and and what actually reminded me of that was the high water sign. Uh let's see what else did I have that uh the police posted they were handing out TVs. >> They did and they were bought with town money. They're correct. They're not bought with town money and that's nor should they be but it's happening on town time. I talked to the chief um since you raised that question. I did get to a chance to talk with him today on that. >> Um and you're right, sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't. They're volunteering time sometimes to uh to take that out to different areas as well on their own. I'm not in a cruiser, not in uniform. Is that right? >> Not every time, but sometimes, yes. Right. It's hit or miss. >> Okay. >> It's not consistently with a cruiser in uniform. >> So, it it I never heard of this. >> Yeah. What's that? >> Oh, now I missed that. Never heard heard about this. >> Yeah. What what happened was either residents upgrading their television, have having workable TVs, bring them in and donate them for the police to give away um and they they take them down to like good sand for outfitting the rooms down there areas like that. So that's what they do. >> Just wanted to bring that up. It it made the headline of police. So >> very generous. Yep. Um, I spoke with Tim on that note though. Yeah. The chief offered up and said if the board would like more details on what they're doing, how much of it they're doing, and and any information on that, he'd be happy to uh come in and meet and have that discussion um around that to better understand it for everyone because >> Yeah. I mean, are are you concerned about because I think it creates goodwill >> potentially? >> Yeah. I mean, I'm just that's my take on it is that it shows the police have, >> you know, there's something >> I think I'm not speaking for you, but I think the question comes down to how much time are they actually spending doing that, >> right? On duty, off duty, and >> you know, >> there could essentially be a be a cost to it, I think is the question. Yeah, and the chief's willing to come and and maybe shed some more light on that on those details. >> It just seems a little gray and I you know, I think I agree. It can be a great >> I can also tell you exactly how he's addressing it, what he's doing as well around that. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I mean, I think about those, you know, the what what are they cough coffee with a cop or, you know, those kinds of events and I mean, they're going to have to be paid to be there, right? I mean, >> I think >> I I understand what you're saying because too much of that and you know, you get >> But but I do think that it's a good um >> Yeah. >> Especially if they if they're >> in the time we're in. >> Especially what >> in the time we're in. >> Yeah. And and you know and I think if if if there's kids events that they can because I think kids need to grow up feeling like >> you know feeling good about Yes. >> Yes. >> Not the other way around. >> Must remember the DARE programs. >> Yeah. >> I mean they were great. >> They were fantastic. >> Honestly perfectly. >> Yeah. >> And I don't hear of any of those anymore. Maybe it happens. And and Brian I mean you're in the school system. >> No. I don't know if they have the funding for it anymore to be honest with you. >> Yeah, it probably most likely is funding. >> Yeah, I think yeah, why would there be funding for something like that? Gee, you know. Anyway, yeah, >> I think that'd be just some good information. >> Yeah, you know, whether it's and I think Monorly hopefully it's it's positive and and for a positive um thing. >> Yeah. and one other I spoke with Tim about the town signs that well brought up at the last meeting. Um I've volunteered in the past with the fire department, done some projects with them and I would like to volunteer to help get these signs up. That being said, uh I need a little help from the road department to to do a couple of things. Um, so just moving forward, I'm going to volunteer some time. I don't know if we're going to be able to get them all done this year, but I'm hoping we can get at least three up. >> That's wonderful. Very much appreciate. >> It's not an easy job. >> No. >> No, they're they're big. Uh, it's they're heavy. >> They're in awkward locations, a couple of them. >> That's that's the challenging part. Um, >> are they replacing where the signs were >> originally? That was the plan. Yeah, back where they were originally. Okay. >> And I never knew they were so big until I kept asking why they weren't put up because when we first got them, they were just we were told they were stored and that they were in the garage. And that was prior to all the big meetings about whether the boat was going to happen on the garage. So, it's like we've had them for a long time and we've always known that they were there and they were stored, but there was no >> no no knowledge of how big they were until Vince brought that to my attention when I kept asking why are they not put up >> by they're about 500 lb a piece. >> Uh they're 12 feet tall to start. So, >> if it's not an easy thing you think. >> What did they do? They didn't used to be that tall, did they? >> No. >> No. That's the whole thing. There was >> rebuilt them and they went from I think 4x4 post to they 6x6 or 8 by eight. >> Not sure if they're six. They might be 8 by8, but I think >> they might be 6x6, but I think they're pressure tree. They're super heavy. >> Yeah, exactly. >> Um I thought Tim had said they're 8 by8. >> Maybe they're 8 by8. They're they're tall, so they're long. >> The others I think were probably eight feet posts that we removed or maybe four feet rotted. I don't know. Yeah, but these are 12. And that's not the same. >> Yeah. It doesn't mean they're going to be >> No, no, I get it. They have to go on the ground, but >> it's a very generous >> We may cut a few feet off them, too. >> Yeah. I mean, we might hit we might hit big rocks. We might hit a ledge. And >> so, one post might be six feet in the ground. They all like the 10. >> Yeah, >> thanks. That's >> very generous. Yeah, >> we haven't set up anything and again I kind of got to coordinate with them. >> I know that Tim has talked to a few people as well. Um, and none of them were really interested when they saw what had to be done. So, it's kind of difficult to find anybody to that wants to do it. >> Yeah. So, >> that's awesome, Chris. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I would love to see them up and I appreciate that offer. That's that's tremendous. We'll we'll make it happen one way or another. >> So, >> that's nice. >> Uh that was any anything on the police contract actually moving forward? No, >> not at this time. Gotcha. Okay. Yeah. Next meeting is the 21st. >> All right. Schedule. We had a schedule meeting. >> Sorry. >> The next thing I just want to ask, how's the new officer? >> Good. >> Awesome. >> It's been quiet. So >> awesome. >> Y nice. >> He seems to fit in well. Awesome. >> He's from another >> very exciting. >> Okay, that's my job. I knew that name sounded familiar. >> Very great. >> Well, go ahead. >> Yes, I have. No, don't be sorry. I just had a few things. Um, one of which about five days ago, I reached out to Vince. I had an individual reach out to me and asked if the town of Berlin would consider painting the center lines on Industrial Lane. Uh, this individual drives a truck and says he indicated that he comes in and out of Sunbent Rentals numerous times a day and that people are cutting the blind quarters well over the center. Um, he sees it happening u continuously. So, he said it's impossible to see around the corners with the trees blocking the view and recommends town of Berlin paint the center lines. So, I brought it to Vince's attention to bring it to your attention to run it by Tim, have discussions and see what the board's view is on it, but I told the individual that brought it forward that I would bring it forward to all of you as well. And so, that's the extent of my bringing that up. Um, I was going to bring up the welcome sign. So, thank you. >> And, uh, Gary Hotels, what's the update for us as a board in terms of the status? Well, I'm glad you asked because one of my notes is um I would like the board's okay um to I got a guys approved me to signing purchase and sale agreements in the past um and the addendums to it >> that that I have permission to sign the um sale paperwork um after the closing on Sep September 18th. So, they're going to be closing on September 18th, and CUSAK had reached out to see if I could get authorization to get it signed or the other option is to have a special meeting um shortly thereafter to get it signed by the board. Whatever your pleasure is on that one. So, that's the update. >> Move forward and close on the 18th. >> That's fantastic. >> This Friday, >> that's fantastic. That's >> what I truly was hoping for is that it was going to move forward. I think it would be really good for all of us to have the input. I'm not opposed to it signing it, but you know, any changes um to the board. I don't care either way. If you want a special meeting, I'll get it warned right away. It's >> exciting. >> That's a special meeting. So, I think I only need 24 hours. Um I'll talk with Kusik to coordinate the time. Make sure >> we need to do it on the 18th or we need to do it on >> probably just in advance. can't sign it in in in advance. It'll have to be after the the sale on the 18th. And again, depending on the time that it's set up for um I can let you all know. >> I mean, they have to have the closing documents ready in advance. So, it's just a matter of seeing the documents, >> right? >> If it's not going to change at the closing and just a review of the documents, that might work well. then >> because they'll have them all ready before the 18th. But I can I can ask I can ask >> there's a certain period of time where they pretty much have to have everything. >> They have to have them all reviewed back and forth. >> I can say and I can't and there's terms that can't be changed and all that. So >> exactly. >> Oh, I've got like four days, right? That's four days. What terms? >> I can check those in tomorrow. Well, you you know how you have to get a closing just you have to get there certain >> and they and then if they're going to change it that >> if it's on I'll have to I won't be able to make it. I'll be at Tumbr fair. >> So >> Saturday >> tomorrow's too short a notice but I can call Cus tomorrow if he can have the documents on the 16th or 17th >> for board approval and signature. Does that work for you guys? >> I could >> I have to do the 16th. >> Okay. Well, again, Thursday through Saturday. Sorry. Meet everybody. >> So, can't we just >> have an alternate meeting? >> Do we do we just want to be able to review them but authorize them to sign >> and can we do that without it being do we have to have that on the agenda? >> That part I don't I don't think we do. But according to Kusk, if if the board wants to sign, it has to be discussion meeting and none in public, I guess. Correct. That's what he told me. So, because there'll be a quum there, >> right? Right. Or I can sign it on behalf again. >> But I'm fine. >> I I can sign >> I'm happy >> or or if it wants to be it doesn't have to be me. It could be a board member that has the board's approval to sign on behalf. Somebody wants to volunteer to do that and I'll I'll coordinate through Cusk to make the set that up. My only thing is I would just love to see the documents or maybe love isn't the right term, but if there's a way if like Carla said and we were talking about that they should be available in advance, it'd be nice to be able to do that and then make the decision. Um, but I'm available those dates that were suggested if we go that route. >> What would happen if we didn't approve of the doc? That would probably cost us a million dollars, >> right? >> This is just for the sale of the property behind us, correct? >> Yes. Right. >> Yes. >> Something we've all voted on and >> Yeah. >> Yes. It's been voted on and approved before and there's been >> voters. The voters, right? >> The voters did approve. >> It would have to go back to answer his question correctly. It's the It would uh it would have to go back to the voters and be voted again just once and >> you mean if the price changes >> Yeah. >> Oh, come on. >> What's the board's player or direction on this one? >> I'm asking AI. I've got to work. I've got to work on it tomorrow. We have to see a promotion. >> It says the slight board must authorize, right, a town administrator to sign closing documents. >> Yes, exactly. >> Which means it would have to be warned. >> Authorize me to sign. I >> think so. Why don't we do this too? >> If you're if you're okay with it, I'll sign it. you can ratify it or if if wants to do that, I can I can coordinate with her the time and date with CUSA to get that done. I'm doesn't matter to me at all. >> Now the question, >> not that AI is >> do we want to review documents Wednesday with then having the ability to give vence the authorization to >> I'd like that. >> But that's not necessary if the remainder of the board wishes not to. >> Yeah. And hopefully the documents are ready Wednesday. I don't know when they'll be ready from Cusk, but I can find out. So to move forward, the earliest I can find out is hopefully tomorrow morning he takes my call. >> Right. I'm sure he will. >> So can we do this? is that you talk to Cusk tomorrow morning if he can have them ready for review on Wednesday. We will call a special meeting for Wednesday night at 6 o'clock to review documents and with the going forward with authorization for Vince to sign. >> Okay. >> So I have to warn it be Wednesday. Correct. Need 24hour notice. before 6 p.m. tomorrow. >> Okay. >> I will not be here. >> Okay. >> As long as >> I can be here. >> Yeah. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> As long as if it was just sign already approved to do it. So >> I'm fine if you guys want to meet the meeting come up. >> It it's the problem is the legal authority is not >> we haven't voted on that. We have to learn it as given in getting that. So it's not something we just give as authority without anything else. >> That's it. >> No, I say you said you had a list. >> Police department monthly reports in your package. Did you enjoy the read? >> That one was easy. >> Um, how does this happen? Exactly. So, we also have a um an email in there. The the state agency of transportation safety office is happy to notify us that the recipient of the 2026 vrance highway safety award um goes to master officer Steven Shir. >> Is there only one of them or is there multiple? >> I have no idea. All I know is he's been awarded that and I wanted to the chief wanted me to also share that. So, Congratulations. Yes. Congratulations back when they saw it like there's a date before there's a ceremony. >> Well, back there pretty cool. This um I want to talk about this this evening, but I just want to have you all informed. You already have a copy. This was what was sent uh in preparation for the next meeting assume you're all aware need to discuss it right now at this point in time go back into an meeting just information at this point know the situation that's going on there and we'll see how the meeting goes on the 21st and the board chair may be invited to attend and you should know back. I hope by the end of the day, but we'll see. >> Okay. Thank you. >> Um on the last one, in case you all forgot, you said to bring this to be signed >> for this meeting. >> Yep. >> Personnel policy. >> So now, to be fully transparent, I hate to say it, but I don't know if you want to sign it tonight, but I give you this because you're going to want to review this. So the FEMA grant for some reason has come back and said we don't have a qualified harassment policy and we need one for that grant for the sewer and water. We've done some research. We've actually sent this and this meets the requirements. Weized a couple of different policies with pride. So this will be addendum number two to be added to the personnel policy. So going forward we will never have another problem with a harasser not having a harassment policy. >> There was something in there. >> There is for sexual harassment. It wasn't specific enough for the general harassment that this all identifies. Black female. >> No, I'm not kidding. >> It's done. This is what it looks like. Um what other correct >> if you so desire to sign this as was approved that's fine. Um >> might as well just >> you want to wait to add it. >> Well don't give it back. You got to read it and that's what I'm this is done. This is the this is ready for approval. >> Oh you're going to put in there and we can sign it then. I I can attach it. Yeah. And >> I have to make one admin change, I believe, which is put >> addendum two >> on the on the table and then it'll be ready to go. >> I knew he wants to read it first. >> I read it. But >> yet you don't you can't help it. But I don't but I think Well, >> what what do you think? >> I just don't think there's any urgency that would require would that would mean that we shouldn't wait to sign it. If there is, we can sign it. But >> other than the fact that I just want to get it done and move on to the next >> No, I know >> it pretty much done. >> That one it has to be done though in uh 30 days. >> That has to be done in 30 days accepted in the policy. >> Well, we can sign it on put it on the agenda for Wednesday. So I get an example like Tommy was walking home and Sally was on her steps. Um, okay. I have um last thing I think I have is just a short website update. Rocket build. >> Have another potential person to consider for the website update. Um, and actually, uh, the owner is local. He lives around Dodge Farm Road, and they have, uh, it's called Eternity website. You can look it up online. They they have a couple municipalities. They did some things with Harry C's website. Um, they've done a lot of, um, Stow Resort uh, websites. They're working on a proposal right now. Probably have it in a couple of weeks. And then after we get that one and then we can sit down and do a review of probably the top three or four which I think this new company will be in. Um I had a talk with with them today um regarding this and then they knew Squarespace, they knew Civic. uh they they knew all the major players and what they offer and how they offer and um be quite frank they were much lower in uh yearly costs >> awesome >> than what we're paying even now. Um they provide full full support after ser after market service and local >> uh find a lot about them. Who is it? >> Eternity. Eternity. So, it says they're a Vermont-based web design and digital marketing agency that has previously had regional presence and connections near the Berry Berlin area in Burlington. This the same one officially. >> Eternity. Yep. Yep. >> Um we talked a lot about um you know what they offered um and what others offered in comparison as far as training, right? On-site training. Others are remote training. Um they don't offer a canned template design. They come in and talk to you and it'll be custom. So the staff can look at it, make sure it works for them for updating and ease. The board will get a presentation on um what they can do and they can also some offer they're ADA compliant. They know what's required for being ADA compliant which has to be done anyway, right? um going forward. Um as far as things like completing forms, uh getting a zoning permit online, um completely online, they can set that up with the payments online, the forms um for people to search the website and look for information. If um somebody has an issue, their neighbor's putting up a fence and they feel it's too close to their property line, they can go online and go online to the website. They can ask the question directly, how far away does it have to be from my property line, find the answer in our zoning regulations, things like that. It'll be capable of doing to make it easier for people to find information before they call. >> Yeah. Awesome. >> Find the forms that they they'll be able to report potholes, trees across the road online from a phone >> if if we want them to. >> I got one. So, I do have a question. Um, but anyway, um, I thought it was good. I thought it went well. Um, and they're local. >> And we're not supposed to be local. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Connor should do the same thing. Um, speaking of back to round table real quick. Um, on 62, the state replaced the covert there about right across from where Carol is, but headed down towards Barry. Mhm. That thing is brutal. >> Really? >> Yeah. >> Can you get about where Carol is on 62? >> It's way across the Berlin line. >> Yep. >> Okay. >> In a dump truck. >> Oh man, not good. And that's even doing the feed on it. >> Pretty violent. And I imagine it's only gonna get worse uh as winter comes and goes. >> They never get better. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. Um but that is my last update for the board. >> Any other round table? A lot coming down the pipe. >> They've been in business for a long time. >> No executive session. Right. Not tonight. There'll be one soon. >> I make a motion to adjourn the regular meeting. >> Second. >> All those in favor? >> I >> opposed. The meeting is closed.