Select Board - Regular Meeting

Happy new year everybody. Happy New Year.

Good to see you all. Hope everyone's had a restful holiday season full of festivities, families, friends, little sun perhaps for some of us. Uh it's great to see everybody. Let's get back into it. I think everyone's here. Let me uh start by opening the meeting. In accordance with chapter 2 of the acts of 2025, the Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 6:30 p.m. public meeting of the RenaM Select Board shall be conducted remotely. The public is more than welcome and invited to join in via Zoom. The dialin number and all that was on our was on the website and with the notice we posted. As a preliminary matter, this is select board chair Chris Gallow. Please permit me to confirm that all members and persons anticipated on the agenda are present and can hear me. Members, when I call your name, please respond in the affirmative. Starting with Selectman Jim Anderson.

Affirmative. Selectman Bill Harrington. Anyone here from Bill? Mike? I didn't see him online. Right. I just want to see if he might have sent Mike a message saying he was going to be a couple minutes late. We we haven't received any notification that he wouldn't be attending. All right. We're going to we'll we'll we'll proceed, but if someone could text him and ask him uh he's okay. He's having he's having some problems uh logging in. Okay. So, he did text you. Okay. So, Bill Harrington, we'll get back to him. Michelle Rouse, yes. Roy Lamoth, here. Great. Staff, when I call your name, please respond the affirmative. Tom manager, Mike King,

present. Assistant town manager Greg Enus, we are present. Beautiful. Um, executive assistant Amanda Vazipolo present.

All right, the meeting is in order. Um, I want to just uh give selectman Anderson, I'm sorry, selectman Harrington another minute uh to log in if he can. Um, and if not, I'll ask uh for a volunteer. Actually, you know what? I can do announcements. Um, so uh let me go to announcements. Let's go. While we're waiting for select Manharington, please everybody go to tab uh one, which is our announcements. Um, and I'll go ahead and start reading them. 2026 dog licenses are now available at the town clerk's office. The deadline to license your dog in fe uh is February 28th, 2026. The application can be found on the town website. Contact the town clerk's office for more information. An overnight parking ban on public streets is in effect December 1st through April 1st. Vehicles found to intervene with snow operations may be towed to a storage area at the expense of the owner. Um, third announcement, annual town election nomination papers are now available through February 11th with a return date of February 13th. Please contact the town clerk's office for additional information. All right. Is it uh does he have the wrong uh login information potentially?

He he's just um Amanda, do you mind reaching out to him? He's um getting the a different uh screen when he tries to log in. Mr. Chairman. Yes, sir. Yeah. Perhaps maybe I I should run over to his house. I was Yes.

Thank you for the comedic relief. I think that would be a prudent idea. Uh maybe maybe you could send them some smoke signals, Jim. But uh I'm joking. Jim Edison, just so everyone knows while we're just waiting here for a split second, Jim Anderson is one of the most technologically advanced individuals surprisingly uh that I've had the pleasure of working with uh he surprises our board uh on numerous occasions. So we just want to say thank you, Jim. My pleasure. So let's do let's approve the minutes, guys. How's that sound? So, let's go to number two. Uh, and at this time, uh, chair would entertain a motion to approve the December 2nd, uh, December 9th and December 16th open session meeting minutes.

So moved. Second. Motion made by Selectman Anderson, second by Selectwoman Rouse. Any further discussion? Being none, we'll do a roll call vote. Selectoman Rouse, yes. Anderson, Anderson, yes. Lamoth, Lamoth, yes. Gallow, yes. Motion carries 4. Okay. Um, next up on our agenda, it looks like we have uh on tab number three, uh, visit Foxboro, Planeville, and rent them presentation with Christina Papas from Open Door Marketing. Uh, Christina, do we have you with us? Yes, I'm here.

Hi, welcome to the welcome to the show. Welcome to the meeting. It's great to have you. Happy New Year. Happy New Year. Thank you so much. So, uh, Christine, uh, we thought it would be just a great opportunity for you to come on and just tell us what's new, uh, with Rentham, Plainville, and and and, um, Foxboro, the marketing initiative between those three towns. Um, I'm going to go ahead turn the floor over to you and then what I'll do is ask the board if they have any questions or comments for you uh, when you're done. Absolutely. That sounds fantastic. And Amanda, will you do you have my um presentation to run or do you want me to share my screen? Just let me know. She may be multitasking with helping Bill.

Exactly. I made you a co-host, so you should be able to share your screen now. Excellent. I can. Thank you very much. All right. So, um I know uh I don't know. Can you see my screen? H yes we can.

Perfect. Okay. So I know that time is limited and I just wanted to run through the program that we have. Um, you know, basically we all know that the towns of Foxboro, Planeville, and Rentham have, you know, long recognized the significance of, you know, the draw of Rethm Village Premium Outlets, Gillette Stadium, and Planebridge Park Casino, attracting visitors who might not otherwise travel to the area. The the area is just so unique, as you know, having those three huge venues. But um you know rather than attracting visitors to one facility for you know one day or one outing um by collaborating we're really working towards getting visitors to come to stay overnight to visit more than one of the worldclass attractions and also experience all that the three towns have to offer. So since 2019 we've been collaborating. This effort has been primarily funded by uh grants from the um the gaming commission although we have received grants from meet Boston which is the regional destination marketing organization as well as the mass office of travel and tourism. So this has really been you know all grantf funded. So, our regional marketing effort really relies on a on a comprehensive strategy that integrates marketing, sales, advertising, and what we're trying to do is cast a wide net, build awareness among domestic and international visitors, and um really working to boost economic activity, uh you know, ultimately driving more visitors to the three towns, more um tax revenue for the three towns and uh for the com commonwealth. So, let me walk you through our work. Um, you know what what I love about I've been in destination marketing for 35 years and what I love about the three towns is that they really are small quintessential New England towns and yet you have these three huge international draws. And when you stop to think about

it, it's it's really unique to have these large draws. So, you know, we try to use them as a hook but then tie it to uh what's going on in the in the towns as well. So when we were developing a logo, we really tried to um address all of the elements of outdoor activity, the casino, um the games, the shopping, music, dining, and so much more. All right. Why won't my screen advance? I apologize. So, um looking at a color palette, we chose colors that are evocative of, you know, southern um Massachusetts, southern New England, particularly in the fall. lush summers, vibrant fall colors palette is flexible, supports the brand across a variety of platforms. Um, the logo includes the graphic as well as the typed names and can be used together or individually. And that just gives you an idea of how it can be used. Um, we have the hashtag visit FPW. The website can be used together or separately. You can see how just the the logo can be used on images with the um with the graphic or alone. So, and then the photography that we're trying to use is really enhancing imagery that that captures um the the you know excitement and some authenticity of the region and make it look like a place that people want to go which it is and I will show that with the numbers that I have. We do have a website uh visitfw.com. Uh it's interactive. It lists all of the businesses, shopping, dining, lodging, activities in the three towns. And we also provide suggested itineraries that help people plan their trips. 10 ways to enjoy FPW, family adventures, outdoor and sporting adventures, experience uh like a local, agurism, 48 hours of arts and culture. these um

itineraries are constantly changing and evolving and as are the the updating of the business which if any of you do any updates on on websites you know that it's it's always a work in progress. So um you know I tell everybody if you see something wrong please let me know. Please send me anything new any any new new businesses any closings you know we're always um looking for more information. We also have an event section on the website and you know we have people sending us events all the time and we post what we have. Um we do have social media on Facebook and Instagram. Um it has slowed down a little bit because uh we are looking for content but we've reached out to businesses asking for more information. So again the more the better um that we can receive. This is how uh it looks in an ad in letterhead in business cards. So what we really have is a campaign that's that's fully integrated and consistent for everybody to use. Um one of the things that we did was put together a small um brochure to talk about the destination. Um and we have used it at trade shows and events. We also received funding um from Meet Boston, the destination marketing organization to put together a visitors guide which is housed on our um on our website for people looking for more information. Um we do events. This is a group of uh meeting uh uh tour operators actually from all over the world who were in Massachusetts about a year and a half ago and we hosted them at the outlets uh and then at Patriot Place uh where they um you know could experience what the destination had to offer and then they go back and put these um suggestions together for their customers and clients looking to come to New England. So, it was a great way to get exposure for the destination.

And then we have advertising. We did some advertising on the billboards uh in the area. And um most exciting is that all of these pieces, it's taken a few years to put all the pieces together, but all the pieces finally came together with the brand and the logo and the photos and we have videos um and uh you know, so many other assets to promote the destination. And finally, we were able to start an advertising campaign. So this fall, we were in Boston.com, um, um, Boston Globe, Boston Magazine, uh, Yankee, New York Times, and a few others. And we were able to, you know, have our ads run, banner ads run. We did eblasts with Boston Magazine. We uh were with newsletters um the travel dispatch with New York Times. So you can see how the logo played in a couple of different areas. We had New England Traveler eblasts uh with Yankee Magazine, Boston Magazine eblast. These go to their customers who are looking for uh you know ideas of things to do and places to go. There were print ads in the Globe, Sunday magazine, New York Times. Uh again, you know, this was um uh something with Boston magazine. We had Instagram takeovers, we had advertorials, we had editorials. So, there was a lot of lot of copy happening. But this is what I'm most excited about. Um you know, since you can see that in 2003 for our website visits, we had 19,000 total users. With this ad campaign that we've put in place, it's more than doubled to 40 thou 46,000 total users. You can see the organic users to the site, the paid users, direct and referrals. The top pages that are visited are the homepage

first, followed by shop at uh Rentham Outlets, places to eat, and Patriot Place. Um but but for me, you know, looking at the tax collection, that's that that is at the end of the day to kind of the be all end all for me for the for the um for the numbers. You know, when we started this program in fiscal year 2018, the hotel tax collection was 1.88 million. In FY24, it was 2.77 million. FY25 it dropped a little bit due in part to the Army Navy game spending on the Army Navy game, but already year to date we're only halfway through FY26 and um tax revenue is at 1.66 million. And then you can see similar numbers with the meal tax collections. So really, you know, to me that's what I find most exciting is that, you know, you could say that yes, you know, hotel rates are going up, meal rates are going up, more businesses are coming in. Absolutely. But these numbers have really grown exponentially and a lot of it is um can be attributed to what uh what the what is happening with the marketing and the awareness building that we're doing. So uh we have another grant that we had received from the gaming commission last year uh to be spent in 26 and so we'll be continuing our targeted advertising campaign. It'll run April through August. We're looking at doing print and digital as well as looking in airports to try to um you know build some awareness around uh you know travelers when they're coming in for World Cup cup and other activities this summer. We'll be continuing to do search engine marketing, develop assets, um you know, additional collateral, banners, booth. We want to do a discount card. And then we'll be doing a marketing campaign with Trip Advisor, uh working with, um social media influencers, trying to get them to uh visit the destination and really

leverage uh their audiences to grow awareness for the destination. uh working with the concieres at the various hotels from Boston to Providence and everybody in the middle um to educate them on what the region has to offer and do a social media advertising campaign as well as have um you know marketing impet imple implementation as we've been doing and uh starting to do sales strategy and implementation. The sales piece is really important because um you know there are corporate uh groups that are interested in booking uh and looking for destinations and there are other you know there's other group business that would be interested in the destination and so we really want to start to focus on that as well. And with that I will stop my share and answer any questions that you have.

Well I just want to say uh what a great presentation that was very robust. Uh it seems like we're really driving this thing on all cylinders here. Um so I'm very impressed and I want to thank you and your your group uh your organization. Um are there any specific I know you you showed some of the the revenue and the sales tax revenue and all that which is awesome and it's definitely trajecting in the right direction for us. Is there any analytics that you track on your website that can you know that can show us like um how much of that business is coming from searches or you know through the director and directory through through your website and is there a way to like tell you know hey rent them you guys got to step it up because Plainville and North uh sorry Planeville and uh Foxboro um are getting more of the traffic type of situation. you know, there there is and I have a ton of website data, but in the interest of time for tonight, I wanted to condense it all. So, I'm happy to send through that information so that you can see it. We can see where our visitors are coming from and where they're stopping. They are really and truly the Rentham Outlets is really where everybody is going. I mean, it it jockeyies with uh a little bit with Patriot Place, but you know, Rentham has been more consistently at the top than any of the other destinations. We also um do with our search engine marketing, we track keywords and where people are going and you know what what they're following and I can get you that information as well. But basically shopping and rent them continue to appear at the top of those lists. But but I'm happy to provide more data for you.

No, that's great. I appreciate that if you want to send that over to Mike King. And the second question, you you mentioning out to different towns for more content. Uh Mike, are we actively providing content? uh to uh Christine and her group.

So, so I will answer the question for you. Working with Rachel, absolutely. She is uh you know, she's all over this and all over the program. A lot of the content that we need needs to come directly from the businesses. Um and so rather than um burden the town with trying to chase information, you know, it's I'm trying to be that person to just go out and get the information. So, um, I actually we came up with something now that it's the start of the year again. We came up with something yesterday that we want to blast out to everybody. So, I'll share it with Rachel so she can blast it to her list, I'll send it to my list and hopefully we get more information and more content from people so that we can not only update the website with it, but, you know, be able to use it on social media.

Great. Sounds good. Mike, anything to add before I open it up to the board? Now, the only thing I'll add is that Christina recently um did a presentation to the the Refam Business Collaborative um on similar information and and talked about the need for for more input and um information from them to help refine the website, come up with events um so that way we can promote Retham. That sounds great. All right, this time I'm going to open up to the board and I'm going to start with Handsome Bill Harrington. Selectman Harrington, it's great to see you. I'm glad you got uh logged in. I did a horrible job with announcements, but um we really missed you. So, I'm going to start with you, sir.

Thank you. Appreciate it. Yeah. Sorry about the the delayed entry. I my uh iPad is still circling trying to connect. So, um great. If it makes you if it makes you feel any better, Jimmy's going to run over later on and give you some IT support. I I appreciate that. I'll leave I'll leave it all in the front porch for him. Great presentation. Is there any just out of curiosity, is there anything specific revenue numbers that you could point out of all those numbers? Is it broken down by town? Uh any revenue numbers to rent them specific?

Yes. In fact, I had it right here. It's been sitting in the top of my desk all day long and now I just need to dig it out. So, um and and I'm happy to share this with you. I just received this today from the Department of Revenue. So when I look at uh for example FY 2018 um rooms rooms revenue it was for rent 16,811 and when I look at it for uh 2025 it was 400,843. Now granted, um you know that's due to obviously hotels being um built and all of that and yet you know that's kind of a nice jump from 16,000 to 400,000. Um and absolutely the same thing with the meals and I'm happy to share these reports. I I will send them along as well. um for the you know the meal tax in uh 20 the it's it's really fascinating. So the meal tax in in 2018 for Rentham was 288,000. It dropped in 25 to 219,000, but already in 26 and we're only halfway through, we're at 255,000. So, um you know, so that so the numbers are are growing uh in all these different areas, but but I'm h and I I can show you the charts that I have are broken down by meals, rooms, the three towns, um and then percentages and and you know, differences, increases, decreases.

Excellent. Thank you so much. I appreciate it. You're welcome. Okay, we're going to go to selectwoman Rouse. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Great presentation. Love the branding and the logo and the and the information provided. You guys are doing great work. My question was around the businesses. So, that's been answered. I guess I I would think some of these trends would be related to having a winning football season and the World Cup coming. So, I'm assuming these numbers are just going to continue to rise in the if we continue in the, you know, the football success and then in terms of the World Cup this summer, that we should see a lot more. Absolutely.

Um, and then if a new business, even if it's someone that's doing something independently in town, would they reach out to you to get on that list? And is is

absolutely, we're happy to put them on the website. So the businesses we try to put on the website are, you know, those would that would be um appealing to a visitor, you know, tourist or traveler, a visitor. So it's not always it's not the website isn't necessarily like a chamber of commerce website meant for the locals. Not that locals can't um you know, can't partake in in what we have to offer, but yeah, absolutely. The if the just anybody can tell me who the business is, I can reach out to them. um they're welcome to reach out to me. I'm happy to reach out to them, get a photo, get a blurb, um you know, get some information and just start that communication and getting them engaged in what we're doing.

I'd be really interested also to see your social influencer impact because I think, you know, getting a younger person, visiting different areas, doing you know, food reviews, stay at the Proctor Mansion, things that are in rent besides the outlets is also going to be able to highlight certain gems in our town, too. Absolutely. also all the outdoor activities that are available. I mean people don't really think of um people who are not familiar with the the area don't really realize all there is to do in terms of you know hiking and biking and swimming and and everything else. So um so so I agree. I think the influencer campaign is going to be great. We're waiting for spring to do that just for weather purposes.

That's great. Thank you. Thank you so much for this information. Really helpful. And I'm sure you uh Christine, I'm sure you work closely with our EDC as well, right? Our economic development committee. I see you have a couple members on tonight. So, I know they're obviously an incredible resource and I imagine the collaboration is is probably key uh to success. So, um that's great. Let us know how we can help, you know, facilitate any of that. I'll hand it over next to uh Jim. Did you go yet? Go select Man Anderson. No, no, I'd be happy to take my turn, please. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, so Christina, first of all, I want to thank you for coming on tonight. I thought the presentation was was probably good. Uh, the the only question I have, it's probably a technology question,

but um, some time ago, I saw a video highlighting the three towns. Was that video put out by you guys? We we have a couple of videos. We have a 30, 60, and 90 second promotional video that's used in for like sales efforts. And then we do have three 15-second commercials that were produced um with uh with the grant money. Yes. Okay. So So I'm on your website right now. And where would that be on your website? You know, I have to take a look and see where they're posted. Okay. Because we've just made some changes to it. Jimmy, are you multitasking?

I I am. Scar me. Scar me right now, Jim. And while while you're doing that, can we multitask and ask Selecman Lamoth to make any comments that he might have while all this multitasking is happening? Absolutely. Thank you, Select Lamoff. Thank you, Jim. Um, great presentation, Christina, and I appreciate all the good work you're doing. Um, I was just wondering and and embarrassed to not know this, but are there links on each town's website in the appropriate place that would bring them to you? There there should be, but there isn't. No, no, no. There there should be.

I I don't know. I don't know exactly where they are on each town, but you know, all three towns have been tremendously engaged with with this program and getting it up and running and um making all of that happen. So, um so we'll check we'll check and make sure that they're in appropriate places. I I will too. So, but thank you very much. Great. Great. No problem. I'll I'll I'll do you one better. I'll ask right now. Mike King is uh do we have any links to this website on our website? Yes, Amanda just posted. Oh, she she see look at I know. She's so good. retham.gov community discover retham. So, we got it. There's Roy. There you go. Now, Jim, back to you.

Uh, were you able to find what you were looking for? Select Anderson or Christine, were you able to help Jim find No, you know, we we recently last month we made a bunch of changes to the website and updated a number of things and I'm wondering if the videos got taken down. So, let me find out about that and we'll get them back up and we'll let you we'll let you know cuz they're great. They're great promotional videos. They were running on WCVB and everything else. So, well, that sounds that's Go ahead, M. Sorry, Mr. Select in a second. Yeah. Know, when I saw it, like I said, it was some time ago, but I thought they were awesome. Thank you. Um, and what I wanted to do because I'm so techsavvy is if I could get that that video and maybe we could post it on uh our own personal social media.

Oh, absolutely. Yeah, absolutely. I can share those links. Like I said, I'm I'm glad you brought it to my attention cuz when I mean the the list of edits last month was quite endless. So, um like I said, I think they got taken off, but we'll get them put on and I will be happy to share the the video link so anybody can use them and share them. Perfect. Thank you so much. That's that's really good because I think Select Man has about 8 to 10 million followers on social media. Um so we have an influencer amongst our group here. Uh, so it's mighty mighty talk about multitasking. Um, so Mr. Chairman, yes, sir. It's probably more like eight to 10. Yeah.

With that being said, uh, Christina, we got to move on. We have an action-packed agenda, but thank you so much. It was great talking to you. Uh, love the energy. Love what you're doing. Please keep in touch with us and let us know how we can continue to support your endeavors. I appreciate the opportunity. Have a good night.

You, too. Have a great night. Um, okay. Let's go to tab four. Merry and Bright Lights contest winner. Now, this is something that's fun. We get to do some fun stuff every once in a while. So, what we're doing here, folks, is a recognition of um community media, otherwise known as Cable 8, uh me Mary and Bright Lights contest winner. With us, we have, I believe we have Liz Harkkins from Rethm Community Media, and we have Stephen Nason, uh, who's the contest winner. I I want to turn this quickly over to Liz Hawkins to just give us a little bit of background and tell us how uh the Nason family won. And my my sources are telling me that now this is a pretty interesting situation where this family is multi-year winners if I'm not mistaken. Correct.

The dynasty, Misty Chairman. Dynasty. It sounds like it's it sounds like it. So, Liz, please go ahead and give us a little color to this and then I'll I'll invite um I hope I'm saying it. Nason, is it Nason? Nason, Mr. Nason to speak as well.

So, um the Homes for the Holiday event, um hosted by Rentham Community Media, also known as Rentham Cable 8, um started uh in its first annual year last year, um where the Nason family, uh was one of 16 participants. Um, so it was a great launch last year and this year um we we took a we we kind of changed some dates around but the Nason family along with eight other families um with a total of uh nine participants um joined this year and uh of course the Nason's won once again. And I'm so glad uh your family Nason uh the Nason family did join because um they weren't going to and of course they won two years in a row. Um, so I I'm not sure if we have time today. Um, but we we do have the recordings of every single one of the families who did participate in this year's Home for the Holidays event on our website um under the Home for the Holidays um voting page that you can see at the get involved tab. Um so if anyone's interested at seeing the Nason home um in its full glory, um I highly encourage you to to tune in and and watch that. Um but I wanted to um congratulate the Nason family. Um so we we did honor them with a a gift basket um for their second year um in winning. Uh it was uh sponsored by Aviva Chhateria uh in Rethm and we want to thank them for helping us honor the N family.

Great. Thank you so much. And and uh I someone I think someone sent me or us the board a picture of the Nason house. It really it reminded me of the the Grisswald family uh house from Christmas Vacation. One of my favorite movies of all time. So uh Steve, if I can call you Steve a small certificate of appreciation that I'm going to read to you that we're going to send to you and then I'd like you to address the board. Then we're going to open it up to any any comments from the board members. So here it is, Steve. certificate of appreciation, the Nason family, in recognition of your outstanding contribution to adding festive holiday spirit and brightening the Renom community. As the winner of the Rentham Community Media's home for the holidays merry and bright contest, your creativity and dedication helped spread joy, warmth, and community pride throughout the season. Rentham signed your Renthm Select Board, Chris Gallow, Michelle Rouse, Bill Harrington, Jim Anderson, Roy Lamoth, as well as town manager Mike King. Steve, congratulations. Well, thank you very much. I I know you guys are very busy and I don't you know, it's a such a small thing, but it's really cool to to be asked to come on and thank you to Liz who uh I know works really hard trying to to put this thing together and I think was a little disappointed by this year's uh turnout, but she next year she says she wants to use me as a little bit of a bait. So, I she wants me to get on there and say come and get me, you know. So, we'll see what happens. Uh I I mean this is something that I've been doing with with my family for you know the 30 plus years that I've been in rental. So gets a little bit bigger every year and I had my wife out helping me take everything down last weekend and that's the first time I've had to drag her out. But I'm not getting any faster than my old age either. So um but we just have we have fun doing it and it's great seeing the pe people drive by, they stop, they have their picture taken, you know, they we let the little kids run around out in the yard. It's just a it's just a great time. And I remember when my kids were little, it was, you know, now I'm watching other kids, little

kids, you know, little kids in the neighborhood that were, you know, nowhere to be seen. Now my daughter's, you know, I have to drag them out, you know, if I can get them out for four hours, you know, you know, during the season to help me once. It's like pulling teeth. But it's a blast. And my ne my neighbors call me Clock, by the way. So I love it. Yeah.

I I again, I don't I think this is huge. I don't think this is small. Our our select board and our town loves stuff like this because it supports the community. It it's it's great family time. It's memories. It's traditions. It's all the stuff that's important to us and the reasons that people make rent their home for 30 years like you have, sir. So, I I think this is a big deal and I appreciate it and we'll try to do a better job of supporting this moving forward. Maybe we can um somehow get the select board to make some appearances to these, you know, the people that are entering the contests. You never know. maybe we the one of the select members would enter themselves. So, uh, just want to say thank you. I'm going to open it up to the select board members.

Thank you. And I want to thank my neighbors, too, because, you know, we we put we we probably have the nicest street in the town. We have 21 houses on the street and 20 of them are lit. So, in one way or another. So, it's it's really really cool. Michelle, did my daughter swim with you? Your Mr. Chair, do you mind if I Yes. Sorry. I No, I was gonna say Steve woman. My apologies. Nice to see you um outside of the pool deck years ago. Yes. Marina swam with your family. That's right. That's right. Yeah.

Um and I had the pleasure of going down your street and was amazed by the light display. We can barely do a few bushes here at our house. So kudos to you and thank you for continuing to bring that holiday spirit to rent them. Really well done. Thank you. Thank you. Appreciate it. Good to see you. You too. Yeah. So Clark, first of all, I just want to thank you for uh for putting the the light display on. Um I look forward to seeing this every year. Christmas is one of my favorite holidays after Thanksgiving. So I always enjoy the the holiday lights. I enjoy we do the uh lighting on the town common. Yes. And I look forward to uh seeing your house again next year.

Was that your ride? He parked in my neighbor's driveway. Absolutely. All right, Cousin Eddie. Thank you. Yeah. All right. Let's go to Selectman Harrington. Yeah, I appreciate it. Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, uh, yeah, Clark, great job. The good work and, uh, I'll look forward to making that commitment to come down maybe with another select board member next year. Thank you. Appreciate it. And Select Lamute.

Roy, this is the best you've ever spoken. Uh, but you're on mute, so unmute, please. Block, thank you very much. And I did not get the opportunity to down your street, but I will certainly do it next year. Thank you. Thank you, Son. Well, listen, uh, Steve, thanks again so much. Appreciate it. Thank you for having me. Please do this again next year. And, uh, yeah, we'll we'll, uh, we'll definitely come check it out. So, have a great night. All right. All right. Thank you again, Liz. Thank you. Thank you, Chris. Thank you so much. Great job putting that together. Thank you.

Okay, at this time we're going to move to tab number five. Uh equally as cheerful, we have a board of health update and we have our chairman of the board of health, Dr. Randall Farrell with us this evening. Um I'm also told we have Matt Tannis with us as well if I'm not mistaken. So I'd like to I'd like to rent I'd like to welcome Chairman Farrell uh to the meeting. Uh purpose of this uh chair, Mr. chairman is, you know, we're reaching out to all the boards and committees in town. We're just trying to get a feel for um you know, how we could be supporting you more, what initiatives you're working on, uh any challenges that you're facing that you want us to be aware of. And again, it's just great for us to have some facetime with you and let you know that uh this board supports you and the board of health and all the hard work you're doing. So, welcome to the meeting, Dr. Frell.

Well, thank you, uh, Chairman Gallo. And uh it's going to be hard to kind of follow the bright light bright lights and marrynt. So the board of health, you know, that's maybe a little dull, but uh yeah, in in the spirit of what you're looking for and thanks for giving me that that guideline to kind of look at. Uh my name is uh Dr. Randall Frell. the chairman of the Renthm Board of Health. And uh uh we just kind of give you an idea about what we do is very very quickly is that we meet monthly, sometimes bimonthly, and uh it depends on what what we have and what what the uh what the agenda is. And uh we work on very exciting things like failing septic tanks and cesspools and things that need to be upgraded. They're all important and uh and they require a variance and how they meet with the codes and all that wonderful exciting things. So um but I do want to say at the heart of the um the Rentham public health office is uh and our wonderful office staff is Matt Tannis and and Elizabeth Bugby. Yes. And uh I just it's incredible the amount of work that they do, the dedication uh their expertise and what they bring and how they get all the items ready and they give us the uh the insights all the the laws and the codes and then uh what are the consequences of having the variances and and what we need to do um to uh to make everybody happy. And there are sometimes people that aren't so happy about things and they need things done.

Uh so it's just uh what I you guys have the same thing too all that happens. So so just to to be able to make approvals for the projects and the consequences based on that. Uh Matt really gives us a a very good perspective to make the the right choices and all that. So, I just wanted to to say this just not just totally S3 board members. It's it's people you hired there are just I just wanted to say they're they're quite excellent and they do a good job. So, um on the other the other uh board member is there's three of us. Uh medical profession Peggy Settle and she's new for the last year or so. And then we have George Smith who's been doing uh this a long time and brings his construction expertise uh to the mix. And so that's three of us. And um uh basically we don't have that many exciting things that that happened every month, but uh uh two two things that are noteworthy that the town should probably be aware of. And the first thing is uh um is that the board approved the uh the bodywork regulations. I don't know if anybody familiar with that or what that is. And it's uh which has been given to the police department for for guidelines uh being able to manage the the body workers in the rent area. I guess there were some uh some incidents and things that happened and so all that needed to be clear up. So that was done last summer and seems like every to everybody's satisfaction with that. And the second item which uh just brought up to us at the end of of uh uh of the year was brought by Janet Sio. I don't know

if you've heard of her yet. Has she come by other uh board members or talked about? She's a she's a member of the conservation commission. Uh she lives in West Retham. Um I Yeah, I happen to know her. I think a few of the board members. Okay, good. Uh I didn't know whether she has given you the presentation about the Rodenicide and No, I cannot say.

Okay, that that's something that that's something that that I think you you should be aware of and it should be brought to your attention. Um, and we're looking at maybe a a um campaign to get more people in the the Rentham uh residents more aware of when they're putting out rat poison, the effect of what that does. And she had all these pictures that were kind of gross. Uh what it does to the hawks and the eagles. uh what it does to the the foxes and the coyotes and and uh domestic dogs and cats and uh hopefully not kids, but what it does internally and how it just it just disrupts the whole um predator prey cycle and then leaves all this this uh poison around in our environment. So, um,

we'll have to we'll have to invite the conservation commission on at some point and have her give us a high level presentation. Yeah, we wanted we wanted to kind of bring that uh not only to the board but probably to the town meeting uh because our presentation is very good and when you see the presentation uh there won't be any mistake or or any any question as to something needs to this is awareness that everybody needs and to have in the community and uh probably advertising in some way. So there are other things things like that that that we'll all work together with that. But um those are the the two things that I think that uh be worthy of uh of the board of the town council knowing and all. So do you have any questions uh for me?

Well, no. I just want to say before I open it up to the board, we really appreciate the hard work. I mean, you know, I think the board of health is a very important job obviously. Um you know, you're there's a big part of of of water quality. uh you know as you said you made a a comment about like the septic systems but listen if we have a town full of failing septic systems eventually that's going to affect our water quality. So we are swimming and what you talked about earlier in terms of come people coming to the area we don't want to get that we don't want to get that out things floating in the water it shouldn't be so

right so no we appreciate all the hard work and I do want to just uh thank you for recognizing the hard work of Matt and Liz um you know we do hear a lot of accolades for them um Matt if you're on do you have anything to add to Dr. Frell's uh quick assessment of the board of health and how we could be helping you guys more or things that you want us to be aware of.

Sure. Um just real quick uh I'm not sure how many members are aware of our public health alliance. We have some shared services between Ren Norfolk and Franklin. um predominantly nursing and our sanitation inspections, which would be food, housing, and nuisances. Um that was the Metaccom Public Health Alliance was established uh coming up on five years. Um it'll be 5 years this late spring, early summer. Um and it's grant funding uh from the state. Uh we'll see if it continues after fiscal year 27. Um, but it's been a huge help. Um, mainly for Rentham and Norfolk that had contractors um, and now we have actual employees that are um, able to get the work done in a timely and proper manner um, in a higher level of expertise. Um, I think it's made a huge amount of difference. Um, as well as the nursing, we have a very robust public health nurse nursing uh, staff. you know, they do a lot of home visits, education classes, seminars, things like that. Um, you know, a lot of towns don't have that and it's a huge asset to the community to have. Uh, we have, you know, two really excellent nurses. Um, and we do have a a third nurse that's part of the alliance whose main area is Franklin. Um, but when we have flu clinics and when we were doing COVID vaccine clinics, um, you know, they're able to come and help as well. Um certainly our our day-to-day activities uh you know the septic systems uh wells, food inspections, housing, it's you know relatively routine. It's all governed u by state um mostly state, some federal and some local regulations.

Um you know mainly just trying to keep the public health and environment uh safe from from the harm as best as we can. Um but I think other than that if anybody has any questions um more than happy to

appreciate that Matt and I do I have a lot of um I have a lot of friends and colleagues that own septic systems that are builders developers uh that you know work with you and your team frequently and um you know they echo the sentiments of Dr. Farrell that uh you know yourself Liz the organization is doing a fantastic job. So, thank you for all your hard work. Uh, Dr. Frell, thank you for joining us and all your hard work. And at this time, I'm going to open it up to the uh other board members for any comments or questions that they might have. Starting with Select Woman Rose. No comments. Randall, I just want to thank you, Peggy, and George for your hard work. And Matt, thank you for that um additional information. Certainly the the backbone of the community, all of this different assistance and help. So, thank you. Thank you,

Selectman Anderson. Yeah, Dr. Ferrell, I want to thank you for giving us the uh the updates tonight and I want to wish you and your team a happy new year. Oh, thank you very much, Jim. All right, Selectman Harrington. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, thanks. You know, great work on the board of health. Appreciate it, Matt. I quite often hear good accolades about you and the department. Appreciate it and keep up the good work. Thank you. And uh Slip, no questions. Thank you, Dr. Frell and Matt, for your your updates. All good stuff. All right. Thank you so much for being with us this evening. Uh, happy new year and appreciate all your hard work, gentlemen. And please let Liz know we appreciate her as well. So, have a great night. Okay. Thank you.

Thank you. Have a good night. All right. At this time in the agenda, we're going to go to tab number six, which is a Rethm food pantry update. Uh, we should have with us Diana Easty, if I'm not mistaken, from the Rethm Food Pantry. Diana, is that you? Yes, it is very well. Good job at pronouncing my last name correctly.

Well, I I could butcher anything, so I'm glad I got it right. It's great to have you with us this evening. We wanted you to also give us a a pretty highlevel kind of update from the Rethm food pantries perspective. Um, you know, if you have any facts or figures that we should know about, let us know. Uh, and you know, how can the board uh assist you? What do you need from us? And what do you want to make us aware of? Well, thank you for inviting us. I appreciate it. Um, well, really, you probably all know that the mission of the food pantry for over 30 years now has been just to serve our neighbors that with a supplemental, you know, supply of food at no cost to them. So, we're, you know, we're open every Saturday from 10 to noon, which you also probably already know. Um, we're volunteerrun, so 100% of any any funds that we raise goes towards purchasing food. Um and I was preparing tonight just to talk about really three programs that well one two programs and and also um Mike had asked me to talk about this impact of this you know the SNAP program um challenges that we had in the in the fall and um and you know we did have a number of new families register around that time. Right now we have 76 families registered um with the pantry and it fluctuates. It goes up and it goes down but it's actually probably a pretty good benchmark right now because usually by the holiday time um every you know the majority of people have registered. Um and anyway um so we did have you know a jump in the number of you know people that were actually serving from you know

October to November to be it was about 60 60 people and that could be a variety you know of numbers of families. Um so right now we have 76 u families and 182 people that we're actually serving. If that gives you some perspective, um we also are serving 16 homebound people. Um and that is a collaboration that we have through the wonderful public health nurses that you just mentioned. Um they deliver to um they coordinate and deliver um every Monday to um homebound. And the again the the number of people that are served every week changes, but we have 16 people registered currently. Um and then we also have a very exciting program that's just getting kicked off with the um White Barn Farm and they have had in their mission for you know quite a while to provide fresh produce to everyone in town. um that um and obviously it's challenging for um clients of the food pantry to be able to afford, you know, a a share um that they provide at um the White Barn Farm. So, right now they've just kicked off and again I think they're working with the business um community to raise funds to to um purchase shares each season. Um and and we're we're targeting uh spring the spring shares to hopefully have enough

money raised to support however many clients want to sign up for that. And essentially what it'll be is they'll they can visit the White Barn Farm when they're open like any other client and um decide on what fresh vegetables they want that week. So, um, we're doing a little bit of educating to our own client base right now about the program and and then, uh, White Barn Farm is working with the business community to raise the funds. So, that's a very exciting program. We look forward to that happening, uh, in the spring. Um, let's see. I'll take questions. Is there are there any questions?

Sure. No, I'm going to open it up to the board members for any questions or comments, but I just want to say thank you again for all the hard work. Um I, you know, I I know there's probably, you know, um the need continues to grow, obviously. Correct. Um, and it's just important for us as community members to make sure we spread the word. You know, try to, you know, I'm sure I I know we have a lot of generous people in town, uh, that donate consistently, uh, to the food pantry, but I just think it's important for us, you know, to just make sure we continue to communicate that. Uh, and again, if there's specific things, Diana, that you're in need of or if you find yourself in a really tough situation where you don't have enough supply for, you know, the the people that you have, I hope you'll reach out to us through Mike King. Um, and we'll get the word out and and do whatever we can personally, collectively, you know, we have a lot of contacts throughout the community as well, uh, and would love to be able to, uh, assist, you know, whenever possible. So, just want to say thank you for all the hard work and the update. I'm going to open it up to the other board members right now. Starting with Select Woman Rouse.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just to echo uh his words, you know, um wonderful work that the the food pantry does. Dian, um since we have you here and you're discussing about the food pantry, why don't you let people know where they can see what what is needed and where they can drop off. So, if people aren't aware of that, they can hear that from you right now.

Okay. Sure. We have a website, rethamboopantry.org, or and on our donate page um there's the opportunity to now both donate funds um to the directly to the pantry and also toward this CSA U fresh produce program. So that's a new addition to our website and then further down on that page we keep an updated list of food items that we're in need of and food items we're not in need of. So, um that changes again as as um needs change and I have to say, you know, you mentioned how generous this community is.

Um it's really phenomenal and when, you know, we had this nap issue in the fall, it just was overwhelming the amount of support that we received from the community and um so it just makes my heart happy. That's Ransom Community for in a nutshell. Um and that dropbox, just so everyone knows, is behind the church, right? The congregational church. Yeah, we have

Yeah, we have a donation shed um that we empty every day. So that can accept food 24/7 that was built um few years back by an Eagle Scout for us and it has been a terrific addition and such such a big help. So easy to do drop offs there. Yeah. Um I think that adding the um financial donations for the CSA the web page is excellent. That was going to be my other suggestion. I know that they're working with businesses, but I also know there's a lot of generous residents that would love to contribute to that as well. So that's great to see as well. Thank you again for all your efforts and hard work. Greatly appreciated. All right. Thanks, Select Woman Rouse. Select Manison.

Yeah, Mr. Chairman, I think you said it all. um anything we can do to get the word out or even if they need u additional manpower have a feel free to reach out to us. Well said. Great. Well said. Uh selectman Harrington. Thank you Mr. J. Great to see you Diana. Thank you for all your hard work. Uh you know mostly everything that I could think of has been asked and answered. Uh and you do a wonderful job and appreciate your hard work. Thank you. Welcome.

Thanks Bill. And uh uh Select Lamar. Thank you, Diana. I just wondering about the jurisdiction. Are you limited to just Rentham uh residence or does it go beyond that to Norville that kind of thing? Yes. So, we do the only requirement we have for someone to visit the pantry is that they live in Rentham. So, we are serving only Rethm residents. Um, and you know, they just have to have an ID and a some kind of dated mail that proves that they're getting mail at an address in Rentham. So, that is our policy. Great.

That's great. Well, again, thank you, Diana, for being on. Uh, we're going to let you go at this point, but please keep in touch with our board uh and let us know uh if there's anything that we can do to be uh further assisting you. Okay, great. Thank you for having me, and I appreciate it. Have a great night. Okay, let's move on to tab seven. We have a safe coalition update. Uh with us we have Jennifer Knight Lavine. Uh Jennifer Knight Lavine is the CEO. Jennifer, welcome. Hello everybody. Good to see you. It's been a while.

It has great to have you Jennifer. And uh same thing goes for you. We just we thought it was a great time to have you on being the new year. We want to hear what's going on with you. um how we can continue to support you and your organization. Anything you know challenges or or or you know uh success stories you want to share with us. Um the floor is yours.

Amazing. Okay. Thank you. It is so good to see everybody. Um the last time that I spoke um with this group was a few years ago. So safe has significantly grown since then. Um, so for those here on the call who maybe um, I haven't had the opportunity to meet yet, the SAFE Coalition is a nonprofit organization based in Franklin and we provide support and services for community members impacted by mental health and substance use concerns. Um, we start at the age of five and we go all the way up and we work directly within the town of Rentham. Uh we work with the police, fire, the school system. Um we work with many of the local businesses and it's just been an unbelievable collaboration really over the last five years. So I think the last time I spoke we had maybe seven staff and as of today we have 26 staff. Our headquarters are still in Franklin and we are opening up a Springfield and Framingham location with new growth and programming that's that we've been asked to participate in in those areas. Um but really tonight just specifically speaking about Rentham. So um in 2025 I have some information I can share. So through the year 2025 we hosted 22 events within the town of Rethm. Some of those events were in collaboration with the police department or the fire department. We also have a fabulous relationship with the Medic Comet Public Health Alliance. I know that we just spoke about them two speakers ago, but they are our road dogs for life. We do a lot of work together and it's such a wonderful relationship. Uh when we think about access and what RenaM citizens are utilizing SAFE for um most often Rentham

residents are utilizing SAFE for mental health support. All of our care at SAFE is at no cost. So we are 100% don and donor and grant funded. So a lot of folks who have shifted insurance or have a limited insurance have all of the access to care and support through SAFE which has been really wonderful. So we see Rentham residents for the most part um accessing clinical care um utilizing our diaper bank and our car seat bank. We have a host of Narcan trainings that we do monthly that folks attend to. We have a postpartum program that new moms in Rentham have been participating in. Our youth diversion program. Um we've had over 25 Rentham children in the year 2025 accessing this program. I really want to focus on this. So we recognized during COVID that there was a shift in access to care. And what that means is that a huge amount of students were returning back to school and were struggling with substance use. And the expectation through the public school setting was to provide a 10day suspension for a substance use concern. In late 2022, the DESIE regulations changed and now school systems had to prove through documentation that there were that students were given diversionary options um instead of a suspension. So, SAFE has created the only in-person program that's approved by DESIE for a diversionary option. So, in le of a suspension for 10 days, students come to the safe coalition for 3 days, return to school on that fourth day, and their suspension is absolved from their record. That directly decreases their school to prison pipeline by over 80%.

Every time a child is suspended, they are 60% more likely to be involved in the criminal justice system by the time that they're 25. So, it's really exciting that we can offer this and our relationship with King Phillip High School really has led the charge in that. I know all of you know Karen Becker and she was amazing when she was was there. Um, but the administrative team and Dot Pearl have also been incredible with referring students and also parents referring students. Um we've also hosted two medication takeback days and it is um exciting to share that we've collected over 7,000 tabs of medication in Rentham alone through April and October those two dates. So all of that medication is now out of the cabinets of Rentham citizens and disposed of organically and is not hurting the earth. I hope that um the health folks are still on the call. We're not letting that go back into the soil or the waters. Um, and the other two big pieces are that we host an annual overdose awareness day vigil in Rethm. And not only do we host a vigil, but we host four days of a flag display. And that is really the the biggest visibility that we have in Rethm. Um, a lot of folks see those purple flags and they ask about them. And that's the whole point. We want folks to ask what they mean. We want to ask, we want to hear uh the questions that folks have around substance use, around overdose. Um and then this past summer, we had so many students from King Phip High School engaged in our resources during the school year that we wanted to continue to offer programming to to KP students in Rethm and we partnered with Bumblebee Farm to do that. So, um, I have a lot more stats on kind of the substances that we're seeing and the substance use and mental health trends and I'm happy to go into that um, if anybody if anybody wants that information. But

that's kind of a general overview of where we are and we already are involved in the schools this year. I think we're presenting in two weeks to KP parents. And so it's um it's exciting to be in the community working with community members, listening to the needs, filling those gaps and resources and um I hope that we can continue doing that great work.

Yeah, that's it's an incredible update. I really appreciate that. Uh it sounds like you guys are busting at the seams in a good way. Uh it's it's just incredible to hear. I'm so it makes me happy to hear that uh because it's such a needed it's it's it's so needed especially you know the the challenging times that we're in. You touched on something I I do want to just ask you very high level just because you piqu my interest from a substance ab abuse perspective. Um what are the substances that rent them kids seniors whoever are what are you seeing the the biggest abuses? What are the biggest abuses? Okay, so let's start with our children, our middle schoolers and high schoolers specifically. The top three substances um are probably not a surprise here to anyone. Cannabis, alcohol, and nicotine.

Yeah, by far cannabis wins. Um, I may have mentioned this a few years ago. It still rings true that our middle schoolers are all starting with cannabis and then are going down to nicotine and adding in alcohol in high school.

And there are a few reasons for this. Um, but the biggest reason that I think is important to highlight is unintended consequences. So when the cannabis industry came into all of our communities because we all voted, right? All these towns said, "Yes, we want these storefronts. We want this industry." Any local dealer who was selling cannabis to adults now either was out of business or had to only target children and had to sell a variety of substances to continue to make a profit. So the creative ways of dealing and distribution have changed dramatically over the last three years. And so that's really why we're seeing a massive spike in middle school cannabis use because the whole goal is to get a child actively using between 10 and 13 and then they'll become a daily user at 14.

Wow.

Wow. The interesting thing and we see this in many of our high performing high schools both academically with musics with clubs with DECO with sports which is KP high that so many students realize that cannabis is negatively impacting their quality of life and so then they decrease their substance use to Zins or some type of nicotine product because that doesn't have such an aggressive um symptomatic reaction in the moment. moment. However, the long-term effects are so different and are challenging to our kids. Um, I do want to point out that of the students we've had from King Phillip High School and Rentham, 89% have highlighted to us that they have attempted to decrease their use in the past and they were unsuccessful. So, what that tells us is that we have these beautiful kids who are using substances, don't want to be using them anymore, are trying to stop using, and just don't have the skills or the bandwidth or the education to do it on their own. So,

not that I want to be doom and gloom, but I think it's important, truly, I think it's important for us to talk about. Um, so I think that that's one area. Um, when we think about adults, um, cocaine and alcohol use are the two big ones in in the Renthm community. Um, both are are easy to get, um, especially alcohol. And after COVID, we haven't seen the alcohol numbers going down. Overall, we're seeing less folks in their 20s actively drinking, but for everyone who's 38 and over, we are still seeing an active alcohol base. Um, and then for our senior population, it's actually really hard to collect data. So, what we actually did doing during um prescription takeback day is recognize what pills were being brought back to us and categorizing them. So we had a lot of pain management medication um being turned back into us. So that could be anything um from there was an individual who um maybe had cancer and so there were a lot of medications that were left that maybe hospice didn't take all of them or medication dosages changed and somebody was just trying to get them out of the house. Um but most of those were prescription medications. I would say that the newest trend we're seeing right now with adults um are sharps related to weight loss medications

and then flipping back to our youth, we're seeing a mammoth amount of synthetic cannabis. So, when we hear about EMS responding to calls related to children who have passed out or can't stop vomiting or seem like they're seizing or there's a mental health crisis going on and then they they get a result from the hospital and the talk screen says that there's nothing in their system. This is all synthetic THC. And what synthetic THC is, it is a chemical compound that mirrors THC and matches with the THC um neurons in our body and the receptors in our body rather. And our body responds like it's traditional THC, but the symptoms of those chemicals are actually so much more um dangerous and concerning. And that's what we're seeing a huge amount of and no one can be charged with that because there's no positive talk screen that can be tested.

Wow. So yeah, I'm sorry. I hate being doom and gloom, but this is No, no. This is uh this is very important. I actually could keep you on for ANOTHER HOUR. I I KNOW. SORRY.

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO. I can't because uh we just have to keep moving, but this has been incredible. Um very, very, very great presentation. I just want to say, you know, let us know how we can work closely more closely with you. Uh let us know how we can support you as a board. Um whether we can come help out at events or if there's things that we could be doing. Um just reach out to Mike or Amanda and and and they'll be sure to get us the invitation and let us know. But I just want to tell you that this presentation's been amazing. This very informative. You're doing incredible work in the community. Um proud to have you in the community. I have a hundred more questions, but I I want to open it up to the other board members for some quick comments and questions. Uh, but thanks really Jen, we really appreciate you being here with us. Appreciate the hard work you're doing, and I do mean that. Whatever you need from us, please do continue to reach out. Okay.

Thank you so much. You're very welcome, Selectoman Rouse.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. Jen, wow. Wow. To this whole meeting in terms of the heart and community and the generosity of everyone's efforts and this program is unbelievable. and and just like uh Mr. Chair said, I could have listened to you for hours as you educate us and I know that education is a big part of this process, especially to our younger generation. My one question to you is how do our adults and seniors learn about safe? How how what's the outreach like for that population? Yeah. So, we um so we have a strong social media presence and then we've actually partnered with a a good amount of businesses um both retail and restaurants in Rena so that folks who are out in the community can pick up a card. Um it's not uncommon for me to get a text and it's like the someone at the gavl and they have our cards right in front. Um, and so for any business that has partnered with us, we've actually trained the staff to host conversations about what SAFE does and getting support so that they know who we are and what we do. Um, the other component is for anyone who has a schoolage child, we do a lot of work with the school district. Um, and so for information that the school sends out and then evening events, we're usually presenting or speaking at, but we'd always like more ideas. We're always here for that.

Excellent. Excellent. And your energy is so contagious. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. And I'm sure you also do a lot of work with our public safety as well, correct? Yeah. Oh, yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. We love Renthm PD and Fire and the whole team over there. They are they are incredible and we could not do this work without them and they they believe in us so we believe in them and it's h it's awesome. No, we agree. We we and we're lucky to have uh former police chief uh Jim Anderson on our board with us who educates us uh on a lot of this stuff because you know it's it's very foreign to to me. Um so with that being said, Jim Anderson, former police chief um any questions or comments for Jen?

Yeah, thank you Mr. Chair. Well, first of all, Jennifer, uh I love your enthusiasm and energy. um it really jumps off the off the charts here. But um as we all know, addiction is very difficult to beat. And so um if there's anything that we can do to assist you or or help in the community, uh please let us know. And I'm sure that each of us would be more than happy to give you guys a hand. Thank you so much. Well said. Uh Selecman Harrington. Yeah, thanks. So the the uh the number that you mentioned the 10 to 14 year old is very very scary. Uh it's

I mean it's horrifying quite frankly uh that that's the that's the target audience that you reach out to or they reach out to now. It's it's horrifying. Uh thank you for bringing that number to us because it's something that um I think it's something that we as a board need to be very focused on locally with our own town community and you know kids, grandkids and um you know the energy you bring to your program uh needs to be focused throughout the the community. Thank you so much.

Well said uh Select Lamoth Jennifer, you blow me away with your all your energy. Uh, thank you. And um, you know, going from seven to 26 employees, that's great. I wish you another 26 soon. Thank you. The work that you're doing is phenomenal. So, God bless. Keep it up. Thank you.

All right, Jen, keep in touch with us. uh please feel free to uh I'm actually don't say feel free I'm asking you to give us you know uh whether it's quarterly updates you know whatever it is that you know areas that you need help with uh you can see the boards charged up we're really committed to as Bill said that it's just staggering the the the you know it's staggering what these kids are are being tempted with and what they're dealing with and um I have two young kids Bill has Michelle has young kids Roy has young kids and grandkids kids. You know, Jimmy has kids and grandkids. So, it it it speaks to all of us. Mike King has two young kids. So, we, you know, whatever we can do collectively and collaboratively to help reverse this uh and work with you, you know, clearly you have our attention. So, please continue to reach out to us.

Wonderful. Thank you so so much. I will definitely be reaching out. Yes. Thank you. Thank you. Have a wonderful night everybody. Do take care and happy new year. Happy New Year.

Okay. Listen, we're going to move forward uh and uh the next item on our agenda uh is the ABCCC endorsement. Um so we have an endorsement of alcohol beverage control commission renewal certification 2026 ABCC renewal certification. Um and essentially we just have to uh uh uh approve and sign this. Um and essentially Mike, if I'm not mistaken, this just is a list of people that were not that did not complete the process, right? Uh yes, Mr. Chair. So enclosed in the board's packet is the annual ABCC renewal certification form which is due on February 6. Uh it identifies liquor licenses who failed to renew for 2026. In Rem's case, there is one lye who did not renew which is Hot Shot on South Street. And I'll note that this document can be signed electronically.

Right. And this ties into a conversation that we've had at a past meeting. We you know they they were trying to change hands. I believe this was the the the the puff and pour uh that we, you know, gave them some, you know, constructive feedback about maybe a name change. That sale didn't go through, I guess. And now, uh this person, uh the current operator just has not completed this process. So, um uh they Mike, what do they have to do at this point if they want to get back into compliance? So, they will need to file paperwork as a new lency. Um, okay. They have started that process. They have. Yes.

Okay. So, uh, at this Mike, you'll keep us posted on this situation, but at this time, um, well, actually, let me let me back up. Is there any further discussion from the board about this? Any board members have anything to add? No, I just have just one question, Mr. Chair. So, so that's the little store next to the pizza joint that's closed now. Yep. Well, I don't know that they're closed. I think they can't serve alcohol, but they serve other stuff, don't they? serve tobacco and uh and sell other stuff. Mike, uh they had a tobacco license lottery, but it's So, has all the alcohol So, has all all the alcohol been removed from the facility?

So, they they've been put on notice that they cannot sell beer or wine. They're an off- premise beer and wine sales. They have a sign that states when you walk in that they that they temporarily cannot sell beer and wine. Um and as of today, they were actually not open. Okay, thank you.

Um, no. Any any other further discussion? And just a point of clarification too, I was at the last topic regarding safe. I went around and and was talking about all the kids. I forgot to mention uh our our our assistant town manager, Greg Enus, uh, three children as well. So, this is a very important topic to us. We'll work closely with Jen uh and her team. Um, and you know, back to this current topic. Um, Mike, you'll keep us posted in the situation. You'll let them know they need to start the process over and then we'll do what we can to expedite. But, you know, this is obviously a them issue, not an us issue. Uh, but of course, just like we support any other small business in the community, we will help them and try to support them as well. Correct.

Yes, Mr. Chair. I'll keep you updated. Okay, great. Uh, at this time, we're going to uh before we uh take a vote, there's no further discussion, so I will ask for a motion. Uh at this time, chair entertain a motion to approve and sign the 2026 alcohol beverage control commission renewal certification form. So moved. Motion made by selectman Harrington, second by selectman Anderson. Any further discussion? Being none, we'll do a roll call vote. Selectoman Rose. Yes. Anderson. Anderson D. Yes. Harrington. Harrington. Yes. Loth.

Gallow. Yes. Motion carries. 5-0. Okay, let's move on. Tab number nine. So this is the um this is the the review and adoption of our traffic speed evaluation policy. So the board will remember a couple meetings ago um we did a similar process for the street sign uh policy that we did not have that we thought we needed. Um, so I think the board did a really great job working with town council and town manager King, uh, assistant town manager Greg, Enus, and Amanda, uh, you know, to come up with a policy that we all felt that met the needs of the community, you know, uh, uh, provided, uh, openness and transparency, got the neighbors involved, etc., etc. Well, it came to our attention that we had an outdated existing traffic speed evaluation policy. So, we charged uh town manager king to take the same approach. Talk to, you know, our public safety professionals, talk to our DPW professionals, talk to town council, and I believe Mike, this is the first stab at your updated policy if I'm not mistaken.

That is correct, Mr. Chair. So, Mike, we just run through it high level with us.

Yes. Uh so, enclosed in the board's packet this evening is a revised traffic speed evaluation policy. Uh feedback from the select board has been incorporated and references to the Norfolk County traffic engineers have been removed um as the county no longer maintains those positions. The policy was also reviewed by the police chief and the director of public works uh both of whom are supportive of the version before the board this evening. Uh their comments have been incorporated accordingly. Uh, under the policy, the police department will conduct a speed survey and share its findings with the Department of Public Works, which will review applicable Massachusetts highway guidelines for the area. Both departments will then submit written recommendations to the select board. Um, similar to the recently approved street sign request policy. Once recommendations are received, a public hearing will be scheduled and notices will be sent to a Butters to allow for part public participation and comment. uh following the public hearing. Any speed limit changes voted by the select board would then be implemented and enforced.

Um I'm gonna open it up to the board for comments. Uh starting with Michelle Rouse. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Pretty plain and simple. Sounds like a good solid process. No questions at this point. Great. Selectman Anderson. Yeah, thank you, Mr. Chair. I reviewed the uh policy. I'm on board. So, uh no further comment. Great. Selectman Harrington. Uh, no comments. I'm good. Select the moth. Mike and I are going to talk about version control programs going forward, but I have no no issues with this speed evaluation program. What does that mean, Roy? What's version control?

So, when you look at a a policy, you can understand when it was created, revised, and reviewed. And I and you don't see when you read this, you you don't know who reviewed it, who approved it, and when when it was done, last time or this time. So, I just think there should be a version control program on on these policies. Okay. I mean I would I think that's something that you'd want to talk to the board about if you want to make a change to a policy or I want to talk with him to understand how that how we label these things and how you how you manage the version control for policies

or do we need do do we need diversion control policies? I mean, if we have an outdated policy, it doesn't meet the needs of the people anymore and we as a board decide. We're the chief policymaking board in the town, right? So, it's up to us to decide if the policies meet the needs of the community. If we don't feel they meet the needs of the community, it's this board's job to recommend changes to the town manager.

So, I don't I don't understand what that would do to help, I guess, is what I'm saying. It gives you a perspective of when this was last done and who reviewed it and and now how you've time stamp stamped it and and created another one. How many times has this been revised? When was the last time? And if you had a list of all your policies, you may even see that you had policies that go back to, you know, 1988. Maybe it's time to look at them again as opposed to, you know, waiting for something to pop. you know, maybe you should be reviewing your policies every three to five years, but you don't know which ones were done five years ago, 10 years ago. That's that's the a version control or a revision control policy. It's typically for engineering drawings and every everything you do that has, you know, policies and procedures, you typically st time stamp them and understand when you did them and how you did them and whether it's time for review again.

No, it's an interesting concept. My concern though is are we making more work for the the town manager when we already have a pretty lofty goals and and strategic plan that we're asking him to implement. I would say we should talk about this more if you me and Mike want to have a conversation offline. Um you know I I think it's an interesting concept but you know what if the policies was from 1985 and it's still perfectly active why are we going to touch it? Yeah. Don't touch it. Well, whereas if there's a policy from 2025 that needs to be addressed because a need changed, then I really don't give a care how old it is and who edited it last. If it doesn't meet the needs of the community anymore, then I think it's our duty to change it. Absolutely. Absolutely. No, nobody's saying

I I just don't want to be throw like it's very easy for us to throw additional work. Uh, and I just want to be cognizant of, you know, Mike's bandwidth and like he's a pretty active guy. We're a pretty active board. Um, if we have policy issues or changes, I just think it's important for us just to make sure it's a it's a it's a a thing that the the full board wants to take on or have might divert divert resources to. I would just caution all of us because there's five of us and if we're all reaching out on certain things like this, I think it can become a little bit cumbersome and maybe overwhelming, but you know, if you if I'm happy to take a look at that and any other policy you want, Roy. Um, I just want to have an understanding of, you know, what the expectation would be.

It it's it's a formality on how you present it, not anything beyond that. I mean, when you would have looked at this policy, you would have known who reviewed it when it was last created. It would all have been timestamped and and managed, but we we can look at it. It's not a big deal. All right. So, any other any other questions or comments, Roy, about the existing policy? No. No. I said no.

Okay. So, at this I think it looks great. Uh there was a need. We addressed the need. I think Mike did a great job working with town council um and the the public safety, the chiefs, DPW in presenting a policy that actually works for the community. Uh so uh I think it looks fantastic. Mike, is this is this more just for discussion or is we're not adopting this policy tonight, are we Mike? Uh so you can it's on for review and and adoption. Um if if the select board's uh will was to do so, um you could have a motion to uh adopt the traffic speed evaluation policy as presented.

Yeah, I'll go ahead and make a motion if the board's willing. Uh I'll make a motion to adopt the traffic speed uh tra uh re I I'll make a motion to adopt the traffic speed evaluation policy. Second. Motion made by me, seconded by Selectman Harrington. Any further discussion? Being none, we'll do a roll call vote. Select woman Rouse. Yes. Selectman Anderson. Anderson G. Yes. Selectman Harrington. Harrington. Yes. Lamoth. Yes.

Chris Gallow. Yes. Motion carries 5-0. All right. Uh at this time, we're going to open it up to uh public comment. Residents who wish to participate in public comment will be allotted two minutes to speak and must state their name and address for the record. At the start of the comment, a timer will be set via message from Amanda Vazipolo. It should be visible on the top of the screen and alarm will chime when the time is up. At this time, you'd like to I don't think anyone's on here except for us, but if anyone would like to participate in public comment, please do so now. Forever hold your peace. We'll give you a couple of seconds. One, two, three, four, five. All right, seeing none, we'll go right into the town manager report. Mr. King, floor is yours.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. Like to begin my update by talking about FY26 sweat fund requests. uh sweat fund requests were due in December. The funding requests have been compiled and are currently being shared with the SWAT Fund Advisory Committee. Uh similar to last year, the SWE fund advisory committee will review the requests and then present its recommendations to the select board for approval in the spring. Um update on the FY27 budget. The FY27 budget directive and schedule was distributed on December 18th to department heads, the finance committee, and select board. Uh departmental budget submitts are due on February 2nd. The finance director and I will be meeting with department heads throughout the month of February to review their budgets with them in preparation of submitting the town manager's budget proposal to the select board on April 7th. Uh update on the rice complex renovations. Uh a contract has been executed for the design phase of renovations to the rice recreation complex that was funded at the town meeting in November. Um, Clo Harbor and Associates, known as CHA, was the firm selected for a request for qualifications procurement process for the project and awarded the contract. A kickoff meeting for the Rice Complex renovations design phase is being held tomorrow with the recreation commission and town administration working together on this project. And my last update is on the public works facility. Uh the contract for the new public works facility has been awarded to Castagna Construction of Danvers as the lowest qualified bidder on the project. Castagna recently completed the construction of a new public works facility in Hudson which the public works building committee tooured as part of the the design phase. Uh Castagna may mobilize for construction as early as next month. Alen Carl architects and construction monitoring services have been retained in their roles as designer and owner project manager respectively for the construction phase. Thank you, Mr.

Chair. Uh great job, Mr. King. Uh anyone have any questions or comments relating to the town manager report? Seeing none, I'm going to turn the meeting over to select man uh selectman Anderson. Well, thank you, Mr. Chair. Uh first of all, I want to wish everyone a happy new year. Happy new year. Yep. And uh Yep. And and with your permission, I'd like to make a motion to adjourn. A motion made by Select Manison. Is there a second? A second. Second by Selectwoman Rouse. Any further discussion? Being none, we'll do a roll call vote. Selectoman Rouse. Yes. Selectman Anderson. Yes. Selectman Harrington. Harrington. Yes. Selectable Moth.

Moth. Yes. Chris Gallow. Yes. Motion carries 5-0. Great job tonight. Very informative meeting. Appreciate everybody. Have a great night. Happy New Year everyone. Bye bye.