Select Board - Regular Meeting

Good luck man. How you doing tonight? Good. Very good. Chairman Gallo. Good to see you. Good to see you as well. Thank you. Select Lamoth. Good evening. Sorry again for your our condolences to hope everything went okay as as good as possible. Thank you. [clears throat]

Get going here. Oh, it's 6:30. Beautiful. Um, meeting 6:30, we'll get going on the meeting. Um, we've got a a full agenda. We'll do our best to get right through it. So, uh, at this time, in accordance with chapter 2 of the acts of 2025, the Tuesday, March 3rd, 2026, 6:30 public meeting of the Ranthm Select Board should be conducted remotely. The public is invited to join in via Zoom. Um the uh information on how to log into the meeting was posted on the town's website as long as well as the agenda. As a preliminary matter, this is select board chair Chris Gallow. Um please permit me to confirm that all members and persons anticipated on the agenda are present can hear me. Members, when I call your name, please respond in the affirmative. Uh start with selectoman Rouse

here. Um, selectman Anderson. Anderson, Selectman Harrington. Harington. Your new second home bill. Had a little iPad issues again. And what did I tell you about that? Jim Anderson is ready to help you out. I am the man. Just kidding. It's good to see you, Billy. And um, Select Harington's there. Select Lamoth. Lamoth here. Great staff. Um, when I call your name, uh, please also respond in the affirmative. Town manager Mike King.

Just so you guys know, it's a little tough to hear you when you start to speak. Uh, I noticed that. So, I'm going to give you a a second delay. Um, I noticed that a couple times now. So, Mike King, you're here. Uh, assistant town manager Greg Enus, present. Uh um executive assistant Amanda Vazapolo present.

Great. Before we get going, I just want to call out the fact I was going to say this the other day. Has anyone seen Greg Enos's um screen when he's not there? Does he not look like he's a game show host? Uh is [laughter] that the best? I I know that's slightly unprofessional and I apologize if you're new to our meetings. I try to lighten it up from time to time. But Greg, you win. It is the 80s laser show. Okay. Yeah. Fantastic.

Fantastic. [snorts] So, let's get going. We got a great agenda as always. Lots of good business to take care of. Starting with the announcements, and we'll ask uh Selectman Harrington um to please read the announcements.

Hi, Mr. Chair. Announcements. The town of Rethm is hosting a candidates forum on Thursday, March 5th at the Fisk Public Library starting at 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to hear directly from those seeking to be elected, learn where candidates stand in key issues, and get informed before election day. The event is being monitor moderated by Michael Mcnite. The warrant for the June 1st, 2026 annual spring town meeting is now open. The warrant closes on April 2nd, 2026. For more information on how to submit articles, please see the town website. The Rentham Cultural Council is inviting artists to be part of their next exhibit at the Old Fisk Museum rooted in Rena. See the website for more details. The town clerk is hosting a rabies clinic on Saturday, March 7th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the public safety building in the back. This event is cash only and the price per vaccine is $20. Please bring previous vacies vaccination certificates with you. Excise tax bills are due March 11th, 2026. You can pay online, in person, or by mail. Thank Mr. Chair.

Great job, Select Harrington. Mr. King, uh, on the excise taxes, those get mailed out, correct? I don't believe I've received mine. Uh, they do, Mr. Chairman. I I will follow up with the tax collector. I just don't want to be on the bad the bad list. That would be pretty embarrassing. Yes, I'm the I'm the tax collector. And yes, they were mailed out. Thank you, uh, Kathy. I appreciate that. Welcome. Uh, don't want to be on your bad list. Okay. So, we know where to find you [laughter]

at this time. Let's go to uh we so we have a couple we have a public hearing and a public hearing that's not happening. So, uh we I can't go to the first public hearing until uh 6:35, which is in a minute. So, at this time, let's go to um tab number two and let's approve the minutes. So, uh, we have in our packets, um, meeting minutes from February 17th open session meeting minutes. Um, and at this time, the chair would entertain a motion to approve the February 17, 2026 open session meeting minutes. So move. Second.

Motion made by Selectman Harrington, second by Selectman Anderson. Any further discussions? Being none, do a roll call vote. Selectoman Rouse. Yes. Selectman Anderson. Anderson. Yes. Selectman Harrington. Yes. Selectman. Lamoth. Yes. Gallow. Abstain. I wasn't there. So that's one, two, three, four in the affirmative. One in the extens abstension. Correct, Mike. That's how I roll that. Uh yeah, it would be uh 401.

401. Uh and by the way, excellent job, Selectwoman Rouse, uh in running that meeting. Uh, fantastic job I was told. Okay, so now it is 6:36 and we're supposed to have a public hearing uh for Hutshot. Um, and this public hearing is being cancelled. Uh, the applicant failed to notify a Butters via certified mail. The public hearing has been rescheduled for April 7th, 2026. And I want to just uh say a special thank you to Amanda Vazapolo who's been doing a very good job um kind of nudging that applicant along. She's gone way above and beyond the call of duty as our as our residents know. Um this select board is is you know so appreciative and supports our small businesses. Um so we we try to go above and beyond the call of duty to make sure they're in compliance. Um so the next public hearing we have is at 6:45. In the meantime, um I think we can go to uh tab number five. Tab number five is something fun that we get to do from time to time. Um and I'm just up here with my notes. Tab number five is is pretty great. This is a proclamation from Milo Palmyari uh in his 100th birthday. And let me know if I didn't pronounce that correctly, but I'm assuming it's Milo Palmieri, right? He's 100 years old. We have a proclamation that uh I'm going to ask Selecman Harrington to read into the record for a second. And we have an an email from our veterans agent Scott Smith telling us about this prestig uh prestigious and timely event. Um his birthday is was Saturday, Febru uh yeah, Saturday, February 27th, he turned 100. Um before I have selectman uh Harrington read the proclamation, just a little bit of background information and I will give if any of the board members want to wish a very quickly uh some kind words.

Listen listen to this amazing individual. Um this is from uh Scott Smith, our veterans agent. Good morning gentlemen. I wanted to pass this information along to both of you. I'll be sending an email to Senator Rouses and Rep. Vaughn's offices as well. Respectfully, Scott. And here here it goes. Sergeant Armando B Milo Palmieri, US Marine Corps will be celebrating his 100th birthday on Friday, February 27, 2026. Milo was born in Boston on February 27, 1926. After serving in World War II, and again during the Korean War, he would eventually settle in Walpole, Mass to raise his family. Milo is currently a resident at the All-American Assisted Living in Rethm at Ledge View. Milo joined the Marine Corps in May of 1944 and fought in the Battle of Iroima from February 19th, 1945 to March 10th, 1945 with uh the Fourth Marine Division where he was assigned to a dem as a demolition specialist. He separated from the Marine Corps in June of 1946 only to be brought back to active duty in November of 1950 in support of the Korean War. Milo would serve as a sergeant with second engineer battalion Camp Lejun, North Carolina. Milo would complete his time at Camp Lejun and was separated from the Marine Corps in December of 1951. the All-American uh assisted living facility in Rethm was planning to have a birthday celebration for him on February 27, 2026 at 2:00. Um they were asking people to send birthday wishes in the form of cards, letters, and in our case proclamations. If anyone listening wants his address, it is uh you can send an address uh attention milo at 30 ledge view way rent mass 02093.

Just amazing. What an amazing man and generation. Uh so selectman Harrington, if you don't mind before I open it up to the board for any quick comments, would you read the proclamation that we prepared for Milo into the record?

Yes, Mr. Chair. Whereas Sergeant Armando B Millio Palomari, United States Marine Corps was born on February 27th, 1926 in Boston, Mass. And whereas Milo honorably served his country in the United States Marine Corps during World War II and the war, demonstrating ex extraordinary courage, dedication, and patriotism. And whereas after his military service, Milo settled in Walpole, Mass, where he raised his family and contributed to his community. And whereas Milo is currently a resident of all American assisted living in Rena, Mass, and is recognized as a member of the greatest generation whose service and sacrifice helped preserve freedom at home and abroad. And now therefore be it proclaimed that we do hereby honor Milio for his heroic military service and commend him on the extraordinary milestone of his 100th birthday. And be it further proclamated that this proclamation serves as an expression of our deepest respect, gratitude and best wishes for Milo celebrating 100 years of life, service and legacy. and witness thereof, we have set our hand and caused the seal of the town of Rethm to be affixed here to the 17th day of February, 2026, signed by the Rentham Select Board and the town manager, Michael Kim. You're muted. Chris, you're muted.

Thank you. I You know, it drives me crazy when other people do that, but thank you, Bill. What I was saying is thank you so much for reading that. If the any of the select board members would like to uh just take a quick second and recognize Milo. Uh go ahead and we'll start with select woman Rouse. I think the pro proclamation was beautifully stated. I just want to wish um Milo a happy 100th. May his birthday and every day after be filled with appreciation and knowledge that his life has made such a lasting impact. Well said. Uh, Select Manison. Yeah. First of all, I I would say Sergeant Palm Mary is an American hero. Yes.

I thank him for his service and I wish him a very happy birthday. Excellent. Selectman Harrington. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Yeah, like it's, you know, I couldn't possibly agree with the other select board members. Uh he is one of the greatest generation, one of the few left uh obviously that as as their age moves on, we wish him a happy birthday and hopefully many more birthdays. Agreed. Thank you. And select them. Uh the proclamation and all my peers on the select board have said it all. Um happy birthday. God bless.

Great job. Uh and thank you. Uh, and let's Mike, do we have time before the next, uh, hearing to do tab number eight, which is the unexpected bonds? I I think that should be fairly quick, Mr. Chair. So, uh, folks, let's go to tab number eight in our packets. This is a vote on unexpected bond proceeds. Um, we're very blessed to have with us, as you've already heard, Kathy Nelson, our treasure collector, uh, who knows where to find us if we don't pay our taxes. Um, so in our packets, um, we have this bond, we have this unexpected brawn proceeds. Um, Kathy, do you want to, uh, unmute and and give us a quick summary on what this is and what we're voting on this evening?

And Mike, if if she's not available, do you mind stepping in?

Absolutely. Uh so just as a as a high level overview u so in in the select board packet is a vote to apply unexpended bond premium proceeds from the water meter project and the 2095 West Street land acquisition in the amounts of $240 and $1,457.30 respectively uh to be used towards the payment of debt service. Uh when a project was financed by a debt issuance is complete, uh the select board has the ability to apply the balance to a future debt service payment. Um in the case of community preservation act funds specifically such as 2095 West Street, um an additional vote is required by the community preservation committee as well. Um, you can see in your packet in the minutes of the CPC that they have already voted unanimously to approve this request and an affirmative vote by the select board this evening would allow the finance department to use those bond premium proceeds balances to offset the next bond payments on these debt services.

Thank you, Mike. I'm sorry I stepped out for a second. No. And Kathy, that's that we took you out of order because we we're waiting on a public hearing. So, we apologize for that. Did the town manager do a decent job of uh describing what we're trying to accomplish this evening? Yes, he did. Fantastic. Only since you blessed it will we move forward. Um so select board, you you heard from both Mike King, our town manager, and Kathy Nelson, our treasure collector. I think it speaks for itself. Um so at this time, uh chetain a motion. Where's the motion? Motion's on the next page. Uh so at this time

Mike where is the motion? It's on the next page. It starts with form select board vote. It's in orange.

Is it is it on page 41 of the packet? Vote to return unused. It's on page 40. Okay. So, in page 40, I have um form select board vote from Hankley Allen. Yes. So, you want me to read that? Uh that would be the vote that would have to be read into the record by either yourself or the clerk.

So, it looks like there's two votes though, right? Voted and voted. There is there's there's one vote for the uh the water meter bonds and then the second vote for the CPC 2095 West Street. Okay. So, at this time, chain a motion um for I'm I'm and I'm going to let Selectman Harrington read them separately or at the same separately or or together. Mike, he can read them together. All right. Go ahead, Bill, if you don't mind. Whole

thing before. Sorry. uh town unexpected bond proceeds voted that 20240 of unexpended premium bond remain [clears throat] remaining from the town general obligation water meter bonds dated November 17, 2023 which is the amount net of bond premium applied to pay cost of issuance shall be applied to pay debt service costs on outstanding indebtness of the town pursuant to Section 20 of chapter 44 of the general laws. Second one also. Yes, please.

Voted. $1,457.30 cents of unexpended premium bond remaining from the town's general obligation municipal purpose loan of 2025. bonds dated September 25th, 2025, which is the net amount net of bond premium applied to pay cost of issuance, shall be applied to pay debt service cost on outstanding indebtness to the town pursuant to section 20 of chapter 44 of the general laws. All right, thank you. So moved. Is there a second? Second. All right. So motion made by me, second by Selectman Harrington. Great job reading. Any further discussion? Being none, we'll do a roll call vote. Selectoman Rose,

yes. Selectman Anderson. Anderson, yes. Selectman Harrington, yes. Selectman Lamoth. Lamoth, yes. Gallow, yes. Motion carries. 5-0. Excellent job. Okay. Thank you so much, uh, Kathy. Have a great evening. Thank you.

Uh, at this time, let's go to, um, Maui's Delhi, which is the 6:45 public hearing. Um, so at this time we have an off- premises wine and malt license application. Uh, J&M Delights Incorporated DBA Maui's Deli Shop 304 Shear Street. This is the former Mike Del Mike's Deli uh right next to former Parker's Pub, now AJ's Pub. Um, so uh with us I believe we have uh attorney uh Edward Groork. That's right. And we have with us uh Michael Noriega Solaris. Yes.

Yes. How are you? Welcome, gentlemen. So, give me a second. I just got to open a public hearing. So, at this time, um chain a motion to open the public hearing for the off- premise wine and mold application for G&M Delights DBA Maui's uh liquor uh sorry, Maui's Deli located at 305 Sheer Street. So, moved. Is there a second? Second. Motion made by selectman the moth, second by selectman Anderson. Any further discussion? Being none, we'll do a roll call vote. Selectoman Rouse. Rouse, yes. Selectman Anderson, yes. Selectman Harrington. Harrington, yes. Mammoth. Lamoth, yes.

Yes. Motion carries 50. Um, now select uh chair entertain a motion to wave the reading of the public hearing notice. So moved. Motion made by select Harrington. Is there a second? Second. Second by select the moth. Any further discussion? Being none, move to a roll call vote. Select woman Rouse. Yes. Yes. Selectman Anderson. Yes. Selectman Harrington. Select I think he said yes. Selectman Lamoth. Lamoth. Yes. Gallow. Yes. Motion carries. 5-0. Okay. So, welcome to the meeting. Uh, gentlemen, if you wouldn't mind, could you please give the select board just a highle overview of what we're trying to accomplish this evening?

Yes. Uh, my name is Edward Crook. I'm uh the attorney for uh Miguel Nuriega doing business as Maui's Deli and Shop. My office is located at 24 Spring Street, Pucket. I'm a resident of Adabboro and member of the Massachusetts Bar for 40 plus years. And we're here requesting the approval of an off- premises wine and malt license for 305 Shear Street. Um my client uh Mr. Norrigga has a lot of experience in the food industry having worked at uh the Cheesecake Factory in Providence, the Providence Mall for uh 20 plus years. Uh now he's uh embarking on his own and he's purchased the um the deli and he's rented the space. Um he uh this is the former Michael's Deli and Cafe and Michael's also had a um off- premises license um uh at that location. So um we're requesting approval of the offre off- premises wine and beer license. uh notice has been uh given to the abutas and um we suggest that the uh location is appropriate uh based on the previous tenant and uh it's going to be strictly off premises um and there is a need in this location as there are no similar licenses nearby. Um Mr. Mc um my client expects to be hands-on in the operation of the business. uh he and his wife expect to be there, you know, virtually every day between the two of them. So, asking for your approval and we're willing to answer any questions that you might have.

Great. Thank you for that, Attorney Gro. Uh before I open it up to the board, um as the board knows, [clears throat] a lot of this information is in our packet, the application, um and it wouldn't get to us at this point unless it's already followed the proper chain of command through all the necessary offices in town hall, including inspections, licensing, ABC, uh a board of health, etc., etc. Um my understanding is the aisles of operation per the uh application are 8 to 8. Um, and then it looks like Saturday, that's Monday through Saturday, and then 10 to 8 on Sunday. Um, is that correct?

Correct. Yes, that's right. Oh, that's that's for the alcohol, right? Yes. And then hours of operation for the business are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 PM, seven days a week. Yes, that's correct. That's correct. Mike and and Mike, it's my understanding that both of those hours fall in line with the select board's liquor license policy as well as common victular policies.

The the hours of operation for the alcohol fall within starting at 8 a.m. Monday through Saturday and Sunday at 10 a.m. Um they you know they if they if they're going to be open earlier to serve breakfast um they would not be able to serve alcohol, but they're not pursuing that at this time. So, their application does fit within uh the board's regulations. All right. Fantastic. Uh so, at this time, I'm going to open it up to the board members, gentlemen, to ask in uh any questions that they might have of you, and we'll come back and and and take a vote shortly. So, uh we'll start with Selectoman Rouse.

Thank you. I appreciate it. Um always excited to have new businesses, especially a great deli shop. Um, just to understand, so I'm assuming like a place to order sandwiches and that goes for the early morning and then you'd be able to buy like a six-pack from the the liquor aspect at the store. Is that the intent? Yes, we're going to do it until the hours that the board say. Okay. So, mostly just like deli sandwiches and that kind of food or we have a separate menu for breakfast. We have a menu for breakfast. We have a couple sandwiches. Okay, great. Thank you. Wish you all the best. Thank you for coming this evening. Thank you very much.

And to to select to select woman Rouse's question, is it just w it's just wine and beer? Is that what this is that? Yes. Yeah, just wine and beer. Yes. Yes. So, okay. Great. Uh, Selectman Anderson, any questions? Uh, no questions, Mr. Chair. Great. Uh, Selectman Harrington, any questions? Uh, no. One question. Did you I thought they had a couple of counter seats or you could you could sit and eat a sandwich there. Correct. Back when I was So, but you you can still hang out and have a sandwich, but you can't have a you can't buy beer or wine and drink it there. That's right. We understand that, Mr. Definitely agrees with that.

Yep. Thank you. That's a great question, Bill. Any other questions? Are you good? I'm good. Thank you. Okay. Uh, select Moth. No questions.

All right. Fantastic. So, um, at this time, J see, I always do that. If we get to the public, um, at this time, I would ask if the public, anyone on this call, uh, has any questions or comments. Give it a couple seconds here. Sometimes people a little gunshy. They can't figure out how to do undo mute like I had the issue a couple minutes ago. So, we just like to give everyone a minute. Few more seconds. 3 2 1. Okay. So, at this time, the chair would entertain a motion to close the public hearing for the off- premises Hawai and Malt application for J&M Delights DBA Maui's Deli located at 305 Shar Street. So moved.

Motion made by Select Manison. Is there a second? Second. Second by Selectman Lamoth. Any further discussion? Being none, we'll do a roll call vote. Selectoman Rouse. Rouse. Yes. Selectman Anderson Anderson. Yes. Selectman Harrington. Yes. Selectman Lamoth. Lamoth. Yes. Gallow. Yes. Motion carries. 5-0. Now that that's closed, chair would entertain a motion to approve or deny the off- premise consumption wine and malt application and common victual application for J&M Delights DBA Maui's Delhi located at 305 Shar Street. Motion to approve. Motion made by Motion to approve made by selectman Lamoth. Is there a second?

Second. Second by selectman Anderson. Any further discussion? Being none, we'll do a roll call vote. Selectman Rose. Yes. Anderson. Anderson. Yes. Selectman Harrington. Harrington. Yes. Select Lamoth. Lamoth. Yes. Gallow. Yes. Motion carries 5-0. Congratulations. Welcome to Rentham. We look forward to showing up for either a breakfast sandwich or an afternoon sandwich and select woman Ralph will be buying a six-pack. So, we look forward to that. Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you.

Let us know and listen, hold on before you get off. Let us know how this board can be of assistance to you moving forward. You've got a great neighbor next door. Uh you know, Rentham's a great place to do business. Uh we love supporting our local businesses. So, uh, please keep in touch with us and feel free to reach out to Tom Manager King, uh, in our office anytime for anything we can do to help. Excellent. Thank you very much. Thank you. All right. Have a great night. Thank you. You too. Okay. At this time, we're going to go to tab six and we are very fortunate to get an update from our cultural council with Eileen. Eileen, did I pronounce that correctly? Um, I is the correctation.

Can I can I blame someone else even though it's my fault for misprononunciation? Not no problem at all because the correct German pronunciation is irrig. So that's what most people say. So but I was speaking German then. Exactly.

Correct pronunciation. Well, I just want to say it's great to have you on the uh on this call with us. Uh as you may or may not know from, you know, your interactions in Amanda and Mike reaching out, the board is just trying to talk to all the boards and committees in town. Um that's why we also have the American Legion on uh after you. And we just want to invite, you know, uh, all the boards and committees on from time to time just to say hello, to check in, see what's going on with you, and more importantly, most importantly, to make sure you know that this board's here to support you and to see if there's anything that we could be doing, um, you know, to help. So, uh, welcome to the welcome to the meeting. I'm going to turn it over to you and uh we we uh we ask that you give us a quick update on everything important to you and the organization and let us know how we can be of assistance.

Fabulous. And thank you so much for inviting um me. I think I'm the only representative. There were others that wanted to join but um we're unable. And I I want to apologize. I'm getting messages that I have an unstable connection. So, um, pardon me if if I cut out. Don't worry about it. We got a few members that are unstable. So, that's [laughter] perfect. I'm in good company. There you go. Um, so, do you have the PowerPoint that I um sent ahead of time?

We do. It's in the It's in the packet. Okay. If if we're not going to have her share, then uh could we either have Amanda drive or can the board members just scroll through the packet? mic uh as she's going. Amanda can bring it up on the screen. You want me to share mine too? Yeah. Amanda, if you don't mind, could you could you bring could you share your screen with us and bring up the packet? Yes, I'm bringing it up right now. Thank you so much. Fabulous. Amanda Amanda Vaspapolo, ladies and gentlemen. Couldn't do this without her. Much appreciated. Just give it a second.

Okay, here we go. The floor is yours.

So, yes, I'm speaking as chair. However, um the hope was that Evelyn Zep and Kim Carr could join. um I believe they've been unable to join but they're both been instrumental in putting together um this brief presentation. So you can go to the next slide please Amanda. So quickly I'll just give an overview of the cultural council and our work. Um talk about the uh grant recipients for 2026. um some information about the old Fisk Museum and uh c well recent and upcoming exhibits and then a bit of an update on resource mobilization and some of the projects that we're working on. Next slide please. Um, so the Rentham Cultural Council's existence is is linked to the Massachusetts Cultural Council and they're the ones that essentially provide the structure, guidance, and funding um for us to um grant monies to uh local artists and groups to support um different projects in the community. And so some of the projects that that we support schools, library programs, senior center programs, etc. Next slide. So this is the list of the um recent grant recipients. So um this year we were allocated um about uh $8,300 to administer um to grant recipients. And uh we the process is um such that we

generally receive applications by midocctober. Um the council members review the applications and then at our November meeting we vote on um which applicants we would like to fund for the following year. The recipients are notified in January. Um and this year or this past year we received 32 applications. Um but given our limited resources we um selected 11 uh applicants that we are funding for this next year. Now in addition we are also funding our um next museum exhibit with that um with the funding that we've been allocated. Next slide please. So in in recent years um so the the Oldf Museum is where the Rethm Cultural Council is housed um together with the Rethm Historical Commission. We share share the space and together we um sort of curate and and staff museum exhibits and uh support the general museum operations. Now to make to do that more efficiently in 2024 we kind of informally formed a museum council and so we have representatives from the cultural council, the historical commission and then also um we are currently uh meeting weekly at the museum and kind of going through the backlog of um donations that the museum has received and archiving them and storing them um

in the archive uh room in in the museum. We're also at this time um getting ready to start our new exhibit. Next slide. So, our most recent exhibit um that ran from last June through kind of early or through January of this year um was the Built to Last Stories to Tell, which we um had 140 visitors from five states and they we secured um some donations for about we raised about $400 in donations. And in general the the exhibit was very well received. I next slide please. Now our new exhibit is um focused on local artists and we're trying to attract um work. We're inviting local artists um yeah who live, work, grew up in Rethm or who um has created um art that's related to to Rethm. So it's called Rooted in Rethm celebrating local talent and place and we we have issued a a call for artists. I think that was mentioned at the beginning of the meeting. The exhibit is expected to run from May to December of this year. And um complementing the exhibit will be an outdoor installation by one of the artists um a local artist um that we've funded called Rens of Rentham. So we're

very excited about this next exhibit. Um next slide. Um so then the last thing I want to talk about is resource mobilization. Um so it so we obtain funds from a variety of dis different sources from exhibit donations from the um mass cultural council. We can we use some of the funds to um support activities including the exhibit. Um and this year or last year um the town we supported um the town of RenaM to apply for a cultural mass cultural council cultural facilities fund capital grant um that we're hoping will will be funded um to replace the roof and and roofing systems. Um we're looking so the requirements of the grant are that uh you have um matching 100% matching funds. So to supplement that we are planning to submit a grant to the community preservation committee fund um for the matching funds. So the the total project costs according to the um what is it called the uh the report um that was done based on a grant previously um they're estimating that the roof replacement um is going to cost about 150,000. So, we've put in a request to for the gra capital capital grants fund for 75,000 and then we'll be

looking for a match from from the CPC fund. Um, and then in addition, we also um periodically request and receive um funds from the sweat fund. I believe we currently have a request in for some um archival material materials um that are needed for the archiving project. Eileen, if you don't mind, I just want to ask town manager King a quick question. Mike, is this is a town owned building, correct? It is. Are you involved? Are you working I'm assuming then that your office is working with the cultural council on this project?

Yes. Uh Stephanie Dukat in the town manager's office helped write the grant. Awesome. Great. I'm I figured that was the case but wanted to ask. Excellent. Eileen, please continue. Um that's it. Next slide just is for any other questions folks might have.

Uh I think that's a great presentation. I'll open up to the board members to ask any additional questions and comments. But again, this the whole purpose of this was just to give you some exposure to the select board, let you know that we're here. we're available. Uh we care about your organization and all the great work you do in our community. Um and we thank you. So let us know how we can continue to spread the word, help uh you know, fund raise, whatever it is, um and help you meet your goals.

Much appreciated. And we're very thankful to having a very um collaboration with the town. Uh oh, I think I paused. Um and and yeah, we're hoping that that we can continue um with some of the building improvements, particularly the roof, um which is the building is in um imminent need for replacement. No, understood. So, thanks again. At this time, uh open up to the select board starting with select woman

no questions at this time. Just a big thank you for sharing this information and also all you and your committee's hard work. I I enjoy going to the exhibits, especially the last one. My husband and I found a lot of the stories so fascinating and interesting. So, thank thankful for Thank you for putting that together for all all of the people here as well as the other states of individuals that visited. Great work. Thanks, Select Bonanison. Yeah, Eileen, I just want to thank you for you and your your your team for all you do for the town of Reanm and also just uh I know you guys do a great job. You just keep up the good work. Thank you. We appreciate your support. Selectman Harrington.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. So, Eileen, a couple of years ago or maybe a year and a half ago, the CPC had funded a matching grant for facilities overview. Did the roof project come from that facilities inspection? Yeah. So there was a um systems replacement assessment that was done and so that that uh report from from that assessment is what has informed this um current project. Okay. Thanks.

Okay. Thank you. And my other question um the requests for the funds that you distribute is that can that be from any community or any uh any group or is it just low I see was it there was quite a few alo and whatnot does that come is

yes so so it's usually it's individ it can be individuals groups organizations um and yeah anyone can really put in a a proposal and we have certain kind of criteria and and one of the most important criteria is that the uh residents of Rentham are able to access and benefit from whatever um project they're proposing. So we do we do fund projects in surrounding communities that are easily accessible by um Brentham residents. That's great. And the just the last question, the grant money for the roof, the matching funds, you said you'd know be no by May.

So yes, commitment for the matching funds at the same time or would have to be spent in the same fiscal year. Uh because in the last CPC meeting, they voted that they were only going to be moving projects forward in the fall meeting. Would that would that line up with it or is that

It should line up. So, um apparently, if I remember correctly, um if if we get approval from U Mass Cultural Council, we actually have up to two years to um to uh secure the matching funds. So, we're going we're going to apply this year in the hope that we're going to get it. But, yeah, the the I understand the application process for the CPC funds is at the same time as when we're going to find out from Mass Cultural Council. So, uh, we'll we'll put in the submission sort of assuming that we're going to get approved, but obviously if we don't get approved from Mass Cultural Council, then then it's moot.

Okay. All right. Appreciate it. Thank you for all you do in your board. Uh, I I'm a big supporter of that little building. I think it's it's it adds a lot of value to the town. Yes, it's a real gem. Well said. Slick in the moth. Eileen, thank you for all the good work that you're doing. Um, my question was similar to uh, Selectman Harrington's on abuing towns getting grants, and you answered that with ease. Thank you. I'm I'm good.

All right. So, uh, like I said, there's no, we don't have to take any votes. We just want to say thank you again for all the hard work. Let us know how the board can continue to and the town can continue to partner with you. Please keep in touch and uh have a wonderful evening. Thank you so much. You as well. All right. Bye-bye now. Bye bye.

Okay, moving right along. Next on the list, we have an update uh from Commander Nick Tobachuk of the uh Reanthm American Legion. Commander Tobachuk, uh welcome to our meeting. As we said with the with Eileen and the cultural council, uh this is just an opportunity for you to get in front of our board from time to time, check in, say hello, update us on a lot of the great things you guys are doing over there at the Legion, and uh let us know how we can help you. Um so, with that being said, Commander Tobachuk, welcome to the meeting. The floor is yours.

Thank you for having us. Uh appreciate we can get our message out there. Uh we've had a great year this year so far. Um uh primary goal is taking care of veterans. Uh we planned and executed uh Memorial Day, Flag Day, and Veterans Day. Uh all went off fantastic. Um we're continuing to support all the uh local nonprofits. Uh we have the Lions Club here quite frequently, the Holly Club. Uh we're working with the Boy Scouts and the Cub Scouts. Uh Billy's house. Uh Renam Fires here quite a bit. Um, you know, you guys had your you guys had your uh town breakfast for the employees here. That was that was great. Um, this year we have uh reinstituted uh we're finally getting back on our feet. We've reinstituted uh three scholarships now. We have two at KP and one at Tri County. Um we have done in the past year also we've done our major events. We do a uh a car show uh that's in uh October, but we'll be doing one every month now starting in May. We'll have a monthly car show. Uh we have barbecue competitions. We have three of those this year. One is a national competition. Uh we've done we have a uh next week we have the adult Pinewood Derby. So, if anyone's interested in uh coming down putting in a car to raise money for the Boy Scouts, it's we all know that all their parents have made their cars anyway. So, now the adults are actually doing it. Uh so, that's actually this is the second year we're doing that. That's a little bit of fun. Uh what else have we done? Uh oh, we dedicated the uh the pavilion that was uh dedicated to Eric Hatch and to Clifford Rose. Um, we have a stone from the town has given us a

stone from the old Creek Street Bridge that we brought over and uh we raised in our Phil the helmet drive. We raised 3,500 bucks. So, we have a brass plaque going on it for those two fallen service members. Uh, coming up uh we have um Warrior Field Hockey. They've grown exponentially. They started at 75 people two years ago. They were at a buck 25 last year and they're going to even be bigger this year. So, our fields are getting filled. Uh we have a lot of events. Um we're staying focused and taking care of our veterans, taking care of the town, and taking care of the kids. Um so, we're just going to hope for another good year and we continually upgrade the facilities. So, we're we're getting there. We're getting there. It's a work in progress.

Yeah, it is. And uh you did a big roof project just recently, too. Correct.

Correct. And it it looks it looks gorgeous. I mean, redid the roof, did some work outside. Um, you know, uh, the pavilion like you said. Um, so yeah, we think it's great. I mean, you guys are doing everything we we we think the American Legion should be doing in town and we have a strong legion. Um, you know, Joe Manning did a great job and you've done a fantastic job stepping in his his shoes and taking it even to the next level. And what we want to make sure you know is is like you, we love our veterans and we support our veterans. Um I think you know this, but this board's pretty well known to be uh in full attendance, meaning full board town management team at every single veterans event that we have. Um and oftentimes we play an active role in those events, which we like to do as well. Um, we think it's an important message to for the town's people to see that the highest ranking body in the community as well as the leadership team uh the town manager uh is lock stock and barrel uh with the American Legion and our veterans people. Um so that's something that's very important to this group. So, however we can continue to work with you, Commander Tobachuk, that's the goal here. Um and I I I do I do want to say uh you know uh I'm at the the Legion quite frequently for multiple events. Um, you guys are firing on all cylinders. Um, I want to, you know, just send some congratulations to you and your team. Um, and, you know, with that, turn it over to the other board members to see if anyone has any comments or questions. Um, starting with Select Woman Rouse.

Thank you, Mr. Chair. I think that, um, um, Chair Gallow said it it perfectly. I just want to reiterate and thank you for all the wonderful work that you do for our veterans. And um I'm think I'm looking forward to going to the Holly Club's music bingo that's going to be held in the Legion this month. So another great event. And I just wanted to take a moment um to let uh the community know that our thoughts and prayers are with our military and troops that are overseas and deployed right now in Iran. So I thought that it would be appropriate for us to share that sentiment at this time. Well said. Well said, Seleman Rose. Um Selectman Anderson. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Yeah. Hey, Nick. How you doing? Very good, Jim.

Yeah, good. So, listen, I've been to many events at at the American Legion over the years. You guys always do a a good job there. And um I look forward to to attending more events and I want to thank you and and your your team for everything you do. And I want to thank you for your service. Thanks, sir. Selectman Harrington. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Nick, good to see you. uh thank you for revitalizing the Legion. You've done a you know an amazing job you and your team and uh you know as you know you're well supported by the board. Thanks Bill and Select. Hey Nick, how you doing? Hey bro.

Uh I want to thank you on behalf of the select board but also uh on behalf of the friends of Rentham. you guys just sponsored or allowed us to go in there uh and promote uh Tony Morano scholarship fund. They raised a fair amount of money upwards of $10,000. Uh Tony was the president of the Friends of Rena. So, you know, God bless what you're doing and how the access you're providing the town. Uh it's just a great service to us and I really feel it. You're doing a great job. Thank you.

Thanks, Ry. Uh that's it. That's great. So, like we said, uh Nick, please keep in touch. Let us know how we can continue to partner with you, partner with you. Uh I think you I think it's pretty evident, not just based on these words, but on the actions of this group that uh you know, we're strong supporters of your team and the American Legion as well as our veterans and um yeah, I think everyone said it best. So, continue the great work and we really appreciate it. Thanks, Chris. Appreciate it. Thank you all. Have a great night. You as well.

Okay. Um, moving right along. Uh, at this point, we're going to go to tab number nine. So, board, this is a preliminary preliminary conversation on some town bylaw updates. Um, as you all know, we're constantly looking at our bylaws, uh, looking at our charter, uh, seeing, you know, what edits, changes, additions, deletions need to be made to help uh, made to help the town continue to run effectively and efficiently. enable our town manager Mike King to run the town effectively and efficiently. Um Mike, so there are two uh proposed updates um that we could potentially put on the June town meeting. Could you give us a high level? Now, we're not looking for a vote tonight. This is just for discussion. Uh but could you give us a highlevel uh summary of both of these um amendments, Mike, and then we can open up to the board for discussion.

Of course, Mr. And I'll I'll just preface it by saying, you know, with the June town meeting warrant being open, now is the opportunity if the select board would like to any bylaw updates to to have this discussion um direct me um to draft um any bylaw updates to be included on the town meeting warrant. Um so so the first one that's in your packet this evening uh involves the automatic secret ballot vote for any $2 million capital project. um that can only be suspended by unanimous consent. U so if there is a project that's over $2 million, the moderator has to ask the town meeting body whether they would like to suspend um having a secret ballot during the operation of town meeting. Um if any one individual um would like to have that hold that secret ballot, it would need to be held. Um so it needs to be unanimous consent meeting. everyone has to agree. Um so you know that that creates several um processes in town meeting that can take quite a bit of time um that we would have to stop the proceedings and then proceed to have that secret ballot um which is organized by the town clerk. There there are a couple options to amend that if the select board was interested in doing so. Uh the first would be to instead of making it a unanimous consent to suspend having a secret ballot, it could be a majority vote. Um so the t so the town moderator could say, you know, is there is there any interest in uh suspending a secret ballot and put that to the town meeting body and if there was a majority vote, they could do so rather than just having it be one individual. Um the town could also consider raising the threshold for from $2 million um which would change the the timing for when that is triggered. Um and the third would be to remove the verbiage entirely

um in regards to the secret ballot. This this isn't necessarily common um to see this language in town meeting bylaws. And and I will also note that affecting this language does not affect the ability for any town meeting member um who is present to call for a secret ballot on any article at any time. Um that that is allowed in the operation of town meeting. This just specifically affects when there's a capital project um and not having the necessary ability to opt out without unanimous consent. So Mike, just to reiterate, at any given any any any warrant article at any town meeting, uh a member can uh any resident, any resident voter can propose a secret ballot?

That they can propose to the moderator a secret ballot. Yes. And it's up to the moderator at that point uh to either entertain it or does the moderator immediately have to ask for a vote? and by the discussion with town council, it's for the moderator to entertain. Yeah.

So that was my fir Okay. No, it's good information. That was my first question. My second question is you alluded to this is not necessarily common practice. Just to give the board some reference if you have any, you know, from the surrounding communities or maybe your past your past community, you know, how common is this? Is anyone doing this? Are we the only people doing this? Uh in my experience, this is the only, you know, one I've seen specifically in this instance. Um you know, I had a similar conversation with the town clerk as well. Um for for having a capital vote of a certain threshold automatically triggering a secret ballot. You do see in communities that when maybe there's a contentious issue that someone will move for a secret ballot. That that is common in that instance, but that's usually um it brought on by someone at town meeting. um not necessarily having an opt out. It's usually an opt-in,

right? And we've had that we've had that opportunity a couple times in recent town meetings. Um you know, where I think it was discussed uh well for the DPW, we had to do the opt out, right, to get the unanimous consent for a opt out. Um but I I believe you know even when we were uh uh voting on the MBTA communities there was discussion of would someone ask to do a secret ballot and then how you know what would the moderator do in that instance right is that a fair assessment that's a fair assessment. Um you know going into any town meeting we kind of have that conversation of do we feel like any of these might be moved for a secret ballot and to be prepared for that um at town meeting in case there is.

Okay. So again, purpose of this everybody is just to have some preliminary conversation. No vote needed tonight. Um I think Mike, I'm not going to speak for you, but you're looking just to take a temperature to see if we think we should keep it status quo. Should we discuss, you know, at least the idea of making some kind of an edit to it as you've indicated, uh removing it entirely? Um I I guess we have a lot of latitude here. Uh so we'll start with uh Select Woman Rouse. Do you have any feedback on this? I don't uh have any um any feedback or further questions at this time. Okay. Uh select man.

Yeah, Mr. Chair, through you to to Mike King. Is this a recommendation from the uh town bylaw committee? So, what we would do is if this is something the select board was interested in proposing, we would run it by the the bylaw committee. That would be the next step. Okay. Thank you. Uh, anything else, Jim? That's it. Thank you, Mr. Chair. Okay, no problem. Selectman Harrington, any comments, questions? Uh, no, not at this time, Mr. Chair. I I I have a lot of questions, but not not not tonight. Okay. Yeah, that's fair. Uh, select them off.

Well, personally, I think raising the limit doesn't do anything for us. Um, so I'm I'm of the opinion that majority rule would be the way to go and and that may pass quite easily with the town's people because we're not trying to pull anything over on them. We're just trying to have a majority rule. So maybe that might be more palatable than eliminating or just raising the limit. That's my two cents.

I Yeah, I don't disagree with you. Uh, again, I want to give it some more thought, but my initial reaction is kind of lining up with yours. People get nervous when when you know, and I get it. People get nervous when they hear that you're trying to, you know, take something away potentially, and that's not the intent here at all. Um to your point, I think uh it's it's again to to let the majority decide if you know because to Mike I think Mike gave the example uh or maybe he didn't but uh you know if we have thousand people at a town meeting and 999 think that that's not necessary and crazy Chris Gallow shows up and decides that it is then you know that you know that's not the majority right

um so that's an interesting perspective I I you know initially I I think that's pretty close to where I am. But again, I I say that just to say that I'd like to have more time to think about it as well. Mike, um when should we revisit this? When would we need to decide if we wanted it on a June on the on the uh June meeting? Uh I ideally I'd like to bring this up at the at the next select board meeting and get some guidance. Okay.

So, fellow board members, please give this some serious thought between now and the next meeting and be ready to decide if you want to take this up um and and and and you know uh draft a you have Mike draft a warrant article. All right, Mike. With that being said, what is the second amendment? Uh can you give us a quick overview of that one? Yeah, so this uh this involves dog hearings. Um so with the establishment of the regional animal control um the proposal would be to charge to change the official responsible from her dog hearings from the select board um to the police chief who now oversees animal control operations.

I've only got one thing to say. Heck yeah, baby. Uh you know, respectfully to [laughter] Bill McGrath, who good job not inviting him to this meeting, by the way. Um, respectfully to Chief McGrath, and I I do say this in justest, but doesn't our our ACL, our animal control officer report to Chief McGrath? Correct. He does. Uh, she does. She does.

Yes, she does. So, there's already a chain of command there. Um, you know, I I mean, you know, I I don't Not only do I not like dog hearings, um, I think he's more professionally suited uh for that role than, respectfully, I say that, than this board. Um, you know, I don't I'm just speaking for myself. I don't know what the fellow board members think, but I for one would be in strong support of this amendment. Um, you know, obviously subject to hear my select board members thoughts. So, again, not looking for a vote tonight, just for some discussion. Uh, starting with select woman Rouse. Any feedback on this one? No, no further questions or feedback. It just makes it makes perfect sense.

Okay. Selectman Anderson is your former police chief. What what are your thoughts on this? Yeah, the decision should rest with the uh police chief. There it is from Selectman Anderson. Um Selectman Harrington, any thoughts? I am. Yeah, Mr. Chair, I am all for this as I was uh two or three years ago when I suggested that we might make that change and was uh barked at for making that decision. And I think it's a great idea. Well, I got to give you some some props for using the the bumped uh analogy there. And um you know, gez, I apologize if I was one of the ones barking at you for making that suggestion. What?

You are. Okay. Good. Good. So, anyway, uh I'm glad to hear that you're on board with that. Select the moth. Any issues?

No, I'm I'm with everyone. I think the thing that I might you may want to entertain. I mean, it's it sounded like you have to have three strikes before you can make a a decision. I mean, if it's a a threat on the first strike, could you do something then? I mean, that that just I I'm trying to see where I read that, but if that's the case, Michael, when you go through this, it might be worth letting them have the power over that as well. I hate thinking, you know, a real threat they have to wait for three strikes. Yeah. May I add, please go ahead.

Uh, back we had we've all I don't know if it was all of us or uh which board it was on that we had some hearings regarding these and the town's attorney there's two different choices. the town attorney provides that documentation to the to the board of which direction to go in and the uh the penalties are ultimately pretty similar. Um so I think it would be good if you had a copy of that to read it and uh when they if they add verbiage to it, it would be at the chief's discretion. That's where I'm that's where I'm going. Yeah.

Uh Select Manison, did you want to say something? No, no, I'm good.

That was me. Uh Chris, u speak a little bit since I'm quasi the resident animal control officer uh hearing people that I've always had to deal with since no one had any dog hearings until I came into town. Um so Roy on their comment, there's nothing that says you cannot act differently on the first strike if the dog bite or issue is severe. There are some things that you can put in on the first strike, but it usually will go through the process to make sure there's other things done before the worst case scenario happens. So, it's not always like you have to wait for the third dog bite or the third instance for something um severe to ch to happen.

Okay. Thank you. I can talk more offline about it if you want.

Thank you, Greg. Appreciate that. Doesn't he look like the guy from Dealer No Deal? Howie Mandel? A little bit. A little bit. I don't know. That's just me. Okay. So, uh those are the two amendments that we're thinking about. Um please give it some thoughtboard and let's be ready to have a you know conversation uh next meeting to see if we want to uh move forward with both either uh one none. All right. So, at this time, uh, we're going to go to town manager review tab number 10. Okay. So, [clears throat] um, as you know, uh, over the past month, um, we've spent a lot of time, as you know, and as we should, uh, doing evaluations for Town Manager King. Um, we have a process that went out. Um, Amanda sent us all of our past evaluations at Town Manager King. She sent us the evaluation form. We were all given plenty of time to fill it out, uh, tabulate it, and then make comments. Um, everyone did that. We really appreciate everyone's hard work and attention to that matter. Um, Amanda then tabulated the comments, uh, sorry, tabulated the scores into the summary summary tabulation, uh, that I believe, uh, sent to all of us. Um and then selectwoman Rouse and I being the chair and vice chair sat with town [clears throat] manager King uh I believe it was last week um to go over the uh evaluations the summary um read a lot of the comments to him um and uh got to a point where we're at tonight to bring it before the full board um as there is a vote. Um, so, uh, I would just like, if it's okay, I would just like to read something that, um, uh, Amanda and I put together. Um, I I just think it it's important for us to do so. Then I I'll give everyone an opportunity to make any comments, uh, that they want. So, uh,

just give me a second here, but Mr. King joined the town of Retham as a finance director, treasurer, collector in June of 2021 and was appointed town manager in March 2025. Uh, to create Mr. King's evaluation. The Rentham Select Board completed comprehensive performance evaluations. Chair Gallow and Vice Chair Rouse reviewed the individual subi uh submitts with Mr. King. The evaluation focused on 10 key categories related to day-to-day duties of a town manager. These categories included individual characteristic, professional skills and status, relationships with elected members of the governing body, policy execution, reporting, citizen relation as staffing, supervision, fiscal management, and community. Mr. King ranked highly in all these areas along with many achieving a unanimous uh uh uh sorry, Mr. King ranked highly in all of these areas with many achieving a unanimous perfect score of five. Mike's strongest grades were in individual characteristics, community relations, and fiscal management with the remaining categories close behind. Mike's highlights are on his work ethic, intelligent intelligence, his ability to lead and empower subordinates while building a positive work environment with strong morale. Mr. King continues to ex uh exercise fiscal sound judgment, ensuring responsible stewardship of public funds while maintaining alignment with the select board strategic goals and initiatives. His strong grasp of government policy combined with solid professional instincts allows him to navigate complex issues effectively and confidently. He maintains a consistent and transparent approach by providing accurate information, detailed financial analysis, and thoughtful explanations to support his decision-making. His

leadership is marked by active listening, a calm and steady demeanor, and clear and consistent messaging. Overall, he is a strong and effective leader with deep knowledge of municipal administration and public policy. Tabulating the total scores from Jim Roy, Bill, Michelle, and myself, it averaged to a score of 4.88, which translates to a performance evaluation far above average and exceeds expectations. We congratulate Mr. King on his outstanding performance and thank him for his dedication to the town. So, Mike, I think I I summed it up as best as I could there. Um although no one's perfect, you're knocking it out of the park. You're firing on all cylinders. Uh and this board and our our town, our 11,000 residents, our employees are lucky to have you. Um with that being said, I'll open it up to the other board members for any comments, starting with Select Woman Rose.

Mr. Chair, I think you you summarized that beautifully. I would just say ditto and that we are very fortunate to have you here as our town manager and thank you for the work that you've done this past year. Looking forward to years ahead. Um thank you Michelle. Uh selectman Anderson. Hey good job Mike and keep up the good work. Selectman Harrington.

Yeah. Thank you Mr. Chair. a great explanation of you know the process to the town of how we came up with the answers that we came up with and it's you know it's a testament to Mike's hard work and his dedication to the residents the town the town members the town employees and the select board thank you for all you do thank you uh uh Bill uh uh select moth

Michael congratulations great job you've been a pleasure working with me, helping me get up to speed. Uh, I'm just glad that Bill's there with you right now to help guide you out of the room. I'm not sure you'll be able to make it on your own. Um, but thank you again. Good job. Does that Roy? Is that because his head's too big? That's it. Exactly. [laughter] Going to have to pin him a little bit. All right. Understood. Understood. Um, for us less intelligent people like myself, I had to make sure I understood what Roy was saying. So, Mike, great job overall. Do you have anything to say to us?

I I just want to say I appreciate the time that everybody put into completing the reviews and evaluation and to um the select board chair and vice chair for sitting down with me and walking me through it. Um and that I just, you know, generally speaking, I appreciate the support that the select board has given me and the direction um so that I can perform my job effectively. So, thank you.

Keep up the good work, Mike. Uh town's doing a lot of great things. We're firing on all cylinders and uh Rethm is is is strong, but we're even heading in an even better direction. So, uh excited to be on this board. Um okay, the next thing in the agenda is the public comment section. Uh so, 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. We ask you to uh uh put your camera on as well so we can see you if possible. Uh at the start of the comment, a timer will be sent via message from Amanda Vazipolo. Uh it should be visible on the top of the screen. An alarm will chime when time is up. So go ahead, residents, anyone that wants to say anything, go right ahead.

Mr. Chairman, uh yeah, after public comment, there's just the uh the motion to approve my review. Oh. Oh my gosh. Yeah, we that's important. [laughter] Let's So, let's get through public comment, Mike, and then I'll go back. Thank you. Give it 10 seconds. 10 98765 4321. Okay. I I apologize. At this time, let's go back to Mike's review. And at this time, the chair would entertain a motion to actually approve the town manager's review as presented. So moved. Second.

Motion made motion made by selectman Anderson, second by selectman. Any further discussions? Being none, do a roll call vote. Selectman Anderson, yes. Selectman Harrington, yes. Selectman, moth, yes. Gallow, yes. Motion carries 5-0. Congratulations. Uh, now I'll turn it back over to you, town manager king, for your town manager report. [clears throat]

Thank you, Mr. Chairman. I have uh several updates for the the board this evening. Uh, I'm going to begin with uh Red Dan improvements. Um so the the town has submitted permit applications for improvements to Red Dam uh which retains Lake Pearl. Um proposed work includes clearing vegetation and trees, regrading the dam crests, enhancing rip wrap along slopes and channels. Also repairing concrete and replacing railings. The town received a state grant last fiscal year to support planing and permitting efforts for the red dam improvements and town meeting has already approved funding for the construction aspect. um which represents the next phase of this important project.

You should tell them which one red dam is but not the one that went for and as select selectman Harrington was just referencing I will clarify that um red dam is not Eagle Dam which there had been previous conversations regarding in 2023 which is a lowhazard dam that's in the vicinity of Red Dam. Thank you.

I I have an update on 2095 West Street. Um the town is officially closed on 2095 West Street. Um next steps include the demolition of some derelik storage buildings um by the DPW and the reporting of a conservation restriction on the property. Uh the Department of Conservation and Recreation, DCR, has indicated that a spring filing for the conservation restriction um is likely um which will result in funding contributions of $500,000 from DCR and $650,000 from the Pucket Water Supply Board. Uh I have a positive update on a grant um re receipt. Uh the police department has been awarded a $124,000 state grant to implement bodywn cameras. Uh this was one of the first initiatives assigned to Lieutenant Eden by Chief McGrath. Um since then, Lieutenant Eden has completed grant writing courses and will continue seeking additional state and federal funding to support the department's ongoing needs. Uh these and our public safety resources and and end are appreciated. Um like to update the board that fire union negotiations um have commenced um with the rent from fire union. Um those collective bargaining negotiations um will result hopefully in an article for the June 1st town meeting which will be pending a tenative agreement that is executed by the select board. My last update is in regard to the recent winter storm. Um, so we have been receiving great feedback from residents following the historic 22-inch snowfall during winter storm Hernando on February 22nd and 23rd. And I would like to recognize our DPW team. Um, our crews worked tirelessly to keep roads clear in the community safe. Um, many residents shared that Retham's road conditions stood out compared to other communities in the area. Um the team also did an

excellent job during this downtown snow removal operation on February 25th ensuring safe access for businesses and residents in our downtown area. Um just wanted to thank our DPW staff for their professionalism, dedication, and continued commitment to serving Renam. Thank you, Mr. Chair.

Mr. King, [clears throat] couple follow-up items regarding the DPW. Um couldn't agree with you more. I've seen it firsthand. I do a lot of driving for my work. Uh, and I've heard from a lot of residents as well, both in our community that live in our community, um, and or work in our community and live elsewhere. And, uh, our our DPW and, um, you know, uh, uh, other, uh, subcontractors have done a fantastic job in our roads. Um, you know, uh, uh, under in crazy extreme conditions. Um, and uh I think we should uh I think you and I have had a quick conversation about this, but I think we should talk to uh director uh Antonyoli um and we should do some sort of formal proclamation uh at one of our next uh in-person meetings for the DPW uh to show them how appreciative we are.

I think that's a great idea, Mr. Chairman, and we can get that um going. Thank you.

That's the first thing. The second thing is please let uh Lieutenant Eaton know how proud of him this board is. Lieutenant Eaton's a great individual, amazing police officer um and has I've heard just done a great job stepping into his role as lieutenant um and you know grant writer now as well. So please relay that. And I actually want to apologize to Amanda Vazipolo as we were going over um you know your evaluation. I was remiss to uh you know tell my fellow board members what an integral part Amanda played in that whole process. Uh Michelle can attest to this as well. If it wasn't for Amanda, those evaluations never would have gotten to us. They would never have been received back. The tabulation never would have happened. Um she never would have given me and Michelle the information that we needed to conduct the in-person evaluation. Mike, uh so Amanda Vazipol, I hope you're still listening. Um, thank you very much. We couldn't have done it without you.

Thank you. I appreciate it. You're welcome. Keep up the good work. Um, so Mike, that's what I had. Board members, do you have anything else for Tom Manager King on his on his town manager report? No. Okay. Seeing none, turn it over to Jim Anderson. Yeah. Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, it's it's my great pleasure tonight to uh make a motion to adjurnn. Okay. Motion made by select Madison, second by selectoman Rouse. Any further discussion? Being none, do roll call vote. Select woman Rouse. Rouse, yes. [clears throat] Anderson, yes. Harington, yes. Lamoth, mob, yes.

Gallow, yes. Motion carries 5-0. Great job, everybody. And hey, hope to see everybody at uh Thursday night's town sponsored candidate forum at the library 7 o'clock. See you there. Thank you. Bye-bye. Bye.