Select Board Notes Dec 7, 2021

 COVID-19 Municipal Protocol, Concerns
 

• BoH collaboration meeting had positive feedback and there is a desire for additional meetings.
• Opening of the town buildings will be put off due to the new variant.
• Appreciation expressed for the BoH efforts to strengthen communication and working together among different groups in town.
• There was a recommendation to set up a committee that would have a rep from certain sections in town to work on a consistent strategy for COVID planning including building openings.
• Office relocation
  • Robyn received a quote for office partitions.
  • There are technology issues having offices in different buildings.
  •  Hilma say there is a need to move as soon as possible.
  • There were some computer issues last week that effected the assessor’s office in Jacobs Road.

Hilltown Youth Recovery Theatre

• Have a reviewed lease from town council with several comments needing review. Moved to executive session for discussion.
• Next step is to give back to Hilltown Theater

 
FY2023 Budget Planning Discussion

• There is a tremendous amount of time put into budget planning and Robyn would like to see more efficiency  in the process and a more proactive approach from the Finance Committee.
• FinComm will bring their ideas for Budget Planning to the Select Board. One effort will be to get departments to submit their budget requests io Hilma in a timely manner.
• Would like to have the budget set two weeks before Town Meeting to give resident time to review.
• Want to have dedicated budget discussions on the Select Board off weeks.
• Hilma has a budget calendar to track when things get done. There will be a planning meeting at the next Select Board meeting. Heads up to be sent to departments to start thinking about their budget.

 
Broadband Docusign--voted to approve an MLP (broadband)  invoice for $24,399.88 for Westford Gas & Electric for service drops.
 
Energy Advisory Committee

• New member appointee approved – Ed Whittiker. He has good background for the committee.
• Still waiting on Rise Engineering for a proposal. This is a big issue for moving forward.
• Carson Ovitt indicated that some of Rise’s engineering specs are challenging.

 
Propane Tank Installation

• Community Hall
  • Verified that town owns the propane tank(s) at Community Hall.
  • Town will need to add a larger propane tank for mini splits and relocate what is currently at Community Hall. Otherwise, we would have to pay for disposal.
• Jacobs Road
  • Hilma has quotes from Osterman and George Propane, and waiting on Sandri.
  • Reviewed quotes for either 1 or 2 tanks for 2000 gallons, either above ground or inground with installation and initial fill up fee.
  • Select Board voted to accept the Osterman lease proposal pending KP Law review

Route 8A Bridge – Letter to state government agencies still being worked
 
Generator at Jacobs Road

• Electrician installed the conduit.
• Highway department excavated for the form and the cement pad was poured by Grace Concrete.

Fire Dept

• Nick Anzuoni and Hilma completed work on a grant for $1500 to purchase new safety equipment.
• Lost some turnout gear due to rodent damage and mold.

HWY Dept Called Out to Clear a Tree on 8A

• Working to clear the tree, a limb dislodged damaging a side window of the backhoe and a lever.
• Jeff Johnston was hit in the leg by the limb, which he said it is just a bruise.

CARES Act
Hilma submitted the final COVID relief  report, no additional money is available.
 
Tax Classification Hearing
Select Board needs to set either a single or multiple tax rate.

Axon/Cannabis Update

• Axon wants additional street numbers, Ken Gilbert to assist.
• Community Outreach meeting was reported to be attended by 14 people.
• Each farmer is starting applications to the Planning Board for special permits and have submitted their required applications to the state.

I. Executive Session  
For deliberation and strategy for entering a long-term lease of space at the 18 Jacobs Road municipal building with Hilltown Youth Recovery Theatre
II. 7:30 p.m. Executive Session  
For deliberation and strategy in New Cingular Wireless PCS, LLC d/b/a AT&T Mobility v. Town of Heath, Town of Heath Planning Board