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Raynham Select Board 07/08/2025
(Episode Description is AI generated and may be errors in accuracy)
In a meeting filled with significant decisions and emotional moments, the Raynham Select Board tackles pressing community challenges while recognizing extraordinary local service.
The highlight of the evening came when the Board dedicated the 2024 Annual Town Report to Reverend James Tilbe, whose 34-year tenure as pastor of First Congregational Church represents just one facet of his community involvement. His decades of service as a firefighter/EMT, disaster response volunteer at events including 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina, and ongoing work with the Cemetery Commission exemplify the quiet dedication that builds strong communities. The Fire Chief put it simply: "There's nobody better than Jim Tilbe."
School funding dominated much of the discussion as Superintendent Ryan Powers painted a sobering picture of the challenges facing Bridgewater-Raynham schools after a failed override vote. Despite the school committee approving additional funding, the district still faces eliminating dozens of teaching positions and potentially increasing class sizes to 30+ students. The Board responded by scheduling a Special Town Meeting for August 5th to address immediate operating budget needs while also supporting an independent financial review aimed at identifying potential operational efficiencies.
The meeting balanced these weighty matters with routine government business including board appointments, budget transfers, and community announcements about upcoming events like the summer concert series. The evening concluded with the announcement of Executive Assistant Deborah Dooney's retirement after 16 years, marking the end of an era as she follows her predecessor who served 45 years in the same role.
Want to make your voice heard on these critical community issues? Mark your calendar for the Special Town Meeting on August 5th at Raynham Middle School or attend the next regular Select Board meeting on July 22nd.
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Welcome. I'm calling the meeting to order of the Rainham Select Board at 7 o'clock pm on Tuesday, july 8, 2025, here in Veterans Memorial Town Hall at 558 South Main Street in Rainham. This meeting is open to the public. It is also being broadcast live by RACAM on the Rainham Channel website and on Comcast Channel 98 and Verizon Channel 34. It is also being recorded by Ray Cam for replay on the Rainham Channel.
Speaker 1:Please join us for the Pledge of Allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands one nation under God, indivisible liberty and justice for all. Thank you, thank you. It's nice to see a good crowd here this evening. Under GOD, indivisible LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL. Thank YOU, thank YOU. It's NICE TO SEE A GOOD CROWD HERE THIS EVENING. Our NEXT AGENDA ITEM IS THE ACCEPTANCE OF THE MINUTES OF OUR REGULAR MEETING OF JUNE 24TH 2025. Do WE HAVE A MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES AS PRINTED? So MOVED. Second Second Motion is made and seconded. Do we have any discussion? Any corrections? Hearing none. All in favor, any opposed? So voted. Next we have Department.
Speaker 2:Head Reports with our Police Chief Chief, david Plant. Good evening, chief, good evening.
Speaker 3:GOOD EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING. Good EVENING.
Speaker 1:GOOD EVENING, good ARREST.
Speaker 3:AND SEVERAL CRIMINAL SUMMONS. We FORTUNATELY HAD NO SIGNIFICANT INCIDENTS BUT WE DID HAVE SOME COMMUNITY SERVICE STUFF. On JUNE 11TH, members OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT, along WITH THOSE FROM THE FIRE DEPARTMENT, MET WITH RESIDENTS AT THE PINE HILL ESTATES FOR AN INFORMATIONAL SESSION all the officers for their participation and the firefighters. So lieutenant Jeff Crandall from the police department, detective Leahy and patrolman Nicholas Poulin attended. On June 13th, sam McHale graduated from the Randolph Police Academy. He's currently in the FTO program and he's expected to finish that around August 27th.
Speaker 3:On June 15th, the Rainham Police Department participated in Stoneforge Restaurant's touch-a-truck. I want to thank Patrolman Nick Poulin and Heather Carey for volunteering for the event. On June 21st, sergeant Joshua O'Brien and Patrolman Pullen volunteered their time at Walmart on Broadway to help raise money for Boston Children's Hospital. The event raised over $1,000. I want to thank both of them for volunteering their time. Patrollman TYLER PATROWITZ AND HAD A CAREER PARTICIPATED IN A TOUCH TRUCK AND ICE CREAM FUNDRAISER AT WALMART ON PARAMOUNT DRIVE BENEFIT IN BOSTON CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL, which RAISED OVER $500. And I'D LIKE TO THANK BOTH OF THEM FOR VOLUNTEERING THEIR TIME. We HAVE ONE OFFICER THAT'S IOWA D.
Speaker 2:TH. Thank you, chief. We love to see that community involvement. Any questions? Comments? Mr Pacheco, no questions and congratulations. To kill up exactly, pronounce it yes, sam, yeah, congratulations to him, and I know you said there's no significant events but 2200 calls. You guys are certainly busy and it's awesome to see you guys still involved in the community even when you get that much of a workload.
Speaker 1:Thank you, thank you thank you and not be members of the department. Everything you do thank you all right next for appointments.
Speaker 1:We have a constable reappointment of in daily. This is a reappointment and the chief has signed off on this. We have a motion to the second any discussion hearing. None all in favor, any opposed. She is so voted. Next we have cultural council appointments. This would be three-year appointments through June 30th 2028 and we have two letters from Kim Mahoney, who is the ring him cultural council chair. She is nominating Marianne Nichols Hubbard. Experience with community programs he has previously been involved with the cultural council and the vast MARIANNA'S EXPERIENCE WITH COMMUNITY PROGRAMS. She HAS PREVIOUSLY BEEN INVOLVED WITH THE CULTURAL COUNCIL AND HAS A VAST BACKGROUND IN THE ARTS. And ALSO KATRINA FISHER. Katrina HAS EXPERIENCE WITH COMMUNITY PROGRAMS FOR STUDYING IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND IS VERY INVOLVED WITH OTHER SCHOOL VOLUNTEER. Pro of the Green and Cultural Council chair. Motion to give a second Any discussion Hearing. None all in favor, any opposed. It is so voted. We have no public hearings scheduled this evening. Completion of old or continuing business. Do you have any, mr Pacheco? I do not, mr Collins.
Speaker 1:I do not. That brings us up to new business in. The highlight of tonight's event, our annual report dedication to Reverend James Tillby. Mr QUALMERS, that BRINGS US UP TO NEW BUSINESS. And THE HIGHLIGHT OF TONIGHT'S EVENT, our ANNUAL REPORT DEDICATION TO REVEREND JAMES TILBY. And WE HAVE COPIES OF THE ANNUAL TOWN REPORT HERE. We ACTUALLY HAVE MANY SIGNED COPIES HERE FOR YOU, reverend. But IF YOU WOULD ALLOW ME JUST TO READ THIS no-transcript, with horrendous, tragic situations Growing up in East Hampton, massachusetts, jim realized by the time he was in middle school that a career in the ministry was what he wanted.
Speaker 1:After earning a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Massachusetts in 1981 and a Master of Divinity degree from Andover Newton Theological School in 1984, he was ordained as a Protestant minister in the United Church of Christ at his home church, the East Hampton Congregational Church, in 1984. Jim served as pastor of the Russell Community Church in Russell, massachusetts, from 1984 to 1991. It was during this time in Russell that Jim became a volunteer firefighter and emergency medical technician. When he and his wife Nancy heard that the First Congregational Church in Rainham was looking for a pastor, the couple scouted out the community and decided that Rainham, with its excellent school system, was where they wanted to make their home with their two young children, tim and Emily. Fortunately, the church leaders also decided in 1991 that Jim was just the perfect choice for pastor of the First Congregational Church of Rainham. Thirty-four years later, jim continues in that position today and is an unofficial historian for the town. He served as a call firefighter EMT for Rainham Fire and Rescue from 1991 to 2021. During that time, he also served as the department chaplain and he continues to serve in that role today. Jim also served as the chief chaplain of the Massachusetts Corps of Fire Chaplains from 2009 through 2022. He served as a chaplain at Ground Zero in New York City for a short time following the terror attacks of September 11, 2001.
Speaker 1:Jim volunteered for disaster response with the American Red Cross for 10 years. During that time, he was deployed to a number of events, including Hurricane Katrina, the Joplin Tornado, superstorm Sandy and the Boston Marathon bombing. One of the most respected members of our community, jim served for many years on the Rainham Library Board of Trustees. In 2015, he was elected to serve as a member of the town's cemetery commission and he continues to serve the community in that position today. Married in 1981, jim and Nancy enjoy spending time with family, including their two children, dr Timothy tilby, phd, who is married to Derek clandestine, and Emily Hartford, who is married to Christopher Hartford, and, of course, their five-year-old grandchild, who I believe is in the audience here. Lillian Hartford, for his outstanding service to the town of rainham and to the rainham community and for his unwavering commitment to helping others. The board of selectmen is honored to dedicate the 2024 annual town report to reverend james a tilby. James A Tilby.
Speaker 4:Mr Pacheco, do you have anything to add? Yeah, it's tough to add much beyond that I've known.
Speaker 4:Jim for a long time and I think that really did a fine job describing who Jim is as a person a person most importantly, secondarily the contributions that he made to the community.
Speaker 4:But from the first day I met Jim I found him to be warm, engaging, kind, sincere and appreciative of everything that he was able to be a part of, and one or two of those qualities I think are good for somebody to have, but for somebody to embody, all of those I think speaks to the type of person Jim is. I'm grateful that I've had the chance to know Jim, to serve with Jim as a trustee in the library for a long time, and I think rain him is lucky to have had him for as long as we have and hopefully for many more years and a host of different roles. We're looking for a tree one, but I just, you know, want to say congratulations to you, jim. Thank you, nancy, thank you for lending him to us, because what people I think sometimes lose focus on is when we take these types of roles. It's a lot of time out of the house and away from our family and friends, and Jim certainly contributed a lot, so you've indirectly contributed a lot to us. So thank you well said thanks, jim.
Speaker 2:I you'd mentioned it earlier. He's a dedicated member of the community, so much more you legitimately. I feel like you're everywhere in part of the community, all different facets. I personally benefited from your guidance and a couple you know incidents when I was working with the police department and two of them were in the middle of night at 3 am. You can hesitate to come out. It's things like that that a lot of people don't greatly, greatly appreciative of your work and we're incredibly lucky to have you in town. Thank you very much.
Speaker 1:I certainly echo that. Thank you so much for everything, really appreciate it, and I'm so happy to see members of the fire department here with us because obviously you've dedicated so much time and service to the fire department. Chief, do you want to say anything, chief, our fire chief is with us.
Speaker 5:Everywhere I go, my wife Kim and I always say, whether it's graduations or sermons, whatever it may be, I always say that there's nobody better than Jim Tilley. There's always the theme of Kim and I. I've been lucky to live for a very long time, so thank you.
Speaker 1:Very well said, thank you, and we have signed copies here for you, one of you probably need one. Oh my goodness, oh my goodness, no worries, I think oh yeah, do you want to say anything? Sure.
Speaker 9:Just open up.
Speaker 6:You know how dangerous it is to let the preacher say it from the microphone.
Speaker 8:I will keep it short. I wanted to say that the first time I visited the town of Raynham, I came to be interviewed with the search committee from the First Congregational Church and actually Linda King was on that committee back well, we don't want to talk about how long ago and I found out at that interview that I was the first candidate to be interviewed, which is ordinarily the kiss of death. And so I thought, okay, well, that was fun, move on to there. And then, oh, there was a second interview, and then some of those people came to Russell to hear me preach and next thing, you know, I was preaching here and called to be the pastor, and 34 years I'm still here preaching away. And so I just want to express my appreciation to the select board, to the town of Rainham, to the people of Rainham for this honor. I'm deeply honored by this and grateful.
Speaker 8:If I could turn back. You know the time, the age and maybe a few health issues. I would keep doing this for another 30, 40 years, but unfortunately that will not be. Another 30 short minutes, but unfortunately that will not be. But it has been an honor for me to serve the church, to serve the fire department in the town of Rainham, which is the best group of firefighters in the world, and I have talked with a lot of firefighters around and my work with the library and with the cemetery commission. All of this has really been a joy to me.
Speaker 1:So I'm you're saying thank you to me and I'm saying thank you so much for the opportunity thank you and I think, as you pointed out before to, our cemeteries are among the best anywhere also, and that goes for our cemetery commission and cemetery employees absolutely.
Speaker 8:You know, as a pastor, I visit a lot of cemeteries to do funerals. Ours are by far the best that I've seen.
Speaker 1:Great town and you're part of it. We appreciate that. I think the chief wants to take a photo.
Speaker 8:Sure.
Speaker 1:And we have these for you. You want to come?
Speaker 4:up with a brand book? No no.
Speaker 1:All right? No, he doesn't want to. She's shy. Why don't I come up? Here you want to come up in there. Come up in there, that's OK.
Speaker 9:Ok, it's OK. Maybe it's OK, we'll take that over. It's OK.
Speaker 8:Thank you?
Speaker 1:yes, well, we brought them on the cemetery, so we'll hang it around let's not rush it.
Speaker 4:I don't think so. I think we're going to need a box at the church thank you and thank you, members of the fire department for coming in as well. Congratulations.
Speaker 1:Okay, continuing with our agenda. Next on the new business, we have discussion of certified post-election budget by Bridgewater Rainham Regional School District, and Superintendent Ryan Powers is here with us, as well as our school committee chair Rachel King. Thank you both for joining us. Do we want? Just Ryan? Would you come up to the podium and maybe give us a little brief where we are at this point? Sure good evening.
Speaker 9:Thank you so much for inviting me here tonight to kind of provide a quick overview. Um, as you know, the school committee uh did vote to approve a 98 million dollar plus budget, uh, which was, uh, an additional, uh roughly two million dollars over, uh, what was originally approved by both towns. So we're certainly, you know, thankful that the school committee did add additional funding. As you know, a level services budget for us would have been a roughly a hundred and two million dollars. So certainly that does mean that, even though with additional funding, we still are going to be reducing good services and in personnel. So just to kind of provide a quick overview of where we're at with that and how we're trying to kind of close that, that shortfall, even with the additional funding, we have had 20 teachers put in for retirement for next year or really at the end of this year but not coming back next year. We're looking at not filling 12 of those 20 right now. Certainly could be more of those 12 for be from Rainham, for be from Bridgewater and for at the high school when we look at positions that we are potentially going to lose without the overall. As you know, I've shared this information with you before. Just to kind of recap, we're looking at 13 positions from the Bridgewater, rainham K to 8. So roughly we're looking at, you know, three positions on the Rainham side K to 3, losing three positions middle school 5 to 8 will be down, five positions Bridgewater, four positions K to 3 and four positions K-3, and four positions 5-8.
Speaker 9:One of the challenges that we're having right now obviously is enrollment. All of our class size predictions are made on current students rolling up. As I shared with the board and obviously with the community going through this process, we have seen an increased enrollment every single year, plus students when we ask central registration. Today, in terms of new registrations, we've had a hundred and fourteen new families, 114 new students begin the registration process. They're in the process right now of also going through the withdrawals. So it may not be a true plus 114, but certainly what we're trending and tracking in the same trajectory that we've had the last couple years and I do anticipate that we always typically see anywhere from 30 to 50 new registrations over the summer. So I do anticipate that hundred and fourteen number to go up, obviously as we're bringing more students in and reducing our staff.
Speaker 9:You can imagine, as I've shared with you in the past and with the IN AND REDUCING OUR STAFF, you CAN IMAGINE, as I'VE SHARED WITH YOU IN THE PAST AND WITH THE COMMUNITY, that CLASS SIZE IS GOING TO BE HIGH IN ADDITION, looking AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL. Our HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL IS GOING TO UNFORTUNATELY BEAR THE BRUNT OF THIS SIGNIFICANTLY WE'RE GOING TO BE DOWN APPROXIM. And then, as you know I've shared, we've reduced positions district-wide from facilities, our secretarial positions, some of our support positions, our proctor positions and obviously administration as well, had to make the difficult decision. We had an elementary principal here in Rainham resign to take a promotional position in another district. So Ms Deb Westell, the principal of Merrill, will actually be the principal of both buildings, merrill and La Liberty, for next year and we're obviously shifting a central office staff member over to help with administrative duties over there. But again, we had to look at all areas of the district. Including administration Concerns me obviously.
Speaker 9:I know that's not an ideal plan going forward but it's one that is fiscally responsible. But I am concerned because we're down, as you know, an assistant principal on the Rainham side of the elementary level from last year when we've already been down 24. With this additional funding obviously our shortfall has been reduced. We are hopeful that as school committee reviews and takes action on some items such as increasing fees we just had a budget sub last night they'll be recommending some of those fee increases at the next school committee meeting. Looking at some of our savings from health insurance, from negotiations that we may be able to bring back. We may not lose all these positions, but one of the unknowns right now is for us is obviously operating under the 112th budget. That's something that we're operating under the for the foreseeable future. Obviously I know both towns are are considering moving forward with action on the budget that was sent to them. As you know, you have 45 days to take action and you know, looked at, looking at the timeline, I'm hopeful that'll that'll happen. But all that does you know we can.
Speaker 9:We have to really proceed very cautiously. We know there are some positions that we will have to bring back and that we plan to bring back regardless, and so we've started to post for some of those positions. Really, in the student services, special education area, we posted very few classroom positions again until we know for sure what's going to happen with the budget while we're operating under the 112th because, as you know or don't. Obviously a 112th budget is, you know, a significant reduction, and in what our proposed budget would be, it's essentially taking last year's budget and dividing it by 12. There are some other small nuances to it. Just for discussion purposes that's the easiest way. But the number that they give us also factors in capital and debt, and so that number really is reflective of operating costs, capital and debt that we're supposed to operate our budget upon, and so until we, you know, really have that ironed out, we won't a hundred percent know how many staff members will be able to bring back.
Speaker 9:The other moving target for us right now is unemployment. We have 57 employees on unemployment. Obviously, we anticipated that. As you know, we issued approximately 100 non-renewal layoff notices, so we're not surprised to have 57. Obviously, about half of those individuals have not filed for unemployment. They either found employment elsewhere or some just were kind of holding out hope. But our human resources department is working as diligent as possible. As soon as we're able to offer a position back to somebody, they are reaching out to unemployment to notify them so that the benefits will come to an end. But we knew going into this summer that we were going to have these unemployment costs and we predicted, looking at the number, we could be about $600,000 in change, depending on how many individuals took unemployment. So any type of savings or any additional funds right now are really going to unemployment costs. And then obviously all of our expenses are on hold because of the 112 budget. But we are hopeful that as unemployment goes down and the towns approve their budget, we come off the 112 budget, that we will be able to bring back some of these positions.
Speaker 9:I certainly don't think that we're going to be able to bring back all our two main priorities right now and you've heard me speak about this and BACK ALL OUR TWO MAIN PRIORITIES RIGHT NOW AND YOU'VE HEARD ME SPEAK ABOUT THIS AND YOU'VE GOTTEN OUTREACH FROM THE COMMUNITY. I KNOW IS SPECIAL EDUCATION. We WANT TO MAKE SURE ALL OUR PROGRAMS ARE UP AND RUNNING AND COMPLIANT AND ALSO THAT THEY'RE PROVIDING HIGH QUALITY, targeted INSTRUCTION TO OUR STUDENTS. And THEN CLASS S say that high school offerings are any less important than elementary offerings or middle school offerings. But we really do need to take a closer look at class size. We knew, obviously with a failed override, that class sizes were going to be high, middle school, high school 30 plus and elementary high 20s and even with, you know, these additional dollars, we're still going to see some of those predicted high class sizes.
Speaker 9:The only thing that may hope help us is enrollment. Obviously, if you know we're having more withdrawals and we are new registrations, then you know enrollment may fluctuate. It doesn't look like at this time that kindergarten may be as high going into next year as it was this year. But again, we always see those summer summer registration, so it's it's hard to really know. But kindergarten numbers just by default, maybe on the lower side next year, even without adding additional staff, which, which is a bonus, and then obviously we could reallocate some of those positions to some of the other grade levels. It's not ideal. These, unfortunately, are the consequences of a failed override. Certainly never advocating for 30, 35 students in a classroom, but this is you CERTAINLY NEVER ADVOCATING FOR 30, 35 STUDENTS IN A CLASSROOM. But THIS IS THE SITUATION WE FIND OURSELVES IN UNFORTUNATELY.
Speaker 1:THANK YOU, mr POWELL. Questions COMMENTS. Mr PACHECO, superintendent.
Speaker 4:THANK YOU FOR COMING AND I APPRECIATE YOU GETTING INTO SOME DEPTH. You ACTUALLY ADDRESSED A. I do have a couple additional questions, though. The one thing and again this is not new, I've said it to you before that continues to be concerning to me and I think frustrating for me, if I'm being honest, is the uncertainty around where these cuts are going to be and what positions are being restored. We still don't know.
Speaker 4:The only information we received from the district that said reduction in staff 20 plus. That's very loose. I'm not a mathematician, but I know when you do the plus minus it gives you the wiggle room to go wherever you want. Retirement's not filled 12 plus. And then the third piece, and it's probably the most concerning to me you're only projecting to start the school year in compliance for special ed, and so what I'm looking for is some more definitive information and, if you can't provide that tonight, a timeline as to when you actually anticipate being able to provide that. Because, candidly, I think we need answers, because when we get information from folks asking for information, we're left not being able to answer anything. And when other departments come to us asking for budget increases, we have the firm information. And WHEN OTHER DEPARTMENTS COME TO US ASKING FOR BUDGET INCREASES. We HAVE THE FIRM INFORMATION AND THAT'S SOMETHING THAT WE REALLY HAVEN'T HAD IN A LOT OF AREAS HERE, AND WE NEED.
Speaker 9:WELL, I CAN CERTAINLY GET YOU THAT INFORMATION. Mr PACHICO, all OF THAT IS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE. We've PRESENTED SEVERAL what happened, what grade levels, what positions, and we've also shown, if the override were to pass, where we would add positions. So those that information is readily available, but certainly happy to send it over to you for it's available under the post election option. I didn't see that. No, not on the post election option.
Speaker 4:That's what we're talking about, because that's what we have for right exactly.
Speaker 9:But in terms of where those cuts are going to be the ones I just outlined for you it's all reflective in the post-election option based on the failed override. We're not going to be able to bring back many more positions than really what I just reviewed with you. I'm happy to give you greater detail as to where they're going to be, but, as I've said, it really is about enrollment, it's about unemployment and it's about special education. I CAN'T TELL YOU EXACTLY WHERE THE NUMBERS ARE GOING TO BE, so THERE IS GOING TO BE SOME FLEXIBILITY THERE, because I WILL HAVE TO MAKE THOSE DIFFICULT DECISIONS IF KINDERGARTEN STARTS TO CONTINUE TO TREND LOWERERENT GRADE LEVEL BUT I CAN GIVE YOU GREATER DETAILS IF THAT'S WHAT YOU'RE REQUESTING.
Speaker 4:YEAH, no, I WOULD APPRECIATE THAT. And AGAIN, I DON'T NEED IT TONIGHT, and WE DON'T NEED IT TOMORROW, and THAT'S WHY I SA.
Speaker 9:Yeah, I would say I can do my best to get that to you by the end of the week.
Speaker 1:Great, thank you, mr Collins, I have no questions, Mr Powers.
Speaker 1:I'm sure it's a moving target too, because there's so many questions there. But I do want to thank you, mr Powers, for coming in, for all your efforts through this new school committee. I know it's been a difficult time. You're doing what you have to do and we'll do what we have to do as, and WE'RE GOING TO DO WHAT WE HAVE TO DO AS WELL. I HAVE TO SAY THOUGH IT IS FRUSTRATING WHEN YOU HEAR THE GOVERNOR CONGRATULATING YOURSELF THAT NOW WE HAVE FREE TUITION AT JUNIOR COLLEGES. That's WONDERFUL IF WE'RE FULLY FUNDING K THROUGH 12. I MEAN, I THINK WE NEED TO HAVE OUR PRIORITIES IN ORDER, and THEN ALONG THOSE LINES. Ms RILEY, just OBVIOUSLY RECENTLY, you've SEEN IN THE NEWS ABOUT THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT WITHHOLDING SOME EDUCATIONAL FUNDING.
Speaker 9:You KNOW WE'VE BEEN TOLD RIGHT NOW SOME OF OUR FEDERAL GRANTS NOT TO ANTICIPATE ANY TIME SOON. Title I CERTAINLY SHOULD BE RELEASED IN A TIMELY FASHION, as IT TYPICALLY IS. But OUR OTHER GRANTS THAT WE RELY HEAVILY ON TITLES 2, 3, and 4, those ARE GRANTS THAT WE'RE UNFORTUNATELY NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO RELY ON RIGHT NOW, and THEY HAVE HELPED IN THE PAST F OR SUPPLIES OF MATERIALS, so THAT ALSO COULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON IT AS WELL.
Speaker 1:AND I DON'T KNOW IF WE CAN HAVE A DISCUSSION WITH OUR LEGISLATORS OR WHAT HAVE YOU BUT IT JUST SEEMS TO ME IT'S SO DIFFICULT FOR YOU TO PLAN SPECIAL EDUCATION, especially IF YOU HAVE A CHILD OR A YOUNG ADULT WHO NEEDS needs a residential placement. To me that should be funded 100% under the health budget for the state of Massachusetts rather than through a school district, because it is a health issue at that point and it's a huge cost. Obviously, that child needs that setting and should have that setting. But to take it from a school-based budget can be devastating. So again, thank you. Sure, of course, I know you'll do the best that you can. Thank you, mrs. From A SCHOOL, best BUDGET CAN BE DEVASTATING. So AGAIN, thank YOU AND I KNOW YOU'LL DO THE BEST THAT YOU CAN THANK.
Speaker 9:YOU.
Speaker 8:MS KEANE, DO YOU HAVE ANYTHING?
Speaker 1:YOU'D LIKE TO ADD.
Speaker 6:THANK YOU, good EVENING. I JUST WANT TO REITERATE WHAT MR POWERS HAS STATED. We DID HAVE A BUDGET MEETING LAST NIGHT TO TRY AND stated we did have a budget meeting last night to try and talk through what the timeline is, looking at what this impact will be. We went over all of the ways that we can try and mitigate things as well by looking at all of our fees athletic fees, all of the club fees, etc. So we looked at those last evening. We've also hired a third party which we are speaking with and they're looking at all of our vendor contracts, waste management, try and go through all those where we can cut costs as well. So we're trying to do things on our end.
Speaker 6:But as far as and I know, mr you know, mr Pacheco would like a little bit more specificity as to what teachers exactly are going to be called back and where are those going to be. Where will the cuts be? Where will the callbacks be? It is in flux and we're trying to be as specific as we can and he can try and nail that down a little more. But it really comes down to what teachers are going to leave, what teachers are going to want to come back. I I have students at the middle in high school and I know so many have already gone to other districts. So we don't know what the salary schedule will be because we don't know who will be able to call back, so that's going to be ON TO OTHER DISTRICTS. So WE DON'T KNOW WHAT THE SALARY SCHEDULE WILL BE, because WE DON'T KNOW WHO WILL BE ABLE TO CALL BACK.
Speaker 6:So THAT'S GOING TO BE UP IN THE AIR AS WELL AS THE STUDENTS MOVING IN AND OUT OF THE DISTRICT IF WE GET ANY RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENTS OR SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS THERE IS SUCH A VARIETY OF THINGS THAT WE HAVE will try and give as much specifics as we can, but until we nail down all of that it's very difficult to say because we don't want to say, well, we definitely are going to have a Rainham kindergarten teacher and then, if we need that somewhere else, we don't want to be putting information out and then and saying, no, that was wrong. So try and bear with us as we look at that and I know mr powers will work on that as well and we really appreciate the two towns. We LOOK AT THAT AND I KNOW MR POWERS WILL WORK ON THAT AS WELL AND WE REALLY APPRECIATE THE TWO TOWNS WORKING WITH US. I KNOW THIS IS GOING TO BE A RUSH FOR BOTH TOWNS RIGHT NOW, so WE'RE OPEN AND AVAILABLE IF YOU HAVE QUESTIONS OR NEED MORE INFORMATION. So.
Speaker 1:THANK YOU. Thank YOU, ms KING. Any QUESTIONS? No, thank YOU, m. Thank you, and moving then on our agenda here.
Speaker 1:Next we have discussion and vote on independent operational and financial review of Bridgewater-Rainham School District as supported by Bridgewater Town Council. We received correspondence from Mr Johnny Loretty, the council president in Bridgewater, explaining that he's putting forth a resolution and letter in front of the town council. Johnny LORETTI, the COUNCIL PRESIDENT IN BRITWATER, explaining THAT HE'S PUTTING FORTH A RESOLUTION AND LETTER IN FRONT OF THE TOWN COUNCIL. He DID THIS AT THEIR SPECIAL MEETING, I BELIEVE, on JUNE 30TH FOR CONSIDERATION. If WE DECIDE TO MOVE FORWARD, he SAYS, I BELIEVE IT WOULD BE USEF UNITED IN THIS REQUEST FOR AN INDEPENDENT FINANCIAL REVIEW BY A CONSULTING FIRM. This ISN'T AN AUDIT BUT INSTEAD IS A REVIEW OF SCHOOL OPERATIONS AND EFFICIENCIES.
Speaker 1:Brookline CONDUCTED A REVIEW IN THE SPRING WHICH IDENTIFIED DOLLARS AND INEFFICATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THEM AND TO ADVOCATE FOR THE. And THEN HE INCLUDED THIS RESOLUTION THAT I BELIEVE THEY HAD THEIR FIRST LEADING ON AND BASICALLY AGAIN, it's TO ASK THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, in PARTNERSHIP, to LOOK INTO HAVING THIS INDEPENDENT THIRD PARTY REVIEW. I DID SPEAK TO MR LORETTI AND HE WOULD APPRECIATE IF WE COULD SEND A LETTER, a SIMILAR LETTER AND RESOLUTION TO THE SCHOOL COMMITTEE, again AS PART OF A PARTNERSHIP WORKING FORWARD. Mr PACHECO, do YOU HAVE ANY INPUT?
Speaker 4:I DO. Thank YOU, ma'am CHAIR. I SUPPORT THIS, but I JUST WANT TO BE CLEAR. Folks like council already were that there's no implication here or belief at all that there's anything nefarious going on, that there's any Misappropriation of funds or anything of the kind, and I want to make sure we put that out there.
Speaker 4:Because that is not the direction that I understand this is going in. So for anybody to insinuate or imply otherwise would be incorrect, and that's why I want to be very clear on that. But I think this is a good practice. Both towns, by the same margin, which I found unique rejected the overrides and I'm not going to speculate anyways as to why it may have failed. But one of the themes that I did see in both communities was the desire for additional information and an outside I don't want to say a fresh set, but an outside set of eyes on it. And I would also say we do this in Rainham.
Speaker 4:So a few years ago, outside of our general government audit every year, one department each year is delved into deeper. It started with the police department and they look at operational efficiencies and they look at more of the nuanced operations to find efficiencies, find improvements. It's not meant to be any way shape or form disciplinary or to imply that there's anything that going on that shouldn't be going on. But if there's opportunities for government to do better, to operate more efficiently, to operate more effectively, I think we should take that opportunity and so I would support it for those reasons. Sure, more EFFICIENTLY TO OPERATE MORE EFFECTIVELY. I.
Speaker 1:THINK WE SHOULD TAKE THAT OPPORTUNITY, and SO I WOULD SUPPORT IT FOR THOSE REASONS. Sure, and AS MR LIROTTI SAID, if IT'S JUST FOUND THAT YOU KNOW, there AREN'T ANY AREAS FOR ADDITIONAL COST SAVINGS, and THAT IS SOMETHING TO TELL TAXPAYERS no-transcript discussion.
Speaker 1:Any opposed. It is so voted all right. Next on our agenda we have discussion and vote, a special town meeting date and warrant. We do need to have two weeks to schedule a special town meeting. A special town meeting is what we obviously would need to allocate those funds that the school district needs for the revised budget.
Speaker 1:And I have checked with our town REVISED BUDGET AND I HAVE CHECKED WITH OUR TOWN MODERATOR AND HE WOULD BE AVAILABLE IF WE WERE TO LOOK AT TUESDAY, august 5TH. That IS WITHIN THE TIME FRAME OF WHEN WE NEED TO ACT, and THIS, basically, is ONE ARTICLE. It WOULD BE THE RAYNING MIDDLE SCHOOL, tuesday, the 5TH DAY OF AUGUST, and A 7 O' Tuesday, the fifth day of August, and a seven o'clock, our usual town meeting time. It would be one article that would say to see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the additional sum of one hundred fifty eight thousand three hundred forty one dollars required to fully fund the assessed share of the Bridgewater, rain and Regional School District operating budget for fiscal year 2026 and thereby approve the district's operating budget for the year or take any action relative thereto. I think that number is less than what was said we would need to come up with, because we had already moved some items, some funds from capital items into the operating budget.
Speaker 10:That's why it isn't a large amount. That is correct.
Speaker 1:SO THIS WOULD GIVE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, the SCHOOL COMMITTEE, the FULL AMOUNT THAT THEY NEED FROM US FOR THE OPERATING BUDGET.
Speaker 10:IT GIVES THE FULL AMOUNT FOR THE OPERATING BUDGET, it DOES NOT GIVE THE FULL AMOUNT FOR THE CAPITAL. However, that WOULD BE SOMETHING, we WOULD LOOK AT ADDRESSING IN THE FALL.
Speaker 4:WHICH I THINK IT'S IMPORTANT TO ME AND, I WOULD PRESUME, IMPORTANT TO MY TWO COLLEAGUES THAT WE GIVE AMPLE NOTICE TO THE COMMUNITY THAT THIS HAS TAKEN PLACE, AND I WILL NOT SUPPORT A RUSHED PROCESS. We HAVE A PROCESS THAT WE'VE ALWAYS ADHERED TO AND FOLLOWED. Whether PEOPLE PAY ATTENTION TO THAT OR NOT IS A DIFFERENT SITUATION BUT THIS IS A PROCESS THAT GIVES PEOPLE AMPLE TIME DURING SUMMER VACATION AND TRAVELS TO PLAN IF THEY WANT TO BE THERE TO VOTE YES OR NO ON THIS TO BE.
Speaker 1:ABLE TO DO. Second that motion and under discussion. Normally we don't have any special time town meetings during the summer and we like to stay away from them, but this is an emergency situation so we definitely need to. So I'm no further discussion. All in favor, any opposed? It is so voted. August 5th everyone put it on your calendar, okay.
Speaker 1:Next we have item application for alteration of premises Beacon Wine and Spirits Inc. 748 New State Highway. We need to set a hearing date. Usually we go for two weeks, which would be our next meeting July 22nd. So moved. Second Motion made and seconded. Any further discussion Hearing none. All in favor, any opposed, so voted. Hearing none, all in favor, any opposed, so voted. We have an application for one day alcohol license, swansea Velo Club, bike race board and colony and I believe we do have a letter from our property recreation department director saying that the Commission has approved this date. Motion has been made and seconded. Any further discussion Hearing none. All in favor, any opposed. It is so voted. Next we have discussion and vote of line item transfers, which also must be approved by the Finance Committee Treasurer, collector expenses, highway expenses and solid waste expenses. Mr Barnes, I'll turn that over to you.
Speaker 10:Treasurer, collector expenses, highway expenses and solid waste expenses yes, in May and June we are able to do light item transfers. It takes both the fincom and the select board have to vote on it, so you have to take it from one budget where there are available monies and move it to another. We had already done a number of these at a recent prior meeting. However, we do have a few more. There will be no. No one no beyond that, because you have until June 15th to make the transfers. So the first transfer is the treasure collector's office. We had already done a transfer, but after further analysis they need more money. This is mainly due to postage issues. The cost of postage keeps going up and we still send out a lot of bills through postage. You want me to just go through each one Sure.
Speaker 1:I think we can put them all together.
Speaker 10:All of the rest of the transfers involve highway and solid waste which is part of one department. Keep in mind. These are more specific in terms of mentioning sub light items, but we have a number of. In all cases they're taking monies from salary wages and moving it over to expenditures. So we have one for 10,000 to go to maintenance and repair building and, again, coming from highway salaries, we have another one, 75,000, from highway salaries to professional technical general account. We have another one, $50,000, from, again, highway salaries to professional technical MPW account, which is a more specific specialized account they use for accounting purposes. We have $8,000, which goes from salary and wages to paint traffic line. And then we have $20,000 that goes toward the solid waste tipping fee, again from salaries and wages, the solid waste tipping fee from, again from salaries and wages, although these are for the salaries and wages of the solid waste division, not not the highway division. And then, finally, we have 10,000 from salaries and wages of the solid waste to professional and technical solid waste.
Speaker 1:Thank you, mr Barnes, and all of these were approved by the.
Speaker 10:FinCom earlier tonight. Thank you, Mr Barnes.
Speaker 1:Motion is made and seconded Any discussion Hearing none all in favor, aye, any opposed, so voted. Discussion Hearing none all in favor, aye, any opposed, so voted. Next we have letter of interest for the Rainham Library Board. Letters of interest for the Rainham Library Board of Trustees. We have four letters Laura Christensen, susan Curran, ellen Fritz and Kelly Hetrick. Good to see such involvement, people willing to get involved. I think we should forward them to the Rainham Library Board of Trustees. Trustees yes, second. Okay, motion made and seconded. So we would forward those to the Rainham library board of trustees for their recommendation. I believe they have two openings. Next we have letter of interest for the associate member of the planning board and again we have four individuals who are interested Matthew andre, paul Bodio, anthony McCauley and Timothy Wells, again looking for a motion to refer these to the planning board.
Speaker 1:So moved second and any further discussion hearing that all in favor. Any opposed so voted and we'll forward those, mr Barnes, to the planning board. Next we have discussion and vote on change order with Doran Whittier for the public safety building project. Do you have any background information for us on this, mr Barnes?
Speaker 10:Yes, the public safety project's been going through a review process involving the Conservation Commission. There have been a number of questions asked by the Conservation Commission that requires further analysis and review beyond what was originally envisioned in the original scope. Originally envisioned in the original scope. So to continue that process we need to engage a sub-consultant of Doran Whittier for additional services and the cost on that is $8,800, which includes the markup for Doran Whittier of 10%. So I'm seeking the board approval so we can continue that, that that review process thank you, mr Barnes.
Speaker 1:any quince questions or comments, mr Pacheco any discussion hearing none all in favor, any Aye, any opposed, so voted. Discussion and vote of fiscal year 2026. Renewal of property and liability insurance and injured on duty 111F insurance through FB Insure. This comes with your recommendation, mr Barnes.
Speaker 10:Yes, yes, obviously. Every year we have to renew our property liability and 111 insurance that's injured on duty and we are looking at a little over a 4% increase, which overall I'm very happy with. Many individuals, myself included, have seen far larger increases. So well, 4%, we would prefer it to be 0% overall. Looking at the where the market is, we got a good deal. I was told by our insurance agent of the number of municipalities that he represents. We got the lowest increase, so I was happy to keep it within that. We had projected an 8%, so getting a 4, you know, is a good thing given where the market is right now.
Speaker 1:Thank you, Mr Barnes.
Speaker 2:Mr Pacheco Motion to approve Any in second.
Speaker 1:Motion is made and seconded Any discussion Hearing. None all in favor, any opposed, so voted. And that brings us to our town administrator's report. Mr Barnes, do you have anything else for us?
Speaker 10:Yes, I have two things. First of all, I received and you each have a copy. I received notice that our long-standing executive assistant, deb Dooney, has decided to retire. She's had worked here for 16 years and has 25 years of municipal service. She's been a highly valued member of the Reingham team and she certainly will be missed. But you know again, she wishes to retire and she has given notice that her last day will be August 4th, although she has indicated she would help in a transitional period. So this is a big change for all. I don't know if you want to have me read part of the letter.
Speaker 1:Do you want to read it, Mr Barnes Sure.
Speaker 10:This is addressed to the Board of Selectmen. Dear Honorable Board and Town Administrator Barnes, after much reflection, contemplation and discussion with family, I have made the decision to tender my notice of retirement as Executive Assistant for the Town of Raynham, effective August 4, 2025. It has been an honor and privilege for me to have served the town of Raynham for the last 16 years and 25 years of municipal service. I am thankful for the opportunities I've had to learn and grow professionally and I will cherish the memories and relationships I have built with the many employees and wonderful residents. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the current will cherish the memories and relationships I have built with the many employees and wonderful residents. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the current and past boards of selectmen and town administrators for support and confidence they put in me. Thank you again for the opportunity to have served the town. Arraign him. I wish you and the town all the best in the future. Sincerely, Deb E Dooney.
Speaker 1:Executive assistant thank you, mr Barnes. Do you have anything else for us?
Speaker 10:we are. Typically, the board does vote whether to fill a position because of when we received this, it didn't quite get on the agenda, but I am moving forward under the assumption that the board would like to fill this. You can confirm that, um, and where we have a proposed job description that we will be sharing with the board. We believe this is a very important position and it would be difficult to not have this position. Oh my goodness. Yes, definitely, it WOULD BE DIFFICULT TO NOT HAVE THIS POSITION.
Speaker 1:OH MY GOODNESS, YES, definitely. It's NOT ON THE AGENDA BUT I WOULD ACCEPT A MOTION TO ACCEPT WITH REGRET.
Speaker 4:NO, ABSOLUTELY. I MEAN DEB'S BEEN, A GREAT ASSET TO THE TOWN AND SAD TO SEE HER GO. But WISH HER WELL AND SHE CERTA. I have no issues. We have to fill this position. There's no redundancy there. There's nobody else to backstop it, so I think that goes without saying and Deb does so many things.
Speaker 1:I think beyond even the job description she hangs banners on the front of the town hall, for example. You know she, she does so many if you, if the cameras look at that artwork over there where the American flag is.
Speaker 10:She made that, she made that and donated that to the town and she deals with, you know, questions, complaints, whatever that comes into our office.
Speaker 1:You know she does so much. And just to think she came in after Barbara Sleazer. She did, she succeeded Barbara Sleazer and Barbara Sleazer was. She did, she succeeded Barbara Sleazer and Barbara Sleazer was there for like decades. So you consider I don't know how many years it goes back that we've had two people in that position.
Speaker 4:Yeah, I mean I think Barbara did like 45 years or so. Yeah, probably I wouldn't doubt it, I know.
Speaker 1:So we're talking about just two people in that position for so so long, and she has so much institutional knowledge that she has accumulated to that we have to definitely keep her on speed dial, because we're going to need her for you know, references and going forward. So definitely to accept that with that, with deep regret, and to authorize the town administrator to move forward any further discussion hearing and all in favor. Any opposed so voted and.
Speaker 10:I have one other item. We received official word I think we may have gotten something through the house as well of an earmark 50,000 for infrastructure and safety improvements. Before we celebrate that, however, I understand the governor may pull back those earmarks depending on the state's budget circumstances. There's a lot of uncertainty right now in terms of federal funding and if it turns out that has a severe enough impact, I understand the governor has the authority to withhold these, these, this earmark, but we are certainly grateful for whatever support the state can provide us.
Speaker 1:Thank you, mr Barnes. It's a letter from Senator Juneau's office and it also mentions a hundred eighty one hundred and thirty eight thousand dollars for technology and safety enhancements in the Bridgewater. We name regional school district, so I hope that is received okay.
Speaker 10:IN THE.
Speaker 1:BRIDGEWARD AREA. Name REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT. So I HOPE THAT.
Speaker 10:IS RECEIVED.
Speaker 1:OKAY, any QUESTIONS FOR MR BARNES? No, so WE MOVE TO SELECTMENT'S REPORT, mr PACHECO.
Speaker 4:I JUST HAVE ONE ITEM. I WAS, I THINK, two WEEKS AGO NOW, able TO ATTEND THE TODD AND ROYDIER CLUB'S ANNUAL, and they gave out a number of scholarships to worthy students, but one of rain hymns also received the highest honor, the Paul Harris fellow, carol Sullivan. Congratulations, carol. In Rotary International they give out the Paul Harris fellows and Carol correct me if I'm wrong, but the clubs have to pay for that award too, right? Yes, so they actually gave her an award that cost a month, so it carries extra significance with it, but it's.
Speaker 4:It's rarely meant to encompass a Rotarian who goes above and beyond in a host of different areas, and so again, congratulations, carolyn was a great event to attend.
Speaker 1:I just want to mention that I had the opportunity to attend the services for our former town clerk, helen Lounsbury, and former historical commission and cemetery commission member Lou Bousquet, and the turnout of people offering their condolences and showing their respect at both events spoke volumes for the legacy that they each leave behind. If we have a consensus, I would like to propose that we include on our agenda for our next meeting a vote to award our Rainham Recognition Award posthumously to each of them. Mrs Lounsbury worked in the town clerk's office from May of 1966 through 2021, for an amazing I'm sorry 2012,. For an amazing total of 46 years, and for 38 of them she was the town clerk. That was through 2012 and if that isn't legendary, I don't know what is.
Speaker 1:And Lou Bousquet, over the course of about 20 years, served as an appointed member of the Historical Commission, the Board and Colony Advisory Committee, the Route 138 zoning study committee, the the open space committee, as an elected member of the cemetery commission and as health inspector in our board of health office, and before any of that, he served as a member of the United States Air Force Certainly an outstanding citizen and worthy of being honored, even if it must be posthumously. Our usual procedure is to vote at one meeting, and then we invite family members to come in at a subsequent meeting if the board is. Our USUAL PROCEDURE IS TO VOTE AT ONE MEETING, and THEN WE INVITE FAMILY MEMBERS TO COME IN AT A SUBSEQUENT MEETING, if.
Speaker 4:THE BOARD IS IN CONSENSUS.
Speaker 1:WE'LL PUT THAT ON THE AGENDA FOR A VOTE NEXT WEEK. On A HAPPY NOTE FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO MAY BE LOOKING FOR SOME GOOD, hometown ENTERTAINMENT DURING Department is holding its summer concert series on Tuesday evenings from July 15th through August 5th. They take place at the Gazebo Park on the Borden Colony from 6 30 to 8 pm. The department also invites the public to enjoy our Massachusetts State Parks for free with the 2025 DCR Park Pass that is available at the Park and Recreation Office. The pass can be signed out for 24 hours and it is valid at dozens of parks across the state, and our Stone Church, our first congregational church, invites the public to its summer concert series. That's on Wednesday evenings beginning at 7 pm, and the first one is this Wednesday, july 9th through Wednesday, august 13th. The concerts are free to the public, but you can help defray the cost by making a free will offering. And lastly, now that the date has been finalized by this board and the Park and Recreation Commission, it is time to start planning for the annual Rainham Community Day celebration. Rave has announced that the first planning meeting will be Monday, july 21st, beginning at 630, right here in the Municipal Meeting Room, and the public is invited to attend. And that concludes Selectman's report Correspondence.
Speaker 1:We have a letter from Joshua Freeman. Mr Freeman is writing to inquire about the possibility of repaving both Mill Street and Route 138 in Rainham, as well as constructing new sidewalks along Route 138 to improve safety and accessibility for residents. I believe we've been doing work on Mill Street and obviously Route 138 is our state and we have done everything except stand on our heads to try to get them to do something. So, as he suggests, we can send another letter to our state senator and state representative and the Department of Public Works and come in with a Massachusetts and anyone else we can think of. As HE SUGGESTS, we CAN SEND ANOTHER LETTER TO OUR STATE SENATOR AND STATE REPRESENTATIVE AND THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS AND COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS AND ANYONE ELSE WE CAN THINK OF AND WE THANK MR FREEMAN FOR HIS LETTER.
Speaker 1:We ALSO HAVE LETTERS FROM SOME BRISTOL-PLEMOUTH TECHNICAL SCHOOL CIVICS CLASS STUD students who have suggestions for us. Taj Kulanges would like to. He's a third year student at Bristol, plymouth and he has concern and interest in an important issue the lack of walkable areas in public outdoor spaces for pedestrian use and enjoyment. And Nevin Bork, who is also a student at Bristol, plymouth. He is concerned about 138 as well, and I love all of this concern about our town and Lily Ferone. Also she is concerned our roads are unsafe for people to drive on and lastly, evan Sullivan, many roads in Rainham that are becoming increasingly more dangerous to travel on as as a result of their damaged state. So I suggest we send a letter to each of these students thanking them for their interest and know that we will diligently try to address the extent that we possibly can. So moved any further discussion, hearing that all in favor, any opposed.
Speaker 7:So very press time and we actually have someone from the press here. Thank you so much for coming. Thank you, dan schumer. Talking several questions first off, could you please repeat the amount of that's going to be on the special town election article?
Speaker 1:yes, it is for one hundred fifty eight thousand three hundred forty one dollars.
Speaker 7:Okay, either way at the town or select board explain, like the different, why there's a difference between that amount and I think it was seven or EXPLAIN, like THE DIFFERENT.
Speaker 10:WHY THERE'S A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THAT AMOUNT.
Speaker 10:AND I THINK IT WAS 714 OR SO, mr BARNES, yes, so WE HAD. We HAD TALKED TO THE SCHOOLS PREVIOUSLY ABOUT WHETHER THEY PREFERRED CERTAIN MONIES. We HAD SET ASIDE IN CAPITAL FOR THE OPERATING, whether THAT WAS A HIGHER PRIORITY. So WE ALREADY HAD in capital for the operating whether that was a higher priority. So we already had a. If you look at what was voted at town meeting, it was significantly higher than the 3% because we included certain capital monies that they said were more of a priority at this time toward the operator. So we've already used, by reallocating the capital, we've already gone a long way toward that number and this is the remaining gap. Okay.
Speaker 7:So the majority of the money was already transferred. It's coming out of your capital account.
Speaker 10:Yes, it was appropriated at town meeting for the operating but had been set aside for the capital. Okay, they still are requesting additional capital beyond we did fund. I believe it was about $280,000 in capital. At this meeting they're expecting another 500 plus, but that will be addressed during the fall town meeting, after we've received free cash and, like every other department, it will go through a process of review, you know so.
Speaker 1:I think the operating budget that we actually approved at annual town meeting. Instead of an increase of 3%, it was like 5.5 percent and now we're coming up with 5.6. Yeah, so now voted.
Speaker 10:We voted a 5.6 percent increase at town meeting. Uh, the presentation showed it as three, but that is not what was voted at town meeting we voted a higher amount than what was in the presentation okay, so, okay.
Speaker 7:So 5.6 percent, uh, higher than the minimum required three percent%, and in that 5.6% is that capital that transferred to operating.
Speaker 10:It was money. Again, when we do a budget we do a projected and we set aside certain monies for certain needs. So every year they ask about the same amount for capital. So we had that already budgeted for capital. But then obviously it became well known that the need, particularly the most immediate need, was for operating. So we offered to allow the schools to use that toward operating and again they agreed to that. They wanted to set aside at the minimum of 280 or so for the capital they thought critical. So that's what we did.
Speaker 10:If the override had been passed, that would have allowed us to transfer that money, the the difference to the, to the capital account. But because it has not, we are likely to have to fund the majority of what is remaining through free cash. But once again it goes through a competitive process where all capital needs are weighed against each other relative to the overall need as determined by the Capital Planning Committee. But that will be a fall process. In order to meet the state's requirement in terms of the operating, we need to vote it within 45 days. The certified number If we vote this 158,341, we will meet the, the number that the schools are seeking for the operating.
Speaker 1:My understanding is the superintendent is fine with that if we wait for capital until the fall third question could you please repeat what if there is going to be a financial review?
Speaker 7:I JUST WANT TO REPEAT IF THERE IS GOING TO BE A FINANCIAL REVIEW OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, what IS THE COST OF THAT PROCESS?
Speaker 1:IT WAS JUST AN ESTIMATE, THE LETTER THAT WE GOT FROM THE COUNCIL PRESIDENT SAID THAT BRAIN TREE.
Speaker 7:BROOKLINE HAD DONE ONE.
Speaker 1:AT THE COST OF $50,000.
Speaker 7:$50,000? Okay, who WOULD BE P? Okay, who would be paying for that? Is it an agreement? Would it be if it were to go forward? Would it be an agreement between the two towns? Is it an agreement between the two towns and district, I guess, or are there new additional meetings that have to happen regarding that decision?
Speaker 1:I don't think that's been addressed.
Speaker 7:Okay. So no one knows as of yet right now if, if it were to go forward, who is paying for what and how, okay, and if the town decides it would pay for at least a portion of that financial review, is that something that would have to go before town meeting?
Speaker 4:I to go before town meeting? I would say yes because it wouldn't be a line item that we have anywhere else in our budget.
Speaker 7:Okay, all right, thank you, thank you very much thank you okay.
Speaker 1:Next we have emergency business. Do you have any, mr Pacheco? I have none. Citizen and community input. Anyone want to address the board? Okay, performance of administrative duties. Just to report that I've reviewed and signed the uranium invoice, town rain, the invoice and payroll warrants for last week dated July 1st and for this week dated July 8th, and with that I'm looking for a motion to adjourn.
Speaker 4:So moved and a second.
Speaker 1:All in favor? Aye, so at 8.06 pm we are adjourned. Thank you all for coming. Stay well, stay safe and we'll see you next time.