2025-10-20 Selectboard Minutes

Selectboard Members Present: Brian Snell, Chair; Alan Genovese, Vice-Chair; Keith Ross, Clerk
Others Present: David Young, Town Coordinator; Diana Noble

1. Call To Order – Brian Snell called the meeting to order at 6:05pm
2. Appearances
   • Ross MOVED to approve the updated Warwick Police polices effective October 1, 2025. Genovese seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
3. Chapter 268 Section 20C and 20D Ethics disclosures or exemptions – None. Snell mentioned he would leave the meeting for the discussion of the Assistant Town Coordinator position.
4. Minutes of previous meeting – postponed to the next meeting
5. Citizens’ concerns and suggestions for future agenda items – None
6. Discussions and reports
   1. Town Coordinator Report: 
      1. The Town Hall fire alarm is old and the Verizon telephone line is failing. David is looking at alternatives including adding a cell phone dialer, Verizon has been unable to fix the ongoing (but intermittent) problem. Brian Snell will update Fire Chief Joe Larson. Keith Ross mentioned a conversation with a representative of Hawley (Hussain?) who also is having troubles with Verizon.
      2. CHARTER SPECTRUM’s failure to serve all despite assurances and marketing claims. – not discussed
      3. Chapter 70 aid for schools / formula regional meetings – The state is holding listening sessions on reconfiguring Chapter 70, the funding formula for schools. Next session is November 6 at Greenfield High School. Attendance is encouraged.
      4. Gale Rd Bridge Abutments – David is working on a filing to take the next step in repairing the Gale Road bridge.
   2. Selectboard Reports
      1. Snell asked to set the hours for Halloween celebration/trick or treating. There is a program for kids at the Town Hall.
         • Snell MOVED to approve set the trick or treating hours for Friday 10/31/25 from 4:30pm-8pm. Ross seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
      2. Snell reported on the school-wide hike up Mt Grace known as Mountain Day. Police supported and the Fire Department brought a truck to the top of the mountain and did a presentation.
      3. Snell reports that flags are down for the winter and some will need to be replaced. David asked for list of what is needed so replacements can be ordered.
      4. Snell noted that the school has been very clean thanks to current staff including Olivier Flagollet and Coco King.
7. Actions
   1. Fall Special Town Meeting – A Fall Special Town Meeting is not needed for the Six Town project. Genovese and the Six Town Board is trying to get permission to vote by ballot, possibly along with spring elections.
   2. Freitag Conservation Restriction minor amendment – The language is being changed from 5 cords per acre, with no time limit, to 5 cords per year. Ross MOVED to approve the minor amendment presented. Genovese seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
   3. Assistant Town Coordinator Appointment – Snell recused himself and left the room.
      • Ross MOVED to appoint Diana Noble to the temporary position of Assistant Town Coordinator. Genovese seconded. Ross, Aye and Genovese, Aye.
      • After discussion, compensation to be 10% lower than the Coordinator. David Young to work toward fewer hours (20 per week) with the Assistant working 12 hours per week.
   4. Town Coordinator search next steps – Genovese recommended formatting changes to the Town Coordinator draft position description.
   5. ZBA Appointments (one reg and two alternate positions are open) – Possible interested citizens discussed. David continues to recruit potential Zoning Board of Appeals members. The Selectboard is responsible for appointments. Keith Ross prefers to get some background on potential members. Board is a three member board plus two alternates.
   6. Highway Commission requests – A bid has gone out for a heavy truck. Bid opening is 10/29/25.
8. Approval of administrative actions taken – none
9. Items unanticipated at time of posting – A report on the condition of the First Parish Church discussed briefly. The Capital Planning group recommends a separate committee to oversee that building.
10. Items for future meetings and meeting schedule: Next meeting Monday November 3 Then 11/17; 12/1/25
    • Snell noted that the need for a Town Secretary is ongoing and should be added to the next agenda.

Adjourn – Genovese MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 6:45pm. Ross seconded. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully Submitted by Diana Noble