TOWN OF GRAFTON GRAFTON MEMORIAL MUNICIPAL CENTER 30 PROVIDENCE ROAD

GRAFTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01519 (508) 839-5335 ext 1100  FAX (508) 839-4602 www.grafton-ma.gov

SELECT BOARD MEETING AGENDA March 16, 2021 7:00 p.m. Meeting Zoom Conference Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83049468390?pwd=TkpDUWZKb0FDY0ladldYWVdVaW9uQT09 Passcode: 187460 Phone: 301-715-8592 Webinar ID: 830 4946 8390 Passcode: 187460 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/ktu2VTCup

Notice to meeting attendees:

A copy of the Grafton PUBLIC MEETING REMOTE PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES is attached to this agenda for reference. Please review the guidelines prior to joining the remote public meeting.

The Board will be holding a Public Comment section in the meeting. This section is limited to items not on the agenda. If you have something you would like heard during Public Comment, please use the Raise hand function of the webinar. The Chairman will recognize you and bring you into the meeting as a panelist. Once completed, the resident will be returned to participant status.

General Correspondence to the Board will be included in the Select Board Meeting packet. All correspondence received by noon on Friday will be included. Anything received after the deadline will be included in the next meeting packet.

If a participant has a question pertaining to an agenda item, they may ask a question by using the Raise Hand function of the webinar. The participant will be called on by the Board and then temporarily brought in as a panelist by the host to ask their question. Following the Q&A, the resident will be returned to participant status.

CALL TO ORDER

ANNOUNCEMENTS

PUBLIC COMMENTS

March 16, 2021 Agenda Select Board

1. SCHEDULE a.) Grafton Energy Choice b.) Fire Chief Search Committee c.) Recreation Commission – 2021 Parking Fees

2. RESIGNATIONS

a.) Agricultural Commission – Carl Parisi

b.) Zoning Board of Appeals – Carl Parisi

c.) Economic Development Commission – Morgan King

d.) Election Workers

3. APPOINTMENTS/SELECT BOARD

a.) PEG Access Coordinator

4. APPOINTMENTS/TOWN ADMINISTRATOR

a.) Internal Transfer – Larry Zwicker

b.) Part-Time Public Safety Dispatcher – Scott P. Baldracchi

5. NEW BUSINESS

a.) Citation

b.) Open Space and Recreation Plan

c.) Amend List of Special Municipal Employees

6. SELECT BOARD REPORTS / TA REPORTS

SELECT BOARD

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR • Budget Update • Bonding Update

March 16, 2021 Agenda Select Board

7. CORRESPONDENCE

8. DISCUSSION a.) Recycling Committee Charge

b.) Economic Development Commission Updates and Review Current Charge

9. MEETING MINUTES

a.) March 2, 2021

b.) March 9, 2021

10. ON GOING TASKS – FOR REVIEW AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES a.) Library Building Project b.) Upton Street RFP c.) Millbury Street Sidewalk Grant

ADJOURN

Complete Select Board Meeting Packet is available end of business on Friday at: https://www.grafton-ma.gov/select- board/pages/select-board-meeting-packets

March 16, 2021 Agenda Select Board

TOWN OF GRAFTON GRAFTON MEMORIAL MUNICIPAL CENTER 30 PROVIDENCE ROAD GRAFTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01519 (508) 839-5335 FAX (508) 839-4602

PUBLIC MEETING REMOTE PARTICIPATION GUIDELINES

March 24, 2020

Pursuant to Governor Baker’s March 12, 2020 Order Suspending Certain Provisions of the Open Meeting Law, G.L. c. 30A, §18, and the Governor’s March 15, 2020 Order imposing strict limitations on the number of people that may gather in one place, the various Boards and Committees representing the Town of Grafton will conduct their public meetings and hearings via remote participation. No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted.

In Advance of Meetings: • All non-emergency items are still required to be properly posted at least 48 hours in advance of the meeting. This is still done by contacting the Clerk’s Office. • All members should receive the same documents for the meeting electronically • Supporting documents should be posted on the Town website and be available for members of the public. • For meetings with public participation, encourage written public comments.

Essential Components for Remote Meetings: • Access to participate for a quorum of committee members at the time of the meeting. • Ability to take minutes which accurately reflect the meeting and the votes taken. • Ability to record meeting for playback (this is not required under the order, but is preferred) • Ability to allow for real-time public participation/comments (this is not required under the order, but is preferred) • Meetings with public hearings must provide access for third party participation to all members of the committee.

Identifying the Proper Medium to Conduct Meetings: While we are suspending the use of Municipal Center Conference Rooms and the local broadcasting equipment, there are alternatives for Boards and Committees to consider. Below are a few options available to Committees. There may be alternatives that members are more comfortable using which will be permitted so long as the essential components for all meetings are met through use of that medium. • Executive Town of Grafton Zoom Account with Webinar Functions – this account was purchased by the Town Administrator’s Office and has a webinar function for hosting meetings that require public participation/third party access for participation. This method is currently the preferred method and should be used by Boards and Committees that have hearings and require third party participation through public comments or from

applicants seeking permits. (includes but is not limited to: Select Board, Planning Board, ZBA, CPC, School Committee, Conservation Commission) ▪ At this time, the Town only has one executive host account with a webinar feature. If you wish to use the executive zoom account with webinar feature, you may need to schedule meetings at different times/days than your board typically meets to ensure no conflict with other meetings. • Standard/Free Zoom Accounts – Anyone can access a free zoom account with up to 100 participants for a maximum 40-minute meeting. This function will allow for Boards and Committees to record their meetings for future playback and the ability to share screens. Please note that there are several systems available that offer similar abilities and any of them can be used for this purpose. (ex. Google Meet, Skype for Business, Microsoft Teams, etc.) • Free Conference Call Line- For Boards and Committees that typically do not have recorded meetings and require little third-party interaction, the free conference call line is an option. This option does not have a record feature so accurate minute taking is critical. • Local Cable Access- Currently, the town is not allowing for local cable access broadcast through the conference rooms in the Municipal Center. However, to the extent possible, local cable will be used if it is accessible and safe for staff, committee members, and members of the public.

Use of Zoom for Remote Access to Public Meetings Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (“Zoom”) can be used for remote conferencing services to allow for remote access to public meetings. Access numbers and web addresses will be provided as part of each meeting’s agenda posted to the town calendar on the homepage of Grafton’s website, www.grafton-ma.gov.

Meetings can be accessed from your personal computer, cellphone and/or telephone. It is anticipated that most Board and Committee meetings will continue to be broadcasted by Grafton Access Television through Zoom’s “Record” feature.

Protocols for Remote Public Meetings Using the Webinar Feature • All participants entering the meeting via a personal computer (“computer participants”) are required to rename themselves with their official first and last name. • Computer participants are encouraged to click on the “Participants” feature in Zoom to view all participants and to view/use the “Q&A” function to pose questions on the bottom of the screen. • Computer participants may “Pin” to a particular video screen. o It is recommended to “Pin” to the staff member associated with the committee, or in the case where there is no staff member, to the Chairperson. This can be done by right clicking over the three (3) dots symbol in the top right corner of the staff/Chair’s video screen. • The Chair or present support staff should adhere to the script provided as an attachment to this document for the purpose of properly recognizing members and providing information to the public. (This script is a draft/guide and should be tailored to your needs) • The Chairman will identify him or herself. • The Chairman will conduct a roll call of the Board.

• The Chairman will call the meeting to order. • All participants (excluding Board members) will be muted throughout the meeting and must use the Q&A function. • All participants are required to include their name and address when using the chat feature to pose a question through the Chairperson. • All documents displayed throughout the meeting will be controlled by the present staff member or Chairperson. o Only computer participants will be able to view documents. • If and when the Chairman allows for public comments/questions, it will be conducted in the following sequence: 1. The Chairman will read public comments/questions received in advance of the meeting followed by real-time Board and/or applicant responses. 2. The Chairman will read real-time comments/questions typed by computer participants in the “Q&A” feature followed by real-time Board and/or applicant responses. ▪ Computer participants must click on “Q&A” to enter their comment/question. ▪ The staff or Chair will address the question live to the Board. It will be discussed and then marked “answered” by the staff or Chair. 3. The Chairman will ask if any other participants accessing the meeting have comments/questions. • Board members needing to be recused at any point during the course of a meeting will be placed in a virtual “Waiting Room” by the staff person or Chairperson.

Directions to access meetings will be posted on agendas for the public when available. 1a) GRAFTON ENERGY CHOICE Representatives from Peregrine will be in attendance to discuss Grafton’s Energy Aggregation Contract. This contract is up for renewal in the Fall.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to delegate/not delegate to the Town Administrator the authority to enter into an energy aggregation contract.

1b) FIRE CHIEF SEARCH COMMITTEE Please see the attached letters of interest for the one At-Large-Member on the Fire Chief Search Committee:

• Robert Nault • David Libbey • Frederick Ikels • Lydia Bogar

In addition, three letters of interest have been received for the three Fire Department Representatives on the Fire Chief Search Committee: • Bob Shumeyko – station #3 • Brian L'Heureux – station #2 • Rick Allain – station #3 • Daniel Allain - station #3 The Fire Chief Search Committee Charge also calls for one Representative from the Select Board.

The Fire Chief Search Committee Charge is attached.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to appoint (blank) to the Fire Chief Search Committee. OFFICE OF THE SELECT BOARD 30 Providence Road Grafton, MA 01519 (508) 839-5335 [email protected] www.grafton-ma.gov

Peter Carlson, Chairman Doreen DeFazio, Vice Chair Colleen Roy, Clerk Mathew Often Edward Prisby Adopted: March 2, 2021

SELECT BOARD CHARGE

NAME: Fire Chief Search Committee

MEMBERSHIP: 7 Members Three (3) members of the Fire Department Town Administrator Police Chief Select Board Representative One (1) Member of the community to be appointed by the Select Board

TIMETABLE: To begin upon appointment and will dissolve after a Fire Chief is hired by the Select Board.

Section 1: The Committee shall work with a hiring consultant to assist with the screening process in receiving a number of qualified candidates for the Fire Chief position.

Section 2: The Committee shall be responsible for determining the qualifications of the applicants and forward to the Select Board and will recommend at least 3, but no more than 4 candidates for final interviews by the Select Board. Reference checks are to be done by the hiring consultant and search committee, and CORI checks to be done by the Town's CORI officer.

Section 3: The Committee shall deliver to the Select Board it’s list of candidates for final interview by June 1, 2021. The Committee will follow all applicable laws and by laws of the Town of Grafton and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

______Peter Carlson, Chairman Doreen DeFazio, Vice Chairman

______Colleen Roy, Clerk Mathew Often

______Edward Prisby

3/3/2021 Town of Grafton Mail - [Town of Grafton MA] Fire Chief Search Committee "At Large" Member (Sent by Robert R Nault, Rnault1964@gmai…

Joann Duncan

[Town of Grafton MA] Fire Chief Search Committee "At Large" Member (Sent by Robert R Nault, [email protected]) 1 message

Contact form at Town of Grafton MA Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 9:41 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: [email protected]

Hello Select Board,

Robert R Nault ([email protected]) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.grafton-ma.gov/us er/14856/contact) at Town of Grafton MA.

If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.grafton-ma.gov/user/14856/edit.

Message:

Dear Selectboard, Please consider me for the "At Large" seat on the above mentioned committee.

Thanks so much and please contact me with any questions. Best regards, Bob Nault

grafton_fire_chief_search_committee_letter_of_interest.docx 36K

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=c664a31432&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1693222152712841606&simpl=msg-f%3A16932221527… 1/1 March 3, 2021

Town of Grafton

30 Providence Road

Grafton, MA 01519

Attention: Select Board

Re: Fire Chief Hiring Search Committee “At Large” Member Position

Dear Select board,

As a life-long Grafton resident, I’m writing to express my interest for the above mentioned “at large” position.

Previously, I have held numerous positions within the town government ie: Zoning Board of Appeals, Capital Improvement Planning Committee and Mill Villages Park Committee.

My career as a senior manager / director, has allowed myself and colleagues to interview many candidates for numerous positions over the past 30 years. I am not afraid to ask the tough questions of candidates and will base my decisions on the candidates entire personal and professional background.

Please consider me for this important position in selecting Grafton’s first full time Fire Chief.

Sincerely,

Robert Nault

192 Main Street

South Grafton, MA 01560

44 George Hill Road Grafton, MA 01519

March 6, 2021

The Select Board Grafton Municipal Center Grafton, MA 01519

Re: Community Seat on the Fire Chief Search Committee

I am submitting this application to be appointed to the Community Seat on the Fire Chief Search Committee.

Relevant Experience:

• 7 years (2008-2015) on the Grafton Finance Committee, 2 years as Chair • 37 years of executive business experience – served as an actuary at the former Paul Revere Life Insurance Company (Worcester) and at Manulife Financial (Boston) with a focus on risk management • 13 years as a Board member at Vantis Life Insurance Company (Windsor, CT)

Currently: • Retired • 10+ years as a volunteer small business mentor at SCORE (affiliated with the Small Business Administration) • Member of the Board of Directors for a national antique auto club • Grafton resident since 1971

I have strong analytic and management skills, am a strong team player, and have no connection to or relationship with, other than one casual acquaintance, any member or employee of the Grafton Fire Department.

I would be honored to serve in this role.

Sincerely

David W. Libbey

[email protected]

3/4/2021 Town of Grafton Mail - GFD Chief Search

Joann Duncan

GFD Chief Search 1 message

'Lydia Bogar' via Board of Selectmen Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 5:04 PM Reply-To: Lydia Bogar To: [email protected]

The following experiences qualify me to serve on this Committee:

13 year employee of the State Fire Marshal; I am familiar with the leadership qualities, communication skills and personalities are preferable in a good fire chief

12 year legal secretary to the General Counsel of the State Ethics Commission; I understand the conflict law and the structure of municipal government

14 years of training and service to fire departments across the Commonwealth as a member of the Central Mass C.I.S.M. Team and a member of the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation

I have taken over thirty courses in disaster preparedness and response with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross.

And last but not least, I appeared as Sparky the Fire Safety Dog in numerous children’s fire and life safety education events across the Commonwealth.

Respectfully submitted,

Lydia M. Bogar

8 Bernard Road

North Grafton MA 01536

2 attachments

Sparky.JPG 1325K

Resume update March 2021.DOC 50K https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=c664a31432&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1693250018508854155&simpl=msg-f%3A16932500185… 1/2 Lydia M. Bogar 8 Bernard Road North Grafton, MA 01536-1036

Professional Experience

Department of Fire Services, Office of the State Fire Marshal, Stow, MA 2001-2014 Administrative Assistant II, responsible for all licenses issued by the State Fire Marshal including blasting, fireworks, and suppression systems; coordinate with Code Enforcement. Six years as Clerk to the Board of Fire Prevention Regulations.

University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 1998 to 2000 Administrative Assistant: Perform all administrative tasks for staff of six; maintain statewide database of adoption and foster care resources; prepare fundraising correspondence, attendance, and contracts. Also, Administrative Assistant for a grant-funded program for community services for 3rd and 4th year medical students; coordinate conferences, publications, and site visits for visiting scholars.

Massachusetts State Ethics Commission/Legal Division, Boston, MA 1986 to 1998 Legal Assistant to General Counsel and four staff attorneys: Perform all administrative services; maintain confidential records including proprietary database; serve as Keeper of the Records and docket clerk; draft advisories and court documents; communicate with municipal counsels; create legal summaries and statistics; WESTLAW; maintain law library.

Office of the District Attorney for Middlesex County/Cambridge and Framingham, MA 1983 to 1995 Legal Secretary for Superior Court Division prosecutors and members of State Police Narcotics Task Force; Administrative Assistant for the Jury of Six at the Framingham District Court with liaison duties to six district courts; perform administrative and support services for prosecutors and victim witness advocates, including cases referred from the Department of Social Services.

Grafton Police Department/Grafton, MA 1982 to 1987 Police Officer/Matron: First Responder, CPR and firearms qualified; CJTC Certification.

Town of Grafton/Grafton, MA 1979 to 1983 Administrator: Perform support services for 18 elected and appointed officials in Board of Health, Planning Board, Inspector of Buildings and Plumbing Inspector departments; initiate and implement interdepartmental procedures; research of Town, State and Federal regulations; develop accounting system with weekly reports to Town Treasurer; intake and process citizen complaints relative to state sanitary code.

Education

Worcester State College, Worcester, MA 1971 Bachelor of Arts: English and Secondary Education 1981 Principles of Management and Behavior 1990 Legal Research

Tufts University/Lincoln Filene Center, Medford, MA 1982-1986 Graduate level courses and seminars relative to environmental law and land use planning

Brandeis University, Waltham, MA Since 2015 Osher Foundation Lifelong Learning courses: Coastal Carolina University (South Carolina) and Brandeis University (Massachusetts) International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Ellicott City, MD

• Basic Critical Incident Stress Management (16 hours), MA Firefighting Academy, Stow • Peer Counseling/Crisis Intervention (16 hours), MA Firefighting Academy, Stow • Line of Duty Death: Preparing the Best for the Worst (14 hours) ICISF, Springfield • Domestic Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction: A C.I.S.M. Perspective (14 hours) Springfield • Critical Incident Stress Management Application with Children (14 hours), MA Firefighting Academy, Stow • Suicide Prevention, Intervention and Postvention (14 hours), MA Firefighting Academy, Stow • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention (14 hours), MA Firefighting Academy, Stow • TEAM: Team Evolution and Maintenance (14 hours), MA Firefighting Academy, Springfield • From Trauma to Addiction (14 hours), MA Firefighting Academy, Stow • Understanding Human Violence: Survival information for Emergency Service Personnel and Counselors (13 hours) ICISF, Boston

Community Activities

1981-1983 Community Nursing Association of Grafton, Board of Directors 1982-1992 Town of Grafton Conservation Commission 1988-1991 Town of Grafton, Pipeline Advisory Committee, Chairman 1990-1993 New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans (Boston), Volunteer Co-Chair 1992-1998 MBTA Commuter Rail Citizens Advisory Committee, Grafton Representative 1992-2003 The Grafton News, Columnist/Book Reviewer/Feature Writer 1998-2003 Town of Grafton, Traffic Safety Study Committee 1999-2001 American Red Cross of Central MA: Disaster Action Team Leader, Assistant Liaison Officer, Assistant Damage Assessment Officer and Disaster Services Instructor 2009-2011 Town of Grafton Recycling Committee 2001-2015 Central Massachusetts C.I.S.M. Team Since 2013 Grafton Food Bank and Grafton Senior Center volunteer Since 2014 Volunteer, Pan Mass Challenge, Rider Registration and Mass Feeding

American Red Cross Training

• First Aid • International Services Tracing • CPR • International Humanitarian Law • On the Scene • Disaster Instructor Specialty Training • Introduction to Disaster Services • Liaison Workshop: EOC • Team Leader Training • Serving the Diverse Community • Local Operations • Hurricane Exercise (tabletop) • ERV Orientation • Hurricane Exercise (full function, August 2000) • Emergency Assistance to Families I and II • Aviation Disaster Exercise at Logan Airport (full • Mass Care: An Overview function 2 days, October 2000) • Damage Assessment • Aviation Incident Exercise at Worcester Municipal • Liaison I and II Airport (full function, June 2001 • Shelter Operations • Damage Assessment Supervision • Public Affairs in Disasters I and II • Administering a Small Disaster Operation • Orientation to International Services • Incident Command System Overview

FEMA Emergency Management Institute

• Emergency Program Manager (IS-1) • Emergency Preparedness (IS-2) • Hazardous Materials – A Citizen’s Orientation (IS-5) • A Citizen's Guide to Disaster Assistance (IS-7) • An Orientation to Community Disaster Exercises (IS-120) • The Role of Voluntary Agencies in Emergency Management (IS-288) • Community Hurricane Preparedness (IS-324) • Introduction to Mitigation (IS-393) • Mitigation for Homeowners (IS-394) From: [email protected] on behalf of Bob Shumeyko To: [email protected] Subject: Fire Department Search Committee Date: Thursday, March 11, 2021 4:01:52 PM

Hi, I didn't know if the Fire Department Representatives were being chosen yet, so in abundance of caution I am submitting my name now.

-- Bob

Dear Selectboard: I would like to be considered as the Grafton Station Three representative on the Fire Chief Search Committee. I believe that experience as a Grafton Station Three FireFighter, New Jersey Heavy Rescue Officer and my experience in Federal, State and Municipal government provides me with the necessary expertise to participate in the Search Committee. As a member of Station Three I believe that I understand the current and future needs of the Department and the Community of Grafton. In addition to my membership on Station Three, I also am President of the Station Three Association. I served on the FIre Study Committee last year. I also have emergency service experience as a volunteer on the New Jersey Saddle River Valley Rescue Squad (Now merged with Ramsey Rescue) where I served for twenty years and held the positions of Lieutenant, Captain and Chief. I am currently employed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as the Regional Director of the Office Community Planning and Development and in addition to my other duties serve as the Office Hiring Official. Prior to my service at HUD, I was a Program Manager at the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development and as a manager regularly performed personnel functions. Before working for the Commonwealth had an appointment as Nantucket Downtown Manager and also served as Chairman of the Town of Nantucket’s Personnel Board. Finally, I worked in three New Jersey communities in Municipal Management. The Grafton Fire Department is a critical and valuable attribute to the Town of Grafton. The Department continues to provide excellent service to the community, however, due to reasons outlined by the Fire Study Committee the Department must be reinvigorated as we continue forward into the coming decades. The current organizational structure of a call department continues to be an asset to the community both financially and by encouraging community volunteerism. I believe that with the appointment of a Chief that has the required expertise, leadership qualities and personality the Grafton Fire Department will continue to provide excellent service and dedication to the community for years to come. Therefore, I believe I have the necessary experience to represent Station Three on the Search Committee. Thank you for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Bob Shumeyko 7 Sunrise Avenue From: "Brian L"Heureux" via BOS To: [email protected] Cc: Bob Egan Subject: Fire Chief Search Committee - Station 2 Member Date: Saturday, March 6, 2021 2:37:43 PM

Good afternoon,

At our most recent Station 2 company meeting, we discussed our station’s representation on the Fire Chief Search Committee. I am interested in serving on the committee to represent our station. If the meetings conflict with Wednesday night meetings I have for work, Darab Fadavi would be able to serve instead.

Thanks for your consideration, Brian L’Heureux Firefighter, GFD Station 2 3/5/2021 Town of Grafton Mail - Fire Chief search Committee

Joann Duncan

Fire Chief search Committee 1 message

Rick Allain Fri, Mar 5, 2021 at 11:55 AM To: [email protected]

I am interested in serving as the representative from the Grafton Fire Department Sta #3, as the senior officer under the current chief and with 47 plus years on the department with the current rank of Captain.

-- Richard Allain Keefe Tech Graphic Communications Instructor

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=c664a31432&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1693411833363003720&simpl=msg-f%3A16934118333… 1/1 3/15/2021 Town of Grafton Mail - Fire Chief Search Committee

Joann Duncan

Fire Chief Search Committee

me Mon, Mar 15, 2021 at 8:28 AM To: [email protected]

Hello my name Daniel Allain

As A member of Station 3 I would like to be considered for the committee to help interview and find the new chief, as a member in the past as one of the at large members for the fire study committee and now a current member of station 3 I would lend a lot of insight.

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=c664a31432&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f%3A1694300954107954076&simpl=msg-f%3A16943009541… 1/1 1c) RECREATION COMMISSION – 2021 PARKING FEES

Jen Andersen, Recreation Director will be present. 2 a) AGRICULTURAL COMMISSION – CARL PARISI Please see the attached letter.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to accept/not accept the resignation of Carl Parisi from the Agricultural Commission and send him a letter of thanks. From: Carl Parisi To: Cindy Ide; Joann Duncan Subject: Resignation from ZBA and Agricultural Commoision Date: Monday, March 1, 2021 6:15:46 AM

Hi Folks, -

It has been a pleasure to have served as Alternate Member of the ZBA, and as a member of the Grafton Agricultural Commission. Due to personal reasons, I will not be able to continue to serve effective immediately. Please submit my resignation letter to the Select Board.

Thanks for the opportunity.

Carl M. Parisi CPM, MS, 2 b) RESIGNATIONS ZONING BOARD OF APPEALS – CARL PARISI

Please see the attached letter.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to accept/not accept the resignation of Carl Parisi from the Zoning Board of Appeals and to send him a letter of thanks. From: Carl Parisi To: Cindy Ide; Joann Duncan Subject: Resignation from ZBA and Agricultural Commoision Date: Monday, March 1, 2021 6:15:46 AM

Hi Folks, -

It has been a pleasure to have served as Alternate Member of the ZBA, and as a member of the Grafton Agricultural Commission. Due to personal reasons, I will not be able to continue to serve effective immediately. Please submit my resignation letter to the Select Board.

Thanks for the opportunity.

Carl M. Parisi CPM, MS, 2 c) RESIGNATIONS ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE – MORGAN KING Please see the attached letter.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to accept/not accept the resignation of Morgan King from the Economic Development Commission and to send her a letter of thanks. Hi John,

Please consider this my letter of resignation. I have enjoyed being on the EDC over the last two years. I feel it is time to invite a new person representative of a small retailer to join the Commission.

Please feel free to bounce ideas off of me in the future. My door is always open.

Warm regards,

Morgan King

Sent from my iPhone 2 d) RESIGNATIONS ELECTION WORKERS

Claire McLellan, Seda Alex, Connie Collins and Laura DiMambro have resigned as Election Workers. The list of Election Workers will also be updated to reflect the passing of Nancy Hazen.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to update/not update the list of Election Workers by removing the names presented on the March 12, 2021 memo from the Town Clerk.

3 a) APPOINTMENTS – SELECT BOARD – PEG ACCESS COORDINATOR The appointment of a PEG (Public, Educational, and Governmental) Access Coordinator is defined in the Cable License Agreement.

Definition 1.30: PEG Access Designee: Any entity designated by the Issuing Authority for the purpose of owning and/or operating the equipment and facilities used in the production and/or broadcast of PEG Access Channel programming, including, but not limited to, the Town itself, the Grafton Public Schools and/or an access corporation.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to appoint/not appoint Bob DeToma as the PEG Access Coordinator. 4 a) APPOINTMENTS – TOWN ADMINISTRATOR – INTERNAL TRANSFER – LARRY ZWICKER

Please refer to the attached letter.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to affirm/not affirm the transfer of Larry Zwicker to the position of Light Truck Driver for the Parks and Cemetery Department.

4 b) APPOINTMENTS – TOWN ADMINISTRATOR – PART-TIME PUBLIC SAFETY DISPATCHER

Please see the attached memo.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to affirm/not affirm the appointment of Scott Baldracchi to the position of part-time public safety dispatcher.

5a) NEW BUSINESS - CITATION The Board has received a request to issue a citation for Abdulkader Hayani, a North Grafton resident who is being recognized on April 6, 2021 at the Immigrant Heroes Award Benefit. The citation is attached for your review. Mr. Hayani is an immigrant being honored with The Immigrant Learning Center’s Immigrant Hero Award for his extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people across the commonwealth.

Abdulkader Hayani, who is a tailor, his wife Asmaa, and their four children came to Massachusetts in 2017 as refugees from Syria, when they were sponsored and supported by Jewish Family Services and Temple Beth Elohim. When the pandemic began, Abdulkader wanted to give back to the community that gave them refuge. With the help of his son, Abdulkader made instructional YouTube videos to teach others how to make masks. The Hayanis then partnered with Jewish Family Services and Temple Beth Elohim on a mask-making project. Abdulkader held Zoom tutorials for volunteer stitchers in the community, and his whole family became involved in the mask-making operation. The Hayani family has made and donated 2,000 masks to hospitals, nursing homes, community members visiting food pantries, migrant farmworkers and others across Massachusetts and other states. The Hayani’s recently purchased a home in North Grafton.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to issue/not issue a citation for Abdulkader Hayani recognizing his extraordinary efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic to help people across the commonwealth.

In Recognition of Abdulkader Hyani N. Grafton, MA In appreciation and recognition for your commitment to give back to the people of our Commonwealth. Your generosity, and hard work has been instrumental in making a difference for so many people during the Covid-19 pandemic. We, the Select Board of Grafton wish to thank you for your outstanding contribution.

______Peter Carlson, Chairman Doreen DeFazio, Vice Chair. Colleen Roy, Clerk

______Edward Prisby Mathew Often

April 6, 2021 Grafton, Massachusetts 5b) NEW BUSINESS - OPEN SPACE AND RECREATION PLAN Please see the attached memo from Christopher McGoldrick regarding the Open Space and Recreation Plan as well as a memo indicating the State’s conditional approval. The Planning Department is seeking the Select Board’s endorsement of the plan.

Motion for Consideration: I move the Board vote to endorse/not endorse the 2020 Open Space and Recreation Plan as presented.

TOWN OF GRAFTON GRAFTON MEMORIAL MUNICIPAL CENTER 30 PROVIDENCE ROAD GRAFTON, MASSACHUSETTS 01519 (508) 839-5335 ext. 1120  FAX (508) 839-4602 [email protected] PLANNING www.grafton-ma.gov DEPARTMENT

M E M O R A N D U M TO: Board of Selectmen; Planning Board FROM: Christopher McGoldrick, Town Planner DATE: March 9, 2021 SUBJECT: Grafton 2020 Open Space & Recreation Plan ______

Please be advised, the July 2, 2020 memorandum issued to your office regarding the Grafton 2020 Open Space & Recreation Plan mistakenly referred to a June 22, 2020 vote of the Grafton Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee. The memo was intended to indicate the June 22, 2020 vote of the Grafton Planning Board to endorse the Open Space and Recreation Plan. Please see the below clarification on endorsements received to date:

On May 22, 2020, the Open Space and Recreation Plan Committee reviewed and voted to endorse the Open Space and Recreation Plan as submitted.

On June 22, 2020, the Grafton Planning Board reviewed and voted to endorse the Open Space and Recreation Plan as submitted.

Please see the attached documents which include the Final Updated Open Space and Recreation Plan, addressing the remaining items of Conditional Approval as issued by Melissa Cryan, Grant Programs Coordinator on June 9, 2020. We respectfully request the Select Board’s review and formal endorsement of the Final 2020 Open Space and Recreation Plan, as submitted.

We trust this memo clarifies the local Board endorsements to date. We are happy to discuss any portion of this memo that is unclear.

Thank you.

Cc: Office of the Town Administrator, Town of Grafton Office of the Planning Department, Town of Grafton

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs 100 Cambridge Street, Suite 900 Boston, MA 02114 Charles D. Baker GOVERNOR

Karyn E. Polito LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR Tel: (617) 626-1000 Kathleen A. Theoharides Fax: (617) 626-1181 SECRETARY June 9, 2020

Christopher McGoldrick Grafton Memorial Municipal Center 30 Providence Road Grafton, MA 01519

Re: Open Space and Recreation Plan

Dear Mr. McGoldrick:

Thank you for submitting the draft Open Space and Recreation Plan for Grafton to this office for review and compliance with the current Open Space and Recreation Plan Requirements. This plan was particularly thorough and has been conditionally approved through June 2027. Conditional approval will allow the town to participate in DCS grant rounds through June 2027, and a grant award may be offered to the town. However, no final grant payments will be made until the plan is completed.

Once the following items are addressed, your plan will receive final approval:

1. Planning Process and Public Participation – if the survey and public meetings were done in 2017, why did it take the town so long to submit the OSRP for review? The public survey being advertised only through online means is not sufficient. It needs to be advertised in other formats as well for people who do not have access to the internet. How were the public meeting and forum advertised? The Enhanced Outreach in Environmental Justice Neighborhoods section was missing and must be added. 2. Population Characteristics – the Environmental Justice population section must discuss what criterion is met in the neighborhood. 3. Vegetation – the Public Shade Trees section is missing. Please add it. 4. Fisheries and Wildlife – any wildlife corridors in town must be discussed here. 5. Environmental Challenges – please include the required Environmental Equity section. Environmental equity refers to looking at the distribution of open space and recreation resources in the town and identifying any areas that are lacking in them. 6. Section 5 – the table that lists town-owned conservation and recreation properties must list more specifics in the current use column and the condition column should be filled in with “excellent”, “good”, etc. Any parcels under Chapter 61 should be listed. 7. Analysis of Needs – the Community’s Needs section should include a discussion of the needs of special groups, such as teens and seniors. 8. Action Plan – the goals and objectives should be listed in some sort of priority order with a funding source identified for each. 9. Letters of Review – letters from the planning board and the chief municipal officer are needed. 10. ADA – a facility inventory form for every town-owned conservation and recreation property must be included and redone if it was last done in 2007.

Congratulations on undertaking such an important task! Please contact me [email protected] if you have any questions or concerns, and I look forward to reviewing your final plan.

Sincerely,

Melissa Cryan Melissa Cryan Grant Programs Supervisor

5c) NEW BUSINESS - AMEND LIST OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES The list of Special Municipal Employees as of 2008 is attached as well as a list of the Boards/Committees/Commissions not on the List of Special Municipal Employees. The Select Board is being asked to review the 2008 list and determine if any adjustments need to be made.

For an explanation of how the conflict of interest law applies to “Special Municipal Employee” positions: https://www.mass.gov/service-details/special-municipal-employees

Motions for Consideration: I move the Board vote to remove (blank) from the List of Special Municipal Employees.

I move the Board vote to add (blank) to the list of Special Municipal Employees.

Boards/Committees/Commission Not Included on Special Municipal Employee List for Grafton 2/22/2021

Boards/Committees/Commission on Board/Committee page “What If” LPG Facility Advisory Committee Agricultural Commission Board of Assessors By Law Study Committee Capital Improvement Planning Committee Central Mass Regional Planning Commission Charter Review Committee Disability Commission DPW Building Facility Committee Energy Study Committee Farnumsville Firehouse Committee Fire Department Study Committee Grafton Center Study Committee Institutional Biosafety Committee Library Planning and Building Committee Mill Villages Advisory Committee Minor Norcross Maintenance Committee Open Space and Recreation Committee Recycling Committee Select Board Shared Services Committee Super Park Study Committee

Boards/Committees/Commissions not on Board/Committee page Cable TV Alternatives Committee CPC Consultant Subcommittee Sustainability Commission Grafton Sustainability Commission Grafton/Sutton Energy Committee Later Start Times Committee Library Planning & Building Interior Design Subcommittee Library Planning & Building OPM Subcommittee Millbury Street Elementary School School Advisory Council North Grafton Elementary School Advisory Council School Department Budget Subcommittee School Policy Subcommittee Sign By-Law Study Committee South Grafton Elementary School Advisory Council Special Education Parent Advisory Council (SEPAC) Special Town Common Traffic Redesign Committee Town Administrator Screening Committee

Positions not on current list Keeper of the Lockup Lake Quinsigamond Commission Parking Clerk PEG Access Coordinator Town Clerk- ELECTED 6. SELECT BOARD REPORTS / TA REPORTS

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT

• Budget Update • Bonding Update

7. CORRESPONDENCE Please see attached correspondence.

3/3/2021 Town of Grafton Mail - [Town of Grafton MA] Silver Lake concern (Sent by Susanna Merrill, [email protected])

Joann Duncan

[Town of Grafton MA] Silver Lake concern (Sent by Susanna Merrill, [email protected])

Contact form at Town of Grafton MA Wed, Mar 3, 2021 at 6:38 AM Reply-To: [email protected] To: Select Board

Hello Select Board,

Susanna Merrill ([email protected]) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.grafton-ma.gov/ user/14856/contact) at Town of Grafton MA.

If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.grafton-ma.gov/user/14856/edit.

Message:

Dear Select Board, I understand that you are debating the merits of reopening Silver Lake this summer without lifeguards. Many points on the plan I saw proposed look very reasonable for supporting the health and safety of staff and visitors. I just wanted to add a note that may not i’ve been considered – – as a foster parent, I am prohibited by Dcf from bringing the children in my care to a beach without lifeguards. opening the beach without lifeguards will mean that any children in the town who are in foster care will not be able to swim there this summer. This would really be a shame, and unfair. Thank you, Susanna Merrill

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=c664a31432&view=pt&search=all&permmsgid=msg-f%3A1693210661483271661&simpl=msg-f%3A16932106614… 1/1 8 a) DISCUSSION – RECYCLING COMMITTEE CHARGE The draft Recycling Committee Charge is attached.

OFFICE OF THE BOARD OF SELECT BOARD Town of Grafton 30 Providence Road Grafton, MA 01519 (508) 839-5335 [email protected] www.grafton-ma.gov

Charge and Composition of The Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee

1) CHARGE

The Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee is responsible for making recommendations to the Select Board and educating the public regarding recycling and waste management; ensuring that best practices are being utilized.

2) COMPOSITION & TERM

A) Members, Appointment, and Removal

The Committee is to be comprise of five (5) members appointed by the Select Board:

- One (1) Select Board member - One (1) Municipal staff member - Three (3) Members-at-large

Members may be removed for cause, after notice and a hearing by the appointing authority.

B) Term of Office

The term of office shall commence when members are sworn to faithful performance of their office by the Town Clerk. The term shall expire upon dissolution of the committee.

C) Officers

The Select Board shall designate one member of the Committee as Chair at the time of formation. The Chair shall prepare agendas, preside at meetings, and act as the spokesman for the Committee. The Committee shall elect a Clerk from its members who shall give notice of all meetings, record all proceedings, act as the keeper of the record, and act as Chairman in the absence of the Chair.

Waste Reduction and Recycling Committee 3) DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Examine and understand the current commodities that are recycled in the Town of Grafton. • Understand other commodities which may be recycled, in the event that they become relevant to the town. • Research the feasibility of a town wide composting program, and any roadblocks such a program may encounter. • Research and understand other potential methods of reducing waste in town. • Make recommendations to the Select Board regarding the use of Recycling Dividends Program (RDP) Grant monies. • Develop and present recommendations to the Select Board regarding costs, saving methods, and current best practices for the community and end user. • Develop and implement educational tools to help end users in the community understand how to utilize new practices.

4) STAFF SUPPORT

The Committee shall not receive regular staff support. However, support will be given if the Committee requests it, and there are available resources.

5) TIME FOR COMPLETION

The Committee shall complete its work with all due diligence. Reports and presentations shall be given on an annual basis, or at the request of the Select Board.

6) EFFECTIVE DATE

This order is effective upon adoption and supersedes all previous orders or policies relative to or in conflict with this matter and procedures described herein.

Approved and adopted this ___ day of ______, 2021 by a vote of ___ in favor and ___ opposed.

Grafton Select Board

Peter Carlson, Chairman Doreen DeFazio, Vice Chair

Colleen Roy, Clerk Mathew Often

Edward Prisby

8 b) DISCUSSION – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION UPDATES AND REVIEW CURRENT CHARGE

Economic Development Commission Charge is attached with an updated charge.

Town of Grafion Economic Development Commission Charge

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Conm-iission, a seven-member committee, is an ad hoc commission reporting to the Board of Selectmen that advises the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board on economic development matters. The Commission is based on broad representation from various departments, committees and individuals throughout the Town Of Grafton. The Committee’s purpose is to promote sustainable economic development and to assist the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board in the implementation of the town!s economic goals and objectives. The committee was first created on October 1, 1991. The most recent revision to the committee charge was completed September 20, 2016.

Members of the Commission The membership of the commission is: • 2 Business Owners • 1 Member at Large/Business Owner • 2 Members at Large • 1 Board of Selectmen Member • 1 Finance Committee Member • 7 TOTAL

Charge of the Commission

• to conduct meetings related to economic development for the Town of Grafion utilizing Massachusetts General Laws to steer the committee process • to create and manage the Town approved Commission budget • to explore, inform and recommend to the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board action items that might enhance economic development within the community. The Commission should request permission of the Board of Selectmen to sponsor legislative articles impacting local economic development and speak to articles at town meeting that impact economic development of the community. • to make the public aware of the Commission and its mission • to maintain contact with the business community within the Town of Grafton and its environs • to maintain community membership in Chamber(s) of Commerce • to express concerns of the business community to the elected Boards • to collaborate with Town staff on projects, as the Commission is able, at town staff direction

Calendar for the Commission The Commission should meet at a minimum at least quarterly. The Commission should meet at least monthly during times when they are considering recommending the adoption of regulations or laws concerning economic development enhancement. BOARD OF SELECTMEN Jennifer Thomas, Chainian

Buce Spinney, ff, Vice Cman

Brook Padgett

Craig Dauphinais Town of Grafton Economic Development Commission Charge

Economic Development Commission

The Economic Development Commission, a seven-member committee, is an ad hoc commission reporting to the Board of Selectmen that advises the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board on economic development matters. The Commission is based on broad representation from various departments, committees and individuals throughout the Town Of Grafton. The Committee’s purpose is to promote sustainable economic development and to assist the Board of Selectmen and the Planning Board in the implementation of the town’s economic goals and objectives. The committee was first created on October 1, 1991. The most recent revision to the committee charge was completed September 20, 2016.

Members of the Commission The membership of the commission is: • 2 Members of the Business Community* • 1 Member at Large/Member of the Business Community* • 2 Members at Large • I Board of Selectmen Member • 1 Finance Committee Member • 7 TOTAL

Charge of the Commission

• to conduct meetings related to economic development for the Town of Grafton utilizing Massachusetts General Laws to steer the committee process • to create and manage the Town approved Commission budget • to explore, inform and recommend to the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board action items that might enhance economic development within the community. The Commission should request permission of the Board of Selectmen to sponsor legislative articles impacting local economic development and speak to articles at town meeting that impact economic development of the community. • to make the public aware of the Commission and its mission • to maintain contact with the business community within the Town of Grafton and its environs • to maintain community membership in Chamber(s) of Commerce • to express concerns of the business community to the elected Boards • to collaborate with Town staff on projects, as the Commission is able, at town staff direction

Calendar for the Commission The Commission should meet at a minimum at least quarterly. The Commission should meet at least monthly during times when they are considering recommending the adoption of regulations or laws concerning economic development enhancement.

*Wjth a physical business location in Grafton BOARD OF SELECTMEN Jennifer ,tIiornas, Chairman

3ruce Spiey,iceirman

6k Padgett ‘

raig14Da}/ph1na1’

*With a physical business location in Grafton 9 a) MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 2, 2021

Attached are Meeting Minutes from March 2, 2021.

Motion for Consideration:

I move the Board vote to approve/not approve the meeting minutes of March 2, 2021 as presented.

OFFICE OF THE SELECT BOARD 30 Providence Road Grafton, MA 01519 (508) 839-5335 [email protected] www.grafton-ma.gov

1 2 SELECT BOARD 3 Meeting Minutes 4 March 2, 2021 5 6 A meeting was called to order at 7:00PM by Chairman Peter Carlson. In attendance 7 were: Chairman, Peter Carlson, Vice Chairman, Doreen DeFazio, Clerk, Colleen Roy, 8 Ed Prisby, and Mathew Often. Staff in attendance were: Town Administrator, Evan 9 Brassard, Economic Development Coordinator, John Allen, and Recreation Director, 10 Jen Andersen. Guests in attendance: Michael Malinowski, President Grafton and Upton 11 Railroad. 12 13 All Select Board members, staff, and guests in attendance were acknowledged and the 14 Remote Meeting Participation Guidelines were read by Mr. Carlson. 15 16 ANNOUNCEMENTS 17 18 Mr. Carlson welcomed the new Town Administrator, Evan Brassard to Grafton. Mr. 19 Carlson stated he and Mr. Brassard spent a very busy and productive day together on 20 Monday where Mr. Carlson was able to introduce him to many department heads and 21 show him the various municipal facilities. Mr. Brassard stated he is happy to be here. 22 23 Mr. Carlson provided an update on the status of the municipal center’s opening given 24 covid. He provided information on the Re-Claim It event happening on March 6th and 25 read a letter submitted to the Board thanking the Grafton first responders. 26 27 PUBLIC COMMENTS 28 29 There was no public comment. 30 31 SCHEDULE 32 33 SHOP GRAFTON PRESENTATION – JOHN ALLEN 34 35 John Allen, EDC Coordinator provided an update on the 2020 Shop Grafton Campaign 36 which was run a little differently this past Holiday Season. Rather than the prizes being 37 electronics like apple watches, the Economic Development Commission offered $100 38 gift cards to local businesses of the winner’s choice. Mr. Allen indicated both the Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

39 winners and shop/restaurant owners really enjoyed how the program was run this year. 40 He then read the names of the winners and the businesses they chose for a gift card. 41 42 Mr. Allen stated on March 3, 2021 at 6:30PM there will be an “Ask an SBA Expert” 43 seminar for businesses that received a PPP loan as well as those needing more 44 funding. It will be run by a Senior Loan Officer at Homefield Credit Union. 45 46 BEACH FEES 47 48 Jen Andersen, Recreation Director stated the purpose of the discussion was to obtain 49 approval for the 2021 beach fees at Silver Lake. She added there is a change in the 50 operational model for this summer as well however regardless of the operational model 51 there will be a change in the fee structure. She would like to have a $5 per day per 52 person flat rate fee for the day pass. Typical beach pass revenue in a summer is 53 approximately $30,000, this new structure would result in approximately $10,000 in 54 revenue. She added that if staffed with lifeguards, the beach expenses would be 55 approximately $100,000, however if staffed with the Ranger model she is proposing the 56 salary expense would be in the $50,000 range. 57 58 She emphasized that last year the Recreation Commission was looking at a similar loss 59 of $90,000 due to the way the Lake would need to operate given Covid. She stated 60 they have learned a lot since last year about how to keep the staff and public safe. 61 62 There is a recreational use statute that states if the town is not charging a fee to use a 63 public space, they cannot be held liable. Ms. Andersen has discussed this with Town 64 Counsel and emphasized that it does not keep someone from filing a law suit. She 65 stated this is an option to consider. Charging no fee would be the strongest model for 66 no liability risk and certainly is also an option to consider. 67 68 Ms. Roy asked if the ranger role is a seasonal position. Ms. Andersen stated the 69 Rangers would be seasonal and she is looking to re-assign staff. So, these would be 70 former lifeguards filling these positions. 71 72 Ms. DeFazio asked how many lifeguards are typically on the beach at one time. Ms. 73 Andersen stated typically there are six to eight. Eight is on the high end for when they 74 are holding swim lessons, which will not be held this year. Ms. DeFazio stated she is 75 concerned about having no lifeguards at all and wonders if there is a model allowing for 76 a few lifeguards. Ms. Andersen stated she feels they need to do one or the other. The 77 swim at own risk model with rangers would mean, no docks, no raft in the water, 78 grouped off areas for people to sit, specific walkways. This model is based upon what 79 was going to have to be done last season had the beach opened. There would be four 80 rangers on duty with two in the parking lot and two on the beach. 81 82 Mr. Prisby asked about the projected loss. Ms. Andersen stated the increase in the loss 83 projection from this year to previous is due to a decrease in revenue. 84 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

85 Ms. Andersen stated the model takes into consideration staff safety concerns and the 86 fact it will be difficult for lifeguards to get their re-certification this year. 87 88 Mr. Often stated he is concerned the new pay model may negatively impact seniors and 89 lower income families because the season pass option will no longer be available. Ms. 90 Andersen stated due to covid restrictions and the need to limit the number of people at 91 the beach there would need to be reservations if a season pass is offered. Also, that 92 could cost a person more to buy a season pass because of the inability to get a 93 reservation. It also presents an unrealistic impression that people would have unlimited 94 access to the beach. She confirmed that none of this would carry into the next season. 95 She added that with the rangers being lifeguards if things changed, they could switch to 96 a guarded beach mid-way through. Ms. Andersen added that the Town of Wellesley 97 followed this model last year and found it to work so well they intend to do it again this 98 year. 99 100 Ms. Roy asked if the rangers would be CPR certified and able to act if there were an 101 emergency. Ms. Andersen stated following the Wellesley model they would not conduct 102 any first aid. She emphasized that as lifeguards, if their certification is current, they 103 would know CPR, but they will not perform first aid as the procedures would not call for 104 that. 105 106 Mr. Carlson stated the Board received correspondence today from Melissa Graves 107 regarding this agenda item. He summarized the correspondence for the Board. Ms. 108 Andersen stated she would reach out to Ms. Graves regarding her concerns. 109 110 Ms. Roy asked when a decision would be needed on the fee structure. Ms. Andersen 111 stated she would like to reach out to the staff before March 16th. 112 113 Ms. Roy stated she is having a difficult time understanding the park ranger model as 114 they are lifeguards why would we not use them as lifeguards. Specifically, we are hiring 115 people with certain skills and asking them not to use those skills. Ms. Andersen stated 116 things are overlapping a bit as she is looking to repurpose current staff. If we did not 117 have staff already, we would be hiring individuals who do not have the first aid training 118 that the current staff have. The park ranger model is also being utilized to reduce staff 119 exposure and help ensure their safety during the pandemic. 120 121 Ms. Roy asked how the patrons will know this is a new process, as she is concerned 122 patrons will view the rangers as lifeguards. Ms. Andersen stated there will be a learning 123 curve, but the rangers will not be in typical red lifeguard gear, they will not be sitting at 124 lifeguard stations. Her contact at the Town of Wellesley stated it took about two weeks 125 for people to understand the new role. 126 127 Mr. Prisby asked if there is a standard procedure for emergency personnel to do CPR in 128 the Covid environment. Ms. Andersen did not know. 129

Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

130 Ms. DeFazio asked if there will be signage indicating it is swim at your own risk. Ms. 131 Andersen stated Town Counsel is requiring it. 132 133 Melissa Graves joined the meeting at this point to ask questions about the budget. She 134 felt reduced patronage would result in reduced salary costs. Ms. Andersen reviewed 135 the budget numbers with the Board. She stated in the past she has budgeted $100,000 136 for staff seven days a week. Actual costs have typically been about $85,000. Ms. 137 Andersen is expecting $85,000 this year because there will be one to two less staff 138 working per day as there will be four rangers, at a time, working. 139 140 Mr. Prisby asked if they could run with only four guards on duty since there will be 141 reduced line of sight issues with the docks out of the water. Ms. Andersen stated with 142 an open swim model they could possibly take a few people off the daily rotation. Ms. 143 Roy asked if that would then be around the same cost as the park ranger model. Ms. 144 Andersen stated lifeguards cost more than park rangers. She is concerned about lack 145 of supervisory staff, lack of ability to get them, concerns about the lifeguards being able 146 to have received their re-certification, and staff safety. She felt this model would be a 147 good one to follow. 148 149 Ms. DeFazio asked about the shallow water markers, the docks typically define that line 150 for parents. Ms. Andersen stated they would still put in the shallow water line. 151 152 Ms. Roy would like to see what it would look like financially to run the beach with the 153 docks removed and fewer guards. She said loss of revenue is not ideal, but she would 154 like to see another option. 155 156 Mr. Often asked how often in a season there is hands on intervention requiring person 157 to person contact, potentially creating an exposure risk for guards. Ms. Andersen stated 158 eliminating the raft would help, it is about a couple dozen times a year. She said some 159 of the concern is around the issuing of rescue equipment, and the sanitizing of it. Her 160 main concern is the lack of a supervisor for the beach. Someone would need to be 161 brought into the operation in this pandemic environment. 162 163 Ms. Andersen stated they typically run about $10,000 payroll a week, removing two 164 lifeguards would save about $16,000 for the season. She does want to speak with the 165 prior Beach Director and get their feedback on how fewer guards would be under the no 166 dock model. 167 168 Ms. DeFazio stated she would like to see lifeguards on the beach, but she understands 169 Ms. Andersen’s biggest concern to be there is no supervisor. She asked if down the 170 road would the Town hire a beach director and if the staff are able to get re-certified this 171 year consider switching to a guard model. Ms. Andersen stated there have been few 172 opportunities for the staff to get their re-certification. That is one reason why she felt 173 this model worked well as they could at least open and get the guards back in the water 174 to work on re-certification. Ms. DeFazio is in favor of this model. She does not want to 175 close the beach. Going back to full-time lifeguards without the certification and knowing Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

176 it will be difficult to find a beach director, this model works. The revenue is not the 177 issue. She is worried about the training being correct for the guards and that we may 178 not be able to find a beach director. 179 180 Ms. Andersen stated the Board needs to look at a day pass or season pass fee. She 181 understands if the board needs more time to decide about the fee structure. She would 182 like to have a sense from the Board on the staffing model. Mr. Carlson confirmed that 183 the issue before the Board tonight is to take action on the beach fees. He asked if Ms. 184 Andersen is asking them to also take action on the operational model. Ms. Andersen 185 stated she is looking for the Board to approve the fee structure. She highlighted the 186 potential loss and wanted to make sure the Board is comfortable with that. 187 188 Mr. Carlson stated tonight the Board is only looking at the fee structure. 189 190 Mr. Prisby stated the Board is looking at two different items and the one, the Board does 191 not control. The Board does not control beach staffing. He stated when the beach 192 proposal made it on line, there were lots of people stating they felt comfortable with a 193 swim at your own risk model. As a former lifeguard, these situations terrified him. It is a 194 level of risk he is not comfortable with taking. He understands the staffing concern Ms. 195 Andersen has identified. He feels it is within the purview of the Board to set a fee 196 structure that allows for lifeguards. He feels it is a public safety concern. He would like 197 to find the personnel and do this in a way that is cost effective, or close the beach. 198 199 Ms. Andersen clarified it is either a fee or no fee and what the risk liability is for the 200 Town. 201 202 Ms. Roy asked if the vote is for no fees, that does not mean the beach is closed. Ms. 203 Andersen stated no, the fees are a form of recovery cost. 204 205 Mr. Carlson asked what the fees would need to be for the program to break even. 206 207 Mr. Prisby stated the revenue loss is from the inability to just open the beach up until the 208 parking lot is full. He asked what the delta is between what the loss used to be and will 209 be this year with limited users due to covid restrictions. Ms. Andersen stated there is a 210 $40,000 delta. He feels the fee structure makes sense because using time slots. He 211 thinks the day visits could cost more. Ms. Andersen confirmed the fee is per car, not 212 person. 213 214 Mr. Brassard stated he and Ms. Andersen have had no time to discuss this. 215 216 Ms. Andersen stated the revenue projections are based on the current covid 217 restrictions. If we are able to have more people on the beach, the loss will be less. 218 219 Ms. Roy confirmed that the loss if the beach is fully guarded would be about $90,000. 220 She feels that is a one-time loss and would prefer to have the beach guarded. 221 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

222 Mr. Often wondered if there could be slightly less staff in combination with slightly higher 223 fees, and opening later in the season when there may be less covid restrictions. He is 224 concerned families and rangers are being put in a bad situation under this model. 225 226 Ms. Andersen stated it will be difficult to get guards and a beach director for only six 227 weeks and not ten. 228 229 Mr. Often stated he trusts Ms. Andersen to develop a safe model and he supports the 230 fee structure with time slots. He would like more thought around how to open with 231 lifeguards. 232 233 Ms. DeFazio asked how long it would take to get a beach director. Ms. Andersen stated 234 Westborough has been trying to hire one and had no luck. She added possibly they 235 could hire guards with the ranger model as a backup. She stated there must be a 236 beach director and we currently do not have one. 237 238 Ms., Roy asked if Jen would want to reconsider the fees based on the information the 239 Board has provided tonight. Ms. Andersen said no as she feels the day pass is the best 240 option. The issue is what the expenses will be. Ms. Andersen feels paying $5 per day 241 at three times a week for 9 weeks would cost a family a couple hundred dollars. 242 243 Mr. Prisby feels this should come back on March 16th and Ms. Andersen should update 244 the Board on what she can and cannot do around hiring a beach director. Ms. 245 Andersen reiterated it is not just the issue of finding a beach director it is also having an 246 assistant beach director on staff as the beach director cannot be there at all times. In 247 addition, a head guard must be available for each shift, and there is the issue of 248 whether the guards will be re-certified. Her hope was to open around June 19th and do 249 a soft opening the weekend beforehand. Mr. Prisby acknowledged it is hard to say 250 whether there will be the staff available, but it is worth looking into and reporting back to 251 the Board. She added that she is concerned about committing to staff and then having 252 to pull the jobs as happened last year. Mr. Carlson suggested Ms. Andersen come 253 back to the Board on the 16th. 254 255 Mr. Often stated he feels comfortable moving forward on the fee structure tonight and 256 added the Board is not being asked to approve the operational model, it is up to Ms. 257 Andersen. He is not certain there is a need for additional discussion on the operational 258 model. He would like to hear about the final decision. Ms. Andersen clarified she 259 wanted to know the Board’s feeling on the potential operational deficit. Mr. Carlson 260 agreed stating he wants the Board to only take action on the fee structure. 261 262 Ms. Roy asked where the town would be from a liability standpoint if the town charged a 263 fee and had no guards. Ms. Andersen reiterated that the Recreational Statute states if 264 no fee is charged, the town is not held liable. She said the town would not be charging 265 a use fee, it would be a parking fee. The Town of Wellesley did that last year. She 266 added there is defense law around that but it is not as black and white as the no fee 267 structure. The Recreation Commission did vote and approve this operational model due Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

268 to the staffing issues and the financial issues. She feels she will not have much more to 269 present in two weeks. 270 271 Ms. DeFazio would like to vote on a fee structure tonight as she feels it will help the 272 Recreation Department move forward. 273 274 Ms. Roy asked for clarification on the fee structure. Ms. Andersen clarified it is a 275 parking fee not a use fee. She added the only difference would be if the parking fee 276 were a season fee or day fee. Ms. Roy stated the motion for consideration indicates 277 approval for the beach fees. She asked how the motion should be worded given there 278 are two models presented. Mr. Carlson stated he feels the Board should make a motion 279 to approve the day rates as opposed to a season pass for Grafton Recreation Beach 280 Operations as presented in the memo March 2, 2021. 281 282 Mr. Prisby stated he feels if a member approves the day pass, they are approving a 283 swim at your own risk model. Ms. Andersen clarified that these would be the fees 284 regardless of the model followed. 285 286 Ms. Roy would only want to approve the day parking pass, not the season pass without 287 knowing if there will be lifeguards there. She is not supporting a season pass not 288 knowing what will be in place as the safety mechanism. The safety liability is an issue. 289 If there will be no liability then there should be no fee. There was some confusion about 290 a day pass versus a season pass. Ms. Andersen clarified whether it is for a day or a 291 season, it is a parking pass. 292 293 Ms. Roy is not in favor of making a motion tonight. She would like more information. 294 Mr. Carlson agreed. Mr. Often is uncertain what new information would be provided on 295 the 16th. Mr. Carlson agrees with Ms. Roy and feels it is not entirely clear that what is 296 being proposed is a parking fee. He feels it needs to be cleaned up and brought back 297 on the 16th with a clear, defined motion. 298 299 Mr. Carlson asked Ms. Andersen to work with Mr. Brassard and bring the item back for 300 consideration on the 16th. 301 302 Mr. Carlson stated he would like to move Amend List of Special Municipal Employees to 303 later in the meeting. The Board agreed. 304 305 OPEN 2021 ANNUAL AND SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANTS 306 307 Ms. Roy made a motion seconded by Ms. DeFazio the Board vote to open the 2021 308 Annual and Special Town Meeting Warrants. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: 309 DeFazio, Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 310 311 $225,000 GRANT ALLOCATION FROM MASSDOT 312

Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

313 Michael Malinowski, President of the Grafton Upton Railroad introduced himself and 314 General Manager, John Dewaele, to the Board and offered a tour of the facility in North 315 Grafton to Ms. Roy, Mr. Often, and Mr. Brassard as they were not on the Board or staff 316 when the last tour was conducted. 317 318 He reviewed with the Board the attached power point presentation outlining the work 319 that has been and will be completed at the Main/Waterville/East Street crossings and 320 the installation of the traffic gates. The grant before the Board is a Section 130 grant 321 that will be administered by the GURR. The total project cost is $250,000 and the grant 322 is a 90% reimbursement grant. The Town will be paying $25,000 of the project cost. 323 324 Mr. Malinowski is requesting the Select Board authorize the Town to have Town 325 Counsel prepare a document outlining the administration of the grant. He then asked 326 the Board if they had any questions. 327 328 Mr. Carlson asked when the work was expected to begin and end. Mr. Malinowski 329 stated that depends upon the Town as they will be directing the work. It is his 330 understanding the hope is to have it completed by the end of the summer. The Town is 331 working with PARE Engineering; because the design and final work will be the town’s 332 responsibility, he is not sure of the exact time frame. 333 334 Ms. Roy made a motion seconded by Mr. Prisby the Board vote to accept the $225,000 335 grant allocation from MassDOT for traffic signal and road improvements under 336 MassDOT Section 130 with the understanding the grant is to be administered by the 337 Grafton and Upton Railroad. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; Often, 338 Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 339 340 GRAFTON UPTON RAIL ROAD GRANT APPLICATION 341 342 Mr. Malinowski stated he has asked for and received the Board’s support for the CRISI 343 grant the past two years. He indicated this grant is highly competitive and political. For 344 the past two years, the Federal Rail Administration has selected the GURR grant for 345 approval, but it has ended up not approved. He is hopeful that under the new 346 administration in Washington that will change. The previous letters were written on 347 October 1, 2019 and May 13, 2020. He is asking the Town submit the same letter this 348 year. 349 350 Mr. Malinowski provided a high-level review of the grant including the reason they were 351 seeking it, the work that would be completed and the impact on the area. Details are in 352 the attached power point presentation. 353 354 There were no questions from the Board. 355 356 Ms. Roy made a motion, seconded by Mr. Often the Board vote to continue to support 357 the GURR in their CRISI grant application and authorize the Chairman to send a letter

Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

358 of support to the Federal Rail Administration. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: 359 DeFazio, Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 360 361 RESIGNATIONS 362 363 BETH PATCH 364 365 Ms. Roy made a motion, seconded by Ms. DeFazio the Board vote to accept the 366 resignation of Beth Patch and send her a letter of thanks. The motion passed 5-0 by roll 367 call: DeFazio, Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 368 369 MELISSA LACKEY 370 371 Ms. Roy made a motion, seconded by Ms. DeFazio the Board vote to accept the 372 resignation of Melissa Lackey from the Disability Commission and send her a letter of 373 thanks. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, 374 Aye; Carlson, Aye. 375 376 Mr. Carlson stated he would like to move Election Worker – Kyle James until later in the 377 meeting. The Board agreed. 378 379 APPOINTMENT/TOWN ADMINISTRATOR 380 381 PART TIME SNOW PLOW DRIVER – DAMIEN PICHIERRI 382 383 Ms. Roy made a motion, seconded by Ms. DeFazio the Board vote to affirm the 384 appointment of Damien Pichierri as a part time snow plow driver. The motion passed 5- 385 0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 386 387 NEW BUSINESS 388 389 FIRE CHIEF SEARCH COMMITTEE CHARGE 390 391 Mr. Carlson asked the Board allow him to take this item out of order on the agenda. 392 They agreed. 393 394 Mr. Carlson stated he created a draft charge for the Fire Chief Search Committee and 395 would like for the Board to finalize the Charge at this meeting. 396 397 Ms. DeFazio asked for Mr. Prisby’s thoughts on the proper size of the search committee 398 given his recent experience on the Town Administrator Search Committee. Mr. Prisby 399 stated it can be very difficult to get nine people together and he feels that five is a good 400 number of members. 401 402 Mr. Often also feels a smaller committee would be more efficient. He suggested a 403 minimum of two representatives of the fire department, the Police Chief, the Town Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

404 Administrator and someone from the Select Board or Finance Committee. He added 405 that if the Strong Chief language is adopted, the Chief will report to the Select Board. 406 407 Ms. DeFazio stated she is comfortable with a five-member committee and is in 408 agreement with the committee make up suggested by Mr. Often. She did state she 409 would be in favor of three members from the Fire Department so there is a 410 representative from each station. Lastly, she wondered if it made sense to have 411 someone from a neighboring community’s fire department since mutual aid is so 412 important. 413 414 Ms. Roy stated there should be representation from each fire station. Ms. DeFazio 415 agreed adding that may increase the size of the committee from five to seven. 416 417 Mr. Brassard suggested the committee be seven members with three from the fire 418 department and an increase in the outside members. 419 420 Mr., Prisby asked if the current Fire Chief should be on the committee. Mr. Brassard 421 stated it is typically better to steer away from having a person currently in the position 422 on the search committee for their replacement. Mr. Carlson added that the Chief 423 currently has two full time jobs. He suggested the seventh member be a member at 424 large from the community. 425 426 The Board discussed the timeframe for the committee charge. Mr. Prisby feels four 427 months is a reasonable timeframe. Ms. DeFazio stated that would mean delivering 428 candidates to the Select Board on July 1, 2021. 429 430 Ms. Roy suggested a timeline requiring candidates be presented by June 1, 2021. Mr. 431 Often agreed. 432 433 Mr. Carlson reviewed the charge as amended to include: candidates presented by June 434 1, 2021, seven members, and three candidates but no more than four will be brought 435 forward to the Select Board for consideration. 436 437 Ms. Roy made a motion seconded by Mr. Often to accept the Fire Chief Search 438 Committee Charge as presented. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; 439 Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 440 441 SOLICIT COMPANIES TO SERVE AS FIRE CHIEF SEARCH FIRM 442 443 Ms. Roy made a motion seconded by Ms. DeFazio the Board vote to solicit companies 444 to serve as Fire Chief Search Firm. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; 445 Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 446 447 SCHEDULE 448 449 AMEND LIST OF SPECIAL MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

450 451 Mr. Carlson stated the full list is still being reviewed but he would like the Board to 452 consider adopting two committees at this meeting, Capital Improvement Planning 453 Committee and the Fire Chief Search Committee to be considered Special Employees 454 under Massachusetts General Law. 455 456 Ms. Roy made a motion seconded by Mr. Often to adopt the capital Improvement 457 Planning Committee and Fire Chief Search Committee as Special Municipal 458 Employees. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; 459 Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 460 461 Mr. Carlson stated he would have the full list for consideration at the March 16th 462 meeting. 463 464 465 APPOINTMENT/SELECT BOARD 466 467 ELECTION WORKER – KYLE JAMES 468 469 Ms. Roy made a motion seconded by Ms. DeFazio to appoint Kyle James as an election 470 worker for a term to expire June 30, 2021. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, 471 Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 472 473 NEW BUSINESS 474 475 59 PLEASANT STREET MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT AND RIGHT OF FIRST 476 REFUSAL 477 478 Mr. Carlson stated the Board received a letter from the neighbors stating they were 479 unable to secure funding for the purchase. 480 481 Ms. Roy made a motion seconded by Ms. DeFazio the Board vote to execute the 482 Memorandum of Agreement between 59 Pleasant Street Properties, LLC and the Town 483 of Grafton, in which the Board agrees to waive its right of first refusal pursuant to 484 General Law chapter 61A to purchase the entirety of the premises known as 59 485 Pleasant Street. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, 486 Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 487 488 NEW RECYCLING COMMITTEE CHARGE 489 490 Ms. DeFazio stated the Board had established a recycling committee last June with a 491 specific charge that she feels has been completed by this Board. That charge was 492 focused on the study of solid waste and recycling options. Ms. DeFazio added that at 493 that time no one from the community showed an interest in joining the committee. She 494 feels it may make sense to disband the existing committee and adopt a new charge,

Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

495 specifically the second one in the packet. She does feel the Town will need a recycling 496 committee. 497 498 Ms. DeFazio made a motion seconded by Mr. Roy to disband the Grafton Solid Waste 499 and Recycling Study Committee. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; 500 Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 501 502 Ms. DeFazio stated no one had been appointed to the committee so there is no need to 503 contact anyone. 504 505 Ms. Roy asked if any action should be taken on the second charge in the packet. Ms. 506 DeFazio stated she would like to give Mr. Brassard an opportunity to review the charge 507 and offer input. She will bring this back to the Committee on March 16th. 508 509 SELECT BOARD REPORTS 510 511 Ms. DeFazio stated the Economic Development Commission (EDC) has some money in 512 their budget that they would like to use to help out the restaurants as they move through 513 the month of March and into April. They plan to buy local gift cards and award them to 514 residents based upon some sort of social media campaign and hashtag. The initial 515 thought is to create a theme for each week. 516 517 Ms. DeFazio stated the EDC, at their last meeting, also talked about 27 Upton Street 518 and the RFP received for senior luxury apartments, a beer garden, and parking. Mr. 519 Brassard stated he has met with Chris McGoldrick and the Select Board will be seeing it 520 soon. 521 522 Ms. DeFazio stated the Library is within budget and there is a completion date of June 523 8th. She stated they are working on a marketing campaign for it’s opening. Mr. Brassard 524 stated he will work with William Blake on a PR plan for the opening. Ms. DeFazio 525 suggested the Board invite Andy Deschenes to a future meeting to provide a full update 526 on the Library Building Project. 527 528 Mr. Carlson stated last Monday he took the day off of work and spent it with Mr. 529 Brassard, introducing him to almost all the department heads. Mr. Carlson thanked the 530 department heads and staff who welcomed Mr. Brassard. 531 532 TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT 533 534 Mr. Brassard stated the Board will be addressing some bonding items in April as he has 535 been working with the Town Treasurer and bond counsel on securing better interest 536 rates that may result in close to a one-million-dollar savings. He is also working with 537 Mary Lauria and William Blake on the FY 22 budget and he has spoken with the 538 Chairman of the Finance Committee. He does not expect the budget to change much 539 from how it looked when he arrived. He also discussed with the Board his 540 communications background and things he found that worked very well regarding social Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021

541 media. Mr. Brassard intends to include on the Town Facebook page more items related 542 to what is happening in Grafton so the page is not solely Government information. Mr. 543 Often stated the Board is in favor of improving social media engagement and 544 communication overall. He highlighted the library and how that was on social media. 545 Mr. Often feels including something about the new DPW facility would be a good idea 546 as well as, highlighting grant opportunities and what has been purchased/accomplished 547 with the grant money, and community events. Ms. DeFazio suggested providing 548 incentives for when people like posts. 549 550 551 CORRESPONDENCE 552 553 There were no questions or comments concerning the correspondence. 554 555 MEETING MINUTES 556 557 FEBRUARY 2, 2021 558 559 A motion was made by Ms. Roy and seconded by Ms. DeFazio to approve the February 560 2, 2021 meeting minutes as presented. The motion passed 5-0 by roll call, DeFazio, 561 Aye; Often, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Roy, Aye; Carlson, Aye. 562 563 ON GOING TASKS – FOR REVIEW AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES 564 565 Mr. Carlson reviewed the list of On-Going Tasks with the Board stating the Millbury 566 Street Sidewalk Grant will be followed on by Mr. Brassard. There were no other 567 questions or comments from the Board. 568 569 570 A motion was made to adjourn by Ms. Roy, and seconded by Mr. Often. The motion 571 passed by 5-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; Often, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, 572 Aye. The meeting was adjourned at 9:35 p.m. 573 574 Respectfully submitted, 575 Joann Duncan 576 Assistant to the Select Board 577 578 A video of the entire meeting can be viewed at: 579 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yDRMTDlvszM

Select Board Meeting Minutes March 2, 2021 3/3/2021 Town of Grafton Mail - [Town of Grafton MA] Silver Lake 2021 proposal objection (Sent by Melissa S. Graves, [email protected])

Joann Duncan

[Town of Grafton MA] Silver Lake 2021 proposal objection (Sent by Melissa S. Graves, [email protected]) 1 message

Contact form at Town of Grafton MA Tue, Mar 2, 2021 at 1:04 PM Reply-To: [email protected] To: Select Board

Hello Select Board,

Melissa S. Graves ([email protected]) has sent you a message via your contact form (https://www.grafton- ma.gov/user/14856/contact) at Town of Grafton MA.

If you don't want to receive such e-mails, you can change your settings at https://www.grafton-ma.gov/user/14856/edit.

Message:

I would like to formally state my opposition to the proposal for Silver Lake to not have lifeguards but instead park rangers. If during normal days without covid and when lifeguards are not on duty, Silver lake is unsafe for swimmers (hence the no swimming sign), why is it suddenly safe with park rangers?

Silver Lake is a murky lake and no parent can watch their child 100% of the time. Maybe when they are a toddler that is the expectation, not when they are 12. Turn your head for a minute or go to the concession stand or bathroom and they are suddenly over in another part of the beach. I go to Silver Lake BECAUSE of the excellent system of lifeguarding that Grafton Rec. has. I know at all times that in addition to my eyes, there are 2-4 other people also watching kids in the water. I do not think we can afford to let this slide.

I also can't comprehend how we would possibly spend more ($100K vs normally $85K) for staffing when the beach capacity is minimized? Wouldn't that require less staff on duty? Can someone please ask this to be explained? How many staff were on duty on a normal day in 2019 and how many would need to be on duty with this limited capacity?

If staff are issued appropriate reusable masks what are the anticipated other PPE costs? I assume they would primarily be needed for restroom cleaning and supplies of hand sanitizer but otherwise what increase is there? I assume I am just missing something here but what is it? And are there not state or federal resources for such PPE for town employees?

Why also wouldn't you consider an increase to summer passes? I have paid $45 for several years and I would pay more for a summer pass especially if someone can still ask for a reduced price based on hardship. I would gladly add to the lifeguard staffing budget and/or subsidize other families with an increased pass price.

I am not a fan of the "slots open every day at a particular time". I have still not tasted "Bread Guy Breads" because of this kind of system. I get why some kind of system is needed but this will definitely not make it worth it for me to get a season pass. I work and I assume this open up "timeslot" will happen when I am working and the advantage goes to the families with stay at home parents (likely also in a higher income bracket) who can more time their lives around when the slots open which is an ongoing issue in Grafton. I would be in a work meeting or call at that time and as a working mom I am limited to certain days of the week I can even go to the Lake so I would miss out far too often. A waitlist and random draw for particular days throughout the summer would be a preferable system to me to make it worth it to get a season pass.

I hope the Select board considers this thoroughly and makes a safe and equitable decision on this. I know it is not an easy one.

Melissa S. Graves 37 Kaye Circle

https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0?ik=c664a31432&view=pt&search=all&permthid=thread-f%3A1693144358978008362&simpl=msg-f%3A16931443589… 1/1 Grafton and Upton Railroad Company

February 16, 2021 Grafton Board of Selectmen

GU Creating “Public Private Partnerships” (PPP) Update since last meeting on May 12, 2020

Alt. B intersection improvement chosen by Select Board Gates and crossing signals installed New traffic signals under design by Par Engineering Pending BOS approval for $225,000 grant to town.

Will provides a significant decrease in vehicle delay with the addition of the southbound left-turn lane on N. Main St.

The addition of the left-turn lane provides an area for southbound vehicles to queue during an active railroad crossing condition, allowing southbound through traffic to pass along with northbound with limited impact. New stacking lane south bound to allow through movement while crossing gate activated Section 130 grant in amount of $225,000 • Section 130 grant program is subsidized 90% by the federal government and Massachusetts has allocated this program to freight railroad to support safety improvements. • GU was allocated funds to improve four crossings with signal gates (3 Grafton & 1 Upton). • Given the complexity of Rt 140 and Rt 30 we were able to petition with our grant application and secured additional funds to supplement what the town was planning to do with this intersection given current capacity issues and other development in town. • This supplemental funding was for $100,000 to include Main/Waterville/East Street roadway modifications & $150,000 for Main/Waterville/East Street traffic signal project. Therefore eligible for $225,000 in project grant funds and $25,000 in match funds from the town via chapter 90 or other for these eligible match cost. • This grant was extended that now expires on 12/31/21 to expend the funds. • Request the Select Board Authorize the Town to enter into a short agreement prepared by town counsel that will collaborate with GU to identify expenses that are eligible for reimbursement from the 130 grant dated October 14, 2020 and to follow all grant requirements including but not limited to procurement. Update since last meeting on May 12, 2020

GU’s Federal FRA CRISI grant application was selected for approval by FRA – BUT was not approved by white house. Political process therefore need to reapply.

Project is a public private partnership (PPP) between FRA, MassDOT, MBTA, CSX, & GU with regional benefits.

CRISI grant application had regional letters of support from Town of Grafton, MassDOT, MBTA, Congressman McGovern, CSX, Central Mass Planning Committee, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, and Representative Muradian among others. Previous letters was unanimously approved by Select Board on 10/1/19, and 5/13/20 requesting new letter of support for this CRISI Grant and to request of support from federal delegation & Governor Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant This federal grant for a $10.6M project will be submitted this spring. The goal is to reduce extra mileage by 75 miles of travel, improve WML freight and commuter rail operations, increase capacity on the WML, reduce emissions, reduce interchange delivery impact from 11pm to 1am for the residents of North Grafton, and improved interchange with CSX on the reinstalled interchange track. A win-win for all. The PPP project will increase interchange operational efficiency, enhance safety and utilization of the corridor. It will provide CSX with enough track space to make a set-off directly to the GU during daylight hours instead of continuing east to Framingham from Selkirk, thereby removing nearly 75 trip miles of the Worcester Main Line as well as eliminating a minimum of four days of extra travel and redundant switching to multiple trains.

• The CRISI project includes reinstalling the interchange siding controlled by 2 electric lock switches on MBTA WML. • The PPP project will increase interchange operational efficiency, enhance safety and provide CSX with enough track space to make a set-off directly to the GU during safer daylight hours instead of continuing east and back again. • A CSX freight train setting off properly blocked cars to GU will be able to complete this interchange using the siding that will have an east/west bound wye for outbound trains. • This allows the freight train to clear passing commuter trains allowing them to remain on schedule rather than an up to 2-hour interchange transfer that currently occur between 11pm-1am. In addition, the CRISI project will improve the resilience of the main line of 85lb rail that was built over 70 years ago by adding more ballast stone and upgrading the ties to support safer 115 rail. In addition, nine railroad crossings will be upgraded to include new rail, crossing surfaces as well as improved sight, drainage, signage, road markings and safety to motorists.

Railroad Crossing Name Town Milepost DOT Number

GU Waterworks Grafton 1.00 861466U

GU Tracy Ann Drive Grafton 1.20 972884S

GU Carroll Ave Grafton 1.80 861463Y

GU Carroll Road Grafton 2.16 861462S

GU Sibley Road Grafton 3.80 861458C

GU Browns Road Grafton 4.35 861457V

GU Old Upton Road Grafton 4.62 861455G

Previous letters was unanimously approved by Select Board on 10/1/19, and 5/13/20 requesting new letter of support for this CRISI Grant and to request of support from federal delegation & Governor 9 b) MEETING MINUTES – MARCH 9, 2021

Attached are Meeting Minutes from March 9, 2021.

Motion for Consideration:

I move the Board vote to approve/not approve the meeting minutes of March 9, 2021 as presented.

OFFICE OF THE SELECT BOARD 30 Providence Road Grafton, MA 01519 (508) 839-5335 [email protected] www.grafton-ma.gov

1 2 SELECT BOARD 3 Meeting Minutes 4 March 9, 2021 5 6 A meeting was called to order at 7:02PM by Chairman Peter Carlson. In attendance 7 were: Chairman, Peter Carlson, Vice Chairman, Doreen DeFazio, Clerk, Colleen Roy, 8 Ed Prisby, and Mathew Often. Staff in attendance were: Town Administrator, Evan 9 Brassard, Management Analyst and Communications Specialist, William Blake, and 10 Senior Center Outreach Coordinator, Lisa Kelley. 11 12 All Select Board members, staff, and guests in attendance were acknowledged and the 13 Remote Meeting Participation Guidelines were read by Mr. Carlson. 14 15 DISCUSSION 16 17 Food Insecurity Messaging – Lisa Kelley 18 19 Lisa Kelley, Outreach Coordinator for the Grafton Senior Center was in attendance to 20 provide an update on new initiatives within the Senior Center to help with food 21 insecurity. She stated that she along with the Senior Center Director, Barbara Connelly, 22 have attended training through the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) and the 23 Senior Center is now a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) intake site. 24 The program is open to all Grafton residents. She stressed the need they saw for this 25 since the pandemic started and that the in-take forms can be completed remotely. Ms. 26 Kelley encouraged anyone in need of assistance to contact the Senior Center. While 27 there are guidelines for the program it is only a 20-minute process to gather the 28 information and send the forms for processing. She stressed that as with all things at 29 the Senior Center, the information is kept confidential. 30 31 Mr. Often asked Ms. Kelley to talk about the least utilized service at the Senior Center. 32 She stated the Senior Center has residents who come for lunches, to participate in 33 crafts, and to take classes. Many residents utilize the van service to get to doctor’s 34 appointments. She added they have instituted a grab and go lunch program and there 35 is a utility closet with equipment like walkers and wheel chairs that can be borrowed. 36 37 The Senior Center also administers the South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) 38 fuel assistance program. Ms. Kelley does the intake for this program as well. Select Board Meeting Minutes March 9, 2021

39 40 Ms. Kelley stressed the over 60-year-old population in Grafton is about 4,000, the same 41 as the population of school age children. 42 43 Ms. DeFazio asked Ms. Kelley to clarify that even if people are working, they may 44 qualify for any of the programs she just reviewed with the Board. She added that it is 45 her understanding SNAP is much more discrete than the Food Stamp Program was 46 decades ago. Ms. Kelley agreed and stated there are income levels that determine 47 eligibility for SNAP and that someone absolutely can be working and eligible for 48 assistance. 49 50 Ms. Roy asked if there are on-line resources residents can access. Ms. Kelley stated 51 the program can be accessed through the Mass.gov website and residents can apply 52 on-line. Ms. Roy suggested putting the link on the Senior Center webpage. 53 54 Mr. Often asked if there is anything the Select Board can do to help the Senior Center 55 obtain assistance from the local State Representatives for project and grant support. 56 Ms. Kelley stated that Ms. Connelly does significant work with grants and has been very 57 successful in securing them. She stated the seniors enjoy having Select Board 58 members stop by for coffee and that a visit would be very appreciated. 59 60 Entertainment Licenses 61 62 William Blake, Management Analyst and Communications Specialist screen shared the 63 current 2021 Emergency Summer Outdoor Entertainment License as it exists on 64 Viewpoint. He reviewed this license with the Board, highlighting the required 65 information and indicating the license must also go to the Planning Department for 66 review of the outside set-up. Mr. Blake stated the license was sent to the businesses 67 currently holding entertainment licenses for feedback. No feedback has yet been 68 received. 69 70 Mr. Often stated the license looks good and asked if there is a different process to 71 follow to obtain the site plan and approval letter from the Planning Office. He asked 72 what the workflow would look like. Mr. Blake stated the site plan would need to be 73 uploaded to Viewpoint and reviewed that way. He stated he would speak with the 74 Planning and Building Departments to ensure the process is streamlined. 75 76 Mr. Brassard stated the benefit of Viewpoint is that it serves as the entry point for the 77 process. Everything can be entered and reviewed by the necessary departments. 78 79 Ms. Roy asked if there would be a fee attached to the license and would this license be 80 necessary for establishments serving only food and not having entertainment. Mr. 81 Blake stated if a restaurant is planning to only serve food outside, the process they 82 followed last year would be the same process this year and that there is no fee attached 83 to this license as the business has already paid for an entertainment license. 84 Select Board Meeting Minutes March 9, 2021

85 Ms. DeFazio asked what document will be created and provided to the business. Mr. 86 Blake stated Viewpoint does create and populate a letter at the end that can be sent to 87 the business. She also asked if Viewpoint must be used. Mr. Brassard stated the goal 88 is to get everyone using Viewpoint, but if using it is a hardship, a paper copy can be 89 submitted and the information will be input by the Town Administrator’s Office. 90 91 Mr. Carlson thanked Mr. Blake and asked that he let the Board know when the license 92 is finalized. 93 94 Mr. Often stated he would like to see the final certificate that is created. Mr. Brassard 95 stated whatever comes out on the certificate is up to the Board which is a nice feature of 96 Viewpoint. He added the prior certificates were made by one company that all towns 97 utilized and the certificates were never changed. Now the certificates can be updated to 98 include more/different information. 99 100 Mr. Often stated it is important to make sure the Police Chief and Board of Health have 101 the information they need on the license to properly enforce it. Mr. Brassard stated he 102 would ask Mr. Blake to reach out to the Police Chief and the Board of Health to see if 103 there is anything they would like to have included on the certificate. 104 105 Mr. Brassard thanked Mr. Blake for all his work on this project which entailed learning 106 Viewpoint and creating the certificate on-line. 107 108 Review of Goals and Objectives 109 110 Mr. Carlson stated Mr. Often will be leaving the meeting shortly due to another 111 engagement. He wanted to have the Board review the goals given that Mr. Brassard 112 has recently joined the Town and to see if there are items that can be removed and/or 113 updated. Mr. Carlson screen shared the list of goals and objectives. 114 115 Ms. Roy indicated “Hire TA” could be removed. 116 117 Mr. Prisby stated he and Mr. Brassard have discussed the hiring of a grant/procurement 118 officer. Mr. Brassard feels there is a lot of good work being done within the town 119 departments regarding grant writing. While it is spread-out throughout the organization 120 it is working. Mr. Brassard feels a procurement officer would be beneficial to the Town, 121 but the role may be able to be rolled into another position. 122 123 Mr. Prisby stated he feels the prior administration got bogged down with these items 124 and they do require an expertise and a lot of time. He added that right now Town staff 125 is burdened. He wondered if expanding the hours of staff at the municipal center would 126 work. Ms. DeFazio stated she remembers discussing the need to structure the role to 127 have the two together, as these are a burden to current staff and would free up time. 128 She added that a good grant writer has the potential to bring in a lot of money. 129 Someone with grant writing capabilities often also has procurement skills. Ms. DeFazio

Select Board Meeting Minutes March 9, 2021

130 does feel procurement is more important as the staff is doing a great job at getting 131 grants. 132 133 Mr. Brassard gave the recent example of the grant secured by DPW to purchase a 134 dump truck. He feels procurement is vital since it involves building relationships and 135 knowing the best timeframe to go out to bid. 136 137 Mr. Carlson stated the Board could remove the hiring of a Management Analyst and 138 Communication Specialist as well as the Finance Director positions. He added there 139 has been some progress on the 27 Upton Street Item and the Sidewalk Program. 140 141 Ms. Roy asked about the Taxation Aid Committee and whether or not a decision was 142 made to move forward with this committee. Mr. Carlson stated he would follow up on 143 this item. 144 145 Mr. Carlson asked if Mr. Brassard had any questions or comments about the goals 146 established by the Board. Mr. Brassard stated he does not see anything out of the 147 ordinary in the goals. He sees them as reasonable and achievable. 148 149 There were no further comments or questions from the Board. 150 151 A motion was made to adjourn by Ms. Roy, and seconded by Mr. Prisby. The motion 152 passed by 4-0 by roll call: DeFazio, Aye; Roy, Aye; Prisby, Aye; Carlson, Aye. The 153 meeting was adjourned at 7:50 p.m. 154 155 Respectfully submitted, 156 Joann Duncan 157 Assistant to the Select Board 158 159 A video of the entire meeting can be viewed at: 160 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhM98qEjC1I&t=8s

Select Board Meeting Minutes March 9, 2021 10. ON GOING TASKS -FOR REVIEW AND INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES

• Library Building Project • Upton Street RFP • Millbury Street Sidewalk Grant