Coordinator report November 2, 2017

We have a hearing at 6:30 pm within the Selectboard meeting which is an annual
rite in our property tax setting process. The Board will seek public comment on
whether we should or should not continue to set a single tax rate for all
classes of taxable property. We always have in the past, lacking any significant
commercial or industrial property. As a note, utility poles are personal
property not real property and that tax set by the state.

I'll be meeting with the Town Forest and Open Space committee's at 4 pm Monday
to review our progress and discuss next steps which include the Selectboard
giving final authorization after the November 18 notice period is past and
scheduling a closing.

Board met with Bay State Accounting Group regarding outsourcing town accounting
and should discuss next steps including a decision whether to pursue this avenue
with procurement process.

Dawn requested an "action item" agenda line to help follow matters to
completions. I've requested FD take photos and provide some information on the
surplus truck's condition. That hasn't happened to date though the truck is
outside and I can take my own photos. We are also looking for Chief Gates to
arrange a briefing with fire marshall and develop a fire drill plan.  A few
years ago Adam Holloway and Brian Miner developed a fire event pre plan for town
hall and there may be a section on drills in that document.

We have the matter of road salt use and ways to save highway fuel. With respect
to salt, George Day's research has revealed reference in two town reports; 1975
page 33 lists formation of a salt study committee and later, in 1982 page 23 the
ATM voted to use less salt as much as possible. Highway line painting is
scheduled. Highway department did some hand cutting versus machine mowing to
protect some broadband assets which is appreciated.

The board may want to have follow-up discussion regarding meeting in Bernardston
of shared school Central Office, Superintendent, and Business Manager

There is an important upcoming school district stakeholders meeting November 9
at Pioneer and the January MMA trade show and annual meeting is the 19th and
20th in Boston.

The elevator broke and was repaired by the maintenance vendor. Problem was a
burnt contact. I reviewed our insurance coverage with MIIA and need to update
our telecom valuation data. The copier lease ends in a few months and I'm
looking at our options for getting more machine for no more expense.

The "federal tax" recovery charge by Nat Grid for our broadband power line
extensions has to be paid according to research that Rep. McGovern's staff
member Brissette conducted.

Diana Tandy contacted us to say she won't be able to continue The Gathering
beyond Friday, 03 November. She wrote that "I have very much enjoyed my 5 plus
years working here for the Community but need to move on. I will continue to be
available to monitor the care of the Town Hall Kitchen, conduct Memorial
Receptions and additional special events as needed." Diana plans to work more
Senior Meal positions in addition to Warwick site on Tuesdays. We owe her a big
thank you for more than five years hosting this activity.