Information for Meeting of Select Board
Monday October 05, 2020 6:30 PM EDT

**updated 10/1/2020**
BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
Monday, October 5, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.
Virtual Meeting Only in light of COVID-19 pandemic
Log-in information included below

NOTICES & AGENDA

NOTICES

VIRTUAL MEETING NOTICE:  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 limitation on the number of people that may gather in one place due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) and as amended since, this meeting of the Town of Berlin Board of Selectmen will be conducted via remote participation to the greatest extent possible.

No in-person attendance of members of the public will be permitted, but every effort will be made to ensure that the public can adequately access the proceedings in real time, via technological means. The Town of Berlin will use best efforts to post an audio or video recording, transcript, or other comprehensive record of proceedings as soon as possible after the meeting on:

The Town’s Webpage: http://www.townofberlin.com/berlin-tv 
The Town’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/townofberlintv 
Approved minutes will be posted to www.mytowngovernment.org/01503 

For this meeting, members of the public who wish to attend the virtual meeting may attend via the Zoom Webinar platform in one of two ways: 
(1) with both audio & video access, or 
(2) by telephone/audio only.

ZOOM VIRTUAL MEETINGS: Zoom Meetings provide remote meeting capability for meeting participants and audience members alike.  Meeting attendance can be achieved in one of two ways (either way, see log-in directions at the end of this meeting posting):
Video conference (recommended) – requires an Internet-enabled device with a camera and microphone (laptop, tablet, smartphone, or PC - there needs to be a camera and microphone to be seen, heard and hear discussion); or
Telephone only – By making a telephone call to a Zoom Meeting access telephone number and entering the meeting ID#.  You will be unable to see other meeting participants or any documents presented during the meeting.

ADA ACCOMMODATIONS NOTICE: Attendees who may need accommodations should contact Town Administrator/ADA Coordinator Margaret Nartowicz at townadmin@townofberlin.com at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY NOTICE: The Town of Berlin does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, disability, veteran status, genetic information, homelessness, citizenship or any other class protected by state or federal law.”
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AGENDA

CALL TO ORDER

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Meetings of the Board of Selectmen are generally recorded for transmission on both the Berlin Cable Television Access Channel and YouTube.  Your voice, image and/or telephone number may be recorded.

6:30 PM EXECUTIVE SESSION – The Board will enter executive session pursuant to Massachusetts General Law Chapter 30A:
Section 21 (a)(1) - To discuss the reputation, character, physical condition or mental health, rather than professional competence, of an individual, or discuss the discipline or dismissal of, or complaints or charges against, a public officer, employee, staff member or individual.  
Section 21 (a)(3) - To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the Board and the chair so declares (Fire Department)

The Board will return to open session thereafter to further conduct its regular business meeting on Zoom Webinar #148 969 555.  Viewers are welcome to join the ‘waiting room’ to await the arrival of the Select Board after it concludes its closed-door portion of the meeting.

THEREAFTER - OPEN SESSION - The Board will vote to leave executive session (held in a separate Zoom room) and will then join the public in Zoom Webinar #148 969 555.  Full log-in credentials at the end of this posting. 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

September 28, 2020 – open session

CORRESPONDENCE

GENERAL PUBLIC COMMENT

HEARINGS, APPOINTMENTS, AND PRESENTATIONS
Department Head Report - Police Chief Thomas Galvin
7:10 PM - Recreation Committee - committee charge

TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT - online at:
	http://www.townofberlin.com/town-administrator/pages/town-administrator-reports 

OLD BUSINESS
Vote to reaffirm FY21 Tax Classification vote of September 28, 2020 
Nov/Dec 2020 Special Town Meeting - Select Board Action Calendar & Updates to Potential Articles
FY21 Board Goals and Objectives

NEW BUSINESS
Appointment of 
(1) Wes Durant, Jr. to the Council on Aging, term through 5/31/2023; 
(2) Jason Collier to Energy Committee, terms through 5/31/2021
(3) Stephen Brodeur to Energy Committee, terms through 5/31/2021
Accountant request to write off old Property Damage receivables
Approval for signature by the Chair - Green Communities $12,500 META grant for funding assistance with a solar PV project
TA notice of intent to appoint Highway Department Heavy Equipment Operator/Laborer/Driver/Mechanic
Review of draft “Filling Vacancies on Town Boards & Committees - Policies and Procedures”
Vote/sign Nov. 3, 2020 State/General Election warrant (to be posted by Oct. 27, 2020)
Discuss Town Meeting warrant article request by Berlin-Boylston Regional School District for Town Meeting article seeking special legislation for scheduling of BBRSD School Committee member election cycle

BOARD QUESTIONS & COMMENTS

ADJOURNMENT
Listed agenda items were reasonably anticipated by the Chairman and may be discussed at the meeting. Other items not listed may also be brought up for discussion to the extent permitted by law. Items may be taken out of printed order.
Meeting posted in accordance with the Open Meeting Law - M.G.L. Chapter 30A, §§ 18-25, inclusive.
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ZOOM WEBINAR: DIAL-IN INSTRUCTIONS

Connect with us in one of three ways:

Webinar link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/148969555 
Or iPhone one-tap US: +16465588656,,148969555#  or +13017158592,,148969555#
Or Telephone: Dial US: +1 646 558 8656  or +1 301 715 8592  Webinar ID: 148 969 555
Telephone caller codes:
Dial  * + 6 to turn on/off your phone microphone
Dial  * + 9 to ‘raise your hand’ from the audience

Every effort will be made to note the order in which audience members have raised their hand to be ‘called upon’.  Discretion to entertain comments and questions from the audience rests with the Chairman pursuant to the Massachusetts Open Meeting Law. When recognized by the Chair, the caller must clearly state his/her name and address before asking a question or making a comment.
*END*