HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022_11_16 Town Board Minutes
Town of Mamaroneck
Town Board Minutes
Wednesday, November 16, 2022, Courtroom, Second Floor of
Town Center 5:00 PM
PRESENT: Jaine Elkind Eney, Town Supervisor
Abby Katz, Councilwoman
Sabrina Fiddelman, Councilwoman
Jeffery L. King, Councilman
Robin Nichinsky, Councilwoman
ABSENT:
ALSO PRESENT: Allison May, Town Clerk
Meredith S. Robson, Town Administrator
Connie Green O'Donnell, Deputy Town Administrator
William Maker Jr., Town Attorney
Lindsey M. Luft, Assistant to Town Administrator
Tracy Yogman, Town Comptroller
5:00 PM THE TOWN BOARD WORK SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
WORK SESSION ITEMS
1. Discussion - Proposed Town Board Meeting Dates and Locations for 2023.
The Town Supervisor proposed the following meeting dates for discussion and
requested no further action tonight by the Town Board:
January 11th – Organizational Meeting - Court Room
January 18th - D and C
February 1st – C and Court Room
February 15th – D and C
March 1st - C and Court Room
March 15th - C and Court Room
April **5th - C and Court Room (The Town Board noted this should be changed as it
is the first night of Passover.)
April 19th - C and Court Room
May 3rd - C and Court Room
May 17th - C and Court Room
June 7th - C and Court Room
June 21st - C and Court Room
July – TBD
August – TBD
September 6th – D and C
September 20th - C and Court Room
October 4th - C and Court Room
October 18th - C and Court Room
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November 16, 2022
November 1st - C and Court Room
November 15th - C and Court Room
December 6th - C and Court Room
December 20th - C and Court Room
2. Discussion - 2023 Preliminary Budget
The Town Administrator introduced the Preliminary Town Budget for 2023, and the
Town Comptroller reviewed the changes made, including appropriating more fund
balance, increasing sales tax revenues by $50,000, and increasing building permit
revenues also by $50,000. The Town Board discussed the changes, including the tax
rate decreasing in the unincorporated area to 4.54% in the Preliminary Budget (from
5.59% in the Tentative Budget) and the tax levy increase moving to 2.99% in the
Preliminary Budget (down 0.72% from 3.71% in the Tentative Budget).
3. Discussion - Proposed Sewer Rent Rate for 2023
The Town Comptroller presented highlights of the proposed sewer rent rate for 2023,
noting the average annual rate will be $251, a $63 increase year on year. The
Comptroller explained that sewer rent revenue has been short for several years,
because water usage has been lower, so they have included a buffer of $100,000 in
the 2023 proposed budget. The Comptroller also pointed out that utilities, and other
salaries and benefits, have increased as well.
4. Discussion - 2022 Capital Budget Amendments
The Town Comptroller presented the following 2022 capital budget amendments:
1.Memorial Park Playground Improvements (Project 2020.31) A price quote for the
Memorial Park Playground improvements was received from American Recreational
Products and is higher than the project budget. Additional funding of $11,830 is
needed to complete the project. The Senior Center Parking Lot project has remaining
funds available that can be transferred to the park budgets. A budget amendment to
transfer funds from the Senior Center Parking Lot project is recommended.
2. Richbell Playground Improvements (Project 2021.88) A price quote for the Richbell
Park Playground improvements was received from American Recreational Products
and is higher than the project budget. Additional funding of $23,750 is needed to
complete the project. The Senior Center Parking Lot project has remaining funds
available that can be transferred to the park budgets. A budget amendment to transfer
funds from the Senior Center Parking Lot project is recommended.
3. Police Equipment (B.3120.2123) A donation has been accepted by the Town Board
from Ray Catena Lexus. The funds were provided by the donor for the purchase of
police equipment that is not budgeted. A budget amendment is recommended to
increase donation revenue and fund the police equipment budget line for the
purchase.
The Board agreed to approve the above capital budget amendments in the meeting
later tonight.
5. Discussion - Elimination of Two Parking Spaces on a Section of Forest Avenue
Law
Attorney Maker proposed a local law that, if approved, would eliminate two parking
spaces on Forest Avenue at its intersection with Rockingstone Avenue. The Town
Board deemed the proposed law ready for public discussion and agreed to set a
public hearing at the meeting later in the evening.
6. Discussion - Flood Damage Prevention Law
The Town Attorney explained that on October 3, 2022, the Town Board passed Local
Law No. 4 of 2022 by which it amended its Flood Prevention Law to conform to a
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November 16, 2022
model law promulgated by the State of New York. Upon review of Local Law No. 4,
the State realized that it should have asked the Town to enact a different version of its
Model Flood Prevention Law. This updated local law replaces Local Law No. 4 of
2022. The Building Inspector has reviewed the updated version of the State’s model
law and finds it acceptable. The Town Board agreed to set a public hearing for the
revised local law later in the evening.
7. Discussion - Designation of Delegate and Alternate to Association of Towns
Annual Business Meeting
The Town Supervisor explained the request to designate a delegate and alternate to
the Association of Towns Annual meeting in February 2023. The Board agreed to
remove this item from the agenda, as no one on the Board plans to attend the annual
meeting on the day of the vote.
8. Discussion - Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Program
The Town Supervisor introduced the planning grant. The Town Board agreed to
support the grant application and the promise it holds for developing a holistic plan for
flood mitigation throughout the Town.
9. Discussion - Reject Bid Proposals Received TA-22-11 – Myrtle Blvd Stone
Archways Rehabilitation
The Town Board discussed at their meeting on November 2nd, the concern that the
color of the new cement materials included in the current bid proposals for TA-22-11
will not match existing materials. Town Engineer Wasp's recommendation is to reject
the current bids and re-bid the work to include materials that will match. The Town
Board agreed to reject all bids received for TA-22-11 and re-bid of the project to
include custom ordered materials to match the existing archway materials.
10. Updates
The Town Supervisor presented a brief update on the Comprehensive Plan
framework and REALM.
Request for Executive Session
1. Entering Executive Session
Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, the Town
Board entered into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of a
particular individual.
Moved by Councilman King, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, the Board
unanimously agreed to resume the Regular Meeting.
8:00 PM Town Board Regular Meeting
The Town Board meeting convened in the Courtroom Located on the second floor at the
Town Center. The Public was able to view the meeting on cable access television (Optimum
76/ Fios 35) or on LMCMedia.org
Call to Order
The Regular Meeting of the Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Elkind Eney at 8
PM. Supervisor Elkind Eney noted that the Town Board met for a Work Session beginning at
five o’clock this evening.
Supervisor's Report
Welcome to the November 16, 2022, meeting of the Town Board of the Town of
Mamaroneck. The Town Board met today for a Work Session here at the Town Center in
Conference Room D starting at 5:00pm, which is open to the Public.
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November 16, 2022
Budget: The Town Board continues to work on the budget. We will have a presentation on
the Preliminary Budget tonight, as well as a presentation on the Preliminary Budget for Fire
District No. 1.
We are also working on the budget for the Larchmont-Mamaroneck Joint Sanitation
Commission.
Elections: I want to congratulate the newly elected/re-elected officials from our sister
communities. In the VOM, I want to congratulate Lou Young on his re-election as Trustee
and Leilani Yizar-Reid and Manny Rawlings on being elected Trustee. In the VOL, I want to
congratulate newly elected Mayor, Sara Bauer and newly elected Trustee, Charles Manice.
We look forward to working with all of you and wish you much luck going forward.
I also want to congratulate Senator Charles Schumer, Congressman Jamaal Bowman, State
Senator Shelley Mayer and State Assemblyman Steve Otis on their re-election. We feel
extremely fortunate to have such outstanding representation on the Federal and State levels.
Comprehensive Plan Update: As many residents know, the Town of Mamaroneck is
updating its Comprehensive Plan. The Comprehensive Plan describes a vision for the long-
term future of our Town and helps guide future decision making. Over the last several
months, the Town, together with input from residents, through public workshops and events,
helped identify community needs and actions for the future of the Town of Mamaroneck.
Come join the Comprehensive Plan Committee in an interactive workshop that showcases
the proposed goals, policies, and actions of the Comprehensive Plan. Five stations, each
representing a theme of the Comprehensive Plan, will be open for comments and input.
The Town will host two sessions, on Wednesday, November 30th and asks for your
attendance at one of these places/times.
• 12:30 – 2:00 pm Weaver Street Firehouse
• 7:00 – 8:30 pm Town Center Court Room
This is an important moment for our community, and we encourage you to be part of it. Staff
from Pace University's Land Use Law Center will be on hand to facilitate the dialogue.
EVENTS:
Veteran’s Day: Meredith and I attended a Veteran’s Day commemoration at MHS and then
Sabrina and I attended Veteran’s Day commemorations in the VOM and the VOL.
I think it is so important to take the time to honor the men and women of the military, past
and present, who made an immense sacrifice, and who put their lives on the line to defend
and protect our nation. And they continue to serve and participate, here in this community to
this day.
WMOA: Robin, Sabrina and I attended a Westchester Municipal Officials Association Dinner
in Pleasantville on November 11. The Speaker was Congressman Jamaal Bowman. Even
though he has been our congressman for the past two years, as a result of the recent
decennial redistricting, he is new to many of the municipalities in his district. As a result,
many of his remarks were introductory, but it was good to learn about our congressman’s
background. And we thank him for his representation.
MHS Sports:
Two of our Varsity Sports’ Teams’ Seasons came to an end this past weekend after an
incredible season.
Volleyball: The girls volleyball team achieved the level of Class AA sectional champions and
lost in the regional finals (the game before state final four) to Corning Painted Post 3-1. This
was the most successful volleyball team in school history. In the regular season they were
19-1 and finished the year 22-2.
I want to congratulate Head Coach Stacey Riter, Assistant coaches: Leslie Morales (MHS
Alum), Kirsten Yizar, and Anthony Perone (MHS Alum) and all of the players and their
families on a fabulous season.
Football: The Boys Varsity Football Team lost in the Section 1 Class AA finals to Carmel
(defending state champions with 25 consecutive wins) with a score of 31-28. They were
winning until the last minute of the game when Carmel scored a heartbreaking touchdown.
They, too, made MHS history. They were undefeated in the regular season at 7-0 (first time
since 1978) and then they won the Sectional Quarter and Sectional Semi-finals—the most
successful season in MHS history. I want to Congratulate Head Coach Anthony Vitti,
Assistant Coaches: David Smith (MHS Alum), Peter O’Byrne (MHS Alum), Kevin Martins,
Steve Boyer, Nick Zawerucha, James Berg, and Francesco Scioscia and all of the players
and their families on a fabulous season!
Wait ‘til next year……
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November 16, 2022
And, this weekend, MHS student athlete Eli Sundin is competing in the NYSPHSAA State
Championships in diving in Rochester. We wish her luck.
Thanksgiving: I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving filled with family, friends and
too much food!
Resident Comments
Supervisor Elkind Eney noted that there were no residents in the audience, and since there
were also no Staff Presentations, proceeded to Board of Fire Commissioners.
Board of Fire Commissioners
1. Call to Order
Commissioner Elkind Eney called the Meeting to order, then on motion of
Commissioner Fiddelman and seconded by Commissioner Katz the Board of Fire
Commissioners was unanimously declared open.
Present were the following Members of the Commission:
Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney
Commissioner: Abby Katz
Commissioner: Sabrina Fiddelman
Commissioner: Jeffery L. King
Commissioner: Robin Nichinsky
2. Fire Claims
Commissioner King presented the list of Fire Claims, highlighting the largest cost
items. See Attachment A.
Moved by Commissioner King, seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman, it was
RESOLVED that the Board of Fire Commissioners hereby approves the
attached list of fire claims.
Carried
3. Acceptance of Donation to the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department
Moved by Commissioner Katz, seconded by Commissioner King, it was
RESOLVED that the Town of Mamaroneck Board of Fire Commissioners hereby
accepts the donation of $12,500.00 from Ray Catena Lexus for the Town of
Mamaroneck Fire Department to be used for the purchase of Fire Department
equipment not already included in the budget.
Carried
4. Set Public Hearing - Fire District No. 1 Preliminary Budget 2023
Moved by Commissioner Nichinsky, seconded by Commissioner Katz, it was
RESOLVED that the Town of Mamaroneck Board of Fire Commissioners does
hereby set the date for a Public Hearing on the Fire District No. 1 Preliminary
Budget 2023 for December 7, 2022.
Carried
5. Other Fire Department Business
Commissioner Elkind Eney read the Fire Report for the Month of October. See
Attachment B.
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November 16, 2022
There being no further business to come before the Fire Commission on motion of
Commissioner King, Seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman, the Commission
unanimously adjourned and the Town Board reconvened.
Affairs of the Town of Mamaroneck
1. Presentation and Set Public Hearing - 2023 Preliminary Town Budget
Town Administrator Robson introduced the Preliminary Budget, highlighting the tax
levy savings that have been included since the Tentative Budget. Town Comptroller
Yogman presented the Preliminary Budget (see Attachment C), noting that it would
soon be available on the Town website. The Board thanked the Town Comptroller for
her outstanding work preparing the 2023 Preliminary Town Budget.
Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board does hereby set the date for a Public Hearing
on the Town of Mamaroneck 2023 Preliminary Budget for December 7, 2022.
Carried
2. Presentation and Set Public Hearing - Proposed Sewer Rent Rate for 2023
Town Administrator Robson explained that Sewer Rent is a fee charged to those
property owners utilizing the Town’s Sanitary Sewer System, noting that property
owners are billed for only 90% of the water actually consumed to account for water
that does not enter the sewer system (for example, irrigation). Town Comptroller
Yogman then presented highlights of the proposed sewer rent rate for 2023, noting
how the rate is calculated as well as the increase of $.0002 per gallon over 2022. See
presentation, Attachment D.
Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board does hereby set a public hearing for the
proposed sewer rent rate for 2023 at the Town Board meeting on Wednesday,
December 7th.
Carried
3. Authorization - 2022 Capital Budget Amendments
Town Comptroller Yogman normally does quarterly Capital Budget Amendments, but
two new items necessitated additional amendments. See Attachment E.
Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Town Comptroller to
make necessary budget amendments, as presented.
Carried
Noting that the Town Board wanted to accept the donation of $12,500 from Ray
Catena Lexus to the Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department, the Town Board decided
to move into Board of Fire Commissioners for a second time.
Reconvening as Board of Fire Commissioners
Call to Order
1.
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November 16, 2022
Commissioner Elkind Eney called the Meeting to order, then on motion of
Commissioner Katz and seconded by Commissioner Fiddelman the Board of Fire
Commissioners was unanimously declared re-opened.
Present were the following Members of the Commission:
Commissioner: Jaine Elkind Eney
Commissioner: Abby Katz
Commissioner: Sabrina Fiddelman
Commissioner: Jeffery L. King
Commissioner: Robin Nichinsky
2.
Authorization - 2022 Capital Budget Amendment
The Town Comptroller explained that as the donation of $12,500 had been accepted by
the Board of Fire Commissioners from Ray Catena Lexus, the following Budget
Amendment is necessary to allow the spending of the donation:
FIRE DEPT (Fund SF)
Revenue Donations SF.0000.2705 Increase 12,500.00
Expense Fire Equipment SF.3410.2135 Increase 12,500.00
Moved by Commissioner Nichinsky, seconded by Commissioner Katz,
it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby authorizes the Town
Comptroller to make necessary budget amendments, as
presented.
Carried
3.
Other Fire Department Business
There being no further business to come before the Fire Commission on motion of
Commissioner Fiddelman, Seconded by Commissioner Katz, the Commission
unanimously adjourned, and the Town Board reconvened once again.
Affairs of the Town (Continued)
Set a Public Hearing - Elimination of Two Parking Spaces on a Section of Forest
4.
Avenue Law
The Town Attorney explained this local law that, if approved, would eliminate two
parking spaces on Forest Avenue at its intersection with Rockingstone Avenue. The
change was recommended by the Traffic Committee to increase visibility and safety at
the intersection.
Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby sets a Public Hearing for "Elimination
of Two Parking Spaces on a Section of Forest Avenue Law" for the Town Board
Meeting on December 7, 2022.
Carried
5. Set Public Hearing - Flood Damage Prevention Law
The Town Attorney explained that the Town approved a new Flood Damage
Prevention Law on October 3rd. When the new law was sent to the State, the State
realized it should have asked the Town to enact a different version of its model Flood
Damage Prevention Law. The attached local law replaces Local Law No. 4 of 2022.
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November 16, 2022
Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby set a public hearing for "Flood Damage
Prevention Law" for the Town Board Meeting on December 7, 2022.
Carried
6. Authorization - Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant
Program
Town Supervisor Elkind Eney explained that this planning grant will enable the Town
to review drainage in and around fifteen intersections in Town. Supervisor Elkind
Eney added that we have had more intense rain events recently and this grant will
give us a holistic look at how to improve drainage and reduce flooding throughout the
Town.
Moved by Councilman King, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board fully supports the grant application for
"Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities Grant Program" and the
promise it holds for developing a plan for flood mitigation throughout the Town
and authorizes the Town Administrator to execute the agreement and any
related documents necessary to carry out its implementation.
Carried
7. Authorization - Reject Bid Proposals Received TA-22-11 – Myrtle Blvd Stone
Archways Rehabilitation
The Town Supervisor explained the concern that the color of the new cement
materials included in the current bid proposals for TA-22-11 will not match existing
materials. The Town Board agreed to reject all bids received for TA-22-11 - Myrtle
Blvd Stone Archways Rehabilitation in order to re-bid the project to include custom
ordered materials to match the existing archway materials.
Moved by Councilwoman Fiddelman, seconded by Councilwoman Katz, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby rejects all bids for TA-22-11 - Myrtle
Blvd Stone Archways Rehabilitation and authorizes the re-bid of the project to
include custom ordered materials to match existing archway materials.
Carried
Set Public Hearing - Amendment to the Appellate Procedure of Chapter 99 of
8.
the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck Law
Town Attorney Maker explained that at a previous Town Board meeting, the Town
Board amended its law regarding commercial filming. Afterwards, the Board
discussed creating greater flexibility for composing the Committee of Appeals, to
better accommodate homeowners wanting to expedite their appeal to a filming
decision. In order to achieve that flexibility, the Town Attorney has amended the
proposed appellate procedure of Chapter 99 of the Code of the Town of Mamaroneck
Law to allow the Town Supervisor to designate a Town Board member to sit on the
Committee on a case-by-case basis.
Moved by Councilman King, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, it was
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RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby sets a public hearing for an
"Amendment to the Appellate Procedure of Chapter 99 of the Code of the Town
of Mamaroneck Law" for the Town Board Meeting on December 7, 2022.
Carried
9. Salary Authorization - Administrative Aide
Moved by Councilman King, seconded by Councilwoman Nichinsky, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board approve the provisional appointment of Marc
Romero as Administrative Aide at an annual salary of $62,000, effective
November 21, 2022.
Carried
10. Authorization - Updated December Meeting Date
The Town Supervisor explained that State law requires that the annual budget be
adopted no later than December 20th, which requires the second December Town
Board meeting date be moved from December 21 forward to December 19th.
Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby moves the second December Town
Board meeting date to Monday, December 19, 2022.
Carried
Reports of Minutes
1. Minutes of the November 2, 2022, Town Board Meeting
Moved by Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilwoman Fiddelman, it was
RESOLVED that the Town Board hereby approved the minutes of the Town
Board Meeting of November 2, 2022.
Carried
Reports of the Council
The Town Councilmembers thanked our Veteran's for their service and wished everyone a
happy Thanksgiving.
Councilwoman Nichinsky
On Monday attended the Housing Authority meeting, where many renovations are
under review.
Attended a Budget meeting on Tuesday the 8th, so unfortunately missed the
Sustainability Collaborative Committee meeting that same night.
On the 9th attended the Planning Board meeting, where they were busy reviewing
several applications, as well as having a lengthy discussion regarding the new
wireless communications law which has returned to the Town Board for further
review.
On Friday the 10th, attended a meeting of the Westchester Municipal Officers
Association (WMOA) with Councilwoman Fiddelman and Supervisor Elkind Eney, to
hear Jamal Bowman speak and meet with other municipal officers and colleagues.
Councilwoman Fiddelman
On the 8th, attended via zoom a Local Summit meeting on Community Responses to
Student Mental Health. The next meeting will be held on December 6, at 8am via
zoom, and will feature a conversation with Westchester County Executive George
Latimer. Please visit www.localsummitlm.org for more information or visit LMC Media
to view the meetings.
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November 16, 2022
On the 15th, attended the Mamaroneck Historical Society's Annual Meeting where
they installed a new Board of Officers. Thank you to Peter Fellows for stepping up as
President and John Pritts and Gail Boyle for their years of service.
Mentioned she was missing the Zoning Board and Library meetings for tonight's
Board meeting.
Councilwoman Katz
As she was out of Town last week, was sorry to have missed the local Veteran's Day
events.
Thanked the poll workers for helping us have a free and fair election.
Thanked the Highway Department for their outstanding leaf pick up this year and
reminded everyone to please not put pumpkins or sticks in the leaf piles.
Congratulated the Mamaroneck High School Women's Volleyball Team on their
successful 2022 season and winning Sectionals.
Councilman King
Had several announcements for the Recreation Department, please see Town
website for further details:
o 12/9 - the Senior Center will host their annual Holiday Party.
o 12/27 - the Senior Center will host their New Year's Party.
o Hommocks Park Ice Rink is adding additional Public Skate times during the
Thanksgiving holidays.
o In December look for the Come Skate with Santa event and bring a Toy for a
Tot.
o Hommocks Pool/Town Recreation will host lifeguarding classes in December,
which offers an exciting year-round job opportunity.
o House League Ice Hockey spots are still available for anyone at any age,
wishing to learn ice hockey.
Congratulated the Mamaroneck High School Women's Volleyball Team on their
success this season and gave a shout out to the Mamaroneck High School Football
Team. Councilman King knew members of the 1978 'Dream Team' -- who also made
it to the sectional playoffs—including his brother, that were rooting for this year's
football team.
Adjournment
The Town Supervisor closed the meeting in memory of Brian Payne, a Town of Mamaroneck
Volunteer Firefighter who we lost this week, way too soon. Supervisor Elkind Eney
introduced Town of Mamaroneck Fire Department Chief Shaun Hughes and Brian’s brother
Rich Payne (a member of the White Plains Common Council) to offer some remarks about
Brian.
On motion of Councilwoman Katz, seconded by Councilman King, the meeting was
unanimously adjourned at 9 PM.
Carried
Next Regularly Scheduled Meeting - December 7, 2022
________________________________
Submitted by
Allison May, Town Clerk
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November 16, 2022
Attachment A
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Attachment B
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Attachment B (Con’t)
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Attachment C
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Attachment C (Con’t)
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Attachment D
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Attachment D (Con’t)
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Attachment D (Con’t)
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Attachment D (Con’t)
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Attachment E