Present: Paul Looney, Chair; Dick Hill, Rod Bouchard, Bob Anderson, Steve Grenier, Peggy Pschirrer.  Absent: Dennis Marcom

Paul Looney called the meeting to order at 4:00 pm in Walpole Town Hall.

Dick Hill moved the minutes of December 18, 2019 and January 6, 2020 be approved as presented. The motion was seconded and so voted.

The purpose of this meeting was to talk with Renelle L’Huillier, Bond Counsel.

The details and the wording of the Bond Warrant Article were discussed: Renelle made it clear that we must include the cost of the whole project, which is three million, two hundred eighteen thousand, five hundred sixty-two dollars ($ 3,218,562.00). The amount of the bond will be one million, eight hundred fifty-six thousand, one hundred dollars ($1,856,100.00).  Peggy asked that the sum of the total applicable to Consolidated Communications also be included in the bond warrant. That sum is one million, three hundred sixty-three thousand, four hundred sixty-two dollars ($1,363,462.00). Renelle agreed it could be included. She will send a draft of the corrected warrant article.

The Committee reviewed the items we must gather to send to the Bond Counsel for our application to the Bonding Authority.

There is still concern as to whether the bonds will be taxable or non-taxable.

The Backbone of the fiber optic network will be owned by the Town; the fees from the user will be used to pay for the bond.

After the call was concluded with Renelle, the committee reviewed and adjusted the power point presentation for Saturday’s meeting at 10 am in Town Hall.  Mr. Koester is bringing is own slides and equipment.  We will have the room set up and our sound system will be available.

Peggy Pschirrer