Chapter 20 of Tom Swift and his Electric Runabout Tom Swift and his Electric Runabout by Victor Appleton Chapter 20 On Time Close around the electric auto crowded the members of the holdup gang. Their eyes seemed to glare through the holes in their black mass. Instantly Tom thought of the other occasion when he was halted by masked figures. Could these by any possibility be the same individuals? Was this a trick of Andy Foger and his cronies? Tom tried to pierce through the disguises. Clearly the persons were men, not boys, and they wore the ragged clothes of tramps. Also there was an air of dogged determination about them. Well, are you going to shell out, asked the leader, taking a step nearer, or will we have to take it? Bless my very existence. You don't mean to say that you're going to take the money. I mean, how do you know we have any money? And Mr. Damon hastily corrected himself. What right have you to stop us in this way? Don't you know that every minute counts we are in a hurry? I know it, spoke the leading masked figure with a laugh. I know you have considerable money in that shebang. And I know what you hope to do with it. Prevent the run on the Shopton National Bank. But we need that money as much as some other people do. And what's more, we're going to have it. Come on, shell out. Oh, why didn't we bring a gun? Lamented Mr. Damon in a low voice to Tom. Isn't there anything we can do? Can't you give them an electric shock, Tom? I'm afraid not. If it wasn't for that hay wagon, we could turn on the current and make a run for it. But we'd only go into the ditch if we tried to pass now. The load of hay was down the road. But as Tom looked, he noticed a curious thing. It seemed to be nearer than it was when the attack of the masked men came. The wagon actually seemed to have backed up. Once more the thought came to the lab that possibly the load of fodder might be one of the factors on which the thieves counted. They might have used it to make the auto halt, and the man, or men, on it were probably in collusion with the foot-pads. There was no doubt about it. The load of hay was coming nearer, backing up instead of moving away. Tom couldn't understand it. He gave a swift glance at the robbers. They had not appeared to notice this, or, if they had, they gave no sign. Then we can't do anything, murmured Mr. Damon. I don't see that we can, replied the young inventor, in a low voice. And the money we worked so hard to get won't do the bank any good. And Mr. Damon sighed. It's tough luck, agreed Tom. Come now. Fork over that cash, called the leader, advancing still closer. None of that talked between you there. If you think you can work some trick on us, you're mistaken. We're desperate men, and we're well armed. The first show of resistance you make, and we shoot. Get that, fellows? He added to his followers, and they nodded grimly. Well, remarked Mr. Damon, with an air of submission, I only want to warn you that you are acting illegally, and that you are perpetrating a desperate crime. Oh, we know that all right, answered one of the men, and Tom gave a start. He was sure he had heard that voice before. He tried to remember it, tried to penetrate the disguise, but he could not. I'll give you ten seconds more to hand over that bag of money, went on the leader. If you don't, we'll take it, and some of you may get hurt in the process. There seemed to be nothing else to do. With a white face, but with anger showing in his eyes, Mr. Damon reached down to get the valise. Tom had retained his grip of the steering wheel and the starting lever. He hoped, at the last minute, he might see a chance to dash away and escape, but that load of hay was in the path. He noted that it was now quite near, but the thieves paid no attention to it. Tom might have reversed the power and sent his machine backward, but he could not see to steer it if he went in that direction, and he would soon have gone into the ditch. There was nothing to do save to hand over the cash, it seemed. Mr. Damon had the bag raised from the car, and the leader of the thieves was reaching up for it when there came a sudden interruption. From the load of hay there sounded a fuselage of pistol shots, cracking out with viciousness. This was instantly followed by the appearance of three men who came running from around the load of hay, down the road toward the thieves. Each man carried a pitchfork, and as they ran, one of the trio shouted, Right Adam boys, jab your hayforks, clean through the scoundrels. By heck I guess we'll show them we know how to tackle a hold-up gang as well as a next fellow. Right Adam now, charge them, stick your forks right through them. Again there sounded a fuselage of pistol shots. The thieves turned as one man and glanced at the relief so unexpectedly approaching. They gave one look at the three determined looking farmers with their sharp, glittering pitchforks, and then, without a word, they turned and fled, leaping into the bushes that lined the roadway. The underbrush closed after them and they were hidden from sight. On came the three farmers waving their effective weapons, the pistol shots still ringing out from the load of hay. Tom could not understand it, and could see no one firing, could detect no smoke. Are they gone? Did they rob you? asked the foremost of the trio, a burly, grizzled farmer. Thust my buttons, but I guess we skeered them all right. Bless my shoe-buttons, but you certainly have, cried Mr. Damon, descending from the automobile, and ringing the hand of the farmer, while Tom thrust the bag of money under his legs, and waited for further developments. The pistol shots rang out until one of the men called, That'll do, bub. We scared them like Mrs. Zenabee's pet cat. You needn't crack that whip anymore. Whip? cried Tom. Was that a whip? That's what it was, explained the leading farmer. Bub Armstrong, my nephew, can crack it to beat the band.  Carrying a large whip, to which he gave a few trial cracks, like pistol shots, as if to show his ability. It's all right, bub, his uncle assured him. We made him run. But I don't exactly understand, spoke Mr. Damon. I thought you were in lead with those thieves, stopping us as you did with your big load. So did I, admitted Tom. Haha, laughed the farmer. That's a pretty good joke. Excuse me for laughing. My name's Lyon, Jethro Lyon, of Selina Township, and these is my two sons, Adie and Bert. You see, we're on our way to Shopton, and my nephew, bub, he went along. We thought you was some of them sassy automobile fellas at first, when you hollered to us you wanted to pass. Then, when we looked back, we seen them burglars going to rob you. At least, that's what we suspicioned, and he paused, suggestively. That was it, Tom said. Well, when we seen that, we held a sort of consultation on that load of hay, where they couldn't see us.  Well, we calculated, we could help you, so I just quietly backed up until we was nearing up. I told bub to take the long whip, and crack it for all he was worth, so it would sound like reinforcements approaching with guns, and he done it. He certainly done it, added Bert. Well, resumed Mr. Lyon, then me and my sons we just slipped down off the front seat, and come a-running with our pitch-ports. I reckoned them burglars would run when they see us, and hurt us, and they'd done so. Yep, they done so, added aid like an echo.  We have sixty thousand dollars in this police, and they would have had it in another minute, and the bank would have failed. Sixty thousand dollars, gasped Mr. Lyon and his sons and nephew echoed the words. Mr. Damon briefly explained about the money, and he and the young inventor again thanked their rescuers, who had so unexpectedly, and in such a novel manner, put the thieves to flight. And you got to get to Shopton before three o'clock with that cash? asked Mr. Lyon. That's what we hope to do, replied Tom, but I'm afraid we won't now. It's half past two, and don't you say another word, interrupted Mr. Lyon. I know what you mean. My haze in the road. But don't let that worry you none. I'll pull out of your road in a jiffy, and if we do go down in the ditch, why, we can throw part of the load, lighten the wagon, and pull out again. You got to hustle if you get to Shopton by three o'clock. I can do it with the clear road, declared Tom, confidently. Then you'll have the clear road, Mr. Lyon assured him. Come on, boys, let's get the hay to one side. The farmers pulled into the ditch. As they had feared, the wagon went in almost to the hubs, but they did not mind, and even as Tom and Mr. Damon shot past them, they fell to work, tossing off part of the fodder to lighten the wagon. The young inventor and his companion waved a grateful farewell to them as they fairly tore past, for Tom had turned on almost the full current. Do you suppose that was the happy harry gang or some members of it who were not captured and sent to jail? asked Mr. Damon. I don't believe so, answered the lad, shaking his head. Maybe they didn't really want to rob us. Perhaps they only wanted to delay us, so we wouldn't get to the bank on time. Bless my topknot, you may be right, cried Mr. Damon. Further conversation became difficult, as they struck a rough part of the road, where the vehicle swayed and jolted to an alarming degree. But Tom never slack in pace. On and on they rushed, Mr. Damon, frequently looking at his watch. We've got twenty minutes left, Harry Mark, as they came out on the smooth stretch of road that led directly into Shopton. Then Tom turned all the reserve power into the motor. The machinery almost groaned as the current surged into the wires, but it took up the load, and the electric car, swaying more than ever, dashed ahead with its burden of wealth. Now they were in town, now speeding down the street, leading to the bank. One or two policemen shouted after them, for they were violating the speed laws, but it was no time to stop for that. On and on they dashed. They came in sight of the bank.  They seemed more excited than in the morning, for the hour of three was approaching, and they feared the bank would close its doors never to open them again. The run is still on, observed Mr. Damon. But it will soon be over, predicted Tom. Some news of the errand of the automobile must have penetrated the crowd, for as Tom swung past the front entrance to the bank to go up the rear alley, he was greeted with a cheer. They've got the cash, a man cried. I'm satisfied now. I don't draw out my deposit. I want to see the cash before I'll believe it, said another. Tom slowed up to make the turn into the alley. As he did so, he glanced across the street to the new bank. In the window stood Andy Foger and his father. There was a look of surprise on their faces as they saw the arrival of the powerful car, and Tom fancied also a look of chagrin. Up the alley went the car, police keeping the crowd from following. The porter was at the door. So also was Mr. Penderdast and Mr. Swift, while some of the other officers were grouped behind them. Did you get the money? gasped the president. We did, answered Tom. Are we on time, dad? Just on time, my boy. They're paying out the last of the cash now. You're on time. Thank fortune. End of chapter 20. Recording by Tom Weiss Chapter 21 of Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Tom Weiss Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout by Victor Appleton Chapter 21 Off to the Big Race From their task of handing out money to eager depositors, the wearied tellers looked up as Tom and Mr. Damon entered with the big valise crammed full of money. It was opened and the bundles of bills turned out on a table. Perhaps you'd better make an announcement to the crowd, Mr. Pendergast, suggested Mr. Swift, tell them we now have cash enough to meet all demands and that the bank will be kept open until everyone is paid. I will, agreed the agent president. His announcement was received with cheers and had exactly the effect the inventor hoped it would. Many learning that the bank was safe and that they could have their money whenever they wanted it concluded not to withdraw it, thus saving the interest. Scores in the waiting crowd turned out of line and went home. Their example was contagious and, though many still remain to get their deposits, the run was broken. Only part of the $60,000 Tom and Mr. Damon had brought through after a race with time was needed. But had it not been for the moral effect of the cash arriving as it did, the bank would have failed. You have a great car, Tom Swift, complimented Mr. Pendergast, when the excitement had somewhat cooled down and the story of the hold-up had been told. I think so myself, agreed the young inventor modestly. I must get ready for the races now. And as for those farmers, I think I'll send them a reward, went on the president. They deserve something for the trouble they had with the load of hay. I certainly shall send them a reward, which he did, and a substantial one too. Of course, the hold-up was at once reported to the police after the run had quieted it down, but Chief Simmonson surprised Tom by saying that he had expected it. The gang that held you up, said the police officer, was one that escaped from a jail about twenty miles away. I got a tip, after you left, that they were going to rob you, for in some way they learned about the money you and Mr. Damon were to bring back from the bank. The unfortunate part of it was that the tip I got was to the effect that the hold-up would take place just outside of Clayton. I telephoned to the police there just after you left, and they said they'd send out a posse, but the gang changed their plans and held you up near here, where I wasn't expecting it. But I'll get them yet. Chief Simmonson did not arrest the gang, but some other police officers did, and they were taken back to jail. They were not prosecuted for the attempted robbery of Tom, as it was considered difficult to fix the guilt on them, but they received such a long additional sentence for breaking jail that it will be many years before they are released. When Tom reached home that night, he found some mail from the officials of the Touring Club of America. It was to the effect that arrangements for the big contest had been completed, and that contesting cars must be on the ground by September 1st. That gives me two weeks yet, thought our hero. He read further of the regulations covering the race. Each car must proceed from the hometown or city of the owner and go to the track under its own power. This was a new regulation, it was stated, and was adopted to better develop the industry of building electric autos. Two passengers, or one in addition to the driver, must be carried, it was stated, and this one would also be expected to be in the car during the entire race. Regarding the race proper, it was stated that at first it had been decided to make it a 24-hour endurance contest, but that for certain reasons this was changed, as it was found that few storage batteries could go this length of time without a number of rechargings. Therefore, the race was to be won for distance, 500 miles on the new Long Island track, and the car first covering that distance would win. Cars were allowed to change their batteries as often as they needed to, but all time lost would count against them. There were other rules and regulations of minor importance. Well, remarked Tom, as he read through the circulars, I must get my car in shape. It will be quite a trip to Long Island, and I think my best plan will be to go direct to the cottage we had when we were building the submarine, and from there proceed to the track. That will comply with the rules, I think. But who will I get to go with me? I suppose Mr. Damon or Mr. Sharp will be willing. I'll ask them. He broached the matter to his two friends that night, and they both agreed to go to Long Island in the car, though only Mr. Sharp would accompany Tom in the race. The next two weeks were busy ones for Tom. He worked night and day over his car, getting it in shape for the big event. The young inventor made some changes in his battery, and also adopted a new gear which would give him greater speed. He also completed the exterior of the car, giving it several coats of purple paint and varnish so that when it was finished, though it was different in shape from most autos, it was as fine an appearing car as one could wish. He arranged to carry two extra wheels with tires inflated, and under the seats or to know, as he called it, Tom fitted up a complete tire repairing outfit. Mr. Sharp agreed to ride there, and in case there was need to use more than two spare wheels during the race, the rubber shoes or inner tubes could be mended while the car was swinging around the track. Mr. Damon would ride in front with Tom on the cross-country trip, and occasionally relieve him at steering, or would help to manage the electrical connections. Spare fuses, electric parts, wires, and different things he thought he might need the young inventor stored in his car. He also found means to install a small additional storage battery to give added power in case of emergency. Tom learned from the racing officials that if he made a trip from Shopton to the cottage on the coast near the city of Atlantis, and later traveled from there to the track, it would fulfill the conditions of the contest. Finally, all was in readiness, and one morning, having spent the better part of the night going over his machine to see that he had forgotten nothing, Tom invited Mr. Damon and Mr. Sharp to enter and prepare for the trip to Long Island. Well, Tom, I certainly hope you win that race, remarked Mrs. Baggart as she stood in the doorway, waving a farewell. If I do, I'll buy you a pair of diamond earrings to match the diamond ring I gave from the money I got from the wreck, promised to lad with a laugh, and if you seize that Andy Foger, and it eradicates Samson, while he rubbed the long years of boomerang his mule, if you seize him, just run over him once or twice for my sake, Mr. Swift. I'll do it for my own too, agreed Tom. The youth shook hands with his father, who wished him good luck, and then, after a final look at his car, he climbed to his seat and turned on the power. There was a low hum from the motor, and the electric started off. Would it return a winner or loser of the big race? Chapter 22 Of Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Tom Weiss Tom Swift and His Electric Runabout by Victor Appleton, Chapter 22, In A Ditch Through the streets of Shopton went Tom Swift and his friends. News of the big contest the young inventor was about to take part in had circulated around town, and there were not wanting many to wish him good luck. The lad responded smilingly to the farewells he received. As they passed the bank, Ned Newton came out on the steps. Wish I were going along, he called. So do I, replied Tom. How's everything? Is the bank all right since the run? For he had not had time to pay much attention to the institution, since his memorable race against time to get the money. Stronger and better than ever was Ned's answer as he came to the curb, where Tom slowed up. I hear, he added in a whisper, that the other fellows are going out of business, Foger and his crowd, you know. They loaned money on unsecured notes to make a good showing, and now they can't get it back, but we're all right. Hope you win the race. So do I. What will a certain person do while you're away when on Ned with a wink? I don't know what you mean, replied Tom, trying not to blush. Do you mean my dad or Mrs. Baggart?  Oh, haven't you heard, inquired Tom innocently, she is going to Long Island to visit some friends, and she'll be at the race. You lucky dog, murmured Ned with a laugh, as he went into the bank. Once more the electric auto started off, and was soon on the quiet country road, where Tom speeded it up moderately. He hoped to be able to make the entire distance to the shore cottage on the single charge of current he had put into the battery at home, and, as there was no special need for haste, he wanted to save his power. The machine was running smoothly, and seemed able to make a long race against time. The travelers ate lunch that day at Pendleton, a town some distance from Shopton. They had covered a substantial part of their trip. After a brief rest, they started on again. Tom had planned to spend two days and one night on the road, hoping to be able to reach the shore cottage on the evening of the second day. There, after recharging the battery, he would spend a night or two, and proceed to the track, ready for the race. They found the roads fairly good, with bad stretches here and there, which made it necessary for them to slow down. This delayed them, and they found the shadows lengthening and darkness approaching, when they were still several miles from Bird Field, where they intended to sleep. Will it be all right to travel at night? asked Mr. Damon, a bit nervously. Why are you thinking of holdup men? inquired Mr. Sharp. No, but I was wondering about the conditions of the roads, replied the eccentric man. We don't want to run into a rock, or collide with something. I guess this will light up the road far enough in advance, so that we can see where we are going, suggested Tom, as he switched on the powerful electric searchlight. Though it was not dark enough to illuminate the highway to the best advantage, the powerful gleam shone dazzlingly in front of the swiftly moving auto. I guess that will show up every pebble in the road, commented the balloonist. It's very powerful. Tom turned off the light, as, until it was darker, he could see to better advantage unaided by it. He slowed down the speed somewhat, but was still going at a good rate. There's a bridge somewhere about here, remarked the lad, when they had gone on a mile further. I remember seeing it on my road map. It's not very strong, and we'll have to run slow over it. Bless my guzzard, I hope we don't go through it, cried Mr. Damon. Is your car very heavy, Tom? Not heavy enough to break the bridge. Ah, there it is. Guess I'll turn on the light so we can see what we're doing. Just ahead of them loomed up the superstructure of a bridge, and Tom turned the searchlight switch. At the instant he did so, whether he did not keep a steady hand on the steering wheel, or whether the auto went into a rut from which it could not be turned, did not immediately develop, but the car suddenly shot from the straight road and swerved to one side. There was a lurch, and the front wheel sank down. Look out, we're going into the river, yelled Mr. Damon.  The auto came to a sudden stop. The young inventor turned the searchlight downward to illuminate the ground directly in front of the car. Are we in the river? asked Mr. Sharp. No, replied Tom in great chagrin, we're in a muddy ditch, one at the side of the road. Wheels in over the hubs. There should have been a guardrail here. We're stuck for fair. End of Chapter 22. Recording by Tom Weiss. Chapter 23. Of Tom Swift and his Electric Runabout. This is a Librebox recording. All Librebox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit Librebox.org. Recording by Tom Weiss. Tom Swift and his Electric Runabout. By Victor Appleton. Chapter 23. The power gone. Bless my overshoes, cried Mr. Damon, stuck in the mud, eh? Hard and fast, added Tom in disgust. What's to be done? Enquired Mr. Sharp. I should say we'll have to stay here until daylight, and wait for some other auto to come along and pull us out, was Mr. Damon's opinion. It's might unpleasant, too, for there doesn't seem to be any place around here where we can spend the night in any kind of comfort. If we had the submarine or the airship now, it wouldn't so much matter. No, and this won't matter a great deal, remarked the young inventor quickly. We'll soon be out of this, but it will be hard work. What do you mean? asked Mr. Sharp. I mean that we've got to pull ourselves out of this mud hole, explained the lad, as he prepared to descend. I was afraid something like this would happen, so I came prepared for it. I've got ropes and pulleys with me in the car. We'll fasten the rope to the machine, attach one pulley to the bridge, another to the car, and I guess we can get out of the mud. We'll try anyhow. Well, I must say you look pretty far ahead, complimented Mr. Damon. From a box under the to-know, Tom took out a thin, but strong rope and two compound pulleys, which would enable considerable force to be applied. Mr. Sharp detached one of the powerful oil lamps, and the three travelers took a look at the auto. It was indeed deep in the mud, and it seemed like a hopeless task to try to get it out unaided. But Tom insisted that they could do it, and the rope was soon attached, the hook of one pulley being slipped around one of the braces of the bridge. Now altogether, cried the lad, as he and his friends grasped the long rope. They gave a great heave. At first it seemed like pulling on a stone wall. The rope strained, and the pulleys creaked. I guess we will pull the bridge over, gasped Mr. Sharp. Something's got to give way, puff Tom. Now once more, altogether, suddenly they felt the rope moving. The pulleys creaked still more, and by the light of the lamp, they could see that the auto was slowly being pulled backward, out of the mud, and onto the hard road. In a few minutes it was ready to proceed again. The rope and pulleys were put away, and after Tom had made an examination of the car to see that it had sustained no damage, they were off again, making good time to the hotel in Bergfield, where they spent the night. They had an early breakfast, and as Tom went out to the barn to look at his car, he saw it surrounded by a curious throng of men and boys. One of the boys was turning some of the handles and levers. Here, quit that, yelled Tom, and the metalson lad leaped down in fright. Do you want to start the car and have it smash into something? demanded the young inventor. Nothing happened, retorted the lad. I pulled every handle on it, and it didn't move. Good reason, muttered Tom, for he had taken the precaution to remove a connecting plug, without which the machine could not be started. The three were soon underway again, and covered many miles over the fine country roads, the weather conditions being delightful. On inquiry, they found that by taking an infrequently used highway, they could save several miles. It was over an unoccupied part of country, rather wild and desolate, but they did not mind that. They were whizzing along, talking of Tom's chances for winning the race, when, after climbing a slight grade, the auto came to a sudden stop on the summit. What's the matter? asked Mr. Sharp. Why are you stopping here, Tom? I didn't stop, was the surprising answer, and the lad shoved the starting lever back and forth. But there was no response. There was no hum from the motor. The machine was dead. That's queer, murmured the young inventor. Maybe if Hughes blew out, suggested Mr. Damon, that seeming to be his favorite form of trouble. If it had, you'd have known it, remarked Mr. Sharp. There's plenty of current in the battery, according to the registering gauge, murmured the lad. I can't understand it. He reversed the current, thinking the wires might have become crossed. But the machine would move neither backward nor forward, yet the dial indicated that there was enough power stored away to send it a hundred miles or more. Perhaps the dial hand has become caught, suggested Mr. Sharp. That sometimes happens on a steam gauge and indicates a high pressure when there isn't any. Hit it slightly and see if the hand swings back. Tom did so. At once the hand fell to zero, indicating that there was not an ampere of current left. The battery was exhausted, but this fact had not been indicated on the gauge. I see now, cried Tom. It was those fellows at the hotel barn. They monkeyed with the mechanism, short-circuited the battery, and jammed the gauge so I couldn't tell when my power was gone. If I had known there wasn't enough to carry us, I could have recharged the battery at the hotel. But I figured that I had enough current for the entire trip, and so there would have been. If it hadn't leaked away, now we're in a pretty pickle. Bless my hat-band, cried Mr. Damon. Does that mean we can't move? Guess that's about it, answered Mr. Sharp, and Tom nodded. Well, why can't we go on to some place where they sell electricity and get enough to take us where we want to go, as the odd character whose ideas of machinery were somewhat hazy? The only trouble is we can't carry the heavy car with us, replied Tom. It's too big to pick up and take to a charging station. Then we've got to wait until someone comes along with a team of horses and tows us in, commented Mr. Sharp, and that will be some time on this lonely road. Tom shook his head despondently. He went all over the car again, but was forced to the first conclusion. That the reserve current had leaked away, in consequence of the meddling prank of the youth at the hotel. The situation was far from pleasant, and the delay would seriously interfere with their plans. Suddenly, as Tom was pacing up and down the road, he heard from afar a peculiar humming sound. He paused to listen. Trolley car, observed Mr. Sharp. Maybe one of us could go somewhere on the trolley and get help. There it is, and he pointed to the electric vehicle, moving along about half a mile away at the foot of a gentle slope. At the sight of the car, Tom uttered a cry. I have it, he exclaimed. None of us need go for help. It's right at hand. His companions looked curiously, as the young inventor pointed triumphantly to the fast disappearing electric. CHAPTER XXXIV Of Tom Swift and his electric runabout. This is a LibreBox recording. All LibreBox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibreBox.org. Recording by Tom Weiss. Tom Swift and his electric runabout. By Victor Appleton. CHAPTER XXIV ON THE TRACK What do you mean? asked Mr. Damon. Will the electric trolley pull us to a charging station? No, we'll not need to go to a station, answered the youth. If we can get my car to the trolley tracks, I can charge my battery from there. And I think we can push the auto near enough. It's downhill, and I've got a long wire so we won't have to go too close. Good, cried Mr. Sharp. But attached the rope to the front of the car, Tom. Mr. Damon and I will pull it. You'll have to ride in it to steer it. We can take turns at riding, was Tom's answer. For he did not want his companions to do all the work. Not since. You ride, said Mr. Damon. You're lighter than we are and can steer better. It won't be any trouble at all to pull this car downhill. It proved to be an easy task, and in a short time the dead auto was near enough to the electric line to permit Tom to run his charging wire over to it. Why, bless my soul, exclaimed Mr. Damon, looking up. There's no overhead trolley wire. The car must run on storage batteries. Third rail, more likely, was the opinion of Mr. Sharp, and so it proved. I can charge from either the third rail or the trolley wire, declared Tom, who was insulating his hands in rubber gloves and getting his wires ready. In a short time he had the proper connections made, and the much-needed current was soon flowing into the depleted battery or batteries, for there were several sets, though the whole source of motive power was usually referred to as a storage battery. How long will it take? asked Mr. Damon. About two hours, answered the lad, will probably have to disconnect our wires several times whenever a trolley car comes past. By my system I can recharge the battery very quickly. Do you suppose the owners of the road will make any objection? asked the balloonist. I'm going to pay for the current I use, explained the young inventor. I have a meter which tells how much I take. The hum of an approaching car was heard, and Tom took the wires from the third rail. The car came to a stop opposite the automobile, the passengers, as well as the crew, looking curiously at the queer racing machine. Tom explained to the conductor what was going on, and asked the fare collector to notify those in charge of the power station that all current used would be paid for. The conductor said this would be satisfactory, he was sure, and the car proceeded, Tom resuming the charging of his battery. Allowing plenty of reserve power to accumulate, and making sure that the gauge would not stick again and deceive him, the owner of the speedy electric was soon ready to proceed again.  They reached their shore cottage late that night, and after seeing that the runabout was safely locked in the big shed where the submarine had been built, they all went to bed, for they were very tired. Tom sent word the next day to the managers of the race, that he would be on hand at the time stipulated, and announced that he had made part of the trip as required under the power of the auto itself. The next day was spent in overhauling the machinery, tightening up some loose bearings, boiling different parts, and further charging the battery. Tires were looked to, and the ones on the spare wheels were gone over to prepare for any emergency that might arise when the race was started. On the third day, Tom, Mr. Sharp, and Mr. Damon, leaving the cottage, completed the trip to Havenford, Long Island, where the new track had been constructed. They reached the place shortly before noon, and, if they had been unaware of the location, they could not have missed it, for there were many autos speeding along the road toward the scene of the race, which would take place the following day. Several electric cars passed Tom and his friends, whizzing swiftly by, but the young inventor was not going to show off his speed until the time came. Besides, he did not want to risk any risks of an accident. But some of the contestants seemed anxious for impromptu brushes, and more than one called to our hero to speed up and let's see what he can do. But Tom smiled and shook his head. There were many gasoline and some steam autos going out to the new track, which was considered a remarkable piece of engineering. It was in the shape of an octagon, and the turns were considered very safe. It was a five-mile track, and to complete the race, it would be necessary to make a hundred circuits. Through scores of autos, Tom and his friends threaded their way, the young inventor keeping a watchful eye on the various types of machine with which he would soon have to compete. There were many kinds, some were larger and some smaller than his. Many obviously carried very large batteries, but whether they had the speed or not was another question. Some, Ian Sperts, seemed to Tom to be fully as fast as his own, and he began to have some doubts whether he could win the race. But I'm not going to give up until the five-hundredth mile is finished, he thought grimly. They were now in sight of the track and noted many machines speeding around it.  Yes, do, added Mr. Damon. Let's see how it travels. I will, after I notify the proper officials that I have arrived, decided the lead. The formalities were soon complied with. Tom received his entry card, after paying the fee, made affidavit that he had completed the entire trip from home under his own power, saved with a little stretch when the car was pulled, which did not count against him, and was soon ready to go on the track. Only electric cars were allowed there. As the young inventor guided his latest effort in the machine line onto the big track, there were murmurs of surprise from the throngs.  Yes, but it looks speedy, was another's opinion. There's the car for my money, added a third, pointing to a big red electric car, which was certainly whizzing around the track. Tom noted the red car. Behind it was a green one, also moving at a fast rate of speed. Those will be my nearest rivals, but the lead, as he guided his car onto the track. A moment later he was sending the auto ahead at moderate speed, while the other contestants looked at the new arrival, as if trying to discover whether in it they would have a dangerous competitor. This is a LibriVox recording. All LibriVox recordings are in the public domain. For more information or to volunteer, please visit LibriVox.org. Recording by Tom Weiss Tom Swift and his Electric Runabout by Victor Appleton, Chapter 25. Winning the Prize After making two circuits of the track at moderate speed, Tom turned on more power, deciding to see how the machine would behave on the turns going at a fast speed. As it happened, he forged ahead, just as the big red car was coming up behind him. The driver of it took this for a challenge, and threw his controller handle forward. Come on, he cried to our heroes, when even with him. Tom did not want to decline the invitation, and the impromptu race was under way. Soon the green car came rushing up, and for two miles the three kept almost in line. It was evident that neither the green nor the red car drivers wanted to open out, until they saw Tom do so. He was willing to oblige them, and suddenly increased his speed. They did the same, and went ahead of him. Then Tom turned on a little more juice, and got the lead. But the two men were right after him, and they seesawed like this for two more miles. Then, with a cry the man in the red car, with a sudden burst of speed, left Tom and the green car behind. The green car was soon up to its rival, but Tom decided he would not spur. The lad and his friends spent the early part of the night in making a final inspection of the machinery, finding it in good order.  He had made inquiries by telephone of the friends of Miss Nester, and learned that she had not arrived. Tom felt a distinct sense of disappointment. The day of the race could not have been better. It was ideal weather, and conditions at the track were just right. Tom was up early, and went over every inch of his car with a nervous dread that he might find something the matter. The final details of the race were completed, and the entrance given their numbers and places. Tom drew a good position, not the best, but he had no reason to complain. Half an hour before the start he again telephoned to see if Miss Nester had arrived, but she had not, and it was with rather gloomy thoughts that the lad entered his car in which Mr. Sharp had already taken his place. Mr. Damon went to the grandstand to watch the race. I wanted Mary to see me win, thought our hero, for he had grimly set his mind on coming in ahead. There was a great crowd in the grandstand and scattered about the big track, which took in a large extent of territory. In spite of its size five miles around, it seemed solidly packed for the entire length with autos, containing gay parties who had come to see the electric contest. There was a band playing gay errors, as Tom guided his machine through the entrance gate and onto the track. The judges made their final inspection. There were twenty cars entered, but it was obvious that some of them would not last long, as their battery charging was not large enough. Their owners might have relied on recharging, but how they could do this under the usual slow system and hope to win Tom could not see. He hoped to run the entire distance on the single charge, but if by some accident part of his current should leak away, his battery could be charged in a short time by means of his new system to run for a considerable distance, or he could install a new one already charged, for he had two sets on hand. Tom glanced over the cars of his competitors. They were to be sent away in batches, the affair of being a handicap one, with time allowance for the smaller powered cars. Tom noted that his car and the red and the green ones were in the same bunch. Tom's car was purple. Are you all ready? asked the starter of the first group of races. Ready was the low-voiced response. Crack went the pistol, and there followed the hum of the motors as the current set the mechanism to work. Forward went the cars amid the crash of the band and the cheers of the crowd. The big race was underway. Do you feel nervous Tom? asked Mr. Sharp. Not a bit, replied the lad. Around and around the track flew the speedy electrics. It was evident that the holding of a meet solely for cars of this character had brought out many new ideas that would be to the benefit of the industry. Some cars were freaks, and others, like Tom's, showed a distinct advance over previous styles of construction. A 500-mile race around the track is rather a monotonous affair, except for what happens and things very soon began to happen at this race. As Tom had expected, several of the machines were forced to withdraw. Tire troubles beset some, and others found that they were hopelessly out of it because of low power or lack of battery capacity. Tom determined not to let the red or the green car gain any advantage over him, and so he watched those two vehicles narrowly. On the other hand, the red and the green electrics were evidently afraid of one another and of Tom. They all three kept pretty much together for the first 30 miles. By this time, the race had settled down into a steady grind. There was some excitement when the steering gear of one car broke and it crashed into the fence, injuring the driver, but the race went on. The young inventor was holding his own with his two chief rivals and was feeling rather proud of his car when there came from it a report like a pistol shot. Blow out, yelled Tom desperately, steering to one of the several repair stations on the inner side of the track. Be ready with the extra wheel, Mr. Sharp. Right you are, cried the balloonist. The car was scarcely stopped when he had leaped out and had the lifting jack under the left rear wheel where the tire had gone to the bed. He and Tom labored like Trojans to take off the wheel and put on the other. They lost five minutes, and when they got under way again, the red and the green cars were three-quarters of a lap ahead. You've got to catch them, declared sharp firmly. But the red and the green drivers saw their advantage and were determined to hold it. Tom could not catch them without going his limit, and he did not want to do this just yet. However, he had his opportunity when about 200 miles had been covered. Both the red and the green cars had tire troubles, but the red one was delayed scarcely two minutes, as there was a core of mechanics on hand to take off the defective wheel and put on another. Still, Tom regained his lost ground, and once more the race between those three cars was even. In the rear of Tom's car, Mr. Sharp was mending the blown-out tire, though there was still one spare wheel on reserve. Tom, in front, peered eagerly at the track. Nearly side by side raced the red and the green cars, the latter somewhat to the rear. It was at the 350th mile that Tom had another blowout. This time, it took a little longer to change the wheel, and the red and green cars gained a full lap on him. The track was now so dusty that it was difficult to see the contesting cars. Many had dropped out, and more were on the verge of giving up. With the odds against him, Tom started in to regain the lost ground. Narrowly he watched his electric power. Slowly he saw it dropping. Would he have enough left to finish out the race? He feared not. The hours were passing. Still there was a hundred miles yet to go, twenty circuits of the track. Some of the spectators were getting weary and leaving. The band played spasmodically. Suddenly Tom saw the red car shoot to one side of the track toward a charging station. The green car followed. That's our cue, cried the young inventor. We need a little more juice, and now is the time to get it. The lad ran to the shed where his charging wires were, and they were connected in a trice. He allowed twenty-five minutes for the charging. As he knew with his improved battery he could get enough current in that time to finish the contest. Before the red and green drivers had finished installing new batteries, for they could not recharge as quickly as could our hero, Tom was on the track again. But in a little while his two rivals were after him. It was now a spectacular race. Around and around swept the three big cars. All the others were practically out of it. The crowd became lively heirs. Mile after mile was reeled off. The day was passing. Tired and covered with dust from the track, Tom still sat at the steering wheel. Two laps more, cried Mr. Sharp, as the starter's pistol gave this warning. Can you get away from him, Tom? The red and green cars were following closely. The young inventor looked back and nodded. He turned on more power almost to the limit that he was saving for the final spurt. But after him still came the two big cars. Suddenly the red car shot ahead, just as the last lap was beginning. The green tried to follow, but there was a flash of fire, a loud report, and Tom knew a fuse had blown out. There was no time for his rival to put in a new one. The race was now between Tom and the red car. Could the lad catch and pass it? They were now only a mile from the finish. The red car was three lengths ahead. With a quick motion, Tom turned on the last bit of power. There seemed to come a roar from his motor, and his car shot ahead. It was on even terms with the red car, when what Tom had been fearing for the last five minutes happened. His fuse blew out. Too bad, it's all up with us, cried Mr. Sharp. No, cried Tom in a ringing voice. I've got an emergency fuse ready. He snapped the switch in place, putting into commission another fuse. The motor that had lost speed began to pick it up again. Tom had pulled back the controller handle, but now he shoved it forward again, notch by notch, until it was at the limit. He had fallen back from the red car and the occupants of that, with a yell of triumph prepared to cross the line a winner. But, like a racehorse that nerves himself for the last desperate spurt, Tom's machine fairly leaked ahead. With his hands gripping the rim of the steering wheel, until it seemed that the bones of his fingers would protrude, Tom sent his car straight for the finishing tape. There was a yell from the spectators. Men were standing up, waving their hats, and shouting. Women were fairly screaming. Mr. Damon was blessing everything within sight. Mr. Sharp, in his excitement, was pushing on the back of the front seats, as if to shove the car ahead. Then, as the pistol announced the close of the race, Tom's car, with what seemed a mighty leap, like a hunter clearing a ditch, forged ahead, and crossed the line a length in advance of the red car. Tom Swift had won. Amid the cheers of the crowd, the lad slowed up and, at the direction of the judges, wheeled back to the stand to receive the prize. A certified check for three thousand dollars was handed him, and he received the congratulations of the racing officials. The driver of the red car also generously praised him. You won fair and square, he said, shaking hands with Tom. The young inventor and his friends drove their car to their shed. As Tom was descending, weary and begrimmed with dust, he heard a voice asking, May I congratulate you also? He wheeled around to confront Mary Nester, immaculate in a summer gown. Why, why, he stammered. I thought you didn't come. Oh, yes I did, she answered, laughing. I wouldn't have missed it for anything. I arrived late, but I saw the whole race. Wasn't it glorious?  Tom was too, now, but he shrank back when Miss Nester held out both daintily-gloved hands to him. His hands were covered with oil and dirt. As if I cared for my gloves, she cried, and she took possession of his hands, a proceeding to which Tom was nothing loath. Are you going to race any more, she asked, as he walked along by her side, away from the gathering crowd. I don't know, he replied. My car is speedier than I thought it was. Perhaps I may enter it in other contests. But what Tom Swift did later on will be told in another volume, to be called Tom Swift and his wireless message, or the castaways of earthquake island, a strange tale of shipwreck and mystery. The run back home was made without incident, save for a broken chain easily repaired the day following the race, and Tom later received a number of invitations to give exhibitions of speed. Several automobile manufacturers wanted to secure the rights to his machine, but he said he desired to consider the matter before acting. He did not forget his promise to Mrs. Baggard regarding the diamond earrings, and bought her the finest pair he could find. Come on, Mr. Sharp, propose Tom a week or so after the big race, let's go for a spin in the airship. I want to see how it feels to be among the clouds once more, and they were soon soaring aloft. The new bank, started by Mr. Foger, did not flourish long. It closed its doors in less than six months, but the old institution was stronger than ever. Mr. Berg disappeared, and Tom never learned whether the agent really was the man he had chased and whose watch charm he tore loose, though he always had his suspicions. Nor did it ever develop who crossed the electric wires, so that Tom was so nearly fatally shocked. Andy Foger disliked our hero more than ever, and on several occasions caused him not a little trouble, but Tom was able to look after himself. This is the end of Tom Swift and his electric runabout, recording by Tom Weiss.


Everybody Matt here for late and sports cards are up in 2021 Panini Chronicles football hobby six box break number 24. Pick your team We have Andy C Giants Brent R. Bills Charles L. Patriots Corey S. Cardinals Colts Daniel L. Dolphins and Eagles Derek T. Panther Saints Ed F Ravens Edgar B. Lyons Gregory F. Rams and S Jags Jay Lee Cowboys James W. Browns Joe Raiders John L. Chargers Kenny H. Falcons Matthew G. Bucks Mike B. Chiefs Nelson G Seahawks Nick B. Packers Scott O. Steelers Shazid K. Jets Stephen P. Vikings Stephen M. Bengals Stephen D. Broncos Suzanne P. Titans and Washington football team T Tao Bears and Niners Wong S. Texans. Good luck everybody We have contenders optic up after this still some spots left a couple left for NT football And then some spots left for flawless football. 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This is Vikings auto Chuck Foreman Go Vikings on to Smith Justin Fields There Henry that has a dinged corner Just a base card there, but 49 James Robinson Smith. This is Dynagon rookie silver Mac Jones That's Kyle Trask flux rookie green 49 you go Tampa Bay, right last box. We will do a hit recap at the end After this one, I will step away for just a minute and when I come back the plan is Assuming we fill up all the breaks on time Trey Lance Steelers autoed 50 Ryan Shazir Nice one Pittsburgh it was Steelers Justin Fields Marshall Parsons, there's good iron Kings Trevor Lawrence Eli Mitchell to 99 Zach Wilson Well, let's see a big hit here. There's Micah Parsons prism black silver rookie. Jamar Chase Purple Rashad Bateman Mac Jones Dynagon and Justin Fields clear vision Etn Jamar Chase Kyle Trask is to 199 Magnitude red Fonte More Chronicles pick your team. Um, I'm not really sure on that. 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We have Niners 399 Trey Lance Steelers 399 Najee Harris Jags 399 Travis Etn Junior Texans 399 Davis Mills Steelers 25 Najee Harris Vikings 399 Kellan Mon I'm not sure what you got in tonight Bucks these are autos and relic autos bucks 75 Kyle Trask Steelers 50 Ryan Chase here Vikings Chuck Foreman Dolphins 35 Jalen waddle Browns Leroy Kelly That's um Panthers 75 Chuba Hubbard Niners 75 Eli Mitchell Texans 75 Nico Collins Washington's 99 Miami Brown Falcons 50 Andre Ryzen Then we had Niners to 99 Trey Lance and Patriots 75 Mack Jones 75 Mack Jones That'll do it for the break. Thanks everybody appreciate it. We have contenders optic coming up now


Go welcome everyone 615 January 23rd, and I would like to Confirm that we posted the agenda in three public places right and on the website and emailed interested parties so we can Move forward here and the first item on the agenda is The minutes from the January 9th meeting which looked I didn't find any mistakes in there They look plain to me So I'd move to approve those Second all in favor. All right. Okay. Yep, and we have some distinguished guests here tonight Well, um I could so we'll juggle around the This is the process here a little bit and go with the biggest crowd in the room Can we stop for just one second? Yes that part has his hand up already and so Is there something that you need to Say at the beginning of the meeting He's got his hand up Martha does he's gonna say turn heat down his probably Excuse me. I can't hear anybody or see anybody. How about this good now? All it says is kind of Rochester. It doesn't show any picture of anybody, but I can hear you. Thank you There we go. Yeah, thank you very much. You know, I'll meet myself and and that's what it was for draft to we're good Testing testing testing Roger. So for all you missed was we approve the minutes from the January 9 meeting Thank you. All right, and So what this is for Becky yes, yeah, yeah Well, okay, Becky go for it I'm the Dillington tax collector in town and there's a property on little hollow 48 and a half acres the owner passed away five years ago 2018 of February and I cannot sell that limb and I spoke with Jim Barlow your town attorney and Asked him You know what I can do and he said that the select board could agree to Contract with him or call him. He could set up Because the select board needs to set up in a state appointed administrator and then it can be sold But I can't sell it. I think the fellow died in test day. I just I can't sell it So if you would agree to talk with Jim Barlow, you could get this show on the road It's $9,000 worth of taxes and interest in penalty at this point 48 and a half acres little Yeah, I don't see any reason nuts and give Jim a call and We will yes All right, that was just a warm-up for the West Hill bridge replacement discussion I think that's where the big crowd in the room is here to talk about what what's up Did you guys have some concerns? Okay So go for it Chris, Brian We're sort of here to answer any questions that you might have and then Brian's gonna talk about like how In what role we can support you which I think we've covered before but just so everybody hears it, so So our role here so that the agreement is directly between the town and eastern federal lands of the Federal Highway Administration So in the past we've been that middle man and then you would invoice us so but this time we're able to work it out So the agreement's right directly would use us construction goes on you'll invoice them directly Our role is this acts as the the government stewards So we have to just kind of make sure that there's that the steps in that are following the processes and things like that There's certain steps we have to take and reporting and stuff like that which we're doing as part of this We have to do it three times a year reporting And So we've checked off everything up to this boy where I saw was in the Herald this this week I got advertised for construction that sometime in February with exactly what they were do So then our role after that So maybe a step back so the funds are only for I want to say it's 80% Maybe 90% I forget the exact number than the mat the town is responsible for the match There's two components of the match that your computer components, but The big part of the match will be you've also got a grant from provide you see a transportation Structures grant to make up because we're a little we're a little low on what that highway had for funds available That'll cover all of your match But then other components are we funded this their agreement would you guys funded the design with VHB And then the the final thing is we can Our plan all on has been to act as the Resident engineer construction inspector for the town So we would have somebody that would be out on site inspecting one of our engineers to be out there Keep me up with the contractors submittals things like that Tracking quantities and invoices so that when you guys get an invoice they can just relay that right to you that yes It's accurate and whatnot sometimes Past projects we've done you guys have contracted That out to other folks, but we can provide that service to you And that's what we agreed to when we started this was because weren't sure the B-trans funds were going to come in so but all of our time can be used as that match so Which is always a help on that to cover some of that That's our big role. It is your bridge. We can't make decisions We can't sign it then but we can we can inspect document it and provide that information to you guys And we do have the 10th bridge Yes Yeah, so that's So that is currently being used, but that's another project that we're building this year so it's supposed to be out the first of June we're anticipating that coming out and And then it would be available to be used up here You're still looking at a finishing date October Yes, that's what was October 15th. I believe was in the contract You know it was October but it wasn't sure of the date So you can be doing prep work Before the first of June before you have that bridge So or do you have to wait till? Probably not gonna be a lot they can do anyways because of the they can't get the stream It's that's that's really gonna be that July one that's gonna really control the start date, right? That's when the snow actually melts Right Now that we have snow all the money is secured for you at one time We had a delay because the money wasn't allocated yet for something for you You have you have your thumb on all of the fun. Yeah, we don't have to raise the debt limit again Well, let's go for it Thank you Yeah, so it's it's we use them for our Partimbers sales and there are so they're they're rated. They're designed for for an HS 25 Which is 90,000 pounds a little more than handling it than you guys though Legally could bring up there anyway Oh, yeah, okay, and then the Final bridge, what is the way that's the same same way it's different It's a different design loading, but it's the same same final way that it'll hold those 90,000 pounds It'll carry so the temporary bridge will be there sometime sometime in June. Maybe yeah And when one will at someone know for sure when that will be in I think the first thing is the award the contract and then the the the contractor will start setting their schedule up It's probably gonna the main the main Thing is gonna be Getting the materials their pre-cast beam. So that's probably gonna control their schedules when they can get the precast in And I just hear that the final bridge expected to be done October 15th. That's what the contract has Yeah, I know it's in October. I don't know the exact date I know it's October. Is there anything that would maybe hold these up and these dates not nobody bids on the job Call all your bridge building And did I hear over here that the bids are that the 10th of February 10th of January? I Don't anticipate anything. I mean really those pre that precast is what's gonna control.  I mean, there's not gonna be any issue there. No, okay What's I got a question? What's the you explain the alignment of the new bridge? It's not gonna take that 90 degree turn. You're gonna run it It's yeah, it's slightly It's not a big huge difference. It's very minimal, but yeah the so the ends of the the high end The coming down out the hill won't you won't come down it to make it'll be a little easier transition They they looked at it for like a lot of trucker semi trailers coming down. They can make a corner So you're gonna go more To the east It's flared more isn't it isn't that as I understood it. It's gonna be flared a lot more on that end So that when you come into the turn you it's gonna be wider on that side so they can make that swing So that's pretty much how that's gonna work there It's gonna be pretty much in the same place 73 and is right where it pretty much where it is right now But that on that on the far side it starts to start yeah, it starts to flare a little bit in turn to get a better Don't remember what those were I think they were just regular rails on that I believe No, I don't think was I don't think there would I Yeah, yeah No street lights, right I think the school could use it The bottom No, I if it does they'll have to temporarily like make access to them or maybe move them without being on the contractor to make sure That they're still access to them. They can't stop Little bit wider it's got to meet current be trans standards 22 feet wide, maybe So the forestry service is paying for a good portion of this bridge Assuming that they're going to want to start harvesting up there So we aren't paying for we paid for the design the funds are coming through the federal highway administration the eastern federal lands through a flat grant which is Federal land access Program so it's for locally local county roads that are That are access to federal land, okay? So is there going to be logging up there once the permit bridge is put in place there is planned timber sales Okay, up West Hill. Yes. Do we know when that would start? How long would we go for? Well once they I don't know when it would start But once it does like our timber sale contracts run About five years. So once they're sold they have five years on their contract to get them complete They can't extend out beyond that. There's like this year We've had a kind of a stop stop and start season, you know The contractors can't get in to do the work so they can ask for an extension of that contract so we can go out to sometimes seven years There are multiple probably Two to three different timber sales that will come down off West Hill Road down and use that bridge They probably wouldn't start any sooner than 2026 and that's just when they're sold After they're sold that contractor, you know can choose to start right away or they can choose to You know wait a couple years depending on what their work schedule is But they still have the same that same contract window that they have to work with them okay, and I don't know if this is even an issue but if there were any damage from logging With the who would be responsible for repairing the road? Yeah, so that's between the cut the logging contractor and the town After they're done. They have to check with the town to make sure that the road is an acceptable condition And if it's not they're responsible to make any repairs like if a culvert gets crushed or rut start to form They would be responsible to either repair it themselves or reimburse the town. Yeah for that repair Are they gonna do any widening in spots because I hate to meet a luck truck on a couple places I'm not sure what John has playing there I know he has a bunch of work that he needs to do up there Ditching and replacing some culverts that he's held off from doing so I would imagine once that he gets access to there He'll probably put that on the top of his list to do that road And I'm not sure if he's doing any widening to speak of I would doubt Seriously, he would but I'm sure he's got culverts to replace and ditching to do I do know that and re-grabbling him sure Our timber sale contractors wouldn't be doing any of that type of work to the town road They would use it as it exists. They may do you know on Forest Service roads They might use some widening but not on the town road unless there was you know That would again, unless that was negotiated between the contractor in the town outside of the timber sale contract itself How many acres are gonna be involved in that sales of that timber up West Hill? I Don't know off the top of my head. It's in the hundreds of acres Up there. So there's sale. There's sale out West Hill road our West Hill road for 42 There's sale out Jones Mountain Road That are down kind of down and off the end of the road to if you went to the very end there are timber sales out there I don't know the exact acres. I can get you that acreage if you let go up be in the back toward Bingo road and the other side it will be up on top and there's some of that Yeah, they're gonna go up and then kind of down towards bingo into the bingo basin And then there's a new road proposed new Forest Service road proposed in there To be constructed to haul that timber out that's down there because the current road that's that Goes off the end of West Hill road like if you go past the last house. There's a road there you can follow out It's in fairly bad condition. It's pretty wet And it would be what we call an adverse skid So they would be hauling the timber like trying to get up to that road where they're gonna harvest They'd be hauling it straight up the hill which tends to cause more resource damage So the idea is to construct a permanent road maintenance level one It would be closed when we were done with it wouldn't be open to the public after that And that yeah, so close and then but it's not an adverse skid So we have truck haul of that road, which is a much better situation for a resource perspective We have a question from someone on zoom Barb if you'd like to go ahead Can you hear me? Yeah, okay. Do you have a chat version where we can add notes to the chat? No Okay, that's about it for the moment. All right, you can give me a Uh, could you give me a phone call, please? That's kind of important Yep I'll stand in front of the office. Okay. Yep. Take two seconds. Thank you You want me to go do that Uh, so you can hear your notes too Ariel Okay, sorry Obviously there's been some Real protests from groups Not do not want any trees cut. Just be known that I'm all for this whole project. It's Good for everything if you understand how it works um, do you feel as though Any of these people are capable of filing injunctions and holding this whole project up Not I mean anything's possible. So I could file an injunction and you know on our current decided timber sales Once they get sold to a contractor It's it's more difficult to stop that contract action But prior to that they could stop potentially stop the sale of that um Most of the attention by those groups right now is focused on our upcoming Integrated resource project, which is the telephone gap integrated resource project down in chitenden Um in killing tin and mendon in in that area Um, that's where their attention is focused not so much on the current Robinson sales Except using them as an example Of this, you know, what what our timber sales look like We might escape that just because we're Moving forward. Yeah. Yeah quickly I mean but anything is possible, you know, they could they could Someone could sue to stop the sale of future timber sales related to the Robinson project, but we haven't seen any of that yet Would that affect your bridge? No, not okay unrelated Completely on remember that the bridge that's brian said the bridge isn't funded by appropriated forest service dollars and is unrelated to the Our management of the national forest it was a program through Fed highways that you could apply to to get separate money. We're just Helping in the implementation of that money on the ground Nobody in zoom any more questions. No, everybody looks good Well, it's been a long time coming, but thank you for all your work and support We're happy to see it happen as well. Yeah, we'll look forward to working with you. Yeah, we'll get around. Yeah. Thanks for coming in. All right. Thank you for having us Okay So the next agenda item as a discussion about the sheriff services are we going to go with the Windsor County or Addison County and Pat's been Digging into this deeply it seems to me that the interesting thing about the Addison County is from one thing I read They were not going to charge us for travel time Correct, which is a big difference travel time within the within. You're right. But once they're here Whereas I believe with the Windsor County sheriff. We were Yeah, it was a big chunk of our budget was going to Getting them here and getting them home Just paying them for a good year Well, both both sheriffs that we're talking to Windsor County and Addison County are Sheriff elects right now. They're not actually Right in office yet, right? So they will be by the end the middle the end of next week and um I do have some preliminary numbers from Addison County And I do have Notation from Windsor County that he would be willing to work within the number that we put into our budget So I would say as soon as they hit the ground Will probably be one of the places they run to first both of them and So we're we'll be within budget Whichever way we just Let them sit at their desk So we'll table that a little while until they I did receive a call from Ryan Palmer and I know he's working on his budget So he had called to ask if you had made a decision Um, he could work his budget. So I just wanted to give you that information Right and I did get back to him If it was last week Yeah, I did I did get back to him saying yeah, this is our budget Yep Go ahead Martha Excuse me. I I can't hear anything Pat is saying. I'm so sorry Um, did you guys table this for the next meeting or something or what? Yes, we're tabling a decision on the sheriff's service Okay until our next meeting because the sheriffs have not been elected into office yet Okay, and that it does that happen at town meeting or uh, no they get they State They've been elected. They are elected. Okay I thought they had been elected. So you've tabled it basically to like till the next meeting should I say that or what? Yes, yeah All right. Thank you garden to interrupt. Excuse me. Thank you. Also, Rob Has his hand up as well. Do you rate it? Do they get it? I just want to just reiterate that there's a sound problem that I think is coming from the owls audio Because sometimes the the voice is really clear Sometimes it's not and it doesn't seem to matter where the thing is pointing on I'm just pointing it. I'm not having a big complaint. I'm just saying there probably maybe there's a software problem or something Or a mechanic. I don't know what it is, but there is a sound problem. Thanks So you can hear me. All right Yep, he's nodding yes frank Can you hear me? I can hear you fine And a pat is almost completely off mic most of the time Some people in the audience are on and they're not others. It's a very odd thing. I don't I don't technically I don't know what it is, but it makes it really hard to follow Nancy in the room couldn't hear pat talking either so pat's got a cold But maybe it's uh worth it uh calling Come in and check out our own Yeah, you should take our owl to the vet I suppose Thank you, Rob. Yeah, that's good to get the feedback. Yes. Thank you. We'll get the animal control off So um next on the agenda is the topic of approving the fiscal year 24 budget And sign the town meeting warning now Did you guys get any email? I was on the phone with Barb to heart who is back in town I got an email at 506 this evening 506 this evening and Time to digest. Yeah, not much time to digest but the the the gist of the matter is she Talked with Nathan and the monies that we had Dedicated to the budget from the forest fund a couple years ago never got transferred in and in in his opinion That is money we could still apply towards next year's budget since it hasn't been used and basically the the the um Question on the table is um if we want to skip signing the uh approving the budget right now and have one more glorious budget meeting to to See if we can't knock it down just a little bit more When does the budget have to be signed? I have to when do we have to post it? We've got a little it's got to go into the town report the town report's got to go in no later than this thursday Two days from now And the the the forest service I know we haven't used it and we haven't um, but it's always been Brought forward from Nathan's fund balance as our beginning balance that same amount so So it has been accounted for and that's what I was curious if that is part of It's part of the well. We brought it down to 80 80 some thousand when we were in our last meeting and we didn't use it But um, it is part of the fund, but it's good that she now has told us Go ahead barb you're on Yeah, well that was the question that dude and I did have And that's why I raised the question with Nathan about what the what he would allow us to do or what the rules would allow her to do And basically he said that it's okay if it's in the budget and not spent but you're free to go ahead and spend it now So he was pretty much giving us the clearance to be able to use that money should we choose to So So if that was already included in the fund balance, then isn't that part of the number that we are already we've already Spent it in the budget then I think that's when we raise the question with him is can we still use it and he said yes So apparently whether it's a fund balance or not, maybe not be the issue I mean he's obviously aware of what the fund balances are And how we arrive at them in his so I guess it's Well, let me let me say what's the other thing It's not just this money by itself that we're talking about because that would be a smaller amount But in conjunction with the funds from the revolving loan fund, which had been on the books for quite some time So the question between the two of them gives us about 16 000 dollars Which in effect in that memo reduces our would reduce our tax increase down to a smaller number I'm not sure you're ready to disclose that number, but in reality it would reduce our tax burden Probably, um, I think significantly. Well, actually it's it's half of that because it sounds like the The the first half of that the force fund is already In the the fund balance That we've carried over so it's it's wouldn't be It wouldn't be as much as that go ahead. Sorry. Yeah Well, my understanding was that that was Authorized in 2021 and if not in the 2022 budget now that is why some of these questions You know have to be asked and answered If one wants to continue to try to reduce the tax burden Nancy the forest fund In the town report for the year for fiscal 21 For 7500 dollars It did not appear I'm gonna find it it Did not and then it appeared Yeah in fiscal 21 it appeared it did not appear in fiscal 22 Nor is it in fiscal 23 So it seemed to me that it does not exist in the general fund If We didn't budget last year for it now I could be very wrong Well, I guess it Goes back to the statement of whether it was budgeted and not spent in one year in the second year presumably Especially now with two years have gone by that may not be an issue as it relates to the general fund And I guess that's kind of Where I'm coming from and anywhere Nancy's coming from But again, if the overall picture is the combination and maybe some other things that perhaps could be found to Reduce this significant increase in the budget For the taxes I already want to put it and I know that there's always you know, we all want to get things done and I Can't agree with you more on that Whether or not it's worth anybody's time or effort to put in another meeting to see if there's other things be in addition to this That may affect Major increase in the taxes If you send it out of here Thursday It will sip until next week anyway. She won't get on it And that's that For timing or no, we're okay on time Time is okay. We've got plenty of time to warn To post the warning too. So it's a matter of whether You want to take another look at this the revolving fund might be worth and the revolving loan fund has got like $8,000 in it too That might be I'm warning another budget and finance committee meeting and I did send a text off to Greg White. I don't know if he's in town or not Knowing him. He's probably on the side of a mountain somewhere out west. Yeah, he's in british columbia british columbia. Yeah I'm doubt that he would be available. We also have to have a special select board meeting to approve the budget, right? Yes, you're good here We could do it right after a budget meeting Yeah, we could warn both meetings together actually we'd have to change the warning if we decide to do the Whatever the outcome of the revolving loan There might be a question there that would be added to the warning But that's why you don't want to rush with the warning, right? Because there somebody else may come up with something else that should be on there That's why we waited till after the 18th 19th. Yeah Well, if we can fit it in it's probably worth looking into I mean, I think it should be done It should be done I think this may be Wednesday if it's possible. I do think this force fund is is Nothing to talk about. I think it's gone or it's in the it's in the budget It's already accounted for in the But not having been spent No, it's counted for in the surplus It's not in the fund balance Balance coming forward coming forward. Did we use all the general fund last year? No, no, that's why we have that we had a fund balance last year too. Yeah, but we used it Yeah through the taxes We put it in and reduce taxes just like we did with this fund balance So are you guys available Wednesday this week It's gotta be this week. Yeah tomorrow Well, that would be I can't be here tomorrow. No, I mean I gotta water I got stuff going on Because I can't be here Friday either so at least through zoom. Yeah. Yeah, so three o'clock Yep tomorrow Wednesday Wednesday Wednesday, I'll email the group Okay, email the group and and warren the So this would be a special meeting. This is not a three-day Turnaround no emergency. I think it's something Go ahead Barb Of the I don't think it's going to be prolonged situation I think it's a discussion that maybe between now and Wednesday We can review again this question of being in a fund balance or not fund balance and take it as a package All right Wednesday three it is No snow storms. Yeah, right Yeah Thank you. Yeah, thank you. Welcome home. We knew we were missing out on something when you're off Probably the only meeting I've missed in 20 years. Yeah I'll teach you Do we have anyone from the library on zoom? No, no, I don't see anyone in the room here so And highway department they we know what they did today Still doing still doing Terry is not on zoom. I presume Is jeff get part? Yes. Yes. Hey jeff. Yes. I am I all Well, let's see a little bit of update on the green that power resiliency zone Um, the contractor gmp hired for that is norwich solar And jeff martin who you may remember from uh, two rivers out of qui chi regional council is now working for norwich solar and is the project manager Um, he says norwich solar filed the 45 day notice a Apartment that they have to submit before the certificate of public good application can be sent to the public utility commission So that 45 day notice was sent uh on december filed on december 2nd Um, once the 45 day period is up, which was january 16th Uh, then they would be they would submit the actual certificate of public good application to the public utility commission As jeff says, uh They the puc can be quick or can take forever Um, their guess is that uh, if the puc acts fairly quickly maybe late summer They would actually be able to start construction And Martha do you have a question for jack? Yes, I do. I'm sorry starting construction on what that solar array we've been talking about or yeah Yes, the resiliency zone Okay, and that one gets down by the tennis courts. No, am I right? Nope the uh, gravel pit uh adjacent are part of north hall apartment Okay, so resiliency zone um near gravel pit In north hollow would be correct to say Uh, no, I know just just over the 73 bridge Right, okay near gravel pit just over 73 bridge. Okay. I'm sorry It's it's very hard for me to hear everybody tonight and I I apologize. Thank you But maybe we can turn the bounce down because you guys are plenty loud coming out of the owl I'm sorry, that's okay. No, not a problem. We can hear you Okay, um the next update would be the electric vehicle charger. Um They still have not received the equipment uh or any update on its shipping date There are some breakers and panels that they need for this They're telling us that uh, if we want a celebration to uh Bring attention to this and to electric vehicles in general. We should be shooting for a mid june or june a date um There had been a little hiccup there for a while Their engineer told me that they were going to drop back from two dc fast chargers to one Um, and then they would also have two level two chargers Uh, I pushed back a little bit on that. It's why is it the change? I mean given this transformation we need to make and uh I'm not sure exactly what happened. I also talked with christin Carlson, I believe who's the pr person for cream on power and I Mentioned that little issue and and now uh, they're back to the original plan two dc fast chargers and two level two chargers Good job. We need to keep hold them to that Uh What else here um the remod council on rural developments climate economy resilient communities Is a renaming of the program that we went through with them this past year um They've awarded uh To several communities uh this year as they did in the past. Um, we were uh When we did it it was just one community because of covet um Bethel has won A seat in that program What they wished to do was to discuss an inter municipal energy coordinator position Uh for bethel south royleton randolph prochester and Some other local communities um the directive that uh, I have um from the board is to um Agreed to nothing and find out what's going on and bring it back to the board So that's what I will be doing There are towns that have done this kind of thing and um And in some cases it's worked well That's uh, that's a lot of towns for one energy coordinator in my mind, but In any case, I will monitor that and inform the board of what's what they're talking about And you guys can decide whether it's anything the Rochester's interested in or not um the library There is a pretty good Grant coming from out from the department of public libraries in vermont. I'm sure there's going to be a great deal of competition for it uh I am currently working on The guts of what would be the scope of work for that project The building has led paint on it and um, I think the best thing for us to do is to Take the clabbered and the other cladding off of the building Install a membrane on the building that will allow moisture through the wall to the outside um create what's called a vented rain screen basically have a uh a um spacing between the the membrane and the um The exterior cladding and the idea with that is that uh The cladding Wets and dries at roughly the same rate and it doesn't blow the paint off Um, we've got rod around the windows. I think uh normally and I don't recommend uh replacing windows But in the situation where the windows are as bad as they are here with the The amount of work we're talking about Um, I think we should we should go big on this Project and see if we can get it done done right and done right for many many many many years into the future um As I finish up on that Scope of work. I will share that with the uh the board and the library trustees and we'll see where we go from there But I'm I'm stayed and I'm setting it up as two Contracts one is the lead abatement portion of it Yep Do deal with all of that in the demolition side And then a different contract could be same people but uh because of the The smaller number of lead certified uh firms out there Um, I think we want to have it in the two two stages One that does require the license and the other one which would be putting things back together And then finally um with the Kristen's uh support and help I have all of the fuel deliveries now records on that for 2022 and so i'm gonna wrap I hope the spreadsheet attracts all of our community energy uses and get that to you So what what about the roof on the library? Um, I have not been looking at the roof on the library. Okay. I know that's something that they brought up that um Also of concern So if the board would like me to take on that as well, I I will give I can do it. So who is um writing the the grant applications at the library trustees or are you helping them with that? Um, I am going to ask to help with the with any application on the grant other than putting the scope of work together Okay, yeah You know, it'll it'll be the content for for what is to be done to the building certainly Yeah, I've also been doing takeoffs on the the um The three walls that need the work Um, and we'll get material estimates so that we get an idea as to uh where the how you know what this might come in at Um, I'm not going to be very Um Estimating the labor would be very difficult. I wouldn't have much confidence in my estimate of the labor on the project But I would feel pretty secure giving you an idea of the the material cost. Yeah As well as the fact that there probably will be some options here because that First floor cladding is very unique and likely very expensive for cladding to replicate and install Nancy's got a question. Does historic preservation have to get involved in this? Did you hear that? I don't think so. They have been to Town and have looked at uh those with uh members of the trustees and uh myself and with jennette Um It did not seem like uh, there was a any major concern about a modification there Nope They weren't too worried about it More interested in the preservation than the historic part Okay well Thanks again, jeff for um all your focused energy on this No problem. Yeah, my apologies for the the beginnings. I've missed yours Oh, that's okay. Like with my exercise class. Yeah Okay Um, I can't anybody else have questions for jeff No, no, um where we come to the public comment section of the meeting is You want to do the grants update? No. Oh, I'm sorry. I keep missing that grant that all my notes kind of blur that out It's okay. I don't have any this week. You don't have any. No, we're just all right this week's been kind of quiet. So kind of quiet. Yep It looks like um rob gardener may have um public comment. All right Rob, can you hear me? Can you hear me? Yep So I'll make this real brief as as you guys know, uh, the select board knows I I have some problems with the plan for the high school building Uh, but what I don't know and you can guys Can sort of put me out of my misery here Have the three of you has the select board committed To the concept of the feasibility study Described the community center and the multiple renters and all the rest that are you guys committed to that? Have you decided that that's the plan or is there is there some time we're going to talk about? Absolutely not. No, we have not committed to that. That is, um a favored plan by Some people on the repurposing committee, but um They are just they're really to gather information for us. And that's not we're not We're not um signed up for any specific plan. We're just looking to get as much information as possible About the building. Okay. That's very helpful. So, uh You know, I'm just a grumpy guy from the south end of town, you know, so, uh if if I can complain and you know, but It seems to me there ought to be a process by which we examine this Plan that's in place because I think most people think that's the plan And and and have a discussion with people who are not necessarily on that committee About the different options and any other information we should get in this kind But but I don't know how to do that and that the committee I don't think wants to do I think committee has done a tremendous amount of work and they're all friends of mine and god bless them, but If there's going to be other options examined, I think there needs to be another Forum to do that, but you don't have to decide that tonight. You've already answered my question, which is It's still an open question to you. So I would just say this if there's any way I can help you I'm happy to help you, but uh an awkward sending you long emails. Yes That'll be helpful Thank you. Yeah, you're welcome. No, thank you. Thank you. Yeah I think one of the Potential scenarios that we can pretty much write off the option list is for for housing And we did explore that and we did explore that and that's um, we got a pretty resounding Several times. Yeah several times a pretty resounding no from multiple different Directions and basically any any federal funding funding for any Large redevelopment project the the proximity to the floodway is Puts that way down on the bottom of any list of any funding sources for that It's um, so that's really not not a likely scenario Okay, thanks. Um, yeah, you're welcome Our aid to the town paying for the heating of the building again this year. No, no Okay Can you hear me or not? Yes, we can hear you Robert Thank you, christin You know god bless robert gardener for uh being so uh aware of what's happening with the school I uh Just uh talked with a young gentleman That has Started a business not too long ago that you guys approved His business is growing through the roof and I think that Economic development should be the key ingredient to the use of the school and A major part of it like if everyone focuses on economic development It'll create jobs It'll create economy. It'll create jobs for young kids And then we part of the school Could be an art center It could be a lot of other things, but I think art your town It's not my town as you guys will know But the economic development key Or or need I think should be just a very serious focus. It's got great opportunity It's uh, it's a lemon and the town of rochester can make lemonade and I truly believe that so You know You know again, I'm not on any of these boards the planning board the zoning board the whatever board But economic development should be the real key and housing is another thing I I truly believe that because there are people living in buses Uh campers along route 100 And housing is definitely a need and that could be a shared space I I believe my three minutes are just about uh, just about uh, we've got another 30 seconds I just I just I just hope that Whatever transpires at the school After five six seven years of me being involved with the demise of it Something will bloom there and be Make the town happy when they drive by And pay their taxes their school tax Yeah Listen, uh, everyone have a nice evening. All right, and I wish you all well Thank you, robert You're welcome. Yeah Um anyone else on zoom No, no hands. No um I think that's it. Thank you all for hanging out for the Full experience and um, I moved to adjourn Second all in favor