Stuart Edson

Public Safety Committee Meeting Draft Minutes

Meeting Minutes, Public Safety Advisory Committee

Aug 032020

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY JULY 29, 2020, 5:30 PM

BROOKFIELD CONGREGATION CHURCH (Corner of RT 65 and Ridge Rd, Basement)

UNAPPROVED MINUTES

The following members attended: Stuart Edson, Michael Rutkovsky, Mike Stoddard and Lew Stowell; Guests: Jeff Kimmel, Select Board Member and Road Commissioner, Cpt Scott Clouatre, OCSD.

5:30 PM: Call to Order No additions or deletions made to the agenda
Review and approve of Unapproved Minutes June 24, 2020 meeting. Approved 4-0-0
Open public comment period- No members of the public attended.
GUEST: Jeff Kimmel, Brookfield Select Board: In addition to the big picture view of the Select Board of the Highway Department and its function, Jeff provided the plan forward for the Road Crew after the loss of Ray Peck. Rob Wheatley is the interim Foreman and a successor is being actively sought. Counseling for the staff is available through the VLTC.
Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills to include:
- Patrol Hours and Budget-CPT Clouatre said that OCSD is down 5 officers and is making active efforts to recruit and retain officers. He suggested that the Select Board could negotiate a more precise contract for FY2022 with the Sheriff.
- Speed Cart Results- There have been 6 deployments already this year. The Speed Cart manufacturer is sending a technician out to check out the recent data anomalies provided by the cart. The cart will be deployed on West Street next.
- Other- More active traffic enforcement can be expected now that “the Spigot” has been opened a little bit more.
Parking in Pond Village- The expansion of the Town Office parking lot should be completed this Summer.
Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress- Northfield Road is to be entered on the DMV weight restriction website soon.
E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status- Signs purchased with FY 2020 funds and signs to be purchased with FY 2021 funds to be used mostly to properly post roads with speed limits listed in the Town Traffic Ordinance. The committee will be tasked to review the Traffic Ordinance and bring it up to date.
Emerald Ash Borer Progress- Jeff Kimmel to check on a good storage area for the EAB traps.
Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use- The Public Safety page of the town website has had 121 hits in the last 6 months.
August Public Safety Message- Will include mandatory mask usage.
Setting the Next Meeting- August 26, 2020 at 5:30 PM at the Congregational Church.
Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting- None to be invited.
Entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting- Adjourned at 6:55 PM.

Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting Agenda

Miscellaneous

Jul 262020

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY JULY 29, 2020, 5:30 PM

BROOKFIELD CONGREGATION CHURCH (Corner of RT 65 and Ridge Rd, Basement)

All Members and Guests will wear face masks and observe social distancing.

Meeting progress will depend upon the amount of public participation and committee discussion.

AGENDA

5:30 PM: Call to Order
Additions or deletions to the agenda
Review and approve of Unapproved Minutes June 24, 2020 meeting.
Open public comment period (if applicable).
GUEST: Jeff Kimmel, Brookfield Select Board: The big picture view of the Select Board of the Highway Department and its function.
Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills to include:
- Patrol Hours and Budget
- Speed Cart Results
- Other
Parking in Pond Village
Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress
E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status
Emerald Ash Borer Progress
Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use
July Public Safety Message
Setting the Next Meeting
Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting
Entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting

Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes 6/24/20

Meeting Minutes, Public Safety Advisory Committee

Jun 292020

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY JUNE 24, 2020, 5:30 PM

BROOKFIELD CONGREGATION CHURCH (Corner of RT 65 and Ridge Rd, Basement)

UNAPPROVED MINUTES

The following members attended: Stuart Edson, Michael Rutkovsky, Mike Stoddard and Lew Stowell.

5:30 PM: Call to Order
Additions or deletions to the agenda- None made.
Review and approve previous of May 27, 2020 meeting minutes, Approved 4-0.
Open public comment period- No members of the public attended.
Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills to include:
- Patrol Hours and Budget- The May 2020 bill overcharged by using next year’s rates. L Stowell will contact Select Board. Also requesting clarity about executing Federal Search warrants.
- Speed Cart Results- Members were happy with the results of the last two deployments. They were of short duration and provided good data. It was noted that 10 of the 14 vehicles that exceeded 40 mph in Pond Village did so during daylight hours.
- Other-Members are not clear if OCSD has all of the current town ordinances and how they are transmitted to deputies on patrol in Brookfield. L Stowell to check with the Select Board.
Parking in Pond Village- Committee still concerned about the lack of parking in Pond Village and the Floating Bridge. They are looking forward to the expansion of the Town Office parking lot.
Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress-The committee recommends that a public meeting be held soon about weight limit signs and enforcement. The Select Board promised a public meeting at the Town Meeting in March. This may have to be conducted by phone conference, internet or other approved socially distanced method. L Stowell will check with DMV to see if specific weight limits for bridges are displayed on the DMV website.
E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status- L Stowell to contact Jeff Kimmel about the status of sign orders using FY 20 funds.
Emerald Ash Borer Progress-The traps have arrived. K Forrer to mobilize volunteers to put them up.
Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use- More work to be done.
PM: July Public Safety Message- The message will include information about the OCSD Speed Cart and the continued use of masks and social distancing.
Setting the Next Meeting- July 29 at 5:30 PM at the Brookfield Congregational Church.
Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting- Jeff Kimmel from the Select Board will be invited because of his oversight of the town roads and the road crew.
6:50 PM Entertained motion to adjourn meeting: Moved by S Edson, Seconded by M Rutkovsky, passed 4-0.

Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting 6/24/20

Public Safety Advisory Committee

Jun 212020

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY JUNE 24, 2020, 5:30 PM

BROOKFIELD CONGREGATION CHURCH (Corner of RT 65 and Ridge Rd, Basement)

All Members and Guests will wear face masks and observe social distancing.

All times will depend upon the amount of public participation and committee discussion.

AGENDA

5:30 PM: Call to Order
5:31 PM: Additions or deletions to the agenda
5:33 PM: Review and approve previous of May 27, 2020 meeting minutes
5:37 PM: Open public comment period (if applicable)
6:00 PM Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills to include:
- Patrol Hours and Budget
- Speed Cart Results
- Other
6:20 PM: Parking in Pond Village
6:30Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress
6:45 PM: E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status
6:55 PM Emerald Ash Borer Progress
7:05 PM: Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use
7:10 PM: July Public Safety Message
7:05PM: Setting the Next Meeting
7:10 PM Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting
7:15: Entertain motion to adjourn meeting

Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes 5/27/20

Meeting Minutes

Jun 012020

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY MAY 27, 2020, 5:40 PM

UNAPPROVED MINUTES

The following members attended: Stuart Edson, Michael Rutkovsky, Mike Stoddard and Lew Stowell.

5:40 PM: Call to Order (Meeting held via FreeConferenceCall.com.)
Additions or deletions to the agenda. None made.
Review and approve previous of April 29, 2020 meeting minutes. Approved 4-0.
Open public comment period (if applicable): No members of the public attended.
Review of Select Board Actions at Previous Meeting(s) L Stowell reported and discussion ensued on each item.
- The Select Board approved having the Admin. Assistant order three ten packs of EAB Early Detection Systems at $459.50 each plus shipping. We hope it will come soon as the EABs will start to fly soon.
- The Select Board will send two letters or emails:
  - One to the Cushings asking if they are going honor young Sid’s promise to move vehicles out of the town ROW.
  - One to Sherriff Bohnyak urging him to enforce vehicles parking in the traveled portion of the road.
- Parking and behavior at the floating bridge made more complex because it is a State bridge and highway. Board does not favor putting signs on bridge encouraging parking at town office parking area as it is barely large enough for a routine Select Board meeting.
- The town parking lot: will be expanded somewhat this Summer. John Benson to stake it out.
- Public Safety Committee asked to research other parking possibilities in Pond Village. Stuart Edson willing to discuss parking on the West side of the bridge with the Select Board.
- The remaining balance of the traffic sign line item to be spent by ordering traffic signs ASAP in this fiscal year.
- Because Northfield Road is the only town road in Brookfield properly signed for weight limits, the Board agreed to have the Admin. Assistant enter it into the State Database as an experiment.
- the Admin. Assistant to be authorized to approve overweight permit requests for 60,000 pounds or less. Requests for higher limits to be reviewed by the Town Road Foreman.
- The OCSD Contract is to be renewed for a maximum limit of $12,500.
Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills. The April bill was discussed and it was hoped that increased patrolling already observed would continue for May and June. The Speed Cart has been requested.
Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress: Discussed above.
E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status: Discussed above.
Emerald Ash Borer Progress: A group of citizens to be recruited to install and monitor the traps.
Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use: No further progress reported.
June Public Safety Message: Will inform about the EAB traps and Floating Bridge parking.
Setting the Next Meeting: To be held in person downstairs at the Pond Village Congregational Church (corner of Ridge Road and Route 65) at 5:30 PM on June 24, 2020.
Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting: No guests to be invited but the public is welcome.
Entertained motion to adjourn meeting: Moved by S Edson, Seconded by M Rutkovsky, passed 4-0.

Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting May 27th

Miscellaneous

May 252020

NOTICE AND AGENDA FOR REMOTE MEETING

The Public Safety Advisory Committee for the Town of Brookfield, VT will meet remotely by electronic means on May 27, 2020 at 5:40 PM

Information on how to access the remote meeting:

By telephone: Dial [(701) 802-5217

When prompted enter the meeting Access Code]. 3053801

Please review our “Informational Handout for Remote Public Meetings” to understand how these electronic meetings will be managed. If you wish to make a public comment but do not have the ability to comment remotely during the meeting, please email your comment(s) to Brookfield Public Safety Advisory Committee at publicsafety@brookfieldvt.org

To ensure smooth access, we recommend that you test your remote meeting software in advance of the meeting. If you have difficultly accessing the meeting, please call [insert phone number] or email publicsafety@brookfieldvt.org

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY MAY 27, 2020, 5:40 PM

All times will depend upon the amount of public participation and committee discussion.

AGENDA

5:40 PM: Call to Order
5:42 PM: Additions or deletions to the agenda
- Public comment
5:45 PM: Review and approve previous of April 29, 2020 meeting minutes
- Public comment
5:50 PM: Open public comment period (if applicable)
6:00 PM Review of Select Board Actions at Previous Meeting(s)
- Public comment
6:15 PM: Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills.
- Public comment
6:30 PM: Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress
- Public comment
6:35 PM: E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status
- Public comment
6:40 PM: Emerald Ash Borer Progress
- Public comment
6:50 PM:] Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use
- Public comment
7:00 PM: June Public Safety Message
- Public comment
7:05PM: Setting the Next Meeting
7:10 PM Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting
7:15: Entertain motion to adjourn meeting

INFORMATIONAL HANDOUT FOR REMOTE MEETINGS

Remote Public Meetings

All public body meetings for the [insert name of municipality] will be conducted remotely via electronic means for the duration of Governor Scott’s State of Emergency declaration. Whenever feasible, the public will also be able to access and participate in the remote meetings by dialing in through telephone.

Accessing a Meeting

Please refer to each public body’s notice and agenda for information on how to access a remote meeting. Please note that whether you join by telephone, computer, or device, you may be put on hold or in a waiting “room” until granted access to the meeting. You also may be muted or restricted from using any chat function until the public comment portion of the meeting.

Participation

All meetings will be conducted in accordance with the respective “Rules of Procedure” of each public body, to the extent practicable. The public body will follow its agenda and allow public attendees to participate through voice (audio) means where feasible or alternatively using any chat function during the designated public comment periods on the agenda and at other applicable times as needed.

Initially, the meeting’s host/organizer will mute all participants that are not members of the public body. This is necessary to control background noise. The host/organizer will then unmute participants or allow participants to unmute themselves when invited to speak by the Chair of the public body.

Please review the following guidelines:

The Chair will invite comment:
- during the time designated on the agenda for public comment;
- after the public body discusses each agenda item;
- before the public body takes action;
- during any open public comment period, if applicable; and
- other times as determined by the public body.
When a participant/attendee is unmuted, they must state their name before commenting.

If the public body successfully moves to enter an executive session, the meeting’s host/organizer will then place everyone that is not part of the executive session on hold or a virtual waiting “room.” This will prevent attendees from hearing or participating in the meeting during the duration of the executive session. When the public body exits executive session, the host/organizer will then grant access back to the remote meeting.

When the public body adjourns the meeting, the host/organizer will end the electronic meeting by turning off/closing the remote meeting software. Attendees will be automatically disconnected.

Minutes and other public records that were part of the meeting will be made available in accordance with VT’s Open Meeting and Public Records Laws.

To learn more about Remote Public Meetings and the Open Meeting Law, please visit the Secretary of State’s Municipal Assistance webpage at https://sos.vermont.gov/municipal-division/laws-resources/covid-19-response/.

Public Safety Committee Meeting Minutes 4/29/20

Meeting Minutes

May 032020

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY APRIL 29, 2020, 5:40 PM

UNAPPROVED MINUTES

The following members attended: Stuart Edson, Michael Rutkovsky, Dan Mason and Lew Stowell.

5:40 PM: Call to Order
Additions or deletions to the agenda: None required.
Review and approve previous of February 26, 2020 meeting minutes: Approved. There was no March meeting because of the Covid 19 virus and the Governor’s order.
Open Public Comment Period: No members of the public attended this meeting.
Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills: The patrol hours were discussed. L Stowell to contact OCSD about the Speed Cart plan for 2020. West Street is to be included as an additional site. The events of the previous weekend at the Floating Bridge were discussed. Illegal parking, lack of social distancing, absence of masks and rowdy behavior may continue to be experienced in the future as fishing has become even more popular because of the Virus and parking is an issue at the Bridge. Dan Mason as Constable was also contacted and will check with the residents on the West side of Sunset Lake. L Stowell to contact VSP Royalton and the Select Board.
Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress: L Stowell to contact the Select Board on what option(s) they want to follow with the purchasing and erecting of vehicle weight signs on town highways.
E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status: Some E-911 signs have not been picked up because of being ordered by Summer residents who have not returned to their Brookfield homes yet. L Stowell to contact T Godfrey about E-911 signs. L Stowell to present a request to the Select Board for more traffic signs to be purchased and erected. It was agreed that if the signs could be brought into full compliance that maintaining them in the future would be manageable. The Road Crew should develop a routine of erecting and repairing signs each month on designated days or half days in the Spring, Summer and Fall months.
Emerald Ash Borer Progress: The virus has limited progress with the EAB activities. L Stowell to confer with K Forrer before contacting the Select Board.
Discuss Needed or Likely Projects for FY 2021: Parking in Pond Village, particularly because of the Floating Bridge, needs more attention. There may need to be additional signage and an increase in the Town Office Parking Lot. L Stowell to combine issues for the Select Board into one list. The Morgan Horse Races on Snow Road in August were discussed.
Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use: S Edson reported no additional progress.
May Public Safety Message: It will cover traffic sign compliance to include speed limits and stop signs.
Setting the Next Remote Meeting: May 27, 2020 at 5:40 PM by conference call.
Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting: No guests will be invited in May.
Entertained motion to adjourn meeting: Moved, seconded and approved at 6:45 PM.

Public Safety Advisory Committee Meeting (remote) 4/29/20 5:40 PM

Miscellaneous

Apr 272020

NOTICE AND AGENDA FOR REMOTE MEETING

The Public Safety Advisory Committee for the Town of Brookfield, VT will meet remotely by electronic means on April 29, 2010 at 5:40 PM

Information on how to access the remote meeting:

By telephone: Dial [(701) 802-5217
When prompted enter the meeting Access Code 3053801

To ensure smooth access, we recommend that you test your remote meeting software in advance of the meeting. If you have difficultly accessing the meeting, please call (844) 844-1322 or email publicsafety@brookfieldvt.org

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
WEDNESDAY APRIL 29, 2020, 5:40 PM
All times will depend upon the amount of public participation
AGENDA

• 5:40 PM: Call to Order
• 5:42 PM: Additions or deletions to the agenda
o Public comment
• 5:45 PM: Review and approve previous of February 26, 2020 meeting minutes
o Public comment
• 5:50 PM: Open public comment period (if applicable)
• 6:00 PM Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills. [OCSD Patrol Hours]
o Public comment
• 6:10 PM: Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress
o Public comment
• 6:20 PM: E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status
o Public comment
• 6:25 PM: Emerald Ash Borer Progress
o Public comment
• 6:30 PM : Discuss Needed or Likely Projects for FY 2021
o Public comment
• 6:45 PM:] Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use
o Public comment
• 6:50 PM: May Public Safety Message
o Public comment
• 7:00PM: Setting the Next Meeting
• 7:05 PM Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting
• 7:10: Entertain motion to adjourn meeting

INFORMATIONAL HANDOUT FOR REMOTE MEETINGS

Remote Public Meetings
All public body meetings for the Brookfield, VT Public Safety Advisory Committee will be conducted remotely via electronic means for the duration of Governor Scott’s State of Emergency declaration. Whenever feasible, the public will also be able to access and participate in the remote meetings by dialing in through telephone.
Accessing a Meeting
Please refer to each public body’s notice and agenda for information on how to access a remote meeting. Please note that whether you join by telephone, computer, or device, you may be put on hold or in a waiting “room” until granted access to the meeting. You also may be muted or restricted from using any chat function until the public comment portion of the meeting.
Participation
All meetings will be conducted in accordance with the respective “Rules of Procedure” of each public body, to the extent practicable. The public body will follow its agenda and allow public attendees to participate through voice (audio) means where feasible or alternatively using any chat function during the designated public comment periods on the agenda and at other applicable times as needed.
Initially, the meeting’s host/organizer will mute all participants that are not members of the public body. This is necessary to control background noise. The host/organizer will then unmute participants or allow participants to unmute themselves when invited to speak by the Chair of the public body.
Please review the following guidelines:
 The Chair will invite comment:
o during the time designated on the agenda for public comment;
o after the public body discusses each agenda item;
o before the public body takes action;
o during any open public comment period, if applicable; and
o other times as determined by the public body.
 When a participant/attendee is unmuted, they must state their name before commenting.
If the public body successfully moves to enter an executive session, the meeting’s host/organizer will then place everyone that is not part of the executive session on hold or a virtual waiting “room.” This will prevent attendees from hearing or participating in the meeting during the duration of the executive session. When the public body exits executive session, the host/organizer will then grant access back to the remote meeting.
When the public body adjourns the meeting, the host/organizer will end the electronic meeting by turning off/closing the remote meeting software. Attendees will be automatically disconnected.
Minutes and other public records that were part of the meeting will be made available in accordance with VT’s Open Meeting and Public Records Laws.

To learn more about Remote Public Meetings and the Open Meeting Law, please visit the Secretary of State’s Municipal Assistance webpage at https://sos.vermont.gov/municipal-division/laws-resources/covid-19-response/.

Public Safety Committee Draft Minutes 2/26/20

Meeting Minutes

Mar 012020

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2020, 5:30 PM

BROOKFIELD TOWN OFFICE, 40 RALPH ROAD, BROOKFIELD, VT

The sequence may be varied to accommodate members of the public and guests.

UNAPPROVED MINUTES

The following members attended: Stuart Edson, Michael Rutkovsky and Lew Stowell. Member of the public: Gabe Freitag.

Review and Approve Minutes of January 15, 2020. Approved unanimously.
Questions or Issues Brought by Members of the Public. Gabe Freitag, a local logger, wanted to know where the town was going with vehicle weight limits. He has no large trucks of his own but depends upon large logging trucks to get his logs to mills. He urged that the town allow trucks up to the state special limits with local permits. He complimented Ray Peck as being reasonable to work with on weight limit issues. The committee explained that the 24,000 pound weight limit on town class 2, 3 & 4 roads is a State law and the progress the committee has made in understanding the laws surrounding weight limits.
Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills. OCSD conducted 8 hours of patrols costing $376.00 and resulting in 2 speeding citations for 11 to 20 MPH over the limit. S. Edson has not been able to contact VSP Royalton yet.
Road Maintenance and Right of Way Issues. No new issues reported.
Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress. The most recent results of continuing research into weight limits have been passed on to the Select Board Chair and were discussed by the committee.
E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status. T. Godfrey will take the un-picked-up E-911 House Number Signs to the Town Meeting in the hopes of getting some more home owners to pick their order up. S. Edson has received one estimate of the cost of installing traffic signs from Lafayette Highway Specialties. The cost was $235.00 per sign with them providing all materials. It is not known what the cost would be with the Town of Brookfield providing the materials (signs, posts, etc.).
Emerald Ash Borer Progress. Additional “windshield” inventories of Ash trees have been conducted. A draft request for information has been written. L. Stowell to meet Tom Johnston of Trees Inc from Rutland this Friday morning to tour the five roads inventoried to get recommendations and a quote to remove Ash trees on these five roads
Town Meeting Preparation. The Town Meeting Agenda appears full. The Committee will be prepared to answer questions if they are asked. K. Forrer to provide EAB maps and info.
Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use. S. Edson to continue working on website metrics.
March Public Safety Message. The draft message was approved with a little editing by L. Stowell to be done if needed. This message will be on the website and Front Porch Forum.
Setting the Next Meeting. March 25, 2020 at 5:30.
Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting. None to be invited.
Adjournment. At 7:08 PM.

Public Safety Committee Agenda

Miscellaneous

Feb 232020

BROOKFIELD PUBLIC SAFETY ADVISORY COMMITTEE

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 26, 2020, 5:30 PM

BROOKFIELD TOWN OFFICE,

40 RALPH ROAD, BROOKFIELD, VT

The sequence may be varied to accommodate members of the public and guests.

AGENDA

Review and Approve Minutes of January 15, 2020. [1/15/20 Minutes]
Questions or Issues Brought by Members of the Public.
Continuing Review of OCSD Activities, Reports and Bills. [OCSD Patrol Hours]
Road Maintenance and Right of Way Issues.
Town Over Weight and Over Sized System Project Progress.
E-911 Sign and Traffic Sign Status.
Emerald Ash Borer Progress.
Town Meeting Preparation.
Public Safety Advisory Committee Website Use.
March Public Safety Message. [Draft Message]
Setting the Next Meeting.
Inviting Guests to the Next Meeting.
Adjournment.

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