SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 7, 2002
The
Board of Selectmen met this evening with Chairman Jeffrey Tufts presiding. Also in attendance were Carla Goodwin,
Patricia Webster, Leo Harlow, Gerard Marsan and Town Administrator Kevin
Paicos. 7:00pm.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to go into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Real Property, to return to
Open Session 7:05pm.
The
Board reconvened Open Session at 7:35pm.
The
Board approved the Memorandum of Understanding dated October 7, 2002(copy
attached).
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted 4-0-1 to accept a gift of
land Assessor’s Map R8, Lot 276. Marsan abstained.
Tufts
read the hearing notice and also noted that the abutters have been
notified. No adverse comments were
noted from the DPW or the public.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
proposed pole location on Cross Street (pole 8-1).
On
Webster’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to approve
General Minutes dated 9/9/02.
On
Webster’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously to approve
General Minutes dated 9/23/02.
Lions
Club Member Ken Wood present.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
parade and the road-closing request along with the temporary sign requests and
fee waiver.
Wood
explained the request to put the temporary signs on town property. The Lions Club feels it is appropriate for
the signs on Town property as it is a Town event. Harlow expressed concern for sign requests on the Rockery. He suggested that other town locations can
be used and suggested that is has been the Board’s policy not to allow signs on
the Rockery. Webster also indicated
that in 1997 the Board made a decision not to place signs on the Rockery. She referred to other requests, which were
not granted. The noted the other town
locations that can be used (s-curve, Main/138, 123/138) with permission of the
owners.
Webster
made the following motion: It is the policy of the Board
of Selectmen that upon approval of the Board, temporary signs may be placed at
the following locations: Main Street at
the intersection of Washington Street, and Depot Street at the area of the
S-Curve. Upon approval, signs may also
be placed on private property in accordance with the Town By-Laws and
coordination with the Building Inspector’s Office. No signs shall be placed at the intersection of Lincoln Street
and Main Street (the Rockery).
Harlow
seconded the motion. There was much discussion
regarding other Town entities using the Rockery location for signs. Tufts spoke in favor of allowing the Lions
Club request because the event is taking place at the Rockery location.
The
Board voted 4-1 on the motion. Tufts opposed.
On
Webster’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
following:
Road closing request in conjunction with
the Festival of Lights subject to the coordination with Police
and Fire with consideration given to the
property known as 72-76 Main Street;
Temporary sign request( in accordance with
the policy voted by the Board), the fee waiver request.
The
Board discussed the request to place signs at Yardley Rink.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to allow the
Lions Club request for temporary signs at Yardley Rink. Webster asked for clarification with the
School Committee to ensure that they do not have a conflict. Paicos indicated that he will notify the
School Committee that the Town has approved the placement of the signs at the
Yardley Rink location.
On
Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
request for the temporary sign/fee waiver in conjunction with the Swedish
Country Fair.
Acting
Chief Stone present and indicated that the permit has been approved by the Fire
Department.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously to approve the
fee waiver for the fire apparatus.
Assistant
Town Administrator and Committee Chair Henry Mehler present.
Mehler
commented favorably on the weekly landfill report information.
Harlow
explained the request and noted that the Traffic Safety Committee agrees with
the request.
John
Rizzo – 12 Lothrop Street suggested a traffic light in lieu of the sign. Other alternatives were discussed. The consensus of the Board was to see if a stop
sign ahead warning sign could be placed ahead of the actual stop sign location.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the Board
voted unanimously to approve the stop sign request.
Paicos
indicated that the Traffic Rules and Regulations will be amended to reflect
this change.
On
Harlow’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to accept a gift
of land.
(see
attached approval by the Board).
Paicos explained the request to hire two management interns for the purpose of projects that regular staff is unable to assist with due to the workload. He noted the small amount of money to be spent for the quality of work that will be received. Harlow agreed with the concept and referred to other interns that have gone on to work in other communities or became attorneys. Webster referred to the recent Town Meeting and the fact that the money was not approved at the time to be spent. Webster referred to the current staff in the Administrator/Selectmen’s Office. The money was purposely frozen to reduce the Selectmen’s budget.
On
Marsan’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted 4-1 to approve the request
to hire interns as indicated in the budget.
Webster opposed.
Nick Mirrione present. Mirrione thanked the Board for the time to speak on the budget issues. He noted the recent fee increases and the impact it has had on the developers. He referred to the increase in the Planning & Zoning Department to be 400% and the fact that the Town Planner has not been able to efficiently return calls. He also referred to the Board of Health and noted that fees are paid in advance and you have to wait for services. He recognized that both of the departments do not have adequate staffing needs. He indicated that he does not have a problem with the current fees as long as services as being provided, as expected by citizens and the developers. He specifically noted the issue of the secretarial position eliminated in the Planning Board. Paicos acknowledged the problem in both BOH and the Planning Department. He specifically noted that we are in the process of hiring a part-time Health Inspector and a part-time building/planning secretary. Paicos noted that we hope to see improvements although it may still not be dramatic. He further noted that the Town expects to have to cut more staff next year and it is not hopeful we can fully restore these positions next year. He also noted that Town Counsel is working with the Town Planner and Asst. Town Administrator to help with reviewing applications and may be attending Planning Board meetings. Mirrione noted that the Building Department seems to be running adequately and does not have an issue with that particular department. White also noted that the Planning Department is also working on efficiency improvements with respect to mailings and she also noted that they are currently utilizing a senior volunteer to help in some areas.
Nick
Mirrione present.
Paicos
referred to Mirrione’ letter and the memo from M. Rousseau on this issue (see
attached)
Paicos
explained that the assumption is that the Association was formed and they would
be paying for the lights. The
Association claims that they did not exist until recently and they were not
familiar with the assumption that they would be paying for the lights. Paicos referred to information given by the
DPW Director, which states that Mass Electric will not be able to bill the Town
because the lights do not conform with the Town’s policy. They cannot legally bill the Town. The lights have been turned off because of
this issue. Paicos suggested that this
issue will have to be worked out internally.
Mirrione explained that the Association was formed a few weeks ago and
it was always the understanding that the Town would pay for the electricity to
the streetlights, not the fixtures themselves.
BUDGET
DISCUSSIONS (continued)
Tufts
explained the need to decide how to move forward before we formally request the
priorities from the Department Heads.
The Board discussed the process.
Tufts will send a letter to the Finance Committee, Capital Budget
Committee and ask them to come in and discuss the process. FinCom member Bob Hicks noted that it would
be difficult to discuss unless they have list to work from.
Paicos
explained the recent $100,00 lost from the State. He also noted that we can expect to see less from the State next
year and more personnel cuts will be made.
Paicos made note of a new police officer vacancy. He explained that the most recent officer
vacancy is being recruited, as voted by the Board. This new vacancy is the only current new vacancy. He explained the impact of hiring new
employees and running the risk of having to lay off next year. The current Police staffing was discussed
(see attached chart). Paicos explained
the recent cuts within the department including deputy chief, secretary,
officers, and a full time dispatcher.
Although the minimum staffing was noted, Paicos emphasized that there is
currently no need for alarm or panic. It is a poor situation and could become
serious in the future. He spoke of the
need to cut next year and how the departments are already down to bare bones. At this point, Paicos suggested cutting this
vacant officer position in lieu of having to possibly lay off next year.
Acting Fire Chief Tom Stone spoke of the current Fire Department staffing and they are down to 31 employees including the Chief’s position. He compared the cuts to be similar to Police. Paicos noted the station closings during the fiscal year. Stone noted that they are at times down to 4 per shift causing a possible dangerous situation. The Board discussed proposed cuts next year and the consensus was not to cut more Police and Fire. Webster indicated that she does not agree with cutting Police again in the spring and the reality that we shouldn’t be waiting until something bad happen. She spoke of senior Police/Fire employees and the vacations, etc and overtime is required to cover these shifts. She suggested that the Board needs to make difficult choices and start looking at things that are not statutory. Webster reminded the Board that two weeks ago they agreed not to cut any more in public safety as paying overtime does not make sense. Bob Hicks questioned whether we are legally required to have a Recreation Department or a Town pool. This should be looked at. Webster reiterated her concerns and questioned whether we need to go forward with the library project. She also questioned the need for a full-time COA Director and if we should be discussing the school expansion if we cannot afford to adequately staff. Paicos spoke about needing to find the cut someplace else. He has looked at other options and the only result would be a lay-off of an existing employee.
On
Marsan’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted 3-2 to accept the
recommendation of the Town Administrator, not to fill the current Police
vacancy. Webster and Harlow opposed.
Paicos
announced the domestic Violence Grant in the amount of $28,000 and commended
the Police Department for their work.
He also noted another regional grant in the amount of $350,000. This will allow significant improvements to
the current Domestic Violence program and will be a model program all over the
country.
Harlow
questioned if we will receive any Veterans money. Paicos responded that it is not likely we will receive any money. Harlow asked about the water proposal
(wheeling ). Paicos indicated that we
got a letter from Aquaria and we will be drafting a support letter. This item will be on the agenda in the near
future. Harlow questioned the employee
appointment process. Paicos explained
that the Board gets notice of all appointments through the I&N and
explained that if the Board takes no action, the appointment goes forward. Paicos suggested that putting these items on
the agenda would be time consuming and the process over the years has been
notification through the I&N.
Goodwin
announced that she recently learned that there is a new requirement stating
that authorization of lease agreements require the Clerk to be the signing
authority and if the Clerk changes, a new authorization will be needed.
Webster
asked for Board copies of the Coweeset proposal. Webster questioned the funding of the new Recreation Program
Director and reminded Paicos that he was going to provide information to the
Board. She reiterated that the Board
would like the information prior to the employee coming in. Webster asked about the Charter Review
Committee and discussed in July/August.
Paicos suggested that it was not clear what specific changes the Board
would propose for review of Town Counsel.
Tufts will review minutes to decide how to proceed.
Tufts
noted the advertisement has been placed in the Beacon. The local papers will
publish to coincide with the response date.
It
was noted that 14 candidates have responded to the advertisement for the
screening committee.
The
consensus of the Board was to schedule the interviews for one evening. The Board discussed the different
categories. Webster and Goodwin
explained their intent when preparing the membership portion of the charge and
their consensus that Category 1&2 candidates should not qualify for
Category 3(Citizens at Large).
On
Marsan’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at
10:25pm.
_________________________________________
APPROVED
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DATE