Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
The Board of Selectmen met this evening at the Easton
The meeting was called to order at
Tufts was not present at this point of the meeting.
On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously by roll call to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing strategy with respect to negotiations with non union personnel, to return to open session. Goodwin yes, Tufts yes, Haederle yes, Marsan yes.
The Board reconvened open session at
Minutes
On Tufts’ motion,
seconded by Haederle, the board voted 3-0-1 to approve general
minutes dated
On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the board voted
3-0-1 to approve general minutes dated
Public Participation
Tony Pires spoke of Webster’s resignation and asked if the
Board took any action regarding her resignation and her alleged problems. Haederle noted that it is not the Board’s
jurisdiction and that the issue is best addressed by between she and her the Easton
Police Departmentfamily. Pires feels that the Board should take some
action. Marsan noted that the Board
expressed regret regarding his resignation and outrage that this would
occur. It was noted that the issues were
reported to the Police Department.
Marsan questioned what official action could be taken other than
supporting a police effort or investigation.
Pires felt that it would be appropriate for the board to take action
along with the police department. Pires
felt it should be an open investigation so that any person that feels that they
have been harassed or subjected to vandalism should state their case to one of
our detectives. Hopefully a pattern of
activity could be determined. He further
suggested that the town offer compensation for the person suffering the damages. Goodwin noted that she recently had an
incident with a blow out of tire and the detectives were very thorough and
vigilant and it was determined that the flat tire occurred because of road
damage. The police department has
heightened awareness during meeting times.
Tufts noted that it was a personal decision to resign and sometimes when
the issue continues to be discussed openly, it makes the situation worse. Tufts suggested that Webster could contact
the board if she needs anything. Tufts
spoke of civil rights violations and the situations that have happened in the
past. In summary, if any elected
official needs something, we will be as supportive as possible. Pires disagreed and felt that the board
should take strong action. Marsan
summarized that the individual should file a complaint with the police
department and if it came to the board, then we would get involved. Pires noted that he would not expect her to
ask and again suggested an open investigation.
Pires also asked about the library addition project. Marsan noted that we will be putting this item on the agenda for discussion and it would be appropriate to be discussed then. Pires spoke of a recent article in the Boston Globe. Marsan reiterated that it would be appropriate to discuss when the library representatives/board is present.
Joseph Grenon III – One Day Auctioneer License
Marsan spoke of the request for a one day license. Marsan referred to the town comments and noted that if they need a tent, he would need to apply for a permit through the Building Department. Marsan questioned the procedure.
On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to approve the one day auctioneer license for 10/25 rain date 10/26 subject to obtaining the tent permit if required and consideration of the fire department comments.
Covenant Congregational Church Temporary Sign/Fee Waiver
On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Marsan, the board voted
unanimously to approve fee waiver for the temporary sign request for the
event to be held on
Lions Club Temporary Sign/Fee Waive Request – Halloween
Parade
On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the board voted unanimously to grant the temporary sign request/fee waiver in accordance with the policy, including the consideration of the Yardley Rink location, not under the board’s jurisdiction with its current temporary sign policy.
Lions Club Halloween
On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to approve the parade route, subject to the approval by the safety officer.
Weekly Landfill Report
White referred to the report and submitted a new progress report dated 10/20. Outstanding issues were discussed. See attached issues. CDM continues to negotiate on these issues on behalf of the town. Tufts asked about the issues at hand. White noted that in some cases, they feel extremely different than ET&L. Tufts complimented CDM on their negotiations with ET&L on behalf of the town. Goodwin clarified that the outstanding issues still need to be resolved but 98% of the landfill project is complete. Marsan asked about the proposed open house at the landfill. White noted that the committee is now thinking spring may be the best time to hold the open house, when the project is officially complete.
Vanasse Hangen Brustlin, Inc., Engineering Contract
Amendment –
White explained the project and the proposed attached contract. $179,855 amount chapter 90 funds.
Tufts spoke of the importance of having projects on the list to be funded.
On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to approve the contract amendment in the amount of $179,855.
Goodwin expressed concern with services not include on page 10. White was asked to continue to check on the status of the services not included.
Proposed Amendments to Traffic Rules and Regulations –
Stop Signs
White noted that this is follow up to the recent discussions.
stion
of
On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Goodwin, the board voted
unanimously to place a stop sign and allow amendments to the Traffic Rules
and Regulations for
Ambulance Abatement Request
Marsan noted the two requests.
On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the board voted unanimously to approve the ambulance abatements (2) totaling $316.18.
School Project – Loss of Fields Issue
Haederle noted that an informal meeting was held on
9/30. It was noted that this is an
ad-hoc committee and the group does not have jurisdiction. June 2004 – June 2007 will be the impacted
time frame on the existing fields. He
summarized the field issues. He spoke of
the basketball/tennis courts. The plan
is still being refined to minimize impact.
The athletic director is putting together the schedule for fall 2004 and
he feels that the students will not be impacted as greatly as originally
thought. Astro turfing the football
field is an option that is being explored through the Municipal
Building Committee as part of the school renovation projects. A bid alternate
may be prepared that proposes to Astroturf the football
field. Tand the use of portable basketball
hoops during the interim may also be an optionwill help. The possibility of using the fields on
Sundays may help with the impact.
Unionville, Peterson Field, and asked to sign
agreements for the next year anyway. Haederle
further noted that they will check with Frothingham Park to see if that site
could be an option and the Athletic Complex at the VA Hospital will be also be
explored.
Longer term options and CPA funds were discussed. Haederle spoke of other communities using CPA funds for all types of field benefits. The need of good communication between all parties was emphasized. The board thanked Haederle and the group for the continuing efforts.
Special Town Meeting (STM) Discussion – Warrant Review
White referred to the attached draft warrant. White noted that there is still other pending action to be taken by other boards/committees.
White referred to Article 3 on the draft and noted that she is working with the town clerk and suggested that a list may be put on the town’s website. Fees other than $300 are being considered. Unless the board suggests something different, the article currently has a $300 fee. White noted that this is the last meeting for the board to incorporate any language changes relating to warrant articles. Fee options were discussed. Tufts would propose changing the wording to incorporate state law and the town clerk can establish the fee.
On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Marsan, the board voted unanimously to change the wording to read “up to $300 fine per month”.
On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Marsan, the board voted unanimously to recommend article 3 as amended.
White noted that one bill goes back more than one fiscal year and will need to be voted at town meeting.
White noted that a presentation will be held on 11/3.
Article 9
White noted that she is meeting with ZBA next week on this issue
White indicated that she is waiting for a recommendation from Planning & Zoning.
White indicated that she is waiting to receive the article electronically by Webster.
White indicated that she is awaiting town counsel information on this article.
Discussion re: Town Administrator Goals
See attached draft evaluation instrument.
Haederle spoke of the need for a Personnel Director and noted that the funding is not here now but if it becomes available, it should be put forward.
On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the board voted unanimously to accept and execute the TA evaluation instrument as submitted.
2004 License Fees – Board of Selectmen
White explained the annual fees and the board’s
consideration to increase the fees 3% if they felt it was necessary. White referred to the small fee comparison
between Norton,
On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to approve Board of Selectmen licensing fees to reflect a 3% increase for calendar year 2004.
Goodwin suggested that the board may want to not raise fees for 2005.
Town Administrator’s Notes
None
Press Notes
None
Selectmen’s Notes
Goodwin has a tentative meeting scheduled for 10/27 with Mansfield and Norton re: the concept of shared services.
Haederle complimented White for her efforts on putting budget information on the town’s website. Haederle further noted that we will be updating the town’s website soon.
On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted
unanimously to adjourn at
Respectfully
submitted,
Mary McCarthy
_____________________________
Approved
_____________________________
Date