The Board of Selectmen met this evening with Chairman Jeffrey Tufts presiding. In attendance were William Hardin, Frederick Clark, Patricia Webster and Town Adm. Kevin Paicos. Patricia Hunt absent due to illness.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to table General Minutes dated 9/29/97.

J. Kelly, R. Buck in attendance.

Paicos noted a request to use the School, and suggested using a similar agreement to the one used with the YMCA. Paicos noted that all conditions have been agreed to i.e. vacating if the buildings are sold.

Paicos noted there are two questions 1) how to react to requests in the future and 2) whether to allow this specific proposal.

Hardin questioned if this is in accordance with the Town Meeting vote. Paicos stated yes, it is the same procedure followed with the YMCA. Clark asked for a copy of the snow removal agreement between Center Stage and the YMCA. Clark questioned what rooms 4 and 5 would be used for. Kelly noted it is for after school drama programs and for 4, 5 & 6 year olds coming in during the day for drama/art programs. R. Buck gave a brief explanation of the various programs. Paicos noted that the Board had a lengthy discussion during the YMCA request hearings and he feels sure of his instructions from the Board. Paicos noted that he feels he knows how to address this request or any future requests. Webster noted she is not in favor due to the Town Meeting vote to sell the buildings and is not in support of any group renting either building until the Town proceeds with offering the buildings for sale. Webster questioned the status of the RFP on the two buildings. Paicos noted the RFP is ready to go out and he gave a copy to each Selectmen to review. RE: Center Stage Agreement, Paicos noted the cost isn’t exact yet, but he will get this information from R. Hill. Hardin expressed concern with the safety of the proposed entrance to this program, and would rather people go through the YMCA entryway.

It was agreed that the Center Stage Inc. could rent rooms 4 and 5 at the LSIS for an agreed upon monthly fee.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously by roll-call, to appoint Jennifer Edwards-Hawkins to fulfill the unexpired term of Destiny Kaplan.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to accept with regret, the resignation of Patricia O’Donnell from the Housing Partnership effective 10/27/97.

Paicos noted that the Town lost the Sprint vs Town of Easton case and now the Board can have an in-depth discussion on telecommunications towers.

Paicos noted that the legislation on senior tax voucher has been sent to the legislature and may be passed during this legislative session.

Paicos gave a brief explanation of the Computune forgery of a Class II license, noting that they received a one day suspension from the City of Cambridge on their gasoline storage license.

Hardin noted RE: senior tax voucher that 40 communities already have programs, and questioned if we should just go ahead and do this. Paicos noted he would rather wait because currently the liability is on the senior and he doesn’t want to jeopardize the seniors in Town. Paicos suggested waiting for the corrective legislation which is forthcoming.

TAXI LICENSE APPLICATION - MILLER EXPRESS CO.

Mr. Miller in attendance.

Miller noted he is asking to have the need for a partition waived. Miller noted he is also asking not to have a meter, but rather set fees which he will generate on his computer with various route charges. Miller noted that all business will be done through a dispatcher. Miller noted that the company and the client will agree on a fee ahead of time, based on an established rate. Miller noted that no surrounding towns have meters except the City of Brockton. Clark questioned if the Town has an indemnification form. The Secretary noted that Town Counsel had established one the last time Mr. Miller’s license was approved. Webster asked for a list of set fees for the Selectmen’s file, and with particular routes. Miller noted the rates will originate from Main Street to a particular point. Clark questioned where the list of operators/drivers is. Miller noted that once the license is approved he will supply this information to the Selectmen for review by the Police Dept. Clark questioned if Miller has any taxis to date. Miller stated no, and he will buy them one at a time. Tufts noted that the hours of operation being asked for in the application are restrictive. Miller noted he had wanted to expand to later hours i.e. liquor establishment pickups but only if the establishments would agree to pay regardless if the patron is still on site when the taxi arrives. This didn’t work out. Miller noted that right now he will keep the limited hours. Clark asked the address of the office. Miller noted 28 Main Street. Webster also noted that the hours of operation should be expanded so as not to inhibit business. Miller again noted he would rather keep hours as listed at this time. Miller noted that a letter RE: protective safety equipment will need to be signed; vehicle information with insurance and drivers will have to be submitted; a list of rates will have to be submitted.

Miller noted that the usual and customary rates will be charged with the list of the most common routes posted in the taxi. Miller noted that most of the general fares will be posed with approx. 40 different points in Town listed.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Taxi License subject to approval by Town Counsel of an indemnification letter, approval of safety equipment, providing driver information to be approved by the Police, providing insurance information and the rate per mile posted in the taxi with a list of rates for the Selectmen’s Office, and that no meter be required.

R. Hill, M. Clark PE, E. Jacobson, M. Graff, B. McAndrews in attendance.

Paicos noted there are two closure options proposed. (see attached) Hill noted the difference between the two alternatives is 1) all would be contracted out and 2) DPW employees will do some of the labor functions saving $800,000. M. Clark gave a brief explanation of the first steps necessary towards closure. M. Clark noted a lot of preparatory grading has already been done by the Town forces. M. Clark gave a brief explanation of the two options for liner, geomembrane or clay. M. Clark noted that MA Highway and DEP are not guaranteeing the clay from the Big Dig and each load would have to be tested. M. Clark explained the differences between a clay vs vinyl liner and all that must be done. M. Clark explained the three layers necessary 1) soil/gas layer with 17,000 cubic yards, 2) drainage layer 40,000 cubic yards necessary 3) vegetative layer 12,000 cubic yards necessary. M. Clark noted that use of the Town forces is a big advantage. M. Clark noted that the geomembrane would be sent out to bid. M. Clark reviewed the schedule noting that the Town has until 6/99 to stop accepting waste. Tufts questioned if trucks could come in off 106 vs Prospect St. Hardin suggested traversing along the power lines as an alternative route. Webster questioned if the Town has the staff to do this. Hill noted with 1 full time and 2 part time employees, one of which operates the bulldozer, this could be done in house. Hill noted that the existing on site staff can do pieces of this effort, and a contractor would be needed for the membrane, gas wells, and hydro seal. F. Clark questioned why the Rev./Exp. states closing as 12/98 not 6/99. M. Clark noted the correct date is 6/99. F. Clark asked for a cross section of proposals which shows the following. 1) 6" sand gas layer which collects the gas and protects the membrane, 2) 12" layer of sand for drainage to be spread with bulldozers, but not directly on top of the membrane, 3) 12" vegetative layer for a total of 30"’s.

M. Clark noted he would send the cross sections to the Board. F. Clark questioned where this type of closure has already taken place. M. Clark noted Rockport, Dennis, Dighton. F. Clark asked if the Board could get letters from those communities who have completed this process and have been successful with this type of closure. M. Clark stated yes. F. Clark questioned any difference with future uses with clay liner vs vinyl. M. Clark stated no difference. M. Clark noted that the impact currently from leachate is minimal.

It was agreed to investigate alternative access routes for trucks; that the proposal won’t involve hiring any new employees; M. Clark will get a cross section showing both options.

In response to a question from Tufts, M. Clark noted that there will be a significant reduction of odor at the Landfill after closure.

Graff noted that the role of the Recycling Committee will be looking at options that residents will have after closure. Graff noted he was not sure if the Recycling Committee has a role in the closure.

McAndrews noted the Recycling Committee needs to address issues pertaining to after the closure. In response to a question from F. Clark, Graff noted a proposal will be given to the Selectmen soon with recommendations from the Committee. Graff noted he will not recommend continuing recycling at the current landfill. Graff noted he is hoping to have a formal vote by the ATM.

Graff noted the Recycling Committee will come to the Selectmen with recommendations and then spend time educating the public prior to the ATM vote.

Clark RE: problem with Computune License suggested that all licenseholders names be put on the internet.

Paicos gave a presentation based on a prepared outline, line by line (see attached).

Clark expressed concern with a story in the Enterprise prior to the Selectmen having the Rev./Exp. Clark expressed concern with promoting industrial/commercial businesses because it requires more housing needs for the employees at these businesses. Clark stated that it can’t be assumed that increases in numbers of students is directly correlated to residential growth and questioned if Paicos had examined this issue. Paicos stated no. Clark questioned if the SBAB funding for the new school will kick in during FY’99. Paicos noted he has made the assumption that it will be received in FY’99, and if it doesn’t happen the Town will be in serious financial trouble. Paicos noted that the Town will know in the spring after the State’s budget is approved. Clark noted that the Town should look into expanding the business base carefully because it may cause more residential growth and service needs. Clark questioned Paicos’ statement that "land acquisition is now complete". Paicos gave a brief explanation.

Clark noted that overall the 5-year Rev./Exp. is very good. Paicos noted that bringing in business would help to redistribute the tax burden.

Webster questioned the status of the growth management study. Paicos noted he is currently working on the capital side and will submit this to the Consultant soon. Paicos noted he is not sure what the date of issuance of the study is.

Paicos noted he has scheduled for the Selectmen discussions on upcoming capital budgets and operating budgets. Paicos noted the 10-year capital expenditure report will be submitted to the Board prior to the discussion on same.

At 9:50PM on Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster the Board voted unanimously to adjourn.

APPROVED_______________________________

DATED________________________________