SELECTMEN’S MEETING MINUTES

OCTOBER 9, 2001 

 

 

The Board of Selectmen met this evening at Oliver Ames High School, Room #3,  with Chairman William Hardin presiding,  Jeffrey Tufts, Patricia Webster, Carla Goodwin, Leo Harlow, Assistant Town Administrator Martha White, Town Counsel Elaine Lucas and Town Administrator Kevin Paicos were also in attendance.  (5:30p.m)

 

LETTER FROM AUDITORS

Permanent Landfill Committee Members Henry Mehler, Peter Downey and Associate Member Richard Harb were present.

A letter submitted by Melanson Heath was referred to regarding the Easton Landfill project (see attached).  A letter was also submitted by the Permanent Landfill Committee asking that the Board not take action at this time (see attached).

 

Mehler noted that the committee felt it would be premature to take any action until the landfill audit is complete.

On Harlow’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to follow the recommendations of the Landfill Committee and not take any action at this time

 

Hardin noted that the second item on the memo from the Landfill Committee will be addressed at an upcoming Selectmen’s meeting.

 

STM PREPARATION/FY’02 BUDGET

Paicos was not present at this time.  White was present to answer any questions the Board may have.  A memo from the Town Administrator dated 10/9/01 was discussed (see attached).  Hardin thanked the various people who helped create the revised list for Town Meeting this evening.   The new proposed budget reductions were explained at length by Goodwin and Mr. Harb.  Harb noted that the net cut for the Fire Department is now $131,000 and further noted that the Fire Department will need to rotate the stations and there should be enough funds to keep three station open for a period of 15 weeks during the remained of the fiscal year.  Webster expressed concern that after last weeks meeting, she was not aware or included in any subsequent meetings since that time.  She questioned why we are spending the $50,000 for the oil clean-up at the Police Station as she recently understood that that money would need to be used for that purpose only.  Paicos will explain when he is present.

 

Article 1

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend article 1.

Article 2

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted 3-2  to recommend article 2.  Webster and Harlow opposed.

Article 3

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted 3-1-1 to recommend article 3.  Harlow opposed, Webster abstained.

Article 4

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to recommend article 4.

Article 5

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously to dismiss article 5.

Article 6

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to recommend article 6.

Paicos was present at this time

Article 8

Paicos gave an explanation of the $50,000 allocated for the oil clean up at the Police Station.  The DPW Director may be able to give more information if necessary.  Webster asked why the position at the Town Office was being filled during the hiring freeze.  Paicos explains that the position will be filled within the union and the freeze will most likely take place once the bumping is complete. 

Bob Hicks, Chair of the Finance Committee stated that the Finance Committee has voted to recommend approval of article 8 in the amount of 41,968,439.

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted 3-2 to recommend approval of article 8.

Harlow and Webster opposed.

Article 9

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted 3-1-1 to recommend

article 9.

Harlow opposed, Webster abstained.

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 6:60pm.

 

 

                       

                                                                                    ______________________________

                                                                                    Approved

 

                                                                                    ______________________________

                                                                                    Date