Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

November 1, 2004

The Board of Selectmen met this evening at the Easton Town Offices, Selectmen’s Office with Chair Colleen Corona presiding. Also in attendance were Gerard Marsan, John Haederle, Colleen Less, Charles King and Town Administrator Martha White. 7:00pm

Marsan noted the passing of former Town Counsel Martyn Lincoln who served the community for over 40 years. Lincoln was known for his great sense of humor, sharp sense of the law, avid golfer, a gentlemen and being a lot of fun to work with. Condolences to the family were noted. A moment of silence was recognized.

Public Participation

The Easton Cub Scouts Pack 193 toured the Town Offices with Chair Colleen Corona in efforts to earn their citizenship badge. The scouts thanked Corona and all the Selectmen for their leadership and presented pins to the Selectmen. A list of things they like about local government and the community along with suggested improvements was submitted.

Approval of Gift of Land to Conservation Commission (parcel off Sheridan Street)

Conservation Commission Chairman Michael Sites was present to discuss the gift of land. White explained how different gifts of lands are given and how they are handled. Conservation gifts need the Selectmen’s approval. Sites referred to the plan consisting of 136,148 square feet of land. Sites noted the land has substantial wetlands and the present configuration of existing homes makes this parcel unusable. Less asked about revenue loss if the gift is accepted. Sites suggested that the town would see increased revenue would be available to the town as there is a house proposed to be torn down and new construction being built at a higher value. If the town takes ownership, it assures that no other building will be done on the property as it will become Conservation land. Corona asked if maintenance would be an issue. Sites replied no. Sites noted that the Harb family asked for a small sign at the location noting that it is town property and that the Harb family donated it.

White asked the Assistant Assessor about the revenue issue. White noted that Harb could get a tax abatement based on the fact that the land cannot be built on.

On King’s motion, seconded by Marsan, the board voted unanimously to approve the acceptance of the gift of land.

7:15-Continuation of Class II Public Hearing – Five Corners Petroleum, Inc. – 490 Foundry Street

White noted that this has been on the agenda a few times. White referred to past discussions where the applicant was notified of the need to go for site plan review. No new site plan information has been submitted to the Planning Board as required. It was noted that the applicant has been out of the country a few times over the last few months with family issues. White referred to the problem it causes within the office to track the application and the status over a long period of time. White recommended that the board deny the application without prejudice. It was noted that there are still two Class II licenses available at this point.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to deny the Class II application without prejudice.

Contracts for Fire Department

Refurbishment of engine #1

Chief Tom Stone was present. White noted the board’s recent award of bid on the refurbishment of engine #1. White is asking for contract approval. Stone noted the 1992 engine and how engines are usually refurbished after 10 years. Less stated that she recently saw the 1992 pumper truck and noted the poor shape it was in.

Marsan asked if Counsel reviewed the contract and if there were changes. White indicated minor changes were made to the contract.

On Less’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to approve the contract to refurbish engine #1.

Purchase of used bucket truck

Stone noted that the bucket truck is needed to do repairs to municipal fire alarm systems. The other bucket truck is a 1992. White noted that the original proposal was over $60,000, the used truck comes with nice warranty, including loaner vehicle within a six month period, etc. Marsan referred to last year’s discussion when Selectmen Tufts was in favor of the concept of a used bucket truck to fulfill our needs. Corona noted concern with the length of the use and hopes a used truck will not need a lot of repairs, etc. Less asked about the warranty on the 12 year old vehicle and asked if this was a standard. White noted that counsel looked at the form only, not the warranty.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to approve the contract for $22,500.

Wastewater Management Study Committee update/final report

The Wastewater Management Study Committee members Alan Roscoe, Mark Bartlett, Ken Carlson, Jack Marsh and Howard Margulies were present. Jane Madden of Camp Dresser & McKee (CDM) was also present to give a final report to the board.

See attached Executive Summary and additional information submitted by Madden. Madden gave an overview of the presentation given to the board last July. The potential most feasible sites were discussed. Soil, conservation maps and uplands were reviewed. These are sites to discharge treated material. A composite five area plan was discussed. In summary, the town is asked for in town solutions as viewed by the DEP. The committee feels that we are still keeping water local but there is a huge difference in cost in town vs. regional. The planning is very long range. Haederle asked about the operating costs. Madden explained how costs were estimated. Roscoe noted that no further testing has been done on the sites. This is all preliminary. The board discussed the issue and frustration of wastewater planning. King asked for explanation of inter-basin transfer. Madden explained the term. Corona noted the best alternative for the community is some combination of regional and local recommendations. Costs were discussed. Madden noted the copies available to the public’s review. A public hearing has been scheduled for 11/16/04 at the Olmsted/Richardson School at 7pm. Madden commended the Wastewater Study Committee for their hard work. Marsan asked about the licensed capacity for the City of Brockton. Madden explained. The Brockton plant is at capacity. Marsan suggested if we went for regional solution, we would have to demonstrate that we did due diligence, we looked at all the factors. Marsan questioned if we showed the effort, would the state look at other communities like Brockton to increase their capacity to work with us. Madden explained no. The state will ask you to look at the local resources and ask them to again rethink their decision to allow the use. Carlson noted the meetings that have taken place with the state already and upcoming meetings with the legislatures. White spoke of the “smart growth” proposals and our inability to comply. White noted Congressmen Lynch’s efforts to talk about regional solutions. Haederle spoke specifically of Stonehill College denying testing. Haederle asked about another location on the Stonehill property closer to the town wells. Bartlett noted that they would not consider this location because of the well sites. White noted that the committee has completed its work and that the middle state of design has no financial assistance at all. White asked that the board consider dissolving the committee this evening.

Haederle thanked Jane Madden of CDM and the Wastewater Management Study Committee for their work to date.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to dissolve the Wastewater Management Study Committee on November 17^th.

Bartlett noted that there is still money available under the CDM contract for this issue.

Wastewater Study Committee resignation – Ron Lawson

The board acknowledged the resignation of Ron Lawson. A certificate of appreciation will be issued.

Surplus equipment vote – revised list

DPW Director Wayne Southworth was present. White explained the attached new list. Southworth expects to have the sale/auction in December.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to vote the list surplus.

Amendment to CDM contract related to maintenance of the Prospect Street landfill

White referred to the proposed amendment. White asked how long we would need to continue the maintenance. Southworth noted the many years of testing ahead and the decision to have CDM do the monitoring. Southworth explained the need to have someone on call 24 hours a day. Southworth made note of the good service with CDM to date and the desire to stay with the same company. King asked about the 7% increase. White explained the increase because of lab test increases and employee wage increases.

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to approve amendment #3 of the CDM contract relating to the landfill as proposed.

Special Town Meeting Discussion

Proposition 2 ½ override discussion

White referred to the attached memo. In summary, in absence of override, we are over budget for FY’06 already. More specific information will be provided at the board’s next meeting. Another budget subcommittee is scheduled for this Friday. Corona gave a recap of the last budget subcommittee meeting and decisions made. If the override were successful, the money would be split 60% for school and 40% for town side. One lump sum question will be proposed with respect to the override as we are one community as a whole. King questioned the 60/40% split of money and what the school will propose to show what services will be impacted by this money. Corona noted that they would be giving a proposal also. King expressed concern with what is down the road with respect to revenues and money needed to get beyond status quo. Corona explained the balance between getting by over the next few years with hopes of things getting better down the road, specifically the FY’07 budget. Corona noted that the override would just bring us closer to adequate levels.

Draft Warrant

See attached draft.

Article #8

Collector/Treasurer John Nunes was present and explained the intent of the article.

Article #9

Nunes explained the intent of the article.

White noted that the board would need to vote the warrant on 11/15/04 for posting.

Update Regarding Acquisition of Land North of Moreau Hall

White announced that the title search revealed that the Congregation of the Holy Fathers is not the owners of the parcel. Stonehill College owns the land. White has begun talks with Stonehill. White referred to a letter to the congregation clarifying the issue of ownership.

Veterans Day Parade Announcement

White announced the new parade route and the date and time.

Minutes

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 8/2/04 as amended.

On King’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 8/16/04.

On King’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 8/30/04 as amended.

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 9/13/04 as amended.

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 8/30/04.

Discussion re: 2005 Meeting Schedule

This discussion will be tabled to next meeting.

Town Administrator’s Notes

White announced additional grant funds for $12,500 from Mass Historical Commission for the Memorial Cairn project.

White also referred to a memo regarding the money Easton saves by participating in the Southeastern Regional Services Group. In FY’05, $48,474 was saved based on statewide survey.

White also noted the American Red Cross is looking for volunteers in this region.

Press Notes

None

Selectmen’s Notes

Corona asked for permission for the board to write a letter in support of the Easton Junior High School renovation project for the press. Corona asked for a similar memo on the operational override. Corona suggested Less could write the letters of support. Less clarified the need for the letter to inform the public of the board’s standing on these issues. The board agreed.

Corona also referred to the Bristol County Selectmen’s Association dinner that she attended along with Haederle and King. This was an opportunity to meet with Selectmen from other communities. Corona found this meeting very informative.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:20pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary Southworth

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Approved

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Date