Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
The
Board of Selectmen met this evening with Chairman Jeffrey Tufts presiding. Also in attendance were Carla Goodwin,
Patricia Webster, Leo Harlow and Gerard Marsan.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously
to approve General Minutes dated 10/7/02.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously
to approve General Minutes dated 10/21/02.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously
to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 9/23/02.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously
to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 10/7/02.
On Goodwin’s motion,
seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously
to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 10/21/02.
Mr.
John Rizzo – 12 Lothrop Street referred to the recent public records request
give to the Board of Selectmen. He
stated that he was surprised to get a letter mailed to his home by the Town
Administrator, contrary to what he requested in his letter. He questioned if a vote of the Board is
required to get information. Tufts
stated that he does not have the information he was speaking about but will
look into this issue.
New
owner Paul Farren - P&D Management Company was present. Tufts read comments from various departments
and made note of the Planning Board’s concern of the removal of trees with the
replacement of small shrubs. Farren
indicated that the plants he planted will grow to 3-5 feet as requested by the
Planning Board. He noted that he will
continue to work with the Planning Board.
He indicated that he has been in this type of business for 7 years now.
On Goodwin’s motion, seconded
by Marsan,
the Board voted unanimously to
approve the Common Victualler license, subject to the resolution of the
Planning Board’s concerns and the approval of the site plan.
Dr.
Richard Herman-Chief of the Emergency Room at Brockton Hospital, Chief Stanley
Bates, Jeff Stackpole of Cardiac Science, Officer Darren Mangott and Sgt. Jack
Lynn were present.
Paicos
read the memo dated 12/2/02 (see attached).
Chief Bates, Lynn and other staff were commended for the successful
grant of $50,000 for the 8 units.
Paicos noted that they have not been distributed as of yet and will need
impact bargaining with the unions. Dr.
Herman noted that he has been with the Brockton Hospital for 22 years and an
Easton resident for 10 years. He spoke
of the defibrillators and indicated that he has been involved with training of
the units. In time, these units will be
placed in all schools and public buildings, casinos, police departments and
airports. Herman noted the tremendous
progress with the units and suggested that in time, they will most likely be
commonplace in all homes. He spoke of
the high success rate and the easy instructions that come with the units. Chief Bates thanked Dr. Herman for coming
this evening. Bates noted that the
units are $2,500 each and the grant will cover the training. J. Stackpole demonstrated the use of the
units and verified the ease of use. He
noted that 50% of police departments in Massachusetts are equipped with the
units. The device self tests itself
daily. Firefighter G. Corbett
questioned if the electrodes are compatible with other brands. Stackpole answered that they would be
compatible and the Town will be getting adaptors. Paicos noted the need for executive session discussion to discuss
the implications with the Police Union and the impact bargaining. Paicos thanked everyone for attending.
Harlow
referred to an establishment in Easton which has 25 tables and feels that we
are charging too much per table. Marsan
noted that it is an issue for a billiard establishment but not likely for a
restaurant with 1 or 2 tables. Tufts
spoke of past issues and the need for extra inspections or police activity,
which is not the case with this establishment.
Tufts indicated that he has a hard time justifying the cost in this
case. The Board discussed the issue at
great length. After much discussion, it
was decided that Tufts and Harlow will work together on a new fee proposal and
discuss it again at the next meeting.
Tufts
referred to the listed dated 12/2/02 (see attached).
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously
to renew the list of 2003 license renewals, with the exception of Class II
licenses.
Goodwin
read the Class II list of licenses for renewal.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Marsan, the Board voted 4-0-1to
renew list of 2003 Class II licenses as submitted. Tufts abstained.
Weekly
Landfill Report
Chairman
Henry Mehler and Assistant Town Administrator M. White present.
Mehler
questioned if the Board of Selectmen will be deciding on the option of the bid
alternate as discussed in the past.
Paicos indicated that the Board would need to decide. A memo will be submitted by the end of next
week. The Selectmen and Recreation will
need to approve the plan. Involvement
with the Finance Committee was discussed.
Webster questioned when the neighborhood would be involved. Paicos noted that his memo will address
this issue. Webster questioned the
solid waste and how much of it would be involved and the cost of removal. White indicated that at this point, it is
not certain that it will need to be removed.
The material has recently been covered with clay. Richard Harb of 261 Sheridan Street
questioned the procedure on how to spend the appropriated funds. After some discussion, it was decided that
the Board does not have sufficient data to discuss the issue and the matter
will be tabled until the memo has been submitted by Paicos.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously by
roll-call to go into Executive Session for the purposes of discussing Real
Property, to return to Open Session (8:00).
Marsan yes, Harlow yes,
Tufts yes, Webster yes, Goodwin yes.
The
Board reconvened Open Session at 8:45pm.
Real Property Announcement
On Goodwin’s motion,
seconded by Marsan, the Board voted unanimously
not to exercise the 61 Option for the Barg property on Howard Street.
Traffic
Light Request – Elm Street
Harlow
explained that he has been receiving requests to install a traffic light at Elm
and Rt. 138. He considered this an
extremely dangerous corner and he suggested a traffic study. Acting Fire Chief Tom Stone was present and agreed
that numerous accidents occur at that location.
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Webster,
the Board voted unanimously to
request Mass Highway to investigate the feasibility of a traffic light at the
intersection of Rt. 138 & Main Street.
Fire
Study Discussion
Webster
excused herself and did not participate in discussion as a Board member.
Paicos
referred to the Fire Study Report and its conclusions, specifically he referred
to conclusion section of page 4 (see attached). Paicos noted that the Historical Commission has requested that
the station not be demolished because of the historic value. Acting Chief T. Stone and G. Corbett were present. Stone was commended for his work and the
expertise on the Fire Study Committee.
Stone spoke on behalf of the study and noted that he feels strongly that
staffing is the main issue. All the
recommendations will impact the Town and the Fire Department feels the importance
of having the Fire Chief involved in
the discussions. Tufts noted that all
the proposals have a cost and for this reason, the Town has not moved forward
on any implementation. Tufts agrees
with the long and short terms recommendations.
The discussion this evening will focus on public safety with defibrillators
and ISO. Stone noted that most of the
decisions depend on other things and one cannot move forward without the
other. Staffing is the #1 issue. He stressed the importance of the new Fire
Chief, when appointed, be involved with any other discussions. Goodwin suggested moving forward on the
issue and approves of the recommendations.
The two station concept is important during optimal times and two
stations will provide adequate manpower.
She noted that some of the things will have to happen in the
future. She suggested engaging in
discussions with Sharon and Mansfield.
Marsan noted that he would like to adopt the conclusions to move forward
with a framework for our plan. He
suggested beginning the research of a new location on Rt. 138. He also supports the concept of gaining support
from other Towns with shared response or mutual aid.
Patricia
Webster, speaking as a citizen, noted for the record that her brother and
husband have been on the Fire Department for over 20 years. She brought to the Board’s attention certain
points that the Board should consider.
She stated that this is not the first Fire Study, it is the second one
completed. She referred to the 1976
study. She noted that the voters have
voted two times to fund an override for three stations. The voters should be able to decide
again. Dropping to two stations to help
manpower may be minimal when you are dealing with employees who may be out on sick,
vacation or personal leave. Webster
suggested looking at the standards.
There should be 3 members with each engine and we currently do not have
that. The recommendation should still
be for more staffing. She referred to
mutual aid and noted that this concept has been used since the late 70s. We agree in writing that we will
respond. Norton, Mansfield and W.
Bridgewater respond to our calls almost on a daily basis because of our staffing
deficit. She spoke of the ALS and the
fact that the other towns get to bill us for that portion of the bill, costing
the Town of Easton money. She referred
to consultants McLaughlin and Morse and noted that they suggested that we
augment current services, not replace the current service. We already have a department that does this,
without IV or intubation, defibrillators can’t replace ALS service although it
can be a help. Webster questioned
Paicos on the station closings and reiterated that the Board should present to
the voters what level of service they want to fund. Paicos noted that there is not a lot of disagreement about the basic
facts and the question is how to get from point “a” to point “b”. Paicos agrees
that major decisions must come before the voters and also noted that we cannot
afford to fund 3 stations. He referred
to the proposed budget for the next few years and feels that the research for a
new location of a station on Rt. 138 needs to happen. Paicos also agreed with Marsan’s comments on the mutual aid and
his thoughts on the new location.
John
Rizzo – 12 Lothrop Street stated that he has benefited by EMS services. Without adequate staffing of services, you
will not be helping the public. Police
Departments cannot adequately help in these situations.
At
this point, Acting Chief Stone stated that we have agreements in place for
mutual aid. He suggested that we should
be doing the same for the other communities and this does not work under the
current staffing. He spoke about both
Police and Fire staffing and the reality that very often, there is nobody
available for the next call. There are
times when the Chief is dong the dispatching just so two men can be on a
call. People are really not aware of
the situation. Corbett asked about
overrides in the past. Paicos explained
the process. Corbett suggested that it
should be the Chief’s decision on what station should be closed.
Goodwin motioned to adopt the
recommendations with the caveat at looking at a temporary reaction, extending the
mutual aid system, and working toward putting forward to the voters the
staffing issue with respect to the 2 or 3 station concept. There
was not second to the motion.
At
this point, Marsan disagreed that we should go to the voters to ask what they
want. He felt that the Selectmen should
lead and decide with the adequate information which has been provided. If necessary, the Board should be able to direct
the Town Administrator, or the appropriate person, that we are interested in a
parcel if one is found. Marsan
clarified that the only reason he has a problem putting forward the override
for staffing is that it should be included in an overall municipal
override. Tufts suggested that the
Board endorse the long/short term recommendations of the report. Webster expressed frustration with the Board
taking no action at this point and suggested that the Board should come to some
type of closure to the issue. Tufts
noted that it will be discussed again another night.
Task
Force for Senior Center Development Appointment
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Marsan,
the Board voted unanimously by roll-call to accept the COA recommendation of
Lee and Hafferty.
Webster yes, Goodwin yes,
Marsan yes, Harlow yes, Tufts yes.
Special
Town Meeting (STM) Warrant Discussion
See
draft dated 12/2/02.
COA
Director D. Kent was present to explain the Article #19 and the concern for the
elderly homeowners.
Webster motioned to include the article on
the STM. Harlow seconded the motion.
After much discussion, it was decided that the article would be more
appropriate at the Annual Town Meeting
(ATM).
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously
to include this article on the ATM warrant.
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Webster,
the Board voted unanimously to
include and recommend Article #1.
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Webster,
the Board voted unanimously to
include and recommend Article #2.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Harlow, the Board voted 3-2 not to
include the Article#3. Marsan and
Goodwin opposed.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously
to include the Article #4.
On Marsan’s motion, seconded
by Webster,
the Board voted 4-1 to include the Article
#5. Harlow opposed. On Marsan’s
motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted
4-1 to recommend Article #5. Harlow opposed.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Tufts the Board voted unanimously
to include Article #6.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously
to include and recommend Articles #7, #8.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Tufts, the Board voted 4-1 to include
Article#9. Harlow opposed.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously
to include Article #10.
On Tufts motion, seconded by
Harlow, the
Board voted unanimously to include Article
#11.
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Marsan,
the Board voted unanimously to include
Article #12.
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Webster,
the Board voted unanimously to
include and recommend Article #13.
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Tufts,
the Board voted unanimously to
include and recommend articles #14, #15.
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously
to include Article #16 .
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Webster,
the Board voted unanimously to
include and recommend Articles #17.
On Marsan’s motion, seconded
by Tufts,
the Board voted unanimously to
include and recommend Article #18.
Article
#19 – to be deleted.
Harlow motioned to include and recommend
Article #20. There was no second to the motion.
On Tufts motion, seconded by
Webster,
the Board voted unanimously to
include Article #20.
Article
#21 - No action needed to include(citizen petition).
On Webster’s motion,
seconded by Harlow, the Board voted unanimously
to include Article #22.
Press
Notes
None
Selectmen’s
Notes
The
recent Yardley Rink dedication was noted.
The Board used this as a good example of citizens and town providing
recreational activities. Congratulations
were given to all involved.
Webster
noted that it may be disruptive to continue to close Town Offices on Wednesdays
if we have a Monday holiday. Paicos
noted that he is not sure the best way to proceed with the issue, opening on
some Wednesdays and not others may be more confusing to the public than not
opening at all on Wednesdays. Paicos will
continue to review the situation.
Tufts
announced the upcoming Festival of Lights and the Raid Dog Parade to be held on
12/8/02.
Paicos
left at this point of the meeting.
Town
Administrator Job Description Review
Webster
referred to the draft and noted that it was created by the personnel consultant
back in 2000. Marsan suggested some
minor amendments which were agreeable to the Board.
On Harlow’s motion, seconded
by Marsan,
the Board voted unanimously to
approve the TA job description (see attached).
Tufts noted that on 12/10 the Screening Committee will be meeting. The Town Charter, job description, the
advertisement and time table will be forwarded to the committee by A. Carney.
Webster and Tufts will attend the first meeting.
On Marsan’s motion, seconded
by Harlow,
the Board voted unanimously by roll-call
to go into Executive Session for the purposes of Labor Negotiations, not to
return to Open Session (10:55).
Webster yes, Godwin yes,
Marsan yes, Harlow yes, Tufts yes.
__________________________________
APPROVED
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DATE