Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

December January 29, 2003

 

The Board of Selectmen met this evening with Chairman Gerard Marsan presiding.  Also in attendance were Jeffrey Tufts, Colleen Corona, Carla Goodwin,  John Haederle, and Acting Town Administrator Anne Carney.

  7:00pm

 

 

Annual License Renewals

Tufts referred to the attached list for license renewals. 

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Corona, the board voted 4-0-1 to approve the list of licenses with concerns relating to town departments.  Tufts abstained.

Tufts read the list of license holders with outstanding issues and explained the new requirement of all licensees showing proof of having workers compensation insurance.  Tufts referred to the Fire Department inspections and the level of detail given. 

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted 4-0-1 to approve the licenses with outstanding department problems, except the Class II’s, requesting compliance by each establishment by 1/15/04.  Any outstanding issues after 1/15/04 would require board action at the meeting on 1/26/04.  All licenses will be held until compliance is complete.   Tufts abstained.

Class  II-  A&K Auto Sales outstanding tax issue Tufts left the room at this point of the meeting.

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Corona, the board voted unanimously of those present to approve the renewal, giving A&K until 1/15/04 to agree on a payment schedule with Collector/Treasurer on the tax issue and resolving the current bond requirement for Class II dealers. 

 

Tufts returned at this point of the meeting.

 

 

Historical Commission/Constable Resignation – Bob Babineau

Marsan referred to the letter of resignation. 

 

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the board voted unanimously to accept with regret the resignation of Mr. Babineau and to issue a certificate of appreciation. 

 

Request for Waiver of Fees – Library Project

Marsan recused himself and indicated that he has requested an opinion from the Attorney General’s Office.  Marsan left the room at this point of the meeting.

Tufts acted as Chair for this issue.   

Tufts referred to the fee waiver request on behalf of the library.  Goodwin asked for research to see if we waived fees for other projects i.e. the school building project. 

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously of those present to table the issue pending research on past practice on fees waived for town building projects.   

 

Marsan returned at this point of the meeting.

 

At this point, Marsan noted Carney’s interim appointment as Acting Town Administrator during the Administrator’s vacation absence and noted Carney’s experience in this capacity.

 

Contract with Amory Engineers re: Engineering Services for Well #7

Water Superintendent Jack Marsh and DPW Director Wayne Southworth were present to explain the proposed new contract. 

Corona asked about the prices and if this is standard.  Southworth explained the standard fees.

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the board voted unanimously to approve the contract in the amount of $51,000, as presented this evening.   

 

DPW Request to Allow Overspending of Snow & Ice Budget

Southworth met this evening with the Finance Committee and they approved the overspending of the snow and ice budget.  The amount of money budgeted was $188,700, after the storm $103,000 was expended, and then other incidents occurred costing approximately to date $127,972.  One additional moderate storm would exceed the remaining budgeted amount. 

Carney noted that overspending comes off the top of next year’s budget.  The board discussed the possibility of the Governor reimbursing towns, declaring the recent storm a snow emergency.

On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to allow the snow and ice budget to be overspent.

 

 

Request for Waiver of Fees – Habitat for Humanity Project

Southworth was asked what the board has waived relating to water expenses in the past.   Southworth explained.  Tufts suggested waiving the fees as a partner of this project except for the Board of Health and Water Department labor and material fees.

 

On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to waive fees under the Selectmen’s jurisdiction on the 2 Habitat buildings, including the water system use fees, excluding the Water Department labor and material and Board of Health fees.

 

 

 

                                                               

Town Administrator’s Notes

None

 

Press Notes

None

 

Selectmen’s Notes

Goodwin asked for time to acknowledge the passing of  Edwin Keach.  Sympathy was extended to the family.  Marsan noted John Keach’s service to the town of Easton, specifically the years dedicated as an Assessor.

 

 

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to adjourn. 

 

Executive Session

7:47pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

Mary McCarthy

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                                                                                                                Approved

 

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                                                                                                                Date