The Board of Selectmen met this evening with Chairman Jeffrey Tufts presiding. Patricia Hunt, William Hardin, Frederick Clark and Patricia Webster were also in attendance.

Representatives of the OA Boosters Bob Clary and Mike Fox were present.

Clary explained the need for the temporary sign to be placed at the Rockery. The sign would be used to promote home games. Fox explained that the sign is placed in the morning and taken down after the games. It is not a permanent fixture. Tufts explained that other organizations have requested the placement of temporary signs at the Rockery and had been denied. The Board noted that the Rockery is a historical treasure and should not be used for the purpose of advertising. Other locations were discussed such as the S-Curve on Depot Street and private property at Washington Plaza. Paicos also noted that the Town had just been awarded a grant in the amount of $64,000 to rehabilitate the Rockery. After completion of the rehabilitation, no signs would be allowed to be placed at this location. Clark supported the proposal of the temporary sign at the rockery location on a temporary basis.

Clark motioned to approve the use of a temporary sign for the OA Basketball Boosters at the rockery location until the middle of February and to research other alternatives. Hardin supported the motion, as long as it were put up in the morning and taken down in the evening.

Webster expressed concern that if the Board approved the request for this organization, they would be obligated to do it for other organizations which may come forward. There was further discussion about alternate locations such as the S-Curve.

On Hunt’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted 3-2 to amend the previous motion to have the sign allowed at the S-Curve instead of the rockery. Hardin and Clark opposed.

The Board voted 4-1 to approve the temporary sign request at the S-Curve, Depot Street location. Clark opposed.

Clary suggested that the OA Basketball Boosters along with other organizations, may be willing to help fund some type of permanent board for advertising purposes in the future.

Richard Roth and John Hopkins were present.

Tufts noted that the department comments were fine except for the following departments:

Board of Health noted that there had been no application made to them to date. It was further noted that a 3 bay sink would be required.

Fire Department noted some exposed wiring; the fire extinguisher needs to be hung and signs

put up; helium cylinder needs to be removed; exit light at the main entrance is out; faulty

light switch on walk in cooler.

Roth noted that the deficiencies have been rectified and the application had been made to the Board of Health today.

Hunt asked for clarification that Lil Peach is not selling beer & wine at this time. Roth indicated that they were not and any left over inventory was currently locked up.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Hardin, the Board voted unanimously to approve the common victualler’s license subject to a reinspection of the Fire Department and no sales of alcoholic beverages until the transfer of the subject license is approved.

Paicos noted that the sand bid was not ready at this time for voting.

Paicos noted that the personnel consultant, Sandy Stapshinsky had revised the current Building Inspector job description due to the retirement of the current Building Inspector.

Clark motioned to approved the job description as submitted. Hardin seconded the motion.

Hunt suggested an amendment to the motion by placing additional wording wording under education and experience. Clark agreed with the amendment. The Board voted unanimously to approve the job description as amended.

Paicos noted that there were 20 applicants for the Town Accountant position. Out the of the 20 applicants, 7 were interviewed by the screening committee. The committee felt very strongly about 4 of the candidates to be called back for interviews with the Board of Selectmen. Paicos further noted that any one of the four candidates could do the job from a technical point of view.

Hunt suggested that the Selectmen go forward with the interviews and made the following motion.

On Hunt’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to have the screening committee verify all the information on the applications, check references and give a report back to the Board of Selectmen.

Jelloe was introduced to the Selectmen at 7:30PM. She explained her work history with the Department of Revenue. At the DOR she analyzes financial statements from cities and town, certifies free cash, reviews schedule A’s, reviews warrant articles and analyzes general funds and offset accounts. Hunt questioned her feeling on in-house ambulance billing. Jelloe explained that lots of communities do their billing in-house. Jelloe was asked if she felt she could fill this position. Jelloe stated that she was confident she could do the job. She indicated that she does have a degree in accounting but did not have a CPA or CGA. She would be willing to take courses to further her education. She was planning to enter into a MPA program. She explained that she does not have too much procurement experience but has taken a course in procurement. Jello explained that she uses the Mapper system at the DOR. When asked if she would be the type of manager to say no when appropriate, she responded that she would have no problem with this issue. She currently is in a similar situation at the DOR and has no problem with this at all. Jelloe stated that she is a member of the Bristol Plymouth Norfolk Accountant Association. Jelloe indicated that she has a great deal of knowledge relative to the Ed Reform law and explained the importance of cities and towns meeting the requirements of this law. Jelloe suggested that in the Accountant’s position, she would analyze budget line items by month and make recommendations accordingly. Jelloe indicated that she is not in a supervisory position at the DOR; department personnel work at the same level as a team. When asked why she would leave her current job, she replied that she had not been actively seeking other employment but felt that this would be a great opportunity for her as there was not much room for growth at the DOR. She indicated that she enjoys working with the communities.

Jelloe submitted a list of references.

Nightingale was introduced to the Board of Selectmen at 8:15pm.

Nightingale explained her six years’experience in the Town of Stoughton as Municipal Auditor. ifferent in Stoughton as she is referred to as the Town Auditor. As Town Auditor she maintains the general ledger and reviews bills for procurement. She explained that employees usually check with her before they purchase to be sure the procurement law is being followed. Nightingale is a CPA and CGA. Nightingale noted that she has reviewed the mapper system is Easton and knows that it works well with all departments. When asked if she would be the type of manager to say no when appropriate, she responded that she would have no problem with this issue. She explained that the relationship in Stoughton was very similar to Easton. Stoughton also has a five member Board of Selectmen. She has had a very good experience with the Department Heads and feels strongly that she is respected by them. She indicated that she does have a degree in Accounting and is a CPA and Mass CPA. She is also a member of the Berkeley Finance Committee. Nightingale is currently enrolled in the MCPU certification exam which she will be taking in February. This will be the first of three exams. She explained that she tries to take any courses that will help her in her professional development. She is taking the Inspector Generals procurement courses now.

When asked why she would leave her current job, she replied that she knows that Easton is a very well run community and feels that there is more room for growth in the Accountant’s position in Easton than in her current position. Nightingale explained that she does have some knowledge of Ed Reform. She works with the Town Manager in Stoughton calculating fees, etc. She indicated that she currently supervises two full time employees. When asked about ambulance billing, Nightingale stated her opinion that in-house billing is fine so long as you have a good software package. Stoughton sends any unpaid bills to an outside collection agency. Wendy closed the interview by stating that her team background is her strong point.

Bruce Baker was introduced to the Board of Selectmen at 8:40AM.

Baker explained that he has worked as an accountant for many years and has been active in Town business for the past seven years on the Finance Committee. He stated that he could continue to help the Town by being employed by the Town as the Town Accountant. Baker stated that he did not have his CPA or CGA but would be willing to take any courses as required. Baker stated that he had no experience with the Mapper system but has worked with many different data base systems. Baker indicated that he had some knowledge of Ed Reform. When asked about supervisory experience, Baker indicated that he supervised up to 7 people in his last position. Baker stated that he did not have any municipal experience and also did not hold any professional memberships such as the MCPA. Baker stated that he did not have experience with Chapter 30B but did have purchasing experience. Baker indicated that he was not currently enrolled in any classes to further his education at this time. Baker explained that he has managed accounts payable, and general ledger. He indicated that Easton had a lot of analyses work which needed to be done. When asked about ambulance billing, Baker suggested that the billing be examined every 2-3 years. Baker felt that his experience in the private sector would be positive for the Town of Easton. Baker felt that if he were employed by the Town of Easton he would be making a positive contribution in the Town in which he lives. Baker indicated that he would provide the Board with a list of references as soon as possible.

The Board took a brief recess at this time.

Coutinho was introduced to the Board at 9:40PM. Coutinho gave a brief work history as the Town Accountant in Acushnet for the last four years. Coutinho currently supervises nine employees. Coutinho indicated that he received his accounting degree in 1988-1989. He currently is not taking any courses related to his field due to his town going through a major conversion. He explained that he does have procurement experience but the Executive Secretary is the actual Procurement Officer in Achusnet. He indicated that he would be willing to take courses to get certified in procurement. When asked about ambulance billing, he indicated that Acushnet sends its billing out and they are not seeing great results. He felt that it would be more beneficial to have it done in-house. He suggested that his strong qualities were his technical proficiency, good accounting and the fact that he is goal oriented. He currently submits monthly reports for the Department Heads and the Board of Selectmen. Coutinho indicated the reason for seeking employment with the Town of Easton was the reputation of Easton’s financial team, the fact that Easton is a larger community than Acushnet and that there were pros and cons to working in the same town in which you live. Coutinho stated that Acushnet recently went for a seven million dollar bond issuance and gave Moody’s a very good presentation. Coutinho indicated that he has worked with the school department on their budgets relative to Ed Reform. He noted that he had already submitted a list of references. When asked if he would be the type of manager to say no when appropriate he indicated that he would have no problem with this issue.

Clark noted that new information was brought to his attention at the recent annual MMA meeting in January. There is a new law in the Acts of 1997 which allows terms of employment for term up to 5 years. Clark asked that that the Board be provided with a copy of this new law. Paicos indicated that the Town Charter may supersede this new law. Hunt expressed concern with the deadline for the Town Accountant appointment. Hunt suggested that we ask the current Town Accountant to continue as a consultant on a part-time basis. Paicos indicated that Mr. Camara will be leaving state for one month beginning March 1st.

The request from the Town of Mansfield was discussed. It was noted that the Towns of Sharon and Mansfield have endorsed a letter for Bill Maddan to be appointed as the Self Help representative.

On Hunt’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to appoint Maddan as Easton’s representative to Self Help.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Hunt, the Board voted unanimously to accept with regrets the resignation of Jesse Morse and to further send a letter of commendation to him for his service on this committee.

It was noted that this item would be discussed on the 2/2/98 agenda.

SERSG-Paicos made note of the new SERS office space and stated that there would not be any additional financial impact on Easton. The dues will remain the same.

MBTA Update - Paicos noted that we are still awaiting Moynihan’s decision. He referred to a recent article in the Boston Globe where it was suggested that Attleboro and Middleboro were not looking good as a favorable option. Stoughton and Easton were referred to as a route with environmental concerns.

There would be some trouble with all of the proposed routes. Paicos stated that he would send a letter to Mansfield and Taunton to open discussion.

Massachusetts Department Tele Communication Vendors - Paicos noted that there are no local zoning controls. The State Agency has taken the right away from the local officials. Paicos is currently working with the MMA to convince the Governor to get Telecommunications & Energy to change. Paicos also noted that we recently received word that the Attorney General’s Office would be reviewing the bylaw.

Chapter 70- KP noted that Easton has been put in the wrong labor district and we are currently working to change this. If the school receives more money from the State, the Town’s money can be used for other municipal services.

MMA Annual Meeting - Easton has been honored again to receive the most prestigious award from MIIA for Loss Control. Paicos also announced that Mr. Hardin is now the Vice President of the MMA and Bill will carry Easton’s issues to the MMA and the Governor.

The Board congratulated Mr. Hardin on his new appointment.

Webster referred to the Fire Study and noted that a draft should be out in a week or two. An extension will need to be granted.

Webster noted a safety concern at the Center School. There is no second access route for safety purposes. There is also no School Zone sign posted in the area.Without the sign there is no way to alert traffic that a school is located on Rt. 123. Webster suggested that we have the Traffic Safety Committee look seriously at this issue.

Clark stated that he sent a letter to Alan Thompson of Eastern Edison Company questioning overhead lights and poles. Clark expressed concern that Easton should have an Easton Energy Commission to gather option to purchase electricity at a lower cost. He suggested that this item should be placed on an upcoming agenda. Clark noted that MunEnergy was at the MMA Annual Meeting. Paicos stated that we are enrolled with MunEnergy to take part of their bid when the appropriate time comes. Paicos stated that we are enrolled in the State bid also and are currently looking at SERSG for rates. We are just waiting for bids to materialize.

Clark asked the Town Administrator for a report on his ICMA trip to Vancouver. He suggested the report should include what was accomplished and discussed at this meeting. Paicos responded that he would be happy to give a report when time permits. He has already submitted an expense report which all the Selectmen should have already seen.

Hardin discussed Department of Telecommunications and Energy. Both Bell Atlantic and Sprint want to work in the communities. There will be a number of these companies in the future. Problems arise when the town does not have a Cell Tower bylaw. It would be to Easton’s advantage to look at our bylaw and possibly resubmit it. Cell Towers will be coming up everywhere in the near future. Companies will be looking at Easton because of its proximity to Rts. 24 and 495.

On Hardin’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 10:15pm.

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