Board of Selectmen

Meeting Minutes

3/28/05

The Board of Selectmen met this evening at the Easton Town Offices, Selectmen’s Office, 136 Elm Street with Chair Colleen Corona presiding. Also in attendance were Gerard Marsan (7:20pm), Charles King, Colleen Less and Town Administrator Martha White. John Haederle was not present. 7:00pm.

Marsan was not present at this point of the meeting.

On Corona’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously of those present by roll call to go into Executive Session for the purpose of real estate negotiations, to return to open session.

King -yes, Less- yes, Corona- yes.

The Board reconvened open session at 7:20pm.

Marsan was present at this point of the meeting.

Interviews for vacancies (2) on the Historical Commission

James Carlino

Mr. Carlino of 23 Main Street indicated the reasons for applying for vacancy, as he would like to offer help on the Historical Commission plan they are putting in place. He feels his background will be beneficial. He spoke of home restorations and understands the requirements of dealings with various town boards. Carlino has not volunteered on any town boards to date. He has done the renovation work on his own home and garden on Main Street. King asked how long he has lived in Easton. Carlino responded 11 years. King asked what he thought of the restoration of the Rockery project. Carlino spoke positively of the project and expressed his interest in becoming more involved. Less asked about the cape renovation project. Carlino explained the intent to keep the project in line with the Cape Cod environment. Carlino noted that since the renovation, it has been converted into multi million dollar condominiums. Marsan asked if he came across historic information while restoring his own home. Carlino explained that he found photos, which were helpful in the process. Carlino spoke of Mrs. Parker’s daughter in law and the original garden plans she supplied that helped make the garden restoration successful. Corona asked if he has grant writing skills. Carlino replied no.

Michael Russell

Mr. Russell of 170 Center Street indicated that he has been a member of the Historical Society since the 1980s and lives in the DeWitt home. He spoke of his love of history and his passion for preserving historic sites. Corona asked about GIS. Russell explained his knowledge as a hobby. King asked where the DeWitt home is located. Russell explained the area on Center Street. King asked about the demolition bylaw and his thoughts on that issue. Russell suggested it is an excellent idea but acknowledged the challenge for the town in considering some of the proposed demolitions. In general, he is in favor of oversight. Russell acknowledged that he has grant writing skills.

Paul Rohr

Mr. Rohr of 11 Lincoln Street noted that he is a new resident of Easton. He has been researching the history of his home on Lincoln Street and would like to volunteer on the commission. Corona asked about grant writing abilities. Rohr indicated he has had experience tracking grants back from college, but does not write grants. King asked if he did not get the position, would he be willing to try out for another board in the future. Rohr responded that his current interest is with the Historical Commission. He spoke of his research with the Historic Society.

The Board voted by roll call to appoint Carlino and Russell to the two vacant positions on the Historical Commission.

King-Carlino & Russell; Corona - Carlino & Russell, Less- Carlino & Russell, Marsan- Carlino & Rohr.

The board discussed the terms for the new members

The board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint James Carlino to the term expiring 6/30/07 and Michael Russell to the term expiring 6/30/06.

King- Carlino for a term expiring 6/30/07; Russell for a term expiring 6/30/06, Corona- Carlino for a term expiring 6/30/07; Russell for a term expiring 6/30/06, Less- Carlino for a term expiring 6/30/07; Russell for a term expiring 6/30/06, Marsan- Carlino for a term expiring 6/30/07; Russell for a term expiring 6/30/06.

Contract for telephones at Police Department

Lt. Al Krajcik was present. Krajcik explained the need for the upgrade. The new system will give voice mail and much easier communication within the department. It will free up the dispatchers because they can transfer to voice mail. The current system is becoming inadequate. The board asked about the funding. White explained the funding from a prior homeland security grant.

King asked about Daytel Communications and the included features. Krajcik explained the 5-year parts and labor warranty. Marsan asked about Toshiba equipment and the reliability. Krajck’s research confirmed the Toshiba equipment to be very reliable systems.

On King’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to approve the contract in the amount of $13,400.

Amendment to Highland Plaza traffic signal agreement – Samuels & Associates

Marsan noted that he would recuse himself from vote and discussion as he did with the original Highland discussion.

White explained the need to amend the agreement. Vannasse, Hangen, Brustlin, Inc., has approved the plans. The set of plans in the amendment was not listed in the original contract, which better reflects the intersection improvements.

Less asked if this was an increased cost to the project. White suggested the cost would be passed on to the developer. Less asked if at some point the traffic signal would become a town responsibility. White suggested that it would probably be at least a year after the signal is installed. White agreed that the town should not accept the traffic signal until we know that it works well with the traffic flow.

On Less’ motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously of those participating to approve amendment #1 for the traffic signal agreement. See attached. Marsan did not participate in discussion or vote.

Request for no parking zone on Allen Road

White spoke of the recent fees imposed by the state for patrons parking at Borderland State Park. This new fee is causing people to park on Easton’s streets instead of the parking lot. White spoke of the complaints of parking on Allen Road. The Traffic Safety Committee looked at this issue and agreed a no parking zone would be appropriate from the northerly side of Allen Road, from Bay Road to Deer Meadow Lane, a distance of approximately 2,350 feet. (This will not alleviate the immediate problem of no parking in front of the citizen’s mailbox that initially made the complaint.) The Police Department will be dealing with that citizen’s issue. The board spoke of parking on Allen Road and the dangerous condition that this creates. After much discussion, the board agreed that the no parking zone would only be the northerly side of Allen Road not to affect the parking on Borderland State Park dirt lot.

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to amend the Town of Easton code by establishing the no parking zoning on the northerly side of Allen Road to Deer Meadow Lane.

White will clarify with the DPW that the sign will not be placed in a way to confuse the issue of Borderland’s parking area.

Notice under MGL Chapter 61 land on Dean Street

Marsan recused himself and did not participate in the executive session or open session discussion on this issue.

White explained that the board discussed the Dean Street parcel of land in executive session and voted to exercise the right of first refusal.

On King’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to exercise the right of first refusal on the Dean Street property. Marsan did not participate in the vote.

Initial review of proposed noise bylaw

Corona noted that they have been working with Town Counsel and a noise engineer expert in creating the draft bylaw. See attached draft. Board members asked for clarification of certain sections and the enforcement authority. Corona noted that the Police Department would be the enforcing authority. Corona suggested some concern with respect to recreation sporting events. Corona asked that the board review the draft further and bring their concerns up at the next meeting.

Transmittal of proposed amendment to the Zoning By-Law to the Planning & Zoning Board

White referred to the need to change the town bylaws to accommodate the noise bylaw. White referred to the draft letter transmitting the change to the planning board and asked for the board’s endorsement.

On Less’ motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to transmit the noise bylaw amendment to the zoning bylaw to the Planning Board.

Transmittal of zoning changes

White asked that the board transmit to the Planning Board as listed in the attached Conservation Commission memo dated 3/24/05.

On Less’ motion, seconded by Corona, the board voted unanimously to transmit to the planning board as listed in the attached Conservation Commission memo dated 3/24/05.

Appointment to Housing Partnership – Jan Hughes

On Less’ motion, seconded by Corona, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint Jan Hughes to the Housing Partnership.

King- Hughes, Corona -Hughes, Less- Hughes, Marsan -Hughes.

Public Participation

None

Discussion regarding FY 2006 budget

White referred to the attached Executive Summary for FY’06. Corona asked about the proposed budget, which does not include any override money if it passes. The board discussed the current deficit and how to keep the bond rating suitable. Without an override, the budget will be short approximately $700,000. White noted that the town and school would need to share the deficit. White proposed to plan a budget subcommittee meeting for 4/28/05, after the election, so that the town can take a course of action either adding or cutting the budget. The board discussed the need to eliminate services if the override does not pass. The board stressed the need to cut the budget if the override doesn’t pass. The board agreed that the cuts would be difficult. The community needs to understand that they will feel the impact if the override doesn’t pass. Marsan spoke of comparison communities and the fact that they have passed overrides. Easton has only had one override in approximately 15 years ago. White noted that she is working to keep current information on the web and the local cable channel. Less expressed the need to keep the web updated for the hearing impaired. Corona reminded the citizens that the special town meeting is next Thursday, 4/7/05 with only one warrant article for the proposed override.

Town Administrator’s notes

White announced that both new recruits for the Easton Police Department have completed the academy at the top of their class.

Press notes

none

Selectmen’s notes

Marsan spoke of resident Thomas Holland’s concern over the recent broadcasts of the Selectmen’s meetings and the poor quality. Marsan suggested that the board improve on this issue and suggested we should be looking closely at what the board’s responsibilities are and those responsibilities of the cable company. We need to be adequately servicing the public. Mr. Holland suggests that we make sure that cable is adequately installed during the school renovation projects. Corona noted that she also received calls about recent meetings. With respect to offsite meetings, the board should be looking toward a permanent solution. Marsan suggested that the cable company periodically remind members on what to do with microphones, etc. The board acknowledged that Robin Souza does an excellent job taping the meetings. King suggested that he could work with Cable and others to improve the situation.

Corona thanked the DPW for the great work they did clearing the roads this winter

Approval of Minutes

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to approve general minutes dated 12/27/04 as amended by King.

On Less’ motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously by roll call to go into executive session for the purpose of real estate negotiations and ongoing litigation, not to return to open session. 8:45pm

Less yes, Corona yes, King yes, Marsan yes.

Respectfully submitted

Mary Southworth

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Approved

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Date

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