The Board of Selectmen met this evening with Chairman Jeffrey Tufts presiding. In attendance were William Hardin, Frederick Clark, Patricia Hunt, Patricia Webster and Town Adm. Kevin Paicos.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Hunt, the Board voted unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 3/23/98, as amended.

Tufts read the request. On Clark’s motion, seconded by Hardin, the Board voted unanimously to approve the request for the EYBL Opening Day Parade on 5/3/98, subject to the organizers contacting DPW, Fire and Police.

Tufts read the names of each organization/department and the person representing each.

On Hardin’s motion, seconded by Hunt, the Board voted unanimously to approve the proposed list (see attached).

R. Leal (Admin. Intern) in attendance.

Paicos gave a brief explanation of the history to date of this Department.

R. Leal gave a brief explanation of the survey she conducted (see attached).

Hardin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, to approve the Data Processing Budget in the amount of $211,440, did not pass with a 2-3 vote. Hardin, Tufts in favor.

Webster asked for a written agreement from the School RE: their commitment/agreement to pay for their proportionate share of the entire Data Processing Budget.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to have the Town Administrator pursue an agreement from the School Committee.

ARTICLE 22 - M. Lincoln in attendance.

Hunt’s motion, seconded by Hardin, to recommend approval of Article 22 in the amount of $4,325.00, was not voted at this time.

There was discussion RE: disclosing the Attorney’s bill.

ARTICLE 60 - M. Lincoln, M. White in attendance.

(see attached sheet from DEP) M. Lincoln noted that the question RE: the last bullet on sheet does not have to be accepted by Town, it is already in place. Lincoln noted RE: betterments a person would have to sign an agreement to participate in the program and an agreement for the lien as well. Lincoln noted the Town could recover its money through the lien.

Hunt questioned if the Town would recover costs if a foreclosure happens. Lincoln stated yes, the Town is very protected based on Ch. 111, Sec. 127B 1/2, and also stated that the article is well written.

RE: bullet #9 Hunt questioned the need for the word "appropriate" in the article. Lincoln noted that the word appropriate is interchangeable with authorize. Lincoln noted the Town won’t spend any funds, this is just to authorize the Town to spend.

Hunt’s motion, seconded by Webster, to ask M. White to get a copy of the State Revolving Fund provisions, and Loan agreement with another community, was not voted at this time.

White noted that the administrative costs are covered in a $15,000 grant. White noted that DEP has allowed communities to use the Administrative Grant for digitizing Town maps also.

ARTICLE 23 - G. Marsan, C. Willis, J. Keach, A. Carney in attendance.

Carney gave a brief explanation of the need for digitizing maps. On Clark’s motion, seconded by Hardin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of Article 23 in the amount of $12,000.

ARTICLE 24 - J. Keach, C. Willis, G. Marsan, A. Carney in attendance.

On Hardin’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted 4-1 to recommend approval of Article 24 for $3,300 for rugs; $5,400 for two work stations, for a total of $8,700. Hunt opposed.

ARTICLE 32 - Chiefs Bates and Blye in attendance.

Clark’s motion, seconded by Hardin, to recommend support of Article 32 in the amount of $56,520, was not voted at this time.

There was much discussion RE: central civilian dispatch; training/plan/implementation. Webster expressed concerns RE: was there ever a cost/benefit analysis done prior to implementation and was there a written plan regarding how it would be implemented, who would do the training, how many dispatchers we will have when fully implemented, and she would like an update on the Board of Selectmen’s agenda. She stated she was not prepared to vote this article without an update and recent cost/benefit and future projected costs.

Paicos will get a status report for the Board.

Clark asked for a meeting with the two Chiefs and the Board RE: civilian dispatch update with a cost benefit.

Vote on the motion was 3-2. Webster, Clark opposed.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to ask the two Chiefs for the following:

1) where are we currently with central civilian dispatch; 2) what are the future plans; 3) what are the projected costs in the future for full implementation; 4) what are the costs to date; 5) provide a cost benefit analysis, and that this be submitted to the Board within 30 days.

ARTICLE 26 - Chief Bates in attendance.

Hardin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, to recommend approval of Article 26 in the amount of $10,000, did not pass with a 2-3 vote. Hardin, Tufts in favor.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to obtain information on the outstanding receivables, with an aged receivable report.

ARTICLE 35 - R. Hill in attendance.

On Hunt’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of Article 35 in the amount $55,000.

ARTICLE 39 - R. Hill in attendance, and gave a brief explanation.

It was noted that the Board will meet with the Recycling Committee in May. Paicos suggested this article be dismissed at this time.

On Hardin’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to recommend dismissal of Article 39.

ARTICLES 47, 48 & 49 - R. Hill in attendance and gave a brief explanation.

On Hunt’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval of Articles 47, 48 and 49.

Paicos noted RE: Mr. Welch’s housing development that the courts have ruled that Mr. Welch must submit modification plans to the Board of Selectmen for review and approval. Paicos noted this has now been through all levels of the courts. Paicos noted that any developer must come to the Board of Selectmen for review and approval of original plans, as well as for future modifications, on LIP’s.

Clark noted the Selectmen approved the original plan and asked if the Board will invite Mr. Welch in to review his modification. Paicos noted that Special Counsel notified Mr. Welch in January of 1997, as to what he would need to do to come into the Board for a review.

Tufts noted the request.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Hardin, the Board voted unanimously to send a letter of support for the Unity Church’s grant proposal to restore the Angel of Help window.

Paicos noted RE: Depot Street roadway, that Hill has advanced the project due to the condition and hopes to receive STP money to make the necessary repairs. Paicos noted that Hill will know about the STP monies by 5/1/98, and if they are not received, the DPW will do temporary repairs.

Paicos noted that he attended a meeting today at the State House with the South Shore Rail Caucus. Paicos noted that he delivered the message to the Legislators and MBTA personnel present that there are many flaws with their proposal. Paicos noted that by the end of the meeting, the Legislators and MBTA personnel were talking about not giving up the options for Middleboro/Attleboro also. Paicos noted that Reps. Lewis and Creedon were extremely helpful in advocating on behalf of the Town.

Webster questioned the status of the Fire Study. Paicos noted he is not sure, but will get in touch with the Consultant again.

Webster questioned where the study results are from the environmental study done on MBTA issues. Paicos noted when the Consultant did the wetland flagging, he discovered Vernal Pools and is taking the time necessary to register them with the State.

Webster questioned if the MBTA has been invited to the STM. Paicos stated he didn’t, and noted it would have to be up to the Board to make that decision. Tufts agreed to invite an MBTA rep to the STM.

Webster questioned the status of the Center School traffic problem. Paicos noted that he had a meeting with R. Hill, the Center School Principal, and the members of the Center School PAC. It was agreed that after Town Meeting is over a plan will be drafted with different entrances/exits for busses vs vehicles, and reviewed by the PAC.

At 10:35PM, on Hardin’s motion, seconded by Hunt, the Board voted unanimously by roll-call, to adjourn to Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Real Property, not to return to Open Session.

APPROVED_______________________________

DATED_______________________________