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

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 2/22/99, as amended by Webster.

Chief Bates present.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously by roll-call to appoint Steven Hamilton a Police Officer for the Town of Easton.

Clark-Hamilton, Hardin-Hamilton, Webster-Hamilton, Goodwin-Hamilton, Tufts-Hamilton.

Clark motioned to approve the release of Executive Session Minutes dated 3/30/92, 5/4/92, 5/18/92, 5/26/92, 6/1/92, 6/8/92, 6/22/92, 7/13/92, 8/17/92 and 8/24/92.

Webster seconded the motion with the following correction: hold the 6/8/92 and 8/24/92 minutes to be discussed in Executive Session. Clark agreed with the amendment.

The Board voted unanimously to release the minutes with the exception of 6/8/92 and 8/24/92.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to accept with regrets Michael Gallahue’s resignation and also to send a letter of appreciation to him for his services.

It was noted that this was a procedural item which is voted every year.

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to approve the list as presented by the ABCC, as amended as follows: with the exception of the closing time on the day preceding the holiday, on the holiday itself, and Sundays between Thanksgiving and New Years to be 10:00pm.

DPW Director, Roger Hill present.

Hill explained the need for the land takings for the Main Street construction. In some cases, wires are overhanging on private property. Hill also stated that 3 warrant articles are needed at the Annual Town Meeting (ATM) to go forward with the land takings.

Webster expressed concern that other properties affected, are not listed on the memo. The memo listed addresses of 139 - 215 Main Street. Specifically, Webster and Clark were concerned with the letter received by the Board of Selectmen today from Connolly Insurance Company, 85 Main Street.

Hill stated that he will have Bob Dunn look into this matter.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to approve the Order of Notice as presented.

Harlow gave the Selectmen background information on the recently submitted citizen petitionfor the ballot question. He suggested that the consensus of the citizens signing the petition was that they wanted discussion of the library question postponed until after the election (same as trash issue) .

Tufts expressed great concern that the Board of Selectmen cannot dictate when issues are being discussed at Town Meeting. We may be able to plan on the issue not being discussed until after, but it cannot be guaranteed that this will happen.

Clark motioned to support listing the library question to come up after the ballot question.

Webster seconded the motion.

The motion was not voted at this time.

After much discussion, Tufts challenged the present motion.

Goodwin objected to the concept. Although she respected Mr. Harlow’s intentions, the proper procedures must be followed.

Hardin ruled in Tuft’s favor regarding the motion. The discussion will be taken up at the appropriate time at Town Meeting.

Chief Bates and Chief Blye were present. Paicos referred to the budget update memo he submitted for the agenda.

The Governor’s budget recommends that Easton receive less money in chapter 70 aid than was originally anticipated. There is a $300,000 shortfall in estimated revenue. This proposal has not yet gone through legislature. Many legislatures are getting calls regarding this. Paicos feels optimistic that the money will be restored but we must budget for the shortfall. The budgetary problems are a manifestation of growth which have impacted schools and public safety. Paicos considered the worse case scenario and stated that if no additional money comes in, there will be personnel cuts in 2001. Paicos spoke optimistically of Hardin’s involvement with the MMA.

Goodwin noted that State could take a long time to come up with a final budget. Paicos agreed and noted that there is no way of knowing right now, changes could be made in the next month or so.

Goodwin suggested that Paicos keep track of how much money is received from Chapter 70 and highway funds.

Clark questioned whether stations will close with the proposed budget? Blye stated that he met with Kevin and reanalyzed the budget. Based on the assumptions made, the stations will remain open 24 hours a day 7 days a week. Paicos noted he had witnessed the Safe Program Curriculum and commended the Fire Department for their work in this area. He stressed the importance of funding the Safe Program with an additional $4,000 since the Grant Award was reduced by this amount this year.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted 4-0-1 to approve the Fire Budget in the amount of 2,051,009. This amount includes the Safe Program. Webster abstained.

Goodwin asked Chief Bates if he was comfortable with the new budget. Bates felt it will be adequate.

Clark questioned if the latest $75,000 grant was included in this budget. Bates replied no. The original shortfall was $75,000. Grants will make up some of the difference.

On Tufts motion, seconded by Goodwin the Board voted unanimously to approve the Police Budget in the amount of 2,607,525.

No Board of Health members were present.

A letter from Board of Health member William Grimes was presented to all Board members. Paicos also noted that a memo was submitted by Chairman David Gardener recommending the meeting be rescheduled.

Tufts expressed concern that the meeting needs to be televised for the citizens benefit. Paicos will make arrangements with Media One if the joint discussion takes place at a Board of Health meeting.

DPW Central Maintenance

Paicos explained that no new positions are being created because of the lack of funds. The School Officials have indicated that if more money was available, it would go toward new teachers instead of building maintenance.

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted 3-2 to approve the Central Maintenance budget in the amount of $718,107 as proposed. Clark and Webster opposed.

Webster went on record as saying that she opposed the budget because she is concerned with keeping up with building maintenance. She felt money could be better spent on a plumber or maintenance person rather than the proposed Personnel Director.

Draft Warrant

On Tufts motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted 4-1 to include Articles 1-17 on the ATM warrant. Clark opposed.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Articles 1,3,5,6 on the ATM warrant.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Zoning Articles 1, 2,3,4 on the ATM warrant.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted 4-0-1 to include Proposed Zoning Article #5.

On Clark’s motion seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Street Acceptance Articles 1 - 8 on the ATM warrant.

On Tufts motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Article 2 on the ATM warrant.

On Tufts motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Article 4 on the ATM warrant.

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously not to include Proposed Article 7 on the ATM Warrant.

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Article 8 on the ATM warrant. (3 articles)

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Article 10 on the ATM warrant.

On Tuft’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Article 11 on the ATM warrant.

On Tufts motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to include Proposed Article 12 on the ATM warrant. (There may be more than one article if necessary)

Proposed Vernal Pool Article

After much discussion, it was decided that Conservation Commission should be present at the meeting for informational purposes if this proposed article is to be considered as a Town Meeting Article. No action taken.

Proposed Urban Self Help Grant Article

In the event that a new town pool goes forward, an article to file for an Urban Self Help Grant will be necessary.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted 4-1 to include this proposed article on the ATM warrant. Tufts opposed.

Proposed By-law for Smoking

Christopher D’Arpino, proponent of the article was present to explain his proposal. He noted that a committee had recently been formed and had lengthily discussions regarding the proposed by-law. This proposal was based on bylaws from other communities. Town Counsel is currently reviewing it. D’Arpino was commended for his efforts.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Clark, the Board voted unanimously to include this article, pending Town Counsel’s opinion, on the ATM warrant.

Clark suggested that the Board of Health have jurisdiction over this matter since they currently have control over the sale of tobacco.

The recent snow removal costs for the recent storm on 3/6 &3/7 was $10,777.

Recycling Center

Paicos made note that the Recycling Center was closed this weekend. He acknowledged that he received a few calls regarding this inconvenience. Both roll-off trucks were in-operational and the containers could not be emptied. Residents were asked to take their trash to the top of the hill and to take the recyclables back home. The center should be operational again by the weekend.

Webster asked the status of the recreational field proposal off Foundry Street. Paicos stated that he would update the Board in executive session.

Webster asked the status of the Fire Study Report- Paicos stated that a Fire Study Master Plan Committee would be formed but would not likely meet before Town Meeting.

Webster asked for an approximate amount of costs to the Police and Fire Departments due to the search of the Norton boy. Paicos responded that the Police costs were absorbed by a Community Policing Grant and the Fire Department overtime costs were approximately $2,800. The Fire Chief will be asking for a Reserve Fund Transfer.

Clark acknowledged that he also received calls about the recycling center being closed on Saturday. He asked for clarification of which trucks were out of commission. Paicos noted that the old truck’s clutch in the transmission was gone and will not be replaced given the fact that the landfill will close in a few months. The clutch in the new truck was in need of repair also and will be replaced. Clark questioned whether this was covered under warranty.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to into Executive Session, for the purpose of discussing Real Property and Executive Session Minutes, not to return to Open Session, at 9:10pm.

APPROVED_______________________________

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