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

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted 3-0-2 to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 2/3/97. Goodwin, Webster abstained.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted 4-0-1 to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 8/25/97. Goodwin abstained.

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to support and approve the Proclamation for Retiring Firefighters Berry, Webster, Hollis.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to support and recommend the Proclamation for White Cane and Guide Dog Safety Week.

Hardin noted there were no problems raised by DPW.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to approve Pole Petition No. 98-43 for Elm Street relocation, subject to the usual conditions.

P. Huie, R. Hill in attendance.

Hill gave a brief explanation of this bid process noting that the low bidder withdrew, and the second lowest bidder is being recommended.

On Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously to award the Foundry Street Water Main Contract to the second highest bidder, Star Incorporated in the amount of $478,090.

Paicos noted that he had reached a compromise with the Finance Committee Chair on the FY’99 Reserve Fund of $70,000, which is an increase of $30,000. Tufts expressed concern with the changed position of $40,000 to $70,000, so late in the process.

Webster’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, to support the Reserve Fund balance for FY’99 at $70,000 was not voted. Chairman A. Barron of the Finance Committee arrived at the Selectmen’s Meeting to inform the Board that the Finance Committee had unanimously rejected the compromised position of $70,000, and would rather discuss this on the Town Meeting floor.

Webster noted the Police Dept. will hold a Memorial Service in honor of Officer Belmonte on 3/16/98, at 3PM.

Hardin noted the Water Dept. had recently received several awards at the State House, and he congratulated all involved.

Hardin noted that this week is National Nursing Home Week and the Easton Lincoln Nursing Home will have a celebration on 5/13/98, from 4-7PM, open to the public.

At 6:35PM, on Clark’s motion, seconded by Webster, the Board voted unanimously by roll-call to go into Executive Session for the purpose of Collective Bargaining not to return to Open Session.

APPROVED____________________________________

DATED____________________________________