Board of Selectmen
Meeting Minutes
June 27, 2005
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 Charles King and Colleen Less. John Haederle and Irwin Cohen were not present. Town Administrator Martha White was not present. (7:00 pm)
Joint meeting
with the Finance Committee to fill vacancy
Applicant Jonathan Pike was present along with members of the Finance Committee. Chair Donna Lopolito noted there was one candidate for the open position on the Finance Committee and the candidate was Jonathan J. Pike (or Jay Pike) and noted he is a CPA and that he works for a local firm in Brockton, Sharkansky and Co. Lopolito said she learned about Pike and encouraged him to apply for the opening. She knew one of the partners at his firm and Jay Pike was highly recommended to her by the partners at the firm during her search for Finance Committee applicants and Audit Committee applicants. Corona asked if anyone present had any questions. Bob Hicks of the Finance Committee asked Pike if he had experience with the government accounting standard. Pike said his experience is limited to what he learned in school. Hicks continued and asked Pike what he had done for the Town of Easton. Pike replied that he had recently moved to Easton 1 ½ years ago and had kept up to date on what’s going on in the Town, has learned about the financial situation, and has the desire to learn more and contribute to the discussions regarding the finances of the Town. Berkowitz asked Pike if he had attended Town Meeting, noting that a couple of things were said, and that he agrees with the statement made that the Town is facing some incredible challenges, including a million dollar shortfall. Berkowitz continued and asked Pike what the Finance Committee should do to address this, should the town address it right away, and what is his position on an override. Berkowitz continued with an additional question for Pike noting that town participants said that we need to get more creative and what did Pike think about that. Pike replied that he did attend two of the town meetings and the sense that he got was that people do want the Town to get creative and find alternative ways to balance the budget. Pike added that he would try to analyze the numbers and the actual costs, initially try to reduce costs, but some type of override will probably be necessary. Pike added that he didn’t want to say an override was definitely needed until he learned more about the finances of the Town. Less complimented Pike that he had only been in Town for 1 ½ years yet was applying for a committee and asked the extent of Pike’s experience on town committees or boards in towns where he had resided. Pike noted he did not have any experience on town boards but added that he had done past volunteer work and had advised non profit clients. Corona thanked him for stepping up after 1 ½ yr and noted that it usually takes people much longer.
On Corona’s motion seconded by King, the Board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint Jonathan Pike to the Finance Committee by roll call .
King: Pike, Less: Pike, Corona: Pike, Lopolito: Pike, Brown:
Pike, Berkowitz: Pike, Nagel: Pike,
Hicks Pike.
Approval of contract for Bartlett & Brillon, LCC
Water
Superintendent, Jack Marsh, was present.
Marsh indicated that he would like the Board to approve the contract for
two chemical feed pumps; the lump sum for furnishing and delivering both pumps
is $9,800. Corona questioned if these
were replacement pumps. Marsh confirmed her understanding noting the Water
Department was replacing some of the older equipment with the newer equipment
and that the new pumps would have variable speed control and were
larger as discussed at last town meeting. King questioned if the process was conducted under
bidding. Marsh confirmed that it was and
noted that it was a 30b. Less asked if
Marsh had any experience with the company, Bartlett & Brillion. Marsh replied that he had plenty of
experience with the company, had done a lot of business with the company, and
that it was a reputable company. King
asked Marsh why there was auto insurance included with the contract and if it
was needed for delivery. Marsh replied
to King that the contract was the standard contract and he wasn’t sure if the
inclusion of auto insurance was a mistake.
King noted that he had seen another contract where the auto was not
included and voiced his concern that it would cost the Town additional money.
Marsh replied that it might have been an oversight of his but didn’t believe it
would cost the Town additional money and noted that delivery was guaranteed
from the factory to office.
On Less’s motion, seconded by King, the Board voted unanimously to approve the contract between the Town of
Easton and Bartlett & Brillon, LCC in the amount of $9,800.
Bond anticipation notes
Collector/Treasurer
Teresa DeSilva was present. DeSilva
stated that she needed the Selectmen to sign the paperwork for a $600,000 water
bond anticipation note from Article 37 from 2004 annual Town Meeting, and that
there was a sale last Thursday for $600,000; the rate that came in from Bank of
America was 3.25%. Corona asked if it
was for the Water Department and DeSilva confirmed her understanding, noting it
was for the water meters. King asked if
DeSilva awarded the bond anticipation note in the similar manner as the last bond
anticipation note was awarded, whereas the town received six or seven different
rates. DeSilva replied that it was a
private sale and due to the time frame one particular bank bids on it.
On Less’s
motion, seconded by King, the Board voted unanimously to approve the sale of a $600,000 3.25 %
bond anticipation note of the Town of Easton, dated, June 30, 2005, payable
June 9, 2005 to Bank of America, N.A. at par and accrued interest.
Greg Galer from the Historical Commission was present. Galer noted that the second phase of the Rockery restoration was almost complete, with a few minor details remaining. Galer noted that everyone is very happy with the results; feedback has been positive and the Historical Commission is very pleased with the feedback. Galer continued, noting that there are still a few minor financial details to wrap up. Galer explained that the Mass Historical Commission has provided grants for a total of $65,000 and CPA provided $500,000 at Town Meeting for this project. Galer stated that Folan Waterproofing is an Easton company and was awarded the bids for both the first and second phases, and he was very happy with their work and the company has been wonderful to work with. Galer noted that the Easton Garden Club has been working with the Historical Commission to help figure out a maintenance program for the Rockery, and the club had already had at least one morning weeding session, and the commission is looking for more volunteers for the maintenance of the Rockery. Galer explained that the issue before the Board tonight is with a final change order regarding some details and that the available remaining budget is around $2900. Galer added that the work within the change orders will not exceed that figure; the change order is for some minor things that have come up. There is actually a minor cost reduction due to some irrigation system changes, the goal being to keep the expensive plants alive. Galer noted that there were minor alterations to the design of the new rail to the stairway under the arch to enhance its strength and improve its longevity. Galer added that there is an additional minor change to one of the stone walls and some steel hedging up on top of the Rockery. Galer explained that none of these variations and changes will exceed the available funds and the details will be available in the next few days. Corona and Less agreed that Rockery looks very good. Corona questioned if the plantings were what Olmsted originally intended. Galer replied that they didn’t have an exact landscape plan and what has been put in place has been in keeping with Olmsted’s intent and has been modified due to material availability and essentially Olmsted would be happy. The Board thanked Galer, and the Historical Commission, and the Garden Club for all its efforts and hard work.
On Less’s motion,
seconded by King, the Board voted
unanimously to approve Change order No. 3 as requested by the Historical
Commission.
Approval of contract for Womansplace Crisis Center
Corona noted Womansplace
Crisis Center provides services to Easton citizens who are victims of sexual
assault and funding for this contract is in the amount of $4,000 as approved
through article 30 of Town Meeting. Corona
noted that the Board needs to approve the contract with Womansplace Crisis
Center.
On Less’s
motion, seconded by King, the Board voted unanimously to approve the contract with Womansplace
Crisis Center for $4,000.
Annual appointment of special police officers – see
attached list
Corona noted that
before the Board was a list of special police officers recommended for
reappointment.
On King’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously by roll call to approve the slate as submitted by
the Police Department.
King: slate, Less: slate, Corona: slate.
Annual appointments – see attached list
On Less’s motion, seconded
by King the Board voted unanimously
by roll call to appoint Cathy Habig to the
Recreation Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2008.
King: Habig, Less: Habig, Corona: Habig.
Corona noted one of
the Historic Commission applicants was Dr. Greg Galer and that he had served on
the Historic Commission very faithfully and had done a wonderful job.
On Less’s motion, seconded
by King the Board voted unanimously
by roll call to reappoint Greg Galer to the Historical Commission for a
term expiring June 30, 2008.
King: Galer, Less: Galer, Corona: Galer.
King made a motion, seconded by Less, the Board voted unanimously by roll call to reappoint Melanie Deware to the
Historical Commission for a term expiring June 30, 2008.
King: Deware, Less: Deware, Corona: Deware.
Corona noted that there
were still some committee and board vacancies.
Corona added that there were four vacancies on the Cable Television
Advisory Committee and added that the Town really needs to get that committee going
and needed some applicants perhaps with some legal background and negotiating
skills as they are planning to negotiate with Comcast; only one spot on the
committee has been filled. Corona also
noted the number of openings on the following committees: Canoe River Aquifer
Advisory Committee, one; Cultural Council, two; the Fair Housing Committee,
one; Housing Partnership, one; and Permanent Landfill Committee, one. Corona noted that anyone who is interested
can contact the Selectmen’s Office.
IDFA interviews
Corona noted there
were two applicants for IDFA, Richard Freitas and Steven Schirm. Corona asked
Freitas to explain what the committee does as she was not familiar with the
committee’s role and purpose. Freitas
explained that the primary purpose of the IDFA is to review applications for
industrial revenue bonds or applications for low interest tax exempt financing. Companies that apply want to expand their
plants and equipment. Freitas continued
to explain that essentially the Easton Industrial Park is all built out, over
90% occupied. There is little industrial
land in town, and so there is actually no function for the committee as there
are no industrial revenue bonds to review.
Freitas also explained that usually there is a IDC (Industrial
Development Commission) that works alongside with the IDFA. Freitas continued
explaining the difference between the IDFA and an IDC which would work along
with the IDFA, putting marketing materials together, explaining why Easton
would be a great place for a company to locate.
Freitas added that Easton has
little to no industrial land to develop and noted it would help if municipal
sewerage existed. Corona asked Freitas
if he felt that there should be an IDC instead of an IDFA commission. Freitas explained that the IDC works
alongside the IDFA, the IDFA approving the bonds; money from the state must get
approved by the local authority. Freitas
continued noting the fact that by bringing in sewerage you would automatically
increase your commercial industry tax base and improve the residential tax
burden. Corona explained that the State
has funded a grant for Easton to study its sewerage options but has presented
us with an insurmountable task as the State will not allow an interbasin
solution. Corona added that the State
is allowing us to investigate the option of hooking up to other communities. Freitas continued indicating another
possibility to increase commercial development was rezoning, but that “not in
my backyard” was a common sentiment.
Corona questioned if a task for an IDC could be to support the Town’s goal
of providing sewerage. Freitas replied
that even if there is sewer, there needs to be land. King asked if Freitas wanted to take a
position where there was essentially nothing to do but noted the position could
be viewed as a resource to the community when these issues come up. Freitas agreed but asked whether the IDFA needs
to be active to exist and asked about the cost to the Town. King replied that he didn’t believe there was
any cost to the Town. Corona agreed that
it is worth looking into industrial growth and the goal of sewerage. Corona invited Steven Schirm
to the microphone. Steven Schirm introduced himself and noted that he resides at 145
Depot St. Corona asked Schirm to explain
why he was applying for the IDFA. Schirm
replied that he didn’t completely understand what the IDFA was and its role,
but his curiosity stemmed from his interest in the development and growth of
the town. Schirm continued indicating he
is pro business but believes there needs to be some defined development
guidelines regarding esthetics and the impact on others properties. Corona asked if Schirm would be interested in
an Industrial Development Commission if one was formed. Schirm indicated he would but believes that the
commission needs to tie in with the planning and zoning so we don’t end up with
things like the red sign at CVS. Corona
noted that Schirm also applied for the Planning and Zoning board. Schirm confirmed that he did as he does have a
concern about the town becoming over developed as certain businesses and/or
their appearances can detract from the town.
Corona asked Schirm if there was anything he wanted to add about his
experience. Schirm replied that he has
been in operations and management for about 17 years which include experience
at manufacturing facilities.
On Less’s motion, seconded by King the board voted unanimously by roll call to reappoint Richard Freitas to the
IDFA for a term expiring on June 30, 2008.
King: Freitas, Less: Freitas, Corona:
Freitas.
Corona noted that
an applicant for the Planning Board, Colin Gillis, who had served on the
Planning Board for many years, was unable to be present.
On Less’s motion, seconded by King the board voted 2-1 by roll call to appoint Colin Gillis to the Planning
& Zoning Board for a term expiring on June 30, 2010.
King: Gillis, Less: Gillis, Corona: Schirm
Corona asked Schirm
to be sure to consider the openings on other Boards
Approval of Minutes
On King’s motion,
seconded by Less, the Board voted
unanimously to approve General Minutes dated 4/25/05.
Town Administrator’s notes
Corona noted Town Administrator was not present.
Press notes
None
Selectmen’s notes
Corona thanked all board members who attended state
presentation on ethics. Easton had nine representatives, more than any other
community with every member of the Board of Selectmen in attendance.
On King’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 7:55 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________________
Approved
____________________________
Date
ANNUAL APPOINTMENTS
6/27/05
UNCONTESTED
APPOINTMENTS
Finance Committee Jonathan
Pike term expires
April/2006
(requires a joint meeting with the Finance Committee)
Recreation Commission Cathy
Habig 6/30/08
Historical Commission *Dr.
Greg Galer 6/30/08
Historical Commission *Melanie
Deware 6.30/08
CONTESTED APPOINTMENTS
BOARD/COMMITTEE NAME NEW TERM
EXPIRING
IDFA *Richard
Freitas one opening term
expiring
Steven
Schirm 6/30/08
Scott
Martin
Planning & Zoning Board *Collin
Gillis one
opening term expiring
Scott
Martin 6/30/2010
Steven
Schirm
*Incumbents