Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

6/9/03

 

The Board of Selectmen met this evening at the Oliver Ames High School, Room #3 with Chairman Gerard Marsan presiding.  Also in attendance were Patricia Webster, Jeffrey Tufts, Carla Goodwin, John Haederle and Interim Town Administrator Martha White. (6:00pm) 

 

Weekly Landfill Report

White reported on the additional waste found outside of the normal limits of the landfill.  This waste is noted to be additional to what was previously found.  Webster questioned if the electrical service would require a change order.  White indicated that it would result in a change order.

 

ATM Warrant Review

The Board spoke of articles 20, 21 and 22.  Webster expressed concern with the Selectmen putting forward Article 21 as the intent of the affect is unknown with reference to the non-union bylaw.  It was agreed that if the article were not to be dismissed as recommended by the Board, Tufts would explain the article in detail.

Article 3

On Goodwin’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to recommend approval.

Article 19

On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to recommend funding of the article in the amount of $38,235.

 

Memorial Cairn Project – Application for Mass Historic Preservation Grant

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to approve the resolution for the Board to adopt; Gerard S. Marsan, Chair, Board of Selectmen of this corporation is hereby authorized to execute a contract, enter into contracts for project work, sign preservation restrictions, and disburse funds or designate appropriate persons to do so.

 

Annual Appointments

On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously by roll-call to nominate the slate. See attached list of uncontested appointments.

Webster slate, Goodwin slate, Haederle slate, Tufts slate, Marsan slate.

 

ZBA Resignation

Marsan spoke of Brian  T. O’Neill’s resignation and noted his four years of service to the Board of Appeals.

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to accept the resignation with regret and to authorize a certificate of appreciation.

 

Discussion re: Process to be Adopted in Reviewing Current Personnel Plans and Contracts – Appointment of Selectmen Subcommittee and Continued Discussion of Process

Personnel Plan Review Committee member Carolyn Carpentier was present.  Marsan summarized last week’s board discussion pertaining to this issue.  Webster suggested the formation of a subcommittee as the Board has agreed that there are outstanding issues and the aspect of hiring a personnel director and a new wage study. 

On Webster’s motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously that the Selectmen take action to form a subcommittee to meet with the Personnel Plan Review Committee, come back for the Board’s input, and draft a comprehensive set of warrant articles for the next town meeting.  Webster explained that the intent would be to also meet with the committee to discuss the completion of their original charge (reviewing union groups also) and further that the Board agrees that there are recommendations that need to be addressed.  Other outstanding issues are the decision of hiring a personnel director; the possibility of forming a personnel board with a charge and the completion of a new wage classification plan.  At this point Marsan announced that Webster and Goodwin agreed to work as the subcommittee.  The subcommittee will periodically report back to the board with reports.

 

Press Notes

None

 

Selectmen’s Notes

None

 

Meeting with Capital Planning Committee

Article 16

Town Accountant Wendy Nightingale spoke on behalf of the committee.  She noted that the committee held 5 meetings and met with Police, Fire, DPW and the Municipal Building Committee.  The list proposed to the Board include items that the committee felt to be most important at this time.  See attached list.  Tufts questioned$500,000 for roads and questioned if this could be used for design services.  White indicated that she was not sure. Tufts spoke in favor of this amount if it could be used for this purpose.  Goodwin asked what the road priorities are. It was noted that the DPW Director would need to explain this at town meeting if there are any questions.   Goodwin spoke of the cruiser request and questioned if it would be possible to only fund two at this time.  Nightingale suggested that only purchasing two would put the town in a much worse position next year, needing to buy more than would normally be anticipated.  Michael Boyle spoke in favor of borrowing at 30% for the cruisers.  Webster questioned the need for funding the fire alarm.  Chief Stone explained that the bucket truck has been out of service since November and they are only doing what is immediately needed.   Chief Stone spoke of the current needs and the possibility of purchasing a used truck.  Webster asked about rentals.  Stone noted some options.  Tufts spoke in favor of the used concept.

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Tufts, the Board voted unanimously to support the capital budget motion as prepared for town meeting.  Webster expressed concern with not maintaining the fire alarm system and suggested that this be discussed as an agenda item.

 

On Tufts’ motion, seconded by Goodwin, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn. (7:00pm)

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Mary McCarthy

 

 

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