Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes

August 30, 2004

 

The Board of Selectmen met this evening at the Easton Junior High School Auditorium, 11 Columbus Avenue with Chair Colleen Corona presiding.  Also in attendance were John Haederle, Gerard Marsan, Charles King, Colleen Less and Town Administrator Martha White.  7:00pm

 

Announcements

Appointment of Police Chief

White announced the appointment of the new Police Chief Thomas Kominsky.  Town Clerk Janet Linehan was present to swear him in.  Kominsky was congratulated by the board and the Town Administrator. 

 

Award of Audit Contract

 Town Accountant Wendy Nightingale was present.  Nightingale spoke on behalf of the contract with Melanson Heath.  Nightingale explained the yearly audit process. 

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to extend the existing contract with Melanson Heath for one year. 

 

Award of Gas Contract

Nightingale spoke on behalf of the gas contract specifically, Sprague Energy’s price.  Selectmen asked specific questions about the lock in price and the amount of time on the contract.  Nightingale explained 2 years.

On Less’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to enter into contract with Sprague Energy.   

On Less’ motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to authorize the Town Administrator to lock into a price when appropriate based on Town Accountant’s advice.

 

Discussion re: Rent Control – Easton Mobile Home Park

Bob Martin, President of the Easton Mobile Home Park was present and explained the additional contact person information given to the board this evening.  Martin gave background on the rental control and history from the past.    Martin explained that this rent control is designed for the mobile home park only, not other renters in the town.  Martin explained the unfair increases over the years, especially since the sale of the park in 1992.  Martin explained the benefit of having a rent control board. 

Haederle questioned the amount of land/units.  Martin believes it is 5 ½ acres.  Haederle asked about the septic system.  Martin explained the current system.  Martin explained the status of the new treatment plant.    The Department of Environmental Protection’s involvement was discussed.    Other problems i.e. water bills were discussed.  Less questioned the fees and if rent control was implemented could this be helped.  Martin again reiterated that the fees should be less.  A rent control board could help with this problem.  Corona asked about other mobile home parks and questioned how many others have rent control boards.  Martin referred to the information given to the board and feels that at least 80% of the towns have rent control boards.  King asked about other communities and specifically asked how many other communities feel that rent control helps.  Martin referred to some of the other communities and the meetings that he attended and suggested that the other communities are overall pleased with the rent control board.  Conflicts with rent control boards and owners of mobile home parks were discussed.  King expressed concern with the town’s financial situation and if a group is created it would be the TA’s responsibility to oversee the process.  Martin expressed understanding of the potential board’s meetings and the frequency.  Less asked about Middleboro’s history and how often they petitioned the board for rent increases. Martin explained that they were satisfied with the rent and didn’t petition for increases.  Haederle asked about other costs.  Martin explained rubbish removal, grounds maintenance and streetlight electricity.  Martin spoke of the units and how some have their own water bills (33) and the others who are on one meter.  Marsan asked the intention of Martin and questioned if there are legal charges associated with the increases.  Martin could not answer the question as the owner doesn’t have to explain the real costs.  Marsan reiterated that until rent control, we will not know these answers.  Marsan asked if they are identified that something that is going on is improper. Martin again explained there is now way to know the costs.  Corona thanked Martin for his presentation.  Corona noted that this information will be submitted to Town Counsel for their guidance.  Marsan suggested that we ask Town Counsel if we will need to file special legislation) if we go forward with rent control.  Martin noted that town meeting will have to approve the concept and then it will go to the state.  Corona noted that we will wait to hear from Town Counsel and then we will schedule a meeting in the future. 

 

Hearing re: Special Amusement Permit for Knights of Columbus/Waiver of Fees

Leo Harlow was present on behalf of the Knights of Columbus.  Harlow noted he is in compliance with the police and fire departments and has been in touch with the Board of Health.  Proper permits will be obtained for the food.  Harlow suggested that the Knights of Columbus will be asking for a waiver of fees.  Harlow spoke of the rides and how they are all inspected by the state and the reputation of the Sam Pino Amusements the company supplying the rides.   

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to waive the fees consistent with other non profit organizations.  White spoke of proposed conditions:  no alcohol outside the licensed premises; meeting all requirements of the public safety and Board of Health departments; parking of the carnival vehicles must be off-site, specifically at Daly Drywall as suggested by Harlow.

On Less’ motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to grant the special amusement license subject to the conditions as noted by the administrator.

Harlow confirmed the dates of the carnival for 9/10/04 – 9/12/04.

 

7:10 - Public Participation

None

 

Ambulance Bill Abatement

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to approve the ambulance abatements in the amount of $3,548.06 as recommended by the Fire Chief.

 

Meeting with Municipal Building Committee/Consideration of Contracts relating to

 The Oliver Ames High School (OAHS)/ Easton Junior High School (EJHS) Renovations

The Municipal Building Committee members and School Committee members were present along with Dr. Michael Green.  White referred to her memo dated 8/26/04 as attached.

Bob Langway, Municipal Building Committee Chairman spoke on behalf of the renovation projects.  Langway specifically noted that they are before the board to inform them that the Municipal Building Committee is asking that the board move forward on the OAHS project and to reject the EJHS bids at this time because of the financial impact (lack of sufficient funding).  White noted that the Finance Committee also voted to support this concept.  Corona asked for public benefit if we could award both contracts.  Langway replied no and explained that because the apparent low bids came in over the budgeted amounts at this time.  Less referred to the 8/10 meeting and asked Langway to discuss the options that were considered at that time.

Langway referred to the following options:

  1. Have a new bond referendum; another vote would be required before work is done putting hold on both projects until all funding is available. 
  2. The OAHS renovation project only will go forward immediately. 
  3. Reduce scope of project and put a hold on entire project.
  4. Combine new bond referendum with project scope reduction.

 

The Municipal Building Committee agreed with immediately moving forward with the OAHS renovation project.  Langway explained values of the project and cutting components to work with the funding.  Consensus was reached that chipping away was detrimental to the programming aspect of the project for the school system.  It was then decided that we would do disservice to the community to do away with elements that the citizens voted for.  Major components were also considered and the numbers did not justify cutting the components.   Corona asked Langway to explain the current inflation creating the cost problem.  Langway explained the inflation factors with material projects.  The scope of the project has not been made extensive, these are material costs that have sky rocketed to a point to a point that nobody could have anticipated.  The increase in the costs caused the state to increase the funding 13.5 million based on the extra costs for the material costs that have risen.  Haederle asked about the decision not to put the project out to bid.  Langway noted the factors involved.  A substantial amount of money was spent on design and administrative fees.   Re-bidding the same job would require changes and the delay would increase costs of reprinting bid documents, advertising, etc.  Unknown escalation costs could put the project above even more than what we are dealing with now.  Langway again noted that the emphasis is to get the OAHS started now to help alleviate overcrowding in every level.  Relocation of students was discussed with the phasing of moving 9th grade to the OAHS.  King spoke of the difficult predictions and noted the re-bidding costs.  Langway noted that we can still have the EJHS completed following the same deadline for completion if all goes well.  King asked about the threat of loss of accreditation.  Langway noted that the facility plays a significant role with the accreditation program.  Langway referred to the School Committee.  Having plans to upgrade a school is not enough; the project must be at a certain stage to satisfy the state on the accreditation issue.  Ellen Boyajian explained the accreditation process and the things lacking in Easton causing probation and the potential effect on our students when applying for colleges.  Langway summarized the request of the Municipal Building Committee:

  1. A contract award for renovations and additions to OAHS to apparent low bidder, Eastern Contractors, authorizing the Municipal Building Committee to finalize terms and to report back quickly to the Board of Selectmen a contract for signature. 
  2. All bids for the EJHS be rejected and the voters be presented with a request for additional funding with a procedure to be determined.  

 

Jack Bradshaw of Gilbane spoke of other members of his team and their experience with Eastern Contractors and their experience with the communities of Chicopee, Waltham and Lincoln/Sudbury.  Bradshaw spoke of the working relationship with Eastern Contractors.  Their track record is reputable and they have been in business for over 25 years.  Bradshaw spoke of Kaestle Boos Architects.   Langway noted that Gilbane will be administering the Eastern Contractors contract.

 

Corona spoke of the expectations of the project moving forward on time, on budget as smoothly as possible. 

Less asked about the piece outside of chapter 149 and asked for explanation.  Bradshaw explained.

Haederle attested to Eastern Contractors’ experience and reputation.

 

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to authorize a contract award for renovations and additions to the OAHS to apparent low bidder, Eastern Contractors in the amount of $42,597,000, authorizing the Municipal Building Committee to finalize terms and to report back quickly to the Board of Selectmen contract for signature.

 

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to reject all bids for EJHS in excess of the spending authorization.

 

The board took a brief recess at 8:30pm and reconvened at 8:45pm.

 

Appointments to Cultural Council

White spoke of the issue of no quorum and the potential of no quorum.  Many people came forward to apply.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint Nancy Arns to the Cultural Council with a term expiring 6/30/05. 

Less-Arns, Corona-Arns, King-Arns, Marsan-Arns, Marsan-Arns.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint David Olson to the Cultural Council with a term expiring 6/30/05. 

Marsan-Olson, King-Olson, Less-Olson, Haederle-Olson, Corona-Olson.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint Wanda Azevedo to the Cultural Council with a term expiring 6/30/06. 

Less-Azevedo, King-Azevedo, Marsan-Azevedo, Haederle-Azevedo, Corona-Azevedo.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint Judy Halperin to the Cultural Council for a term expiring 6/3/06.  

Marsan-Halperin, Corona-Halperin, Less-Halperin, King-Halperin, Haederle-Halperin.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously to appoint Susan Perdigo Harrington to the Cultural Council for a term expiring 6/30/06. 

Haederle-Harrington, Marsan-Harrington, King-Harrington, Less-Harrington, Corona-Harrington.

 

Fair Housing Committee

On King’ s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint Dan Burke to the Fair Housing Committee with a term expiring 6/30/07.

Marsan-Burke, Haederle-Burke, King-Burke, Corona-Burke, Less-Burke.

 

Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to appoint John Fresh Jr. to the Canoe River Aquifer Advisory Committee for a term expiring 6/30/07.

Corona-Fresh, Less-Fresh, King-Fresh, Marsan-Fresh, Haederle-Fresh.

 

Planning & Zoning Board Alternate

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint Joseph McParland to the Planning and Zoning Board as an Alternate member with a term expiring 6/30/06.

Haederle-McParland, Less-McParland, Corona-McParland, Marsan-McParland, King-McParland.

 

Election Workers

White noted an addition to the list Jean Shearing to the list of proposed new election workers.  See attached list.

In Haederle’s motion, seconded by Less, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint the slate. Marsan-slate, Corona-slate, Less-slate, King-slate, Haederle-slate.

 

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously by roll call to appoint Susan  Henderson as Deputy Clerk for Precinct 6.

Haederle-Henderson, King-Henderson, Corona-Henderson, Marsan-Henderson, Less-Henderson.

 

Road Closing Request – Block Party Harmony Lane (Tanglewood Estates)

White indicated that the Fire and Police departments have been notified.

On Less’ motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to approve the road closing request as submitted.

 

Minutes        

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to approve General Session  Minutes dated 5/10/04.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to approve General Session Minutes dated 5/17/04.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted 3-0-1 to approve General Session  Minutes dated 5/25/04.  Less abstained.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously to approve General Session Minutes dated 7/26/04.

On Haederle’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted 3-0-1 to approve Executive Session Minutes dated 5/25/04. Less abstained.

               

RELEASE OF EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES

On Corona’s motion, seconded by Haederle, the board voted unanimously to approve release of Executive Session Minutes dated 8/7/95, 9/11/95, 9/26/95, 10/10/95, 10/19/95, 10/23/95, 11/27/95

12/11/95, 1/29/96.

 

Town Administrator’s Notes

None

 

Press Notes

Downing asked the time frame for the question to voters for additional funds for the school renovations.  Corona noted that this would be discussed in the future. A town meeting will be required then an election. 

 

Selectmen’s Notes

Corona referred to the Veterans Memorial Park dedication and the remarkable project.  Marsan encouraged all to see the impressive site.  Corona noted that they are still looking for donations and forms are available at the site.                                    

 

On Marsan’s motion, seconded by King, the board voted unanimously by roll call to go into Executive Session for the purpose of real estate negotiations and litigation, not to return to open session.  ( 9:00pm)

Haederle yes, King yes, Corona yes, Less yes, Marsan yes.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Mary Southworth

 

 

                                                                                                                ________________________________

                                                                                                                Approved

 

                                                                                                                ________________________________

                                                                                                                Date