February 22, 2010
The regular meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7:00 PM by Chairwoman Davies with all members in attendance except Mr. Connor.
Public Hearing – Water/Sewer Rates
Mrs. Davies read the public hearing notice.
Mr. DiMartino stated the hearing this evening is to discuss the revision of the water and sewer rates. These revisions are needed to cover annual operating budgets for the water & sewer operations. Proposed increases are not due to increases in cost, but decreases in water consumption experienced in 2009.
Mr. Mayhew suggested that the Board not make a decision on this matter this evening stating he would like to hear from the individuals present and take time to consider all options. He also stated the vote should be taken when all Board members are present.
Richard Martinelli, 7 Beechwood Rd. spoke against a rate hike and suggested the Town sell water to other towns.
Ron Picard, 100 Wrentham Rd. stated this is not the time to increase rates. Some residents are on the verge of losing their homes and cannot handle anymore increases. Mr. Picard stated the town should look at the possibility of dissolving the Water Enterprise Fund and let town meeting vote decide on purchases exceeding $10,000.
Toni Picariello, 76 Standish Rd. asked Mr. DiMartino for the water rate increase amounts. Mr. DiMartino stated that minimum use customers (25,000 gallons per year) would see an annual increase of $18.80 and average use customers (approximately 90,000 gallons per year) would see an annual increase of $94.49.
Mr. DiMartino stated annual rate increases (including the $400,000 capital investment) would be $40.40 for minimal users and $175.49 for average users.
Roger Oakley, 178 North Main St. asked who would reimburse him for water he does not use due to the odor. He stated he doesn’t mind paying a bill for water he can use.
Mr. DiMartino stated chlorine is used to make sure bacteria isn’t in the water system which unfortunately results in an odor. He went on to state there are several options for disinfecting water, but they are very costly. Mr. DiMartino stated the water quality varies throughout town due to the use of different wells.
Minutes of February 22, 2010
Page 2
Mr. Oakley stated the town needs to protect the water we have and stop what is going into the ground.
A meeting will be scheduled with the Board of Health and Conservation Commission regarding this matter.
Gregory Slook, 7 Standish Rd. also complained about the water quality. He stated he installed a water filtration system in his home because the water was so bad. Mr. Slook stated he was angry when he heard about the water rate increase. He also stated residents should not have to contribute to the enterprise fund, which he thinks of as a rainy day fund. Mr. Slook stated he and many other residents do not have a rainy day fund. Many people are struggling and he asked the Selectmen to keep these people in mind when making their decision.
Mr. Peter Morelli, 209 Temi Rd. noted the Depot Street power plant will be going back on-line and asked if the town will be receiving revenues for the use of the town’s well. Mr. DiMartino explained that revenues from power plants are totally unreliable. This plant will only be a peek provider.
Douglas O’Malley, 82 Plymouth Rd. spoke against the rate hike noting that he and his wife are self-employed and all fees have been increasing. They are having a difficult time keeping up with expenses.
Toni Picariello asked about the sewer rates.
Mr. DiMartino stated minimum use customers will see a $12.00 a year increase and average use customers will see a $45.00 increase.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to continue this hearing until their March 15th meeting.
On a Mayhew/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the February 1st and February 8th minutes.
On a Mayhew/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the February 1st executive session minutes.
On a Mayhew/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve a One Day Beer & Wine License for St. Blaise Church fundraiser on March 13th, 6:00 PM – midnight, fees waived.
Mrs. Mathieu and Mr. Fraine appeared before the Board and presented their Fiscal Year 2011 budget and revenue projections. Mrs. Mathieu explained the budget is preliminary and will not be finalized until the Finance Committee concludes their hearings. Once the Board adopts a budget it will be forwarded to the Finance Committee for them to begin their hearings. Mrs. Mathieu reminded the Board that it is the Selectmen’s budget which is presented to Town Meeting. Accordingly, changes can always be made by the Board. Mr. Fraine explained there are no significant changes in this year’s budget and the consolidations from last year are still in effect. The only increases are contractual and utilities.
Minutes of February 22, 2010
Page 3
Mrs. Davies expressed her appreciation to all Town Departments for working together to ensure the town operated within its fiscal constraints. Mr. Mayhew stated there are no significant changes and therefore he was prepared to vote on the budget.
On a Mayhew/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to forward the FY2011 budget to the Finance Committee.
Under discussion, Mr. Mayhew again stated the Board would revisit the budget in the event revenues changed.
On a Mayhew/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn the meeting at 9:30 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jacqueline A. Bokoski
Administrative Assistant
| 
