February 14, 2011
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Mayhew with all members in attendance. Mr. Mayhew explained the meeting would serve as a budget workshop which will allow the Board to review the budget prior to submittal to the Finance Committee. Mr. Fraine reminded the Board that changes to the budget can be made up until Town Meeting in May.
Mr. Mayhew recognized Chief Daigle and asked him to provide the Board with an overview of his budget. Chief Daigle explained he was able to level fund his submittal as requested by the Board; however, in order to level fund he will not be replacing one of his officers currently out on injured leave. The Chief went on to explain he now has 24 officers which is down from a high of 31 officers in 2002.
Chief Daigle provided the Board with information relative to overtime costs over the past seven years. The result of the review shows an increase in the overtime budget consistent with the reductions in force. The Chief explained several programs have been curtailed including the motorcycle patrol, school safety officer, as well as a reduction in community policing. Mr. Mayhew agreed there is a need to address the manning shortage; however, funding new positions is simply not a financial alternative at this time.
Mr. DiMartino appeared before the Board to present his budgets for the coming year. Mr. DiMartino explained he had level funded all accounts with the exception of those salary accounts which have contractual increases. Mr. DiMartino stated his greatest need at this time is funding for road improvements. He explained there is a need for millions in roadway repairs.
Mr. DiMartino stated the water and sewer budgets would be able to be funded as proposed without the need for a rate increase. However, he went on to explain there is no funding in the budget for any considerable capital projects. Mr. Connor stated his belief that revenue which would have been generated through the sale of water to Mendon should be raised through rate increases to fund needed capital projects. Mr. DiMartino stated the greatest capital need for his department will involve improving the water filtration plant and possibly piping well #12 to the filtration plant.
Minutes of February 14, 2011
Page 2
Mrs. Mathieu explained the budget as presented assumes level funded local aid as proposed in the Governor’s budget. She explained adjustments would be necessary if future cuts in state aid occur. Mr. Fraine stated the budget is a level services budget and includes no salary adjustments which are not contractually required.
On a Davies/Chaves motion, the Board unanimously voted to grant a temporary Common Victuallar License to David Lori dba/Tony’s Deli at 1 Mechanic Street. Mr. Fraine explained Mr. Lori has a hearing on this matter scheduled for March 7. All inspections have been completed.
On a Chaves/Goodnow motion, the Board unanimously voted to grant a One Day Beer and Wine License to St. Blaise Church for March 12.
On a Goodnow/Chaves motion, the Board was polled and unanimously voted to adjourn to Executive Session to discuss contract negotiations with various labor unions. Mr. Mayhew stated there would be no further comment following the Executive Session.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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