February 13, 2012
The February 13 meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order at 7 p.m. by Chairman Connor with all members in attendance. Mr. Connor introduced Ms. Judith Cibelli who was present to interview for a position on the Capital Improvements Committee. Mr. Connor asked Ms. Cibelli to explain her interest in the position and any qualifications she may have. Ms. Cibelli explained she is a longtime resident of the Town and has a professional financial background. She stated her children are at an age where she feels comfortable committing time to the Town. Ms. Cibelli stated she has not attended any Town Meetings but believes her professional experiences will allow her to participate on this Committee in an open minded and fair manner.
Mr. Peter DeGenring appeared before the Board to interview for the position with the C.I.C. Mr. Connor thanked him for his interest and asked him to explain why he is seeking the position. Mr. DeGenring explained he has only lived in Town a couple of years but is interested in participating in government. Mrs. Davies asked if he had any particular projects in Town which sparked his interest to which Mr. DeGenring answered he did not. Mr. Soter emphasized his view of the importance of dealing with fellow Board members and the public with respect, particularly when there are differences. Mr. DeGenring stated he had a great deal of experience working in a working environment where mutual respect is demanded of everyone. Mr. DeGenring stated he had never attended a Town
Meeting.
Ms. Kim Jennings was the final candidate to appear before the Board for the C.I.C. appointment. Ms. Jennings stated she has been a resident for six years and is bringing up two young children and wants to make a difference in Town. She stated she travels with her job but is very much aware of the time commitment for the C.I.C. and is prepared to contribute. She explained her background is in sales, specifically education material sales. She is interested in improving the quality of life in Town and wants to get involved. Mr. Connor and Mr. Soter each encouraged Ms. Jennings to consider running for the School Committee. Mr. Connor stated she was well qualified for the C.I.C. but believed she would be a greater asset to the Town serving on the School Committee. Mr. Soter
expressed his agreement with Mr. Connor’s statement.
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On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board voted three in favor and Mr. Connor and Mr. Soter opposed to appointing Kim Jennings to the Capital Improvements Committee. Under discussion both Mr. Connor and Mr. Soter expressed their desire to see Ms. Jennings run for School Committee.
Mr. Connor stated the Board would be reviewing the FY13 budget and had requested several Departments appear before the Board.
Chief Daigle began the budget discussion. He explained his budget was level funded and included a reorganization of his Department in light of Captain Corriveau’s retirement. He explained he would likely promote someone to the rank of Lieutenant to replace the Captain and operate with a senior and junior Lieutenant. He went on to express his support for the creation of an I.T. position within public safety to manage the Department’s technology infrastructure. The Chief explained his budget proposed two new positions which he believes can be funded within his existing budget if the dates of hire are staggered. Mr. Connor asked the Chief if the two new officers could be scheduled to a “floating” shift to fill vacancies. Chief Daigle explained the contract would
not allow for a floating shift. Mr. Soter expressed his desire to see the Department add three officers. The Chief agreed three would be appreciated; however, his budget will only allow for two additional officers.
Chief Gentile appeared before the Board to present the Fire Department’s budget. He explained his budget was level funded with the exception of the cost associated with two new firefighters which will be funded through ambulance receipts. He stated the additional manpower will allow him to run the second ambulance during the day which will provide greater protection for the community and generate additional income. Mr. Soter suggested the Department look to hire at least three additional firefighters in order to keep the second ambulance on the road as often as possible. Chief Gentile stated he could use four firefighters in order to get all shifts up to six; however, three new hires would be of great benefit. Mr. Goodnow suggested the Department hire only the two which were
recommended and further review the matter in October. Mr. Soter again stated his preference to hire all three in July and look to hire a fourth firefighter in October, if possible. Mr. Connor, Mr. Soter and Mrs. Davies all supported the hiring of three firefighters in July, while Mr. Featherston and Mr. Goodnow supported the hiring of two firefighters in July.
On a Featherston/Soter motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the January 17 minutes.
Mr. DiMartino appeared before the Board to present his budget. He stated the water portion of the budget had been discussed previously as part of the rate setting hearing. He explained his highway budget had increased to accommodate contracted street sweeping services. He stated there are no new personnel proposed; however, some services will be
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contracted out in order to free-up additional manpower to assist with every day activities. Mr. DiMartino also identified $50,000 in expenses for routine road maintenance. Mr. Soter asked if the road maintenance funds were necessary in light of the recently approved 4 million dollar road bond. Mr. DiMartino explained the funds were necessary to keep up with minor repairs.
Mr. Connor invited input from the Board relative to the proposed budget. Mr. Fraine explained the Board would need to vote to transmit the budget to the Finance Committee. He further stated the Selectmen can always amend their submittal any time prior to Town Meeting. Mr. Soter stated he was prepared to recommend the budget with increased funding for three firefighters. Mr. Connor stated he would support that amendment.
On Goodnow/Featherston motion, the Board voted two in favor and Mr. Connor, Mr. Soter and Mrs. Davies opposed to recommending the budget without added funding for the Fire Department.
On a Soter/Davies motion, the Board voted three in favor and Mr. Featherstone and Mr. Goodnow opposed to increasing the Fire budget by $53,000 to add a third new firefighter.
On a Davies/Soter motion, the Board voted four in favor and Mr. Goodnow opposed to transmit the budget, as amended, to the Finance Committee.
Mr. Connor called attention to information prepared by the Department of Revenue relative to the local option meals tax of 1% of which the Town would receive .75% of the 1%. This tax would generate approximately $250,000 annually according to the D.O.R. information. He went on to state neighboring Towns have adopted the tax and residents of Bellingham are paying it elsewhere.
Mr. Soter stated he attended a recent Bellingham Business Association meeting with Mr. Connor to present the idea of the meals tax increase to the business community. Mr. Soter stated it was favorably received, particularly in light of the fact we are paying the extra percent when we eat in nearby Towns.
Mr. Connor expressed his desire to see the matter presented at the May Town Meeting.
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board voted four in favor and Mr. Goodnow opposed to present the matter to Town Meeting. Mr. Goodnow stated, under discussion, that he did not have enough information on the matter to vote favorably.
Mr. Connor suggested a positive use for the meals tax revenue would be to earmark the funds for specific purposes. Mr. Connor suggested the funding be presented at the May Town Meeting to construct a synthetic turf football field at the High School. He reminded the Board this had been presented by Mr. Soter at a recent meeting with the School
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Committee. Mr. Featherston suggested the matter be forward to the School Committee for their input. Mr. Goodnow suggested the timing was not good to pursue such a project in light of the many infrastructure needs facing the Town.
On a Soter/Featherston motion, the Board voted four in favor and Mr. Goodnow opposed to present the football field proposal to the School Committee at their next meeting. Mr. Connor stated he would appear before the School Committee to present the proposal and request their support.
On a Goodnow/Davies motion, the Board approved a temporary Common Victualler License for Oh-Yumm Bakery, Inc. Mr. Soter did not vote on this motion. All other members voted in the affirmative.
On a Davies/Soter motion, the Board voted to adjourn the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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