November 5, 2012
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Soter at 7 p.m. with all members present.
Mrs. Mathieu appeared before the Board with Bob Brown, the Town’s auditor. Mrs. Mathieu stated the annual audit was complete and no material findings were discovered. Mr. Brown introduced Shawn DeCorci, who performed much of the on site work. Mr. Brown explained his firm discovered no reportable deficiencies and the Town’s controls continue to be some of the best he has observed in any community. He also commended the school administration for their flawless handling of two million dollars of federal grant funds.
Mr. Connor asked if the proposed audit of school accounts is planned. Mrs. Mathieu answered that the audit requested by the School Committee is something still expected.
Finance Committee member John Allum asked Mr. Brown why all school funds, including grants, were not itemized in the school’s budget totals. Mr. Brown stated it is not required in Massachusetts and the grants are audited. Mr. Allum suggested it should be included to provide a greater reflection of the total school budget.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to open and continue the Tax Classification public hearing to Monday, November 19. Under discussion, Mr. Soter stated the Board would hold a workshop on this matter on Thursday, November 15 at 7 p.m. in the Wilfred Arcand Meeting room.
A Public Hearing – Application on Pamela Revell d/b/a Great Buns
The Public Hearing was held for the transfer of a Common Victuallar license from David Brown to Mrs. Revell. Mrs. Revell explained she has been managing the business for several years and nothing is going to change.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the Public Hearing.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the license transfer to Pamela Revell.
Chief Daigle appeared before the Board and introduced Sgt. James Russell. Mr. Fraine explained that he had appointed Sgt. Russell to the position of acting Lieutenant and requested the Board’s ratification.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Sgt. Russell to the position of acting Lieutenant.
Minutes of November 5, 2012
Page 2
Chief Daigle explained the promotion was necessary due to the impending retirement of Captain Corriveau. He expressed his confidence in Sgt. Russell based on his 20 years of experience, graduate degree in Criminal Justice and his training in various police academies.
Chief Daigle updated the Board on the Police Station Feasibility Study. He explained the Committee had visited several stations and hoped to have a final report and recommendation to the Board by February.
Chief Daigle alerted the Board to difficulties he is presently experiencing with Civil Service. All members agreed the Chief should begin the process of leaving the Civil Service system.
Veteran’s Agent Ray Richards appeared before the Board to discuss the Veteran’s Tax Work-off program. Mr. Richards explained recent legislation allowed Towns to adopt a program similar to the Senior Tax Work-off program. Mr. Richards suggested the Board limit the program to a fixed number of participants. Mr. Soter stated his preference to have the program include spouses of veterans. All members agreed the program is worthy of presenting to Town Meeting in May for adoption.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve municipal water and sewer, as well as residential water and sewer and residential trash all as presented on the attached abatement requests.
On a Featherston/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Michael Connor to the Charter Commission.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board voted 4 in favor and Mr. Connor abstains to accept the October 15, 2012 minutes.
Under new business, Mr. Connor asked the Board to be appointed to the High School Field Turf Committee.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint Mr. Connor and Mr. Spencer to the High School Field Turf Committee.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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