April 1, 2013
The April 1 meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Soter with all members in attendance.
Mr. Soter welcomed Tom Donnelly who was in attendance to interview for the vacant Board of Health position. Mr. Donnelly stated he has lived in Town for 50 years and has served on many Boards. He is a past Scout leader and was employed by the Town as a van driver at the C.O.A. for twelve years. Mr. Donnelly expressed his interest in health and safety issues have drawn him to apply for this position.
Mr. Soter asked Mr. Donnelly his feelings with regard to the newly proposed smoking ordinances recently presented by the Board of Health. Mr. Donnelly stated he has not had a chance to review the proposed regulations. However, he did express his opposition to new regulations which would make it difficult for businesses to succeed.
Mr. Connor asked Mr. Donnelly why he applied for the Board of Health as opposed to any other open position. Mr. Donnelly stated he was not aware of other open positions. Mr. Soter thanked Mr. Donnelly for his interest in the position. Mr. Soter asked the Board’s opinion as to whether an interview should be scheduled for the second applicant, Kelly McGovern, as she is unavailable on Monday evenings. All members agreed to contact Ms. McGovern to determine her availability.
Mr. Steven Schreffler appeared before the Board to seek reappointment to the Town Common Trustees. Mr. Schreffler stated he had served on the original construction committee and has served as a member of the Trustees since its inception 15 years ago. He stated he is also an Auxiliary Police Officer and enjoys volunteering for the Town.
Mr. Soter stated he intends to vote in favor of the reappointment even though Mr. Schreffler does not live in Town. He stated his first preference will always be to appoint a Town resident and that he would not support a non-resident serving on any Board which could affect the Town’s tax revenue in any manner.
Mr. Mayhew stated his appreciation to Mr. Schreffler and his loyalty to the community. Mr. Connor stated his appreciation and respect for the job Mr. Schreffler has performed for the Town, however, he expressed he is philosophically opposed to appointing someone who does not reside in Town to any Board. Mr. Featherston stated he did not support the by-law which was defeated at Town Meeting which would have disqualified non-residents from serving on Town Boards. He went on to say Mr. Schreffler’s commitment to the community is beyond what we could expect of any resident.
Minutes of April 1, 2013
Page 2
Mr. Spencer expressed his view that this is a unique circumstance. While he would prefer a Town resident serve Mr. Schreffler has done an outstanding job and there are no other candidates.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board voted four in favor and Mr. Connor opposed to appoint Mr. Schreffler to the Town Common Trustees.
Mr. Mayhew stated he has spoken with Mr. LeClaire relative to property owned by ZBA Alternate Mary Chaves. In light of Mr. LeClaire’s assurance that no variance or special permit has ever been granted to the property, he believes the dwelling is in compliance with Town zoning.
On a Spencer/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to re-appoint Mary Chaves to the alternate position on the Zoning Board.
On a Mayhew/Connor motion, the Board unanimously voted to ratify the Town Administrator’s appointment of Lyndsey Gentile to the position of Assistant Treasurer/ Collector.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to endorse the grounds maintenance agreement between the School Committee and AFSCME.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the following abatements: residential water $20.81 and residential trash $592.
On a Spencer/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the March 18 minutes.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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