March 17, 2014
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Michael Connor with all members in attendance.
Mr. Connor explained he would be hearing a budget presentation from the I.T. Administrator prior to the water/sewer/trash rate setting hearing.
Mrs. Jasinski presented the I.T. budget explaining the budget has significant increases largely due to various maintenance contracts’ all of which were identified on the information provided to the Board. Mrs. Jaskinski explained that she is now providing the majority of software and hardware support for all departments and these costs are reflected in the I.T. budget. Mr. Connor stated the zero based approach allows the I.T. Department to determine the actual costs for all I.T. needs within Town government as opposed to each department having a line item for these expenses.
Mr. DiMartino appeared before the Board for the annual water, sewer and trash rate setting hearing. Mr. DiMartino stated the sewer and trash rates are adequate and not in need of being increased. The water rates currently support the annual operations and maintenance but do not provide funds for capital expenses such as water main replacement. Mr. DiMartino presented the Board with a memo (attached) outlining his recommendations. Mr. Connor asked how many service connections need to be replaced and what the cost would be to do the work. Mr. DiMartino answered there are 4,800 service connections in need of being replaced at a cost of $750,000.
Mr. Mayhew asked what the primary projects will be during the upcoming year. Mr. DiMartino stated they are not prioritized and will need to be approved by Town Meeting. He further stated the asbestos lined pipe is of concern because it tends to be brittle.
Mr. Spencer questioned how many miles of water main are located in Town. Mr. DiMartino stated there are 110 miles. Mr. Spencer asked if there will be any significant fluctuation in the cost to manage the system once the filtration plant comes on line. Mr. DiMartino stated it is unlikely and none are predicted.
Mr. Connor asked Mr. DiMartino what the State average is for water rates. Mr. DiMartino stated the 2012 State average was $498 and Bellingham users currently pay $434 annually.
Mr. Soter stated businesses typically utilize little water which is why he could support an increase in the capital charge to ensure the business community is sharing in the cost. Mr. Soter asked if there would be an increase in sewer or trash to which Mr. DiMartino stated there would be no increase. Mr. Fraine stated the trash fee would not be increased and has held steady since the implementation of the automated collection service.
Mr. Soter expressed his preference to increase the capital fee as opposed to the rate. He stated previous Boards should have adjusted rates years ago and now this Board has no choice. Mr. Featherston agreed expressing his view the Town can only put off the inevitable for so long. Mr. Mayhew stated he did not
Minutes of March 17, 2014
Page 2
want to see a rate increase; however, the enterprise must sustain itself in much the same way as the paramedic services, and the schools have had to review fees to maintain services.
Mr. Jim Dunlea asked the Board to keep in mind residents who are not serviced by the municipal water system. He stated he must pay for his own well and all of the costs associated with it and believes the system should support itself with rates.
Doug Maclachan stated the capital investment in the system will reduce costs by making the system more efficient by fixing leaking service connections throughout the Town which increase the Town’s “unaccounted for” water.
Mrs. Picariello questioned whether seniors would continue to be exempt from the capital fee. Mr. Connor stated the Board would decide that as part of the rate setting.
Mr. Renda asked the Board to consider the effect exempting seniors from the rate increase has on the rest of the population. He stated his belief that all users should share in the cost of servicing the system. Mr. Soter responded stating he believes any capital fee increase should include seniors but not at the same rate as the rest of the population.
Mr. Connor stated an increase of the Capital charge from $26 to $215 would generate a million dollars annually for capital projects. Mr. Soter proposed a $30 fee be established for seniors which would reduce the rate to the rest of the users by $5 according to Mr. DiMartino.
Mr. Spencer stated increasing the rate to $215 is too much too soon. He expressed his view that a capital increase of $100 was something he could support and would get some projects moving, generating an additional $600,000 annually. Mr. Spencer suggested looking to bond some of the larger projects.
Mr. Featherston expressed concern that this approach would continue to “kick the can down the road” and not get projects moving. Mr. Soter agreed stating the Town needed to take action to move the capital projects ahead. Mr. Martinis asked what the State average was for water rates. Mr. DiMartino stated it was $498 in FY12. Mr. Martinis stated that he believes the cost of Town water is much less expensive than cost associates with a private well. He further stated he switched from private to public water as soon as it became available and is very satisfied.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Featherston/Mayhew motion, the Board voted Mr. Connor, Mr. Mayhew and Mr. Featherston in favor and Mr. Spencer and Mr. Soter opposed to increase the water capital fee to the annual rate of $215 effective July 1, 2014. Under discussion, Mr. Soter expressed support for the $30 increase for seniors but stated he felt the $215 increase was too much. Mr. Mayhew amended his motion to include the $30 senior charge but stated he would pay the full amount as opposed to the discounted senior rate even though he is eligible.
Mr. DiMartino informed the Board that quarterly billing would begin this spring. Mr. Connor requested Mr. Laviolette provide the Board with an update at their first meeting in May relative to on-line bill pay and quarterly billing.
Minutes of March 17, 2014
Page 3
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to award contracts 1 and 2 for the Hartford Avenue/Wrentham Road water treatment plant improvements and water main construction and to authorize the DPW Director, Town Administrator and CFO to sign the Notice of Award certificates to Waterline Industries Corp of Seabrook, NH for contract 1 and C.J.P. & Sons Construction of Millis, MA for contract 2, all as presented and recommended on the attached bid sheet from Wright Pierce Engineering.
Public Hearing application of New England Country Club, LLC d/b/a NECC, Diane Hamilton, Manager, for a Weekday/Sunday Entertainment License.
Mrs. Hamilton appeared before the Board to request an entertainment license. She stated, if approved, they would have soft music and D.J.’s for various events and weddings. She stated they would typically be through with most events by 10 p.m.
On a Soter/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the Public Hearing. On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the weekday/Sunday license with hours of 9 a.m.-10p.m. Under discussion, Mr. Soter expressed his feelings that the site is far enough away from residential properties and should not present a nuisance.
Mr. James Jeschke appeared before the Board as a candidate for alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Jeschke stated he was interested in getting involved in Town government and thought this would be a good start.
Mr. Soter asked what skills Mr. Jeschke will bring to the Board. Mr. Jeschke answered that he has a very strong technical background.
ZBA Chairman Jim Dunlea expressed his support for Mr. Jeschke stating that he encouraged his candidacy for the position. ZBA Board member Peter Delsignoare also expressed his support for Mr. Jeschke. Mr. Soter asked Mr. Jeschke if he had any professional relationships in Town which could present a conflict. Mr. Jeschke stated he works for EMC in a technical position and would not have any conflict.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint James Jeschke to the alternate ZBA position.
Mrs. Chimeno appeared before the Board to request a continuance on her Common Victuallar license. Mrs. Chimeno stated she will be appearing before the Zoning Board in April to request a variance to allow a third use on her property.
Mr. Soter read a letter from abutters expressing concern about the use of the property and asking the Board to enforce the Cease and Desist until proper permits are obtained.
Atty. Talerman explained Mrs. Chimeno will need to obtain a variance in order to come into compliance with zoning if they wish to continue operating three businesses. Mr. Connor asked Atty. Talerman how many ZBA meetings will be necessary. Atty. Talerman stated it could be completed in one night but two meetings are likely. Mr. Spencer stated the matter has gone on far too long and needs to be ended to avoid setting a precedent. Mr. Soter agreed stating there are rules which must be followed and the Town has been overly lenient.
Minutes of March 17, 2014
Page 4
Mr. Mayhew stated it is an illegal business which we have allowed for some time. He further stated the Board needs to do what is right and enforce the Cease and Desist until they come into compliance.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to enforce the Cease and Desist order until such time as the owner obtains all necessary permits.
Atty. Talerman appeared before the Board to discuss the Solicitation Bylaw. Specifically, the Board requested his appearance to review the denial by the Attorney General. Atty. Talerman explained the rejection involved timing restrictions which had been approved within similar bylaws in other Towns. Mr. Soter expressed his concern the revised Article could be defeated at Town Meeting. Atty. Talerman stated preliminary approval from the Attorney General’s office for the revised Article has been received; however, the bylaw is always vulnerable to a challenge.
Mr. Spencer asked if the Board could appeal the Attorney General’s decision if the revised Article failed at Town Meeting. Atty. Talerman stated that would be doubtful due to timeliness issues.
Mr. Maclachan questioned why the Town’s Article was denied by the Attorney General when similar Articles from other towns had been approved. Atty. Talerman answered the Attorney General’s office may have simply tightened up their review process and criteria for this type of Article. Mr. Maclachan asked if the Attorney General’s office had approved the proposed Article. Atty. Talerman said they had given preliminary approval but once it is submitted there are never guarantees. Mr. Maclachan stated the Town had mirrored its Article on similar Articles, specifically; the Town of Yarmouth’s Article and questioned why ours would have been denied. Atty. Talerman stated it is all up to whoever is reviewing the Article in the Attorney General’s
office.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion the Board unanimously voted to approve the New England County Club Common Victualler and Seasonal All Alcohol licenses.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the February 22, March 3 and March 10 minutes.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Town Administrator’s appointments as identified on the attached sheet.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Board of Selectmen’s appointments as identified on the attached list with the exception of Mr. Mayhew to the Capital Improvements Committee, Mr. Castagno to the Zoning Board and Mr. Lavallee to the Norfolk County Advisory Board.
On a Featherston/Soter motion, the Board voted four in favor and Mr. Mayhew abstaining to appoint Mr. Mayhew to the Capital Improvements Committee.
Mr. Soter stated he would like to schedule interviews for the Norfolk County Advisory Board position as there are multiple candidates.
Mr. Soter stated he would like to see other candidates be considered for the Zoning Board; particularly, since it is a five year appointment. Mr. Connor agreed and requested alternates be considered for the permanent position.
Minutes of March 17, 2014
Page 5
Mr. Fraine requested the Board allow him to pursue a Grant Writer position in this year’s budget. Specifically, Mr. Fraine suggested adding $10,000 to the Town Planner’s salary and allow her to perform research for the Town’s Departments. The suggestion of Grant Writer has surfaced at several “All Boards” meetings and this would be a start. In the event it does not produce results, the position can be abandoned. All members agreed to allow Mr. Fraine to include this funding in the upcoming year’s budget.
Mr. Fraine requested an Executive Session to discuss a property auction involving two properties the Town recently acquired through tax taking. Mr. Fraine also requested an Executive Session to discuss negotiation with AFSCME Clerical relative to the Electrical Inspector’s position.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board was polled and unanimously voted to go into Executive Session as requested by Mr. Fraine. Mr. Connor stated no additional comments from the Board would be made.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn into Executive Session at 10:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
cfc
March 17, 2014
The meeting of the Board of Selectmen was called to order by Chairman Michael Connor with all members in attendance.
Mr. Connor explained he would be hearing a budget presentation from the I.T. Administrator prior to the water/sewer/trash rate setting hearing.
Mrs. Jasinski presented the I.T. budget explaining the budget has significant increases largely due to various maintenance contracts’ all of which were identified on the information provided to the Board. Mrs. Jaskinski explained that she is now providing the majority of software and hardware support for all departments and these costs are reflected in the I.T. budget. Mr. Connor stated the zero based approach allows the I.T. Department to determine the actual costs for all I.T. needs within Town government as opposed to each department having a line item for these expenses.
Mr. DiMartino appeared before the Board for the annual water, sewer and trash rate setting hearing. Mr. DiMartino stated the sewer and trash rates are adequate and not in need of being increased. The water rates currently support the annual operations and maintenance but do not provide funds for capital expenses such as water main replacement. Mr. DiMartino presented the Board with a memo (attached) outlining his recommendations. Mr. Connor asked how many service connections need to be replaced and what the cost would be to do the work. Mr. DiMartino answered there are 4,800 service connections in need of being replaced at a cost of $750,000.
Mr. Mayhew asked what the primary projects will be during the upcoming year. Mr. DiMartino stated they are not prioritized and will need to be approved by Town Meeting. He further stated the asbestos lined pipe is of concern because it tends to be brittle.
Mr. Spencer questioned how many miles of water main are located in Town. Mr. DiMartino stated there are 110 miles. Mr. Spencer asked if there will be any significant fluctuation in the cost to manage the system once the filtration plant comes on line. Mr. DiMartino stated it is unlikely and none are predicted.
Mr. Connor asked Mr. DiMartino what the State average is for water rates. Mr. DiMartino stated the 2012 State average was $498 and Bellingham users currently pay $434 annually.
Mr. Soter stated businesses typically utilize little water which is why he could support an increase in the capital charge to ensure the business community is sharing in the cost. Mr. Soter asked if there would be an increase in sewer or trash to which Mr. DiMartino stated there would be no increase. Mr. Fraine stated the trash fee would not be increased and has held steady since the implementation of the automated collection service.
Mr. Soter expressed his preference to increase the capital fee as opposed to the rate. He stated previous Boards should have adjusted rates years ago and now this Board has no choice. Mr. Featherston agreed expressing his view the Town can only put off the inevitable for so long. Mr. Mayhew stated he did not
Minutes of March 17, 2014
Page 2
want to see a rate increase; however, the enterprise must sustain itself in much the same way as the paramedic services, and the schools have had to review fees to maintain services.
Mr. Jim Dunlea asked the Board to keep in mind residents who are not serviced by the municipal water system. He stated he must pay for his own well and all of the costs associated with it and believes the system should support itself with rates.
Doug Maclachan stated the capital investment in the system will reduce costs by making the system more efficient by fixing leaking service connections throughout the Town which increase the Town’s “unaccounted for” water.
Mrs. Picariello questioned whether seniors would continue to be exempt from the capital fee. Mr. Connor stated the Board would decide that as part of the rate setting.
Mr. Renda asked the Board to consider the effect exempting seniors from the rate increase has on the rest of the population. He stated his belief that all users should share in the cost of servicing the system. Mr. Soter responded stating he believes any capital fee increase should include seniors but not at the same rate as the rest of the population.
Mr. Connor stated an increase of the Capital charge from $26 to $215 would generate a million dollars annually for capital projects. Mr. Soter proposed a $30 fee be established for seniors which would reduce the rate to the rest of the users by $5 according to Mr. DiMartino.
Mr. Spencer stated increasing the rate to $215 is too much too soon. He expressed his view that a capital increase of $100 was something he could support and would get some projects moving, generating an additional $600,000 annually. Mr. Spencer suggested looking to bond some of the larger projects.
Mr. Featherston expressed concern that this approach would continue to “kick the can down the road” and not get projects moving. Mr. Soter agreed stating the Town needed to take action to move the capital projects ahead. Mr. Martinis asked what the State average was for water rates. Mr. DiMartino stated it was $498 in FY12. Mr. Martinis stated that he believes the cost of Town water is much less expensive than cost associates with a private well. He further stated he switched from private to public water as soon as it became available and is very satisfied.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the public hearing.
On a Featherston/Mayhew motion, the Board voted Mr. Connor, Mr. Mayhew and Mr. Featherston in favor and Mr. Spencer and Mr. Soter opposed to increase the water capital fee to the annual rate of $215 effective July 1, 2014. Under discussion, Mr. Soter expressed support for the $30 increase for seniors but stated he felt the $215 increase was too much. Mr. Mayhew amended his motion to include the $30 senior charge but stated he would pay the full amount as opposed to the discounted senior rate even though he is eligible.
Mr. DiMartino informed the Board that quarterly billing would begin this spring. Mr. Connor requested Mr. Laviolette provide the Board with an update at their first meeting in May relative to on-line bill pay and quarterly billing.
Minutes of March 17, 2014
Page 3
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to award contracts 1 and 2 for the Hartford Avenue/Wrentham Road water treatment plant improvements and water main construction and to authorize the DPW Director, Town Administrator and CFO to sign the Notice of Award certificates to Waterline Industries Corp of Seabrook, NH for contract 1 and C.J.P. & Sons Construction of Millis, MA for contract 2, all as presented and recommended on the attached bid sheet from Wright Pierce Engineering.
Public Hearing application of New England Country Club, LLC d/b/a NECC, Diane Hamilton, Manager, for a Weekday/Sunday Entertainment License.
Mrs. Hamilton appeared before the Board to request an entertainment license. She stated, if approved, they would have soft music and D.J.’s for various events and weddings. She stated they would typically be through with most events by 10 p.m.
On a Soter/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to close the Public Hearing. On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the weekday/Sunday license with hours of 9 a.m.-10p.m. Under discussion, Mr. Soter expressed his feelings that the site is far enough away from residential properties and should not present a nuisance.
Mr. James Jeschke appeared before the Board as a candidate for alternate on the Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Jeschke stated he was interested in getting involved in Town government and thought this would be a good start.
Mr. Soter asked what skills Mr. Jeschke will bring to the Board. Mr. Jeschke answered that he has a very strong technical background.
ZBA Chairman Jim Dunlea expressed his support for Mr. Jeschke stating that he encouraged his candidacy for the position. ZBA Board member Peter Delsignoare also expressed his support for Mr. Jeschke. Mr. Soter asked Mr. Jeschke if he had any professional relationships in Town which could present a conflict. Mr. Jeschke stated he works for EMC in a technical position and would not have any conflict.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to appoint James Jeschke to the alternate ZBA position.
Mrs. Chimeno appeared before the Board to request a continuance on her Common Victuallar license. Mrs. Chimeno stated she will be appearing before the Zoning Board in April to request a variance to allow a third use on her property.
Mr. Soter read a letter from abutters expressing concern about the use of the property and asking the Board to enforce the Cease and Desist until proper permits are obtained.
Atty. Talerman explained Mrs. Chimeno will need to obtain a variance in order to come into compliance with zoning if they wish to continue operating three businesses. Mr. Connor asked Atty. Talerman how many ZBA meetings will be necessary. Atty. Talerman stated it could be completed in one night but two meetings are likely. Mr. Spencer stated the matter has gone on far too long and needs to be ended to avoid setting a precedent. Mr. Soter agreed stating there are rules which must be followed and the Town has been overly lenient.
Minutes of March 17, 2014
Page 4
Mr. Mayhew stated it is an illegal business which we have allowed for some time. He further stated the Board needs to do what is right and enforce the Cease and Desist until they come into compliance.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to enforce the Cease and Desist order until such time as the owner obtains all necessary permits.
Atty. Talerman appeared before the Board to discuss the Solicitation Bylaw. Specifically, the Board requested his appearance to review the denial by the Attorney General. Atty. Talerman explained the rejection involved timing restrictions which had been approved within similar bylaws in other Towns. Mr. Soter expressed his concern the revised Article could be defeated at Town Meeting. Atty. Talerman stated preliminary approval from the Attorney General’s office for the revised Article has been received; however, the bylaw is always vulnerable to a challenge.
Mr. Spencer asked if the Board could appeal the Attorney General’s decision if the revised Article failed at Town Meeting. Atty. Talerman stated that would be doubtful due to timeliness issues.
Mr. Maclachan questioned why the Town’s Article was denied by the Attorney General when similar Articles from other towns had been approved. Atty. Talerman answered the Attorney General’s office may have simply tightened up their review process and criteria for this type of Article. Mr. Maclachan asked if the Attorney General’s office had approved the proposed Article. Atty. Talerman said they had given preliminary approval but once it is submitted there are never guarantees. Mr. Maclachan stated the Town had mirrored its Article on similar Articles, specifically; the Town of Yarmouth’s Article and questioned why ours would have been denied. Atty. Talerman stated it is all up to whoever is reviewing the Article in the Attorney General’s
office.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion the Board unanimously voted to approve the New England County Club Common Victualler and Seasonal All Alcohol licenses.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to accept the February 22, March 3 and March 10 minutes.
On a Mayhew/Spencer motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Town Administrator’s appointments as identified on the attached sheet.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board unanimously voted to approve the Board of Selectmen’s appointments as identified on the attached list with the exception of Mr. Mayhew to the Capital Improvements Committee, Mr. Castagno to the Zoning Board and Mr. Lavallee to the Norfolk County Advisory Board.
On a Featherston/Soter motion, the Board voted four in favor and Mr. Mayhew abstaining to appoint Mr. Mayhew to the Capital Improvements Committee.
Mr. Soter stated he would like to schedule interviews for the Norfolk County Advisory Board position as there are multiple candidates.
Mr. Soter stated he would like to see other candidates be considered for the Zoning Board; particularly, since it is a five year appointment. Mr. Connor agreed and requested alternates be considered for the permanent position.
Minutes of March 17, 2014
Page 5
Mr. Fraine requested the Board allow him to pursue a Grant Writer position in this year’s budget. Specifically, Mr. Fraine suggested adding $10,000 to the Town Planner’s salary and allow her to perform research for the Town’s Departments. The suggestion of Grant Writer has surfaced at several “All Boards” meetings and this would be a start. In the event it does not produce results, the position can be abandoned. All members agreed to allow Mr. Fraine to include this funding in the upcoming year’s budget.
Mr. Fraine requested an Executive Session to discuss a property auction involving two properties the Town recently acquired through tax taking. Mr. Fraine also requested an Executive Session to discuss negotiation with AFSCME Clerical relative to the Electrical Inspector’s position.
On a Soter/Mayhew motion, the Board was polled and unanimously voted to go into Executive Session as requested by Mr. Fraine. Mr. Connor stated no additional comments from the Board would be made.
On a Mayhew/Featherston motion, the Board unanimously voted to adjourn into Executive Session at 10:10 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Denis C. Fraine
Town Administrator
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