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Board of Selectmen Minutes 03/14/2011
Date of Meeting:        Monday, March 14, 2011
Location:               Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time:                   6:30 PM – 8:05 PM
Members Present:        James Stanton, Chairman; Members Roger Deal and Kenneth Sydow
Others Present: Nancy Colbert Puff, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant to the Board of Selectmen; others as noted on attached sign-in sheet
Absent: 


A request was made to erect a temporary sign advertising a “Family Bingo Night” for April 2, 2011 at the Elementary School.  Motion made, seconded and voted all in favor to grant the request.

Motion was made, seconded and voted all in favor to approve the meeting minutes of October 4, 2010, October 15, 2010 and October 18, 2010.

Report of the Town Administrator to the Board of Selectmen:
       
1.  Draft FY2010 budget.   Health insurance (MIIA) increase of 10.1%; dental increase of 7%.
State aid revenue projected:  Governor:  7% reduction; 0% c.70; Legislature possibly giving an additional 3% to local aid.

2.  Building Inspector:
  • Glenn Hand resigned last week, effective today.  Tony Zaharidis (Building Inspector from Town of Clinton) will be available to fill in.  He has filled in for Glenn in the past and Genn highly recommends Tony.
  • Nancy Puff asked if we should pursue sharing Tony with Clinton or advertise the position.
  • Ken said it would be in our best interests to find out more information on sharing.  Jim agreed.  Nancy Puff is to report back to the Board next week.
3.  Library Director Resignation:   Nick Langhart is resigning, to be effective sometime near end of this month.

  • Roger Deal also to serve on a search committee with Trustees for replacement director
4.  Vicious Dog Complaint:  
  • Nancy Puff met with the dog owner and discussed Steve Golas’ (dog officer) recommendation.
  • Jim asked if a hearing is required.  This was confirmed after reviewing the statute:  Chapter 140 §157 indicates a hearing would be required in order to take additional action to enforce the dog officer’s recommendation.
5.  Zoning Articles:
  • The Planning Board submitted an accessory apartment bylaw; a public hearing is scheduled for March 29, 2011 at 7:00 PM.  Also, Route 140 bylaw changes (“housekeeping”).  The Town
Regional Dispatch Initiative:
  • Towns being considered met with Worcester today to discuss changes to the Inter-Municipal Agreement.
Police Chief Sahagian:
  • February 4:  ticket hearings in Clinton District Court
February 17-18:  Tahanto bullying talks by Officer Rajotte
March 1: In-service training
March 13:  Congregational Church dinner
March 14:  Officer Rajotte supported Tahanto career day from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Statistics for February were presented.
Ken Sydow asked if motor vehicle break-ins are down due to suspects being caught.  Tony said two were arraigned in Clinton by other towns; break-ins have ceased.

At 7:00 PM, Mr. Sydow motioned to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Ch. 39, §§ 12, 21, ¶3 to discuss non-union personnel contract negotiations.  The Board agreed they would reconvene in open session.  Mr. Deal seconded the motion and the roll call vote was recorded as follows: Mr. Sydow-yes, Mr. Deal-yes and Mr. Stanton-yes.  

At 7:15 PM, Selectman Roger Deal motioned to adjourn Executive Session and reconvene in open session.  Ken Sydow seconded; roll call vote recorded as follows:  Roger Deal – Yes; Jim Stanton – Yes; Ken Sydow – Yes.

Report of Highway Superintendent to Board of Selectmen:
  • A new sweeper is needed to replace the current 1998 model at a cost of approximately $120K.  Jim Stanton asked about the possibility of purchasing a used machine.  Don responded that we would just buying someone else’s trouble.  Jim asked how many hours a year the sweeper is used.  Don said with the new Stormwater regulations, we might need to sweep sidewalks two times a year.  Jim said we don’t know how much free cash is available yet; if it can’t be funded, how much money would be need to be added to the repair budget.   Don said he is not sure; he will have to have an estimate done.
  • Some roads have problems due to being broken up after the winter (e.g., Ethan Allen).  Subsoil needs to be replaced and roads repaved.  Green and School Streets also need attention.  Jim asked how much money is in the budget and what it will cover.  Don said about $500K; all of School Street could be paved (approximately three miles).  Ken asked which street is in the worst condition; Don said the Green Street extension.
  • The sand and salt budget as of last week was overspent by approximately $2,800.
  • Don asked if mutual aid for Public Works had been voted on yet.   The Town Administrator said the state said the agreement is not ready yet.
  • Jim asked about a requisition for a new mower.   Nancy Puff said that’s for Ken.  Don asked if Ken gets a new mower, is he going to do the Parks and Recreation fields.  Don is not doing the new fields without money from Parks & Rec for his budget.  It will take one-plus days for one of his men to mow.  Also, if the school is using the fields during school construction, they will need mowing more often, on their schedule.   He presently mows two plus the manor, but on their schedule.
  • Ken Goodwin currently uses a piece of Don’s equipment; all he mows is the rear of the building with it.  The old International is all he would use, due to the terrain; Don wouldn’t recommend using the new mower.

Board of Assessors:   (Present:  Carl Cravedi, Margo Richardson and Paul O’Connor)
  • Board recommends appointment of Michael Juliano, candidate for Board.  He is a real estate agent.
  • Jim asked if he is a licensed agent.   Margo said that he is.  Carl said Mr. Juliano is willing to take     the DOR’s Assessor’s 101 course (required) and is going to pull his papers for election.
  • Carl said he works part-time in real estate; is also a painting contractor.   He is very willing to learn.
  • The Board of Selectmen will contact Mr. Juliano.  If joint appointment before election, it would require a hearing; alternatively, he could be elected after he pulls papers for election in May.  
At 7:45 PM, Mr. Sydow motioned to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Ch. 30A, § 21, ¶2 to discuss non-union personnel contract negotiations.  The Board agreed they would reconvene in open session.  Mr. Deal seconded the motion and the roll call vote was recorded as follows: Mr. Sydow-yes, Mr. Deal-yes and Mr. Stanton-yes.  


Hearing, 8:05 PM, Class II License:  (Appearing before the Board, John Cherubini, Anytime Auto Wholesalers.)

  • John stated he would like to sell vehicles online and have a few cars in the lot at 81 Shrewsbury Street.  He would not advertise on the premises, he would sell them by word of mouth.  The business would be primarily through the internet.  There would be no sales staff.
  • Jim asked how many spaces would be designated for these cars.  John said five; he has no plot plan but would put them on the side near the dumpster.  He would dedicate a locked filing cabinet to business in his existing office at Anytime Fitness.
  • Ken said in addition to the plot plan he wants to see the number of spaces required under the current zoning laws.  Any signage?  Additional lighting?  John said he would be required to and would add to the current sign with the other businesses.  The sign would not be on the building.  The lighting would remain as it is.  
  • The Board needs the following before making a decision:
  • a plot plan, showing where cars will be parked
  • Statement from the Planning Board as to the number of spaces required for the current building.
  • Description of signage (e.g., additional placard)
  • Mr. Dinnis (a resident at 199 Sewall Street) asked how many cars are to be parked on the lot, and how much land is there for parking. John said five spaces are to be designated in the existing lot; no expansion of the lot.
  • Applicant required to provide information; at the request of the applicant, a motion to continue the hearing to next Monday, March 21, 2011 at 8:00 PM was seconded and voted all in favor.


At 8:25 PM, Mr. Sydow motioned to go into Executive Session under M.G.L. Ch. 30A, § 21, ¶2 to discuss non-union personnel contract negotiations.  The Board agreed they would reconvene only to adjourn.  Mr. Deal seconded the motion and the roll call vote was recorded as follows: Mr. Sydow-yes, Mr. Deal-yes and Mr. Stanton-yes.  

At 8:30 PM, meeting was adjourned


Respectfully Submitted,
{11943Esposito, Administrative Assistant