Date of Meeting: Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Location: Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:21 PM
Members Present: Chairman Kenneth Sydow, James Wood, Matthew Mecum
Others Present: Stephen Madaus, Town Counsel; Martin McNamara, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant; (Others as listed on attached sheet.)
Financial Warrants signed in approval.
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 PM.
Chairman Sydow thanked various departments and those in attendance for their preparation and efforts during the recent snow storm.
Report of the Town Administrator to the Board of Selectmen:
Snow Storm: The Town fared well in the storm. In preparation for the storm a meeting was held to discuss our emergency management operation. The Fire Dept. had their people and equipment ready to go, as did the Police, Highway and Light Departments. Some trees and branches came down and some residences lost power briefly. All issues were resolved quickly.
Halloween Hours: The Police Chief has recommended Halloween hours remain unchanged because all roads are passable and the Town is at full power.
Gough House Wires: On Thursday, October 25, a trailer truck ripped down some wires leading from Gough House to the shed and barn. The Light Dept. came and disconnected the power; it was necessary to have an electrician replace the wire from the fuse box to the outside connection. We have the insurance information from the trucking company and will pursue a claim for costs.
FY14 Budget Process: Nancy Nykiel and the Town Administrator met with the Finance Committee on Monday, October 22 to discuss last year’s budget process and plans for the FY14 budget process. They will be looking to the Board for guidance on salary increases for Town employees.
Medex Insurance Rate: The Medex 2 renewal rates for January 1, 2013 through January 1, 2014 decreased from $356.42/month to $316.72 for 2013. That is a savings of just under $40/month per retiree. We share that cost on a 50/50 basis and currently have 29 individuals covered by Medex 2. Our annual savings will be in the range of $7,000. Each retiree on the plan can expect a savings of $240 for the year.
CMRPC Meeting Notice: The TA gave the Board a flyer from CMRPC regarding a presentation about the Central 13 Regional Prioritization Project to be held on Wednesday, November 28 at 6:00 PM in Union Hall at Union Station, Worcester.
Veteran’s Day Holiday: Veterans’ Day falls on Sunday, November 11 and will be celebrated on Monday, November 12. The Highway Dept. has requested that they be allowed to work on Monday, November 12 and use that holiday on Friday, November 23, the day after Thanksgiving. This is partly due to the fact that the paving project crews will be working on November 12.
Jim Wood made a motion to approve the request of the Highway Dept. Matt Mecum seconded the motion; voted all in favor.
Equipment Operator/Laborer: Marty and Steve Mero will be conducting interviews for the position shortly and seek advice from the Board as to how to proceed. Does the Board prefer a single recommendation for appointment or would the Board prefer to interview candidates. Ken Sydow said he would like The Town Administrator to update the Board on the process as they go through it. Marty said there were 24 applicants as of today. One major issue is their availability to get to Town timely for plowing and emergencies.
Hillside Study Presentation: The Marketing Committee will be hosting, on Wednesday, November 7 at 6:30 PM, a presentation by Michelle Smith on the Hillside Development Study results.
Hurricane Sandy: On Friday, October 16, the TA met with the Fire and Police Chiefs, the Highway Supt., the Light Dept. Manager and our Facilities Technician to discuss our readiness in the event Hurricane Sandy tracks to New England. All reported their equipment has been tested and they are ready.
Leaf and Brush Dropoff: Marty McNamara researched the details for hosting a leaf and brush dropoff site for residents. It would cost the Town $2,200, which is to cover the salary of a DPW worker at $180/day. Regarding the concern about people dropping items off during the week, we already have that going on all over Town now. Jim Wood said this is a great idea and there is definitely a need.
Ken asked if there were any issues with the stream and conservation land. The TA said that, from what he saw, the area is a good distance from the stream. Ken asked if there is money in the budget for this year. The TA said there is enough money to take the program through April 1.
Ken asked if Steve Mero (present) had anything to add. Would this create any issues for him? Steve Mero said it would not. He discussed it with the Town Administrator and thinks it would be okay if we have designated drop areas.
Don Parker (present) said someone needs to check with the DEP to get the site authorized. This would require turning the product, monitoring temperature, etc. This was done on Hope Avenue in Worcester and the neighbors were complaining of the odor. The Town Administrator said it is not intended to be a compost area; just an area to dump brush and leaves.
The Board will take the matter under advisement and asked the Town Administrator to research with DEP.
Other items presented to the Board:
- Copies of a change order for architectural services for Gough House for the Board’s signature; signed in approval.
- Listing of accepted and private streets. According to the Highway Dept. we do plow private streets but we do not do any repairs.
- Information regarding the allowed uses for Chapter 90 funds.
- A draft policy regarding the use of public sand and salt, for the Board’s review and consideration.
Marketing Committee Survey: (Dick Prince in attendance.) The Voter Opinion Survey will be presented to the Townspeople during the November 6 election. The proposed procedure will be to:
1. Locate a table outside of the Hillside gym
2. Have BBMC representatives staffing the table
3. Limit the questionnaire to one page
The questionnaire reads as follows:
Question 1: Do you favor the idea of trying to attract new businesses to Boylston in the business area or to expand their present facilities in Boylston?
Question 2: If you answered yes to Question No. 1, what types of businesses do you wish to attract?
(a) pharmacy; (b) professional office; (c) food store; (d) restaurant; (e) bank; (f) other.
Question 3 (to be offered by the Selectmen):
Footer: The Boylston Business Marketing Committee would appreciate any additional ideas or comments you wish to make. If you wish to take more time, please feel free to take the survey home with you. It may be returned to the address specified below.
Matt Mecum said the idea is to find out what residents want regarding business in Boylston, to give the Marketing Committee some direction. The Selectmen would like their question to ask people’s interest in development at Hillside and, if so, what type of development/business. Marty McNamara said there are currently no plans for Hillside, so it is necessary to keep the questions very vague and not specific. Ken said he is fine with the two Hillside questions asked; Jim and Matt agreed.
MA Broken Stone: Two original contracts presented for signature. Change order to extend deadline (to 11/23) and change specs on depth of base and topcoat. Thicker base coat, less top coat, total depth the same. Ken asked if the binder is less cost than the base coat; originally it was 2” and 2”; now changed to 2½” binder and 1½” top coat. Steve Mero said no. Ken asked what the benefit is to the Town; Steve Mero said it is better to have a heavier base coat. He said it is his fault – he didn’t do enough research prior to the bid specs going out.
Jim Wood made a motion to authorize the Chair to sign the contract and to approve the change order (as stated above). Matt Mecum seconded the motion; voted all in favor.
Volunteer Appointment—Cable Advisory Committee: Matthew Willson (present) of 9 Morningdale Avenue has requested appointment to the Cable Advisory Committee. He has 30 years’ experience in multimedia and video production. WBAC suggested he volunteer and he is pleased to do so.
Matt Mecum made a motion to appoint Matthew Willson to the Cable Advisory Committee. Jim Wood seconded the motion; voted all in favor.
Highway Superintendent Position: Don Parker (present), former Highway Superintendent, said he would like to congratulate all Town departments for their handling of the storm last night. He said he is also here to support Steve Mero being appointed to the Highway Superintendent position. As the appointing authority, the Board of Selectmen should be making a decision soon. Ken Sydow said he has heard favorable things. A few qualifications are still needed, but he has come a long way in securing the position.
Jim Wood made a motion to appoint Steve Mero as Highway Superintendent, through June 30, 2013. Matt Mecum seconded the motion; voted all in favor.
Veterans’ Agent David O’Doherty:
Continued to future meeting.
Future Agenda Items:
Matt Mecum: Senior citizen rate for cable. Question has come from seniors in Town regarding getting basic tier service, including local cable access channel. (He cited a paragraph from the existing Charter contract: a ten percent discount (if conditions are met).) Ken asked if they can get the discount on the base tier and then purchase additional channels if they choose. Matt said he is not sure. Also, it would be beneficial to have Jane Meegan attend as well.
A brief discussion was held regarding recent storm work.
At 7:00 PM on a motion made by Selectman Jim Wood and seconded by Matt Mecum, the following roll call vote was recorded to go into Executive Session under MGL c.30A §21 ¶3 to discuss strategy regarding pending litigation. The Board agreed they would reconvene only to adjourn. Mr. Mecum seconded the motion and the roll call vote was recorded as follows: Mr. Sydow: Yes; Mr. Wood: Yes; Mr. Mecum: Yes.
At 7:21 PM Jim Wood made a motion to adjourn. Matt Mecum seconded; voted all in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Esposito
Administrative Assistant
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