Date of Meeting: Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Location: Town Hall, 221 Main Street
Time: 9:00 AM – 9:52 AM
Members Present: Chairman Kenneth Sydow, James Wood, Matthew Mecum; Stephan Madaus, Town Counsel; Others Present: Martin McNamara, Town Administrator; Lori Esposito, Administrative Assistant;
Financial Warrants were signed in approval.
The meeting was called to order at 9:00 AM.
Meeting Minutes of October 9, October 30, November 20 and December 10 were reviewed
Jim Wood made a motion, seconded by Matt Mecum, to approve the minutes of October 9 and November 20 with edits and the minutes of October 30 and December 10 as accurate. Matt Mecum seconded the motion. Voted all in favor.
Report of the Town Administrator to the Board:
Charter Cable has advised the Town that it is beginning to remove the analog format from their channel listing and are moving to digital and HD formats.
Leaf and yard waste: The TA and Steve Mero have received information on leaf and yard waste disposal from the DEP. Those documents are being reviewed to determine what we need to do to get an area operational; the regulations are specific concerning requirements.
Worcester Regional Retirement System: The TA attended the annual meeting on January 22. Our assessment for FY’14 has increased from $372,561 to $390,973. The method for calculating the assessment was changed from last year. It originally was five percent of the Town’s total salaries but now is done by an actuarial process for each town and will be done that way going forward.
Finance Committee budget hearings: A schedule of these hearings is attached to the TA’s report.
Highway Operator Position: The TA and Steve Mero conducted interviews with candidates for this position. One candidate is undergoing a pre-employment physical and CORI check. If the results are satisfactory, he could be on board in a matter of days. He has CDL and Hoisting licenses and is available immediately.
Septic System Bid (Town House, etc.): The ad for bids will be run tomorrow (January 23). The TA said he is trying to figure out how to pay for repaving the parking lot after the work is completed. It will likely cost $60-80K.
FEMA Flood Insurance Study: The TA distributed copies to the Board.
Town Buildings Painting: A letter has been sent to the Sheriff requesting community service for painting the buildings.
FY’14 Budget: We are still awaiting some figures. The Governor’s numbers should be available by the end of next week. The TA is meeting with Rep. Naughton and Supt. Ekstrom on February 1. Department budget requests are complete.
Weather Policy:
Hillside Development Committee: Place an ad on the website and on the cable station.
Retiree Health Policy: Town Counsel reviewed the policy and thinks it is okay. Nothing in the wording is prohibited.
Future Agenda: Matt Mecum requested a list of non-profits/what they are paying for PILOT.
Highway Department: The wire harness in a 2006 dump truck melted; repairs are estimated at $5K. The truck is now out for repair.
At 9:20 AM 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 ¶2to prepare for negotiations with non-union personnel. Kenneth Sydow: Yes; James Wood: Yes; Matthew Mecum: Yes. The Board agreed they would reconvene only to adjourn.
At 9:52 AM Selectman James Wood motioned to adjourn. Motion was seconded by Matt Mecum and voted all in favor.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:52 AM.
Respectfully submitted,
Lori Esposito
Administrative Assistant
| 
