BOARD OF SELECTMEN August 26, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Selectmen John Tuffy, Chair, Elizabeth Sullivan, Andre Martecchini and Rocco Longo, Town Manager.
OPEN FORUM
There was no one present for Open Forum.
WATER/SEWER BILL POLICY – DISCUSSION
Tom Daley, DPW Director and Louise Hatfield, Manager of the Water Department presented proposed changes to the Water/Sewer Bill Policy (section 6.3 in the Selectmen’s Manual). Major changes are:
An increase in late fees and charging “service fees” as well as the mailing policy for actual “shut off” notice.
New messages for “Demand and Warning” notices,
New message for “Shut-off Process Begins” notice, and
The actual “Shut-Off “ notice.
Mr. Martecchini questioned if a Public Hearing was necessary to change the fees. Mr. Longo recommended the proposed changes to fees go before the Fiscal Advisory Committee, after which a Public Hearing would be held based on the Fiscal Advisory Committee and Board’s recommendations.
The Board favorably voted to suspend the policy relating to Water Bills that states “at 75 days, shut-off notices will be sent registered mail with return receipt requested.”
DEER HUNTING ON CONSERVATION LAND – BOW ONLY
Mr. Friend Weiler, Chairman of the Conservation Commission, informed the Board of the result of a discussion the Duxbury Conservation Commission had regarding bow and arrow hunting of deer on conservation land. Mr. Weiler noted that the meeting was prompted by a request made by Mr. David Bitters, a Duxbury resident who had written to the Commission requesting permission to hunt deer on conservation land. Rather than dealing with this individual request, the Commission invited William Woytek, a Deer Management Specialist of the Massachusetts Division of Fish and Wildlife, to address the Commission regarding deer management in general.
Mr. Weiler went on to say that based on a combination of factors, including extensive protective woodlands, no natural predators and the reproductive capacity of a growing herd, Duxbury is experiencing a significant increase in its deer population. Mr. Woytek estimated that Duxbury could sustain a herd of 80 deer without significant impact on human activities. He estimated however, that Duxbury’s herd is in the range of 150 deer and growing.
Mr. Weiler introduced Tom Gill, MD, Art Vautrain and Ann Hill, all members of the Conservation Commission. Dr. Gill noted that Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick and he noted the health problems that may occur as the result of a deer tick bite. He also stressed the importance of addressing the management of the deer population.
Mr. Weiler informed the Board that a Public Hearing would be held regarding the opening of certain larger parcels of Conservation land to hunting. The hearing is scheduled on Tuesday, September 24, 2002 from 7:30 – 9:00 p.m. Mr. Woytek will be there and the Commission is looking forward to obtaining input from the Selectmen, Duxbury Police, the Harbormaster and other Town agencies, as well as the public at large, in addressing this issue.
Mr. Martecchini asked Mr. Weiler to also consider addressing the Coyote population as well and by what means they could be controlled.
BUSINESS
Town Manager’s Brief
Mr. Longo updated the Board on several subjects. His Town Manager’s Brief is attached and made part of these minutes.
Workforce Reduction Act. Mr. Longo reported that Dan Sherman of PricewaterhousCoopers, LLP was asked to review the Town’s data and analyze the potential impact of the Early Retirement option.
The Town of Duxbury has 70 employees that would meet the eligibility criteria. The potential impact (increased liability) for the Town would be $2,647,472 if all eligible employees accepted the option. Offering this option also requires the Town to pay continuing retirement expenses, plus the direct expense for those who select the option.
Mr. Longo informed the Board the only way the Town would benefit from the Early Retirement Incentive would be to not fill the vacancies. He noted that the Early Retirement Incentive does not appear to be a reasonable option, given that the Town will have to create a significant expense and not gain any fiscal relief or benefit from the legislation. Mr. Longo urged the Selectmen to not adopt the provisions of the Workplace Reduction act.
Mrs. Sullivan thanked Mr. Frank Mangione for his hard work on this project. She noted that she felt the Board owed it to the employees to do the research. She also noted she does not see us as overstaffed. Mr. Tuffy indicated that we don’t have the pay scales where, if someone left, it would create a saving for the Town. Mr. Martecchini questioned if the Board voted in favor of it, but without positions, could it be amended at a later date if it becomes necessary to make reductions. Mr. Longo noted that people affected would have until December 2nd to decide.
Mr. Martecchini moved that the Board approve the Workforce Reduction Act. Mrs. Sullivan second. All in favor “0”, all opposed, Mr. Martecchini “aye”, Mr. Tuffy “aye”, Mrs. Sullivan “aye”. The vote is 0-3.
Special Municipal Employee – MGL Chapter 268A Section 1(n)
The Board favorably voted to designate the following positions as “Special Municipal Employee” under Mass General Laws Chapter 268A Section 1 (n), also known as “Special Employee” under said law:
Affordable Housing Committee
Community Preservation Committee
Comprehensive Plan Zoning Bylaw Implementation Committee (CPZBIC)
Duxbury Bay Management Committee
Pier Study Committee.
Executive Session Board of Selectmen Meeting Minutes – 8/12/02
The Board favorably voted to approve the Executive Session minutes of 8/12/02 as drafted.
8/12/02 BOS Meeting Minutes
The Board favorably voted to approve the minutes of 8/12/02 as drafted.
Block Party Request – Weston Road
The Board favorably voted to approve the request for a block party at Weston Road on Sunday, September 8, 2002 from 2:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., rain date September 15, 2002, with approval received from Chief William Harriman and Chief Mark DeLuca, as presented.
Bonus Shellfish Season (September)
The Board of Selectmen favorably voted to:
Declare a temporary Bonus Shellfish Season for the commercial harvesting of softshell clams for the month of September. Regulations as attached. (Please see Attachment B&C).
Declare a temporary Bonus Shellfish Season for the commercial harvesting of quahog clams for the month of September. Regulations as attached (Please see Attachment A&C).
Committee Appointments – North Hill Advisory Committee
Mr. Tuffy requested that appointments to the North Hill Advisory Committee be postponed until the next scheduled Board of Selectmen meeting on 9/3/02.
Mr. Longo reminded everyone that on September 11th a “Unity Day” would be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Millennium Green. If the weather is bad, it will be held at the High School.
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.
Karen McCann
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