BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MAY 6, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 6:40 p.m. Present were Selectmen John Tuffy, Chair, Elizabeth Sullivan, Andre Martecchini, and Rocco Longo, Town Manager.
OPEN FORUM
There was no one present under Open Forum
At 6:40 p.m. Mr. Tuffy moved to go into Executive Session to discuss strategy with respect to the taking, purchase, exchange, lease or value of real property and to reconvene in Open Session in accordance with Mass. General Laws, Chapter 39, Section 23, Subsection 6. A roll call was taken – Mrs. Sullivan “aye”, Mr. Martecchini “aye” and Mr. Tuffy “aye”.
The meeting was reconvened at 7:42 p.m.
OPEN FORUM
Sue Mangione, 19 Sampson St. brought greetings from the Interfaith Council, and noted their 1st Annual National Day of Prayer was held on 5/2/02 at noon on the First Parish Church Lawn.
Mrs. Mangione also requested the Board of Selectmen demand the new utility pole at Hall’s Corner be securely installed immediately.
DELANO/MERLET PROPERTIES
John Tuffy announced the Board of Selectmen, Community Preservation Committee (CPC), Open Space Committee, Conservation Commission have been involved in looking at a number of parcels around Town. Two parcels have been decided on that will necessitate calling a Town Meeting to be tentatively scheduled on June 17, 2002.
Mr. Martecchini moved that Board of Selectmen enter into a Purchase & Sale Agreement to purchase two parcels of land known as 120-015-010 on the Assessors Map and 120-015-014, being purchased from the Delanos in conjunction with Robert G. White and Gerard R. White. Mr. Tuffy seconded the motion.
Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator noted the property known as Delano Farms consists of 32.9 acres. The Town plans to enter into an agreement to purchase the property for the amount of $1.65 million dollars. The plan is to turn it over to the CPC to decide particulars to be voted on at a Special Town Meeting to be held on June 17, 2002.
Mr. Martecchini noted the goals of the CPC are:
Preservation of Open Space, including looking for new wells for drinking water..
Affordable Housing.
Historic Preservation
Mr. Tuffy called for a vote . All those in favor of executing this P&S; Mr. Martecchini “aye”, Mr. Tuffy, “aye”, Mrs. Sullivan “aye”. All opposed “none”.
Mr. Martecchini moved that the Board of Selectmen enter into a Purchase & Sale agreement for a piece of property on Congress St. known as lots 020 029 005 and 020 039 000, to be purchased from the Merlets for $312,400. Mr. Tuffy seconded the motion.
Joe Grady, Conservation Administrator noted it is a 13.39 acre piece of property located on Congress Street. This property will be turned over to the CPC to determine exact usage which is made up of two pieces (10 acres and 3.39 acres).
Mr. Tuffy added this property abuts current Town-owned conservation land and fits in with the overall plan and holdings that the Town has. Mr. Martecchini stated this property also has the potential for affordable housing which the Board would like to explore, since this will be purchased with CPC funds.
A vote was called by Mr. Tuffy. All those in favor of executing this agreement, Mr. Martecchini “aye”, Mr. Tuffy “aye”, Mrs. Sullivan “aye”. All those opposed, “none”.
Mr. Martecchini noted that if anyone has a comment they should start with the CPC. A CPC meeting is scheduled tomorrow (5/7/02) at 4:00 p.m. to discuss potential use of the land. Input from the community is welcome. Both Purchase & Sale Agreements are contingent upon a vote for funding at the Special Town Meeting.
Mr. Ed McGlinchey (CPC) noted this would require borrowing since there will not be enough money collected in the CPC account at the time the sale will take place.
The Board then signed the Purchase & Sales Agreements for both properties.
CHRIS CONNORS D/B/A C DOGS – HOT DOG CART LICENSE
Mr. Chris Connors addressed the Board and requested they grant him a license for a hot dog cart for operation at Mattakeesett Court, adjacent to the Harbormaster’s Office or as directed by the Harbormaster. Mr. Connors also indicated that he and his wife have ServSafe Food Safety training, as well as First Aid and CPR certification.
Mr. Tuffy noted the Board reviewed memos from Police Chief Mark DeLuca, Richard MacDonald, Director of Inspectional Services and Jennifer Dalrymple, Health Agent. All stated that they have no objections to granting this request. Harbormaster, Don Beers has no problem with the granting of this request as long as the Board votes the license subject to the rules and regulations noted in a memo from Becky Ford dated 5/2/02 and a satisfactory inspection of the cart by Jennifer Dalrymple, Health Agent. The aforementioned memo is attached and made part of these minutes.
The Board favorably voted to approve the Hot Dog Cart license for Mr. Chris Connors d/b/a C Dog with the conditions outlined in the memo from Becky Ford dated 5/2/02.
NEW ANIMAL SHELTER - COMMITTEE UPDATE – Annie Eldridge
Ms. Eldridge informed the Board of Selectmen that the Committee has concluded they need to scrap the current architectural plans and copy the animal shelter that will be opening this Spring on Evergreen St. in Kingston (the building is a modular pre-fab).
The 9 member Committee has already raised $55,000 of the proposed $175,000 needed. Ms. Eldridge noted that their fundraising kickoff is scheduled to begin on Wednesday, May 8, 2002 with a mailing. She requested a statement from the Board indicating they are in support of this effort. Mr. Martecchini stated that the Board of Selectmen recognizes the need to replace the existing outdated animal shelter and supports the animal shelter project.
Donations can be sent to the Town of Duxbury, 878 Tremont Street. Thank you notes will be sent to all those who donate money and a tribute is planned once the shelter is completed.
BUSINESS
Isolated Stop Sign – St. George Street at Railroad Avenue
Mr. Longo reported a request was made by a resident for an Isolated Stop Sign on the St. George side of Railroad Avenue. The Alden end already has a stop sign. Mr. Longo indicated the Highway Committee and the Acting DPW Director both recommend the Board approve the request brought forward.
The Board favorably voted to introduce a stop sign in accordance with Chapter 89 Section 9 of the General Laws, on Railroad Avenue, northbound at St. George Street, and to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders hereby.
4/29/02 Minutes
The Board favorably voted to approve the minutes of 4/29/02 as amended.
4/29/02 Executive Session Minutes
Changes that were requested by the Board will be made, and a copy of the minutes will be sent to them. These minutes will be addressed at the next Board of Selectmen meeting held on 5/13/02.
Town Manager’s Brief
Mr. Longo reported $730,000 has been collected for Beach Stickers and $307,000 has been collected for Transfer Station stickers to date. These figures are ahead of last year at this time. Over $300,000 in tax liens has also been collected. Mr. Longo commended the Collector/Treasurer’s office for a job well done.
Mr. Longo informed the Board that the Town has agreed to participate, on a volunteer basis, to work with the Harvard School of Public Health to test the water to determine if there is a specific type of bacteria in it. The EPA is funding the study. Mr. Longo will provide the Board with a copy of the letter from Harvard School of Public Health detailing this study. Mr. Tuffy questioned if there are any published threshold criteria to indicate at what levels this bacteria are considered harmful. If not we could put ourselves in a situation where we may be pressured to treat for it even though only a trace of it is found.
The DPW Union Contract is ready for signatures. The Dispatcher’s Union contract should be ready for signatures next week.
In follow up to Mr. Murray’s concern that soil at the Wadsworth Playground may be contaminated, Mr. Longo reported there is no contamination of the soil. The soil went through a screening process to remove rocks. There was concrete moved into the area on a temporary basis, but is no longer at the site.
The Committees that were established to select a DPW and Planning Director have now narrowed the applicants down to nine finalists for each position.
Miscellaneous
Mr. Martecchini noted that the Governor must make an appointment to the Housing Authority to fill the vacancy left by Mr. George Shamma. The Housing Authority has requested the Board of Selectmen write a letter to the Governor recommending Mr. Don Ducharme fill that vacancy. Mr. Longo agreed to draft a letter for the Board’s signature.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
Karen McCann
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