BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING January 7, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Selectmen Andre Martecchini, Chair, Margaret Kearney, John Tuffy as well as Rocco Longo, Town Manager.
OPEN FORUM
Mr. Martecchini wished everyone a Happy New Year and hoped everyone had a great holiday!
Mrs. Kearney announced that she would not seek a fourth term on the Board of Selectmen. She encouraged residents to be willing to serve on the Board as she has had a wonderful experience and knows that there are many worthy candidates in the Town.
Both members of the Board thanked Mrs. Kearney for being such a big help over the years.
Linda Garrity, 750 West St., asked about the trucks traveling in and out of the Senior Center on Mayflower Street. Mr. Longo informed her that it had to do with the Shared Septic System Sewer Project.
Linda Garrity also encouraged Andre Martecchini to run for State Representative in light of the fact that Fran Marini has announced that he will not seek re-election.
DUXBURY HOUSING AUTHORITY VACANCY
SPECIAL ELECTION MGL CHAPTER 41, SECTION II
Present for the Special Election were Diane Bartlett, Chair of the Housing Authority, Linda Garrity and Beverly Walters, candidate.
Don Ducharme, former Executive Director of the Duxbury Housing Authority stated that Linda Bacci, new Director of the Authority was unable to be present for tonight's meeting.
The Board of Selectmen, along with the members of the Housing Authority, unanimously appointed Beverly Walters to fill the vacancy on the Duxbury Housing Authority. Her term will last until the Town Election is held on Saturday, March 23, 2002.
ANIMAL CONTROL SHELTER DISCUSSION
Annie Eldridge
Haley Dee Parlin, Animal Control Officer
Lt. Roger Banfill
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Annie Eldridge introduced herself to the Board and noted she represents a volunteer group of citizens interested in raising money for the Animal Shelter in Town. The group was established as a result of an ad that was placed in the Duxbury Clipper. The current balance towards building a new shelter is $56,629.00.
The Selectmen looked at a rendering of the new animal shelter and were informed that the cost of that building was originally estimated by the architect to be $266,452.00. The present estimate does not include site costs and a new septic system.
After a brief discussion concerning the existing animal shelters in local communities, the Board felt that the Town Manager, Animal Control Officer, Acting DPW Director, and Annie Eldridge should meet with the architect to discuss new ideas for a smaller, less expensive facility.
AQUACULTURAL GRANT PUBLIC HEARING
Greg Morris
Present for discussion with the Board of Selectmen: James Pye, Chair of the Shellfish Advisory Committee, Ned Lawson, Duxbury Maritime School, Billy Bennett, and Judge Clapp.
The Board of Selectmen voted to grant a Shellfish Aquacultural Grant License to Greg Morris as to concept and location pending all federal, state and local reviews. Primary License area requested: Northeast of Hunts Flat that is approximately 2 acres.
Attorney Pye read a letter dated January 7th to the Board of Selectmen that is attached and made part of these minutes stating in part that "The Shellfish Advisory Committee at its meeting of January 3, 2002 unanimously agreed to recommend that you consider the preparation of a bay management plan for Duxbury Bay."
This letter will be placed on a Selectmen's agenda following the Annual Town Meeting. A committee will be appointed at that time to obtain input from the broadest range of citizens.
CONSTABLE
Alden E. Ringquist
Present for discussion with the Board of Selectmen: Alden Ringquist
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The Board of Selectmen appointed Alden Ringquist, 25 Shipyard Lane, as a Constable in the Town of Duxbury for a three-year term that expires on 6/30/05. The Surety bond for Mr. Ringquist will be filed with Nancy Oates, Town Clerk.
OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE - REVIEW OF FINAL DRAFT
OPEN SPACE & RECREATION PLAN
Holly Morris
Holly Morris, Chair of the Open Space and Recreation Committee presented to the Board a draft copy of the Open Space and Recreation Plan that was drafted in December of 2001. Ms. Morris asked for input relative to this report before it is filed with the Executive Office of Environmental Affairs, Division of Conservation Services.
A copy of this report will be given to the Library for the public to review. This item will be placed on the agenda for Monday, January 14, 2002 for review and comment by the Selectmen. This report is also on file at the Conservation Commission office at Town Hall.
BUSINESS
Minutes - 12/17/01
The minutes of December 17, 2001 were approved as drafted by the Board of Selectmen. Mr. Martecchini abstained.
FY-03 Town Budget - Rocco Longo
The Town Manager presented a preliminary budget for FY-03 showing a cushion/shortfall in the amount of ($920,721).
Mr. Longo stated that he had met with the Finance Committee Chair, Department Heads and School Officials this morning to have them review the budget and make suggestions. Mr. Longo further stated that the deficit was over $960,000 this morning so you can see everything is moving in the right direction. Next week at the Selectmen's meeting he will present a balanced budget to the Board.
Mr. Longo broke down his recommendations for the budget as follows:
Board of Selectmen Meeting
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General Government $ 1,566,326 4.75% Increase
Public Safety 4,833,744 2.96% Increase
DPW 3,083,518 1.36% Increase
Library & Recreation 1,364,319 0.11% Increase
Human Services 353,777 14.64% Increase
Education 22,717,057 4.42% Increase
Employee Benefits Insurance & Debt 7,818,330 20.81% Increase
Sub Total Operating: $ 41,206.715 6.50 Increase overall
Capital (Town and School): $ 505,980 Reduction of 65% over requests of
$2,326,381
Total Expenses for FY-03: $44,784,281
Total Revenue for FY-03: $43,863,560
Cushion/Shortfall -$ 920,721
There will be no bonding this year with the exception of P.C.E. for $400,000.
Mr. Longo stated that there is 1.4 million in the stabilization account. He does not want to use any of that funding this year, as it will be needed to balance the FY-04 budget.
Mr. Longo will present a balanced budget for FY-03 at the Selectmen's meeting on Monday, January 14, 2002.
AWARDING BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES TO EASTERN BANK
The Board of Selectmen voted to approve the sale of bond anticipation notes in the amount of $17,386,000 to Eastern Bank at the rate of 2.50%.
MISCELLANEOUS
Mr. Martecchini announced that there would be a discussion concerning dogs on the beach at 8:15 p.m. on Monday, January 14, 2002.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Becky Ford
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