BOARD OF SELECTMEN July 28, 2003
The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. Present were Chairman Elizabeth Sullivan, Selectmen Andre Martecchini and Town Manager Rocco Longo.
OPEN FORUM
Ms. Jeanne Clark, 88 Surplus St. expressed her concern regarding the recent resignation of Douglas Friesen, Chairman of the Design Review Board and two additional openings that had not been filled. Ms. Clark feared there would not be a quorum should the Design Review Board need to meet.
Ms. Clark was also under the impression that the Board of Selectmen had asked Mr. Friesen to resign due to a conflict of interest. Mr. Martecchini assured Ms. Clark the Board of Selectmen did not ask Mr. Friesen to resign. He also noted that the Board of Selectmen would never contact the Ethics Commission. Mr. Friesen contacted the Ethics Commission on his own behalf and made the conclusion to resign as a result of his communication with them.
Mr. Martecchini indicated there would be two appointments made to the Design Review Board that evening, and that one individual is an architect. A third individual, who is also an architect, has expressed an interest in the Design Review Board as well.
BOS VOTE TO ACCEPT VEHICLE DONATED TO FIRE DEPARTMENT BY LORING FAMILY (MILLBROOK MOTORS)
Chief William Harriman requested the Board vote to accept a 1994 Jeep donated to the Duxbury Fire Department by the Loring Family (Millbrook Motors). He further noted the Fire Department would utilize the vehicle to assist them with their fire prevention duties.
Mr. Martecchini moved the Board graciously accept a 1994 Jeep from the Loring family of Millbrook Motors. Mrs. Sullivan seconded. The motion passed 2-0.
FY04-05 FIRE DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATION – Chief William Harriman
FY-04 Budget Highlights
Chief Harriman provided the Board with information relative to current staffing, hours of operation at both stations, and the current dilemma that the Fire Department finds itself in as a result of an $84,000 cut in the FY04 budget. Chief Harriman noted the opportunities for cutting spending further are constrained by the department’s staffing requirements. The only ways to reduce spending is to either layoff the department’s newest employee or to reduce the number of shifts required by closing the Ashdod station from August 1, 2003 to December 1, 2003.
Mrs. Sullivan inquired whether it might be preferable to close the Ashdod station for individual shifts. Chief Harriman felt that could be a consideration, however there is no rhyme or reason relative to demographics of calls. Mr. Martecchini noted the City of Boston’s policy of rolling station shutdowns based on the number of firefights who report each day and suggested that such a strategy might be an alternative. After much discussion, the Board recommended the following:
Closing the Ashdod station on a short-term rolling basis and report back to them whether or not this strategy is working.
Temporarily discontinue the Academy Program, which means postponing one academy position.
Possible ways of increasing revenue were discussed such as increasing ambulance fees and providing an early retirement incentive package.
In terms of the FY05 budget, Chief Harriman has requested a 3% increase over the FY04 budget. A level funded budget would required the elimination of one job, and a 10% cut would be totally devastating to the department.
FY04-05 POLICE DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATION – Chief Mark DeLuca
Chief DeLuca and his three Lieutenants presented the following information to the Board:
2004 – 2008 Fiscal Forecast – Chief Mark DeLuca
The only area where substantial cuts can be made is in overtime.
A team effort to reduce spending.
Ticketing – (Between 1/1/03 and 7/1/03 961 citations were issued out of 1343. Duxbury averages about $97,000 in revenue from fines annually, half of which is taken by the State.
A budget reduced by 10% (approximately $250,000) would result in the elimination of as many as six police officers.
Technology Issues – Lt. Chip Chubb
Mobile computing, which is federally funded, keeps officers in the field.
In-car computers make an impact on stops.
Joining a regional system would save money on infrastructure.
Web site is utilized to request details and gets copies of reports.
Certification and Accreditation – Lt. Sue James
As of June, 2003, 151 mandatory certification standards were met this year (131 automatically met, 11 with minor changes)
103 accreditations remaining to be met and 73 optional.
Benefits includes insurance, grants protection from unnecessary liability, enhances the department’s reputation.
Police Programs – Lt. Roger Banfil
Speeding motor vehicles is the number one complaint. A trailer and dummy cruiser are utilized to slow people down.
Police Observation Program was started June 1st. A list of streets listing complaints is maintained. Areas with the most complaints is then saturated for one week.
Holiday radar – Around the holidays, speeding vehicles are stopped, no ticket given, but spoken to about having a safe holiday.
$97,000 in fines collected on the average each year, half of which is generated by the state.
Citizens Police Academy – Chris Coppage
There were 9 graduates from the first Citizen’s Police Academy.
A Senior Citizen’s Police Academy is in the works.
FY04-05 HARBORMASTER BUDGET PRESENTATION – Donald Beers
Harbormaster Donald Beers indicated his office represents approximately $1.2 million in revenue for the Town due to the waterfront, shellfish and beach fees, as well as the grants his office collects. A 10% budget reduction may result in reduced access to the beach due to the inability to meet access demands, coupled with endangered species regulations. A reduction to the Marine Division would result in less management, safety and enforcement in the harbor, and along the shore.
Capital budget needs included:
Replacement of two vehicles, approximately $25,000 each.
Boats required to be re-powered and eventually replaced:
MU I re-powered/overhaul $20,000 (2006)
MU II re-power $15,000 (2006)
MU III re-power/overhaul $15,000
Replace one float – tender tie up $7,000 (2005)
Replace Aids to Navigation – swim Buoys $5,000 (2005)
Mr. Beers indicated the non-resident shellfish license should be higher than $55 but would be reluctant to increase fees for resident permits.
Mrs. Sullivan requested a review of all fees. Mr. Beers indicted he would sit down with the Town Manager and others to discuss increasing fees and would get back to the Board.
NUCLEAR ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Mary Lampert, Nuclear Advisory Committee Chair, introduced members of the committee. All were in attendance except for Barbara Pye. Mrs. Lampert then reviewed a document addressed to the Selectmen dated July 25, 2003 recommending changes to:
The current process to update/change implementing procedures/plans.
The current Certification processes.
This document is attached and made part of these minutes.
Both Mrs. Sullivan and Mr. Martecchini indicated they disagreed with the recommendation to add more people to the process of updating/changing implementation plans by extending it to include a wider group. Mr. Martecchini noted the Nuclear Advisory Committee is not the responsible party and that the School is an end user.
Chief Harriman clarified Mrs. Lampert statement that the Board of Selectmen and the appropriate department head should be included in “negotiations” with Entergy and MEMA. He noted he does not “negotiate” with Entergy and MEMA. Rather, recommended changes and/or updates are conveyed to Entergy and MEMA during these sessions.
Mrs. Sullivan was agreeable to placing proposed changes on a Board of Selectmen agenda, but stressed the purpose was to review the agreement and approve it. She further noted it would not be utilized as a forum to iron out problems.
Mrs. Sullivan requested Chief Harriman let the Board know when the document is completed. After which it will be placed on a Board of Selectmen agenda.
REQUEST TO ENDORSE MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC LEGISLATION
Mr. Martecchini asked that the Board of Selectmen endorse Bill H1468 thus, adding Duxbury to the growing list of communities across the State (now 25 cities and towns, with many new ones expected). This bill, which was endorsed by the Massachusetts Municipal Association (MMA) on Tuesday, July 8, 2003, would clarify the municipalization process, by explicitly stating that the incumbent utility must sell its assets to the municipality once a fair value has been established for the existing infrastructure. This bill would also adjust certain time lines in Chapter 164 to make the municipalization process more realistic.
Mr. Martecchini moved the Board of Selectmen endorse Bill H1468 for the Town of Duxbury. Mrs. Sullivan seconded. The motion passed 2-0.
BUSINESS
TOWN MANAGER’S BRIEF
Representative Daniel Webster will set up office hours at the Duxbury Senior Center on August 11, 2003 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
Budget presentations will be given by Planning, Inspectional Services and Conservation at the next Board of Selectmen meeting scheduled on August 11th. The Library, Council on Aging and Recreation are scheduled to present their budget on August 25th. The Schools have been scheduled to present their budget September 8th and Finance (Treasurer/Collector, Accounting, and Assessors) on September 15th. Mrs. Sullivan noted she would like the School Committee to meet prior to the School giving their presentation.
Tom Daley, DPW Director will regroup the ad hoc Transfer Station Committee and meet on 7/31/03.
Eight department head evaluations have been completed, with six to go.
Plans are to have Victor DeSantis participate in a Department Head Retreat with a focus on professional development as it relates to budgets.
Six hundred feet of beach has been cleaned up. Mrs. Sullivan thanked the Beach Reservation for their assistance in getting the beach cleaned up.
The Duxbury Police Station was hit by lightning during a recent storm. Replacement and/or repair of any damage incurred are being evaluated.
REQUEST PERMISSION TO HOLD A BLOCK PARTY
Mrs. Sullivan noted a letter to the Board from Teresa McSheffrey requesting permission to hold a neighborhood block part on Saturday, August 16, 2003, rain date on August 17, 2003) from 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. The party will be held at the end of Chandler Mill Drive and Mill Pond Lane. Approval letters have been obtained from Richard MacDonald, Director of Inspectional Services, Chief Mark DeLuca, and Chief William Harriman.
Mr. Martecchini moved the Board approve a Neighborhood Block Party to be held on Saturday, August 16, 2003 (rain date on August 17, 2003) from 3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. at the end of Chandler Mill Drive at the cul-de-sac, and includes neighbors on both Chandler Mill Drive and Mill Pond Lane. Mrs. Sullivan seconded. The motion passed 2-0.
MEETING MINUTES
Mr. Martecchini moved the Board approve the meeting minutes of July 14th as written. Mrs. Sullivan seconded. The motion passed 2-0.
Mr. Martecchini moved the Board approved the Executive Session meeting minutes of July 14th and to be released upon resolution. Mrs. Sullivan seconded. The motion passed 2-0.
BOS VOTE TO UPDATE SPECIAL MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEE MGL CHAPTER 268A SECTION 1(N)
Mr. Martecchini moved that the following positions are hereby designated “Special Municipal Employee” under Mass. General Laws, Chapter 268A, Section 1 (n), also known as “Special Employee” under said laws: Community Development Committee, Fiscal Oversight Committee, Pier Access Shoreline Study Committee, Sidewalk/Bike-Path Committee, and Youth Commission. Mrs. Sullivan seconded. The motion passed 2-0.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS:
Design Review Board
Mr. Martecchini moved the Board appoint Mr. Keith Pratt, who is currently serving as an alternate on the Design Review Board, as a full member of the Design Review Board for a 3-year term to expire on 6/3/06.
Mrs. Sullivan seconded. The motion passed 2-0.
Mr. Martecchini moved the Board appoint Mr. James Kimball as a member of the Design Review Board for a 3-year term to expire on 6/30/06. Mrs. Sullivan second. The motion passed 2-0.
Mr. Martecchini noted there is currently one opening and the Board would be looking preferably to appoint an architect.
Mr. Martecchini moved to adjourn at 10:55 p.m. Mrs. Sullivan seconded. The motion passed 2-0.
Karen McCann
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