BOARD OF SELECTMEN December 16, 2002
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. Present were Selectmen John Tuffy, Elizabeth Sullivan, Andre Martecchini and Town Manager Rocco Longo.
OPEN FORUM: There was no one present for this portion of the meeting.
STUDENT UNION UPDATE:
Debbie Jewel, Stephen Jones, Debbie Bowen and Frank LeBart, all members of the Student Union Organizing Group were present. Mrs. Jewel presented a final report regarding “Student Survey of Needs and Interests” to the Board. Highlights from her presentation are as follows:
Their feasibility study is 80% complete.
They have selected the Wright Building as a potential Teen Center.
A more detailed presentation will be given to the Board in January.
The students support the concept of a Teen Center.
Both students and adults make up the committee.
Students have written their mission statement and would like the Teen Center to be called “Duxbury Student Union”.
Letters of support are being compiled.
The group has filed for non-profit status.
The overall results contained in the “Executive Summary” indicated there is both a strong interest and a need for a Teen Center in Duxbury. However, the execution of the program including activities offered, location, and hours of operation will be critical to its ultimate success.
Mr. Jones noted the Wright Building was the easiest location to get to. He proposed the Duxbury Student Union could occupy the first floor (6,000-sq. ft.) for a year or two, and then go after the rest of the building. Some of the improvements needed to the Wright Building include:
A better sloping ramp.
Replacement of the front doors.
ADA compliant fire alarms.
Enlarge the kitchen area.
Boys and Girls Restrooms
Mr. LeBart submitted a proposed floor plan to the Board.
Mr. Jones also informed the Board three Articles have been filed for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on March 8, 2003. They are:
To establish a Youth Commission.
To obtain a revolving fund of $10,000.
To obtain monies needed to fund the operational expenses and capital expenses.
Mr. Jones went on to say that initially, $150,000 would be requested from the Town. Although they are hoping to get the funds from the Conservation Preservation Act Committee (CPC) for expenses relating to ADA compliance, if not successful, they will look to the Town for the money.
Mr. Martecchini noted that he had attended two meetings and found the kids to be well spoken about it and there definitely was an interest. Mr. Martecchini also noted he felt the Capital numbers seemed low.
The Board expressed concern that if the teen center concept didn’t work, then the money would already have been spent. The Board also expressed they would like some degree of certainty that municipal use of the Wright Building is acceptable prior to investing in it. Mr. Tuffy asked Mr. Longo to gather up the file on the Wright Building and any legal opinions the Town currently has on it.
Mr. Jones noted that the Student Union Organizing Group would come before the Board again in January 2003 to discuss a proposed operating budget and capital.
FY 04 TOWN BUDGET
Mr. Longo presented a draft of the Town’s Fiscal Year 2004 Budget to the Board. He noted that every State in the Country is facing a fiscal crisis and that balancing the budget will be a challenge. He plans to meet with his Department Heads to discuss the dilemma. There is currently a $6.4 million dollar deficit, which represents an overall increase of 4%.
Highlights of Mr. Longo’s presentation are as follows:
Selectmen’s office - Increased Labor Counsel support.
Accounting – Data National Software increases.
Computer - $15,000 increase for Police Department software maintenance.
Treasurer/Collector - $8,000 postage, $4,000 printing and banking services.
Police Department – Impacted by Quinn bill. If the State does not come through, the Town will not make up the difference.
Department of Public Works (DPW) – (a.) Request for 2 new employees. (b.) Additional clothing allowance for Peter Buttkus’ department.
Library/Recreation – Total increase 2%. (This does not include salary increases.) No significant changes in either budget.
Human Resources – (1) One new position at the Council on Aging for Housekeeping. (2) A change in the Custodian and Food Service Manager’s salaries ($5,000 and $4,000 respectively. (3) The Senior Bus driver’s salary is now the same as the School Bus driver’s salary.
Schools - $331,000 higher than the level service budget.
Health Insurance – There is active dialogue regarding the addition of an HMO. This would create a savings of approximately $200,000 - $300,000 per year.
Worker’s Comp and Police/Fire Liability now with MIIA.
Reserves - Stabilization is $1.5 million, Pension is $1.6 million and Free Cash is $2.1 million.
Mr. Longo informed the Board he would present a balanced budget for FY 04 on 1/6/03.
TOWN MANAGER’S BRIEF
Webster Point – Mr. Longo informed the Board that Richard MacDonald requested, on behalf of the ZBA, a member of the Board of Selectmen act as liaison for the Webster Point project. Mrs. Sullivan agreed to act as liaison.
King Caesar Fund – Mr. Longo noted that because of an increase in their rates, Cura Visiting Nurse is no longer available to the Town for services relating to Social Work. Mr. Longo will explore the possibility of utilizing the Outreach Worker at the Duxbury Senior Center, as well as Social Workers in Town on a case by case basis.
Department Head Retreat – The annual Department Head Retreat will be discussed at the next Department Head meeting. Workplace violence will be included in the program.
Bay Road Shared Septic System Betterment – A public hearing regarding the Bay Road Shared Septic System Betterment will take place on January 13, 2003. Twenty nine families will receive notice of the presentation and will be invited to attend.
TOWN MANAGER’S YEARLY EVALUATION
Mr. Tuffy made the following statement:
“Rocco can take immense pride in a well-run Town and he continues to perform well as Duxbury’s Town Manager. It is a difficult job, but Mr. Longo has a clear understanding of how to achieve results in a way that respects our process of government, as well as the great number of personalities involved. The Town maintains its excellent reputation as a great place to live because it is well managed and is fiscally sound. Mr. Longo’s respect for the Town and its residents is reflected in all that he does. We are all well served in having Rocco as our Town Manager.”
In particular, the Board was pleased with:
Preparation of the Town Budget.
Improved coordination of departments.
The process used in the hiring of the DPW and Planning Directors.
Union Negotiations.
The No Place for Hate Program and,
Improved operations in the Water Department.
The above actions resulted in an overall rating of 4.4 on a scale of 1 – 5. Mr. Longo received a 3.5% increase in salary, bringing his yearly salary to $105,695.
OPEN/CLOSE WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING ON MARCH 8, 2003
Mr. Longo reviewed with the Board the list of Warrant Articles for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on March 8, 2003.
Mr. Martecchini indicated the Article currently numbered 40, entitled “Resolution to decrease risk of Terrorism at Pilgrim Nuclear Power Plant to move to Secured Dry Cask Storage of Spent Nuclear Fuel”, is currently a Citizens Petition and may be withdrawn. After which, the Nuclear Advisory Committee would submit the Article and would like to reserve a spot on the Warrant.
Mr. Martecchini also requested Article #40 moved after Article 23. This would change the numbering of Article 40 to Article 24. The purpose of the change is to address the Article on a Saturday, if possible. There may be a speaker brought in to address the subject.
The Board voted favorably to open the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on March 8. 2003.
The Board voted favorably to move Article #40 to follow Article #23.
The Board voted favorably to close the Warrant for the Annual Town Meeting to be held on March 8, 2003.
COMMUNICATION FROM DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RELATIVE TO THE DELANO PROPERTY AND CHAPTER 705 PROGRAM AND $21,000 GRANT (RENTAL PROPERTY)
Mr. Longo informed the Board he received a copy of a letter addressed to Ms. Linda Bacci, Executive Director of the Duxbury Housing Authority (DHA) from Ms. Jane Wallis Gumble, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). The letter is in regards to the house at the Delano’s Farm property recently acquired by the Town of Duxbury. The letter is attached and made part of these minutes.
The letter indicates the DHCD has approved the proposal initiated by the Town, asking that the Duxbury Housing Authority operate the above noted property as affordable housing, subject to a long-term ground lease, and the DHCD’s approval to include this house as part of their Chapter 705 housing stock, to be operated in accordance with that program’s statutory and regulatory requirements.
MEETING MINUTES FOR 12/9/02
The Board voted favorably to accept the meeting minutes dated 12/9/02 as drafted.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
The Board voted favorably to appoint Mr. John McCluskey to the Shellfish Advisory Committee for a three-year term to expire 1/6/06.
Mr. Long informed the Board there was one application submitted to date to fill the vacant School Committee position. The closing date is 12/30/02. Mr. Longo indicated he would do a second press release and speak to Dr. Eileen Williams about the possibility of moving the hearing date to January 13th.
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
Karen McCann
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