Date: May 8, 2006
Date Minutes Approved: May 15, 2006
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
Present: Elizabeth Sullivan, Chair; Andre Martecchini, Vice-Chair.
Absent: John Tuffy was absent.
Staff: Richard MacDonald, Town Manager; and C. Anne Murray, Dept. Secretary- Town Manager/Board of Selectmen.
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
OPEN FORUM
Ms. Pixie Lampert brought 3 items of interest to the Board from the Duxbury Nuclear Advisory Committee (DNAC). The items were as follows:
1. U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission will hold a public meeting on Environmental Review on Proposed Re-Licensing of the Plymouth Nuclear Power Station on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at the Radisson Hotel, Plymouth Harbor Ballroom, 180 Water ST, Plymouth, MA. There will be two similar (duplicate) sessions. One in the afternoon from 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM and an evening session from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM.
Ms. Lampert explained that this is the second federal public meeting. It is to look at site specific versus general environmental issues. The DNAC has provided a handout containing some issues that a representative from the Board of Selectmen might wish to bring forward.
2. Senate Bill 2513 to assess spent fuel storage issues at Plymouth Nuclear Power Station will be coming up for a vote soon. Therefore, it was recommended that the Board of Selectmen contact their legislative leaders, both Representatives and Senator, regarding this matter.
3. A letter was received from Mr. Sowdon as Entergy’s response to the Town of Duxbury’s Annual Town Meeting 2006 vote opposing the emergency planning policy. According to Ms. Lampert the points brought forward in Mr. Sowdon’s letter were not credible.
PROCLAMATION REGARDING EMS WEEK / Fire Chief Kevin Nord
Fire Chief Kevin Nord and a contingent of Paramedics/First Responders from the Fire Department were present to ask the Board of Selectmen to sign a Proclamation designating the week of May 14-20, 2006 as Emergency Medical Services Week. The Proclamation was read for the record.
Chief Nord announced there will be an Open House at the Tremont ST Fire Station on Saturday, May 20, 2006 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM in celebration of EMS Week. The ambulance will be on display. Staff will also be available to instruct parents on proper car seat installations and to discuss the new carbon monoxide safety laws.
The Board of Health will be present with information about the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC). The MRC is made up of Duxbury residents, who work as medical professionals, but will be available to assist emergency responders in town during a mass emergency.
Chief Nord took this opportunity to ask residents to help the EMS staff and the Fire Department by making sure to display house numbers. The numbers should be visible from the street.
Mr. Martecchini moved that we designate the week of May 14-20, 2006 as Emergency Medical Services Week. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
ONE-DAY LIQUOR LICENSE: DUXBURY BEACH RESERVATION, INC./ June 24, 2006
Ms. Margaret Kearney, Mr. John Sibley, and Ms. Nancy Bennett were present on behalf of the Duxbury Beach Reservation, Inc. regarding a request for a one-day liquor license. The event is the 10th Anniversary of the Duxbury Beach Preservation Society Benefit Dinner/ Dance. This is their major fundraising event and funds the Reservation Storm Damage Fund. This year’s Dinner Dance will be at Battelle Labs on Saturday, June 24, 2006 from 7:00 PM to Midnight. The theme is “East meets West.” They will have a band playing calypso-style music. There will also be a silent auction. Tickets cost $50./ person and can be purchased at the Back River Fish Market, Snug Harbor Fish Company, Bennett’s General Store, and Expressions.
Ms. Sullivan noted the request had been circulated to the appropriate departments and as long as the appropriate permits are obtained there were no objections. A police detail is needed.
Mr. Martecchini moved that Mrs. Margaret Kearney, as a representative of the Duxbury Beach Reservation, be granted a one-day all alcoholic liquor license for the Duxbury Beach Preservation Society Benefit Dinner Dance on June 24, 2006 from 7:00 PM to Midnight at the Battelle Labs, 397 Washington ST, Duxbury. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION TO BLUEFISH RIVER FIREHOUSE
Ms. Nancy Bennett switched hats to address the Board regarding the Bluefish River Fire House Restoration. Ms. Bennett announced that Mr. David Cazeault of J.T. Cazeault & Sons, a roofing company, has graciously donated labor and materials to install a new roof on the Bluefish River Fire House. Tom Daley noted that J.T. Cazeault & Sons also provided the Town with the roof on the Animal Shelter.
Emmett Sheehan will be putting in swales to direct water that comes off the roof.
Ms. Bennett mentioned more donations are needed, but to date approximately 115 monetary donations, ranging from $10. to $2500. have been received. Many of the donations are in honor of a firefighter who worked for Engine Company No. 1.
An anniversary booklet, which will include a list of the donors and the history of the Bluefish River Fire House Restoration, is in the works. She is seeking a local business or individual to underwrite the cost of the booklet. They are still on track for the June 30th Bluefish River Fire House Restoration Celebration. Further details will be forthcoming, but mark your calendars for 2:00 PM to reserve the date.
Mr. Martecchini moved that we accept the very generous donation of a new roof on the Bluefish River Fire House, at a cost of $2750.00 (labor and materials), from Mr. David Cazeault of J.T. Cazeault & Sons of Plymouth, Inc. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
ONE-DAY LIQUOR LICENSE: DAVID CREST/ NURSES APPRECIATION DINNER AT THE SENIOR CENTER: MAY 11, 2006 –postponed until later in the meeting to allow the applicant time to be present.
DPW DIRECTOR RE: ELECTRICAL SERVICE AT THE WRIGHT BUILDING
Mr. Tom Daley, DPW Director, explained that the existing service comes off the right front of the Wright Building to a pole, and the three transformers only provide about a third of the power needed. What is needed is a pad transformer, which is installed on the ground, but in order to install one NStar needs an easement. The easement would need to be granted by a Town Meeting vote, but rather than delay this project NStar is willing to go forward if the Board of Selectmen grants temporary permission and agrees to bring it forward at the next scheduled Town Meeting.
Mr. Martecchini moved that the Board of Selectmen vote to grant temporary permission for NStar to install a pad transformer at the Wright Building and to seek Town Meeting approval to formalize the granting of the easement. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
TOWN MANAGER BRIEF
1. April Construction Costs: Were approximately $2.8 Million, including new construction and renovations. There were five new homes build at a cost of
$1.9 million.
In an analysis of past Construction Costs, a total of $12 million was realized for the entire year of 1995 and that was the largest construction cost year, if school building costs are taken out, during the past 11 years. This year we have far surpassed that figure and there are still two months remaining in the fiscal year.
2. Performance Evaluations: Town Manager stated that he has been working with a small group of Department Heads to draft a Performance Evaluation. They have had several productive meetings. He expects to have a final version available soon and to begin performance evaluations at the beginning of June.
3. Town Manager met with members of the Garden Club to ask for their assistance with plantings and signage at the entrances to Duxbury. The group was very enthusiastic and has some good plans.
Both Mr. Martecchini and Ms. Sullivan commented on how nice the Roundabout looks.
4. Collective Bargaining sessions have been ongoing and are progressing.
5. The Public Safety Building Feasibility Study Committee met for the first time last Friday. A second meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2006.
6. Phone System: Mr. MacDonald recently learned that the Town Hall phone system is 12 years old, and we can no longer get replacement phones. He has begun the process of looking at upgrades or alternatives.
7. Internet Service: We have been experiencing problems with our internet service. It has been going down at least two times per week. The internet is a necessary tool for doing business so we are looking into what we can do to improve the service.
8. Fee Review: All departments have been asked to review their fees.
9. Board of Health Mosquito Control: Jennifer Dalrymple, the Duxbury Health Agent, is working on the Mosquito Control program. She will provide details to the Board and the public as soon as the plan is finalized.
10. Meeting with a representative of Congressman Delahunt’s office: The Town Manager had a very informative meeting in which there were some general discussions as to how Congressman Delahunt’s office might be of service to Duxbury.
11. Polling locations: The Town Manager has also had some discussions with Nancy Oates, the Town Clerk, regarding the need to do something about alternative polling locations due to handicap access issues.
12. DPW Littering Initiative: Have mapped out a policy that on off days the DPW will be following the snow routes and picking up litter.
MINUTES
Mr. Martecchini moved to accept the Minutes of March 9, 2006 as written. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
Mr. Martecchini moved to accept the Minutes of April 24, 2006 as written. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
Mr. Martecchini moved to accept the Minutes of April 27, 2006 as written. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
APPOINTMENTS/RE-APPOINTMENTS
Ms. Sullivan announced to anyone who is interested in serving on a board or committee that it is not too late to submit a Talent Bank form. The Board is beginning the review process and will start making appointments / re-appointments at upcoming meetings.
ONE-DAY LIQUOR LICENSE: DAVID CREST/ NURSES APPRECIATION DINNER AT THE SENIOR CENTER: MAY 11, 2006
Although the applicant, Mr. David Crest of Crest Family Caterers, was not present the Board reviewed the application for a one-day liquor license for a Nurse Appreciation Dinner. The request was reviewed by the Police Department, the Fire Department, Inspectional Services, and the Board of Health. While there were no objections, it would be subject to all necessary permits. Also, the Police Chief asked that they consider a police detail. The Board wants to take it a step further and require a police detail.
Mr. Martecchini moved that we grant a one-day, wine and malt liquor license to Mr. David Crest of Family Crest Catering for a Nurse Appreciation Dinner to be held on May 11, 2006 from 4:30 PM to 9:30 PM at the Duxbury Senior Center provided he arranges for a police detail and contingent upon all appropriate Board of Health permits being obtained prior to the event. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 2:0:0.
NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Martecchini stated that thinking as a Town we need to look at alternative energy sources, such as wind, tidal, thermal, hybrid vehicles, and alternative fuels. To that end he would like the Board to set up an ad hoc committee of interested citizens to explore alternative energy sources, determine and initiate any meteorological studies, and explore grant opportunities. He cited the recent experience of Hull and the cost savings that community is realizing from installing a second wind turbine. Both Ms. Sullivan and Mr. MacDonald voiced their support. Any interested citizens were urged to contact the Town Manager’s office.
Mr. David Crest arrived at the meeting. Ms. Sullivan acknowledged him and let him know the one-day liquor license had been approved contingent upon all appropriate permits being received. The Board is also requiring that he arrange for a police detail.
ADJOURNMENT
Mr. Martecchini moved for adjournment at 8:15PM. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote in favor of the motion was (2:0:0). Meeting Adjourned.
Respectfully submitted,
C. Anne Murray
Dept. Secretary, Town Manager / Board of Selectmen
|