Date: April 30, 2007
Date Minutes Approved: May 14, 2007
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MINUTES
Present: Andre Martecchini, Chair; Jon Witten, Vice-Chair, and Elizabeth Sullivan, Clerk.
Absent: No members were absent.
Staff: Richard MacDonald, Town Manager; John Madden, Finance Director; and
C. Anne Murray, Dept. Secretary
The meeting was called to order at 7:30 PM.
OPEN FORUM
No items were brought forward by the audience.
Mr. Martecchini started the meeting with congratulations to Duxbury Music Department, which this past week participated at the San Francisco Heritage Music Festival. Mr. Martecchini said the Duxbury musicians “cleaned up” by bringing home 12 awards. The Wind Ensemble, String Ensemble and Jazz Group each won gold medals, and the Chamber Singers won a silver medal. While Duxbury was the only East Coast school participating there was a large contingent of West Coast schools.
DUXBURY COMMUNITY GARDEN CLUB DONATION / Nancy C. Melia, President
Ms. Nancy Melia, President of the Duxbury Community Garden Club, was present as the representative of the over 200 members of the organization to present to the Town a donation of $800.00 towards the beautification project planned for the intersection of Routes 14 and 139. She mentioned one of their fundraisers is the upcoming Plant Sale on May 19th at the First Parish Church.
Mr. MacDonald expressed his appreciation for the collaborative efforts of the Duxbury Community Garden Club with the Town to beautify the gateways to Duxbury.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen accept the gift of $800.00 from the Duxbury Community Garden Club in support of the landscaping project planned for the intersection of Routes 14 and 139. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
ONE-DAY LIQUOR LICENSE REQUEST: DUXBURY BAY MARITIME SCHOOL/ Opening of the Bay on May 25, 2007
Mr. Ned Lawson was present to speak about the event. This is the 10th year of the event. This year the schooner, Roseway, will be coming in on Thursday evening. Friday evening, May 25th, there is a dinner and a party planned. Saturday, May 26th is family day and there will be tours, activities for the children, and a silent and online auction.
Mr. Martecchini noted the request had been circulated to the appropriate departments. The Police Department requested they have two detail officers present. The Board of Health and Inspectional Services require the standard permits for food, tents, signs, and electrical work. The Fire Department and Harbormaster had no objections to the event.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen approve a one-day liquor license for
Mr. Edward F. (Ned) Lawson, as a representative of the Duxbury Bay Maritime School to hold a Dockside Reception in the parking lot area of the Bay Maritime School on Friday,
May 25, 2007 from 6:30 PM to 11:30 PM contingent on the aforementioned stipulations. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
LIFE INS. & DENTAL INS. BENEFIT DISCUSSION / Peter Cook of Life Plus
Present were Mr. Peter Cook of Life Plus and Ms. Anita Stiles, the Town of Duxbury Insurance and Benefits Coordinator.
Mr. Cook explained that the Town currently provides to active employees / retirees $2000. of Life Insurance under which the Town pays 75% for active employees and 50% for retirees. The limit since the inception has been $2000. but realistically that does not come close to covering current funeral expenses. He is recommending that the Board amend the Group Term Life Insurance to increase the active employees level to $5000. The estimated cost to the Town would be approximately $4,000. and the funding does exist in the budget. He has received a two-year lock on the premiums through Boston Mutual.
In addition, Mr. Cook proposed that the limits on the optional employee paid life insurance be increased from 1 x the salary to a maximum of $74,000. to a maximum of $100,000.00 regardless of an employee’s salary. Ms. Sullivan commented that increasing the limit makes this benefit more attractive to younger employees and that helps balance the pool. Mr. Madden stated that $11,000. is budgeted, which would allow for this to be made available.
Ms. Sullivan moved that we amend our Group Term Life Insurance to the proposed amount of $5,000. for active employees with the premium split being 75% Town paid and 25% Employee paid. The retirees’ life insurance would be maintained at the $2,000. with the premium split being 50% Town paid and 50% retiree paid. In addition, that the limits on the Optional Employee Paid Term Life Insurance be increased from 1x (employee’s) Salary to a maximum of $74,000. to a maximum of $100.000. regardless of employee’s salary.
Second by Mr. Martecchini. Vote: 3:0:0.
Ms. Sullivan then spoke about the dental insurance. The Town does not contribute towards the cost of employees’ dental coverage, but does make it available for employees to purchase. Ms. Stiles was getting comments from the employees that the current Dental Dental coverage does not cover enough. So Mr. Cook was asked to looking into this. Basically what has been proposed is to make two dental plans available. The first is a “low’ plan for basic dental care. This is what is offered today but with a slight premium increase (for single employee from $32. per month to $34. per month). The second is a new “high” plan, which for an increased premium offers coverage for more extensive dental work. For a single employee the premium would be $42. per month.
Ms. Sullivan moved that we accept the new dental program at the rates indicated on the schedule provided by LifePlus Insurance Agency, Inc. Second by Mr. Martecchini.
Vote: 3:0:0.
DISCUSSION RE: TARKILN BUILDING
Present were Ms. Mary Wilber and Ms. Ann Prince, Co-Chairs of the Friends of the Tarkiln, and a number of users and supporters of the Tarkiln Building.
Ms. Wilber made a few introductory remarks about the Friends and some of the reasons for re-opening the building. She mentioned that she had just learned that MIIA has informed the Town there will be no payment for the damage done by a surge on the pole opposite the building.
Ms. Kerry Younstrom, Ms. Mary Kennedy, and Ms. Susan Thanes briefly spoke as representatives of the users of the Tarkiln Building.
Following that Ms. Myrna Walsh made a presentation of possible projected revenue and expenses were the building to be re-opened. In doing so, she explained some of the assumptions she had based her figures on.
Regarding the insurance situation, Mr. MacDonald mentioned that he just received a fax on Tuesday stating that due to fatigue with the heating system the insurance claim was being denied. This means the $8,000. the Town anticipated would be covered will not be.
Ms. Sullivan also noted that the “rental rates” would be determined by the Fiscal Advisory Committee and a recommendation made to the Board of Selectmen, who would then vote on it. There is a process for the setting of fees; it is not arbitrary
Mr. Tag Carpenter then made a PowerPoint presentation, which summarized many of the comments and the Friends of the Tarkiln’s rationale for requesting the building be re-opened.
Mr. Witten arrived at the meeting.
In conclusion, Mr. Martecchini requested that the Town Manager talk to MIIA regarding the claim and/or explore other avenues, such as “boiler and machinery coverage.” Following that he suggests that The Friends of the Tarkiln meet with Mr. Madden and Mr. MacDonald to further discuss the budgetary issues.
ALTERNATIVE ENERGY COMMITTEE: WIND TURBINES
Mr. Jeffrey Warren, Chair of the Alternative Energy Committee, presented the report on behalf of the committee.
Mr. Warren indicated he hoped to accomplish two things tonight:
1. to update the Selectmen and the public on the committee’s work to date and
2. to get the Selectmen to sign an application for a Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) Municipal Wind Turbine Site
Survey Application
The Alternative Energy Committee consists of 9 members. To date their work has involved information gathering and sorting through the numerous alternative energy options. Having done so, wind energy does emerge as the easiest and most-cost effective method to immediately pursue. They have identified 6 potential sites with a possible 7th:
Duxbury High School Duxbury Middle School Chandler Elem. School
Duxbury Town Hall Proposed Duxbury Police Station Site (Rte 14) Transfer Station
7th site is Senior Center/Cemetery area.
Mr. Witten questioned the sites and pointed out that the 3 primary ones are in residential areas.
Mr. Martecchini, who is also on the Alt. Energy Committee, said the criteria were that the sites had to be town-owned and locations where power could be generated and used on site. It was explained that you can’t transmit power across a street because then you have to be licensed as a utility company.
The next step is to have site specific wind monitoring done to assess the sites. The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MTC) has a trust funded by assessments to users. Duxbury is one of 46 towns looking for help so Mr. Warren requested that the Selectmen sign the MTC application for funding to jumpstart the next step given the competition. There is no financial commitment on the part of the Town at this stage.
Briefly discussed were other alternative energy options being explored by the committee, including geothermal energy, which allows for conversion of ground heat, and solar energy.
Mr. Bill Campbell made the public aware low energy light bulbs are on sale at area retailers.
General comments from the Board of Selectmen: Ms. Sullivan stated we should invest in getting the information so an informed decision can be made. Mr. Martecchini pointed out that part of the electric bill Duxbury citizens pay goes into the MTC fund. After some further discussion, it was agreed the 7th site should also added to the application.
Ms. Sullivan moved that we submit the Municipal Wind Turbine Site Survey Application as is delineated with the addition of a seventh site being the Senior Center/ Cemetery area. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
LUCY HATHAWAY TRUST FUND DISCUSSION /Beth Conway
Ms. Conway, the Town Treasurer, said the Lucy Hathaway Trust Fund was established in 1932. The income was specified to be used for care, improvement, and/or maintenance of public streets, shade trees, the Mayflower Cemetery, the public schools, the purchase of books, public landings and public bridges. Traditionally a disbursement of approximately $16,000.00 has been made every 2 - 3 years. The last disbursement was in 1999.
The Finance Department is recommending a disbursement of $50,000.00 for the following needs identified by the Department Heads:
DPW for public streets expand the transition from latex paint pavement markings to epoxy-based paint
which last longer and are safer $12,500.
Lands & Nat. Resources purchase shrubs & perennials for gateway areas $ 6,250.
Cemetery replacement of fencing at Dingley Cemetery on West ST $ 3,125.
Public Schools for Early childhood and pre-integrated pre-school programs $12,500.
Public Library purchase of books for the fiction and non-fiction areas $ 3,125.
Harbormaster for float replacements and improvement of Mattakeesett Boat Ramp $ 6,250.
DPW for continued maintenance of the Power Point Bridge $ 6,250.
TOTAL $50,000.
Mr. Witten moved that the Board of Selectmen approve the distribution from the
Lucy Hathaway Trust Fund for a total of $50,000.00 as outlined by the Treasurer in the memorandum dated April 13, 2007. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 3:0:0.
DISCUSSION REGARDING SENIOR TAX RELIEF PROGRAM
Present were: Ms. Joanne Moore, COA Director, Mr. Dick Finnegan, Deputy Assessor, and Ms. Beth Conway, Treasurer, who sat on the committee of department heads asked to review and update the existing guidelines. The above-named committee was present to address any questions.
Ms. Moore explained this proposal had come before the Selectmen previously and at the March 2007 Annual Town Meeting the Town of Duxbury voted to accept the provisions of MGL Chap. 59, Section 5K. Complete written guidelines are available but Ms. Moore mentioned the primary ones:
· Applicant must be age 65 or old
· There are no income requirements for participating in this program.
· Program allows for a maximum tax abatement of $750.00 annually.
· Credit for their services will be based on $7.50 per hour for a max. of 100 hours.
· Applicant must be the assess owner of the property and show a tax bill.
· Main difference is that funding comes from the overlay account.
At the next Dept. Head meeting the committee will seek input to expand the opportunities where the seniors might serve.
Ms. Sullivan moved that the Board of Selectmen vote to approve the Duxbury Senior Property Tax Work Off Program as outlined in the Memorandum of April 26, 2007. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
Mr. Frank Mangione asked where individuals could sign up? Ans. At the Senior Center. Becky Ford administers the program so see her.
LOCAL HOUSING PARTNERSHIP: PRESENTATION OF PLANNED PRODUCTION PLAN
Present were Ms. Diane Bartlett, Chair, and Mr. Bill Campbell, member, of the Local Housing Partnership. Also present was Mr. Philip Mayfield, the housing consultant who has been working with the Local Housing Partnership (LHP) to develop the Planned Production Plan.
It was mentioned that the Planned Production Plan being presented tonight was discussed in a joint meeting of the LHP and the Planning Board and also at a public meeting. The comments received do not substantively change what is being presented tonight but do need to be incorporated into the final version.
Mr. Mayfield explained that the state adopted Chapter 40 to promote the creation of affordable housing and set a threshold of 10% of a communities housing stock needs to fit within the affordable housing criteria. A Planned Production Plan is required by the state to show that a community has strategies in place to assure it is making progress towards that goal. He explained the proposed plan has a variety of strategies which he categorized as Administrative Changes, Preservation Strategies, and Production Strategies and gave examples of each. A fairly extensive discussion about the topic of affordable housing, 40Bs, “friendly 40Bs” and how such a plan is viewed and helps with appeals to DHCD (the Massachusetts Dept. of Housing and Community Development) followed.
While in favor of the Planned Production Plan the Board of Selectmen decided to defer an actual vote until their May 14, 2007 meeting in order that they would be voting on the finalized version of the Plan.
WEST BAY LANDING / CHAFIK HAMADEH, DEVELOPER
Mr. Chafik Hamadeh and his attorney, Mr. Robert Galvin, were present. Also present was a contingent of residents from the neighborhood and Attorney Jay (Jason) Talerman, who is representing the neighborhood.
Mr. Hamadeh had previously appeared at a Board of Selectmen’s meeting about three weeks ago. At that time the project was referred for review by the Planning Board and the Selectmen requested a list of waivers Mr. Hamadeh would be seeking. It was mentioned that Selectmen have not received written comments from the Planning Board.
Atty. Galvin explained that he had been out of State, but that his client prepared what he called a “preliminary draft” of the waivers. The waivers were submitted to the Board with the understanding they be viewed as a “preliminary draft.”
Following that there was an extensive discussion of the merits of the project. Among the topics discussed were the density of the project, the access roads, the topographical challenges of the site, the potential for CPC involvement, the need for affordable units, and the profitability of the proposed project versus other options.
In conclusion the Selectmen requested that Mr. Hamideh submit additional “pro formas” based on single-family houses and less density and that a finalized list of waivers be submitted. The Selectmen agreed that West Bay Landing would be put on the Agenda of the May 14, 2007 Selectmen’s Meeting and that a vote on the project will be made at that time.
TOWN MANAGER BRIEF
Mr. MacDonald indicated he had just two items this evening:
1. Hall’s Corner Drainage Work: Mr. MacDonald announced that he has signed a contract with Jayde Corp. of Plymouth for the
drainage work to be done at Hall’s Corner.
2. Gurnet Seawall Project: Mr. MacDonald stated that the seawall project is making
good progress and is approximately 50% completed. He also indicated that
Mr. Daley, the DPW Director, is working with Atty. Troy, Town Counsel, on the betterment issue.
MINUTES
Mr. Witten moved to accept the Minutes of April 23, 2007 as written. Second by Ms. Sullivan. Vote: 3:0:0.
COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Mr. Martecchini indicated the Board had received a request from Ms. Margaret M. “Maggie” Kearney requesting the Board appoint the Fourth of July Committee.
Ms. Sullivan moved to appoint, as requested in the letter of April 25, 2007 from Ms. Margaret Kearney, the following individuals to the Fourth of July Committee:
Janet Ritch
Margaret and Bill Kearney
Connie S. Dennis
Don and Nancy Reed
Dave Robinson
Bob Dente
Jamie MacNab
Jeff Goldman
Amy and Brian Hill
Rich Potash
Barbara Munsey
Tammy Kirk
Katy Gaenicke
Marie Buonagurio
Terry Reiber
Joan Edgar
Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
ADJOURNMENT
Ms. Sullivan moved to adjourn the meeting at 11:20 PM. Second by Mr. Witten. Vote: 3:0:0.
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