The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, January 21, 2003 at 7:30 p.m.
Present: James F. Morey, Chairman; James M. Hardy, Clerk
Michael Botelho, Executive Secretary
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Not Present: Eric W. Greene
M/Hardy, s/Morey, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the January 13, 2002 meeting.
Appointment
Chief of Police, John L. Silva met with the Board for a Department Update. Chief Silva presented a power-point presentation showing various grants the department has received since 1989. Chief Silva noted that there are fewer grants resources now. Chief Silva also went over the FY04 budget reductions he has done for the proposed budget; noted reductions in the budget since FY01.
Board thanked Chief Silva for his presentation.
Board Discussion
Mr. Hardy stated that the Board had discussed implementing a hiring freeze for the town at last weeks meeting; felt that this should be voted on this week and all departments notified.
Mr. Morey stated that he had thought the Board was going to wait until after the Department Head meeting scheduled for Wednesday was held, but was ready to vote on this tonight.
M/Hardy, s/Morey, a unanimous vote, move that effective immediately, the Board of Selectmen implement a hiring freeze in the Town of East Bridgewater for all departments.
Appointment
Board met with Town Counsel, John Steubing for an overview of regulations governing prop 2 ½ over-rides. Atty. Steubing explained that no public resources could be spent to influence or determine the outcome of a vote either for or against; no mass mailing or flyers at town expense, no materials sent home with school children, etc. Public facilities may be used to inform residents of budgets, financial outlook, etc.; use as a public forum allowed.
Mr. Morey noted that the Board was in receipt of a memo from the Town Clerk informing them that the last day to place an override on the ballot for the Annual Town Election would be February 24.
Atty. Steubing noted that any group might be formed to speak either for or against an override; such a group would be required to register with the Town Clerk.
Further discussion was held regarding the override question.
Open Forum
No one was present
Mr. Hardy noted that he had attended the School Committee budget hearing last Thursday. Board has received impact statements from most departments; will begin holding public discussion on impacts. Department Head meeting scheduled fro tomorrow and Finance Committee meeting scheduled for next week.
Board of Selectmen -2- January 21, 2003
Executive Secretary Report
1. Has set up a meeting with Rep. Kathy Teahen and Cong. Creedon and Lynch for Friday, February 7 at 10 a.m. to discuss the financial outlook of state and town.
2. Carver Cotton Dam meeting scheduled for February 11 at town hall
3. North Water Street – waiting for report from John Delano; Claire Yokum has spoken to him and he was to get report to this office by Monday.
4. Department Head Meeting – Wednesday, January 22 – most departments will be represented.
Reminders:
1. Recycling Week – due to holiday all pickups will be one day later
2. Rep. Kathy Teahen Evening Office Hours – Thursday, Feb. 13 7-8 p.m.
3. Cong. Lynch Office Hours – Wednesday, February 19, 9-11 a.m.
Mr. Hardy thanked those who had attended this evening’s meeting.
M/Hardy, s/Morey, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of non-union contracts/collective bargaining and pending litigation and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – Hardy, Morey; a unanimous vote in favor.
_________________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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