The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, September 20, 2004 at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Eric Greene, Chairman
David L. Walsh, Clerk
George Samia, Town Administrator
Catherine Johnson, Senior Clerk
John Stuebing, Town Counsel
Appointment
Peter Spagone, Jr., of the Skylur Spagone Foundation, was present to inform the Board and the residents on the completion of the Skate Park, and of the date of the Grand Opening Day, which will be Monday, October 11, 2004, Columbus Day, to coordinate with the Skylur Spagone Walk for Children.
Joint Appointment
Present: Planning Board Members:
Roy Gardner, Chairman
Lawrence Morris
David Botelho
Steven Belcher
M/Walsh, s/Gardner, a unanimous vote, appoint Clarence R. Willard to the Planning Board for the period of September 20, 2004 to June 30, 2006.
Action Items
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, approve the minutes of the September 13, 2004 meeting.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, approve the request of Maureen Hill for use of the Town Common for a Homecoming parade on October 2, 2004.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, approve the request of Marcia Weidenfeller, Town Clerk to instruct Donna Morris, Animal Control Officer, to start issuing non-criminal violations to the owners of all unregistered dogs effective immediately.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, approve the appointment of Cecilia A. Chapman to the Board of Registrars for the period of September 20, 2004 to June 30, 2007.
Board of Selectmen -2- September 20, 2004
Open Forum
Nicholas F. Angelo of Troop 29 was present to propose his Eagle Scout project to the Board. Mr. Angelo stated that he would like the Board’s support in installing a handicap ramp at the Bannerman house.
The Board stated that there is a definite need for this project and suggested to Mr. Angelo that he contact the Sachem Rock Committee for input and suggestions.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, recommend and support Nicholas F. Angelo’s Eagle Scout project, with the approval of the Sachem Rock Committee to install a handicap ramp at the Bannerman House.
Board Discussion
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, to hold a Special Election to fill the vacancy on the Board of Selectmen on December 4, 2004.
Invitation to an Eagle Scout Court of Honor for Joseph Patrick Sklut October 17, 2004 at 2:00 p.m.
E.B. Lions Club will be conducting their Annual Light Bulb Sale this weekend September 25th and September 26th, proceeds to benefit eye research.
Mr. Greene read a Thank You note from Cindy, Calvin and Heather Lane to everyone in the fire and police department and the family and friends who helped Amy and are continuing to help as she spends eternity in heaven.
BFI Informational Meetings at the Gordon W. Mitchell Middle School on 9/23/04, 10/12/04 and 10/19/04 regarding a Zoning By Law change.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, to hold a Special Town Meeting on November 8, 2004 to vote on the BFI Landfill zoning change.
Board of Selectmen -3- September 20, 2004
Appointment
Present: Howard Wilbur, of the Friends of the E. B. Rail Trail
Representative Kathleen Teahen
Allen French of the Bay Circuit Alliance
Don Nelson, Conservation Commissioner
The aforementioned were present to express their views and support for the addition to the Bay Circuit Trail, as well as to ask the Board to contact Mark Boyle, Director of Real Estate with MBTA to delay their decision for one year in order to investigate the town’s options.
A lengthy discussion was held, with members of the audience speaking, as well as abutters, about their views and concerns with regards to the town purchasing the rail bed from MBTA.
John Stuebing, Town Counsel, explained to the audience, as well as the Board, the litigation concerns the Town might face should a decision be made to purchase the rail bed.
Mr. Walsh expressed his concerns regarding environmental risks and abutters’ rights, and stated that he is not in favor of extending the time period. Mr. Walsh suggested that the various Rail Trail groups and Open Space Committee work with the abutters to come up with a solution.
Mr. Greene suggested the Board defer a decision until there is a full Board of Selectmen.
m/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, move to adjourn Open Session at 9:55 p.m.
VOTE: Yes – Greene, Walsh; a unanimous vote in favor.
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