The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, March 8, 2004 at 7:35 p.m.
Present: Eric W. Greene, Clerk; David L. Walsh
George Samia, Interim Executive Secretary
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
John Stuebing, Town Counsel
Not Present: James M. Hardy, Chairman
Finance Committee members present: Peter Hamilton, Robert Coulter, Sally Feeney, Albert Mondeau, Eric Glaas
Mr. Greene announced that Mr. Hardy would not be in attendance this evening as he was working.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Eric W. Greene, Chairman pro-tem for the evening.
M/Greene, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to appoint David L. Walsh, Clerk pro-tem for the evening.
Appointment
Joseph Miksch, Council on Aging Chairman and Jane Haines, Interim Director of Elder Affairs met with the Board to go over their budget.
Mrs. Haines read the Impact Statement.
Discussion was held regarding heating system at Farren Cottage; grant for newsletter; senior work tax abatement program.
Appointment
Chief of Police, John L. Silva met with the Board to go over the Police Department budget. Explained the impact of level funded budget on his department, i.e. downsizing of personnel, loss of 1 ½ dispatchers, ½ sergeant position, 1 cruiser replacement.
Discussion was held regarding dispatchers, computer system, federal funded grants, school resource officer, WEB Task Force, personnel decreases from 2000 – 2004, budget salaries and expense line items.
Appointment
Peter Spagone, Veteran’s Agent and Martha Redgate, Adm. Assistant met with the Board to go over the Department of Veterans’ Affairs level funded budget.
Mr. Spagone explained that they $0 funded line item, Training and Education as they were notified that this would no longer be reimbursed by the government. Found that they can access needed information via e-mail.
Discussion was held on salaries and expense line items, overtime budget, Veterans’ Assistance Program, use of alternative sources of assistance, etc.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the March 1, 2004 meeting.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, move to accept the article submitted by Ralph Roberts and submit same to the Planning Board for their Hearing process.
Board of Selectmen -2- March 8, 2004
M/Walsh, s/Greene, move to table for 2 weeks the request of Stephen M. Lipinski of Lipinski’s Farm for use of approximately 15 to 20 acres of Leland Farm property for farming purposes, until further information is received from Town Counsel.
Board discussed the request of Mr. Lipinski and agreed that they needed further information regarding rates charged for commercial use of town owned land, liability issues, etc.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of the East Bridgewater Little League to hold their 2004 opening day parade and ceremonies on Saturday, April 17, 22004 beginning at 9:00 a.m.; parade route from Gordon W. Mitchell Middle School parking lot, down Central Street to the John Silva complex on Church Street.
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, move to approve the polling hours for the Town Election of 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Open Forum
No one present
Staff Reports
Request received from W. Bridgewater Selectmen’s Office to support bill being submitted
by Rep. Christine Canavan to return to original assessed formula for SE Regional; Rep. Kathy Teahen was approached and agreed to co-sponsor the bill with Rep. Canavan.
Reminders:
SE Regional Chapter 70 Seminar – Wednesday, March 10 – Mr. Hardy and Mr. Greene
to attend.
Requested Peter Hamilton be contacted for a member of the Finance Committee to
Attend
Municipal Finance Seminar – Friday, March 12, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Board requested that all departments be reminded of seminar
Executive Secretary Report
Working of completing financial package; will have a package ready for the Board on
Wednesday.
John Stuebing, Town Counsel reported on the following:
1. He will be working with the Planning Board and Conservation Commission on an article for Annual Town Meeting relative to Point Drive.
2. Reported that he is still working with developer on issues at Rivers Edge. Has
submitted a proposal to the developer; discussions are ongoing.
3. 40B hearings – hearings officer working with ZBA
4. Town roads – working with John Haines, Highway Surveyor re: roads not recognized by MA Highway; hoe to correct listing which will bring additional funding to town.
5. Working with Planning Board on road acceptances for Annual Town Meeting
M/Walsh, s/Greene, a unanimous vote, move to adjourn Open Session at 9:25 p.m.
________________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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