The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, October 17, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.
Present: David L. Walsh, Chairman; Peter A. Hamilton, Clerk; Theresa McNulty
George Samia, Town Administrator
Catherine Johnson, Senior Clerk
Interviews were scheduled with 2 applicants for the 1 vacancy on the Council on Aging.
Board interviewed Susan Frazier and Jul K. Homer.
Applicants were asked several questions by Board members and gave a brief explanation of their backgrounds and reasons for seeking appointment.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Jul K. Homer to the Council on Aging as a full member for a 3 year term.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Susan Frazier to the Council on Aging as an Alternate.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to go into recess at 7:00 p.m. to reconvene at 7:30 p.m. for the televised portion of the meeting.
Board of Selectmen’s meeting reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
Appointment
Tom Aldrich of Northeast Energy Partners presented the Board with a Customer Savings Analysis and update on energy rates and supply in Massachusetts.
Appointment
Fire Chief Pratt was present, along with James Machado and Nichole DeFrancesco of the Plymouth County Sheriff’s office, to introduce to the Board a rapid notification system called the Communicator. Mr. Machado explained to the Board that the system is one that will enable the Town’s public safety officers to send out important information to a large number of residents through the phone lines.
Action Items
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the October 11, 2005 meeting.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, with discussion, approve changing Town Hall evening hours to Tuesday, November 1, 2005 and to close Town Hall at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2005, in order for the Town Hall employees to participate in Halloween activities.
Board of Selectmen -2- October 17, 2005
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, appoint Bill Jacques and Christopher Kelley to 3 year terms on the Finance Committee effective immediately.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, appoint Catherine Lane to a 2 year term on the Finance Committee effective immediately.
Board thanked all applicants for their interest and applications.
Notification
Board of Health vacancy – Board will be accepting letters of interest for the next two weeks.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, approve the request of the Friends of Sachem Rock Farm for permission to use the Bannerman property on Saturday, October 22, 2005, their rain date, for their Fall Festival and to place a sign on the Common from Tuesday, October 18, 2005 to Sunday, October 23, 2005.
Chief Pratt was present to discuss the power outage at Riddel Road and to state that the event was a small test of the Emergency Management System. Fire Chief Pratt also updated the Board on the most recent rain event in town. Chief Pratt explained the significant damages to homes and town facilities, as well as informed the Board and the public that he has been in contact with MEMA and met with a MEMA representative today and toured the town, and will tour the town again tomorrow. Chief Pratt expressed to the public the need to submit to the Board of Selectmen’s office, within 10 days, a letter explaining the extent of damage to their home and damage estimates, in order for him to make a case to the Federal Government to have the Town declared a State of Emergency.
Chief Pratt explained how proud he was of his office during the events of this weekend, and how thankful he was to the Police Department and Highway Department.
Open Forum
No one present.
m/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purposes of discussing contract negotiations and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh; Hamilton; McNulty, a unanimous vote in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
__________________________________, Clerk
Board of Selectmen
The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, October 3, 2005 at 6:30 p.m.
Present: David L. Walsh, Chairman; Peter A. Hamilton, Clerk; Theresa McNulty
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Interviews were scheduled with 3 of the 7 applicants for the 3 vacancies on the Finance Committee.
Board interviewed Bill Jacques and Martin Crowley. Stacey Coyne was not present for her interview.
Applicants were asked several questions by Board members and gave a brief explanation of their backgrounds and reasons for seeking appointment.
Appointment
Donna & Mark McGlaughlin, 132 Whitman Street, met with the Board to discuss use of the Carriage House, which is located on town land. Board explained that they have spoken to Town Counsel and the town’s insurance agent and the recommendation is for the McGlaughlin’s to rent the Carriage House and pursue a permit remedy by putting together a plan for an easement by the town to them for use of the building.
It was agreed that the McGlaughlin’s would work with Town Counsel and Mr. Samia to put together a lease arrangement and the McGlaughlin’s will work with their attorney to prepare a proposal for an easement.
Mr. Samia reported to the Board that he talked with Claire Yocum, Conservation Commission Chair regarding several problems/issues at the Beaver Brook Beagle club. It was noted that there the building is not being properly cared for and that there are several safety issues which need to be addresses. Board requested Mr. Samia to discuss options with Mrs. Yocum and get back to the Board with a plan.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to recess Selectmen’s meeting at 7:15 p.m. to reconvene at 7:30 p.m. for the televised portion of the meeting.
Board of Selectmen’s meeting reconvened at 7:40 p.m.
Mr. Walsh read a statement for the Board of Selectmen announcing that the law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart and Rodgers will no longer serve as Town Counsel for the Town and thanked them for their service to the Town.
Appointment
Eric W. Greene, member of the Southeastern Regional School Committee met with the Board to ask their support of House Bill 1088. Explained that the Bill will change the way the current local contributions are allocated.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve sending a letter of support for House Bill 1088.
Appointment
Mary Ahern, Margaret Alexander, Maryann Roan and Darlene Dupree met with the Board to inform them of plans underway to celebrate the 350th purchase of the Bridgewaters.
Board of Selectmen -2- October 3, 2005
A discussion was held relative to plans for the celebration, including a reenactment of the purchase, family picnic at Sachem Rock Farm, tours of the property, etc. Mrs. Ahern noted that the Commission is looking for anyone who would like to volunteer their help for the celebration; any Commission member can be contacted.
Mrs. Alexander also noted the Historical Society’s History Discussion Dinner at the Standish Sportsman Club on October 20, 6:00 p.m. Noted that they plan to give all attendees paper to write down their memories of East Bridgewater, which will be placed in a book.
Appointment
Jim Comeau and Leo Hurley, Habitat for Humanity, met with the Board to update them on status of finding suitable land in East Bridgewater.
A discussion was held regarding a 16-acre area of town-owned land that may be suitable. Mr. Comeau noted that Habitat would have their engineer, botanist, etc. check the land. Noted that once preliminary tests are completed they will come back to Board with a draft plan. Requested permission to enter the land to do perk tests, etc.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to allow Habitat for Humanity representatives to enter town-owned land off Beacon Street for the purpose of preparing engineering plans and percolation tests.
Mr. Comeau noted that they would meet with the Conservation Commission prior to doing the tests. Also noted that Habitat would do all plans for any buildable lots and submit them to the proper authority.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the September 26, 2005 meeting.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Susan M. Hartman of the Hobomock Association of Antique Dealers for use of the Town Common for the Annual Antiques on the Common show on June 3, 2006 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the reappointment of Daniel Ervin Jr. to the E.B. Cultural Council for the period of July 1, 2005 to June 30, 2008.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request for Use of the Town Common by Lori Dokurno, 124 Leaf Land for Wedding Photos on Saturday, October 15, 2005 at 5:30 p.m.
Town Administrator Report
Electricity – has discussed with N.E. Energy regarding bulk purchase of electricity; Presentation to Board on October 17; Packet to board prior to presentation; any questions will be passed along to representative. Mr. Walsh requested that an explanation of rates and cost savings for each bill be part of presentation.
Reminders:
1. 1. W. Bridgewater invite to tour their treatment plant
2. 2. SEPAC Open House, 7-8:30 p.m. Middle School
3. 3. Fire Department Open House, October 15
4. 4. Fall Festival at Sachem Rock Farm, October 15
Board of Selectmen -3- October 3, 2005
Mr. Walsh reported that the Wastewater Study Committee’s meeting on September 29 was well attended. Announced that the next scheduled meetings would be on October 13 and 27 and November 17. Noted that list of streets for sewerage is now on the web site.
Mr. Walsh noted that the Board has begun interviews for the vacancies on the Finance Committee; there are 7 applicants for 3 vacancies. Also will be interviewing applicants for the vacancy on the Council on Aging on October 17.
Correspondence
Letter of resignation from John Keefe as a member of the Board of Health. Mr. Walsh noted that he spoke to the Board of Health Chairman and they planned to discuss the resignation this evening.
Notification quarterly tax bills, 2nd quarter, due November 1
Notification Hydrant Flushing begins October 4, 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. on Tuesdays &
Thursdays
Mr. Samia announced that we have hired HUB Technical as the town’s IT manager. Noted that a contract has been signed and that all town departments and schools will be part of the system. There will be an in-house person available; will be upgrading system, etc. Noted that this will unify the town-wide system, bring benefits to all departments and streamline our computer needs.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose discussing contract negotiation strategy and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton, McNulty; a unanimous vote in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:35 p.m.
_______________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, October 11, 2005 at 6:05 p.m.
Present: David L. Walsh, Chairman; Peter A. Hamilton, Clerk; Theresa McNulty
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Not Present: George Samia, Town Administrator
Interviews were scheduled with 4 of the 7 applicants for the 3 vacancies on the Finance Committee.
Board interviewed Catherine Lane, Katherine Wolfe, Christopher Kelley and John Shea.
Applicants were asked several questions by Board members and gave a brief explanation of their backgrounds and reasons for seeking appointment.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to go into recess at 7:00 p.m. to reconvene at 7:30 p.m. for the televised portion of the meeting.
Board of Selectmen’s meeting reconvened at 7:35 p.m.
Public Hearing
Mr. Hamilton read the following Public Hearing notice:
A Public Hearing will be held at the Town Hall, Main Conference Room, first Floor, 175 Central Street, East Bridgewater, on Tuesday evening, October 11, 2005 at 7:35 p.m. regarding the petition of Verizon New England Inc and Massachusetts Electric Company to place one new Pole 12-1 on Winter Street to maintain support to the existing pole and to provide service to a new home.
Present: Daryl Crossman, Manager Rights of Way
Erick & Sharon Woodward, homeowners
Mr. Crossman explained the placement of the pole and reasons for petition.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the placement of one new Pole 12-1 on Winter Street in order to maintain support to the existing pole line and to provide service to a new residence.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the October 3, 2005 meeting.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of the Class of 2006 to hold the Homecoming Parade on Saturday, October 22, 2005, 11:00 a.m., leaving the Water Department on Dean Place, proceeding down North Central Street, crossing Route 18 to Central Street to Plymouth Street and ending at the High School back parking lot.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the appointment of Susan Desrochers, 35 Satucket Avenue to the East Bridgewater Arts Council for the period of October 11, 2005 to June 30, 2008.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request for use of the Sachem Rock Farm for the Annual Fall Festival to be held on October 15, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Board of Selectmen -2- October 11, 2005
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, move to approve the request of Chief of Police, John Cowan, to change the detail rate of the East Bridgewater Police Association as listed in their current contract with the Town of East Bridgewater as listed on Page 19, Article X, Section 6, letter A to read: Effective as of October 25, 2005 all police Officers shall be paid for all detail assignments excluding municipals at the rate of thirty-eight ($38) per hour for all hours worked, but not less than the equivalent of four (4) hours. After four hours the officer shall be paid six (6) hours, after six (6) hours the officer shall be paid eight (8) hours, and after eight (8) hours the officer shall be paid the hours worked over eight (8) hours in hourly increments.
Chief Cowan was present to explain his request. Noted that this increase will bring our Police Officers in line with other area communities.
Noted that the Association has been very cooperative in working with him on assigning a Computer Tech Officer to the Department roster; noted that Officer Michael Jenkins has been assigned as Computer Officer, is now doing training sessions on new system and hard wiring in station.
Also noted that the Association worked with him on placing defibrillator in the cruisers and taking the necessary training.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton, McNulty; a unanimous vote in favor.
Reminders:
Recycling week – all pick-ups one day late due to Holiday
2nd Quarter tax bills due by November 1
October 15 – Fire Department Open House
Sachem Rock Farm Fall Festival
October 17 – Articles for STM due in Selectmen’s Office
October 20 – Old Fashion Discussion of E.B. history at Standish Sportsman Club
October 24 – Rep. Kathy Teahan Office Hours at Town Hall
Pending – Mr. Walsh noted that the legislation regarding DPW has been filed.
Noted that Board needs to begin work on Director job description
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, unanimous vote, move to close Open Session at 7:53 p.m.
__________________________________, Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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