The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, August 22, 2006 at 7:32 p.m.
Present: Peter A. Hamilton, Chairman; Theresa McNulty, Clerk;
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Not Present: David L. Walsh
PUBLIC HEARING
Mrs. McNulty read the following notice:
A Public Hearing will be held at the Town Hall, Main conference Room, First Floor, 175 Central Street, East Bridgewater on Tuesday evening, August 22, 2006 at 7:35 p.m. regarding the petition of VERIZON NEW ENGLAND, INC. and MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC COMPANY to relocate Pole 43 on Belmont Street to maintain support to the existing pole line and provide services to a new development.
Daryl Crossman, Right of Way Manager for Verizon was present.
Mr. Crossman existing pole is in new street location; there will be no guide wires. Abutter, Mrs. Roscoe, questioned why they were sent a notice, as they live across the street from the pole. Mr. Crossman explained that they are required to notify all residents living on both sides of the street.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request by Verizon New England and Massachusetts Electric Company to relocate Pole 43 on Belmont Street to maintain support to existing lines and provide services to a new development.
Mr. Hamilton announced that the Board will be going into Executive Session at this time for contract issues and asked all present to retire to the lobby.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, move to recess Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract issues and will return to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – McNulty, Hamilton; a unanimous vote.
Open Session recessed at 7:39 p.m.
Open Session reconvened at 8:05 p.m.
APPOINTMENT
John Haines, DPW Director, met with the Board to give an overview and update of the newly formed DPW.
Mr. Haines introduced the DPW Management team members, Scott McCann, Water and Rob Kenn, Highway and Land Management. Introduced Tom Reynolds, newly hired Operations Manager. Noted that Mr. Reynolds employment will be effective September 5, 2006.
Mr. Hamilton thanked Mr. Haines, the DPW Committee and the DPW Study Committee for their work in putting together and instituting the first DPW for the town. Also expressed the Board’s thanks to the employees for working as a team and assisting in the transition.
Board welcomed Mr. Reynolds and noted that his contract was basically the same as Mr. Haines’. Noted his resume included being a former Selectmen and work with Mass Highway.
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Mr. Reynolds stated that he was a strong believer in the team concept and looked forward to the challenges of a new department.
At this time, the Board of Selectmen and Mr. Reynolds signed the contract for the DPW Operations Manager.
Mr. Haines updated the Board on the DPW transition; noted that it has gone smoothly; crews have been receptive to changes. Noted that the DPW has assisted in the Central School’s new modular classrooms construction and the paving of the new roadway for buses; project will be completed by September 1.
Mr. Haines updated the Board on the new Solid Waste Program; noted that it has been very successful. First weeks, new drivers were learning routes and there were a few problems; all concerns were addressed. Bulk Items and Appliance Collections going well. Issues with yellow bag quality is being addressed.
Mr. Haines gave statistics for July:
250 tons solid waste in 2006 305 tons solid waste in 2005
101 tons recycling in 2006
recycling increase of 18%
Also noted that Bridge Street Recycling area is accepting refrigerators, appliances, etc at no charge to residents; open 1st and 3rd Saturdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mr. Haines informed the Board that the Storm Water Management project was on time; contract with engineering company completed; planned for summer 2007.
Mr. Haines introduced Gary McCarthy, Sand-Tech, who is working with the DPW to craft a comprehensive plan to address all water related issues including infrastructure and water quality.
Mr. McCarthy explained the Water System Improvement Plan; expanded form initial plan of last year; includes treatment of East and Crescent Street wells, removal of iron manganese and replacement of water mains to insure fire safety and better pressure. Noted that he will be submitting expanded plan to DEP for additional SRF funding.
Mr. Haines noted that he is working with a firm to put together a feasible funding plan, which will be equitable to all residents.
Mr. Hamilton thanked Mr. Haines and noted that they are achieving exactly what was promised at town meeting. Mr. Hamilton also welcomed Scott McCann, Rob Kenn and Tom Reynolds to the team and thanked all for attending.
APPOINTMENT
Mary Ahern, Marijo Martin and Darlene Dupras, members of the Sachem Rock Farm Committee met with the Board to discuss the Usage Plan for the Farm submitted to the Selectmen.
A discussion was held regarding the National Historic Register application submitted by the Historical Commission on Sachem Rock Farm. Mrs. Ahern explained the procedure that the historical Commission used and noted that at the hearing on Sept. 13 by the Massachusetts Historical Society, the Historical Commission will be in attendance and would answer any questions, as needed.
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Mrs. Ahern noted that the Town Common area has already received National Register designation and that the Historical Commission is working on submitting for Elmwood and the downtown area. Noted that designation helps with applying for grants and funding.
A discussion was held regarding the Usage Plan submitted by the Committee. Mrs. Martin stated that the Committee did not want to make plans for renovations, etc. until they were sure of what the final decision would be on the buildings and whether the Board planned to demolish the house.
Mrs. Dupras stated that the letter sent to the Committee from the Board was disrespectful to the Committee; felt there was a lack of communication; felt Committee has never been given a mission or formal request; felt members were frustrated by lack of communication from the Board.
Mr. Hamilton explained that as liaison to the Committee he has not been informed of meeting dates or times. Also noted that he had notified the Committee that their early morning meetings were difficult for him to attend.
Mrs. Dupras stated that the Committee members had found that an 8 a.m. meeting was the best time for them to meet. Next meeting has been posted for Thursday, September 14, 8:30 a.m. at Town Hall.
Mrs. Ahern stated that she would notify Mrs. Grabau of the date and time of their meetings from now on. Also noted that there are two vacancies on the Committee, a representative of the Conservation Commission and a Member at Large, as Craig Winsor and Deidre Annd have resigned.
Mr. Hamilton stated that he would attend the September 14 meeting.
Mrs. McNulty thanked the Committee for their time and work.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the August 8, 2006 meeting.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of the East Bridgewater Professional Firefighters Assn. To hold their annual “Fill the Boot” MDA fundraiser on Saturday, August 26, 2006 from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the intersections of Bedford Street, Central Street, Spring Street and Maple Avenue.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the appointment of Josef Floeck as an Alternate Member of the Recreation Commission effective immediately through June 30, 2007.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Kevin Miller for the Committee to Elect Andy Burbine for Use of the Town Common on August 26, 2006 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. for a staging area and after event Pizza Party.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Jonele Bertoni for Use of the Town Common on September 20, 2006 from 2:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. for a Wedding.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Maria Buckley for Use of the Sachem Rock Farm for the Annual Fall Festival sponsored by the Sachem Rock Farm Committee on Saturday, October 14, 2006.
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M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Mary Coelho for the East Bridgewater Arts council for Use of the Town Common from Wednesday, June 6 to Sunday June 10, 2007 for the Annual Festival of the Arts.
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 9, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. – Business Association Family Fun Day & Business Expo
September 9, 9 a.m. – Youth Soccer Opening Day Parade and ceremony – Mr. Hamilton
and Mrs. McNulty will participate.
September 19 – State Primary – Absentee ballots available at Town Clerk’s Office
REMINDERS
Monday, September 4 – Labor Day – Town Hall closed
Tuesday, September 5 – Selectmen’s weekly meetings begin
A discussion was held regarding timing for a Special Town Meeting. Mr. Samia noted that Free Cash should be certified sometime in September. May possibly need STM in fall; need to be aware of State Election on November 7.
Mrs. McNulty reminded residents that aerial spraying for mosquitoes would occur this week. It was noted that the Board of Health has been pro-active in this and took steps early to be ready for such an emergency.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to adjourn Open Session at 9:40 p.m.
____________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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