The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Monday evening, April 10, 2006 at 7:35 p.m.
Present: David L. Walsh, Chairman; Peter A. Hamilton, Clerk; Theresa McNulty
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Mr. Walsh was congratulated on his reelection to the Board of Selectmen.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Peter A. Hamilton, Chairman of the Board of Selectmen for the ensuing year.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Theresa McNulty, Clerk of the board of Selectmen for the ensuing year.
Appointment
Dian Lawless, Interim Treasurer/Collector met with the board for the purpose of signing of the bonds for the portable classrooms for the Central School, as approved at town meetings. Noted that the bonds were in the amount of 1.1 million; first payment due February 2. Mrs. Lawless noted that she would be looking at possible BAN issue for 2 million, which will include the portable classroom bonds and several other smaller projects.
Mr. Samia explained BAN and what could be included in an issue.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2006 meeting.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve the Seasonal Common Victualer Wine & Malt License for New England Kart Raceway, rear 798 North Bedford Street for the period through December 31, 2006.
Town Administrator Report
Budgets FY06 – explained several line items are out of funds or very low; shortages
exist in Gasoline, Electricity and Street Lighting. Suggested that a STM be held at Town Hall in Conference Room for any line items that will need additional funding prior to STM in June.
M/Walsh, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to hold a Special Town Meeting on May 1 in the Main Conference Room, Town Hall for transfer articles only; all article to be submitted by April 18.
Storm Water Management Contract – Mr. Samia explained the contract; noted that contract has been reviewed by town counsel.
A discussion was held regarding the contract, funding through June town meeting, reasons Mr. Haines chose this company, etc.; Board requested additional information prior to signing the contract. Mr. Samia will contact Mr. Haines prior to end of meeting.
Reminders: Recycling Week
Bridge Street Recycling Center open April 15
Town Hall closed – Noon – Thursday, April 13
Friday, April 14
Monday, April 17
Correspondence
Letter from Lucier Claim Service regarding damages at strong Field; Mr. Samia explained
insurance requirements.
Board of Selectmen -2- April 10, 2006
Board Discussion
Board/Committee Appointment – requested a list of those positions, which are vacant
or will be up for reappointment in June. Board will review for their April 18 meeting. It was noted that the Board would use the new forms for Appointments and reappointments; may be more than one interested resident for a position.
Budget Review – board agreed that they would notify Finance Committee that they would like to start reviews of department budgets over next 6 weeks. Will set-up appointments for Departments to make presentations.
Mrs. McNulty noted that the Friends of Seniors would meet Tuesday evening, April 11 at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.
Mrs. McNulty noted receipt of invitation from PTO for Selectmen to read to students at Central School for reading program.
Mr. Walsh stated that he has noticed a “Planet Aid” box on Central Street, which is being used to drop-off unwanted items, i.e. furniture, old washers, etc. Would like to see it removed. Suggested that John Haines be contacted to put barriers around container so that no further junk could be left and the company notified to remove the container.
Mrs. McNulty stated that she had attended the Calvin Harlow Day, Civil War enactment at Sachem Rock Farm on Saturday; noted it was a wonderful day in spite of the weather; thanked all who were involved for presenting a great history lesson.
Open Forum
Jess Luttazzi, a member of the Finance Committee, stated that he has heard the Board’s discussion regarding the budget process and came down to explain the Finance Committee’s process. Noted they would be meeting every Wednesday in April, are finishing up meetings with departments and committees, will begin on April 12 to put together the budget. Plan to meet with George Samia on Tuesday, April 18.
Mrs. McNulty explained that the board is not trying to put anyone on the spot, but there is a need to let the citizens hear each Department’s presentation, so that they are aware of the impacts to each department.
Mr. Walsh stated that the Board was not looking for a completed budget, but want departments to do their presentations.
A lengthy discussion with Mr. Luttazzi continued regarding his interpretation of how the budget process was to be handled this year and the Finance Committee’s role in the budget process.
Mr. Hamilton stated that the Board would have a joint meeting with the Finance Committee posted for Tuesday, April 18 at 6:00 p.m. and the Board’s regular meeting would be at 7:30 p.m.
Requested Mr. Samia to contact Bob Coulter.
Open Forum closed.
Mr. Samia reported to the Board that he spoke with Mr. Haines and the contract is for work, which will be an article at town meeting. Board signed contract.
Board of Selectmen -3- April 10, 2006
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing pending litigation and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – Hamilton, McNulty, Walsh; a unanimous vote in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
___________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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