The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, April 10, 2007 at 7:350 p.m.
Present: Peter A. Hamilton, Chairman; Theresa McNulty, Clerk; David L. Walsh
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Mr. Hamilton thanked the citizens that turned out for the election on Saturday. Board members offered their congratulations to Mr. Hamilton for his re-election to Board.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Theresa E. McNulty, Chairman for the ensuing year.
M/McNulty, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to appoint David L. Walsh, Clerk for the ensuing year.
Mrs. McNulty offered congratulations to all the candidates for election; thanked them for offering their services to the town. Also, thanked the workers at the polls.
Mr. Walsh commented on the town election; noted that 6000 registered voters didn’t vote; noted he has been asked, what do we do now that the over-ride didn’t pass. Explained that the Capital Committee met tonight and are dedicated to getting the town where it needs to be. Stated that the Committee will be back with a new plan shortly. Thanked voters who turned out Saturday.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the April 3, 2007 meeting.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to the application for use of the Town Common received from Class of 2008, Arthur Illsley, Advisor for Junior Prom Grand March, April 27, 2007 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
REMINDERS
School Committee Budget Hearing – April 12, 7 p.m.
E.B. Historical Society Program, April 25, 7 p.m. – “Out My Front Door: A Walk to School
and the Sights Along the Way” by Margaret Alexander
Spring Walks with Marjorie Winsor /Bay Circuit Trail, April 21 and April 28; meet at
Bennett Lane
Calvin Harlow Day – Civil War Encampment - April 28, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sachem Rock
Farm
Household hazardous Waste Day – May 12, 8 a.m. – noon; BFI Thatcher Street site
Monday, April 16 – Town Hall closed
Mrs. McNulty announced that the Recreation Commission was sponsoring a family events “The Groove” at the Spagone Memorial Skate Park; Friday April 20 & April 27 from 4-6pm there'll be games, prizes, music and fun for the younger kids; older kids who are talented boarders, bikers and skaters to get on film as we film the first two segments of "the Groove" highlighting local kids doing their tricks for EBCTV. Anyone wishing to be on film needs to have a signed release from your guardian (provided that day) and be wearing a helmet.
BUDGET DISCUSSION
Board met with various Department Heads and went over the proposed budget for their department.
Mrs. McNulty informed the Department Heads that the Board would be starting the Department Head Updates shortly.
Board of Selectmen -2- April 10, 2007
Marcia Weidenfeller, Town Clerk presented her departments budget noting increases.
Also noted income from passports and passport photos.
Marilyn Thompson, Treasurer/Collector presented her department’s budget; explained salary line increase due to FY07 budget being under-funded, FY08 reflects correct salaries with 3% increase. Mr. Samia noted that in regards to the department head’s salary, the line has been funded at 3% increase but the increase is subject to negotiation as a new multi-year contract will be done this year. Mrs. Thompson also explained increase in training line, Health Insurance, Plymouth county Retirement and Financial Services.
Cheryl Pooler, Director of Assessing, presented the Board of Assessors budget. Explained salary increases were contractual; one employee has opted not to return to full-time this year.
John Stanbrook, Town Accountant went over his budget; salaries up 3%; his salary subject to negotiation; went over other line items.
Mr. Samia presented the budget for the Planning/Building Department. Noted that Mr. Lundberg and Mrs. Anapolsky have put in for 5%, 5%, 5% for last three years prior to retirement. Questions arose regarding salary line; Mr. Samia will refigure this as they seem to not have 3% figured into them.
Mr. Samia presented the Board of Health budget. Noted that salary increases include clerical position returning to full-time. Animal Inspector increase of 3%.
Mr. Samia noted that all budgets have been taken into account and the budget is balanced at this time. Total increase over-all will be 5-6%.
Claire Yocum presented the Conservation Commission budget. Noted that there were no changes to clerical salary as there is new employee; increased Professional Services as there had been no increase for engineer in several years. All other lines remained same.
Peter Spagone presented the Veterans’ Services budget. Explained salary increase, sick and vacation buy-backs, no other increases. Discussed assistance provided to veterans and funding.
Jane Haines presented the Council on Aging budget. Noted Joe Miksch, COA Chairman was also present. Noted increases in salary due to return of hours to clerical and 3% increase; cuts to operational budget; total budget reflects 3% increase. Discussed COA van. Mr. Walsh stated his concerns regarding cuts to operational budget, felt that those lines should remain at last year’s amounts and not be cut.
Jane Finley presented the Library budget. Noted Trustees James Weidenfeller, and Sandra Ockers were also present. Explained changes to salary budget with due to School Librarians being moved to School budget. Discussed operational budget. Mr. Walsh suggested that a maintenance contract for elevator might prove cost efficient.
Mr. Samia presented the Selectmen’s budget. Noted salary increase includes 5% for Mrs. Grabau; did not fund “Printing town Reports” as this is handled in house by Selectmen’s staff; cut operational budget to keep within 3% increase.
Mr. Walsh expressed concern with cuts in operational budget; felt it could be increased and Town Counsel line decreased as billing is below previous years.
Board of Selectmen -3- April 10, 2007
A discussion was held regarding the Reserve Fund, General Government budget including Billing service, town Hall computers and Employee Benefits.
OPEN FORUM
No one was present.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract and personnel issues and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – McNulty, Hamilton, Walsh; a unanimous vote in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
________________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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