The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, March 27, 2007 at 7:35 p.m.
Present: Peter A. Hamilton, Chairman; Theresa McNulty, Clerk; David L. Walsh
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
APPOINTMENT
Chief Ryon Pratt met with the Board and introduced Mr. Charles Kibbee, Project Manager for Equity Industrial GHEB Limited Partnership and Mark Hooper of Specialty Vehicles.
Chief Pratt explained that at last year’s Annual Town Meeting had approved an article to fund new ambulance. Was contacted by Mr. Kibbee regarding donation to town towards cost of ambulance because of additional calls from new medical center being built. Bids were received and awarded contract to Specialty Vehicles of Attleboro.
Chief Pratt announced that through a generous donation from Equity Industrial Partners, the town has a new 2007 Ambulance.
Mr. Hamilton thanked Mr. Kibbee for coming to tonight’s meeting and for their generous donation. Noted that because of the donation, the town will not have to turn in the old Ambulance. Will keep this ambulance as back up when other ambulances are down for maintenance. Donation has also freed up funds to put back into Department.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to accept the donation of $124,654.50 from Equity Industrial Partners towards a 2007 Ambulance.
Mr. Hamilton read the following letter from Equity Industrial GHEB Limited Partnership to the E.B. Planning Board:
Dear Mr. Chairman:
As we have told you, we greatly appreciate the support we have received from the entire community in connection with our efforts to develop a new Medical Office Center on the property, which we own on North Bedford Street in East Bridgewater. This letter is to communicate to you our decision to demonstrate some of that appreciation, by making a tangible economic contribution to the Town, in a way that we believe will be of benefit to the community that has supported us and worked with us in this process.
We would like to present a donation to the Town, earmarked for the Town’s purchase of equipment as described in the fire department Purchase article which was before the Town of East Bridgewater town meeting for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2006. That Town Meeting article calls for the purchase of Fire Department Equipment in the aggregate amount of $255,000. Our donation will be in an amount equal $128,000 toward the purchase of the new ambulance vehicle and associated lettering.
The construction facility is well underway and we hope to open the facility in July 2007.
We want to thank you and your fellow town officials for all of your work in connection with this project. We are as excited as the rest of the community about this project and the benefits it will provide to the community.
Sincerely,
Charles R. Kibbee
Project Manager
Board of Selectmen -2- March 27, 2007
Chief Pratt explained that new ambulance would be outfitted for Advanced Life Support; will have the latest technical equipment available and should serve the community for many years. Also noted that the Department has purchased equipment from Specialty Vehicles since 1991.
Mr. Kibbee expressed his appreciation to the town and wished the town the best of luck in the future.
Mr. Hooper thanked the town for its support.
Board members expressed their appreciation for the donation.
Mr. Hamilton presented an appreciation plaque to Mr. Kibbee in honor of the ambulance donation.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the March 20, 2007 meeting.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Donna Morris as Inspector of Animals for the period of April 30, 2007 to April 30, 2008.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve the renewal of the Seasonal Common Victualer – Wine & Malt License for New England Kart Raceway, rear 798 North Bedford Street.
M/ McNulty, move to approve the request of the Senior Center Building Committee to move the “Future Home of the East Bridgewater Senior Center” sign presently located at Leland farm to Sachem Rock Farm.
M/Walsh, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to take under advisement the request of the Senior Center Building Committee to move the “Future Home of the East Bridgewater Senior Center” sign presently located at Leland farm to Sachem Rock Farm.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve the appointment of Richard O’Flaherty as the Delegate to the Old colony Planning Council for the rest of the fiscal year.
Board noted that this appointment fills vacancy, as David Johnson did not seek reappointment; Mr. O’Flaherty has served as the Alternate for several years.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Mr. Samia noted that he continues to work on budget items.
REMINDERS
Rabies Clinic – Saturday, March 31 – Secret Garden Pet Resort
Town Election – Saturday, April 7, Middle School
Mrs. McNulty reminded residents that there was a vacancy on the Recreation Commission. Letters of Interest will be accepted at the Selectmen’s Office.
Mr. Walsh noted that Wednesday, March 28 and April 4 an Open Forum to discuss the over-ride question and Capital Improvement Stabilization Fund would be held in the Selectmen’s Meeting Room from 7-8 p.m.
Board of Selectmen -3- March 27, 2007
BOARD DISCUSSION
Board held a discussion regarding the status of the FY08 Budget.
Discussion was held regarding the Capital Stabilization Fund, operational budget, tax base, tax levy, state financial crisis, operational budget over-rides in area towns, tax revenue spending, etc.
Mrs. McNulty noted that the Financial Team has used good financial planning, keeping the town solvent. Noted that it is up to the voters to support the budget.
OPEN FORUM
Joe Sprunk, 875 Union Street, asked the Board why no sign announcing Town Elections or Town Meetings has been placed in center. Has complained about this before.
Board informed Mr. Sprunk that signs were approved by Town Meeting last year and that they will see that one I placed in center at water trough.
Open Forum closed
Mrs. McNulty thanked the Kiwanis Club for the successful Annual Pancake Breakfast.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contracts and will not be returning to open session.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, McNulty, Hamilton; a unanimous vote in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.
___________________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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