The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, January 16, 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
Eric W. Greene, SE Regional School Committeeman, SE Regional Supt. Luis Lopes and SE Regional Asst. Supt, Jerome Burke met with the Board.
Supt. Lopes was welcomed by the Board as he begins his new duties as Supt of SE Regional. Supt Lopes informed the Board that there was a reduction in the FY07 Assessment for all cities and towns in the southeastern district and that a total of $13,070 was being returned to East Bridgewater. Noted that the assessment was based on the number of students from each town and that East Bridgewater has 89 students enrolled at Southeastern Regional.
Mr. Greene informed the Board that the students have been working on the building an Administration Building at the school and that students would soon be able to work on community projects.
Mr. Lopes explained that the Administration Building should be completed in 2-3 weeks. After completion, students will begin to work on community projects. Noted by students working on building the costs went from $200 per square foot to $68 per square foot. This project was also a great learning tool for students.
Mr. Lopes when asked about time frame for students to take on local projects, stated that depending on whether student were prepared for type of project requested, the students could begin work on a project within a few weeks.
Board again welcomed Supt Lopes and thanked all for attending the meeting.
APPOINTMENT
David St. Germain of Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, met with the Board regarding a Statement of Support. Board members were presented with a packet of information.
Mr. St. Germain explained that his committee is an agency of the Department of Defense, has 4000 volunteers working throughout the United States, works with employers to ensure men and women in reserves and guards don’t lose their jobs when they are called to active duty. Explained some of the problems committee has worked on. Also, noted that there are approximately 1000 National Guards on active duty from Massachusetts.
Mr. Hamilton noted that the Committee’s web-site was outstanding and fully explains the mission and goals of the Committee.
Mr. St.Germain noted some of the groups and persons he was aware of who support troops by sending packages monthly. Mrs. McNulty informed him of the Support Our Troops group within the Town and Mr. St. Germain requested that their information be sent to him along with a copy of the article passed at town meeting regarding deferment of tax payments for those on active duty.
Board of Selectmen -2- January 16, 2007
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to sign the Statement of Support for National Guard and Reserve members.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the January 9, 2007 meeting.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Tracey ward of E.B. support Our Troops for permission to use the Town Hall parking lot and Town Hall restrooms for their annual Road Race/Fun Walk on Saturday, May 5, 2007 from 8:00 a.m. – 12 noon.
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, a unanimous vote, move to approve presenting a Certificate of Appreciation to former State Representative Kathleen Teahen for her 10 years of service to the citizens of East Bridgewater.
CORRESPONDENCE
Notification from Massachusetts Historical Commission that Sachem Rock Farm has bee accepted by the National Park Services for listing on the National Register of historic Places. Mr. Hamilton noted that he has requested that the Historical Commission be invited to next weeks meeting to receive the certificate.
Invitation from SE Regional to attend a reception welcoming the new Superintendent of School Luis Lopes on January 17, 2:30 p.m.
Letter from Kingston Board of Selectmen regarding new policy they have adopted as follows: “if any liquor licensee is found guilty of flagrant violations of not paying the state meals tax or not paying employees in accordance with Internal Revenue Service or state Department of Revenue guidelines, said licensee could be subject to a hearing before the Board of Selectmen which may result in the revocation of the liquor license.
Press release regarding Public Reception for former State Rep. Kathleen Teahen, Friday, January 19 7:00 p.m. at Knights of Columbus hall, Route 18, Whitman.
Mr. Hamilton noted information received at MMA meeting that the Legislature has voted against cable franchising. Discussion was held regarding this.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Budget due in this week. Has received several. This is first draft; departments were asked to base budget on a 3% increase. On schedule with budget process.
REMINDERS
Christmas Tree pick-up, Saturday, January 20; trees at curbside by 6 a.m.
Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Sunday, January 21 at Union Congregational Church, 2 p.m.
OPEN FORUM
Russ Hannagan, Local Access Director informed the Board of a new threat to local access by Verizon, who is now looking to FCC for new regulations. Requested all who are interested to contact state representative of Lowell. Also noted that Carver I in hearing with Comcast for new contract and noted Board welcome to attend hearing regarding PEG access.
Board discussed Board of Assessors vacancy. One letter received. Will contact Assessors to set up a joint meeting.
Board of Selectmen -3- January 16, 2007
M/McNulty, s/Walsh, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of hearing four Step 2 grievances filed by SEIU 888 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
| 
