The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, August 19, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.
Present: David L. Walsh, Chairman; Peter A. Hamilton, Clerk; Theresa McNulty
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Board met with Anita Hagspiel, Program Manager, National Grid to hear a presentation regarding energy initiative program available to Town. Also present were Joseph Stevens and Chris Collins, who reported on their assessment of schools lighting and cost savings available for schools with upgrades.
Ms. Hagspiel explained the program and benefits to town. Explained that the Board would sign a Memorandum of Understanding with National Grid; one building would be assessed for free, suggested the High School; Board would receive a report with recommendations for energy savings. Explained how costs could be spread over a 24 month period on regular electrical bills.
Mr. Walsh questioned if two buildings could be assessed, i.e. high school and town hall. Ms. Hagspiel will look into this and report back to Board.
Meeting at recess at 7:20 p.m.
Open Session reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
APPOINTMENT
Robert Charles, newly hired Veterans Agent met with the Board. Mr. Samia explained search for Agent; noted Mr. Charles was highly recommended.
Mr. Charles thanked the Board for the opportunity to serve the veterans of East Bridgewater; noted he retired from Navy, served as Veterans’ Agent for Town of Norton. Urged all town veterans to contact office, has open door policy. Looking forward to meeting Town’s veterans and working with them and for them.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to appoint Robert E. Charles as Veterans Agent for the period of July 28, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
APPOINTMENT
Board met with members of the East Bridgewater Firefighters Association, Craig Winsor and John McDevitt.
Mr. Samia noted that, as always it was a pleasure dealing with the Association. Members are always cordial, professional and negotiate in the best interest of the Town. Thanked members on behalf of the Town. It was noted that the contract is for three years.
Board members extended their thanks to the Association.
Board of Selectmen and Firefighters signed new contract.
APPOINTMENT
Peter Spagone, Jr., Board of Health Chairman met with Board and discussed recent information forwarded to the Board of Health by the Conservation Commission relative to the proposed power plant in Brockton.
Mr. Spagone noted that the Board of Health sees no benefit to the town; plans to hold discussion at their next meeting; felt that concerns of citizens comes first; need further information; concerns
with effects on environment.
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Suggested that a Committee be formed to include representatives of Conservation Commission and Board of Health and interested residents to gather information and keep Town informed.
Mr. Walsh stated that he would like to ask proponents of plant into a meeting and have a set of questions and concerns for them to answer.
Mrs. McNulty stated her concerns with air quality and effects on soccer fields and other areas of town.
Mr. Spagone noted that Health Office received a call from West Bridgewater; willing to form a committee.
Mr. Walsh stated that they would share all information received with the board of health and directed any residents with information to forward to the Board of Health.
Thanked Mr. Spagone for attending meeting.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, move to approve the minutes of the August 5, 2008 meeting.
Vote: Yes – Hamilton, McNulty; Abstain – Walsh; a majority vote in favor.
M/Hamilton, s/Walsh, move to approve the request of Theresa McNulty of the Friends of Seniors for use of Sachem Rock Farm on September 13, 2008 from 9:00 a.m. to noon for a Fundraising Walk.
Mrs. McNulty explained the 3 mile Walk; flagged path around Sachem Rock Farm for walkers; proceeds to Friends of Seniors for various activities.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton; Abstain – McNulty; a majority vote in favor.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the appointment of Peter J. Jones as Sealer of Weights and Measurers for the period of August 19, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the recommendation of John B. Haines, Director of Public Works to award the contract IFB#08-02 Town Wide Paving Service for the Department of Public Works to responsive bidder T. L. Edwards, Inc. of Avon, Massachusetts in the amount of $430,325.00.
CORRESPONDENCE
Mr. Hamilton reported that a letter from the Plymouth County Advisory Board has been received. Letter requests Selectmen to vote to not agree to the Plymouth County Commissioners plan to place a deed restriction on the former “County Farm” of $300,000 and to recommend that the original amount of 4.5 million dollars for the restriction. Noted that there will be a Public Hearing on September 2 scheduled by the County Commissioners and that the Plymouth County Advisory Board will be discussing this at their September 11 meeting.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to reject the Plymouth County Commissioner’s agreed upon amount of $300,000 as the value of the deed restriction for the “County Farm” and to support the Plymouth County Advisory Board’s recommendation to compensate the communities of Plymouth County appropriately by accepting a value restriction of 4.5 million dollars.
Business Expo, Saturday, September 6, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
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Massasoit College – Municipal Training Classes – three classes: The Basics for all Municipal Positions – September 18, Municipal Budgets 101 – October 2 and Municipal Leadership – October 16. Any interested citizen of town official should contact Selectmen’s Office for further information.
Mrs. McNulty reminded residents that school begins on August 27.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Samia noted that negotiations with several unions continue.
REMINDERS
Week of August 18 grinding of Crescent Street between Washington and Bridge
Streets
Water Main work – Belmont, Summer and Pleasant Streets begins August 18 – traffic
rerouting and delays
Dog Licenses – due September 1 – after 9/1 $25.00 late fee and license fee charges.
APPOINTMENT
Mathew Albanese, West Bridgewater Selectman met with the Board to discuss concerns regarding the proposed Brockton power plant and information West Bridgewater has gathered.
Asked Board for their position regarding the power plant.
Mr. Walsh explained that the Board is still gathering information and asked if West Bridgewater would share information they have.
After further discussion with Mr. Albanese, the Board stated that they would continue garnering information and would like to set up a meeting with the power plant proponents to answer questions and concerns.
OPEN FORUM
Gary Petti, residents and opponent to power plant addressed the Board regarding concerns.
Mr. Walsh explained that the Board wants to have a meeting in which both sides are present for debate and questions and answers. Requested that all interested residents can submit to Board their questions and concerns.
Ed Byers, owners of Cindy’s Kitchen in Brockton, spoke to the Board and offered to share information he has gathered.
Open forum closed.
Mrs. McNulty offered condolences to the Haines and Alexander Families on the recent death of Richard Alexander a life-long resident of East Bridgewater and active member of the community. A moment of silence was observed.
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Mr. Hamilton read the following statement:
In an Executive Session the board took a unanimous vote not to reappoint Peter P. Spagone to the veterans agent position come June 30, 2008.Discussion was also held to seek a full time veterans agent which was the direction that the board wanted to go. Since that vote discussion was held with Mr. Spagone and Mr. Samia and it was determined that Mr. Spagone should have been invited to the executive session. The Board of Selectmen apologizes to Mr. Spagone for their action in that executive session and the Board notes that Mr. Spagone had been offered the position of full time veterans agent which he declined. The board also acknowledges that Mr. Spagone and Mrs. Redgate have done an outstanding job for the veterans in the town and our action in the executive session had no reflection on their job performance within the veterans office.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of pending litigation and personnel issues and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton, McNulty; a unanimous vote in favor.
Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.
___________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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