The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, July 1, 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
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, move to Open Meeting and go into Executive Session for the purpose of contract negotiation issues and personnel issues and will return to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton, McNulty; a unanimous vote in favor.
M/Hamilton, s/Walsh, move to reconvene Open Session at 7:40 p.m.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton, McNulty; a unanimous vote in favor.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote move to approve the minutes of the June 24, 2008 meeting.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of the following members to the Finance Committee for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011:
Catherine M. Lane
Bill Jacques
Christopher Kelley
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Steven M. Sears to the
Conservation Commission for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of the following members
to the Historical Commission for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011:
Robert Waterman
Mary Ahern
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Roberta Ann McCarthy
to the Board of Registrar of Voters for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Scott Singleton to the Agricultural Commission for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Lawrence E. Allen to the Agricultural Commission for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Eric Norment to the Recreation Commission for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Charles M. Gilbert to the Patriotic Activities for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Jeanne L. Bennett as the Parking Clerk/Hearing Officer for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Jeanne L. Bennett as a member of the non-union Group Insurance Committee for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
Board of Selectmen -2- July 1, 2008
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of the following Constables (pays own bond) for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009:
David A. DiCenso
William E. Scharnick
David A. Asiaf
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to appointment of Kelly Milne as Fence
Viewer for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Ryon T. Pratt as the
Right to Know Law Coordinator for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Ryon T. Pratt as the
Forest Warden for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Ryon T. Pratt as the
Director of Emergency Management for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2009.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the reappointment of Margaret O. Alexander
to the Group Insurance Advisory Board for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30,2009.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the appointment of Jacqueline Lydon to the
Recreation Commission for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move the appointment of Theresa Cepero to the Arts Council for the period of July 1, 2008 to June 30, 2011.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, for purpose of discussion, move to appoint George Samia, Town Administrator to search for a Veterans’ Agent on behalf of the Board of Selectmen.
Mr. Walsh explained that the Board had to reopen search when candidate withdrew; noted as Board is on summer schedule, will move process along faster with Mr. Samia pursuing the filling of the vacancy. Noted that Martha Redgate has agreed to stay on part-time until a Veterans’ Agent is found.
Mr. Samia explained that Mrs. Redgate has offered to stay on six weeks on a part-time basis.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton, McNulty; a unanimous vote in favor.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve Agreement with Martha Redgate as Administrative Assistant/Interim Veterans’ Agent per agreement.
Board offered their thanks to Mrs. Redgate for staying on and always putting the town’s Veterans first.
BOARD DISCUSSION
Board held a discussion regarding the Capital Improvement Fund 2 ½ Override proposal. Board members offered their views on the over-ride and needs for infrastructure improvements.
Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Walsh noted citizens have approached them regarding bringing over-ride back for a vote.
Board of Selectmen -3- July 1, 2008
Mrs. McNulty voiced her concern that the November Election may not be the right venue due to expected large voter turn-out. Felt that many who would be voting, may not be up on over-ride issues.
Mr. Walsh felt that the Board needs to educate public on issue before November. Hoped new voters will investigate issue; great opportunity to educate voters; asked newspapers help in getting information out.
Mr. Hamilton agreed that Board needs to get information to voters so that they are well informed. Noted that Board is not trying to sneak in an over-ride, want to inform citizens, concerned with needs of town.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, move to place an over-ride question on the November ballot for a 1.25 million over-ride.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton; No – McNulty; a majority vote in favor.
Board discussed offer from Joseph Savino to sell Casa Loma property to town for Senior Center. Mr. Walsh felt that Mr. Samia should hold a preliminary discussion with Mr. Savino regarding purchase price, etc. Once information is available, then board could hold a discussion with the Building committee. Felt board should ask Building committee to restrain from spending the $275,000 until more is know regarding offer.
Mr. Hamilton stated he agreed that Board should asked Building Committee to refrain from spending funds until new options are investigated.
Mrs. McNulty stated that she disagreed; felt that this property was a last hope; felt that the Board would be undermining the vote of town meeting and authority of Senior Building Committee.
Mr. Walsh stated that he felt it was in the best interest of the town to look at option; felt that two weeks would not be end of world.
Mr. Hamilton stated that he would recommend that funds not be expended; Mr. Savino has made offer, need information to evaluate, property was not an option when town meeting voted.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, for discussion, move that the Board request the Senior Center Building Committee review the offer of Joseph Savino prior to expending funds voted at Town Meeting.
Mrs. McNulty stated that she wants to be sure the Board members will accept the Committee’s final decision.
Mr. Walsh stated that the Board would discuss with Mr. Miksch and Mrs. Haines on July 22.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton; No – McNulty; a majority vote in favor.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Energy audit being completed. Meeting with National Grid representative on July 22. Looking into possible rebates available.
Allen McCarthy notified office last week that a grant for sidewalks was going through House and Senate now.
REMINDERS
Selectmen Summer Schedule – July 8 & 22
Yard Sale Permits required; can be obtained at Selectmen’s Office
Dog Licenses due
Board of Selectmen -4- July 1, 2008
OPEN FORUM
No one was present.
Mr. Walsh thanked the all citizens who have stepped forward and either been reappointed or appointed for the various committees and boards. Noted that they are a huge asset and thanked them for their commitment to the Town.
It was noted that there are several vacancies on Council on Aging, Open Space Committee. Mr. Walsh requested that a complete list of vacancies be given to the Board for July 22.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, move to resume Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations and will not be returning to Open Session.
VOTE: Yes – Walsh, Hamilton, McNulty; a unanimous vote in favor.
__________________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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