The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, April 22, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.
Present: David L. Walsh, Chairman; Peter A. Hamilton, Clerk; Theresa McNulty
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Also Present:
Kevin Burchill of SourceOne Inc.
Ralph Dumas, EB School Business Manager
John Haines, DPW Director
Mr. Burchill presented information relative to energy purchase and possible savings for town. Suggested Town request an energy audit from National Grid. Explained several options, types of services offer by Source One, ways to save on purchase of electrical energy, etc.
Meeting recessed at 7:05 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
Board went over the Special Town Meeting warrant. Mr. Samia explained the various articles and reasons for submission.
Article 1 – accounting system for town and school
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve Article 1 for inclusion on the May 12 warrant.
Article 2- rescind previous year article re: amount not used.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve Article 2 for inclusion on the May 12 warrant.
Article 3 – rescind previous year article re: amount not used.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve Article 3 for inclusion on the May 12 warrant.
Article 4 – payment of bills from previous years for Planning Board.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve Article 4 for inclusion on the May 12 warrant.
Article 5 – transfer of funds within Water Department budget.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve Article 5 for inclusion on the May 12 warrant.
Article 6 – funding of police details line item in Highway budget
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve Article 6 for inclusion on the May 12 warrant.
Article 7 – transfer of funds within Police Department budget.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve Article 7 for inclusion on the May 12 warrant.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to close May 12, 2008 Special Town Meeting warrant.
Board of Selectmen -2- April 22, 2008
PUBLIC HEARING
Mr. Hamilton read Notices of Hearing for Road Layout for the following streets:
Margot Lane
Santilli Lane
Northridge Drive
Leaf Lane Extension
Spear Road
Susan’s Place
Board noted letters from John Delano & Assoc. regarding each of the streets and their opinion that all can be approved as town ways. Discussion was held regarding Susan’s Place, two small items need to be addressed; resident noted that the bond has been taken by the Planning Board; it was opinion that the work would be completed.
It was noted that these streets would be on the Annual Town Meeting warrant for acceptance as town ways.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to accept the following roadway layout for acceptance as town ways:
Margot Lane
Santilli Lane
Northridge Drive
Leaf Lane Extension
Spear Road
Susan’s Place
APPOINTMENT
Richard O’Flaherty, town’s appointee to OCPC and OCPC Joint Transportation met with the Board and presented information relative to his work with the OCPC Steering Committee for Regional Bicycle and Pedestrian Transportation Plan.
Board agreed that project was worthwhile and felt that the schools and DPW should be involved in needs assessment re: sidewalks and bicycle access. Suggested Mr. O’Flaherty get an inventory of sidewalks in town from John Haines.
Mr. O’Flaherty stated that he would update the Board on progress of plan regularly.
REMINDERS
Calvin Harlow Day – Civil War Encampment at Sachem Rock Farm, April 26 9 1.m. – 4 p.m.
CORRESPONDENCE
SE Regional School Committee vacancy – one letter of interest received.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the April 22, 2008 meeting.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the renewal of the License to Sell Second Hand Articles for Diana’s Now & Then Shoppe, 734 Bedford Street, Elmwood for the period of May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the renewal of the June Dealers License for Diana’s Now & Then Shoppe, 734 Bedford Street, Elmwood for the period of May 1, 2008 to April 30, 2009.
Board of Selectmen -3- April 22, 2008
OPEN FORUM
Tom Hamilton and Beth Hayes, School committee members and several interested parents discussed with the Board the bussing issue.
Also present were: Finance Committee members, Cathy Lane, Jeff Luttazi and Chris Kelley.
Mr. Hamilton noted that the School committee voted at their last meeting to work with Town to a mutual agreed solution; held meeting with various Department Heads on Monday; moving forward.
Mr. Walsh explained that the Board is committed to seeing that funding is available for busing; making a commitment to the community. Noted that at this time there is no specific area where funding will come from; departments are willing to work together to provide needed funds; need to present a balanced budget at town meeting. Noted that all forecast are for next year to be even more of a financial problem. Noted worse case scenario would be to fund busing in fall from Free Cash.
Discussion was held regarding funding of buses, need to keep teacher positions, fees for busing, etc.
Mrs. Hayes noted that there are three Capital Needs articles which if passed will free up needed funds for teacher positions. Explained the articles.
Mr. Samia gave a brief explanation regarding the funding of the Capital Stabilization Fund, placement of articles and how Fund will work.
Mr. Walsh noted that Board would be discussing the Capital Stabilization Fund next week.
Mr. Hamilton noted that the School Committee would be holding a Budget Meeting at the GEMitchell Middle School on Thursday at 7:30 p.m.
M/Hamilton, s/McNulty, move to close Open Session and go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations and pending litigation and will not be returning to Open Session.
Meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
____________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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