The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, April 1, 2008 at 6:15 p.m.
Present: Theresa McNulty, Chairman; David L. Walsh, Clerk; Peter A. Hamilton
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Board interviewed Mr. Francis P. Riordan applicant for the position of Veterans’ Agent.
Mr. Riordan explained his military and work experiences and his community service. Also explained how he would assist veterans, the need for home visits, need to educate veterans as to their rights and programs available, services available to family members, etc.
Board thanked Mr. Riordan for meeting with them and noted that they have additional interviews and will notify him in the next few weeks of any decision made.
Board recessed meeting at 6:55 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the March 25, 2008 meeting.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request for use of the Town Common submitted by Susan Hartman of Hockomock Antiques for their Annual Antiques on the Common event, on May 31, 2008 from 5:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Margaret Alexander of the Deborah Sampson Chapter DAR for use of Sachem Rock farm on September 13, 2008 from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. for their Annual chapter Meeting and Picnic.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the appointment of Donna Morris as Inspector of Animals for the period of May 1, 2008 to April 31, 2009.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the Hawkeye AC Baseball American Legion baseball team using the Main Conference Room, town Hall for registration for the upcoming season on Monday, April 7, 2008 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
BUDGET UPDATE APPOINTMENT
Marcia Weidenfeller, Town Clerk met with the Board and presented information regarding her ’09 budget for the Town Clerk’s Office and for Board of Registrars.
Noted Assistant town Clerk is going into 2nd year of 5%; to cover this and stay within 3% reduced Elections and Town Meeting budgets.
Mr. Walsh stated that all budgets should be handled this way and should absorb 5% within the budget by reductions of other lines.
BUDGET UPDATE APPOINTMENT
Cheryl Pooler, Administrative Assessor met with the Board and presented information regarding the Board of Assessor’s ’09 budget.
Mrs. Pooler explained that the salary line was up due to one employee returning to fulltime status. Noted that this employee had chosen, due to family issue, to not return to fulltime status when other positions were returned last year. Is now able to go back to full time status.
Board of Selectmen -2- April 1. 2008
Noted reduction in mapping funding. Now will require CAD from engineers when plans are submitted. Will reduce cost of mapping services.
Discussion was held regarding drop in house values, new homes on tax roles decrease in new growth and effects on town’s financial overview.
BUDGET UPDATE APPOINTMENT
John Haines, DPW met with the Board and presented information regarding the DPW ’09 budget with a power-point presentation.
Explained two Enterprise Funds within department for Solid Waste and Water Divisions. Also informed the Board of newly formed Fleet Maintenance Division; noted that they now provide maintenance to DPW vehicles, COA bus and Fire Department vehicles.
Mr. Haines also explained that the Enterprise Funds reimburse the department for costs associated with running those divisions.
CORRESPONDENCE
Letter from Redflex requesting letters of support.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to approve the draft letter of support for Red Light Cameras in Massachusetts.
Mrs. McNulty express appreciation to Margaret Alexander and the Historical Society for sponsoring the lecture on the Archeological finds at Robins Pond. Noted event was standing room only.
BOARD DISCUSSION
A discussion was held regarding the Capital Stabilization Fund, the guidelines for use of the fund, how projects would be approved for funding, etc.
James Weidenfeller, Leo Way expressed his concerns that money in Fund could be diverted for budgets; felt that there was no guarantee that this couldn’t happen.
It was noted that there was no guarantee but that a town meeting vote would be needed for each project; no project would be automatically funded; residents need to be vigilant as to any articles regarding projects or diversion of funds.
OPEN FORUM
No one was present.
M/Walsh, s/Hamilton, a unanimous vote, move to adjourn meeting at 9:10 p.m.
________________________________Clerk
Board of Selectmen
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