The weekly meeting of the Board of Selectmen was held on Tuesday evening, March 4, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Theresa McNulty, Chairman; David L. Walsh, Clerk
George Samia, Town Administrator
Karen Grabau, Adm. Assistant
Not Present:
Peter A. Hamilton
M/Walsh, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the minutes of the February 25, 2008 meeting.
M/Walsh, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the request of Charles Carey of the East Bridgewater Arts Council for use of the Town Common on September 11 – 14, 2008 for the annual Arts Festival.
M/Walsh, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to approve the Taxi Cab License for Bill’s Taxi effective immediately through December 31, 2008.
M/Walsh, s/McNulty, move to approve the schedule for the Special and Annual Town Meetings to be held on May 12, 2008.
APPOINTMENT
Cable Advisory Committee members, Tom Kerrigan, Steve Brown and Russ Hannagan and Special Counsel, John Clifford met with the Board.
Mr. Kerrigan gave a power point presentation explaining the process for cable license renewal. Noted that they are recommending that the Board of Selectmen send a letter to Verizon requesting that the Town be considered for FIOS service in 2009.
Mr. Brown explained the town-wide survey which will be done by a college; important to the contract review to get information from residents; will be done in June 2008.
Committee also noted that increase in studio hours and programming.
Board requested that the address for Verizon be sent to office and a letter will be sent out to Verizon. Thanked committee for their presentation.
APPOINTMENT
Supt of S.E. Regional-Vocational High School, Luis Lopes presented the proposed budget for the district. Noted that school committee started with a 0% budget, calculated their revenues and used them in balancing budget.
Explained student enrollment, transportation costs and reimbursements, preliminary assessment for each town in district, E. Bridgewater’s preliminary assessment is $515,335.
Board thanked Mr. Lopes for his presentation.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR REPORT
Mr. Samia gave a power-point presentation showing town’s use of free cash and stabilization fund to fund budgets during the 90’s and how financial team resolved town’s financial problems and increased funds in Stabilization.
Mr. Samia noted that the Financial Team continues to produce a financially sound budget.
Board of Selectmen -2- March 4, 2008
DISCUSSION
Mr. Walsh stated that he felt that the Board should place the over-ride question to fund the Capital Stabilization Fund on the warrant for the Town Election on April 12. Noted problems with infrastructure including town owned buildings, roads, etc, need for Senior Center, need to replace municipal septic system, water bills increase due to funding of water filtration plant project.
Mrs. McNulty stated that with Capital Stabilization Plan everyone would benefit, but felt that there was not enough time educate residents.
Mr. Walsh stated that Board needs to vote this evening to place on warrant, as Town Clerk has to be notified of Board’s vote by Friday.
M/Walsh, move to approve placing the following question on a ballot for Town election to be held on Saturday, April 12, 2008:
Shall the Town of East Bridgewater be allowed to assess an additional $1,250,000.00 in real estate and personal property taxes for the purpose of funding the East Bridgewater Capital Stabilization Funds for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2008.
There was no second to the motion. Motion was not carried.
Mrs. Walsh expressed his disappointment that the motion was not seconded and that the override would not be on the ballot.
OPEN FORUM
No one was present.
M/Walsh, s/McNulty, a unanimous vote, move to adjourn meeting at 8:45 p.m.
_____________________________Clerk
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