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January 11, 2010
                   Memorial Town Hall, 1 Library Street, Georgetown, MA 01833
                              Ph. (978) 352-5755 z Fax (978) 352-5727
BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
Memorial Town Hall
Third Floor Meeting Room
                1/11/10 
7:00 PM

Selectmen Present:      Philip Trapani, Chairman; Evan O’Reilly; Gary Fowler; Stephen Smith, Clerk; C. David Surface

Others Present: Michael Farrell, Interim Town Administrator; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant;

Absent:                         
_______________________________________________________________________
Call to Order
Mr. Trapani called the meeting to order at 7:10PM.

Minutes
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the Regular & Executive Session minutes of December 21, 2009 and Regular Session minutes of December 28, 2009.  Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

Correspondence
Mr. Trapani read the correspondence:
  • Resignation from Carol Esposito, Georgetown Peabody Library Trustee.  Mr. Trapani thanked Ms. Esposito for her service.
  • Request from Peter Durkee, Highway Surveyor to allow deficit spending of the Snow & Ice account. Mr. Trapani asked for an update from Mr. Durkee.  Mr. Durkee explained how they handled the plowing over the last storm.  Mr. Trapani asked if they were on track with spending as in previous years.  Mr. Durkee stated that they are but that the salt prices have increased.  
Mr. Surface moved that per MGL Ch44, s31D the board approved the Highway Department to deficit spend the Snow and Ice account.  Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

  • MIIA-Report of the Nominating Committees, Directors for the Mass Interlocal Insurance Assoc. Mr. Farrell explained that during the MMA meeting the MIIA will be having their annual meeting and that it is required by law and every town gets a vote.  He stated that if the Chief Executive Officer is not present then the board can elect someone else to vote.  
Mr. Surface moved to designate Michael Farrell, Interim Town Administrator to vote for Georgetown at the MIIA Annual Meeting January 23, 2010.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

  • MMA-Authorization to vote at the Annual Business Meeting.   
Mr. Surface moved to designate Michael Farrell, Interim Town Administrator to vote at the Annual Business Meeting of the MMA Saturday, January 23, 2010.  Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

  • Mr. Trapani read a letter from the Police Chief giving notice of three “Letters of Recognition” issued to Sgt. David Armstrong, Sgt. Kevin DeFeo, and Officer Derek Jones.  Mr. Trapani read the three letters of recognition.  
  • Mr. Trapani read a letter from Anna Jaques Hospital regarding a Heart Disease Awareness and Prevention public service campaign involving the seven communities in our area.  He stated that the board would support the efforts of the campaign.  He stated that a torch would be going through Georgetown on Friday, February 19th.
  • Mr. Trapani stated that they have received a notice regarding a retirement dinner for John Durkee February 20th at Michael’s in Haverhill.
Board Business
ZBA-40B/West Street
Paul Shilhan and Jeff Moore, ZBA members were present
Mr. Trapani stated that this is a 40B project that was originally approved by the BoS.
Mr. Shilhan explained that this 40B project was approved by the BoS in 2002 at the former Tidd’s Junk Yard on West Street.  He stated that the clean up has not been signed off by the EPA.  Mr. Moore stated that the applicant came before the ZBA to ask that the 55 and over age restriction be removed and if this was a substantial change that would require a hearing.  He stated that if the request is denied then there would be no change to the current decision.  He stated that now that the Town has met the 10% affordable housing requirement the board could deny this request and they could not appeal to DHCD.  He stated that the applicant has not appealed their decision to review and they have not heard from DHCD and the applicant has up to January 15 to appeal.  He stated that were the applicant did not appeal he does not feel the DHCD will make a decision or a position.  Mr. Shilhan stated that counsel felt that the BoS should give a decision/opinion as it was approved by the BoS in the beginning.  Mr. Moore stated that DHCD stated that this is not required.   Mr. Moore stated that February 2 is the ZBA hearing and depending on the decision of DHCD the ZBA will render a decision that night.  He stated that the applicant must show that this project is not feasible as is and that the change would be feasible.  Mr. Moore stated that the project has 16 units in a cluster development.  Mr. Trapani stated that the board is not against growth but infrastructure issues are a concern.  Mr. Trapani asked if the 55 and over restriction is enforceable.  Mr. Shilhan stated that this is a common restriction and is defendable.  Mr. Moore stated that this was a special permit and a special permit is allowed to have restrictions.  Mr. Shilhan stated that at the hearing most people were concerned about the clean-up and the water department wells.  Mr. Trapani asked if the applicant requested to reduce the number of units.  Mr. Shilhan stated that the applicant has not.  

Mr. Surface stated that there are 16 two bedroom units proposed with 4 affordable units and the other units are at market value.  Mr. Moore stated that the clean up was a big part of the project.  Mr. Trapani asked if there is any time limit on the start of construction. Mr. Shilhan stated that the clean up was not part of construction and this has been the delay.  Mr. Fowler stated he could not support the change.  Mr. Trapani asked if the clean up is done. Mr. Shilhan stated that the developer has stated they are 90% done.  He stated that the ConCom still has some issues with the clean up.  Mr. Smith asked about the clean up and where this stands.  Mr. Fowler stated that he thought what is left is solids.  Mr. Shilhan stated that the clean up may not be up for standards for children.  Mr. Surface asked if they knew how this change to the project would tax the infrastructure and schools, etc.  Mr. Moore stated that the main questions from the ZBA are the impact to the Town.  Mr. Trapani stated the board will draft a letter to the ZBA.

Water Commissioners-Update on water concerns
Glenn Smith, Water Superintendent; Reidar Bomengen, Bill Ricker, Jim Viera, Water Commissioners; Mark Wetzel, Wright Pierce Engineering were present
Mr. Trapani stated that this meeting has come from many letters and concerns about the water and whether it is safe and why the quality is not what they perceived.  He asked about the letter regarding the water and a contamination.  Mr. Smith explained how this could have happened and how they tested the water.  He stated that they did increased testing and increased chlorine and no additional hits and the Water Department feels the water is safe.

Mr. Trapani stated that what he would like to accomplish tonight is to get an understanding on the system, short term issues and long term issues.  He stated that they would like to know why the odor, the color, etc.  He asked that they let them know the good part, the challenge, is and were we stand on conservation.  He asked that this not be a chemistry lesson.  

Mr. Glenn Smith stated that the water issues of staining and color have been going on for years.  He stated that the State felt the PH was too low and when they increased the PH then the lead and magnesium came out and caused the staining.  He stated that in 1996 they did some exploration and drilled a new well; the water quality was not as good as they had hoped.  He stated that the treatment plant removes iron and manganese.  He stated that they then changed the way they flush the system.  He stated that they flush hard and still have some staining and odor. He stated that at the Commissioners Well they applied to the State to increase chemicals.  He stated that the dead ends in Town contribute to the problem.  He stated that there are small amounts of sulfites in the water and in water heaters the sulfites turn to sulfur and produce an odor.  

Mr. Surface stated that bringing the new well on should help with these issues.  Mr. Smith stated with the treatment plant they will be able to increase ph.   He stated that he wanted to introduce Mark Wetzel from Wright Pierce Engineering to explain changes.  Mr. Wetzel stated that the plan is that next fall they will rehab the Marshall well.  He stated that they will also gradually make other changes.  He stated that they will use chemicals to stabilize other chemicals.  

Discussion on wells and chemicals in the wells.  Mr. Trapani asked what the expectations in the fall are.  Mr. Wetzel stated that he can not guarantee a big change.  He gave a list of water quality improvement recommendations:
  • Clean and disinfect the wells
  • Clean distribution system pipes
  • Evaluate chlorination practices
  • Increase the treated water PH to range near mid 7’s
  • Review and update flushing program
  • Review water system hydraulics to reduce water age in the system
  • Prepare a “Water Quality Fact Sheet” for customers experiencing taste, odor, dirty water and corrosion problems.
Mr. Trapani asked how much it would cost for a new well. Mr. Wetzel stated about 1 million dollars.  Mr. Surface stated that they are giving a lot of facts to residents, are they getting feedback from residents.  Glenn Smith stated that they have thought about a survey but have not done one.  Mr. Trapani stated that this is a customer service issue and he would like to work with the board.  Mr. Smith invited the board to come out and see the system.  Mr. Stephen Smith stated that he is on a dead end and they called and Glenn came out and answered questions.  He asked how do we get a group session and how do we get this information out to residents that there is a plan.  Mr. Fowler asked if he had a response to the resident on Forest St.  Glenn Smith stated he met with the resident.    

Harry LaCortiglia asked if there are plans to reline any of the pipes.  Glenn Smith stated that they have not even looked in polypigging the system.  He stated that some lines were relined.  Mr. Wetzel stated some of the problems are in the new homes not older lines.  Mr. LaCortiglia stated that if they get results from a survey they could plot the results on GIS.  

Mr. Trapani stated that as a follow up do they have a long term capital budget plan.  Glenn Smith stated that they do and that the long term plan is in the millions.  Mr. Trapani stated he would like to test the community’s reaction to fund the changes.   

43D Program-Planning Board
Nick Cracknell, Town Planner; Ted Kottcamp, Economic Development Committee, Tillie Evangelista & Harry LaCortiglia, Planning Board members were present.

Mr. Cracknell explained the process that the board has gone through regarding 43D.  He stated National Ave and Carleton Drive have 50 acres and are the areas under this program.  

Mr. Surface moved to accept the provisions of MGL Chapter 43D on the approved Priority Development Site(s) referred to as: National Avenue, Router 133/I-95.   Mr. Smith seconded the motion and there was a discussion.

Mr. Fowler asked what the cost to the town for this program is.  Mr. Cracknell stated over the next two years $23k.  Mr. Smith stated that the town already approved the 43D at the ATM.   Harry LaCortiglia stated that he asked at Town Meeting to appropriate the funds and stated that he agreed not to use funds unless they received a match and this was approved.  Mr. Smith stated that town counsel has reviewed the agreement with MVPC and stated that we do not need to make a change from the ATM vote.  Mr. Surface asked if they will need additional funds.  Mr. Cracknell stated that the 43D does allow the town to receive revenue from developers to move forward.  He stated that with the funds the Planning Board hopes to be open additional hours.  Mr. O’Reilly asked if town counsel has looked at the contract.  Mr. Cracknell stated that they have not but can have them review if requested.  Discussion on cash outflow from the Town.  Mr. Fowler asked if they are making the decision for the point position for the 43D.  Mr. LaCortiglia stated that they can make anyone but they are planning to make Mr. Cracknell the point person and increase his hours from 24 a week to 32 hours.  Mr. Kottcamp stated that the Economic Development committee meets Thursday and will go out to market these sites and Mr. Cracknell will be the point person.  Mr. Kottcamp stated that they will work with MVPC and see what works for the town. Mr. Cracknell stated that part of the process is a visioning session to see what the sites can hold and what the town wants for these properties.  

Motion was approved by a 4-1 vote.

Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the contract with MVPC to provide technical assistance to the Town of Georgetown for 43D.   Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.    


Traffic Committee-Parking changes & expanded winter parking ban
Sharon Freeman, Traffic Committee Chairperson was present
Ms. Freeman stated that the committee has been working on the downtown area.  She stated Peter Durkee and Sgt. DeFeo have been working to get the signage correct in the town.  She stated Elm Street, Brook Street are other areas they are working on.  She stated that the committee has not revisited Bailey Lane since the joint meeting.  Mr. Surface asked when they would meet again on Bailey Lane.  Ms. Freeman stated that in the spring the committee would look at Bailey Lane again.
 
Mr. Trapani stated that they looked at the parking ban change at the Park & Ride.   Ms. Freeman stated that they briefly discussed this in the spring.  She stated that they had discussed increase fees for residents/businesses putting snow in the street and if the increase in fee was more then other towns.  She stated that other towns are lower and that they are not seeking an increase.  She stated that what they are proposing that people who park in the Park & Ride at night in a snow emergency park on the west side toward the Hills property.  Mr. Fowler stated that they want this to be part of the winter parking ban.  Mr. Smith asked if there would be signage.  Ms. Freeman stated that there would be signage.  Mr. Smith asked if it would involve a ticket and towing.  Ms. Freeman stated that ticketing is all that they are looking at right now.  Mr. Trapani asked if they had a timeframe that the ban would be in effect.  Ms. Freeman would look into a time frame.  Mr. Smith asked if there is enough parking if someone parks there at noon and stays overnight.  Discussion on time frames.  

Mr. Trapani asked if Ms. Freeman could come back at their next meeting January 25 to discuss this again.  Ms. Freeman stated she would return on January 25.

License Renewals
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve Common Victualler License for Theo’s Restaurant, Mystra Donuts, Inc dba Dunkin Donuts and Dina’s Roast Beef, Pizza & Seafood term to expire December 31, 2010.  Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

Town Administrator’s Report
Budget update
Mr. Farrell stated that all the department budgets are in level funded with two exceptions are crossing guards & animal control.  He stated that there is an option discussed with Police and BoH on who would handle Animal Control and that will be a discussion and will be a joint discussion.  He stated that they do not have revenues on Insurance and he hopes to have them by the end of month hopefully.  He stated that he meets with the School Department tomorrow on their budget.  He stated that the process is going along well and that he will present the first draft to the FinCom on January 20th.  Mr. Trapani stated that it may be advantages for our board to attend and discuss with the FinCom communication with the board.  

Mr. Farrell stated that the Town Treasurer is working on the availability to pay excise taxes online and the option for other departments to have online payments.  He stated that the Fire department is looking at burn permits and the Town Clerk dog licenses.

Appointments
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Michael Farrell Interim Town Administrator, Acting Finance Director; ADA Coordinator; Sexual Harassment Grievance Officer; and a member of the Storm Water Management Committee term to expire June 30, 2010.  Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

Mr. O’Reilly moved to adjourn.  Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.

Meeting adjourned at 9:30PM.

Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.

Minutes approved February 8, 2010.