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
9/13/10
7:00 PM
Selectmen Present: Philip Trapani, Chairman; Evan O’Reilly; Gary Fowler; C. David Surface, Clerk
Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant;
Absent: Stephen Smith
_______________________________________________________________________
Call to Order
Mr. Trapani called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Board Business
K of C Tootsie Roll collection
Matt Lewis was present
Mr. Trapani stated that he was here for annual drive. Mr. Lewis stated that the Police Department stated be in the wide yellow areas. Mr. Trapani asked for dates of the drive from Mr. Lewis. Mr. Lewis stated that Mr. Takis is the chair of the collection and that they are looking at two dates in October. Mr. Takis stated that he is looking at October 9th on Columbus Day weekend and another date to be determined.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the K of C Tootsie Roll Collection dependent on the approval of dates and location by the Police Department. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Warrant & Minutes
Mr. Trapani stated that the warrant was in the office for signatures.
Mr. Surface moved to approve the minutes of April 12, 2010. Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface moved to approve the minutes of April 21, 2010. Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the minutes of August 23, 2010. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. Trapani abstained.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the Executive Session minutes of August 30, 2010. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Correspondence
Request from the Town Clerk for the Selectmen to approve the poll workers for the State Primary, Tuesday, September 14, 2010. Mr. Trapani stated that the polls are open 7AM – 8PM at the Pennbrook School.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the poll workers for the State Primary, Tuesday, September 14, 2010, Betty Davidson, Carole Chouinard, Kathy Roche, Pat Liessner, Suzanne Lind, Earl Johnston, Bob Davidson, Ron Marshall, Margaret Anderson, Etta Hallowell, Starr Anderson, Beverly Knapp, Audrey Peabody, Karen Edelstein, Paul Nelson, Joe Young, Jeannette Laing, Pete Zibell and Margaret Weaver. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
3-Way Stop on Bailey Lane
Mr. Trapani stated that they received a letter from James Mulligan, Chief of Police and Peter Durkee, Highway Surveyor for a 3-way stop sign at Taylor Street in the middle of Bailey Lane. Mr. Trapani asked Mr. Durkee if the Traffic Committee had reviewed this request. Mr. Durkee stated that they are aware of the request but have not reviewed. He stated that the Traffic Committee is meeting this week and they will discuss the stop signs. Mr. Trapani asked if traffic committee could review and then send a response to the board so they can set up a hearing on September 27.
Mr. Trapani asked when Bailey Lane would be open. Mr. Durkee stated that they are starting on the culvert Monday, September 20th and it will take a few weeks for paving and the guard rails to go in.
Board Business
SOP-Snow & Ice Removal Budget-Deficit Spending
Peter Durkee, Highway Surveyor was present
Mr. Surface stated that at the last meeting they had a lengthy discussion on when the Highway Surveyor should notify the BoS. Board was in agreement on changes to original document. Mr. Durkee stated that he agrees with the changes and he explained the process for plowing. He stated that safety is the main issue. Mr. Surface asked if he had a written plowing plan. Mr. Durkee stated that he is working on a written plan. Mr. Trapani asked to have the FinCom review the document also.
Mr. Trapani stated that he would like to do a tour of the critical areas in town with Mr. Durkee and any other Selectmen interested in attending.
SOP-Annual Town Meeting
Board reviewed document. Mr. Fowler asked to make sure it says Finance and Advisory Board in all instances. Mr. O’Reilly stated that in the calendar the dates are some times held up by the State. Mr. Fowler stated if the date of the ATM was changed would that change the date of elections. Mr. O’Reilly stated that elections may not be able to be changed. Mr. Trapani asked that a copy be sent to the FinCom for review.
Mr. Trapani stated that at the next meeting they should be able to approve these two SOP’s. He asked that at the next meeting they start the Liquor license SOP.
Fall Special Town Meeting
Discussion on the date for a Fall Special Town Meeting. Board agreed on Monday, November 15, 2010 for the STM. Discussion on the timeline the warrant has to be posted 14 days ahead, a week for counsel to review and a week to put together. Mr. Trapani stated that the warrant should be open for at least two weeks. Mr. Farrell stated that at a STM a hundred (100) signatures are needed for a citizen petition.
Mr. Trapani stated that they will open the warrant tonight September 13 and close on October 18.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to open the STM Warrant for November 15, 2010. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Trapani stated that the only articles he is aware of is funds for a School Feasibility Study that may be $150K-$200K and the other is a Public Safety warrant article because of more students walking to school and they are asking for more safety measures such as radar speed signs, school crossing signs, etc. Also would be the Snow & Ice deficit. Mr. Trapani stated that unless it is a critical item then it should wait until spring. Mr. Surface asked for update on Free Cash.
Homerule petition
Mr. Trapani stated that Mr. Farrell gave them some background information on a Homerule petition that Lowell is putting forward. He explained that this lets the town negotiate with health insurance companies without the agreement of the unions. He stated that this will give the town more control over the insurance budget. Mr. Farrell explained what MMA put forward and that it is for insurance plan design and that Mr. Trapani explained well that all collective bargaining units must approve any change. He stated that last year the majority of units agreed with a change but the largest unit did not and the groups are weighted by members. He stated that the State Legislature did not put through legislation to allow towns to make changes. He stated MMA will be pushing for this again in the
next state legislature session. He stated that some towns are presenting there own Homerule petition. He stated that the BoS would have to approve this for the STM warrant and then after approval it would go to the Legislature. Mr. Surface stated that it takes a lot of time to get through the legislature. Mr. Trapani stated that this is a tool to benefit the unions and the other town employees.
Mr. O’Reilly stated that the plan change that was proposed in the spring would not have been an increase to any employees but was still voted down and would have saved the town funds. He stated that he supports putting this on the warrant. Mr. Surface stated that this would allow the BoS in the next negotiations to make changes in the contracts. Mr. Farrell explained the process and that the plan change last year was a last minute meeting and this year they will start earlier. Mr. Trapani stated that he feels the governing body should have more control over the decision. He stated that they will table for now but discus again at our next meeting.
Union Cemetery Restoration Contract
Mr. Trapani asked for an update from Mr. Farrell on the contract and the process that was used. Mr. Farrell explained the process that the Town went through for this project. Mr. Trapani stated that the Historical Commission’s recommendation is Fannin-Lehner Preservation Consultants. Mr. Trapani asked if the contract had gone through legal counsel. Mr. Farrell stated that the contract has been reviewed by counsel.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to award the Union Cemetery Conservation and Restoration of Gravestones/Monuments contract to Fannin-Lehner Preservation Consultants. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
FY11 Goals & Objectives
Mr. Trapani stated that they will start up the Government Study Committee soon and they have some interested new members.
Mr. Surface stated he and Mr. Smith will be moving forward with the Strategic Study Committee and will get information to the Government Study Committee.
Mr. Trapani stated that there will be a Tri-Board meeting at the September 27 Selectmen’s meeting. He stated that they will discuss the financial picture, critical capital improvements, budget, etc.
Mr. Trapani asked for other objectives. Mr. O’Reilly stated that he would like to look at Town Counsel services for the town as there are other options and our Town Counsel expenses have escalated.
Mr. Trapani stated that he would like to look at joint services. He stated that he will sit with Mr. Farrell to see what his goals and objectives are.
Discussion on a Fall Schedule: Oct 4, 18; November 8, 15(STM), 22; December 6, 20, 2010.
Town Administrator Report
Mr. Farrell stated that he has a meeting set up to discuss town buildings and grounds maintenance with the Highway Surveyor and School Department. He stated that the Schools have the funds for maintenance but not the staff and the Highway has the expertise but not the funds. He stated that any change is within the budget. He stated that he will be reporting back to the BoS and the School Committee. He stated that the School Committee has final approval on a plan.
Appointments
Mr. Trapani stated that they have a request to appoint Stephen M. Polignone to the Conservation Commission term to expire June 30, 2013. He asked that they invite Mr. Polignone and the ConCom to a meeting.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to appoint Jeff Lamoureaux to the Historical Commission term to expire June 30, 2013. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to appoint Paige Murphy to the Cultural Council for a one-year term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
School Building Committee
Mr. Trapani stated that the School Building Committee has been recommended and a list has been distributed of members. Mr. O’Reilly stated that he had some issues with some members.
Mr. Fowler asked who put this list together and stated that he is only seeing it this evening. Mr. Trapani explained that the School Feasibility committee has been around for about 10 years and he explained the process over the last 5 years. Discussion on the designations as set by MSBA. Mr. O’Reilly stated with 19 members they may have quorum issues. Mr. Farrell stated that there will not be a lot of votes to taken. Mr. Trapani stated that the Board of Selectmen would be the final signatures on any contracts. Mr. Fowler asked for more time to review. Mr. Trapani stated that they need to make these appointments tonight or meet again this week.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Terry Wiggin to the School Building Committee with the designation of SBC member who is MCPPO certified term to expire June 30, 2011. No motion.
Mr. Fowler stated that he has only seen this tonight and would like to know more about what the process is before he votes. He stated that he has an issue with doing a study to determine to spend money to see if we get money. Mr. Trapani explained the process that the committee has gone through.
Mr. Surface stated that forming this committee does not commit us to spending any money. He stated that he does not like things being tossed on us at the last minute either.
Mr. Fowler stated that he thought the Fall Town Meeting is only for urgent items.
Mr. Trapani stated that if the board does not vote on this list the town may miss our window and deadline for the State.
Mr. O’Reilly stated that they only received this list tonight and the Fall Town Meeting has the lowest attendance of residents to vote on an important article.
Discussion.
Mr. Fowler stated that he may vote tonight on the committee but may not vote on the article for the STM.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Terry Wiggin to the School Building Committee with the designation of SBC member who is MCPPO certified term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Philip Trapani to the School Building Committee with the designation of Local Chief Executive Officer term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Michael Farrell to the School Building Committee with the designation of Town Administrator term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Anne Blythe to the School Building Committee with the designation of School Committee member term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Eric Zadina to the School Building Committee with the designation of School Committee member term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Carol Jacobs to the School Building Committee with the designation of Superintendent of Schools term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Dr. Donna Tanner to the School Building Committee with the designation of School Principal term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Terry Wiggin to the School Building Committee with the designation of Local Official responsible for Building Maintenance term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Philip Trapani to the School Building Committee with the designation of Representative of Office authorized by law to construct school buildings term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Terry Wiggin to the School Building Committee with the designation of Member knowledgeable in educational mission and function of facility term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Dr. Donna Tanner to the School Building Committee with the designation of Member knowledgeable in educational mission and function of facility term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Robin O’Malley to the School Building Committee with the designation of Member of local finance committee term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Timothy Gerraughty to the School Building Committee with the designation of Member of community with architecture, engineering and/or construction experience term to expire June 30, 2011. No second the motion failed.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Glenn Clohecy to the School Building Committee with the designation of Member of community with architecture, engineering and/or construction experience term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Jeff Wade to the School Building Committee with the designation of Member of community with architecture, engineering and/or construction experience term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Peter Durkee to the School Building Committee with the designation of Member of community with architecture, engineering and/or construction experience term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Tillie Evangelista to the School Building Committee with the designation of Citizen and Planning Board member term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-1 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Lt. Donald Cudmore to the School Building Committee with the designation of Citizen and member of the Police Department term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint George Comiskey to the School Building Committee with the designation of Citizen and Conservation Group term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Ellie Sinkewicz to the School Building Committee with the designation of Citizen and member of the School Facilities Committee term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Michelle Smith to the School Building Committee with the designation of Citizen and Parent term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint A.J. Aulson to the School Building Committee with the designation of Citizen, Local construction company, and Parent term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote.
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Kerry Stauss to the School Building Committee with the designation of Citizen and Parent term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. O’Reilly abstained.
CIP Appointment
Mr. Surface moved to appoint Evan O’Reilly to the Capitol Improvement Committee term to expire June 30, 2013. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Next meeting, September 27, 2010 Tri-Board meeting (BoS, FinCom, and School Committee).
Mr. Surface moved to adjourn. Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and was approved by a unanimous vote.
Meeting adjourned at 9:02PM.
Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.
Minutes approved September 27, 2010.
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