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
1/24/11
7:00 PM
Selectmen Present: C. David Surface, Clerk; Evan O’Reilly; Gary Fowler; Stephen Smith
Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant;
Absent: Philip Trapani, Chairman;
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Call to Order
Mr. Surface called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Public Hearing-Crosby’s Liquor License Change
Transfer of Stock, Change of Manager, New Officers/Directors
Present: David Crosby, James Crosby, Patricia Crosby
Mr. Surface opened the Public Hearing for the Crosby’s Liquor License
James Crosby stated that their store has been in Georgetown for 25years and he will be spending less time in the business and his son David will be taking over as manager of Liquor. He stated that he is doing Estate planning and making some changes to the family business and he listed family members and what positions they would now be in. Mr. Surface asked how long he has been in the family business. David Crosby stated that they have been in business for 30 years. Mr. O’Reilly said that he has never heard any complaints about the business.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the request to make changes to the Crosby’s Liquor License - Transfer of Stock, Change of Manager, New Officers/Directors term to expire December 31, 2011. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
No comments from the audience. Public hearing closed.
Board Business
Mr. Surface stated that they have received the resignation of Matt Lewis, Jeff Moore, and Sharon Freeman from the ZBA and that Mr. Moore and Ms. Freeman have requested reappointment with different term expirations.
Mr. Surface stated that they have a request by the GAA/Joe Sinkewicz to hold the annual GAA Baseball & Softball Parade on Sunday, May 1, 2011.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the GAA Baseball & Softball Parade for Sunday, May 1, 2011. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface stated that the board received copies of letters sent from Al Beardsley, Fire Chief thanking Peggy & David Smith, and James Rauseo for their help shoveling the hydrants during the barn fire on January 15th.
Fire Department-Ambulance Discussion
Fire Chief Beardsley, Rusty Ricker, Jeff Manning, Central Fire Company
Byfield Fire Chief William Pearson; Lynnfield FD Captain Mike Feinberg (EMS Director); Topsfield FD Captain Jen Collins-Brown (EMS Director); Chief Frank Twiss from Middleton, Joe Tassie from Comstar Medical Billing
Mr. Ricker gave some history on the Central Fire Department. He explained how the department has changed over the years and the donations that Central has made to the department. He stated that they would now like to supply the Town with Transport Ambulances. He stated that they would like to donate two ambulances and would like the BoS to accept the donation. Chief Beardsley explained the services that they now provide and that some of the members already have the ambulance training from out of town ambulance work. He stated that this will also provide a source of revenue for the department. He stated that this will allow greater opportunities for employees to get EMT training. He listed threats to the proposal. He stated that they have done a SWAT analysis. Mr.
Surface asked who now responds first. The Chief stated that now it is the Police, Fire, and the Ambulance is last. Mr. Surface asked about insurance coverage for transporting out of town. Mr. Farrell stated that we would need insurance coverage to transport out of town. Fire Chief Frank Twiss, Middleton stated that the insurance cost is minimal. Mr. Surface asked how many fire personnel are EMT’s. Fire Chief stated that 24 are EMT’s. Mr. Surface asked if we send our ambulance to another town is there coverage. Fire Chief stated that it would be the same as sending a piece of equipment. Mr. Surface asked how Byfield feels about this possible change. Chief Pearson stated that they have serviced the town since 1962 would continue. He stated that they have Paramedics and they would still be needed. Mr. Surface asked why they would still need Byfield. Deputy Ricker stated that they offer a different level of services. Mr. O’Reilly asked why they would spend $65,000 on
ambulances without checking with the Chief and the Selectmen first. Mr. Manning stated that the Fire Chief an all applicants knew of the ambulance purchase. He stated that they are a private company and they made the decision to make this purchase. Mr. O’Reilly stated that when other ambulances showed some interest of coming into the town then the $10,000 we paid to Byfield ended. Fire Chief Pearson explained that Georgetown paid them for bills that were unpaid and then they agreed to pay $10,000 per year in one lump sum and then in 2009 they dropped the fee. Mr. O’Reilly asked why not have an ALS ambulance in town when they bid. Fire group stated that they do not go out to bid. Mr. Smith thanked Central and Erie Fire Companies for what they do for the town. He stated that he does not have an issue with them purchasing the ambulances and now they must look at the opportunity. He asked what the worst that can happen
is. Mr. Manning stated that if the project does not make a profit after next two years then the town could close it down and sell the equipment. Chief Beardsley stated that as Central Fire Company is making the investment the town does not have much cost. He stated that if the insurance companies do not pay the bills then they will have an issue. Mr. Fowler stated that the ambulance is the last call. Chief Beardsley stated that nothing would change as we now sometimes have two ambulances responding to a scene. Mr. Farrell asked what the average response time now is. Chief Beardsley stated for an ambulance about 10-15 min depending on where in town. Mr. Farrell asked what it would be with our own ambulance. Chief Beardsley stated about 3-4 min response time. Mr. Farrell stated that the recommended response time is 4 min.
Revenue
Chief Beardsley explained the numbers and that they have an average of 375 transports a year. Mr. Manning explained the numbers they used and how they went with lower numbers in their calculations. Mr. Smith asked if these would be at the basic level. Deputy Ricker stated yes at the basic level not at the higher level. Chief Beardsley stated that he has been told the vehicles are in excellent shape. Mr. Surface asked the dollar amount for fuel used in the calculations. Mr. Manning stated that they based the fuel on $3.13 a gal. Mr. Smith asked if there is a 3rd party that would be an ambulance expert to confirm these numbers. Mr. Surface stated that they do have the FinCom. Mr. Manning stated that he has met with Sandy Gerraughty, Chair of the FinCom. He stated he did reach out to outside Fire Chief’s for their input. Mr. O’Reilly stated he talked to Mr. Farrell about an outside consultant. Mr. Surface asked about benefits. Mr. Farrell stated that there would not be
any the plan is to staff day shifts as they do now and would be per diem. Mr. Fowler asked about the hours. Deputy Ricker explained how it would work with the ambulance going out with two EMTS. He stated as the revenue increases then they would add more hours.
Chief Pearson stated that they have full time staff 5 days a week and explained how he staffs his ambulance. O’Reilly asked how much revenue. Chief Pearson explained there hours. Chief Pearson explained their relationship with Newbury. He stated that they will still make money with Georgetown using there own ambulances. Mr. Smith asked how much they would they need to fund the program and where will the profit go. Mr. Manning stated that in three years they would need to replace a vehicle. He stated if they go with this then this would fund the program. Mr. Smith asked if any funds would go to the town. Mr. Manning stated that they can not answer that question yet. Chief Twiss stated that it cost them $185K for a new advanced Life ambulance, Chief Pearson stated
that they spent $135K to replace one of their ambulances. Mr. Smith asked the life span of the ambulances. Both stated about 5 years. Mr. Surface asked the Mr. Manning to add replacement cost to their calculations. Mr. Surface stated that he would only go with two years and if a loss they would sell the vehicles to replace cost.
Mr. Farrell asked about the collection rate. Joe Tassie from Comstar Medical Billing stated that they have an 80-90% collection rate. Mr. Smith asked about the new billing and payments going to the patient policy. Mr. Tassie stated that the collection rate is less but income is better. He stated that the billing rates are set by the town and the manor of payment is set by the town. Mr. Surface asked about Mass Health fees. Mr. Tassie stated that Mass Health pays less and some calls are not paid for. Mr. Surface asked if they factored in non paid bills. Mr. Manning stated that they have. Mr. Fowler asked how you would come to your rate. Mr. Manning stated that the rates vary and in their research they received a range and went below for his numbers.
Demographic Info
Mr. Manning went over the information on call volume, daytime the most, response of vehicles, summary of incidents for 2010. He stated that there were 1307 calls in 2010.
Mr. Surface stated that the human factor of a call time in 3-4 minutes is important but will it improve the level of service. He stated that he would like to see a recommendation from FinCom and an independent reviewer. He asked the fire department what they are looking for from the Selectmen this evening. Mr. Manning stated that they are looking for the acceptance of the ambulances. Mr. Fowler asked if Central could do this as a private company. Deputy Ricker stated that they could but they do not want to do this they want the Town of Georgetown reap the benefits. Mr. Fowler stated that he would like to see this done by the Central Fire. Mr. Manning stated that they do not have the resources to do this. Mr. Fowler asked how much of the Town Hall staff would be used. Mr. Manning stated that it would not be much of an impact to the town. Mr. Surface stated that they need the infrastructure, and insurance coverage. Mr. Smith asked the Fire Chief’s that are present if this
is a good business for their towns. Chief Twiss, Middleton stated that they have had an ambulance since the 70’s and now an advanced life vehicle. He stated that they gave $350K to the town from profits. Captain Mike Feinberg, Lynnfield explained that they started slow but now $550K is there profit. He stated call volume tends to increase with a fire based ambulance and he explained his program and ALS. Mr. O’Reilly asked if they have a lot of accidents on RT 1. Cap. Feinberg stated very little.
Mr. O’Reilly stated the Mr. Farrell can set up an independent review. Mr. Fowler asked if Lynnfield, Middleton, Byfield could give him a copy of their total budget and staffing so he could review.
Mr. Surface stated that we will set up the independent review and asked them to add a line item for replacement cost.
Jack L’Hommedieu, 330 Andover Street asked if the report would be available at the BoS office. Mr. Farrell stated that if would be in the office and the report of the independent review.
Mr. Smith asked that the public reach out to the board if they have questions.
Mr. O’Reilly asked if this would be an increase in the Fire Chief’s hours. Fire Chief Beardsley stated that his hours would stay the same.
Appointments
Request from Police Chief Mulligan for appointment of Michael Broderick as a Reserve Police Officer
Chief Mulligan stated that he is requesting the appointment of Michael Broderick as a Reserve Officer and he explained Mr. Broderick’s background and education. Mr. Fowler asked how this affects our budget. Chief Mulligan explained that this is a citizen police officer no benefits, paid hourly, and does not affect our budget best buy in town.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to appoint Michael Broderick as a Reserve Police Officer, term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and it was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface moved for a 5-minute recess. Mr. O’Reilly seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Stormwater Annual Reports
Nick Cracknell, Town Planner (Chair Stormwater Management Committee) & Allan McIntosh, MVPC were present
Mr. Cracknell stated that he is present to represent the Stormwater Management Committee, and he listed the members and explained that they have been meeting monthly and are getting these reports back on track. He stated that Mr. McIntosh worked with Jack Moultrie in the past. He explained where the committee is and that they are looking at a 5-year plan. He stated that the 2008 and 2009 reports had not been done and they received a letter from the EPA demanding the reports. He stated that with the help of MVPC they have the reports today for the board to sign. He stated that Mr. McIntosh could answer any questions. Mr. Cracknell stated that they have a lot of work to do on the next 5-year plan. Mr. Surface stated that will they be in compliance with these plans. Mr.
Cracknell stated that they would be in compliance with these reports. Mr. Fowler asked if this committee will keep track of these reports and cost. Mr. Cracknell stated that there is a contract in their packet for the next plan. Mr. Surface asked if this is in the budget. Mr. Farrell stated that there are some funds from the BoH. He stated that they will be looking for an additional $4K. Mr. Farrell stated that this is an unfunded Federal mandate with a cost to $25K. Mr. McIntosh stated that why MVPC can keep the cost at $9K is because they have some grant funds that can be charged for some of the costs.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to accept the NPDES PII Small MS4 General Permit Annual Report for Georgetown. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve Mr. Surface to sign the NPDES PII Small MS4 General Permit Annual Report for Georgetown in Mr. Trapani’s absence. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Licenses
Theo’s Restaurant, The Sports Depot at Rock Pond- Common Victualler
The Sports Depot at Rock Pond- 6-Units Automatic Amusement, Sunday Live Entertainment, Weekly Live Entertainment
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the Common Victualler License for Theo’s Restaurant and the Sports Depot at Rock Pond to expire December 31, 2011. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve Automatic Amusement License-6 Units and the Sunday and Weekly Live Entertainment for the Sports Depot at Rock Pond to expire December 31, 2011. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Surplus Equipment
Police chairs & old CoA van
Mr. O’Reilly moved to enter two chairs from the Police Department and the old CoA van to surplus equipment. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Selectmen’s Report
State of the Town
Mr. Smith stated that he will undertake the State of the Town meeting and would be looking to hold this meeting in April 2011.
Public Budget Forum
Mr. Surface extended an invitation to all residents to attend the Public Budget Forum on Saturday, January 29 from 8AM to noon at the Middle/High School.
Mr. Farrell stated that they will be discussing the budget at this meeting. He stated that this budget is uncertain and the main revenue source of State funding is unknown and the School Budget is unknown. He stated that health insurance cost is going up 10 to 13% and pension cost is $1Mil and will go up 10%. He stated that workers compensation and property insurance will go up and there is less revenue this year. He stated that we need to hear from residents what they are willing to pay for and what they do not want to pay for. He stated that this is the time to get involved. He stated that there will be a facilitator at the meeting. Mr. Fowler asked who will facilitate the meeting. Mr. Farrell stated that the facilitator is from the Collins Center and they are working out the
details of the meeting.
ATM Warrant
Mr. O’Reilly moved to open the ATM Warrant for May 2, 2011. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Appointments
Mr. O’Reilly moved to reappoint Jeff Moore to the ZBA as a regular member term to expire June 30, 2012. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to reappoint Sharon Freeman to the ZBA as a regular member term to expire June 30, 2011. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface stated that we received a thank you from the Mike Donohue Committee for the support of the Town for the annual run.
Board Business
Consent order for Water Department
Need vote to approve and sign.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the Water Department Consent Order and for David Surface to sign in place of Philip Trapani. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface stated that the next BoS meeting is February 7, 2011.
Mr. Surface stated that we have had a lot of snow lately and the Highway Department has done a terrific job clearing the roads.
Mr. O’Reilly moved to adjourn. Mr. Smith second all
Meeting adjourned at 9:15PM.
Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.
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