Town of Georgetown, MA - January 10, 2011

January 10, 2011


	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 1/10/11 7:00 PM Selectmen Present: Philip Trapani, Chairman; Evan O’Reilly; Gary Fowler; C. David Surface, Clerk; Stephen Smith Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant; Absent: _______________________________________________________________________ Call to Order Mr. Trapani called the meeting to order at 7:05PM. Mr. Trapani stated that the town’s thoughts and prayers are with Gabrielle Giffords and the families in Tucson. Mr. Fowler announced that he is a Grandfather and that his son Malcolm and his wife just welcomed home a baby boy named Gary. The board members congratulated Gary and his family. Board Business Request by the Highway Surveyor to deficit Spend the Snow and Ice Budget. Mr. Durkee gave an update on the Snow and Ice budget. He stated that he still has the loader bill to be paid from this account. Mr. Trapani stated budget is $104,000 and we usually deficit spend this account. Mr. O’Reilly asked the cost of salt this year. Mr. Durkee stated that salt is $53.90 a ton this year. Mr. Durkee explained how they use salt and sand. Mr. Smith asked about the cost of a 12 inch storm. Mr. Durkee stated $50,000 depending on length of storm and timing. Mr. Fowler asked for cost of small storms. Mr. Durkee explained how they handle these storms. Mr. Smith moved to approve the Highway Surveyor under MGL Ch 44 s 31D to deficit spend the Snow and Ice budget. Mr. Surface seconded the motion. Mr. O’Reilly asked if they wanted to set a limit to how much this account could be deficit spent. Mr. Trapani stated not much we can do and they would have to see how many storms we have. He asked for Mr. Durkee to let Mr. Farrell know how much the storm costs. Mr. Durkee gave out a copy of his Snow and Ice Policy and explained the plowing of private roads. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Energy Committee-Linc ESCO Bob Reddish, Dan Dowell, David O’Brien Wayne Snow, Reggie Tardif were present Mr. Snow explained that this is the third or fourth proposal that they have looked at over the last few years. He stated that they are at the next step. He stated that Linc would like to do an IGA investment grade audit. Mr. Tardif stated that the original committee was formed in 2007 and included Wayne Snow, himself, Steve Delaney, and Jonathon Goldfield from the School Dept. He stated that the board has had changes with new members Evan O’Reilly, Terry Wiggin, and now Mike Farrell. He stated that they had some action with Mr. Delaney and when he left they were moving at a slow pace but now have Linc and are moving forward. He stated that they can save 20% on energy bills with this company and we can not afford to lose these funds. He stated that they would like to have Linc do an energy audit and if they do not get the final audit the Town would have to pay the $10,000 fee. He stated that MVPC gave indication that if they join with other Towns may get more funds, some large towns involved and there was no indication when we would receive funds. He stated the board decided to take action ourselves and move forward with the audit. He stated now is the time to act. Mr. Trapani stated that this is a simple investment and the return is good. Mr. Snow stated that they will have to put out an RFP and if Linc is not chosen the Town would pay the $10,000 fee. He stated that this should make the spring warrant. Mr. Farrell stated that they will put a place holder on the warrant for this. Mr. Surface asked about the numbers. Mr. Dowell explained how this would work. Mr. Surface asked questions about the process. Mr. Dowell stated that they have reviewed the savings over 15 years the savings would be $1Mil. He stated that they will come back to the Energy Committee in February and give them final figures. He stated that if the capital numbers are less then savings they would go away if savings are greater then they would move forward. He stated that this is not a tax burden to residents. Mr. Surface asked if they install the equipment. Mr. Dowell stated that they are unique that they also do the changes. Mr. Dowell went over a Utility Profile on town buildings that they put together. Mr. Smith disclosed that he is with Honeywell and has done this type of study. Mr. Snow stated that the Town is his largest customer and you are not green. Mr. Smith asked about the Historic designation at Town Hall and Perley and if this would be an issue. Mr. Dowell stated that they are not doing roofs or windows and those items would be impacted by the designation. Mr. Surface asked if any of the improvements would last the 15 year debt. Mr. Dowell stated that the only item that would not is the lighting which has a 5 year warranty. Mr. O’Reilly moved to allow Mr. Farrell to enter into an IGA agreement with Linc Services. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Water Department Update Glenn Smith, Reidar Bomengen, William Ricker, Mark Wetzel, engineer Mr. Trapani stated that they wanted to update the Town on what is happening at the Water department. He stated that the DOE has fined the town for: Failure to prepare an Emergency Plan Failure to do Testing Failure to maintain a system of safe water Failure to take a water sample He stated that the water was never deemed unsafe during this time. He stated that this is a grave situation of not working with the State. Mr. Smith explained what happened. He stated that regarding the water sample the1^st sample was missed and he stated that they have now done the sample. He stated that on the other allegations they have had an Emergency Response Plan of sorts and that they did not meet with all the State timelines. On the failure to maintain a system of safe water the ground water hit they did not think they had to notify the State as this sample was before treatment and that is what the treatment plant does. He stated that the secondary water complaints are from sections of town that have high iron and magnesium, a rotten egg smell. He stated that they have hired an engineering firm for a plan and have put funds aside for change of chemical feeds. Mr. Trapani asked Mr. Wetzel how the Georgetown water system is compared to other towns. Mr. Wetzel stated that Georgetown water is similar to other towns and the water out of the treatment plant is good and explained how the system works. He stated that the water quality complaints are higher then normal but the distribution system is going to need some improvements. Mr. Trapani stated that they have a consent order from the State will they be able to comply. Mr. Smith stated that they have complied with some and are working on the Emergency Plan and does not feel meeting the consent will be a problem. Mr. Trapani asked for the plan to be done as soon as possible. He stated that the water quality is the larger issue and an unsafe system. Mr. Smith stated that the hydraulics are not smooth and explained. Mr. Trapani stated that if funds were not an issue what would it take to fix the system. Mr. Wetzel stated that a little bit of everything, pipes, water storage system, etc. He stated that another tank on the opposite side of town would take 1-1 ½ years to complete. Mr. Smith stated that they have reduced some complaints in the Andover Baldpate area. Mr. Trapani stated that this is a major issue and would like to review their capital plan. Mr. Smith explained the grants that they have received. Mr. Trapani stated that they are looking to see if we can make some of those low cost changes and improve the quality of the water. He asked for a status report within the next three months. Smith stated that next month they can have a report for the board. Surface asked to see response the four items and updates and progress to the board and follow up in 90 days. Steve asked if the DEP will give them an acknowledgement of when the items are done. Wetzel stated that the State only lets them know when they do not receive items. Trapani stated that they need to know costs as there are other large capitol costs coming forward, Minutes Minutes of December 6 & 20, 2010 to be approved. Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the minutes of December 6, 2010. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. Mr. Smith abstained. Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the minutes of December 20, 2010. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. MMA and MIIA voting designation Mr. Trapani stated he plans to attend the MIIA convention. He stated that he will vote at the convention. Policy on Stabilization Fund and Policy on Free Cash Mr. Trapani asked the board to review the two policies. Severe Weather Policy Mr. Trapani stated to hold until the next meeting. Mr. O’Reilly stated that the severe weather may come into place before our next meeting. Mr. Farrell stated that this policy is what he used for the last storm. He stated that this is only for Town Hall employees. Discussion on wording Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the Severe Weather Policy with the designee change (Chairman of the Board or his/her designee). Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. License Renewals Class II Used Car Sales Georgetown Auto Brokers, LLC Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the Class II Used Car Sales License for Georgetown Auto Brokers, LLC to expire December 30, 2011. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Common Victualler Niki’s Pizza & Village Sub & Pizza Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the Common Victualler License for Niki’s Pizza to expire December 30, 2011. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. O’Reilly moved to approve the Common Victualler License for Village Sub & Pizza to expire December 30, 2011. Mr. Surface seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Board Business Mr. Trapani stated that he would like to commend the Police Department on their swift work as the TD North Bank was robbed on Friday and with help from the State Police on Friday they apprehended the bank robbers and no one was hurt. Mr. Surface stated some citizens helped by notifying the department of some a suspicious vehicle. Mr. Farrell stated that all the funds were returned. Mr. Fowler asked about the Saturday morning Budget meeting. Mr. Trapani stated that they are looking at January 29^th and explained that this would be to discuss the budget with the public. Next meeting Monday, January 24, 2011. Mr. Fowler asked the board to keep March 12 open to meet with other town selectmen to brainstorm. Mr. Trapani stated he also asked the Police Chief to reach out to area towns on a regional dispatch. Mr. Trapani stated that he and Mr. Farrell are working with the Fire Chief and Central Fire Company on the ambulance proposal. Mr. O’Reilly asked if we would also be looking at opening up to a formal bid and open to other ambulances. Mr. Trapani stated that this is a look at a qualitative and quantitative look. Mr. O’Reilly stated that they need to look at a bid and how this would benefit the town. Mr. Surface moved to adjourn. Mr. Smith second and the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 8:36PM. Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.