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
4/25/11
6:00 PM
Selectmen Present: Philip Trapani, Chairman; C. David Surface, Clerk; Gary Fowler; Stephen Smith; Evan O’Reilly
Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant;
Absent:
_______________________________________________________________________
Call to Order
Mr. Trapani called the meeting to order at 6:00PM.
6:00PM-NEASC School Accreditation Discussion
NEASC-School Accreditation discussion
Janet Allison, NEASC and Carol Jacobs, Superintendent were present.
Mr. Trapani introduced Ms. Allison and stated she would update the board and audience on NEASC Report. He stated he hoped she could explain what the standards are and how they relate to Georgetown.
Ms. Allison thanked the board for inviting her and that she would also do a presentation at the High School this evening. She gave background information on NEASC. She stated that they use the same standards for all schools and do not compare schools and gave the board a copy of the 2011 standards. She stated that there are 26 NE commissioners and they all work pro bono and gave a list of those on the board principals, assistant principals, superintendents, teachers, and a public member. She stated that the Georgetown High School staff has done a lot of work on the accreditation. She stated that the report put Georgetown High School on warning for community resources. She explained that the visiting committee used the school self study and was here for 4 days and met with many people in
2006. She stated that there was a progress report in 2008. She stated that there is a required 5 year report due in May and that an extension was given to see if the override passes. Discussed are plans, funding, space, technology etc. She stated that they found facility deficiencies and they ask that within 2 years the town develop a plan and a timeline and have in place or they may be put on probation.
Question & Answer
Mr. Trapani read the list of concerns that the warning is on. He stated that they have been making strides in the list of concerns. He stated that have approved the feasibility study for the Pennbrook School and will vote at the ATM in 2012 on the recommendation. Ms. Jacobs explained the changes to the schools if a new school is built. Ms. Allison asked when a new school would be built and students moved into the school. Ms. Jacobs stated that they anticipate it to be 3-4 years. Ms. Allison stated that that it would be a whole generation of students. She stated if override passes in short time it would show good faith. If not successful and they make the cuts then it could impact other standards. She stated that they do not have guidelines for user fees but they do monitor the
fees. She stated that if it effects student participation in after school activities it could impact the commission. She stated that the commission would look at impact.
Mr. Surface stated in seven standards Georgetown is deficient in one out of seven. He stated that they are on warning for one standard. Ms. Allison stated yes. Mr. Surface stated that the study was done in 2006 and the economy was better then it is now. He stated parents are hurting also at this time. She stated that they have discussed this in depth. He stated that a failure to provide is harsh and strong word as they have funded the schools.
Mr. Smith asked if there are other commissions outside of New England. Ms. Allison stated that there are others and that there are Federal Commissions also. She stated that it is voluntary to be accredited. She stated that out of 600 schools 15 are on probation and 7 of those are in Mass. She stated that on average a 100 are on warning.
Mr. Trapani stated that on NEASC website they list the schools that are on probation but that the schools on warning are not listed. He asked if it makes an impact on college applications if the High School is not accredited or on probation. She stated that they get a lot of calls from people moving into a town requesting information. She stated that they review all the colleges in MA and she stated that accreditation is looked at it but it varies as to those that look.
Mr. Smith asked if the Middle School is accredited differently. Ms. Allison stated that it is only the 9-12th grades that the principal oversees that are accredited. She stated that at some time they may accredit the Middle Schools.
Recess until 7PM.
7:00PM- WARRANT & MINUTES
Warrant to be signed in the office
Minutes April 11, 2011
Mr. Surface moved to approve the minutes of April 11, 2011 as amended. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. Trapani abstained.
BOARD BUSINESS
ATM-May 2, 2011
Beverly Enos, Town Moderator was present to update the board on the ATM May 2, 2011. She said that there will be two rooms and they will start checking in residents at 6:00PM. She stated babysitting will be available until 9:00PM. She wanted to remind residents that they need a quorum at the end also or the votes will not count. She asked if any presenters have a PowerPoint presentation to let her know ahead of time. She stated that she will hold a pre meeting Wednesday, April 27 in basement of Town Hall. She stated that they will have a food collection for the food pantry at the First Congregational Church that evening so bring a non perishable food item. She stated that this is a long warrant. Mr. Trapani stated if it gets too late they will adjourn and hold zoning
amendments until fall. She stated that she will have people outside to let people know which precinct they are in to move the lines. Mr. Trapani asked if they would have extra checkers. She stated she would.
Fire Department Ambulance
Mr. Trapani stated that Central Fire has been patient and they have been diligent to ask questions and review the ambulance donation.
Mr. Surface moved to accept the donation of two ambulances from Central Fire Company. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Mr. Fowler stated that he does not feel that this is the time to support this type of expenditure and would support the use by the private company. Mr. Smith stated that if the vote at town meeting does not pass they still have accepted the ambulances. Mr. Fowler asked what the next step is if the board accepts the ambulances tonight. Mr. Trapani stated that they would move forward with training, and licenses, etc. Mr. Surface wanted to be sure that they will be putting funds in a reserve account to replace the units in the future. Chief Beardsley stated that this is what the revolving fund is for that is being voted on at Town Meeting. Mr. Surface stated that he wanted on the record that if they lose money over two years then they will return the ambulances to Central Fire.
The motion was approved by a 3-yes 1-no vote.
Mr. Trapani congratulated the Fire Department on their efforts to raise funds for the town.
NPDES PII Small MS4 General Permit Annual Report: April 1, 2010-March 31, 2011 for approval
Mr. Trapani stated that the report is required for stormwater discharge and this is to certify we are in good standing with the EPA.
Mr. Surface moved to allow the Selectmen Chair to sign the NPDES PII Small MS4 General Permit Annual Report: April 1, 2010-March 31, 2011. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
SELECTMEN’S REPORT
Proposition 2 ½ workshop
Mr. Trapani stated that Mr. Farrell would give a presentation on Proposition 2 ½. Mr. Farrell stated that he would try to make it understandable to the average citizen. Mr. Farrell put together a PowerPoint presentation for the board and residents.
Questions and Answers
Mr. Surface asked Ms. Gerraughty if they would move some funds to the Stab fund. Ms. Gerraughty stated that they may be able to move some funds in the fall depending on what happens at Town Meeting. Mr. Surface asked about betterments. Discussion on betterments. Mr. Smith stated that this was good as it shows that in Prop 2 ½ there is a mechanism to allow an override and for the residents to vote. He asked that the presentation be put on the following website pages BoS, FinCom, front page. Mr. Fowler thanked Mr. Farrell for the presentation and stated that it far exceed what he was looking for.
TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Budget Update
Mr. Farrell stated that this is as final a budget as they are going to see before Town Meeting. He stated that the last version was when they received revenue figures from the State it was a negative and when all came in we were ahead $112,000 and have added to the FinCom Reserve. He explained that the FinCom funded 3 articles from Free Cash Fire truck $77,000, Permitting software for $8,000, and the Voting machine for $4,500. He stated that they did not fund the Police 4x4 at this time and would look at funding in the fall. He stated that they funded two CIP projects from the Capitol Fund the painting of Public Safety Building and new Fire Station bay doors. He stated that they also added $25,000 to the Capitol Fund. He stated that they had Andy Bellivieu as an advocate for putting
additional funds in the Capitol Fund. He stated that with the unknown with the override and unemployment they put all of free cash in the reserve fund. He stated that this way we will not need a TM to access funds. Mr. Fowler asked about free cash for the Snow and Ice. Mr. Farrell stated that we would be able to access if needed. Mr. Surface asked about the insurance numbers. Mr. Farrell explained how in the past they overestimated the number of employees in a family plan so there had been an excess in this account but he has reduced the account to a more realistic number but there is a12.8% increase for FY12. Mr. Fowler asked if the override does not pass on the town side we will be alright. Ms. Gerraughty stated that we will be level funded. Mr. Surface asked if there were any contractual obligations. Ms. Gerraughty stated that depending on negotiations this could change the budget. Discussion on unemployment funds
for FY12 if the override does not pass.
Upcoming Events:
- Annual Town Meeting is next Monday, May 2 at 7:00PM at the M/H School doors will open at 6:00PM.
- Elections Monday, May 9th
Candidates night April 26 at 7:00PM live here at Town Hall
Library Charity Wine tasting is Saturday, April 30 6:30PM-9:30PM
NEXT MEETING
Monday, May 2, 2011 at 6:00PM, Georgetown M/H School, Annual Town Meeting
Monday, May 16, 2011 at 7:00PM, Memorial Town Hall, 3rd Floor meeting room
Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.
Regular Meeting adjourned at 8:15PM.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Union Negotiation discussion
Mr. Surface moved to go into Executive Session for Union Negotiation discussion and that they will adjourn after the Executive Session. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a roll call vote.
Executive Session adjourned at 9:20PM by a roll call vote.
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