Town of Georgetown, MA - November 21, 2011

November 21, 2011


	Memorial Town Hall, 1 Library Street, Georgetown, MA 01833 Ph. (978) 352-5755 0" color="#000000" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;">Memorial Town Hall Floor Meeting Room 11/21/11 7:00 PM – General Meeting Selectmen Present: C. David Surface, Chairman; Philip Trapani; Gary Fowler, Clerk; Stuart M. Egenberg Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Nick Cracknell, Town Planner; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant Absent: Stephen Smith _______________________________________________________________________ Call to Order Mr. Surface called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Pledge of Allegiance Public Hearing Tax Classification Hearing Mr. Surface opened the Tax Classification Hearing Mr. Ferreira, Assistant Assessor was present and read each exemption and asked the board to vote on each. Open Space Discount Mr. Egenberg moved to set an Open Space Assessment. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was not approved. Residential Exemption Mr. Egenberg moved to establish a Residential Exemption. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was not approved. Small Commercial Exemption Mr. Egenberg moved to accept the Small Commercial Exemption. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was not approved. Classification Mr. Egenberg moved to recommend a Tax Classification factor of one. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Surface asked if there were any questions from the audience. None Mr. Egenberg moved to close the Public Hearing. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Minutes Mr. Egenberg moved to approve the Executive Session minutes of November 7, 2011. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Surface stated that they will hold the November 14^th minutes for the next meeting. Correspondence Winter Parking Ban Mr. Surface read the winter parking ban notice effective December 1^st. New Business Ambulance Billing and Collection Policy Fire Chief Beardsley and Fire Fighter Herendeen were present. The Fire Chief explained the policy and answered questions from the board regarding collections. Mr. Trapani asked who acts as the Auditor. Mr. Farrell stated that the Town Accountant acts as the internal auditor but on page 3 F it should be changed to Town Finance Director. Discussion on hardship issues. Fire Chief stated that he will review with the Town Accountant any hardship issues. Mr. Egenberg moved to accept the Ambulance Billing and Collection Policy as presented except for one change on page 3 item f to read Town Finance Director. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-0 vote. Mr. Fowler abstained. Mr. Trapani asked when the ambulances would roll. Chief Beardsley stated that they plan to roll on January 1, 2012 at 8:00AM. Appointments & Approvals Keon’s request to extend ABCC Sunday morning hours to serve at 10:00AM. Alan Boisvert stated he is requesting to extend the hours to serve alcohol on Sunday starting at 10:00AM instead of 11:00AM. He explained that this is for the Sunday Brunch and that they have a Bloody Mary Bar, and mimosas, etc. Mr. Surface asked the Fire Chief if they had any issues. Fire Chief explained they do not have issues with the hours but they still have to go out to do an inspection for some items that were to be taken care of with the Fire Alarms. Mr. Boisvert stated that the Building Inspector was out this morning and did an inspection and they had complied with all requests. Fire Chief stated that they would be out this week to re-inspect. Mr. Surface stated that they will hold this for next meeting on December 5^th and wait for all inspections to be finished. Old Business School Building preferred Alternative Plan Michelle Smith, Ellie Sinkewicz, School Building Committee; Patrick Saitta, Municipal Building Consultants; and Carl Franceschi, DRA, Inc. was present. Ms. Smith explained what they have been doing since the last meeting with the BoS. She explained that the School Building Committee voted 7-2 for the building site in the woods, and the School Committee vote 5-0 for the K-6 grade option of a new School in the woods. She explained why they are looking for approval for the option in the woods 1. Safety-with 800 students this option will allow a second driveway for emergency use as a gated driveway to Elm St. She stated that the drive was not in the cost as this was a new edition. 2. Traffic and Parking-this plan gives them 75 move parking spaces and with a longer driveway will get all cars off of Elm St for queuing. 3. Fields-this plan would give additional fields and this has been an issue for years in Town. Ms. Smith stated that they are looking for the boards support for the preferred alternative Grades K-6 in the Woods. Mr. Surface stated that Mr. Gerraughty asked that they make the driveway to blend into the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Franceschi stated that there are ways to minimize the appearance of hot top. He stated that the second drive will only be used as emergency drive. Neighbor stated he does support the new school and the school has to live with the neighbors. He hoped they would minimize destruction of trails and understand they must coexist. He stated that he is attending to make sure this is done right and not have the school be a detriment to the neighborhood. Mr. Trapani asked about traffic at the end of Elm St in the morning and asked if there are any plans to add lights at either end for traffic. Ms. Sinkewicz stated that they will work with Peter Durkee and that he is on the committee. Mr. Franceschi stated that they have added $150K to $300K for work to Elm Street which could include lights. Ms. Smith stated that they can also use these funds for sidewalk improvement. Mr. Trapani asked about Bus access to East Street. Mr. Franceschi stated that they have to work with the State for an easement to go over land donated by the Baker Adams estate to the State. Mr. Trapani asked about using the emergency exit for a drive. Ms. Sinkewicz stated that they plan to use this only for emergency access. Mr. Surface stated that there are some old trees and stone walls that they do not want to destroy. Mr. Surface asked about the contingency figures. Municipal explained the plans are accurate with the level of plans and contingency figures. Mr. Surface stated that they are getting a $48Million School with a $21Million dollar reimbursement from the State. He stated that this will be a burden to taxpayers. He stated that not all towns receive these funds. Mr. Egenberg asked how these fees are set. Ms. Sinkewicz stated that the State has accepted our Statement of Interest and this starts the process. Ms. Smith stated that they met with the MSBA today and she thought it went well. She stated that the MSBA can say no. Mr. Franceschi stated that on December 9^th they will submit this option to MSBA and they will review on December 14 and then in January a vote. She stated and then the committee votes in March and then ready for the ATM in May. Mr. Egenberg asked if MSBA does not like the plan do we have a chance to change the plan. Mr. Franceschi stated that they do go back and forth and that they will receive consensus. Mr. Fowler stated that he does not understand how they got to where they are. He stated that this will be a 14% tax increase and what if the voters vote no. He stated that a lot of people can not believe they want to tear down Pennbrook School. He stated what happens if a no vote from residents. Pat Saitta explained that in another town they went back to MSBA and concessions can be made and then go back to the town and it was then approved. Ms. Sinkewicz stated that they could be removed from the list and may have to start over again but if they can show that the town will support a plan they may not be removed. Mr. Fowler stated that he feels the BoS did not have enough input on the formation of the committee. He stated that the only conservative is Ms. Evangelista. Mr. Fowler stated that it has been said that a new school will increase property values. Mr. Surface stated that this will increase values but that is not why we will build a new school. Discussion on the number students in the Schools and that there is not a significant increase seen. Mr. Fowler stated that lights may be needed on both ends of Elm St. Mr. Surface stated that traffic lights are needed now. Mr. Fowler stated that when the board voted on members of the committee he would not have voted except that it had to be done that night. He stated that he would have liked to have looked at the political views of members. Mr. Trapani stated that the board all voted for this committee that evening. Mr. Surface stated that he does not look at political views for committee members. He stated that the vote of the committee was done by the group and they all looked at the merits of the plan. Mr. Trapani stated he understands how the group got to this plan and he does not know how Mr. Fowler does not understand. Mr. Fowler stated that he does not see a transition problem. Mr. Fowler stated that Mr. Surface asked Mr. Wiggin the top three items that Pennbrook needs and he stated storage space, space for teachers lounge, and a new roof. Mr. Trapani stated that we hired professionals to look at the School and Mr. Wiggin was not a professional. Mr. Saitta explained the issues with the school and the systems that need to be repaired and items that do not meet the standards that you will get with a new school. Ms. Smith stated that what we do has to last for 50 years we can not go back to the town for more funds. Mr. Fowler stated he is doing his best to not offend anyone and others in town will be asking these questions. Mr. Trapani stated that this is a high risk vote and they knew this with the override last year. Mr. Surface stated that we have to do something with this school. Ms. Sinkewicz stated that they came to the point of the cost of repairs at 75 to 80 percent of the cost of a new school and with the other 20% from MSBA they could have a new School. Mr. Egenberg stated that Mr. Fowler has been part of the process all along and should have voiced his opinion before now. He stated that the committee has been transparent and that this has been an open process. He stated that he would have thought that he or others would have brought the issues up before this and this was not done under the cover of darkness. He stated that everyone has had the opportunity to be a part of the process. He stated that this project will impact all of us in town. He stated that if not now then when and this is the best time to build and the cheapest time to do this. Mr. Fowler asked that they do not give him a hard time for not speaking up people act when they want to act and others will come out to ask these questions. Mr. Surface ended the BoS questions and asked the residents in attendance if they had questions. Resident stated that the process has been good. Faith Johnson, 104 Elm Street wanted to thank the people who held the hearings and the plan is least hurtful to neighbors. She stated that she is an abutter and has a concern for students. She stated water is an issue and a lot of water comes down the hill and is absorbed into the ground. Her concern is the construction and her husband is very ill and vehicles will be going up the access which is by her home and is not sure how a road will be built and not impact her property. Mr. Franceschi stated that there will be no trespassing to resident’s property. Ms. Smith stated that they are asking for Grade K-6 new building in the woods and asking the board to vote on the preferred option. Mr. Trapani moved to endorse a plan for preferred option of a new School in the woods for grades K-6 the preferred option at the Pennbrook School. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-1 vote. Appointments & Approvals Remote Participation 29.10 Mr. Surface explained that this would allow telephone, Skype, remote participation for all boards. He stated that the Chair must allow the call and if someone present has a disability we would have to provide TTY. Mr. Farrell stated that this only works if a quorum is present in the room and only for board members. Discussion Mr. Egenberg moved to adopt remote participation in accordance with 940CMR 29.10 (2). Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 3-1 vote Mr. Surface asked Mr. Farrell to let other boards know and let the School Committee know that they must adopt on their own. ABCC License Renewals The Liquor Barn -All Alcohol-Package Store Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Liquor Barn-All Alcohol-Package Store license for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Crosby’s Markets, Inc.-Wine and Malt-Package Store Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Crosby’s Markets, Inc-Wine & Malt-Package Store license for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Keon’s at the Black Swan CC-All Alcohol-Restaurant Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Keon’s at the Black Swan CC-All Alcohol-Restaurant license for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub-All Alcohol Restaurant Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub-All Alcohol Restaurant license for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Pizza Factory-Wine and Malt-Restaurant Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Pizza Factory-Wine and Malt-Restaurant license for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Georgetown Post 7608 VFW-All Alcohol-Club Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Georgetown Post 7608 VFW-All Alcohol-Club license for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. License Renewals Automatic Amusement-Georgetown VFW-three (3) mechanical units Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Georgetown Post 7608 VFW-Automatic Amusement (3) license for 2012 to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Common Victualler-Liquor Barn (Johnnies Place); Pizza Factory; Mystra, LLC(Dunkin Donuts); Barisal Convenience, Inc. (Richdale); Georgetown VFW; Crosby’s Markets, Inc; Keon’s at the Black Swan CC; Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub Mr. Egenberg moved to approve the Common Victualler Licenses for Liquor Barn (Johnnies Place); Pizza Factory; Mystra, LLC(Dunkin Donuts); Barisal Convenience, Inc. (Richdale); Georgetown VFW; Crosby’s Markets, Inc; Keon’s at the Black Swan CC; Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Class II Used Car Auto Sales-Georgetown Auto Brokers, LLC; B & B Auto Clinic, Inc. Mr. Egenberg moved to approve the Class II Used Car Auto Sales Licenses for Georgetown Auto Brokers, LLC; B & B Auto Clinic, Inc. for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Weekly Entertainment-Keon’s at the Black Swan CC; Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub hold until December 5, 2011. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Weekly Entertainment License for Georgetown VFW for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Sunday Entertainment-Keon’s at the Black Swan CC; Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub hold until December 5, 2011. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Sunday Entertainment License for Georgetown VFW for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Second Hand Shops-Pratt Hobby Shop Mr. Egenberg moved to approve the Second Hand Shop License for Pratt Hobby Shop for 2012 and to expire December 31, 2012. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Fowler stated that he and Mr. Farrell did a walk through at Trestle Way. Mr. Farrell stated that he did not know they had a Sewage Treatment Plant at Trestle Way. Mr. Surface stated that the Trust and CPC will pay for a generator for residents on oxygen, etc. Mr. Trapani moved to adjourn. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 8:55PM. Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.