Memorial Town Hall, 1 Library Street, Georgetown, MA 01833
Ph. (978) 352-5755 e="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;">BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES
Memorial Town Hall
1/9/12
6:00 PM – Executive Session
2nd Floor Meeting Room
7:00 PM – General Meeting
3rd Floor Meeting Room
Selectmen Present: C. David Surface, Chairman; Philip Trapani; Stephen Smith; Gary Fowler, Clerk; Stuart M. Egenberg
Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant
Absent:
_______________________________________________________________________
6:00PM-EXECUTIVE SESSION
To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation if an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining or litigating position of the governmental body and the Chair so declares …;
Call to Order
Mr. Surface called the meeting to order at 7:00PM.
Pledge of Allegiance
Housing Authority Appointment-to fill unexpired term until election on May 14, 2012
Joint meeting with the Georgetown Housing Authority
Bertha Foster, Dave Shauer, Betty Davidson, Frank Harper present members of GHA
Diane Jodion, Housing Authority Director present
Mr. Surface opened the joint meeting with Housing Authority to fill an unexpired term until the next election on May 14, 2012. Mr. Trapani stated that they have had a lot of interest in the appointment and some candidates that have contacted the members. He stated that he would like to see a BoS fill the position and not create an incumbent. He suggested Mr. Surface fill the position. Mr. Surface stated that he agrees that they do not want to create an incumbent but have someone run for the position on their on merit. Mr. Fowler stated that they checked with counsel and they told them that a Selectman could fill the position. Mr. Surface asked the Housing Authority members if they were okay with this. All Housing Authority members agreed this would be a good
appointment.
Mr. Fowler moved to appoint David Surface to the Georgetown Housing Authority to fill the unexpired term until the next town election on May 14, 2012. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Mr. Surface asked the audience if anyone wanted to speak or had a comment. There were no comments from the audience.
Mr. Smith thanked those who showed interest in the position and hoped that they would run for the position at the annual election in May.
A roll call vote was taken and was approved by a unanimous roll call vote.
Ms. Jodion gave a packet and board information to Mr. Surface.
WARRANT & MINUTES
Warrant to be signed
Minutes December 19, 2011 Regular Session and Executive Session
Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Executive Session minutes of December 19, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Regular Session minutes of December 19, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Board BUSINESS
Intent to Vote Pursuant to G.L. c. 32B, §§ 21-23
Mr. Surface stated that the board will vote on adopting G.L. c. 32B, §§ 21-23 and asked Mr. Farrell to explain this law. Mr. Farrell explained that the State adopted rules and Regulations to allow the towns to do insurance plan design. He stated notices went out to all union representatives. He stated that tonight is just the vote to allow the board to look into changes or to enter into GIC and that they have not made a decision either way. He stated that official notice would have to be done before they do this. He stated that they have to look into options and how this will affect the town and employees. Mr. Surface stated that this is to just allow them to look into the option and that they are not doing this to hurt anyone and they have no specific agenda.
Mr. Trapani moved to approve G.L. c. 32B, §§ 21-23. Mr. Farrell stated that it would be to vote to accept. Mr. Smith seconded the motion.
Mr. Trapani moved to amend his motion to read to accept G.L. c. 32B, §§ 21-23. Mr. Smith seconded the amendment.
Mr. Fowler stated that is it not that we have to look at this as the State will force the town to change. Mr. Farrell stated that the Town has to report to the State their costs for insurance and that every city and town must do this to show what the difference would be between plans. Mr. Trapani stated that we do not know where this will go and they have to see what costs will go up. He stated that he has seen some rates go up by 11% and they have to see what the costs will be for the town and its employees.
Mr. Egenberg stated that the board has to vet this out and see where the costs will be as the costs are putting pressure on the town and employees. Mr. Farrell stated that part of vetting process is that there will be an informal process and using the Insurance Advisory Committee to look at options. He stated that this would not be negations. He stated that after initial review there would be formal negotiations and there is a process but we are not there yet.
Pam Howard, Light Department stated that she had wanted to know what input there would be from the unions. She stated Mr. Farrell answered the question as he said this would go to the Insurance Advisory Committee.
Don Cudmore, Police Department stated that one issue is the timeline and that they must be aggressive and that the union has met with advisors and he has had contact with the MTA representative and they have looked at some information.
Rose Provencher, Assistant Assessor asked the timeline.
Mr. Farrell stated if they took the GIC route they would have to notify employees 90 days before July 1st. He stated that there is a lot of information and he has been collecting information to start the process. Ms. Provencher asked if the change would be for FY13. Mr. Farrell stated that it would be for FY13 and he stated if they do not make the timelines then they stay with what we have.
Ms. Howard asked about GIC and the December sign on date. Mr. Farrell explained how this would work.
The board voted and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
MSBA Statement of Interest vote – Georgetown Middle/High School roof.
School withdrew the request this item was passed over.
MIIA Voting Designation
Mr. Surface stated that they need to vote to make Mr. Farrell their designee at the MMA/MIIA meeting in January.
Mr. Smith moved to make Michael Farrell, Town Administrator the town’s designee at the Annual MMA/MIIA meeting. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Mr. Surface asked if anyone could attend the CPC meeting tomorrow evening. Mr. Egenberg and Mr. Fowler stated that they would be able to attend.
APPOINTMENTS & APPROVALS
License Renewals
Second Hand Shop – Sedler’s Antique Village
Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Second Hand Shop License for Sedler’s Antique Village to expire December 30, 2012. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
NEXT MEETING
Monday, January 23, 2012 at 7:00PM, Town Hall, 3rd Floor meeting room.
The meeting was adjourned at 7:30PM.
Mr. Smith moved to adjourn. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote.
Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.
| 
