Town of Georgetown, MA - February 27, 2012

February 27, 2012


	Memorial Town Hall, 1 Library Street, Georgetown, MA 01833 Ph. (978) 352-5755 nt-family:Times New Roman;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;">BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING MINUTES Memorial Town Hall 2/27/12 7:00 PM – General Meeting 3^rd 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: ______________________________________________________________________________________ Call to Order Mr. Surface called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Pledge of Allegiance Board Business Police Department request to appoint Adam Raymond as a Full Time Police Officer. Chief Mulligan was present Chief Mulligan introduced Adam Raymond as his recommendation as a full time officer and explained the process what they went through for his selection. He explained that they are trying to get him in the June 4, 2012 Police Academy in Lowell. He stated that the academies are all full and it is hard to get one officer in. He gave Mr. Raymond’s background information. Mr. Smith moved to appoint Adam Raymond as a Full Time Police Officer with a start date of April 1, 2012 to June 30^th 2015. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion. Mr. Fowler asked if this is to fill an open position. Chief Mulligan stated that this is to fill a position empty from an illness. Discussion on the Police Academy openings. Motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Request that the board approve a Petition for a Temporary Exemption for Adam Raymond from Police Training Academy. Mr. Smith moved to approve the temporary exemption for a period not to exceed 270 days or until the start date of the next available academy session. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Warrant & Minutes Mr. Surface stated that there is a warrant to be signed. Minutes of February 13, 2012 General & Executive Session Meetings. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Executive Session Minutes of February 13, 2012 as presented. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the General Session Minutes of February 13, 2012 as presented. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. Mr. Smith abstained. Board Business Personnel Board explanation of there determination of the Fire Chief wage and hours change. Chris Rich, Chair of the Personnel Board was present Chris Rich was present from the Personnel Board to discuss the Fire Chief Position. Mr. Surface asked how the Personnel Board arrived at their decision to expand the Fire Chief Position hours and salary. Mr. Trapani stated that the request for the Personnel Board to review the Fire Chief position was from the BoS. Mr. Rich explained the hearing that was held and he stated that they asked the Fire Chief to justify the request to 40 hours. He stated that the Chief explained the hours used, calls, and he used the current contract to show the position. Mr. Trapani asked to keep the person out of this and only look at the position. Mr. Rich explained the things that they looked at such as a Chief and Deputy Chief in the Fire Dept at the same time. He stated that the Chief stated he only answers major calls. He stated that the board felt it was more economically feasible for the “perks” (comp time and overtime hours) to be combined into the position as salary. He stated that the salaried position is less than area towns. Mr. Surface asked for the salary range. Mr. Rich stated that they set the range at $60K to $75K and this was a unanimous decision for a 40hour week. Discussion on Comp time and its value. Mr. Fowler asked if you can leave the hours out and have just the position. Mr. Rich stated that you can negotiate whatever you want. Board thanked Mr. Rich and the Personnel Board for reviewing the Fire Chief position. Driftway Farm Conservation Restriction changes-Vanessa Johnson, Essex County Greenbelt was present Vanessa Johnson explained that the Essex County Greenbelt purchased the property and will sell to the Town once they receive the Grant. She explained that some language had to be changed in the contract when it went to the State. She stated that this did go to the Town’s Attorney Jonathan Eichman and he approved the changes. She explained the conservation restriction language changes. Mr. Fowler stated that he looked at the document today and asked when the land would available to the public. She stated that she did not know when the land would be open to the public as the ConCom would determine this. Mr. Trapani moved to accept the updated contract on the Driftway Farm Conservation Restriction/Wells Ave as presented tonight. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Driftway Farm Closing March 14^th at 9:00AM- Authorize signer for closing Mr. Smith moved to authorize Michael Farrell, Town Administrator to sign the Driftway Farm closing documents on March 14, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Close the ATM Warrant for May 7, 2012 Mr. Surface stated that they have a draft warrant to look over and that they will close the warrant this evening. He stated that they have received a citizen’s petition that has been added to the warrant. Mr. Farrell explained the beginning Articles as they are operating articles and he went through all the articles: ATM12-16 Establishment of Other Post-Employment Benefits Trust Fund Mr. Surface asked for some numbers on this on a number to fund, etc. Mr. Fowler asked if funding this Fund could affect the town. Mr. Farrell stated that it could only help. ATM12-32 School Feasibility Study/Additional Funding Mr. Farrell explained that they may have funds for the changes to the Feasibility Study but may need more funds for the Schematic Design. He stated that they may need $200,000 for the design and explained how this will happen. Mr. Smith stated that the cost to the town would be at $360,000 half of the $720,000 for the Feasibility Study and then $100,000 for the Schematic Design half of the $200,000 with MSBA paying the other half. He stated MSBA and Bond council have discussed an article and have agreed that the town can amend the article for TM. ATM12-33 School Bus Services Contract Mr. Farrell explained that any contract over 3 years needs a TM Vote so the School Committee is asking for a vote at TM. Mr. Fowler stated that this is not new just a longer contract. Mr. Farrell stated that is correct. ATM12-17 to 28 Mr. Farrell explained these are CIP Articles and are placeholders and that not all will be staying on the warrant. ATM12-29 Strategic Plan Mr. Farrell stated that the board is familiar with this article. ATM 12-30 CPA Mr. Farrell stated that the Community Preservation Committee has not voted on these items and they may change. ATM12-31 Planning Board Floodplain Mr. Farrell stated that this is a Planning Board article dealing with the new flood maps. ATM12-35 P & R Bylaw/Regulation for Rail Trail Mr. Farrell explained that the RecPath wants a bylaw and the Park & Rec wants a regulation and that it is easier to change a regulation as a bylaw can only be changed at TM. Mr. Egenberg asked what they are looking for in a bylaw. Mr. Farrell stated that they want to set hours, whom can use, who can not, etc. Mr. Fowler asked if the Rail Trail was still way out on the list. Mr. Surface stated that it is in a 20 year plan. Mr. Farrell stated that this land is going to be licensed to the town and that has not happened and once the Town has the license then the property has to be given to a department to oversee and the RecPath Committee are suggesting the Park & Rec oversee the trail. Mr. Trapani stated that the RecPath would like to clear areas and use parts of the trail in the interim. ATM12-34 Citizen’s Petition ISH-Zoning Change. Mr. Farrell stated that the signatures must be certified by the Town Clerk first and once that is done the article is required to be on the warrant. He stated that the petitioner is present if the board had questions. Jonathon Holt, 10 Woodland Road, Georgetown-Petitioner Mr. Holt stated that he would like to develop with Independent Senior Housing two lots on North Street. He stated that in the RC zone only 1 bedroom is allowed and they want to build 2 bedroom units. Mr. Surface stated that he and Mr. Trapani heard a presentation on this project at the Affordable Housing Trust meeting. He stated he would like to hear from the Town Planner on the change to the bylaw and its effect on the whole town. Mr. Fowler stated that Mr. Holt has already gone to the Planning Board and he asked if the Planning Board would have time to hold a Public Hearing. Mr. Farrell stated that they should have time to schedule a hearing. Mr. Surface stated that in the Housing Balance Report the town is lacking in Senior Housing so this would be good for the town but he wants an answer on the impact of the change to the town. Mr. Fowler asked who the architect was. Mr. Holt stated that Carl Gardner from Ipswich is the architect. Mr. Fowler asked if there is a project in another town that is similar that they could look at. Mr. Holt stated that he would see if there was a similar local project. Mr. Smith moved to close the Annual Town Warrant for May 7, 2012. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion. Mr. Fowler asked if these warrant articles are all staying on the warrant. Mr. Surface stated that they are placeholders and they will vote on the articles as they are finalized by the boards. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Farrell stated that the Selectmen must refer the Citizen’s petition to amend Independent Senior Housing Section 165-108, 109 to the Planning Board. Mr. Smith moved to refer ATM12-34 Citizen’s petition to amend Independent Senior Housing Section 165-108, 109 to the Planning Board. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Request by the Friends of the Georgetown Peabody Library, Inc. to hold a Charity Fundraising Wine Tasting on Saturday, April 28, 2012 from 6-9PM at the Georgetown Peabody Library. Mr. Egenberg moved to approve the Charity Wine Pouring License for the Friends of the Georgetown Peabody Library, Inc. on April 28, 2012 from 6-9PM at the Georgetown Peabody Library, 2 Maple Street. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Historic properties Survey Consultant Services Agreement approval. Mr. Farrell explained the contract and that this survey was approved at TM with CPA funds and the Consultant will review historic properties in the downtown area. Mr. Fowler asked if the residents will be notified. Mr. Farrell stated that they residents will be notified and the do not have to go into the homes they will look at the outside and review deeds, etc. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Survey Consultant Services contract for the historic review of the downtown area. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Rail Trail-Jeff Wade, Chair of the RecPath Committee was present Mr. Wade explained where the RecPath is with the trail and stated he attended a meeting today. He stated in June they will have 25% design complete and that goes to Mass DOT and then the committee will attend a meeting for all towns involved. He stated that this meeting would be in October with a public hearing and comment period. He stated that the next phase of 100% design would be done June of next year (2013) and then it would go on the TIP. He stated that they hope to get on a TIP sooner and go for a smaller dollar amount and do a small project at a time. He stated that the construction cost is $1mil a mile. He stated so the cost would be $4.4Mil for Georgetown. Mr. Wade stated that the State wants to do these projects they just have to get to the shovel ready phase. He stated that that the talked with Howard Snyder, Town Planner and that he plans to go to the TIP meetings which will help to get on the list. He stated that they are working with town counsel and National Grid on a license and a lease. He stated that they are at the last phase and will be done very soon with the license. He stated that they have been working with Kathleen O’Donnell from K & P. Mr. Trapani asked if they get the license what the RecPath is planning to do on the trail. Mr. Wade stated that they are working with the ConCom and would like to mow and trim some areas and open parts of the trail up so the town can start to use the trail. He stated second phase would be to fill in pot holes and some light grading and some small bridging to get over some areas. Discussion on the trail and condition. Mr. Wade asked how they want to handle this when the license is approved. Mr. Farrell stated that if this is a five year agreement it may have to go to Town Meeting and he will check with Kathleen O’Donnell. Mr. Wade stated that he wanted to discuss the issue of the rules of the trail being a bylaw vs. a regulation and that they want to have these in place as soon as possible. Mr. Trapani stated that the board would like to see a regulation instead of a bylaw so it would not have to go to TM and they would be able to amend as needed. Mr. Wade agreed that would be a better option at this time. GEOTMS Contract for Software Services for approval. Mr. Surface stated that this is for the permit tracking software. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the GEOTMS Contract for Software Services as presented. Mr. Smith seconded the motion. Mr. Fowler asked who would administer this program. Mr. Farrell stated that the Building Department will sponsor the program. Discussion on fees and if boards will raise fees if needed. The motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Selectmen’s Report State of the Town Mr. Surface asked Mr. Smith to coordinate the State of the Town for this year. Mr. Smith stated that he hopes they will be able to have residents call in with questions this year. Town Administrator’s Report Budget Mr. Farrell stated that Police Dept may have a deficit in their salary account. He stated that they have had staff out with major illnesses they may be short about $26K. He stated that his will go the FinCom. He stated that Workers Comp and Legal are in good shape as is Snow and Ice. Approvals Request from the Town Clerk to approve the poll workers for the Presidential Primary on Tuesday, March 6, 2012. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the list of Poll Workers from the Town Clerk for the March 6, 2012 Presidential Primary. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Board Business Senator Tarr Request/ Capitol Budget Items Mr. Surface stated that he asked Mr. Farrell to contact Mr. Durkee to see if he has any items for the Town. Resignation from Planning Board Mr. Surface stated that they have received a letter of resignation from Hugh Carter from the Planning Board. Mr. Surface stated that this position can be filled by a joint appointment until the election. He asked Mr. Farrell to look into this and contact the Planning Board. ZBA Public Hearing Mr. Surface stated that the ZBA will be holding a Public Hearing for Bank of America, 38 East Main Street-HP entry to ATM. NEXT MEETING Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 7:00PM, Town Hall, 3^rd Floor meeting room (Joint Meeting). Monday, March 12, 2012 at 7:00PM, Town Hall, 3^rd Floor meeting room. Mr. Fowler stated he attended a Tri-Board meeting in Rowley on Triton. He stated that it was the same as our meetings and some jealousy of our School System. He stated we seem to be in better condition. Mr. Surface asked that he set up another meeting with other towns. Mr. Trapani moved to adjourn. Mr. Smith seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 8:55PM. Minutes were transcribed by J. Pantano.