Town of Georgetown, MA - September 26, 2011

September 26, 2011


	Memorial Town Hall, 1 Library Street, Georgetown, MA 01833 Ph. (978) 352-5755 000" style="font-family:Times New Roman;font-size:9pt;color:#000000;">Memorial Town Hall Third Floor Meeting Room 9/26/11 6:15 PM - Workshop 7:00 PM – General Meeting Selectmen Present: C. David Surface, Chairman; Gary Fowler, Clerk; Philip Trapani; Stuart M. Egenberg Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant Absent: Stephen Smith _______________________________________________________________________ 6:15PM-Workshop-2^nd Floor Selectmen’s Office Call to Order Mr. Surface called the Selectmen’s workshop to order at 6:15PM. Selectmen Goals for 2012 Mr. Surface stated that he wanted to go over the goals of each member. He stated he had a goals document that Mr. Trapani used a chair and he would like to update this document. He stated that he would like to see if members have any common goals and what they can accomplish. Mr. Trapani read his top five goals to the board. Strategic plan en-power Mr. Egenberg to chair and form a Strategic Plan Committee. He stated that tonight they have a proposal of what they want to accomplish with this plan. EDC-continue supporting this committee and to make sure on a quarterly basis the committee inform the board of what is happening Support School Building Committee- stated that he is an advocate to support what ever plan comes forward Georgetown Public Safety Sub Committee- he would like to make sure they are cross functional over all town departments. He stated that he wants the town to be proactive instead of reactive. Support Government study Committee-He stated that Sandy Gerraughty is starting to get this committee going again. Mr. Surface read his goals Communication with State delegation-he stated that he has a good relationship with Rep. Stanley but she is retiring soon. He stated that he has been unable to get a meeting with Rep. Lyons. He stated he would like to have local meetings with legislatures. He stated that he wants the State House and Congress to know who we are. Develop a long term Strategic Plan-stated that he would like to work with Mr. Egenberg and Mr. Trapani and have a part in the Strategic Plan going forward. Complete review of contract employees – he stated that they have reviewed the Fire Chief and he will send out the completed review. He stated that he wants to complete the Town Administrator and Police Chief reviews. School Building – He stated that he is in favor of something to improve the school and staying within a cost but a building that we can be proud of. Work with all town boards and helping to see that they are doing the best they can. Work with Free Cash and the Stab Fund to be careful what we do with our funds. EDC – He stated that he would like to work with the EDC so they move forward. Affordable Housing Trust – work with the AH Trustees to have affordable housing so families can stay in town. Mr. Fowler stated in his campaign he made no promises and wants to stay on track with what the BoS do and doesn’t want personal agenda’s get in the way with what we need to do as a Board. He stated that a lot of things have been done. He asked about the Town Report where does this stand. Mr. Farrell stated that the report is due the end of October. He stated that he would like to reach out to other Towns and have a joint meeting. Signed up for legislature meeting this week. He stated that he would like to review the mandates that the state places on town boards. He stated that he would like to see quarterly reports from boards. Stated that he is a member of the EDC. He stated that he makes one other meeting a week and the board has to communicate to boards. He stated that he would like to see the board work harder to find a common ground on issues they disagree on. Mr. Fowler stated that the EDC has an economic target area and application that they would like to have signed by the board. He stated that they want to come before the board at the next meeting. Mr. Surface stated that some items Mr. Smith would like to work on are: Change for CoA, review their budget, and look into a senior center, a senior tax reduction. He stated that he is in favor of a School Project, and helping EDC. Mr. Farrell stated that everyone’s idea of economic development is different for everyone. He stated that some want a Walmart and some want to save as much land as possible. Mr. Trapani stated that the EDC must find a balance. Mr. Fowler gave out some information from the EDC and went over it with the board. He stated that the EDC has requested to come to the October 3 BoS meeting. Mr. Egenberg gave out some communication guidelines that he put together. He stated that this is one area he stated that he would like to work on. Mr. Farrell stated that they should have the free cash number certified Wednesday. Discussion on Free Cash, Stab Fund, and the Reserve Fund. 5-Minute Recess Call to Order Mr. Surface called the general meeting to order at 7:00PM. Pledge of Allegiance Public Hearing License Transfer and Pledge of License for Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub Attorney Chris Latham and Michael Beatty were present Attorney Latham stated that Mr. Beatty plans to keep the business the same with staff and food, menu, music, etc. All staff will be tips certified and he is safe serv certified and Mr. Beatty will be on premises 60 hours a week. Mr. Beatty stated he lives in Reading with his wife and 3 children and gave his background. He stated that he is looking to run the restaurant on a full time basis. He stated that he has worked in the restaurant business but has never worked with alcohol. Mr. Surface asked if the approval is a contingency of the Purchase & Sale. Mr. Latham stated yes it is. Mr. Surface asked when they would pass papers. Attorney Latham stated that the agreement states that they must pass by December 15^th. Mr. Surface asked if the staff was tip certified. Mr. Giblin stated that most are tip certified. Mr. Trapani thanked Mr. Beatty for giving them his background information. Mr. Beatty stated that he would like to keep the restaurant family friendly. Chief Mulligan stated that they have not had any issues or compliments the current owner. Mr. Fowler asked where we stand with SOP for Liquor Licenses. Mr. Farrell stated that it will be on the agenda in October as we start renewals in November. Mr. Surface stated that he has no issue and welcome Mr. Beatty to Georgetown. Public Comment Mr. Surface asked if there was any public comment. There were no questions and Mr. Surface closed the public hearing. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the All Alcohol Restaurant License Transfer and Pledge of License for Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub, MELMM, LLC d/b/a Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub, 19 West Main Street with the condition that the issuance of the final license upon the transfer of ownership will be contingent upon the payment of all fees and charges due the Town of Georgetown. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. New Business Recognition to Lt Cudmore on his Graduation from the FBI Academy Session 246 Chief Mulligan read a statement on the FBI Academy and what this means. He stated that only 1% of all police officers attend the FBI Academy. Lt. Cudmore thanked his family for handling everything without him while he was away for the 10 weeks. He stated that they dealt with an earthquake, a hurricane, and flooding while he was there. He explained the states and countries that were present and the physical training. He thanked the Chief Mulligan for sponsoring him for the Academy. Mr. Surface read a proclamation to Lt Cudmore on his graduation from the FBI Academy and the board congratulated him on his achievement and service to the Town. Code Red-Rapid Emergency Notification System Chief Mulligan stated that he met with the Water Department and they will support Code Red and the Light Department has already signed on so he will get this started asap. Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub-Local Licenses Mr. Egenberg moved to approve the Local Licenses for Rory O’Connor’s Irish Pub the Common Victualler, Sunday Entertainment, and Weekly Entertainment to expire December 31, 2011. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Purchase and Sale to acquire Driftway Farm, Wells Ave Rebecca Johnson, Essex County Greenbelt and Steve Przyjemski, ConCom Agent were present Ms. Johnson explained how this property is being purchased. She stated that the purchase is with CPC funds and Greenbelt has been the negotiator and will manage the property but the town will own the property. She stated that Greenbelt will buy the property for the town and then convey back to the Town because of a land grant they are waiting for. She explained that they are waiting to see if they can get a land grant from the State for $160K of the $255K purchase price. Ms. Johnson stated that this document has been approved by their counsel and the Town’s counsel. Mr. Fowler asked if they allow a windmill, or a phone tower on their properties. Ms. Johnson stated that it depends on the property. Mr. Fowler stated that it would be nice to generate some funds from the property. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Purchase & Sale between Essex County Greenbelt and the Town of Georgetown for Driftway Farm, Wells Ave as presented. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Workshop Mr. Surface stated that the board had a goals workshop before the meeting this evening and will have a document for the next meeting on the board’s goals. He stated that the board will meet again October 3, at 6:15PM to finalize the document. Warrant & Minutes Mr. Surface stated that the warrant was signed. Mr. Egenberg moved to approve the Executive Session Minutes of September 12, 2011. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Correspondence Request from the Historical Society to conduct tours at the Union Cemetery Mr. Trapani moved to approve the Historical Society “Tragedies and Tombstones” tours at Union Cemetery. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Whittier Regional Vocational School Annual Operational Report Mr. Surface stated that we have received the annual report from Whittier. Police Chief letter commending the Georgetown TRIAD Mr. Surface read the letter from the Police Chief commending the Georgetown TRIAD and he thanked them all for their work. STM deadlines from the Town Clerk Mr. Surface stated that the Town Clerk states that the last day to post the warrant is October 31^st and last day to register to vote at this meeting is Friday, November 4. STW Warrant-November 14, 2011 Mr. Trapani moved to open the Warrant for the STM November 14^th, 2011 to be held at 7:00PM. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Fowler asked if there are any items for the warrant. Mr. Farrell stated that funding for the Union contracts if approved will be needed. Mr. Trapani stated that there may be some CIP articles. Mr. Farrell stated that the CIP will meet on September 29^th to go over CIP requests. He stated that the Collective Bargaining Unit contracts are waiting votes from their members. Selectmen’s Report Proposed Strategic Plan Presentation Mr. Egenberg and Mr. Trapani presented a PowerPoint presentation for the board and public. Mr. Trapani stated that they plan to request a $50K budget for consulting, etc. He stated that they looked at other communities and some have spent $150K. Mr. Surface stated that he would like to see the committee look for some grants or funds from other areas, the State, Colleges, etc. Mr. Trapani stated that he hopes this plan will deliver its value back to the Town. Mr. Egenberg stated that the Strategic Plan should be the ultimate play book for the town. He stated that he would chair the committee. Discussion on the plan and tying this together Mr. Surface asked if the request for the funding is for this Fall STM. Mr. Trapani and Egenberg stated that they are looking for the funds now. Mr. Fowler asked about polling. Discussion on polling. Mr. Trapani stated that they will work to show the cost affect of this plan. Mr. Fowler stated that he would like to see what the cost savings would be to the town. September 30^th Legislature Breakfast Mr. Surface stated that he, Mr. Farrell, and Mr. Fowler would be attending the Legislature breakfast on Friday morning. Veterans Mr. Trapani stated that he is the Chair of the Eastern Essex Veterans’ Board. He stated that the office is located at the Ipswich Town Hall. He stated that the board asked Terry Hart to look for additional space for operations, meeting space, for volunteers to put together care packages, etc. He stated that they found space at Ipswich Town Hall and that the board has approved renovations of the space. He stated that there will be a $3800 invoice for the build out of the space, for furniture and equipment. He stated that they are sending a letter out to area towns looking for equipment, chairs and tables, and a desk. He stated that they are looking for new or in good condition. He stated that he wanted to make the board aware of the additional charge and space and that the space should be available in mid November. SOP’s on Free Cash and Stab Fund Mr. Surface asked the board to review these two SOP’s before the STM. Communication overview from Stuart Egenberg Mr. Egenberg stated that he would like to increase communication with boards and residents. He stated that the strategy he has come up with is a weekly actions sheet. He stated that the communications agent would send the actions sheet to the newspapers on Monday night or Tuesday and follow up with reporters and feed them information. He stated that the information would go to the Georgetown Record, Boston Globe North, The Newburyport Daily News and CATV. Mr. Surface stated that this could also be sent to chairs of all committees and departments. Mr. Fowler asked if anyone knows the percentage of residents that do not have cable. Mr. Egenberg stated that the cable providers do not share these numbers. He stated that with the two subscribers in town there are more subscribers now. Mr. Fowler stated that the inserts in the Electric Bill are a good way to send out communication to all homes. Pennbrook Clean up in August “Weed Out” Mr. Egenberg stated that he wanted to thank all who came out to help with the courtyard clean up in August. Georgetown Days Mr. Surface stated that Sandy Gerraughty and her crew did a great job on the event. He stated that Saturday they had a great day at Camp Denison. He stated that some events were canceled because of the mosquitoes. Appointments Mr. Fowler moved to appoint Richard Paganelli to the RecPath Committee term to expire June 30, 2012. Mr. Trapani seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Trapani moved to appoint Jeff Wade to the School Building Committee term to expire June 30, 2012. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved. Vote 3-0 Mr. Fowler abstained Mr. Surface reminded Board and Committee members that they need to sworn in even if you are appointed or reappointed or elected. Next meeting will be Monday, October 3, 2011, Town Hall, 3^rd Floor meeting room. Mr. Trapani moved to adjourn. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Meeting adjourned at 8:25PM. Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.