Town of Georgetown, MA - October 24, 2011

October 24, 2011


	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 10/24/11 7:00 PM Selectmen Present: C. David Surface, Chairman; Philip Trapani; Gary Fowler, Clerk; Stuart Egenberg Others Present: Michael Farrell, Town Administrator Absent: Stephen Smith; Janet Pantano, Administrative Assistant _______________________________________________________________________ Call to Order Mr. Trapani called the meeting to order at 7:00PM. Joint meeting with Affordable Housing Trust Charles Waters, Chair; Timothy Gerraughty, and Paul Nelson members of AHT were present. David Surface and Phil Trapani are also members of the AHT. The Affordable Housing Trust opened their meeting. Attorney Waters stated that they are here to get approval from the Selectmen on the Affordable Housing Production Plan. Once the plan is approved the plan will be filed with the State. Mr. Waters explained that the AHT went to the CPC for funds for the AHPP and they hired a consultant who put this plan together. What the trust does is: Identify and service the needs of the population in town, preserve and create affordable housing Preserve affordable housing in Georgetown so 40B projects can not come into town and build something the town does not want. They can not come in as long as we have 10% and we are at 12%, so we need to keep an eye on this. Create something beneficial for the town. To take something run down and repair and make it useful to the Town. He stated that the HPP looked at preserving existing housing, preserving affordable housing, and looking at senior housing. He explained the nuances of the document and the Affordable Housing. He stated that they need professional assistance and need administrative help and he stated that there are grants out there. He went over the Planning and Zoning items and stated that they want to keep the affordable housing that the town now has. He discussed old deed riders that were done years ago and they are working with them to get them straightened out. He explained how they are doing this with some pay downs to keep homes affordable that are already affordable. He stated that another item is looking forward, looking at property to purchase, etc. Mr. Surface asked if any questions. Mr. Fowler asked where are we going with this and what is the next step. Mr. Waters stated that the plan will be submitted to the State in a few weeks. Mr. Surface stated that they can vote on November 7 meeting unless they need an approval earlier. He stated that Georgetown is doing a great job on affordable housing compared to area towns. Mr. Waters stated a vote can wait until November 7^th. Mr. Fowler asked what the average income is for a family. Mr. Waters stated it depends on the size of the family and where in the State you live. Mr. Egenberg asked how they generate funds. Mr. Waters stated that they will be working with CPC on a yearly basis as the CPC has Affordable Housing Funds that the town collects and the State matches each year. The other way is by law in Georgetown pertaining to Subdivisions instead of building a unit in the development they can make a payment in lieu to the Affordable Housing Trust. The third way will be with partnering with State agencies such as HOME, etc. The funds are to create and mandate affordable housing. He stated that the trustees would like to hear from the public on ideas on what is needed in town. Discussion on gap for selling a unit under affordable housing guidelines. Mr. Waters explained old deed riders and the new deed riders and the standards. Mr. Fowler stated that his idea of affordable is different. He asked about changes in Zoning so a developer does not come in and tear down a small home and build a large not longer affordable home. Mr. Surface stated that they have not looked at this too much yet as they are trying to understand what affordable housing the town does have and the deed riders and keeping these homes affordable. Mr. Waters stated that this something the AHT must work with the Planning Board to make changes. Mr. Fowler stated that he has stated that he is for keeping Georgetown affordable and at meetings it has been stated that raising taxes increases home values and he does not see how that works. He stated that there are a lot of State mandates, etc. Mr. Waters stated what we are doing does not increase taxes. Mr. Surface stated that this is not what the trust is about. Mr. Trapani stated that they are now working on a reaction phase and later will look at an action plan but are not at that point yet. Mr. Gerraughty stated in the HPP it states that they start work on current stock, and deed riders and then move on to Zoning and more complex projects. Mr. Fowler asked if this document has any tax relief for seniors. Mr. Waters stated that it does not have tax relief but does outline that the town needs more rental properties for seniors. Mr. Gerraughty stated that it is not in the document but that he is researching a program to for buy downs on senior mortgages and he agrees that long time residents should be able to afford to live in their homes. Affordable Housing Administrative Services Mr. Waters asked if they could address the administrative services that they are looking for. He stated that the FinCom and Personnel Board have discussed this already. He explained that the Town Planner position is vacant and there has been discussion of adding an additional 8 hours to the Planner position for Affordable Housing Trust. He stated that the Trust has not discussed this and asked his board to comment. He stated that there would be a Planning Board position for 32 hours and 8 hours for Affordable Housing Trust. Mr. Surface asked why the job has been posted. Mr. Rich stated that it was just a generic posting just to start the process. Mr. Farrell stated that the position was just posted internally as that has to be done first before you can advertise elsewhere and he stated posted just as a Full time position. Mr. Surface stated that if the AHT is funding an additional 8 hours he wants to be sure that 8 hours are spent on Affordable Housing and he would want the Chair, Charles Waters to be a part of the hiring process. Discussion on if they need a staff member at this pay rate for AHT. Mr. Waters stated that they may not need that person now but to have a person that will grow into the position. Mr. Nelson stated that he feels that the Town needs this person now. Mr. Trapani stated that he was at the meeting and he does not feel the hours would be used by Planning and that it is clear that 8 hours will be AHT. Mr. Gerraughty stated with the new planner they are just getting up to speed and he feels they just need a clerical person right now and then later hire a more experienced person. Mr. Rich explained the job descriptions that they submitted were for 24 and 32 hours and then with the additional hours for the AHT. He stated that the funds in the AHT are from Planning Board projects. Mr. Surface stated that he will only support if Mr. Waters has a part in the process. Mr. LaCortiglia stated that there may be weeks that the trust does not get all their hours. He stated that some weeks you may get 12 or more hours and other weeks less. He stated if they do not want to include the 8 hours he does not want their clerical help pestering the new town planner. Mr. Surface stated no one will be pestering the planner they and this committee will be asking for information. Mr. Fowler stated that he can see that the planner position would be the person for this job. Mr. Waters stated that will the Trust be okay with this person maybe not getting things done right away and will the Trust be okay with this. Mr. Surface stated he is okay as long as Mr. Waters is part of the process. Mr. Farrell stated that the job description is still in the works and must be finalized by the Personnel Board. Mr. Rich stated that the board would be reviewing at their next meeting November 1. Mr. Waters stated if he is involved in the interview and hiring and a timesheet for the position he asked if the trustees are okay with the position. Mr. Gerraughty stated he would like to see one person dedicated to the AHT. Mr. Nelson, Mr. Surface, and Mr. Trapani were okay with the additional hours to the Town Planner. Mr. Trapani moved that the Affordable Housing Trustees approve 8 hours into the Town Planner job description dedicated to the Affordable Housing Trust activities. Mr. Nelson seconded the motion. Discussion Mr. Gerraughty stated that he would like to add that Mr. Waters is part of the hiring process and that a time sheet detailing work for the AHT be submitted each week. Mr. Trapani moved to amend the motion to include that Mr. Waters is part of the hiring process of the Town Planner. Mr. Nelson seconded the amendment and the amendment was approved by a unanimous vote. The original motion was voted on and approved by a 4-1 vote. Mr. Gerraughty asked about a check for an applicant that he would like to get approved tonight. Mr. Waters stated that they are waiting for a signed agreement and then they can release the payment. The Affordable Housing Trustees adjourned their meeting. Board Business Review of the STM Warrant for November 14, 2011 Mr. Farrell stated that we have $150K that has become available from the Board of Assessors from a judicial case from the State on cell towers. He stated that the cell towers were saying they were phone companies and getting a break and the State stated that they are wireless communication companies and not eligible for the tax break. He stated that this has gone on for many years and they have filed for abatements and funds had been set aside over the years and since the case is decided the funds have now been voted by the Assessors as overlay surplus and now can be appropriated to the town or go to free cash at the end of the year. He stated that the BoS and FinCom have a policy of moving funds to the Capitol or Stab fund. He stated that they could also appropriate at this STM and fund the Capitol or Stab fund now. Discussion on adding two articles to the STM Warrant to add half of the $150K to the Capitol Fund and half to the Stab Fund. Mr. Fowler asked where the funds for the Public Safety Septic System would come from. Mr. Surface stated from Free Cash he stated that this is also on the CIP list but using the Free Cash would take it off the CIP and free up funds for other projects. Mr. Trapani moved to open the STM Warrant for November 14, 2012. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Mr. Surface stated that they would vote on each article and he will also give the FinCom votes. STM12-01 Mr. Trapani moved to approve STM12-01 Adjustments to the Fiscal Year 2012 operating budget. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion. FinCom 8-0 Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. STM12-08 Mr. Trapani moved to approve STM12-08 Unpaid Bills. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion. FinCom 8-0 The motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. STM12-02 Mr. Trapani moved to approve STM12-02 Police Department: Reserve officer. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion. Discussion Mr. Fowler stated that he does not feel this is the time to add new employees and he asked Mr. Farrell were the town stands on funding. Mr. Farrell explained once last year’s free cash is certified and what we are spending at STM the town will have just under $900K. Discussion that this is not a full time employee but a reserve officer and on an hourly wage. FinCom 6-1-1 Motion was approved by a 3-1 vote. STM12-03 Mr. Trapani moved to approve Article STM13-03 Police Department: Police Vehicle (4x4) Replacement. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion. Discussion as a purchase or lease. Mr. Farrell stated that it will be a purchase. FinCom 8-0 Motion was approved by a 3-1 vote. STM12-04 Mr. Trapani moved to approve the STM12-04 Police Department: Public Safety Building Septic System Article. Mr. Surface seconded the motion. Discussion FinCom 8-0 Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. STM12-05 Mr. Trapani moved to approve the STM12-05 Police Department: Middle/High School Generator Survey and Design Plan Article. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion. Discussion FinCom 8-0 Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. STM12-06 Mr. Trapani moved to approve the STM12-06 Strategic Plan Article for $50,000. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion. Discussion that the plan would cost under the $50,000. FinCom 6-1-1 Motion approved by a 3-1 vote. STM12-07 Mr. Trapani moved to approve the STM12-07 Richardson Lane Street Acceptance Article. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion. FinCom vote 8-0 Motion was approved by 4-0 vote. STM12-09 Mr. Trapani moved to approve the STM12-09 Official Town Map Article. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion. FinCom vote 8-0 Motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. STM12-10 Mr. Trapani moved to approve the STM12-10 Capitol Improvement Fund Article. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion. Discussion The motion was approved by 4-0. STM12-11 Mr. Trapani moved to approve the STM12-11 Stabilization Fund Article. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. Mr. Trapani moved to close the Special Town Meeting Warrant for November 14, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. CoA Van Mr. Surface stated that they need an approval for a new shared CoA van lease agreement with MVRTA. Mr. Trapani moved to approve the lease agreement with MVRTA for a shared CoA van. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. Mr. Surface stated that the Fire Chief’s contract expires November 1 and he is asking the board to extend the contract to December 31, 2011. Mr. Egenberg moved to extend the Fire Chief Al Beardsley’s contract to December 31, 2011. Mr. Fowler seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a 4-0 vote. Mr. Trapani wanted to remind citizen’s to register for Code Red. Mr. Surface thanked all who put together the Horrible’s Parade and that it was great. Reminder that Trick or Treat is on October 31, 2011. Mr. Fowler asked if there was any update on the Pennbrook School project. Mr. Surface stated that there is a meeting tomorrow night and they are looking at all options, there have been meetings with abutters, etc. He stated that they also should be looking at Elm Street and any improvements that need to be made in that area. Mr. Egenberg read a quote from Henry Longfellow and wanted to send condolences to the Nally family. He stated that the town has openings on 10 committees and he will be sending the list to the newspaper. Mr. Surface asked the members to look at the goals for the Fire Chief and they will be looking at the Police Chief goals after that. Next meeting November 7, 2011 at 7:00PM, Town Hall, 3^rd Floor meeting room. Mr. Fowler moved to adjourn. Mr. Egenberg seconded the motion and the motion was approved by a unanimous vote. Minutes transcribed by J. Pantano.