November 19, 1991 Present: James R. Haggerty
Judith Murdoch
Robert Crowley
Warren Ellis
Assessors announced the tax rate for FY92 of $13.20 per thousand. Explained the reasons why the increase - overrides, debt exclusions as well as the overall decrease in valuations. Noted tax bills will be mailed on December 5.
Hearing held on package store openings on December 22 and December 29, 1991. Chairman read law and two store owners were present for the hearing and made comments re the opening. Mrs. Murdoch moved, 2nd Ellis to allow. 4-0 vote. Asked that owners send letters of request or statements that they will open.
Board noted submittal of application of Julie Vaitkus for the opening on the School Committee caused by resignation of Frank Kenney. Announced that deadline has been met. On December 10, 1991 the School Committee will meet jointly with the Board to vote on the appointment.
Board discussed issues with William Dunstan. Originally his problem was grading which was resolved with the Highway Surveyor. His other problem was two Hill Streets in town. Mrs. Murdoch moved, 2nd Ellis to change Hill Street, Monponsett area to Hill Lane. Property owners and appropriate Town departments will be notified. Voted 4-0.
Appointed Ann Budd to the Recreation Commission on motion by Mrs. Murdoch, 2nd Crowley. 4 -0 vote.
Appointed Peg Ryan to Arts Lottery Council on motion by Ellis, 2nd Murdoch. 4 -0 vote.
Chairman read list of private ways submitted by Highway Surveyor to be plowed in the upcoming winter. Motion by Murdoch, 2nd Ellis to accept annual private way list. Voted 4-0.
Postponed action on Thomas Hall engineering firm until a full Board is present.
Discussed and read police chief job description and with minor changes on motion by Mrs. Murdoch, 2nd Ellis, voted to accept 4-0. Will meet with screening committee at the next meeting.
Discussed briefly job description of building inspector.
Paul Vaitkus, Finance Committee, gave budgetary report for October. Discussed some discrepancies, such as fire department overtime line, $2,300 sick leave in October. Discussed police overtime, utilities and veterans and brief overview of the budget sheets. Will continue to monitor.
A letter will be sent to all departments regarding the need to conserve energy.
Meeting held with Planning Board and Mr. Haggerty gave overview of discussion held at the Coalition meeting and interest expressed in looking at long term, long range planning. Made mention of the Thomas Report and how some recommendations followed and some strayed. General discussion re updating of report by recreating the Growth Policy committee and asking for some citizen volunteers to come forward and serve. One major issue was to do some type of survey of Townspeople in an effort to determine the direction the Town should move in relative to maintaining our rural nature, developing business, zoning areas, railroad and also to comply a list of reports completed for review by the Committee - Thomas report, updated open space report, strategic planning IEP, Capital facilities report generated by the Capital
Improvement Committee each year and completed financial analysis by Fin. com, Town Accountant and Treasurer/Collector. Also included should be MMA studies of Police and Fire. Mr. Lindquist would be interested in pursuing the Growth Policy Committee again as was the Town Planner, Noreen O'Toole. Mr. and Mrs. Sutter also indicated that they would be interested in volunteering.
Executive Secretary mentioned the Fire Department has turned in two vehicle plates, none from the Highway Dept. Mr. Ellis moved, 2nd Murdoch to send a letter to both departments asking them to turn in surplus plates so they can be cancelled December 1. Executive Secretary will be starting to update the financial forecast in December even with the difficulty in knowing what the budget figures will be. There will be a Capital Improvement Meeting in December to upgrade the Capital Improvement Plan. He will send master sheets to all departments over the next week or so.
Motion by Murdoch, 2nd by Crowley to adjourn.
4-0 Vote
Meeting adjourned at 9:45 p.m.
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Robert M. Crowley, Clerk
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