February 16, 1993 Present: James Haggerty
Judith Murdoch
Robert Crowley
Robert Andrews
Joseph Frisoli
Chairman read correspondence from Chief Berry concerning Police Mutual Aid and also the institution of a program called Tag-A-Keg which would allow better tracking of alcohol-namely the purchase of kegs by requiring a $50.00 deposit. He also mentioned the Board of Appeals hearing information concerning Dunkin Donuts and indicated that the Board should be prepared to extend the Common Victualers license into March if necessary.
Chairman then read a letter from the Dept. of Records, Director James Igoe concerning the office's actions relative to keeping of minutes and the erasing of tapes after the minutes are filed. He then read a letter from Kopelman & Paige concerning their perception of handling audio tapes and addressing minutes. He stated that he felt the Board has been acting within the constraints of the law and would await further comment from Kopelman & Paige.
Chairman introduced new Police Officer Ron Clarke to the Board and to the Town. Officer Clarke thanked the Chief and the Board for their support.
Board introduced Bob Biggins who gave an overview of the Council for Elder Affairs budget. He addressed the issue of services related to the community through grants and funds other than taxpayer dollars which total almost 180,000 annually. There are no major changes in the budget. Chairman commented on new position of Senior Aide. Mr. Biggins stated would review budget and amend if necessary to include that position.
Board voted to accept resignation of Gerald Coulstring as full member of Disability Committee and appointed him as an alternate on motion by Murdoch, 2nd Andrews. 5-0 vote. Board voted to appoint John Hanlon as a full member of the Disability Committee to a term to expire 6/30/95. Motion by Frisoli, 2nd Murdoch. 5-0 vote.
Board addressed Dept. Heads report. Exec. Sec. alluded to goals and objectives established by the Selectmen and himself in August of 92 - one of which was to reestablish the Dept. Head meetings. This was accomplished in September. The Dept. Head Committee agreed to work towards the publication of a report which would outline the necessary level of services needed within the community to provide for a solid quality of life. Mr. Nugent read the introduction from the plan and stated that he would ask each dept. head who was present to speak, then he would add concluding remarks. Comments were made by Fire Chief, Police Chief, Chairman of the Council on Aging, Mr. Nugent spoke on behalf of Selectmen's operation, Treasurer/Collector, Town Accountant, and the Board of Health. All focussed on
existing operations and the need for strong financial planning as it relates to accomplishing this plan. Mr. Nugent read concluding remarks from the report which addressed the goals set up by the Dept. Heads and also addressed the implementation of the "Small vehicle plan" as well as the need for other capital items. Mr. Nugent indicated that it had been suggested by the Dept. Heads that they meet with the Dept. Heads from Whitman and involve the Boards of Selectmen and Finance Committees to discuss the needs of each community as they relate to the School assessments.
Mr. Haggerty asked for comments from each Board member. Mrs. Murdoch congratulated the committee and hopes to maintain the unity within the Town Dept. Heads. Mr. Andrews commented on the need for funds focussing on the school assessment as a source. Mr. Frisoli congratulated the committee on their efforts and hopes to view the plan and prioritize the plan outlined. Mr. Crowley also offered his congratulations and concurred with Mr. Frisoli. Chairman stated he noticed there were two depts. missing. The School and the Water Dept. and asked if they had been contacted. Mr. Nugent commented that both depts. had been contacted early in the process when the meetings first began, the School Dept. never attended a meeting and the Water Dept. attended a few; however did not submit a report.
Mr. Haggerty indicated the Water Dept. should be responsible enough to put together their own plan since even though they are somewhat separate, they still use taxpayer money. Mr. Andrews commented that the Water Dept. was in the process of putting together a five year plan and would be holding public hearings to that end. The Chairman suggested 400 copies of this report be printed for Town Meeting.
Motion by Crowley, 2nd Andrews to have 400 copies of the report done, two sides. Voted 5-0.
Board met with Police and Fire Chiefs to discuss Communication Protocol. Chiefs submitted for the Board's review a 26 point list of SOP's which the Board read and discussed briefly. The Chiefs were asked to share this information with union representatives for any comments which might follow and the Board would look to approve at an upcoming meeting.
Chairman indicated that the Fin. Com. would meet with the Board on March 25 to discuss the Town Budget issues. Board was reminded of the DARE Culmination Ceremony on March 10 at the Indian Head auditorium.
Exec. Secretary reported that he had reworked the Animal Control Officer's budget with Mr. DeLory and that he was asking permission from the Board to put together an inventory of items contained up at the Dog Pound building which the Town might discard after a vote of the Board. This area could then be used to house cats which are becoming part of the Animal Control officers job responsibilities.
Mr. Nugent also asked the Board to approve the application of Mr. Dan Ready for the Capital Improvement Committee. Motion by Murdoch, 2nd Frisoli to appoint Dan Ready to the Capital Improvement Committee to expire June 30, 1995. 5-0.
Mr. Nugent also mentioned that the monthly budget tracking reports would be discussed next week.
Mr. Frisoli asked status fo Rte. 58. Mr. Nugent replied there has been a meeting set tentatively for March 5 at 9:30 in Taunton. It was his intent to invite Telephone, Edison, and Cable in an effort to coordinate their actions. Police Chief also expressed some concerns in regard to the hydrants and asked that the Water Commissioners look into getting the hydrants fixed because they represent a tremendous fire safety issue.
Mrs. Murdoch moved to enter exec. session for negotiations, 2nd Frisoli, roll call vote. 5-0.
Motion to adjourn by Crowley, 2nd Frisoli to adjourn. 10:00 p.m.
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Clerk
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