January 26, 1993 Present: Judith A. Murdoch
Robert M. Crowley
Robert H. Andrews
Joseph Frisoli
Mrs. Murdoch chaired the meeting. Superintendent Avery, Chairman Peter Jones, Regional School Committee members Janet van Steensel and Peter Muise attended the Board's meeting in an effort to update the Board relative to the proposed school budget. Dr. Avery commented that it was his charge to ask his departments for an educationally sound budget and in doing so he felt that the Town would be looking at pretty much a level funded assessment. He indicated even with a level funded assessment there would be savings in the Towns to reflect retirement and medical insurance since those issues are being picked up by the Region. He said his budget will reflect approximately 8 new teaching positions, none of which will be at the High School level - that their budget reflects absorbing salary increases, fixed cost
increases, negotiated increases. Both Peter Jones and Peter Muise commented on the budget, the State's School reform bill and the projected figures to the State Dept. of Revenue that were talked about last year. Chairman asked various Board members if there were questions. At which time Mr. Frisoli asked several pertaining to salary increases and various costs relating to the budget as did Mr. Crowley. Finance Committee asked a couple of questions relating to the budget. It seemed to be agreed upon by all parties that until the State reform bill is handled in the legislature and the School Dept. better understands what their total operating costs and budget are going to be, that a continued debate on the numbers is fruitless at this time. Mr. Jones indicated that March 11, a week after our warrant closes, is their deadline for their budget to be certified and submitted. However they would be more than happy to meet with the Selectmen in a
month to let us know where they are in the process. One point Mr. Avery made relative to the reform bill package was to point out whether or not the package allowed the assessment to be decreased. (Tape saved)
Board interviewed three candidates for position of Representative to So. Shore Regional Vocational Technical School. Board asked same questions to each candidate re background, availability, desire to serve, etc. to Thomas Gavin, Rebecca Hatch, Carole McCormack. After listening to comments from each, Mrs. Murdoch took nominations. Mr. Frisoli nominated Tom Gavin, 2nd by Crowley. There was a 3-1 vote in favor of Tom Gavin. Board indicated thought all three were very strong candidates and it was agreed that a letter would be sent to each.
Board voted to reaffirm the previous vote for the Capital Improvement Committee. Thomas Mosher to expire in 93, Robin Muise in 93, Charles Flynn in 94, Bob Arsenault in 94, Marylou Sutter in 95 and John Travers in 95. Motion by Crowley, 2nd Frisoli to reaffirm the appointment, 4-0 vote. Board noted that there was one term left to be filled to expire in 1995 and asked the press to take note.
Motion by Andrews, 2nd Crowley to grant the Citizens Scholarship Foundation's request to canvass the Town Sunday April 4, from 1 to 4 p.m. as well as to place the fund raising thermometer on the Town Hall grounds. 4-0 vote.
Motion by Andrews, 2nd Crowley to vote to renew the taxi license for Cabbie, the Family Cab, Inc., 457 Franklin St. in Whitman, Patricia Cabral. 4-0 vote.
Board started discussion on the Town Report cover and after discussing several options, it was agreed that we would attempt to find a suitable picture of the Library/
Senior Center.
Board voted both petitions from Eastern Utilities, one for 12 pole relocations on Spring St, from Whitman St. southerly, 35 pole relocations Whitman St. from Whitman Town license, easterly. Motion by Andrews, 2nd Frisoli, 4-0 vote.
Mr. Frisoli expressed some concerns relative to the timing and installation of these poles and asked that we continue to keep pressure on the utilities to install and remove the old poles as quickly as possible in an effort to avoid problems with Rte. 58 in the spring.
Exec. Secretary reported that there is a tentative schedule to negotiate the impact of civilian dispatchers established for Thursday night. Although he has not been able to confirm with the Chairman who is out of Town for a couple of days, he urged the Board members to support this and to get it underway. Although several of the Board members will not be able to attend, they concurred that this meeting should take place.
Exec. Secretary also indicated to the Board that the Town of Halifax voted to support the Fire Dept. which resolves the questions in the discussion that our Board had taken the previous week. It is assumed that mutual aid agreements will stay intact.
Exec. Secretary also gave the Acting Chairman a letter from the Town of Pembroke commending the actions of Sergeant Willey, Officers Larkin, Andrews and Savage concerning an incident on January 15. The Board agreed to forward a copy of the letter to the Police Chief and ask that a copy be placed in each of the Officers files.
Board voted to go into executive session under #3, negotiations and collective bargaining concerning the Police. Motion by Frisoli, 2nd Andrews, roll call vote. 4-0.
Motion to adjourn by Crowley, 2nd Frisoli. 4-0 vote. 10:05 p.m.
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Robert Andrews, Clerk
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