Minutes: February 1, 1994 - Selectmen Meeting
Selectmen Attending: Judith Murdoch, Robert Andrews, James
Haggerty, Chair, Joseph Frisoli, Vice-Chair, and Catherine
Kuchinski, Clerk. Also attending: Joseph Nugent, Executive
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen.
I. Announcement: Haggerty called the meeting to order at 7:40pm
with the announcement that the DEP concerning the Rockland
Landfill will be held on February 2, 1994 at 7PM at the Rockland
High School Auditorium.
II. Stone (Wagon Realty Trust) donation of 125 acres: Nugent
had arranged for property owner to come in and meet with the
Board regarding their intention to donate a large parcel of land
to the Town. Nugent was instructed by the Board to check out the
various sections of the law under which the Town can acquire
property gifts. Kuchinski noted the 61A and 61B process which
should also be followed. Andrews noted that the land has
previously been offered for sale to the Water Department (the
land being in the aquifer zone). Discussion did include the need
for 21E information. Nugent to ask Town Boards for any knowledge
of the site. Selectmen concurred that an article for Town
Meeting should be developed to accept the gift. Nugent to report
to the next Board meeting. The Misters Stone arrived late,
therefore did not meet with the Selectmen - during a break of the
Board's meeting, Nugent spoke with the Stones in his office.
III. Minuitti / Complaint regarding Town's Insurance company: Mr.
Minuitti of Gorwin Drive reported his displeasure with the denial
letters he received from the Town's insurance company (Great
American Insurance Company) regarding his request for payment of
$85 for damage to his vehicle done when, during a heavy rain
storm on October 26, 1993, he hit a trench on Brook Street (near
Arlene Street) dug and recovered by the Water Department. Police
records indicate that his call at 6:05pm was the second call that
day - the first being around 3 or 4pm. Police and Water Dept
records show that the Water Department was only called after
Minuitti's call and response was made within reasonable time.
During the discussion the water department was accused of
incorrect compacting methods and the suggestion was made by
Frisoli that since this was budget time that possibly the Water
and Highway departments should jointly request the purchase of a
compactor. Apparently, construction standards require the use of
a compactor. Board of Selectmen Chair requested Nugent to send a
letter to the Insurance Company indicating the Town's displeasure
at the claim handling noting the language within the letter
regarding supposed negligence on Minuitti's part was unnecessary.
Minuitti also noted that Frost Heave signs should be placed on
several streets within the Brentwood subdivision. Haggerty
considered this an official complaint and noted that action by
the Town was needed within 24 hours.
Haggerty called for a break at 8:25pm. At 9:37pm the Board re-
entered Board meeting. He noted that the Town has already posted
the Frost Heave signs.
IV. Housing Authority: Peggy Kitchenham reviewed the next step in
the grant process for housing at the L.Z. Thomas School site.
Motion 2/1/94.1: move to sign the Annual Contributions contract
and the two amendments thereto for housing grant for the L.Z.
Thomas School Housing site. Motion made by Murdoch with second
by Frisoli. Motion carried 5-0.
V. Town Report Cover: Nugent updated the Board on the
suggestions received for the Town Report Cover. The Board
members thought a collage of the past (Little Schoolhouse),
present (Mullens' Farm) and future (DARE emblem) could be
developed. Nugent requested to follow through regarding the
design with the printer. The Visiting Nurse Association will
receive the 50th anniversary dedication as requested.
VI. Setting Board Meeting Dates: Due to the DARE graduation being
set for February 15th at 7pm, the following motions were offered:
Motion 2/1/94.2: move to cancel the meeting set for February 15,
1994. Motion by Andrews, second by Frisoli. Motion carried 5-0.
Motion 2/1/94.3: move to set the next meetings of the Board of
Selectmen as February 8, 1994, March 8 and March 22. Motion by
Murdoch with second by Andrews. Motion carried 5-0.
VII. Requests for Action: (1) Haggerty noted that the resignation
of Paul Vaitkus from the Finance Committee had been received. In
noting his fine service on the Committee, Frisoli requested
Motion 2/1/94.4: move to send a letter regretfully noting his
resignation on the Finance Committee and thanking him for his
service to the Town. Motion by Frisoli with second by Murdoch.
Motion carried 5-0. (2) Kuchinski requested action on the
following matters: (A) Harbester/West Washington St: requested
that each of the Boards (Health, Conservation, Building, Board of
Appeals) file a current report regarding the compliance with
clean-up orders on the property. Nugent to coordinate the
request and to request a DEP status update as well. (B) Youth
Commission: requested to know who has indicated willingness to
serve on the committee. Haggerty replied no one has come forth
willing to serve. (C) No Smoking Policy: requested that this
policy be put on the next agenda for action. Discussion included
whether smoking could be regulated in Town vehicles as well. (D)
Questions on the Rockland Landfill matter: requested results of
letters sent out. No concrete answers given. (E) Appointment -
Conservation Commission: Kuchinski noted Pulieo's resignation was
made December 7 effected December 31 with Selectmen requesting
volunteers by January. Brian Gaffey has submitted his name.
Motion 2/1/94.5: move to appoint Brian Gaffey to the Conservation
Commission. Motion made by Kuchinski with second by Andrews.
Motion carried 4-1 (Haggerty). (F) Request of Kopelman & Paige:
as previously understood by Kuchinski, she requested Nugent
contact Town Counsel for a free case by case status update any
matters being handled by the firm. (G) Executive Secretary's
Contract: Kuchinski read the contract Section 2.1.1 outloud
wherein it stated that the flat rate of $1500 was "in lieu of"
gas, mileage, and use of a Town car; such lanaguage means
"instead of". She stated that the Executuve Secretary having
received $1500 last year was an oversight and $750 this year is a
second oversight, however, the payment of a second $750 would be
a gross error on the part of all selectmen. She noted that it
would make sense for $1500 to be set aside in the contract in
case of the need for the use of a personal vehicle. Murdoch and
Haggerty stated that the intention was to give him both $1500 and
a car. When Frisoli asked Kuchinski for a solution, she stated
that no further monies (second $750) be given to Nugent and, that
as well, the car could be held for use by other Town officials by
prior notice reservation. Haggerty attempted to stop discussion
by announcing that the March 8, 1994 agenda will have this item
listed. He stated that he will ask that former Selectmen Crowley
and Ellis be in attendance. Kuchinski saw no need for former
selectmen to attend stating that this problem could be easily
handled by the sitting Board members. This being an example to
prove that running a Town can be done on a business concept of
accountability not handing out job perks. When Kuchinski
reminded Board members that a written contract was signed by all
parties with no corrections, Frisoli stated that such an
oversight could be understood with the hustle of the business
taking place.
VIII. Executive Secretary Report: (1) Northstar Program: Nugent
and Andrews provided information regarding the points for the
Town to participate in this Mass. Emergency Management Agency
program to obtain surplus military equipment. Priority issues
appear to be needed shelter equipment such as a generator. Motion
2/1/94.6: move to sign the Memo of Understanding for the Town's
entry into the Northstar program. Motion made by Kuchinski with
second by Murdoch. Motion carried 5-0. (2) Board of Health -
Transfer Station User Fee: letter from Health Board Chair Gil
Amado received requesting a postponement of the meeting until the
15th because he would be out of town. The majority of Selectmen
wanted to wait until Amado was available so that the next meeting
was scheduled for February 22, 1994.
IX. Request for Executive Session regarding Police Negotiations:
Motion 2/1/94.7: move to enter Executive Session for purposes of
Police Negotiations. Motion made by Andrews with second Murdoch.
Roll Call: Murdoch: Aye; Andrews: Aye; Frisoli: Aye; Kuchinski:
No; Haggerty: Aye. Motion carried 4-1 (Kuchinski).
Re-entered Open Session at 10:15pm for purpose of adjourning the
Public Meeting. Motion 2/1/94.8: move to adjourn. Motion by
Murdoch second by Frisoli Motion carried 5-0. Adjourned 10:15pm.
| 
