Minutes of November 5, 1996 Selectmen Meeting
Selectmen Present: Judith Murdoch; Charles Flynn; Peter Jones and
Catherine Kuchinski, Chair and Clerk with Joseph Nugent,
Executive Secretary to the Board of Selectmen.
I. Open: Kuchinski called the meeting to order at 8:02pm.
II. Announcements: (A) MEMORIAL FIELD TRUSTEES - Alan Spera:
Spera was able to inform the Board that the Town has been awarded
the $50,000 grant requested from the Dept of Environmental
Affairs for renovation of the Memorial Field. He voiced thanks
to fellow committee members, members of Open Space Committee, the
Board and Townspeople for their support of the effort. He also
apprised the Board of letter from Mass. Historical Commission
seeking an archeological investigation of the site prior to work
beginning. The Board will be updated as developments occur.
III. STOP SIGNS: Highway Surveyor and Police Chief: Dick Harris,
Highway Surveyor and Rusty King, Police Chief present for
discussion on the placement of stop signs in the Brentwood
development and what budget would bear the cost. King noted over
300 homes in the Brentwood area and that there is a high volume
of traffic. King requested officers to review the area and as a
result a shorter list was sent for action this evening. In a
memo, Harris noted that the original 10 signs requested
represented half of his budget for the year. Both officials
reported willingness to work together to develop a priority list
for a future presentation to the Board for action (funding) by
the next Town Meeting. Motion 11/05/96.1: move to approve the
placement of stop signs at the ends of the following streets with
the cost from the present fiscal year highway sign budget:
Gorwin Drive and Jerrold Street, Meryl Street, Andrew Lane,
Joanne Drive and at Brook Street and Andrew Lane and Maquan
Street. Motion made by Murdoch with second by Flynn. Motion
carried 4-0.
20 MPH Speed Signs: Harris stated he would have his department
install the signs once they were brought to his office. The
Board reiterated that his budget would not be hit for the cost of
the signs. Nugent reported that the state will not do any study
of the area's speed and the police chief noted that the limit is
not enforceable but would hopefully act as a deterrent. In order
to address calls made to several Selectmen on the public safety
aspect of children in these streets, etc. King was asked to make
a community education effort to deflect the use of public streets
as playgrounds within similar subdivisions.
E-911: Police reported that the system is up and running
smoothly. Officers making presentations to schools and the
elderly. Flynn reported that the Halloween DARE dance was a
successful endeavor of the DARE Officers.
IV. REQUEST TO ADOPT M.G.L. c.32B: Treasurer/Collector: Carole
McCormack present to answer questions regarding this recent state
legislation which allows for 100% employee-paid dental program
and long term disability plans through county offerings. Motion
11/05/96.2: move that the Board of Selectmen accept Chapter 288
of the Acts of 1996 allowing 100% employee-paid dental and long
term disability options. Motion made by Murdoch with second by
Flynn. Motion carried 4-0.
V. McCarthy's Pub - Liquor License: Board was informed that the
Board of Health had issued a letter allowing the Pub to serve
food on paper plates therefore allowing the pub to retain use of
its liquor license predicated on the serving of food. The health
situation to be closely monitored by the Board of Health.
VI. WATER COMMISSIONERS' REQUEST FOR SPECIAL COUNSEL:
Commissioners Dahlberg, Andrews and Currie present for this issue
stating their desire to use special counsel, Attorney Lampke for
review of matters related to the intermunicipal agreement with
the City of Brockton. Commissioners cited their past
dissatisfaction with services rendered by Kopelman & Paige and
need for a short, clear contract in a short time frame. In effort
to re-establish future rapport between the Boards, Kuchinski
supported their request. Motion 11/05/96.3: move that the Water
Commissioners use Kopelman & Paige with Water Commissioners
approval of the choice of counsel experienced with water
municipal agreements assigned to them from the firm. Motion
made by Flynn with second by Murdoch. Motion carried 3-1
(Kuchinski for reasons stated in discussion. Flynn requested
Commissioners keep Selectmen informed of progress with their use
of counsel for clarity, timeliness of response, etc.
VII. WATER COMMISSIONERS' REQUEST FOR DOCUMENTATION FROM
SELECTMEN ON ARTICLE SIX PRESENTATIONS: Commissioners Currie and
Andrews present. Various opinions aired on request. During
Kuchinski's request to the Commissioners for additional time to
have the request answered, it was learned that a written response
had been prepared by Nugent. Murdoch and Flynn stated each was
satisfied with response and Kuchinski and Jones requested copies
for review and would be available if necessary to continue
dialogue with Commissioners on issues. Commissioners stated the
purpose of the request was to move to closure of past issues so
that the future would not be mired in past debris.
VIII. HOLIDAY SCHEDULE FOR TOWN HALL EMPLOYEES: Clerical union
contract allows for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving off; the
question arises in how to address that day for the non-union
personnel. Motion 11/05/96.4: move that the Wednesday before
Thanksgiving be considered a regular working day for non-union
personnel with Town Hall open then and until noon on Tuesday,
December 24th. Motion made by Jones with second by Murdoch.
Motion carried 4-0.
IX. REAPPOINTMENT: Motion 11/05/96.5: move to reappoint Suzanne
Okerfelt to the Arts Lottery Council with term to expire June 30,
1998. Motion by Jones with second by Flynn. Motion carried 4-0.
X. MINUTES: Motion 11/05/96.6: move to accept the minutes of
March 26, March 27, April 3, April 9, April 23, April 30, May 7,
May 14, May 21, June 4, June 18, July 2, July 10, July 16, July
30, August 6, August 12, August 13, August 27, September 17,
September 24, October 7, and October 8, with executive sessions
of March 12, March 13, March 26, March 27, April 9, April 23,
April 30, May 14, June 4, July 2, August 6, August 12, August 27,
and September 24 noting that Mr. Jones held the minutes of
September 10 for an additional comment to be added and that Mr.
Flynn's absence at the meeting on April 9th should count as an
abstention. Motion made by Jones with second by Flynn. Motion
carried 4-0 as noted.
XI. SUNDAY HOURS FOR PACKAGE STORES - HOLIDAY SEASON: ABCC sent
out guidelines for openings. Motion 11/05/96.7: move to permit
licensees to open for sales the sunday prior to Thanksgiving and
each Sunday thereafter until New Year's Day. Motion made by
Flynn with second by Murdoch. Motion carried 3-0-1 (Jones
excused from the room for discussion and vote.
XII. Additional Announcements: (1) Veterans' Agent Letter noted
Bridge Dedication on Monday, Nov. 11th at the site of the State
Street Bridge to be renamed in honor PFC Robert S. Hammond.
After the ceremony, the American Legion will be hosting
refreshments at the Post on Robinson Street. All welcome. (2)
THE OLD COLONY RAILROAD POSTERS have been received at Town Hall
which cite "proposed" travel time (47 minutes to South Station)
and fares of $3.50 one way and monthly passes of $112. Comments
should be directed to the T personnel. (3) Rotary / VNA Annual
Christmas Fund Auction is scheduled for November 16th at 6pm. (4)
Expanded Library Hours: library to be open 6 days a week; hours
posted. (5) Request of Friends of Thomas Mill - to place sign on
parking lot island for the November 9th Craft Fair. Motion
11/05/96.8: move to permit sign on Town Hall lawn as requested.
Motion made by Murdoch with second by Jones. Motion carried 4-0.
(6) UPCOMING Calendar Notes: Public Hearing - Cable Renewal
License to be held on January 14, 1997 at 7:30pm. Public welcome.
XIII. Request for Executive Session: Motion 11/5/96.9: move to
enter Executive Session under exemption #3 for review of Police
Union contractual items for possible negotiation strategy and to
hear updates on fire union negotiations. Motion made by Murdoch
with second by Flynn. ROLL CALL VOTE: Murdoch: Aye; Flynn: Aye;
Jones: Aye, Kuchinski: Aye. Motion carried 4-0.
XIV. Adjournment: Motion 11/05/96.10: move to adjourn. Motion
made by Murdoch with second by Flynn. Motion carried 4-0.
Adjourned at 10:46pm.
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