Selectmen’s Meeting
Minutes of June 30, 1998
Present: Peter Jones, Judith Murdoch, Charles Flynn, Catherine Kuchinski, Daniel Webster and Joseph Nugent, Executive Secretary
Chairman opened the meeting recognizing literature from the Breast Cancer Resource Guide of Massachusetts. Information available at Town Clerk’s Office.
Board approved one day liquor license for Camp Kiwanee. Motion by Kuchinski to allow Anthony Davis and Carol Montgomery a one day liquor license at Camp Kiwanee on August 8th,. Second by Murdoch. 5-0 vote.
Motion by Kuchinski to reappoint Eva Burton - Old Colony Elderly Services - one year
Lila Coyle - Board of Appeals - three year term
Gordon Coyle - Drainage Committee - one year
John Hanlon - Disability Committee - three years
Kathy Dyer - Old Colony Elderly Services - one year, 2nd by Murdoch, 5-0 vote.
Motion by Kuchinski to accept the resignation of Steve Bonatti from Parks and Fields. 2nd by Murdoch. 5-0 vote. The Board held the tentative appointment of Robert Hayes until 7/14
At 7:45 PM Chairman opened hearing for Eastern Utilities regarding underground line location on Live Oak Way and Birch Bark Drive. Abutters notified. No one appeared. Doris Phillips, of Eastern Utilities, explained the need to run an underground line in the area due to a new house being constructed. Motion by Webster to approve, 2nd by Flynn. 5-0 vote. Kuchinski requested clarification from Doris Phillips concerning taxes paid by the utilities for above ground utilities Vs underground utilities. Ms. Phillips will get back to the Board with further information.
The Chair recognized Jesse McSweeney, an Intern working in the Selectmen’s Office. Mr. McSweeney presented a salary survey of Treasurer/Collector, Town Accountant, Building Inspector, Health Agent, Director Council of Elder Affairs, Assessor/
Appraiser. Town Planner, and Library Director. Mr. McSweeney’s report compared the similar positions in 11 or 12 towns. After discussion with Board members, it was agreed that he would eliminate the Town of Plympton and add the Town of Lakeville to his information.
The Board congratulated McSweeney on his report, and members will review the information and get back with comments. Report to be finalized on the 14th of July.
The Chair announced a brief recess prior to the Board taking up several planning issues for the upcoming fiscal year.
The Chair started discussion outlining several issues of interest and asking Board members for opinions. Ms. Kuchinski indicated that as of July 1, the Drainage Committee would have funds to move forward and address certain drainage issues in Town. Drainage Committee is scheduled to meet the end of July to review several sites.
The Chair mentioned previous discussions concerning government study issues. Mr. Webster indicated that he concurred that the Town should start to think about reviewing certain organizational structures. Ms. Kuchinski indicated that she felt rather than appointing another committee the Board of Selectmen should consider taking on these issues. Mr. Jones indicated that recently government studies have been down in Whitman and Abington. He suggested perhaps the Selectmen’s intern could look to see if copies could be obtained of those respective studies.
Board discussed goals and objectives as they related to the Executive Secretary, Police Chief, Town Accountant, and Treasurer/Collector. In addition, Mr. Jones indicated he felt the Board itself should set some specific goals. Mrs. Murdoch asked if there were still concerns by Board members relative to the existing evaluation tool. Ms. Kuchinski indicated that she felt some areas of the evaluation tool needed to be reworked. Mr. Nugent indicated, as in the past, he has no problem making changes; however, since the evaluation tool is referred to in contracts, there is an aspect of negotiation which would need to take place. Board members agreed that they would consider goals and objectives for the Board and look to establish them by the end of July. Mrs. Murdoch suggested that we
look to several other communities for copies of evaluation tools. Mr. Webster also indicated that he had recently reviewed what he felt was a very strong evaluation product and would look to get a copy for the Board members. Mrs. Murdoch asked if the Selectmen’s intern could call MMA or other communities to get copies of evaluation instruments used. Nugent indicated that he would place copies of other evaluations in a folder behind the current mail.
Mr. Nugent indicated that the Board has still not received a response from the residents of West Washington St. Meadows. Mr. Jones indicated that in discussions with the Planning Board, Planning Board members feel there are sufficient funds left to complete work needed. Mr. Flynn indicated that he had recently heard that a section of sidewalk had collapsed after some heavy equipment had backed over it.
Nugent indicated that the Drug and Alcohol policy has been sent out in final draft form to Earl Wilson, Jim Kane and a copy given to the Chair and a copy will be given to Miss Kuchinski for review. Any comments may be incorporated into the finished document.
The Board recognized Chief King. The Chief discussed staffing issues relative to the retirement of Officer Paul Taber. Her explained that due to Federal grants available, the funds to be utilized to offset the cost of an officer. The Board asked that a package of prospective appointees be put together and given to the Board to review. The prospective appointment would be discussed further on the 14th of July. Chief also requested the Chair sign the lease agreements for the acquisition of lease purchase of four new police vehicles. He explained that the finance committee had approved the lease purchase vs. the outright full purchase and he feels that at a cost of approximately 40 thousand the first year and 35 thousand for the next two years, that the Town would benefit by saving
funds in the long run. The Board concurred. Chairman indicated that he would prefer to sign and vote the leases in open session at the next meeting.
The Board discussed the aspect of sidewalks and street acceptance as well as issues on Rollercoaster Rd. Ms. Kuchinski indicated that the street Acceptance Committee has been working to have several more streets accepted at the October Town Meeting and in addition is looking into the TIPS program as an avenue for additional funding. The Street Acceptance Committee has suggested the Selectmen be invited to a meeting to be set up either 7/20 or 8/10 during which a Representative from Old Colony Planning Council would explain the TIPS Program. Mr. Jones indicated that August 10th would be the bests date for him to meet. The Board also confirmed previous discussions to start a sidewalk program starting at Maquan Street and Rte. 58 down to the Library.
.Mr. Flynn indicated that he felt that the Board needs to move forward with Wage and Personnel issues. To review appointed positions and to expedite the appointment process. Mr. Jones indicated that he had spoken with the Town Clerk and feels that appointments can be handled in a move efficient manner. Mr. Flynn also indicated his continued concern with the Planning Board’s lack of zoning on adult entertainment areas and cell towers. He reiterated a letter sent by the Planning Board which seemed to imply that the Board of Selectmen should govern adult entertainment through some type of licensing. Mrs. Murdoch asked for an outline of issues discussed together by the Board. Mr. Webster supported the idea of a list of issues and again suggested that perhaps Mr. McSweeney could get
copies of government studies which had been completed by other Town.
Board announced an executive session. Motion by Murdoch to enter executive session under #6, negotiation for sale of property, second by Flynn. roll call vote, Jones, yes; Murdoch, yes; Flynn, yes; Kuchinski, yes; Webster, yes.
Motion by Flynn to adjourn, 2nd Kuchinski at 9:50 p.m.
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