Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 29, 2000
Present: Judy Murdoch, Cathy Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones.
7:42 p.m. Chairman Webster called the meeting to order and welcomed Winn Davis the new Executive Secretary
Barbara Gomez, Town Accountant was present to update the Board on the current status of the Budget process. She provided the Board with a forecast sheet indicating $13,189,348.00 of projected revenue and income. She feels the schools will be looking for a 4 - 5% increase. South Shore VoTech budget is $293,000 which is a decrease of approximately $55,000.00 from FY00. Mrs. Gomez indicated that the Finance Committee is still meeting with departments and working on the budget. Peter Jones asked for the status of current budget lines. Mrs. Gomez indicated that additional funding will be required at the Special Town meeting for the legal line and the fire budget and possibly the police department. Cathy Kuchinski requested a list of funding in outstanding Articles. Currently there is $130,400 in lottery funds, over $200,000 in free cash and $6,000 from the SSVT line which she had forecast with a 3% increase. Mrs. Gomez will present an update to the Board each meeting until
Town Meeting.
Super Petroleum - Attorney Stephen Turner was present along with his client, Muftaf Bugazia owner of Super Petroleum 507 Monponsett Street. Attorney Turner explained the Mr. Bugazia did not get a building permit for the canopy over the gas pumps at this gas station. The gas company contracted an out of state contractor who did not get the appropriate permits. Mr. Bugazia filed for a building permit on January 19, 2000. However, they have not heard from the Conservation Commission regarding their decision. A complaint has been filed by William Strautman who lives across the street from Super Petroleum. The lighting from the canopy shines in his house. Building Inspector Sam Germaine was present to detail the events since November. Mr. Strautman complained to Mr.
Germaine regarding the lighting. Upon investigation, Mr. Germaine discovered that Bugazia had not filed for a building permit. He ordered Bugazia to turn off the lights until a permit is issued. The Zoning Board of Appeals has scheduled a hearing for Super Petroleum on Wednesday, March 1, 2000 to address a variance request for the canopy and they will address the lighting issue according to Lila Coyle. Lengthy discussion ensued from all parties involved. Each side presented photos of the lights. Mr. Webster pointed out that most of the concerns are not under the Selectmen’s jurisdiction, but inquired of Attorney Turner what he would like to have the Selectmen do. Mr. Turner requested that the Board forward a letter to Conservation Commission in an effort to get a decision from them in order for Super Petroleum to get a building permit. Mr. Bugazia presented information highlighting his attempts at reducing the lighting and explained
that he incurred considerable expense and has lost business due to inadequate lighting. Mrs. Murdoch pointed out that although the Selectmen have no authority over the zoning and lighting issues, it is quite apparent that there is a problem between the parties. In spite of the attempts by Super Petroleum to rectify the situation, a problem still exists or the Strautmans would not be before the Board at this time. She inquired if there was any possibility of reducing the glare. Mr. Bugazia explained that he has done everything possible to deflect the lighting but feels he will never satisfy the Strautmans. Both parties offered to have the Board members come to the location and see for themselves. Mr. Webster agreed to request the status of the case currently pending with Conservation. Mrs. Murdoch requested that the matter be revisited on Tuesday, March 7 after the Board of Appeals has held their hearing. Mrs. Coyle indicated that a
written decision would not be available; however, she would come to the meeting and up date the Board.
8:35 p.m. Jackie Rafferty, Librarian and Faith Mosher Library Trustee appeared before the Board to address their request for additional staffing. Mrs. Rafferty pointed out the increase demand on the library especially the technology resources. She has been there for four years and has seen a significant increase in usage of the library. She presented the Board with spreadsheets and back up material highlighting the need for additional staffing. She would like to add 15 hours per week for a Reference Librarian, 25 hours per week for a Technical Services Associate and 10 hours per week for a library page. Mr. Webster inquired how she handles the technical services currently. Mrs. Rafferty indicated that at times it is very difficult especially when another staff person is
out. Currently, the systems librarian is performing the technical work. The library is constantly playing catch up. Cathy Kuchinski requested that she prioritize the positions. Peter Jones requested a list of all the staffers and suggested other approaches, such a work program from the schools. The Board agreed to table the issue until March 7th.
8:50 p.m. Carole McCormack, Treasurer/Collector was present to address her request for additional staffing. She indicated that with the decreased staffing she is unable to provide the customer service duties which have been performed in the past. When various bills were paid with incorrect amounts, she would write a letter to the individuals pointing out the error and requesting payment. She indicated that she is only required to forward a demand after 30 days. However, she feels this type of personal service gives the residents an opportunity to made payment before being charged a demand fee. She would like to add 8 hour per week to her office, bringing the clerk’s position from 16 hours a week to 24 hours. Mrs. Murdoch inquired is a computer generated letter could
be produced to accomplish the task. Mrs. McCormack indicated that it is not possible, particularly since she is working with sources, water, excise and property computer programs. Mr. Webster doesn’t feel that Mrs. McCormack has given the current staff enough time to make it work. Stephanie McSweeney suggested a need to be creative. Cathy Kuchinski suggested have all personnel in her office work together instead on their own individual duties. The Board to address the issue on March 7th.
9:10 p.m. Gil Amado, Board of Health and administrative Assistant, Karen Doucette came before the Board to address their additional staffing request. Also present were Health Agent, Vince Flaherty and Board member John Dias. The Board of Health is looking for 15 to 16 additional hours. The new position would also be able to provide coverage while Mrs. Doucette is out sick or on vacation. Currently, she is entitled to 3 weeks vacation. Mrs. Doucette indicated that the office is very busy and she is finding it difficult to keep up with the demand. Mr. Amado indicated that the Health Agent is busy with all types inspections, perc tests, animal inspection, food services, health violations. They do not feel that the Health Agent should be in the office answering the
phone and doing clerical work. Cathy Kuchinski inquired if moving the dump stickers to another office would help with the work load. Mrs. Doucette said that would be a big help. Mrs. Murdoch agrees that moving the sticker will help somewhat with the work load, but doesn’t address the problem over vacation and sick time coverage. She indicated that she would entertain the idea of some additional hours but probably not all. Peter Jones agrees with Judy but strongly suggested any additional staff be trained in the most important aspects of the office so that they will be able to take over when covering vacation time. Both Stephanie McSweeney and Dan Webster agree. Cathy Kuchinski inquired as to the costs associated with a new employee, health, unemployment, workmen’s comp. Mr. Webster pointed out that employees must work a minimum of 20 hours to be eligible for health insurance. Board to take request under advisement.
9:25 p.m. - Chief King was before the Board to present his monthly report. The Chief explained that the in-service training for veteran officers will be completed by the end of April. Officer Doug Smith will be graduating from the academy on March 9th. Some of the Hanson officers are assisting at the academy. February 2, 2000 D.A.R.E. officer Rick Nawazelski presented a program on bulling. D.A.R.E. graduation was held at the Middle School on February 17. Block grants have been received to offset costs for additional patrols. The Chief briefly explained that discovery of ether at the Plymouth County Hospital. Daily patrols continue at the hospital. Office Richard Farrell retired on January 31st and was honored at a reception on February 26 at the
Halifax Country Club. Officer Farrell worked to the town for 34 years and had been the Court Prosecutor for the past ten years. Officer Joe Larkin will be serving as the Prosecutor. Officer Eugene Andrews has moved up to detective The Chief highlighted the traffic enforcement with 127 traffic citations and 9 traffic accident in the month of February. There were 25 arrests (7 for OUI) during the month.
Hanson Manor - Chief King indicated that he has spoken with the new owners and outlined the problems in the past. He has not had any problems to date and believes the new owners will to their best to avoid any problems.
Stingers - The Chief has not received any complaints since November. Mr. Webster indicated that he had spoke with one of the neighbors and they said there hasn’t been any problems. Mrs. Coyle indicated that Stingers has stopped the live entertainment and changed the bar into a function room.
Minutes of July and August - Cathy Kuchinski presented some changes to the minutes. Mr. Webster requested an opportunity to review them. Hold minutes until March 7th.
Town Meeting Location - Brief discussion regarding location of Town Meeting. Stephanie McSweeney said she has heard from residents that they would prefer to return to Indian Head. Peter Jones said that he has heard concerns about parking and accessibility to the microphones. Indian Head does has handicapped access. The Board wants to be sure it is ADA compliant.
Town Report Cover - Board was presented with photos of the Town Hall - Board of make a decision on March 7th
Clerical Union Negotiations - Mr. Webster indicated that there are some outstanding matters concerning the clerical union. Both he and Mrs. Murdoch has tied up with other matter and inquired if Cathy Kuchinski and Stephanie McSweeney would be available to deal with the matter. They agreed to take over negotiations. Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 7th at 6:00 p.m.
In-Law Apartment Committee - Brief discussion regarding appointing the committee. Suggested a five member board consisting of a member from Board of Selectmen, Board of Appeals, Assessor, By-law, Planning Board and citizen at large. The Assessors have appointed Steve DeDominici. Mr. Webster indicated that he spoke with Noreen O’Toole about being on the Board. She could fill the position for both By-Law Committee and Planning Board. Stephanie McSweeney offer to be on the committee. Mr. Webster indicated the Ed Casey from the Board of Appeals expressed interest in to committee and has some background information already. Brief discussion regarding a citizen at large. Merry to check minutes to see how the committee was to be comprised.
Executive Secretary - Mr. Webster inquired of Winn Davis if he had any input. He did not at this time. Mr. Webster suggested that Mr. Davis put together some goals and objectives for review by the Board.
Executive Session - Mr. Webster pointed out that a Memorandum of Agreement has been signed by the Fire Union - the Board will be going into Executive Session to discuss same under Item 3 - contract negotiations.
MOTION by Stephanie McSweeney, second by Judy Murdoch to enter Executive Session under Item 3 contact negotiations. Roll call Murdoch aye; Kuchinski aye; Webster aye; McSweeney aye; Jones aye. Voted 5 - 0.
10:30 p.m. Reconvened from Executive Session. Chairman Webster announced that one vote was taken to ratify the Fire Union Contract.
Burne Property - Peter Jones indicated that the Master Plan Committee met and the former Burne property has been sold. The Master Plan Committee would like to know if the Board of Selectmen would like to address the matter and consider the purchase of the property. After brief discussion, Mr. Webster suggested having Phil Linquist from the planning board come before the Selectmen as well as the Town Forest committee to discuss the matter.
Council of Elder Affairs - Judy Murdoch presented information regarding the Senior Center. They are putting together a group of individuals to discuss the needs of the Seniors. Some members are touring other facilities in Barnstable, Deerfield and Evanswood in Kingston in order to do an assessment of needs. Judy will be going on some of the tours and invited other members to join them, although space is limited.
MOTION by Peter Jones, second by Stephanie McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 5 - 0.
Meeting adjourned 10:56 p.m.
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