Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
January 29, 2002
Present: Judy Murdoch, Catherine Kuchinski, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Also present, Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis and Management Assistant, Meredith Scozzari.
7:50 p.m. The Chairman Webster called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting lists. Announced the passing of transfer station employee Tom Turner and observed a moment of silence.
I. Highway Union – Highway Union Steward Matthew Libby was present to sign the highway contract.
MOTION by Murdoch, second by McSweeney to sign highway contract. Voted 5 – 0.
The contract was signed.
II. 8:00 p.m. Executive Session – Chairman Webster announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under reason #6 sale of real estate, reason #3 contract negotiations with the Police & Clerical Unions and reason #3 litigation Re: Ridder Conservation Suit..
MOTION by Murdoch, second by McSweeney to go into Executive session under reasons #6 and 3. Roll Call – Kuchinski aye; Murdoch aye; Webster aye; McSweeney aye, Jones aye. Voted 5 – 0.
Mrs. McSweeney announced that she would excuse herself during the Baran discussion.
9:55 p.m. Returned to Open Session – No votes were taken.
III. Vote Class II license renewal – Steve’s Auto Care & Used Cars – 123 Liberty St.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Murdoch to renewal Class II license for Steve’s Auto Care & Used Cars. Voted 5 – 0.
IV. Discussed Acorn & Birchbark Lots – Chairman Webster announced that the Board is looking into a potential problem with two lots which were sold at auction in 1997 and 1998. He indicated that at a town meeting in 1971 the lots were declared conservation, but no deeds were drawn and the assessors records did not reflect the designation as conservation. The lots were later sold as tax title properties by the Treasurer/Collector after circulating the list of properties to all Town Departments. The Board is also checking to determine whether there was a conflict of interest as a town employee had bid on the Acorn parcel as an agent for another. Chairman Webster stated that there is no evidence of impropriety but the matter will be reviewed. The Board has
instructed the Executive Secretary and Treasurer Collector to review the records for the last 70 years and confirm all conservation land is designated properly as well as review all auction records over the last 30 years.
V. Discuss Reclassifications – Assistant Assessor & Management Assistant to Board of Selectmen – Tabled until February 5th. Request that Assessors be present.
VI. Update from Street Safety Committee – Tabled until February 5th.
VII. Discuss Selectmen’s Capital Improvement Plan – Tabled until February 5th
VIII. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis informed the Board he will be attending three meetings on Thursday, January 31st one in Marshfield, one at WHRHS regarding the new school and one at Town Hall with the Mass. Fish & Wildlife regarding Northland Cranberries. He met with Whitman’s Executive Secretary Frank Lyman and discussed sharing staff for IT services and conservation. Announced the Mass. Housing Mortgage Program for Municipal employees.
MOTION by Murdoch, second by Jones to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
10:10 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
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