Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
September 3, 2002
Present: Cathy Kuchinski, Robert Forte, Daniel Webster, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones . Also present Executive Secretary Winn Davis and Management Assistant
7:37 p.m. – Chairman Webster called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
I. Presentation to Chief King – The Board acknowledged the retirement of Chief Russell King after 30 years of service. Department members, family and friends were present. The Board and Rep. Marini presented Chief King with citations.
7:55 p.m. Brief Recess and reception for Chief King
8:17 p.m. Back in session
II. Appoint Acting Police Chief – The Board discussed the appointment of an acting chief and the permanent appointment to the position within a few months.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to appoint Lt. Edward F. Savage as acting Police Chief. Voted 5 – 0.
By consensus of the Board, Chairman Webster and Bob Forte will negotiate with Acting Chief Savage regarding the Chief’s position.
III. Report of Problem Road Committee – Mrs. McSweeney updated that Board on the status of the Private Road Oversight Committee and Roller Coaster Road. She indicated that an article has been submitted for the October Special Town Meeting warrant to approve the layout of the road. Two land swaps will be necessary and easements are being drawn. Mr. Davis indicated that a total of six instruments must be prepared for Town Meeting. A hearing on the road layout must be conducted by the Board in September and the layout plans must be filed with the Town Clerk at least 7 days prior to Town Meeting.
IV. Baran Partners Presentation – Paul Ferrara of Baran Partners, Rosemary Heard of MassDevelopment, Al Hanscom of VHB and Town Counsel Rich Bowen were present to discuss the status of the agreements. Mrs. McSweeney excused herself from the discussion and sat in the audience. Mr. Davis gave an update of project. The Purchase and Sales Agreement and Land Developers agreement on almost complete. The Town will receive $219,000 for the assisted living project and $298,000 for the Independent living facility for a total of $518,000. Mr. Davis indicated that the parties are working on the TIF agreement. Baran has requested a 40 year TIF because they are seeking federal funding. Rosemary Heard and Paul Ferrara explained the necessity for the 40
year TIF. The matter was discussed at length with the Board and the Assessors. Water issues were also discussed. Water Commissioner Don Morway informed the Board that water service to the facility was turned off two years ago. Discussed preference issues and limited partnerships.
9:45 p.m. Baran left – Stephanie McSweeney back at the table. Brief recess
9:55 p.m. Back in session – Chairman Webster left early.
V. Zoning Board of Appeals Appointment:
Steve DeDominici - Permanent member – term expires 6/30/03 - unexpired term of David Nagle
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to appoint Steve DeDominici to the Board of Appeals with a term to expire on June 30, 2003. Voted 4 – 0.
Dave Soper 176 High Street – Alternate member - term expires 6/30/02 – unexpired term of Steve DeDominici
MOTION by Kuchinski , second by Forte to appoint Steve DeDominici to the Board of Appeals – Alternate with a term to expire on June 30, 2003. Voted 4 – 0.
VI. Discuss Articles with proponents and Finance Committee
Request to open warrant to add new article – The Board received a request from Phil Clemons to include an article establishing an Open Space Committee.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Jones to open warrant. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Forte to have Selectmen sponsor the article proposed by Phil Clemons. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by Jones, second by Kuchinski to close the Warrant. Voted 4 – 0.
The Board reviewed the warrant articles with the proponents who were present. Chief Hoyt indicated that he would be transferring funds from one account to another for his vehicle repair request. Mrs. Coyle addressed the zoning by-laws articles. Assessor Cindy Long informed the Board their article is submitted every three years for valuations. Discussion regarding the borrowing method and source. The money would not be taken from stabilization. Mr. Morway addressed the Water Commissioners articles. Mrs. Coyle inquired why the Water Department did not collect their own bills. Mr. Davis to get report from Treasurer/Collector. Jean Marie Smith, Marie Hanlon and Faith Mosher were present to discuss the article requesting funds for a new van. They explained the van would be
operated by library staff and would transport homebound residents to the library/senior center. They anticipate receiving a grant for $32,000.00. Petition article for septic loan program was explained by Mr. Davis. He indicated that a public meeting is scheduled for later in the week. The Town would act as a bank for residents who could not afford the installation of a Title V approved septic system. Residents would repay the loan to the Town through their taxes. Ms. Kuchinski indicated that the Police Station Feasibility Study committee would be making a short 10 minute presentation to Town meeting. Sidewalk article was discussed. Mr. Jones indicated that a 40B project is being planned along Rt. 27 and will be required to install sidewalks from Robinson to High Streets. He requested the article stay on the warrant. Conservation land articles were discussed. Board cited concerns that the matter has not yet been heard by
the court. Mr. Davis indicated he would speak with Town Counsel and Special Counsel. Ms. Kuchinski inquired whether Conservation had been included in the discussions regarding the Conservation land articles.
VI. School Building Committee – Mr. Jones updated that Board on the status of the High School Building project. R.F. McGrath has been selected at the project manager. The projected opening date is September 2005.
VII. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis advised the Board that Chief Hoyt suggested a short ceremony in front of Town Hall on September 11th and outlined the schedule of events. The Board agreed to hold an event on Wednesday evening at 7:30 p.m. The office received a request late in the day from Hanson Tavern requesting a permit for outside liquor sales. Hanson Tavern indicated that they are participating in a Motorcycle Poker Run Fundraiser on Sunday, September 8th and would like to sell beer outside. The Board discussed the matter briefly.
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to deny the request for a permit for outside liquor sales. Voted 4 – 0.
Chief Hoyt has notified the Board he will be on vacation Sept. 12th, 13th and 16th and will notify the Board of the officer in charge.
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0.
Meeting adjourned 11:07 p.m.
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