Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
January 14, 2003
Present: Robert Forte, Cathy Kuchinski and Stephanie McSweeney. (Peter Jones absent). Also present Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis and Executive Assistant Meredith Scozzari.
7:43 p.m. Chairman Catherine Kuchinski called the meeting to order and read the announcements.
I. Commendation of Police Officers –Michael Casey & Stephen Gorman – Family and friend of Officers Casey and Gorman were present for the presentation of commendation for saving the life of Michael Thomas. Chairman Kuchinski read a letter of commendation to the officers. Chief Savage presented the officers with commendation bars, which were pinned on by Mr. Thomas. Mr. Thomas thanked the officers.
II. Police Contract – The Board signed the police contract, which had been approved by town meeting.
III. Police Chief - Monthly Report - Chief Savage presented his monthly report highlighting personnel issues, setting up an assessment center for the Lieutenant’s position on February 5th and a sergeant’s exam on March 5th, grants in the amount of $20,500 for equipment, calls for service, arrests, court activity and motor vehicle accidents. All areas reflect an increase in activity.
IV. Town Accountant – Monthly Report – Mrs. Gomez updated the Board on the budget. She indicated that the fire overtime line is still high. The legal line and engineering lines are both high as well. She notified the Board that the Highway Surveyor would be requesting a Snow emergency for the Snow & Ice line. Discussed the budget outlook for this year and next fiscal year. Discussed her evaluation. She indicated she was pleased with her marks. The Board members read their comments.
V. Building Inspector – Monthly Report – Mr. Kennedy presented his report to the Board. He indicated that the assembly permits have been sent out. He is reviewing plans for the various 40B projects and Baran Partners. Mr. Kennedy indicated that he was pleased with his evaluation and the Board members read their comments.
VI. Director of Elder Affairs – Monthly Report – Mrs. Smith reviewed her monthly report highlighting 1240 hours of donated time from volunteers. She informed the Board that her budget for 2004 includes five additional hours for the Outreach Coordinator. Board reviewed Mrs. Smith’s evaluation. Chairman Kuchinski and Mrs. McSweeney read their comments. Mr. Forte indicated that his scores should have been higher, but has discussed the matter with Mrs. Smith.
VII. Fire Chief – Monthly Report – Chief Hoyt reviewed his monthly report highlighting two structure fires. He informed the Board that open burning season begins on January 15th through April 30th. He has been reviewing plans for the 40B projects. The department received a $20,000 grant for equipment. The Chief commended his management assistants Barbara Murphy and Ann Merlin for their outstanding work. The Board read their comments regarding the Chief’s evaluation. The Chief was pleased with his evaluation.
VIII. Executive Assistant’s Evaluation – The Board members read their comments. Ms. Scozzari thanked the Board for her evaluation.
IX. Executive Secretary Evaluation – The Board members read their comments. Mr. Davis indicated that he was pleased with his evaluation and will work on improving his weaknesses. He indicated that he will be attending a seminar with Mr. Forte.
X. Executive Secretary Report - Mr. Davis informed the Board that the office has received a deed for four lots on Adams Circle to be placed in Conservation control. The deed has been forwarded to Town Counsel.
Conservation Agent - Mr. Davis indicated that the Conservation Commission hired a new agent.
61A Release - The office received a 61A notification from Ellen Stillman with respect to 10 lots on Elm Street. The sale price is $980,000. The Board discussed having the Open Space Committee look into purchase options. Notification to be sent to all departments.
Betterment Committee - Mr. Davis presented the Board with a memo regarding the Betterment Committee. It appears that the committee has additional work to complete. Mr. Forte didn’t feel the committee would be in a position to present a report at the May Town Meeting, but would look to October.
MBTA - The Board discussed the MBTA commuter parking lot. Mr. Davis updated the Board on his survey and indicated that the MBTA would be willing to split the receipts. The matter has been scheduled for discussion on Tuesday, January 21st.
Department Head Meeting - Mr. Davis updated the Board on the department head meeting. The regulatory departments have decided to meet every 3 to 4 weeks for a “Plans Review” meeting. He also indicated that the department head do not feel committee members or staff members should attend the department head meetings. Mr. Davis indicated that he would set up quarterly staff meetings.
Planning Board Conflict - Mr. Davis presented the Board with a memo regarding Finance Committee member, Arthur Brasill’s inquiry into the disqualification of a Planning Board member reviewing the Baran project. Mr. Davis pointed out that the Planning Board requested one of the member recuse himself to avoid the appearance of conflict.
Zella Rod & Gun Club Complaint – Mr. Davis indicated that a complaint has been received from Mr. & Mrs. Zella of 208 Elm Street about the noise at the Rod & Gun Club. Mr. Davis has meet with them and they have requested a new by-laws be drafted to cover noise complaints. Mr. Davis and Ms. Kuchinski to meet with a representative of the Rod & Gun Club.
Budget review – Mr. Davis presented the Board with a budget revenue analysis prepared by Mrs. Gomez. The analysis reflects an increase in revenues for the current fiscal year.
Kopelman & Paige Representation Letter - Mr. Davis informed the Board that the Water Department will not be signing the letter as requested by Town Counsel to representative the Town and the Water Dept. simultaneously. If a situation arises in which the Water Department needs counsel, they will hire independent counsel.
XI. Committee Reports/Action Requests-
Depot Village – 40B subcommittee – Chairman Kuchinski reviewed Mr. Jones’ comments regarding the Depot Village project. The Board discussed forwarding a letter to the Zoning Board of Appeals to have the Selectmen’s comments on record. The Board discussed the increase in units, deletion of recreation facilities, sidewalks and water issues. After a lengthy discussion, Mr. Forte and Mrs. McSweeney indicated that they would be attending the ZBA Hearing on Depot Village.
Water Department – Mr. Forte indicated that he had attended a meeting with the Water Commissioners regarding water usage. The water commissioners forwarded a letter to the DEP for a determination on the limit of gallons per day. No decision has been received.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to adjourn. Voted 3 – 0.
10:27 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
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