Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 4, 2003
Present: Robert Forte, Catherine Kuchinski, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Also present were Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis and Executive Assistance Meredith Scozzari.
7:35 p.m. Chairman Kuchinski called the meeting to order and requested a moment of silence for Transfer Station employee Roger DiRosario who passed away last week and the Space Shuttle Columbia astronauts who perished on February 1st.
Chairman Kuchinski then read the announcement and the upcoming meeting schedule.
I. Michael Glennon – Discuss the progress of the Plymouth County Hospital project – Mr. Glennon inquired about the delay in developing the hospital property. Mr. Jones briefly reviewed the process of awarding the RFP, public forums, and various town meetings. The Board discussed the current water situation. Mr. Glennon was informed that the Board was scheduled to meet with the Water Commissioners and DEP on Thursday, February 6th.
II. Treasurer/Collector, Carole McCormack evaluation & raise – Mr. Forte stepped away from the table to avoid a conflict of interest. Mrs. McCormack was present and the Board reviewed her evaluation. The Board members read their comments. Chairman Kuchinski reviewed the raised giving to the other department heads.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski (for discussion) to give Mrs. McCormack a 3% increase. The Board discussed the matter at length. Mr. Jones indicated that he would not be in favor of a 3% increase. He cited the current financial situation as well as the marks Mrs. McCormack received on her evaluation. Mrs. McSweeney and Ms. Kuchinski indicated that Mrs. McCormack’s marks were in the range of other employee’s who received 3% increases. Moved to the vote. Voted 2 – 1 (Jones).
III. Mrs. McCormack’s reappointment – The Board discussed Mrs. McCormack’s reappointment. Her current appointment expires on March 31, 2003. Chairman Kuchinski read a memo from the Executive Secretary recommending the any appointment made should be set to expire on March 31st as it would have the least impact on budgetary matters. The memo also stated that an appointment could be made for not more than three years.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski (for discussion) to reappoint Mrs. McCormack for a three year term. Mrs. McSweeney feels that Mrs. McCormack has done a good job over the last year, but pointed out past problems with auctions. Mr. Jones indicated he would prefer a shorter reappointment period and would not be comfortable with a three year term. Move to the vote. Voted 2 – 1 (Jones).
8:20 p.m. – Mr. Forte returned to the table.
IV. Discussion of 9C cuts – Representative Webster, the Finance Committee and Town Accountant were present to discuss the Governor’s cuts to local aid. Rep. Webster explained how the Governor arrived at the present cuts of $200 million from local aid. Rep. Webster also discussed the Municipal Relief Bill which the Lt. Governor filed to assist municipalities which included changes in the sub-bidding laws, $100,000 procurement laws, civil service, allowing selectmen and town accountants to transfer fund between budget lines without town meeting vote and prevailing wage exemptions for projects under $100,000 for communities under 5,000. Rep. Webster expected a 15% cut in Chapter 70 fund and lottery receipts for FY2004, which was likely to be in the $300,000 – 350,000 range.. The Finance Committee is still working on the FY2003 budget. Rep. Webster finished by informing the Boards that if the legislature doesn’t cut the State budget by $150 million then there may be additional
9C cuts.
9:00 p.m. – Brief Recess
9:07 p.m. – Back in session
V. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis informed the Board that the office has received a Disclosure from the Assistant Plumbing Inspector Gary Young. Mr. Young’s son, Joseph Young, is the owner and president of GDS the Town’s IT contractor. Mr. Davis also informed the Board that Chief Savage will be filing a disclosure with the Board as his brother has just started working for GDS. MDA will be holding a “Lock up” day on March 6th, which Mr. Davis will be participating in. The office received notification of a Release of Oil on the Northland property. The Town was aware of the situation. The Department of Fisheries and Wildlife will allow the Town on the property to conduct a 21E survey as soon as the oil
release has been cleared. Conservation member Ron Gratton will be walking the Lite Control site with Al Hanscom from VHB. Mr. Davis continues the Snow Street patrols. The Town Planner has been working with Land Planning regarding Holmes Terrace. Land Planning has submitted a proposal for $5,000 to complete the site work and plans. Mr. Davis met with Capital Improvement on Monday. There will not be a lot of money for all their requests. The repairs at the Library/Senior Center will include the drainage and heating problems. Chairman Kuchinski inquired about Roller Coaster Road. Mr. Davis indicated he is waiting for Mrs. Bizier to sign paperwork.
VI. Committee Reports – 40B Subcommittee – Mr. Forte reviewed the Depot Village plans. The Board discussed the sidewalk issue and the unit sizes. After lengthy discussion the Board agreed to forward a letter to the Board of Appeals outlining its concerns. Mr. Jones to draft the letter. Open Space Committee – Chairman Kuchinski reported that the committee is scheduled to meet February 10th and 24th to review the Stillman property. BOH – Mrs. McSweeney informed the Board that she attending a meeting at the Board of Health as an abutter regarding the Baran project. Baran is moving forward with their septic plans. High School Building Committee – Mr. Jones reported
that the architects have met with the school staff. Requests for bids are going out and hope to start the project in the summer. Discussed razing the old school. Mr. Jones informed the Board that the old school would have to be brought up to code if it were converted to another use. The old school must be raze to accommodate playing fields. Senior Center Feasibility Study Committee – Mr. Forte reported that the committee would be presenting a final report at the annual town meeting.
VII. One Day Liquor License – Camp Kiwanee
Professional Bartending Services – Friday, February 14th, 8 – 12 a.m.
Brian Lane Carriage Road Hanson Sat. Feb. 8th 12 – 5 p.m. – Birthday
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to approve one day liquor licenses to Professional Bartending on February 14th and Brian Lane on February 8th at Camp Kiwanee. Voted 4 – 0.
VIII. VFW – Poppy Drive – Request from Whitman VFW to conduct a Poppy Drive at Shaws from May 7 – May 10, 2003.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to grant the Whitman VFW permission to conduct a Poppy Drive at Shaws from May 7 – May 10, 2003. Voted 4 – 0.
IX. Appointments –
Betterment Committee – Highway Surveyor Richard Harris
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to appoint Richard Harris to the Betterment Committee. Voted 4 – 0.
Historical Commission - Lawrence Mills 191 Captain Nathaniel Drive – Unexpired term of Ray Towne – Term Expires 6/30/03
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte appoint Lawrence Mills to the Historical Commission to fill the unexpired term of Ray Towne. Term to expire 6/30/03. Voted 4 – 0.
61A Study Committee - Assessors representative – Kathleen Marini
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to appoint Kathleen Marini to the 61A Study Committee. Voted 4 – 0.
Council of Elder Affairs - Patricia Ann Bailey 4 Upton Street – Unexpired term of Marilyn Grant. Term expires 6/30/04
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to appoint Patricia Bailey to the Council of Elder Affairs to fill the unexpired term of Marilyn Grant. Term to expire 6/30/04. Voted 4 – 0.
X. Award Town Report Bid – One bid received from Dads Photo of Pembroke $38.60 per page.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to award the Annual Town Report bid to Dads Photo of Pembroke at a rate of $38.60 per page. Voted 4 – 0.
XI. Approve Meeting Minutes – October 1st Reg. & Executive, December 3rd Reg. & Executive, December 10th Reg. & Executive and January 21st Reg. & Executive.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to approve the minutes of October 1, 2002 Reg. & Executive, December 3, 2002 Reg. & Executive, December 10, 2002 Reg. & Executive and January 21, 2003 Reg. & Executive. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0.
9:50 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
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