Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 11, 2003
Present: Robert Forte, Catherine Kuchinski and Peter Jones. (Stephanie McSweeney absent) 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 read the upcoming meeting schedule and announcements
I. Accept Letter of Resignation – Sealer of Weights and Measures, Bill Lonergan tendered his resignation as Sealer. He indicated that the certification requirements have increased substantially and he will be unable to fulfill the training obligations. He recommended the Board consider a regional sealer to serve the Town. He did not recommend the Board retain the State to perform the sealing. He indicated that all the Sealing has been done and would not require any additional work for 3 or 4 months.
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to accept with regret Mr. Lonergan’s resignation as Sealer. Voted 3– 0.
II. Treasurer/Collector - Monthly Report and Goals and Objectives – Mrs. McCormack presented to the Board with BANs to be signed in the amount of $1.3 Million at an interest rate of 1.65%. She reviewed her monthly report indicating that 9,000 excise bills in the amount of $764,479.00 have been mailed. The Board reviewed her goals and objectives for 2003. Mr. Forte recused himself from the discussion. Mr. Jones reserved his right to comment later.
III. Town Accountant – Monthly Report and Goals & Objectives – Barbara Gomez presented her monthly report indicating that the fire overtime, town insurance, legal, snow & ice, and engineering lines are all over the average for this time of year. Discussed the salary line for the Transfer Station due to the passing of Mr. DeRosario. Mrs. Gomez indicated that a shortfall could be adjusted at the May Special Town Meeting. She informed the Board that the Finance Committee is working on the budget. The Board reviewed Mrs. Gomez’s goals and objectives. Chairman Kuchinski suggested that Mrs. Gomez conduct a procurement seminar for all departments.
IV. Police Chief - Monthly Report and Goals & Objectives – Chief Savage presented his monthly report highlighting emergency equipment repair to the emergency generator. Requested and received a reserve fund transfer from the Finance Committee in the amount of $3,800. The DARE graduation is scheduled for Thursday, February 13th. The Chief reviewed the CHIPS program.
8:00 p.m. – Brief Recess – Chairman Kuchinski to attend another meeting.
8:04 p.m. – Back in session
Chief Savage continued his report. The Lieutenant’s assessment center was conducted by the police chiefs from Norwell, Rockland and Hingham on Wednesday, February 5th. The Chief requested the appointment be placed on the agenda for February 25th. He indicated he requested four new cruisers but expects to only receive three. The Board discussed a vehicle replacement plan. The Chief indicated there is a plan in place but the department didn’t get a new cruiser last year which has disrupted the process. The Board reviewed the Chief goals and objectives which included budget preparation, revising the department’s rules and regulations, grants, staff development and monthly reports. Mr. Jones suggested that staff development should also include self development and
monthly reports should be revised to communications with the board and public.
V. Director of Elder Affairs – Monthly Report and Goals & Objectives – Mrs. Smith reported that the State budget cuts have hurt the Senior Center as many of the positions are funded through the formula grants. They have lost the physical fitness grant. She will be able to maintain some positions through July. Mrs. Smith indicated that due to the fact that the Senior Center receives federal funds, it must be open to every senior regardless of where they reside. Chairman Kuchinski requested a list of all the grants and which position they fund. Mrs. Smith indicated that 21 people have requested fuel assistance. Mrs. Smith had not completed her goals and objectives. Chairman Kuchinski suggested that the finalization of the
Council’s job description and that of all her staff be one of her goals.
8:32 p.m. Brief Recess – Chairman Kuchinski called out of meeting.
9:07 p.m. Back in Session
VI. Building Inspector – Monthly Report and Goals & Objectives – Mr. Kennedy presented his report to the Board indicating 14 new building permits and 2 foundation permits. Discussed the stop work order at Brook & Thayer Streets. The builder will be meeting with the ZBA. Mr. Kennedy indicated that he is working on his goals and objectives and will have them prepared for the next monthly report.
VII. Fire Chief – Monthly Report and Goals & Objectives – Chief Hoyt informed the Board that due to the weather, the department has seen an increase in mutual aid calls. The self contained breathing apparatus as well as the compressor-fill station are on line. The department can fill tanks for emergency dive teams. Mr. Forte questioned the town’s liability for such activity. Mr. Davis to contact the insurance company. The Chief reminded residents that space heaters should be monitored and kerosene heaters are illegal. The Board reviewed the Chief goals and objectives which highlighted overtime, appointment of a deputy chief, vehicle maintenance, equipment replacement plan, pre-fire plans for target hazards. The Board agreed with
goals 3, 4 and 5, but indicated concern with the verbiage in the overtime goal “at a level sufficient” and the deputy chief goal as it involved a contract negotiated item.
VIII. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis indicated that he continues to patrol Snow Street. He has requested input from Town Counsel relative to posting a “No Truck” sign on the street. He indicated that Conservation is having a problem with a quorum. He suggested putting an article in the Special Town Meeting warrant to reduce the number of members from 7 to 5. Mr. Davis to determine whether additional steps must be taken to reduce the membership. Mr. Davis presented the Board with a disclosure from Conservation Chairman Steve Croghan. Three Conservation members are in conflict regarding the Ridder property and there are not enough members to vote on the matter. Acceptance of the disclosure would allow Mr. Croghan to vote on
the matter.
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to accept the notice of disclosure from Mr. Croghan and determine that his status as an abutter would not effect his vote as a Conservation Commission member. Voted 3 – 0.
Mr. Davis presented the Board with Kopelman & Paige’s case status report. Mr. Davis to be sending a letter to the new Conservation Agent requesting that she attend department head meetings and planning meetings. The network committee met and has determined that the amount needed for a town-wide network only be $30,000. Mr. Davis has amended the Capital Improvement request. Mr. Davis presented the Board with a breakdown of the computer line. Mr. Forte inquired about the high cost of the computers and whether new monitors needed to be purchased. Mr. Davis to adjust the figures. The Harvester Line has been reduced by $5,000 to $2,500.00. Mr. Davis informed the Board that the department heads voted that any department requesting a budget in excess of the finance committee’s recommendation would need to request a prop. 2 1/2 override. Mr. Davis distributed, for the Board’s approval, a letter from to the Board to the Water Commissioners regarding the Baran project. Mr. Jones
explained the letter. By consensus, the Board agreed to sign and send the letter. Richard Edgehille of the Government Watchers requested time on the agenda for February 25th. Mr. Davis to notify Mr. Edgehille of the agenda is full and offer March 4th as an alternative.
Mr. Davis reviewed his goals and objectives. Mr. Jones reserved his right to add to Mr. Davis’ goals.
IX. Close Annual Town Meeting Warrant on Friday, February 14, 2003 at 10:00 a.m.
MOTION by Jones, second Forte to closed the Annual Town Meeting Warrant at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, February 14, 2003. Voted 3 – 0.
X. Vote Class II license Renewal – Steve Auto Care and Used Cars 123 Liberty St.
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to renew a Class II dealer’s license to Steve’s Auto Care and Used Cars 123 Liberty Street. Voted 3 – 0.
XI. Commuter rail parking Lot Discussion –Tabled until March 4, 2003
XII. Vote & approve regular session minutes of January 14, 2003.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Forte to approve the regular session minutes of January 14, 2003. Voted 2 – 0 – 1 (Jones)
XIII. Committee Reports – Open Space Committee – Chairman Kuchinski informed the Board that the Open Space Committee met on Monday and is scheduled to me on February 24th. They are discussing the Stillman 61A property. The proposed developer met with the committee. A member of the Trust of Public Land is scheduled to meet with the committee. Transportation – Mr. Jones informed the Board that he attended the Transportation breakfast in Plymouth with state legislators. He inquired about the Rt. 27 & 14 intersection as well as the stretch on Rt. 27 by the high school. He was informed that work is scheduled to start in two years. Board agreed to send a letter to Kent McCourt at MassHighway in support of the
project.
MOTION by Forte, second by Jones to adjourn. Voted 3 – 0
10:22 p.m. Meeting adjourned
| 
