Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
April 15, 2003
Present: Robert Forte, Catherine Kuchinski, Stephanie McSweeney and Peter Jones. Also present were Executive Secretary E. Winn Davis and Executive Assistant Meredith Scozzari.
7:33 p.m. Chairman Kuchinski called the meeting to order and read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule. The Chairman requested a moment of silence for Vincent Sica former COA member, who passed away on Saturday, April 12th.
I. Auditors Report – Rob Lynch of Thevenin O’Grady of Brockton reviewed the 2002 annual audit. He indicated that the fixed assets were not booked, but GASB34 will take care of the problem. He commended the Town Accountant and the Treasurer/Collector for keeping the Town in good financial order. The Board reviewed the management letter, which indicated issues various departments need to address and correct. The Board requested that Mr. Davis, Mrs. Gomez and Mrs. McCormack prepare a memo to the departments indicated in the management letter asking for a response to the comments from the auditors.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to have Financial Management Team forward a memo and the Audit report to the departments indicated in the management letter requesting the issues be addressed and follow-up on same. Voted 4 – 0.
II. Approve Minutes: Reg. & Executive Session - April 1, 2003
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to approve the regular and executive session minutes of April 1, 2003. Voted 4 – 0.
III. Hanson Rod & Gun Club – Requesting Permission to conduct a Fishing Derby at Town Hall on Sunday, June 1st from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
MOTION by Forte, second by McSweeney to grant the Hanson Rod & Gun Club permission to conduct a Fishing Derby on June 1, 2003 from 7:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Voted 3 – 0 – 1 (Jones abstained because it was a Sunday morning issue).
IV. One Day Liquor License – Camp Kiwanee
Shannon O’Donnell, IL, Saturday, April 26th - 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. – Wedding
Lauren Botelho, Rockland, Friday, May 2nd – 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. - Wedding
Sarah Tooley, Marshfield, Saturday, May 3rd – 4:00 – 11:00 p.m. - Wedding
Christine Fitzgerald, Whitman, Saturday, May 10th - 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.- Wedding
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to grant one day liquor licenses for weddings at Camp Kiwanee to Sarah Tooley, Saturday, May 3rd – 4:00 – 11:00 p.m.; Shannon O’Donnell, Saturday, April 26th - 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.; Lauren Botelho, Friday, May 2nd – 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.; and Christine Fitzgerald, Saturday, May 10th - 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. Voted 4 – 0.
V. Firefighter Swearing in – Chief Hoyt was present in introduced two new members of the Fire Department, Arianna Royer and Jason Mahoney. Town Clerk Sandra Harris performed the swearing in. Mrs. Royer’s husband pinned on her badge. Chief Hoyt presented Firefighter/EMT John Rothwell with a citation in recognition of 25 years of service. Several members of the Fire Department were present.
VI. Open Space Committee – Phil Clemons 61A land recommendation – Mr. Clemons was present with Mr. Buz Artiano of Carver who has signed a purchase and sales agreement with Ellen Stillman for 22 acres of 61A land on Elm Street. Mr. Clemons explained to the audience that the Town has the right of first refusal to 61A property, but the due to financial constraints, the Town is not in a position to purchase the property for the estimated one million dollar sales price. Mr. Artiano has offered to grant an easement to the Town, which would allow future access to additional Stillman property should she decide to sell it. Mr. Clemons presented plans to the Board outlining the easement. Mr. Davis informed the Board that the Town would receive $61,000 - $64,000 in
roll back taxes, upon completion of the sale.
MOTION by Forte, second by McSweeney that upon receipt of a Purchase and Sales agreement for the easement, the Town will release from 61A, 22 acres on Elm Street and to substitute the language in the current article with approved language from Town Counsel. Voted 4 – 0.
VII. Committee Report – Mrs. McSweeney updated the Board on the meeting with the School Committee and Dr. McEwan. She confirmed the meeting set for Monday, April 28th. Recommended that residents write to their legislators regarding the budget shortfall. Chairman Kuchinski reported on the arts festival at the High School
VIII. Set Meeting Dates: May, June, July & August – The Board agreed to meet on the following dates: May 5 & 6 (Town Meeting), May 20th, June 3, 10 & 17; July 1 & 15; August 5 & 19. Notice to be sent to Professional Bartending, Inc.
IX. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mr. Davis reported that the Water Commissioners sent a letter to Brockton Water supporting and recommending that Brockton give water to Baran Partners. A few law books are missing from the set of Mass. General Laws and a request has been sent to all departments for their return. Mr. Davis has responded to four public records requests from Mr. Aiello. The Board was presented with an up date on the Chairman’s “To Do” list.
X. Finish Special Town Meeting Review – The executive assistant informed the Board that an additional article must be added to transfer funds into the Selectmen’s expense account to pay for the actuary services provided by PriceWaterHouseCoopers in July 2002.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to open the Special Town Meeting warrant. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to accept and recommend the transfer article for the PriceWaterHouseCoopers bill. Voted 4 – 0. Jones assigned.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to close the Special Town Meeting Warrant. Voted 4 – 0.
Article 14 & 15 – Fire Overtime.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Jones to remove the hold. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION (for discussion) by Forte, second by Jones not to recommend. After brief discussion, Mr. Forte withdrew his motion and Mr. Jones withdrew his second.
MOTION by Forte, second by Jones to refer articles 14 and 15 to Town Meeting. Voted 4 – 0.
Article 16 – Classification Survey – Mr. Davis indicated that he spoke with a representative from Bridgewater State College who indicated the cost for the survey would be between $20,000 and $25,000.00.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by McSweeney to remove the hold and recommend Article 16. Voted 2 – 0 – 2 (Forte & Jones) Forte abstained due to conflict issues and Mr. Jones indicated he abstained because he did not vote for the clerical union contract.
Article 24 – Health Benefits for Elected officials
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to remove the hold and refer article 24 to town meeting. Voted 4 – 0.
Article 29 – Open Space – Stillman 61A property
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to remove the Hold. Voted 4 – 0.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to construct a new article to make the property a gift of easement. Voted 4 – 0.
Article 30 – TIF
MOTION by Jones, second by Forte to remove hold and recommend the article subject to the Assessors notice of an agreement. Voted 3 – 0 – 1(McSweeney)
Article 7 - Legal Line – The executive assistant informed the Board that the estimated amount for the legal line has been increased from $35,000 to $50,000.
XI. Land Auction Protocol – Mr. Davis presented the Board with a protocol for land auctions. The protocol had been reviewed by Attorney Thomas and Mrs. McCormack. The Board suggested adding site visits to be made by the Board, Item 5F - Minimum Sales Price should be included under 4G Determination of Lots. The Board discussed at length the completion of the auction paper work and whether it should be competed after each lot is sold or at the end when all the lots have been sold. The matter tabled until April 29th for follow-up and revisions to the protocol.
XI. Executive Session – Mr. Davis informed the Board that there are several items to address in executive session under Items #1 & 3.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to go into executive session under items 1 & 3. Roll Call – Jones aye, McSweeney aye, Kuchinski aye, and Forte aye. Voted 4 – 0.
10:05 p.m. Brief Recess.
10:47 p.m. Back in open session – Chairman Kuchinski informed the audience that votes were taken in executive session, but could not be announced at this time.
MOTION by Jones, second by McSweeney to adjourn. Voted 4 – 0.
10:50 p.m. – Meeting adjourned.
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