Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
February 24, 2004
Present: Catherine Kuchinski, Mark Gallivan, Peter Jones, Robert Forte and Jesse McSweeney. Also present was Acting Executive Secretary Meredith Scozzari.
7:40 p.m. Chairman Jones called the meeting to order. Chairman Jones requested a moment of silence for Judy Braley, David Clemons and Shirley Garuti all who passed away during the week.
Chairman Jones read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
I. Maquan School Playground – Chairman Jones announced that the school committee has informed the Board that it could not afford to have the playground tested. School Committee representative, Jim Armstrong explained to the Board that the original sum of $5,000 was allotted for the maintenance for the playground had come from the interest line from previous school projects. Mr. Armstrong indicated there was only $89.00 left in the line. According to Mr. Armstrong the playground was sealed every two years. Chairman Jones recommended that the Town would provide for the testing through the Town engineer. A decision regarding the fate of the playground will be made upon completion of the testing. Chairman Jones recognized Ms. Fox from
Catherine Road, who presented a proposal for a new playground. Ms. Fox was informed that the costs for the removal of the Whitman playground facility was significantly less than $20,000.00. Mr. Armstrong pointed out that the playgrounds in Whitman were removed because of the splintering incidents not because of the arsenic levels. Mr. Jones thanked Ms. Fox for her efforts and indicated that in the event it is determined that the playground must be removed, the Town would work with her on her proposal for the construction a new facility.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Forte to authorize the testing of the Maquan School playground. Voted 5 – 0.
II. Limousine License request – Steve Yeager 353 Winter Street – Mr. Yeager was present to request a Limousine license. Ms. Scozzari indicated that all the paper work was in order. She stated that the license will reflect the restrictions imposed by the Zoning Board of Appeals. The Board questioned Mr. Yeager about conducting his business prior to obtaining the proper licenses. Mr. Yeager indicated he was unaware a license was required. Mr. McSweeney inquired about the discrepancy in the insurance company listed on the application and the insurance declaration page. Mr. Yeager corrected his application. He indicated the Limousine was insured by Pilgrim Insurance.
MOTION by Forte, second by Gallivan to approve a Limousine License to Stephen Yeager of 353 Winter Street. Voted 5 – 0.
III. Treasurer/Collector – Mrs. McCormack requested the Board’s authorization to sign the documentation for the Storm Water Management Loan Trust in the amount of $238,000. She indicated it was the same type of loan which was obtained for the Betterment Trust.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Gallivan to authorize the Treasurer/Collector to sign the appropriate documents for the Storm Water Management Trust in the amount of $238,000.00. Voted 5 – 0.
IV. Street Sweeper – Ms. Kuchinski informed the Board that she attended the unveiling of the new street sweeper on Saturday at the Pembroke Town Hall. The street sweeper was purchased through a grant and will be used jointly by Hanover, Pembroke and Hanson.
V. Vote to Close the Warrant – Ms. Scozzari informed the Board that 37 articles were received for the May Annual Town Warrant. The articles are in the order in which they were received and will be adjusted after the Board reviews them and determines whether to keep them on the warrant.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Kuchinski to close the warrant. Voted 5 – 0.
VI. Resignation of Barbara Nelson from the Library Trustees – The Board received notification from the Town Clerk that Barbara Nelson has resigned from the Board of Library Trustees. Mrs. Harris requested that the Board vote to place the vacancy on the 2004 Town Election Ballot.
MOTION by Forte, second by Kuchinski to accept with regret the resignation of Barbara Nelson and that the Town Clerk place on the May 15, 2004 Town Election Ballot the one year term for Library Trustee created by the resignation of Barbara Nelson. Voted 5 – 0.
VII. Vote Disclosure of Conservation Commission Member Amy Gardener – Ms. Scozzari indicated that she spoke with the Ethics Commission who informed her that Ms. Gardener need only make one disclosure and that she abstain when in a contract with her engineering firm.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to accept the disclosure of Amy Gardener.
Voted 5 – 0.
VIII. Meeting with Finance Committee – Budget status – Representative Daniel Webster attended with the Finance Committee. Rep. Webster provided the Board with a packet outlining the Governor’s budget proposal. He indicated that the Town’s reimbursement and lottery receipts were level funded. He explained the Governor’s proposal regarding SBA reimbursement. Mr. McGovern of the Finance Committee indicated that they have not had an opportunity to speak with all the departments. Currently there is $700,000 different between requested budgets and revenue.
IX. Set Elected officials Salaries – Ms. Scozzari provided the Board with a spread sheet outlining increases for the elected officials. The Board discussed the increase for the part-time elected officials. Chairman Jones suggested a 0% increase, unless some additional funds were available, then he would recommend a 2% increase. Mr. Gallivan recommended a 0% increase. The Town Clerk requested a 3% increase and the Highway Surveyor requested a 5% increase. Mr. McGovern of the Finance Committee indicated that the Committee had no problem with the Town Clerk’s increase, but had not officially discussed the Highway Surveyor’s increase. Mr. McGovern indicated he would be in favor of 5%. Both Boards agreed that after 39 years of dedicated service Mr.
Harris should receive a 5% increase.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second Gallivan to approve a 5% increase for the Highway Surveyor, a 3% increase for the Town Clerk and no increase for the elected part-time officials. Voted 5 – 0.
X. One Day Liquor License Request at Camp Kiwanee –
Theresa Bonnyman of Hingham Saturday, March 13th 3:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Professional Bartending Service of Middleboro, Saturday, March 20th 7:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Kuchinski to approve a one day liquor license top Theresa Bonnyman on Saturday, March 13, 2004. Voted 5 – 0.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to approve a one day liquor license to Professional Bartending Services for Saturday, March 20, 2004. Voted 5 – 0.
XI. Livery License renewal – Hanson Livery 36 Lantz Avenue Whitman – Ms. Scozzari indicated that due to an oversight the license was not renewed in December. All Mr. Chick’s information is in order.
MOTION by Kuchinski, second by Forte to renew the Livery License to Dennis Chick.
Voted 5 – 0.
XII. Committee Reports: CATV – Ms. Kuchinski indicated that the committee is moving forward and reviewing sites. Stormwater- Ms. Kuchinski reiterated her attendance at the unveiling of the Street Sweeper in Pembroke on Saturday. Street Safety – The Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday, March 1st at 7:00 p.m. to discuss a second entrance into the commute rail parking lot.
XIII. Executive Secretary’s Report – Mrs. Scozzari informed the Board that the Chairman has been invited to the Cub Scouts Blue & Gold Banquet Feb. 29th 1:00 – 4:00 P.M. Kof C Hall, Pembroke. Chairman Jones indicated that he would attend. There will be a Mass. Disabilities Counsel - Legislative Reception at the State House on Wednesday, March 10th 10:30 – 1:00 p.m. The Board received a letter from Bay Communications requesting the Town put out an RFP for telecommunications facility. The Board discussed the matter briefly. The Board requested that the acting Executive Secretary research the zoning issues and process to draft an RFP. The Division of Fisheries & Wildlife has notified the Board that it is interested in
obtaining the Lite Control property. Mr. Jones requested the Northland property report be received before making any decision on Lite Control. Ms. Kuchinski indicated that in light of the fact the Town has not accepted the Lite Control property in over 4 years that the State should take it, after the Town receives the report on the Northland Property.
Executive Session – Chairman Jones announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under items #6 for the purchase or exchange of real estate and #3 strategies for collective bargaining.
MOTION by Forte, second by McSweeney to go into Executive Session under Items #6 & 3. Roll Call: Kuchinski aye, Gallivan aye, Jones aye, Forte aye and McSweeney aye.
Voted 5 – 0.
9:32 p.m. Brief Recess
10:07 p.m. Back in Open Session – Chairman Jones announced that no votes were taken in Executive Session.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Forte to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0.
10:08 p.m. Meeting Adjourned.
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