Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
December 21, 2004
Present: Robert Forte, Mark Gallivan, Catherine Kuchinski and Jesse McSweeney. (Rebecca Coletta absent). Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:30 p.m. Chairman Kuchinski called the meeting to order and lead the Pledge Allegiance. She read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Appointment - Ronald Herlet of 111 Birchbark Drive applied to fill Dave Soper’s position on the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate member. The term expires 6/30/06. Mr. Herlet introduced himself giving the Board his employment background. Mr. Herlet is retired from the U.S. Department of Housing after 34 years of service. He is an 11 year resident of the Town.
MOTION by Gallivan, second by Forte to appoint Mr. Herlet to the alternate position on the Zoning Board of Appeals with his term to expire 6/30/06. Voted 4 – 0.
Item II Water Department – Water Commissioners Phyllis Bickford and Mary Lou Sutter were present to discuss a proposal from Nextel to put wireless communication antenna on the water tower on High Street. Mrs. Bickford informed the Board that the Commission is in preliminary discussions with Nextel. Nextel has offered to lease the space for $18,000 per year. The Commissioners will solicit other providers and survey other communities. The Board requested that Nextel and the Water Commissioner attend its meeting on January 11th for a further update. There was brief discussion as to where the funds generated from leasing the space would go. The Water Commissioners recommended they receive it to offset the cost of maintenance of the tower. Mr.
McSweeney suggested the funds be placed in the general fund.
Item III Town Planner – Town Planner Noreen O’Toole updated the Board on the status of subdivisions throughout the Town. She provided the Board with a handout indicating the location of the subdivisions as well as the total number of lots in each subdivision and the number of lots remaining to be developed. She indicated that seven out of the 17 subdivisions would be ready for acceptance by Town Meeting in May 2005, they included Alden Way, Anne Marie Lane, Audubon Estates, Cranberry Estates, Millennium Estates, Pleasant Meadows and Sidney Estates. Chairman Kuchinski inquired as to the status of Washington West Meadows which the Town took over from the developer. Ms. O’Toole indicated that funding would be
needed to complete the bounds and the drafting of the necessary documentation. Ms. O’Toole estimated the bound setting to cost approximately $2,000.00.
Item IV Department Head Reports - Barbara Gomez, Town Accountant – Mrs. Gomez indicated that most budget are in line. She pointed out the computer line is low due to the computer networking at the police station which was not anticipated.
Jean Sullivan, Treasurer/Collector – Mrs. Sullivan indicated that she has been reviewing the health insurance and anticipates a 15% increase. There will be a deficit in the health insurance line for 2005 due to the increase in premiums as well as an increase in 7 additional employees seeking coverage.
Chief Savage, Police Chief – Chief Savage reviewed his report highlighting in-service training, fire arms training, EOPS grant, the Click-it or ticket program, $3,000 grant for mobile and handheld radar. The Chief indicated the department is scheduled to receive a speed trailer in February. He also informed the Board on the various programs for schools including mock drills and the student police academy. He indicated that he has toured the High School and has recommended various security measures. The Chief indicated that two vehicles needed transmissions replaced and the computer server had been upgraded.
Chief Hoyt, Fire Chief – Chief Hoyt indicated that the call volume was up again this month. He worked with the Police Chief to secure a communications grant for a back-up repeater. The Fire department is making weekly inspections at the High School. The fire department conducted a security drill at the Indian Head School. The Board thanked Chief Hoyt for the Department’s efforts in lighting the mural at Ferry’s Sunoco.
Michael Kennedy, Building Inspector – Mr. Kennedy indicated that he is keeping up with his inspections, several of which are for woods stoves. He is assisting residents, who need to bring their older stoves up to code. Mr. Kennedy made arrangement with Mr. Forte to tour the high school on Wednesday, December 22nd.
8:45 p.m. Mr. Forte left the meeting
Item V Executive Secretary’s – Mr. Finglas indicated that he signed Payroll Warrant 26 in the amount of $87,350.25; Expense Warrant 26 for $1,701.02; Expense Warrant 26A for $26,802.42 and Expense Warrant 26B for $77,455.95. Mr. Finglas wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Item VI Old Business – Rasch 61 Release Request – Mr. Finglas indicated that he received the purchase and sales agreement from Mr. Rasch’s attorney. Mr. Finglas recommended that in light of the fact that the Town does not have the funds to purchase the property, that the Board vote not to exercise its right of first refusal. Chairman Kuchinski echoed Mr. Finglas comments and indicated that the Board should consider the Community Preservation Act in the Spring.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan not to exercise the Town’s right of first refusal for the property located at 1460 Main Street. Vote 3 – 0.
Review Budgets – Chairman Kuchinski indicated that unless there were any amendments, Mr. Finglas would be submitting the budget to the Finance Committee.
Discuss Evaluation Process – Chairman Kuchinski reminded the Board members that the Department Heads’ accomplishments of the year and their goals and objectives will be available next week. The evaluations should be completed as soon as possible.
Item V II New Business -Review Release of Executive Minutes Policy – Tabled until January 4, 2004.
Item V III Licenses –Class II License Renewal – Ferrera Berto – 169A Franklin St. Mrs. Marini indicated that all the paperwork is in order.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to renew the Class II license for Ferrera Berto at 169A Franklin Street. Voted 3 – 0.
Adjournment
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Gallivan to adjourn. Voted 3 – 0.
8:50 p.m. Meeting adjourned.
| 
