Selectmen’s Meeting Minutes
October 18, 2005
Present: Christopher Colclough, Rebecca Coletta, Mark Gallivan, Jesse McSweeney and James Egan. Also present Executive Secretary Michael Finglas and Executive Assistant Meredith Marini.
7:35 p.m. Chairman Gallivan called the meeting to order, lead the Pledge Alliegence, read the announcements and upcoming meeting schedule.
Item I Executive Secretary’s Report - Mr. Finglas reported that on October 1, 2005 he signed the following warrants: Payroll #14 - $119,785.38; Expense 14 - $22,535.86; Expense 14A - $22,308.90; Expense 14B - $8,666.87. On October 9, 2005 his signed Payroll Warrant #15 - $99,703.14; Expense #15 $265,977.55, Expense 15A - $17,674.87 and on October 18, 2005 he signed Payroll Warrant #16 $101,471.54; Expense #16 - $25,031.09; Expense #16A - $19,203.20 and Expense #16B - $18,949.48. Budget Process – Mr. Finglas advised the Board that he is drafting new budget forms for FY2007, which he will discuss with the Finance Committee. Goals and Objectives – Mr. Finglas
informed the Board that the Department Heads were advised to prepare their accomplishments of the year and goals and objectives by October 28, 2005. Evaluations – Mr. Finglas will be conducting the evaluations of the department heads. He asked the Board how they wished him to proceed. Chairman Gallivan advised that the Executive Secretary should conduct the evaluations with the Board’s input prior to completion. Mr. McSweeney concurred with Mr. Gallivan. Mrs. Coletta feels the Board should have some input and agrees with Mr. Gallivan. The Board further agreed that the department heads should meet with the Board quarterly. Mr. Colclough agreed with the Chair. Mr. Finglas requested Mr. Egan’s input on the evaluation form due to his extensive work experience was in this area. Mr. Egan expressed his view on the Board’s participation of the evaluation process.
The Chair requested that the Board receive the evaluation form on or before November 1, 2005 and their comments should be completed by November 15, 2005. Town Hall Opening – Mr. Finglas advised the Board that effective Tuesday, November 8, 2005 the Town Hall will remain open between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and close at 8:00 p.m., subject to meetings. The one-hour opening will be more customer friendly to residents who may want to do Town business on their way home from work. Renovations – Mr. Finglas reported that the overhang at the front entrance has been completed with the exception of the lighting. Commendation – Chief Hoyt forwarded a letter of commendation of Lt. Paul Proudman for his handling of the fire at the Plymouth County Hospital. The Board requested Mr. Finglas draft a letter to Lt. Proudman. Capital Improvement Plan – Mr. Finglas indicated that he
would be preparing a draft Capital Improvement Plan for the Board’s review at the next meeting.
Item II Dog Hearing – Gail and Richard Gilbert of 973 Whitman have requested a hearing on a barking dog issue against dogs owners, John and Joyce Campbell 971 Whitman St.
All the parties were present. Chairman Gallivan announced that Executive Secretary Michael Finglas would be conducting the hearing. Mr. Finglas explained the hearing process and informed the parties that the hearing would be conducted similar to a court proceeding, all the parties testifying during the hearing would be sworn in by the Clerk of the Board. The Complainants would present their case, the Board members would have an opportunity to ask questions. The dog owners would present their case and the Board members would ask questions of the Campbells. Finally the parties would have an opportunity to address one another.
Selectmen Clerk James Egan sworn in Gail and Richard Gilbert and John and Joyce Campbell.
Mr. and Mrs. Gilbert presented their issues to the Board citing constant barking which has disturbed their peace and quiet preventing them from enjoying their property. The dogs can be heard barking in the Campbell’s yard as well as in their garage. The dogs have woken the Gilbert in the morning and the barking has been a nuisance for over a year. The Gilberts have contacted the Animal Control Officer on numerous occasions, but the problem still exists.
Mr. and Mrs. Cambpell confirmed that the matter has been an issue with the Gilberts; although the Campbells do not feel the barking is excessive. In an effort to alleviate the problem, the Campbells have brought the dogs in the house and keep them in the garage. They have purchased barking collars to reduce the barking. Mrs. Campbell indicated that she caught the Gilberts children throwing rocks at her dogs and Mr. Gilbert was spraying them with a hose.
Mr. Finglas asked if there were any neighbors present to testify on behalf of the Campbells. Mr. Michael Giambina of 964 Whitman Street came forward and was sworn in by the Clerk Egan. Mr. Giambina informed the Board that he has lived at 964 Whitman Street for five years. He has not had a problem with the dogs and has not heard them barking. Mr. Giambina indicated that he was been home for almost three weeks recovering from surgery and he never heard the dogs barking.
Mr. Finglas asked if there were any additional witnesses or testimony. Having heard none, Mr. Finglas recommended that the Board vote to close the hearing and suggested that in light of the extensive materials provided to the Board by the parties, that the Board take the matter under advisement, which would allow the Board an opportunity to consider the testimony and review the materials. The Board could vote its decision at the next meeting on November 1, 2005.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Egan to close the hearing. Voted 4 – 1 McSweeney
Mr. McSweeney indicated that he would like to vote the matter now as it is evident that the issue is an emotional one for all the parties concerned.
MOTION by Colclough, second by Egan to take the matter under advisement until the next meeting. Voted 4 – 1 McSweeney.
Item III Executive Session – Police Grievance - Chairman Gallivan announced that the Board would be going into Executive Session under Item #3, Collective Bargaining and Union Negotiations. He did not anticipate any votes being taken, but the Board would return to open session to finish the agenda.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to go into Executive Session under Item #3 Collective Bargaining and Union negotiations. Roll Call – Colclough aye, Coletta nay, Gallivan aye, McSweeney aye and Egan aye. Voted 4 – 1.
8:47 p.m. Brief Recess
10:00 p.m. Returned to Open session
Item IV Licenses - - Class II – John and Janette Pompeo of 65 Birchbark Drive, Hanson have requested a Class II Used Car License for Pep’s Rod Shop & Jan’s Auto Sales, LLC 123 Liberty St., (Formerly Steve’s Auto Car Care)
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve a Class II Used Car license for Pep’s Rod Shop & Jan’s Auto Sales, LLC (for discussion).
Chairman Gallivan inquired if they had the proper approval from Zoning. Mrs. Marini informed the Board that the Pompeo’s will be following the same site plan as Steve’s Auto Car Care with eight vehicles for sale in front of the fence and 18 vehicles behind the fence for repair.
Voted 5 – 0
One Day Liquor – Camp Kiwanee – Jean Partee and Richard Pike of Mashpee have requested a one day liquor license for Saturday, October 29th from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. for a wedding.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to approve a one day liquor license to Jean Partee and Richard Pike on Saturday, October 29, 2005. Voted 5 – 0
Item V Resignation: John Seamans has submitted a letter of resignation from the Recreation Commission effective October 31, 2005.
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Colclough to accept with regret the resignation of John Seamans from the Recreation Commission. Voted 5 – 0
Item VI Committee Reports - Monponsett Pond – Mr. Colclough indicated that the Committee would be meeting next week with Halifax officials in Halifax. Police Station Building – will be meeting on Wednesday, October 19, 2005.
Item VII Adjournment
MOTION by McSweeney, second by Egan to adjourn. Voted 5 – 0
10:07 p.m. Meeting Adjourned
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