AGENDA
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
MONDAY, MARCH 7, 2011
6:30 p.m. - Convene Meeting – Conference Room 1 – Mashpee Town Hall
MINUTES
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS
6:30 Public Comment
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
- FY2012 Budget Review
- May 2, 2011 Town Meeting Warrant Review
ADDITIONAL TOPICS
(This space is reserved for topics that the Chairman did not reasonably anticipate would be discussed)
- Authorization to Enter into Agreement with Municipal Resources, Inc.
LIAISON REPORTS
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Board of Selectmen
Minutes
March 7, 2011
Present: Selectman Cook, Selectman Cahalane, Selectman Richardson,
Selectman Taylor, Selectman Sherman
Town Manager Joyce Mason
Meeting Called to Order by Chairman Cook at 6:30 p.m.
Town Hall, Conference Room #1
APPOINTMENTS & HEARINGS:
Public Comment:
George Peterson, a member of the Planning Board was in attendance in the absence of the Planning Board Chair to urge the Selectmen to reconsider the elimination of the part-time position in the Planning Department. Correspondence was received from Mary E. Waygan; Planning Board Chairman dated March 3, 2011 with respect to this regard. In Ms. Waygan’s correspondence the reduction of the $23,000 in funding for the Assistant Planner was somewhat of a surprise. Ms. Waygan in her letter requested the Selectmen level fund the department and return the funds to the Planning Department budget.
As related by Mr. Peterson, the Assistant Planner has been updating the Town’s Local Comprehensive Plan, a key planning document which allows for full participation in the Cape Cod Commission. If efforts to update the Plan are hindered, the efforts may become outdated, and there may be loss of outside funding.
For disclosure, the Board indicated the budget was submitted by the Town Planner to the Town Manager.
In other matters, Peter White, a local activist announced that NSTAR will not be spraying for at least one year. In his opinion, this effort demonstrates “grass roots” democracy. Mr. White encouraged the Town of Mashpee to take a position next year to oppose the spraying in an effort to stop chemicals in the environment.
Mr. White also indicated that he is the lead petitioner for a Town Meeting article to direct our Representatives to the MA Legislature and the United States Congress to work for ratification of a Constitutional Amendment that reads: “Corporations, political action committees and foreign agents are not citizens under the U.S. Constitution and shall not be allowed to financially influence elections”.
OLD BUSINESS:
Mashpee Blue Book:
Draft copies of the new Mashpee Blue Book are available for the Selectmen’s review and comment before the document goes to production. The Board was requested to give input to the Town Manager by Thursday of this week. The Selectmen in support indicated that they are very pleased with the booklet, and commended Beverly Kane and the Environmental Oversight Committee on their endeavors to bring forth a comprehensive document for the citizens of the Town of Mashpee.
NEW BUSINESS:
Authorization to Enter into Agreement with Municipal Resources, Inc.
Motion made by Selectman Taylor to place the above topic on the Selectmen’s agenda.
Motion seconded by Selectman Cahalane.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Cook, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Richardson, yes Selectman Taylor, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Opposed, none
In response the recent RFP for the Fire Department Management study, three firms were interviewed. The consulting firm, Municipal Resources, Inc. of Meredith, NH was deemed highly advantageous. Joyce Mason, the Town Manager indicated the firm was receptive to all of the requirements set forth by the Board of Selectmen. Upon negotiations, the price quotation meets the Town’s budget for the study, deemed more of an efficiency analysis which is expected to result in an improved and more fiscally responsive Fire Department.
Motion made by Selectman Cahalane to approve and enter into Agreement with Municipal Resources, Inc. for the Fire Department study as referenced.
Motion seconded by Selectman Richardson.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Cook, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Richardson, yes Selectman Taylor, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Opposed, none
NEW BUSINESS:
FY2010 Budget Review:
The Board of Selectmen commended the Town Manager for her efforts to bring forth a fair and equitable budget proposal for all. The end result of this product will allow the Town of Mashpee to sustain this type of budget for future years.
For clarification with regards to a previous comment, Mrs. Mason indicated the budget was disseminated to all departments. All Department Heads were given the opportunity to review the budget and make comment to the Town Manager. The budget was discussed with other Department Heads. However, the Town Planner did not initiate budget discussions with the Town Manager. Although issues were not discussed, nor resolved at the Town Planner/Town Manager level, in fairness, the Town Manager agreed to meet with the Town Planner and Assistant Town Planner prior to budget deliberations. Mrs. Mason indicated she is willing to reconsider the Planning budget. No further recommendations were made at this time.
It was announced the Board of Selectmen are scheduled to meet with the Finance Committee on March 14, 2011 to review the budget. There will also be a Public Hearing on the CIP budget for FY-12 on March 14th. The Finance Committee’s Public Hearing is scheduled on March 24, 2011, and the Board of Selectmen are expected to adopt the budget and finalize the warrant of Monday, March 28, 2011.
May 2, 2011 Town Meeting Warrant Review:
Draft #2 of the May 2, 1011 of the Special and Annual Town Meeting Warrant dated March 3, 2011 was reviewed by the Board of Selectmen. It was the agreement of the Board to defer action to Monday, March 14, 2011.
COMMUNICATIONS & CORRESPONDENCE:
Sign Bylaw Review Update:
It is the recommendation of the Sign Bylaw Review Committee to request the Board of Selectmen maintain the Sign Bylaw as it presently exits. It was recommended, the Board request more enforcement, and detail the current violations as the main issue is deemed added enforcement measures.
Adjournment:
Motion made by Selectman Taylor to adjourn at 7:12 p.m.
Motion seconded by Selectman Sherman.
VOTE: Unanimous. 5-0.
Roll Call Vote:
Selectman Cook, yes Selectman Cahalane, yes
Selectman Richardson, yes Selectman Taylor, yes
Selectman Sherman, yes Opposed, none
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen M. Soares
Secretary to the Board of Selectmen
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