September 28, 2010 7:10 p.m.
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Present: Board of Selectmen: Chairman E. Bernard Plante, Francis B. King, Kenneth I. Schold, Brian W. Stowell, Bob Spain, Brian M. Ashmankas; Richard Valentino, Fred Mosely, Barry Lorian, Norm Beausoleil, Donna Boynton, Karen Kosiba, Scott Farrar, Liana Moore, Susanne Findlen, Tom Riley, Edd Cote, Charlene Arsenault and concerned citizens.
New Drainlayer- Robert Speroni-doing some work at Brierly Pond.
Motion to approve the license by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King.
Motion carried unanimously.
Uno Restaurant Transfer of Stock-Approved by ABCC.
Motion to approve transfer of stock made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman Ashmankas.
Motion carried unanimously.
The Police Chief has requested a handicap spot at police station. We need one by law. The space near ramp will be designated the for handicap parking, it will take two spots to allow for van accessibility.
Motion made by Selectman Stowell to designate a handicap spot in the lower lot, seconded by Selectman Ashmankas.
Motion carried unanimously.
One-Day Liquor License - Banks Catering - Asa Waters - October 23, 2010
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to approve the license.
Motion carried unanimously.
One-Day Liquor License - Struck Catering - Asa Waters - October 16, 2010
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to approve the license.
Motion carried unanimously.
One-Day Liquor License - Cardoos Catering - Asa Waters - October 10, 2010
Motion made by Selectman Schold, seconded by Selectman King to approve the license.
Motion carried unanimously.
National Grid-Street Crossing Petition-Mr. Spain said that we have resolved the two outstanding issues, aerial trespass across common; they have to install a couple of poles near back parking lot and waiting for an easement on Brian Circle but he is confident it will be done. Susanne Findlen-project manager said that the project will start next summer and it will take 8-12 months to complete. This project also requires DPU approval.
Motion made by Selectman King to approve the Street Crossing Petition, seconded by Selectman Ashmankas. Motion carried unanimously.
Scott Farrar said that the two poles in the common are set and the work should be completed tomorrow. He also wanted to introduce Paul Stasiuk who will be taking over the municipality end. Chairman Plante said that Scott did a great job and was a pleasure to work with.
Mr. Spain passed out the expenses incurred from Direnzo Towing and Recovery in transporting the trash to Wheelabrator when the truck was down and our drivers were out that was requested from Selectman King.
Roadway Advisory Committee-Fred Moseley, Barry Lorion, Norm Beausoleil appeared. *see attached PowerPoint presentation. They have been working with the Chapter 90 funding.
Mr. Spain said that the way the committee put this plan together was well thought out and done with a great deal of consideration. Some of our roads are so bad that they cannot get any worse. Chairman Plante wanted to thank them and say what an asset they are to the town. We need to start putting money aside for this as it is only going to get worse. Selectman Stowell wanted to know when the reports are updated; Mr. Moseley said yearly. They will be put on the town website.
DPW Update-Mr. McGarry also wanted to commend the Roadway Advisory Committee and gave his monthly update. *see attached report. He is asking the Selectmen for support for road closings from Old Common to Beach Street from October 18 -22 and from Beach Street to Witter Lane from October 25 - 30. Emergency vehicles and buses will be allowed to pass.
Motion made by Selectman King to allow the road closures, seconded by Selectman Schold.
Motion carried unanimously.
Selectman Schold wanted to make sure that the Brierly Pond Dam is on the next Town Meeting warrant.
Selectman King asked about the Sutton Road leakage. It was fixed by MA Highway and so far things are going well.
Selectman Ashmankas asked about using the Central MA Mosquito Control to help out at Broadmeadow Brook. Mr. McGarry will send a request. Selectman Ashmankas was also wondering about the salt alternative conference. Mr. McGarry did get some information but there is another workshop that he wants to attend on October 20 regarding deicing before bringing any information to the Board.
Public Hearing DPW Reorganization Continued- Mr. Spain would ask the board to support this position. This would combine the working foreman and the sewer superintendent positions. No secretary is needed. This will save the town at least $50,000. The goal is to draw on the experience of the current employees. Selectman Schold thinks we need more laborers. Selectman Ashmankas asked for the Board to support this position as it saves money.
Motion made by Selectman Ashmankas seconded for discussion by Selectman King. Selectman King agrees with Selectman Ashmankas and having a union worker cannot direct the workers the way they need to, he thinks you will see more work done.
Motion carried 4-1 (Selectman Schold opposed).
Town Manager Report
We have received a response for the Center School lease from YOU, Inc. Mr. Spain will meet with Mo Boivert this month.
The Cell Tower RFP will be going out when Mr. Spain gets back from vacation. If you have any input let Laurie Connors know and she can make the adjustments.
School Dept has requested the Carpenter Training School to help them build the new sound booth at the high school.
Motion made by Selectman King to approve the request, seconded by Selectman Ashmankas. Motion carried unanimously.
Mr. Spain has to reappoint Kim Corey, Administrative Assistant to Police Chief, Judy Brink, Assistant Town Clerk, Paula Aspinwall, Assistant Assessor, Catherine Elliot, Director of Asa Waters Mansion, and Laurie Connors, Town Planner for three years effective July 1, 2010 - June 30, 2013
Motion made by Selectman Stowell to concur with the appointments, seconded by Selectman King.
Motion carried unanimously.
The new auditors were in this week and it is going very well. We are going to be doing a Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) in the future. We need to restate the 2009 financial statements specifically the sewer enterprise fund; the past and present auditors are in agreement. The auditors will be in December or early January to present their findings to the Board. There are only 20 communities that have this designation from the GFOA; it is an important distinction as bond companies and banks look to see if we have achieved this. We have chosen to be proactive in this. Thanks to Brian Turbitt for all the work done and to be done. The Tax Classification hearing will be Oct. 26th.
Mr. Spain has appointed Alan Linkevich to the Redevelopment Authority. Lenny Mort, Chairman of the Redevelopment Authority, wanted to thank Mr. Linkevich for stepping forward and mention that there is still one more opening. He has invited the Board to the meeting on Sept. 30th where there will be a guest speaker.
Motion made by Selectman Stowell to concur with the appointment, seconded by Selectman Ashmankas.
Motion carried unanimously.
Selectman King asked if there was anything we could do about the abandoned properties in town. There really isn’t unless there is a Board of Health issue.
Mail:
Proclamation for Fire Prevention Week October 3 - 9, 2010
Motion by Selectman Schold to declare October 3 - 9, 2010 Fire Prevention Week, seconded by Selectman Stowell.
Motion carried unanimously.
Letter from Bicentennial Committee regarding donations in the amount of $1210/wine tasting, $1000/books, $83.23 donation cans for a total of $2,293.23.
Motion by Selectman Schold to accept the donations, seconded by Selectman Ashmankas.
Motion carried unanimously.
Previous Minutes
September 7, 2010- Motion made by Selectman Schold to approve the minutes, seconded by Selectman King.
Motion carried unanimously.
On a Good Note
Happy Birthday to Doris Guiou.
Citizen Speak
Karen Kosiba wants to know why they need to hire this person in the DPW without an engineering degree, if it will be non-union and how the person can do both jobs.
Executive Session
Motion made by Selectman Stowell, seconded by Selectman Schold to move into Executive Session at 9:20 p.m. under Chapter 39, Section 23B, Paragraphs 1 and 3.
Selectman King - Yes
Selectman Schold - Yes
Selectman Stowell - Yes
Selectman Ashmankas -Yes
Chairman Plante -Yes
Chairman Plante stated that the Board will leave Executive Session solely to adjourn.
The Board returned to open session as 11:15 p.m.
Adjournment
Motion made by Selectman Stowell, seconded by Selectman Schold to adjourn at 11:15 p.m. Motion carried unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Tish Hayes, Secretary
E. Bernard Plante __________________________
Francis B. King __________________________
Kenneth I. Schold __________________________
Brian W. Stowell __________________________
Brian M. Ashmankas __________________________
Board of Selectmen
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