SELECTMEN’S MEETING, TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2005 5:30 p.m.
In attendance: Charles J. McCarthy, Marion V. McEttrick, James G. Mullen, Jr., David Colton, Town Administrator and Paula Rizzi, Executive Secretary
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the April 4, 2005 meeting minutes.
The Board met with Milton Centre, LLC, a team of developers introduced by Edward Corcoran, Esq., Project Counsel and a resident of Milton. This group is represented by Christopher Quincy, also a resident of Milton, whose family has developed property in Massachusetts and Rhode Island for four generations. Randall Imai, the lead architect for the proposal, joined Mr. Corcoran in describing a plan to redevelop Milton’s DPW Yard to create “a commercial and retail destination for Milton residents” to be known as the Shops at Milton Centre. The site of the project would be the present Town Yard site at 629 Randolph Avenue which would be relocated to land acquired by Milton Centre, LLC near the old town dump. Mr. Corcoran urged the Selectmen to
request formal proposals for the relocation and redevelopment of the DPW yard. The Board deferred its decision on issuing a RFP until the proposal has been presented to the Planning Board.
Karen Friedman-Hanna of 3 Norway Road, Brian Kelley, of 11 Hope Avenue, Kathryn Fagan of 78 Capen Street, Kayla MacLeod of 311 Thacher Street, Dylan Olson of 135 Clapp Street and Carol Rosner of 10 Fieldstone Lane addressed the Board in support of increasing the cost of trash stickers to raise revenue to address the shortfall in the School Department budget.
The Board met with Chiefs Kevin Mearn and Malcolm Larson who along with Town Administrator David Colton discussed their respective FY 06 budgets.
The Town Administrator presented spreadsheets which demonstrated that each Town department received a 2006 budget that was greatly reduced from what the department heads requested; State Aid has decreased by 4.2% while the Tax Levy as a percent of total revenue has only grown by 2.12%, demonstrating that property tax payers are paying a greater share of the cost of government and state revenues are covering less; an illustration of projected revenues and expenditures through 2011, confirming the need for a strategy that will establish a necessary level of revenue for a sustainable level of expense.
Chief Larson discussed his FY 2006 budget stating that $91,000 was cut from his original requested budget. He discussed the potential impact it will have on his ability to provide effective responses to the emergency situations that arise. Chief Larson also informed the Board that the Firefighting Equipment Grant Application submitted by the Town has been approved for funding. The Milton Fire Department has been awarded $31,000. With the proceeds from this grant, the Town will be able to replace certain equipment specified by the grant.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously to accept a Firefighting Equipment Grant in the amount of $31,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety
Chief Kevin Mearn discussed his FY 2006 budget citing the measures the Police Department have taken to be fiscally responsible and the lack of services that have resulted from past cuts to the Police budget. He informed the Board that the Police Department generates approximately $250,000 annually in revenue to the General Fund. He also stated that any additional cuts to his FY 06 budget will be to salary and wages and will have a direct impact on services provided to the Town.
The Board discussed a proposed change from a premium basis to a self fund basis for employee health insurance.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve a contract with Cook & Company in the amount of $4,800 for consulting services relative to the Town’s health plans and to authorize the Town Administrator to sign this contract on behalf of the Board.
The Board met with Town Planner Aaron Henry and Conservation Commission Chair Donald Neal to discuss the Community Preservation Act.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously to establish a committee to study the Community Preservation Act and to evaluate the benefits of adopting this act and to develop a charge for this committee.
The Board met with Town Planner Aaron Henry to discuss the distribution of a Town/Gown Survey which is a proposed tool to gather information that will aid the Town and the schools in achieving their planning goals.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted to approve the distribution of a Town/Gown survey to Curry College, Milton Academy, Fontbonne, Academy and Boston Baptist College to gather information to help the Town and the Schools to achieve their respective planning goals.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted to approve the request of the Veterans’ Agent for a Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $5,268 to the Veterans’ Benefit budget to cover the cost of state approved benefits for the months of March, April, May and June of 2005 and to forward this request to the Warrant Committee.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted to approve the request of the Fire Chief for a Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $134,000 to Fire Department Personnel Expenses to cover the costs of overtime, out of grade, vacation entitlement and other weekly variable costs through the end of the fiscal year, and to forward this request to the Warrant Committee.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted to approve the request of the Fire Chief for a Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $16,000 to the Fire Department General Expenses for payment of unforseen medical costs, repairs to Engine 4, reimbursements for EMT re-certifications, and building repairs to overhead doors and heating systems at all three stations, and to forward this request to the Warrant Committee.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of the Superintendent of Wires for a Reserve Fund Transfer in the amount of $10,000 ($9,000 to the Wire Salary and Wage line and $1,000 to the Wire General Expense line) to cover the cost of overtime salaries for street light repair and emergencies, and for the cost of gasoline, and to forward this request to the Warrant Committee.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously to amend the Traffic Rules and Orders, Article V, Section 7, Time Limited Parking in Designated Places, so as to include: Designation of the two parking spaces on the lower end of Morton Road across from 7 Morton Road as “Two Hour Parking” (formerly designated “Service Zone Parking”).
The Board deferred its decision on the installation of a “Four Way Stop” on Milton Street at the intersection of Brush Hill Road.
The Board deferred its decision on the approval of a bid for the demolition and replacement
of the roof on the garage at the Recycling Center.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve and sign a lease purchase agreement with Popular Leasing USA, Inc., for a GWV Forestry Truck with ariel, bucket system, chip body and storage cabinets, and a 2004 Heavy Duty 6-Wheel Dump Truck with plow, sander and liquid calcium system.
The Board scheduled meetings for Thursday, May 28th at 5:30 p.m. and also a meeting on Monday, May 16th at 5:30 p.m.
Marion V. McEttrick moved, James G. Mullen, Jr. seconded and the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:00 p.m.
| 
