SELECTMENS MEETING THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2007 7:30 P.M.
In attendance: James G. Mullen, Jr., John M. Shields, Marion V. McEttrick, Annemarie Fagan, Interim Town Administrator, Paula Rizzi, Executive Secretary
1. Marion V. McEttrick moved, John M. Shields seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the January 18, 2007 meeting minutes as amended and the January 25, 2007 meeting minutes as written.
2. Laurie MacIntosh from Sustainable Milton addressed the Board and invited them to a viewing of, An Inconvenient Truth on Thursday, February 8, 2007 at 8 oclock at Milton Academy.
3. Milton resident Christine Sgroi was presented with a letter of congratulations by the Board for recognition of her second place award in the Massachusetts Municipal Associations state wide sixth grade essay contest. Contestants were asked to write about how they could make a difference if they were elected leader of their community. Christine won second place (2,200 essays were submitted) a savings bond and publication of her essay in the MMA Beacon.
4. Richard Sullivan of Powers and Sullivan, the Towns independent auditors, met with the Board. The audit was presented in three separate reports; a Management Letter, Reports on Federal Awards Programs, and a Report on Examination of Basic Financial Statements for fiscal year ending June 30, 2006. Mr. Sullivan reported that their opinion was a clean opinion and that everything conforms with the Government Auditing Standards. He warned against a reduction in reserves and advised the Town to maintain between 8% and 12% in debt service level.
5. Donald Neal, Chairman of the Conservation Commission met with the Board to discuss the reclassification of the Conservation Commission Assistants position. Mr. Neal feels that in the last few years this position has become a technical position not a clerical one. The Board and Mr. Neal agreed to defer a decision on this issue until a new Town Administrator has been appointed.
6. Thomas Martinson, Chairman of the Library Building Committee and Philip McNulty, Library Director met with the Board and updated members on the expansion of the main library. Mr. Martinson assured the Board that they are working hard to stay within the construction budget and in keeping all informed through public meetings.
7. The Board discussed the draft Financial Policy Statements (September 13, 2006) that were drafted by the former Town Administrator. These policies are important to the Town in helping to keep its good bond rating when our finances are reviewed each year by bond rating agencies. The Board agreed to review all policies and by getting input from department heads and financial advisors such as Lisa Dickinson will try to finalize these statements. Further discussion was deferred until more input could be solicited.
8. The Board discussed the Logan Airport noise issue and the Towns representation on the MASSPORT Citizens Advisory Committee. Our present representatives (Kristin OBrien, liaison and David Godine, alternate) are preparing a letter of support to be signed by the Board stating their comments concerning modifications that can be made to alleviate noise and lower flight paths affecting Milton. The Board requested that staff forward the number for the MASSPORT complaint line to cable so that Milton residents will be able to register their complaints directly to MASSPORT.
9. The Board discussed school enrollment policy and agreed to forward a copy of the Town of Randolphs policy to Superintendent Giffune.
10. John M. Shields moved, Marion V. McEttrick seconded and the Board vote unanimously to approve the use of Town streets and ways for the third annual Devine Spirit 5k/10k Run/Walk against Melanoma that will take place on Saturday, September 29, 2007 contingent upon approval by the Chief of Police.
11. John M. Shields moved, Marion V. McEttrick seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the request of the Trailside Museum to display a banner and three sandwich boards (Canton Avenue/Blue Hills Parkway; Canton Avenue/Reedsdale Road at the main Library; Squantum/Adams Street) announcing its 10th annual auction at Lantanas on Saturday, March 31, 2007.
12. Chairman Mullen reported that Attorney Jon Witten has been retained by the Town to review the matter of Milton Hospital changing design plans of proposed additions under the auspices of the Town of Milton Building Permit #55417. He also informed the Board that he did not authorize anyone to solicit funds from local merchants to print maps of the Town.
13. Mrs. McEttrick reported that the Healthy Planning Grant has been receiving a high level of interest and commitment to implementation of this grant.
14. Marion V. McEttrick moved, John M. Shields seconded and the Board vote unanimously with James G. Mullen, Jr. voting yes, John M. Shields voting yes and Marion V. McEttrick voting yes to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing negotiations and to return to Open Session only for the purpose of adjournment.
15. Marion V. McEttrick moved, John M. Shields seconded and the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 10:15 p.m.
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