BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING THURSDAY, MARCH 28, 2013
In attendance: J. Thomas Hurley, Denis F. Keohane, Robert C. Sweeney, Annemarie Fagan, Town Administrator and Paula Rizzi, Executive Secretary
1. Chairman Hurley convened the meeting at 6:40 p.m. in the Cronin Conference Room of the Town Hall.
2. Denis F. Keohane moved, Robert C. Sweeney seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the March 21, 2013 meeting minutes as written.
3. The Board confirmed April 3 and April 17, 2013 as future meeting dates.
4. Michael Chinman, 433 Eliot Street, addressed the Board regarding the proposed executive session item concerning the lease agreement between the Town and the Milton Arts Center.
5. Chief Jack Grant met with the Board and conducted a power point presentation demonstrating the structure of the Milton Fire Department and how the department is staffed. Chief Grant reported that because the Department operates so close to minimum levels of staffing, that overtime is frequently necessary and without the ability to hire through overtime, apparatus would have to be put out of service jeopardizing both public and firefighter safety. Chief Grant is requesting a Reserve Fund transfer in the amount of $32,000 to cover the cost of overtime for the remainder of fiscal year 2013.
Denis F. Keohane moved, Robert C. Sweeney seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve forwarding to the Warrant Committee a Reserve Fund transfer request in the amount of $32,000, to cover the cost of overtime for the Fire Department for the remainder of fiscal year 2013.
6. Denis F. Keohane moved, Robert C. Sweeney seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve a contract between the Town and Karen Sunnarborg Consulting for the preparation of a housing production plan for the Town that will meet all state requirements for a fee of $4,999 and a time frame of four months.
7. Robert C. Sweeney moved, Denis F. Keohane seconded and the Board voted unanimously to appoint Craig MacNaught to serve on the Conservation Commission.
8. Robert C. Sweeney moved, Denis F. Keohane seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the use of the Town’s streets and ways for the annual National Little League opening day festivities that will take place on April 20, 2013, beginning on the Town green and processing to the lower fields of the high school, contingent upon approval by the Police Chief.
9. Denis F. Keohane moved, Robert C. Sweeney seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve the appropriation of $7,000 from the Town’s HOME Program funds due to extraordinary unanticipated costs associated with the completion of the group home residence at 47 Wolcott Road.
10. Robert C. Sweeney moved, Denis F. Keohane seconded and the Board voted unanimously to withdraw boiler plate article #39 (Appropriation from the Stabilization Fund) from the 2013 Annual Town Meeting warrant, reducing the number of articles for consideration from 54 to 53.
Robert C. Sweeney moved, Denis F. Keohane seconded and the Board voted unanimously to approve and sign the 2013 Annual Town Meeting Warrant and the April 30, 2013 Primary Warrant.
11. J. Thomas Hurley moved, Robert C. Sweeney seconded and the Board voted unanimously to appoint Lt. Brian Cherry to the Granite Avenue Study Committee to serve through March 2014.
12. Robert C. Sweeney moved, Denis F. Keohane seconded and the Board voted unanimously to defer a discussion in Executive Session on the lease agreement between the Town and the Milton Arts Center (334 Edge Hill Road) and to consult with Town Counsel regarding having this discussion in open session.
13. The Board met with Police Chief Wells to discuss the Police overtime. Chief Wells reviewed the staffing reductions since he became chief and the amount of time and resources that have gone into ensuring the safety of the town without requesting funds from the reserve fund. He assured members that his department would only seek a transfer for unforeseen expenses as outlined by the Board and the Warrant Committee.
14. J. Thomas Hurley moved, Denis F. Keohane seconded and the Board voted unanimously with J. Thomas Hurley voting yes, Denis F. Keohane voting yes and Robert C. Sweeney voting yes to enter Executive Session for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations relating to the Town Administrator’s contract, believing that having this discussion in Open Session would have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the body and to return to Open Session for the purpose of adjournment.
15. Robert C. Sweeney moved, Denis F. Keohane seconded and the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:30 p.m.
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