BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
OCTOBER 12, 2010
Chairman Story called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bear, Bulgaris, Keller, Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro.
Planner Martha Taylor updated the Board on the Borders to Boston Trail. She noted that Mass DOT had released the surveyors to work on the trail and abutters and town officials will be notified when this work is underway. DOT is still reviewing the contract and memorandum of understanding and have not released it as yet. She advised that a grant opportunity had become available which would cover some expenses associated with the trail. It is a 20% match grant (in kind or cash), she noted. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker to apply for the grant and authorize Chuck Kostro as signatory on behalf of the town.
A letter of complaint regarding potholes on Low Street from James Power of Ames bury was read into the record. A response letter to Mr. Power from Counsel was also read and filed.
Town Administrator Chuck Kostro spoke briefly on back tax collections. He noted that at the beginning of FY10 approximately 87% of outstanding taxes had been collected. The Finance Department has worked hard at collecting old receivables with a 99% success rate. Current outstanding taxes of $500 or more will now be referred to the D’Ambrosia Law Firm. A demand letter will be sent requesting a response within 14 days. If no response is received the property will be place in tax title with an interest rate of 16%. After six months the town can foreclose on the property. Kostro did note that past collections were made without any foreclosures. Kostro also brought the Board up to speed on the Middle Road
Traffic Pattern changes. Middle Road will be one way westbound from Rte. 1 to Highfield Rd. and closed to eastbund traffic at Highfield Rd. Middle Rd. will also be posted as closed to thru traffic at Boston Rd. Local will be able to travel on Middle Rd. up to Highfield Rd. Kostro advised that a meeting has been arranged with Patty Leavenworth of Mass DOT for October 27th at 10 a.m. at Town Hall discuss protocols for the opening of the drawbridge on P.I.
It was moved to approve the RFP for the sale of a Temple Blvd. property (Assessors Map U01-0-191), seconded by Selectman Keller and open to discussion. Peter Saradjian of 4 Fordham presented a letter of concerns from several P.I. residents regarding this land, especially the primary dunes and wetland areas. The talking points listed were addressed one by one with input from the Selectmen, Kostro, Doug Packer and Bob Connors of the Finance Committee. Scott Ackerly also presented a letter to the Selectmen citing the primary dune and Executive Order 181. The consensus of the Board was that proper safeguards were in place in the RFP and the town should move ahead and let the rules and regulations, Federal, State and Local govern the use of the property. The residents were thanked for coming forward with their concerns. The motion to approve the RFP was voted unanimously. Kostro noted that the next step would be an appraisal and Counsel will review the concerns voiced
at tonight’s meeting to see if any further changes are warranted.
A one-day liquor license was granted to Protection Fire Co. #2 for a function on Oct. 22nd from 6-10 p.m. at their Memorial Hall on a motion by Selectmen Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the October 5th meeting were approved as presented on a motion by Selectman Keller, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The Board acknowledged a letter from Richard Johnson regarding the Yellow School Center for the Arts and this letter will be forwarded to Counsel for his review.
The resignation of Frank Remley from the recently formed TOSPD Committee was accepted on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously. Robert Connors was named as his replacement.
Chairman Story moved to enter into executive session to discuss strategy with respect to litigation because an open meeting may have detrimental effect on the litigation position of the town, seconded by Selectman Keller. Voted unanimously by roll call – Story, yes; Bear, yes; Bulgaris, yes, Keller, yes and Walker, yes. Story announced that the open meeting would not reconvene at the end of the executive session. The business meeting would be adjourned and a joint session with the Finance Committee would be convened.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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