BOARD OF SELECTMEN’S MEETING
FEBRUARY 8, 2011
The meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. by Chair Joseph Story. In attendance were Selectmen Story, Bear, Bulgaris, Keller, Walker and Town Administrator Chuck Kostro. Selectman Bulgaris moved to enter into an executive session to discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining with the Police Association as an open meeting may have a detrimental effect on the bargaining position of the Town, second by Selectman Bear. A role call vote was taken: Bear, yes; Bulgaris, yes; Keller, yes; Walker, yes and Story, yes. It was announced that the regularly scheduled meeting would reconvene at the close of the executive session.
At 7:00 p.m. the meeting was reconvened with the pledge of allegiance to our flag. Kathleen Pearson, Chair of the TOSPDC presented a new list of properties for consideration as surplus land. She recommended they be added to the list of public hearings. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously to schedule public hearings on the eight properties on the February 7th list from the TOSPDC.
A public hearing was opened at 7:10 p.m. on parcel R36-9 (87 Middle Road) which is situated on Middle between Boston and Sled. It is zoned A/R, contains .92 acres and is assessed at $144,400.. It was noted that Town Meeting vote in January 05 allows for the sale of surplus property after a public hearing. The abutters list was read by Ms. Pearson. There were no comments or questions from the audience. The public hearing was closed on a motion by Selectman Walker, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted to declare Parcel R36-9 as surplus and make it available for sale.
Town Administrator Chuck Kostro spoke briefly on a possible emergency waiver request to the State on the bidding requirements for the Town Barn. It was moved by Selectman Bear and seconded by Selectman Bulgaris to have Kostro and Penski draft a letter of request to the State. A brief discussion ensued. Selectman Walker noted that our efforts were handcuffed the last time we tried to proceed with this. Kostro advised that anything not consistent with the procurement laws require a waiver. Deferred maintenance is off the table. The motion was voted by Bear, Bulgaris, Keller and Story. Selectman Walker voted opposed.
Kostro also spoke on the “snow & ice” deficit which is currently $93K. A citizen’s inquiry regarding plowing private lots will be addressed by Chief Reilly and Counsel Penski.
Harbormaster Brendan Stokes returned with more information on the fee comparison of FY09 to FY10 and his recommendation of fees going forward. He noted there has been a 40% drop in revenue in FY10 due partly by the economy and partly by fee changes. Stokes reviewed the analysis of fees with the Board and also his recommendation for future fees. Selectmen Walker commented that if last years fee reductions caused the department to lose money the decisions were bad and not all of Stokes recommendations are increases. A discussion on the fees and who was affected ensued. We said we would try the new fee structure for one year and it does not seem to have worked. Walker moved to set aside a half hour at the 2/22 meeting for
discussion on recommended fees but noted that commercial fees would not change this year as bills are already out and the IG’s opinion on Commercial fees is still forthcoming. The motion was seconded by Selectman Keller and voted.
A one-day liquor license was approved for Anna Jaques Hispital Aid Association for Great Chef’s Night at Governor’s Academy on Friday, March 18th from 6-10 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
A request for a letter of support from Essex Heritage Scenic Byway was read by Chairman Story. Kathleen Pearson noted that this is not a historic restriction and may offer a economic benefit from state and federal funds. Concerns were raised about devaluation of property, control over the town’s boundaries, increased traffic and escalated costs once we are signed on. Martha Taylor was asked to get assurances from Essex Heritage prior to the next meeting on February 22nd. Chairman Story advised he would have a letter of support ready at that meeting if the board voted to approve. The matter was tabled to 2/22/11 on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously.
Two one-day liquor licenses were approved for functions at Governor’s Academy on June 10th from 4 p.m. to 12 midnight and on June 11th from 12 noon to 12 midnight, on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
On the recommendation of the Board of Fire Engineers, Jonathan Tiplady was appointed “firefighter/paramedic” for Protection #1 on a motion by Selectman Bulgaris, seconded by Selectman Bear and voted unanimously.
The minutes of the January 25th meeting were accepted as presented on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
A 2011 business license was renewed for Surfland Bait & Tackle Shop on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Keller and voted unanimously.
A notice from MVRTA on meetings/agendas/ and minutes was accepted and filed.
Selectman Keller reported on Monday’s School Committee meeting at which a tentative budget was voted. Four scenarios were presented and scenario #4 was recommended. Kostro questioned their thinking when the town had expressed their concerns about service cuts if the schools voted a 3% increase. He noted the message seems to have been lost. Selectmen Bulgaris and Bear suggested sending a letter to the School Committee asking for a level funded assessment to the towns as 3% will be devastating. The possibility of an audit of the schools was raised and Story will discuss this with Rowley and Salisbury. It was moved by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Walker and voted unanimously to have Kostro draft a letter of concern
which Chairman Story will present at tomorrow’s School Committee meeting.
Kathleen Pearson expressed her concern about Kostro’s departure and asked that Martha Taylor be designated to over see the public hearings and schedules for surplus properties. Chairman Story advised Counsel Penski has been asked to step in as acting Town Administrator until the position is filled. He will bring continuity to the position.
The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. on a motion by Selectman Bear, seconded by Selectman Bulgaris and voted unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
Kathleen Sirois, Admin. Asst.
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