NEWTON BOARD OF SELECTMEN
DATE: TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014
TIME: 6PM
LOCATION: NEWTON TOWN HALL, 2 TOWN HALL ROAD
PUBLIC MEETING
- Call to Order, Roll Call Vote
Chairman Donovan opened the meeting at 6:04PM. In attendance were Selectmen Robert S. Donovan, Jr., Chairman, James L. Doggett, Vice Chairman, Matthew A. Burrill, Lawrence B. Foote, Charles R. Melvin, Sr., Town Administrator Nancy J. Wrigley and Office Manager Mary Winglass. Minutes were transcribed and typed by Office Manager Winglass.
- Pledge of Allegiance
- Introduction of Guests
- Approval of Minutes (Review prior to meeting)
- Scheduled Business
- Fire Department: Review 2015 Budget, Warrant Articles & Encumbrances
Fire Department budget
Fire Chief John Alcaidinho, Captain Brian Sirois and Fire Fighter Robert Zalenski were in attendance to discuss the 2015 proposed Fire Department budget and encumbered funds request for (7) sets of protective equipment.
Doggett moved to include the 2015 Fire Department budget in the amount of $214,655.00. Second by Melvin, motion passed with Foote abstaining.
Chief Alcaidinho addressed Tanker 4 which has been out of service since March 2014 and asked to have the truck stripped and permission to take it to the town yard in order to free up a bay. A discussion took place on options to replace the tanker, mutual aid, replacement cost, warrant article etc. The Board asked for more information before making a decision; the Fire Department will meet with the Board on January 6, 2014 to review this item again.
Fire Department Encumbrance
Fire Department submitted requisition #2514 from Fire Chief Alcaidinho to purchase (7) sets of protective gear from Bergeron Protective Clothing in the amount of $12,532.58.
Burrill moved to encumber Fire Department funds the amount of $12,532.58 for the purchase of protective gear from Bergeron Protective Clothing. Second by Doggett, if funds are available. Motion passed with Foote abstaining.
- Review bid comparison for Generator Maintenance Contract
The Board reviewed a bid comparison of the four companies that bid on this contract.
Foote moved to accept the bid from Power Products Systems, LLC from Wakefield, MA for the (5) year generator preventative maintenance contract in the amount of $4,195.00. Second by Melvin. Motion passed with a unanimous vote.
- Cont review of Statistical Update Contract
The Board requested a response from Assessor Andrea Lewy regarding the oversight of the statistical update. A discussion took place with the added value of hiring the town Assessor to complete this update for she has first-hand knowledge of the town working with the town since 1999 and the Department of Revenue Administration confirmed that this is not a conflict of interest.
Foote moved to hire Independent Contractor Andrea Lewy for the 2015 Statistical Update in the amount of $54,000. Second by Doggett. Discussion: Melvin added that he feels it is unfair to the other two companies for allowing only one contractor the option of a reduction to the cost for this service. The Board discussed that they are working to negotiate for the best arrangement for the town. Foote stated that he feels hiring Andrea is the best arrangement due to her knowledge of the town. Doggett added that although there is a difference in price he feels we will see less come in for abatements. Motion passed with Melvin opposed.
- Announcements
- Other Business, Sign Manifests, Requisitions, Abatements, Tax Credits, Correspondence and Appointments
- The Board signed a letter to resident Barbara MacDonald
- Doggett moved to sign the Vendor Manifest in the amount of $17,100.47. Second by Burrill with a unanimous vote.
Donovan moved to adjourn at 7:04pm. Second by Foote with a unanimous vote.
Respectfully Submitted,
Mary Winglass, Office Manager
| 
