Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. in the Library at the Middle School, Sherman Road in the presence of members Mr. Veno, Mr. Dardeno, Mr. O’Leary, Mrs. Bailey, and Town Administrator Greg Balukonis and members of the Secondary School Building Committee.
#1. JOINT APPOINTMENT – SECONDARY SCHOOLS BUILDING COMMITTEE
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. JERVEY, MOVE TO PLACE THE FOLLOWING NAMES IN NOMINATION AS A MEMBER OF THE SECONDARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE TO FILL THE VACANCY CREATED BY LYNNE MENZIE:
GREGG DOBLE, 11 TURNER DRIVE
EDWIN STILES, 25 NUTTER ROAD
ALDO TRAMONTOZZI, 40 COUNTRY CLUB ROAD
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
ROLL CALL VOTE:
MR. VENO: MR. DOBLE MR. VENEZIA: MR. DOBLE
MR. O’LEARY: MR. DOBLE MRS. DAVIS: MR. DOBLE
MR. DARDENO: MR. DOBLE MR. JERVEY: MR. DOBLE
MRS. BAILEY: MR. DOBLE MR. WEBSTER: MR. DOBLE
MR. MAUCERI MR. DOBLE MRS. VACCA: MR. DOBLE
6:45 p.m. Adjourn to Town Hall
#2. APPROVE FEBRUARY 2, 2006 JOINT PUBLIC HEARING MINUTES
Members of the Community Planning Commission were present for the motion.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE FEBRUARY 2, 2006 JOINT MEETING WITH THE COMMUNITY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
ROLL CALL VOTE: MR. VENO: ABSTAIN MR. ROONEY: AYE
MR. O’LEARY: AYE MR. HAYDEN: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE MRS. ROMEO: AYE
MRS. BAILEY: ABSTAIN MR. PEARCE: AYE
MR. MAUCERI: AYE MR. SPEAR: AYE
#3. MINUTES: JANUARY 23, 2006 REGULAR AND EXECUTIVE SESSION
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 23, 2006 REGULAR SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE JANUARY 23, 2006 EXECUTIVE SESSION MINUTES AS WRITTEN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#4. CORRESPONDENCE
Correspondence was requested by Mr. Mauceri, Mr. Veno and Mr. O’Leary.
#5. PUBLIC COMMENT
None.
#6. LEGAL BILLS FOR DECEMBER 2005
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE LEGAL BILLS FOR DECEMBER 2005 IN THE AMOUNT OF $13,238.22 AS FOLLOWS:
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (GENERAL) $ 5,879.00
KOPELMAN AND PAGIE, P.C. (LABOR) 2,885.50
KOPELMAN AND PAIGE, P.C. (WATER) _4,473.72
TOTAL: $13,238.22
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#10. ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS: DEPARTMENT OF ELDER AFFAIRS
PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ACCEPT, ON BEHALF OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ELDERS AFFAIRS, THE DONATION MADE BY TERADYNE/BOSTON IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,100.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
Discussion: Mr. O’Leary noted that the town very much appreciates the gift.
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ACCEPT THE EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ELDER AFFAIRS COUNCIL ON AGING FORMULA GRANT – FISCAL YEAR 2006 IN THE AMOUNT OF $11,852.00.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ACCEPT, ON BEHALF OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT, A 1968 GREAT DANE TRUCK TRAILER DONATED BY EDWARD WHEELER.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#8. RMLD – MEET WITH JOHN NORTON
Mr. John Norton was present for the discussion as well as Mr. Vincent Cameron, General Manager of RMLD, Mr. Bill Sullivan and Ms. Paula O’Leary, both with RMLD.
Mr. Norton described the situation with Calpine, one of RMLD’s power suppliers, which filed for bankruptcy on December 20, 2005. Calpine is holding money in an Escrow Account in RMLD’s name as required by the power supply contract to ensure performance, but Calpine and RMLD have yet to settle on an amount so the funds have been frozen. RMLD is in the process of taking legal actions against Calpine in order to release the money from the Escrow Account.
In the meantime, Mr. Norton and Mr. Cameron described that RMLD has replaced the power supply but at a higher price than the Calpine price, a result of current market conditions. The amount of funds in the Escrow Account fully covers the additional cost of the replacement power. Mr. Norton reviewed a spreadsheet which indicated the potential energy cost impact to town buildings.
A discussion about the Escrow Account followed. Mrs. Bailey summarized that the function of the Escrow Account is to keep the rates level through what would have been the end of Calpine’s contract, October 2007. Mrs. Bailey noted that the date should be kept in mind for future budget planning.
Mr. Veno thanked RMLD and Mr. Norton for their efforts. Mr. O’Leary noted that the information should be shared with the Finance Committee and School Department.
#7. TRANSFER OF LICENSE – KIPPY’S
Mr. Mauceri read into the record the Notice of Public Hearing. Attorney Francis P. Balas representing One Stop Liquors was present. Also present were Mr. Manuel Silva and Mr. Jose Silva of One Stop Liquors and Ms. Andrea Nguyen of PAMN, Inc.
Mr. Balas reviewed the application. Mr. Veno expressed concerns over the Building Inspector’s report. Ms. Nguyen stated that the issues had been addressed and that she expects to see the Fire Chief the following morning for an inspection of the store. Mr. Balas noted that he would also follow up with both the Building Inspector and Fire Chief.
At 8:05 p.m. Mr. Mauceri closed the Public Hearing.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO APPROVE THE TRANSFER OF THE PACKAGE STORE/ALL ALCOHOL LICENSE FROM PAMN, INC. D/B/A KIPPY’S LIQUORS TO ONE STOP LIQUORS, INC. D/B/A KIPPY’S LIQUORS, SUBJECT TO THE SIGNING OFF OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR AND FIRE DEPARTMENT’S CONCERNS.
SECONDED BY: MR. DARDENO
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#9. WATER RATES
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO RECOMMEND AN INCREASE OF 2% FOR ALL WATER RATES EFFECTIVE FISCAL YEAR 2007.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ACCEPT THE WATER SYSTEM CAPITAL PLAN DATED JANUARY 19, 2006.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
#11. APRIL TOWN MEETING
Mr. Mauceri opened up the discussion stating that the intent is to review the articles on the warrant. The board decided to put a summary of the 40R overlay district at the beginning of the warrant, with the entire report on the town website to save on printing costs.
Mr. Dardeno requested a place holder for the Cable Advisory Committee.
The board discussed the order that the articles should appear in the warrant.
Mr. Balukonis reviewed the Finance Committee’s recommendations to create an Overlay Stabilization Fund and Solid Waste and Recycling Stabilization fund. A discussion followed.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. O’LEARY MOVE TO INCLUDE IN THE WARRANT TWO ARTICLES REQUESTED BY THE FINANCE COMMITTEE; ONE TO CREATE AN OVERLAY STABILIZATION FUND AND ANOTHER TO CREATE A SOLID WASTE AND RECYCLING STABILIZATION FUND.
SECONDED BY: MRS. BAILEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
The Board identified articles that they need more information on.
#12. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
§ Mr. Balukonis referred to his letter to Massachusetts Housing Finance concerning the proposed Highland Estates development which proposes to build eight townhouses on a lot that is less than an acre in size. The letter states that the town staff does not support the project.
§ Mr. Balukonis reviewed the list of municipal request items from Department Heads in response to Senator Tarr’s letter from a few weeks ago. The list includes; a new town hall, new senior center and elderly housing, public transportation, accounting software, enhanced town hall security and improved handicap access to all town buildings. Mr. Balukonis will forward the list to the Senator’s office.
§ Mr. Balukonis noted that the Finance Committee has stated that they are interested in printing town staff salary information in the April Town Meeting Warrant. A discussion followed.
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the board that he had received an announcement from the state’s human resources division that the filing deadline for the fire chief and deputy fire chief’s positions has been extended to February 13, 2006. He has forwarded this information to the Fire Department and Town Clerk.
§ Mr. Balukonis announced the appointment of Mr. Jason Connolly as a full-time patrol officer.
§ Mr. Balukonis informed the board that MRI is scheduled to present their report to the board on March 6, 2006. Mr. O’Leary felt that the fire department and finance committee should be invited to the meeting. Mr. O’Leary also felt that appropriate parties should be given the opportunity to review the report prior to the meeting and Mrs. Bailey agreed. A separate meeting was set for March 9, 2006.
§ Mr. Balukonis stated that the Anti-Boredom League had requested office space from the town. Mrs. Bailey stated that although she fully supports the league’s efforts, there are many other boards and committees in town that would also like office space that the town simply does not have. Mr. Veno and Mr. Mauceri agreed. Mr. Balukonis was advised to deny the request.
#11. OLD AND NEW BUSINESS
Mr. O’Leary
§ Mr. O’Leary mentioned that he has noticed substantial flooding in some areas of the newly reconstructed Route 62 roadway, and asked if there was a punch list to address these low spots.
Mrs. Bailey
§ Mrs. Bailey noted that she would not be able to attend an upcoming MMA session regarding SBA funding.
§ Mrs. Bailey asked that the board support the initiative for Chapter 70 aid. The initiative requests $2,000 funding per student. The board agreed to support and Mr. Balukonis will draft a letter to Representative Jones and Senator Tarr stating as such.
§ Mrs. Bailey noted that Town Planning Administrator, Heidi Griffin, has proposed an initiative for the town to welcome new businesses. The initiative consists of a brochure and a formal welcome by the Board of Selectmen. There was a consensus among board members to support the initiative. Mrs. Bailey will inform Ms. Griffin of the board’s support.
§ Mrs. Bailey stated that the Infrastructure Committee will be meeting twice in the upcoming week.
Mr. Veno
§ Mr. Veno had nothing new to report this week.
Mr. Dardeno
§ Mr. Dardeno stated that the Cable Advisory Committee will have their second negotiating meeting with Verizon on February 9, 2006. Mr. Dardeno will report back to the board on the public access corporation.
§ Mr. Dardeno reported on a recent meeting he attended with Lieutenant Governor Healy.
Mr. Mauceri
§ Mr. Mauceri also reported on the meeting with Lieutenant Governor Healy which he had attended with Mr. Dardeno.
#14. EXECUTIVE SESESION (9:50 PM)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MR. VENO MOVE TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AND TO RETURN TO OPEN SESSION FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF ADJOURNMENT.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: MR. MAUCERI: AYE
MR. DARDENO: AYE
MRS. BAILEY: AYE
MR. O’LEARY: AYE
MR. VENO: AYE
ADJOURN (10:30 PM)
I, MR. VENO MOVE TO ADJOURN.
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
_______________________________ ___________________________________
Date Joseph Veno, Clerk
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