MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN MEETING
MONDAY MARCH 8, 2010
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Chairman Mauceri called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in Room 14 at Town Hall in the presence of members Mr. O’Leary, Mr. Yull, Mr. Veno, Mr. Delaney. The Town Administrator, Greg Balukonis, was not present.
1. SIGN TOWN MEETING WARRANTS
SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SIGN THE APRIL 5, 2010 SPECIAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Mr. Mauceri had a question on #6, the acceptance of MGL Ch. 32B, Section 18A – his understanding is if 18A is accepted then you cannot go back and accept 18. Mr. O’Leary explained that those retired employees eligible would be “grandfathered” in, but current employees moving forward would be affected with the adoption of this article.
The Board requested that there be two separate articles, 18 and 18A, to be able to vote on at Town Meeting. An analysis can be conducted beforehand. (Mr. Balukonis stepped out to rearrange the numbering of the articles).
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO SIGN THE APRIL 5, 2010 ANNUAL TOWN MEETING WARRANT.
MOTION BY: MR. YULL
SECONDED BY: MR. O’LEARY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RECOMMEND AT TOWN MEETING ARTICLE 22.
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RECONSIDER ARTICLE 23.
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE TO RECOMMEND AT TOWN MEETING ARTICLE 23.
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
2. DEPARTMENT BUDGET PRESENTATIONS
ELDER AFFAIRS
Mary Prenney, spoke in regards to Elders Affairs, in support of the senior center budget. In addition, she stated the food pantry is close to feeding 135 families weekly. Many are seniors – please come and donate.
TOWN CLERK
Barbara Stats, Town Clerk, spoke in regards to the town clerk’s budget. She began with records, summarizing what is involved under this department. She also summarized what is involved under the elections division of the town clerk’s office. The Board was able to ask questions.
LIBRARY
Helena Minton, Library Director, first thanked other members for coming. She briefly spoke about what has been going on at the library for the past year. She also thanked the Board for approving the painting of the exterior of the library. She then gave a presentation to the Board explaining the standards for certification, FY2011 budget request, FY2010 budget review and the long-range planning survey.
The Board was given the opportunity to ask questions.
COMMUNITY PLANNING
Heidi Griffin spoke regarding the community planning budget, stating that it is basically the same as last year. She pointed out that it would be respectfully considered if the part time vacant position could be filled – GIS Coordinator. The community development fund helps to augment the budget.
Mr. Delaney would like to see what was expended in consultant costs due to not having the GIS position filled and what Tewksbury did when in a similar situation.
MR. CHAIRMAN, I MOVE THAT THE BOARD OF SELECTMEN RECOMMEND THE COMMUNITY PLANNING USE $10,000 OUT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FUND FOR THE FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR INSTALLATION OF SEWER AND VALUATION OF COMMERCIAL PROPERTY ON ROUTE 28.
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
*8:00 p.m. Mr. Balukonis joins the meeting
CODE ENFORCEMENT
Jim DeCola, code enforcement, began by stating to the Board that he would like to restore the 7 hours to the assistant building inspector (taken last July). He also discussed a new mandate in regards to lead paint that will cost extra money – looking for help for this “unfunded mandate.”
HEALTH
Joe Tassone updated the Board on the Health Director – had surgery, and will try to attend next week.
VETERANS
Susan Magner, Veterans Agent, spoke regarding the budget. She spoke of needing more funding for training which is important for keeping agents up to date, updating files, travel expenses and other incurred costs.
PARKS AND RECREATION
Maureen Stevens spoke in regards to the Parks and Rec operating and revolving budget.
*Mr. O’Leary would like to see this department, youth services, separate for Town Meeting and presented as so.
YOUTH SERVICES
Jenny O’Leary, Youth Services Director, was present to discuss what is offered and what is going on with the program.
ACCOUNTING/FINANCE
Joe Tassone was present to discuss the accounting and finance budgets.
3. DISCUSS PEDESTRIAN SAFETY COMMITTEE
At Mr. Yull’s request, the Board discussed follow up on the sidewalk committee. Mr. Yull provided the Board with a proposal for the committee and asked the Board for their feedback on it. The Board discussed possible ideas/options and gave input.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Monica Gregoire spoke in favor of the committee.
Mr. Mauceri would like to put it on the agenda for next time to think it over.
MOTION TO ADJOURN (10:50 PM)
MOTION BY: MR. O’LEARY
SECONDED BY: MR. DELANEY
VOTED: UNANIMOUS (5-0)
__________________________ __________________________________
Date Approved Jeffrey Yull, Clerk
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