Norwell Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
01-03-01
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board go into Executive Session, returning to Open Session at 7:30, for the purpose of discussing litigation and contracts. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Mr. Truesdell polled the Board; Mr. Merritt, yes; Mr. Mariano, yes; Mr. Truesdell, yes.
Mr. Truesdell opened the regular meeting introducing the Board and the Town Administrator.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board accept the agenda as written. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
American Legion 192 representatives Mr. Fredrickson and Ms. Dixon then presented the Board with a donation for the Norwell War Memorial in the amount of $1785.60.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board accept a check for $1785.60 from the Samuel Turner Jr. Post 192 on behalf of the Town for the care and undertaking of the monument in Norwell Center. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
The additional cost for the School Department year-end audit is $4,000. There is an addendum needed for this. This was bid 2 years ago. The single audit is a significant amount of extra work.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board award a contract to the accounting firm of Tucci & Roselli in the amount of $4,000 in order to conduct the audit of the School Department year-end report for 2001. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
The Board appointed David Meyers to Board of Registrars upon the recommendation of Janice Lawson.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board appoint David Mayers to the Board of Registrars for a three year term, expiring June 30, 2003. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board accept with regret the resignation of Amy Hudspeth from the Norwell Commission on Disabilities. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
Jim Boudreau mentioned we have several vacancies on several committees, particularly the Personnel Board, Advisory Board and Athletic Field Committee.
Mr. McBride was in for budget discussions for FY 2002 with the Conservation Commission.
The Conservation Commission is asking for an increase to a full time position for the Conservation Agent. Also, they would like to up the conservation administrative aide’s hours from 15 to 30. Mr. McBride feels these increases are necessary due to the extreme development pressures in town.
John Mariano asked Mr. McBride why the office closes Thursday at noontime and is closed on Friday, despite the increase of 32% in hours.
Mr. McBride answered that as far as the Conservation Agent is concerned, there is time spent out of the building in the field. Regarding the aide, they are asking for more hours to make the office more accessible to the public. Plus they spend time at night time meetings.
John Mariano said he feels that one person at the meetings should be sufficient, allowing someone to be available in the office during the day.
Mr. McBride said there are so many more issues and regulations, including drainage, that they are supposed to be watching, improving. They are still serving the public even though they are not in the office.
Mr. Mariano said it is a 98% increase in staffing from FY 2000 and he appreciates the additional work load, but he feels that it’s excessive. He has experience with budgets, this being the seventh year he has served in some capacity, and he’s a little alarmed at a 98% increase.
Mr. McBride said they were not up to snuff in the first place and they are trying to catch up. They are under intense pressure and feels this level of staffing is necessary.
John Mariano asked if any deadlines have been missed or what we haven’t been doing that has gotten us into trouble.
Mr. McBride said he can’t think of any crucial deadlines, to the credit of the staff. The agent puts in more hours than you see on the timesheet, as does the aide. They are under intense pressure.
John Mariano brought up concerns regarding the Betzhold property and putting more money into the fund, considering the Conservation Commission was reluctant to use it.
Mr. McBride explained the necessity of having that money available for many different uses and the importance of not depleting it without replacing it. It’s ongoing for preservation.
Mr. Truesdell asked what kind of grant monies are available.
The conservation members elaborated on those and some of the grants they have been successful in obtaining.
Mr. Merritt asked if they could make use of the floaters rather than adding more hours to their budgets.
They objected to floaters because they are “lower grade generalists” and people answering the phones need to be familiar with each project. He frankly thinks the answering machine was more informative.
John Mariano asked if in fact Debbie McClelland wasn’t a floater to begin with? That’s how people learn their expertise and he wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the floating concept, especially when people are complaining they often come to town hall to find the office closed.
Kevin Finneran was in to tell the Board why he would qualify as a member of the Sparrell Re-use Committee. He believes there are issues that need to be addressed and has experience that could contribute to the process.
John Mariano highly recommended Mr. Finneran. Mr. Merritt reiterated.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board approve the appointment of Kevin Finneran to the Sparrell Re-use Committee. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board adjourn. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
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James M. Boudreau, Town Administrator
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