Norwell Board of Selectmen’s Meeting
January 24, 2001
Mr. Truesdell opened the meeting and first on the agenda was Judy Griffin, regarding a Town Meeting Article. She worked for the town for many years as a Library Trustee and would like to buy back her time. An article needs to be on the warrant for this to happen and she would like the Board of Selectmen to sponsor it.
Mr. Merritt saw no problem with putting it on the warrant and letting the townspeople decide.
Gerry Haley from State Street Bank met with the Board to give an update on finances. He gave a history of short-term debt, the Donovan property, the fire station and the school projects.
Mr. Truesdell asked him if it was possible to set up a ten-year presentation. Mr. Haley said his last presentation showed a 26 year scenario. There was discussion about upgrading the bond rating for the Town.
Two individuals, Peter Dillon and Dr. Arthur Garceau, have expressed a desire to fill the vacancy caused by the recent resignation of Don Reed as Water Commissioner. They were both present to discuss their qualifications.
Mr. Dillon was an employee for the DEP for 6 years. He is a geologist with a BS and a MS from Boston College, where he teaches. He is developing a 3 million gallon a day water supply for the Department of Defense at the Mass Military Reservation. He is also on the Board of Health.
Dr. Garceau grew up in Pembroke and worked for Aetna Engineering before medical school. He learned a moderate amount about water. He sees a concern protecting our groundwater. He is retired now and has the time to give to the Water Board. He is a quick study and will pick up the technical business the Water Board is now involved in. He ran for Water Board in 1967, but was defeated by a couple of hundred votes. He wants to come back to serve the town and he thinks he can help.
The Board of Selectmen and the Water Commissioners had to vote on who would hold the position available on the Commission until the town election in March.
Mr. Dillon and Dr. Garceau were nominated and seconded. There was a unanimous roll call vote with Steve Ivas, Fred St. Ours, John Mariano, Rick Merritt and Dave Truesdell electing Mr. Dillon.
The South Shore Coalition has asked that two members be appointed from Norwell, one from the Board of Selectmen and one from the Planning Board.
Mr. Truesdell expressed his enthusiasm for the work the coalition will be involved in and said if he had chosen to run for re-election, he would have liked to represent the Board. However, he isn’t, so he can’t.
Mr. Merritt said he is a fan of neither the coalition nor of the MAPC and has no interest in attending the meetings.
Mr. Mariano said he sees there are some hot issues coming up that could effect Norwell and he thinks it’s important they have a representative at the table. He volunteered.
MOTION: Mr. Truesdell nominated John Mariano to be Norwell Board of Selectmen’s representative to the South Shore Coalition. Second by Mr. Merritt.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board approve the reappointment of Damon Reed as the Town of Norwell’s Representative to the North River Commission for a three year term beginning February 5, 2001. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board authorize Fire Chief Paul Rosebach to execute contracts on behalf of the Fire Department in the Town of Norwell. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board authorize deficit spending on the Highway Department’s snow removal budget line item for FY2001. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board approve a request from Family Crest Catering, Inc. for a one-day license to sell Wines & Malts only at an event to be held at the Cushing Center on Saturday, January 27, 2001 between the hours of 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board approve a request from Family Crest Catering, Inc. for a one-day license to sell Wines & Malts only at an event to be held at the Cushing Center on Saturday, March 3, 2001 between the hours of 6:30 PM and 10:30 PM. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board approve a request from Family Crest Catering, Inc. for a one-day license to sell alcohol at an event to be held at the Cushing Center on Friday, April 6, 2001 between the hours of 6:00 PM and 10:30 PM. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board approve a request from Z’s Catering, Inc. for a one-day license to sell Wines & Malts only at an event to be held at the Cushing Center on Saturday, February 3, 2001 between the hours of 7:00 PM and 11:00 PM. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Unanimously Voted.
Mr. Truesdell mentioned the Certificate of Appreciation from the U S Census Bureau for service and cooperation.
MOTION: Mr. Merritt moved the Board adjourn into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Contracts and Personnel matters to return to open session afterwards to finish their work on the budget. Second by Mr. Mariano.
Mr. Truesdell polled the Board; Mr. Merritt, yes; Mr. Mariano, yes; Mr. Truesdell, yes.
Upon returning to open session, the Board held budget discussions.
Mr. Merritt wants to get back to all the departments who presented to them amounts beyond level service, letting them know what we are going to support or not support.
John Mariano does not agree to adding personnel to Tree & Grounds, Highway or Conservation. He agrees with adding to Fire and one sergeant to Police.
Mr. Merritt thinks if you add clerical help to Conservation, it would free up the agent and keep the office open more. Mr. Truesdell concurred.
The funding for the upgrade in the Outreach would have to come through the Personnel Board.
John Mariano said he has not heard a convincing argument for Planning Board help or additional help in the Treasurer/Collector’s office. He would only support additional clerical help for Conservation if they are directed to be open on Fridays.
The Board will support the Fire Department and the sergeant for the Police Department.
MOTION: Mr. Truesdell moved the Board adjourn. Second by Mr. Merritt.
Unanimously Voted.
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James M. Boudreau, Town Administrator
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