Board of Selectmen
October 20, 2008
Naquag Elementary School
(prior to Special Town Meeting)
6:00 p.m.
Present: Joseph R. Becker – Chairman, Leroy C. Clark - Vice Chairman, Douglas C. Briggs, Sheila H. Dibb, Cherilyn A. Bulger, Clerk and Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary.
Mr. Briggs moved to sign Treasury Warrant #9. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
Minutes:
Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of July 21, 2008. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of August 25, 2008. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of September 4, 2008. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of September 15, 2008. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of September 22, 2008. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of September 29, 2008. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs moved to accept the minutes of October 2, 2008. Ms. Bulger seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs moved to accept
the minutes of October 16, 2008. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. Mr. Briggs moved to accept the Executive Session minutes of September 4, 2008. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
REPORT OF TOWN DEPARTMENTS:
DPW:
Quiet
POLICE:
Chief Baril announced Halloween Trick or Treat hours for the Town would be Friday, October 31st from 4 – 8 pm. Chief Baril also stated that he’s waiting to hear how much money the town will receive for the Community Policing Grant – it won’t be the full amount, but the town should get something. So for the time being, all programs are on hold.
Mr. Briggs moved to accept the resignation of Police Officer Michael Stoddard effective November 15, 2008. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
FIRE:
Chief Ruchala informed the Board that the open house at the fire station yesterday was very successful.
OPEN SESSION:
Michele Van Reet from the Council on Aging recommended Sharon Berndt for the position of Council on Aging Director at a Grade 4, Step 2 ($14.51) for 21 hours per week. She does not need health insurance, but will need a CORI check. Mrs. Van Reet stated that Sharon has experience in grant writing and other advanced skills and wanted to recognize her for that up front, therefore, starting her at the Step 2. She will be available to start in two weeks. Mr. Briggs asked if Ms. Berndt’s grant writing skills could hopefully help the Council to become more self-sufficient to which Ms. Van Reet answered yes. Mr. Briggs moved the recommendation to appoint Sharon Berndt as COA Director at Grade 4, Step 2. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous.
6:30 – Tax Classification Hearing
Joyce McGuinness, Assessor, recommended a single tax rate for 2009. Mr. Briggs moved the recommendation of the Assessor for a single tax rate for 2009. Mrs. Dibb seconded. Vote unanimous. Mrs. McGuinness asked the Board to sign the paperwork which she will have notarized and return a copy to the Selectmen’s office. Hearing closed at 6:35 pm.
Clealand Blair, Sr. approached the Board to inform them that he has recently walked through the Primary Building and in his opinion sees no way that the rehab would cost three million dollars; also pointing out that he feels an architect is not necessary. He feels the building is structurally sound, doesn’t need an elevator and most of the major work is near completion. Mr. Becker stated that a plan (layout and design) is needed in order to finish the building.
NEW BUSINESS:
Bernice Anderson is seeking appointment as Representative to Elderbus. Mr. Becker suggested the representative be the Director as in the past and recommended tabling it in order for the Council on Aging to discuss it as a committee.
Letter from Addison Redfield recommending Paul Cousineau to be appointed to Cable Advisory Committee. Mr. Cousineau will be invited to the next meeting to meet the Board. Mr. Briggs feels since he is related to an existing member of the committee, there may be a conflict.
OLD BUSINESS:
Chairman Becker announced that free cash was certified today at $272,299 and $170,000 was needed to balance the budget as of today. Mr. Briggs moved taking no action on Articles #9, #10 & #11 (pertaining to fuel) on the Special Town Meeting warrant and allowing that money to remain in free cash. Article #16 (teachers sick leave buy back) money to come from Stabilization Fund and Article #18 would be $195,000 to offset the tax rate; leaving $50,000 in free cash. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous.
ADJOURN:
Mr. Briggs moved to adjourn. Mr. Clark seconded. Vote unanimous. The meeting adjourned at 6:50 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy M. Macaruso, Secretary
Board of Selectmen
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