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MINUTES
MAY 5, 2008
Town Moderator Robert J. Long called the first session of the Annual Town Meeting of May 5, 2008 to order at 7:31 p.m. at the Town Hall Auditorium, 298 Central Street, Saugus, MA, with 43 members, plus the moderator present.
The Veteran’s Color Guard, Doug Cooper of American Legion Post 210; Fred Arsenault, Chaplin, VFW Arthur DeFronzo Post 2346; Nick Milo, Past Commander, VFW Arthur DeFronzo Post 2346; Jay Crisp, Commander Elect, VFW Arthur DeFronzo Post 2346; and Pam Watson, President, Ladies Auxiliary, VFW Arthur DeFronzo Post 2346; presented the colors and led the meeting in the salute to the flag.
Father John Mulloy from Blessed Sacrament Church gave a few words of thanks to the community and stated how much he has enjoyed being pastor here in Saugus at Blessed Sacrament Church. Father Mulloy then stated how grateful he was for the opportunity to say the invocation one more time at Town Meeting, as he is scheduled to leave Saugus in June. Father Mulloy then gave the invocation.
Town Clerk, Joanne Rappa, called the roll.
Atkinson, Ronald |
A |
Long, Robert |
X |
Attubato, Joseph |
X |
Lopresti, Anthony J. |
X |
Barressi, Sal |
A |
Malone, Barbara J. |
X |
Bartolo, Jean M. |
X |
Maltais, Sean A. |
X |
Billingsley, Stacy A. |
X |
Manoogian, Peter Z., Sr. |
X |
Boesel, Edward S.W. |
X |
McCarthy, Stephen F. |
X |
Cote, Karen |
X |
Merrifield, Henry F. |
X |
Dever, Maureen P. |
X |
Moschella, Dennis J. |
X |
Devlin F. Ann |
X |
Moses, Jeffrey D., Sr. |
X |
DiNardo, Albert J. |
X |
Nelson, Stephen A. |
X |
Dockery, Michael |
X |
Nicosia, Nicola M. |
X |
Faiella, Ellen L. |
A |
Nuzzo, Richard |
A |
Falasca, Thomas A. |
X |
Palczynski, Joseph, Jr. |
X |
Flynn, Patrick M. |
A |
Politano, Kimberly A. |
X |
Gill, Charles F. |
X |
Rodenhiser, Joyce C. |
X |
Goodwin, Pamela J. |
X |
Serino, Angelo, Jr. |
X |
Grabowski, Arthur |
X |
Smith, James F., Jr. |
X |
Groark, Laura Z. |
X |
Smith, Rick A. |
X |
Hansen, John N. |
X |
Stewart, Thomas |
X |
Hawkes, Timothy R. |
X |
Sullivan, Betty Ann |
X |
Hoffman, Robert D. |
X |
Sweezey, Stephen D. |
X |
Johnson, Patricia Anne |
A |
Valente, Anthony |
X |
Jones, William R. |
X |
VanSteensburg, Paul J., II |
X |
Lawrence, Raymond |
X |
Vecchio, Matthew J. |
X |
Leuci, Janet |
X |
Witten, Margaret H. |
X |
44 members present (including moderator).
Joyce Rodenhiser from Precinct one and Edward S.W. Boesel from Precinct nine were appointed and sworn as tellers.
Mr. Long explained that Anthony Valente from Precinct five would, as a courtesy, be making motions this evening.
Tellers distributed handouts.
Moderator Long reviewed Section 200 of the Town of Saugus By-laws which refers to the Government of Town Meeting, as well as reviewing and distributing the Town Meeting Code of Conduct.
Moderator Long then expressed Town Meeting’s condolences to Inspectional Services Director, Fred Varone, on the unexpected passing of his wife.
Article 1. To hear and act on reports of Committees.
Affordable Housing Committee Chairman, Janet Leuci, presented their report and thanked all of the committee members. Mrs. Leuci stated that the Committee was recently awarded a grant, which will allow them to draft a bylaw for in-law apartments. Mrs. Leuci said that the committee would be seeking input from the public on the subject.
Wind Power Study Committee member, Timothy Hawkes, presented their report and thanked members of the committee. Mr. Hawkes explained that Wind Power is extremely expensive and is not a cost efficient alternative at this time. Mr. Hawkes therefore made a motion, which will allow the committee to broaden and expand the scope of The Wind Power Study Committee to study other less expensive alternative energy sources.
Motion seconded at 8:06 p.m.
Vote to allow the Wind Power Study Committee to broaden and expand the scope of their committee to study other less expensive alternative energy sources.
Passed by unanimous voice vote at 8:07 p.m.
Finance Committee Member Kenneth L. DePatto reviewed and explained the votes on the Finance Committee Report and asked that Town Meeting support the Finance Committee's recommendations.
Mr. Valente moves to take Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20 and 27 out of order at 8:10 p.m.
Seconded at 8:10.5 p.m.
Voted to take Articles 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 20, and 27 out of order.
Yeas: 42 Nays: 1 at 8:11 p.m.
Articles are taken out of order.
Mr. Valente moves Article 8.
Seconded at 8:11.5 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to reauthorize a revolving fund for the purpose of supporting recreational programs for the community. Established fees will be used for the operating expenses in connection with maintaining these programs. (Town Manager)
Article as voted:
Article 8. Voted to reauthorize a revolving fund for the purpose of supporting recreational programs for the community. Established fees will be used for the operating expenses in connection with maintaining these programs.
Unanimous voice vote at 8:12 p.m.
Article 8 passes as recommended.
Mr. Valente moves Article 9.
Seconded at 8:12.5 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to re-authorize a revolving fund for the Wetland Protection Act filing fees whereby the established fees for Fiscal Year 2009 will be used for operating expenses in connection with the enforcement of the Wetland Protection Act. (Town Manager)
Article as voted:
Article 9. Voted to re-authorize a revolving fund for the Wetland Protection Act filing fees whereby the established fees for Fiscal Year 2009 will be used for operating expenses in connection with the enforcement of the Wetland Protection Act.
Unanimous voice vote at 8:13 p.m.
Article 9 passes as recommended.
Mr. Valente moves Article 10.
Seconded at 8:14 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to re-authorize a revolving fund for the purpose of supporting the water system cross-connection program. Established fees will be used for the operating expenses in connection with maintaining the program as mandated by the Department of Environmental protection. (Town Manager)
Article as voted:
Article 10. Voted to re-authorize a revolving fund for the purpose of supporting the water system cross-connection program. Established fees will be used for the operating expenses in connection with maintaining the program as mandated by the Department of Environmental protection.
Unanimous voice vote at 8:14.5 p.m.
Article 10 passes as recommended.
Mr. Valente moves Article 11.
Seconded at 8:15 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to re-authorize a revolving fund for the purpose of supporting programs and activities at the senior center. Established fees will be used for the operating expenses in connection with maintaining these programs. (Town Manager)
Article as voted:
Article 11. Voted to re-authorize a revolving fund for the purpose of supporting programs and activities at the senior center. Established fees will be used for the operating expenses in connection with maintaining these programs.
Unanimous voice vote at 8:15.5 p.m.
Article 11 passes as recommended.
Mr. Valente moves Article 12.
Seconded at 8:16 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 12. To see if the Town will vote to re-authorize a revolving fund for the purpose of supporting the Senior Lunch Program at the Senior center. Established fees will be used for the operating expenses in connection with maintaining this program. (Town Manager)
Article as voted:
Article 12. Voted to re-authorize a revolving fund for the purpose of supporting the Senior Lunch Program at the Senior center. Established fees will be used for the operating expenses in connection with maintaining this program. (Town Manager)
Unanimous voice vote at 8:16.5 p.m.
Article 12 passes as recommended.
Mr. Valente moves Article 20.
Seconded at 8:17 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 20. To see if the Town will vote to accept MGL Chapter 147, s.10F, the acceptance of which will authorize the Town to appoint parking control officers with those powers and duties conferred or imposed on police officers MGL Chapter 90, s 20A. (Town Manager)
Town Manager Andrew Bisignani asked for support of the article, as he feels it is in the best interest of the Town.
Maureen Dever stated that she would not be supporting Article 12 and asked members not to vote in favor of the article. Mrs. Dever then asked for 14 other members to stand for a roll call vote. 14 other members standing, a roll call vote is ordered.
Peter Manoogian makes a motion to amend Article 12.
Seconded at 8:20 p.m.
Town Counsel John Vasapolli stated that he does not know of any special act that includes a provision requiring that the act cover only a certain period of time only.
Mr. Manoogian respectfully asked that Town Meeting vote for the amendment and if it is not accepted by the Attorney General’s Office, Town Meeting could bring the subject up for vote at another time.
Maureen Dever again spoke in opposition of the article. Timothy Hawkes stated that he would be voting in favor of Mr. Manoogian’s amendment.
Vote on Mr. Manoogian’s amendment which reads as follows:
ADD:
After the words “s 10F” add for a period of two fiscal years
And further
ADD a new sentence at the end that will read “Parking control will only be performed by a salaried town employee.”
Yeas: 32 Nays: 11 at 8:35 p.m.
Manoogian Amendment passes.
Article as voted:
Article 20. Voted to accept MGL Chapter 147, s.10F, for the period of two fiscal years, the acceptance of which will authorize the Town to appoint parking control officers with those powers and duties conferred or imposed on police officers MGL Chapter 90, s 20A. Parking control will only be allowed by a salaried town employee.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Atkinson, Ronald |
A |
Long, Robert |
P |
Attubato, Joseph |
Y |
Lopresti, Anthony J. |
N |
Barressi, Sal |
A |
Malone, Barbara J. |
Y |
Bartolo, Jean M. |
Y |
Maltais, Sean A. |
Y |
Billingsley, Stacy A. |
Y |
Manoogian, Peter Z., Sr. |
Y |
Boesel, Edward S.W. |
Y |
McCarthy, Stephen F. |
N |
Cote, Karen |
Y |
Merrifield, Henry F. |
Y |
Dever, Maureen P. |
Y |
Moschella, Dennis J. |
Y |
Devlin F. Ann |
Y |
Moses, Jeffrey D., Sr. |
N |
DiNardo, Albert J. |
Y |
Nelson, Stephen A. |
N |
Dockery, Michael |
Y |
Nicosia, Nicola M. |
Y |
Faiella, Ellen L. |
A |
Nuzzo, Richard |
A |
Falasca, Thomas A. |
Y |
Palczynski, Joseph, Jr. |
Y |
Flynn, Patrick M. |
A |
Politano, Kimberly A. |
Y |
Gill, Charles F. |
Y |
Rodenhiser, Joyce C. |
Y |
Goodwin, Pamela J. |
Y |
Serino, Angelo, Jr. |
Y |
Grabowski, Arthur |
Y |
Smith, James F., Jr. |
Y |
Groark, Laura Z. |
Y |
Smith, Rick A. |
Y |
Hansen, John N. |
Y |
Stewart, Thomas |
Y |
Hawkes, Timothy R. |
Y |
Sullivan, Betty Ann |
Y |
Hoffman, Robert D. |
Y |
Sweezey, Stephen D. |
Y |
Johnson, Patricia Anne |
A |
Valente, Anthony |
Y |
Jones, William R. |
Y |
VanSteensburg, Paul J., II |
N |
Lawrence, Raymond |
Y |
Vecchio, Matthew J. |
N |
Leuci, Janet |
Y |
Witten, Margaret H. |
N |
Yeas: 36 Nays: 7 at 8:40 p.m.
Article 20 passes as amended.
Mr. Valente moves Article 27.
Seconded at 8:40.5 p.m.
Article 27 as written:
Article 27. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $25,000.00 for the Saugus Charter Commission. This does not include the $5,000.00 already appropriated by statute in FY 2008. (Peter Manoogian, Chairman, Charter Commission)
Mr. Manoogian introduced Ms. Karla DeSteuben of 172 Forest Street, Chairman of the Budget and Finance Subcommittee. Ms. DeSteuben explained the anticipated expenses of the Commission and how the money would be used. Ms. DeSteuben asked for passage of the article.
Maureen Dever spoke in favor of the article and asked for a roll call vote. Seeing 14 other members standing, a roll call vote is ordered.
Mr. Manoogian asked for support of Article 27.
Article as voted:
Article 27. Voted to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the sum of $25,000.00 for the Saugus Charter Commission. This does not include the $5,000.00 already appropriated by statute in FY 2008.
ROLL CALL VOTE
Atkinson, Ronald |
A |
Long, Robert |
P |
Attubato, Joseph |
N |
Lopresti, Anthony J. |
N |
Barressi, Sal |
A |
Malone, Barbara J. |
Y |
Bartolo, Jean M. |
Y |
Maltais, Sean A. |
Y |
Billingsley, Stacy A. |
Y |
Manoogian, Peter Z., Sr. |
Y |
Boesel, Edward S.W. |
Y |
McCarthy, Stephen F. |
N |
Cote, Karen |
Y |
Merrifield, Henry F. |
Y |
Dever, Maureen P. |
Y |
Moschella, Dennis J. |
Y |
Devlin F. Ann |
Y |
Moses, Jeffrey D., Sr. |
Y |
DiNardo, Albert J. |
Y |
Nelson, Stephen A. |
Y |
Dockery, Michael |
Y |
Nicosia, Nicola M. |
Y |
Faiella, Ellen L. |
A |
Nuzzo, Richard |
A |
Falasca, Thomas A. |
Y |
Palczynski, Joseph, Jr. |
Y |
Flynn, Patrick M. |
A |
Politano, Kimberly A. |
Y |
Gill, Charles F. |
Y |
Rodenhiser, Joyce C. |
Y |
Goodwin, Pamela J. |
Y |
Serino, Angelo, Jr. |
Y |
Grabowski, Arthur |
Y |
Smith, James F., Jr. |
Y |
Groark, Laura Z. |
Y |
Smith, Rick A. |
Y |
Hansen, John N. |
Y |
Stewart, Thomas |
Y |
Hawkes, Timothy R. |
Y |
Sullivan, Betty Ann |
Y |
Hoffman, Robert D. |
Y |
Sweezey, Stephen D. |
N |
Johnson, Patricia Anne |
A |
Valente, Anthony |
Y |
Jones, William R. |
Y |
VanSteensburg, Paul J., II |
Y |
Lawrence, Raymond |
Y |
Vecchio, Matthew J. |
N |
Leuci, Janet |
Y |
Witten, Margaret H. |
Y |
Yeas: 38 Nays: 5 at 8:48 p.m.
Article 27 passes as recommended.
Mr. Sean Maltais' makes a motion to take Article 28 out of order.
Seconded at 8:50 p.m.
Vote to take Article 28 out of order.
Yeas: 22 Nays: 10 at 8:51
Article 28 is voted to be taken out of order.
Article as written:
Article 28. To see if the Town will vote to amend the Town By-laws by adding the following section:
515.00 Board of Selectmen
The Board of Selectmen shall, at every regularly scheduled meeting, allow any resident of the Town to appear at said meeting and address the Board on any subject matter involving the Town. The board, by majority vote, may establish rules and regulations regarding the conduct and procedure for the appearance of residents before the Board hereunder. The section shall not apply to executive sessions held by the board under the General Laws.
(Selectman Michael Kelleher)
Mr. Maltais stated that the Selectmen have already addressed the issue and now he feels it is time for Town Meeting to address the issue and asks for 14 other members to stand for a roll call vote. 14 members standing, a roll call vote is ordered.
Selectmen Michael Kelleher than asked Town Meeting to table Article 28 because the Board of Selectmen have every intention of voting unanimously on the issue at their next meeting.
Edward S.W. Boesel moves to table Article 28.
Seconded at 8:56 p.m.
Vote to Table Article 28.
Yeas: 28 Nays 13 at 8:57 p.m.
Article 28 is tabled.
Edward S. W. Boesel makes a motion to adjourn to May 19, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.
Seconded at 8:58 p.m.
Voted by unanimous voice vote to adjourn the 2008 Annual Town Meeting to May 19, 2008 at 7:30 p.m., in the Town Hall Auditorium.
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