TOWN MEETING
MINUTES
OCTOBER 27, 2008
Town Moderator Robert J. Long called the Special Town Meeting scheduled for October 27, 2008 to order at 7:35 p.m. on October 27, 2008 at the Town Hall Auditorium, 298 Central Street, Saugus, MA, with 46 members, plus the moderator present. A quorum is met.
The Moderator led the meeting in the salute to the Flag.
Town Clerk, Joanne Rappa, called the roll.
Atkinson, Ronald
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Long, Robert
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Attubato, Joseph
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Lopresti, Anthony J.
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Barressi, Sal
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Malone, Barbara J.
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Bartolo, Jean M.
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Maltais, Sean A.
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Billingsley, Stacy A.
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Manoogian, Peter Z., Sr.
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Boesel, Edward S.W.
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McCarthy, Stephen F.
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Cote, Karen
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Merrifield, Henry F.
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Dever, Maureen P.
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Moschella, Dennis J.
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Devlin F. Ann
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Moses, Jeffrey D., Sr.
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DiNardo, Albert J.
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Nelson, Stephen A.
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Dockery, Michael
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Nicosia, Nicola M.
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Faiella, Ellen L.
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Nuzzo, Richard
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Falasca, Thomas A.
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Palczynski, Joseph, Jr.
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Flynn, Patrick M.
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Politano, Kimberly A.
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Gill, Charles F.
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Rodenhiser, Joyce C.
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Goodwin, Pamela J.
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Serino, Angelo, Jr.
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Grabowski, Arthur
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Smith, James F., Jr.
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Groark, Laura Z.
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Smith, Rick A.
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Hansen, John N.
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Stewart, Thomas
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Hawkes, Timothy R.
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Sullivan, Betty Ann
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Hoffman, Robert D.
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Sweezey, Stephen D.
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Johnson, Patricia Anne
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Valente, Anthony
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Jones, William R.
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VanSteensburg, Paul J., II
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Lawrence, Raymond
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Vecchio, Matthew J.
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Leuci, Janet
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Witten, Margaret H.
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47 MEMBERS IN ATTENDANCE
Charles F. Gill from Precinct 3 and Sal Barressi from Precinct 10 will be making motions, as a courtesy this evening, as needed.
Edward S. W. Boesel from Precinct 9 and Joseph Palczynski, Jr., from Precinct 10 were appointed and sworn as tellers.
Tellers distributed handouts, which included the Finance Committee Report; a letter from School Committee Chairman, Joseph Malone; and a Committee Report from the Saugus Alternative Energy Committee, which will be presented by Chairman John Truesdale.
While the tellers were distributing the information, Moderator Robert Long stated that he wanted to get through all of the financial articles this evening, and if all goes well, he’d like to start on the street articles.
Article 1. Reports of Committees.
John Truesdale, Chairman, Saugus Alternative Energy Committee, presented an outline of his report, and thanked all the committee members and various town departments for their cooperation with the committee.
Kenneth DePatto from the Finance Committee stated that state aide cuts may be forthcoming. With that in mind, Fin Com is erring on the side of caution to insure core services are maintained in town. Finance Committee does not recommend spending at this time, but recommends waiting to see what the near future brings.
Peter Manoogian, Chairman of the Side Walk Committee thanked all the members of the committee, and stated that they have been meeting all summer, right into the fall, with much cooperation from the Town. Mr. Manoogian stated that he was pleased with the committee’s progress and efforts of the town.
Lenny Melanson, 846 Broadway Lot 21, asked who was responsible for the sidewalks on Route 1. Mr. Melanson stated that he, along with other individuals that are wheelchair bound, is forced to use the breakdown lane because the sidewalks are not accessible.
Mr. Manoogian stated that perhaps developers working in the area could look into cleaning it up and further stated that his committee would certainly look into the problem as well.
Mr. Gill moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 2.
Seconded at 8:00 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 2. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money ($350,000.00) from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, as certified by the Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007, and such funds will be used as an additional revenue source for the Fiscal Year 2009 Water Enterprise Budget voted under Article 5 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting. (Town Manager)
Mr. Albert J. DiNardo and Town Manager Andrew Bisignani spoke on the article.
Article as voted:
Article 2. Voted to transfer $350,000.00 from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, as certified by the Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007. Such funds will be used as an additional revenue source for the Fiscal Year 2009 Water Enterprise Budget voted under Article 5 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting.
Yeas: 45 Nays: 1 at 8:05 p.m.
Article 2 passed as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Mr. Barressi moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 3.
Seconded at 8:06 p.m.
Article 3 as written:
Article 3. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money ($200,000.00) from the Sewer Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, as certified by the Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007, and such funds will be used as an additional revenue source for the Fiscal Year 2009 Sewer Enterprise Budget voted under Article 6 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting. (Town Manager)
Article 3 as voted:
Article 3. Voted to transfer $200,000.00 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, as certified by the Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007. Such funds will be used as an additional revenue source for the Fiscal Year 2009 Sewer Enterprise Budget voted under Article 6 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting.
Yeas: 45 Nays: 1 at 8:06.5 p.m.
Article 3 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Moderator Long distributed an amendment to Article 4 presented by Sean Malaltais.
Mr. Maltais makes a motion to amend Article 4 by adding the following to the end of the original article, creating the main motion to read as follows: To see if the Town will vote to reduce the Group Health Insurance Line item by $800,000.00 as voted under Article 2 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting. Said reduction will afford $800,000 in tax levy capacity to eliminate the Kasabuski Rink deficit.
Seconded at 8:09 p.m.
Mr. Gill moves as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, to Indefinitely Postpone Article 4.
Seconded at 8:10 p.m.
Article 4 as written:
Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to reduce the Group Health Insurance Line item by $800,000.00 as voted under Article 2 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting. (Town Manager)
Mr. Maltais explained his article stating that he attended Fin Com meetings and felt this amendment would be more specific as to where the money would exactly be going.
Mr. Manoogian stated that he would like to see this article be taken up at a later time, when the public would have time to respond.
Ken DePatto stated that he was under the impression that the recommendation to indefinitely postpone the article was to put the article on the next special town meeting warrant with different wording.
Maureen Dever stated that they were in a difficult position at this time, and wanted to know if this money actually belongs to the employees who paid into the insurance.
Ken DePatto stated that this article, along with the Vocational School article, must be voted on before the Department of Revenue will set a tax rate for the town.
Town Manager Bisignani stated that we have to dissolve this deficit to the satisfaction of DOR in order to set the tax rate and he sees no reason to wait any longer on the vote. He further stated that he felt everything was explained in the packet that he sent to all Town Meeting members pertaining to the article.
Vote to indefinitely postpone Article 4.
Yeas: 9 Nays: 37 at 8:23 p.m.
Indefinite postponement of Article 4 is NOT ordered.
Article 4 as voted:
Article 4. Voted to reduce the Group Health Insurance Line item by $800,000.00 as voted under Article 2 of the 2008 Annual Town Meeting. Said reduction will afford $800,000 in tax levy capacity to eliminate the Kasabuski Rink deficit.
Yeas: 36 Nays: 8 at 8:24 p.m.
Article 4 passes as amended.
Mr. Barressi moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 5.
Seconded at 8:25 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, a sum of money ($30,000.00) for the purpose of funding the Senior Center for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009 through June 30, 2009. (Town Manager)
Mr. Peter Bogdan, of 23 Whitney Street, spoke in favor of the article, stating that Saugus has over 7,000 senior residents in town and the center is available to all of them. Further more, 1/3 of these seniors are widowed and depend upon the services and company of others at the center. Mr. Bogdan reminded everyone that senior citizens are a viable part of our community, and asks for a favorable vote on this article to carry the center thru to the end of the fiscal year.
Richard Barry, of 22 Henry Street, Chairman of the Council on Aging, noted that the center had no budget one year ago and has been living on grant money since. The center had over 20,000 activities scheduled last year for the seniors, which, along with meeting other criteria, makes them eligible for grant money. The Council is currently working with great cooperation from the Town Manager and John Tierney’s office.
Article as voted:
Article 5. Voted to raise and appropriate from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, $30,000.00 for the purpose of funding the Senior Center for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2009 through June 30, 2009.
Yeas: 40 Nays: 5 at 8:33 p.m.
Article 5 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Mr. Barressi moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 6.
Seconded at 8:38 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, a sum of money ($15,000.00) for the purpose of funding the Youth and Recreation Drug Prevention Program. (Town Manager)
Greg Nickolas, Director of Youth and Recreation, spoke in favor of this article.
Mr. Nickolas stated that most of the funding to support the programs for substance abuse has been funded through grants. Unfortunately, Saugus has been targeted as one of the communities in the area with the highest substance abuse problems and money will make a difference. Mr. Nicholas asked for support of Article 6 so that the programs will continue through to the end of the fiscal year.
Donna Gould of the Youth and Recreation Commission also asks for support on this article, as our kids are at risk. Ms. Gould stated what a magnificent job Mr. Nickolas has done with the programs and is certainly putting the grant money to great use.
Ellen Faiella, Co-Chair of Saugus Speaks Out, reiterated what Ms. Gould said, adding that she couldn’t begin to say how many great things the Youth and Recreation Department have put into place.
Donna McNeil, Co-Chair of Saugus Speaks Out, stated that $15,000 was a small amount of money to invest in our children. Ms. McNeil stated that many, if not all of us, have been effected by drug abuse issues and this money will enable the mentoring programs and after school programs to continue through the end of the fiscal year. Ms. MeNeil asks for support of the article.
Article as voted:
Article 6. Voted to raise and appropriate from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, $15,000.00 for the purpose of funding the Youth and Recreation Drug Prevention Program.
Yeas: 42 Nays: 3 at 8:40 p.m.
Article 6 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Mr. Gill moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 7.
Seconded at 8:40.5 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 7. To see if the Town will vote to change the method of calculating the water charges for multiple housing units (three or more presently existing units only) on one water meter to a per unit rate rather than the current method of using the accumulated tiered rate structure. (Town Manager)
Mr. Manoogian makes a motion to amend Article 7 by removing in line two the word “three” and add the word “four” and to add two sentences that will read, “In no instance for multiple housing units shall the rate be less than $4.15 for 100 cubic feet. This rate shall not apply to multiple housing units permitted after March 1, 2007.”
Seconded at 8:41 p.m.
Mr. Manoogian explained the purpose of his amendment, stating that there was an error in the narrative of the report submitted to the Town by Kathryn Griffin, who was hired as a consultant for the study. Mr. Manoogian asked for support of his amendment.
Michael Kelleher, Selectman, asked for support of this article.
Town Manager Bisignani spoke on the article as well as Edward S. W. Boesel, who asked if it would be smarter to limit the base rate in the amendment.
Selectman Peter Rossetti stated that it was brought to the attention of the Board of Selectmen that there was an error, not only at the mobile home park, but also at the housing authority.
Ken DePatto said that the Finance Committee’s thoughts were to bring relief for those paying a rate that did not reflect their usage and recommends language changed for financial relief, as they were not aware that it did not include three unit dwellings and would like to see this revisited in the future.
Rick Smith, Michael Kelleher, and Peter Manoogian all spoke on Article 7.
Mr. Boesel makes a motion to amend Mr. Manoogian’s amendment by striking out “$4.15 for 100 cubic feet” and inserting “the rate of a single unit for each unit”.
Seconded at 9:04 p.m.
Mr. Boesel explained his amendment.
Stephen Sweezey spoke in support of Mr. Boesel’s amendment.
Michael Kelleher stated that he does not support either amendment and asks to vote on the article as recommended.
Les Martin, 846 Broadway, Lot 35, stated that there were several elderly in the Mobile Home Park as well as veterans and disabled people who may now be losing their homes due to these increases. Mr. Martin stated that he just wants to pay what everyone else in town is paying.
Maureen Dever makes a motion to table Article 7.
Seconded at 9:14 p.m.
Vote to Table Article 7.
Yeas: 13 Nays: 32 at 9:14.5 p.m.
Article 7 is NOT Tabled.
Arthur Grabowski stated that he agrees with Mr. Manoogian’s amendment.
Mr. Leonard Melanson, 846 Broadway, Lot 21 stated that he and his wife live in the mobile park. An error was made and the time has come to deal with the situation and correct it.
Vote came on Mr. Manoogian’s Amendment.
Yeas: 36 Nays: 7 at 9:22 p.m.
Manoogian Amendment passes.
Vote came on Mr. Boesel’s Amendment.
Yeas: 5 Nays: 39 at 9:24 p.m.
Boesel Amendment does NOT pass.
Article as voted:
Article 7. Voted to change the method of calculating the water charges for multiple housing units (four or more presently existing units only) on one water meter to a per unit rate rather than the current method of using the accumulated tiered rate structure. In no instance for multiple housing units shall the rate be less than $4.15 for 100 cubic feet. This rate shall not apply to multiple housing units permitted after March 1, 2007.
Yeas: 46 Nays: 0 at 9:25 p.m.
Article 7 passes as amended.
Moderator Long called a short recess at 9:25 p.m.
Meeting was called back to order at 9:35 p.m.
Mrs. Leuci moves to take Article 34 out of order.
Seconded at 9:35.5 p.m.
Vote to take Article 34 out of order
Yeas: 42 Nays 1 at 9:35.5 p.m.
Article 34 is voted to be taken out of order.
Mrs. Leuci moves Article 34
Seconded at 9:36 p.m. by Mr. DiNardo
Article as written:
Article 34. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds the amount of $25,000 for the installation of sewer pipelines on Eagle Road; to determine whether this appropriation shall be raised by borrowing or otherwise; or to take any other action relative thereto. (Albert J. DiNardo and Janet Leuci)
Mrs. Leuci asked for support of Article 34.
Article as voted:
Article 34. Voted to transfer from the Sewer Enterprise Fund retained Earnings, as certified by Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007, $25,000 for the installation of sewer pipelines on Eagle Road.
Yeas: 44 Nays: 0 at 9:38
Article 34 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Mr. Gill moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 8.
Seconded at 9:40 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 8. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money ($103,000.00) from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, as certified by Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007, and such funds shall be used as an additional revenue source for the proposed multiple housing units billing changes. (Town Manager)
Article as voted:
Article 8. Voted to transfer a $103,000.00 from the Water Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, as certified by Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007. Such funds shall be used as an additional revenue source for the proposed multiple housing units billing changes.
Yeas: 40 Nays: 4 at 9:41 p.m.
Article 8 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Mr. Barressi moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 9.
Seconded at 9:41 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 9. To see if the Town will vote to transfer a sum of money ($84,000.00) from the Sewer Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, as certified by Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007, and such funds shall be used as an additional revenue source for the proposed multiple housing units billing changes. (Town Manager)
Mr. Manoogian and Mr. Bisignani both spoke on Article 9.
Article as voted:
Article 9. Voted to transfer $84,000.00 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund Retained Earnings, as certified by Mass. Department of Revenue for the Fiscal Year ended June 30, 2007. Such funds shall be used as an additional revenue source for the proposed multiple housing units billing changes.
Yeas: 37 Nays 7 at 9:44 p.m.
Article 9 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Mr. Gill moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 10.
Seconded at 9:44.5 p.m.
Article 10. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from the tax levy or transfer from available funds, a sum of money ($950,000.00) for the purpose of funding the remainder of the Fiscal Year 2009 Northeast Vocational School Assessment. (Town Manager)
Mr. DiNardo asks for clarification on the total assessment for the current year.
Town Manager Bisignani stated that what is listed in the budget book from the Annual Town Meeting should be correct.
Mr. DiNardo asked if Mr. Rossetti might be able to shed some light on understanding the formula that is followed and asked why Saugus pays so much per student.
Mr. Rossetti said the formula is very confusing and is determined by the state, partially based on diversity and that the issue has been an ongoing one since he joined the school committee 14 years ago. However, Mr. Rossetti went on to say that if Town Meeting chose not to vote to appropriate the money, it could be taken directly from the Saugus School Department budget, and he would certainly not advise doing so.
Article as voted:
Article 10. Voted to raise and appropriate from the tax levy or transfer from available funds, $950,000.00 for the purpose of funding the remainder of the Fiscal Year 2009 Northeast Vocational School Assessment.
Yeas: 42 Nays: 2 at 9:55 p.m.
Article 10 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.
Mr. Gill moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee to refer Article 11 to a Special Town meeting and submit as two separate articles.
Seconded at 9:55.5 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 11. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, a sum of money ($10,000.00) for the purpose of funding two part time positions (Temporary Help - $4,000.00 and Parking Control - $6,000.00) within the Saugus Police Department. (Town Manager)
Mr. Bisignani explained that the article was to support a clerical position in the police station to help on a temporary basis with processing records regarding accident reports and litigation procedures. The article also addresses the position of the part-time parking control officer, which was voted on at a previous Town Meeting, and asks for support of this article.
Police Chief Domenic DiMella explained that there was a backlog of clerical work in his department due to a lengthy illness of one of his employees and resignation of another, who’s position was never filled. The records department has only been open to the public for six hours per week, which has caused frustration to the public and funding this position will allow for better customer service.
Chief DiMella explained that during past years the department lost 10 police officers and feels that the Parking Control Officer is now bringing money in which helps supplement losses due to the shortage of patrolling restricted parking areas. Chief DiMella further explained that the position has brought in over $22,000 so far.
Mr. Bisignani stated that at this time the money collected from the tickets is going into the general fund and he will present a budget for this position at the Annual Town Meeting.
Stephen Sweezey spoke, not only as a Town Meeting Member, but also as the Traffic Safety Officer, and stated that the part time Parking Control Officer has made a big difference with calls coming into his department. Mr. Sweezey also stated that we have parking signs in town that have generally gone ignored because there has been no enforcement. Having the Parking Control Officer is vital to the enforcement for these signs and laws.
Mr. Sweezey asks to support these positions and makes a motion to move Article 11 as written.
Seconded at 10:06 p.m.
Mrs. Dever stated that these positions were worthy of review, but it is a little difficult to vote on them because fellow town meeting members fill both positions. Mrs. Dever felt that the article should be referred until after the November election.
Paul Vansteensburg stated that he felt this article should be voted on today and said that both positions were well worth this as they both give more back to the community than other articles voted on tonight.
Mr. Manoogian asked why, in the annual budget, was the dog officers salary increased to do this job. Mr. Manoogian further stated that since the budget was voted on, these two positions were created without prior funding and this procedure does not serve the community well. He is not convinced that clerks from other departments can’t assist in this capacity.
Mr. DePatto stated that to the best of his recollection these positions were not approved at the annual and the money for the dog officer was segregated.
Mr. Bisignani reminded Town Meeting that the canine control officer works different hours than the part time parking control officer, who will be working weekends.
Mr. Grabowski believes that these two positions are badly needed and he asked the Town Manager to define what “temporary” means and also if these positions include benefits.
Town Manager Bisignani stated that no benefits were required for either position and that the clerical position is temporary.
Mrs. Dever asked for 14 other members to stand with her for a roll call vote.
With only 13 other standing, a roll call vote is NOT ordered.
Chief DiMella addressed Mr. Manoogian’s statement regarding clerk’s from other departments assisting at the station, saying that training for this position is required, as much confidential information is held within the department, and experience, especially in that area, is essential.
Jean Bartollo asked Chief DiMella if his budget could possibly cover these two positions, to which the Chief stated that the state just cut his budget and he has no extra money in his budget to cover these positions right now.
The vote came on referring Article 11 to a Special Town meeting and submit as two separate articles.
Yeas: 14 Nays: 29 at 10:20 p.m.
Referral is NOT ordered.
The vote came on the Main Motion.
Article as voted:
Article 11. Voted to raise and appropriate from the tax levy, or transfer from available funds, $10,000.00 for the purpose of funding two part time positions (Temporary Help - $4,000.00 and Parking Control - $6,000.00) within the Saugus Police Department.
Yeas: 32 Nays: 10 at 10:21 p.m.
Article 11 passes as written.
A motion was made to take Article 30 out of order.
Seconded at 10:21 .5 p.m.
A vote came to take Article 30 out of order.
Yeas: 31 Nays: 3 at 10:22 p.m.
Article 30 is voted to be taken out of order.
Mr. Gill moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, to vote to Indefinitely Postpone Article 30.
Seconded at 10:24 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 30. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $300,000 from available funds and/or certified free cash for the purpose of paying off the Town’s bond for textbooks for the Saugus Public Schools as voted on June 6, 2008. (School Committee)
Superintendent of Schools, Richard Langlois spoke in favor of Article 30 as written, which would eliminate a reoccurring debt.
A vote came to Indefinitely Postpone Article 30.
Yeas: 30 Nays: 7 at 10:25 p.m.
Article 30 is Indefinitely Postponed.
Mr. Gill moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, that Article 31 be voted to refer to the Annual Town Meeting.
Seconded at 10:26 p.m.
Article as written:
Article 31. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate a sum of money not to exceed $80,000 to the Saugus Public Schools for the replacement of student furniture in all school buildings as needed. (School Committee)
Superintendent Langlois spoke in favor of Article 31 as written. The money would focus on the elementary schools as well as the middle school.
A vote came to Refer Article 31 to the Annual Town Meeting.
Yeas: 40 Nays 1 at 10:27 p.m.
Article 31 is referred to the Annual Town Meeting.
Edward S. W. Boesel makes a motion to adjourn to November 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Auditorium.
Seconded at 10:29 p.m.
Voted by unanimous voice vote to Adjourn at 10:30 p.m.
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