Town of Saugus, MA - ATM - May 2, 2011

ATM - May 2, 2011 - 1st session

ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

MINUTES

May 2, 2011

Town Moderator, Robert J. Long, called the Annual Town Meeting of May 2, 2011 to order at 7:34 p.m. at the Town Hall Auditorium, 298 Central Street, Saugus, MA with 39 members, plus the moderator present.

Joyce Rodenhiser and Edward S. W. Boesel were appointed and sworn as tellers.

Joseph Palczynski and Raymond F. Lawrence will, as a courtesy, be making motions this evening.

The Colors were posted by Captain Stephen Castinetti, Commander Chief Master Sergeant Robert O’Toole, Sergeant Lawrence Capuzzo, Sergeant Albert W. Diotte and Petty Officer 2^nd Class Stephen J. Rappa, who led the meeting in the salute to the flag.

Father Daniel P. McCoy then led the members in prayer.

Town Clerk, Joanne Rappa, called the roll.

Atkinson, Ronald	P	Leuci, Janet M.	P
Attubato, Joseph	P	Long, Robert J.	P
Bartolo, Jean M.	P	Lopresti, Anthony J.	A
Billingsley, Stacy A.	A	Malone, Barbara J.	P
Boesel, Edward S.W.	P	Maltais, Sean A.	P
Brooks, Wayne C.	P	Manoogian, Peter Z., Sr.	P
Cecere, Rodney G.	P	McCarthy, Stephen F.	A
Connors, Arthur D., Jr.	A	McLaughlin, Patricia	P
Cox, Robert J.	P	Moriello, George T.	P
Dever, Maureen P.	P	Moschella, Dennis J.	A
Devlin, F. Ann	P	Moses, Jeffrey D., Sr.	P
DiNardo, Albert J.	P	Nelson, Stephen A.	A
Dockery, Michael	P	Nicholson, John H.	P
Faiella, Ellen L.	P	Palczynski, Joseph, Jr.	P
Falasca, Thomas A.	A	Panetta, Debra	P
Gill, Charles F.	P	Petkewich, Paul M.	P
Goodwin, Pamela J.	P	Politano, Kimberly A.	P
Grande, Robert E.	P	Ring, Darren S.	P
Greene, Michael R.	A	Rodenhiser, Joyce C.	P
Groark, Laura Z.	P	Rossetti, Peter A., Jr.	P
Hansen, John N.	P	Serino, Angelo, Jr.	P
Hawkes, Timothy R.	P	Smith, Rick A.	P
Hoffman, Robert D.	A	Sullivan, Betty Ann	P
Johnson, Patricia Anne	P	Sweezey, Stephen D.	P
Lawrence, Raymond F.	P	Vecchio, Matthew J.	A

40 members present, a quorum is met.

State Representative Donald Wong spoke regarding House Bill 3334, which was signed into law by Governor Patrick today. H. 3334 allows the Town of Saugus to hold a special election, asking the voters to approve a one year real estate tax assessment to pay for snow and ice removal costs incurred during FY 2011. Representative Wong stated that the election will be held in June, and should the vote fail, the Town will not have a balanced budget and money will then have to be taken from all departments and services will be cut. Rep. Wong asks for the public’s support on this matter.

Moderator Robert Long thanked Representative Wong for all of his hard work getting this important legislation passed and signed in a timely manner.

Moderator Long asked if there would be any objections if he did not review the Town By-laws and other housekeeping matters, since this was not the first Town Meeting for any members and all matters were reviewed prior to the last Annual Town Meeting. Hearing no objections, review of the Town By-Laws is waived.

Moderator Long stated that we will be hearing from the Chairman of the Alternative Energy Committee, Chairman of the Sidewalk Committee and Chairman of the Finance Committee this evening.

Mr. Long also mentioned that articles will be taken out of order this evening and proceeded to have the tellers distribute material to members.

Article 1. To hear and act on reports of Committees.

Joanne Vannah, Chairman of the Alternative Energy Committee, reviewed her handout and thanked members of the committee as well as town officials and departments for all of their hard work and cooperation. Ms. Vannah invited all interested parties to attend a monthly discussion group, held at the Saugus Public Library. The next scheduled meeting is June 13 at 7:00 p.m.

Peter Manoogian, Chairman of the Sidewalk Committee then discussed the progress his committee has taken and thanks the members for their dedication, which is reflected by the good attendance at these meetings.

Robert Palleschi, Chairman of the Finance Committee reviewed the Finance Committee recommendations, noting that since March, there has been much uncertainty regarding financial issues.

Mr. Palczynski moved to take Articles 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15, 14, 16, 17, 18 and 24 out of order.

Seconded at 8:19 p.m.

Vote to take articles out of order.

Yeas: 38 Nays 0 at 8:19 p.m.

Articles will be taken out of order.

Mr. Lawrence moves, as a courtesy to the Town Manager, Article 4.

Seconded at 8:21 p.m.

Article as written:

Article 4. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, borrow or transfer from available funds, a sum of money to be expended under the direction of the School Building Committee for repairs, including all costs incidental or related thereto, to the Belmonte Middle School, located at 25 Dow Street, Saugus, MA, 01906, which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, and for which the Town may be eligible for a school construction grant from the Massachusetts School Building Authority (“MSBA”). The MSBA's grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the Town incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the Town. Any grant that the Town may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) 51.2 percent (%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA. (Town Manager)

Town Manager Andrew Bisignani, stated that this article was written by Bond Counsel and that a description of the project was mailed to each town meeting member. Mr. Bisignani asked for permission to allow Mr. Daniel Travares, Owners Project Manager and Architect, to speak on the project.

Seeing no objections, Mr. Daniel Travares of 50 Mayflower Dr., in Seekonk, MA, gave an overview of the project. Mr. Travares further discussed some of the critical areas in the school that will be addressed, such as the water infiltration problems; hazardous material such as insulation; architectural upgrades such as handicapped elevators and stairs; and other safety factors. Replacing the roof, sky lights, windows and the automatic fire protection and alarm systems will also take place and upgrades to the plumbing and electrical will reduce energy costs as well.

Mr. Timothy Hawkes asked if any consideration has been given to Green concepts in the renovation. Mr. Travares replied yes, but since this is strictly a repair project, they must improve the building and costs would not cover an entirely new green facility.

Ms. Debra Panetta, questioned construction mark-up costs, which Mr. Travares explained. George Moriello asked about the heating system being changed and traffic concerns at the Belmonte Middle School. Town Manager Bisignani stated that the building was already converted to gas and underground tanks have been removed, which saved approximately $30,000 in heating costs this year. As far as the traffic issue goes, that has not been addressed and unfortunately, is an issue at all of the schools.

Peter Manoogian stated that he supports the article, as it will be an educational benefit to teachers and students alike and will help create a more conducive learning environment. Mr. Manoogian then asked for an explanation of the non-reimbursable amount of $297,500 and for it to be written into the minutes.

Mr. Travares explained that the amount of $297,500.00 is the cost estimate to abate the vinyl asbestos tile, which is considered an ineligible cost by the MSBA. Mr. Travares further explained that the MSBA does not pay for removal of the tiles in any school district throughout the Commonwealth. However, they will pay a portion for a new floor. Mr. Travares stated that all of this is reflected in the bottom line numbers.

Ann Devlin asked if this was an appropriate time to insert solar panels on the school and consider other Green issues while renovating, to which the Town Manager answered that the committee would look into it.

Mr. Bisignani then asked for support of the article, stating that the value of the community directly related to the quality of education system.

Peter Manoogian asked for a Roll Call Vote.

Article as voted:

Article 4. Voted That the Town appropriate the sum of $18,937,633.00 Dollars for repairs, including all costs incidental or related thereto, to the Belmonte Middle School, located at 25 Dow Street, Saugus, MA, 01906, which proposed repair project would materially extend the useful life of the school and preserve an asset that otherwise is capable of supporting the required educational program, said sum to be expended under the direction of the School Building Committee, and to meet said appropriation the Treasurer with the approval of the Selectmen, is authorized to borrow said sum under M.G.L. Chapter 44, or any other enabling authority; that the Town acknowledges that the Massachusetts School Building Authority’s (“MSBA”) grant program is a non-entitlement, discretionary program based on need, as determined by the MSBA, and any project costs the Town incurs in excess of any grant approved by and received from the MSBA shall be the sole responsibility of the Town; provided further that any grant that the Town may receive from the MSBA for the Project shall not exceed the lesser of (1) 51.2 percent (%) of eligible, approved project costs, as determined by the MSBA, or (2) the total maximum grant amount determined by the MSBA; and that the amount of borrowing authorized pursuant to this vote shall be reduced by any grant amount set forth in the Project Funding Agreement that may be executed between the Town and the MSBA.

Atkinson, Ronald	Y	Leuci, Janet M.	Y
Attubato, Joseph	Y	Long, Robert J.
Bartolo, Jean M.	Y	Lopresti, Anthony J.	A
Billingsley, Stacy A.	A	Malone, Barbara J.	Y
Boesel, Edward S.W.	Y	Maltais, Sean A.	Y
Brooks, Wayne C.	Y	Manoogian, Peter Z., Sr.	Y
Cecere, Rodney G.	Y	McCarthy, Stephen F.	A
Connors, Arthur D., Jr.	A	McLaughlin, Patricia	Y
Cox, Robert J.	Y	Moriello, George T.	Y
Dever, Maureen P.	Y	Moschella, Dennis J.	A
Devlin, F. Ann	Y	Moses, Jeffrey D., Sr.	Y
DiNardo, Albert J.	Y	Nelson, Stephen A.	A
Dockery, Michael	Y	Nicholson, John H.
Faiella, Ellen L.	Y	Palczynski, Joseph, Jr.	Y
Falasca, Thomas A.	A	Panetta, Debra	Y
Gill, Charles F.	Y	Petkewich, Paul M.	Y
Goodwin, Pamela J.	Y	Politano, Kimberly A.	Y
Grande, Robert E.	Y	Ring, Darren S.	Y
Greene, Michael R.	A	Rodenhiser, Joyce C.	Y
Groark, Laura Z.	Y	Rossetti, Peter A., Jr.	Y
Hansen, John N.	Y	Serino, Angelo, Jr.	Y
Hawkes, Timothy R.	Y	Smith, Rick A.	Y
Hoffman, Robert D.	A	Sullivan, Betty Ann	Y
Johnson, Patricia Anne	Y	Sweezey, Stephen D.	Y
Lawrence, Raymond F.	Y	Vecchio, Matthew J.	A

Yeas: 38 Nays: 0 at 8:55 p.m.

Article 4 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Mr. Palczynski moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 9.

Seconded at 8:58 p.m.

Article as written:

Article 9. 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 9. 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 8:59 p.m.

Article 9 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Mr. Lawrence moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 10.

Seconded at 8:59.5 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 9:00 p.m.

Article 10 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee

Mr. Palczynski moves as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 11.

Seconded at 9:00.5 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 9:01 p.m.

Article 11 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Mr. Lawrence moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, Article 12.

Seconded at 9:02 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.

Unanimous voice vote at 9:02.5 p.m.

Article 12 passes as recommended by the Finance Committee.

Mr. Palczynski moves, as a courtesy to the Finance Committee, to Indefinitely Postpone Article 15.

Seconded at 9:03 p.m.

Article 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate or transfer from available funds or authorize through borrowing a sum of money for the purpose of: Removing the ASPHALT that was installed last fall in the sidewalks on Hamilton Street, Saugus, Massachusetts, and replace the asphalt with CEMENT CONCRETE SIDEWALKS. (Theresa L. Lehane)

Mrs. Theresa L. Lehane of 24 Burrill Street, Saugus, MA asked to be heard. Mrs. Lehane, who is the sponsor of the Article, explained her reasoning and reviewed information regarding the time line of the Hamilton Street reconstruction project. Mrs. Lehane explained that she understood that concrete was to be used for the sidewalks on the project, not asphalt and expressed her desire for the asphalt currently down be removed and have the concrete sidewalks replace it, even if it is just on one side of the street.

Debra Panetta applauds the maker of the article, as she did an outstanding job presenting and researching the information in the article, and asks for an explanation as to why the asphalt was used instead of the concrete?

Town Manager Bisignani responded by stating that there were several public meetings that had been advertised and opened to the public, where issues were discussed and plans were amended and modified. The issue of materials to be used was discussed and the town moved forward without hearing anything about concrete sidewalks, as this issue just came up with in the last few weeks.

Mr. Paul Ross, of CDM, who resides at 30 Coolidge Rd., Danvers, MA, was allowed to speak and answer questions on the subject. Mr. Ross explained that the focus was to put the project together for the Hamilton Street project and it was decided at the time of the public forums during last spring and into the summer how they would proceed. The asphalt should last approximately 15 – 20 years, with granite curbing.

Peter Manoogian spoke on the article, as well as Pamela Goodwin, who asked what the life difference in these two products would estimate to be. Mr. Ross stated that Asphalt should last between 15-20 years and concrete between 25-30 years. However, it is difficult to predict due to many factors, including weather conditions.

Town Manager Bisignani reminded everyone of our financial predicament this year, stating that he is very hesitant to recommend additional funds be spent under the current financial conditions of the Town. Some side steets have been ripped up during construction, and if they are not fixed soon, it will pose financial implications in the future.

Edward S.W. Boesel and Mr. Manoogian had further discussions on the subject, while Steven Sweezey noted that money has already been used and to rip up and replace a project that is almost complete is a waste of the tax payer's money.

Mrs. Lehane stated her opinion that there was no comparison between asphalt and concrete.

Mr. Rick Smith let it be known that this project has taken long enough and that plenty of public meetings were held, at which time this issue could have been discussed. However, at this time, the side streets need to be addressed and it simply comes down to money. These are tough financial times and we must be fair and equitable. Mr. Smith noted that the only complaint he’s heard on the project was that it needs to speed up.

Maureen Dever noted that she too attended several meetings on the project and doesn’t recall any discussions on concrete or asphalt being used. Ms. Dever stated that she must advocate for those living on the streets that are in need of repair and asks to please support the Finance Committee’s recommendation to Indefinitely Postpone the article.

Paul Petkewich, Peter Manoogian, Mr. Ross, Robert Cox and George Moriello all continued discussion on the article.

Ronald Atkinson moves the question.

Seconded at 9:45 p.m.

Mr. Long noted that a 2/3 vote is required to move the question.

Vote to Move the question.

Yeas: 21 Nays: 16 at 9:46 p.m.

A 2/3 vote is not obtained, therefore the question is NOT moved.

Town Manager Bisignani noted that the removal of the asphalt will cost the tax payers money, approximately $15,000, and asks to support indefinite postponement.

Mrs. Leuci makes a motion to table article 15.

Seconded at 9:50 p.m.

Vote to Table.

Yeas: 8 Nays: 30 at 9:51 p.m.

Article 15 is NOT tabled.

Mrs. Dever noted that everyone wants to do the right thing, but Hamilton Street residents need to have the roads repaired and asks for a roll call vote on the article.

A Vote came on Indefinite Postponement of Article 15.

Atkinson, Ronald	Y	Leuci, Janet M.	Y
Attubato, Joseph	Y	Long, Robert J.
Bartolo, Jean M.	N	Lopresti, Anthony J.	A
Billingsley, Stacy A.	A	Malone, Barbara J.	Y
Boesel, Edward S.W.	Y	Maltais, Sean A.	Y
Brooks, Wayne C.	Y	Manoogian, Peter Z., Sr.	N
Cecere, Rodney G.	Y	McCarthy, Stephen F.	A
Connors, Arthur D., Jr.	A	McLaughlin, Patricia	Y
Cox, Robert J.	Y	Moriello, George T.	Y
Dever, Maureen P.	Y	Moschella, Dennis J.	A
Devlin, F. Ann	Y	Moses, Jeffrey D., Sr.	N
DiNardo, Albert J.	Y	Nelson, Stephen A.	A
Dockery, Michael	Y	Nicholson, John H.
Faiella, Ellen L.	Y	Palczynski, Joseph, Jr.	Y
Falasca, Thomas A.	A	Panetta, Debra	N
Gill, Charles F.	Y	Petkewich, Paul M.	Y
Goodwin, Pamela J.	N	Politano, Kimberly A.	Y
Grande, Robert E.	Y	Ring, Darren S.	Y
Greene, Michael R.	A	Rodenhiser, Joyce C.	Y
Groark, Laura Z.	Y	Rossetti, Peter A., Jr.	Y
Hansen, John N.	Y	Serino, Angelo, Jr.	Y
Hawkes, Timothy R.	Y	Smith, Rick A.	Y
Hoffman, Robert D.	A	Sullivan, Betty Ann	Y
Johnson, Patricia Anne	Y	Sweezey, Stephen D.	Y
Lawrence, Raymond F.	Y	Vecchio, Matthew J.	A

Yeas: 33 Nays: 5 at 9:55 p.m.

Article 15 is Indefinitely Postponed.

Mr. Palczynski moves to Indefinitely Postpone Article 14.

Seconded at 9:56 p.m.

Article as written:

Article 14. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to pay costs of paving streets contiguous to Hamilton Street, including the payment of all costs incidental and related thereto; to determine whether this amount should be raised by borrowing or otherwise, or to take any other action relative thereto. (Town Manager)

Moderator Long explained that due to the correspondence received by Edwards Angell Palmer & Dodge, Article 14 is no longer necessary.

Maureen Dever requests that Article 14 be referred back to the Selectmen.

Mr. Palczynski amends his motion to have the article referred back to the Board of Selectmen.

Seconded at 9:57 p.m.

Vote to refer Article 14 back to the Board of Selectmen.

Yeas: 36 Nays: 0 at 9:59 p.m.

Article 14 is referred back to the Board of Selectmen.

Mr. Boesel moves to adjourn tonight’s meeting to Monday, May 16^th at the Town Hall Auditorium at 7:30 p.m.

Seconded at 10:00 p.m.

Unanimous voice vote to adjourn to Monday, May 16, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.