MINUTES
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
August 26, 2008
Present at the meeting that was held at the Town Building were Selectmen Stephen Dungan, Kathleen Farrell, Jason Robart, and Ellen Sturgis.
Selectman Thomas Ruggiero was absent.
Also present were Town Administrator William Wrigley and Administrative Assistant Susan McLaughlin.
The Board’s Clerk, Ms. Farrell, called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
Public Input
Town Clerk Hathaway noted the lovely new landscaping being done by the Garden Club outside the Town Building.
Chairman’s Comments
None.
Town Administrator’s Report
Mr. Wrigley reported on the following topics:
· After two years, his working group has a preferred and long-term solution to bring water to the Lower Village. Assabet Water Co, with DEP’s support, will run pipe from their existing wells in Harvard Acres. The supply will be extensible to other areas in need, such as Plantation and Pilot Grove. Being an existing supply, there are no permitting worries as with a new supply. Approval is expected in early December.
· The Board will be asked to request the Tree Warden to hold a public hearing on a tree on Whitman Street, which the new Fire Chief finds a public safety concern. A recent accident is one in a series over the years.
At this time, the Board voted to approve a public hearing on the tree at 59 Whitman Street, so moved by Ms. Sturgis; seconded by Mr. Dungan; and with all voting in favor.
· He started a working group on energy purchases and increased efficiency of use, with the public safety department heads and the building commissioner. The group is having regular meetings and doing a review of present practices. The resulting recommendations will be in place for the next budget cycle.
· The Police union contract, which the Board approved earlier in executive session, is ready to sign tonight.
At this time, Board members signed the Police union contract.
· The Southern Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) in Framingham provides low-cost heating fuel. He asked COA Director Alyson Toole to investigate for Stow.
· The Board of Health purchased a portable defibrillator for the Town Building and several employees will be trained in its use this week.
Selectmen’s Committee Appointments
The Board voted to appoint Mr. Dungan to two committees, as follows:
· Ms. Sturgis moved to appoint Mr. Dungan to the Master Plan Committee, with Mr. Ruggiero as his alternate; Mr. Robart seconded; and all voted in favor.
· Ms. Sturgis moved to appoint Mr. Dungan to the Selectmen’s representative on the Local Access Channel Advisory Committee; Mr. Robart seconded; and all voted in favor.
MART Transportation Services
Mr. Wrigley updated the Board on progress toward an agreement between the Town and this regional transport authority. Alyson Toole and Bob Walrath offered MART a draft contract, to which the MART Director has now responded with comments. Ms. Toole and Mr. Wrigley then sent a proposal for the definition of administrative costs and will wait for a response. Both Ms. Toole and COA Chair Jim Sauta would like to keep working with Mart for now, in hopes of reaching a final agreement.
Following discussion, the Board agreed to ask Mr. Wrigley to convey to MART that “the clock is ticking” and the Town wants to conclude this process expeditiously.
Meeting Minutes
· July 8, 2008 Open Session: Mr. Dungan moved to accept the minutes as submitted; Ms. Sturgis seconded; and all voted in favor
· July 8, 2008 Executive Session: Mr. Dungan moved to accept the minutes as submitted; Ms. Sturgis seconded; and all voted in favor.
Ms. Sturgis then moved to release the July 8 Executive Session minutes to the public record; Mr. Dungan seconded; and all voted in favor.
· July 22, 2008: Mr. Dungan moved to accept the minutes as submitted; Ms. Sturgis seconded; and all voted in favor.
· August 12, 2008: Mr. Dungan moved to accept the minutes as amended; Mr. Robart seconded; and all voted in favor.
Selectmen’s Master Planning
During review of the August 12 meeting minutes (above) and again under this topic, there was some discussion on using outside consultants or creating an internal position. At the previous meeting, Mr. Ruggiero suggested they resume discussing the proposed position of a Community Development Director (which was cut from the FY 2009 budget for lack of funds). However, for several reasons, the topic was not scheduled for the evening’s meeting.
In preparation for the September 9 meeting, Ms. Sturgis asked that the Board review a Town Planner description drafted by Mr. Kopczynski, as well as the Community Development Director description written by Mr. Wrigley.
Liaison Reports
None.
Correspondence
· Residents’ proposal for a Stow Energy and Environment Committee: Ms. Farrell asked members to review the proposal and send comments to Ms. McLaughlin. Mr. Wrigley will contact Sharon Brownfield to discuss.
· Noted: OAR letter to DEP re Marlborough wastewater permit.
· Noted: Open Space and Recreation Plan accepted by EOEEA.
· Resident’s request to paint Town Common traffic signal box: Ms. McLaughlin will follow up.
At 8:02 p.m., Mr. Dungan moved to adjourn; Ms. Sturgis seconded; and all voted in favor.
Respectfully submitted,
Susan McLaughlin
Administrative Assistant, Board of Selectmen
Approved as written, September 9, 2008
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