BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES

JULY 17, 2006

 

Present:          Arnold Wilson, Chairman

                        Ted Goodwin

                        Steven Halterman

                        James Malloy, Town Administrator

 

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. following the Pledge of Allegiance.

 

Revenue/Expenditure Update

 

The Board had asked J. Malloy for an update on where the Town stands relative to the FY07 budget and projected tax levy and Proposition 2 ½.  He submitted an updated spreadsheet (copy on file) that shows that the Town is approximately $48,500 under the Proposition 2 ½ limit with the application of $275,000 from free cash.  This creates a situation where in FY08 the budget process will start with an operating deficit of approximately $226,000.  These figures continue to include $75,000 for resolution of labor contracts which he assumes will not be resolved prior to the tax rate being set this year.  This should be accounted for in setting the tax rate because at some later point this year, after free cash is certified, it will be necessary to appropriate from free cash to pay the costs of the labor contracts for police and fire, and this will simply add to the operating deficit that needs to be made up in FY08. 

 

J. Malloy noted that there was a large increase in possible education aid, and the lottery revenues are uncapped this year, which will not happen next year.  He said that without doing any hard calculations, he estimates that next year’s budget process will be difficult, with a shortfall of between $600,000 and $1 million.  There will be another large increase from Tantasqua in FY08.  He noted that growth is stagnant, with the exception of property taxes.  A.Wilson said that the schools take the biggest part of the expenditure, and suggested that when discussions begin about budgets for ensuing years, it should be pointed out that the schools should not be offering substantial bonuses for retiring teachers. 

 

Shah Sewer Connection

 

J. Malloy submitted to the Board the minutes from February and March of this year, and the email that was read into the record on March 6th (copies on file) that summarizes this issue.  He reviewed Mr. Shah’s submission from February and the handout that he had submitted at the last Selectmen’s meeting, and found that they are identical; therefore, it doesn’t appear that there has been any change in regard to the original request. 

 

Old Business

 

J. Malloy spoke with the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife and expects Berry Corner Road to be cleaned up shortly.  They plan to place boulders or some other means of blocking the road to vehicle traffic. 

 

J. Malloy said that the OSV property can’t be open to the public until the buildings have been demolished.  He noted that one of the buildings is collapsing and hangs over the lake.  He said that he will contact Town Counsel about appointing the ad hoc committee to deal with it.

 

A.Wilson suggested that the September work session be devoted to brainstorming for land management.  J. Malloy said that he would invite the Recreation Committee to be in attendance at 6:30 p.m. that night to discuss parks and recreation fields. 

 

Ed Goodwin suggested sending a DPW crew to mow the existing roads at the OSV parcel with a brush hog because they are full of ticks.

 

New Business

 

A.Wilson said that he would not be able to attend the work session scheduled for August 14th. 

 

MOTION:       To cancel the work session on August 14, 2006, by T. Goodwin.

            2nd:     S. Halterman

            Vote:  All in favor.

 

A.Wilson asked for a representative to serve on the School Budget Committee.  T. Goodwin suggested postponing that until H. White and W. Emrich could also be present. 

 

A.Wilson said that at the Zoning Study Committee meeting, it was noted that there are no bylaws relative to putting dirt into a lot, only its removal. 

 

Ask the Selectmen

 

S. Halterman said that there was one call, asking whether the Community Calendar will go back on cable TV.  J. Malloy said that the system needs a specific card, which he ordered last week. 

 

S. Halterman said that there was a second question regarding health insurance for the former Superintendent of Schools.  There was a newspaper article which stated that the Town will cover her health insurance until she gets a new job.  J. Malloy said that the Town will not pay it; the school district may pay for that.  A.Wilson suggested that the caller direct her question to the School Committee members from Sturbridge.  J. Malloy suggested that she contact Ron Levine.

 

MOTION:       To convene in executive session under MGL Chapter 39, §23B, Paragraph #3:  To discuss strategy with respect to collective bargaining or litigation; and Paragraph #6:  To consider the purchase, exchange, taking, lease or value of real property; and to invite the Conservation Commission and Board of Health to attend the executive session; not to reconvene in open session, by T. Goodwin.

            2nd:     A.Wilson

            Roll call vote:  All in favor.

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                        Judy Knowles

 

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BOS Clerk                                         Date