BOARD OF SELECTMEN

MINUTES

FEBRUARY 25, 2008

Present:          Hal White

Ted Goodwin

Arnold Wilson

William Emrich

James Malloy, Town Administrator

The Chairman called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

Town Meeting Warrant Articles

Article 25:     Community Preservation – Recreation

Lynne Girouard, Recreation Coordinator, appeared before the Board.  J. Malloy said that there was a question regarding the playground equipment and its cost.  L. Girouard said that the upgrade to the playground will stay in the same footprint that currently exists.  She said that both of the slides are not in compliance with state regulations, and the jungle gym is missing some nuts and bolts.  She noted that they need an additional 6 inches of blue playground surfacing material to meet state guidelines.  She said that there is state of the art equipment available that is ADA compliant, and they are looking into shade shelter as well.  She said that there are seven components that are able to be used by handicapped participants.  She said that they are looking into the use of CPA funds, and they have the support of the Moms Club of Sturbridge.

J. Malloy said that the cost will be approximately $51,385.

MOTION:       To support Article 25, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 44:     South Pond Weed Treatment

Carl and Judy Nielsen of QQLA appeared before the Board.  J. Nielsen requested $2,000 from the Town to support the work that they are currently doing to control weeds in the lakes and preserve water quality.  She informed the Board that they have also requested a 319 grant.  She noted that $25,000 has been earmarked for Quaboag this year, and next year they will apply for a grant for South Pond.  She submitted their budget information to the Board.  They have raised and spent approximately $150,000.  C. Nielsen said that 50% of the residents who use the lake live in Sturbridge.  He noted that fanwort is a particularly dangerous weed and is an expensive weed to eradicate, and milfoil is an ongoing management problem.  J. Nielsen said that they are considering an alum treatment, and raising the weir 18” higher.  She said that the town of Brookfield donated $10,000 to the lake association.  She stressed the need to have it as a line item.

A.Wilson asked whether South Pond has an ADA handicapped accessible beach.  C. Nielson said that there is a boat ramp that is ADA accessible, named after a quadriplegic named Woodard, who uses the ramp.  A.Wilson asked whether the pond has a dam that could be used to lower the water level.  J. Nielsen said that there is no dam.

W. Emrich noted that the expenses paid in 2007 by QQLA were $18,000; this year the expenses are about $20,350.  He asked whether they expect to continue to come to the town for support for weed control in the future.  J. Nielsen said that the weed problem is getting bigger, and they need support from the towns.

H. White asked how much money is raised by the residents.  J. Nielsen said about $10,000 is raised with their lotto and other fundraisers.  A.Wilson asked whether they share monitoring facts with the Conservation Commission.  J. Nielsen said that she sends the Conservation Commission a report at the end of the year.  C. Nielsen added that they have reports going back to the 1980s regarding water quality control.

W. Emrich suggested increasing fees for people who live on the lake to $160, which would bring in $20,000/year to cover expenses.  C. Nielsen said that the lake belongs to the state and the town, and is a public facility and an asset to the community.  J. Nielsen said that the lake is a public piece of property that is there to be used and enjoyed by everyone in the state.  C. Nielsen said that residents do their share, including pulling weeds, etc.  W. Emrich said that if each person paid $100 more in fees, then this expense would be covered.  T. Goodwin noted that there is a Lake Advisory Committee which will address some of these problems.  He expressed concern that residents may lose interest in membership if they are charged an additional $100 in fees.

MOTION:       To support Article 44, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

H. White said that the four lake associations should get together prior to submitting FY10 budget requests and show the Town the big picture regarding costs, membership, etc. to give the Board the full perspective.  Carl and Judy Nielsen said that they look forward to working with the Lake Advisory Committee.

Article 3:       Utilization of Free Cash

It was the consensus of the Board to wait for additional information on the whole budget.

Article 9:       Allocation of Sewer Flow

It was the consensus of the Board to wait until S. Halterman is present before voting on this article.

Article 11:     Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion

MOTION:       That the Board recommends that the Town take no action on Article 11, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 12:     Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion

MOTION:       That the Board recommends that the Town take no action on Article 12, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 13:     Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade and Expansion

MOTION:       That the Board recommends that the Town take no action on Article 13, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 14:     Burgess Elementary School Renovation -- $40.6M

W. Emrich said that there had been a lot of discussion on cost, so the architect had come up with the $17.9M alternative for people who had concerns about the high cost.  He said that his personal feeling is that the $40.6M plan is a better plan, and he would support that one.  He said that the other option would be good for about 10-12 years, then it will need to be addressed again.  A.Wilson said that at some point it will be necessary to find another site and build another separate school.  T. Goodwin suggested making it contingent upon a 30 year debt service.  It was the consensus of the Board to hold action pending further information.

Article 16:     Tree Committee Bylaw

MOTION:       To reconsider the motion to place and support Article 16, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  Three in favor; W. Emrich abstained.

MOTION:       That the Board place and support Article 16, and add the words, “in Chapter 87 of the General Laws,” by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 18:     Zoning Bylaw Amendment – PUBD Bylaw

MOTION:       That the Board recommend no action on Article 18, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 24:     Zoning Bylaw Amendment – PUBD Bylaw

MOTION:       That the Board recommend no action on Article 24, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 29:     Acceptance of MGL Ch. 148, §26H

Article 31:     Acceptance of MGL Ch. 148, §26E

Article 32:     Acceptance of MGL Ch. 148, §26G

J. Malloy suggested inviting Fire Chief Leonard Senecal to meet with the Board.  It was the consensus of the Board to hold action on the articles.

Article 34:     Acceptance of MGL Ch. 41, §19K

W. Emrich said that he is in favor of this type of bonus.  A.Wilson said that this recognizes certification, and gives the employee up to $1,000.  H. White commented that if certifications are required, then the position descriptions should reflect that.  T. Goodwin said that this is a bonus for certification, and felt that it is a good thing to promote.  A.Wilson asked J. Malloy to find out how many towns are doing this.  J. Malloy noted that Article 35 was intended to replace 34.

MOTION:       That the Board recommend no action on Article 34, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 35:     Acceptance of MGL Ch. 41, §19K and §108P and Ch. 59, §21A

It was the consensus of the Board to hold action on Article 35.

Article 38:     Revolving Funds

MOTION:       To support Article 38 with the deletion of the Library on it, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

Article 40:     Sturbridge Area Tourist Association

It was the consensus of the Board to skip over Article 40 for now.

Article 41:     Betterment Committee

MOTION:       That the Board support Article 41, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

J. Malloy announced that the public hearing on the Burgess budget will be held on March 6th at 7:00 p.m. at Burgess Elementary School.  A.Wilson announced that the public hearing on the Tantasqua budget will be held on Wednesday, March 5th at 7:00 p.m. at the Tantasqua High School Library.

Southbridge Landfill

J. Malloy said that the Town of Sturbridge had not been put on notice and the Board of Health was not notified of the meeting in Southbridge.  He informed the Board that Kopelman & Paige represents Southbridge and has a potential conflict.  He asked the Board to consider engaging Mirick O’Connell to represent Sturbridge and what level of involvement they wish to have.  He noted that George Berry would like him to be involved.  T. Goodwin recused himself from the Board.  It was the consensus of the Board to engage Mirick O’Connell and to put the Town of Southbridge on notice.

MOTION:       To engage Mirick O’Connell to deal with this matter, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  Three in favor; T. Goodwin abstained.

T. Goodwin rejoined the Board.

Budget

11222-57000 Board of Selectmen Other Charges

MOTION:       To recommend $2,000, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

11451-51120 Finance Director Dept. Head Salary

It was the consensus of the Board to continue to hold this item.

11611-51130 Town Clerk Salaries/Wages

It was the consensus of the Board to continue to hold this item.

12101-51134 Police Dept. Salaries/Wages Quinn Bill Incentive

MOTION:       To recommend $1,329,000, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

12101-51300 Police Dept. Overtime Expenses

MOTION:       To recommend $175,000, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

12201-51300 Fire Dept. Overtime Expense

It was the consensus of the Board to hold action pending more information.

It was the consensus of the Board to hold action on the open items on pages 9 and 10.

14302-52000 Landfill/Recycling Center Purchase of Services

MOTION:       To recommend $184,020, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

It was the consensus of the Board to hold action on the open items on page 12.

19102-51700 Unclassified Group Insurance

MOTION:       To recommend $955,000, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

19102-51800 Unclassified Worcester Retirement System

MOTION:       To recommend $536,406, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

17102-59189 Debt Service Principal

MOTION:       To add $16,000 to debt service principal for Burgess, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     T. Goodwin

Vote:  All in favor.

17502-59189 Debt Service Interest

MOTION:       To add $3,200 to debt service interest for Burgess, by A.Wilson.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

It was the consensus of the Board to not meet on Wednesday, February 27th.

MOTION:       To adjourn, by T. Goodwin.

2nd:     W. Emrich

Vote:  All in favor.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Judy Knowles

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BOS Clerk                             Date