MINUTES OF MEETING OF SELECTMEN/SEWER COMMISSIONERS
Date of Meeting: April 6, 2004
Date of Transcription: April 12, 2004
Transcribed by: Kelly Barrasso
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN
Chairman Chamberlain called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M.
A. Roll Call
Selectmen Present: Cindy Chamberlain, Chairman
Patrick G. Tropeano, Clerk
Mary Jane Pillsbury
Renee Fernandes-Abbott
Bruce Sauvageau
Present: Michael Hartman, Town Administrator (Arrived at 7:05 P.M.)
NOTE: The meeting proceeded w/ item III. Citizens Participation. (NONE)
Administrator arrived at this time.
II. CAMP, DRESSER & MCKEE UPDATE
Present before the Board: Gerald Furrier, CDM
Mark Gifford, Municipal Maintenance Director
Mr. Furrier updated the Board on the following:
WPCF Update:
- Last WPCF Committee meeting held on 3/12/04.
- WPCF Committee/Sewer Commissioners meeting.
- Construction update.
- Cost & schedule update.
Mr. Furrier discussed the headworks building update, the filter building, & the operations building modifications. He discussed the displacement of staff issues that have been resolved. He discussed the Administration building issues that are being rectified. He discussed the equalization basins. He stated the contractor has said that he is on schedule & CDM is monitoring this matter. He stated CDM is also tracking the sub-total of Change Orders, which is presently at 2%.
Mr. Gifford stated that EPA & DEP representatives would be touring the plant & future sewer sites. Mr. Furrier stated that Change Order #6 would be forthcoming.
Weweantic Shores Sewers:
- Pre-construction meeting held on 3/31/04.
- Construction material on-site.
- Excavation planned for week of 4/19/04.
- CDM Chief Resident Engineer is James Brodeur.
- Letter to property owners going out starting tomorrow.
- Construction schedule update.
Selectman Tropeano expressed concern re: low water table in this area & residents pumping water into the street. He asked if monitoring will be conducted & how this will be done. Mr. Furrier stated the contractor has considered raising the pipeline in a few areas. He stated a policy could be established requiring an inspection be done prior to any connection & homes will w/ sump pumps will be identified. He stated that monitors could be put in at night as another option.
Discussion ensued re: flow meters & if they may be needed.
Rose Point/Briarwood Beach/ Beaver Dam Estates Sewers:
- Preliminary design complete by 4/15/04.
- DEP sewer extension permit to be submitted early 5/04.
- Bid project(s) in 7/04 (pending permit approvals).
- Rose Point construction substantially complete by 6/30/06.
Mr. Furrier stated that the gas company has yet to respond re: the coordination of services. He stated this is still being worked on.
Infiltration/Inflow Control Plan:
- Due to DEP & EPA 4/30/04.
- Continuous flow monitoring in Spring 2005.
Other Issues:
- Reviewing sewer By-Law for grinder pump connections.
- Miscellaneous reviews.
Mr. Furrier stated that Rose Point might have to have grinder pumps due to their location.
Mr. Gifford stated that the Commonwealth of MA opened bids for the Dummy/Main Bridge project. He stated the low bid was $2.2 million. He stated a pre-construction meeting will be held shortly & construction will commence this summer w/ a 7/06-completion date.
III. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
(DONE)
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
C1. Authorization to sign bills, documents, etc.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved the BOS sign invoice from Kopelman & Paige for professional services through 1/31/04 in the amount of $16,787.24. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
NOTE: The motions were w/drawn for further review of the invoice.
C2. Approval of minutes of previous meetings: 10/14/03, 11/18/03, 2/10/04 & 3/9/04.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved the BOS approve the minutes of 11/18/03, 2/10/04, & 10/14/03. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
NOTE: The minutes of 3/9/04 were not voted upon.
V. DISCUSSION W/ FINANCE COMMITTEE
Present before the BOS: Geoffrey Swett, FinCom Chairman
Bill Heaney, FinCom Member
Mr. Swett discussed the debt for FY05 excluding Enterprise Fund debt & Middle School debt. He stated there is a total of $2.4 million in principal & interest. He discussed when specific debt would come off the books as an expense.
Mr. Swett discussed Town expenses & supplied a bar graph of the past five-year’s expenses & upcoming year to the BOS members. He discussed various decreases to increases & expenses.
Mr. Swett discussed police budget overtime.
Mr. Swett discussed the school-side piece of the budget vs. five years ago.
Mr. Swett discussed the revenue of the Town vs. five years ago.
Administrator stated what makes up local receipts.
Mr. Swett discussed growth, Chapter 70, State aid, & lottery monies. Discussion ensued re: lottery monies.
Mr. Swett discussed free cash & the Stabilization Fund.
Mr. Swett discussed non-net school funding (transportation).
Mr. Swett discussed retirement costs & medical benefit costs.
Mr. Swett discussed the Upper Cape Cod Vocational School figure.
VI. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
(NONE)
VII. LICENSES & PERMITS
A. Application for new Junk Dealer License - Gold World, Inc., 3112 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham, MA.
Discussion ensued re: this license.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved the BOS approve the application of Gold World, Inc., 3112 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham, MA for a Junk Dealer License under the stipulation that the section of the Articles of Organization (pg. 2A) at this time be restricted to such (what the Articles of Organization states). Selectman Pillsbury seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
NOTE: The meeting proceeded w/ item IX. Business - B. Article 18 - Dr. Charles Gleason.
Present before the BOS: Dr. Charles Gleason
Mr. Gleason stated the land in this article was part of a larger piece many years ago. He stated when Charge Pond was put in the land was divided. He stated one piece is now the YMCA property & the other is across the street. He stated this land could be utilized for many things, including a bike trail.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 18 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Pillsbury seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
NOTE: The meeting proceeded w/ item IX. Business - C. Any other business - 1. Discussion of Town Meeting Warrant articles.
Articles 25, 26, 27, & 28 - Community Preservation
Present before the BOS: Mary McFadden, Community Preservation Committee
Ms. McFadden stated the monies being requested in these articles does not come out of the Town’s budget. She stated it comes out of the Community Preservation budget approved at the prior Town Meeting.
Article 25 - Community Preservation Budget
Ms. McFadden stated this article requests $999,220. She provided a breakdown for this money & what it will be used for.
Article 26 - Land Acquisition - Elm Street Property
Ms. McFadden stated this land is the Tremont Nail property. She stated $126,594 is for the 10% down payment & bonding. She stated debt service would be requested in the future.
Article 27 - Land Acquisition - Bryant Farm Property
Ms. McFadden stated this property is the Bryant Farm property w/ an appraised value of $725,000. She stated, through negotiations, it could be purchased for $600,000. She stated $529,000 is being requested at this time & an additional $75,000 has been raised already for the balance.
Article 28 - Land Acquisition - Minot Avenue Property
Ms. McFadden stated this property is an archeological site on the Agawam River, which abuts the Bryant property in Article 27. She stated up to $50,000 is being requested w/ commitments from other entities to purchase the property.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 25 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant in the amount of $999,220. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 26 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant in the amount of $126,594. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 27 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant in the amount of $529,000. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: (4-0-1)
Selectman Chamberlain abstained
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 28 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant in the amount of $50,000. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
NOTE: The meeting proceeded w/ item IX. Business - A. Cranberry Court 40B project presentation.
Present before the BOS: Michael Shane
Roland Dupont
Paula Stuart
Lyman Louis
Pam Sequeria
Mr. Shane stated this project is proposed for a six-acre parcel located on Cranberry Highway. He stated a 40-unit project is requested. He stated he looked at a rental-housing proposal, but it wasn’t feasible to do, so he is proposing market rate units & affordable units.
Mr. Shane discussed in depth the proposed project, which will be four units w/in one building. He displayed pictures of the proposed housing.
Mr. Shane discussed the afford ability of some of the units. He stated after discussions w/ Town officials, he was asked to maybe provide more units that will add more affordable units. He discussed his experience. He stated that the affordable units will be priced at approx. $150,000 & there will be 14 affordable units & 48 total units. He stated originally, there were to be 40 total units, ten of which were to be affordable.
Selectman Sauvageau expressed concern re: units adding to the Town’s housing stock & the amount of proposed affordable units don’t help the Town reach the required 10% affordable housing percentage. Mr. Shane stated he has downscaled the project after meeting w/ Town officials. Mr. Dupont stated that six units are ADA compliant. He stated he looked at the impact of the Town’s By-Laws & density. He stated he has followed many of the Town’s existing By-Laws for this project, except for the issue of density, and thus, will not be requesting other variances.
Selectman Tropeano stated that cluster zoned homes need to tie into the Town’s sewer system & not have septic systems. Mr. Dupont stated he is not considering this project a cluster development. He stated he would speak to the Board of Health agent re: this matter.
Selectman Tropeano discussed the negative impacts this project will have on the Town. Discussion ensued. Mr. Dupont stated he could look at putting in some age restricted units. Brief discussion ensued.
Selectman Sauvageau discussed other negative impacts this project will have on the Town, for example, financial burdens to the Town.
Discussion ensued re: commercial development & how this would be a positive impact to the Town.
Selectman Fernandes-Abbott expressed concern re: this project’s impact on the Town’s infrastructure & that it abuts two large housing projects in Town.
Mr. Shane expressed his willingness to work w/ the Town. Discussion cont’d. re: the project.
Ms. Sequeria of the Town’s Housing Authority stated people are looking for two bedroom units. Ms. Stuart stated Mr. Shane is looking for people who already live in Town to live in these units.
Lengthy discussion ensued re: various matters relative to this project.
The BOS members discussed whether they want 40 units w/ ten being affordable or if they would prefer 48 units w/ 14 units being affordable. Discussion ensued re: what these two design options would look like.
NOTE: The meeting proceeded w/ item IX. Business - C. Any other business - 1. Discussion of Town Meeting Warrant articles.
Annual Warrant Articles:
Article 5 - Elected Officials Salaries
Administrator stated the following is requested: Selectmen $0, Town Moderator $118 per diem, & Town Clerk $42,739.
MOTION: Selectman Fernandes-Abbott moved Favorable Action on Article 5 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 7 - Upper Cape Cod Regional Vocational School
Administrator stated the budget figure is $1,709,585.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 7 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Pillsbury seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 8 - WPCF Enterprise Fund
Administrator stated the budget figure is $4,339,543.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 8 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Pillsbury seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 9 - EMS Wages & Salaries
Administrator stated the amount is $678,222.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 8 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 10 - Camp Lakota
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 10 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 11 - Recreation Revolving Fund
Administrator stated the amount is $120,000.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 11 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 12 - Recycling Revolving Fund
Administrator stated the amount is $25,000.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 12 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 13 - Shellfish Revolving Fund
Administrator stated the amount is $20,000.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 13 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 14 - Transportation Revolving Fund
Administrator stated the amount is $170,000.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 14 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 15 - Minot Forest Revolving Fund
Discussion ensued re: if money is in this revolving account
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved No Action on Article 15 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 16 - Capital Improvements
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved No Action on Article 16 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 17 - Chapter 90 Funds
Administrator stated the amount is $333,548.48.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 17 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 20 - Cape Cod Child Development Corp.
Administrator stated the amount is $10,800.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 20 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 21 - New Bedford Women’s Shelter
Administrator stated the amount is $2,000.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 21 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 24 - Transfer to Conservation Trust Fund
Administrator stated the amount is $10,000.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 24 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 30 - South Shore Women’s Shelter
Administrator stated the amount is $2,000.
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 30 of the 4/26/04 Annual Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Special Warrant Articles:
Article 3 - Acquisition of Land - Minot Avenue Property
MOTION: Selectman Fernandes-Abbott moved No Action on Article 3 of the 4/26/04 Special Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Tropeano seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 2 - Unpaid Bills
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 2 of the 4/26/04 Special Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 4 - Thatcher Lane Extension
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 4 of the 4/26/04 Special Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Article 5 - Zoning By-Law Amendment
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved Favorable Action on Article 5 of the 4/26/04 Special Town Meeting Warrant. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
VIII. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. Town Meeting dates (See agenda).
B. BOS Meeting dates during Town Meeting (See agenda).
C. The Conservation Commission will be holding a public hearing on Article 6 of the Special Town Meeting Warrant on 4/12/04 at 6:30 P.M. in Room 228 of the Multi-Service Center.
D. MA Highway & the Town have commenced w/ street sweeping efforts.
IX. BUSINESS
A. Done
B. Done
C. Any other business.
1. Country Pine Estates.
Selectman Tropeano discussed plan for Country Pine Estates project & stated it will be a long process to allow for lot use. He read a letter from the Planning Board into the record expressing concerns re: these lots. Brief discussion ensued.
MOTION: Selectman Pillsbury moved that said letter be forwarded to the Clerk to sign. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: (4-0-1)
Selectman Chamberlain abstained
MOTION: Selectman Pillsbury moved that the meeting go beyond the hour of 10:00 P.M. to complete the agenda. Selectman Tropeano seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
2. BOS videotaped meetings.
Selectman Tropeano discussed concerns of citizens re: the sound quality of the taped BOS meetings that are aired on cable.
3. Lottery diversions.
Chairman Chamberlain asked the BOS to allow her to write a letter to the Legislature to support the MMA re: issue w/ lottery diversions. The BOS members concurred to authorize the Chair to write said letter.
4. Accelerated school project payments.
Chairman Chamberlain spoke re: letter received from the Administrator of Seekonk asking the BOS’s support of House Bill 4484 for accelerated school project payments. The BOS concurred to support this Bill.
X. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
1. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott - Stated at Candidate’s Night she was asked a question as to why the Land Trust was taken off the Town’s 61A policy. She stated her answer at that time might have been overzealous. She stated the correct answer to this question is that back in 2/03 the Administrator asked the BOS to rescind the whole policy completely because it wasn’t working as designed. She stated this policy would be looked at further.
Present before the BOS: David Stone, Community Preservation Committee
Mr. Stone commented on the law re: 61A assignments. Brief discussion ensued.
Selectman Fernandes-Abbott stated that the Carver, Marion, Wareham District has announced that DEP is requiring the Marion transfer station’s landfill to be capped, thus this transfer station will be closed on 5/2/04. She stated a new transfer station would be built elsewhere. She stated notices would be mailed out to residents. She stated in the interim, household waste & recycling could be brought to the station in Rochester. She stated the compost area in Marion would remain open as well as the Town’s recycling center. She added that the issue of refunds would be discussed in the future.
XI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Selectman Tropeano moved to adjourn the meeting at 10:15 P.M. Selectman Sauvageau seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (5-0-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Kelly Barrasso
Kelly Barrasso, Transcriptionist
The foregoing minutes were submitted to the Board of Selectmen/Sewer Commissioners for their approval on July 20, 2004.
Attest: Patrick G. Tropeano
Patrick G. Tropeano, Clerk
BOARD OF SELECTMEN
Date signed: 7/20/04
Date copy sent to Wareham Free Library: 7/21/04
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