MINUTES OF MEETING OF SELECTMEN/SEWER COMMISSIONERS
Date of Meeting: May 24, 2005
Date of Transcription: May 25, 2005
Transcribed by: Kelly Barrasso
I. CALL MEETING TO ORDER BY CHAIRMAN
Chairman Sauvageau called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M.
MOTION: Selectman Fernandes-Abbott moved to appoint Selectmen Parola as Clerk Pro Tem for this meeting. Selectman Eckstrom seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
A. Roll Call
Selectmen Present: Bruce Sauvageau, Chairman
Cindy Parola, Clerk Pro Tem
Renee Fernandes-Abbott
Brenda Eckstrom
Selectman Absent: Mary Jane Pillsbury
Present: Michael Hartman, Town Administrator
II. BIKE PATH COMMITTEE PRESENTATION
Present before the Board: Ezikiah Manning
Mr. Manning stated he is a junior at Wareham High School. He discussed the proposed bike path. (Attached as reference). He asked the Board’s help w/ a feasibility study & to establish an official Bike Path Committee.
Present before the Board: Alex (Middle School student)
Alex discussed uses of the bike path, which could be utilized by walkers as well as bikers. She expressed the importance of promoting exercise.
Present before the Board: Anna Scott
Ms. Scott stated she is a sophomore at Wareham High School. She stated that the Student Council reviewed the proposed survey to be sent to residents of the Town re: the bike path. (Attached as reference). She stated the High School Honor Society would be tabulating the survey results.
Present before the Board: Ken Pottel, Community Service Director
Mr. Pottel discussed his experience in Fairhaven re: a bike path. He asked the Board’s support in taking certain steps. (Attached as reference). He stated that w/ a regional project such as this where other towns are involved, it creates a bigger impact vs. a single town going it alone.
Mr. Pottel discussed two committees that were created in Fairhaven to deal w/ the bike path. He discussed the differences between the two committees.
Selectman Parola stated that SRPEDD does have a bike path on their long-range plan/goals.
Brief discussion ensued re: cost of a feasibility study & if SRPEDD would pay for this study.
Mr. Pottel discussed the proposed distribution of the survey to businesses & certain areas of the Town. Selectman Parola suggested placing the survey on the Town’s website. The Administrator stated he could do this.
Mr. Pottel discussed the bike path in Fairhaven & how they treated it as a public park. He stated the police patrol it. He stated there is also a feeling of public ownership relative to the bike path so in turn, people also police the path. He stated there have been few problems w/ the bike path.
Chairman Sauvageau discussed municipal issues, such as maintenance, policing, etc. Mr. Pottel stated Selectman Sauvageau could obtain information from the Fairhaven as to how they deal w/ these issues. He added that there were some litigation issues in Fairhaven re: abutters & the bike path. He stated that no easements were taken in Fairhaven for the bike path, although there have been easements taken in other towns for a bike path, for example, Marion.
Chairman Sauvageau stated the Board will take this presentation under consideration and will meet w/ Mr. Pottel again to receive the survey results.
Selectman Fernandes-Abbott asked that Chairman Sauvageau & the Administrator (the Town’s SRPEDD representatives) to discuss w/ SRPEDD the feasibility study & costs to the Town. She also asked that the Board consider the possible creation of a committee. The Board members concurred.
Mr. Pottel stated that this summer there will be an outdoor luncheon in which State Representatives, State Senators, the Board of Selectmen, and possibly even the Governor will be invited to hear more information & to receive input.
III. CDM UPDATE
Present before the Board: Gerald Furrier, CDM
Mr. Furrier updated the Board on the individual grinder pump units vs. gravity sewers for the Briarwood Beach sewer project. (Attached as reference).
Selectman Fernandes-Abbott asked if this new recommendation would impact the number of pump stations. Mr. Furrier stated “no.”
Selectman Parola expressed concern re: de-watering & grinder pumps increasing the costs to residents. Mr. Furrier stated that he understands the concerns. He discussed some challenging aspects that occurred in the Weweantic Shores sewer project. He stated the contractor under the guidance of the engineer could deal w/ the value of de-watering. He discussed concerns w/ conditions of de-watering & the volume of liquid. He stated this would be under the discretion of the Conservation Commission. He stated CDM plans to develop a plan before these issues arise so they can be dealt w/ as they arise if at all.
Mr. Furrier stated he is confidant contractors that will bid on this project can handle the job & take into consideration the special issues.
Chairman Sauvageau stated that the Board met w/ the Sewer Sub-Design Committee in 4/05 & this was a topic of discussion. He stated there has also been discussion w/ residents, especially the 26 residents whose property will be impacted by grinder pumps. He stated there is a large responsibility to the property owners who will have grinder pumps because ultimately it is their responsibility to maintain them. He expressed concern re: the re-sale value of these properties w/ grinder pumps & the nightmarish responsibility it will be for these property owners to maintain these pumps.
Chairman Sauvageau asked CDM to look at two factors:
1. A system that maintains its integrity.
2. Cost to re-design could not be passed to all Briarwood Beach residents.
Discussion ensued re: how to proceed.
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board have CDM modify the Briarwood Beach sewer design to extend gravity sewer to Madison St., Filmore St., Monroe Parkway, & Washington Dr. that were designed for grinder pumps. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
IV. COMMUNITY PRESERVATION COMMITTEE – PLAN UPDATE
Present before the Board: Susan Pizzolato
Donald Hall
Ms. Pizzolato discussed the revised Community Preservation Plan. She highlighted the minor revisions made & the major revision changes to the application process.
Ms. Pizzolato asked the Board to consider & approve the Community Preservation Plan.
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board adopt the Community Preservation application & materials as presented this evening. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
Chairman Sauvageau complimented the Community Preservation Committee for their work in making a daunting application process a little easier. He also announced that the library has received $25,000 from Eastern Bank. He thanked Ms. Pizzolato & Selectman Pillsbury for accepting the money on behalf of the library. Ms. Pizzolato stated that the library hopes to utilize this money by expanding library services into the Onset community.
V. DISCUSSION W/ OBA & POLICE DEPT.
Present before the Board: Kathy Ciacco, OBA
Winna Dean, OBA
Chief Thomas Joyce, Wareham Police Dept.
Lt. Bliss, Wareham Police Dept.
Lt. Arthur Brightman, Wareham Police Dept.
Chairman Sauvageau updated those present relative to six questions the OBA had presented to the Board dealing w/ festival issues & police matters. He stated the OBA didn’t feel the police answered its questions, so the Board suggested this meeting. He proceeded to give guidelines for the discussion.
Chief Joyce stated that he is dismayed that Mr. Kashner approached the Board w/ these questions after the amount of time that was spent dealing w/ these issues by both parties. He stated Mr. Kashner indicated that he would be going before the Board to discuss the funding of services.
Chairman Sauvageau stated the first OBA question is an issue dealing w/ the Blues Festival & the Police Dept.’s recommendation that the event end at 6:00 P.M. vs. 7:30 P.M. Chief Joyce stated that Lt. Bliss couldn’t attend the original meeting w/ the OBA. He stated the OBA never contacted the Police Dept. relative to re-scheduling this meeting so thus, there were no other communications until 3/14/05. He stated at this date, the police did attend an OBA meeting to discuss issues re: the Blues Festival. At this time, the Police Dept.’s recommendation to end the festival at 6:00 P.M. was discussed. He stated the reason for this recommended end time is due to police staffing issues & that clean up after the festival requires police presence. He stated
after this meeting, Mr. Kashner then called Lt. Brightman & then himself to meet. It was stated that the discussion was to be in re: to the end time of the festival.
Chief Joyce also addressed some problems that arose at last year’s festival, such as parking attendants assigned by the OBA & how the Hammond School parking lot was opened to public parking, which created a problem.
Ms. Ciacco stated that the Blues Festival starts at 12:00 noon. She stated there are five bands that will be playing. She stated the contracts w/ these bands were already signed before the police recommendation was made.
Chairman Sauvageau stated, from what Chief Joyce has said, that discussion of this matter was already held. Ms. Ciacco stated that this end time puts the OBA in an awkward situation. Chief Joyce stated there have been other problems the past two years at this festival re: ending the event on time. He stated this creates problems for the police. He stated he stands by the recommendation of ending the festival at 6:00 P.M.
Chairman Sauvageau stated the second OBA question dealt w/ reducing the amount of police staffing at the Blues Festival based on prior year’s staffing levels & increasing costs.
Chief Joyce discussed the prior year’s police staffing & costs for the festival. He discussed prior use of seasonal officers. He addressed what he felt were incorrect cost figures presented by the OBA. He discussed the police figures vs. the OBA figures for services. He discussed the costs associated w/ closing down the area, additional costs for the size of the event, the hours of the event, etc. He also addressed the comparisons made by the OBA re: other events such as the Scallop Festival in Bourne.
Ms. Dean stated that this will be the 13th year of the Blues Festival & that there have never been any major problems, except for the occasional drinking problems. She stated she doesn’t see why the time has to be changed for the end of the festival. Chief Joyce stated that the one-hour end time difference is magnified. He stated from the time the event ends, the police have to spend another two hours dispersing the crowd.
Ms. Ciacco discussed how the OBA determines attendance each year at the festival. Brief discussion ensued.
Lt. Brightman stated that the Cape Verdean Festival & the Swan Festival both end at 6:00 P.M. & have for the past two years. He stated one issue is that the police are present for three shifts during the day. He stated the later an event goes, the more problematic it becomes for the police.
Ms. Ciacco discussed the Town’s economic development & how these events support this goal.
Chairman Sauvageau surmised what each party has said.
VI. CITIZENS PARTICIPATION
Present before the Board: Jim Newman, Veterans Council Chairman
Mr. Newman stated students from the Decas School would be placing flags at the cemetery this Thursday. He stated that the children would be walking along Main St. due to the fact that no bus will be provided. He stated Chief Joyce said he would provide a cruiser to aid the children crossing the street to the cemetery.
Discussion ensued re: the long distance students will have to walk to get to the cemetery. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott expressed concern re: no sidewalks on Main St. for the children’s safety.
The Board members concurred to direct the Administrator to contact Dr. Collins re: this issue.
NOTE: The meeting proceeded w/ item IX. Licenses & Permits.
A. Application of the Wareham Lodge of Elks, David Trudell, 2855 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham, for three (3) One-day special liquor permits: 1) Golf Tournament on 6/8/05 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.; 2) Clambake on 6/11/05 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 P.M.; & 3) a family picnic on 8/24/05 from 11:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M.
Present before the Board: David Trudell
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board approve the application of the Wareham Lodge of Elks, David Trudell, 2855 Cranberry Highway, East Wareham, for three (3) One-day special liquor permits: 1) Golf Tournament on 6/8/05 from 4:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.; 2) Clambake on 6/11/05 from 12:00 noon to 6:00 P.M.; & 3) a family picnic on 8/24/05 from 11:30 A.M. – 5:30 P.M. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
B. Application of the Wareham Village Association for use of Town property & roads for the 9th Annual Swam Festival to be held on Saturday, June 18, 2005 & a rain-date of Sunday, June 19, 2005.
Present before the Board: Charlotte Belmondo
Phyllis Decas
Ms. Decas briefly described the change in venue vs. previous years. She stated that Main Street would be utilized this year, from the fire station to the Tobey Homestead. She stated the WVA is still awaiting approval from the Building Inspector re: two tents that will be used.
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board approve the Application of the Wareham Village Association for use of Town property & roads for the 9th Annual Swam Festival to be held on Saturday, June 18, 2005 & a rain-date of Sunday, June 19, 2005 contingent upon approval of two tents by the Building Inspector. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
C. Application of the Wareham Village Association, Christopher Makepeace, for a One-day liquor permit to serve beer & wine at Zecco Marine, Main St., Wareham on 6/18/05 from 5:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M. for a “Pig Roast” as part of the Swan Festival.
Present before the Board: Christopher Makepeace
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board approve the application of the Wareham Village Association, Christopher Makepeace, for a One-day liquor permit to serve beer & wine at Zecco Marine, Main St., Wareham on 6/18/05 from 5:00 P.M. – 11:00 P.M. for a “Pig Roast” as part of the Swan Festival. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
A. Authorization to sign bills, documents, etc.
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Chair be authorized to sign application #31 from Methuen Construction Co., Inc. in the amount of $228,110.07 re: the Wareham WPCF upgrade project. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
B. Approve minutes of previous meetings: 5/3/05 – Regular Session & 5/10/05 – Regular Session.
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board approve the Regular Session meeting minutes of 5/3/05 as corrected. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board approve the Regular Session meeting minutes of 5/10/05. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
C. Appoint Delegates: Old Colony Planning Council Advisory Committee, Old Colony Elderly Services Board of Directors.
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board appoint Deborah Bell as a delegate to the Old Colony Planning Council Advisory Committee to a term to expire 8/30/05. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board appoint Deborah Bell as a delegate to the Old Colony Elderly Services Board of Directors to a term to expire 8/30/05. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
D. Approve Bond for Clerk’s Office Assistant.
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board sign the local official bond for Donna J. Rhodes, Clerk’s office assistant, in the amount of $15,000.00. Selectman Eckstrom seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
VIII. TOWN ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
1. Sewer Assessments – Rose Point Project. Discussed resolution; giving notice to the Sewer Commissioners to make an assessment for the cost of sewer for the Rose Point project. The assessments are made pursuant to MGL c. 83 §27 & must be filed w/ the County Registry w/in 30 days of the Board’s action.
Selectman Parola read the notice into the record. (Attached as reference).
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board sign the notice of decision & intention to make an assessment for the cost of laying sewer lines in the Town of Wareham, namely the Rose Point sewer project. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
2. West Wareham Strategic Planning Committee. There is a need for a Zoning By-law Rewrite Committee member to be on the West Wareham Strategic Planning Committee. He asked the Chair to write a letter to the Zoning By-law Rewrite Chairman and ask to supply a name of a member to serve on this committee. The Board members concurred.
3. Seasonal Soft Shell Clam Area/Discontinue Management Areas. Asked the Board to affirm the proposal from Michael Parola, Harbormaster/Shellfish Constable. All areas except those specifically noted are closed to the taking of soft-shell clams from 6/1/05 through 9/15/05; & to declare shellfish management areas 3 & 7 discontinued effective 6/1/05. Management area 3 is the Onset Island area & area 7 is the Agawam Beach area; both are further defined in the report supplied to the Board.
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved the Board affirm the closing of all areas to the taking of soft-shell clams from 6/1/05 through 9/15/05, w/ the exception of the following areas which shall be open Monday through Saturday: Long Beach at Warren Point; Stony Point Dike; Sunset Cove/Shell Point Bay, except for the easterly shoreline between the Shell Point parking area & a sign placed on the shoreline opposite the intersection of First St. & West Blvd. &/or any swimming beach; Widow’s Cove/Bass Cove; southern tip of Burgess Point to Codman’s Point; Wickets Island; & the northerly point of Lydia’s Island to the western end of Burgess Point; & further, in accordance w/ the provisions of Chapter 130, sections 52 & 54 of the MGL, declare shellfish management areas 3 &
7 discontinued effective 6/1/05. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
4. Shellfish Grant #6. The Board has received a report from Harbormaster Parola re: the application received for this grant. It is the recommendation of Harbormaster Parola that the Board schedule a hearing for the sole applicant, Dennis Pettily for the Fisherman’s Cove grant & to consider it being issued for a period of five years.
Brief discussion ensued re: length of time for these grants.
5. Special Event Application – Acoustic Music Series. For the Board’s information, the Administrator has approve the application of the Onset Bay Association, Inc. to hold their 2005 Acoustic Music Series at the Lillian Gregerman Bandshell from 7:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. on the following dates: 6/29/05, 7/6/05, 7/13/05, 7/20/05, 7/27/05, & 8/8/05. All appropriate Town departments have signed the application noting their approval.
6. Special Event Application – Illumination Night – Onset Beach. For the Board’s information, the Administrator has approved the application of the Onset Bay Association, Inc. for their 2005 Illumination Night scheduled for 7/16/05, w/ a rain date of 8/13/05. This event involves lighting flares surrounding Onset Harbor, including the beach. It is an annual event that is very popular w/ residents & tourists. The event will commence at 9:30 P.M. & end at 10:30 P.M. All appropriate Town departments signed the application noting their approval.
7. Bid Award – Decas School Piping Project. For the Board’s information, the Administrator has awarded the bid for the Decas School piping project to New England Piping Co., Inc. in the amount of $114,778.00.
IX. LICENSES & PERMITS
(DONE)
X. ANNOUNCEMENTS
A. SEMASS Planned Outage – Solid waste is being diverted to CMW Landfill in South Carver during a period of maintenance repairs on boiler #1 from 5/13/05 to approx. 5/21/05.
B. The next Board of Selectmen/Sewer Commissioners meeting will be held on 6/7/05.
C. Update on the Commuter Rail Survey – 327 for & 29 against.
XI. BUSINESS
A. Any other business.
(NONE)
XII. SELECTMEN’S REPORTS
(NONE)
XIII. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Selectman Parola moved at 9:06 P.M. to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing real estate & collective bargaining. Selectman Fernandes-Abbott seconded.
POLLED VOTE: Selectman Parola – Yes
Selectman Fernandes-Abbott – Yes
Selectman Sauvageau – Yes
Selectman Eckstrom – Yes
VOTE: Unanimous (4-0-0)
NOTE: Chairman Sauvageau stated the Board would not come back into open session.
Respectfully submitted and transcribed by,
Kelly Barrasso
Kelly Barrasso
The foregoing minutes were submitted to the Board of Selectmen/Sewer Commissioners for their approval on June 7, 2005.
Attest: Cindy K. Parola
Cindy Parola, Clerk Pro Tem
BOARD OF SELECTMEN/SEWER COMMISSIONERS
Date signed: June 7, 2005
Date copy sent to Wareham Free Library: June 8, 2005
Attachments in hard copy at the library and board of selectmen's office
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